The National Coordinator National Counter Terrorism Centre!(NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Laka has emphasised that disrupting the financial lifeline that enables terrorist groups to plan, recruit, and operate is central to the counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria.

General Laka stated this at the On-Site meeting of the Financial Action Task Force International Cooperation Review Group aimed at assessing Nigeria’s efforts to adequately address money laundering and terrorism-financing, taking place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abuja.

The participants at the meeting are drawn from the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), public institutions, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.

The National Coordinator revealed that Nigeria has recorded commendable progress under the Financial Action Task Force International Cooperation Review Group Action Plan, in the areas of technical compliance, operational effectiveness, and the multi-agency coordination.

These efforts he further reveals did not go unnoticed as they were recognized during a face-to-face engagement in Dar es Salaam in April 2025, following the presentation of Nigeria’s sixth progress report.

“This is why we remain firmly committed to this cause and continue to maintain a strong partnership with the NFIU and other relevant agencies. Through this collaboration, we have significantly reduced access to illicit funds by terror networks.”

“This exercise represents a pivotal milestone in our collective journey to secure Nigeria’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force gray list, offering a final opportunity to test our level of preparedness and harmonize institutional response before the Financial Action Task Force on-site assessment visit”

He further Affirms the National Counterterrorism Center’s strong commitment to interagency cooperation in the fight against terrorism financing and other illicit financial flows by enhancing financial systems, integrating integrity, and protecting national and regional security.

The Chief Executive Officer and Director-General, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Hadjia Hafsat Bakari said, the African Joint Group on-site assessment team visit is an opportunity for the country to demonstrate the progress made in Nigeria’s enduring commitment to an effective Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (MLCFT CPA) framework.

Immediate outcomes

She said the assessment exercise is important to Nigeria as it host 11 reviewers covering all the immediate outcomes in the country’s action plan.

“And considering the difficulty the FATF has previously had in finding reviewers to come to some of the countries in Africa, this is indeed quite a sign of confidence in Nigeria.” he stated.

“I’m also delighted to inform you that as a recognition of the excellent work we have done and our regional and global leadership, the FATF has invited Nigeria to join its guest member initiative. This essentially means that Nigeria will participate under our own flag in the discussions and projects of the FATF for the next year.”

“While this does not mean we’re a full member, it is nonetheless a further step on our journey to having a seat at the table and reaffirmation that we are on the right track.”

She said the next four days of the ongoing exercise give the team an opportunity to critically examine all areas of required coverage ahead of the assessment team visit.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Parents have been encouraged to invest in their children’s education to ensure a better future for them as well as enable them to contribute to Nigeria’s development.

This was stated by the Proprietaries of Royalty Academy Abuja in the nation’s capital, Mrs Aisha Jijiwa, during the graduation ceremony of 34 students for the 2025 academic Calendar.

Mrs. Jijiwa cautioned the students to remain hardworking and selfless while pursuing their future careers and to avoid any act that would ruin their reputations and the school.

“I encourage you to be good ambassadors of Royalty Academy while pursuing your future opportunities, and don’t forget to learn skills due to the current situation of the country, and remember the school is still proud of you. Our doors are also open for suggestions, recommendations, and counseling.”

In his response, the Principal Royalty Academy, Mr Igwe Ebulu commended the behaviour of the students during their study and admonished them to behave decently and encourage other students to follow in their footsteps.

Similarly, one of the parents expressed satisfaction with the school’s teaching strength and called on the graduates to contribute to the development of the country and shun any act that would tarnish their image.

Some of the students, Amina Mohammed, the Head Girl, Jason Egona, the Head Boy, all expressed their gratitude to school and their parents who granted them the opportunity to become who they are today, and promised to study hard as their journey of study had just begun.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Cyriacus Onwuharonye has emphasised the urgent need for holiness, integrity, and faith as core virtues for personal and national transformation

He maintained that “God is not tired of Nigeria” despite the challenges facing the nation.

Fr Onwuharaonye is the guest speaker during the 2025 Ebenezer Mid-Year Programme of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), Kubwa Deanery Service of Communion, at the Cathedral of Twelve Apostles, Papal Ground, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The Cleric encouraged citizens to strengthen their faith and trust in God, particularly in the face of national and personal challenges.

He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to God through integrity, prayer, patience, and hope. Drawing parallels from biblical figures such as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego; David, Job, and Zechariah, he illustrated how faithfulness and righteousness have historically attracted divine intervention.

