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Bodija Explosion: N30bn FG Intervention Fund intact, N20bn Balance unreleased
The Oyo State Government has disclosed that the N30 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government in response to the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan remains untouched, nearly two years after the incident, due to the non-release of the outstanding N20 billion balance.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that the funds were part of a N50 billion reconstruction package approved by the Federal Government to support the rebuilding of Old Bodija and surrounding communities affected by the explosion.
According to the state government, the N30 billion currently sits in a dedicated Oyo State Government Infrastructure Support Account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria, and has not been accessed since it was credited on November 4, 2024.
The statement explained that following the explosion of January 16, 2024, Governor Seyi Makinde formally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal intervention, citing the scale of destruction and the extensive humanitarian and infrastructural needs created by the disaster. The state had initially proposed a N100 billion intervention plan to cover emergency response, victim support, and large-scale reconstruction.
President Tinubu later approved N50 billion, half of the requested sum, with the funds explicitly designated to support reconstruction efforts in the affected Bodija axis. Subsequent to the approval, a special infrastructure support account was opened to receive and manage the intervention funds.
However, while N30 billion was eventually released through the Central Bank of Nigeria, the remaining N20 billion has yet to be disbursed by relevant federal agencies. The Oyo State Government said no formal explanation has been provided for the delay.
The government stressed that it deliberately chose not to deploy the released funds in isolation, noting that the reconstruction plan was designed around the full N50 billion approval. Officials maintained that partial utilisation could undermine the scope, coordination, and effectiveness of the recovery programme.
The statement also recalled the immediate steps taken by the state government in the aftermath of the explosion, including search-and-rescue operations using heavy equipment, full medical care for injured victims at the state’s expense, emergency deployment of ambulances and health workers, and the temporary relocation of displaced residents to hotels funded by the state.
Reaffirming its position, the Oyo State Government said the N30 billion remains intact as of December 31, 2025, and invited members of the public to independently verify the status of the account with the bank.
The government expressed appreciation to residents of the state for their patience and understanding, while reiterating its commitment to transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive reconstruction process once the full federal allocation is released.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.