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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, transparent, and inclusive elections, beginning with the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025.

Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, gave the assurance yesterday at the quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

She said the commission had completed 10 out of 13 key activities on the timetable and schedule for the Anambra election and is determined to deliver a free and fair poll.

‘The timetable for the Anambra governorship election outlines 13 activities to be carried out by the commission. I am glad to inform you that we have completed 10 of these,’ she said.

‘The remaining activities are the publication of the notice of poll slated for October 25, 2025, the last day for campaigns on November 6, 2025, and the election itself on November 8, 2025. The commission is committed to strictly adhering to these timelines.’

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had already been delivered to Anambra State, while voter education and sensitisation campaigns were ongoing. She also confirmed that the commission had held several security meetings at national, state, and local levels to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.

‘Political parties are reminded to be mindful of the last day for campaigns and to keep strictly to it,’ she cautioned.

The INEC boss also provided updates on the commission’s preparations for other upcoming elections across the country, including:

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections are scheduled for February 21, 2026; the Ekiti State governorship election is fixed for June 20, 2026; and the Osun State governorship election is slated for August 8, 2026.

According to her, the commission had already released the timetable and schedule of activities for these polls, with several of the activities already carried out.

‘For the FCT Area Council elections, which will be held in 68 constituencies-comprising six council chairmen and deputies, and 62 wards-the Commission has completed eight of the 13 scheduled activities,’ she explained.

‘The remaining activities include the submission of polling agents’ names, publication of the official register of voters, publication of notice of poll, the last day for campaigns, and the election itself.’

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu also reviewed the successful conduct of bye-elections held on August 16, 2025, across two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, as well as two court-ordered re-runs in Enugu and Kano States, where Certificates of Return had been issued to winners in compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

The Acting INEC Chairman announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise resumed on August 18, 2025, for online pre-registration, and on August 25, 2025, for in-person registration at all INEC state and local government offices nationwide.

She said the exercise, which will run for a full year until August 30, 2026, has achieved impressive participation nationwide.

‘The response of Nigerians to the CVR exercise has been remarkable. This demonstrates that Nigerians believe in our democracy and trust the Commission’s efforts to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to choose their leaders,’ she said.

‘The details of completed online and physical registrations are published on our website weekly.’

On the registration of new political parties, Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu disclosed that out of 171 associations that applied to INEC, 14 had been pre-qualified to proceed to the next stage after meeting the basic requirements.

‘Each request was assessed based on its compliance with Section 222 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 79 (1, 2, and 4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Clause 2 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022,’ she explained.

Speaking on behalf of all registered political parties, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, commended INEC for its renewed commitment to credible elections but urged the Commission to sustain the momentum.

He emphasised that Nigerians expect the electoral body to justify the confidence reposed in it by ensuring that the upcoming Anambra governorship election and other off-cycle polls reflect the true will of the people.

‘After 26 years of unbroken democracy, we must get it right,’ Dantalle said.

‘The forthcoming Anambra governorship election is the litmus test for the new INEC leadership. Its success will set the tone for the 2026 off-cycle elections and the decisive 2027 general election.’

He urged the commission to uphold transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in all electoral processes, adding that credible elections remain the bedrock of national stability.

‘With new leadership at INEC, citizens’ expectations are high. The commission must justify the confidence the nation has placed in it. That is the only way to rebuild trust in the electoral process and encourage mass participation in future polls,’ he stated.

Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s readiness to collaborate with INEC in consolidating Nigeria’s democratic gains.

‘As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC assures the commission of our continued support in promoting political stability, successful elections, and the overall well-being of Nigerians,’ he added.

‘We are all in this together-to build a better, greater, inclusive, prosperous, and just democratic society.’

In conclusion, Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu reiterated INEC’s unwavering resolve to uphold the integrity of the electoral process through professionalism, inclusivity, and transparency.

‘The commission remains committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria through credible elections that reflect the will of the people,’ she affirmed.

Edo State House of Service Commission has invited Clerk of the Assembly, Audu Omogbai, for questioning over alleged age falsification.

The invitation of the Clerk followed a petition by some concerned workers of the Assembly.

