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Why FG is linking Nigeria to Niger by rail – Official

Fatimah QUADRI
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Why FG is linking Nigeria to Niger by rail – Official

THE Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, said the Federal Government is linking the  Kano-Maradi railway because of its strategic importance to Nigeria’s food supply chain.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise on Saturday, June 7, Opeifa explained that the rail link between Kano and the Niger Republic is crucial, emphasising that transportation is central to food security and cannot be separated from the food supply chain.

“According to AU 2063, African countries are encouraged to link with landlocked countries because there is potential in those countries. By the way, from the literature I’ve read, the food security for Nigeria and West Africa in cereal and livestock is tied to Maradi. So, you can see the reasoning linking Kano to Maradi.

“Beyond that, if you take mobility out of the equation, you won’t have food security. When you take mobility out of logistics and supply chain, you are just joking, and that’s what Nigerian managers of our food security should understand,” Opeifa explained.

He stated that mobility is central to ensuring food security, adding that,” the Kano-Maradi rail line—extending from Kano to Kaduna, then to Abuja and Lagos—will play a significant role in achieving that goal.”

Opeifa stated that the government is dedicated to ensuring that major cities are linked through a newly developed rail infrastructure plan. He also revealed that the federal government has plans to establish additional rail lines across various cities.

He further disclosed that moving the rail system to the concurrent legislative list has opened up opportunities for states to access grants and invest in their rail development.

According to him, the creation of this new rail map aims to improve connectivity between key urban centres.

The Nigerian states that have strong economic linkage with Niger include Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Borno, Yola, and some parts of Kaduna.

Trade between Nigeria and Niger Republic rebounded strongly in 2024, with exports from Nigeria soaring by 77.12 per cent to $53.4 million, according to the  data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The total trade volume between both countries climbed to $59.6 million in 2024, up from $32.7 million recorded in 2023, despite diplomatic tensions

Tinubu, Obi, Atiku others mourn late highlife legend Mike Ejeagha

Fatimah QUADRI
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Tinubu, Obi, Atiku others mourn late highlife legend Mike Ejeagha

TRIBUTES  have continued to pour in for veteran Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, who died Friday night, with President Bola Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians sending in their condolence messages to the family.

The ICIR reported that his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the musician, aged 95, passed away around 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, after battling a long-term illness.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 7, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President honoured Ejeagha as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

Tinubu praised Ejeagha’s efforts in preserving and promoting Igbo culture through his music, noting that the artist’s distinctive storytelling inspired generations and helped maintain cultural heritage.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” the President stated.

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and 2023 presidential candidate, also sent his condolence message on X.

“I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.

His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth,” he said.

He commended Ejeagha for harnessing music as a means of education, healing, and safeguarding the rich philosophical heritage of Igbo culture.

“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.

“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old. He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he continued.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, also took to X to express his profound grief.

“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.

Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.

On behalf of the Enugu State Government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our support.

As a government, we will ensure that his memory is duly immortalised. Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love and the fortitude to bear the loss.” The statement read

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reflected on the renewed popularity of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brian Jotter.

“It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn. Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” he stated.

Brain Jotter, whose viral video brought Ejeagha’s music back to the attention of a new generation, wrote in his social media handle, “39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests, but his melody lives forever. Rest on, legend.”

484 Nigerian pilgrims safe after hotel fire incident, says Hajj Commission

Ehime ALEX
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484 Nigerian pilgrims safe after hotel fire incident, says Hajj Commission

THE National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said no casualties were recorded in a fire incident at a hotel on Shari Mansur Street in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where 484 Nigerian pilgrims were accommodated.

The commission confirmed this in a statement on Saturday, June 7.

The incident occurred around noon (Saudi Arabia Standard time) on Saturday, June 7, at the Imaratus Sanan hotel, where pilgrims from six Nigerian private tour operator companies were accommodated.

NAHCON stated that no casualty was recorded, and all pilgrims had been safely relocated to Mina, a nearby city.

It said, “Immediate emergency response by Saudi authorities and the hotel management helped to contain the fire swiftly and prevent it from spreading all over the building.”

