A northern advocacy group, Northern Frontiers for Good Governance, has demanded a probe into the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security over an alleged N1 billion contract awarded for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The group, in a petition addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 20, 2024, described the contract as a misplacement of priorities, questioning why funds meant for agricultural development were diverted to non-agricultural projects.

Signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Abdullah Tanko, the petition raised concerns about the ministry’s focus at a time when Nigerian farmers face crippling insecurity, lack of fertilizers, and limited access to modern farm equipment.

“It is disturbing that a ministry responsible for improving food security is prioritizing the renovation of a pavilion instead of supporting farmers who are unable to access their farms due to insecurity,” the group stated.

The petition further questioned whether the project passed through legislative scrutiny, particularly the Senate Committee on Appropriation, chaired by an indigene of Ogun State.

The group urged the EFCC to investigate the motives behind the contract, Evaluate the actual cost of the project against the allocated budget, Recover any misappropriated funds and prosecute any individuals found culpable.

It emphasized that swift action would deter future mismanagement of public funds and restore confidence in governance.
In response, the EFCC confirmed receipt of the petition in a letter dated December 23, 2024, with reference number EFCC/PET/HQR/4401/2024.

As investigations commence, stakeholders and civil society organizations are closely watching how the anti-graft agency handles the case, which has sparked debates about budget priorities and accountability in public service.

In the wake of the tragic airstrike on Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, survivors and human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation into the incident.
The attack, intended to target Lakurawa terrorists, instead left dozens of civilians dead and injured, turning Christmas Day into a nightmare for the peaceful villagers.
While local authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitness accounts paint a grim picture of widespread destruction and trauma.
Survivors described the moment bombs rained down on their homes, killing children, women, and elderly residents who had gathered for Christmas celebrations.
“We were celebrating Christmas when we heard explosions. People ran in all directions, but many were caught in the blasts,” said Usman Aliyu, a resident of Gidan Sama who lost his younger brother in the attack.
Community leaders and advocacy groups are now demanding answers. Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, Chairman of Silame LGA, assured residents that a thorough assessment is underway, but he urged the military to improve its intelligence gathering to avoid future mishaps.
Humanitarian Concerns and Rising Tensions
The attack has raised questions about the military’s rules of engagement and their ability to distinguish between terrorists and civilians. Several humanitarian organizations have already mobilized to provide medical aid, food, and shelter to the displaced victims.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Nigeria issued a statement condemning the incident:
“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones. The Nigerian government must ensure accountability and prevent further loss of innocent lives.”
As residents mourn their loved ones, calls for justice are growing louder. Survivors and activists are pushing for an independent inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the airstrike and ensure compensation for affected families.
“We cannot let this be swept under the rug,” said Aisha Ibrahim, a Sokoto-based human rights advocate. “The government must take responsibility and provide answers to the people who lost everything.”
With investigations ongoing, pressure is mounting on authorities to strike a balance between fighting terrorism and safeguarding civilian lives.

The pioneer Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Olu Agunloye has praised the advocacy efforts of the current Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, for seeking stronger partnerships with state governments to tackle road accidents and improve road safety measures across Nigeria.

Mr. Mohammed’s recent visit to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, marked a significant step in promoting collaboration.
The visit focused on enhancing road safety operations, particularly in Ondo, a state that holds historical importance as the first to support the FRSC during its formative years in 1989/90 under Commodore Bode George.

Dr. Agunloye who at various times was Minister of Defence, Navy and also power and steel emphasized the importance of a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach to road safety management. He urged state governments to revive their support for FRSC, highlighting past contributions from states like Borno, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, and Lagos.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” Agunloye stated. “We must build on past successes like the National Drivers’ Licence and Vehicle Licence Schemes to save more lives through public-private partnerships and citizen engagement.”

He commended the FRSC’s focus on the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety and Injury Prevention, stressing that proactive state collaborations can reduce fatalities and drive innovations nationwide.

Dr. Agunloye further encouraged states to establish Road Safety Advisory Councils to complement the efforts of the National Road Safety Advisory Council led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The FRSC Corps Marshal’s decision to request the Governor of Ondo State for hands-on collaboration is apt, appropriate, and symbolic. Incidentally, Ondo State was the very first State of the Federation to support the Federal Road Safety Corps and to collaborate with the Corps in terms of joint patrols and End-of-Year operations. Mr Demola Ojo, now a State Commissioner in the Government of Oyo State, was the FRSC Sector Commander of Ondo State then. That was in 1989/90 under the Military Governorship of Chief Bode George, then a Commodore of the Nigerian Navy. Ondo State Government at the time also freely provided the land space on which the very first landed property of the Corps was built. It is expected that the current move of Corps Marshal, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, will yield fruitful collaboration in Ondo State because the incumbent governor of the state, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Attorney General, Barrister Kayode Ajulo, SAN are road safety enthusiasts and obedient road users. Going by the antecedents of the Governor, he would give the Corps Marshal a listening ear.

“Road safety management is multidimensional and multidisciplinary in nature. It does need all hands on deck. It is naturally a joint venture in all aspects. Its funding and support are best provided through public-private partnerships. Its implementation is also naturally rooted in officer-citizen operations for significant success.

“State Governments rose to support the FRSC under President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and this led to great innovations like the National Drivers’ Licence scheme, National Vehicle Licence Scheme etc.
“The time may have come again for the State Governments of the Federation to support the overall road safety management in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the overall interests of all. The resulting collaboration and cooperation could save more lives across state boundaries, and these could be lives dear to all of us.
“Ondo State was the first to give corporate support to FRSC, but it is not the only one. Other States had, in the past, contributed to road safety management in Nigeria.
“Talking about major supportive collaborations from the States, I can recollect, without checking the books or asking operational officers of the Corps, at least six States – Ondo, Borno, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi and Lagos – which had in the past made sizeable contributions to the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC in addition to the nationwide efforts of all the States under the IBB era.”

Observers have expressed optimism, pointing to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s reputation as a road safety advocate and the involvement of Attorney General Barrister Kayode Ajulo, SAN, as key indicators that Ondo State is prepared to reinforce its commitment to road safety.

The FRSC’s renewed focus on partnerships, supported by Agunloye’s endorsement, signals a bold step towards addressing Nigeria’s road safety challenges and ensuring safer highways for all.