The petitioners alleged that Omogbai falsified his age to remain in service.

They alleged that the Clerk’s initial appointment dated back to 1993 and that he had exceeded the mandatory 30 years of service.

The petitioners also alleged that the Clerk had surpassed the mandatory retirement age of 60 as well as obstructing investigation.

According to the petition, ‘the Clerk has allegedly withheld official file records, hindering investigations into these matters.

‘We humbly request your intervention to investigate these allegations and take appropriate actions to maintain integrity and adherence to regulations within Edo State House of Assembly.’

It was gathered that Omogbai had been invited for questioning.

He was invited in a letter signed by Chairman of the Assembly Commission, Sir Ezehi Igbas.

Omogbai was asked to appear before a three-man ad-hoc committee for an interview session.

The Clerk could not be reached for comments.

The Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, has called for greater collaboration, innovation, and accountability to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, even as he commended ongoing reforms and strides made under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Speaking at the Annual Downstream Petroleum Resources Committee Conference held from October 13 to 14, 2025, Okojie said the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Celebrating Our Successes, Confronting Our Challenges, and Finding Solutions for the Petroleum Downstream Sector,’ reflects both the progress recorded and the urgency of sustaining reforms.

He noted that Nigeria’s downstream sector has witnessed ‘significant transformation’ in recent years, citing the enactment of the PIA as a landmark achievement that ushered in transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence.

‘We’ve seen increased private sector participation, improved product availability, and the benefits of subsidy removal,’ Okojie said. ‘Equally important is our growing embrace of clean energy. The transition to cleaner fuels is no longer aspirational – it is a reality.’

According to him, Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy aligns with its broader goals of environmental responsibility and long-term energy security.

However, Okojie admitted that major obstacles still hinder the full realization of the sector’s potential. These include inadequate infrastructure, particularly refining capacity, global price volatility, foreign exchange constraints, and the socioeconomic effects of subsidy removal.

He added that regulatory overlaps and inconsistent enforcement continue to complicate the industry landscape, stressing that ‘policy without execution is ineffective.’

‘Our citizens deserve a petroleum sector that delivers efficiently, transparently, and sustainably,’ he said.

To address these issues, Okojie called for renewed legislative and policy commitment to encourage investment in indigenous refining, modular refineries, and strategic reserves. He emphasized the importance of digitalization, data transparency, and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable growth.

He identified the Natural Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda, describing natural gas as ‘cleaner, cost-effective, and abundant.’

‘Accelerating its adoption across transportation, power generation, and industry is essential,’ he said. ‘As a Committee, we are committed to providing the legislative support needed to build the infrastructure and market systems that will position gas as Nigeria’s fuel of the future.’

Reaffirming the Committee’s dedication to constructive oversight, Okojie pledged that the House would continue to promote legislation that empowers operators, safeguards consumers, and strengthens investor confidence.

‘We call for an enabling environment – one that fosters innovation, rewards investment, and protects stakeholders. Nigeria must be seen not as a risk, but as a destination of opportunity,’ he stated.

He urged consistency in policy, clarity in regulation, and integrity in implementation to ensure the downstream petroleum sector remains resilient and future-ready.

Concluding his remarks, Okojie called on stakeholders to go beyond discussions and commit to tangible action.

‘Let this conference be a catalyst for action. The downstream petroleum sector is too vital to our economy, too central to our daily lives, and too rich in potential to be left to chance,’ he said. ‘Together, let us celebrate, confront, and solve.’

In a significant gesture of support for enhancing peace and security in Delta State, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has pledged a substantial contribution of ?10 billion to the Delta State Security Trust Fund.

Tompolo, who serves as the chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), made the announcement during the official launch of the Trust Fund at the Government House in Asaba.

The event is attended by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, prominent government officials, security heads, and community leaders.

The TSSNL Chair’s donation is recognized as one of the largest private contributions to a state security initiative in Nigeria, further solidifying his position as a prominent advocate for stability and development in the Niger Delta region.

This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to address security challenges and foster a peaceful environment for growth and progress in the state.

