News
Direct Allocation Will Eradicate Poverty-ALGON
…hails Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers
The Federal Government has yet to commence direct allocation to Local Government Areas (LGAs) due to ongoing procedural processes, according to Hon. Odunayo Alegbere, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
Alegbere disclosed that LGAs have been instructed to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate the implementation of direct allocation. While the process is still underway, he commended the Federal Government for its efforts, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.
He assured that direct allocation would help eliminate poverty at the grassroots by granting local governments greater control over their finances and projects.
Alegbere acknowledged that while the journey towards full financial autonomy is not yet complete, steady progress is being made. He also criticized the current system where state governments conduct local government elections, arguing that it often results in selections rather than genuine democratic processes. However, he assured that ongoing constitutional amendments by the National Assembly would soon address this issue.
“We are happy with the president, and though we have not yet reached our goal, we are making steady progress,” he stated.
The ALGON chairman emphasized that direct allocation to LGAs would help eradicate extreme poverty at the grassroots level.
“If you look at the grassroots level, the level of abject poverty is alarming. But with this new arrangement, we are confident that we will eradicate and stamp out poverty,” he said.
Alegbere also advocated for removing the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution and replacing it with a national body to oversee local government elections, ensuring a fairer process.
Alegbere linked Nigeria’s growing insecurity to the failure of the local government system. He argued that restoring local governments’ autonomy and involving traditional institutions in governance would significantly enhance security efforts.
“Unless and until we revisit the older system, addressing insecurity will remain a challenge,” he stressed.
He urged the government to integrate traditional rulers into the local government framework to strengthen grassroots security.
On the crisis in Rivers State, Alegbere commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in the state, stating that the intervention helped prevent a potential civil war.
Alegbere also addressed the claim of a fractional group to the ALGON Secretary-General position, warning that any such claimants are impostors. He reaffirmed that ALGON has a clear leadership structure and dismissed any disputes over its leadership.
He expressed optimism that the Federal Government would continue implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling and strengthening local government administration.
“We are the umbrella body of the 774 local governments in Nigeria, and we will continue to support the president in ensuring that the local government system functions effectively,” he concluded.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah, on Friday, characterized the creation of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia (FUASK) in Kaduna State as a divine tool for fostering growth and development within the region.
Kukah expressed this viewpoint in Abuja at the inauguration ceremony for the university’s Governing Council and Principal Officers.
The event was led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who appointed Kukah as the Chairman of the Governing Council.
He committed to making every effort to promote the advancement of the university.
In his remarks, Kukah stated: “The establishment of this university is a realisation of God’s intervention.
“Nigeria may have its own challenges and will continue to have them.
“But I can assure you, Mr Minister, that 60 per cent of the problems in Southern Kaduna have now been solved with the establishment of this university.
“We will not look back—because if God wanted us to, He would have given us an eye at the back of our heads.
“We hold no bitterness. Despite everything, we remain one of the most educated regions in Northern Nigeria.
“Today, Southern Kaduna has no fewer than 200 professors.
“The education we have received, which has brought us this far, is the same education that I personally benefited from, thanks to the missionaries.
“By locating this University of Applied Sciences here, you have given us the tools we need to move forward.”
At the inauguration, Alausa remarked that the founding of the university is a component of extensive educational reforms designed to enhance technical and vocational training.
He noted that the initiative aims to bolster STEM education, decrease the number of children not attending school, and encourage education for girls.
He elaborated that the university will provide advanced courses in applied sciences and mentioned intentions to establish a College of Medicine.
The minister underscored that the establishment of the university is a purposeful initiative to foster development in Southern Kaduna and to advance equity and justice throughout Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Education will provide maximum support. We are working tirelessly to ensure this institution starts on the right footing.
” We have already written to JAMB to include the university in its admission portal for student applications.
“The resource verification process is underway, and I recently discussed it with the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“NUC visitation to the university is scheduled for April 7. Once completed, we will finalise all necessary processes at the Federal Ministry of Education,” the Minister noted.
Alausa further indicated that the university would provide programs in applied sciences, chemistry, physics, environmental sciences, and medical sciences.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa assured that sufficient security measures would be implemented for the university.
He also expressed optimism that the institution would evolve into a centre of excellence that promotes unity among all Nigerians in the region.
It is important to note that President Bola Tinubu mandated the conversion of Nok University in Kachia into a Federal University following its acquisition by the Federal Government.
This directive from Tinubu came after a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that finalized the forfeiture of the privately-owned Nok University to the Federal Government.
The private institution has been renamed FUAS, Kachia, in Kaduna State, fulfilling a commitment made by President Tinubu to the residents of Southern Kaduna.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had transferred the institution’s properties and assets to the federal government.
Recall that President Tinubu, on Monday, appointed Bishop Kukah as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council of FUASK in Kaduna State.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigeria zoomed into their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win in Rwanda on Friday night.
Victor Osimhen continued his hot streak in front of goal with a brace in the first half.
The player who has shone this season for Galatasaray opened the scoring with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman’s free-kick.
Osimhen scored another goal after stealing the ball on the halfway line and dinking it over the goalkeeper.
The result takes Chelle’s men up to third place in the group, following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
The encounter was the Super Eagles first game under new head coach, Eric Chelle.
Meanwhile, the three-time African champions will face Zimbabwe next on Tuesday.
Director General of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu vividly explained why President Bola Tinubu declared State of Emergency in troubled Rivers State.
Dr Nwambu who spoke on behalf of a coalition of 21 CSOs at a press briefing on Friday left no one in doubt in this video after explaining merits of the Emergency Rule in Rivers State.
WATCH:
Bishop Kukah Inaugurated As Chairman Of Southern Kaduna University
WCQ: Super Eagles Move Up to Third Place with 2-0 Win Over Rwanda
Watch moment Dr Nwambu DG of CCLCA vividly explain Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers (Video)
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