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Be good ambassadors of Oyo, Olowofela charges Army recruits intake
The Commissioner representing Oyo state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela has charged recruits intake into the Nigerian Army who are indigenes of the state to be good ambassadors of the pacesetter state.
Olowofela stated this in Ibadan on Thursday during his monitoring of the exercise at the Nigerian Army Barrack, Odogbo Oojo,
He also lauded the potential recruits for their determination and zeal to serve in the Nigerian Army in defence of their fatherland.
“This is a national assignment, you must ensure that you remember where you come from. First and foremost, you’re from Oyo state and you are Nigerians. Wherever you maybe ensure that you lift the flag of Oyo state high and you lift the flag of Nigeria high.
“We are here to encourage you and you also need to encourage yourself. We belief strongly that your determination to join military, is a great determination to help the country. The task before you is immense, but you need commitment, you need courage and you need dedication. However, before you’re assign this particular role, you’re going to be tested here weather you’re capable or you have the capacity, that’s the basis for being here. So, I want to implore you to do your best possible to ensure that all the trainings that you might have been given here you imbibe them.
“Not only physical training, there is also discipline, because, military is a disciplined organization based on hierarchical structure. All these attributes will be given to you within the next few days that you will be with them. But when you come for exercise like this it is certain that not everybody will make it, but you will know that you have volunteered yourself to participate in the security of the nation and that your participation is not in vain”, Olowofela charged.
The former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, who was in company of other officials of the commission in the state, commended the conduct of the recruitment exercise, noting that it would achieve its primary purpose of fairness and equity.
“I am glad to be with you, I have just come to show you moral support and to report back to the national office at Federal Character Commission (FCC) that no local government is shortchanged
“I guarantee you that all those things you’re going to learn here they will be things that will be with you till you reach very old age weather you make it or not. In any race , only one person will come first, that means that some may not be able to make it. But for those of you that make it at the end of the day , making it in this exercise is not sufficient, but making it wherever you’re assign to in the future is very important”, the commissioner added.
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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