The Aliko Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has delivered emergency relief materials valued at N1Billion to the Government of Borno State for onward distribution to persons affected by the 2024 flood in the State.

During the handover ceremony held yesterday in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Hajara Modu, said the committee was committed to supporting flood-affected communities.

Representing the co-chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Secretary said that the distribution of food and non-food items fulfills the pledge made by the committee at the height of the 2024 flood disaster.

In early September 2024, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged approximately 70% of the city. This made Borno State the most severely affected region in Nigeria during this year’s flood season. The flooding displaced thousands of residents, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services, exacerbating the humanitarian challenges already faced in the region.

She said the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had announced the donation of N2billion.

According to her, of the N2 billion donation announced by Dangote, N1 billion is on behalf of the committee for the procurement and supply of relief materials to the flood victims in Borno, and the other N1 billion was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).

She described Mr. Dangote as very passionate about philanthropy, adding that the committee that was set up in 2012 by the former President Goodluck Jonathan had only a year to work, but through the support of Mr. Dangote it continued to address the flood disasters in the country.

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation for its substantial interventions in the state.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy Mr. Umar Usman Kadafur said the state government had set up a committee to ensure that relief items reach victims of flooding.

He noted that Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through the committee and his foundation, has consistently provided support in various forms, addressing critical needs in Borno.

Governor Zulum commended Mr. Dangote for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and for contributing significantly to the state’s recovery efforts, particularly during challenging times. He acknowledged that Dangote’s interventions have touched many lives and have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of disasters such as the recent floods.

Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mrs. Zubaida Umar, commended Mr. Dangote for providing the requisite leadership in humanitarian intervention in the country.

Mrs. Umar, who was represented by the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Abdullahi Adamu Usur, said: “Today’s handover of relief materials donated by the PCFRR is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He listed some of the items to include: Beans, Seasoning, Salt, Sugar, Tomato Paste, Vegetable oil, Foam Mattress, Guinea Brocade, Wax Print, Blankets, Mosquito Nets, Nylon Mat, Bathing Soap, Detergent, Children Diapers and Sanitary Pads.

Borno State’s Commissioner for Women and Social Development Zuwaira Gambo thanked the Dangote-led committee for what she described as a huge humanitarian intervention.

NEMA’s Coordinator for Northeast Zonal Office Mr. Sirajo Garba said the agency, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has perfected a transparent modality for the distribution of the relief items from the Dangote-led Committee.

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.