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Tanzania moves to establish national system for unclaimed assets

The government is working on a new legal framework to establish a coordinated system for managing unclaimed assets, including money in dormant bank accounts, abandoned properties and vehicles whose owners or beneficiaries cannot be traced.

The proposed reforms seek to address weaknesses in the current arrangement, where different financial regulators and government institutions oversee unclaimed assets under separate laws, potentially making it difficult for rightful owners and their families to recover them.

Deputy Minister for Finance Mr Mshamu Munde told Parliament on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the Fifth Meeting of the 13th Parliament, that the government had prepared a concept paper proposing changes to the legal framework and was conducting further consultations with public and private sector stakeholders. ‘Recognising the importance of strengthening the system for managing unclaimed assets, the government has prepared a concept paper proposing improvements to the legal framework governing these assets,’ he said.

The move follows concerns raised by Makete MP, Mr Richard Sanga, who said Tanzania needed a central mechanism to identify, document and facilitate the return of unclaimed money and property to their rightful owners.

Mr Sanga said the problem could become more complicated as financial transactions increasingly shift to digital platforms, including mobile money services, where families may remain unaware of funds held by deceased relatives.

He questioned the reliability of existing information on unclaimed funds, recalling that when he started pursuing the matter in Parliament, only three banks had reportedly submitted information on money that had not been claimed by Tanzanians.

He cited Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa and Morocco as countries whose arrangements for managing unclaimed assets could provide lessons for Tanzania.

‘The world is moving towards a cashless economy. People keep money in mobile phones and other platforms, and their families may not even know that such money exists when they die,’ he said.

Under the proposed framework, Mr Munde said unclaimed assets would cover money or property held by banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, investment firms, social security funds and other institutions but not claimed by their rightful owners within a legally prescribed period.

Mr Munde identified death, poor record-keeping, relocation, lack of awareness, negligence and loss of communication between customers and institutions as some of the reasons assets remain unclaimed.

Currently, their management falls under different laws and regulatory institutions, including the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA), the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) and the Tanzania Cooperative Development Commission.

However, Mr Sanga wants the reforms to go beyond financial assets to cover abandoned houses, plots, vehicles and motorcycles.

He cited cases involving motorcycle taxi operators who die in road accidents, leaving their motorcycles at police stations for extended periods because their relatives may not know where to find them.

Responding, Mr Munde acknowledged the need to address both financial and non-financial assets but said the two categories were currently governed through different legal arrangements.

He said abandoned or undeveloped land was addressed under existing land laws, while vehicles left unattended were handled through the Road Traffic Act, Chapter 168.

‘The government’s current plan to establish a national system for managing unclaimed assets primarily focuses on financial assets, but it will also improve existing arrangements for non-financial assets,’ he said.

He added that the government would continue using existing laws while assessing areas requiring improvements in identifying, preserving and returning assets to their rightful owners.

The proposed reforms also raise the question of public awareness as many Tanzanians did not know that they could have money or property held by institutions without their knowledge.

Mr Munde said public education would be included in the proposed framework, adding that consultations with public and private sector stakeholders would help determine how citizens could access information and claim their property.

Meanwhile, the debate also touched on the cost of living, with Rural Mtwara MP, Mr Arif Premji questioning whether the government’s fiscal policies were sufficiently protecting households from rising prices.

Citing September’s National Consumer Price Index, he said the index had increased from 119.86 to 125.07, raising concerns about the impact of living costs on ordinary citizens despite economic growth.

In response, the Deputy Minister said the government was implementing fiscal policies, laws and regulations to contain inflation and limit its impact on households.

He said inflation remained within a range of three to five per cent, which he described as favourable compared with other East African countries.

The government, he added, would continue using economic policies to maintain price stability and protect citizens’ purchasing power.

Gold Fields Invests $4.26bn In Local Procurement

Gold Fields Ghana Limited has invested $4.26 billion in local procurement, including $2.59 billion spent with businesses in its host communities over the past five years.

According to the gold mining company, the $4.26 billion forms about 93 per cent of its procurement spending.

Gold Fields has also engaged and supported nearly 100 suppliers within its host communities to ensure that the economic value generated by the company’s operations is retained locally.

