Sanwo-Olu hails Otedola’s N1bn security donation.

Sanwo-Olu hails Otedola’s N1bn security donation.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, received a donation of N1bn from renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur, Mr Femi Otedola, to support the state’s security architecture through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

The governor received the donation in the company of the Chairman, LSSTF, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Abdurrazak Balogun, and other state officials and LSSTF Board of Directors, at the Lagos House, Marina, according to a statement on Wednesday.

Otedola, the Chairman of Geregu Power Plc and son of the Third Republic Governor of Lagos State, the late Sir Michael Otedola, was represented at the event by his daughter, Olawunmi Otedola.

While commending the business mogul for the donation, Sanwo-Olu said the N1bn donation, which was the largest individual donation into the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, would go a long way in creating a more peaceful atmosphere and conducive business environment for economic benefits for investors and residents.

He said, “On behalf of the Fund, the board chairman, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr Abdurrazak Balogun, and other board members, we express our deep appreciation to Mr Femi Otedola. I want other Nigerians to emulate him and even exceed his donation. The N1bn he has donated is not the limit. There are no limits, let others come and do more.

“We call other well-meaning Lagosians and large corporate businesses to support the Lagos State Security Trust Fund. The Fund is open to other donors, and it is a call and challenge which Mr Otedola has set the pace for us to continue to do the right thing. We, as a government, have also committed to supporting the Fund with 300 vehicles in the first quarter of this year and we are working to realise that,” the governor added.

Speaking on behalf of her father, Olawunmi commended Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for their hard work in keeping Lagos State safe and advised the Fund to continue in its culture of transparency and judicious use of resources.

Kano to build N3.9bn milk collection centres.

Kano to build N3.9bn milk collection centres.

The Kano State Agro-pastoral Development Project says it will spend about N3.9bn on the construction of 60 milk collection centres across the state.

The Project Communication Specialist in charge of the project, Ameen Yassar, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Yassar said the project was being funded by the Islamic Development Bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds, adding that the initiative was aimed at enhancing the provision of quality and safe milk, by putting in place a cold chain.

He said the contracts, in four lots, were awarded to four indigenous companies with a completion period of 12 months.

He explained that each milk collection centre would have a borehole equipped with a solar-powered pump and a 20,000-litre overhead tank, an input store managed by a community appointee and up to 10 fodder banks in its environs.

In addition, every centre would have a 250-litre tank cooled by solar power and a milk testing bench with appropriate reagents/equipment as well as milk collection cans.

According to the Project Coordinator, Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project, Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad, “the investment is unprecedented in Nigeria and will bridge the gap between pastoralists and the dairy industry.”

“One of the major problems of the dairy industry is supply inadequacy and poor quality of the milk.

“This MCC project, therefore, aims to ensure provision of quality and safe milk by putting in place a cold chain. This will guarantee regular sales and income for the pastoralists,” he stated.

 Ibrahim charged the companies awarded the contracts to execute durable projects within the agreed time frame, to justify the confidence reposed in them.

President Tinubu Announces New Leadership for Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Board.

President Tinubu Announces New Leadership for Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Board.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a decisive move towards bolstering the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for the appointment of a new board, comprising nine distinguished individuals with a commitment to service and national development.

Heading the newly appointed board is Colonel Aloche Adole, who assumes the role of Chairman, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to guide the commission. Dr. Stephen Adegbite has been appointed as the Secretary, tasked with ensuring effective coordination and communication within the commission.

The regional representation on the board is strategically curated to reflect the diversity of the nation. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Clement Alobu Nweke, and Chief Prince Weli Wosu have been appointed as members representing the South West, South East, and South South respectively. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise that is poised to contribute to the commission's success.

In the Northern region, the board includes Prof. Joseph Haruna Mamman representing the North West, Dr. Toma Hamidu Ragnjiya for the North East, and Dr. Simon Abu Samson Dolly for the North Central. The appointment of Bishop Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo as the representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) adds a crucial link between the commission and the Christian community.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), conveyed the President's charge to the newly appointed board members. The President emphasized that the appointments are an opportunity for the individuals to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to serving the nation through their roles in the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.

As the nation awaits the confirmation of these appointments, expectations run high for a revitalized and effective NCPC under the leadership of this dynamic board. The diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience of the appointees reflect a commitment to ensuring that the commission fulfills its mandate and serves as a beacon for Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria. 

Tinubu Unveils New Leadership for National Hajj Commission Board and Management Team.

Tinubu Unveils New Leadership for National Hajj Commission Board and Management Team.

By Olamide Akinwumi J. 

In a strategic move aimed at ensuring a seamless and efficient 2024 Hajj operation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially announced the appointment of a new board and management team for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM). These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, showcasing the President's commitment to a thorough and transparent selection process.

Leading the Board is Jalal Arabi, appointed as Chairman and already in office, emphasizing the urgency and importance attached to the forthcoming Hajj operations. The President has carefully selected individuals for key positions, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles.

The Commissioners appointed include Aliu Abdulrazaq, responsible for Policy, Personnel, & Finance; Prince Anofi Elegushi, overseeing Operations; and Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, focusing on Planning & Research. This diverse team is expected to contribute to the overall efficiency and strategic planning of the National Hajj Commission.

Additionally, the President has ensured regional representation with individuals appointed to represent various zones in the country. Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, Abba Jato Kala, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman, Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, Aishat Obi Ahmed, and Zainab Musa have been appointed to represent the North Central, North East, North West, South West, South East, and South South respectively.

Notably, Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio will represent Jama'atul Nasril Islam, while Professor Adedimeji Mahfouz Adebola will represent the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, ensuring that key Islamic organizations are integral to the decision-making process.

The President, through Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), has called on the appointees to dedicate themselves to the crucial task of enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the National Hajj Commission to meet the needs of Nigerians.

