Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided the headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja on Tuesday amid allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds.

The raid, which took place at 11 a.m., resulted in the detention of NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, along with three other unidentified staff members. The operatives arrived with a valid warrant of arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

This operation is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of a N90 billion intervention fund intended for the 2024 Hajj.

A source at the EFCC headquarters informed Vanguard of these developments, highlighting the gravity of the allegations against NAHCON.

The EFCC’s actions follow a previous raid by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the same commission, adding to the scrutiny surrounding NAHCON’s financial practices.

When approached for a comment, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to provide an immediate response but indicated that further details regarding the arrests and the investigation would be shared in due course.

There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about – Oscar Wilde

In October 2024, Globacom, announced the commencement of its yearly Festival of Joy promo.

Prizes to be won by lucky subscribers included Toyota Prados, Kia Picantos, tricycles, power generating sets, sewing machines and grinding machines. To win, existing Glo subscribers were to dial *611# to opt into the promo and keep recharging while new subscribers could participate by purchasing a new SIM, registering it and dialing *611#.

To qualify for the draw for the Prado Jeep, subscribers are required to recharge up to N100, 000 cumulatively in a month during the promo period. Those desirous of winning a Kia Picanto are required to recharge up to N50, 000 cumulatively; N10, 000 in a month for tricycle hopefuls and N5, 000 total recharge in a month to win a generator. For the sewing machine, a total recharge of N2, 500 in a month is required, while for the grinding machine, a recharge of N500 in a day will make a subscriber eligible for the draw.

On Thursday, November 24th, 2024, the first draw was held in Warri, and Mr. Mayuku who is the Chairman of Delta State Security Trust Fund and a popular figure in Warri emerged the first winner of a Toyota Prado jeep.

On hand to present him with his prize was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor. The Speaker, who was designated the Special Guest of the day, was accompanied by the Chairman Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Anthony Ofon. Other special guests included Mrs. Anwuli Efejuku, the Head of licensing and operations, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Delta State office.

In his speech at the event, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor described Globacom as “a network that is known for giving. Over the years, many Nigerians have been empowered by Glo.. The people of my constituency in Warri South West and the entire Delta people are grateful to Glo…Kudos to Glo and our own Dr. Mike Adenuga. Please keep on empowering Nigerians.”

But days before the presentation of the Prado jeep and sundry other gifts to lucky winners, a story made the rounds announcing what the writer described as “the stunning decline of Globacom.” The story rehashed a well-worn tale of supposed governance issues at the digital solutions company, a drop in its subscriber numbers and sundry other claims.

The writer began by enumerating a string of game-changing innovations that Globacom brought to the telecom sector. “If per-second billing was a game-changer for the industry, Globacom pulled off another stunt in October 2004 by offering free SIM cards—undercutting competitors selling theirs for ₦2,000. This aggressive price war was only possible for a late market entrant, and Globacom backed it with hefty marketing campaigns, signing Nigeria’s biggest celebrities as ambassadors. By 2004, long before other Nigerian telcos recognized that data, not voice, was the industry’s future, Glo had begun offering 2.5G internet service to 70,000 subscribers. By 2009, it had landed a 9,800km submarine cable in Lagos, showing the depth of its ambition to connect Nigerians to the internet. “We got the people talking,” said one of its ads.”

The writer appears conflicted with his story see-sawing between adulation and vilification. How does one describe a game-changing innovation as a stunt? Praise was soon to give way to a string of jeremiads and hastily cobbled insinuations as to Globacom’s business dealings and financial health.

But the argument was hollow. How, for instance, can a company in poor financial health be the only one operating its own towers and providing jobs for thousands of Nigerian engineers and logistics providers, something the writer admitted requires huge financial outlay?

According to the piece “unlike other major operators, Globacom doesn’t outsource its over 8,700 towers to companies like IHS; instead, it builds and maintains them with foreign technical experts. “The cost of operating those towers alone is enormous, covering energy, security, community engagements, and personnel costs,” said an industry expert.

The writer, not content with Globacom segues into MoneyMaster PSB. “Beyond infrastructure, Globacom has made little investment in its Payment Service Bank (PSB) licence, acquired in 2020, resulting in stagnant growth for the service.”

That line of reasoning was not just defective but egregious in nature because MoneyMaster remains at the forefront of deepening financial inclusion in Nigeria. In September 2023, MoneyMaster announced an 8% annual interest on savings accounts for millions of its G-Kala customers.

A story in BusinessDay captured the development. “MoneyMaster PSB, initiated by Globacom, a digital services company, has announced 8 percent annual interest on G-Kala’s savings account. Both new and existing G-Kala savings account owners will enjoy an 8 percent interest rate per annum for all deposits made into their G-Kala savings account.”

And just a few weeks after the article was published, the Lagos state government lauded MoneyMaster PSB for “for its support and participation in the state’s ‘Ounje Eko’ initiative.”

MoneyMaster PSB is one of the collecting banks for the Ounje Eko initiative which offers a weekly food discount market where Lagos residents can buy a variety of food items at a discount of 25 per cent.

MoneyMaster aside from deepening financial inclusion via the initiative is doing what Globacom has always done best, empower Nigerians.

But traducers will always traduce and so instead of focusing on Glo’s spreading of joy and continuing empowerment of Nigerians the focus remains instead on issues that seem to belie the company’s giant strides.

The recent departure of a top executive was recently highlighted as proof positive of the company’s declining fortunes but anyone with a modicum of understanding of the corporate space will realise that there is a human resource term for hires that go south pretty quickly.

Every company has its culture and where a new employee decides that the culture is not in alignment with their aspirations, they are free to leave. The story failed however to highlight the well-known fact that Globacom holds the industry record for executives who leave the company only to return.

Since the Festival of Joy promo commenced in October 2024 and after the first draw in Warri, draws have been held subsequently in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan and at each event lucky subscribers have gone home with mouth-watering prizes amid glowing testimonials of Globacom’s empowerment.

Hear civil engineering contractor Ayobami Adejumo who was presented a Prado jeep by the Special Guest of Honour, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at a ceremony in Lagos “I still can’t believe it. A call came from Globacom and the news was too good to believe. I thank Glo immensely for this prize. I will use the jeep personally; it will enhance my status and help me to get more jobs as a civil engineering contractor”.

As Globacom continues to spread joy and empower millions across Nigeria despite the shenanigans of naysayers, even the blind can “see” that, to paraphrase a well-known quote by Mark Twain: “the reports of Globacom’s decline are greatly exaggerated”

***Toni Kan is a PR expert, financial analyst and former Head of PR at Globacom.

The Lovers of Lagos, a coalition of concerned citizens and political observers, have commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for upholding legislative independence and standing firmly with Hon. Meranda, despite reported arrests by the Department of State Services (DSS) and alleged intervention by party leaders.

Their praise comes after members of the Assembly reaffirmed that the removal of former Speaker Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was carried out lawfully, in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act. The lawmakers, citing Sections 92 and 96 of the Constitution, maintained that due process was followed, and any attempts to challenge the action were attempts to undermine the Assembly’s authority.

In a statement released after their appearance at the DSS Lagos Command in Shangisha, the lawmakers assured Lagosians that the House of Assembly remains an independent arm of government, committed to serving the best interests of the people.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly will not bow to pressure or intimidation. Our actions were guided by constitutional provisions, and we will continue to uphold the integrity of the legislative process,” the lawmakers stated.

Despite rumors of political interference, the House stood firm in its decision, a stance that has earned it the admiration of Lovers of Lagos. The group expressed its confidence in the Assembly’s ability to protect democratic values and legislative autonomy.

Additionally, the lawmakers commended the DSS for its professionalism in handling the situation, ensuring that engagements were conducted smoothly and respectfully. All detained lawmakers have since been released.

Reiterating their commitment to legislative duties, the Assembly called on all stakeholders—including the executive and the public—to respect the sanctity of legislative processes and avoid undue interference.