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Dr Daniel Bwala, has begun renewed strategic engagements with more than 100 support groups nationwide, in a move aimed at consolidating grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a ‘Meet and Greet with the spokesman’ session held Tuesday evening in Abuja, Bwala said the interaction was part of efforts to sustain the political momentum behind President Tinubu and strengthen citizen participation in his administration’s reform agenda.

‘We thought that as part of the strategy to spread the gains of this administration, it is good we connect with the source-the support groups-engage with them, appreciate what they have been doing, and then ask them to do more for the love of the country and for the love of the President,’ Bwala told journalists after the meeting.

He said the meeting provided an avenue to receive feedback from grassroots stakeholders on key issues affecting citizens and the administration’s reform trajectory.

‘We are moving away from renewed hope to recovery, and that recovery must be felt in their own lives,’ he added.

Bwala noted that leaders of the support groups came from all parts of Nigeria, with some participants arriving from the United Kingdom.

He disclosed that the engagements would soon extend to the diaspora, with town hall meetings planned for the UK, the United States, and Canada.

‘Hopefully, by November, when we have the first town hall with the progressives and all support groups across platforms, we will determine the frequency of our engagements. It’s all about governance. People wait until election time to seek support groups. That is not right. They are not tools to be used; they are partners in the process,’ he explained.

The presidential aide maintained that President Tinubu views support groups as vital partners in governance and nation-building, not just instruments of political campaigns.

‘Unlike other politicians, the President believes the groups, especially the youths, must be part of the governance and the progress of the administration,’ he said.

Reflecting on the administration’s record, Bwala asserted that ‘over the last two years, as the President restructured the economy, we are seeing the fruits. When we prepare everyone and go to the field, you will see across all platforms-economy, security, job creation, education, infrastructure, and agriculture-that these groups will continue to carry the message.’

He insisted that President Tinubu’s leadership has earned him the right to seek the continued support and affection of Nigerians.

‘In my humble opinion, Mr. President has done enough at this time, as far as governance is concerned, to demand not just the people’s support, but their love and commitment to what his government has started,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, former lawmaker Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027, citing his administration’s ‘superlative performance’ across key sectors.

‘Whether you like it or not, Mr. President, come 2027, will be re-elected. That’s the confirmation you can take away from this wonderful meeting. Yes, we are not where we used to be, and we are not yet where we ought to be, but we are progressing. The President is doing everything to fast-track that progression’, Agbonayinma said.

Agbonayinma praised the removal of fuel subsidy as one of Tinubu’s boldest reforms, noting that the trillions of naira saved are now being channelled to states for grassroots development.

He called on all Nigerians to join hands in consolidating the nation’s progress, stressing that ‘collective responsibility is essential to sustain the gains of this administration and to move Nigeria forward.’

The purpose of the event was to gather insights from the President’s diverse network of support groups for onward transmission to the President, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots participation in policy communication.

Among the notable groups represented were the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Tinubu Door-2-Door, National Progressives Hub (NPH), The Asiwaju Group (TAG), Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), Advocate for Good Governance (AGG), BAT Vanguard, Renewed Hope HQ, BAT Ambassadors, and The Think-Tinubu Initiative (3TI).

Others included Renewed Hope Agenda Advocacy, Youth Alliance 4 Tinubu and Shettima (YATS), Pragmatic Elites for Asiwaju and Shettima (PREFAS), City Boy Movement, PBAT Academics and Professors, Progressive Alliance, Tinubu School 2 School, PBAT Media Centre, Tinubu National Alliance, and the APC National Support Group, among others – all reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda and amplifying the administration’s reform successes across the country.

The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has sealed Adeola Ade PLC Filling Station along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State, and intercepted 1,980 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) each measuring between 25 and 30 litres totaling 49,500 litres, within the Lagos and Ogun axis to forestall further diversion of national resources and to protect public safety.

The station’s staff, it was gathered, were reportedly caught filling plastic kegs with petrol, intended for illegal transport across the border and a suspect, identified as Adeola Ismail was apprehended by Customs operatives.

The operation was part of a week-long sting by Operation Whirlwind, a Customs task force operating in Zone ‘A’, which also seized seven vehicles used as means of conveyance, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ?80,452,000.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Assistant Comptroller-General , Kola Oladeji said the seizures were made within the last seven weeks following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering operations.

