Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, for what it described as a hypocritical comment on the demolition of structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

Obi had asked the Lagos State Government to ‘temper law with compassion’ in the demolition.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said Obi was not being sincere.

‘The same Peter Obi, when he was governor of Anambra, pulled down shops, markets and houses without showing mercy. Now he wants to act like a saint in Lagos,’ he said.

Oladejo explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government had already warned people and talked to stakeholders before starting the demolition.

‘No serious government will keep quiet while illegal buildings put lives in danger and block development,’ he added.

He also accused Obi of using the issue for politics. ‘His attempt to politicise this matter is shameful and unbecoming of a former governor,’ Oladejo said.

According to him, Lagos will not be taught governance by ‘political drifters who mistake noise for substance.’

The APC advised Obi to focus on ‘fixing his political image’ and leave Lagos to continue enforcing its laws ‘without fear or favour.’

At a high-level roundtable during the 80th Session of UN General Assembly in New York, senior government officials, Solewant Group, and global stakeholders discussed the Gulf of Guinea’s (GoG) energy, maritime, and investment prospects.

The OECD forecasts the African coastal economy will reach $3 trillion by 2030, with the GoG alone contributing $300 billion and generating over 49 million jobs.

Despite producing nearly half of Africa’s crude oil and holding about 10% of global reserves, the GoG remains plagued by challenges like oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.

Although 25 coastal states adopted the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in 2013, implementation has proven difficult, with regional initiatives from ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission also facing hurdles.

Speaking at the roundtable, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff and Minister of External Affairs, urged regional and international leaders to tackle insecurity to unlock economic potential.

He proposed a five-point agenda focused on enhancing security frameworks, integrating security with development, engaging the private sector, leveraging technology, and establishing a business council for the GoG.

Gambari emphasized the need for transparent management of natural resources to benefit local communities, claiming that inclusive governance can deter insecurity.

He reiterated the importance of collective action to fulfill the region’s economic promise.

Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, CEO of Solewant Group, highlighted the GoG’s potential, noting that responsible investment in coastal economies hinges on security and coordinated public-private partnerships.

He stressed the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity to protect regional trade and investor confidence.

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, has joined the global community in marking this year’s Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission: Possible.’

The annual celebration, which recognizes service excellence and customer appreciation, provided CSCS an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to innovation, resilience, and customer satisfaction – values that have defined its leadership in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, HarunaJalo-Waziri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, expressed gratitude to customers and employees alike for their unwavering trust and dedication.

‘Our impressive achievements are only made possible by your unflinching faith in our audacious mission to revolutionize the Nigerian capital market,’ Jalo-Waziri said. ‘As we celebrate our esteemed customers, I also appreciate my colleagues, whose empathy and dedication continue to make real positive changes in serving our customers and the market at large,’ he said.

This year’s Customer Service Week celebration comes on the heels of several transformative digital initiatives by CSCS, which have strengthened efficiency, transparency, and access across Nigeria’s capital market.

Among these innovations is RegConnect Version 2, an upgraded registrar platform featuring real-time data validation, omnichannel transaction capabilities, and seamless API integration to enhance operational reliability. CSCS also launched the Custodian Portal, a secure and user-centric interface that simplifies portfolio and trade management, document tracking, and share transfers for custodians.

Further expanding financial inclusion, CSCS, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, introduced the *7270# USSD Code Service, enabling investors to check account balances, stock positions, and Direct Cash Settlement (DCS) status directly from their mobile phones, even without internet access.

Jalo-Waziri emphasized that these innovations reflect CSCS’s continued drive to ‘make the impossible possible,’ underscoring its strategic role in deepening investor confidence and digital transformation within the capital market.

The organization also highlighted the importance of its employees, whose professionalism ensures seamless clearing, settlement, and market access for millions of investors locally and internationally.

As Nigeria’s capital market prepares for its transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in November 2025, CSCS reaffirmed its readiness to deliver world-class services aligned with global standards, further cementing its position as a key enabler of market growth and efficiency.

With over two decades of service, CSCS remains pivotal to the Nigerian capital market’s evolution, from the dematerialization of share certificates to the modernization of post-trade infrastructure.

Licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CSCS serves as the central depository for a wide range of securities including equities, corporate and sub-national bonds, mutual funds, and commodities.

Through a mix of cutting-edge digital platforms, web and mobile applications, and a responsive customer service framework, CSCS continues to deliver on its mission to enhance market trust, investor accessibility, and service excellence.

