Category: Featured

All respective Local Government Areas in Oyo State that have outstanding Audit Queries to be answered on Statutory Audit Report for the year 2021 and 2022 have been directed to submit their various responses within two weeks to the Office of Auditor General for Local Government in the State.

The directive came following a report presented by the Chairman of Public Accounts Committee, Hon.
Olorunpoto Rahaman, during the plenary on Tuesday.

In his report, Hon. Olorunpoto revealed that while considering the Audit Report of the thirty – three Local Government areas in the State, it was discovered that virtually all violated the Appropriation Law for the years under review by incurring Excess Expenditure against the approved Budgets and unbudgeted Expenditure.

He maintained that the reason for the Excess and unbudgeted Expenditure was as a result of Expenditure incurred centrally by the State Joint Local Government Account Allocation Committee, which at times facilitated by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters on Infrastructure projects at various Local Governments, Primary Health Care, Education support programmes for First Technical University Scholarship, LAUTECH and others.

” All aforementioned Expenditure appeared unaccounted for in the General Purpose financial statement of the respective Local Government which is one of the documents used by the office of Auditor – General for the Local Government to prepare the Audit financial statement of all the Local Governments”. He added

The PAC Chairman further stated that the Legislative Hearing which pave the way for engagement with the officials of Local Government Areas served as an avenue to realise that the signatures appeared in the Local Government approved Budgets or Supplementary Appropriation shows that most Local Government Officials did not carry along their Legislative Council.

“Most Local Government officials did not carry along the Legislative Councillors in the process of approving the Budget as required by Law and Model Financial Memoranda of the Local Government which is the Financial instrument and guideline of all the Local Governments”.

In his report, the Committee Chairman however declared that there was no loss of Local Government Funds or fraud and misappropriation of fund recorded according to the Statutory Audit Report that was carried out.

The House has however urged the Chairmen and Heads of Local Government Administration in the State to put in place an adequate internal control mechanism across LGAs in observing strict adherence to the provisions of Model Financial Memoranda of Local Government on maintenance of proper Local Government Transactions, Asset Register books, personnel emolument Register, Pensioner Register, Revenue Earning Books, Investment Register ,Revenue Collectors Chart and others.

Speaking to the newsmen shortly after the proceedings on the Constitutional roles of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Olorunpoto stressed that “As custodians of the public trust, it is imperative that we approach the review process with the utmost diligence, impartiality, and dedication it deserves. The findings outlined in the Auditor-General’s report provided us with invaluable insights into the stewardship of public funds, the efficiency of financial management practices, and the adherence to regulatory frameworks.

“Our role as the Public Accounts Committee is not merely to scrutinize the findings presented to us, but to delve deeper, to question, to analyze, and to ensure that the interests of the citizens we serve are safeguarded. We must identify areas of concern, deficiencies in accountability, and opportunities for improvement, and we must do so with a commitment to fairness and objectivity”.

“Our deliberations are not just a procedural formality; they are a fundamental aspect of our democratic governance, a demonstration of our commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. By engaging in rigorous scrutiny and constructive dialogue, we have the power to effect positive change, to strengthen the integrity of our institutions, and to instill public confidence in the management of public resources”. The lawmaker added.

A Chinese national, identified simply as Yespon, is currently on the run after allegedly using an electric shocker on one of his father’s employees, known as Kelvin Godwin, at a timber factory in Ijebu-Ode.

ODUDUWA NEWS learnt that the incident occurred at a timber forest on the Ijebu-Ode-Owa Express Road last Tuesday at about 5.30pm.

Our correspondent learnt that trouble started when Godwin, a factory worker, was suspected of stealing flour believed to belong to Yespon’s father, known as Yenchingin.

While an argument ensued between the two over the stolen flour, the absconding suspect was said to have drawn out the electric shocker and used it on Godwin, causing the victim to lose consciousness.

The victim, it was learnt, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment by other factory workers, including Yespon’s father.

A police source privy to the incident exclusively told Newsmen that the suspect fled the scene after allegedly committing the crime.

When contacted on Sunday, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and told our correspondent that the Obalende Divisional Police Headquarters had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect.

Odutola said, “There was an allegation that Godwin stole flour that belongs to the factory he works at. An investigation reveals the factory is owned by Yespon’s father. The suspect allegedly used an electric shocker on Godwin and fled the scene.

“Our men in the division have intensified efforts to arrest the suspect. However, the father, who is the owner of the factory, has been with the victim, who has been responding to treatment, in the hospital to offer him support. Meanwhile, the case will be transferred to the State CID for further investigation.”

An earlier incident reportedly occurred in Kano when another Chinese man, Frank Geng-Quangrong, allegedly stabbed his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, to death in Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso LGA of Kano, in September 2022.

The suspect was arrested and is currently standing trial for culpable homicide before a Kano High Court.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have directed their members nationwide to embark on a seven-day strike, starting from Monday, 18 March.

According to a memo released on Friday, the strike is in fulfilment of the earlier threat and ultimatum issued to the Nigerian government by the unions over the unpaid withheld salaries of their members.

The memo, which was issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of both SSANU and NASU, and signed by the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, and the General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, urged the branch leaders to ensure total compliance to the directive.

JAC blamed the Nigerian government for allowing the matter to degenerate, querying the justification for the payment of the withheld salaries of the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) but decided to leave out their members.

The memo reads in part: “Please note that the 7-day warning strike should be comprehensive and total as no concession should be given in any guise.

“Your strict compliance and adherence to this directive is mandatory for all NASU and SSANU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres.”

The coronation process of the Olubadan designate may commence after the observatory of a 21-day mourning period even as residents continue to throng his Alalubosa residence and his ancestral home at Itabaale Olugbode, Ibadan.

