***Oyo governor urges Christians to embrace politics, drive national transformation
Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged Christians across Nigeria to actively participate in politics, declaring that the country’s most pressing challenge is grinding poverty, not religion.
Makinde made the call on Saturday while reacting to his recognition as Christian Icon of the Year at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
He said the recognition provided an opportunity to encourage Christians to become more involved in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic future rather than shying away from politics because of their religious beliefs.
The governor cautioned against the perception among some Christians that politics is dirty or incompatible with their faith, arguing that such an attitude could prevent them from contributing meaningfully to national development.
According to him, Christians should see political participation as an avenue to bring their values, knowledge and expertise to bear on governance and the search for solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Makinde urged Christians to draw lessons from biblical accounts of individuals who served in difficult circumstances to achieve a greater purpose.
He cited David, who continued to serve in King Saul’s palace despite having been anointed as the future king of Israel, as an example of why Christians should not withdraw from public service because of the religious disposition of those in authority.
The governor said religious differences should not discourage Christians from participating in governance or contributing to the transformation of society.
“I will use this opportunity to encourage our Christian brothers and sisters across the country to rise up and participate in the agenda to transform Nigeria and reset our country,” he said.
Makinde maintained that widespread poverty, which continues to affect millions of Nigerians, should command greater national attention than religious divisions.
“Our problem is not primarily a religious one. Our problem in this country is poverty — grinding poverty,” he declared.
He warned that excessive focus on religious differences could distract the country from urgent socioeconomic challenges requiring practical and collective action.
The governor called on Nigerians, particularly Christians, to become actively involved in efforts to address poverty and other obstacles to national development.
He stressed that transforming the country required cooperation across religious, political and social divides, adding that Nigerians must prioritise solutions capable of improving living conditions and creating opportunities for citizens.
Makinde’s remarks underscored his call for greater Christian participation in democratic processes, with an emphasis on tackling poverty and placing national development above divisions.
Security forces recover six rustled cows, launch clearance operations against fleeing gunmen
A 70-year-old man, Alhaji Saleh Kashim, has been shot during a foiled mass kidnapping attempt by suspected bandits in Gamji village, Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The incident occurred as security forces rescued 27 abducted residents, mostly women, children and elderly persons, and recovered six rustled cows following an operation against the armed gang.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Katsina on Saturday.
According to him, about 40 armed bandits, led by a suspected gang leader identified as Kachalla Alhaji Bawa Kabir, invaded Gamji village in the early hours of October 16, 2026, riding on 20 motorcycles.
Danmusa said troops of the 17 Brigade, acting on credible intelligence and working alongside local hunters and the Community Watch Corps, moved swiftly to contain the attackers.
The security operatives reportedly blocked escape routes leading to the Madaci forest enclave in an effort to prevent the gunmen from escaping with their victims.
He said the operation culminated in a confrontation with the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest, where all 27 abducted residents were successfully rescued.
“At about 1800hrs of the same day, troops engaged the bandits at Tashar Bawa forest and successfully rescued all 27 kidnapped victims. The victims have been moved to the Machika Military Forward Operating Base for medical attention,” the commissioner stated.
He added that joint security teams had commenced clearance operations to track down fleeing members of the criminal gang, flush out their remnants and prevent possible reprisal attacks on the community.
The commissioner said the Katsina State Government, under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, remained committed to securing communities across the state.
He also commended the troops and community-based security groups for their swift response, which led to the rescue of the abducted residents.
The government urged continued cooperation among security agencies and local communities as operations to tackle banditry and other criminal activities continue.
***‘Supporting Tinubu means supporting prosperity,’ FCT minister tells monarchs
***Ogba monarch declares kingdom’s backing for President
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken his political consultations to Ogba Kingdom in Rivers State, urging traditional rulers and residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike made the appeal on Saturday during a visit to the palace of the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Addressing the traditional council, the minister declared that supporting Tinubu was a way of supporting prosperity, arguing that the President’s policies and leadership would influence the economic well-being, infrastructure and future of communities across the country.
He acknowledged that traditional rulers were expected to remain non-partisan but maintained that decisions taken by political leaders directly affected their subjects.
“I know you are not a politician, but you are a Nigerian and a Rivers person, and whatever those in politics do will affect you.
