Yobe State governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has approved the sum of N297 million for the 2025 Ramadan Iftar Feeding Programme, designed to provide meals for over 51,000 people daily throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

He said the initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Reorientation, commenced with the distribution of food items to 102 designated centers across the state.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the Commissioner, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Yusuf Hassan Yusuf, expressed government’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the programme across the State.

He urged the committee responsible for distribution to work closely with traditional and religious leaders in their respective areas to ensure proper distribution of the food items.

He also confirmed that funds have been allocated for the transportation of the items to the designated centers.

The Commissioner commended Governor Buni for his consistent support for the ministry and his dedication to improving the welfare of the people, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.

He said the gesture reinforces the governor’s commitment to fostering unity and providing for the needs of the less-privileged during th÷ holy period.

He also called on the people to continue giving their maximum support and cooperation to the state governor in the interest of the state.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved upgrading and converting the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, to a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

The conversion of the state Polytechnic came after the state government’s last administration reviewed the initial proposal to upgrade the institution to a University of Management Science and Technology.

Governor Aiyedatiwa announced the school’s conversion to the University of Agriculture and Agribusiness upon his assumption of office after the inauguration. He said the school would be the model for the state government’s agri-food security revolution initiative.

The Governor added that the government would set up a committee to work out the modalities for implementing the conversion while assuring that this would not negatively affect the current students and staff of the institution.

Also, the governor approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the state government and a private investor to inject N15 billion into a youth-oriented agriculture initiative.

The MoU was an agreement between the government and AgroMall Discovery and Extension Limited to establish and operate the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme.

The company will use 5 hectares of land in each of the state’s three clusters, with three higher institutions, including the newly upgraded RUGIPO, as host pilot beneficiaries.

The initiative will focus on practical farming for young people and practical training for agriculture and related operations students.

Aside from training of the students, each of the three institutions to be used as hosts also stands to benefit a percentage from the proceeds of the operations.

In a related development, Governor Aiyedatiwa has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with BBA Consult on developing and deploying secured ICT to enhance state resources planning and management and increase revenue generation.

This agreement, which aims to reform the internally generated revenue profile of the State, will be on a Build, Operate and Transfer basis.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has approved N123.3 billion for the 2025 Local Government Council budget.

The lawmakers approved the bill after the House Committee on Appropriations and Implementation chairman, Hon. Yunusa Shehu, presented a report on a bill to appropriate funds for local government councils in the state.

The local government chairmen had recently participated in a budget defence exercise, proposing a total budget of N115.9 billion.

However, the committee amended the budget after critical study and harmonisation.

Hon. Shehu, who also represents the Pambegua constituency, explained that the proposed budget was amended and increased by N7.42 billion, making the total budget N123.3 billion.

According to him, N67.9 billion was earmarked for recurrent provision, N46.1 billion for personnel cost, N21.8 for overhead cost and N55.4 for capital provision.

“We have budget defence, and we found out that LGAs needed adjustment for their budget size.

“After going through it, we sat down as a committee with a ministry representative to harmonise the budget and develop a figure that will apply to the 23 LGAs.

He explained that recurrent provision was 60 per cent while capital was 40 per cent.

The federal government has approved a new Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) rollout and energy labelling for air conditioners (ACs).

Air conditioners are among the highest energy-consuming appliances, accounting for over 40 per cent of household electricity usage.

The standard also helps ensure that more climate-friendly refrigerant gasses are used in the equipment, consistent with the Government’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The new standard was developed under the project “Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision”, implemented by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) United for Efficiency (U4E) team and funding from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC).

It is in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The MEPS will be implemented in phases, enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning refrigerant gasses used in the equipment.
“Nigeria’s new energy efficiency standard for air conditioners, set to save 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040, is a game-changer for Africa. By reducing energy consumption and emissions by 39 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next 15 years, Nigeria is not only lowering costs for consumers but also leading the way toward a more sustainable and greener economy for the continent,” said Dr Rose Mwebaza, Africa Director and Regional Representative, UNEP.

An upper limit on global warming potential, set to take effect in 2029, will also guide the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants.

Commenting on this development, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, described the newly approved MEPS as a game changer. “For ECN, many Nigerians pay excessive amounts for operating cooling systems.

„By setting an efficient standard for air conditioning, we are taking steps to make this vital equipment more affordable and accessible while caring for the environment.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the relocation of 29 correctional centres across the country as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the nation’s custodial facilities.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, confirmed this development during the commissioning of 39 newly acquired vehicles and five bullet-resistant guard booths for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abuja on Friday.

Tunji-Ojo highlighted that many of the existing correctional facilities, such as those in Suleja and Ikoyi, were established in the 19th century and are outdated.

“Suleja Correctional Centre was established in 1914, Ikoyi in 1956, and we even have facilities from the 19th century. We cannot continue to work with such outdated infrastructure.

“The President has graciously approved for us to start the process of relocating 29 correctional centres,” he stated.

The minister emphasised the urgent need for modernisation to improve conditions for both correctional officers and inmates, noting that the relocation is part of a larger plan to address the infrastructural challenges hindering the effectiveness of the correctional system.

He also reassured the public of the government’s commitment to reform, saying, “We have to solve these problems one by one, and I want to assure you that the process of relocating these correctional centres has already started.”

Tunji-Ojo further noted that this move is essential for creating a more effective and rehabilitative correctional system, as the current facilities no longer meet modern standards.

The minister also spoke about ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of correctional officers.

“We are making progress. We are not yet where we need to be, but we are certainly not where we were,” he stated, referencing significant
improvements in officer promotions and welfare.

He added that relocating the correctional centres would further enhance the government’s broader reform agenda, which includes better conditions for both inmates and officers.

The minister highlighted the significant improvements made under President Tinubu’s administration regarding the welfare of correctional officers.

He explained that in the past two years, more than “50,000 paramilitary officers have been promoted,” addressing long-standing issues in the promotion system.

He added that, for the first time in history, the promotion system within the service had undergone a complete overhaul, with officers now experiencing timely career progression.

Tunji-Ojo also spoke about the broader vision for the future of Nigeria’s paramilitary and correctional services. “We are building a system where the paramilitary will be at the centre of internal security in Nigeria. This is a function of capacity, and capacity is a function of knowledge acquisition,” he explained.

He emphasised the importance of professionalising correctional services, noting that recruitment practices should be rigorous and in line with international standards.

“We are encouraging our officers and ensuring that they are properly trained. But beyond that, we must ensure that the correctional system is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation and transformation,” the minister added.

In his address, the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed his enthusiasm for the new acquisitions, which include specialised vehicles for transporting inmates to and from courts.

The vehicles will be distributed to various commands based on operational needs and demand.

In addition to the escort vehicles, the NCoS also unveiled five bullet-resistant guard booths.

These booths, stationed at strategic locations, including the National Headquarters in Abuja and several high-security custodial centres in Kuje, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Lagos, are designed to secure facilities against external attacks.

Equipped with long-range surveillance capabilities, the booths offer resistance to high-level threats, including heavy weaponry and explosives.

“The acquisition of these vehicles directly responds to the evolving challenges faced by the NCoS, particularly in ensuring the timely production of inmates in courts. As clearly outlined in the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, one of our core functions is the ‘conveyance of remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations.’

“These new additions to our fleet will significantly bolster our capacity to meet this critical aspect of our mandate,” Nwakuche added.

Nwakuche also highlighted the significance of the new fleet in addressing the growing issue of Awaiting Trial Persons in custody. As of February 17, 2025, the NCoS reported a total inmate population of 80,066, with 66 per cent being pretrial detainees.

“With this strengthened fleet, we are poised to improve court attendance, thus playing our part in the swift administration of justice and contributing to the overall decongestion of our correctional facilities.

“This development aligns perfectly with the broader vision of the Federal Government to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced efficiency, professionalism, and compliance with international best practices,” he said.

