Ibadan explosion: Oyo state will come out stronger, says Makinde.

Ibadan explosion: Oyo state will come out stronger, says Makinde.

Governor Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, January 24, declared that the state and the people affected in the January 16, 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, will come out stronger, saying that the government has been working out a long-term solution to the challenges posed by the incident.

He added that the government has been battling with the fallout of the incident, including providing medical attention to casualties, giving temporary accommodation to victims and dealing with the security aspect of the incident.

According to the governor, there has also been the humanitarian side of things, especially with regards to children affected by the incident, who are supposed to be in school.

Governor Makinde stated this when he received members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde said: “Yes, we have been battling with the fallout from the incident; we have been trying to give the affected people temporary accommodation so that they can continue their lives.

“Also, we have the people who got injured and need medical attention and the humanitarian side of it where some children are supposed to be in school now. So, it is still very early days and we have to look at a long term solution. We are also dealing with the security aspect of the incident.

“So, you need to keep encouraging us and supporting us where possible as well as keep praying for us.”

The governor appreciated the PDP BoT for its visit to the state, which he described as encouraging, noting that it indicated that the body was looking out for his government.

He added that the visit of the body, which included Nigerians from different parts of the country, was also an indication of the fact that the country is one.

The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to pledge his support for the unity of the party, saying he would continue to play a positive role towards ensuring that the PDP becomes united and formidable.

Governor Makinde, who also charged the BoT members to, as the conscience of the party, put in the work towards steering the party in the right direction, added that he has been reaching out to colleague-governors to ensure that the party becomes more united.

He said: “Regarding our party, I am proud of the role the BoT is playing. I received the letter and have responded to the letter. I did not mince words in terms of what we should be doing as a party. Unity is important and we have to unite.

“Yes, it is normal to disagree within ourselves because what is facing me may be backing somebody else. But it is important that we seek alignment to reduce those areas of disagreement or friction, and you are already leading the charge, and I want to thank you for that.

“I also feel few people within our party are still thinking in terms of the enormity of the challenges and errors. I want to encourage such individuals not to feel bad because we faced more than that in 2017 and 2018 in Oyo State. And today, we have PDP at the local level 100 per cent. At the state level, we have over 96 per cent because we have some opposition.

“So, we don’t have to be discouraged. Yes, we have a lot of hard work to do in terms of appealing to ourselves and reaching out for unity within the party at the national level. And I want to say that I am here to play a positive role for us to be able to achieve this desired unity. I am fully committed to the great party.”

Earlier in his remarks, the chairman of the PDP BoT and former Senate President, Senator Wabara, commended the governor for his prompt response to the unfortunate incident and for showing his prowess as an engineer by directing that a structural integrity test be conducted on about 230 buildings in the affected area.

The body expressed its condolences to the governor and the government of the state as well as families, who lost loved ones to the incident, as it observed a minute of silence for the departed souls.

It noted that the nation must avoid a recurrence of such incidents by embarking on a thorough investigation.

The PDP BoT equally commended Governor Makinde for delivering on his electoral mandate to the people of the state through laudable infrastructural projects.

PSC appoints Galadanci DIG, promotes 1,897 senior police officers.

PSC appoints Galadanci DIG, promotes 1,897 senior police officers.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Wednesday, January 24, approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Dasuki Galadanci AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi as a Deputy Inspector General of Police to representing the North West Geopolitical zone of the country.

He will replace DIG Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje who is expected to retire 2nd of February this year.

PSC also approved the promotion of 1,897 senior Police Officers to their next substantive ranks.

The Commission elevated 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police.

However, one of the Commissioners for promotion to AIG stepped down to enable the Commission to review the Pending Disciplinary Matters against the Officer which was sent to the Commission by the Nigeria Police Force.

The new AIGs are: Yetunde O. Longe, CP Eastern Ports, Portharcourt; Haruna Gabriel Garba, CP Federal Capital Territory; Tajudeen Akinwale Abass, CP Delta State; Rex Dundun, CP General Investigation, FCID Annex Kaduna; Durosinmi Olatoye, CP Akwa Ibom State; Afolabi Babatola Adeniyi, CP Adamawa State; Abiodun Oladimeji Asabi, CP Ondo State; CP Julius Alawari Okoro; CP Plateau state; George Chijioke Chuku, CP Benue State; Paul Alifa Omata, CP K9 Force Headquarters; Yusuf Adesina Akeem, CP Research and Development, Force Headquarters; Bzigu Yakabu kwazhi Dali, CP Osun State; Idris Nagoyo, Police Mounted troop Squadron and Cp Ogundare Dare Emmanuel, Cp Ekiti state.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani: “The Commission also promoted 21 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive rank of Commissioners; 20 Assistant Commissioners to Deputy Commissioners, 109 Chief Superintendents to Assistant Commissioners and 184 Superintendents to Chief Superintendents.

“It also considered and approved the promotion of 1549 Assistant Superintendents to Deputy Superintendents.

“The Commission Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, retired Inspector General of Police who presided over the Management Meeting of the Commission has accordingly given anticipatory approval for the appointment of one DIG and promotion of 1897 senior Police Officers recommended to the Commission by the Inspector General of Police.

“The 14 Commissioners of Police and 21 Deputy Commissioners appeared before the Management of the Commission for an interactive promotion interview, a condition precedent for their elevation to the next ranks.

“Arase at the interactive session charged the Officers to quickly settle down to their new ranks and go forth and win the war against banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes in the country.

“He said the nation is facing an avoidable unprecedented wave of criminal assaults on all fronts and said the Commission is uncomfortable with the trend of events.

“The PSC Chairman enjoined the Officers to settle down and crime map their various areas of responsibility by being conversant with trends and patterns of crimes in their domain and should be able to engage in predictive policing to mitigate the current criminal disorders by criminal gangs now marauding across the length and breadth of the country.

As senior Officers, he said they must be held responsible for any relapse in the security apparatus of the nation, adding that they must see their new ranks as a call to greater dedication to the service of their fatherland.

“These promotions should further ignite the indomitable fighting spirit of the Officers and Men”, he admonished the newly promoted Officers.

He said: “The Deputy Commissioners promoted to the next rank of substantive Commissioners are; Olanrewaju Peter Ogunlowo, Assistant Chief of Mission in Somalia; Mohammed Dahiru, DCP State CID Adamawa; Sunday Olukayode, DCP Operations, Plateau State; Peter Ukachi Opara, DCP Admin, Imo State; Illiyasu Yahaya Kwarbai, DCP investagion Zonal Command Bauchi; Bello Mohammed Sani, DCP Projects Monitoring, IGP Secretariat; Mohammed Umar Abba, DCP State CID, Delta Command; Dankombo Faling Morris, DCP Ops Adamawa Command; Bello Shehu, National Defence College; Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba; DCP Zonal CID Kano; Ahmed Musa, DCP State CID, FCT Cmd, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, former Force Public Relations Officer and currently DCP General Investigation Unit, FCID Annex, Gombe; Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, DCP Ops Cross Rivers State Command; Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina, DCP Benue State Command and David Iloyanomon, DCP Administration. Anambra Command.

“Others are; Haruna Olufemi, DCP Force Intelligence Bureau; Rose Chollom Dung, DCP Administration, Bauchi Command; Obono Nnaghe Itam, DCP Operations Zone 6 Calabar; Adedamola Waheed Ayilara, DCP FCID Panti Lagos; Abel Jangnap Miri Zwalchir, DCP ICT Administration Force Headquarters and Ifeanyi Uka DCP/ second in Command Works, Force Headquarters Abuja.

