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Health reform: FG urged to create patient safety directorate

Patient Safety Africa has called for the creation of a full-fledged Directorate of Patient Safety and Clinical Governance in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to consolidate gains recorded in Nigeria’s healthcare reforms.

The organisation said the upgrade of the ministry’s existing Patient Safety Desk would strengthen efforts to improve patient safety, clinical governance, quality of care and institutional accountability.

President of Patient Safety Africa and consultant at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT), Prof. Asekhame Sonny Isemede, made the call in the organisation’s message to mark the 2026 World Patient Safety Day (WPSD).

The message was presented to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako.

Isemede said Nigeria had made significant progress in patient safety and clinical governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in quality improvement and institutional capacity building.

He said a strategic partnership between the ministry’s Patient Safety Desk and Patient Safety Africa since 2022 had resulted in the training of an increasing number of healthcare professionals in the public and private sectors.

According to him, the trained professionals were contributing to international conferences and quality improvement initiatives, helping to strengthen Nigeria’s role in patient safety across Africa.

The organisation said the progress had also been supported by partnerships with the WHO Patient Safety Flagship Office, Joint Commission International (JCI), ISQua, COHSASA and NHS England.

It also called for inclusive, multidisciplinary leadership involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, allied health professionals and administrators, as well as merit-based career pathways across health institutions.

Isemede reaffirmed Patient Safety Africa’s commitment to working with state health commissioners, regulatory councils, professional associations and federal medical directors to build a resilient, person-centred health system where patients receive safe care, institutions are accountable and healthcare workers are valued.

Bagudu: Tinubu’s reforms not designed to favour any part

Budget and Economic Planning Minister Abubakar Bagudu has dismissed claims in some quarters that the Federal Government’s spending under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu favours particular regions of the country.

Bagudu said federal expenditure on security, infrastructure and support for livelihoods is driven by national priorities and aimed at addressing the needs of Nigerians irrespective of their location.

He stated this while delivering a keynote address at the Federal Appointees Strategic Summit on the presentation and review of ministerial and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) budget implementation.

The minister said security expenditure, for instance, is targeted at protecting communities affected by insecurity, while investments in roads and other infrastructure are intended to improve movement, connectivity and economic activities across the country.

Bagudu urged federal appointees to have a proper understanding of the policies and economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and to explain their impact more effectively to Nigerians, especially people at the grassroots.

According to him, better communication of government policies was necessary to enable citizens to understand both the difficulties created by the reforms and the objectives behind them.

Bagudu said the Tinubu administration inherited a difficult economic situation and decided to remove the petrol subsidy and reform the foreign exchange market as part of measures to address deep-rooted economic imbalances.

He acknowledged that the reforms had contributed to the cost-of-living pressures experienced by Nigerians, particularly when combined with developments in the global economy.

The minister said the government did not anticipate the extent of the economic turbulence that would follow the reforms and the international pressures that subsequently affected economies around the world.

Despite the difficulties, he said the administration remained focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable economy capable of delivering growth that benefits a wider section of the population.

Bagudu said one of the major outcomes of the reforms is an improvement in government revenues and greater financial allocations to the federal, state and local governments to perform their constitutional responsibilities.

Bagudu said the stronger financial position of states in the current period has created greater room for them to spend on infrastructure, education, security and other responsibilities assigned to them by the constitution.

He added the improvement in public finances is also reflected in some broader economic indicators, including the country’s revenue-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio.

On taxation, the minister said the ongoing reforms are intended to make the tax system more efficient and improve compliance, rather than impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.

He, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are still facing significant economic pressures as the government pursues the reforms.

Heavy traffic as Women’s Super League kicks off

The Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League (FTBFWSL) returns this weekend with defending champions Kawempe Muslim under more pressure than ever to prove themselves, as She Corporate and KCCA Women lead a determined chasing pack.

Kick-off across the 12-team division, which produced a photo-finish last season with Kawempe on 52 points and She Corporate on 51, moves back to 4pm, having been shifted to 10am for the past two seasons for what turned out to be an unsuccessful venture to broadcast matches live.

New licensing rules now demand that FWSL clubs name at most three foreign players and at least five youth players, one of whom must be a goalkeeper of Ugandan nationality, in their match day squads.