This came to light at the official opening of the 3rd Gold Fields Ghana Suppliers Conference held in Tarkwa in the Western Region.

The two-day conference brought together over 300 local and international suppliers. The participants discussed among others new opportunities and how to promote sustainable economic development beyond the mining sector.

The conference was held under the theme: ‘Partnership for Enduring Value: Building a Resilient Supply Chain Beyond Mining.’

Mining Manager of Gold Fields, Kwame Appau, disclosed that from January to June this year, the company’s in-country procurement reached GHS4.7 billion, with GHS4.2 billion directed specifically towards 124 host community suppliers.

Mr. Appau was speaking on behalf of Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana Limited.

He said, ‘Our impact goes beyond just procurement figures. So far this year, we have directed over GHS53 million towards socio-economic development through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation.’

He revealed that the investment went into the construction of an alternative road from New Atuabo to Bogoso Junction Highway, which will be handed over next month.

‘This multi-million cedi project was carried out by Woodbine Limited, a local contractor from the New Atuabo community.

‘We are here today because we recognise that the true measure of partnership is sustainable value.

‘By strengthening the relationships we share, we are creating enduring value beyond mining,’ he pointed out.

The Supply Chain Manager of Gold Fields, Joshua Donkor, noted that the company wants to support local suppliers.

‘We are proud that a partner like Zen Petroleum, a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, is now listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange,’ he stated.

Deputy CEO of Minerals Commission in charge of Support Services, Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, revealed that there is a bill before Parliament that will give local content real weight.

‘It will establish District Mining Committees as the first point of licensing and create a medium-scale category for Ghanaian entrepreneurs,’ he added.

iLaw chief seeks dismissal of PM defamation case

Yingcheep Atchanont, director of the Internet Law Reform Dialogue (iLaw), has urged the Criminal Court to dismiss a defamation case brought against him by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

He also petitioned the president of the Supreme Court on Thursday to ensure compliance with guidelines on bad-faith criminal prosecutions.

Mr Yingcheep argued that the lawsuit could amount to a bad-faith prosecution intended to intimidate people who disclose information about alleged corruption.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Mr Anutin, through his lawyer, Supachai Jaisamut, under Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code, which cover defamation and defamation by publication.

The complaint concerns a press conference held by Mr Yingcheep on July 21, after iLaw submitted information to the opposition whip calling for scrutiny of possible government involvement in alleged irregularities in the 2024 Senate election.

The information provided to the opposition for further investigation included witness testimony alleging that Mr Anutin, then deputy prime minister and interior minister, had been approached by a Senate candidate seeking assistance.

Mr Anutin was said to have given the candidate the telephone number of Suksomruay Wantanyakul, then a Bhumjaithai Party MP and now a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Other information concerned an alleged meeting involving Mr Anutin, Bhumjaithai powerbroker Newin Chidchob and several senators at the Pullman Hotel in Bangkok on the day newly elected senators gathered to discuss the selection of Senate leadership.

Mr Yingcheep said the information came from official investigative records rather than unsupported allegations. After receiving a court summons, he previously asked the Criminal Court’s chief judge to dismiss the case under the Supreme Court president’s 2026 guidelines on bad-faith criminal proceedings.

He cited provisions concerning public-interest advocacy and the disclosure of alleged corruption, and called for the case to be dismissed under Section 161/1 of the Criminal Procedure Code without a preliminary hearing.

Mr Yingcheep said the lawsuit discourages citizens from exposing suspected wrongdoing. He argued that dismissing the case would prevent the justice system from being used by politicians to intimidate the public.

The Election Commission last month asked the Supreme Court to hear cases against 77 people, including 26 sitting senators, accused of collusion in the 2024 Senate election process.

No political party executives, House of Representatives MPs, other political office holders or reserve senators were named in the charges.

A total of 229 people, including 138 out of the 200 senators, had been identified originally as potential suspects in connection with the 2024 election, in which a disproportionate number of winners were seen as having connections with the Bhumjaithai Party.

https://www.cna.org.cy/subscriber/article/11114889?srv_id=110&list_id=-3017774841288482709

Members of the Western Balkans subgroup of the Eurojust network for combating migrant smuggling paid a working visit ?? Friday to the ‘Pournara’ First Reception Center in Nicosia district.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, the visit took place in the framework of the 4th Meeting of the subgroup, hosted in Larnaca on 29 and 30 October.

Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, supports the coordination of judicial and prosecutorial authorities in cross-border cases of serious and organised crime.

The delegation was welcomed by officials from the Asylum Service and the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. The members of the delegation were given a tour of the upgraded facilities and were informed about the daily operation of the Center, the infrastructure and the cooperation of the services operating there, it is noted.

Particular emphasis, it is added, was placed on the implementation by the Republic of Cyprus of the new procedures of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and on the decisive role of Pournara. They presented the use of the upgraded infrastructure for the control, registration and identification of new arrivals as well as the coordination of the competent authorities for the faster management of cases in the context of the new European requirements.

The briefing also included presentations by representatives of the Cyprus Police, Frontex, Europol and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on their activities at the Centre.

It is noted that the Eurojust network on migrant smuggling brings together specialist prosecutors and judicial officers from member states and third countries, with the aim of exchanging expertise and facilitating cooperation in specific cases.

“The visit was an opportunity to present the Cypriot experience in managing arrivals and implementing the new European framework, highlighting the importance of cooperation between field services and judicial and prosecutorial authorities for the most effective response to migrant smuggling networks,” the press release concluded.

Young Pinoys geared up for Olympic test

The 4th Youth Olympic Games unfurl on Saturday night under a heartwarming ‘Africa welcomes, Dakar celebrates’ theme and with a handful nine-member Team Philippines hoping for the best in the two-week, 25-sport competition among the world’s best athletes aged 15 to 17 years old.

Unlike in the Summer Games where the Filipino athletes’ stock now belong to the world’s elite, the YOG has yet to produce the country’s best and brightest potentials who would someday become another Hidiyln Diaz-Naranjo or a Carlos Yulo.

It will be tough, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, who has done the rounds with his secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan, since arriving in this West African country last Wednesday.

‘They’re big and they look strong,’ said Tolentino of the American and European athletes who’re already in town ahead of Saturday’s two-hour Opening Ceremony set at the 55,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio, a new city about 30 kms from Dakar.

‘It will be very difficult,’ added Tolentino who welcomed on Thursday night here the first batch of Filipinos exhausted from their 30-hour flight from Manila via Istanbul at the Blaise Diagne International Airport also located in Diamniadio.

‘So it’s good luck to our athletes, although I’m sure they prepared hard for this once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ Tolentino added.

Already checked in at the Athletes’ Village were swimmers Riannah Chantelle Coleman and Jamesray Michael Ajido and wushu’s Angel Polo and their coaches Ramil Ilustre and Jensen Halili (swimming) and Chinese Li Jianfang (wushu).

Coleman and Ajido will bear the Philippine flag in the parade of nations during the opening ceremony and they will be joined by Polo, Chef de Mission Rocky Samson, Illustre and Li.

Flying to Dakar also via Istanbul on Saturday are gymnastics athletes Hillarion Palles III and Tchelcy Mei Maayo and coaches Reyland Capellan and Kazutaka Hakamada, and on November 4, it will be the turn of cycling’s Maritanya Krog and coaches Mark John Lexer Galedo and Marita Lucas and athletics’ Pi Wangkay and Naomi Cesar and coach Jasper Tanhueco.

Celebrations are already taking over Senegal’s capital, according to local reports, as the city prepares to welcome the rest of the world-primarily the more than 2,700 athletes-to the first Olympic event on African soil.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the first Olympic sporting event on African ‘soil offers the continent a chance to challenge low expectations and show the world what it can achieve.’

‘It feels like a long time coming,’ Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion, told a press conference at the Main Press Center on Thursday. ‘The excitement of having the first-ever Olympic event here is a little bit surreal.’

A visit to the Youth Olympic Village in Diamniadio also caught the IOC chief’s enthusiasm.

‘It felt like you were walking in the village in Paris or in Milan,’ she said. ‘And I think that is something to be incredibly proud of.’

