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Makinde invests in civil service capacity with UK leadership programme
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a professional and globally competitive civil service with the sponsorship of 12 senior officers for an advanced leadership programme in the United Kingdom.
The officers, selected from key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), recently completed a five-day executive training organised by Acme Professionals in partnership with the Institute of Government and Public Policy at Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham.
The programme, titled The Positive and Strategic Leadership, was designed to strengthen strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and change-management capabilities among top public sector decision-makers.
Participants were taken through intensive classroom sessions covering strategic leadership fundamentals, transformational leadership, emotional intelligence and institutional reform.
The training also featured study visits to public institutions in Birmingham and London, exposing the officers to practical governance models, policy innovation frameworks and citizen-focused leadership practices.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, the Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, described the programme as a reflection of Governor Makinde’s deliberate investment in human capital development.
According to her, the administration’s continuous support for international exposure and capacity building has been instrumental in repositioning the state’s civil service for efficiency and professionalism.
“Governor Makinde has consistently demonstrated his passion for a competent and professional civil service. We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during this programme will translate into improved service delivery and better outcomes for the people of Oyo State,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Acme Professionals, Alhaji Olalere Wahab, commended the governor for his vision and commitment to excellence in governance.
He praised the participants for their discipline, cooperation and contributions to the success of the programme, urging them to deploy the lessons learnt to enhance productivity in their respective offices.
“This training is an opportunity for the officers to redefine leadership within the public service. I encourage them to maximise the exposure and apply the insights gained to improve efficiency and performance,” Wahab said.
The beneficiaries of the programme, in separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the Makinde-led administration for the opportunity to participate in the international training, describing it as timely and impactful.
They pledged to utilise the skills and global perspectives acquired to support institutional reforms and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Oyo State.
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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