By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
It was a gathering of media guru, creme la creme in the society as Ms Maureen Chigbo Publisher/ Editor of Realnews recently celebrated 13th year of a reliable news platform with the theme: ” Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa” at Radisson Blu, Ikeja Lagos state.
In her welcome speech, Maureen emphasized the importance of an aged national planning as the nation must not wait till 2063 for preparation of advancement as Africa continues to ‘”Bleed dry ” due to illicit financial flows increasingly aided by technology.
Editor Chigbo emphasized the theme was chosen as an awareness likewise to implore the governments stern action that will curb the tide of illicit financial activities.
Chigbo explained the annual lecture series since 2014 contributed to nation – building with provision of platform for policy- oriented discussions involving professionals, scholars, technocrats, decision makers as previous activities covered elections, economics, security, leadership trauma in Africa, political transitions, developments in oil and gas sector, drug abuse among the youths and years 2025 which stretches ongoing conversations by linking Cybersecurity to the challenge of illicit financial flows within African economy.
Chigbo butressted that illicit financial flows remain a significant drain on Africa’s economy and a major concern for the global community due to their negative socio-economic consequences. The topic, she said, offers an opportunity for experts to discuss how frameworks such as the Global Corrupt Accountability and Dollar Sanitization Act can strengthen Africa’s ability to curb tax evasion, financial crimes, and illegal capital flight.
According to Chigbo, the United Nations estimates that Africa loses about US$50 billion annually through illicit financial flows—an amount almost equal to what the continent receives as official development assistance. She added that such losses hinder African nations, including Nigeria, from meeting the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing Agenda 2063. She referenced the recent U.S.–Nigeria collaboration that led to the repatriation of US$52 million reportedly siphoned from Nigeria by a former petroleum minister and her associates.
Maureen affirmed journalism, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, plays a vital role in promoting a fair and just society where human rights are protected and citizens can pursue their aspirations freely.
The panel session featured experts including Lasbery C. Oludimu, LLM, MCIArb, ACIS, Vice President of Global Operations/Managing Director, Nigeria, Yellow Card Financial Inc.; Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Access Bank Plc; and Mr. Abdul Rahman M. Mustapha, Chief Operating Officer, Intelligence and Security Services Sector, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
After the interactive session, several distinguished personalities were inducted into the Realnews Hall of Fame in recognition of their contributions and to enhance the organization’s credibility. The 2025 inductees included Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips; Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN; Lasbery C. Oludimu; Dr. Favour Femi-Oyewole; and Mr. Abdul Rahman M. Mustapha
Realnews November 19th edition was awesome, Maureen whose youthful look remains evergreen in her brief interview with the media implored Nigeria, Africa youth to be focus and remain dedicated to their passion.
