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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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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The Edo State Government has given former deputy governor, Godwin Omobayo, a one-week deadline to return all government properties still in his possession.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, directed Omobayo to immediately hand over all state-owned assets acquired or used during his time in office.

According to the statement, the government expressed concern that several official items, including vehicles, documents, and other assets assigned to Omobayo during what it described as his “brief and illegitimate tenure,” have not been returned despite multiple formal requests.

“The continued retention of such property constitutes a clear breach of public trust and unlawful possession of state assets,” the statement read.

The government reaffirmed that all assets used in the course of public service remain the property of Edo State and must be surrendered upon leaving office. It therefore directed Omobayo to return all government property in his custody to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within seven days.

Itua warned that failure to comply within the stipulated period would compel the government to instruct the Edo State Commissioner of Police to arrest Omobayo and recover the assets through lawful means.

“The Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process, and the protection of public property,” he said. “No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.”

He added that the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo will continue to uphold transparency, discipline, and integrity in public service, ensuring that all officers are held to the highest standards of responsibility.

“The government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that could attract legal consequences or further embarrassment,” the statement concluded.

Omobayo was sworn in as deputy governor on April 8, 2024, following his nomination by former Governor Godwin Obaseki after a fallout with then–Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu. However, Shaibu was later reinstated by the State House of Assembly, rendering Omobayo’s tenure invalid.