NEWS
Reps panel quizzes TETFund over N250bn Grant
**Demands full Details of Beneficiaries
The Public Account Committee, (PAC) of the House of Representatives on Tuesday quizzed the Management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFund over the disbursement of the sum of N250 billion placed under the subhead ‘Grant’ as contained in its Audited Financial Report for the year ended 31st December 2019
This was based on the Audit query from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation
The Management of the Agency was led by its Director of Finance and Administration, Dr Gloria Olotu to the investigative hearing organized to consider the queries raised on its annual report as the new Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono
was unavoidably absent.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Busayo Oluwole Oke frowned at the absence of the Executive Secretary for failing to honour the invitation of the parliament, saying that the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Agency only appeared once warning that such attitude would no longer be tolerated
He stated that the Agency like other MDAs was being summoned in the spirit of a fair hearing to defend itself over the queries raised against it by the office of the Auditor General of the federation.
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The chairman also pointed out that the Agency would have to prove beyond reasonable doubt why it should not be sanctioned for unremitted taxes, other deductions and undisclosed reserves totalling N345.02 million within the period under review.
He added that the Agency would have to address squarely the issue of irregularities in the Agency’s disclosure of Aids and Grants as contained in the AuGF’s report totalling another eight billion nairas.
Responding, TETFund’s Olotu explained that what appeared as non-remittance of taxes and other deductions was due to the fact that such deductions were usually made in the month of December of every year and remitted in January of the following year.
She added that the N250 billion classified as Grant in the audit query was wrong as the amount represented part of the non-statutory operating funds of the agency raised from the 5% administrative cost its establishment act allows it to expend from the Education Tax.
She agreed that hitherto, the Agency was having issues properly classifying different funds available to it under correct sub-heads, but that the problem had been solved over time.
The Committee chairman however insisted on relevant documents to back up her claims, demanding among others, TETfunds budgets for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, its projected revenue for the same period as well as evidence from the Federal Inland Service Commission, FIRS that such tax deductions were truly made and paid into government coffers.
Rep Oke also demanded for the new Executive Secretary of TETfund to appear before the Committee, after he must have been fully briefed by the management staff of the Agency as requested by the representative of the Agency.
He Consequently directed the Agency to appear before the Committee by next week Tuesday for further questioning
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary.
According to Gov Adeleke, the number one citizen of Nigeria is “a resourceful democrat with tested decades of democratic activism”
In a birthday message he personally signed, Gov Adeleke recounted the huge contributions of Mr President to the economic and democratic development of the nation, citing his transformational days as the Lagos State governor and his ongoing bold reforms at the national level.
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The governor who lauded the president’s capacity to make bold decisions noted that this birthday is “an occasion to reflect on the goodness of Almighty God in the life of the first family and especially that of the Number One Citizen.
“Your life typifies divine grace and exceptional blessings from the beginning to date. You are a chosen one with all attributes of a blessed leader.
“Mr President, I pray that the divine hand that has been your guide and nurturer will continue to strengthen you as you govern this strategically important country of Africa.
“I use this opportunity to restate the continued commitment of the Osun state government under my leadership to closer mutual partnership between the Federal and the Osun state government. Mr President can count on us in the common task of delivering good governance and democratic dividends to our people.
“Our dear Asiwaju and Commander in Chief of this federation, as you celebrate your 73rd birthday, I pray to God to grant you more blessings and grace to continue to succeed in your presidential mandate and to live for more years in good health and prosperity.
“Happy blessed birthday, Mr President,” Gov Adeleke wrote.
The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.
“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.
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He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.
The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
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Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.
Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.
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