By Musa Tanimu
Questions have been raised over the handling of welfare funds reportedly provided during a courtesy visit by residents of Adankolo and Lokogoma communities in Lokoja to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The issue came to public attention following a Facebook post by Hon. Nda Aaron, titled “Adankolo’s Historic Visit to Governor Ododo: And the Raging Storm,” which generated reactions from members of the two communities.
Findings by this reporter indicate that some community members have expressed concerns over the accounting of funds reportedly associated with the visit, with unverified claims suggesting that an amount exceeding N3 million may be involved.
However, as of the time of filing this report, it could not independently verify the amount provided, the intended beneficiaries, or whether any funds are outstanding.
A source familiar with the engagement, who requested anonymity, told this reporter that Governor Ododo reportedly extended welfare assistance to some youths and women during the visit, and that community representatives were later directed to meet with the Governor’s Security Adviser for further engagement.
According to the source, questions subsequently arose among some community members regarding the whereabouts of funds linked to the visit.
The source further claimed that some community leaders later brought the concerns to the attention of the Governor.
“Our leaders met with the Governor and informed him of their concerns. We were told that the Governor contacted the person whose role had been questioned and directed that the matter be clarified and that any money in his custody be returned to the Office of the Chief of Staff,” the source said.
The source claimed that as of October 17, 2026, the funds had yet to be returned. This reporter could not independently confirm this claim, nor the alleged directive.
Need For Accountability
The development has underscored the need for clear procedures on the receipt, management and documentation of welfare assistance provided during official engagements involving community representatives.
Establishing the full facts would require confirmation of the actual amount released, the intended beneficiaries, who was entrusted with the funds, and any records of receipt or transfer.
Efforts to obtain a response from the alleged whose name was mentioned by the source in connection with the handling of the funds, were unsuccessful as of press time, as calls placed to his telephone lines were not answered.
His own account of events, including whether he received or handled any money, therefore could not be obtained.
Similarly, clarifications from the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Office of the Security Adviser would help provide a clearer picture of what transpired.
We will publish any official response or clarification received from the parties mentioned.
Until independently verified with documentary evidence, the concerns raised remain allegations and should not be construed as proof of wrongdoing against any individual.
The outstanding issue is whether the reported welfare assistance was properly accounted for and whether a transparent clarification can resolve the concerns raised by members of the two communities.
