Oyebanji Swears-in New Council Chairmen, Urges Focus on Security, IGR.

Oyebanji Swears-in New Council Chairmen, Urges Focus on Security, IGR.                           .....Warns against corruption, profligacy.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, sworn-in the 38 new Local Government Chairmen and their Vice, urging them to place high premium on radical improvement on the security of lives and property as well as revenue generation in their respective council areas. 

Oyebanji also gave a matching order to the council chairmen to rev up the pedal of development by building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, adding that his administration would not tolerate any form of security lapses at the third tier of government under their watch.

The Governor stated these in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, during the inauguration ceremony for the new council chairmen held at Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House, Ado Ekiti. 

The new council chairmen were elected during the December 2, 2023 local government election in the state. 

Addressing the new council bosses, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the Local Government as an integral part of overall development focus and strategy of his government that requires adequate attention to tackle the menace of poverty, joblessness and insecurity.

The Governor praised the immediate past Chairmen and those that were reelected for demonstrating enough political and administrative acumen to deliver, in spite of the multifarious challenges associated with being pioneers.

Stoutly expressing zero tolerance for corruption and pilfering of council funds, the Governor urged them to discharge their duties with utmost "honesty, impartiality , even-handness , compassion and fairness", adding that they must work assiduously for the actualisation of the shared prosperity mantra of his government. 

The State's Chief Executive revealed that he decided to put machinery in motion for the conduct of election at the local government level to further corroborate how desirous he was for the councils to be run in a democratic manner.

He saluted the former Chairmen for their outstanding performances and for being shrewd and dexterous in playing local politics that was chiefly associated with the running of local government system, saying this reflected in their acceptability and connectivity with the people.

On his commitment to stamp out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of Ekiti, the Governor charged the chairmen to prioritise security at all times, adding “you must be deliberate about this.”

"Your security plans and strategies should be communicated to me through the office of Special Adviser on Security , as soon as you take over. I will not tolerate security lapses in your domains, therefore, ensure all critical stakeholders are carried along and are involved".

Oyebanji advised the new council bosses against relying solely on the funds accruing to them from the federation and state accounts to run the affairs of the councils, to avert administrative failure and inability to fulfil their electioneering promises. 

"You need money to run a successful administration. It is not enough to rely on federal and state allocations, you have to improve your internally generated revenue and ensure it forms a sizeable source of your funding revenue. 

"One of your major performance metric will be how much IGR you generate and how much it contributes to your project financing. Government will be looking at the possibility of giving conditional, mileage-incentive to councils with significant IGR improvement".

On his resolve to bolster the potentials of youth and artisans, Oyebanji, said his government is sensitive to local content in project execution, directing the council chairmen to patronise local contractors, while not ruling out the possibility of direct labour in execution of projects in exceptional cases. 

Oyebanji added: "Let me reiterate my call on the local government leadership that this administration is very sensitive to to local content in project execution. While the need for direct labour may be inevitable, in certain circumstances, it shouldn't be the norm but exception. 

"Our shared prosperity mantra is to the effect that all socioeconomic opportunities must go round. Let local contractors with proven track records of performances and delivery benefit in job execution at the grassroots level".

Oyebanji appealed to the council chairmen to manage their local politics in most effective fashion to mitigate political crises or hostilities that can tinker with peace being savoured by the citizens from rearing their ugly heads. 

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, pledged that they would work hard to surpass the expectations of the governor in their performances.

Ogungbemi added that the new council bosses will complement the governor's deft move to rescue Ekiti from poverty, by replicating his policies at the local government level.

In attendance at the event were the wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Member House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Bamisile; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the state executive council and the state House of Assembly. Others include traditional rulers, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among others.

No plan to increase fuel pump price, NNPCL assures Nigerians.

No plan to increase fuel pump price, NNPCL assures Nigerians.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on Wednesday, declared that there was no plan to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement that Nigerians should disregard rumours of a possible hike in petrol price.