At a high-level roundtable during the 80th Session of UN General Assembly in New York, senior government officials, Solewant Group, and global stakeholders discussed the Gulf of Guinea’s (GoG) energy, maritime, and investment prospects.

The OECD forecasts the African coastal economy will reach $3 trillion by 2030, with the GoG alone contributing $300 billion and generating over 49 million jobs.

Despite producing nearly half of Africa’s crude oil and holding about 10% of global reserves, the GoG remains plagued by challenges like oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.

Although 25 coastal states adopted the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in 2013, implementation has proven difficult, with regional initiatives from ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission also facing hurdles.

Speaking at the roundtable, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff and Minister of External Affairs, urged regional and international leaders to tackle insecurity to unlock economic potential.

He proposed a five-point agenda focused on enhancing security frameworks, integrating security with development, engaging the private sector, leveraging technology, and establishing a business council for the GoG.

Gambari emphasized the need for transparent management of natural resources to benefit local communities, claiming that inclusive governance can deter insecurity.

He reiterated the importance of collective action to fulfill the region’s economic promise.

Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, CEO of Solewant Group, highlighted the GoG’s potential, noting that responsible investment in coastal economies hinges on security and coordinated public-private partnerships.

He stressed the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity to protect regional trade and investor confidence.

Nigeria is gradually slipping into a food crisis that threatens not just its economic stability but the very survival of millions of its citizens. The warning signs have been evident for years-declining agricultural productivity, rising insecurity in farming communities, inadequate storage facilities, and heavy dependence on food imports. Yet, little has been done to address the situation comprehensively. Today, the country finds itself at a crossroads where hunger is no longer a distant fear but a daily reality for many households.

One of the primary drivers of this looming crisis is insecurity. Vast farmlands in the country’s food-producing regions, particularly in the North, have been abandoned due to banditry, kidnapping, and clashes between farmers and herders. Farmers in states such as Borno, Zamfara, Benue, and Kaduna live in constant fear of attacks, making it nearly impossible to cultivate crops. This disruption has led to a sharp reduction in the supply of essential food items, driving up prices in markets nationwide. For the average Nigerian family, feeding three times a day has become a luxury rather than a right.

Beyond insecurity, climate change has worsened the situation. Erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and devastating floods have all contributed to the reduction of crop yields. For instance, the 2022 floods destroyed farmlands in over 30 states, leading to severe shortages of staples such as rice, maize, and yams. Despite repeated warnings from environmental experts, government responses have remained reactive rather than proactive. Investments in irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and flood control infrastructure remain far below what is required to safeguard food production.

Another major concern is the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving agricultural value chain. Poor road networks mean that farmers who manage to produce crops struggle to transport them to urban markets. Post-harvest losses account for up to 40% of total production, as perishable goods rot away due to lack of storage facilities and processing industries. This inefficiency not only affects food availability but also discourages farmers who receive little to no reward for their hard work.

The rising cost of living Is further compounding the crisis. Inflation, particularly food inflation, has been on a steep upward trend, making even the most basic food items unaffordable. Families that once could afford a balanced diet are now forced to settle for less, leading to widespread malnutrition. For children, this poses a long-term danger as poor nutrition affects growth, learning capacity, and overall health. The situation is even more alarming in rural communities and among internally displaced persons who rely heavily on humanitarian aid.

Addressing this quiet crisis requires urgent and deliberate action. First, the government must restore security in farming communities to allow farmers to return to their fields without fear. Second, there must be renewed investment in modern agricultural practices, including mechanization, irrigation, and access to improved seedlings. Third, building storage and processing facilities will reduce post-harvest losses and create jobs for young people. Finally, Nigeria must reduce its dependence on food imports by strengthening local production and supporting smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of the agricultural sector.

If these steps are not taken, the consequences will be devastating. Food insecurity will continue to deepen poverty, fuel social unrest, and weaken national stability. Nigeria has the land, manpower, and potential to feed itself and even export food, but only if leaders treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves. The time to act is now-before hunger becomes the defining tragedy of a nation blessed with so much agricultural wealth.

Muhammad is a 300-level student of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

A Retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal, Professor Osita Obierika, on Monday died onboard a British Airways flight to Abuja as the crew of the airline battled fruitlessly to save the Anambra State-born military officer’s life.

The plane carrying him made an emergency landing at the El Prat Airport, Barcelona, as they struggled to resuscitate the ailing military officer.