“That is why we want to inform you and your council so that your people will not make a mistake in 2027,” Wike said.
The minister urged the people to assess political leaders based on their records in office rather than campaign promises, citing what he described as Tinubu’s bold economic reforms and commitment to infrastructure development.
Wike also referred to his tenure as Rivers State governor, saying his administration executed projects across the state and did not abandon the people of Ogba Land.
“I am here because while I was governor, I could point at what I had done for the people. During my tenure, I never abandoned your people.
“That is the essence of government making the people feel the impact,” he said.
Wike tackles opposition
The FCT minister also questioned the contributions of opposition politicians who had previously occupied prominent public offices, particularly former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, whom he referred to in discussing the opposition’s political platform ahead of 2027.
He challenged Amaechi’s record on development in the Niger Delta, alleging that strategic seaports in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri had suffered neglect.
“Before we support anyone, we must ask: the opportunity we gave you before, what did you do with it?” he asked.
Defending the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, Wike argued that addressing Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges required sustained interventions rather than promises of immediate relief.
He acknowledged the difficulties associated with the current economic adjustments but insisted that rebuilding an economy weakened by structural problems would take time.
“Solving the economy is not like going to a prayer house for instant healing. It is a process. The economy was in a comatose state, but we are seeing the results, and there is hope that these issues will be fully sorted out,” he said.
Wike also cautioned the traditional rulers against supporting presidential candidates he criticised for repeatedly seeking political office without, in his view, presenting a clear development agenda.
He specifically referenced Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while questioning the motivations of some opposition politicians.
The minister urged Rivers residents to support candidates aligned with the ruling party across the executive and legislative arms of government, arguing that such alignment would improve coordination, representation and access to federal support.
“The President is doing quite well. Let us work together and maintain synergy to ensure our state remains strategically positioned,” he said.
Monarch declares support
Responding, the Oba of Ogba Land, Nwachukwu Obuoha-Obi III, expressed support for Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that the kingdom was united behind the President.
The monarch criticised what he described as attempts to frustrate another person’s pursuit of progress, saying such conduct was undesirable.
“It is only a wicked man whose heart has no God in it, that sees his brother going for something good and he begins to pull the building on his bed. Such one should not prosper,” he said.
Obuoha-Obi said support for the President was important to securing political representation, economic development and sustainable progress for the people of Ogba Land.
He also praised Wike’s record in public service, saying the minister’s performance in the FCT had brought recognition to Rivers State.
The monarch said Wike’s appointment and achievements demonstrated the importance of leadership anchored on capacity, character and performance.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has promised to review car loans, housing loans and duty tour allowances for public servants as part of efforts to improve workers’ welfare and living standards.
The governor made the pledge during the 2026 Public Service Week celebration held at the International Centre for Culture and Events, popularly known as The Dome, along Igbatoro Road, Akure.
He also disclosed that his administration was exploring plans to provide compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses for workers to ease transportation challenges.
On pension and gratuity payments, Aiyedatiwa said his administration, having cleared gratuity arrears up to 2020, would continue to address outstanding obligations progressively, subject to available resources and established procedures.
The governor, who received an Award of Excellence in Public Service from the workers in recognition of his contributions to their welfare and capacity development, expressed appreciation for the honour.
He, however, challenged public servants to demonstrate greater accountability, professionalism, discipline, diligence and innovation to improve the quality, speed, transparency and accessibility of government services.
Aiyedatiwa described the public service as a strategic partner in governance and the principal implementer of government policies, stressing that his administration’s agenda must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
He reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare, citing timely salary payments, regular promotions with financial benefits, the elevation of qualified officers to accounting officer positions, and continuous training and retraining as key interventions.
The governor also highlighted the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS), which he said was supporting public servants and their dependants, with organised labour and retirees participating as partners in the initiative.
He recalled that his administration had recruited more than 2,000 teachers for public primary and secondary schools, alongside about 3,323 medical personnel, including doctors and nurses.
Aiyedatiwa further announced plans to recognise serving and retired civil servants, individuals, organisations and ministries, departments and agencies that had demonstrated exceptional dedication and performance in their official responsibilities and special assignments.
He urged workers to uphold courtesy, accountability and discipline, noting that effective governance depended on a workforce committed to quality service delivery and the preservation of public trust.
