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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned newly inaugurated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) that the rank is only a privilege that can be withdrawn at any time if it is abused.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 57 new SANs and the opening of the new legal year 2025/-2026 on Monday, Justice Kekere-Ekun said their achievement signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession.

‘The conferment of this rank is a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon those who bear the title,’ he said.

‘It signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession. ‘You have all actively participated in the pre-swearing-in induction programme organized by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), where invaluable insights were shared with you.

‘I urge you to uphold and internalize those principles, so that you may carry this rank with the utmost dignity, grace, and sense of responsibility it demands.

‘Let me take a moment to reiterate a caution I delivered at last year’s ceremony. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused.

‘I commend the efforts of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee in sustaining the standards and integrity of the processes leading to the final selection of successful applicants.’

She said the judiciary remains steadfast in its constitutional role of dispensing justice fairly and impartially, adding that they will continue to work tirelessly to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), bemoaned the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of the judiciary due to low public confidence in the judiciary arising from perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice, and allegations of corruption.

He recalled the Supreme Court’s decisions that have strengthened the country’s judiciary, including the 15th November 2024 matter of Attorney-General, Kogi State V Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed the constitutionality of the establishment laws and prosecutorial powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit.

According to him, another major decision was the 22nd November 2024 judgment in the Attorney-General, Lagos State V Attorney-General of the Federation, which nullified the National Lottery Act, establishing that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional power to legislate on lotteries, which is a residual matter for the state houses of assembly.

A new scholarship initiative has been introduced in Kwara State to provide sustained educational support for orphans and vulnerable children.

The programme is designed to cover school fees, essential learning materials, and holiday classes, giving beneficiaries the resources to focus on their studies.

The scheme christened as the Mai Nasara Education Support Foundation, currently sponsors ten students on full scholarships from junior secondary school through university across a variety of professional courses.

In addition, 25 students from both public and private schools are receiving guidance under the initiative, which combines academic mentoring with moral support.

Nineteen of the beneficiaries are girls.

Speaking at a press conference during the unveiling in Il?rin, founder of the initiative and Dan Masani Gwanabe, Ahmad Muhammad, explained that the aim was to respond to the persistent challenges in the education sector and to provide opportunities for children who might otherwise be excluded due to financial constraints.

He said the move reflected a targeted effort to increase access to education for the girl child and address gaps in school attendance.

Muhammad said the programme was inspired by the progress made in Kwara State’s education sector in recent years and by the need to complement government efforts.

He emphasized that the foundation aims not only to support academic growth but also to nurture responsible and socially aware young adults who can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

According to him ‘The foundation has set a long-term target of N100 million to expand the reach of the scholarship programme.

He said this funding will enable the foundation to sustain support for existing students while increasing the number of beneficiaries and extending the programme to other underserved communities across the state.

He said the ultimate goal is to produce a generation of professionals and community leaders who have the skills, knowledge, and moral grounding to drive development in Kwara and beyond.

The initiative, he added, also includes measures to strengthen the students’ readiness for national examinations and professional challenges.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will tomorrow, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, address the nation in a broadcast by 7am

The nationwide broadcast is in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a terse statement said, ‘All television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are urged to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.’

A coalition of civil society organisations, faith leaders, and trade groups has condemned the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN); Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their recent actions against Dangote refinery and petrochemicals.

The organisations described the strike as ‘a direct assault on the Nigerian people, our economy, and our future.’

Members of the organisations include the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA), and the Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA).

Addressing journalists during a peaceful protest at the office of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, President of the coalition, Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman accused DAPPMAN of sabotaging indigenous refining initiatives, particularly the Dangote refinery and petrochemicals, in order to maintain control of fuel importation and profiteering.

The text of the press conference was jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman (COCSON), Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele (NIF), Comrade Boma Agbede (NACOMWA), and Barr. Yusuf Danladi (PCPA).

The groups also warned that the strike action by labour unions would deepen hardship for millions of Nigerians already struggling with high inflation, rising transport costs, and food insecurity.

He said: ‘Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels.’

