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Era of reliance on federal allocation over soon in Oyo – Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said on Sunday that the era of going cap in hand to beg for federal allocations would soon be over in the State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the Governor as making the declaration during a thanksgiving service held at the Living Faith Church AKA Winners Chapel, Bashorun, Ibadan.
According to the statement, the Governor further stated that the idea of relying solely on federal allocations would soon be a thing of the past in Oyo State, as, according to him, the State’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) will be drastically improved through enhanced tax collection procedures.
“We want to ensure that the era of going cap in hands to Abuja to beg for allocation will soon be over in Oyo State,” he said.
The Governor also stated that his administration will continue to provide social amenities that will make the dividends of democracy get to all the people in all the nooks and crannies of the State.
“We want the people of Oyo State to be able to have dividends of democracy right on their doorsteps,” he added.
The Governor explained that his administration is rested on four pillars, which includes Education, Health, Security and Economic expansion through Agric value chain, adding that intervention lessons will soon be organised to assist the final year secondary school students in their WAEC and NECO examinations.
“The four cardinal programmes of this Government include education, that is why free and qualitative education has come to stay in Oyo State.
“For our WAEC Students, we should be starting intervention lessons for them shortly.
“We also want to fix our health care delivery system and to improve the security system, as we want all of us to operate in a secure environment, so that we can be safe to pursue our aspirations.”
Governor Makinde admonished the people of the State to keep praying for the success of his administration, adding that he will always lead with the fear of God.
The Governor noted that prayers were necessary, stating that except God builds the house, those putting the structures together work but in vain.
The Governor read from Psalms 127 vs 1 to buttress his submission.
He further said: “It has been five months since we were sworn-in and there has been tremendous support from the people of Oyo State and the Church in particular.
“I can tell you with all I have seen so far, without your prayers nobody can even survive one week on that seat because it is a hot seat.”
“I have had to go to the State Secretariat at 2 a.m. to check the security situation
“Also, sometimes I go out in the middle of the night to check the road being constructed and to know whether people of Oyo State sleep with their two eyes closed each time.
“I realised that except you hand over this state to God to help us, you will just be moving in circles.”
In his sermon, Bishop Thomas Aremu commended the Governor for introducing free education, saying that he was a product of free education.
He urged the Governor to intensify efforts on the collection of taxes so that the 000 will get enough funds to execute the free education policy.
“I pray that our God will bless your government with more resources and I also urge you to take note of tax collection. I regularly remit my PAYE tax even though it is being paid to Ogun State. I still make sure I pay to Oyo State since I am resident here. I urge our people to also pay taxes regularly so that government can have funds to execute its projects, ” the Bishop said.
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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