The oil firm further urged motorists not to be involved in panic buying, as it stressed that the company had no plan to raise the cost of the product.

The statement read, “NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.

“NNPC Ltd urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.

“Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.”

Some Nigerians had expressed fear following the revelation by oil marketers that the cost of petrol should be around N1,200/litre if it was not being subsidised, considering the cost of the commodity in other climes.

But the NNPCL insisted that there was no more subsidy on the product, stressing that it was now recovering its full cost on the importation of PMS into Nigeria. NNPCL is the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria.

Las Vegas Judge Attacked By Defendant As He’s About To Be Sentenced To Prison For Battery.

Las Vegas Judge Attacked By Defendant As He’s About To Be Sentenced To Prison For Battery.

A convicted criminal attacked and assaulted a Las Vegas judge during a hearing after she refused to grant him bail.

Convicted offender Deobra Delone Redden attacked Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus on Wednesday as she was in the middle of giving a sentence.

The moment Redden sprang up from where he was standing and jumped into the judge’s bench to tackle her was captured in a video uploaded by Reuters on Thursday.

Witnesses told The Independent that a courtroom marshal was hospitalised with a dislocated shoulder and a gushing cut on his forehead after being hurt while attempting to remove the defendant.

The Las Vegas district court in a statement said, “We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant.

“The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.”

Judge Holthus also reportedly sustained injuries from the assault and her condition is currently under observation.

The Nevada attorney general’s office expressed their well wishes for Judge Holtus and the court marshal who were injured in the altercation, hoping for a swift recovery.

“Sending our sincerest well wishes to District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus and the marshal injured in her courtroom today. Your dedication to justice and the court are truly commendable,” the statement read.

After being taken into custody, Redden was charged with several new felonies, one of which is violence on a protected person, which includes the judge and court staff.

According to Daily Mail, Redden was being sentenced for aggravated battery with substantial bodily harm just before he launched his attack.

Redden, a resident of Las Vegas, underwent a mental evaluation and was deemed fit to stand trial.

In November, Redden pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted battery resulting in significant physical harm.

According to state records, Redden has a history of serving time in prison in Nevada for a conviction related to domestic battery, The Independent reports.

With the judge’s determination to ensure his imprisonment and the court marshal’s move to restrain him, Redden defiantly surged forward.

Redden had previously appeared before Judge Holthus on allegations of property destruction, according to documents, as reported by The US Sun.

Hon. Idowu Odebunmi (ID-ALUTA) Congratulates Newly Inaugurated LG/LCDA Chairmen in Ekiti State.

Hon. Idowu Odebunmi (ID-ALUTA) Congratulates Newly Inaugurated LG/LCDA Chairmen in Ekiti State.                                 ......Charges them to emulate BAO footprints.

Hon. Odebunmi Idowu Sunday, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, representing Oye Constituency II, Ekiti State House of Assembly, has extended his congratulations to the recently inaugurated Local Government (LG) and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairmen in Ekiti State.

Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, particularly Hon Sola Oniyelu of Ifeloju LCDA and Oye LG Chairperson, Hon Princess Bamisile Adesola Clara, Hon. Odebunmi Idowu Sunday commended their victory and acknowledged their worthiness for the offices as recognized by His Excellency Governor Oyebanji Abayomi.

He urged them to align with the Governor's six (6) Pillars in his administration, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the principles laid out by the state leadership.

Recognizing the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with leadership, Hon. Odebunmi Idowu Sunday advised the newly inaugurated leaders to serve with dexterity and the fear of God. He encouraged them to ensure the dividends of democracy reach every corner of Ekiti State, leaving a lasting positive impact.

The lawmaker expressed his hope that the leadership of the new officials would be guided by integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. He urged them to embrace challenges with resilience and innovation, making decisions that promote fairness, inclusivity, and progress.

In conclusion, Hon. Odebunmi Idowu Sunday once again congratulated the newly inaugurated officials, wishing them a tenure marked by remarkable achievements and a lasting impact on the state.

