Claim: A widely circulated WhatsApp message asserts that local government chairpersons in Adamawa State funded a leadership training trip to Istanbul, Turkey, for 21 of their spouses, a development that has attracted considerable public criticism.

Verdict: True. Credible sources confirm the trip occurred, but its funding, legality, and value remain in question.

The Full Story

Nigeria’s economic challenges—ranging from unpaid pensions, high cost of living, and worsening insecurity across states—have deepened public distrust in government spending. Citizens increasingly question the relevance of official policies that fail to translate into tangible improvements in daily life.

This scepticism was reignited by a viral post claiming that Adamawa LG chairmen funded a foreign trip for their wives. The post circulated widely on WhatsApp and Facebook, prompting outrage and sarcastic commentary such as:

“What leadership role do these women hold, please? Are they councillors? Lawmakers? Or maybe we should also expect training for commissioners’ cousins and advisers’ in-laws”

Screenshot of WhatsApp post by the researcher

The backlash highlights growing concerns over excessive spending during tough economic times. A recent Punch report found that 29 governors spent ₦79.97 billion on travel from January to June 2025, intensifying public frustration about waste.

Comments such as this have led the NDRFactCheck to examine the accuracy of the claim. The discussion focuses primarily on aspects of timing, transparency, and priorities rather than the trip itself.

Verification

Using reverse image search, the viral photo was traced to a Facebook post by ATP Hausa on 22 September 2025, which had over 600 likes and 149 comments at press time.

Credible outlets, including Sahara Reporters, ThisDay, and Nigerian Bulletin, confirmed the trip. The Association of Local Government in Nigeria, ALGON, through its Adamawa State chairman, Suleiman Gangkuba, defended the initiative, stating that “the wives needed leadership training to support their husbands”.

However, no official documentation disclosed the source of funding, cost, or budgetary approval. Sahara Reporters alleged the trip was financed through local government funds under ALGON, while ThisDay noted the women were accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Local Government.

Public Reaction

The trip drew strong public criticism:

• Abuja Reporters quoted pensioners calling it “reckless spending.”
• Lagos Magazine described it as “wasteful and insensitive.”
• Sahara Reporters labelled it “a brazen squandering of taxpayers’ money.”

What Does the Law Say?

When Is It Justifiable?

Only if:

• The wives are part of a recognised delegation with a defined public role.
• The trip is budgeted, approved, and tied to capacity-building.
• There is transparency in selection and funding.

Red Flags:

• No budgetary line item.
• No disclosed cost or legal authorisation.
• Funded from allocations meant for salaries or development.

Such cases may warrant investigation by EFCC or ICPC.

Conclusion

The trip did take place, with twenty-one spouses of Adamawa local government chairmen travelling to Istanbul for a week-long leadership training programme. However, issues regarding transparency, clarity of funding sources, and demonstrable public value have been raised. Should further investigation reveal unauthorised or misappropriated use of funds, the trip may be subject to scrutiny as a potential misuse of public resources.

Please follow and like us: