News
Osun Postpones Regional Youth Summit to Accommodate Yorubas in Diaspora
THE Osun state government on Monday announced a short postponement of the highly anticipated first edition of its Regional Youth Summit dubbed ‘Western Nigeria Regional Youth Summit’ billed for Osogbo, the state capital this week due to demands of Yorubas in diaspora for effective participation.
Announcing the postponement at a press conference in Osogbo, the state commissioner for Regional Integration, Mr. Bola Ilori expressed joy at the huge acceptance received by the idea of the summit.
Ilori said, “We must say we are pleasantly surprised at the huge interest the idea of the summit has generated across the country. We never estimated that it will receive this volume of enthusiasm. It’s more surprising that we openly announced that we were not going to provide transport nor pay for accommodation yet 2097 conscious youths of western Nigeria have registered online on our portal before we closed it. This reality is quite different from the image people erroneously attached to our youths.”
“We considered it a matter of pride and privilege to receive ‘appeal of interest’ to participate from youths in diaspora most especially those that live and work in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Middle East. Also, a number of our youths currently resides in Northern and other Southern parts of the country. The appeal from these segments of our population have been so overwhelming. Most of them have planned to return home for the New year break.”
The commissioner added that the elders and critical stakeholders are virtually unanimous that it will be a major historical error to shut this critical segment of our population out of this epoch making event which is the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria.
“We have reached out to the office of the Vice President who is scheduled to declare the gathering open and some of the other dignitaries on this latest development and have expressed readiness to bend over backwards to accommodate the request for a short shift in the date”.
He further expressed the state’s delight in observing that majority of the sons and daughters of Western region holds the development of the region as of highest priority.
Ilori, however assured that the event will hold within the next two weeks “we hereby announce a short postponement of the Regional Youth Summit 2017, initially fixed for 12th &13th of December, 2017”.
“In view of this consideration, we deeply regret all inconveniences the postponement might have caused.
Please, be rest assured that a new date, within this festive season, will be communicated shortly.”
The Commissioner also used the medium to express the government appreciation to the media and committee members . “We want to thank you gentlemen of the press for your support since the first day we rolled out our plan to organize the first ever Non Partisan Regional Youth Summit.
“We appreciate the effort of our independent social media team for a job well done. We give kudos to all committees at various levels that had given so much time, energy and commitment to drive this initiative far within a very short period of time”.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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