Shettima inaugurates panel on herder-farmer clash.

Shettima inaugurates panel on herder-farmer clash.

The Federal Government yesterday inaugurated a steering committee to implement its ‘Pulaku Initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of farmer–herder clashes in the country.

Under the initiative, the government will construct houses, roads, schools and provide essential facilities in seven pilot states— Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna.  

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who performed the ceremony in Abuja, explained that Pulaku represented one of the ways through which President Tinubu desires to fulfil his promise to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development Ahmed Dangiwa chairs the committee, which has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as some of the members.

Others include Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director- General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director-General of the National Emergency Agency(NEMA).

Shettima, in a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, said Pulaku should be seen as an emergency to tackle a challenge that has threatened the fabric of Nigeria.

The statement partly reads: “The aim is to create an environment where the prosperity of our people is not just a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality. This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens.  

“The initiative will address a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice, and unconditional compassion.

“This is not merely a response but a call to action. We are here because each of our programmes or policies will falter unless we get to the root of the dysfunctions we have inherited.” 

Explaining the idea of focusing on the seven states, the Vice President said, “The selection of these states is a deliberate and strategic approach. The aim is to generate ripple effects that will not only revitalise communities but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and cohesive Nigeria.”

Shettima explained that the Pulaku resettlement is “a national commitment to confront a threat that has fuelled distrust and conflicts within communities and across the boundaries of our federation.

“This non-kinetic solution is not designed to compensate any particular group or region. Therefore, we must cast aside any notion of divisive regionalism and see the Pulaku initiative for what it truly is—a practical response to a shared challenge,” he added.

Urging all stakeholders to embrace the initiative, he said, “Let our legacy be measured not in the structures we build but in the lives we uplift, the unity we restore, and the collective strength of a nation rising above its challenges.”

The inauguration of the committee was witnessed by Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna) Mohammed Bago (Niger), Nasir Idris (Kebbi ), Dikko Radah (Katsina) and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). 

Others were EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of NEMA Ahmed Habib; and Director-General of Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Mamman Ahmadu.

Lagos inaugurates task force to end street begging.

Lagos inaugurates task force to end street begging.

The Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development has established a Special Task Force to eradicate street begging in the state.

The Task Force comprises representatives from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Youth, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, Lagos State Task Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.

The spokesperson for the ministry, Adeola Olabisi, in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, stated that the inauguration took place at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, adding that the Commissioner of the Ministry of Youths and Social Development, Abolaji Ogunlende, was appointed as the Chairman.

Olabisi also noted that the commissioner, during the brief ceremony, said the Special Task Force was necessary due to the insufficient results from previous efforts, such as stakeholder meetings with Arewa community chiefs and sensitisation programmes.

The statement added that the commissioner emphasised the present administration’s commitment to enhancing the social safety net while addressing the issue of street begging.

“Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, emphasised the importance of taking decisive steps to combat street begging.

“Additionally, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu advised the Task Force to implement immediate, medium, and long-term measures to address the menace of street begging,” the statement partly read.

Olabisi added that resolutions from the inaugural meeting included embarking on extensive sensitisation and advocacy, issuing a seven-day ultimatum, conducting rescue operations, relocating apprehended beggars to either Agbowa or Igando Internally Displaced Persons camps, and strengthening penalties for street begging through legislative action by the State House of Assembly

We won’t allow criminals thrive in Ondo – Aiyedatiwa.

We won’t allow criminals thrive in Ondo – Aiyedatiwa.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed the commitment of his administration to further strengthen the security agencies in the state in a bid to tackle criminals effectively.

The governor also said his government would not spare the rod to rid the state of crimes and criminalities and would continue to empower security agencies with logistics regularly.

He stated this on Tuesday at the presentation of the instrument of appointment and staff of office to the Larogbo of Akotogbo, in Irele Local Government Area of the state, Oba Michael Akinfolarin, in Akotogbo community.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Olayide Adelami, the governor emphasised that adequate security is paramount to the development of any community, declaring that his administration would ensure criminals had no way in the state.

He said, “Permit me to inform this gathering that the security of the inhabitants of this state is a top priority of our administration, and we shall continue to make concerted efforts to rid our communities of miscreants and other criminals in our dear state.

“There is no denying the fact that the state government has committed enormous resources to strengthening the Amotekun Corps in terms of equipment and human resources.

 Adequate security will boost economy, says Gowon

“This is in addition to funding other security agencies in the state through regular logistical support. This government cannot tolerate a situation where our citizens cannot conduct their daily businesses in a safe environment.”

Aiyedatiwa called on all traditional rulers in the state to always exercise restraints and caution in the use of traditional authority and powers, stressing that the instrument of office should be employed to strengthen the bond of love and unity among their subjects.

He also noted that the unity of the people in every community was a great asset that must be explored for the socioeconomic development of their respective communities.

While congratulating the monarch and the people of Akotogbo, Aiyedatiwa urged all contestants of the stool to join hands with the new monarch for the accelerated development of the town.

Oba Akinfolarin who expressed appreciation to the governor pledged to administer his people with utmost fairness and fear of God.

The Akotogbo stool became vacant, following the demise of late Oba Jolade Turoti, who passed away on May 20, 2009.

Military Deployment Shows Oyebanji's Ability to Secure Ekiti- Ogungbemi.

Military Deployment Shows Oyebanji's Ability to Secure Ekiti- Ogungbemi.

....Seeks establishment of military base in Ekiti.

....Commends Tinubu's proposed armed forest guards.

Sequel to the swift deployment of military personnel to Ekiti State to restore security after seeming upsurge in the level of kidnappings and killings, the Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji's quality leadership.

Ogungbemi said the swift response of the governor leading to massive deployment of military personnel, further confirmed how serious and zealous Governor Oyebanji was to secure Ekiti and boost investments across as the tiers of government. 

The council boss, who regretted the recent cases of abductions and killings in Ekiti, hailed the All Progressives Congress -led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for mulling the establishment of Armed Forest Guards to smoke criminals out of Nigerian forests to buoy farming and safety of the citizens.

Ogungbemi, who said this in a statement in Ayedun Ekiti, headquarters of Ajoni LCDA, on Wednesday, saluted the federal government for displaying readiness to partner the governor to rid the state of incidences of kidnappings and senseless killings.

Hon (Amb) Prince Ogungbemi Michael, Executive Chairman Ajoni LCDA.

Commending Governor Oyebanji for exhibiting quality leadership to tame criminals in Ekiti, Ogungbemi added that the governor's network with relevant agencies of government like military, police and other security agencies have started bearing positive fruits that would reinforce safety of the citizens.

Like President Tinubu did to Plateau State, Ogungbemi sought the creation of a permanent military base in Ekiti, describing this as another pragmatic way to foster security and ward off criminals elements.

He said Ekiti people were elated with the military personnel deployment and their readiness to comb all criminal infested forests, particularly the sprawling bushes in border areas and government reserves where these goons were carrying out their nefarious activities.

The council boss pleaded with Ekiti communities to cooperate with military by giving veracious information about suspicious movements that would strengthen intelligence gatherings prowess and ingenuity to be able to discharge their duties more effectively and dexterously.

"The whole Ekiti has seen the quality leadership in Governor Oyebanji with massive military deployment after the gory and harrowing experiences of the killings of two prominent traditional rulers and abduction of school children.

"With this action taken by our governor in partnership with the federal government, Ekiti will be hot for these blood sucking criminals wherever they are.

"Those who committing these atrocious and bestial acts are not spirits, they live and even transact businesses in the localities, so our people must be vigilant. They must report every suspected movement to the military for prompt action. This is the best way to make them succeed in the task of restoring safety in our dear state".

On the federal government's proposed establishment of Forest Guards to restore safety in the forests, Ogungbemi, described the policy as apt and timely, saying its personnel will complement the military and local security networks.

" I commend President Tinubu for thinking outside the box to solve this problem. I am particularly happy because the Forest Guards will bear arms. This will give them enough bravery and strength to confront these vampires.

"But I want to suggest that those that will be employed into the Guard should be locals who understand the terrain and geography of the forest areas".

Ekiti Football Referee Council Condemns Cyber Attacks on Super Eagles Player Alex Iwobi.

Ekiti Football Referee Council Condemns Cyber Attacks on Super Eagles Player Alex Iwobi.

Alex Iwobi 

The Ekiti Football Referee Council has condemned the Cyber attacks directed at Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi over the team failure to win the African Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were dominated in the final game against the host nation, Cote D'Ivoire in the final game played on Sunday and eventually lost 2-1 to the hosts.

This has led to many Nigerians taking to social media to attack some players, including Alex Iwobi over their performance in the final.

While the act has drawn condemnation across board Ekiti State Football Referee Council in a statement made available to newsmen by its chairman, Mr Adesina Oguntuase laid credence to the condemnation of the act.

Ekiti State Football Referee Council Chairman, Mr Adesina Oguntuase.

The Referee boss in the statement said instead of being targeted by bullies, the players should be given a heroic welcome for doing the country proud at the games.

He also charged the Eagles not to be down with the latest outing but rather take lessons from them ahead of the world cup qualifiers

Ekiti Referee's Council Prioritizes Football Development in Courtesy Visit to D.G. Community Communications, Mary Osho.

Ekiti Referee's Council Prioritizes Football Development in Courtesy Visit to D.G. Community Communications, Mary Osho.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

The imperative need for stakeholders to collaborate and channel efforts towards leveraging sports, particularly football, as a developmental catalyst was underscored during a recent meeting. The Chairman and prominent members of the Ekiti State Referees Council embarked on a courtesy visit to the Director General of Youth Development, Honorable (Mrs.) Mary Osho, at her office in Lady Jibowu, Government House, Ado Ekiti, on Monday, February 12th, 2024.

Present at the meeting from the Referees Council were Chairman, Mr. Oguntuase Adesina; General Secretary, Mr. Adegoke Olusola; Mr. T. Familoyo; Elder O. Agboola; and Prince Kehinde Adetule. In acknowledging the Referees Council's pivotal role in football development within Ekiti State, the Director General expressed her pleasure in hosting and engaging with leaders of the Referees community.

She assured the Council of inclusion in her agency's stakeholder engagement initiatives and pledged to provide adequate support to enhance their activities. Honorable Omotosho emphasized the current administration's fervent commitment, under Governor Oyebanji, to sports as a potent instrument for both economic advancement and youth empowerment.

 Mr. Shina Oguntuase, Chairman Ekiti State Football Referee Council

In response, Mr. Oguntuase, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Football Referee Council, expressed gratitude to the DG and affirmed the Council's unwavering alignment with the State Government's sports development agenda.

The meeting served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and charting a course towards advancing football development in Ekiti State.

Access Holdings names Bolaji Agbede as acting CEO.

Access Holdings names Bolaji Agbede as acting CEO.

Access Holdings Plc on Monday announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This follows the death of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimboloa Ogunbanjo on Friday last week. 

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

 Access Holdings opens condolence register at head office

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.