The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has welcomed the passage of Senegal’s whistleblower protection law enacted by the country’s National Assembly on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Developed under the administration of President Diomaye Faye that assumed office in April 2024, the law marks a pivotal moment for transparency and accountability not only in Senegal but also across francophone sub-Saharan Africa where the country now basks in the reputation of being the first to pass this sunshine law.

AFRICMIL, in a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Dr. Chido Onumah, said: “We recall with pride the resolutions from the first Sub-regional Conference on Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection in West Africa, which held in Abuja in November 2024. During that event, it was noted that among ECOWAS member states, only Ghana had a dedicated whistleblower protection law. With Senegal’s adoption of this law, the country now joins Ghana in leading the region in meaningful anticorruption reform.”

The landmark legislation allows whistleblowers to report wrongdoing, such as corruption or financial crimes, anonymously and securely, either via internal mechanisms or through designated authorities. Importantly, those whose disclosures result in the recovery of illicit funds will be rewarded with 10 per cent of the assets recovered, or a sum determined by the relevant authority.

“While we celebrate this advancement,” the statement noted, “we commend the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), for the role they played in pushing for the law and continued advocacy towards strengthening democracy in Senegal.” AFRICMIL called on the government of Senegal to work closely with civil society to ensure effective implementation of the law.

“The designated agency, likely the National Office Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC), which was set up to oversee anticorruption efforts, must work hand in hand with stakeholders to make reporting mechanisms both accessible and trustworthy.”

The organisation noted that the enactment of the law delivers a powerful momentum to the Whistleblowing Advocacy Coalition of West Africa (WACOWA), which was formed at the sub-regional conference in Abuja last November. “Senegal’s proactive approach reinforces WACOWA’s mission to collaborate with ECOWAS parliamentarians, civil society and anti-corruption agencies across the region to campaign for meaningful whistleblower legislation in member states.”

Nigeria introduced a whistleblower policy, which is managed by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), a unit in the Federal Ministry of Finance, in December 2016. Nine years later, despite the efforts of civil society organisations like AFRICMIL and other stakeholders, the country has not been able to move from policy to law. While Nigerians were initially enthusiastic about the policy which led to massive recovery of stolen public funds and physical assets for the government, there has since been a significant loss of interest in submitting tips to expose corruption and other wrongdoing in the public interest. Many people say the dwindling interest is due to the lack of a legal instrument to ensure the protection of whistleblowers.

AFRICMIL urged other West African governments, including Nigeria, to emulate Ghana and Senegal, recognising that enactment and diligent enforcement of whistleblower protection laws are not just legal instruments, but foundational to good governance, accountability and restoring public trust. The organisation called on the Nigerian government to speed up the process of enacting a similar law, saying it’s long overdue.

“We congratulate the people of Senegal, legislators, and civil society champions, including our partners at PPLAAF, whose resolve has made this milestone possible. With this law, we move closer to a West Africa where transnational crime, which impacts security and stability of countries, is curtailed, transparency prevails, corruption is exposed, and whistleblowers are protected rather than persecuted,” the statement concluded.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has completed a book project on the leadership qualities and governance style of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri.

Managing Director of the UNILAG Consult, Prof. John Oyefara, who disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, said the institution has also proposed a public lecture as well as endowing of a Professorial Chair in the Department of Political Science in his honour.

The governor’s spokesman, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, in a statement on Friday, quoted Prof. Oyefara as saying that the university had a track record of assessing the performance of various leaders in Nigeria and that the book titled: “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri” focuses on the exemplary leadership and achievements of the Bayelsa governor.

He said: “At the University of Lagos, we have a tradition on assessing leaders in Nigeria. We use our own templates and standards that are global to measure the leadership in Nigeria.

“We identified Your Excellency to be a leading star in Nigeria, based on leadership and governance. We decided to put together all your achievements.

“The purpose of our visit was to inform you about our project in three thematic areas. One, is on the publication of the book we have been able to put together about His Excellency’s achievements in the state.

“We also propose a public lecture where renowned leaders in Africa will deliver lecture on leadership and governance to exemplify the achievements of the governor.

“The third one is for the Department of Political Science in the University of Lagos to see the possibility of endowing a professorial chair in the name of His Excellency.”

The Lead Editor of the project, Prof. Hope Eghagha, also stated that the idea was an independent assessment of the governor’s performance in office either in infrastructure or human capacity development through interviews that were conducted.

Eghagha said the project examined the state of security in the state and discovered there had been much improvement under the present administration.

He also said Governor Diri had become a national figure that was well sought after due to his humility and humane disposition.

Responding, the Bayelsa governor said he was pleasantly surprised about the gesture of the University of Lagos.