The Acting Controller-General also extended his appreciation to NCoS officers for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to ensure the responsible use and regular maintenance of the new vehicles and guard booths.

“Let us continue to discharge our duties with dedication, integrity, and professionalism. Together, we can build a correctional system that reflects the values of justice, security, and humanity,” he concluded.

The Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N33.45 billion for various development projects across the state, focusing on infrastructure, education, health, and social welfare.

The approval was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a press briefing on the outcome of the Executive Council meeting.

A statement signed by the Director of Special Duties, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Sani Abba Yola, the funds will be allocated to critical sectors to enhance development in the state.

Yola revealed that N426.4 million was approved for settling nine-month allowances of 2,369 screened street sweepers under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Additionally, N109 million was earmarked for the procurement and distribution of UTME/JAMB forms, including screening, registration, and training of candidates under the Ministry of Education.

In the health sector, N284.1 million was allocated for the construction of a Model Primary Health Centre at Rimin Zakara in Ungoggo Local Government Area of the state.

Furthermore, N434.3 million was approved for the renovation of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Shekara, while the First Lady’s College, Magwan will undergo renovation at a cost of N893.1 million.

For government infrastructure, the Council reviewed contract rates for the construction of eight units of two-bedroom semi-detached houses, a gatehouse, and the renovation of the wall fence at Government House, Kano, with an approved sum of N90.7 million.

Another N6.6 billion was allocated for 2025 State Constituency Projects, while N256.7 million was set aside for the ongoing renovation of the Deputy Governor’s Office.

The government has also set aside N160 million to purchase property at Ja’en Quarters, Gwale LGA, for conversion into a public school.

Additionally, N5.22 billion was approved for the construction of 1,000 two-bedroom prototype houses, to be distributed free of charge to flood victims.

Road construction and rehabilitation received substantial allocations, with N9.76 billion earmarked for the construction of seven rural roads and backlog rehabilitation intervention (Phase II) under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

The Council also approved N5.28 billion for the rehabilitation and asphaltic overlay of Sharada Road (Dan Agundi Interchange – Panshekara Underpass) and N3.42 billion for similar work on Murtala Mohammed Way (Club Road Roundabout – Bompai Road – Audu Bako Way – State Road Junction).

In order toa strengthen security, the Council approved N378 million for the procurement of nine Toyota Hilux vehicles for use by agencies and Local Government Project Monitoring Committaees across the three senatoriaal districts.

Additionally, 2,000 members of the Kano State Vigilante Group will undergo training, while 6,000 members will receive uniforms.

The Council further split the Ministry of Works and Housing into two separate ministries—the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Housing Development—to enhance efficiency in infrastructure and housing development.

According to the statement, the government has approved the buy-back of 324 houses in Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo Mega Cities from Pension Funds Trustees.

These houses will be resold to interested buyers, allowing the government to recoup funds.

Additionally, food items will be procured for Ramadan feeding programmes and palliatives, to be distributed to key stakeholders, MDAs, CSOs, and NGOs.

The Council also approved the engagement of Messrs. Skipper T&D DAMC as consultants for the completion and operation of the Challawa 2x3MW and Tiga 10MW Hydro Power Plants, pending the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Comrade Waiya also announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has signed three bills into law, passed by the Kano State House of Assembly.

These include the Kano State Metropolitan Transport Agency Bill, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Bill, and the Security-Watch Neighbourhood Law.

The Executive Council also reviewed the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the #EndBadGovernance Protest of August 2024, which investigated cases of breach of peace, destruction of public and private property, and loss of lives.
Additionally, he presented awards to the top three winners of the 9th Edition of the 44 Young Kano State Scientists Competition, organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

The Commissioner reassured residents that the Kano State government remains committed to infrastructure development, economic growth, and social welfare.

He added that the Executive Council will continue implementing policies and programmes that will improve the lives of citizens.

The Senate on Wednesday approved the request by President Bola Tinubu to officially terminate the appointments of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in charge of Sokoto, Abia and Adamawa States.