Kawempe: Weight of crowns, Nkata departure

Kawempe arrive not only as FWSL champions but also Caf Women’s Champions League Cecafa representatives.

Coach Ayub Khalifah concedes the club can “no longer think of passing through the motions.” Opponents, he says, will “play against us with three times the effort” but the bigger headache is personnel. Assistant coach Moses Nkata, Khalifa’s lieutenant of nearly 20 years, leaves for URA. Khalifah believes Salim Kibirige is “more than capable of stepping in but needs to sort some paperwork.” More alarming for continental ambitions: five or six first team players, including Saidat Namwanje, Mable Adong, Dorcus Kisakye, and Brenda Nankya, are Senior Six candidates sitting UNEB exams that will disrupt their Champions League preparations, with S.4 candidate Kevin Nanyunja hopeful of being free by the time that competition starts.

Kawempe host Jinja United to open the campaign, before travelling to Amus College and Rines SS in the opening weeks.

She Corporate: No backing down

Last season’s runners up She Corporate have lost several first team names like Viol Namuddu, Sandra Kisakye, Molly Naava, and Rebecca Nandhego among otherd but even more importantly, Burundian coach Belyse Ininahazwe. Saddam Pande, who deputized Ininahazwe for a while before taking a sabbatical, has been promoted to a lead role and is unfazed.

“I am expected to build on how we performed last season. I am ready. We are adding some new players and hopefully they hit the ground running,” Pande, who has the experience having coached Olila High School for about seven seasons, said.

KCCA: More than a rebranding job

KCCA Women chief executive officer (CEO) Meddie Ssengendo clarified a change in ownership structure where Kampala Queens (KQ) sold only a 30 percent stake to KCCA. Pearl Sporto, run by Fufa president Moses Magogo, retains 70 percent control. Financially, Ssengendo admits the picture is tight: “We have two sponsors; Jonard and Pearl Sporto for a club carrying students and salaried professionals.” That was part of the motivation to get KCCA buying after a year of a partnership that basically saw KQ just benefitting from using the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.

On the technical side, the side parted ways with Ethiopian coach Firew Asefa Hailegebreal with two months left on his deal. With that deal set to expire once the season had already begun, KCCA opted to start anew with Hamza Lutalo, a proven league winner with KQ in the 2022/23 season.

Ssengendo acknowledged past dressing-room unrest led to Lutalo’s unceremonious departure even when performances were still good and said the new technical bench has been briefed on managing the squad better. The renewed partnership will see the women’s team also gain access to fitness and goalkeeping support.

URA: Excitement aplenty

Promoted from the second tier FTBFWEL (Elite League), URA have made the loudest transfer statement ahead of the season. They are meant to be headlined by the capture of coach Nkata from Kawempe.

The main question hanging over the campaign will be whether Nkata can show he is his own man away from Khalifah and Kawempe.

The club has injected the funds to bring in players like Zainah Namuleme, Patience Nabulobi, and Shamusa Najjuma among others way ahead of the coach.

Lady Doves: Another rebuilding job

Lady Doves CEO Godfrey Nsingwire has turned to former player Gladys Nakitto to lead the side. Nakitto was promoted from within after taking interim charge late last season. Doves have lost Resty Kobusobozi (moved to Tanzania’s Yanga), Cecilia Apiding (Kawempe) and long-serving captain Lydia Nyandera (to URA), but Nsingwire is sanguine: “We had a 24-man squad last year so 21 is not bad,” pointing to academy graduates promoted into the group.

She Maroons: Okello finally gets his own squad

Coach Maxwell Okello returns for a second campaign, but this time with a squad assembled to his own specifications rather than inherited. CEO Rodrick Muhumuza says the club board has set the bar at a top three finish. Maroons have also gone young among the first in the division to lean into Fufa’s youth licensing push.

“Senior players start the season well but once the load piled, form declined and some were taking increasingly long to recover from injury. So we deemed it fit to add some young players,” Muhumuza said.

Rines: Schools pedigree, professional uncertainty

Interestingly, She Maroons open away at Rines SS but sources within the latter’s camp say that despite arriving off the back of dominating secondary school competitions in 2026, Rines’ club side is shrouded in uncertainty over its long-term future as the owners want to sell. By Wednesday, the players had not started training for the new season.