The Olubadan Advisory Council led by Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja had met behind closed doors before the burial of of Late Oba Lekan Balogun on Thursday.

However, our correspondent gathered that even though there is a traditional laid-down principle of electing a new monarch which will be subjected to the approval of Gov. Seyi Makinde, the Council has to meet and deliberate on the nominee.

A palace source said, “We are waiting for Governor Makinde to come back. He is the one to give directives through the Ministry of Local Government for the commencement of the process.

“The Advisory Council will start meeting after a 21-day traditional mourning period in honour of the late Kabiyesi.

Meanwhile, the traditional drummers and praise singers have continued to entertain residents at Alalubosa private residence and Ita Baale ancestral home of the Olubadan designate.

The security was relaxed at Alalubosa GRA unlike in the past.

Also, there is deployment of the police, men of the Directorate of the State Services, and National Defence Security Corps at both ends.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would build about 10,000 housing units before the end of his tenure.

The governor also disclosed that over 4,000 houses have so far been built across the state.

Prince Abiodun spoke on Friday when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Mr. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The governor noted that although the cost of building materials is on the high side, the government can not abandon its responsibility of providing shelter for the people.

Prince Abiodun said: “To date, we have built about 4,000 affordable houses within four years, and we are still building. By the time I’m done, we will probably build about 10,000 houses.

“We have built medium and upper income houses that have been completely sold out. They were fully four-bedroom detached with Boys Quarters, infrastructure, water, and internet facilities.”

He said his administration is currently working on another project called “Civil Servants Village” that would seat on a 50 hectares of land, provided with infrastructure and layout, saying it would offer an opportunity for members of the state workforce to buy land and build their houses.

Abiodun who noted the place of trust between between the government and the citizen in the area of housing delivery, said: “We noted that there were some estates that were built by my predecessors that were not habitable. We realized that because they did not consult where to match the needs of our people with the design of the estates, that led to the estates becoming homes for miscreants.

“After consultation, we began to build our first estate at the heart of Abeokuta and sold them between N5million-N6million. They were sold out before we even completed building them.”

He described housing as the largest employer of labour and fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that it is imperative for states to key in and support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts at providing affordable housing for Nigerians.

The governor assured that his administration would establish a system where Nigerians in diaspora would acquire property in the state online and track their development wherever they are.

The governor informed the FHA Chief Executive and his management team that his administration would share its experiences in housing delivery to guide them into making decisions that would be of benefits to Nigerians.

He also assured that land would be made available anywhere in the state for the construction of a federal housing project.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Oladimeji Ojo lauded the state government for its housing delivery schemes, saying he was in the state to intimate the governor of plans by the President Tinubu’s administration to provide affordable houses to Nigerians in the shortest possible time.

He said as the custodian of land in the country, the FHA would liaise with states to get land for the construction of different categories of houses ranging from one to two bedrooms to be sold to Nigerians at affordable prices.

Mr. Ojo also informed the governor that his agency is planning a studio apartment for the youths just as it would partner with state governments on housing digitalization for diaspora to buy property in any state of their choice.

The Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife has described the death of late OLUBADAN of Ibadanland, as a glorious exit not unexpected for a great leader who had lived his life enviably well for his people, calling the death a colossal loss to Ibadanland and the entire Oduduwa race worldwide.

Speaking through a Press Statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said Oba Balogun was not just a monarch but was a beacon of wisdom, unity, and progress who had worked meritoriously all his life to gain all achievements he had recorded for himself as business man, politician, public servant and finally as traditional ruler of the biggest city in West Africa.

“Throughout his reign, he tirelessly worked towards the betterment of his people, embodying the essence of leadership with grace and dignity, his wisdom, counsel, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his subjects earned him the respect and admiration of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“The Olubadan’s passing is not only a loss for his family and the people of Ibadan but also to the people of Oyo State and the entire Oduduwa family members globally. His contributions to the socio-economic and cultural development of the region are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ooni Ogunwusi who doubles as Co-Chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria(NCTRN) prayed for the soul of the late Ibadan monarch, commiserating with his subjects and family, urging for the sustainance of his legacy of peace making, unity, program and compassion praying for an eternal rest of his soul.

“On behalf of the House of Oduduwa and on behalf of the National Council Of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) of which His Majesty, late Oba Lekan Balogun was a leading member, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the late Olubadan, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Government, people of Oyo State, and the entire Ibadan community both at home and in the diaspora. We share in your grief during this difficult time and stand in solidarity with you as you mourn the loss of a true visionary leader. May the gentle soul of this great icon of Oodua royalty rest eternally on the right hand of the Almighty Olodumare.” Ooni prayed.

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will overcome any resistance from those who benefited from the former petrol subsidy regime as the government works to implement progressive policies for Nigerians.

Addressing the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House on Friday, Tinubu declared “As we are fighting corruption, smugglers, and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back. All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy removal, they will fight back. But we will defend our people.”

The president reiterated that the nation’s treasury belongs to the citizens and “that sacred trust must not be abused” by those seeking to preserve the discredited fuel subsidy regime which drained public finances.

He assured Nigerians that his administration is working tirelessly to improve their living conditions through progressive policies like student loans, a consumer credit system, social welfare for the unemployed and graduates.

Tinubu, however, noted that all Nigerians must obtain the National Identification Number (NIN) to facilitate proper planning and effective implementation of the social intervention programmes.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,’’ the president was quoted as saying by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures. I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.

“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them,” the President affirmed.

According to Tinubu, a major priority of his administration is repositioning and diversifying the economy, particularly through agriculture mechanization and ramping up fertilizer supply to farmers.

“We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity. Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said the party will soon establish a Progressive Institute for policy development to benefit members and Nigerians.