©️HON IDOWU ODEBUNMI MEDIA TEAM.

EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts.

EFCC freezes N30b NSIPA cash traced to private accounts.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tracked N30 billion of the N44 billion moved from the accounts of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The multiple accounts to which the funds were moved by some NSIPA officials have been frozen by the anti-graft agency as part of an ongoing probe.

It was learnt that the N44 billion was suspiciously moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to those serving as fronts.

Some of the officials of the agency have been undergoing investigation.

For hours yesterday, EFCC interrogators grilled the suspended National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the agency, Halima Shehu.

The anti-graft commission also arrested NSIPA’s immediate past Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Mr. Bwai Adamu Hamza.

Hamza retired from the agency in December.

Shehu and Hamza were subjected to interrogation yesterday by a special team.

Former Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, failed to honour the EFCC invitation to appear for interrogation.

She also did not send any message on why she did not turn up.

Officials designated to interrogate her waited in vain.

The EFCC invited Umar-Farouq over the alleged laundering of N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete. The former minister denied the allegations.

There were strong indications last night that having failed to turn up without explanation, the former minister might be declared wanted by the EFCC.

Investigations showed that the ongoing probe of NSIPA assumed a new dimension following the discovery that the total cash taken out of the agency’s vaults was N44 billion.

But, after tracking the movement of the cash, the EFCC recovered and froze the N30 billion it traced to multiple accounts.

As of Tuesday, the agency had intercepted and seized N17 billion.

Within 24 hours, the commission traced and froze an additional N13 billion in some accounts, raising the cash seized to N30 billion.

Detectives were still profiling many accounts last night to uncover the balance of N14 billion.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said the EFCC Executive Chairman. Mr. Ola Olukoyede was personally leading the probe.

The source said: “After hours of interrogation and profiling of many accounts, the EFCC was able to confirm that unauthorised N44 billion was suspiciously moved out of NSIPA’s account to some private and corporate accounts.

“So far, N30billion has been traced to some accounts and frozen.

“Our operatives are on the trail of the owners and alleged fronts or firms used to siphon the cash.

“Records showed that the N44 billion was hurriedly moved out of NSIPA’s account in one week.”

As of press time, the EFCC had arrested Hamza in connection with the action.

According to the investigation, Hamza, who retired on December 29, was picked up to clarify the movement of the cash under his watch.

Shehu and Hamza were said to have “worked closely” in the agency.

Another source said: “The National Coordinator and the ex-DFA were grilled by our investigating team for hours on Wednesday. Halima was taken into custody on Tuesday while Hamza was arrested yesterday.

“Based on the new focus of the EFCC chairman, Halima was, on compassionate ground, allowed to go home at about 11pm on Tuesday. She reported for another round of interaction yesterday.

“For Hamza, the EFCC arrested him following intelligence that he might travel out of the country for an engagement.”

The source added: “The two persons have made useful statements and we have recovered some records which enabled us to trace and freeze N30 billion. For a long time, the two officials have been working together.

“Immediately Hamza retired, Halima appointed him as a Special Adviser on Finance. He was expected to resume work on Tuesday.

“Our team is, however, working round the clock to uncover the accounts where the remaining N14 billion was hidden.”

On Umar-Farouq’s connection with the matter, her accuser, Okwete was in EFCC’s custody yesterday awaiting her arrival for a face-to-face interrogation.

“We will give her some grace and if she does not honour our invitation, the EFCC will have no choice but to declare the ex-minister wanted.”

Tinubu will give Nigeria world-class education, healthcare, says Gbajabiamila.

Tinubu will give Nigeria world-class education, healthcare, says Gbajabiamila.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Wednesday, January 3, assured that President Bola Tinubu would provide Nigerians with access to world-class education and quality healthcare before the end of his administration.

Gbajabiamila said the attainment of both objectives is part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would not only save the country but also make it “unbeatable in every sphere.”

The Chief of Staff spoke while inaugurating some of the legacy projects completed in his Surulere federal constituency during his tenure as Speaker.

