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Photos: Over 5,000 youths benefit from APC professionals council empowerment scheme in Oyo
No fewer than 5,000 young Nigerians across the 33 local government areas in Oyo State have benefitted from the empowerment programme initiated by a support group of the All Progressives Congress (APC), -Professionals Council in Oyo State.
The beneficiaries who are mostly women and the youth participated in a four-day empowerment and tuition-free scholarship programme that run from Tuesday 25th October to Friday 28th October 2022 wherein they underwent training in areas such as soap making, fish farming, digital marketing, crop farming, poultry and a host of others viable ventures while those who desire to go to higher institutions were given admission letters to run a tuition-free programme at University or Polytechnic to achieve their academic ambitions.
The initiative which is a brainchild of the professional council a foremost support group of the APC was held in partnership with the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan.
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Director-General of the Professionals Council, Dr Seyi Bamgbade said the initiative was designed with the cardinal objectives of keying into the federal government plans to move millions of Nigerians out of poverty and raise their standards of living which have continually demonstrated in several ways through various windows such as N-power, trader-moni, farm money and other interventions mapped out by the APC led government for the people.
Dr Bamgbade hinted that this intervention will no doubt reduce the social vices and crimes to the barest minimum if more people are empowered and given access to education through tuition-free scholarships to contribute to the development of the country.
He expressed his appreciation to the management of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology for making it possible for the group to achieve its assignment of training and empowering the unemployed Nigerians, especially the youth.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Coordinator of the professional council, Dr Bamidele Gold expressed happiness for the smooth running and hitch-free exercise which he said has impacted the beneficiaries that participated during the training sessions.
Dr Gold thanked the national body of the professional council for the empowerment opportunity it gave to unemployed youth in Oyo State which has allowed the participants to gain new skills and secure admissions to higher institutions of learning.
In their goodwill messages, the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial district, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, Candidate for Ido/Ibarapa federal constituency, Engr Remi Oseni, member Federal House of Representatives from Ibadan North constituency, Prince Olaide Akinremi Jagaban who was represented by Hon. Ojo Jimoh, Hon. Kunle Kareem from Akinyele local government and Hon. Mrs Tairat Adeyemi, lauded the initiative of the APC Professionals Council geared towards reducing the number of unemployed youths and eradicating poverty in society.
They urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the interest-free loan which shall be given to them as a start-up grant for what they have learnt.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of admission letters to all the students that were offered scholarships while certificates of participation were also given to others that took part in the skills acquisition programme.
Some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship award were Jimoh Sodeeq Ayinde, Tajudeen Faidat Agbeke, Aderogba Segun Stephen, Oye Samuel Oluwabunmi and Adetuluse Praise Temilade.
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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