Nigeria is set to host its first-ever national charity ball, the Renewed Hope Charity Ball for Migrants, Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons, aimed at raising N150 billion to support displaced persons across the country.

The event, a collaboration between the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and Imaginative Ceilings Limited, seeks to merge philanthropy with social impact, rallying high-profile individuals, corporate leaders, and government officials for an evening dedicated to fundraising and advocacy.

Scheduled to take place between August and September, the charity ball aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritizes social welfare and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups.

According to a proposal submitted by Imaginative Ceilings Limited, the event will be hosted by NCFRMI and chaired by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, alongside First Ladies from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

CEO of Imaginative Ceilings Limited, Festus Ofume, described the charity ball as a groundbreaking philanthropic effort.

> “This charity ball is not just a social event but a movement to mobilize resources for healthcare, education, skills development, and economic empowerment programs for refugees and IDPs,” Ofume stated.

Federal Commissioner of NCFRMI, Hon. Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting displaced persons through sustainable interventions.

> “This initiative represents a bold step towards transforming the lives of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is not just about raising funds but ensuring that these funds translate into tangible, life-changing programs.

> “We are grateful for the collaboration with Imaginative Ceilings Limited and the support of stakeholders who believe in this cause,” Ahmed said.

Others at the meeting included: Director of Procurement, Bara Fumilayo, Director of Audit/Sports Manager, John Dama, Director of Legal Services,
Habibu Labaran, Director of IDP,
Fatima Daura, Director of HRM,
Bello Bello, and SA to the HFC
Hon. Bashir.

The initiative is expected to attract top business executives, policymakers, and celebrities, all dedicated to supporting displaced persons through financial contributions and advocacy.

Funds raised from the event will be channeled into long-term humanitarian projects, ensuring sustainable interventions for affected communities.

With no similar event in Nigeria’s philanthropic landscape, the Renewed Hope Charity Ball aims to set a new precedent for fundraising, leveraging entertainment, networking, and grassroots engagement to drive social change.

As preparations gain momentum, organizers remain optimistic that the initiative will secure substantial financial and policy support, creating lasting impact for migrants, refugees, and IDPs across Nigeria.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Friday, cautioned the Federal Government against engaging in political vendetta over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, which has led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly members for six months.

The forum expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing that while the President is empowered under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency, such action must be justified by specific conditions outlined in the law.

NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, reminded the President that the ability to resolve political disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and adjudication is a hallmark of democratic maturity.

Jiddere said: “Subject to the provision of this constitution, the president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

“However, the president can only do so, if and only if, any the conditions stated in subsection 3 of Section 305 actually occurs which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, clear and present danger, disaster or natural calamity, other public danger, or a request from the Governor of the State.

“It is a public knowledge and indisputable fact that none of these conditions actually happened in Rivers State. Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish interests rather than public good.

“The maintenance of peace, public order and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be compromised on personal aggrandizement, and should be the primary concern of each Nigerian.

“As such any form of disturbance in any part of the country will have a serious negative tendency and impact on the whole country.

“The Federal Government and the President in particular must find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State, and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice and public order.”

NEF urged the Federal Government to prevent the escalation of political disputes in other states, particularly in Kano, where tensions continue over the traditional leadership of the Kano Emirate.

He added, “The naked and brutal abuse of political power can only pose imminent danger to the democratic processes in Nigeria which is currently facing serious numerous challenges.”

The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, said it intercepted a total of $578 000 falsely declared from an inbound passenger coming into Nigeria from South Africa.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, John Harrison announced this while addressing journalists at the command on Friday.

He explained that the suspect, Mr. Okorie Sunday, came into the country on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with the money undeclared and hidden in his body.

According to him, the passenger, on arriving at the airport, started acting strange, which warranted a search by the officers on duty.

“The passenger was said to have declared $279,000 and hid $299,000 on his body, bringing the total money to $578, 000. This contravenes the threshold of $10,000 approved by law,” Harrison said.

Harrison added that the suspect also concealed £100 and a counterfeit $250.

The cash that was handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was jointly counted and confirmed by customs and the anti-graft agency.

The CAC highlighted that such unlawful behaviour undermines the integrity of the nation’s financial system.

Harrison mentioned that customs has provided forms at the counters of all airlines to allow passengers to make the lawful declaration.

While receiving the intercepted cash, the acting Zonal Director of EFCC Ahmed Ghali, urged members of the public to avoid such crimes advising that any cash over $10,000 should be declared as provided by law.

Ghali added that such an act exposes the country to money laundering and could make the country look like a hub for illicit financial inflows.

He added that the EFCC will investigate and verify if the money is genuine or fake while taking further investigative action.