The NAHCON chairman, Abdullahi Usman, also visited the site of the incident, accompanied by the commissioner of policy, personnel management, and finance,  Aliu Abdulrazak, and the deputy Makkah coordinator, Alidu Shutti.

The visit was to assess the situation and ensure the welfare of the affected pilgrims was prioritised, the statement said.

Commiserating with the affected pilgrims, the chairman directed that they be relocated to new accommodations.

“The Chairman thanked Almighty Allah that no life was lost in this unfortunate incident, promising that NAHCON will work with the affected Tour Operators to ensure that pilgrims are relocated and provided with the necessary assistance,” the statement read.

The commission also appreciated the swift actions of the Saudi emergency services and the cooperation of the hotel staff in managing the situation.

It promised to give further updates regarding the incident as necessary.

The ICIR reports that hundreds of Nigerians usually go on pilgrimage to the holy land in Makkah during the Muslim festive period to seek the mercy of Allah, God.

ICPC arraigns court worker over ₦9.2m job scam

Fatimah QUADRI
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ICPC arraigns court worker over ₦9.2m job scam

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Munirat Abdulazeez, a former staff member of the Court of Appeal, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Bwari over an alleged job scam.

Abdulazeez, who worked at the Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2023, was brought before Justice Godwin Iheabunke after she failed to appear at an earlier court date, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.

According to a statement released on Saturday, 7th June 2025, by ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, Abdulazeez is accused of operating a fraudulent job racket, in which she allegedly promised fake employment slots at agencies including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

Between September 2022 and July 2023, she reportedly collected ₦9.2 million from eight unsuspecting individuals under pretences.

One of the charges reads: “That you, MUNIRAT ABDULAZEEZ (aka JUMMAI), between September to December 2022 and January to July 2023, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, while being a staff of the Court of Appeal, with intent to defraud, obtained by false pretence the sum of N9,200,000 from Musa Mohammed Maude and others, by claiming you could secure them jobs in NIMASA, CBN, and FIRS — an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Abdulazeez pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge brought against her. Following her plea, ICPC counsel Hamza Sani requested that the court maintain the previously scheduled date of June 13, 2025, for the prosecution to present its witnesses.

However, the court later vacated that date and rescheduled the hearing for June 20, 2025.

The defendant’s lawyer applied for bail, which the ICPC did not oppose. Justice Godwin Iheabunke granted her bail for ₦10 million, with two sureties in the same amount.

The judge specified that the sureties must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and submit the original title documents to the court registrar for verification. Additionally, the defendant must formally inform the court before undertaking any travel.

The case was adjourned to June 20, 2025, for trial to begin.

Tinubu may have no opposition in 2027, says Ozekhome

Ehime ALEX
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Tinubu may have no opposition in 2027, says Ozekhome

CONSTITUTIONAL lawyer and human rights advocate, Mike Ozekhome, has raised fears over Nigeria’s drift into a one-party state.

He said the development would lead to dictatorship.

Ozekhome, a senior advocate, raised the concern while speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’ programme on Saturday, June 7.

He expressed concern over the current political situation in the country, where many politicians are defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Ozekhome described the trend as “bootlicking at its highest level.”

He decried rampant defections among elected leaders.

He said such defections demonstrated a lack of political ideology among the politicians who seem to be prioritising personal gain over party principles.

“It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi; they’re the same,” Ozekhome said.

He also condemned the erosion of political ideology as a dangerous move, stressing that a one-party state would lead to unchecked power.

“In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme. Everybody will agree. The National Assembly pocketed, will agree. Judiciary will be pocketed, and everybody will be saying yes, yes, yes.

“Dictatorship, absolute corruption will no longer be checked because everybody will be there,” Ozekhome warned.

He said if the opposition party remained fractured, President Bola Tinubu could  “virtually run against himself” in the 2027 elections.

He, however, believes that such a one-party system will implode, citing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which once boasted to rule for 60 years but was only in power for 16 years.

Ozekhome further expressed dismay that the Nigerian masses appeared docile, likening their attitudes to the “Stockholm Syndrome.”

He argued that the average Nigerian, when pushed to the wall by hardship, would rather retreat than challenge their aggressors, preferring to remain in a state of “helplessness and hopelessness.”

