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5 vital documents you must never leave with mechanics or house agents

When you drop your vehicle at the mechanic’s workshop, hand house keys to a painter, or engage a real estate agent to secure an apartment, you naturally expect professionalism.

However, routine service transactions often cross into high-risk territory when personal and financial paperwork is left unattended. Many unsuspecting citizens have become targets of identity theft, unauthorized property sales, and criminal investigations simply because they left sensitive records behind.

According to security advisories from consumer protection advocates and anti-fraud experts, a large percentage of local identity fraud begins with documents carelessly left in vehicle glove compartments or shared recklessly with middlemen.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the five critical documents you must never leave with mechanics, agents, or artisans, along with practical steps to safeguard your identity.

Original vehicle proof of ownership and custom papers

Leaving your original vehicle license, Custom clearance papers, and Proof of Ownership Certificate inside your car’s glove compartment at the mechanic workshop is a dangerous gamble. Mechanics often test-drive vehicles or leave workshops unattended overnight, making these documents vulnerable to opportunistic theft.

According to fraud trend reports highlighted by legal practitioners and law enforcement, rogue elements can duplicate your vehicle’s identity, create fake chassis numbers, or even pledge your car as collateral for illicit loans using authentic original papers.

To stay protected, remove all original vehicle documents before handing over your car keys. Keep clear photocopies or digital versions on your smartphone for routine road checks, and only present original documents when dealing directly with authorized law enforcement officers.

National identity slip (NIN) and voters card

House agents and business intermediaries frequently ask prospective tenants or clients for proof of identity before showing properties or providing services. Handing over your original National Identification Number (NIN) slip, Permanent Voter Card (PVC), or International Passport leaves you wide open to impersonation.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has repeatedly cautioned that identity documents contain sensitive biometric markers and verification numbers that fraudsters exploit to open fraudulent bank accounts or register untraceable SIM cards.

Never leave an original identification document in the custody of an agent or artisan for ‘safekeeping’. If verification is mandatory, provide a masked photocopy where non-essential identification digits are blacked out, and write a clear watermarked purpose across the page, such as ‘For Tenancy Verification Only’.

Original land title documents and survey plans

When carrying out building renovations, property valuations, or structural repairs, you may be tempted to hand original Deeds of Assignment, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), or registered Survey Plans to draughtsmen, surveyors, or property agents.

Property fraud syndicates actively target original documentation to fabricate parallel titles, clone land records, and execute unauthorized sales of innocent people’s land. Once a rogue agent gets physical hold of an original title, undoing the legal damage in court can take years.

Always keep your original land titles secured in a bank safe deposit box or a fireproof safe at home. Provide only certified true copies or clearly marked duplicates when collaborating with verified professionals.

Signed chequebooks, debit cards, and BVN records

It is surprisingly common for busy individuals to leave signed cheque leaves, discarded ATM slips, or written Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) inside cars or home drawers accessible to domestic artisans and technicians.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regularly warns that access to a victim’s phone number, BVN, and basic banking details provides cybercriminals with the exact credentials needed to execute unauthorized SIM swaps and drain bank accounts.

Ensure that all financial records, withdrawal slips, and payment cards are kept out of sight before opening your home or vehicle to artisans. Treat your BVN and banking details with the same absolute confidentiality as your ATM PIN.

Blank signed letterheads and official stamp sheets

Business owners and corporate professionals sometimes leave pre-signed blank sheets, letterheads, or company seals in office spaces undergoing repairs or inside personal vehicles handed to drivers and mechanics.

An artisan or middleman with access to a signed company letterhead can easily draft fraudulent contracts, request unauthorised bank authorisations, or generate false letters of introduction for visa fraud in your name.

Audit your workspace and vehicle interior thoroughly before granting access to third-party workers. If official correspondence must be issued, draft and sign the specific document directly rather than leaving blank authorisation behind.

In memoriam: Oyo, 1992-2026

When Tooro’s King Patrick Kaboyo died in August 1995, I wrote a tribute in The Monitor in early September, reflecting on the kingdom and its famous figures like the Princess Royal, Elizabeth Bagaya.

Here I am, 31 years later, having to do the exact same thing all over again at the exact same time of the month.

It’s customary for us, whenever a friend or relative dies, to ask in our grief and bewilderment who it had to be this person, why God had to take them. But in King Oyo’s particular instance, it really is a genuinely torturous question: Why him, of all people?

Feelings of pain that can’t be put into words struck Tooro and Uganda last week. The cuteness of an infant king never ceases to tug at the heart, be it Daudi Chwa or Oyo Nyimba. We view children with a sentiment that’s different from adults. They are innocent, spontaneous, sincere, with not yet the calculation and slyness of adults. We also universally view death at a young age as a tragedy.

This is what makes Oyo’s untimely death all the more painful for millions of Ugandans and other people: the fact of his having been a cute infant king and now dies at the premature age of 34.

Oyo, as a teenager and adult, lived up to the affectionate view the public had of him as the three-year-old monarch.

A warm smile and wholesome look, his unassuming manner and easy accessibility that many have mentioned.

