The New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC) has announced a profit of N3.24 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company’s performance trajectory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The figure was revealed during the 56th Annual General Meeting held in Kaduna on Wednesday. Chairman of the company, Alhaji Lamis Dikko, credited the achievement to improved operational efficiency and strategic resource utilization.

He noted that the company recorded a revenue of N794.64 million—a 33% increase from the previous year’s N532.53 million—while also reducing operating expenses by 9%, amounting to N974.14 million. Profit before tax rose sharply from N2.51 billion to N3.24 billion.

Dikko applauded the Northern States Governors’ Forum for providing strategic direction through bold reform policies aligned with the developmental ideals of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“Our alignment with this visionary agenda continues to steer our growth. We are focused on performance, strong corporate governance, and value creation,” he said.

He also disclosed that as of November 2024, the company had trained 1,718 professionals at centers across Kaduna, Kano, Ilorin, and Gombe in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Highlighting the importance of human capital investment, Dikko described the initiative as essential to sustaining the company’s growth and preparing future leaders.

The NNDC chairman further expressed confidence in the organization’s future, citing emerging opportunities and strategic projects as key to ongoing success. He acknowledged the contributions of former board chairman Alhaji Tanimu Yakubu and commended the efforts of the past board, made up of the Secretaries to the Governments of the 19 northern states.

Owned collectively by the 19 northern states through the Northern Governors’ Forum, NNDC continues to position itself as a driver of economic development in Northern Nigeria.

Shuaibu Babas, the Chairman of Fufore Local Government Council in Adamawa State, has died following a prolonged illness. The council boss, who was inaugurated in July 2024, passed away on Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Although details surrounding his health remained undisclosed, a family source confirmed that he succumbed to a long-term ailment.

Prior to becoming Fufore’s elected chairman, Babas served as the lawmaker representing the Fufore/Gurin constituency at the Adamawa State House of Assembly and previously held the role of Sole Administrator of Malabu Development Area.

His funeral was conducted in line with Islamic traditions.

While no official announcement has been made, Babas’ death may pave the way for the emergence of the first female local government chairman in Adamawa in recent memory. Mrs. Peace Samson Audu, the current Vice Chairperson of Fufore and one of 21 women elected across the state, may be positioned to take over leadership of the council.

Babatunde Alokan, the former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment in Ekiti State, has been brought before a magistrate court in Ado Ekiti, accused of stealing a government vehicle. Alokan, who retired from the ministry in 2024, allegedly took the vehicle following his retirement from public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Prosecutor Mr. Oriyomi Akinwale stated that Alokan was arrested after he failed to return the vehicle and was subsequently arraigned on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted Alokan bail at 1 million naira, requiring him to provide a surety with a landed property in Ado Ekiti and proof of tax clearance for the past year. However, the former civil servant was unable to meet the bail conditions and remained in custody throughout the Easter period.

The case has been adjourned to May 9, 2025, for further hearings.