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Makinde to partner with family homes funds on affordable housing
Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has expressed the readiness of the state government to collaborate with the Family Homes Funds Limited on a housing programme that will address the gap in the housing sector in the state.
The governor stated this while hosting the MD/CEO Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Femi Adewole, and his team at the Courtesy Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the state is ready for such collaboration, adding that it will make a push to fix the housing needs of the state.
He said: “I believe we met the first time in late 2019 and we have been trying to push this forward but, somehow, we did not get the necessary traction. The OYSIPPA team met with your team in Abuja around last year.
“Quite frankly, I am always skeptical about Abuja programmes because it is far away. So, because of that gap, I believe most times, people in Abuja design programmes and policies without really looking at the local requirements.
“So, I thought this may just be one of them. But I kept going and encouraged our guys to keep the lines open, well until I went to Bauchi to flag off a project, two weeks ago. We drove from Bauchi to Katagum and I saw several of your projects along the line and the governor kept telling me that they were the works of Family Homes.”
Makinde maintained that with the transformation his government has been able to bring to bear on the state, especially the massive infrastructure development projects across different zones of the state, it has become important to look at programmes that can plug the holes in the housing sector of the state.
“What we have been able to do here is that, suddenly, the places we think could not be viable have become viable now. For example, the new Business District for us is around Moniya. From that point to Iseyin is now 30 to 40 minutes.
“Even, the GRA at Oyo, nobody would put his money there, but suddenly, Oyo may also be 25 minutes away from the centre of the facilities here in Ibadan and the same thing with Ogbomoso, because we are also going to construct the road from Iseyin to Ogbomoso.
“So, we think this is the best time to really make the final push, and here we have all the officials that can make this happen. I am also here. From my own position, whatever we need to do to take off as early as possible, I am ready to do that.
“Our people have also listened to you and they quite understand what is at stake. It is not a joke, because I have seen the houses. Even the ones in Ogun State. So, I believe we should not be left behind here,” he said.
Earlier, the MD/CEO of Family Homes Funds Limited, Mr. Adewole, said the programme was designed to address the housing needs of local people.
He explained that the organisation is looking forward to working with the Makinde administration, saying: “This is an affordable housing programme and it is designed to address the housing needs of local people.
“We have significant programmes across some states in Nigeria. We are definitely looking at replicating those successes under your leadership in Oyo State.
“We look forward to working with your administration to deliver a fairly significant housing programme for the people of Oyo State and for the legacy of your vision and for this state.
“I assure you personally that I am taking personal interest in the Oyo State programme and we will work with you to achieve success”, he 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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