Earlier, the state Head of Service, Segun Odusanya, urged public servants to prioritise accountability, professionalism and citizens’ welfare in the discharge of their duties.
Odusanya said transparency, efficiency and respect for the rule of law were indispensable to effective public administration.
He called for the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, accelerated digital transformation and stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies to make government institutions more responsive to citizens’ needs.
The Head of Service also commended Aiyedatiwa for interventions in workers’ welfare, including salary payments, recruitment, appointments to accounting officer positions, capacity development, support for retirees, payment of terminal examination fees for children in public primary and secondary schools, and health insurance.
In his lecture titled “Harnessing Public Service to Promote Good Governance,” retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Sulaiman, proposed a comprehensive five-year reform programme to transform the public service from a routine-driven bureaucracy into a modern, results-oriented institution.
He advocated the modernisation of administrative structures, strategic deployment of personnel in line with institutional priorities, measures to bridge skills gaps and stronger collaboration across government institutions.
Those present included Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; permanent secretaries; former Head of Service and chairman of the occasion, Akin Adaramola; political appointees and traditional rulers.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on the police and other security agencies to launch a manhunt for the killers of its member, Ridwan Adeyemo, who was reportedly hacked to death by armed assailants in Ibadan.
The party alleged that Adeyemo, a commercial motorcyclist and APC member in Ward 06 of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, was attacked on Friday at Ita-Barika, Agbokojo area of the state capital.
The APC further alleged that the killing might have been politically motivated, claiming that eyewitnesses said the assailants questioned Adeyemo about his choice of party before attacking him with machetes. The allegation has yet to be independently established.
Speaking during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family compound on Saturday, the APC State Secretary, Hon. Fatai Adesina, who led members of the party’s State Executive Committee, condemned the killing and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Adesina said the incident had thrown the community into shock and heightened concerns over the safety of political party members in the state.
“We received the shocking news of the dastardly act at the late hours of Friday. It became more regrettable when we got to know that the deceased was attacked and hacked down because he was an APC loyalist, as eyewitness account had it that his killers queried him on why he chose our party over the APM before inflicting many machete cuts on him and eventually hacking him to death,” he said.
The APC official said the party had information that could assist investigations but would not disclose details for fear of jeopardising police efforts.
He described Adeyemo as an easy-going and responsible citizen whose death had left his family devastated, noting that he was survived by an aged mother and a pregnant wife.
APC Raises Alarm Over Political Thuggery
Adesina said the killing had reinforced the party’s concerns about the activities of alleged political thugs and hoodlums in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.
He recalled that the APC leadership had recently called on security agencies to take proactive measures against threats to opposition party members.
According to him, the party was concerned that political violence could escalate as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
“The onus is now on the security agencies to launch a manhunt for those who killed Adeyemo as well as their sponsors with a view to making them face the full wrath of the law,” Adesina said.
He added that the APC would support the bereaved family and assist the police with relevant information to facilitate the investigation.
The party also pledged to continue advocating peaceful political engagement ahead of the next general elections.
“We will help the Police in their investigation and also continue to preach peace as we move closer to the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The APC urged security agencies to ensure that those responsible for Adeyemo’s death were identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
As of the time of the statement, the allegations of political motivation and the identities of the suspected assailants had not been independently confirmed.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda-Eri, and electoral observers have commended the peaceful conduct of the 2026 local government elections in the state, describing voter turnout as encouraging.
Nda-Eri gave the commendation while monitoring the exercise, assuring political parties and voters that the commission remained committed to protecting every valid vote and ensuring that ballots were counted.
He reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality, saying it would do its best to demonstrate impartiality despite allegations of bias often levelled against electoral bodies.
The KOSIEC chairman acknowledged complaints from some political parties but dismissed allegations circulating on social media as untrue. He also alleged that some parties were making claims after failing to satisfy the requirements for participation in the election.
Nda-Eri, however, maintained that the commission would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with its electoral guidelines.
On voting arrangements, he assured voters that polling units would not close at the scheduled 3 p.m. deadline if eligible voters were still on the queue.
According to him, everyone waiting to vote at the close of the scheduled period would be allowed to exercise their franchise.
He described the turnout as impressive, attributing it partly to voter education and the role political parties played in mobilising and sensitising their supporters during the campaign period.
