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Bayelsa Denies Diverting N3bn CBN Agric Loan

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The Bayelsa government on Saturday denied allegations that the N3 billion Agriculture loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was diverted by government officials.

Bayelsa Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr David Alagoa, in a radio programme monitored in Yenagoa described the allegations as false, baseless and childish.

 Dr John Idumange, a former General Manager of Bayelsa Broadcasting Corporation had alleged  diversion of N3 billion agricultural loan obtained by the immediate past administration led by Chief Seriake Dickson.

Idumange, who was an aide on Research and Documentation to Dickson, who was governor from 2012 to 2020, claimed the present administration was diminishing the efforts of Dickson’s government.

He claimed that he had so far, recorded 17 cases of diversion of the N3 billion loan obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Idumange also claimed that he would report the alleged fraud to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) when the count reached 25.

The former governor, Dickson had in a press statement on Friday, washed his hands off the allegations, urged his supporters to close ranks and work for the success of Diri’s administration.

Speaking on the allegations, Alagoa said that the first tranche of N1.5 billion facility was received in March 2020 for infrastructure has been deployed to upgrade the existing cassava processing plant and set up two rice mills.

He said that the facilities where the funds were spent on were available for any interested person to visit and inspect adding that the CBN has stringent inbuilt governance mechanisms to guard against abuse.

Alagoa dismissed claims made by Idumange who called into the programme to allege that a paltry sum of N50,000 was disbursed to few farmers whilst government officials shared the rest as false and without merit.

“It is either Idumange does not understand or does not want to understand or is on a mission to discredit this administration, let me said that we are open to criticism as we do not have a monopoly of knowledge.

“We welcome constructive criticisms as long as they as factual and true, but Idumange did not get his facts right and maybe the information at his disposal is from another state and not Bayelsa.

“I therefore, challenge him to prove than money was shared by government officials because no such thing happened and the projects for which the funds were meant are there for inspection.

“It is also false that N50,000 was disbursed to few beneficiaries. We have 3,500 beneficiaries who qualified even though we had planned for up to 6,000 farmers but due to financial inclusion issues.

“Many of the farmers who do not have functional bank accounts with Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) were screened out. So the 3,500 beneficiaries received N50,000 for land ploughing and preparation.

“The programme is structured in such a way that funds are remitted at various stages in the farming process, currently we are distributing inputs for rice and cassava farmers whitefish inputs will be distributed later this month.

“Our policy on Agriculture is to promote farming by resident to achieve food security while the government assists them by mechanising the process and the tractors acquired are already in our custody ready for use,” Alagoa said.

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Security Expert, Jackson Ojo Lauds Tinubu Over Appointment of Homeland Security Adviser

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By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
A security expert and executive protection specialist, Dr Jackson Lekan Ojo, has applauded President Bola Tinubu over the creation of the Office of Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

In a statement made available to journalists, Dr Lekan Ojo also commended that choice of Maj Gen Adeyinka Fadewa (retd), as Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security.

According to him, “This step signals a clear commitment to strengthening internal security coordination, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and improving inter-agency collaboration at a time when Nigerians are demanding safer communities and more responsive governance.

“I also acknowledge and appreciate the appointment of Maj Gen Adeyinka Fadewa (retd), a highly decorated officer with over three decades of experience in military and intelligence operations, counter-terrorism, and national security strategy.

“His role in establishing the Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Office of the National Security Adviser demonstrates his capacity for high-level coordination and strategic planning.”

He, however, Lekan Ojo suggested Nuhu Ribadu and Adeyinka Fadewa should swap positions due to their different areas of specialisation.

“In the spirit of constructive nation-building and to ensure maximum impact from this new architecture, I respectfully advise a strategic swap of roles to align expertise with mandate: Appoint NSA Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

“As a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and former Chairman of the EFCC, Mallam Ribadu brings deep experience in policing, internal security, law enforcement coordination, and civil-security relations. Homeland security is fundamentally about managing domestic threats, policing, civil unrest, and inter-agency cooperation at the community level. This aligns directly with his professional background.

“Appoint Maj Gen Adeyinka Fadewa (retd) as National Security Adviser.*
With his extensive military career, experience as Principal General Staff Officer to the NSA, and leadership in intelligence fusion and national security strategy, Gen Fadewa is well-positioned to manage the broader national defense and external security landscape at the strategic level.

“This realignment is not a criticism of any individual, but a recommendation to match skillsets to roles for optimal results. The right person in the right seat will accelerate policy execution, improve synergy between security agencies, and give Nigerians the confidence that both internal and external threats are being addressed with the right expertise.

