GIABA COMBACTS MONEY LAUNDERING THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

GIABA COMBACTS MONEY LAUNDERING THROUGH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Ayodele Samuel, Lagos The FATF-Style, Dakar-Based, ECOWAS Initiated, regional body "Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing & Drug Trafficking in West Africa " known as GIABA is set for an OPEN-DAY Event for Nigerian Youths. A statement sign by OLADELE ADEOYE General Manager DataPro Limited said the program taking place at the Afe Babalola Auditorium of the University of Lagos has as its theme: "Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Drug Trafficking through Youth Development" According to GIABA consultant in Nigeria , Mr Abimbola Adeseyoju some of the events lined up for the occassion include: Motivational Talk experts on how Nigerian Youths can key into National and Institutional measures at combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Drug Trafficking in the country. There will also be Dance Drama, Stage Play, Exhibition and donation of AML/CFT/ADT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism/Against Drug Trafficking) books and materials to all participating institutions. Those expected at the event include students in Secondary schools and Institutions of Higher Learning, Youth Organisations, NGOs involved in Youth Development Programs, AML/CFT/ADT Regulatory, Supervisory & Law Enforcement Agencies. To be hosted by the Director General of GIABA, Dr. Abdullahi Y. Shehu, dignitaries expected include His Excellency Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN; The Governor of Lagos state, Minister for Youth Development, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, The First Lady of Lagos State and the University of Lagos Vice Chancellor; Professor Tolu Odugbemi among others. GIABA was established in the year 2000 by the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government with a broad regional mandate including: (1) The development of strategies to protect the economies of member states from abuse and the laundering of the proceeds of crime (2) Improvement of measures and intensifying efforts to combat the laundering of proceeds from fraud and other criminal activities in West Africa (3) Strengthening co-operation amongst its members. GIABA’s membership consists of all member states of the ECOWAS. It operates within a diverse 3-language community namely 5 Anglophone, 8 Francophone and 2 Portuguese Speaking countries.