Category: Northern Report

The committee in-charge of recovery of stolen government property and funds by the former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration, which was set up by Governor Alex Otti, officially began inaugural sitting yesterday.

Our correspondent, who monitored the sitting led by Hon. Justice Florence Duroha-Igwe, reports that the panel started sitting by 9am at the Old Government House Annex in Umuahia.

The chairman of the panel insisted that the sitting would be held in the open.

Justice Duroha-Igwe, reminding members of the panel that their task was both investigatory and advisory, said they were mindful of their oath to discharge their duties faithfully and impartially.

Justice Duroha-Igwe, who said although the panel was quasi-judicial in nature, added that contrary to speculations that they were inaugurated to witch-hunt the past government, “our task is both investigatory and advisory. It is important to mention that this panel of inquiry, though quasi-judicial in nature, is not a court properly so called.

“Nobody is on trial; rather, we are here to find out what really happened to the funds and properties (moveable and immoveable) of Abia State between May 2015 and May 2023 and when we do, we shall lay it open and make credible recommendations to the governor.”

On the terms of reference of the panel, Justice Duroha-Igwe said their focus would be “to receive and examine complaints from individuals and corporate entities on the looting and/or conversion of government properties, funds and related matters from May 2015 to May 2023 and where necessary, make recommendations to the governor for remedial measures or any other measures as appropriate.

“Examine and ascertain whether government moveable and immoveable assets and funds or part of it have been illegally acquired/occupied/converted to private use from May 2015 to May 2023 and identify the persons responsible and further make recommendations for recovery and appropriate sanctions.

“Ascertain the extent of allocation and revocation of land in Abia State from May 2015 to May 2023 and determine the propriety of such allocation and revocation.

“Pursuant to our investigative role, we shall proffer advice to the governor. I want this to be clear in the minds of everybody.

“Review the award and execution of contracts from May 2015 to May 2023 and ascertain if they were in conformity with extant laws.

“To review employments, promotions, appointments, payment in respect of the employments, appointments and termination of the employments and appointments from May 2015 to May 2023 and to ascertain if they were in conformity with extant laws.

“To investigate any other matter incidental or related to the foregoing Terms of Reference and make recommendations to the government based on our findings.

“Members of this Panel of Inquiry shall exercise all the powers with regard to obtaining evidence and conduct of the proceedings as provided by Section 8 of the Commission of Inquiry Law Vol. I, Cap 69, Laws of Abia State of Nigeria, 2005. This includes the power to summon any person in Nigeria to attend any sitting of the panel to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in his possession and to examine him as a witness or require him to produce any document or other thing in his possession, subject to all just exceptions.”

In their separate remarks, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwannah, hailed the governor for constituting the committee and urged the panel to use the 90 days’ time frame given to them by the governor to conclude their task.

Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Umuahia branch, Jasper Ejimofor, called for extension of investigation beyond 2015, saying the sale and looting of government’s funds and property extended beyond 2015.

The panel adjourned sitting till August 22.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has flagged off the distribution of relief items to 11,101 last year’s flood victims and the most vulnerable in the FCT.

The distribution which is done under the Federal Government’s 2023 Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) project is expected to boost the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries.

The items distributed to the beneficiaries from the six area councils in the FCT are categorised into livelihood equipment, food items, non-food items and farm inputs.

The items include; sewing machine, grinding machine, mosquito nets, nylon mat, blanket, foam mattresses, cooking put, cooking stove, detergency, toilet soap, and water pump.

Others are; rice seedlings, herbicides, pesticides, growth enhancers, liquid fertilizers, 25kg rice, 10kg beans, 10kg sorghum, two litres of vegetable oil, salt, tomato paste and seasoning cubes.

Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, said the items distributed would enhance the economic capacity of the beneficiaries.

The DG who was represented by the Supervisor in charge of SNELEI in the FCT, Dahiru Yusuf, said: “The Federal Government approved the intervention specifically for people affected by the 2022 flood disasters and those classified as the most vulnerable persons across the country.

“Following the flood, search and rescue operations were successfully conducted in several locations where trapped persons were rescued and given necessary care. Immediately after the flood incident, damage and loss assessment were conducted and relief items approved by the Federal government were delivered across the states to complement initial intervention by the government.