Oladeji disclosed that the prohibited itens were discovered at several flashpoints in Badagry, Lagos, Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Owode Idiroko, Eree, Ado-Odo, and Obada Imeko in Ogun State.

The National Coordinator disclosed that the illegal products were carefully concealed and being prepared for illegal export to the Republic of Benin before his officers swooped on them and seized the items.

The successful interceptions, he added, forms part of the broader mandate of the special task force to tackle economic sabotage in the downstream oil sector and ensure that petroleum products remain available and affordable to Nigerians.

He stated further subsequently investigation traced links to a retail outlet identified as Adeola Ade PLC Filling Station, located along Owode-Apa Road in Badagry, Lagos State.

Upon inspection, he said, they discovered serious infractions bordering on improper handling, storage, and potential illegal sales of PMS. In line with existing laws and regulatory procedures, the filling station was immediately sealed to forestall further diversion of national resources and to protect public safety.

During a routine perimeter sweep around the sealed station, he said, operatives apprehended a male suspect later identified as Adeola Ismail.

He was arrested outside the crime scene following his suspicious behaviour and preliminary links to the illegal activities traced to the sealed premises. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody for questioning and profiling.

After 48 hours, upon representation by his legal counsel, he was granted administrative bail by the Legal Unit of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU Zone A), pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Oladeji emphasised that the interception and enforcement action demonstrate Operation Whirlwind’s firm commitment to the Federal Government’s directive to dismantle smuggling networks, safeguard national resources, and promote transparency and accountability in petroleum product distribution.

He noted that the task force’s operations align with the policy direction of the Federal Government, which seeks to restore integrity to the downstream oil sector through effective monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration with other relevant agencies.

The Whirlwind Coordinator commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the strong institutional backing and support provided to the operation, as well as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their strategic leadership and guidance.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), field officers, and patriotic Nigerians who continue to supply credible intelligence that enhances the fight against economic sabotage.

He reaffirmed that the Customs led operation will sustain its surveillance efforts, deepen inter-agency cooperation, and promote public enlightenment on the dangers of smuggling and diversion of petroleum products.

Oladeji urged Nigerians to support the campaign by reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Nigerians began the week on the note of a sizzling report by an online newspaper, Premium Times. The report centred around allegations that our own very Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Techonology, Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, forged his university degree as well as National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) certificates.

The reaction was instantaneous just as it was predictable. Outrage. And this was understable. Ever since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, quite a number of high profile office holders have been caught in the web of one form of certificate forgery scandal or another.

The distastful trend began in 1999 with two top principal officers of the National Assembly- Senate President Evan(s) Enwerem and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari. While Salisu Buhari falsely claimed he attended the University of Toronto, Canada, senators- and indeed, Nigerians – couldn’t tell with certainty if their Senate President was Evan or Evans Enwerem.

Ever since Evan or Evans Enwerem and Salisu Buhari, the issue of certificate forgeries has, like wild fire, caught up with members of the executive arm. For instance, Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is governor of Bayelsa State today simply because of the discrepancies in the name of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the state, Senator Degi-Eremienyo. This was in February 2020.

Five years earlier, Minister of Finsnce, Mrs Kemi Adeosun resigned her appointment following a scandal concerning the alleged forgery of her NYSC certificate. Ms. Adeosun had been invited by President Muhammadu Buhari to return from her base in the United Kingdom to join his government. It ended in disgrace.

Instances abound of several other high profile Nigerians who have been enmeshed in forged certficate scandals. This naturally raises the question of if after 65 years of Independence, Nigeria has no institutions to block such embarrassment.

Enter the State Security Service (SSS) sometimes called Department of State Services (DSS).

As far as the SSS Act is concerned, the Service is responsible for the internal security of Nigeria, VIP protection, and vetting of nominees for top positions. The SSS is also empowered to place persons of interest on watchlist- in addition to protecting the President from embarrassment (as in the cases of Salisu Buhari, Evan(s) Enwerem, Kemi Adeosun and now, Uche Nnaji) among other duties. Without mincing words, it is, safe to say that the SSS is a key institution of the Nigerian State.

