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Nigeria can’t afford to abandon zoning – Dr. Dakum
The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) also a former Commissioner of Health in Plateau State, Dr. Patrick Dakum has stated that Nigeria cannot afford to jettison zoning now in her democratic pursuits saying it is one those arrangements put in place to allay the fear of domination and to ensure equity and justice in the political system.
Speaking with newsmen in Jos, Dr. Dakum who said the zoning embraced since the beginning of this dispensation has stabilized the polity to some extent and watered down complaint of political domination added that the concept was put in place for every parts of the country irrespective of size and population to have a sense of belonging, inclusion and participation in governance.
According to him, zoning is the best for the country now because it gives people the freedom and opportunity to be involved in establishing and running the government of their choice at different level, adding that if only specific areas were allowed to produce leadership based on their numerical strength, it will breed bitterness and crisis on the long run.
Said he: ”Origin of zoning is to give inclusion to every part of the country; we need to protect the minority and make them have a sense of belonging. We have not reached a level where we can jettison zoning; there is zoning even in US but in a different context. But in Nigeria we talk about it term of political appointments.
“Our country is still being referring to as developing country; so we must protect the interest of the minority.
“However, I did not support zoning that did not respect qualification; you cannot say because of the zoning system you lower the bar. If we make it transparent, the country has enough qualified people everywhere.
“My support for zoning is without prejudice to qualification, skills and capability that goes with the office, like in Plateau State a local government can produce the entire State Executive, zoning is still important to ensure equity and fairness”.
He also condemned the postulation in some quarters that majority should always get the best in term of distribution of resources and projects adding that the needs of every community should be put into consideration and also in line with their population and size.
“I think the need of the people should be put into consideration, resources should be spread irrespective of whether minority or majority, those in majority need amenities that will commensurate with their population just as the minority too need amenities that is commensurate with their population as well.
“Human needs do not understand minority and majority, so it should be based on the need of every community. God created the majority to protect the minority but not to oppress them, let us approach human issues according to their level of need”.
Dr. Dakum who is also aspiring to contest for the governorship of Plateau state comes 2023 commended those who had governed the state in the past and those still serving for the contributions to the development of the state, adding that all their achievements need to be consolidated, harmonized for further development of the state.
Said he: ”If you are not willing to be part of solution to a problem don’t talk about it, to me. “It is a call to service because to whom much is given much is expected, if God has given me the opportunity to know what development is all about, I believe God has prepared me to serve”.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has applauded media professionals for their dedication to promoting transparency and keeping citizens informed about government activities.
Governor Ododo who was represented by the Secretary to Kogi State Government (SGS), Folashade Ayoade made this known during the official launch of the state’s first Annual Media Performance Report held in Lokoja.
Ododo described the report as a landmark initiative in line with the administration’s commitment to open governance, emphasizing that effective communication is not only about the volume of coverage but the accuracy, sentiment, and impact of the information shared with the public.
He urged stakeholders to remain objective and fair in their reportage, stressing that the government does not support exaggerated claims, but rather believes in truthfully communicating achievements of the administration.
Ododo acknowledged the collective effort that went into creating the media performance report, emphasizing the important role played by the Special Adviser on Media Hon. Ismaila Isah and his team in delivering the report, which he noted aligns with the administration’s values of teamwork and effective communication.
He expressed deep appreciation to journalists across the state and beyond, recognizing their sacrifices in the line of duty, further pledged to facilitate direct engagement between members of the press and the Kogi State Government, assuring that the administration values the role of the media in building trust and shaping public discourse.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor and Host of the event, Ismaila Isah emphasized that the report is not just a retrospective analysis but a forward looking tool to refine future communication strategies.
Isah expressed his gratitude to Governor Ododo for his unwavering support, and called for continued collaboration between the government and the media to further strengthen public trust and accelerate the development of Kogi State.
Vice President of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) Zone D and General Manager, Prime FM Lokoja, Momoh Jimoh Adeiza applauded the report as a major achievement, urging the state government to increase its support for the media to further empower journalists to fulfill their crucial role in the development of the state.
Erosion: Oyo to benefit from European Investment Bank intervention
Oyo State has been listed among the Twenty-three beneficiaries of the European Investment Bank’s intervention in addressing the challenges of erosion and land degradation control in Nigeria.
The intervention project is under the auspices of the European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB).
In a statement by Bukola Bakare, Director, Press & Public Relations,
Ministry of Information and Orientation,
Oyo State, said the National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP-EIB Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks made this known on Tuesday in Ibadan when he led the Federal Project Management Unit delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in his office.
The National Project Coordinator disclosed that the courtesy visit was part of the Federal Project Management Unit team to Oyo State scoping mission to evaluate the State’s readiness as a crucial step towards disbursement and project implementation take off.
According to Engr. Yalaks, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the climate Adaptation: Erosion and Watershed succeeding the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management project (Newmap) to address the issue of land degradation in a targeted subwatershed, improve livelihood, and promote Environmental resilience for sustainable development.
He added that the project is supported by the European Union and oversees by the Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU) with implementation by the twenty three (23) participating States including Oyo State.
Briefing the Governor on the pre requisite requirements, Yalaks commended Governor Makinde led administration for his approval and release of 500 million naira as counterpart fund and other important pre requisite requirements which secured the State as one of the 23 States for the EIB intervention.
His words, “I’m happy to announce to you that Oyo State has met 100% percent legitimate criteria to attract the funding.”
He confirmed that after conducting an assessment of the prioritized sites which are threat to lives and infrastructural development. They are therefore considered as candidate sites in line with the conditions precedence of the EIB.
Welcoming the FPMU delegation on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal highlighted some of the achievements of Engr. Seyi Makinde in demonstrating the highest level of political will to tackle environmental challenges in the state.
He expressed optimism about the project’s potential for success and assured the team of the state’s unwavering support.
“We are already on course and it is an irreversible course, we cannot go back, all the requests you have demanded from us as the state government, we will fulfil. We need to put more efforts in terms of making this partnership a workable one”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources Arch. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola commended Engr. Seyi Makinde for his leadership quality in chosen the prioritized sites in Eruwa, Igbeti, Ibadan and most especially the gully erosion site within the Ladoke Akintola University(LAUTECH) Ogbomoso which is currently a threat to infrastructural development, added that the State is ready for full project implementation take off.
Present at the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, State Project Coordinator, Barr. Tayo Ayoade and members of the State Project Management Unit of NEWMAP.
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, paid a condolence visit to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, following the passing of his mother, Hajiya Sarafa’u Umaru, who died on March 23, 2025, at the age of 93.
During the visit, Senator Lawan expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, describing Hajiya Sarafa’u as a woman of “great virtue, kindness, and wisdom,” whose life left an indelible mark on her family and community.
“It is with a heavy heart that I stand here today to commiserate with His Excellency, Governor Radda, and the entire family over the loss of their beloved matriarch.
“Hajiya Sarafa’u was a pillar of strength and devotion, and her legacy lives on through the exemplary leadership of her son, who continues to serve Katsina State with passion and humility,” Lawan said.
The former Senate President explained that his absence during the initial mourning period was due to his participation in an executive course at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the United States.
However, he emphasized the importance of personally conveying his sympathies upon his return.
“I regret that I could not be here earlier, but I felt it necessary to come in person to offer my condolences and stand in solidarity with the Governor and the people of Katsina during this difficult time,” he added.
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