News

The Day Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed was Named Chairman of FRSC Cooperative Society

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

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The Assistant FRSC Corps Commander Sani Abdullahi, from the Lekki Unit Command, Lagos State, has given the full details on the day Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed was named the Chairman of FRSC Cooperative Society.

His write up reads:

“The year was 2009 and the venue was the conference hall of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Abuja. Personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who were members of the Cooperative from across the commands had all gathered at the venue for the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

As the participants waited patiently for the arrival of the Corps Marshal who had the prerogative to name the Chairman after all other elective positions had been filled, one thing in their minds was who was going to be the one. It was under such heightened state of anxiety and uncertainty that we arrived at the venue with the former Corps Marshal, Chief Osita Chidoka in his convoy.

While going through the regimental protocols of funfair and Corps Marshal’s salutes before taking his seat at the high table, it was obvious that nothing was more important to the participants than the identity of the officer that would be announced as the Chairman. Thus, as the MC progressed with the items on the Agenda, I could visibly notice the general atmosphere in the hall charged with high expectations of the trustworthy officer who’s identity no one could correctly guess.

That was because, Corps Marshal Chidoka had neither nurtured any group of officers that could be identified as his “boys” from where he could possibly name one as the Chairman, nor had he discussed the matter with anyone who could have leaked the information to other staff. Consequently, he must have been more surprised of the simultaneous reactions to his announcement of the name of the then Deputy Corps Commander Shehu Mohammed as the Chairman which attracted instant jubilation in the hall. In fact, it took long before normalcy could return to the hall as people were dancing around hysterically in appreciation of the announcement.

Curiously as they danced round in search of the man of the moment, they soon realized that the officer was not even at the meeting, even though that did not douse the excitement as the morale of the staff remained high in their affirmation to the choice of the officer they have always referred to as, Oga Shehu.

From the onset, Corps Marshal Shehu has always been known to all as a trustworthy, gentle and friendly officer with impeccable integrity. That’s why since his first announcement as the Chairman of the FRSC Cooperative Society till recently when he was named as the Corps Marshal, no staff could accuse him of betrayal and failure to meet their huge expectations of him: Through the various initiatives of the Cooperative under his leadership, staff at all levels of the Corps continued to benefit from such initiatives and yearned for his sustained leadership.

A devout Muslim who enjoys the trust of Christians without discrimination, his humane nature and robust intellectual background have always stood him out as an outstanding personality among his peers. When he applied to the former Corps Marshal Chidoka for study leave to enable him pursue his Master’s degree in Forensic Accounting from a UK university without pay, Chidoka did not hesitate to approve his request with full pay as a demonstration of the Management’s support for his capacity development. A holder of the traditional title from Zazzau Emirate Council in Kaduna state, he was the FRSC’s representative at the FERMA Board prior to his appointment.

Conscious of the high level of trust that staff of FRSC have always invested in him, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed no doubt, stands out as one officer that everyone has always looked forward to the day he would assume the highest office in the Corps. As many staff would put it, “he could have easily won the office were it an elective one.” That was why the announcement of his appointment as the new Corps Marshal attracted massive jubilation by staff from across the commands and National Headquarters, Abuja.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Corps Marshal Shehu has been able to blend well with regimentation. His participation as a member of the National Institute For Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, has equally prepared him well for the intellectual rigours associated with the office in the same way that his stewardship as Zonal Commanding Officer which was his last operational assignment in the field command created opportunity for him to appreciate the challenges of FRSC’s field operations.

As he stepped into the exalted office last week with high hopes, everyone believes that a new dimension has been introduced into the leadership of the FRSC with high expectations of succour for the staff and road travellers alike. That public enthusiasm clearly aligns with the vision of former Corps Marshal Chidoka who enthused during his tenure that, “the glorious days of the FRSC were before, and not behind us.”

News

Jonathan visits Tinubu in Aso Rock

Jonathan’s latest visit comes months after his last known appearance at the State House in November 2025, shortly after his evacuation from Guinea-Bissau amid a political crisis.

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

OCHEFA

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PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Wednesday received former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in what officials described as part of ongoing high-level consultations on regional and continental issues.

The meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the State House, began at about 4 pm.

Sources familiar with the engagement indicated that the interaction aligns with a pattern of periodic consultations between both leaders, particularly on political developments in West Africa and Nigeria’s broader diplomatic and continental engagements..

Images from the meeting showed both leaders in a relaxed setting, engaged in conversation inside the President’s office.

Jonathan’s latest visit comes months after his last known appearance at the State House in November 2025, shortly after his evacuation from Guinea-Bissau amid a political crisis.

The former president had been leading a West African Elders Forum election observation mission when soldiers loyal to Brigadier-General Dinis Incanha reportedly staged a coup, detaining incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló ahead of the official announcement of the November 23 presidential election results.

News

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, dies at 50

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano. During his diplomatic career, he served in Nigeria’s missions in Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

OCHEFA

29 Views

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died at the age of 50.

Lele was buried in Kano on Wednesday in accordance with Islamic rites.

His death was confirmed on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, following a prolonged illness.

The ministry described his death as a significant loss, noting that he was a seasoned diplomat who served Nigeria with dedication and professionalism.

Before his nomination as ambassador-designate to Algeria, Lele was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the ministry.

Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano. During his diplomatic career, he served in Nigeria’s missions in Berlin, Lomé and Riyadh.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, who received his remains at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, described him as a diligent and humble officer whose contributions would not be forgotten.

News

Adelabu Submits Resignation Letter to SGF, Recommends Creation of Coordinating Minister for Energy

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

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22 Views

Photo: Chief Bayo Adelabu, and SGF George Akume

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has formally tendered his resignation and proposed the establishment of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to drive integrated reforms across Nigeria’s power, gas, and related sectors.

He, however, emphasised that sustaining and consolidating the gains recorded in the power sector requires stronger coordination at the highest level, including the appointment of a central authority to harmonise policy direction and execution.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, said the Minister expressed deep appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his tenure as a privilege to contribute to national development.

Adelabu noted that his decision aligns with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which precludes serving political office holders from contesting elections.

He further disclosed that his gubernatorial aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In his three-page letter, the Minister outlined key achievements recorded during his tenure, including the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralised the electricity market and improved the investment climate.

He highlighted that peak power generation rose to over 6,000 megawatts, driven by the integration of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant and the rehabilitation of thermal power plants. Transmission capacity was also strengthened through grid upgrades under the Presidential Power Initiative.

He further cited notable improvements in the distribution segment, including enhanced regulatory oversight, improved revenue collection, and progress in reducing Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) losses.

Efforts to close the metering gap, he added, gained momentum through the Presidential Metering Initiative and the World Bank-supported Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).

On the financial front, Adelabu stated that tariff reforms and a ₦4 trillion debt restructuring programme increased market revenues from ₦1 trillion in 2023 to ₦2.3 trillion in 2025, restoring investor confidence and placing the sector on a path to sustainability.

Despite these gains, the Minister acknowledged persistent challenges, including gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and the need for full commercialisation of the electricity value chain.

He therefore proposed key measures to sustain progress, including the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, sustained transmission investments, and strengthened regulatory enforcement.

Central to his recommendations is the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to provide strategic oversight and ensure synergy across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors.

According to him, this approach is critical to improving gas supply for thermal generation, optimising hydroelectric resources, and accelerating renewable energy deployment.

Tunji added that Adelabu remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless handover process, while expressing gratitude to the President for the confidence and support extended to him throughout his tenure.