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Reps Summon AuGF, Finance, Agric Ministers Over Funds Released To Agricultural Programmes 

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has invited the Auditor-General of the Federation, Minister of Finance and Minister of Agriculture over the expenditure of funds released for agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

This was followed by what lawmakers described as unsatisfactory documentation and gaps in accountability records presented during a hearing of the Ad-hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids and Grants Programmes committee on Tuesday at the National Assembly.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu, expressed displeasure over the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes within the period under review.

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According to the Chairman, the investigation is part of ongoing efforts to scrutinise public spending in the agricultural sector amid concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices and questions surrounding the effectiveness of past intervention programmes.

He said that the committee expected a comprehensive audit documentation to enable it “track disbursements, utilisation and outcomes of the various schemes designed to boost food production, support farmers and strengthen national food security”.

He said: “We cannot effectively carry out this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes”.

He emphasised that transparency and accountability were non-negotiable.

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But a representative from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, who is also a Deputy Director, Mohammed Adamu, explained that the delay in producing the reports was due to non-availability of key documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

Adamu said the Office of the Auditor-General had severally requested relevant records on agricultural subsidies, grants, aids and intervention programmes but had yet to receive the required cooperation.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without those records, concluding the audit process has been difficult,” he said.

He urged the lawmakers to widen the scope of the investigation to include the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance, noting that both ministries play central roles in the release, management and oversight of the funds.

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Following the exchange, the committee directed the Auditor-General of the Federation, alongside the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance or their designated representatives, to appear before it on Feb. 3.

The committee cautioned that failure to honour the invitation would attract legislative sanctions in line with the powers of the National Assembly.

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Gunmen abduct eight poly students in Ogun

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Eight students of the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State, have been reportedly abducted after suspected kidnappers attacked their residence in Ipara, Remi North Local Government Area of the state.

A student at the school, who spoke to Tribune Online on condition of anonymity, explained that the incident happened around 9 pm on Wednesday, with eight students abducted by the kidnappers.

Following the incident, the source disclosed that the school management has announced the cancellation of their computer-based and written examinations scheduled for today (Tuesday).

“Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, today’s examination has been cancelled.

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“However, *tomorrow’s examination remains scheduled as planned.* If there is any change regarding tomorrow’s exam, an official announcement will be communicated promptly.

“For now, all students are encouraged to remain calm, stay positive, and continue preparing for their examinations. We are hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” the notice sighted by Tribune Online reads.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed to Tribune Online that there were reports of abduction in the Ipara axis of the state.

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While the PPRO did not confirm the number of people abducted, he disclosed that personnel of the Nigeria Police, especially men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit and other tactical teams, have been deployed to the area immediately.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic promised to get back to our correspondent on the incident. However, notice (Nigerian Tribune)

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Varsity don slams Alaafin over three-hour delay, lack of apology at event

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has come under heavy hammer from a Professor of English at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ademola Omobewaji Dasylva, over his alleged three-hour delay to a programme and failure to apologise after arriving.

Dasylva, who teaches drama, poetry, African Literatures and Oral Literature/Folklore Studies at the University of Ibadan, described the monarch’s conduct as disrespectful and inconsistent with the values of the revered Yoruba royal institution.

The don made the remarks in an article, titled: “Of Mythography and Mythognosis: A Complementary Perspective on Yoruba Mythology and The Relevance, Today,” published on the Toyin Falola Network.

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According to Dasylva, the article partly celebrated the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, held on July 14, 2026.

Before I go on, however, let me mention, in passing, but for the maturity and discipline demonstrated by both the organisers, and the very cultured invited guests, an extreme patience taken for granted by some leaders and cultural icons, the well organised inauguration event of a foremost Yoruba Cultural Institute could have been thoroughly messed up, courtesy of the usual ‘Nigerian thing’, widely referred to as ‘African time,’” he wrote.

Dasylva said the event was scheduled to begin at 9am, with dignitaries, including retired Bishop (Prince) Ladigbolu, already seated, while the programme indicated that the Alaafin was expected at 9:55am.

The university lecturer alleged that the monarch did not arrive until 12:20pm, forcing guests to wait for more than three hours.

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“However, the event had to be kept on hold, courtesy of Alaafin Owoade, who arrived at the venue at 12:20pm.

“In other words, people, including yours truly, were kept waiting for over three hours before the event finally took off.

“Perhaps it wouldn’t have mattered much had other important and peripheral activities including cultural dances, been allowed to fill up the gap pending the Alaafin’s arrival, but no.

“Everyone was kept waiting and wondering what could have taken the monarch that long to attend to a great honour bestowed on the revered Throne of the Alaafin and Ancestry.”

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The professor said what disappointed him most was the absence of an apology from either the monarch or his representatives.

“Unfortunately, not a word of apology for the lateness of the Imperial Majesty and his entourage, either by his spokesperson or directly by His Imperial Majesty!

“But as a teacher of culture, a proud Yoruba, and an advocate of our rich African cultural heritage, I found that rather strange and incomprehensible.”

Dasylva argued that while such behaviour had become common among some politicians, it should not be associated with a foremost Yoruba monarch.

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“I do know that many uncultured Nigerian politicians who have refused to outgrow their adult delinquency regularly do that a lot and take the people they are meant to serve for granted.

“However, may I say in all humility, it is least expected of a foremost Yoruba monarch, a significant institution that embodies Yoruba cultural values and the requisite discipline.

“To whom much is given much is required.

“Again, in all humility, I stand to be corrected.”

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As at the time of filing this report, Oba Owoade, who is currently on vacation to Manitoba, Canada, where he resided before becoming Alaafin, could not be reached for comments on the professor’s condemnation.

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Video: Six months from now Abuja residents can now link Lugbe from Nile varsity

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In the next 6 months, Abuja residents can now link Lugbe from Nile University.

Construction of Collector Road CO1 from the Nile University area to Ring Road III (Lugbe) is now going on.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was at the site to inspect the project, which was flagged off last month.

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