“When Saul was confronted about his sin, he gave excuses. But David, when confronted, said ‘I’m sorry.’ Saul knew God in his head, David knew God in his heart,” he said. “God is looking for men and women of integrity. When He sees that in you, He can help you.”

Referencing 1 Samuel 15:22 and Luke 1:6–23, Fr Onwuharaonye speaks about biblical characters who were vindicated and elevated because of their righteousness, even in the face of adversity. “Zechariah had no child, yet he continued serving in God’s vineyard. And God saw this and sent an angel to take away his disgrace.”

He also gives a real-life example of a man in Abuja who, because of a just and upright lifestyle, was promoted in the paramilitary service after his clean record caught the attention of the Minister of Interior. “A man of faith never compromises,” the priest declared.

Highlighting the Jubilee Year of Hope declared by the Pope, the priest reinforces the message that no situation is beyond divine redemption. “I declare that no matter how difficult your situation might be, there is still hope. The God who made us Nigerians did not make a mistake. It takes just one day for God to change a nation’s story.”

He called on citizens and leaders alike to embrace the virtues of faith, hope, and love, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13:13, and to acknowledge that ultimate power rests with God, not in human institutions or political timelines.

“2027 is still far away. But God can act before then. When God speaks, all protocols are broken. When God intervenes, no human plan stands.”

The priest concluded by urging all Christians to become beacons of hope and harbingers of change through consistent prayer, perseverance, and moral uprightness.

“God is not tired of us,” he said. “And as long as we are not tired of Him, there is always a reason to hope.”country.

The Deanery Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Celestine Eze, in an interview with Voice of Nigeria’s Religious Affairs Correspondent, Ukamaka Okafor, highlighted that, in addition to limited governmental support, many Christians rely on supernatural intervention to meet their needs.

Father Eze, appealed to leaders at all levels to reduce the hardship experienced by ordinary Nigerians. He pointed out that while citizens look to the government for help, many are also turning to God as their ultimate source of hope and support.

“Leadership without divine guidance leads to failure,” Fr. Eze stated. “We must pray for our leaders so that their decisions reflect God’s will and alleviate the suffering of the masses.”

In his remarks, the Deanery Coordinator of the CCRN, Mr. Kingsley Onanike, explained the significance of the programme’s title “Ebenezer,” which means “my stone of help.” He described it as a spiritual altar where believers come to seek God’s help and renew their hope.

“This programme is not just another event,” Onanike said. “It’s a call for every Christian to anchor their lives on God, especially now when the nation is in need of healing and direction.”

Reinforcing the event’s theme, “My God, My Helper” Mr Onanike, explained that Ebenezer—meaning “my stone of help”—symbolizes a spiritual foundation where divine assistance is sought and receive help.

He noted that “leadership is an art, but has its origin with God. And the scripture is very clear, the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord. So, leadership can will to do the right thing, but the issues have always been at the end of the day they do the wrong thing and the people suffer.

And other times it may not just be about the will, but the fact that the position of leadership is seriously under attack. So, a good man may sit on the throne and then begins to do the wrong thing. So, what I would say in this regard is the church must rise very strongly at a time like this to connect to the altar of prayers, where God will be able to influence the heart of leaders.

If God helps, which is the theme for Ebenezer this year, indeed if God helps, you can be sure that the leaders who are after their own interests or are carrying out the bidding of certain quarters and certain interests will now come under the influence of God and begin to legislate on things that will directly bless men. So, I will insist that besides leadership having goodwill for the people, the church needs to continuously pray for leadership”.

The former Leader of the Deanery, Mr Edward Asuelimen called on Nigerians to deepen their trust in God as the country grapples with pressing social, economic, and security challenges.

Mr Asuelimen emphasised the importance of seeking divine intervention during difficult times. Speaking on the event’s theme, “My God, My Helper,” he encouraged the faithful to hold on to God’s promises and actively live out their faith.

“This is a very precarious time in our national history,” Father Onwuharonye noted. “Only God can truly intervene in the affairs of men and provide lasting solutions. It’s not enough to merely attend gatherings; we must Internalise God’s teachings and obey His precepts.”

He likened spiritual growth to professional development, stressing the need for discipline, commitment, and truthfulness. “Just as you don’t become a doctor or accountant by wishing, you don’t grow spiritually without dedication. You must study the Word, pray, forgive, and live a godly life,” he said.

The 2025 EBENEZER Mid-Year programme, held at the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles, Papal Ground in Abuja, drew participants from across the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. It featured prayer sessions, worship, and teachings focused on rekindling faith and building resilience through trust in God.

Lateefah Ibrahim