“The 20 Assistant Commissioners of Police promoted to Deputy Commissioners, include; Gerald Ngoziabata, Nigerian Army Resource Centre; Okenla Oluseyi ACP DFA, Cooperatives, Lagos; Olubunmi Fakeye, ACP Police College Ikeja; Ayodeji Adelogagunduro, Area Commander Ayetoro, Ogun State; Samuel Dalti Dang of Armament section, Force Headquarters;

“Some of the CSPs promoted to Assistant Commissioners are; Casmir Ihiezu, Lagos Command; Charity Belema Megbope, Ogun Command; Gamaliel Alex, Rivers State Command; Sani Ahmed, DPO Awada Anambra stste; Cecilia Aniedy Udo, DPO Mini Okoro, Portharcourt; CSP Dalapo Badmos, CSP Administration Provost Marshal Force Headquarters; Adamu Ahmadu, Commander C41 Intelligence Unit, Rivers State Command; CSP Collins Eruogu, former Commanding Officer 33PMF and presently Commander AKS/RRS Anambra State Command; CSP Isreal Effiong Ukpong 2/ic 19PMF Portharcourt; CSP Linus Uche Nwaiwu, Police Training school, Nekede, Imo state; CSP Onoh Charles, CSP Administration ICT, Force Headquarters; CSP Abubakar Abdulkarim, DPO Kubwa FCT; CSP Taiwo Oladipupo Akingbehin, Commander EOD, Force Headquarters Annex Ikeja; CSP Moses Odu Osor, Zone 7 Abuja; CSP Garba Bala, DPO Dawakin, FCT; CSP Benjamin Igometi and CSP Chinna Joe-Iruobe of the Veterinary section, Force Headquarters.

“Some of the 184 Officers promoted to CSP from the rank of SPs are; Victor Olowola; Ibrahim Abdullahi; Hassiani Audu; Stephen Bob Samuel; Mohammed Alhaji; Onukafor Kingsley Nkuma, CSP to the Governor of Anambra State; Fabian Iloabanafor, Commander CP Monitoring and Surveillance team, Ebonyi state Command; Luka Paul Sambo, DPO New Benin, Benin City, Edo State and Agboni Jacob Christopher, 54 PMF, Onitsha”.

The statement said the approval has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

American Corners reinforce vibrant U.S.-Nigeria relationship – Blinken.

American Corners reinforce vibrant U.S.-Nigeria relationship – Blinken.

U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says American Corners reinforce the incredibly vibrant relationship between Nigeria and the U.S.

He said that Nigeria had more spaces than any other African country.

Blinken said these on Wednesday, in Lagos, at the grand opening of the American Corner in Lekki, a partnership between the U.S. Consulate General and 21st Century Technologies Limited, an ecosystem technology group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Blinken was on a visit to Nigeria as part of his tour of four African nations including Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, and Angola.

NAN also reports that the new American Corner in Lekki is the 26th in Nigeria and one of the most innovative and tech enabled American Spaces in Africa, supporting youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

American spaces are cultural and information centers around the world that provide free and open access for members of local communities to learn more about the U.S. and access a wide range of resources.

Blinken said he was aware that many Nigerians wanted to acquire new skills and spend time in the U.S. studying, working or engaging in other activities.

According to him, this can be done through many ways, and American spaces are a big part.

“What it means is even more opportunity for Nigerians of any age to learn about the United States, to participate in professional development trainings and to get advice on studying in the U.S..

“Now, it’s particularly exciting because we are sharing this space with one of the continent’s most innovative incubators, 21st Century Technologies,” he said.

According to him, it takes a village of government and private sector entrepreneurs to build the infrastructure to promote and support growth.

He underscored the need to fully empower more women, noting that if women from around the world participated equally, $28 trillion would be added to the global economy.

Blinken also said no one place, nor people, had a monopoly on good ideas or innovation.

According to him, especially in this century, the true wealth or strength of a nation will be in its ability to allow its human resources to flourish.

“Military matters, geography matters, sizing population matters, the abundance of natural resources matters, but human resources matter most of all, and countries are succeeding in relation to the resources, no matter whether they have an abundance of power or those other things.

“One of the things I found very powerful is, when you put young minds and technology together, they can find solutions and solve problems in ways that some of us who may be a little bit older cannot do.”

Blinken said it was clear everyday that there were tremendous challenges and bumps in the road giving energy to move forward.

He said these challenges were also opportunities to unleash imagination, innovation and partnership.

it is no longer a secret that the future is with Africa and the world would ignore Africa at its own peril.