Jinja United: New comers with minimum ambitions

The division’s other promoted side is actually Mayuge-based and will interestingly play their home matches in Iganga.

Bunya SS bought the club from Busoga Province chairman Daniel Musota but the club executive is yet to decide on a name change.

CEO Ashiraf Isabirye says Bunya’s home pitch is below standard” cue the unintended efforts to make themselves a team for the wider Busoga.

Having climbed through the regional leagues season by season, the target is straightforward: “our minimum target is to stay in the topflight league.”

Amus College: Time to level up

Despite lifting the Fufa Women Cup in 2025, Amus could not turn that into league form last season, finishing fifth. The club’s Samuel Opio pointed to a coaching staff that “struggled to work together,” thin recruitment, and an injury crisis among nationally capped players. Brenda Nassozi takes over as coach, with Opio candid that the priority this season is building young talent that can keep them competitive.

Makerere University refreshed

Coach Fred Ndawula remains in place, offering the kind of stability few rivals enjoy. Player departures include Hasifah Patricia Nambozo, and Allen Nassazi while Rebecca Nakasato has retired. Makerere’s model will now lean on its “First Year” intake, with Ndawula opting to plan around players guaranteed to be at the university and the club for at least three years.

Uganda Martyrs: Can continuity pay off?

Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga CEO Freda Ayerango is pleased that they enter a second straight season under coach Edward Ssozi bringing a rare run of technical stability.

The club has strengthened its backroom staff, including doubling up on goalkeeping coaches, and enjoyed a seven-week pre-season, more than double the three weeks typical in previous years.

Key players Sharon Kanyiginya and Moureen Kizza among others have signed new deals as the club hopes the stability can give them a fast start.

St. Noa: Cards close to chest

Coach Rajab Buyinza has been taking charge of the St. Noa Girls Zana school team of recent. But CEO William Ssentumbwe was coy on sharing if the same man will be in charge of the FWSL team. Ssentumbwe said “we are still organising ourselves” when pressed about their readiness. But attacker Marion Serenge could be among the players that have moved on.

The 2026/27 Fufa Women Super League season runs through the first round to January 2027, with a break for the Crested Cranes’ Olympic qualifiers in early October and the women’s international window in late November.

Finance Trust Bank Fufa Women Super League – Opening Weekend Fixtures

Saturday, 4pm: Kawempe Muslim vs. Jinja United, St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende

Sunday, 4pm

URA Ladies vs. KCCA Women, Hamz Stadium Nakivubo

Makerere University vs. Amus College, Nsibirwa Playground

Lady Doves vs. Uganda Martyrs, Katusabe Dove

Rines SS vs. She Maroons, Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium

She Corporate vs. St. Noa Girls, Fufa Technical Centre Njeru

DigiPlus named inaugural winner of two top industry accolades at 2026 Inside Asian Gaming Academy Awards

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, won both ‘Best iGaming Operator’ and ‘Best iGaming Innovation’ at the 2026 Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) Academy Awards, becoming the inaugural winner of both categories.

Running since 2021, the IAG Academy Awards honor achievements across the Asia-Pacific gaming and integrated resort industry. Held at Marriott Manila on September 15, the 2026 edition marked the first time the awards introduced an Online Gaming Offerings division, powered by Complete iGaming (CiG), IAG’s sister publication covering online gaming globally. Annual winners are selected through a merit-based process, based on votes from industry expert judges across the region.

DigiPlus emerged as the winner in both categories in which it was shortlisted: ‘Best iGaming Innovation’ for its ‘Homegrown Livestream Digital Bingo and Perya Games,’ which combine localized content, proprietary production, and real-time player interaction to deliver distinctly Filipino digital entertainment experiences; and ‘Best iGaming Operator,’ recognizing the Company’s pioneering role, market leadership, and overall contributions to the Philippine iGaming industry.

‘We are proud to be the first-ever winners of these two IAG Academy Awards, which affirm DigiPlus’ contributions to the growth and innovation of the gaming industry across Asia-Pacific,’ said Ping Chen, President of DigiPlus.