The affected officials RECs include Dr. Nura Ali, Sokoto State; Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, Adamawa State; and Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu, Abia State.

 

The decision followed the Senate’s consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during Wednesday’s plenary session.

 

President Tinubu, in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, requested the upper chamber’s approval to invoke Section 157 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to terminate the appointments of the three suspended RECs.

 

Senator Bamidele, while leading the debate, highlighted various allegations against the affected officials:

 

“Dr. Nura Ali was indicted by security agencies for allegedly compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections through corruption and incompetence. Reports from the Department of State Services (DSS) revealed that he confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians.

 

“Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari for unlawfully declaring the Adamawa governorship election results, usurping the role of the Returning Officer.

 

“Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was suspended for mishandling election logistics, abandoning the governorship and state assembly elections, and failing to reschedule supplementary elections.”

 

The Senate cited Section 157 (1) of the Constitution, which states that: “…a person holding any of the offices to which this section applies may only be removed from that office by the President, acting on an address supported by a two-thirds majority of the Senate, for inability to discharge the functions of the office or for misconduct.”

 

The request was unanimously supported when the motion was put to a voice vote by the Senate President.

 

The Senate has now forwarded its resolution to President Tinubu, who will take final action on the termination of office of the affected RECs.

The Federal Government has approved a total of ₦159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing road networks, transportation, and estate access across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The approval, granted through the FCT Administration, was part of the federal government’s push to boost development and improve connectivity in both urban and satellite areas.

Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

She explained that among the key projects was the construction of a bus terminal at Mabushi, located within Cadastral Zone Plot B06, Phase II of the federal capital city.

The contract, worth ₦30.97 billion, was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited and is expected to be completed within 18 months.

She also said a significant portion of the budget will go toward the construction of Arterial Road N1 connecting Wuye District and Ring Road II within the nation’s capital city.

The project, valued at ₦62.5 billion, has been awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 20 months.

The minister said the Federal Government also approved the construction of the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, a critical route aimed at boosting connectivity between key satellite towns.

The project was awarded to Gilmo Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦7.5 billion.

Further enhancing road infrastructure, she said the council approved the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, a 15-kilometer stretch linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei and connecting with the Outer Northern Expressway Junction.

The contract, valued at ₦26.87 billion, was awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, with an 18-month completion timeframe.

She said the final project under the approval was the construction of an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project within Karsana West District, Abuja. Also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, this project is valued at ₦31.66 billion and is expected to be completed within 18 months.

She emphasised that the projects are expected to enhance mobility, boost socio-economic activities, and provide improved access to residential and commercial developments within the FCT.

The contracts were set to be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and compliance with quality standards.

The Police Service Commission has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.

The directive follows controversy over the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun after he clocked 60 years.

The Police and the Attorney General of the Federation have, however, said his continued stay in office is lawful.

A statement on Friday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that the commission reviewed its earlier stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which allowed force entrants to use their date of enlistment instead of their initial appointment date.

However, Ani said the PSC has now reversed this decision, citing its inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon reaching 35 years in service or the age of 60.

Ani said, “The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.

“The commission at its 24th plenary meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the force entrants should have their date of appointment in the force against the date of their enlistment.

“The commission has passionately revisited their decision and has concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and it violates of
Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.”

Ani added that the directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.

“The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, retd, presided over the extraordinary meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance.

“The commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation, ” the statement added.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has appointed Felicia Obozuwa as executive director, Corporate Services and Service Management, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Felicia brings nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record of excellence to her new position. Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable assets to FCMB as it continues to drive strategic growth and innovation.

Felicia is a seasoned banking professional with deep consumer, corporate, and commercial banking expertise. In her current role, she oversees the Bank’s Operations, Service Management, Human Resources, Training, Administration, Property Development, and Project Management.

She holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.

We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our Board. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make her an ideal fit for this position.

First City Monument Bank is a member of FCMB Group Plc and it’s committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth in the communities it serves.