The Senate at plenary on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Mrs Olukemi Iyantan as Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State.

Iyantan confirmation is a sequel to the adoption of the recommendation of the report of the Committee on National Identity Card and National Population.

The Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP- Bauchi Central) said that the recommendation for her appointment was based on her credentials made available to the committee.

Ningi said that the nominee deserved the appointment and should be confirmed by the Senate, given her pedigree and public service record.

The Senate accordingly resolved into a committee of the whole for clause-by-clause consideration and confirmation of the appointment of Iyantan as Commissioner of the National Population Commission from Ondo State.

The Deputy President of the Senate,  Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), who presided over the plenary urged her to join other commissioners and chairman of NPC to advance the commission forward.

The Senate on Thursday at plenary passed a bill seeking to establish the South West Development Commission.

The passage of the bill followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on Special Duties presented by the Chairman, Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno).

Shehu, in his presentation, said the bill was designed to drive the socio-economic development of South West.

“If the Commission is established through presidential assent to the bill, it will be like other development-driven commissions established on a zonal basis.

“It will receive funds from the federation account, donations from development partners, among others, to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the region, “he said.

Senate after Shehu ‘s presentation accordingly resolved into a committee of the whole for clause-by-clause consideration of the bill after which it was read for the third time.

Deputy President of the Senate, Sen.Barau Jibrin (APC-Borno), who presided over plenary after the passage of the bill commended the Sen. Kaka-led committee for processing the bill.

Barau said the South West Development Commission like other ones, recently established, would address the infrastructural and ecological challenges in the South West.

“The essence of the various development commissions being set up is to fast track development of the entire country.

“President Bola Tinubu has assented to similar bills passed for zonal development–driven interventions and will surely assent to this one, ” he said.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, has condoled the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army over the demise of Maj.-Gen. S.I. Musa.

Gen. Musa, until his death on Sept 23, in Abuja, was the Director of the Directorate of Legal Services of the Nigerian Army.

Yar’adua, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja,  said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Maj. Gen. S. I. Musa, an exceptional gentleman and outstanding officer, who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army.

“His exceptional leadership, brilliant mind, and unwavering courage inspired countless colleagues and earned him widespread respect.

“As a distinguished lawyer, General Musa remarkably employed his legal expertise to enhance the legal profession, even as an Army officer.”

Yar’adua said his demise was a monumental loss, not only to the Nigerian Army but also to his family, friends, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole.

“I extend my sincerest sympathies to the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and all those affected by this irreparable loss.

“May General Musa’s soul rest in peace, and may his remarkable legacy continue to inspire and motivate us all,” he said.

Yar’adua said the late General’s contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation would never be forgotten, adding that his legacies would continue to inspire those who had the privilege of serving under him.