‘This recognition from the industry inspires us to keep raising the bar for digital entertainment through localized innovation, operational excellence, and responsible gaming,’ Chen added.

‘Inside Asian Gaming and our sister company Complete iGaming congratulate DigiPlus on winning two awards at the 2026 IAG Academy IR Awards. The IAG Academy Awards feature a rigorous nomination and judging process, with exactly 100 experienced industry judges casting their votes. The awards cannot be bought, nor are they influenced by sponsorship, ensuring that every winner earns a genuine accolade based on industry recognition,’ said Ben Blaschke, Managing Editor of Inside Asian Gaming and Group Managing Editor APAC for Complete iGaming.

‘With 2026 representing the first time the IAG Academy Awards have included an online gaming division – powered by Complete iGaming – we were delighted to receive such a positive response and are thrilled to see DigiPlus rewarded for its contribution and performance,’ Blaschke added.

Digital ID strengthening Nigeria’s access to Africa’s digital economy, says Akume

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said Nigeria’s expanding digital identity infrastructure is strengthening the country’s position in Africa’s digital economy by providing a trusted foundation for banking, telecommunications, social protection and cross-border trade.

He also described the progress recorded by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as one of the clearest delivery stories of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, pledging the Federal Government’s full backing for ongoing identity reforms.

The SGF spoke at the National Day of Identity 2026 with: ‘Nigeria’s Digital Public Ecosystem: Powering Africa’s Digital Economy’ as theme.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said Nigeria’s growing digital public ecosystem has implications beyond the country, as trusted identity infrastructure could help deepen economic integration and facilitate trade across Africa.

He said banks, financial technology companies and cross-border traders increasingly depend on verified digital identities to provide services and access markets, including opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

‘As the officer charged with coordinating government business across MDAs, I have watched this work closely. NIMC is one of this administration’s clearest delivery stories.

‘The progress is real. Enrolment continues to rise. Integration with banking, telecommunications and social protection is deepening. The Commission is meeting the quiet, daily discipline this work requires. That is the kind of delivery this administration was elected to provide,’ Akume said.

He said the enactment of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026, had given the country’s identity management system a stronger legal foundation, strengthened data protection and established NIMC as Nigeria’s root certification authority for identity.

He noted that innovations introduced ahead of the new legislation, including NINAuth and self-service data modification, had already made it easier for Nigerians to verify their identities and manage their personal records.

The SGF recalled his engagement with the Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following the passage of the Act, saying the interaction strengthened his confidence in the direction of the Commission and the commitment of its leadership and workforce.

Akume pledged the support of his office for the Commission, stressing that building a reliable national identity system was too important to be left to NIMC alone and required coordinated action across government.

‘This Commission has my backing, and the backing of the office I represent. Wherever closer coordination is needed, and wherever obstacles must be cleared from this Commission’s path, my office stands ready.

‘This project is too important to rest on one agency. It requires the full weight of government’, he said.

Akume also commended President Tinubu for assenting to the NIMC Act, 2026, saying the legislation had provided the modern legal framework needed to sustain the reforms and deepen Nigeria’s digital identity architecture.

He expressed confidence that the reforms would continue to yield measurable results, arguing that every improvement in the country’s identity infrastructure would strengthen Nigeria’s position in the digital economy while enhancing Africa’s participation in the global digital marketplace.

The SGF said the combination of rising enrolment, deeper integration of identity services across critical sectors and a stronger legal framework had positioned digital identity as an important component of the administration’s wider economic and governance reforms.

Versatile Tamaraw displays wares in Manila and Cebu; citation for Mitsubishi

THE Toyota Tamaraw has continued to dazzle the market since its impactful comeback couple of years back. From Joseph Ben ‘Benjo’ Villavieja, this:

‘Since its re-introduction in 2024, the next generation Toyota Tamaraw has consistently pursued its promise to be the vehicle of choice for versatility.

‘Its highly configurable platform is meant to be customized according to the needs and lifestyles of any business owner or individual.

‘From passenger and cargo transport to refrigerated logistics and purpose-built mobile businesses, the Tamaraw can serve a wide range of uses depending on operational requirements.