As these appointments await confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, the nation anticipates a National Hajj Commission poised for effective leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to facilitating a smooth and successful 2024 Hajj operation.

EFCC releases suspended minister Betta Edu on bail.

 EFCC releases suspended minister Betta Edu on bail.

EFCC had on Monday summoned the humanitarian affairs minister, Betta Edu, to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday for questioning over the controversial approval she gave for payment of about N585 million into a private account.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, on bail, after hours of grilling her in respect of the approval she gave for the payment of about N585 million of the ministry’s funds into the private account of a civil servant.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday suspended Mrs Edu from office and ordered EFCC to investigate the approval and other related scandalous revelations, following a public outrage expressed on the issue.

EFCC had immediately summoned her to appear at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

She honoured the invitation on Tuesday morning and was held in custody till night when she was granted bail.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed to our reporter on Wednesday that Mrs Edu was released on bail on Tuesday. Mr Oyewale, however, refrained from commenting on the terms and conditions.

“She was given a bail yesterday’s night. I want to tell you that the investigation still continues,” Mr Oyewale asked.

When pressed to comment on the bail conditions and some details of the outcome of the questioning sessions that took place on Tuesday, Mr Oyewale said, “I cannot speak further on the details.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the EFCC began questioning Mrs Edu Tuesday morning.

Citing a highly reliable source at the anti-graft agency, NAN reported that the suspended minister was at the commission’s headquarters on Tuesday morning.

“An official invitation by the commission was sent to her on Monday and she honoured the invitation on Tuesday.

“She is being interrogated by the commission and she is expected to give proper insight into the issue at hand,’’ the source said.

The source told NAN that Mrs Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, the pioneer minister of the ministry then christened as the Ministry of Social Development, Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, returned to the commission for questioning on Tuesday after she was released on bail on Monday.

Mrs Umar-Farouk is being investigated over a staggering N37.1 billion allegedly laundered by officials of the ministry during her tenure as minister.

The source also told NAN that Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, was still undergoing investigation at the EFCC.

Ms Shehu was responsible for overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari to give succour to vulnerable groups and individuals.

N585m scandal: Perm sec takes over at humanitarian affairs ministry.

N585m scandal: Perm sec takes over at humanitarian affairs ministry.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Olumuyiwa Enitan, has taken over the management of the ministry as directed by President Bola Tinubu after the suspension of Betta Edu as minister.

Edu was suspended by the President on Monday following widespread anger over the approval given by the former humanitarian affairs minister for the payment of N585m into a private account.

The President had directed the minister to hand over to the permanent secretary, who got the letter to take over the affairs of the ministry on Monday night.

The letter was handed over to Enitan by an official from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, according to workers at the humanitarian ministry on Wednesday.

“The permanent secretary has taken over the affairs of the ministry based on the directive of Mr President. He officially got the letter to assume duty on Monday night,” a senior official at the humanitarian ministry, who pleaded not to be named due to a lack of authorisation, stated.

The official added, “He (permanent secretary) needed to get the letter of authorisation from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before assuming duties, despite the announcement in the media.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had stated in a statement on Monday that Tinubu directed the suspended minister to “hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.”

The suspended minister was also directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

The panel, headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, was also charged with conducting a comprehensive diagnostic of the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes.

I feel betrayed by Obaseki – Shaibu.

I feel betrayed by Obaseki – Shaibu.

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has expressed his sense of betrayal by his principal, Godwin Obaseki, for not backing his candidature in the upcoming 2024 governorship election.

Shaibu, who claimed that he was persuaded to be the deputy governor to Obaseki, said he added value to his principal’s government in terms of political structure and his finances.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant said he was hurt that Obaseki was supporting an outsider instead of him.

However, he didn’t name who the outsider is.

“Actually, I was persuaded and there was no protest. I actually didn’t want to be a deputy governor. I was very comfortable in the House of Representatives. It took almost one month to get me to accept to be the deputy governor of Edo State.

“I accepted to add value to the ticket of Obaseki because Obaseki was not known and he was not one of the politicians. They needed a young, vibrant politician that has won election before and that can add political value to the ticket,” he said.

Speaking on his perceived betrayal, he said, “I feel betrayed by the governor. I feel very betrayed. When we go to church, there are certain biblical verses that are becoming to make meaning to me. There is this particular verse that has been going through my mind: ‘The heart of man is desperately wicked.’ When I see what the governor is doing, the verse now makes meaning to me.

“I added value in terms of my political structure, my finances. All the vehicles that were used to campaign in 2016 are mine.

“I lost about 20% of my political capital in Edo North to support Godwin Obaseki, and in supporting him even as deputy governor.

“I supported the second term bid of the governor with my finances. Including how we got the ticket of the PDP, I contributed financially, both in naira and in dollars. If I say betrayal, it’s an understatement. I feel very hurt and betrayed.”

Shaibu is from Edo North Senatorial District, the same district as the ex-governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole.

The deputy governor has been having a running battle with his principal over his political ambitions.

Shaibu had earlier asked an Abuja High Court to stop Obaseki and members of the state House of Assembly from impeaching him at the peak of the dispute.

He later withdrew the case.

Tension heightened between the two when Shaibu was relocated to another office situated outside the Government House.

Shaibu was the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students between 2000 and 2001.

In 2015, he was declared the winner of the House of Representatives election held in the Etsako Federal Constituency.

Shaibu made a formal announcement expressing his desire to compete for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in the party primaries in November 2023.

“As your deputy governor in the last seven years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our amiable governor, Godwin Obaseki, to lay a solid foundation for the progress in Edo State,” he stated during his announcement.

It was reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission announced that the Edo governorship election will be held on September 21, 2024.