The KOSIEC chairman said the election represented the final stage of a process that began about 360 days earlier and was being conducted in line with the commission’s timetable.
He urged eligible voters who had yet to cast their ballots to turn out, stressing that participation remained a critical responsibility in a democracy.
Observers Report No Violence in Areas Visited
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Associate Professor Joseph Aremo, said members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria were in Kogi State to conduct a peer-review exercise.
Aremo explained that the delegation was assessing the extent to which KOSIEC complied with the Electoral Act, the Kogi State electoral law and the commission’s established guidelines.
He expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere at polling units visited by the observers, describing the election as peaceful and the turnout as encouraging.
According to him, the delegation had not recorded any casualty or witnessed incidents of shooting, vote buying or ballot stuffing in the areas visited as of the time of its assessment.
Aremo also commended the deployment and conduct of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.
He said the experience highlighted the importance of voter education and peaceful elections, noting that an informed electorate was essential to sustaining democratic institutions.
The observer delegation urged candidates who emerged victorious to carry their opponents and other stakeholders along in governance.
It also encouraged unsuccessful candidates to accept the outcome and prepare for future electoral contests.
APC Candidate Praises Ododo
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Hussein, popularly known as Gentle, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing security for the election.
Hussein also praised the governor for creating what he described as a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair exercise, allowing voters to choose their preferred candidates.
Expressing confidence in his chances, the APC candidate said his supporters had turned out to demonstrate their support for the party and the governor.
He promised to prioritise security, support women in business and promote educational development if elected.
Hussein also expressed optimism that the state government’s efforts to improve access to water would benefit residents of Lokoja and other parts of Kogi State.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has warned supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against taking Northern Nigeria’s political support for granted, insisting that the administration must justify its push for re-election in 2027 with facts, transparency and measurable results.
Shettima said the government and its supporters must demonstrate how ongoing reforms were improving security, creating economic opportunities and easing the hardship confronting Nigerians, stressing that political loyalty must go hand in hand with accountable governance.
The Vice-President spoke on Saturday in Abuja while inaugurating the headquarters and campaign structure of Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A), a Northern political support group mobilising for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He expressed confidence in the support the President had received across the North but cautioned that such backing should not be interpreted as unconditional approval of the administration’s policies.
“By now, I believe the North has spoken. We have spoken with a resounding voice and unmistakable conviction. From Adamawa to Zamfara, from Borno to Niger, we have spoken. Such confidence places an obligation upon us that no officeholder should ever underestimate,” he said.
According to Shettima, the administration’s quest for another mandate must be based on its performance and a clear explanation of how a second term would advance the interests of Nigerians.
“The mandate belongs to the people. We must account for its use and explain how another term would advance their interests,” he said.
‘Don’t Pretend Nigerians Are Not Suffering’
The Vice-President acknowledged the difficult economic adjustments Nigerians had experienced under the Tinubu administration, warning campaigners against dismissing public concerns or relying on political slogans to defend government policies.
“Our citizens have endured difficult adjustments. We cannot pretend otherwise. What we owe them is an honest account of the decisions taken, the gains achieved and the difficulties that persist. We lose our hearing when applause becomes our only source of information,” he said.
He urged the campaign organisation to consider the experiences of traders facing rising business costs, graduates searching for jobs and families struggling to meet daily expenses.
“A failed policy enters somebody’s home as a missed meal, an unpaid school fee or an opportunity lost,” Shettima added.
He also defended criticism as an essential part of democracy, arguing that the administration should be open to constructive contributions from Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or region.
“There is no democracy without critics. Progress demands that our assumptions endure the examination of those who disagree with us,” he said.
Shettima Tasks A4A on Public Engagement
Shettima charged the A4A leadership to look beyond electioneering and establish a platform through which communities could communicate their concerns to government officials and receive responses.
“A complaint should travel from a community to those who can act upon it. The people who speak through this organisation deserve to know that somebody is listening,” he said.
He identified security, economic opportunities, poverty reduction, education and stronger public institutions as key areas requiring sustained attention.
According to him, farmers must be able to work safely, children must have access to education that prepares them for productive lives, while public institutions must inspire confidence that hard work can lead to opportunity.
The Vice-President stressed that public service obligations continued beyond election periods, adding that the responsibility to persuade voters did not diminish the government’s duty to address their concerns.
