The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, handed 14 recovered assets over to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State.

The Chairman of the commission, Ola Olukoyede, during the handing over ceremony held at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday, revealed that the assets recovered by the commission were forfeited to the Federal Government.

Olukoyede further said that the EFCC began an investigation into the development since 2007, and had achieved the conviction of persons in relation to the matter.

He also noted that the President, Bola Tinubu, ordered the handover of the assets which includes – real estate, radio and television transmission equipment, and medical facility, amongst others, to the Enugu State Government, following a request by the EFCC.

Details shortly….

As part of his administration’s resolve to ensure a safer environment, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has inaugurated the Ekiti Agro Marshals to safeguard farmlands, schools, and palaces across the state.

This is with a view to creating a conducive environment for farming to thrive, thereby boosting food security in the state.

Speaking during the passing out parade of the Marshalls in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the governor said the local security outfit is designed to complement the efforts of the police and other security agencies in the war against criminality in the state.

The governor explained that the Agro Marshals became necessary following the instruction of the president to the governors to set up a special guard to protect farmlands and the forest. This, in addition to the suggestions of the security council and that of the traditional rulers in the state, led to the establishment of the new outfit.

Emphasizing the importance of securing agricultural resources, educational institutions and cultural heritage sites to ensure sustainable development and communal harmony, Governor Oyebanji said the main mandate of the marshals is to ensure that farmlands, palaces and schools are protected across the state.

Oyebanji, while maintaining that his government remains committed to security of lives and property of the citizens in the state, expressed his confidence that, with the right collaboration between the Marshals and other security agencies, Ekiti will be the safest place in the country.

He added that the initiative is a collaborative effort between the state, the local government and traditional institution to safeguard the lives of farmers in order to enhance safety on the farms, thereby boosting food production and food security.

The Governor charged the Marshals not to violate the fundamental human rights of the citizen but discharged their duties diligently within the confines of the constitution of the country.

“They are to complement the efforts of the formal security apparatus, they are not to replace them, they are to work together, gather intelligence, but their main mandate is to ensure our farmlands, palaces and schools are protected and because they are local, they have access to intelligence, understand the community and the environment.

“I charge the officers not to violate the fundamental human rights of the citizens, you cannot be arbitrary and everything you are going to do must be done within the confines of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the Marshals, Rtd. ACP Olamide Oni, who commended the Governor for ensuring that the people of the state can sleep with their two eyes closed, said the marshals have been trained on the requirements for carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.

He assured the governor that the state would henceforth experience peace on the various farmlands and forests.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Council of Traditional rulers, Oba Ilori Faboro, on behalf of all royal fathers in the state, expressed his appreciation to the Governor for all his efforts at ensuring that Ekiti remains the safest state in the country and assured the governor that royal fathers in the state would provide necessary support to the marshals.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the Lagos State Transport Policy will be unveiled in May.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the unveiling of the Global Transport Policy Annual Transport Roundtable/Bilingual Magazine on Wednesday in Lagos.

The theme of the event was: “Transport Infrastructure and Strategic Policy Intervention: Building Blocks for economic Growth.”

Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi.

The governor noted that the policy was put together to ensure a sustainable, efficient, and reliable transportation system that would attract investors and encourage public private partnership.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the policy document when fully operational will serve a number of functions.

“First, as a set of transport goals, objectives and strategies for the government and people of Lagos State. Second; as the basis for emerging regulations and legislations on transport and traffic development of the state.

“The Lagos State Transport Policy will address issues such as integration of all modes, inclusion of people with disability in the provision of transport infrastructure.

“Others are the encouragement of private participation in the provision of infrastructure and services, encouragement and inclusion of non-motorised transport infrastructure in on going road projects,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu, however, called for insightful discussions and exchange of ideas at the roundtable for economic growth and development.

“Everyone should seize this opportunity to harness collective wisdom, innovation, and collaboration to chart a course toward a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive transport ecosystem.

“Together, let us strive to unlock the full potential of transport infrastructure and strategic policy intervention as the building blocks for economic growth, prosperity, and shared prosperity for all,” he said.

Also, Mr Segun Obayendo, President, Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA), enjoined stakeholders in the sector to embrace professionalism.

“If the transport sector is professionalised, it will see to a new beacon and shape the future of the industry.

“We do not have a National Transport Policy and we can achieve this if we professionalise this sector and CIOTA is solidly behind the convener with their support,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Oluwasegun Musa, Chairman/Chief Consultant, GTP, said that development of robust transportation networks was not merely about connecting cities and regions.

Musa said that transportation networks must be built on sustainable economic growth, societal advancement, and global competitiveness.

He stressed the need for strategic policies designed to optimise transportation networks to ensure efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity.

“Connectivity goes beyond geographical boundaries integrating different regions into cohesive economic units.
“Whether it be roads, pipeline, railways, airways, or maritime routes, the seamless interconnectivity of transport networks fosters trade, spurs investment, and promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

“By investing in last-mile connectivity, we can ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all segments of society.

“Therefore, our first building block is the establishment of a comprehensive, multimodal transport system that enhances connectivity within and beyond our borders, stretching to neighbouring countries to further amplify the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.

Musa called for the development of policies that reinforces the success of intermodal transport.
“The revitalisation of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure requires bold vision, decisive action, and unwavering commitment.

“By prioritising strategic policy intervention, we can lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for all Nigerians,” he said.

He commended government’s commitment to infrastructure development, with the instituting of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, and the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund for execution of critical infrastructure projects.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Global Transport Policy magazine, a bilingual magazine, produced quarterly with authoritative trend-spotting and compelling cross-cutting analysis.