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#FundLAUTECH hits N4m in 12 days.

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Social commentator faults initiative.

 

THE initiative conceived and conceptualized by Almuni Association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso dubbed #FundLAUTECH aimed at raising fund for the institution has generated a sum of N4 million (N4,091,089.15).

According to sources, the initiative which was activated 12 days ago has received donations from 74 people including the Ooni of Ile Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Senator Rashidi Ladoja , former governor of Oyo state  and national leader of the Accord Party (AP) , and some members of the Oyo state House of Assembly among others.

Mega Icon Magazine reliably gathered that donations from the Ooni of Ife and Accord caucus in the House of Assembly are not included in the amount  as Ooni’s  cheque is yet to be presented , while the lawmakers are yet to present their donations as well.

Some Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo and Osun states were alleged of shying away from identifying and supporting the #FundLAUTECH concept because of its political implications and relationship with their respective governors.

Interestingly, a social commentator, Mr. Biodun Ladepo who took to his Facebook page (Biodun Ishola Ladepo) few hours ago faulted initiative, just as he expressed fear, saying that the promoters will succeed in getting a huge amount of money from the Ooni. He added that they will succeed in foisting guilt and guilty conscience on many others who will donate to the cause.

Ladepo further warned perceived donors stressing that their donations will be an exercise in futility or at best, a bandage on an open and festering sore.

In his words: “If you are able to fund Lautech this year (and I seriously doubt that enough money can be raised through this effort), how are you going to fund Lautech next year and the years after?

“Since when has a university been sustained through ‘babiAllah-type of funding? If you call yourself enlightened and you know the government is refusing to pump more money into an institution that lacks accountability, you should know the solution is not duping the generous individuals in our society into contributing money to the same unaccountable, bottomless pit of an institution.

“The Oyo State government claims Lautech has not accounted for the billions it has received during the past 15 -16 years…that the bursary cannot satisfy forensic auditors’ questions. And we want to keep pumping money there?

“This is one of the reasons I am opposed to wholesale subsidy of universities by government. If the school had to generate most of its funding, I bet the bursar and other administrators would be more transparent and more accountable”, he opined.

Refreshing your memory, the #FundLAUTECH initiative  was launched 12 days ago to raise N1b in 3 months with the aim of providing financial  assistance to the institution which is entangled in  financial crisis.

 

 

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Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud

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Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo

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.

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IGP Inaugurates State Police Committee, Gives Four-Week Deadline

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State policing has been on the frontburner in Nigeria in recent years. Photo: X@PoliceNG

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.

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Tinubu swears in Disu as IGP, inaugurates RMAFC, FCSC commissioners

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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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