He was not remote and regal, but posed in group photos and smartphone selfies with anyone who requested that.

Disoriented by grief and shock at King Oyo’s tragically short life, a thought came to me last week.

If one believes in an all-knowing, all-wise God, or at least believes in the lessons of history, we just have to take it by faith that there are things we, being mere mortals and limited in our knowledge, don’t appreciate.

Princess Diana was a prime example of this. Having been wowed by her fairy-tale wedding in 1981 and followed her glamorous life for the next decade and a half, we saw her kind heart and down-to-earth style. But after her separation from Prince Charles in 1992 and divorce in 1996, something changed in Diana.

From a shy, sweet teenage bride, she became a worldly, somewhat scandal-prone celebrity. At the time of her death in 1997, she was on the verge of becoming a common Hollywood-type figure.

So, who knows if sometimes our lives are cut short for our own good and the good of our legacy.

It is just possible that King Oyo, in his 40s, might have suddenly turned into a very different person, perhaps becoming a heavy drinker, and all the goodwill and admiration from the public for the sweet little child king evaporates overnight.

Tooro Kingdom, over the last 34 years since the traditional kingdoms were restored, has not lived up to its full potential, or even appeared to be so.

The public admiration and goodwill toward King Oyo and the royal family has obscured this fact.

Only Buganda, of all the kingdoms, has endeavoured to strive to the maximum to revive its old traditions and administrative structures.

Perhaps this is because the central government, as has been the case over the last 70 years, has been most suspicious of Buganda’s intentions and ambitions.

This tug-of-war between the central State and Buganda, and the double exiling of King Edward Muteesa and the military attack of May 1966, left Buganda with tragic memories and forced on it the resolve and unity that we see today.

Tooro, like Bunyoro, Ankole and Busoga, has never had to fight for its survival in the way Buganda has.

Once the kingdoms were restored in 1992, Tooro settled in and coasted along under the new, favourable order.

Fort Portal was the first town outside Kampala to get a radio station, Voice of Tooro, in 1996.

The broadcast licence was granted without incident, whereas a lot of nervousness dominated government when Buganda applied for a licence in 1995.

Up to the last minute in June 1996, Mengo was not sure its new radio station would ever get onto the airwaves. CBS FM was closed for just over a year in September 2009 following the Buganda riots, and there was genuine fear that the radio station might never reopen.

In 1995, the year that Oyo assumed the throne, Buganda suffered a major political blow when the Constituent Assembly voted to reject the creation of a federal Uganda. Federo was Buganda’s core political goal and remains so to this day.

It has dealt with disappointment by strengthening the non-contentious areas within its power, from the Kabaka Run to the county football league, a television station, a Buganda Land Board, commercial properties, and other endeavours.

Conversely, the lack of drama, apprehension, and absence of an existential threat has resulted in the complacency of Tooro Kingdom.

With no real threat and disappointment coming its way from the NRM State since 1992 and enjoying substantial public goodwill and admiration of its royals, Tooro, over the last 34 years, has not had to think desperately about anything.

The little commercial ambition by the kingdom was injected in by the Libyan leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi, when he took a sudden and inexplicable interest in Tooro.

There are few things that unite a people and force them to act with determination and with one purpose, than when they genuinely feel under an existential threat. Buganda Kingdom, the National Unity Platform, and Daily Monitor are recent examples of how it is in facing constant crisis at the hands of the NRM State, a certain resolve and sense of purpose have been forged by fire.

Tooro has never felt this kind of threat since independence in 1962.

It is one of the least contentious parts of Uganda. One is hard-pressed to find any tribe or community with bitter political feelings about the Batooro.

Batooro themselves, even in the 1940s and 1950s, have always been perceived as soft, mild-mannered, likeable, agreeable, uncontroversial.

Although dubbed the ‘Tourism City’, there is very little about Tooro’s main town, Fort Portal, to suggest that its revenues and development depend on tourism.

This, then, is Tooro’s fundamental problem. Its positives double as its negatives.

Because of the generally mild and agreeable people that the Batooro are, the kingdom will need major upheaval and an existential threat to inject a sense of urgency and resolve into its people.

Third Spelling Bee: How Buni invests in nurturing young minds for academic excellence in Yobe

This is part of an effort to encourage and sustain a reading culture among young minds, as education plays a vital role in any meaningful and developed society. This aligns with the Yobe State Government’s focus on inspiring excellence by nurturing young talent across the state.

According to data by the World Bank, Yobe State is the second worst hit by 17 years of prolonged activities of Boko Haram insurgency, where thousands of school children were affected, teachers killed, and learning facilities severely affected at the formative stage of the crisis in the Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states respectively.

Mai Mala Buni administration has left no stone unturned to aggressively tackle out-of-school children by building, rebuilding, renovating, and equipping safe and secure schools across the state’s 17 local government areas. This initiative was echoed by the governor, who stated this when he declared open the third edition of the Yobe Spelling Bee Competition at Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu.

Governor Buni maintained that the spelling bee competition is designed to encourage students to develop strong language skills, broaden their vocabulary and cultivate a culture of learning, discipline and healthy academic competition.

