Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Ten teachers and researchers from across different universities in Nigeria have been announced as new Fellows of the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA).

They are: Dr Ismail Odetokun (University of Ilorin), Dr Chinwe Chukwudi (University of Lagos), Prof. Idika Idika (University of Nigeria Nsuka), Dr Kaisan Usman (Ahmadu Bello University), Dr Abubakar Khaleed (Ahmadu Bello University) and Dr Saheed Adio (Obafemi Awolowo University).

Others are Dr Temitope Sogbanmu (University of Lagos), Dr Akeem Dauda (Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina), Prof. Cosmas Ogbuka (University of Nigeria, Nsuka) and Dr Peter Okoli (Alex Ekwueme (Federal University, Ebonyi State)

“We proudly announce 10 members of the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) who have recently transitioned to the prestigious status of Fellow of the NYA.

“Their dedication and contributions to their fields of research reflect the vibrant spirit of our academy,” NYA said in a statement.

The body noted that their dedication and commitment would forever remain engraved in the history of the Academy.

Reacting to the development, Doctor Ismail Odetokun said the new rank is in recognition of their modest contributions to the body so far.

Odetokun who is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, said the fellowship rank would spur him and other scholars to make meaningful impact on the Academy and academic discipline as a whole.

The Nigerian Young Academy is a unified platform for interaction among brilliant young researchers in Nigeria (not above the age of 40 years at the point of entry) who are from various research disciplines and regions of the country.

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From Hassan Taiye

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has announce the formal conclusion of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise with the President’s issuance of instruments granting pardon, clemency, and reduced sentences.

It is to be recalled that following consultations with the Council of State, the President received concerns on the recommended list and consequently initiated a due process review. This exercise has been completed and approved by the President. This exercise was to ensure that only persons who met stipulated legal and procedural requirements would benefit from the prerogative of mercy.

During this final review, few persons earlier recommended were found not to have met the necessary requirements and were accordingly delisted, while in some other cases, sentences were reviewed and reduced to reflect fairness, justice, and the spirit of the exercise.

In a statement made available to newsmen prince Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney general and minister of justice stated that

“The exercise underscores the President’s desire to balance justice with compassion and the belief that justice must not only punish, but also reform and redeem. The review was undertaken with meticulous commitment to due process to reinforce the administration’s broader commitment to justice reform and humane correctional practices in line with international standards.”

“To ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice “

“The President has further directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies.”

“This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release.”

He commended the public for their patience and constructive engagement throughout the process, and assure Nigerians that the government remains steadfast in promoting a justice system that upholds human dignity while safeguarding national security and social order.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has presented 80 laptop computers to the 16 Local Government Councils of the State for use by their Budget/Finance and Audit Desk Officers.

The gesture is part of the state government’s efforts to promote the adoption of harmonized financial guidelines and the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) under the State Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, a World Bank supported Programme for Results (PforR) initiative.

The HOPE Project covers key sectors such as Governance (HOPE-GOV), Primary Healthcare (HOPE-PHC), and Basic Education (HOPE-EDU).

While closing the five-day residential training workshop for the officers, the Commissioner for Finance and Chairman, HOPE Steering Committee, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Local Governments in the State adopt the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other modern financial management frameworks.

She emphasised that adherence to these standards would enhance service delivery, transparency, and accountability in line with the strategic vision of the State Government.

Dr. Nuru urged participants to continue to be dedicated to their duties, stressing that effective budgeting and proper financial management at the third tier of government are essential for aligning local development priorities with the State’s broader development agenda.

She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continuous efforts to promote excellence and reposition local government administration through institutional reforms and capacity building.

The Commissioner explained that the presentation of laptops demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to strengthening government systems, promoting transparency, and improving service delivery across all levels of government.

According to her, the HOPE Project is designed to address long-standing institutional and systemic gaps that hinder efficient service delivery at the local government level.

“If these frameworks are properly adopted,” Dr. Nuru noted, “they will ensure that budgets are well-prepared, expenditures properly tracked, and reports generated in line with national and international best practices.”

Participants, including local government chairmen, cabinet members, and finance officers, expressed appreciation to the State Government for its efforts to harmonise financial reporting systems and equip staff with the tools required to strengthen fiscal discipline at the grassroots level.

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