News

RMAFC Chairman, Reaffirms Shehu Commitment To Local Government Autonomy

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering support for financial autonomy of Local Governments in Nigeria, stressing that grassroots governance is key to national development.

Dr. Shehu made this declaration while receiving the Director General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Barr. Evan Enekwe, who led a delegation on a visit to the Chairman at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja today Wednesday, the 16th of April 2025.

“We have always been on record as a Commission that strongly advocates for Local Government financial autonomy,” Dr. Shehu said. “The recent Supreme Court judgment affirming this autonomy is a victory not just for ALGON but for the nation. Development truly begins at the grassroots, and without empowered local governments, our national aspirations will continue to lag.” He added.

Dr. M. B. Shehu emphasized that the Commission was re-establishing a committee of Commissioners from each state to actively engage with stakeholders and ensure smooth implementation of the new legal framework. “We will continue to advocate and talk to stakeholders to see this through,” he stated.

The Chairman further assured ALGON of the Commissio’s readiness to support its developmental agenda and grassroots-focused programmes. “The Commission will support your conference and broader objectives. We are on the side of constitutionalism, equity, and grassroots development.” He said.

In her remarks, the DG ALGON, Barr. Evan Enekwe appreciated the warm reception accorded yo them and commended the Commission’s stance on local government empowerment. She appealed for continued partnership and support for ALGON’s upcoming National Sustainable Grassroots Development Conference scheduled for April 29–30, 2025.

“Increased revenue allocation to local governments is not just necessary—it is urgent,” she stressed. “Financial autonomy and improved funding will accelerate development at the grassroots. We thank RMAFC and other progressive institutions for championing this cause.” She said.

Barr. Enekwe also emphasized ALGON’s long-standing advocacy for equitable revenue sharing. “For over 20 years, the conversation has remained the same, and it is time for real change.” she further said.

Earlier in their remarks, some RMAFC Commissioners stressed the importance of robust collaboration between the Commission and ALGON:

Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, mni representing Kebbi state in the Commission, recalled a national policy paper she co-authored at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in 2022 on Strengthening Local Governance in Nigeria, highlighting the alignment of ALGON’s objectives with the Commission’s mandate to promote fiscal efficiency at subnational levels.

In his contribution, the Federal Commissioner representing Kwara state on the Commission, Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka lamented the weakening of local governments due to excessive state interference.

He said, “Today, most local governments exist only in theory, their powers hijacked by governors. We look forward to functional and sustainable local councils as enshrined in the constitution.”

Other members of the ALGON delegation included Salawu Nuhu Ozigi, FCA (Director of Finance and Accounts), Lawal Ibrahim (Director, Admin & Human Resources), Obiora Orji (Head of Media and Publicity), and Lateefa Isah (Principal Consultant on the Sustainable Grassroots Development Programme).

Share on Facebook

News

Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

Share on Facebook