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We Will Liberate Ekiti from Culture of Beggary, Poverty Brought by Fayose – NGO
A non-governmental organization, (NGO) under the aegis of Ekiti Development Front (EDF), has said it decided to embark on aggressive empowerment of Ekiti indigenes to break the hard-biting poverty and culture of beggary brought by Governor Ayodele Fayose to the State.
The Coordinator of the humanist organization, Barrister Adeoye Aribasoye, said no fewer than 150 Ekiti residents had been empowered in various fields of human endeavour in the first phase of the empowerment programme held in Ado Ekiti.
He said the beneficiaries received cash gift, Sewing Machines, Dryers, Compressors with complete engine for vulcanizers, and washing machines, grinding machines, Generators, Clippers, Cake mixers, Food stuffs – and social interventions like, Day old chicks and feeds, among others.
Speaking at the second phase of the empowerment held on Saturday in Ikole Ekiti, Aribasoye bemoaned how Fayose had successfully turned Ekiti into a beggarly state, describing this as a failure of governance.
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Beneficiaries at the event got washing machines, sewing machines, stoning machines for fashion designers, and grinding machines, hairdressers, compressors/engines for vulcanizers, filling machines for shoe makers, generators, Day old chicks with feeds.
Aribasoye added that 24 families in the State have been placed on safety net of Social Security Scheme, where food stuffs will be made available at food banks established by the body to reduce famine.
Aribasoye stated the agenda of the organization is to empower citizens, assist them in fighting for their rights, and in mass political enlightenment for the populace .
On how to improve scholarship in the State, Aribasoye said the body is resolute about establishing a robust scholarship scheme to help in defraying school fees of those that have challenges, urging Ekiti residents to obtain application forms for the programme to begin.
Aribasoye said that the movement is not political but personal effort targeted at backing political aspiration of anybody that the organisation is convinced of having good mission, vision and developmental agenda that will better the lives of the people.
“We at EDF are ready to support anyone or group of persons interested in the development of our society. We shall not be deterred or lose focus on this”, he said.
He disclosed further that these passion and qualities were what the organisation saw in Dr. Fayemi which was why they are supporting his ambition because, “we have no doubt that if he wins the July 14, 2018 governorship in the State, he will restore he will ensure better life for the people of Ekiti”.
“This empowerment program by EDF will by the grace of God run weekly from now on for the next two months and on monthly.
“You may ask why now, to every destination there must be a step, that step must be taken at a particular time and that step has been taken now and we won’t stop until we reach our destination and by the grace of God we shall get there.
“You may further ask, why then using same to support Dr. Kayode Fayemi? Kindly note, I have never hide my preference for JKF since 2005 I first heard about him. I have a strong conviction about his person and what he stands for.
“I saw his programs in his first tenure as governor of Ekiti State and I saw a man with passion for development in all ramifications. He is a man that sees tomorrow. His programs for the senior citizens by payment of ‘owoarugbo’ endears him to me just like other legacy projects in Ekiti State and I believe he can still do more. His visions are in tandem with EDF vision and objectives.
“We will continue to build men, to teach our people how to fish by supporting them in the areas of their skills.
“I see a better Ekiti where sufferings will be reduced, a society where we will understand that the greatness of a man is not in the amount of wealth he acquires but in the number of lives he is able to affect positively”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Cecilia Arije, saluted the courage of the initiator, saying : “this will motivate us to further support Dr Fayemi and APC in the July 14 election.
“Fayemi worth being reelected, because he was able to reduce poverty by his Social Security Scheme, where 25,000 elderly above 65 years were getting N5,000 monthly stipend. This really helped in stemming the tide of poverty in Ekiti.
“But today, nothing is happening at the grassroots, Governor Fayose had abandoned us”, she 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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