Barau, APC Chairman Rally Support
Earlier, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the inauguration of the A4A structure as timely, saying Northern Nigeria needed an organised platform to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
He expressed confidence that the group would help communicate the administration’s achievements and strengthen engagement with communities across the region.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, also called for support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, arguing that the administration’s record over the past three years provided grounds for continuity.
Yilwatda attributed support for the President in the North partly to what he described as Shettima’s inclusive leadership and progressive outlook.
He also cited infrastructure projects and the appointment of prominent Northern leaders to key government positions as evidence of the administration’s engagement with the region.
Similarly, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged Northern Nigerians to assess the administration on the basis of evidence and performance rather than sentiment when making their political choices in 2027.
Akume said the region’s influence and strategic importance should be harnessed to advance national unity and development.
Badaru Promises Grassroots Mobilisation
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who spoke on behalf of Northern governors, expressed confidence that the region would support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket, citing what he described as the administration’s performance.
He said the region’s position would be guided by its commitment to fairness, equity, national unity and development.
In his welcome address, A4A Director-General and former Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Mohammed Badaru, said the group was established because its members believed Tinubu and Shettima had performed well and deserved another term.
Badaru assured the President and APC leadership that the organisation would mobilise support for continuity and the completion of ongoing government projects through its network across Northern Nigeria.
The event attracted serving members of the National Assembly, ministers, presidential aides, heads of government agencies, former governors and other prominent Northern political figures.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State chapter, has mourned the death of former Governor Ibrahim Idris, popularly known as Ibro, describing him as a pace-setter whose development projects left an enduring mark on the state.
The association also extended its condolences to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the family of the deceased and the people of Kogi State over the loss of the former governor.
In a condolence statement jointly signed by the Kogi State NMA Chairman, Dr Obari Mary, and its Public Relations Officer, Dr Sule Samson Onimisi, the association described Idris’ death as an irreplaceable loss.
The statement, made available to journalists, said the former governor lived a selfless and fulfilled life, adding that his administration recorded several notable achievements during his two terms in office from 2003 to 2012.
According to the NMA, some of the projects executed under his administration included the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Confluence Stadium, International Market and Otokiti Housing Estate.
The association also identified the Lokoja Greater Water Works, popularly known as “Ibro Water”, as one of the former governor’s landmark infrastructure projects.
It said the project remained a notable intervention aimed at improving access to water in the state.
The NMA further praised Idris for his contributions to the education and healthcare sectors, noting that his administration constructed schools and health centres across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.
“Late Alhaji Idris also built several schools and health centres across the three senatorial districts of the state, demonstrating his commitment to improving the welfare and living conditions of the people,” the statement said.
NMA Recalls ADC Airlines Crash
The association also recalled the tragic ADC Airlines crash of October 2006, in which three of the former governor’s daughters reportedly survived, while more than 100 people lost their lives.
While praying for the repose of Idris’ soul, the association asked Almighty Allah to grant his family, Governor Ododo and the people of Kogi State the strength to bear the loss.
“While we pray for eternal rest for his gentle soul, we equally ask God to grant his family and Kogites the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May Almighty Allah reward him with Jannatul Firdaus. Once more, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the family of the deceased and the entire people of Kogi State,” the statement added.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mamman Nda-Eri, and electoral observers have commended the peaceful conduct of the 2026 local government elections in the state, describing voter turnout as encouraging.
Nda-Eri gave the commendation while monitoring the exercise, assuring political parties and voters that the commission remained committed to protecting every valid vote and ensuring that ballots were counted.
He reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality, saying it would do its best to demonstrate impartiality despite allegations of bias often levelled against electoral bodies.
The KOSIEC chairman acknowledged complaints from some political parties but dismissed allegations circulating on social media as untrue. He also alleged that some parties were making claims after failing to satisfy the requirements for participation in the election.
Nda-Eri, however, maintained that the commission would continue to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with its electoral guidelines.
On voting arrangements, he assured voters that polling units would not close at the scheduled 3 p.m. deadline if eligible voters were still on the queue.
According to him, everyone waiting to vote at the close of the scheduled period would be allowed to exercise their franchise.
He described the turnout as impressive, attributing it partly to voter education and the role political parties played in mobilising and sensitising their supporters during the campaign period.