Senegal was awarded in 2018 to host the YOG originally scheduled in 2022, but was canceled by the Covid-19 pandemic and moved to 2026.

Dakar YOG Ceremonies Director Khady Niang said the Opening Ceremony will allow Africa to ‘tell the world who we are, where we come from and where we want to go.’

The production aims to showcase Senegalese identity and Africa’s cultural diversity, featuring around 11,000 performers, including 700 dancers.

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will join Coventry in the ceremony.

Azerbaijan promotes AI-Driven innovation in Anti-Doping education and clean sport

Representatives of the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency (AMADA) have participated in an international webinar titled ‘Quality of Operations and Innovation’, organised by the Institute of National Anti-Doping Organisations (iNADO) as part of its ‘Guiding Principles for the Future of Anti-Doping’ series.

AMADA Executive Director Tahmina Taghi-zade delivered a presentation titled ‘Innovation in Anti-Doping: Responsible Use of Education and Artificial Intelligence for Clean Sport Achievements’.

Her presentation focused on innovative approaches to anti-doping education, developing athletes’ potential and the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Taghi-zade emphasised the importance of moving beyond traditional educational models, which largely focus on prohibitions and informing athletes about the consequences of anti-doping rule violations. Instead, she advocated a more comprehensive approach aimed at fostering a culture of clean sport and helping athletes achieve high performance without resorting to prohibited substances or methods.

One of the key topics of the presentation was the CLEAN concept, which brings together five interconnected areas:

Individual assessment of athletes.

Rational management of training loads.

Scientifically informed provision of energy and essential resources to the body.

Recovery and adaptation processes.

Psychological preparation and improved anti-doping awareness.

A separate section of the presentation explored how artificial intelligence could help personalise anti-doping education. Participants discussed the potential for developing adaptive educational programmes tailored to athletes’ ages, sporting disciplines and preferred languages.

The AMADA Executive Director also stressed the importance of ensuring that new technologies are used responsibly. She highlighted the need to protect personal data, maintain algorithmic transparency and ensure meaningful human oversight of decisions supported by artificial intelligence.

The international webinar was moderated by Rufat Efendiyev, Deputy Executive Director of AMADA. He emphasised that the quality of anti-doping activities should be assessed not only through the efficiency of organisational processes but also through their practical value to athletes, the accessibility of educational resources and the ability of anti-doping organisations to adapt to technological change.

Representatives of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), the Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA), the anti-doping organisation of Timor-Leste and Swiss company Berlinger also took part in the webinar.

Participants exchanged expertise and insights on scientific support for anti-doping activities, data analysis, institutional development, quality assurance and technological innovation.

PNP readies forces for ‘Undas’ holidays

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday instructed all its units nationwide to set up assistance desks and to maximize their security presence in the cemeteries and memorial parks as Filipinos observed the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays, popularly known as ‘Undas’ in the country.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said all needs of people must be covered at the assistance desks in coordination with local government units and other stakeholders-from cases of missing children to medical assistance and other emergency situations.

He added that security measures should also be in place for small quarrels that may turn violent in the cemeteries.

Nartatez also stressed the need for strict screening at the entry points and regular patrols inside to check violations of regulations like drinking sessions and use of karaoke.

‘We will ensure that our personnel remain visible, approachable, and ready to respond to every request for assistance, especially from children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable individuals. Our presence must provide genuine reassurance to the public, and every police officer must serve with professionalism, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility,’ he added.

Likewise, Nartatez tasked police commanders to focus on homes that may be left unattended during the holiday break and areas where thieves could take advantage of crowds.

‘Before leaving home, make sure all doors and windows are secured, electrical appliances are safely switched off, and valuables are kept out of sight. I have directed our police units to intensify neighborhood patrols and coordinate with barangay officials to deter burglars and protect homes left unattended during Undas,’ he added.

The PNP has mobilized more than 141,000 personnel and force multipliers nationwide for security, traffic management, and public assistance operations. The deployment covers 73,034 PNP personnel, 16,560 personnel from other government units, and 51,578 force multipliers.

Police operations will cover 5,311 cemeteries and columbaria as, well, as major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, places of worship, tourist destinations, and other strategic areas nationwide.

