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Betta Edu: The Way the Cookie Crumbles

Published

2 years ago

January 14, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigeria’s erstwhile youngest minister, Mrs Betta Edu, has been in the news for the better part of the year 2024 following her alleged involvement in the financial crime.

Today, Betta Edu, a former Commissioner for Health in Cross Rivers State is referred as former Minister in the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ministry, less than six months after she was appointed and approved for the position.

Betta Edu’s ascendancy to the top position of a member of the Nigerian Federal Executive Council (FEC), was heralded and greeted with euphoria. Many applauded President Bola Tinubu for showing genuine concern to the clamour to give the young the opportunity to showcase and prove their mettle in governance.

On appointed and portfolio allocated, Betta Edu was everywhere with the energy of the youth that she is, and was practically giving the administration of Tinubu a level of face-lift until disaster struck; she got herself enmeshed in financial misappropriation that got her fired from her position, and opened up can of worms and investigations that are changing the landscape of the nascent Tinubu administration.

Earlier in the year, Edu had declared that “integrity and accountability are our watchword. Under my watch, in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, no one will embezzle public funds as before.

“The plans to tarnish the image of this administration, my person or the ministry will amount to nothing”, but that was not to be as the minister, who is now suspended and under investigation, was caught in the web of financial impropriety.

Edu reportedly approved funds amounting to N3.16m for flight tickets and airport taxis for herself and her team to travel from Abuja to Kogi State, a state that does not have an airport.

The internal memo from the National Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups, Thalis Apalowo, indicated that seven members of the minister’s advanced team received N1.54m for flights and airport taxis, while the main team, including Edu, received N1.62m for the same purpose.

The leaked memo also disclosed that N3m was allocated for logistics, and the total disbursement for vulnerable groups was N60m.

Meanwhile, the minister’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, is also being investigated for alleged money laundering during her tenure. The total budget for the ministry from 2020 to 2024 is N2.38 trillion.

Edu’s bubble busted when on January 2, 2024, she reportedly suspended the Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, for financial misconduct, and replaced almost immediately with Akindele Egbuwalo, the national N-Power programme manager, in acting capacity.

Shehu was specifically accused of diverting over N40 billion from the coffers of NSIPA.

It wasn’t long after that a memo wherein Betta Edu, asked Oluwatoyin Madein, accountant-general of the federation, to transfer N585 million to a private account, began making the rounds, and sparking outrage.

Mrs Edu has therefore, come under criticism from Nigerians for ordering the said transfer of N585.2 million into the private bank account of a civil servant, who is the accountant in charge of grants for Vulnerable Nigerians.

The leaked memo showed that the minister had in December, requested Oluwatoyin Madein, the accountant general of the federation, to transfer the money from the account of the National Social Investment Office to the private account of Bridget Oniyelu, the accountant of a federal government poverty intervention project called Grants for Vulnerable Groups, a project under Edu’s ministry.

The request contravenes various sections of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009 meant to prevent fraud and other forms of corruption in government business.

Edu, however, through her media aide, Rasheed Zubair, insisted that the act is legal in the country’s civil service. She alleged that she was being targeted for her stance against corruption.

But, Chapter Seven, Section 713 of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations 2009 states that “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private account.”

It also added that “Any officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.”

The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, has since distanced herself from the controversy adding that her agency had advised the ministry of the proper mode of such transfers.

Following public outcry, Tinubu waved the big stick and suspended the minister. Announcing the suspension, presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, said the president took the action in line with his avowed commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

The president also tasked a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes.

Tinubu has also mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the scandal after which Edu was invited and grilled for hours on end before being released on bail with her passport and that of her predecessor seized.

As a fallout of the scandal, the Tinubu government has suspended all programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume said in a statement signed on his behalf by the Director Information, OSGF, Segun Imohiosen.

He said the suspension was further to the ongoing investigation of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.

He stated that all the four programmes administered by NSIPA, including; N- Power Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme and Home Grown School Feeding Programme have been suspended for a period of six weeks in the first instance.

TheCable painted a scenario that explained the road to the scandal that rocked the Tinubu administration so soon after assumption of office. The paper wrote:

“Before Halima Shehu was nominated by President Bola Tinubu as CEO of NSIPA, Delu Yakubu, now senior special assistant to the president on humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, was picked for the position.