Our correspondent learnt that the flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11 pm on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land in Abuja at 5 am on Monday but made an unexpected detour to Barcelona after the incident.

It was gathered that the terminally ill retired AVM was being transported back to Abuja for further medication before his sudden demise.

British Airways has already apologised to its traumatised passengers, even as efforts were made to ensure that a new aircraft departed the Barcelona airport at 2p.m. on Monday. They were expected to land in Abuja at 7p.m. local time.

According to messages shared with the passengers, the airline apologised for the disruption and assured passengers that the Customer Care team would be available to assist with any questions or concerns.

‘Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,’ the airline told the affected passengers in a general message.

Further update from the airline at about noon on Monday, however, the flight is delayed by some 45 minutes, saying: ‘We’d like to advise that the replacement aircraft for your flight to Abuja is now on its way.

‘The estimated time of departure from Barcelona is 14:50 local time, with arrival into Abuja expected at approximately 17:45 local time. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. British Airways.’

The Nigeria Police Force is in the news again, for the enforcement of the ban against tinted or shaded glasses in motor cars. On April 25, 2025, the police announced its intention to compel the procurement of a written permit on all cars with tinted glasses. Although no cogent reason has been proffered for the implementation of this policy inherited as part of the military invasion of our political space, it would seem from all indications that the goal is that of revenue generation. The challenge with this is that Nigerians have been taxed and overtaxed and if the rationale behind the current tax reform laws is to harmonise all taxes, then there has to be a rethink of this policy by the police.

THE LAW AGAINST TINTED OR SHADED MOTOR GLASSES

On 8th February 1991, the federal military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (Retd) enacted the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991, in the following terms:

‘The Federal Military Government hereby decrees as follows:

1. (1) Except with the permission of the appropriate authority designated for the purposes of this Decree and for such good cause as may be determined from time to time by the appropriate authority, no person shall cause any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be-

(a) tinted; or (b) shaded; or (c) coloured lightly or thickly (d) darkened; or (e) treated in any other way, so that the persons or objects in the motor vehicle are rendered obscure or invisible.

(2) In this section, ‘good cause’ means health or security reasons.

2. (l) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, rule of law, enactment or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979, as amended, any person who without the permission of the appropriate authority-

(a) causes any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be treated in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(b) does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another person to tint, shade, colour, darken, or treat in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(c) aids another person in tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree ; or

(d) counsels or procures any other person to tint, shade, colour, darken or treat in any other way, any glass fitted on a motor vehicle, commits an offence under this Decree and shall be punished in the manner set out in this Decree.

(2) Any person who commits an offence under paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of this section may himself be charged with tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle or with counselling or procuring the tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle.

(3) In this Decree –

(a) reference to the ‘appropriate authority’ means reference to the Inspector-General of Police or any person or authority authorised by him to give such permission as is contemplated in subsection (1) of section 1 of this Decree

(b) reference to ‘permission’ includes registration.

3. It shall be the duty of the buyer, donee or importer of a motor vehicle with tinted, shaded, coloured, darkened or treated glass to change all the glass within a period of 14 days from the date of arrival in Nigeria or date of purchase (whichever is applicable in each circumstance).

4. (1) Any person who commits an offence under this Decree shall on conviction be liable to a fine of N2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Where an offence under this Decree has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a proprietor, director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer servant or agent of the body corporate (or a person purporting to act in any such capacity) as well as the body Corporate shall be guilty of the offence and may be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

5. The Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to try offenders under this Decree.’

WHY THE POLICY IS WRONG

Understandably so, Nigerians have kicked against the enforcement of this law on so many grounds. First, it is not reasonably justifiable. The cars in issue were not manufactured in Nigeria and the owners have no control over the specification or mode of the car. To enforce such a blanket ban, the government must have a ready alternative which it can offer to its citizens. Second, these cars are driven freely in other parts of the world without the need for a permit. Third, if the ban on tinted or shaded motor glasses is that of security, all that the police need to do is to ask the motorist to wind down his glasses for random security check.

THE COURT CASES

The Nigerian Bar Association has challenged the enforcement of this policy in court in Abuja and the police was duly served with the originating processes in the suit but it claimed that since there is no positive order from the Court, the enforcement will proceed notwithstanding the court case. Subsequently on October 2, 2025, the Federal High Court in Warri issued an order, directing the police to show cause why an order of injunction should not be made to stop the enforcement of the policy. There has been some controversy on the purport and effect of the order of court for the police to show cause. Let me dwell on this a little more.

