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NPower: Records mismatch, others affect payment in Oyo, says Commissioner.
The Vocal Person/ Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya has attributed mismatched records and omission of account numbers are some of the reasons causing the delay in payment of stipends to the beneficiaries N Power programme in the state.
Giving a situation report on the N-Power job creation and empowerment, an initiative of the Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Commissioner disclosed that the FG pays stipends directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts thereby eliminating any direct payment inputs from states.
She further stated that some of the supposed beneficiaries did not qualify at the verification stage as they supplied wrong or insufficient information, stressing that some out of those who qualified were paid but the bank returned their money, perhaps because of type of account or dormancy of account.
Osunkoya urged unpaid beneficiaries to confirm their status and reason for non-payment from the Ministry of Women Affairs, noting that the beneficiaries are already aware that the lists of unpaid beneficiaries have been pasted.
“If the applicant’s non-payment problem is related to their bank account details, they need to confirm with their banks the status and account details; ensuring that details tally; then Log into npvn.npower.gov.ng or send an email with their correct details to selection@npower.gov.ng. Beneficiaries of the programme are implored to visit the Ministry of Women Affairs,” she added.
Osunkoya further explained that the Federal Government shortlisted beneficiaries for the programme which was designed to help young Nigerians acquire and develop life-long skills to become solution providers in their communities and become players in the domestic and global markets.
According to her, “through N-Power, young Nigerians will be empowered with the necessary tools to go on and create, develop, build, fix and work on exceptional ideas, projects and enterprises that will change our communities, our economy and our nation. The N-Power programme is for all eligible young Nigerians looking for gainful engagement designed for ages between 18 and 35.
“Deployment to beneficiaries’ places of primary assignment is ongoing. For now, the Federal Government is targeting N-Teach, N-Agro, N-Health. Deployment is therefore namely to Primary Schools, Junior Secondary Schools, State Agriculture Development Projects and Primary Health Care Centres respectively.
“The National Orientation Agency (NOA) & National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) handled the verification of beneficiaries as well as collation of verification data at the State level while the Oyo State Government Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is coordinating the programme at the state, deploying the beneficiaries and of beneficiaries and attending to general issues and enquiries and forwarding same to Abuja for necessary action in a bid to ensure that no one is disenfranchised,” Osunkoya 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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