The KOSIEC chairman said the election represented the final stage of a process that began about 360 days earlier and was being conducted in line with the commission’s timetable.
He urged eligible voters who had yet to cast their ballots to turn out, stressing that participation remained a critical responsibility in a democracy.
Observers Report No Violence in Areas Visited
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, Associate Professor Joseph Aremo, said members of the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions of Nigeria were in Kogi State to conduct a peer-review exercise.
Aremo explained that the delegation was assessing the extent to which KOSIEC complied with the Electoral Act, the Kogi State electoral law and the commission’s established guidelines.
He expressed satisfaction with the atmosphere at polling units visited by the observers, describing the election as peaceful and the turnout as encouraging.
According to him, the delegation had not recorded any casualty or witnessed incidents of shooting, vote buying or ballot stuffing in the areas visited as of the time of its assessment.
Aremo also commended the deployment and conduct of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies.
He said the experience highlighted the importance of voter education and peaceful elections, noting that an informed electorate was essential to sustaining democratic institutions.
The observer delegation urged candidates who emerged victorious to carry their opponents and other stakeholders along in governance.
It also encouraged unsuccessful candidates to accept the outcome and prepare for future electoral contests.
APC Candidate Praises Ododo
Earlier, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Hussein, popularly known as Gentle, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing security for the election.
Hussein also praised the governor for creating what he described as a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair exercise, allowing voters to choose their preferred candidates.
Expressing confidence in his chances, the APC candidate said his supporters had turned out to demonstrate their support for the party and the governor.
He promised to prioritise security, support women in business and promote educational development if elected.
Hussein also expressed optimism that the state government’s efforts to improve access to water would benefit residents of Lokoja and other parts of Kogi State.
The Ebonyi State Scholarship Board has disclosed that 304 indigenes of the state are currently studying in universities in the United Kingdom, with 202 already completing their master’s programmes and about 90 per cent of them graduating with distinctions.
The board also revealed that one Ebonyi student was studying in Canada under the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, while more than 1,000 other beneficiaries were pursuing university education in institutions across Nigeria.
Chairman of the board, Chief Chaka Nweze, disclosed this in an interview, declaring the board’s readiness to provide clarifications and relevant information on the scholarship programmes.
Nweze, a former Chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area, described the schemes as a major component of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s investment in education, stressing that the programmes were funded with public resources and intended to benefit the people of the state.
“This is a programme funded with public resources and intended for the benefit of Ebonyi people, so we are always ready to present facts about its implementation,” he said.
According to him, most of the 202 students who have completed their master’s degrees in the UK have proceeded to PhD programmes, while approximately 101 beneficiaries are still pursuing their master’s degrees.
He listed some of the institutions attended by the scholars as De Montfort University, Leeds Beckett University, Robert Gordon University, the University of Lincoln and Ulster University, among others.
Over 1,000 Students Benefit Nationwide
The scholarship board chairman explained that the overseas programme was only one aspect of the state government’s broader investment in education.
He said more than 1,000 Ebonyi students had also received scholarships to study at universities across Nigeria, dismissing the perception that the policy was designed exclusively for a privileged few to obtain education abroad.
“The policy is therefore not about sending a privileged few abroad but creating educational opportunities for Ebonyi youths across different levels to access quality tertiary education,” Nweze stated.
He maintained that the government was committed to expanding access to quality tertiary education and creating opportunities for young people from different parts of the state.
Why Students Travelled at Different Times
Addressing concerns and misconceptions about the implementation of the scheme, Nweze urged members of the public to seek clarification from the board before making public statements that could create misunderstandings.
He particularly addressed questions about why scholarship beneficiaries travelled to the UK at different times, explaining that their applications had been processed simultaneously but visa approvals were not issued at the same time.
“The issue of the beneficiaries’ movement has been recurring, but the fact remains that we processed all applications at the same time.
“We have to note that not all the applicants passed their visa interviews at the same time. Therefore, when an applicant secures a visa, he or she moves,” he explained.
The chairman stressed that the staggered departure of beneficiaries should not be interpreted as evidence that additional batches of students had been introduced into the programme.
He maintained that the original number of beneficiaries remained unchanged, adding that the board was open to providing information necessary to clarify issues surrounding the scheme.
The Senate has warned seven nominees for executive positions in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector against corruption, administrative sabotage and inefficiency, saying any...
