The Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu, has assumed jurisdiction in the matter between the Registered Trustees of the Ekimogun Roundtable and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) over the controversial N85 million Yaba Youth and Women Empowerment Project.
The suit, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1788/2024, challenges the processes adopted by the BCDA in the award and execution of the empowerment scheme, citing alleged violations of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
The Ekimogun Roundtable, a socio-economic group of Ondo indigenes at home and in the Diaspora, argues that the agency failed to comply with Section 18(a) of the Act, which mandates a thorough needs assessment and evaluation before implementing public projects. The group further contends that Section 16(1d) of the law, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and fairness in public procurement, was also breached.
Represented by Elvis Ejeta, Esq., and a team of eight other lawyers, the Roundtable maintains that empowerment programs meant for the youth and women of Yaba in Ondo West Local Government Area must reflect the real needs and aspirations of the beneficiaries rather than arbitrary items imposed by the implementing agency and or outright disappearance.
The matter has been adjourned to November 19, 2025, for final adoption of addresses, after which a date will be fixed for judgment.
Speaking after the proceedings, representatives of the Ekimogun Roundtable reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and meaningful community engagement in the use of public resources.
"This case is not just about compliance with the law but about protecting the economic future of Yaba youth and women. Empowerment must be rooted in their actual needs and aspirations to deliver lasting impact," the group stated.
The Ekimogun Roundtable remains optimistic that justice will prevail and that this case will set a precedent for responsible governance and proper utilization of empowerment funds across Nigeria and charged lawmakers to desist from manipulating/shortchanging their constituents under the guise of empowerment schemes.