‘Paired with the proven Toyota QDR [quality, durability and reliability] and trusted aftersales service, it truly is the vehicle of choice for daily business operations.

‘The past few weeks saw the new Tamaraw display its vaunted traits during its participation at four events in Metro Manila and Cebu. From September 9 to 12, the Tamaraw unveiled its versatility in the Asia Food Expo (AFEX) at the World Trade Center, showcasing different business possibilities in the food and beverage industry.

‘Next, it unleashed its wares from September 10 to 13 at the IEC Convention Center Cebu, proving itself as a work horse at the PHILBEX.

‘Capping the Tamaraw show was the unwrapping for the first time of the Tamaraw GL Dropside DJ booth on September 12 and 13 at the annual Purveyor Fair.

‘The same model was displayed at the Die Cast PH Grandparents Pit Stop event at Cash and Carry Makati, placing the Tamaraw in the diecast collector event, for collectors to see and take inspiration from.’

As always, the Tamaraw loves to dazzle the market.

Mitsubishi makes hay

AWARDS always give me a thrill. They massage my heart more than my ego. That’s why I love amplifying accolades accorded companies.

Here’s one from Nelda Castro of Mitsubishi:

‘Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was recently recognized as one of the Top 3 Importers for the First Half of 2026 by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Batangas during its 69th Founding Anniversary and 2026 First Half Performance Review held in August 2026 at the Sotogrande Hotel and Convention Center in Batangas.

‘MMPC received a Plaque of Appreciation for contributing approximately P9.052 billion in revenues, representing more than 6.3 percent of the BOC Port of Batangas’ total collections from January to July 2026. The recognition highlights MMPC’s continued patronage of the Port of Batangas and its contribution to trade and economic activity in the Calabarzon region. With the theme ‘Marangal na Paglilingkod, Makabagong Sistema, Tapat na Aduana,’ the event brought together government officials, industry partners, importers, exporters, port operators and other stakeholders to recognize their contributions to the region’s trade and economic development.

‘With the participation of BOC asec. Charlie Bathan and BOC Batangas district collector Carmelita Talusan, the event reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to its core values and its continuing mission to promote efficient, transparent and modern customs services. Representing MMPC in receiving the award were logistics vice president Jemabel Boncajes, logistics assistant vice president Jesus Cacapit and logistics staff Jamela Nas.

‘The recognition reflects MMPC’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with government agencies and industry stakeholders while supporting sustainable trade operations in the country and contributing to the growth and advancement of the Philippine automotive industry.’

Here’s to capitalism with a conscience!

PEE STOP Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has extended its customer support initiative, Honda Helps, until September 30, 2026. The program is dedicated to assisting customers affected by the damaging weather and flooding in parts of Luzon and Metro Manila. Andrea Beatrice Vitug said this extension has been applied to ensure customers will receive the required repairs at reduced costs following the persistent inclement weather.

The original mechanics and offer will be retained, with up to 30 percent off on the following parts for inundated units: ECU, throttle body, alternator, starter motor, radiator fan motor, cooling fan motor, SRS unit, airbag module, cable reel, fuse box, accelerator pedal, meter assembly, EPS, heater control and seatbelt pre-tensioner. Dealerships may be located at www.hondaphil.com/dealer-finder.

137,487 PLWDs to participate in 2027 elections

No fewer than 137,487 Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDS) are captured in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) database as prospective voters in next year’s general election..

The figure comprises 13,080 visually impaired persons, 9,299 with hearing impairment, 30,561 with albinism, 19,430 with physical impairment, and 54,941 in other categories of disability.

INEC’s Acting Chairman, Prof. Rhoda’s Gumus. Revealed the number at a National Strategy Engagement with executive members of the Joint National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Organisations of Persons Living With Disabilities (OPDs) in Abuja yesterday.

Gumus said the figure ‘ demonstrates the need for sustained and targeted engagement to ensure that Persons Living With Disabilities are adequately informed, mobilised and supported to participate throughout the electoral process.’

She explained that the participation of PLWDs in the electoral process is anchored on Section 54 of the Electoral Act, 2026 (as amended), the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and INEC Framework on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process.

The Acting Chairman stressed INEC’s ‘ commitment to advancing the participation and inclusion of Persons Living With Disabilities in Nigeria’s democratic process.’

