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COVID-19 ENDOWMENT FUND: Oyo govt. writes donors, expresses gratitude
The Oyo State Government has written personal letters to individuals and corporate organisations that contributed to the state’s fight against the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19.
The government, in letters signed by the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, and the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinola Ojo, and addressed to individual donors, corporate bodies and non-governmental organizations, expressed gratitude to everyone who gave monetary and material support to the state.
It added that it was heartwarming that the government and people of Oyo State could count on them.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the letters were addressed to donors who contributed financially as well as those who contributed food items, medical and other relief materials.
“The novel COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the world’s economy and, by extension, Oyo State.
“In order to cushion the effect of this virus, provide necessary health infrastructure, support businesses and provide palliatives to the indigent among us, the Government set up a dedicated Oyo State COVID-19 Endowment Fund to receive cash donations from public spirited individuals and organisations.
“To this end, I write to thank you and recognise your contribution. It is heartwarming that the Government and people of Oyo State can always count on you especially in times of need”.
The statement named some of the donors who already had letters addressed to them as including the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), with a financial donation of N30 million; the United Bank for Africa (UBA) with a donation of N28.5 million and the duo of the late Chief Bode Akindele and Chief Bode Amoo, who both donated N25 million each.
Other recipients of the letters included De Damak Nigeria Limited/Alhaji Chief Dawud Akinola, who donated N20 million; Adron Homes- N20 million; First Bank- N20 million; and Nigerian Breweries, which also donated N20 million.
Those in the N10 million category who have received the letters include Unity Bank, ICMA Professional Services/Dr. Awa Ibrahim, Lateef O. Fagbemi & Co, Engr. Oseni Abass Aderemi, His Excellency, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, CCECC, Ledco Limited, FCMB and Otunba Olumide Osusina of Megamond Investment.
Donors in the N5 million category who were also appreciated by the government include: Christ Apostolic Church, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Chief Dotun Sanusi, Heritage Bank Ltd, AOS Orwell Limited, Chief Bode George, DAR AL-Handasah, Chief Kola Daisi and Sterling Bank.
ITC Advisory Services and Ratcon Construction were appreciated for their donations of N2.5 million each.
The statement added that the state government intends to address letters to all categories of donors as a mark of its appreciation of their immense contributions.
It added that the state has so far raised cash donations amounting to N394 million, agricultural inputs\food items worth to N186 million and Health/Medical materials worth N356 million, while CACOVID has donated items worth N150million so far.
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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