“Based on the assessments which were jointly conducted by the NEMA and FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Government approved this Special intervention to assist vulnerable persons across the country and those affected by the flood to support their quick return to normalcy,” he said.

Ahmed noted that the intervention is expected to drive the sustainable socio-economic resilience of the targeted most vulnerable individuals.

On how the beneficiaries were selected, Ahmed said: “NEMA staff were deployed to conduct the verification of the target beneficiaries in collaboration with personnel from the State Ministries of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders.

“The beneficiaries were enumerated some months ago and a total of 11,101 households were verified and targeted to benefit from this special intervention in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, yesterday donated over N10 million to the victims of the collapsed Zaria Central Mosque

He announced the donation during a condolence visit to the families of the deceased and injured, the people of Zaria and the Emir of Zazzau, Amb Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli.

At the Emir’s Palace, Governor Sani who was accompanied by other senior government officials, assured that the State Government will collaborate with the Emirate Council to expedite the mosque’s renovation, enabling worshippers to resume their religious duties.

The governor announced the donation of N1 million to the families of each of the deceased; N500,000 to the injured and N200,000 to those discharged from hospital.

Sani said: “I was away on official duties, attending to critical issues affecting our state, when this unfortunate incident occurred. I spoke with His Highness and sent a delegation to express our condolences and for assessment. Today, I conveyed our condolences on behalf of the Kaduna State Government regarding the unfortunate incident that occurred at this iconic mosque.”

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who was also in attendance during the condolence visit, sympathised with the people of Kaduna state over the tragic incident.

The Sultan commended Governor Sani for his generosity and efforts towards renovating the mosque.

Sultan Abubakar urged the people to offer prayers for their leaders at all levels, trusting them to justify the confidence placed in them.

Emir of Zazzau, Amb Bamalli, informed the governor and the Sultan that the over a century-old mosque was constructed in 1835 during the reign of Emir Abdulkarim.

The Emir thanked the Kaduna State Government for the support and prayers, pledging that the funds would be given to the beneficiaries.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said the corps will strengthen efforts to curb and arrest manhole thieves operating within the territory.

Odumosu said this while addressing personnel of the FCT NSCDC Command after taking over from Commandant Peter Maigari, yesterday in Abuja.

The new Head of the Command said theft of manholes and other critical infrastructure in the FCT was of major concern to the corps.

FCT, he said, being the seat of power needs great attention especially in the protection of critical national assets, hence, manhole theft must be given more attention.

“Our mandate places us as the lead agency in charge of the protection of critical assets so if we still have incidences of manhole thefts then it means we are not living up to expectations.

“There are so many infrastructure thefts on-going in Abuja and this must stop so we are declaring war on these vandals and manhole thieves,” he said.

The commandant said the corps under his leadership would actively go after vandals in the territory through proper implementation of security measures.

“The vandals have refused to relent, we too must not relent until we put them where they belong,” he said.

Odumosu said he was dedicated to serving the corps and country at large, adding that his appointment was a call to duty.

“I will give my best in ensuring the mandate given by Commandant-General Ahmed Audi, is accomplished to the latter. It is a new dawn in FCT, the beginning of hard work as I have been directed to restructure this command,” he said.

He urged all personnel of the command to support his leadership, adding that, without the support of officers and men of the corps, his administration would not succeed

The Kano State government has spent about N53 million to procure free maternal and emergency drugs.

Also, N40 million maternity and paediatric medications have been purchased, while N13 million were spent on accident and emergency medications, the state government said.

The drugs will be distributed to 13 hospitals in the state, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Mansur Nagoda, said.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf explained how 10 general hospitals, specialist and three primary healthcare facilities have so far benefitted from the free drugs.

According to him, Nuhu Bamalli Hospital, Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital, Wudil General Hospital, and Gezawa General Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Sir Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital and Munjibir General Hospital are beneficiaries.

Others are Tudu-Wada General Hospital, Bichi General Hospital, Danbatta General Hospital, Gwagwarwa Primary Health Care, Jaen Primary Health Care and Dala M. C. H.

While distributing the drugs to health facilities, Nagoda said the board had set up a committee saddled with the responsibility to monitor the distribution and ensure maximum utilisation.