He urged Nigerians to be resilient and hold their governments accountable, reminding them that “the power is yours; it is not theirs.”

The ICIR reports that there has been a wave of defection to the ruling APC and endorsement of the incumbent president for the 2027 general election.

The latest of such defections was from the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who joined the APC party on Friday, June 6, and had directed his state executive council members, comprising all his appointees, to be ready to defect to the party or resign.

Before Eno’s defection, the Delta State Sheriff Oborevwori had abandoned the PDP for the APC along with the former governor, Lucky Okowa, and other chieftains.

The ICIR reported key politicians who have joined the APC since January this year.

Ireland deports 35 Nigerians over ‘immigration offences’

Ehime ALEX
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Ireland deports 35 Nigerians over ‘immigration offences’

THE Republic of Ireland has deported 35 Nigerians over immigration offences.

The deportees comprised 21 men, nine women, and five children, according to the Irish Times.

It stated that the Garda National Immigration Bureau carried out the operation.

It also said the deportees were carried on a chartered flight that left Dublin Airport on Wednesday night and landed in Nigeria on Thursday, June 5.

The Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, was quoted as saying that the deportees were among the people whose applications had been refused and who had had deportation orders issued against them.

This is “the foundation of any modern rules-based immigration process.

“People coming to Ireland must follow the appropriate pathways for legal migration, and these pathways must be adhered to and protected for our immigration system to work fairly and effectively. If a person’s application for international protection is refused and they are ordered to leave the State, they must do so,” O’Callaghan stated.

He said all the individuals deported arrived in Nigeria safely despite an unscheduled stopover prompted by a medical incident on board.

Speaking on the development, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the commission had not received prior notice of the action.

Checks by The ICIR reports showed there was no statement from NiDCOM yet on its Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and website pages regarding the deportation as of the time of filing this report.

Gov Alia accuses serving NASS members of sponsoring Benue attacks

Ehime ALEX
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Gov Alia accuses serving NASS members of sponsoring Benue attacks

BENUE State Governor Hyacinth Alia has alleged that some politicians serving in the National Assembly are financing the recent attacks on communities in Benue, which have led to several deaths.

He made the allegation while appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Friday, June 6,  insisting that the attacks were well-planned and executed by terrorists.

The governor, however, did not name the politicians, but hinted that an interim report from a judicial panel he set up revealed that many big names were involved.

He vowed to take up the matter as soon as he received the full report in the coming week.

“We set up a judicial panel to sort out for us why we kept having attacks from within and from without, and we have received an interim report. Between Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, I will receive a full report from the panel.

“It is very unsettling because some politicians who are very functional and are in the National Assembly and are in Abuja are the architects and arrowheads of not just instigating but harbouring and keeping these people, keeping them in the bushes and taking care of all their bills and buying all the gadgets for them.”

According to Alia, he no longer views the attacks as a clash between farmers and herders.

“We are under siege,” he lamented, insisting that the attacks now involved specialised killers—terrorists who engage in a form of guerrilla warfare.

“This is extremely unacceptable. If they do not like the lives of the people and are fighting for their political position, I think I am serving the interest of the common masses, and it is my right to protect them.

“So, once we receive this report in the coming week, we are going to take it up and take it seriously,” Alia assured.

There has been a surge in attacks in the North-Central state in recent weeks, with several local government areas experiencing violent onslaughts that have claimed numerous lives.

The ICIR reported that as of April 22, 69 dead bodies had been officially confirmed from the recent attacks.

Gunmen had attacked the Gbagir community, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, including some commodities in Otukpo, Ukum, Sankera, and Logo LGAs in the state.

Veteran musician, folklore maestro, Michael Ejeagha passes on at 95

Ehime ALEX
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Veteran musician, folklore maestro, Michael Ejeagha passes on at 95

RENOWNED Highlife legend and folklore maestro, Mike Ejeagha, has passed away at the age of 95.

He reportedly died on Friday night at about 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness.

His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news of his passing, according to Vanguard.

The highlife maestro was known for transforming Igbo folklore and proverbs into captivating music.

He was a dominant voice on Nigerian airwaves in the 1980s with his unique style of Igbo folk music that resonated across generations.

One of his most iconic tracks, ‘Gwogwongwo,’ gained renewed attention last year after popular stand-up comedian and skitmaker Brian Jotter remixed the song, introducing it to a younger audience and sparking a resurgence of interest in Ejeagha’s work.

Ejeagha was born in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. He grew up in Coal Camp in a family headed by his civil servant father. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu.

He started his music career in the mid-20th century and was influential in the evolution of music in the Igbo language for over six decades.

His first hit was in 1960 – the year Nigeria gained independence.

Togo’s citizens want to leave ECOWAS – new survey suggests why

Editorial
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Togo’s citizens want to leave ECOWAS – new survey suggests why

By Koffi Améssou Adaba, Université de Lomé

A survey of Togolese citizens recently looked into perceptions of their government’s handling of the terrorist threat in the northern region and of the Alliance of Sahel States – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The survey was carried out by Afrobarometer, an independent, pan-African research network, in partnership with the Center for Research and Opinion Polls.

The Savanes region in northern Togo, bordering Burkina Faso, has become an area of insecurity since a jihadist attack in 2021. This security crisis is part of a broader context of growing destabilisation in west African countries, centred on the Sahel region. It led to the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States in July 2024. The survey also covered perceptions of foreign influence in Togo and discrimination against women and girls among other topics.

Koffi Amessou Adaba, a political sociologist and one of the lead authors of the study, shares insights into the survey’s key findings, and the potential implications for Togo’s future.

What are the key findings of the survey?

The survey, which involved 1,200 people, reveals that 64 per cent of Togolese respondents believe the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States is “somewhat” or “very” justified. This view is driven by three main factors:

• a perception that ECOWAS is influenced by foreign powers

• a widespread rejection of ECOWAS sanctions against Sahel states

• the belief that ECOWAS failed to provide military support during those countries’ security crises.

In addition, 54 per cent of Togolese consider the presence of Russia (or the Wagner Group, now known as Africa Corps) in the Alliance of Sahel States to be beneficial. This trust in a non-western external actor reflects a profound shift in geopolitical perceptions in the region.

Another important finding of this study is that 54 per cent of Togolese believe their country would benefit from leaving ECOWAS to join the Alliance of Sahel States.

But opinions are split on whether the Alliance of Sahel States helps or hurts west African integration: 39 per cent believe it doesn’t undermine regional integration, but 37 per cent think it does.

How do you make sense of the Togolese push to leave ECOWAS?

This sentiment reflects growing frustration with ECOWAS, which many Togolese now see as out of touch with the region’s realities.

The bloc is widely perceived as being too close to foreign powers and ineffective in responding to major security threats. Its repeated failures to help resolve Togo’s political crises (of 2005 and 2017 for example) have only deepened public disillusionment.

This frustration is unfolding alongside a broader wave of pan-Africanism in the region, marked by a growing rejection of former colonial powers and their institutional ties.

But this momentum should be approached with caution. The desire to leave ECOWAS reflects anger and a strong appetite for change, not necessarily a clear assessment of the economic and diplomatic fallout such a move could bring.

What do respondents think about terrorism in the north of the country?

Nearly six in ten Togolese (59 per cent) say they trust the government to contain or root out the terror threat. This shows broad support for official counter-terrorism efforts, although some question the current strategy.

Opinions are especially split on how the crisis is communicated. Some find the messaging vague or lacking in transparency. Others think it helps keep people alert without sparking panic.

The survey reveals deeper concerns. Even Togolese outside conflict zones report growing insecurity. The northern crisis appears to be fuelling nationwide anxiety.

Should Togo leave ECOWAS?

Since tensions flared, Togo has been neutral. It has not openly condemned the Alliance of Sahel States countries and has maintained its membership of ECOWAS. This careful stance reflects national sentiment – which leans towards support for the Alliance of Sahel States – while preserving Togo’s strategic and economic interests.

This approach isn’t new. It’s part of a long-standing Togolese tradition of balanced, pragmatic diplomacy. The nation has always pursued pragmatic and independent foreign policy that adapts to regional dynamics.