“I believe that such a move will strengthen the administration’s security architecture and deliver the tangible results Nigerians expect on security and stability.”

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Auto360 Nigeria Graduates New Generation of Skilled Mechanics, Sends Trainees to Industry Internships

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By David Torough, Abuja

Auto360 Nigeria Limited has celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort of automobile trainees, marking the end of an intensive technical training program and the beginning of industry internships for the newly skilled mechanics.

The ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort behind the initiative, which was supported by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria under the TVET IDEAS Project, alongside the World Bank.

The Managing Director and CEO of Auto360 Nigeria Limited, Dr. Paul Ubwa, expressed appreciation for the investment in skills development.

He also acknowledged the role of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that government backing for vocational education is helping to build a capable workforce for the country’s growing automotive sector.

According to Dr. Ubwa, the graduating trainees have undergone a significant transformation—from having little knowledge of vehicle systems to becoming capable of diagnosing faults, using modern scan tools, and explaining technical issues to customers.

He emphasized that beyond technical skills, the trainees were also equipped with discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to professional standards.

“As you step into internships, you will face real-world challenges—new workshops, demanding customers, and evolving vehicle technologies,” he told the graduates. “Stay curious, maintain strong character, and uphold the standards you have learned here.”

The graduates are expected to begin internships across various automotive workshops, where they will gain hands-on experience in an industry increasingly shaped by new technologies such as hybrid and electric vehicles.

Dr. Ubwa urged the trainees to act as ambassadors of the institution and its partners, reminding them that their performance would reflect not only on Auto360 but also on the broader national effort to strengthen technical education.

The event concluded with a charge to the graduates to demonstrate that Nigerian mechanics can compete globally by delivering quality service, solving complex problems, and building sustainable careers.

The Auto360 Class of 2026 now enters the workforce with what the company describes as “skill in their hands, knowledge in their heads, and grit in their hearts.”

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Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma: Driving Innovation in Aviation and Empowering Communities Across Nigeria

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By Raphael Atuu

In an era where visionary leadership is shaping the future of Africa’s economic landscape, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma stands out as a formidable force in business, aviation, and philanthropy.

As Group President of Binani Global Air Services and Binani Group of Companies, Chiroma is redefining industry standards while championing inclusive growth and community development.

Born on 18 February 1983 in Adamawa State, Chiroma’s journey to the pinnacle of corporate leadership reflects a blend of discipline, global education, and strategic foresight.

She began her academic path at Federal Government Girls College, Yola, before advancing to the United Kingdom, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Business Studies from the University of East London.
She further strengthened her academic profile with postgraduate qualifications from the University of Greenwich and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, where she also completed a Master of Business Administration in Oil and Gas Management in 2025.

Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of London, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning.
Chiroma’s professional journey began in London, where she served as Executive Director at Binatech System Limited between 2009 and 2011.

There, she developed a strong foundation in business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. Upon returning to Nigeria, she assumed leadership as Group Managing Director of Binani Group of Companies, spearheading strategic expansion and organizational transformation across multiple sectors.

Today, as Group President of Binani Global Air Services, she leads the airline’s strategic direction, overseeing operations, regulatory compliance, and expansion across key domestic and regional routes.

Her leadership philosophy anchored in safety, innovation, and excellence has positioned the airline as an emerging competitor within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Under her stewardship, Binani Group has grown into a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning printing, construction, oil and gas, gold trading, and international commodities. Key subsidiaries such as Binani Printing Press, Binani Construction Company, and Binani Oil and Gas continue to thrive under her guidance, contributing to economic development and job creation across the region.

Beyond boardrooms and corporate strategy, Chiroma is deeply committed to social impact. Through the Aminatu Goje Foundation, she leads initiatives focused on empowering women, supporting youth development, and improving healthcare awareness. The foundation’s programs ranging from orphanage outreach to maternal health advocacy have positively impacted communities across Nigeria, reinforcing her belief that business success must be matched with social responsibility.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has received several accolades, including the “Beacon of Hope for Africa’s Development” award from the All Africa Students Union and the West African Merit Award for her leadership in the printing industry.
Despite her associations with prominent public figures, including her husband, Senator Danjuma Goje, Chiroma has carved out a distinct identity defined by professionalism, innovation, and purpose.

Known for maintaining a low public profile, she remains focused on driving organizational growth while quietly making meaningful contributions to society.

As Nigeria continues to expand its economic and industrial frontiers, leaders like Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma exemplify the synergy between enterprise and impact building not only successful businesses but also stronger communities for future generations.

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