She added that the meeting reflected the commission’s commitment to an electoral process that is ‘inclusive, accessible, participatory and responsive to the needs of all eligible citizens, including Persons Living With Disabilities.’

Gamus maintained that as INEC prepares for the general election, it was important for it to ‘strengthen our collaboration with JONAPWD, OPDs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.’

She called on JONAPWD and the various OPDs to take ownership of the sensitisation process within their respective clusters.

Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department of the commission, Mrs Lakunuya Bello, said INEC recognises PLWDs as ‘an important constituency whose voices, choices and participation are essential to the credibility and inclusiveness of our democracy.’

She listed persisting challenges to include access to voter information, voter education, mobilisation and accessibility of electoral facilities, and urged stakeholders to develop sensitisation strategies that are ‘broad in reach but also targeted, accessible and responsive.’

In his address, Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry, called for a mobilisation model built around mapping PLWD networks and priority gaps, reaching communities through OPD and accessible media channels, delivering practical voter education in multiple accessible formats, supporting registration and referrals, monitoring and documenting barriers for escalation to INEC and JONAPWD, and sustaining follow-up engagement throughout election days.

National President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Usman, commended INEC for owning a policy on disability inclusion that is itself shaped by PLWDs.

He, however, called for frequent strategic engagements, noting that ‘one national strategic engagement will not be enough for persons with disabilities in Nigeria to participate fully in the 2027 general election.’

Also, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Burki, decried the barriers of mobility, assistive devices and restricted movement during elections that continue to limit the participation of PWDs.

‘If we are fully engaged, if we can mobilise 35 million people to an election, then we will determine where the votes will swing,’ he said.

Founder/CEO of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, commended INEC’s performance on priority voting for PWDs but called for improved accessibility of polling units and deeper grassroots mobilisation through OPD cluster heads across the 36 states and the FCT. He declared, ‘Any election that fails to count the voices of persons with disabilities is not a democracy; it is an exercise in exclusion.’

Nasarawa APC: Don’t Blame Al-Makura For Defections, Group Tells Chairman

The Nasarawa Vanguard has cautioned the state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aliyu Bello, against blaming former Governor Tanko Al-Makura for the wave of defections from the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group was reacting to reports of plans by Bello to organise a protest against Al-Makura over alleged efforts to encourage defections from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Nasarawa Vanguard described the proposed protest as misplaced, urging the APC leadership to focus on grievances arising from the party’s governorship primary rather than attributing the defections to the former governor.

‘The wave of defections from the Nasarawa APC has nothing to do with any behind-the-scenes support from Al-Makura. The real cause is the flawed governorship primary, which left aspirants and ordinary party members without any genuine opportunity to participate in the process,’ the group said.

Several APC members have defected to other parties amid disagreements over the party’s internal processes. Four state lawmakers-Mohammed Omadefu, Isimbabi Garba, Kudu Ajegana and Inarigu Kana-are among those who recently left the party.

Nasarawa Vanguard also rejected suggestions that the former governor was working against the APC, citing his longstanding relationship with President Bola Tinubu and his role in the formation of the ruling party.

The group recalled that Al-Makura emerged from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc and was among the political figures involved in the 2013 merger that produced the APC.

It also noted that Al-Makura remains associated with the Tinubu administration, having retained his position as Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) board after its reconstitution in December 2025.

The group further said Al-Makura’s support for Tinubu had remained consistent, describing him as ‘a founding member of the APC and a committed supporter of the President.’

It added that his decision to support a particular aspirant during the APC governorship primary should not be interpreted as opposition to the party or the President.

Nasarawa Vanguard therefore urged Bello to stop ‘looking for scapegoats’ and engage with aggrieved party stakeholders to address the issues it identified as responsible for the defections.

Meanwhile, the immediate past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Balarabe, has appealed to aggrieved APC members who defected to other parties to return to the ruling party.

Balarabe, who spoke with journalists in Lafia on Tuesday, said members who helped build the APC should not abandon the party at a time when it needed them.

He likened the situation to building a house and abandoning it ‘at the time you need it most.’

His appeal followed the defection of the immediate past Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Aliyu Abdullahi, from the APC.

