News
Influx of Okada riders: Kwara unfolds measures to avoid security breach
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
Kwara state government has decried the influx of Okada riders into Ilorin, the state capital, particularly after the ban of Okada business in Lagos state, admonishing various unions of Okada riders in the state on the need to beef up security among their members so as to prevent any untoward happenings in the state.
Commissioner for Works Engr. Suleiman Rotimi disclosed this on Thursday in Ilorin during a strategic meeting with members of the joint Okada riders in the state.
Engr. Rotimi emphasised that all registered and recognised unions of Okada riders by the state government would be issued identification cards with barcode and new single uniforms as well as stickers to enhance easy identification and planning, adding that, as part of the strategies to enhance security, the census of all joint Okada riders would be conducted to ascertain the actual population of registered Okada riders in the state.
The Commissioner further stressed the need for road tax payment by Okada riders, while asking them to fashion out a realistic amount and mode of collection.
Engr Ritimi assured them of government readiness to collaborate with financial institutions to facilitate social investment scheme in form of loan that would further boost the transport business in the state.
Responding, the President of joint Okada Union, J.P Ajewole Gabriel, thanked the Commissioner for his listening ear and expressed the union’s readiness to abide by the single uniform, road tax payment being proposed for Okada riders in the state.
J.P Ajewole Gabriel, however, implored the Ministry to check the influx of Illegal Okada operators in to Tanke Oke-Odo and some other areas in Ilorin to forestall breach of security in the state.
In his own contribution, the Permanent Secretary Dr Yusuf Garba Manjo appreciated the joint Okada union for accepting the proposal on single uniform, stickers, identification cards/barcodes, while assuring the union that necessary machinery would be put in motion to make the proposal a reality within the shortest possible time
Dr Manjo also urged them to embrace the proposed road tax payment as highlighted by the Commissioner, which he said was a statutory payment meant to be collected from the riders by the state government.
In attendance were the Directors of the Ministry, CEO KWARTMA and the executives of the seven unions recognised as the joint Okada rider union.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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