As west Africa’s geopolitical landscape shifts, Togo should:

• maintain open cooperative relations with both ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States

• preserve its strategic position as a logistics and trade hub for the region, particularly through the Port of Lomé

• strengthen its image as a diplomatic force for stability in west Africa.

Can Togo maintain its delicate balancing act?

Togo’s careful balancing act remains its safest bet. The truth is, no one knows what the future holds for the Alliance of Sahel States bloc. But this middle ground gives Togo strategic flexibility regardless of how regional politics evolve.

Togo’s position leaves it well-placed either way. If the Alliance of Sahel States countries rejoin ECOWAS, Togo keeps its influence. If they don’t, it still benefits from its neutrality.

Ultimately, Togo should keep playing this diplomatic card. Its measured approach offers rare stability in a volatile region.The Conversation

Koffi Améssou Adaba, Enseignant et chercheur en sociologie politique, Université de Lomé

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

MRA faults NEITI call for amendment to FOI Act, warns against shrinking civic space

Mustapha USMAN
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MRA faults NEITI call for amendment to FOI Act, warns against shrinking civic space

MEDIA Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned a call by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) for amendments to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act (2011) to include punitive measures for what NEITI described as the ‘misuse’ of the law by ‘fake CSOs.’

In a statement on Friday, June 6, MRA described the proposal as ‘ill-conceived’ and a threat to democratic accountability, warning that it could reverse years of advocacy for transparency in governance.

The FOI Act, enacted in 2011, affirms the right of every Nigerian to access records in the custody of public officials, agencies or institutions. Section 1 (1) of the law guarantees access, while Section 2 (4) mandates that such information be made readily available through various media and at offices of public institutions.

However, NEITI claimed that some individuals were disguising as civil society organisations (CSOs) to blackmail government institutions through FOI requests.

Speaking in Abuja at a roundtable event earlier this week, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Ogbonnaya Orji, described the trend as a dangerous weaponisation of a democratic law to blackmail, harass, and extort public officials and government institutions.

Reacting to this, MRA’s Programme Officer, Ayomide Eweje, faulted the NEITI for the development, saying the proposed amendment would undermine the essence of the FOI Act, which she described as a vital tool for open governance, citizen engagement, and the fight against corruption.

“We reject any narrative that seeks to criminalise the exercise of a fundamental right under the guise of protecting public institutions. The appropriate response to concerns about abuse of the FOI Act, even if such concerns are legitimate, is institutional transparency, including routine compliance with the Act by all public institutions to ensure its effective implementation and rigorous enforcement of the current mechanisms for ensuring compliance so that no public institution or official is put in a vulnerable position where they can be blackmailed.”

Eweje noted that the FOI Act was enacted to empower citizens, promote transparency, and fight corruption.

The organisation further warned that amending the FOI Act to include penalties based on vague claims of misuse could create dangerous loopholes that might be exploited to silence journalists, activists, researchers, and other citizens seeking transparency.

Existing laws already cover blackmail, MRA says

The organisation also reiterated to public officials that blackmail and extortion are already punishable under existing federal and state criminal laws across Nigeria, insisting that any genuine cases of abuse could be prosecuted without altering the FOI framework.

She urged that NEITI and other public institutions should commit to full compliance with their disclosure obligations under the Act instead of seeking to discredit the FOI Act or weaken it.

She also called on the institutions to build internal capacity to manage FOI requests efficiently and speedily, and promote a culture of openness as a tool for building public confidence in public institutions and government in general.

The statement was coming barely a week after the FOI Act marked its 14th anniversary on May 28, when MRA criticised public institutions for widespread non-compliance. 

According to the 2024 National FOI Rankings—conducted by The ICIR, MRA, BudgIT, and other civic groups—over 72 per cent of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) failed to respond to FOI requests within the required 14-day period.

Only 1.22 per cent of MDAs were found to be proactively disclosing information as required by law, with nearly 85 per cent failing outright to provide requested information.

In the statement marking the Act’s 14th anniversary, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, called for greater enforcement of compliance and the protection of those using the Act to demand accountability.

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