Under and by virtue of Order 26 Rule 8 of Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019:

‘2. Where a motion is made ex-parte, the Court may make or refuse to make the order sought, or may direct the motion to be made on notice to the parties to be affected thereby or may grant an order to show cause why the order sought should not be made.

C- ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

13. An order to show cause shall specify a day when cause is to be shown, be called the return day to the order, which shall ordinarily be not less than three days after service.

14. A person served with an order to show cause may, before the return day, produce evidence to contradict the evidence used in obtaining the order, or setting forth other facts on which he relies to satisfy the Court to discharge or vary such order.

15. On the return day, if the person served does not appear and it appears to the Court that the service on all proper parties has not been duly effected, the Court may enlarge the time and direct further service or make such further order as seems just.

(b) if any other relief is sought, the Judge may at any time grant in the proceedings such interim relief as could be granted in an action begun by writ;

(c) the Judge may impose such terms as to costs and as to giving security as he deems fit.’

WHY THE POLICY MUST BE HALTED FORTHWITH

In law, an order for a party to show cause why an injunction should not be made is a preliminary court order that puts the respondent on notice to demonstrate why they should not be restrained by an injunction. The effect is that it requires the respondent to argue against the grant of the injunction, and if they fail, the court may issue the injunction based on the applicant’s argument. The party to whom the order is directed has the duty to show cause, or present reasons, why the injunction should not be granted, and this may involve demonstrating that they have a sufficient legal remedy or that the balance of convenience does not favour the applicant. The legal effect of the order is that the respondent is obligated to appear before the court and argue their case against the injunction being granted. The burden of proof rests heavily on the applicant for the injunction to show that a serious issue to be tried exists and that damages will be inadequate compensation. However, if the respondent fails to show cause, this failure will strengthen the applicant’s case for the injunction. The court’s order serves as a formal notice to the respondent about the potential injunction and allows them to be heard on the matter. The order aims to maintain the current state of affairs (status quo) while the court considers the application for injunction. If the respondent fails to show cause or provides insufficient reasons against the injunction, the court can proceed to grant the injunction. And even when no positive order of injunction has been made, the respondent is required to keep matters in status quo because the court will not aid a party who is guilty of taking steps to jeopardize the subject matter of the application for injunction. In the case of John Aikpkokpo-Martins however, the court specifically directed the police to maintain the status quo, effectively halting the implementation or further implementation of the policy, pending the hearing and determination of the application for injunction. As the police are established to maintain law and order and to enforce decisions of the court, the policy on tinted motor glass permits should be suspended for now.

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has facilitated over N70 billion in commercial financing for agribusinesses and the food economy as of the third quarter of 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since inception.

Established in 2013, the milestone represents nearly a quarter of NIRSAL’s cumulative N270 billion in financing to date and underscores the success of its revamped strategy under a new board and executive management.

The achievement comes at a critical time when bank lending to agriculture had declined steadily from 6.18 per cent of aggregate lending in 2022 to 4.82 per cent in 2024, while sectoral growth slowed from 2.5 per cent to 1.7 per cent within the same period.

By deploying its trademark value chain modelling, risk-sharing tools, and technical support for agribusinesses and financial institutions, NIRSAL has helped restore lender confidence and channel new credit into key value chains, including grains, cocoa, shea, and livestock.

According to the agency, the intervention has driven improvements in local production and boosted export competitiveness, with more than 32 per cent of the facilitated sum supporting value-added agricultural exports.

Consequently, agriculture’s share of bank lending has risen to 5.33 per cent as of May 2025.

Two newly licensed banks have also joined the sector through NIRSAL’s frameworks, further contributing to the ?70 billion facilitated so far this year.

‘?70 billion may appear modest compared to the size of Nigeria’s agricultural financing needs, but its significance is profound. It proves that agriculture can be commercially and sustainably financed,’ said NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Sa’ad Hamidu.

‘With the right blend of capital, technical support, and risk mitigation, the sector can become more productive, resilient, and globally competitive,’ he added.

Hamidu expressed confidence that NIRSAL would achieve its N150 billion facilitation target for 2025, noting that the peak agricultural lending season, when merchants seek credit for storage and agro-dealers stock up on inputs, was still ahead.

Beyond headline numbers, NIRSAL is reshaping the agricultural finance landscape through an integrated model that spans project identification, deal structuring, business advisory, and credit guarantees.

The approach supports agribusinesses from loan origination to disbursement, while helping previously unbankable enterprises access sustainable credit.

Several borrowers that started with NIRSAL’s guarantees have since transitioned into direct lending relationships with their banks, a development that underscores growing comfort among financiers with the agribusiness sector.

The ?70 billion facilitated this year is also a result of NIRSAL’s capacity-building initiatives.

The organisation has trained over 1,100 bank staff to deepen their understanding of agricultural financing within its risk-sharing framework, leading to more loan approvals.

Similarly, more than 450 value-chain actors have received specialised training in feedlot management, commodity exports, and climate finance-capacity-building efforts expected to translate into improved sector performance over time.

As part of its forward strategy, NIRSAL is developing the LandBank Portal, a digital ecosystem connecting agricultural stakeholders from research institutions to markets, to provide real-time data for investors, policymakers, and development partners.

The platform aims to enhance transparency, reduce risk, and identify emerging opportunities across the value chain.

NIRSAL is also expanding into climate finance, recently signing a memorandum of understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy off-grid power to processing clusters in rural areas.

According to the organisation, these initiatives will build resilience across agricultural value chains and support Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

Since its establishment, NIRSAL has remained committed to its core mandate of de-risking agricultural lending and proving that agribusiness can be both profitable and sustainable.

Its strong 2025 performance signals a new era of confidence for Nigeria’s farmers, financiers, and the broader economy.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday visited the scene of the fire incident at the state secretariat complex, pledging to immediately rehabilitate the affected section.

A section of the complex, which serves as a crèche for babies of civil servants, was partly destroyed by fire on Monday evening.

Governor Fubara visited the site on Tuesday morning to personally assess the level of damage.

He was received at the secretariat complex by a crowd of jubilant civil servants, the Head of Service, and some Permanent Secretaries, including the newly sworn-in Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the Governor expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost, noting that the damage was restricted to a small section of the building.

He said, ‘I came here this morning to see for myself what happened yesterday. It’s really unfortunate, but we give God all the glory that no life was lost and the damage was only in one section.’

The Governor explained that the incident would serve as a wake-up call to fast-track the planned renovation and refurbishment of the secretariat complex, which has been under consideration by his administration.

‘We’ve been talking about the renovation of our foremost secretariat. With this particular incident, there should be no further delay. Whatever is required by this government to commence that process, we will immediately swing into action,’ he assured.

He commended the State Fire Service firefighters for their prompt response, noting that previous investments made by his administration in the three fire service stations proved invaluable in containing the situation.

‘Before the emergency rule, we took our time to invest in the fire service. I wonder what would have happened if we didn’t have a formidable and functional fire service,’ he remarked.

He also appreciated civil servants for their dedication, resilience, and continued support, reiterating his administration’s commitment to initiatives that will enhance their welfare and promote the well-being of all Rivers people.

‘We’ll continue to do those things that will uplift Rivers people and make them happy,’ the Governor added.

Lying has long become a common tool in people’s arsenal – especially when it comes to personal gain or public image. These days, twisting the truth is used not only in everyday situations, but also in large-scale PR campaigns: some distort facts for the sake of their careers, others – for likes and public approval. In a world where information is currency, the truth is often pushed aside in favour of a more convenient version of events.

One such example is a recent scandal surrounding the Alabuga Start international employment programme, which offers young women from countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia the opportunity to relocate to Russia for high-paying jobs. A group of South African influencers visited the Alabuga Special Economic Zone to cover the programme in more detail. However, shortly after publishing positive content, they made an abrupt U-turn and began levelling serious accusations against Alabuga Start.

What really lies behind the programme? Find out in this report.

THE BLOGGERS’ ACCUSATIONS

One of the most vocal accusers is influencer Cyan Boujee (Honour Zuma). She recorded and published content highlighting ‘red flags’ and disturbing observations during her trip to Russia – including allegedly inadequate attention to participants’ nutrition, young women in distress, and insinuations of hidden responsibilities.

Boujee’s claims gained widespread attention and intensified pressure on the programme’s organisers – but she provided no verifiable evidence. Her allegations are not supported by documents or formal complaints accessible in the public domain. A review of open sources reveals no confirmed reports indicating that young women participating in the programme are in a ‘pitiful’ state.

ATTRACTING ATTENTION AND HYPE

An influencer’s income is directly tied to social media engagement: more attention and more views mean more money. Boujee and several other influencers seem to have found a way to attract attention by causing a scandal. Notably, after her sensational posts went viral, Cyan received a surge in interview and podcast invitations, and her volume of sponsored content skyrocketed – hardly a coincidence.