He welcomed the idea of documenting his achievements, saying he had been nursing the idea of establishing a leadership institute to groom those with interest in politics and political offices.

Governor Diri bemoaned poor preparations for public offices, noting that this had contributed largely to leadership failure across the country.

He said he does not deserve the whole credit for his achievements as he had in place a dedicated team of appointees contributing their quota to the benefit of his government and the state.

His words: “It is really interesting when people, without your prompting, decide to do a thing for the purpose of posterity. A lot of the time we do not document these events and activities as we look at them as not too important. But they are.

“I have toyed with the idea that if I had the resources, can I establish a leadership institution in Bayelsa State? So that before anyone thinks of becoming a councillor, council chairman, commissioner, special adviser or even governor, he knows what he is coming to do in office. If you are not prepared for it, then we are bound to fail as a country and as a state.

“So, I have been pleasantly surprised by the University of Lagos and I think it is a good thing.

“Let me also state that the success in Bayelsa is not all about me. It is actually about our team. We have a dedicated team of commissioners, special advisers, technical advisers and everybody contributing their quota to the whole.

“That is why if anyone says we have done well in infrastructure, it is because down the ladder, those who have been vested with that authority have implemented our policies, projects and programmes to the best of what we expected to be.”

The governor approved the proposals from the delegation and thanked them for recognising him in the midst of others.

….Enjoins Associates, Friends, and Well Wishers To Join him to Celebrate An Exceptional Woman, Erudite Evangelist, and special Gift from God to mankind

….Happy Birthday My Best Friend and most Fierce and Fiery Critic.

A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress,(APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has described his wife, Evang. Henrietta Ada Chukwuemeka-Eze, as a “mulier fortis”, – a virtuous woman, with a special mastery in home building and sundry matters, stands out as the embodiment of true womanhood & true definition of a virtuous Woman as explained in the Holy Book, Proverbs Chapter 31.

The former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP) made the commendation in a special birthday message he composed to wow his wife whom he said “circled the sun and turned plus-one today.”

Chief Eze in a statement he made available to newsmen in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State further stated:

“With great pleasure and honour, I wish to announce to my friends, well-wishers, associates, and brethren that this epochal day of 5th September 2025 marks another great, epochal, and historical day in the life of the entire family of Chief & Mrs. Eze Chukwuemeka Eze as their matriarch and unifying force, Evangelist Mrs. Ada Chioma Henrietta Eze (Snr) celebrates another birthday of God’s grace and mercy.

Reflecting on the virtues and distinguishing qualities that tip her as virtuous and with which she is stocked, Chief Eze described his wife as “a home builder, character molder, ardent supporter and personification of godliness.”

“It is she whom God used to bless my thirty-three years of blissful marital life and through whom God has also used to bless me with six great and exceptional children, five of whom are graduates and one, an undergraduate.”

“My dear Wife, you always make me realize how fortunate I am for having you in my life. I love you so much and hope your new age brings you as much joy and happiness as you have brought and continue to bring into my life,” Eze added.

The Party Chieftain used the medium to call on friends and associates to join him and his family “on this great and historical day of 5th September, 2025 to celebrate our matriarch and unifying force of my family as she marks another birthday of God’s grace and mercy.”

“Let me reiterate with all due respect to all great women that I have been privileged to come across with, my wife stands out as an embodiment of true womanhood and the true definition of a virtuous woman as explained in the Holy Book, Proverbs Chapter 31.”

Expatriating, he said: “The impacts of this great daughter of God in my life, right from the very day we met back then in the University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State in 1986 till date, need not be overemphasized.”

“I urge the entire world to join me in thanking our Great God for considering me worthy to marry the most virtuous wife on earth, Mrs. Ada Eze. A lady who is ready to sacrifice her life in order to make me and our six children happy and focused. A Prayer warrior, a Preacher of God’s Word, and a Lover of the Truth.”

Throwing more light on the true nature of Evang. Ada Eze, an explanation of those born between August 23 to September 22) under the Star of Virgo affirms all that have been stated above about this jewel of inestimable value, “Virgos are excellent advisors, always knowing how to solve a problem. This can make them helpful and extremely useful to have around but also brings out their need to search for the problem in everything and everyone around them. They will care for people they build a solid relationship with, treasuring them for years and nurturing them in every possible way. An intimate friendship with a Virgo is always earned by good deeds.

Relating to how people born with their Sun in Virgo act, they are very dedicated to their family and attentive to elderly and sick people. They understand tradition and the importance of responsibility, proud of their upbringing and everything that made their mind be as dominant as it is”

This is the true nature of Evang. Ada Eze

HER CHILDREN CELEBRATE “

(1)

“Happy Birthday to my world, my priceless treasure, my mother. 💐❤️

You are the reason I know what unconditional love feels like. Your sacrifices, prayers, and endless care are the foundation of everything I am today. I thank God every day for blessing me with you.