Welcoming a recent National Industrial Court ruling that barred PENGASSAN from disrupting gas supply to the Dangote refinery and petrochemicals, the coalition urged security agencies to enforce the judgment and prevent any attempt to sabotage local refining.

The organisations said that no private enterprise should be compelled into union membership against its will.

They maintained that workers at the Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals should retain the freedom to decide whether or not to join a union.

The coalition further announced plans to sue DAPPMAN for economic sabotage, mobilise nationwide rallies to key government institutions, and escalate advocacy to regional and international bodies.

The coalition added: ‘We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to industrialisation and energy reforms, but any attempt to bend to DAPPMAN’s blackmail will be resisted.

When Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) gathered academics, policymakers, and innovators at its Abuja headquarters on September 24, 2025, the message from its leadership was clear: the future of Nigeria’s economy lies not only in oil or agriculture but in the commercialization of research and innovation.

For years, Nigerian universities and research institutes have produced countless groundbreaking studies. Yet, very few of these ever translate into tangible products, technologies, or services that could transform industries and livelihoods. The gulf between laboratory prototypes and marketplace shelves has long frustrated scientists, policymakers, and investors alike.

At the North-Central Sensitization Programme on the NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme (NRCGP), NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, reaffirmed that bridging this gap remains central to Nigeria’s economic future.

Halilu, represented by NASENI’s Research Director, Prof. Abdulmalik Ibrahim Onuwe, noted that the NRCGP was designed to support viable research and development initiatives in the country while propagating NASENI’s mission and vision of driving national transformation through science and engineering.

He emphasized that the application process for the programme is fully digitalized, transparent and does not require physical presence or long administrative procedures. According to him, this approach removes the bureaucratic bottlenecks that often hinder researchers from accessing funding.

He explained further that the sensitization was not just for personal benefit but to empower prospective researchers from institutions who may need guidance on how to participate in the programme.

He urged the participants, including representatives from universities, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), and others, to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by NASENI to foster collaboration and innovation.

The Programme Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Science and Engineering Commercialisation, Engr. Dr. Anas Balarabe Yazid, gave an overview of the NRCGP, its objectives, eligibility criteria and the key assessment tools that would guide the selection of beneficiaries.

He explained that the NRCGP is deliberately aligned with NASENI’s mandate to promote local content and that under the principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation (3Cs), research outputs are expected to move from being academic papers to becoming market-ready solutions.

According to him, every research project must be noble, clear, market-viable and consistent with both NASENI’s transformation agenda and Nigeria’s broader development goals. He said that under the new framework, commercialization is being radically prioritized so that research can play its rightful role in national development.

The NASENI Research Commercialization Grant Programme is looking for innovative and novel research that has not been done before. The programme is also looking out for commercial viability research projects that can make money.

Moreover, the research must be published in a peer review journal. These researches must align with NASENI Objectives of adding value to Nigeria and the world. It must also have potential for scale and sustainability, which means it can attract investment.

Dr. Yazid further added that the thematic areas for these research works include Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Health and Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation and Mobility, Information Technology and Software Development, Construction and Smart City Development as well as Defense and Aerospace.

He said for the process, application is strictly online and it is in two stages: first stage determines the novelty of the proposal while second stage involves a deeper dive on commercial viability. The Swedish Innovation Readiness Level framework is used for evaluating the viability of the application, he added.

Dr Yazid further stated that additional information required include Profile, Detailed Proposal, Business Plan, Feasibility Study Report, Pitch deck, Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Evidence of IP Registration with CAC, Environmental Impact Assessment, Letter of Intent from Industrial Off-takers, Risk Assessment Report, and any Supporting Technical Documents or Certifications.

Beyond the grants, other benefits include access to NASENI innovation hub, admission into NASENI Incubation programme, High chances of joining NASENI Xcelerate, access to more equity and debt financing, access to 12 institutes and centre of excellence, government market access through Nigerian First Policy and many more.

The Deputy Director, Planning and Policy Analysis Department, NASENI, Ms. Joy Elugbe, expressed appreciation to the Executive Vice Chairman and to all the participants who attended the sensitization programme. She noted that the NRCGP represents a significant opportunity for researchers to translate their work into products and services that would drive national progress.

She encouraged them to embrace NASENI’s initiatives as a pathway to achieving Nigeria’s vision of economic growth and development through science, technology and innovation. The sensitization programme highlighted the importance of repositioning Nigeria’s research culture to focus more on outcomes that have economic value.

For decades, many research projects have remained locked within universities and research institutions, gaining academic recognition but failing to make an impact in the market or on people’s lives. NASENI’s intervention seeks to change this narrative by offering support for those projects that can be commercialized to create jobs, increase productivity and contribute to economic transformation.

Background information about NASENI underscores the significance of this programme. The agency was established in 1992 following the recommendations of a White Paper Committee on Engineering Infrastructure. It was conceived to bridge Nigeria’s technology gap and foster home-grown industrialisation.

Its mandate includes research into capital goods production, reverse engineering, development of scientific equipment, engineering designs, standardization, and the development of power equipment. With a network of development institutes spread across the country, NASENI has consistently worked to ensure that Nigeria builds its own technological base rather than rely solely on imports.

In recent years, under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has intensified efforts to ensure that its branded products are market-ready and certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Reports indicate that about 35 NASENI products have been identified as ready for the market, and plans are underway to establish showrooms in all 36 states of the federation to showcase these innovations and link them directly with consumers and industries.

The NRCGP therefore builds on this foundation, providing a practical avenue for researchers to connect their innovations with industry and society. By adopting a digitalized and transparent application process, NASENI is addressing long-standing concerns about accessibility and fairness in grant administration.

The process also ensures that researchers across all parts of the country, including underserved regions, can apply without the barriers of travel and excessive paperwork.

This initiative represents more than a grant opportunity. It is a deliberate effort to build a culture of research commercialization that would reposition Nigeria for growth. It signals a move away from research for its own sake towards research that delivers measurable impact in the economy. It also affirms NASENI’s commitment to ensuring that science, engineering and technology are not just academic disciplines but engines of development.

In the words of Ms. Elugbe, this is not just about grants but about creating a culture where research becomes the heartbeat of national progress. With the NRCGP, NASENI has placed a framework in the hands of researchers, institutions and innovators. The responsibility now rests with them to rise to the challenge of transforming their ideas into products, their prototypes into industries, and their academic efforts into national prosperity.

The NASENI Research Commercialisation Grant Programme is expected at the long run to eliminate the era of decades of thousands of abandoned research and development (R and D) products that are meant to be in the market solving everyday humanity problems.

Amidst initial challenges envisaged in its implementation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched the contactless and cashless payment system beginning with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The system unveiled during a press conference at the MMIA on Monday was described as a comprehensive cashless and contactless payment solution which effectively eradicates payment of physical cash at all strata of the airports.

These include all airports, airport access gates, car parks and VIP lounges.

The authority is projecting a 75 per cent increase in revenue from the deployment of the initiative, starting with 50 per cent from the pilot implementation and 75 per cent as the system extends to other airports across the country. ‘We project a 50 percent increase in revenue collection at this pilot stage, rising to 75 percent as we integrate more points, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation,’ said the Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku during the unveiling and demonstration of the payment solution at the MMIA, Lagos.ing Years of opaque revenue management

Over the decades, there have been complaints from stakeholders over what they called ‘opaque’ management system especially from non-aeronautical revenues.

The non-aeronautical revenues are revenues generated outside airline operations. FAAN has an enlarged revenue stream, generating money from different sources outside landing and parking, passenger services classified as the aeronautical revenues.

Some of the sources include access control (toll gates) at various airports especially Lagos and Abuja where over 300,000 vehicular movements are recorded monthly.

Move to ramp up revenue

Daily Trust reports that no fewer than 20 airports generated N382,149,252,045 from January to December 2024, in the country.

Out of these airports, Lagos alone accounted for 67% followed by the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport which accounted for 21.3 per cent.

The figure on percentage contribution on generation and collection by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) between January and December 2024 showed that MMA generated N256,067,290,722.42 followed by Abuja which generated N81,219,777,298.42.

With a projected 75 per cent increase in revenue with the deployment of the new automation system, the revenue could increase to over N500bn from both airports, according to analysts.

Represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of FAAN, Henry Agbebire at the unveiling, the Managing Director of FAAN disclosed that the authority’s brand Ambassadors would be deployed at all airport access gates to assist customers in onboarding on the automated payment system.

She disclosed that the transition to cashless and contactless system was in response to the demand of customers for a modern and more transparent payment system.

With the system, she said, ‘We are building a system that is more transparent,’ adding this highlights the commitment of FAAN to national development through increased revenue generation.

Kuku added that the authority would systematically expand to other airports in a phased manner.

The MD said, ‘Let me be clear: by significantly reducing our reliance on physical cash, we are building a system that is inherently more transparent. Every transaction will be electronic, traceable, and secure.

‘This directly enhances our revenue assurance capabilities, ensuring that every Naira due to the Authority is duly collected and accounted for. This is not just good for FAAN; it is a testament to our commitment to national development and fiscal responsibility.

‘Furthermore, embracing these digital trends ensures that our airports remain competitive and aligned with global best practices. We are sending a clear message to the world that Nigeria is open for business, with infrastructure that meets international standards.’

Kuku further explained that the cashless card would be available at all airport access gates in Lagos and Abuja.

‘I encourage you to collect yours, and to activate and fund it immediately. This launch is a critical milestone, but it is not the final destination. FAAN remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous improvement. Following the successful implementation in Lagos and Abuja, we will systematically expand this cashless policy to all other airports nationwide in a phased manner,’ she added.

Director of Commercial and Business Development of FAAN, Adebola Agunbiade, disclosed that FAAN had set a target of the first quarter of 2026 for a complete phase out of cash transactions across all airports.

She stated that the new system is built on four pillars ‘to significantly enhance operational efficiency; to reduce congestion and delays for a smoother passenger experience; to improve revenue collection and accountability and to firmly align FAAN with global best practices for seamless airport access and service delivery.

She said, ‘For FAAN, we project a 50% increase in revenue collection at this pilot stage, rising to 75% as we integrate more points, with the goal of tripling revenue within the first year of full implementation. These additional funds will be strategically reinvested into further infrastructural development across our airports.

‘For Airport Users, you will enjoy greater convenience, faster transactions, and reduced risk of theft. This policy also promotes financial inclusion, extending services to those with limited access to traditional banking.’

She explained that for businesses, the authority had ensured that transaction costs are kept low to protect the profit margins of our business partners, and reliable internet services will be available to support seamless operations.

‘An initiative of this magnitude does not succeed without a comprehensive awareness campaign. We have already begun engaging stakeholders through forums, such as the one held at the Sheraton Hotel, and will intensify efforts with billboards, social media assets, radio jingles, and posters at access gates to drive adoption,’ she added.

She reiterated that there would be full implementation across all FAAN-operated airports by the first quarter of 2026.

‘Furthermore, following the success at the access gates, we intend to expand this cashless policy to other areas, including casual flights, VIP lounges, car parks, and car hire operations.

‘Every month, our access gates in Lagos and Abuja recorded over three hundred thousand vehicular entrances respectively. Our VIP and Protocol lounges serve thousands yearly and we believe we can improve the quality of service to our customers when we can receive payments conveniently and transparently,’ she added.

What experts are saying?

As the implementation begins, experts say there is the need for the authorities to ensure a seamless transition without hitches.

Also, some passengers who spoke with our correspondent expressed fear over network glitches which might cause unnecessary delay and long queues especially at access gates.

Speaking with our correspondent, General Secretary of the Aviation Roundtable, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo said it is long overdue.

‘This is long overdue and expected with the rate at which the minister and his team are moving, right from the regulator to all agencies, they are moving from manual to IT and infotech and this is to improve service delivery.

‘And the beauty is that they are even looking at the regulations again to see how it can be fine-tuned. I am happy that FAAN has taken up this position regarding the toll, and I think it will be the most effective.

‘It is ridiculous when you drive past those toll booths and you see officers and senior staff of FAAN sitting in the booths when they are supposed to be in the office developing policies and working out how to improve revenue generation, they are there struggling to collect N500. Even at a stage I began to wonder, because that’s about the only tolling booth I have seen in the world whereby the person sitting in there is stretching his hands and asking cars to start coming.’

Another aviation analyst, Group Capt. John Ojikutu said, ‘If you don’t know what you are looking for, you may not or cannot get it. There was Avitech before now doing cashless services from FAAN allied services and operators to FAAN. How has that been?

‘When you sell eggs daily for a price but don’t know the number sold, you cannot know how much to expect. Check the passengers’ traffic figures from the NCAA, NAMA and FAAN to know if they are the same or corresponding to one another.’

I shared many interests with the late Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad. I met him on the platform of Nahnu Muslimum – a WhatsApp group formed by late Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa. We agreed on many issues on the socioeconomic development of northern Nigeria, especially on the role our religious heritage may play in shaping the future of the region. We had a couple of private phone conversations. But, I never met him – face-to-face. When he was hospitalised, all members of Nahnu Muslimum eagerly followed his health progress through his son and his direct messages. His last message-about his recovery, travel to Medina, and eventual plan to recuperate at Baze University Hospital-was very reassuring. Then, suddenly, the news of death was broken on September 17, 2025. We were all shocked. On September 21, I joined other members of NM on a condolence visit to his family. Due to torrential rainfall, I stayed longer than planned. During that time, I observed the diversity of visitors-a former governor, a former minister, a poor university professor, etc. Their presence reflected his wide influence across different strata of society. I used the opportunity to reflect about life in general and the place of Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad (MBA).

Indeed, the passing of MBA has left a deep void in Northern Nigeria. Known for his integrity, foresight, and relentless pursuit of progress for his people, Mouftahu embodied the quiet strength of a statesman who influenced not only through wealth or power, but through wisdom and vision. He was one of the youngest executive directors of NEPA. Later, he chaired the board of NAL Merchant Bank. He was the chairman of the board of Noble Hall Girls Academy – a premier day and boarding secondary school in Abuja. Recently, he founded the Nigeria Collective – an elite discussion group that draws members across Nigeria. As an ardent supporter of our traditional institutions, I remain deeply grateful to him for his role in attempts to reconcile the different factions in the Kano emirship tussle. He belonged to a generation that understood the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, faith and pragmatism, unity and diversity. His lifelong concern was the future of Northern Nigeria-a future he believed could be transformed if its brightest minds and strongest leaders could set aside differences and work together for the common good.

One of Mouftahu’s most enduring wishes was the unity of four towering figures in the region: Nasiru El-Rufai, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Nuhu Ribadu, and Muhammadu Sanusi II. Each of them carries unique strengths; together, they could form a formidable force for renewal. In Nasiru El-Rufai, MBA saw a bold reformist. El-Rufai is widely regarded for his ability to take tough decisions. Though often controversial, his record demonstrates an unwavering drive to modernise institutions, demand accountability, and confront entrenched interests. In Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, MBA saw a respected Islamic scholar and cleric, who represented the moral and religious voice of conscience in the region. Though his views have sometimes sparked debate, he symbolizes dialogue, reconciliation, and the persistent call to address grievances through peaceful engagement. Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), carved a reputation as a fearless anti-corruption crusader. His name is synonymous with integrity and the belief that public life must be anchored in transparency and justice. His current position as National Security Adviser gives him special leverage to get things done. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, a globally respected intellectual, combines scholarship, vision, and courage. He has consistently spoken truth to power, challenging societal complacency and advocating for economic reform, and the modernisation of Muslim society in line with its best traditions. Sanusi’s PhD thesis clearly demonstrates his vision for such modernization. It needs political will to germinate.

Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad understood that while these four men differ in temperament, style, and even worldview, they represent complementary pillars of leadership. In his eyes, El-Rufai’s technocratic boldness, Gumi’s moral voice, Ribadu’s fight against corruption, and Sanusi’s intellectual clarity could-if united-redraw the destiny of Northern Nigeria. He envisioned a coalition that transcends politics, religion, and ethnicity, guided only by the urgent need to rescue a region burdened by poverty, insecurity, illiteracy, and fractured leadership. Imagine such unity that may lead to: (i) A political blueprint led by reformists with the courage to confront vested interests. (ii) A moral and religious consensus that counters extremism with compassion and wisdom. (iii) An economic agenda rooted in accountability, equity, and the empowerment of youth and women. And, (iv) a social reawakening that restores confidence in education, entrepreneurship, and justice. This was Mouftahu’s dream-not for himself, but for generations yet unborn. In fact, among the quadripartite, MBA was closed to only one of them. His vision was never about individual greatness; it was about collective strength.

As we mourn his departure, we must also celebrate the clarity of his thought. He reminds us that true legacies are not built on material wealth, but on the seeds of ideas planted in fertile hearts. In urging unity among these figures, he called all of us to transcend narrow interests and embrace the higher duty of service to humanity.

Today, Northern Nigeria stands at a crossroads. In honouring Mouftahu Baba-Ahmad, let us not allow his vision to die with him. As Thomas Campbell, beautifully put it, ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die’. Let us keep MBA alive. Let El-Rufai, Gumi, Ribadu, and Sanusi-and indeed all leaders-take to heart his call for unity. For in unity lies the strength to heal wounds, unlock potential, and guide Northern Nigeria toward a future of peace, prosperity, and dignity. MBA believed deeply that ‘we are only as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.’

May Allah forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and make his vision a reality for the benefit of all.

The Commandant Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Olusola Odumosu PhD, has ordered the deployment of 4500 personnel across the nook and crannies of the FCT ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, DSC Monica Ojobi, on Monday, said the deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and its environs before, during and after the celebration.

The deployment of officers and men cuts across specialised departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE).

According to the statement. There is also a massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as shopping malls, recreational centres, prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

‘In a bid to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforeseen circumstances, men of our undercover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

‘Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breaches,’ it added.

Dr Odumosu gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their respective area councils are on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches, according to the statement.

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The Osun State House of Assembly has warned commercial banks operating in the state against granting access to unauthorised signatories to allocations meant for local government areas.

The warning was part of the resolutions adopted by the Assembly at its sitting on Monday.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, in a statement, said the lawmakers stressed that only duly authorised officers employed by the Local Government Service Commission are permitted to be signatories to local government accounts.

The resolutions said: ‘Any attempt by unauthorised persons to access local government funds is unlawful, unconstitutional, and of no legal effect. That all commercial and other financial institutions operating in Osun State are directed to comply strictly with this resolution, while government agencies are to ensure close monitoring and enforcement; ‘That any violation of this directive will be treated as aiding and abetting financial fraud and will attract full legal consequences under the law; and that this step is taken in the public interest to safeguard the resources of our local governments, ensure accountability, and guarantee that funds meant for grassroots development are protected from abuse or diversion.’

The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees had on Sunday alleged that the federal government disbursed six months’ allocations due to the state’s local governments into accounts opened by chairmen and councillors elected during the October 15, 2022, local government elections.

CBN, Accountant General deny release of withheld Osun LG funds

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) have denied reports of the release of the withheld Osun State local government funds to the chairmen and councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022.

The two federal government agencies insisted that the claim of the release of the funds to the disputed chairmen and councillors whose tenure would expire on October 22 was at the realms of rumour.

CBN and OAGF made the denial when a lawyer to the Osun State Government, Musibau Adetunbi (SAN), told Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday that the funds, which are a subject of litigation before his court, had been surprisingly released between Thursday and Friday last week, unlawfully to the APC chairmen, through the UBA.

In their reactions, Murtala Abdulrasheed and Tajudeen Oladoja, both SANs and representing CBN and OAGF respectively, denied that their clients have effected the release of the money to the APC local government chairmen as alleged by the Osun State Government.

Meanwhile, the court has fixed October 16 for ruling on the jurisdiction to hear the suit seeking to stop payment of Osun State local government funds to candidates elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Nwite on Monday adjourned the matter after taking arguments from lawyers.