“A register would be put in place, to collate records of  activities in the facilities to achieve the desired objectives,” he said, adding “We have set a committee for free maternal, accident and emergency that will oversee the activities of distribution and utilisation of these items.

“In addition, we will set up a register that would record the nominal name of patients and their file numbers in the hospital.”

Meanwhile, the state government has warned residents to desist from dumping of refuse in water ways in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government.

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Alhaji  Nasiru Garo,  expressed disgust over the attitude of residents at Sabon Gari area on indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

He said such activities would lead to environmental pollution, citing the health hazards and its effects on climate change.

He expressed disgust over the attitude of residents at Sabon Gari area in particular.

Garo said such activities would lead to environmental pollution, citing the health hazards and its effects on climate change.

He tasked the residents to complement the government’s efforts by ensuring regular sanitation by clearing their drains and water ways to allow free flow of water during the rainy season.

The commissioner said: “The state government is passionate and committed to improve the living standard of its teeming populace regardless of tribes or religion to make their environment more habitable and conducive for living.”

• By, Rafiu Ajakaye

Kwara State House of Assembly on Monday read the list of cabinet nominees forwarded to it by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, followed by its approval of another request of the Governor to appoint 10 special advisers. 

The list is a powerful blend of young and middleagers, high-achieving entrepreneurs, academics, professionals, and grassroots politicians with fine records — all coming from a rainbow of communities and progressive interests aligned to the dream of the Governor. 

The 18-person list comprises nine males and females apiece, besting the state’s affirmative action law that prescribes a minimum of 35% representation for either of the genders in government positions. 

At least four members of the recently dissolved cabinet made their comebacks (thus far), offering the new entrants an ample room to learn the rope in public service and leadership from old and experienced hands. 

The new faces include 28-year-old Damilola Yusuf, a business strategist and investment expert, who holds a bachelor of science in International Business from Dundee University (Scotland) and an advanced diploma in Business from the London School of Business and Finance. 

A former board member of the Harmony Holdings Ltd, Damilola has worked with KPMG Lagos and LehmanBrown CPA Co in Hong Kong, among others. She is a nominee from Isin local government. 

Another star of the incoming cabinet is Mrs Toyosi Thomas, who was the immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Nongovernmental Affairs. 

The cerebral Mrs Thomas comes to the cabinet with at least 20 years of cognate experience in social development, business advisory and financial management. She holds a bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from black Ivy League Howard University, Washington D.C., USA, graduating magna cum laude honours (distinction). Also an indigene of Isin, Mrs. Thomas has master’s in Business Administration and holds a certificate in Financial Management from Johns Hopkins University, Carey Business School, United States. 

Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam, university teacher and public intellectual, is another name to watch out for. 

A nominee from Offa, el-Imam is a celebrated academic who teaches microbiology at the University of Ilorin, with over 50 publications to her credit in local and international journals. 

An alumnus of the Ahmadu Bello University from which she bagged her first two degrees, she also holds a PhD degree in Life Sciences from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. 

El-Imam is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the North Carolina State University, Raleigh, United States. In honour of her scholarship, she’s a recipient of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Academic Scholarship. 

El-Imam is renowned for her public speaking prowess and incisiveness, often making her the go-to person for book reviews. 

A native of Ilorin West, Hauwa Nuru is another nominee to behold. 

An alumnus of the Harvard Business School and Manchester Business School, she is a Fellow of the Certified National Accountant and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, member, Cost Management of Nigeria, and member of the Institute of Budget Management and Administration. 

Hauwa holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; MBA from ABU, Zaria; Masterclass Business Management & Leadership, London Graduate School. Hauwa is a doctor of Business Administration, which she received from Commonwealth University. 

Bola Olukoju, another female nominee who hails from Irepodun, is a well-recommended communications specialist with vast experience in public relations, broadcasting, and grassroots advocacy. 

Olukoju bagged her first degree in Land Survey from Ahmadu Bello University — after which she underwent tutoring in communications. 

Her clientele included several local and international brands. Olukoju is currently the director of communications for KwaraLEARN, a flagship education initiative of the AbdulRazaq administration which boosts education outcomes for children. 

