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Stakeholders Accuse FG For Booming Corruption In MDAs
.••Call For Probe In Agric, Health Ministries
The Federal Government’s attitude to reports and allegations of corruption against government officials have been described as lackluster, uninspiring and the main reason for the booming corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.
The assertion was made on Wednesday by the Communication and Advocacy Director at Make A Difference Initiative, Lemmy Ughegbe during a radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG.
Ughegbe who was reacting to separate Premium Times investigations exposing payment of a whooping N3.08 billion into the private accounts of 42 staffers of the ministry of Agriculture, and N2.4 billion into the private accounts of 25 staff members of the Health ministry, said he was not astonished by the revelations given antecedents of the current administration.
According to him, corruption has always been a problem in Nigeria; however, the report lends credence to beliefs that corruption is heightened under President Muhammadu Buhari administration due to his actions and inactions.
“In a government that rode on the mantra of incorruptibility and to fight corruption, any semblance or device of corruption you deal with decisively so as to discourage others.
“Now we have seen a government that looks at faces, deodorizes corrupt people who are in their own circle and put others who are not to trial,” Ughegbe said.
He added that the disbursement of such huge amount of public fund into private pockets of government officials was the reason for the decay in Nigeria’s Health system and Agric system which is caused by failure of the leadership, lamenting that President Buhari has not shown enough intolerance for corruption.
Ughegbe called on citizens to realize the powers they have and unite against lack of accountability by leaders, amongst other forms of corruption.
“Citizens must know that the biggest office in the land is that of the citizens, therefore, we must know our strength. We must de-emphasize ethnicity and religion. One of the first ways of getting it right is if we can unite and insist on reform of our Electoral Act,” He said.
On his part, Premium Times reporter, Yusuf Akinpelu said the government’s lack of political will was the reason perpetrators of corruption in government offices are not always punished.
Akinpelu noted that the financial infractions by Health and Agric Ministries contravenes the Civil service rules, lamenting that the disbursement of funds should have gone through corporate accounts instead of private accounts which gives room for corruption in the sector.
He decried anti-graft agencies lack of action against the ministries and the government officials involved in the fraud despite publishing the report and vowed to continue reminding them of the investigations until concrete action is taken.
“What is emboldening corruption in government ministries is the fact that people are not punished. After the investigation, Premium Times reached out to ICPC, EFCC and NFIU to take action. We will continue reminding and pressurizing them until something is done,” Akinpelu assured.
Several participants who called into radio program through the phone called on government to fight corruption decisively and punish officials in the MDAs who contravene the extant regulations and laws.
The syndicated radio program is produced by PRIMORG with the support from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.
Featured
Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
Joel Ajayi
At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.
Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.
What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.
Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.
In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.
Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.
“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”
She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”
The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.
Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”
For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”
Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”
Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.
Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.
Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.
With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.
Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.
“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.
He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.
“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”
Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.
“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”
He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”
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