In her book, ‘Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom,’

Condoleezza Rice, former national security adviser and secretary of state under President George W. Bush, believes that that institutions provide the bedrock for any successful democracy.

In other words, weak institutions weaken democracy. Conversely, one of the ways to weaken democracy is to first weaken her institutions.

One example that readily comes to mind on how we weaken an institution is the 2016 nomination of Ibrahim Magu as the chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC Act states that a nominee for the office of the EFCC chairman shall be screened by the Senate.

Even though it is the President that apoints the SSS DG, the secret police wasn’t comfortable that the president chose Magu. And the secret police didn’t hide their disapproval of Mr. President’s nominee.

In a letter dated October 3, 2016, to the Clerk of the Senate, the SSS told the senators that Magu was not fit to hold the position of EFCC chairman.

The secret police listed several alleged malpractices against the EFCC boss, saying his confirmation would frustrate the anti-graft drive of the administration then.

Part of the allegations against Magu was his being in possession of EFCC documents in his private residence during the chairmanship of Farida Waziri.

The DSS also made reference to the circumstances surrounding Magu’s arrest, detention and suspension by the Nigeria Police.

In addition, the secret service alleged that the sum of N40m was paid for the rented apartment, which costs N20m per annum, where Magu lived.

DSS added that Magu’s accommodation was not paid for from the commission’s account but by a presidential appointee, who had been under investigation. The DSS alleged that after renting the apartment for Magu, the friend awarded a N43 million contract for the furnishing of the accommodation.

The only consequence of the DSS report was that each time he faced the senators, they failed to clear him. Even at that, the President then snubbed the lawmakers and kept Magu as acting EFCC chairman for close to five years.

Thus, Magu became the poster boy of the futility of security reports and Senate screening when political leaders and policy makers choose to weaken our institutions.

While it is convenient to talk about Magu, perhaps mention should be made of our lawyers, especially those who aspire to make it to the peak of the bar, called Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). Oftentimes referred to as Learned Silk, to demonstrate the highest esteem to which they are held, these senior lawyers recently grabbed the headlines when they opposed the screening of their colleagues shortlisted for this coveted rank by the DSS.

A former Nigerian Bar Association General Secretary, Olumuyiwa Akinboro, himself a SAN, described the security vetting as an attack on the independence of the legal profession. Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu was one of the few voices that supported the DSS.

Odinkalu,who expressed surprise at Akinboro’s opposition, said the rule was introduced in 2022 by then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, and had been applied to SAN conferments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 without protest.

‘These people are short of candour. The rules requiring screening of SAN candidates by DSS were made by Olukayode Ariwoola in 2022. They governed SAN conferment in 2022, ’23 and ’24,’ noted Odinkalu.

It has since emerged from the grapevine on the outcome of the DSS screening, that some of the nominees for the award of SAN are not fit and proper. Even with this DSS report, the same tainted nominees still managed to wangle their way to the swearing-in. They are now addressed as ‘learned silks!’ Won’t be surprised if these SANs aren’t among those blaming the Senate and the DSS for ‘not doing a thorough job!’

Now, to our own Minister Uche Nnaji. He resigned during the week. I’ve read and heard many people blame the Senate and the DSS for the lapses that made it possible to swear in Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Having set a dangerous precedent with Magu and many more that aren’t known, how are we sure the powers that be even allowed Nnaji to subject himself to the rigours of screening by the DSS? How are we sure he, in the name of security vetting, even stepped foot within the four walls of the SSS national headquarters in Abuja?

The truth remains that over time, we failed to address the question of interference with institutions. Why should some governors, for instance, have the wherewithal to demand the deployment or removal of Police Commissioners to or from their states?

Crying ourselves out won’t address the problem. We have to begin to address the issues that contribute to weakening our institutions. Without that, scandals like Nnaji’s will continue to dog our political trajectory and national life. It is hightine we rolled our sleeves to make out institutions strong. This, as Condoleezza Rice rightly noted, will provide the bedrock for our successful democracy.

The newly appointed Director-General Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has pledged to usher in a new era of innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment towards repositioning Nigeria’s tourism industry.

