News

Adeleke Unveils Cooperative Movement Reform Plan, Allocates N1bn As Revolving Loan Scheme

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Eric

Governor Ademola Adeleke today received encomiums from cooperative society movement in Osun state for hosting the first statewide summit and approving One Billion Naira as a revolving loan scheme for the Cooperative movement.

In an event members of the cooperative movement described as the first of its kind since the creation of Osun state, Executive Secretary of the Federation of Osun Cooperative Union, Wasiu Bello said the previous administration diverted cooperative savings, leaving the societies in crisis and financial challenges.

Expressing deep appreciation that Governor Adeleke is repaying the diverted savings, the leader of the cooperators applauded the creation of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment, calling it the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Declaring the State Cooperative Summit opened, the Governor who was conferred with an award, announced far-reaching reforms, including the allocation of One Billion Naira revolving loan scheme through the cooperative and micro-credit agency .

The Governor narrated his reform agenda further: “As we plan to inject huge funds, we must work on the following areas to inspire confidence and sustain continuous government financial contributions.

“The Cooperative law is due for review: After enactment dating back to first or second republic, an amendment of the act is necessary to take into account modern trends and practices;

“Upgrading the operational standard of the cooperative movement: We all must admit that the operational standard among the cooperative platforms is very low and substandard. The old laws are hardly complied with, and the practices across the societies are quite below any confidence inspiring rating;

“The need to review compliance with democratic governance: The cooperative society mostly lacks democratic governance. In other words, there is no regular election of leaders. This blocks innovation and frustrates the potentials of the grassroots financial platform;

“Crisis of Accountability and transparency: The greatest challenge is the low level of transparency and accountability in cooperative operations. The rot is deep, we must all admit. The external and internal auditors are mostly compromised, and managers are mostly ill-equipped. We must reform to achieve the potential of the movement”, the Governor noted.

Directing the Commissioner for Cooperative and Empowerment to submit a reform plan for execution, the Governor announced that his administration has resolved to invest a billion naira in the state cooperative movement to create a pool of revolving loans at single digit interest rate through the cooperatives and micro credit agency.

He informed the gathering that he has approved the complete rehabilitation of the Cooperative College, Odeomu, directing the Commissioner to take necessary action to implement the approval.

“Because of the importance of cooperative movement to the local economy, we may also consider the possibility of cooperative studies becoming a programme of study at polytechnics and universities in the state.

“The executive arm will also consider sponsoring an executive bill for the review of the cooperative law. Let us make the operating law conform with realities of the 21st century”, he noted while declaring the summit open.

The Cooperative summit which conferred the award of Grand Matron of the Cooperative Movement in Osun on Yeyeluwa Mrs Dupe Adeleke Sanni, was attended by top government officials including the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; the host Commissioner, Bayo Ogungbangbe among others.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

News

Ex-Cross River Gov Donald Duke Joins ADC

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally pitching his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Duke registered as an ADC member in Ward 5 of Calabar Municipality, where he collected his party membership card, marking his official entry into the opposition party.

His move comes amid recent internal concerns within the ADC in Cross River State. Former ADC governorship candidate, Dr Effiong Nyong, had written to the party’s National Chairman, protesting the inclusion of some individuals from the state in the ADC’s 50 Wise Men and Women Policy Manifesto Committee.

Nyong faulted a statement by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, which listed persons who, according to him, neither resigned from the PDP nor made contributions to the ADC, calling for their removal.

Political observers believe Duke’s swift formal registration may be linked to the controversy, as the former governor had earlier been named among prominent figures associated with the party.

Recall that Duke previously left the PDP for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate under controversial circumstances.

Meanwhile, ADC leaders in Bakassi Local Government Area have intensified calls on Cross Riverians to identify with the party, describing it as a credible alternative ahead of future elections.

Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting involving chapter executives, ward chairmen, and secretaries, party leaders accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of misrule and urged Nigerians to reclaim the country.

In a statement signed by the Bakassi Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Asuquo, and Secretary, Eko Boco, the party reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC national leadership, pledging support for the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while urging undecided citizens to join the party’s “transformative agenda.”

News

Police Nab Suspect Behind Dummy Bomb Threat to Lagos Schools

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man over alleged fake bomb threat messages to two private schools in Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA).

The suspect was tracked and arrested on January 24 in the Okota area of Lagos State following digital investigations.

According to the sources, the suspect allegedly sent WhatsApp messages threatening a fire explosion to the Human Resources Manager of AVI–CEENA School and the Chief Security Officer of Grange School, both located in Ikeja GRA.

Although the messages were sent from an unknown phone number, police said digital tracking led to the identification and arrest of the suspect, identified as Kosisochukwu Chukwuekenyem Ogbumuo.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.

Police said inquiries are ongoing to determine the motive behind the threats and whether other individuals were involved.

The Lagos State Police Command reassured parents, school authorities and residents of Ikeja GRA of its commitment to maintaining security and preventing panic or disruption within the education sector.

News

Court Nullifies PDP National Convention Held in Ibadan

Published

3 days ago

January 30, 2026

Eric

The Federal High Court in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held on November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also barred Turaki and others from presenting themselves as national officers of the party.

Despite internal disputes, the PDP went ahead with its highly anticipated two-day 2025 Elective National Convention at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. Tagged #Ibadan2025, the convention drew thousands of party delegates and leaders.

The convention was expected to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC), including a National Chairman, who would steer the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. The court’s ruling casts uncertainty over the legitimacy of the leadership and raises questions about the party’s preparations for the next electoral cycle.

Party members and legal experts are now awaiting further clarification on the implications of the judgement for the PDP’s national leadership structure.