She is a member of the International Press Institute, among others. 

A graduate of University of Ilorin, Afolashade Justina Opeyemi is tipped to represent Ekiti local government in the new cabinet. 

She is a serial entrepreneur, community leader, and a grassroots mobilizer who served as Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals. 

Mary Ronke Arinde, who holds a PhD. degree in educational management, is the nominee from Oke Ero. 

She comes well-recommended for her public service records, having served as Director Schools and Colleges at the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission from where she retired. 

Arinde is currently a council member at the Kwara State University Malete. 

One of the new entrants is Segun Ogunshola, a UK-trained expert in social construction and urban development. Ogunshola, a scion of the Ogunshola of Ifelodun and a holder of doctoral degree in Architecture and Urban Development from Nottingham Trent University UK, comes to the job with a combination of rich political, professional and academic pedigrees. 

Dr. Ogunshola worked as a lead training consultant and lecturer across the UK before joining the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as a Senior Project Manager overseeing Engineering and Technical Services. 

He holds a bachelor of technology from Federal University of Technology Minna and Master’s in Architecture from University of Lincoln, United Kingdom. He is a member of many professional bodies in Nigeria and abroad. 

Another is Abdulganiyu Abdulazeez, a nominee from Asa local government, who is an electrical and electronics engineer with 15 years of cognate experience as telecommunications specialist. 

A member of COREN and a Health, Safety and Environment professional, Abdulazeez holds a postgraduate diploma in electronics telecommunications from Ahmadu Bello University and Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronics from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. 

Shehu Ndanusa, immediate past Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Water Resources, is the nominee from Edu local government. 

He is a graduate of Kwara State Polytechnic. Ndanusa is a grassroots mobiliser and community development advocate with at least three decades of experience as a commercial farmer. 

Abubakar Abdullahi Bata, 48, is a former chairman of Kaiama local government area.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Ahmadu Bello University. He was a professional teacher who rose to become the chairman of the local chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Kaiama. He is respected for his community service. 

The cabinet is to also comprise many old heads on young shoulders as well as battle-tested generals who have been there before. 

Immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Senior Ibrahim Sulyman is on the list, proudly occupying one of the two slots for Ilorin West.

A law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he is a barrister and solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was until his stint at the Justice Ministry the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. He stands out for his many qualities as a disciplinarian with a knack for hard work and excellence. 

Next to him is Mrs Olaitan Buraimoh, who was the commissioner for special duties in the last cabinet. She hails from Oyun local government, and is armed with good education and years of experience as a bureaucrat in the Kwara State civil service. 

Abdulquawiy Abdulganiyu Olododo, from Ilorin East, is hardly a greenhorn. Trained at the Kwara State University and Metropolitan School of Business and Management, United Kingdom, Olododo qualifies to be called a government insider who has at various times been technical assistant to the Governor on agriculture and general manager of the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP).

Olododo is a top-flight agribusiness and social investment professional. 

28-year-old Usman Yinusa Lade is another youngster to look forward to in the new cabinet.

A graduate of Computer Science from Kwara State Polytechnic and tourism enthusiast, Lade is a vibrant youth leader, new media content creator, and IT entrepreneur. 

Lade, an eponymous name for his district in Patigi local government, is the convener of the Kwara Progressive Media Organisation, a new media and grassroots platform that mobilized for the success of the All Progressives Congress at the polls. 

Read Also:  Kwara unveils list of 18 commissioners-nominee

Leading the pack of the generals is the former commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs Sabi Kora Aliyu, who represents Baruten Local Government. 

Aliyu, a prince and former local government chairman, is an experienced politician with a good education to back his passion for community development. 

One other veteran in the mix is Hon. John Bello, the nominee from Moro local government area, who was the Deputy House Leader of the 9th Assembly in Kwara State. Experienced, calm, and affable, John Bello, a trained mathematician, is a grassroot politician and a bridge builder in his heterogeneous community. 

Another general of the new cabinet, a female, is Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, who is a veteran of the last dispensation. 

An educationist and community development advocate, Hajia Modibbo was at various times the Commissioner for Tertiary Education and then Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development where she earned her stripes with her hands-on approach to public service. She represents Ilorin South.

• Rafiu Ajakaye is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor