22 SOUTH WEST Thursday, May 08, 2025

SHORT READ APC Adjourns Stakeholders Meeting As Ex-ALGON SHORT NEWS

Osun APC President Slumps In Lagos Fire Guts Sections
Groups Demand BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos tendees. coming elections, was adjourned abrupt- Of Ibadan Poly
Governorship Quick intervention by on-site medical ly following the emergency. Senior Staff Quar-
The All Progressives Congress (APC), personnel and party members resuscitat- Health professionals have empha-
Ticket For Osun Lagos State, yesterday adjourned its ed him before being transported via am- sised the incident as a reminder of the in-
ters
West in 2026 stakeholders' meeting as former nation- bulance to an undisclosed hospital for ur- tense pressures faced by public officials, BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan
al president of the Association of Local gent care. though no details about Alabi’s medical
BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. A fire destroyed property
As of the time this report is filed, the history or current treatment have been
Kolade Alabi, suddenly slumped during cause of the incident remains unclear, and disclosed. worth millions of Naira at the
As the 2026 gubernatorial race Polytechnic Ibadan's senior
gathers momentum in Osun a meeting hosted by the party for aspir- no official statement from the APC or Al- Addressing the stakeholders ahead of
ants to the position of council chairman. abi’s office regarding his condition has the APC primaries for the local govern- staff quarters on Wednesday.
State, two major All Progres- The general manager of
sives Congress (APC) interest The stakeholders' meeting was held been issued. Sources close to the situation ment poll, the party leaders appealed to
at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja. Eye- confirmed that the chairman is “respon- the aspirants to cooperate with the lead- the Oyo State Fire Services
groups have called for the zon-
ing of the governorship tick- witnesses reported that Alabi, the chair- sive and stable” following the episode. ership to ensure a seamless exercise. Agency, Akinyemi Akinyin-
et to the Osun West Senatori- man of Bariga Local Government Area APC stakeholders at the meeting de- The party leaders clamoured for ran- ka, who confirmed the inci-
al District. (LGA) and Lagos State Chairman and a scribed the incident as “shocking,” em- cour-free primaries, noting that the par- dent, said the distressed call
The groups cited decades of prominent figure in Lagos politics, was phasising his active participation in ty leadership would adopt a consensus was received at precisely 02:
political marginalisation as the addressing party members when he sud- discussions before his collapse. The gath -
arrangement in choosing the 57 council 26 hrs of the fire incident at
reason for the call. They said denly slumped, sparking panic among at- ering, intended to strategise ahead of up- chairmanship candidates. No 56, Senior Staff Quarters,
no fewer than 25,000 youths UI Road, The Polytechnic
have been mobilised across Ibadan, through telephoning
Osun State to deliver victory
for the APC candidate in the
Lagos, BOI N10b Partnership For MSMEs In Lagos Will Foster and CFM Gbadamosi.
He said firefighters led
2026 election.
The Progressives
Growth, Empowerment – Olusi by ACFS Adesina Oluso-
ji promptly turned up at the
Frontliners(TPF) and Coalition BY SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos the groundbreaking partnership brings "lt targets key sectors that are central scene of the fire incident.
of Osun APC Interest Groups together the public and private sectors to Lagos State's development including "On getting there, it was the
(COAIG) disclosed during The managing director of the Bank of in a shared mission to empower entre- Healthcare—to strengthen systems and staff quarters of the institution
their monthly joint meeting Industry (BOI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, on preneurs. spark medical innovation: Manufactur- that were engulfed by fire", he
in Osogbo that their member- Wednesday said the partnership between "At the Bank of Industry, we believe ing boosts focal production and indus- said.
ship strength had grown from the Lagos State government, BOI, and MSMEs are the engine of economic trial capacity: Agribusiness—to improve According to him, the fire-
15,000 to 25,000 after spread- Sterling Bank will not only help to pro- growth—driving innovation, creating food security and rural livelihoods; Crea- men swiftly swung into action
ing tentacles across the state's vide N10 billion for Micro, Small, and jobs, and expanding opportunities. How - tive industries—to grow our cultural and and restricted the fire from
30 local government councils. Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos ever, we also know that without access artistic economy, and digital economy spreading to all nearby build-
State but also foster continuous growth to finance, their potential remains limit- to unlock youth-led innovation and en- ings and properties within the
Ekiti Council Chair and empowerment. ed. This is why the government of His terprise.’’ vicinity.