With crowds expected to swell ahead of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, Nartatez reminded cemetery-goers to guard their belongings and remain alert in crowded areas where thieves may exploit distractions.

‘Stay vigilant, keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry, and never leave your belongings unattended. Criminals take advantage of distraction and crowded places, so remain alert, look after your loved ones, and immediately report suspicious activities to the nearest police personnel,’ he said.

All PNP offices and units will be under full alert status from 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 30 until 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 3.

Are you really prepared for the unexpected? PhilPlans urges early memorial planning

When a loved one passes away, families are often making important financial decisions while dealing with grief. They have to consider the arrangements, coordinate with relatives, and find the resources to cover the expenses, sometimes within just a few days. Preparing ahead can help ease that pressure and give families greater clarity about what needs to be done.

To avoid unexpected expenses, PhilPlans encourages families to understand that planning for a funeral is not just about knowing the price, but understanding what they are actually paying for. A funeral package priced at P40,000 may still leave families with additional expenses, depending on what services are covered. It is therefore important to request itemized quotations, compare package inclusions, and clarify which services may require additional payment. Discussing preferences for burial or cremation and establishing a realistic budget beforehand can also make arrangements easier to manage when the time comes.

Funeral arrangements can vary considerably depending on the provider, location, facilities, and package inclusions. According to PhilPlans, quoted packages may not cover every expense. Extended chapel use, for instance, can add ?5,000 to ?15,000 per day depending on the facility. Cemetery lots, interment fees, transportation, food for visitors, and other arrangements may also be charged separately. Actual costs ultimately depend on the provider, location, and services selected.

As a pre-need company offering memorial plans, PhilPlans provides options for families who wish to prepare financially for future memorial needs. Its PhilPlans Memorial Fund (PMF) is a fund that can be used to pay for a desired memorial service package in the future, subject to the plan’s benefit amount and terms. PhilPlans has partnered with over 300 accredited mortuary partners nationwide, with 24/7 assistance available to help families coordinate funeral arrangements.

Additional features are also available through PMF Plus, one of which is the Immediate Cash Assistance, which provides needed cash during the wake.

‘Preparation can begin with a simple conversation about what a family wants and what it can reasonably afford. Understanding the available options and making arrangements ahead of time can help loved ones avoid having to make every decision at once.’ said PhilPlans President and CEO Atty. Monico V. Jacob.

This All Souls’ Day, PhilPlans encourages Filipinos to look beyond remembrance and consider how early preparation can help ease the responsibilities their loved ones may face. By understanding funeral expenses, reviewing available options, and discussing preferences ahead of time, families can make more informed decisions and focus on what matters most when the time comes.

Bank of Thailand chooses its targets

The Bank of Thailand has vowed to prioritise addressing the country’s structural problems next year to support economic growth and unlock its full growth potential, according to governor Vitai Ratanakorn.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Mr Vitai said the regulator wants to maintain its focus on structural challenges through targeted measures, highlighting household debt, access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the supervision of non-bank financial institutions and illicit financial activities associated with grey money.

The measures are expected to help steady Thailand’s uneven economic recovery, he said. The central bank recently upgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 2.4% from 2.3%, raising its forecast for 2027 to 2.1% from 1.8%.

‘The Bank of Thailand will continue to support economic growth reaching its potential, in line with our monetary policy role. However, we did not set a specific time frame for when Thai GDP growth will reach its potential level,’ Mr Vitai said.

To ease household debt burdens, the central bank is continuing with debt restructuring efforts under the existing ‘Clear Debt, Going Forward’ scheme, which has covered 182,000 loan accounts belonging to individual and SME borrowers.

Additional initiatives to help households and SMEs manage their debt burdens will be explored, he noted.

Although the country’s household debt-to-GDP ratio has declined from around 90% to 85.9%, supported by economic growth, household finances remain fragile, particularly among lower-income groups.

‘We want to focus on debt affordability at the individual and household levels, as well as household well-being, rather than the overall debt-to-GDP ratio,’ Mr Vitai said.

Curbing illicit financial transactions and tackling grey money will remain a focus, with the central bank preparing more regulations governing cash-related transactions as part of these efforts, he said.

