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Final forensic audit report of NDDC ready by July—Akpabio

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Godswill-Akpabio
Sen.-Godswill-Akpabio
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Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, says the final report of  forensic audit of  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be ready by the end of July.

Akpabio, who fielded questions from State House correspondents on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the final report would be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for implementation.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in February 2020 approved the appointment of a lead consultant for the forensic audit of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The minister said that action had been expedited on the process of constitution of the board of NDDC.

“We have fast tracked the process of constituting the board; but we insist that the most important thing is not just the development of the Niger Delta region but how to reposition NDDC to ensure optimal performance as against the practice in the past.

“So, the forensic audit of NDDC is on course and it is progressing very well and I am happy with the progress made so far.

“And I am very certain that by end of July which is just a month and a few weeks away that the final result will be given to the president for implementation.

“And in terms of the composition of the board of the NDDC, that of course, we have fast tracked the process and the National Assembly will soon get the list.

“But that is not as important as the forensic audit which we are finally given a deadline which is July, that it will end.’’

He said that he was hopeful that the new board would use the recommendations of forensic audit to work and reposition the commission.

The minister regretted that, in the past, the headquarters of the commission was not connected to the national grid for 10 years to 15 years.

“And we have noticed the fact that even the headquarters building that was started over 20 years to 24 years ago, nobody was interested.

“ I think they were pursuing projects that were probably beneficial to either the staff or the management and not necessarily things that benefited the region.’’

Akpabio said that the East-West road was another major area of concentration which the NDDC itself should have taken interest in.

He said that he worked on federal roads when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“And to the glory of God, the president has refunded the money that most of the states used in intervening in federal roads which means it was a good gesture and the president has reciprocated it by the fact that the monies were refunded to those states.

“So, I think, even NDDC should have intervened in East-West road to ensure its completion because of the economic importance of the road.

“Just three days ago, we had a mishap where one of the bridges had a problem; the approach to the bridge, it caused so much traffic jam in Port Harcourt for hours and we had to move in.

“To the glory of God, we have repaired the damaged section of the road and traffic is flowing and we working very hard to make sure that we complete that road come next year for the benefit of the Nigerians not just Niger Delta,’’ he said.

He said that his recent visit to the Niger-Delta region was not as result of pressure from any quarters but for the sake of peace in the region.

According to him, the region is very critical to the economy of the country.

The minister said that he had and interactive session with stakeholders in the region for purpose of the economy of Nigerian economy as the impact of any unrest in the region would affect be adverse.

He added that he had set the pace by his visit to the Niger Delta as his move was being emulated in dousing the agitations in the South-East.

“And I think the example I set is what is being emulated now in the South-East—that there is need for those of us in government to go back home and interact with people at the grassroots.

“And then, explain things to them; so that we can stop the restiveness that we are witnessing in many zones of the country.

“So, my going to creeks to meet the traditional rulers and ex-agitators was in the interest of not just the security of the region but the peace of the region.

“And by implication, to ensure that critical infrastructure that can affect the economy of the nation were not tampered with; I think it was a step in the right direction,’’ he said.(NAN)

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Adubiaro Expresses Gratitude to Oyebanji Over Reappointment as Ekiti SSG

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Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro
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Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro has expressed profound gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for reappointing her as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing the renewed mandate as an honour and a call to greater service.

Adubiaro, in a statement issued following the announcement of her reappointment, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in her capacity, dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

She pledged continued loyalty, diligence and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Oyebanji administration, assuring that she would work towards the successful implementation of its policies, programmes and development agenda.

The SSG said her renewed appointment offered another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Ekiti State.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her encouragement, support and contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Adubiaro extended her gratitude to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, and Olori Abosede Adejugbe for their goodwill, prayers and support, noting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development.

She equally appreciated the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwestern Nigeria, including Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, as well as the Muslim community in the state, for their prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement.

The SSG also acknowledged the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their solidarity and support, reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of the party and collaboration with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s development agenda.

She did not leave out her family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, whom she thanked for their congratulatory messages, prayers and expressions of goodwill following the announcement of her reappointment.

Adubiaro further pledged to discharge her responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, transparency, teamwork, humility and integrity, stressing that she remained conscious of the high expectations associated with public service.

She assured the people of Ekiti State of her determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to translate the governor’s vision into tangible benefits for residents.

The SSG also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji, while seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the state’s traditional institutions, religious leaders, political stakeholders, public servants and residents.

She reiterated her resolve to justify the confidence reposed in her through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

 

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Oyebanji Makes First Appointments in Second Term, Retains SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS

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Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
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Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has made his first set of appointments following his inauguration for a second term in office, retaining three key members of his administration.

The governor approved the reappointment of Professor Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

The appointments were announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, were inaugurated for another term in office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the appointments take immediate effect.

The decision to retain the three principal officials ensures continuity in key administrative, executive and communication positions as the governor begins his second term.

As Secretary to the State Government, Professor Adubiaro occupies a strategic position in the coordination of government policies, administrative processes and inter-agency relations.

Similarly, Adebayo, as Chief of Staff, is responsible for supporting the governor’s office and coordinating executive activities, while Oyebode oversees official communications and media relations for the state government.

The reappointments constitute the first official appointments announced by Oyebanji since his inauguration for a second term, signalling the continuation of the existing leadership structure in these critical offices.

The statement did not indicate whether further appointments would be announced in the coming days.

The announcement was signed by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State.

 

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Bamidele Hails Oyebanji’s First Term, Says Peaceful Politics Drove Ekiti Development

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Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the first term of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as remarkably peaceful, attributing the achievement to the governor’s humility, sense of duty and inclusive leadership style.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s ability to foster cordial relationships among political stakeholders across the state had created an enabling environment for development and progress in Ekiti State.

The Senate Leader stated this in his welcome address at the second-term inauguration of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, in Ado-Ekiti.

He commended the governor for sustaining a peaceful political atmosphere, noting that cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders had contributed significantly to the state’s developmental strides.

Reflecting on Ekiti State’s political and developmental journey from the administration of its first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, through subsequent administrations, including that of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Bamidele said Oyebanji had continued to strengthen the culture of political stability and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the governor’s leadership approach had helped sustain a harmonious political environment, allowing the state to focus on governance and development rather than political divisions.

Bamidele further described Oyebanji’s re-election as a historic milestone, noting that the governor had broken a longstanding political barrier by becoming the first governor in Ekiti State to secure consecutive second-term mandates.

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would provide further opportunities to consolidate the achievements of his first administration and advance the development of the state.

 

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