In his address at the official signing Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinu- "And at the heart of it all is accessibil-
Promises More of the Memorandum of Understanding bu, is focused on delivering access to fi- ity. Under this scheme, MSMEs can ac -
He said the fire was extin-
guished entirely in conjunc-
Dividends Of De- and launch of the LASG-BOI MSME nance to the MSME segment of Nigerian cess up to N10 million at a single-digit tion with the University of
Access to Finance Scheme (LASME- enterprises. This programme is designed interest rate of nine per cent per annum,
mocracy CO) at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Olusi said to change that.’’ without collateral.
Ibadan Fire Department.
The fire severely affected
BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti
three out of four rooms in the
The people of Ifedara Local Quarters.
Council Development Area
(LCDA) in Ekiti State have EFCC Re-arraigns
been urged to keep faith with
the All Progressives Congress Mercy Chinwo's
(APC)- led government in the Ex-manager For
state to deliver more life-trans-
forming dividends of democ- Money Laundering
racy. BY OLUGBENGA SOYELE, Lagos
The council chairman, Mr.
Sunday Ogunsanya, stated The Economic and Financial
this and assured of the gov- Crimes Commission (EFCC)
ernment's resolve to initiate on Wednesday re-arrested Eze-
more programmes and poli- kiel Onyedikachukwu, the for-
cies to better people's lives. mer manager of gospel singer
Ogunsanya spoke yesterday Mercy Chinwo, along with his
in Igbemo-Ekiti, the LCDA company, Eezee Global Con-
headquarters, during an em- cepts Limited, before the Fed-
powerment programme or- eral High Court in Lagos over
ganised for the area's farmers,
allegations of money launder-
market women, widows, se-
curity agencies, artisans, and ing totalling $255,446.
food vendors. The EFCC docked Onyedi-
He said the government is kachukwu on a seven-count
determined to develop more charge of engaging in foreign
L-R: Outgoing president, Rotary Club of Isheri-North, Michael Omeihe; managing director and editor-in-chief, Newscentral, Kayode Akintemi; exchange transactions without
infrastructure in all six com- incoming president, Rotary Club of Isheri-North, Michael Adeleye and immediate past president, Rotary Club of Isheri-North, Daniel Nwejike, at an official courtesy visit to Newscentral
munities in the area, initi- a license.
TV to discuss the investiture of the 5th incoming president held in Lagos, yesterday
ate youth-friendly policies to The prosecutor, Bilikisu
tackle unemployment, pro- Buhari-Bala, informed the tri-
vide adequate security meas- LASAA Extends Educational Support To Ikorodu Public Schools In CSR Drive al judge, Justice Chukwujek-
ures to protect residents' lives wu Aneke, that the defend -
and property, and embark on BY ANDREW OJIEZEL, Lagos school bags crafted from repurposed ad- vation, Mr Adegbolahan Dixon; Head of ant, in June 2023, negotiated
massive road rehabilitation for vertising banners, exercise books, and Corporate Communications and Strate- a foreign exchange transaction
the easy movement of goods The Lagos State Signage and Adver- writing materials. gy, Mrs. Atinuke da-Silva-Osadjere; and worth $52,895 with one Olad-
and people. tisement Agency (LASAA) has broad- The initiative underscores LASAA's the Head of Legal Department, Mrs. Tit- otun Mureke, despite not being
Hon Ogunsanya told the ened its corporate social responsibility commitment to educational advance- ilope Raheem, were present at the out- an authorised foreign exchange
gathering that empowerment (CSR) efforts with the second phase of ment and environmental sustainability, reach. dealer appointed by the Central
is designed to equip people its "Back to School Storm" initiative, a vision championed by its Managing The CSR initiative is a collabora- Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
with the skills, knowledge, reaching four public primary schools in Director, Prince Fatiu Akiolu. The pro- tive effort with the Omo Dada Founda- She maintained that the of-
and resources needed to excel the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. gramme aligns with Governor Babajide tion, led by Honourable Omoniyi Dada, fence violated sections 5 and
in their respective areas. The Agency visited Methodist Prima- Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, who also participated in the distribution 29(1)(c) of the Foreign Ex-
While promising constant ry School, Igbogbo; Anglican Primary which prioritises education and social events. Dufil Prima Foods, a key spon- change (Monitoring and Mis -
training, equipment, and re- School, Igbogbo; Etunrenren Primary development across the State. sor, actively contributed by providing
sources to the people, he add- cellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap
School; and Muslim Primary School, Key LASAA management figures, in- additional school items and nutritious
ed that the council will provide F34, Laws of the Federation of
Ikorodu, distributing essential school cluding the Director of Administration lunches for the pupils at each school,
adequate security to enhance Nigeria, 2004, and is punisha-
supplies to pupils. The donated items and Human Resources, Mr Gbolahan adding a significant humanitarian as-
its effectiveness and efficiency ble under Section 29(2) of the
included environmentally conscious Oloko; Head of Operations and Inno- pect to the programme.
in developing the area. same Act.
 Thursday, May 8, 2025 NEWS 21
SHORT READ Delay In Salaries Threatening Varsities’ SHORT NEWS
Public Funds:
Canadian Council
To Tackle Graduate
Unemployment In
Stability, SSANU Warns AGF CSCHEI Sets Up
Watchdog Team On
of the Government Integrated Finan- tion Committee (JAC) of SSANU/
Nigeria BY ADEGWU JOHN, Abuja cial Management Information System NASU and the federal government, Procurement
(GIFMIS) and highlighted the union’s which assured that no union member BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH,
BY JERRY EMMANSON, The Senior Staff Association of Nigeri- dissatisfaction with delayed salary pay- would face victimisation following the Abuja
Abuja an Universities (SSANU) has appealed ments since its exit from the Integrated suspension of their last industrial action.
to the Accountant General of the Fed- Personnel and Payroll Information Sys- SSANU claimed the continued delay To strengthen transparency
The Canadian Education eration (AGF) to address persistent de- tem (IPPIS). in salary payments is a breach of this and accountability in Nigeria’s
Council (CEC) has reaffirmed lays in the payment of university work- “It is regrettable that, since our exit agreement and could be perceived as a procurement process, a United
its commitment to addressing ers’ salaries. from IPPIS, the salaries of our mem- punitive measure. Nations-accredited civil society
the persistent issue of In a formal letter, the union warned bers are often paid two weeks after sal- The union warned of potential con- group, the Civil Society Organisation
graduate unemployment and that the situation could jeopardise the aries have been disbursed to other fed- sequences: “This situation threatens the on Community Advancement
employability gaps in Nigeria current industrial peace in the nation’s eral workers,” the letter stated. fragile industrial peace currently being and Humanitarian Empowerment
through partnership with university system if it is not swiftly re- SSANU described the recurring de- enjoyed in our nation’s university sys- Initiative (CSCHEI), has inaugurated
higher education institutions solved. lay as an administrative lapse and a clear tem.” a national watchdog committee to
to establish International The letter, signed by SSANU nation- act of discrimination. SSANU emphasised that it would not monitor public funds usage.
Career Centres across Nigerian al president Comrade Mohammed Haru- The union reminded the AGF of the tolerate further delays that impact mem- The director-general of
universities. na Ibrahim, was directed to the director 2022 agreement between the Joint Ac- bers’ morale and welfare. CSCHEI, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, while
The council has introduced inaugurating the committee in Abuja,
two transformative initiatives said the move was part of efforts to
to bridge this gap: the end the era of exploiting technical
Canadian Internship Test loopholes to divert public funds.
(CIT) and the Canadian “This committee will prioritise
Employment License Test transparency and accountability
(CELT). These tests evaluate in public procurement. The era of
graduates’ competencies, work exploiting technicalities to divert
readiness, and alignment with public funds is behind us. We will
international standards and are consistently demand answers that
tools for vetting and assessing serve the interests of the Nigerian
their readiness for career people,” Yusuff declared.
opportunities. The committee is tasked with
Speaking at a media briefing overseeing the implementation
in Abuja, Dr Adeniyi John, the of procurement procedures and
country director of the Canadian budgeting, tracking progress,
Education Council in Nigeria, evaluating outcomes, and
emphasised the urgency recommending data-driven reforms. It
for Nigerian universities to is also expected to develop guidelines
modernise their approach to that align with international best
career development: practices and promote a culture of
monitoring and evaluation.

PCRC Seeks Public

Support For Police To Governors’ Wives
Fight Crimes Vow To Support
BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja
Director general, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Abdullahi Baba Arah; director, planning, research and forecasting, National Emergency Management Fight Against Drug
Agency (NEMA), Dr Onimode Bandele; director general, NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar; DG, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammad and
The Police Community
secretary, Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, Mrs Toyin Ojuolape, during the launch of the National Mass Fatality Response Plan developed by NEMA in Abuse
partnership with the International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) in Abuja on Tuesday
Relations Committee (PCRC)
BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja
has called on the public to
collaborate with the police
in the fight against crime and
criminality in the country.
Women’s Health Are Underfunded In Nigeria
– Health Expert The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses
Forum (NGSF) has said that the
success of the National Drug Law
The PCRC made the call BY SAMUEL ABULUDE, Lagos fecting women’s health are given utmost at- class women in Nigeria. It exposed critical
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA
at a youth and women’s rally tention in view of the indices like high ma- gaps in workplace policy and support, and it )’s ongoing efforts against sub-
in Abuja yesterday, during Health expert and CEO of Healthtracka, Ife- ternal mortality rate and high infant mortality showed that 67.2 per cent of Nigerian wom- stance abuse and illicit drug traf-
the PCRC’s 41st anniversary oluwa Dare-Johnson, has stated that women’s rate, among other indices. en experienced serious workplace health chal- ficking will lead to the actuali-
celebration. health are under-researched, under-prioritised, “For so long, women’s health has been lenges, including menstrual pain, complica- sation of President Bola Ahmed
The rally and sensitisation, and underfunded in Nigeria. underestimated, under-researched and un- tions from fertility treatment and menopause. Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
which kicked off at the The co-founder and convener of the re- derfunded. Women’s health is not a personal The report added that fewer than half of This is part of the resolutions at
PCRC secretariat beside Jabi cently held programme “Banking On Wom- issue. It is an economic issue. It’s a human is- male colleagues recognised the women’s the end of a training workshop or-
Park, Abuja, saw the PCRC en’s Health Conference 2025” joined other sue. How do you tell women to lead, to break health issues, while only 18 per cent of em- ganised by the NDLEA in collab-
members move around Abuja, health experts- female scholars, medical doc- the glass ceilings, to do great exploits with- ployers offer women-specific health benefits. oration with the NGSF in Abuja.
calling for the police’s support tors and specialists to clamour for the prioriti- out actually taking care of their health?” she Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, who doubled as the While reading the commu-
in information gathering and said, as there was a launch of ‘The State of fair executive director, said that from the re- nique by the first lady of Ogun
sation of women’s health, knowing fully well
whistleblowing to tackle crime State, Mrs. Bamidele Dapo Abi-
that a healthy woman is a healthy family and Women’s Health Report in Nigeria’ by the port, women’s health is not a side issue but the
effectively. odun, on behalf of the chairper-
National president of a healthy family is a healthy nation. Healthtracka’s Foundation for Advocacy, In- foundation of economic growth. “Recognis-
They urged the society, stakeholders and novation and Research (FAIR) which details ing and accommodating it is not a charitable son of the forum and first lady
PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Mogaji of Kwara State, Prof (Mrs.) Olu-
Olaniyan, while speaking at the government at all levels to ensure issues af- the silent crisis affecting millions of working- add-on, it’s a strategic imperative.
folake Abdulrasaq, the governor’s
event, said that the war against wife, said, “Recalling the impor-
crime should not be left in
the hands of the police alone,
Kano Govt, Firm Train Artisans, Technicians On Leadership Skills tance that successfully tackling
the drug scourge will remark-
adding that all hands must AN), Nigeria Export Promotion Council transform their leadership style into a more ably ensure that the Renewed
be on deck to fight for crime BY ABDULMUMIN MURTALA, Kano
(NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion functional one. Hope Agenda of the President is
reduction. Commission (NIPC), Corporate Affairs Speaking at the event, the commission- achievable for holistic national
He said the committee In collaboration with Global Sight Nige-
ria, the Kano State government has trained Commission (CAC), Federal Competi- er for investment, commerce, industry and development required to birth a
would continue to support the tion and Consumer Protection Commis- cooperatives, Wada Sagagi, who was rep- Nigeria of our collective dreams”
police because it was aware the leaders of artisans and technician asso-
ciations in Kano on how to upscale their sion (FCPC), and Standard Organisation resented by the director general of the The forum expressed con-
that the service alone could not cern “that Nigeria presently
business to higher levels. of Nigeria (SON) were in attendance. Small and Medium Enterprises Develop-
fight crime in society. faces an alarming drug use sit-
He also revealed that the On Wednesday, 165 associations from The group leaders were enlightened ment Agency, Nasir Mansur, reminded the
on the need to stay abreast of government leaders of their responsibilities. uation, which has heavily per-
PCRC has passed a vote of across the state attended the training in
agencies’ functions and the opportunities “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, vaded every sphere and strata of
confidence on the inspector- Kano. They had the opportunity to meet communities and consequently
general of police, IGP with various government agencies that can they can enjoy in building their business- I will not conclude without commending
es beyond their current state. the efforts of the management of Global endangering the wellbeing and
Kayode Egbetokun, as he has help develop their businesses. security of individuals, fam-
performed well as the police The Small and Medium Enterprises De- They are also trained on the impor- Sight Nigeria Limited for providing this
Signed:
tance of good communication, which will platform to learn, network and grow. ilies and communities within
head since he assumed office. velopment Agency of Nigeria (SMED- the country.”