May your new age be filled with joy, peace, good health, and countless blessings. You deserve nothing but the best, Mum, because you are truly the best.

I love you more than words can ever express. ❤️” Mrs. Monica Elechi

(2)

Happy birthday to a kind, thoughtful, loving, God fearing, industrious and phenomenal Mum ♥️. I keep thanking God for gifting me you; thank you for being my cheer leader, a strong support system, a comforter at all times, my personal comedian 😁 and gossip partner. May God keep you strong, peaceful, wealthy and wise at all times. May he keep showing up for you as you’ve always done for the family and others. I love you mummy ♥️. God bless you 🙏 Celine Augustine

(3)

“Happy Birthday to my confidant, prayer warrior, my friend, my spiritual mentor.

On your beautiful birthday I pray that God answers all your prayers, that every thing your heart desires God speedily give answers to them.

You’re a good woman and have put us first, thank you for everything you’re doing for us to be better vessels for Christ.

May God keep you till hundreds of years with good health, may you carry all your children’s grandchildren and see us all succeed and happy.

Happy Birthday my dearest Mother ” Pharm. Eunice Eze

(4)

“Happy Birthday, Mum! Today, I celebrate not just your special day but the beautiful person you are. You have been an exemplary figure to not just us but many. Every sacrifice you’ve made and every prayer you’ve said for me is greatly recognized. You’ve taught us the Word, resilience, and kindness, and we are so blessed to call you mother. I pray that this new year brings you abundant health, peace of mind, and joy that never fades. May you always feel as cherished and loved as you truly are. With endless love, enjoy your day to the fullest! 💖✨” CHIOMA EZE

(5)

FROM HER JUNIOR SISTER

Glory be to God Almighty for making it possible to observe this special day in our lives.

Happy birthday to our precious mum, a woman with the heart of GOLD, a Virtuous woman, a truthful woman and a woman that is kind to a fault.

Happy birthday to you Adeem.

Ur type is very rare in this world.

May God Almighty bless your new age with good health, long life.

May God grant u all ur heart intentions IJN AMEN.

Congratulations Virtuous woman of God.

Enjoy your great day.” Mrs. Ndidi M R. Nkwocha

PRAYER AND AND APPRECIATION BY THE CELEBRANT

Good morning Best Family.

I greet u all in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today is my NATAL DAY.

God has indeed been very Gracious to me . He has shown me Extra ordinary Love and have Proved Himself “A WORTHY FATHER AND HELPER”. His Love for me is immeasurable. He FAILETH NOT.

Therefore, i command u all today to Worship God with Great Fear and Trembling. Put your whole being in Serving This Great God. Live Holy lives and Deal with Honestly with whoever u come in contact with.

Fear The Almighty God and His Wisdom and Understanding will dwell with u.

I Bless Each and Every one of u this morning and Pray that Our Great God will show u Mercy Crown ur efforts , give u all Peace and Establish All of u in the most Amazing way. May your Days be Long in Sound Health and May God’s Promises as written in Deuteronomy 28 vs1-14 be the Reward of u All IJN.

All i Require from All of u is TO FEAR THE LORD OUR GOD.

WHOEVER THAT IS SINNING, SHOULD STOP.

BE COMPASSIONATE AND BELIEVE IN GOD’S WORD AND IT SHALL BE WELL WITH US!

GOOD MORNING ONCE AGAIN AND MAY THE PEACE OF GOD REST UPON US IJN. Evang. Mrs. Ada Eze

“The fact remains that I do wonder what would have become of my life if not for this God’s Gift to me who against all odds agreed to marry me when I had no kobo as an undergraduate.”

“I will for the rest of my life, with the help of God continue to love her for bringing sunshine into my life and family. She is just a tool that God used to uplift me to my present status and I will always be grateful to God and her parents, brothers, and sisters who accepted me when I was nobody and made this union possible.”

“I pray God to bless her new age and grant her more fruitful years in order to reap from all that she has sacrificed in building our union and family.”

“As we continue in this journey, I ask for your prayers my friends, Associates, and brethren. God bless you all and thanks”, Chief Eze concluded.

“Happy birthday My Love!

“Happy Birthday my Angel

“Happy Birthday the mother of my wonderful children

“Happy birthday the woman that I call my Mum

“Happy Birthday My Best Friend and most fierce and Fiery Critic.”

