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Group Empowers 150 indigent citizens, Says Ekiti Has no Reason to Be Poor
Ekit Development Front (EDF), has attributed the poor handling of the economy under Governor Ayodele Fayose led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government as the root cause of high level of poverty in the state.
The group noted that the state has abundant human and material resources that could be deployed for Ekiti economic prosperity, if they are judiciously harnessed by the present administration.
EDF said this in Ikere Ekiti on Wednesday while empowering 150 residents of Ekiti South senatorial district, comprising Ikere, Gbonyin, Ekiti East, Emure, Ekiti Southwest and Ise/Orun councils.
Materials donated include, Clippers, Dryers, sewing machines, compressors, generating sets, mixers, food stuff, washing machines, grinding machines and cash gifts.
The group also flagged off its social security scheme, where beneficiaries will be receiving monthly stipends if criteria set are met in line with the model set by Dr. Kayode Fayemi while superintending over the state.
The EDF Coordinator, Barrister Adeoye Aribasoye, while addressing the beneficiaries, advised that the best way for anyone to escape the menace of poverty is to be economically active.
Aribasoye noted that the self-employment has become the veritable way for people to get engaged in productive jobs with the dearth of white collar jobs at both state and the federal levels.
“There is no job now in the state, because we have a government that can’t think outside the box to create wealth for its people.
“If a government is claiming that it has employed people, it doesn’t mean you have taken them into the state civil service. A government can create opportunities through private individuals and give support to the organizations to be able to pay those in its employ.
“It happened under Governor Kayode Fayemi’s regime when the State Job Creation Agency partnered with private bodies for the training of unemployed graduates for them to be self reliant.
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“ Government at that time would pay for the training and also paid the salaries of those employed by the private organizations for some time.
“We are pleading with you to use this opportunity very well. In a modern economy we are, one can begin a business with little amount and with dedication, he can go places.
“This organization doesn’t believe in tokenism. We could have given you a sachet of rice and N1,000, but these will take you nowhere.
“But with the little we have given you, you can start something on your own and with dedication and commitment to what you are doing, sky would be your starting point”, he said.
Aribasoye assured that the organization will continue to partner with private individuals and philanthropy bodies to put smiles on the faces of the people.
The coordinator said time has come for individuals and organization to begin to champion philanthropic gestures, to serve as a bulwark and reinforce the opportunities for the ones being provided by the government at all levels.
“What we are doing is not politically inclined, we are doing it to reduce poverty. And whatever we give out doesn’t have political colouration. We perceived all Ekiti indigenes as one, whether you are PDP or APC.
“We shall continue to relate with Ekiti people irrespective of class, political affiliations and ethnic affinity, because making Ekiti a good place for all is our utmost aim and that we shall achieve”, he stated.
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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