Anietie Udobit,Abuja
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo, the Founder and President of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has raised alarm over organized fraudsters and hijackers, who parade themselves as officials of the organization, just to lure and defraud innocent members of the public.
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In a Press Conference on Monday, April 14, in Abuja, OKoronkwo said she was compelled to address the Public on what she described as a sustained attack on the integrity and existence of “our noble Institute by a gang of impostors and fraudsters”.
She narrated how these individuals came into the organization, and started using the name of the organization to defraud people.
“These individuals—led by a disgraced former Registrar, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, and supported by his cohorts, Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, Hajara Yusuf, and Chief Emmanuel Olabode Afolayan—have waged a coordinated campaign of impersonation, fraudulent operations, and blatant disregard for the rule of law, all in an attempt to hijack the CIPMN for personal enrichment.
“In 2019, as part of my mission to build an institution grounded in professionalism and global standards, I invited Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe from the United Kingdom to serve as the pioneer Registrar of the CIPMN. I believed that his background and exposure would elevate the Institute’s operations. Unfortunately, my goodwill was repaid with betrayal. Not long after his appointment, Mbadiwe began misusing his office, working behind the scenes with others to subvert the very foundation of the Institute for personal gain.
“What began as suspicion quickly escalated into outright treachery. These individuals began running parallel operations, organizing unauthorized trainings, issuing fake certificates, misleading the public, and using CIPMN’s name to carry out massive fraud.
Okorokwo said as far back as 2020, the organization has taken legal action against these fraudsters;
“We pursued lawful means to rectify the situation. On December 15, 2020, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered judgment in SUIT NO: CV/125/19, which pronounced the dismissal of Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe as Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. This decision was reinforced by a formal letter from the Governing Council dated 18th June 2021 (Ref No: CIPMN/TOA.HIM.06.21).”
CIPMN boss calls on members of the Public and stakeholders to be alert; not to fall victim of these fraudsters, as she is determine to ensure justice.
“This is a clarion call to all members of the public, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies: Do not be misled. Do not fall victim to fraudsters parading themselves as leaders of our Institute. The only recognized and legitimate leadership of CIPMN is what you see before you today—rooted in law, validated by the courts, and powered by purpose.
To the impostors—your time is up. The law will take its course, and history will remember your betrayal.”
Read Full Text of the Speech:
PRESS CONFERENCE SPEECH BY DR. MRS. VICTORIA OKORONKWO- FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL AND PRESIDENT, CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PROJECT MANAGERS OF NIGERIA (CIPMN)
Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, distinguished colleagues, stakeholders, and members of the public,
I stand before you today with a heavy heart but an unshakeable resolve. I am Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo, the Founder, Chairman of the Governing Council, and President of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN). I am compelled to address you all on the grave and urgent matter concerning the sustained attack on the integrity and existence of our noble Institute by a gang of impostors and fraudsters.
These individuals—led by a disgraced former Registrar, Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe, and supported by his cohorts, Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, Hajara Yusuf, and Chief Emmanuel Olabode Afolayan—have waged a coordinated campaign of impersonation, fraudulent operations, and blatant disregard for the rule of law, all in an attempt to hijack the CIPMN for personal enrichment.
Origins of the Betrayal
In 2019, as part of my mission to build an institution grounded in professionalism and global standards, I invited Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe from the United Kingdom to serve as the pioneer Registrar of the CIPMN. I believed that his background and exposure would elevate the Institute’s operations. Unfortunately, my goodwill was repaid with betrayal. Not long after his appointment, Mbadiwe began misusing his office, working behind the scenes with others to subvert the very foundation of the Institute for personal gain.
What began as suspicion quickly escalated into outright treachery. These individuals began running parallel operations, organizing unauthorized trainings, issuing fake certificates, misleading the public, and using CIPMN’s name to carry out massive fraud.
Legal Action and Court Verdict
In response, we pursued lawful means to rectify the situation. On December 15, 2020, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory delivered judgment in SUIT NO: CV/125/19, which pronounced the dismissal of Mr. Henry Ifeanyi Mbadiwe as Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria. This decision was reinforced by a formal letter from the Governing Council dated 18th June 2021 (Ref No: CIPMN/TOA.HIM.06.21).
Yet, in complete defiance of the judgment and the governing authority of the CIPMN, Mr. Mbadiwe continued to parade himself illegally as Registrar. He has since proceeded to issue fake project management certificates, conduct unauthorized inductions, and mislead unsuspecting Nigerians under the false guise of legitimacy.