The programme’s organisers side tell a different story. Here’s what they said:

– Alabuga Start participants are free to return home at any time. There has not been a single case of anyone being ‘held against their will.’ The girls not only travel across Russia, but also visit their home countries – even presenting the programme to potential future participants.

High-ranking delegates from various African nations frequently visit Russia. For instance, Alabuga has hosted Natalie-Aziza Munana, Minister of Social Affairs and Solidarity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; H.E. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kenya to the Russian Federation; and Bassirou Zoma, Chargé d’Affaires of Burkina Faso. And the list goes on. All officials met and spoke directly with the participants, inspected their living and working conditions. The girls had the opportunity to voice complaints or request to return home – but no such public statements were made.

‘I had heard about Alabuga before, but it helped a lot to see this technological industrial park with my own eyes. I am impressed!’, said Peter Mutuku Mathuki.

However, the South African Ambassador to the Russian Federation has not yet visited Alabuga, despite an invitation from the programme’s organisers. We hope he will make the trip soon – to dispel all doubts once and for all.

The programme organisers conducted an investigation, looking for any reports from families claiming their daughters had ‘disappeared’ after arriving in Russia via Alabuga Start. No such complaints – whether from parents or participants alleging exploitation or unlawful detention – have been filed with authorities or embassies.

Moreover, representatives of Alabuga Start provided documentation confirming the programme’s legitimacy: authorized permits from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs for employing foreign workers, approved quotas from the Ministry of Labour, and documentation from the Federal Tax Service. In today’s multipolar world, Russia values its partnerships with African nations – and would hardly risk its reputation by endorsing dubious programmes. DIFFICULTIES DURING FILMING

One quote from the blogger deserves special attention: ‘How unprofessional they were – smoking while taking videos of me. Photographers taking videos. I’m like, ‘Guys, can we focus?’ But everyone was just slow’. This time, the organisers of Alabuga Start also have a rebuttal.

According to our source, filming with Boujee was indeed challenging – she struggled with simple sentences, requiring multiple retakes to achieve a usable take. Our editorial team obtained footage showing the influencer repeatedly stumbling over basic text, requesting reshoots, and continuing to make errors. We refrain from judging either side’s professionalism – instead, we invite you to watch the video and evaluate the situation for yourself.

Additionally, the blogger frequently altered the trip schedule to suit her own convenience. The organisers offered her a chance to meet her Russian followers – but she declined and ignored their calls entirely.

There are also screenshots of messages showing Cyan ignoring multiple requests. The managers consistently scheduled specific filming slots at the end of each day – during dinner or just before escorting the bloggers to their hotels – and reminded them each morning.

DECEPTION ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF PROGRAMME’S PARTICIPANTS

‘More than anything, I’m worried about the kids. I’m worried so much about the kids because when I interviewed them most of them were not happy, especially with the answers they had to give on camera’, – claims Cyan Boujee.

We contacted one of the participants who was filmed with the influencer and asked her to comment openly on these statements. Notably, the young woman did not blame Boujee or accuse her of dishonesty. Instead, she expressed pleasant surprise at meeting the influencer – but was shocked by how drastically her words and demeanor had been distorted.

‘Actually, it’s quite funny. The interview footage is out there – people can go watch it themselves. I don’t know why someone would claim I was crying when there’s clear proof everything went smoothly’, – says Vanessa, one of the programme participants who personally interacted with Cyan Boujee.

VIDEO: PARTICIPANT INTERVIEW

Food is another central accusation. Boujee claimed that both participants and she herself were barely fed. But is that really true? Photos from Alabuga in our possession show ‘starving’ Cyan seated at a dining table, scrolling through her phone. And on the table? ‘Practically nothing’ – except for half-eaten salads, croissants, cheese platters, beverages, and various other food items.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigation reveals that, to date, none of the accusations leveled against Alabuga Start have been substantiated. Programme representatives provided official permits and tax documentation; video evidence and message screenshots sent to our editorial team contradict the image of ‘crying, starving participants’ portrayed by certain influencers. It appears that Cyan Boujee’s viral posts served primarily as tools to boost views and commercial engagement, rather than as sincere attempts to advocate for the girls’ welfare.

Final advice to readers and media outlets: do not rush to judgment based on emotional videos or isolated social media posts. Demand facts, documentation, and direct testimony from the alleged victims. Cross-check and compare statements from both organisers and participants.