“We look forward to ambition continuing to grow alongside with innovation . And as it does, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”

Wale Ajisebutu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 21st Century Technologies said the American corner ticked many boxes for his digital industry.

“We set out to work with people and partner and what we’re doing today will help us achieve our objectives and help Nigerians better.

“The new American corner will provide a platform for digital and cultural exchange and will empower Nigerians.”

According to him, poverty is a lack of access to technology and if any group of people can be given access to technology, they will be lifted out of poverty.

“This center will serve as an innovative springboard for everyone in this area and ensure that we become what we are meant to be,” Ajisebutu said.

(NAN)

Judicial workers boo sacked Commissioner out of office.

Judicial workers boo sacked Commissioner out of office.

Ondo judicial workers on Wednesday booed and mocked former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir Charles Titiloye.

Titiloye was said to be in his office when news filtered in that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had dissolved the cabinet.

It was gathered the judicial workers gathered around the premises to watch him leave when they learnt of the Governor’s action.

Titiloye delayed leaving the office as hundreds of angry workers outside waited for him to step out.

The workers poured invectives on him over his alleged highhandedness while in office.

But policemen whisked Titiloye away in another vehicle after the tires of his car were deflated by the angry workers.

One of the workers, who simply gave her name as Evelyn, said: “Titiloye Charles frustrated everyone working in the ministry. We don’t know when the late Akeredolu picked him up and left him in the office all this time.

“There was a time that we judicial workers wanted to go on strike because of his attitude towards us but we were appealed upon, and we shelved it.

“Honestly, he has not been a good person. What you should be concerned about is why he was the one who was booed. There are three other commissioners in the complex but Titiloye was booed. So that says a lot about his days in office.”

Titiloye could not be reached for comments as of the time of filing this report. 

Kwara assembly passes N292.7bn 2024 budget.

Kwara assembly passes N292.7bn 2024 budget. 

The Kwara State House of Assembly on Wednesday approved a budget of N292.7 billion for the state’s expenditures in 2024.

The passed budget was N3.7 billion, representing 1.25% less than the N296.4 billion estimate presented to the Assembly by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in December 2023.

The budget estimate was passed by the Assembly after considering the Report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the Proposed Year 2024 Budget of the Kwara State Government presented by its Chairman, Hon. Arinola Fatimoh Lawal (Ilorin East Constituency).

In the approved appropriation bill, the total capital expenditure was increased to N180.21billion instead of N178.905billion earlier proposed by the governor while the recurrent expenditure was reduced to N113.836billion against the N116.43billion in the budget proposal.

After the consideration of the report of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation at the Committee of Supply, the Clerk to the House was directed to read the bill the third time and thereafter passed through Third Reading and Final Passage.

In his submission, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, expressed hope that the budget for economic expansion and collective prosperity would go a long way in positively impacting the lives of the people of the state.

The Speaker applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for ensuring the January to December cycle as adopted by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to engender accelerated implementation.

The Speaker thereafter directed the Clerk to the House, Alhaji Olayiwola Ahmed to produce a clean copy of the Bill for the Governor’s assent.

Aiyedatiwa appoints ex-NASS clerk Adelami, as Deputy Gov.

Aiyedatiwa appoints ex-NASS clerk Adelami, as Deputy Gov.

The Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has picked a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Olaide Adelami, as the deputy governor of the state.

This came a few hours after the governor sacked all the commissioners and special advisers on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, the name of the new deputy governor has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for approval.

“His nomination will be announced by the House of Assembly later today,” the statement read.

Adelami retired as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly l in April 2018. He hails hails from Owo, Owo Local Government Area, the same LGA of late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Adelami was an APC governorship aspirant in 2020 but stepped down for the late Akeredolu

He said, “As an experienced and trained technocrat, it wasn’t part of my plans to join politics initially. I was expecting an appointment but I was assigned to coordinate Ondo State for the Presidential Support Committee of the All Progressives Congress. The scope of the work involved the resolution of the crisis within the members.