He unveiled the projects alongside Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, among others.

The projects are the multistorey 484-bed Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence for postgraduate students at the University of Lagos, Akoka; the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Surulere Campus; Bode Thomas Police Station, Surulere; Reconstructed Randle Avenue, Surulere and the Femi Gbajabiamila Mini Stadium, Surulere.

They bring to nine the projects he inaugurated since Tuesday. The others are a state-of-the-art conference centre at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; an ultramodern, multi-floor 80-bed general hospital; the dualised Babs Animashaun Road and Census Bridge; and the Sam Shonibare Community Development Centre, all in Surulere.

At the NOUN, Gbajabiamila said: “Education and healthcare are the two things that can save a nation. If we can ensure access to quality healthcare for our people and ensure that everybody who desires a good education gets it, this nation will be unbeatable in every sphere.

“These two objectives, ensuring access to world-class education and quality healthcare for all our nation’s people, are at the heart of the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. And I want to reassure all of you here today that we will meet these objectives and exceed them in this administration.”

“This campus of open university will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields accredited by the National Universities Commission. This building contains lecture rooms, Laboratories, Moot Court, Seminar rooms, offices, and many other facilities.

“I have facilitated the construction of over 250 roads, renovated schools, built hospitals, facilitated Mini Stadia for community sports, provided free Wi-Fi in all public tertiary institutions in Lagos State, and empowered thousands of youth and community members.”

Tajudeen commended Gbajabiamila saying his legislative strides were unmatched.

“I don’t see any lawmaker in this generation who can do as much as Gbajabiamila. I don’t see one,” the Speaker said.

Making a case for constituency projects as a way to fast track development, Tajudeen added: “With greater transparency and accountability, constituency projects can be the most viable tools for developing forgotten sections of Nigeria.

“I intend to re-introduce a reviewed version of the Constituency Development Fund Bill to provide a legal framework for the management, disbursement, utilisation and accountability of funds designated for constituency projects.”

For Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sununu, the UNILAG and NOUN projects were another effort towards access to free quality education.

He also commended Nigerians’ support for to the government’s withdrawal of recognition for some foreign academic institutions.

Sununu said: “And I also want to use this opportunity to thank all the Nigerians for all the praises and songs that you have done in the last 48 hours when we released a circular stopping the accreditation of institutions from Benin and the Togo Republic as a result of the wonderful work undertaken by a journalist to expose what is currently happening.

“As a ministry, we are not happy and we are dealing with it decisively. We want to assure you that the Federal Ministry of Education is in full participation and compliance with the 8 points agenda of Mr. President especially priority on focus on education.

“And on this end, we are going to tighten all the loose nuts to ensure, ours is a certificate that we can be proud to have, that can be recognised internationally and we will be able to give you what you deserve to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country’s agenda.”

Femi Gbajabiamila's Project Legacy: House of Representatives Speaker Inaugurates Newly Built Police Station.

Femi Gbajabiamila's Project Legacy: House of Representatives Speaker Inaugurates Newly Built Police Station. 

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Abbas Tajudee, has Commissioned the Bode Thomas Police Station, Surulere, Lagos State , a project facilitated by the Chief of Staff to the President , Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

It was reported that the Bode Thomas Police Station, was formerly located on Bode Thomas Road, Surulere, where it was attacked during the Endsars protest.

The new station is now located at Census Area, Babs Animashaun Road, Surulere, Lagos State.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who received the Speaker at the station, commended Gbajabiamila for the project.

Fayoade said that the project was a commitment of the Chief of Staff to the protection of lives and properties in Surulere and it’s environs.

” It shows his commitment to the security of lives and properties of residents of Lagos State. It shows that he has the interest of people in Lagos at heart.

“We will judiciously make use of the station to provide better security in this area. The station will assist in securing Surulere and its environs better as it is more central now,” he said.

The police boss urged the people in Surulere to make judicious use of the station by reporting cases to the officers there, assuring that there will be prompt response.

Credit: (NAN)