“But there were concerns among some senators and officials in the presidency that Yakubu would not be up to the task. She was then dropped and appointed a presidential aide.

“Thereafter, Tinubu secured the confirmation of Shehu as NSIPA CEO in October.

“An insider said Edu was looking to work with Yakubu because she was a lot more comfortable with her.

“The minister expected to work with Yakubu because she was comfortable with her but when Shehu found her way to the position somehow, Edu was not happy,” the source said.

“This did not create a harmonious working environment between both women from the outset.”

“Another wedge between the minister and Shehu had to do with money, the insider said.

“Typically, the minister is a signatory to the NSIPA account but she makes withdrawals without letting the NSIPA head know,” the source said.

“Shehu got angry over that and the only way she thought she could still retain control over her agency was to transfer the remaining balance out of the accounts that Edu had access to.

“She has disclosed to the EFCC the three accounts where she moved the money to.”

“Another insider said some staff in the office of the accountant-general of the federation (AGoF) were made signatories to these accounts, in a bid to ensure that the humanitarian ministry had access to funds when the need arose.”

Born Betta Chimaobim Edu on October 27, 1986, the suspended minister served as the national women leader of the All Progressive Congress. She was Cross River State Commissioner for Health until her resignation in 2022. She was also National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.

In 2015, Edu became the youngest person at 28, to be appointed Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State Benedict Ayade on Community and Primary Healthcare.

In 2020, she became chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce. In August that year, she was appointed National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum.

Edu is a Fellow of the Royal School of Public Health in and the African Institute of Public Health Professionals.

Betta Edu became the youngest national woman leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in March 2022.

In July 2023, she bagged the Award of Excellence in Leadership for gender inclusion and women empowerment, in recognition of her commitment to championing the cause of empowering women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

Stakeholders admit that she earned her appointment to the federal cabinet, given the level of experience that trails her. They also agree that she proved within the short period she served before the financial impropriety scandal that subsumed her reared its head.

While the case of Betta Edu is still undergoing investigation, it is believed that the outcome will determine the path youth and women appointment with take in future. It is also on record that most youth organizations, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have dissociated themselves from her.

Nigerians await with baited eyelids the eventual outcome after investigations have been concluded.

Featured

Equity Health Group Acquires Europe Dental Ltd, to Launch Nationwide Retail Dental Clinics in Nigeria

Published

60 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

Equity Health Group Ltd has announced the acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to build one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive and technology-enabled healthcare platforms.

The acquisition will enable the rollout of a nationwide network of retail dental clinics, expanding access to high-quality oral healthcare across the country.

Founded and led by Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, Europe Dental Clinic has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence, modern dental technology, and patient-centered care. Under Equity Health Group’s ownership, the Europe Dental brand will be scaled beyond its existing footprint to serve communities across Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in accessible and affordable dental services.

Speaking on the transaction, Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, CEO and Founder of Europe Dental Clinic, described the acquisition as a transformative moment for the company.

This acquisition represents a defining chapter in the journey of Europe Dental Clinic. Our founding vision was to deliver world-class dental care rooted in clinical excellence and trust.

Partnering with Equity Health Group allows us to scale that vision nationally, reaching millions of Nigerians who currently lack access to quality dental services. With Equity’s infrastructure and long-term commitment to healthcare transformation, we are positioned to set new benchmarks for affordability, accessibility, and clinical outcomes.”

The acquisition aligns with Equity Health Group’s broader ambition to create an integrated healthcare ecosystem spanning multiple levels of care. Beyond dental practices, the Group is executing a nationwide expansion plan that includes primary care clinics, specialist hospitals, eye clinics, containerised and mobile clinics, and AI-powered telemedicine platforms designed to extend care to underserved and remote communities.

Dr. Princess Ibe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Equity Health Group Ltd, emphasized the strategic importance of oral healthcare within the Group’s expansion agenda.

“The acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd is a deliberate and strategic step in building Nigeria’s most comprehensive healthcare platform. Oral health remains one of the most underserved aspects of public health, yet it is fundamental to overall wellbeing. Europe Dental brings strong clinical governance, a trusted brand, and proven expertise that align perfectly with our vision.

Our objective goes beyond individual clinics. Equity Health Group is building a scalable, technology-driven healthcare system that integrates clinics, hospitals, dental and eye care, containerised facilities, and AI-powered telemedicine. This approach enables us to deliver highquality healthcare efficiently, affordably, and at scale—across both urban and rural Nigeria.”

The integration of Europe Dental into Equity Health Group’s portfolio is expected to accelerate the development of standardized, retail-focused dental clinics, leveraging shared infrastructure, digital health tools, and centralized clinical governance. The rollout will support improved patient outcomes while contributing to Nigeria’s broader healthcare capacity and resilience.

With this acquisition, Equity Health Group reinforces its commitment to transforming
healthcare delivery in Nigeria through strategic acquisitions, innovative care models, and advanced technology, positioning the Group as a leading force in the country’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Featured

Nigeria Mourns As Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Who Sheltered Multiple Christians, Dies at 90

Published

12 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigerians are mourning celebrated Muslim cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who is reputed for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State.

Abubakar, who held the post of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 92

Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, said his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.

Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.

The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead.

Following the announcement of his death, Nigerians from all walks of life including Christians, have risen stoutly to eulogise his life and times, crediting greatness, humanity and purposeful living to the nonagenarian.

Leading the long list of mourners, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State just as Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have also expressed sadness over his death, describing him as a true hero of humanity.

Tinubu, in a condolence message shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and the sanctity of human life.

“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence, and conscience,” the President said.

He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred, and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.

On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric, adding that what Imam Abubakar did was exactly the expectations of citizens from their leaders; protect life and property.

In a condolence message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.

Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”

Also expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, described the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.

“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.

“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”

In his reaction on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius, described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.

“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.

“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.

“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”

Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has since been buried in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Jumma’at Prayer in his honour.

IMAM ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR IN BRIEF

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was born in 1936 in Bauchi, Northern Region, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Imam Abubakar was the Chief Imam of Akwatti Mosque in Nghar, a community in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

In 2018, there was an attack on Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages where 80 persons were killed by suspected bandits.

The Imam was able to save the lives of 262 people, predominantly Christians from the Birom tribe, by sheltering them in his mosque as attackers roamed the villages.

In July 2019, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government, which is granted to supporters of religious freedom, together with four other religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil, and Cyprus.

In August 2019, President Buhari authorized the inclusion of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar in the membership of the national Ulama committee and was part of an 80-man Ulama committee charged with the responsibility of educating Nigerian pilgrims in Mina during the 2019 Hajj.

Imam Abubakar received many other awards during his lifetime, including US International Religious Freedom Award (2019), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and an Award of Excellence.

He died on January 15, 2026 after a brief illness.

Featured

Alaafin Kicks As Makinde Okays Olubadan As Chair of Oba Council

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Eric

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has faulted Governor Seyi Makinde over the announcement on the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, describing as incorrect the claim that he was consulted on the decision.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said at no time did he meet with the governor or hold discussions with the Olubadan of Ibadanland or the Soun of Ogbomoso on the matter.

Governor Makinde, while inaugurating the reconstituted State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had announced that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Alaafin of Oyo, with the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, emerging as the pioneer chairman under the arrangement. The governor had also said the decision was reached in consultation with the three leading traditional rulers in the State.

However, the Alaafin’s Palace countered the claim, insisting that the monarch neither met with the governor nor endorsed the rotational arrangement.

“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state, the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso, on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement said.

“The Palace hereby states clearly that there was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, held any meeting with either the state governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above.
“Also, the Alaafin did not tell the governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state.”

The Palace added that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs had earlier been clearly articulated in a memorandum submitted to the governor by the Oyo Council of Elders, reflecting the long-standing historical position of Oyo on the structure and leadership of the council.
The development adds a fresh twist to the controversy surrounding the reconstitution of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which had generated intense public debate in recent weeks.

While the state government insists that the rotational system promotes equity, unity, and harmony among traditional institutions, critics argue that the arrangement undermines historical precedence and the traditional hierarchy in Yorubaland.

The Alaafin, regarded as one of the most influential and revered monarchs in Yorubaland, occupies a central place in Yoruba history as the head of the old Oyo Empire and a symbol of cultural and political authority.