No fewer than 100 Sokoto indigene students are expected to benefit from Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s (Sokoto East) foreign scholarship scheme this year. Sen. Lamido stated this in his farewell message to the first batch of 57 students shortly before their departure to India through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Lamido said admission has already been secured for the beneficiaries to study sciences and engineering courses at two reputable Indian institutions: Geeta and MJR Universities. The beneficiaries were sponsored to study pharmacy, physiotherapy, medical laboratory technology, engineering, computer science, software engineering, cyber security, and machine learning, among other related courses.

“We have designed a comprehensive scholarship program to sponsor 100 Sokoto indigene students. It is a fully funded scholarship package for the beneficiaries selected from across Sokoto East Senatorial District. The package encompasses school/tuition fees, accommodation, feeding, exam fees, monthly stipend, visa charges, flight tickets, and health insurance, among other charges. The first batch of 57 students has departed to India, and we are working for the departure of the second batch of students. Each student is sponsored at no less than N45,000,000 for the period of four years of his/her studies,” Sen. Lamido said.

He added that the scholarship was meant to pay back his constituents by sponsoring their children to acquire education, noting that “this is the best way I can pay my constituents. By the time the beneficiaries graduate and return to Nigeria, they will be very useful to our society.” He urged the beneficiaries to focus on their studies and be good ambassadors of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a country.

The beneficiaries posed for a photograph

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke to Daily Telescope, commended the Senator for the gesture, which they described as timely. One of them, Muhammad Salisu Gatawa, said: “Even in my dream, I have never thought of going abroad for my studies, but God in His infinite mercy has made someone sponsor me to India for studies out of generosity. It all started like a dream, but as God designed it, here we are at Abuja Airport for our trip to India for studies. Alhamdulillah. All I would have to say is that we will reciprocate this precious gesture by concentrating on our studies.”

Another beneficiary, Abubakar Isa, said: “When my credentials were collected for onward transmission to the committee saddled with the responsibility of screening eligible students, I never took it seriously because it is not the first time politicians are collecting our papers under the guise of scholarship. But some days after, I was called for the screening and later informed that I was qualified for the scholarship. Even then, I wasn’t convinced it was real until I was asked to get prepared for the trip.”

The Adamawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill for the creation of more emirates with first-class emirs in the state.

The new emirate law, now awaiting Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s assent, was passed days after the governor assented to another law, the state’s District Creation Law 2024, which created 83 new districts on 4 December.

Mr Fintiri, in a letter to the lawmakers on Monday, requested the passage of a bill for a law to provide for the Adamawa State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) and matters incidental thereto.

The bill empowered the governor to create additional emirates, and appoint or depose traditional rulers.

The bill passed first and second reading at the state House of Assembly on Monday.

The accelerated reading of the bill followed separate motions by the deputy majority leader, Ahmed Rufai (Maiha LGA), seconded by Moses Zah (Michika LGA) and Bauna Myandassa (Lamurde LGA).

The Speaker of the Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, referred it to the House Committee on Local Government Affairs for legislative action.

The speaker directed the committee to submit its report on the next legislative day.

The committee was headed by Kefas Calvin with Godfrey Bulus ashis deputy, while Grace Kurkuwa served as the clerk.

On Tuesday, the lawmakers passed the bill into law. The governor is expected to announce the new emirates after assenting to the bill.

The new law stripped the Lamido of Adamawa, Mustapha Barkindo, of his title of permanent chairman of the Adamawa Council of Chiefs.

The law says the seat will rotate annually among all the first-class emirs and chiefs.

The lawmakers said the rotational chairmanship would promote fairness, equity and quality representation in traditional leadership.

The governor had on 4 December assented to the state’s district creation law at an exclusive ceremony at the Government House.

He said the new law was aimed at enhancing governance and addressing security challenges at the grassroots level.

The law weakens the influence of the Lamido of Adamawa, Mr Barkindo, by reducing the local government areas under his control from eight to three.

The Adamawa emirate covered Hong, Song, Gombi, Fufore, Girei, Yola North, Yola South, and Mayo-Belwa.

Source: Premium Times.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). This appointment will take effect immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the current AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

In a statement released by the Presidency, it was announced that Ogunjimi’s appointment is part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to ensure continuity and efficiency in the nation’s financial management. “YORUBA LOKAN: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation,” the statement read.

Mr. Ogunjimi, a seasoned financial expert, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has previously served in various capacities within the Ministry of Finance, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management. His appointment is expected to bolster the government’s efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and improve the management of public funds.

Dr. Madein, the outgoing AGF, has been commended for her service and contributions to the nation’s financial sector. Her tenure saw significant reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s financial management systems. “Her leadership has been instrumental in driving key financial reforms, and her legacy will continue to influence the sector positively,” the statement noted.

The transition is expected to be smooth, with Ogunjimi taking over the reins to continue the implementation of ongoing financial reforms. “His appointment will take effect immediately after the pre-retirement leave of the current Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein,” the statement confirmed.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi’s ability to lead the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) effectively. “Mr. Ogunjimi’s extensive experience and dedication to public service make him well-suited for this critical role,” the President remarked.

The appointment has been well-received by stakeholders in the financial sector, who anticipate that Ogunjimi’s leadership will bring about further improvements in the management of the nation’s finances. “We look forward to continued progress under his stewardship,” a senior official in the Ministry of Finance commented.