NRC Mourns Former Board Chair, Bamanga Tukur

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has received the sad news of the passing of its former Board Chairman and elder statesman, Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, CON, who died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the age of 90.

Dr. Tukur served as Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation from January 22, 2014, to September 26, 2016, during an important period in the Corporation’s efforts to rehabilitate and reposition the nation’s railway system.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed sadness over the passing of the former Board Chairman, describing his death as the loss of a respected elder statesman who devoted several decades of his life to public service, transportation, governance and national development.

Dr. Opeifa noted the significant place Dr. Tukur occupied in the history of the nation’s transportation sector, having at different times provided leadership in two strategic transport institutions – the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

As Chairman of the NRC Board, Dr. Tukur provided leadership and oversight at a period when considerable attention was being given to the rehabilitation, modernisation and expansion of railway infrastructure across the country.

His service to the Corporation formed part of a distinguished career that spanned public administration, transportation, politics, governance, the maritime industry and international business.

Born on September 15, 1935, Dr. Tukur rose to national prominence as General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority from 1975 to 1982, where he played a significant role in the administration and development of Nigeria’s maritime transportation sector.

He later ventured into politics and was elected Governor of the old Gongola State in 1983, comprising present-day Adamawa and Taraba States. His tenure was brought to an end following the military intervention of December 31, 1983.

Dr. Tukur also served as Minister of Industries and remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s organised private sector and the international business community.

A strong advocate of African economic development and private-sector participation, he served as Executive President of the African Business Roundtable and Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group, among several other national and international responsibilities.

His political career also saw him emerge as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2012, a position he held until January 2014. He was subsequently appointed Ambassador-at-Large by the Federal Government.

Dr. Opeifa observed that the late Dr. Tukur’s years of service to the Nigerian Railway Corporation remained an important part of the Corporation’s institutional history and of the broader national effort to strengthen rail transportation as a catalyst for economic growth and development.

He said the former NRC Board Chairman would be remembered for a long and distinguished career that cut across transportation administration, governance, industry, politics and Pan-African enterprise.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation joins the nation in mourning Alhaji Dr. Bamanga Mohammed Tukur, CON, whose service as Chairman of the NRC Board from January 22, 2014, to September 26, 2016, remains a notable chapter in the history of the Corporation.

The Corporation extends its sympathies to his family, the Government and people of Adamawa State, and all those affected by his passing, while praying for the repose of his soul.

Troops Rescue 31 Kidnap Victims, Kill Terrorist Kingpin In Katsina, Kebbi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralised two terrorists, including a known kingpin, and arrested two suspected terrorists in separate operations in Katsina and Kebbi states.

The operations were conducted on September 14 and 15, 2026, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Information Officer of JTF NW OPFY, Lt Col Aliyu Danja.

Danja said that on September 14, troops of Sector 2 responded to reports of the abduction of civilians from Unguwan Daudu and Unguwan Chibauna communities in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He said the troops mobilised to intercept the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle during a hot pursuit, resulting in the rescue of 10 victims comprising three males and seven females, including an infant.

According to him, the rescued victims were taken into the custody of the troops for further action.

The military spokesman said troops also rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kebbi State on the same day after responding to a distress call over the abduction of civilians from Fafala Village in Kangiwa Local Government Area.

He said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a fighting patrol towards Fafala and Dandikwa, where they made contact with the terrorists.

‘Troops engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire, forcing them to withdraw in disarray,’ he said.

Danja added that subsequent exploitation of the area led to the rescue of the 21 victims, who were later reunited with their families.

He said on September 15, troops acting on intelligence about plans by terrorists to attack communities in Matazu and Kankara local government areas of Katsina State, mobilised towards an identified hideout.

The troops reportedly engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, killing two of them, including Abbah Alhassan, described as a known terrorist kingpin.

‘Other terrorists fled into the surrounding bush,’ Danja said.

Items recovered from the area included 10 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a cutlass, camouflage clothing and Indian hemp, among other items.

The spokesman also said troops arrested two suspected terrorists in the Yantumaki general area of Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects were associated with a terrorist kingpin identified as Mannori.

According to him, the suspects were in custody for further investigation.