As Muslims across the world commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has called on the Muslim faithful in the state to reflect deeply on the timeless virtues and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In a goodwill message to commemorate the occasion, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized the importance of embodying the noble values of tolerance, humility, modesty, and generosity, all of which were exemplified by the life of the Prophet.

He urged Muslims to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s teachings of service to humanity, peaceful co-existence, and exemplary leadership, stressing that such values remain relevant in building a just and harmonious society.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also used the occasion to call for continued prayers for the peace, well-being, and prosperity of Gombe State and the country at large.

“The celebration of Maulud should strengthen our faith and unite us as a people. It is a time to come together to pray for unity, peace, progress and stability in our beloved state and nation as we strive for sustainable development,” the Governor said.

He charged leaders and citizens alike to commit themselves to the collective task of promoting peace, unity, development, and progress in their communities.

While acknowledging the current socio-economic challenges, the Governor urged citizens not to despair, but to remain hopeful and optimistic, especially with the implementation of numerous government-led programmes aimed at revitalizing the economy and improving livelihoods.

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining the peace and tranquillity Gombe State is known for, stressing the need for tolerance and understanding among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state.

“Our administration will continue to spare no effort in clamping down on all forms of crimes and criminalities to safeguard the lives and property of our people,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya affirmed.

The Governor concluded by wishing the Muslim ummah a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

….. Calls for Unity and Peace

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the occasion of Eid-ul-Maulud and urged Nigerians to embrace unity as a pathway to peace and development.

In a message to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, encouraged Muslims to embrace forgiveness and emulate the teachings of the Prophet, which he described as a model for peaceful and upright living.

Issa-Onilu emphasized that national unity is a critical tool in addressing insecurity. He noted that when citizens support security efforts and stand together, the country is better positioned to overcome violence, restore peace, and achieve lasting stability.

According to a press release signed by the Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, he further described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as an embodiment of unity, peace, and compassion, urging Muslims to foster tolerance and promote harmony in their communities.

The NOA DG also prayed for peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria, while asking for divine wisdom and strength for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he steers the nation toward growth and development.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has received a delegation of Chinese investors under the auspices of the China Overseas Engineering Group Company (COVEC), who have expressed strong interest to invest in key sectors of the state’s economy, including agriculture, energy, and industrial development.

The meeting, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was attended by officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

COVEC indicated its intention to establish an integrated agricultural park in Gombe, with a focus on large-scale mechanisation, agro-processing, livestock development, renewable energy and export-oriented value chains.

The company plans to deploy cutting-edge Chinese agricultural technologies and infrastructure models to drive rural transformation and sustainable development in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the investors that Gombe offers a favourable investment climate, underpinned by its strategic location, investor-friendly policies and abundant natural resources.

“Gombe is a viable destination for investment, particularly in agriculture, commerce and enterprise. We are ready to receive investors and offer all necessary incentives to encourage them,” the Governor stated.

He explained several projects and key infrastructure already in place to support such partnerships, including the 1,000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, within the vicinity of Dadinkowa Dam with 40-megawatt hydroelectric power plant.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also highlighted additional investment opportunities across the state, notably the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve, which along with the ongoing livestock development zone, position Gombe as a key player in the livestock value chain.

He also pointed to the state’s robust water infrastructure, anchored by three major dams: Dadinkowa, Balanga, and Cham. Of particular note, the Balanga Dam, he explained, possesses the capacity to irrigate over 11,000 hectares of farmland, making it ideal for large-scale irrigation and commercial agriculture.

In the area of solid minerals, the Governor marketed the State’s wealth of natural resources, including substantial deposits of limestone, uranium and other minerals which offer viable prospects for industrial ventures, such as cement manufacturing and mineral processing.

“We are fully prepared to partner with serious investors to harness our God-given resources for the benefit of our people and our economy,” the Governor affirmed.

The leader of the COVEC delegation, in his presentation, described the meeting as both insightful and strategic, noting that it provided the team with a clear understanding of Gombe State’s agricultural and industrial potential.

He added that the engagement had laid the groundwork for concrete investment decisions in priority sectors.

The Chinese business mogul indicated that the team would soon undertake a follow-up visit to Gombe State to lay the groundwork for full-scale investment operations.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Strategic Services at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Abubakar Yarima, who represented the Executive Secretary if the agency, noted that projects of this scale could attract substantial foreign direct investment, create thousands of jobs and engage smallholder farmers across the agricultural value chain.

“The central location and enabling policies of Gombe make it a natural hub for agro-industrial growth,” Yarima said.

The NIPC official encouraged the Gombe State Government to seize the opportunity presented by the investors’ visit to deepen its entry into foreign markets, a goal consistently championed by Governor Inuwa Yahaya.