The 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative (CEYWI) has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the immediate suspension and investigation of Ms. Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme.

Penpushing reports that, Chief Operating Officer of the humanitarian organisation Adekunle Lukman Adefolahan gave the commendation in a statement expressing pleasure that the President remarkable response followed a call by the body emphasizing on the need for a thorough review of ongoing social investment programmes to identify and address corrupt practices

The statement explained that the organization was founded in 2012, with the mission to serve as a platform for good governance and societal development, through policy advocacy for inclusive participation and people-centered research towards sustainable peace and development.

Penpushing further reports that Adefolahan added that Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative (CEYWI) was incorporated as a corporate body with Corporate Affairs Commission on 7th November 2014 (CAC/IT/NO73348).

The organization in the statement pointed out that this swift and resolute action sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated, and individuals entrusted with public resources will be held accountable for their actions.

‘We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to good governance and the fight against corruption. This action reinforces the principles we hold dear in our mission to empower communities and foster sustainable development’.

‘The President’s dedication to upholding the integrity of social investment programmes aligns with our vision for a just and transparent society. As an organization focused on anti-corruption and community empowerment, we stand in solidarity with efforts to eradicate corruption and promote ethical leadership. Thus, we encourage thorough and impartial investigations to ensure that justice is served and trust is restored in our social investment initiatives’, he wrote.

Penpushing also reports that Adefolahan disclosed that the body is a cluster member of the Anti-Corruption Cluster implementing the Enhancing Anti-Corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria project under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project anchored by Africa Network on Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).

The statement explained that Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project is being implemented by Palladium and her Resource Partners with funding support from USAID.

‘The 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative applauds President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in response to our hint of financial malfeasance within the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP)’.

On the 9th of December 2023, in commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, our organization issued a press release emphasizing the need for a thorough review of ongoing social investment programmes to identify and address corrupt practices. This recommendation underscored our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and women in our society’.

‘In a remarkable response to these concerns, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the immediate suspension and investigation of Ms. Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme’, Adefolahan emphasized.