Complicity of Co-Conspirators
His fraudulent acts were further enabled by three other individuals—Jamilu Isa Yankwashi, Hajara Yusuf, and Chief Emmanuel Olabode Afolayan. Chief Afolayan, who was duly sacked as Vice Chairman in a letter referenced CIPMN/TOA.OEA.0621, has continued to lend legitimacy to this illegal syndicate.
Mr. Yankwashi’s actions have been particularly alarming. As a sitting Vice President whose tenure ended on 15th June 2023, he orchestrated an illegal maneuver to declare himself President on 13th June 2023. Without due process or council approval, he proceeded to register a parallel organization—the Institute of Project, Program and Project Portfolio Management—at the Corporate Affairs Commission. This was a shameless attempt to clone CIPMN’s identity and mislead the public.
Attempted Hijack of CIPMN’s Digital Infrastructure
In a further show of their desperation, Mr. Mbadiwe and his associate Bashir Adewale attempted to hijack the CIPMN’s website by intimidating our web designer and hosting service. They even went so far as to issue a fake notification letter referenced CIPMN/ADM/GXC/036/VOL.1/029 with the heading “NOTIFICATION LETTER ON IMPERSONATION OF GOVERNMENT REGULATORY BODY BY CLIENT,” falsely accusing CIPMN of impersonating a federal agency.
Let it be known today that CIPMN is a chartered professional body duly established by the Act of the National Assembly—CIPMN Establishment Act No 3 of 2018 (Gazetted No. 15 Vol. 105). We are not, and have never claimed to be, a regulatory agency of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI). The use of the domain name cipmn.gov.ng by this group is not only illegal but a calculated attempt to deceive.
Fraudulent Financial Requests
Perhaps the most damning evidence of their corruption lies in the financial fraud they have committed. On June 22, 2022, Dr. Mojishola Mimi Abu, claiming to be a “Sole Administrator” of CIPMN, made a fraudulent request of N1.8 billion in the Institute’s name (Ref: CIPMN/SA/02/7). Just two months later, another N150 million was requested on 18th August 2022 with Ref No. T/FAL/23689/S.30811/11. These shameless attempts to siphon public funds through a non-existent administrative office represent a direct theft of our national resources.
Defiance of Court Orders
Despite several interventions and an existing INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION (NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/253/2022) barring their actions, this group continues to carry out illegal activities with impunity. On January 8, 2024, Mr. Mbadiwe even published a list of purported project managers in a national newspaper, The Punch, in a brazen defiance of court orders and professional standards.
We immediately countered this illegality with a formal rebuttal through our Public Relations Officer, published via nchmarknews.com and in The Guardian Newspaper on March 1, 2024.
Embezzlement and Unfulfilled Projects
The audacity of Mbadiwe’s greed is further evident in the N11,263,800 he received from CIPMN for the development of the DUCAP Framework and Portal. Till date, he has neither completed the project nor refunded the money. This is outright embezzlement and theft of Institute funds.
A Call to Justice and Restoration
Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come to end this illegality and bring these perpetrators to justice. Their actions are not just criminal—they are a direct assault on professionalism, accountability, and national development. They undermine the credibility of a body tasked with raising project management standards in Nigeria.
CIPMN is not a political platform. It is a professional institute built on the values of integrity, transparency, and excellence. The actions of these impostors have not only damaged our image but have endangered the trust of thousands of Nigerians who believe in what we stand for.
Our Commitment Going Forward
As Founder and President of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria, I am resolute in my commitment to sanitizing the Institute. We will exhaust every legal, institutional, and procedural avenue to recover our name, our mandate, and our integrity. We are working with law enforcement, regulatory authorities, and the judiciary to ensure that justice is served.
The CIPMN Establishment Act No 3 of 2018 remains our legal and operational foundation. Any attempt to repeal or undermine it through fraudulent Project Management Bills—such as the illegitimate H.B. 1476—will be met with fierce legal resistance and public opposition.
We are actively updating our digital platforms, reconnecting with our legitimate members, and resuming authentic certification, training, and professional development programs. Let me assure you: CIPMN will emerge stronger, cleaner, and better.
Final Words and Appeal
This is a clarion call to all members of the public, stakeholders, and relevant government agencies: Do not be misled. Do not fall victim to fraudsters parading themselves as leaders of our Institute. The only recognized and legitimate leadership of CIPMN is what you see before you today—rooted in law, validated by the courts, and powered by purpose.
To the impostors—your time is up. The law will take its course, and history will remember your betrayal.
To the press, thank you for your patience, your objectivity, and your platform.
To our members and the general public, thank you for your continued support.
Together, we will rebuild and reclaim the true identity of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Dr. Mrs. Victoria Okoronkwo
President, Chairman of the Governing Council
Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN)