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Atere thanks Gov. Makinde on his appointment as Oyo muslim pilgrims welfare board chair
The newly appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim wing), Alhaji Hashim Atere, on Sunday, appreciated the State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for his appointment.
Atere, an Ibadan man but a Saudi-trained Islamic Scholar, paid glowing tributes to the governor during a special prayer and congratulatory visit paid to him by some communities in Ibadan land.
The representatives of the Communities who thronged his residence on Sunday included people from Idigbaro-Ologuneru; Elenusonso; Alafara and Ile-Tuntun, all in Ibadan, the State capital.
The residents, comprising Muslim faithful from the aforementioned areas counseled and prayed for the success of the new Hajj Board Chairman.
Responding, Atere said his appointment to lead the Hajj Board has provided him the opportunity to bring to bear, his wonderful relationship with the Ulamas and his connection in Saudi Arabia.
Atere specially thanked the State Governor for finding him worthy, stressing that ‘the Governor is a man with the fear of Allah who holds Islamic leaders and indeed Muslim adherents in a very high esteem.”
According to him, “But for the Governor’s respect for the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the appointment would have been practically impossible. But the Governor stood his ground and insisted that it must be the Chief Imam’s nominee, hence my appointment.
“It is my sincere prayer to Almighty Allah that the Governor succeeds and overcomes all challenges before him, for the State to benefit more from his wonderful service to humanity.
“Please, let’s remember the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is in our prayers daily. The Governor, though a Christian, has shown that he has respect for the men of God as exemplified in what he has done to the Chief Imam of Ibadan land.
“Our Baba, the Chief Imam, deserves our appreciation and prayers to live longer to continue to lead the Muslim communities in Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Help me to thank the Chief Imam when you visit him, soon,” Atere charged the community members.
In his new position, Atere said he was ready to make the Governor proud by taking decisions in consultations with the Islamic leaders, board members, and well-spirited people around the Governor to reposition the board for greater and better service delivery.
Said he, “I am ready to make Oyo Hajj Board the best in Nigeria. And if it deserves to sacrifice my salary, I am ready to make a difference and justify the confidence of His Excellency.
“Since it is Allah’s will, grace, and honour to pave the way for me despite daunting obstacles and challenges before the announcement last Wednesday, I am a very young person and opportunities still abound for me in the future, I will therefore sacrifice my time, energy, and resources to make remarkable changes on the board.
“All pending matters among a number of intending pilgrims will be resolved and everybody will be proud of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
“I don’t fear death, and I am ready to step on toes to make the board an enviable institution because my ultimate goal in life is to make heaven (Aljanah) and will not do anything to suffer the poor and favour the rich.
“From next week, we will change the environment at Olodo, Hajj secretariat for the better. I am ready to use my money to start my goals for the board and a top government official who I contacted said I can go ahead with my dreams even if it will demand my money and time to make a difference.
“I am not going there to make money but to make a name for myself and make Muslims and the government proud they have a reliable Hajj Board,” Atere said.
While seeking prayers, understanding, and cooperation from all to succeed in this daunting task, Atere also assured that he would use the position to sacrifice for God and religion and not to make himself richer at the expense of our people.
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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