“That was my first exposure to field politics and this afforded me the opportunity to feel the needs of the people across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State. After the Presidential election, I saw the need to help the people of the state as the administrator of the resources of the state. I know that I would be more impactful than what we are seeing now in the state. I have that capacity. I believe in myself that I can manage the people, the money and the materials of the state better than what it is now.”

It was earlier reported that Aiyedatiwa dissolved the State Executive Council.

The governor also relieved all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants of their duties.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Wednesday, the governor said the development would take immediate effect.

The statement read, “All members of the cabinet are to immediately hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior administrative officers in their respective offices.

“All the affected officials are directed to hand over all government properties in their possession.

“The governor thanks the affected officials for their services and contributions to the development of the state.”

Aiyedatiwa was on December 27, 2023, sworn in as the substantive governor of the state following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Akeredolu, aged 67, passed away while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.

Nigerian youths ready to compete globally – Tinubu.

Nigerian youths ready to compete globally – Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigerian youths are vibrant, talented, eager to learn and ready to compete globally.

Therefore, his administration will strongly support public-private partnerships aimed at creating dignified work and employment opportunities for them.

“God has blessed Nigeria with a vibrant youth population, ready to learn, and capable of competing in the global economy of the 21st century. Leadership is what is necessary,” Tinubu told the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard Foundation, Ms. Reeta Roy, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled ‘President Tinubu to Mastercard Foundation: Nigerian youths are talented, ready to learn and can compete globally.’

Tinubu commended Mastercard Foundation’s initiative which plans to create 10 million jobs for young people in Nigeria, noting that the programme aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda for economic development and job creation.

”We believe in what you are doing. We are determined to run an inclusive government and change the dynamics and perception of this country.

“Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and, as such, must take its leadership of this continent very seriously. We must give hope and assurance to our teeming youth population.

”The incubation is growing, and we are earning a good reputation, and we will continue to do that across sectors of the economy in order to achieve sustainable growth,” the President said.

He also welcomed Mastercard Foundation’s emphasis on digitisation, recognising the role of technology as a potent and indispensable tool against corruption.

Tinubu declared, “We are ready to work with you and remove all impediments, and we have assembled a great team to work with you.

“The hope of the youth must be built on a solid foundation of sustainable growth and prosperity. We are working with other partners, and we assure you of our robust and focused collaboration.”

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate noted the wide-reaching impact of the Mastercard Foundation across Africa and its proven capacity to change the fortunes of human capital development in Nigeria.

“This is an institution that holds assets worth more than $40bn and they are prudent in ensuring that their resources are applied digitally and in a way that reaches their target beneficiaries directly.

“Mr. President’s strong commitment to reforming social intervention and health service delivery in Nigeria will be greatly boosted through this partnership,” the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare stated.

Mastercard Foundation CEO, Roy informed the President that the Foundation’s focus on education and financial inclusion in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, will impact 30 million young Africans by 2030.

She reported progress on the Foundation’s 10 million target for Nigeria, stating that 2.1 million young people trained under the ‘Young Africa Work Strategy’ are already engaged in dignified work.

More so, Roy said no fewer than seven million people have undergone programmes classified as work enablers, including skill acquisition, education, access to financial tools, networks, or linkages into opportunities.

“We are still on a journey and have more work to do. We are excited about looking at a whole new frontier, and that is in the healthcare sector.

“While we may not historically be a health organisation or health foundation, we are looking at that sector as part of a vibrant economic landscape ripe with opportunities for young people and our focus will be on workforce development,” she said.

She thanked the President for placing young people and healthcare at the heart of his economic growth agenda across multiple sectors.

“appreciate your contributions to the health sector.

“I know there are many things that require your time, but I am really grateful and very much encouraged to see that healthcare and education are also critical parts of the way forward.

“We hope that you find in us a partner that is steadfast, open, and ready to learn,” she said.

Established in 2006, Mastercard Foundation is an international non-governmental organisation established by the payment-technology giant, Mastercard.

The Toronto-based organisation, which has supported work in 49 countries, shifted its focus to Africa, through its Young Africa Works strategy in 2018.

Ms Roy has served as its CEO since 2008.