Awakan who assumed office at the Authority’s Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, assured that he would consolidate on the successes of his predecessors and build a more vibrant, efficient, and responsive NTDA capable of attracting tourists and investors to Nigeria.

‘My predecessors have done excellently well to the best of their ability, and the baton of leadership has been passed to me. I will take it up from here,’ he said.

Upon his arrival, Awakan was received by the Management Team of the Authority, led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who presented the official handover note.

The new helmsman thereafter met with the Directors, toured the NTDA offices, and addressed the general staff at the NTDA Village Hall.

Awakan expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.

‘I’m happy to be here; this is a new dawn. There’s a lot to be done and by the grace of God, it will be done,’ he stated.

‘Let me start by appreciating the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda through tourism.’

Awakan also acknowledged Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her visionary leadership and tireless efforts in repositioning the sector despite limited resources.

‘The responsibility bestowed on her is weighty, and even with the limited resources, she has been able to push ahead. I am here to complement her efforts,’ he noted.

He stressed the importance of teamwork, innovation, and inclusivity in achieving the Authority’s mandate.

‘We need newness, freshness, and I can’t do it alone. We need collaborative effort,’ he said.

‘I operate an open-door policy, no idea is a bad idea; it can be refined into a fantastic one. Let’s make history together and make Mr. President proud.’

Awakan is an award-winning journalist, thespian, dramatist, poet, and culture and tourism enthusiast.

His appointment reflects President Tinubu’s continued commitment to leveraging creativity, culture, and tourism as key drivers of national economic diversification and growth.

No fewer than nine people have been reportedly killed in another attack in Yelwa village of Heipang District, Barkin Ladi LGA, Plateau State.

The Nation gathered the attack took place around 10;00pm on Tuesday as the villagers retired to the bed.

President Berom Youths Moulder-Association (BYM), Barr Dalyop Mwantiri, also alleged that the gunmen rustled a herd of Cattle from Yelwa village during the attack.

Nwantiri said: ‘It’s gathered that the attack lasted up to two hours as security forces from Sector 4 rapidly responded to avert further casualty.’

Attempts to get confirmation from security forces failed.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has described drivers and transport unions as critical stakeholders in the state’s economic growth and development.

The governor made this remark during the official endorsement of his re-election bid by all transport stakeholders in the state at a mega rally held at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha North Local Government Area.

He noted that while drivers contribute significantly to the economic development of Anambra, they are also among the key beneficiaries of his administration’s initiatives.

‘My deputy and I appreciate you, not only for your support but also for the vital role you play in driving the economy of the state. You are the lifeline of Anambra’s economy,’ he said.

Soludo highlighted his administration’s efforts in road infrastructure, noting that the repairs and reconstructions have reduced the constant need for vehicle maintenance.

‘We have fixed many roads, making it less necessary for constant visits to mechanics. You are partners in the progress of Anambra State’s economy.

We fixed the roads to boost the economy so that the common man can live happily and survive with less stress.

Many market women, drivers, and other stakeholders in the transport sector have acknowledged the positive changes in Anambra under my leadership,’ he added.

Expressing concern over reports of continued extortion by individuals posing as government agents, Soludo warned against any form of illegal levy collection. He pledged to establish a task force to clamp down on those extorting drivers and traders.

‘Don’t pay any money outside the officially approved government rates. All payments should be made through the government’s digital platforms.

We must also obey traffic laws and regulations. Traffic offences are serious. If you obey traffic laws, nobody will harass you.

Anyone who flouts these laws should not only be punished but also undergo a mental evaluation. Disobedience can lead to death, and we don’t want deaths on our roads,’ he cautioned.

Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Patricia Igwebuike, said the rally was organised to demonstrate the transport sector’s support for Soludo’s re-election, acknowledging his achievements in the sector.

‘The transport sector is the biggest beneficiary of the Solution Government. The governor has constructed over 1,000 kilometres of roads, and transporters are enjoying them. They no longer visit mechanics frequently,’ she said.

Coordinator of the Anambra Drivers Forum and Head of the Media Sub-Committee of the event, Comrade Osita Obi, also commended Soludo for his sweeping reforms, which he said have restored order, dignity, and accountability to the state’s transport sector.