News
Inspection: Driving School Operator Shuts Out DRT Officers
Drama and mystery unfolded as the proprietor of one of the driving schools in the FCT, known as Chido Driving School located in Wuse Zone 3, refused to allow a team of VIO officers from the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services to inspect the standard of the office.
Mr. Mudashir Oloyede, the head of DRTS Motor Vehicle Administration, revealed this during a post-inspection press interaction. He stated that all efforts to gain access to the proprietor’s office proved futile.
The decision to leave the place was based on intelligence reports indicating that the proprietor is the spouse of a road safety staff, shedding light on the fact that some officers of both agencies responsible for supervising driving schools also own them through intermediaries, leading to such behaviors and shortcomings.
Mr. Oloyede continued, “Aso Driving School and AA Rescue were among the schools visited and certified to meet the standard, fulfilling all the criteria, from roadworthy training vehicles to well-equipped, fully-fledged offices.”
Expanding on the matter, security and traffic expert Onwuka Moses commented on the motives behind preventing DRTS officers from entering. He noted that it may be linked to the rivalry between DRTS and FRSC, similar to the occasional disagreements between the police and the army.
However, he questioned why the same proprietor had been recently certified and praised in a special report by Daily Trust as the most qualified driving school.
Onwuka asked, “If the supervisory roles on driving schools were solely with the FRSC, where her husband works, would she have taken such action?” He also emphasized that some of the pioneer driving schools in Abuja, like the reputable Aso Driving School, granted unrestricted access to DRTS officers because they maintain high standards.
“I was trained by Aso Driving School’s branch in Karu, Abuja, and I can attest to their fleet of roadworthy vehicles that never break down,” Onwuka added.
In a similar development, Mrs. Zainab Yakubu, a serving immigration officer, supported Onwuka’s endorsement of Aso Driving School’s standards. She mentioned that after reading the weekend report, it was clear that not everything was well among the driving schools.
It is also implied that both the FRSC and DRTS have failed to properly cooperate in carrying out their joint supervision as required by law.
There is a pressing need to conduct a comprehensive audit of driving schools to ensure their standards and enhance safety.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…