New rules being drafted tighten controls on cash transactions involving gold, including a proposed limit of 10 million baht per transaction. The regulations are expected to take effect next month, said Mr Vitai.

The central bank currently requires financial institutions to report gold transactions conducted through digital platforms when the value reaches 50 million baht per transaction.

The bank also introduced various measures to monitor cash transactions and curb grey money, including requiring banks to report cash transactions worth at least 5 million baht per transaction.

Since the introduction of these measures, cash withdrawals exceeding 5 billion baht have declined by 57% year-to-date, while gold withdrawals involving quantities of at least two kilogrammes have fallen by 85%.

To support SME lending, Mr Vitai said the central bank would continue introducing initiatives to expand their access to credit, including the SME Credit Portal, loan guarantee mechanisms for SMEs and the use of alternative data to improve credit assessments.

Zik’s Mausoleum abandoned, overgrown with weeds

Zik’s Mausoleum, the final resting place of Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria and the Owelle of Onitsha, currently needs immediate attention as bushes, weeds, as well as all manner of abandoned trucks and other vehicles have taken over the entrance gate of the edifice.

The BusinessDay Investigations on Thursday also revealed that the premises facing the edifice on the left side have grown green and bushy, which deserves urgent attention to clear and remove.

Recall that the place for the Mausoleum was mapped out by the late Zik himself when he was alive as his final resting place, and he erected some structures before his demise on May 11, 1996, at the age of 92.

During his burial in 1996, when the Federal Government decorated him as a Field Marshall, late General Sani Abacha, the then Military Head of State, represented by the Chief of General Staff, late Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya, announced that the Federal Government had awarded a contract for the expansion and beautification of the Mausoleum in honour and recognition of Zik’s contributions towards the unification of the Nigerian nation.

The initial contract for the construction of the Zik Mausoleum was awarded in 1997 by the Abacha regime to Messrs Lemmy Akakem for N350 million.

It was abandoned and overtaken by weeds until it was re-awarded in 2013 by the then President Goodluck Jonathan regime to a French construction company at N1.49 billion.

President Muhammadu Buhari, upon coming to power in 2015, gave a marching order to his Works Minister, Babatunde Fashola, that the contractor must deliver the job by October 2018.

Eventually, the late Buhari completed the project and inaugurated it to the delight of Ndigbo and Nigerians in general.

The Zik Mausoleum consists of the museum housing Zik’s grave and an administrative unit on two floors.

The administrative block is made up of a reception, offices, conference halls, VIP lounge, museum-cum-archives, video display room, research, library, documentation section, and conveniences.

The Zik Mausoleum follows in the line of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the grave of King Mausolus of Persia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

But after the completion and commissioning ceremony, the project appeared to have been abandoned to its fate, allowing the entire compound to be overgrown with weeds as of the time of filing this report.

In the compound, one of the security guards disclosed that apart from the ongoing renovation of one of the buildings behind the Mausoleum being carried out by Zik’s wife, both the Federal and Anambra State Governments had not shown any concern in keeping the place tidy, not to mention upgrading it to a tourist attraction centre.

The security guard lamented that for years now, nothing tangible is happening at the compound as the Museum, the Library and the Hall are not functional but under lock and key.

He added that many visitors and tourists, who came all the way from Asia, Europe, Africa and other parts of the world, usually end up making uncomplementary remarks against Nigeria’s Government and the entire citizens for not recognising Zik’s personality as the father of ‘One Nigeria.’

Those who spoke along the same vein said: ‘Of course, the man called Zik of Africa in his lifetime would not be happy in the grave as per what his dear country has turned out to become’.

According to one of them, ‘the Zik Mausoleum, Zik’s resting place, in Onitsha, Anambra State, is a crucial metaphor that tugs at the challenges attending to the demise of a pan-Nigerian essence.’

They lamented that the final resting place for Nnamdi Azikiwe, the only black Governor-General of Nigeria, the first President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the only Nigerian whose name appeared in the Constitution of Nigeria, among many other sterling firsts, could not be properly maintained and advanced to the level it deserves as a tourist place.