By Hassan Taiye

Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle as Edun, Dangiwa leave FEC

…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister; Darma ministerial nominee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”

By Hassan Taiye

The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has formally responded to an earlier petition on alleged medical negligence and invited the petitioner, Mr. Hamza N. Dantani, to provide an oral account of the events surrounding the matter.
Dantani, a lawyer and rights activist, said the meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Director, members of the hospital’s management team, legal representatives, and concerned members of the public, including the Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission.
According to him, during the engagement, the Chief Medical Director assured all present that a thorough investigation had been initiated and that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure justice is served in line with established standards and procedures.
He explained that his objective was neither to seek compensation nor to tarnish the institution’s reputation, but to advocate for systemic improvement within the hospital.
Dantani stressed the urgent need for institutional reforms, including enhanced supervision, regular monitoring, and stricter oversight of staff conduct, particularly in view of recurring concerns and complaints relating to alleged medical negligence.
He further disclosed that the Chief Medical Director assured him that the management of UMTH is committed to conducting a comprehensive review of the issues raised, with a view to strengthening the institution and addressing public dissatisfaction, including concerns widely expressed in public discourse.
In a related development, the Public Complaints Commission has also commenced an independent investigation into the matter.
Dantani said he was invited by the commission to provide a statement and clarifications, during which he also suggested practical measures to address the identified shortcomings.
He noted that the commission has since taken up the matter and is actively pursuing its mandate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the demand in this matter is not for compensation. It is solely directed toward preventing future occurrences and improving overall healthcare service delivery for the benefit of society,” he said.
He also stressed the need for the hospital to strengthen supervision of healthcare practitioners while improving staff welfare, noting that both are critical to achieving sustainable and effective healthcare outcomes.
Dantani expressed appreciation to members of the public whose reactions and concerns brought significant attention to the issue and helped prompt the hospital’s management to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
He also acknowledged the assurances given by the Chief Medical Director and the management of UMTH, particularly their willingness to listen to public concerns and undertake the necessary reforms.
He, however, maintained that such assurances must go beyond mere declarations and be translated into concrete actions, as stakeholders await the full implementation of the promised reforms.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Founder of the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji (Chief) Abdulraheem Oladimeji, has celebrated the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, on his 86th Birthday, saying that Ilorin township is experiencing rapid growth and development under the monarch’s reign.

Oladimeji, who is the Jagunmolu of Igbomina Land and Arogundade of Lagos, identified the renowned traditional ruler as a pathfinder of peace and stability.

In a congratulatory message he issued on the occasion of Dr Sulu-Gambari’s birthday, the business mogul rejoiced with the monarch for not being discriminatory toward any faith and tribe in his administration of the ancient city.

The Al-Hikmah University proprietor identified the Emir of Ilorin as a development-driven traditional ruler, who has continued to encourage the well to do among his subjects to create opportunities for people at the rung of the ladder.

He noted that the respect and reverence Dr Sulu-Gambari enjoys from the people of Ilorin Emirate could not be divorced from the way and manner he has prioritized their welfare and well-being.

Oladimeji, however, beseeched the Almighty Allah to grant the monarch longevity of life and sound health to enable him preside over the affairs of the Ilorin Emirate for a long time to come.

He said, “I bring my warm felicitations to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR on the commemoration of his 86th Birthday Anniversary. I use this opportunity to thank our Emir for being a pathfinder for peace and stability.

“It is glaring that the reign of the Emir of Ilorin has attracted development to Ilorin as a city, thus making it a reference point and shining light among its peers.”