The Director-General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), Dr. Michael Zira, has announced that 92 percent of the recently disbursed Fintiri Business Wallet funds have been successfully paid to beneficiaries across Adamawa State. According to him, only 8 percent of the transactions failed, and arrangements are already in progress to ensure these payments are completed without delay.

Dr. Zira made this known during a courtesy visit from a socio-political group from Tsukuma Tilijo Ward of Michika Local Government Area. He expressed delight at the visit, noting that the success of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s initiatives is already evident in the state’s growing business sector and the visible reduction in poverty levels.

“I remain committed to justifying the Governor’s confidence in me by championing skills acquisition training and other empowerment programmes,” he said. He further explained that the vision is to position Adamawa as not only a business hub but also a technically inclined state that can create sustainable opportunities for young people and small businesses.

The PAWECA Director-General also expressed his gratitude to Governor Fintiri for providing him the platform to contribute to Adamawa’s development. He called on residents to continue to pray for the Governor’s success as he drives policies aimed at economic growth and social inclusion.

Earlier, the leader of the visiting delegation, Madam Sarafina Daniel, stated that their mission was to commend Dr. Zira’s achievements and the positive effects of his efforts on the masses. She said many small business owners have benefitted from the Fintiri Business Wallet, which has helped them revamp their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Madam Daniel, who is the Councillor representing Tsukuma Tilijo Ward, reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to both Dr. Zira and Governor Fintiri. The delegation also presented a portrait of the Director-General as part of their appreciation.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has raised alarm over the activities of fraudsters creating fake social media accounts impersonating the Agency and its Director General to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement, NEMA categorically disclaimed the fraudulent accounts, stressing that they do not represent the Agency. “The attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been drawn to the activities of unscrupulous elements creating fake social media accounts impersonating the Agency and its Director General with the intent to defraud unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement read.

The Agency advised the general public to disregard such fake accounts and remain vigilant against fraudulent schemes aimed at deceiving innocent citizens.

NEMA reminded Nigerians that both the Agency and its Director General operate only verified social media accounts, describing them as the authentic platforms for credible updates and emergency management information. It further reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and credible communication with the public.

September 8, 2025 – Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, FCNA, FCIT, has approved the establishment of a committee to oversee the recruitment of qualified indigenes into the State Civil Service.

The move, according to the Governor, is aimed at reducing unemployment and tackling youth restiveness, which he described as major factors contributing to the rising issue of informants’ syndrome and worsening insecurity in the State.

The Governor explained that the decision was necessary to provide opportunities for young people and strengthen public service delivery. “This recruitment process is part of our commitment to address insecurity by creating jobs for our youths,” he stated.

The newly formed committee has Alh. Jelani Kalgo as Chairman. Other members include Amb. Sahabi Isa Gada mni, Alh. Bature Shinkafi, Alh. Muh’d Bello Nagwari, Prof. Ladan Ala who is the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Faruk A. Wurno, Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Governments Service Commission, and Barr. Gandi Umar Mohammad, mni, who will serve as Member and Secretary.

The committee was given specific terms of reference. These include developing criteria for selecting qualified candidates to fill existing vacancies in the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies, collating and examining applications, shortlisting candidates, and conducting interviews and assessments to determine eligibility. The committee is also expected to recommend suitable candidates for recruitment.

In addition, the committee must submit its report within one month from the date of its appointment, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recruitment exercise that aims to promote employment and enhance security in Sokoto State.

September 8, 2025 – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has within nine months of assuming office embarked on historic reforms that are reshaping the civil and public service into one of the most professional and efficient in the country.

Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, who is driving the reforms on behalf of the governor, described the development as a bold commitment to building a stronger service for the State. According to him, “the civil service is the engine room of governance and a critical driver of the SHINE Agenda.” He added that Governor Okpebholo has shown “unusual attention to the workforce, making it clear that the administration’s promise of renewal cannot be realized without a motivated, professional, and well-resourced civil service.”

One of the most notable decisions under the reforms is the governor’s move to abolish outsourced cleaning contracts and instead employ 1,000 cleaners directly as civil servants. The new workers are now entitled to job security, dignity, and full protection under civil service rules. Governor Okpebholo explained that the decision was sustainable as funds spent on contractors could now cover direct employment at the new minimum wage of ₦75,000.

The government has also recruited close to 2,000 new staff across essential sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. This brings the total number of new employees in less than a year to over 3,000. More than 1,300 health workers have been absorbed into the Hospitals Management Agency, while the EdoSTAR teachers, numbering over 4,000, have been made permanent staff, giving them stability and recognition in the system.

Further approvals have been granted for the employment of graduate doctors, health personnel, and agricultural extension officers to address urgent workforce gaps. Recruitment in the education sector is also ongoing to complement the administration’s large-scale investment in school infrastructure.

The Civil Service Commission has been reconstituted and tasked with clearing the backlog of promotions. Promotions will now be merit-based through the Edo-PREP system, a reform that ensures competence and excellence are rewarded.

On workers’ welfare, the administration has sustained the policy of paying salaries promptly on or before the 26th of every month. In December 2024, workers also received a 13th-month wage. Edo is now among only three States in Nigeria implementing a ₦75,000 minimum wage, a policy described as life-changing for workers and their families.

Pensioners are also benefitting from the reforms, with ₦300 million released monthly for gratuities, ₦1 billion dedicated to clearing arrears dating back to 2012, and over ₦65 million paid in insurance claims to families of deceased staff.

Significant investments have also been directed towards infrastructure and institutional renewal. Governor Okpebholo has ordered the renovation of Government buildings on Ezoti Street to house Ministries and Agencies. He has further approved the rehabilitation of resident doctors’ quarters to improve living and working conditions.

Beyond physical infrastructure, reforms such as the introduction of a Civil Service Anthem, a new dress code, and the institutionalization of Civil Service Week have rekindled pride, identity, and dignity within the service.

“Governor Okpebholo sees, he acts, and he takes responsibility. He is not only reforming structures but rebuilding confidence and restoring value in public service,” Dr. Okungbowa said. He added that Edo State is positioning its civil service as a national model of professionalism and efficiency.

With the Edo-PREP blueprint at its foundation, the administration has set the course for long-term sustainability of the reforms. Dr. Okungbowa noted, “With His Excellency’s vision and political will, these reforms are not just ambitious. They are achievable. The nation is watching, and Edo is setting the pace.”

The Edo State Government has assured workers, pensioners, and the public of its unwavering commitment to the SHINE Agenda, pledging to continue implementing policies that guarantee people-centered governance and better living standards for citizens.