An Abuja High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his two co-defendants in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryanne Anenih, who issued the order on Wednesday, said Bello and others should remain in EFCC custody until December 10 when she planned to rule on the ex-governor’s and the co-defendants’ bail applications.

Earlier, Bello was arraigned along with Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge brought against them by the EFCC.

Bello, Oricha and Hudu pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the judge took arguments from lawyers to parties on the defendants’ bail applications.

The EFCC is, in the charge, alleging criminal breach of trust to the tune of N110.4billion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Daniel Bwala as Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media at the State House.

The appointment announced on Wednesday in a statement by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, places Bwala, a lawyer and respected public affairs analyst, at the helm of the President’s communication strategies, aiming to streamline messaging and enhance transparency.

Tinubu also named three new Directors-General for various national agencies, bringing experienced leaders into key roles to support his administration’s goals.

The appointments reflect Tinubu’s intent to drive progress in sectors ranging from sports and tourism to public procurement.

Olawale Olopade has been appointed as Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade previously served as Commissioner for youths and sports in Ogun State and chaired the Organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

In the tourism sector, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, founder of Sodium Brand Solutions and an expert in marketing communications, has been named Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.

Fagade’s background in branding and marketing is anticipated to bring innovative approaches to tourism promotion and industry growth within Nigeria.

Dr. Adebowale Adedokun will now lead the Bureau of Public Procurement as its Director-General.

Having served as the bureau’s director of research, training, and strategic planning, Adedokun brings institutional knowledge and experience crucial for the bureau’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in public procurement.

The President’s appointments reflect a commitment to professionalism and expertise in key areas of national development.

“President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of three Nigerians as directors-general of various agencies and one special adviser on Public Communications and Media.

The new appointees are: Mr. Olawale Olopade — Director-General, National Sports Commission

“Dr. Abisoye Fagade — Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism

“Dr. Adebowale Adedokun — Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement

“Daniel Bwala — Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications (State House)

“Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector.

“He served as commissioner of youth and sports in Ogun state and was chairman of the local organising committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival.

“The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade is a marketing communication professional. He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions.

“Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research/Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment.

“The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media, Mr. Daniel Bwala is a lawyer and notable public affairs analyst.

“The President enjoins the newly appointed officers to discharge their duties with dedication, patriotism, and excellence,” the statement reads.

OLUTAYO AMOO

Former Lagos State Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, known as MC Oluomo, was elected the new National President of the Union on Saturday.

Akinsanya was the sole candidate in the election, which took place at the Union’s Zonal Secretariat along the Osogbo/Ikirun road.

Delegates from the four Southwest states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti participated in the election.

The election, held during the Union’s Quadrennial Delegate Conference, was monitored and observed by the acting National President of the group, Aliyu Issa-Ore.

Issa-Ore, addressing the gathering, explained that the Union’s Constitution stipulates that the zone permitted to fill the national president’s position would elect its preferred candidate and present them to the national body.

The acting NURTW President, represented by Mrs. Adedamola Salam, Head of Finance at the National Headquarters in Abuja, added, “The Southwest zone has fully complied with the Constitution in electing Oluomo as President.”

The delegates also elected Tajudeen Agbede as Vice-President, Southwest, while Akeem Adeosun was chosen as Trustee from the Zone.

Shortly after taking the oath of office, Akinsanya, surrounded by associates and family members, called for peace and pledged to work towards unity among members.

He further stated, “I have forgiven everyone who has offended me, and I hope those I have offended will forgive me as well.

“This is our union, and we must be committed to preserving it. We will not allow anyone to destroy our means of livelihood.”