Buni, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, said the event had become a cherished tradition, bringing together public schools and 25 private schools to showcase a culture of academic excellence and unity.

Governor Buni noted that since the inception of his administration, the education sector has remained a top priority, with substantial budgetary allocations resulting in significant infrastructure development.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the success of Yobe State students emerging as winners in various categories of the Teen Eagle Competition held in the United Kingdom, describing it as evidence that the state’s investment in education is yielding fruitful results.

Buni emphasised that the competition serves a greater purpose than merely testing spelling ability, noting that it was a deliberate investment in literacy, linguistic excellence, confidence-building, critical thinking, and memory skills.

Abba Idris Adam, the commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, described the Spelling Bee as more than a mere contest of letters, calling it a celebration of knowledge, discipline, confidence and the transformative power of education.

He emphasised that the annual event serves as a reminder that investing in children’s education is equivalent to investing in the future of Yobe State and Nigeria.

According to him, the event has continued to motivate pupils and students to cultivate a habit of wide reading and academic excellence.

Also, Abubakar Zaid, the chairman of the local organising committee, affirmed that the Spelling Bee competition was organised to nurture and change the narrative of the Yobe State Educational system.

The Spelling Bee Competition, which the Yobe State Government organised with support from donor partners, brought together 144 participants from public and private schools across the state and aimed to continue motivating students to cultivate a habit of reading widely and to pursue academic excellence.

The theme for this year’s event: Building champions through knowledge, inspiring excellence for a brighter Yobe State. Seventy-two public, private, and special schools, with 144 participants across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Colour, Confidence and Triumph as Yobe Spelling Bee 3.0 Ends with Historic Nguru Sweep

The curtains have finally come down on the colourful and intellectually stimulating Yobe Spelling Bee Competition 3.0, with young scholars from across the state showcasing remarkable confidence, discipline, knowledge and mastery of the English language.

In a dramatic conclusion to the competition, Nguru Local Government Area emerged as the undisputed champion, sweeping all three major positions and taking home all three trophies.

Zainab Mohammed Grema of Reading Model School, Nguru LGA, emerged as the overall winner after an impressive display of accuracy, confidence and mastery throughout the competition.

She was followed by Mohammed Ishaq Madaki of Government Day Junior Secondary School, Nglewa, Nguru LGA, who emerged as the Runner-Up. At the same time, le Aisha Mohammed Alah of Honesty Secondary School, Nguru LGA, secured the 2nd Runner-Up position.

The unprecedented Nguru sweep added excitement to an already remarkable competition. Still, beyond the trophies and individual victories, the third edition celebrated something much bigger: the intellectual potential of Yobe’s children and the importance of creating an environment where every child can compete, learn and excel.

A total of 146 winners emerged from the various stages of the competition, reflecting the depth of talent, determination and intellectual capacity among children across Yobe State.

Speaking at the conclusion of the competition, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Mohammed Goje, commended all the participants for their courage, discipline and impressive display of knowledge.

Goje congratulated the winners, while also applauding every child who took part in the competition, noting that participation itself was an achievement and an important step towards building confidence and intellectual capacity.

He commended the teachers, parents, schools and organisers for their contributions to the success of the competition, stressing the importance of sustained investment in initiatives that identify and nurture young talents.

The SSG particularly congratulated Nguru Local Government Area for its historic sweep of all three trophies, describing the achievement as a demonstration of what can be accomplished when students are properly encouraged, prepared and supported.

He said the government would continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for educational programmes that inspire healthy competition, promote academic excellence and prepare young people for the future.

Celebrating Every Yobe Child

The colourful finale was not simply about who spelt the final word correctly. It was a celebration of education, opportunity, resilience and the future of Yobe State.

The competition provided pupils and students from different communities with an opportunity to test themselves against their peers, build confidence and demonstrate that talent can emerge from every part of the state when given the right opportunity.

It reinforced a fundamental principle of the state’s educational policy: every Yobe child deserves equal rights and an enabling environment to participate, compete, and succeed.

The success of the competition is part of the broader commitment of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni to strengthening education and investing in the future of young people across the state.

Through initiatives that promote learning, scholarships, skills development, academic competitions and improved educational infrastructure, the administration continues to place human capital development at the centre of its development agenda.

The Yobe Spelling Bee has, in particular, created a platform for young people to discover their abilities at an early age while encouraging reading, vocabulary development, critical thinking, public speaking and healthy competition.

For many participants, the experience will go far beyond the competition. The confidence gained from standing before an audience, facing challenging words and competing with other talented students represents an important life lesson.

For the winners, the trophies will remain symbols of achievement. For those who did not finish at the top, the experience is equally valuable, offering lessons in preparation, courage, discipline and perseverance.

The achievements of the three Nguru contestants also demonstrate the remarkable possibilities that can emerge when students are encouraged and supported by their schools, teachers, parents, and communities.

Our children compete to discover talents and realise their full potential.

Consequently, Babagana Mohammed Adam, MD/CEO, Nigeria Food Corporation Special Adviser on Food Security to Governor Mai Mala Buni, explained that the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the Spelling Bee and other educational programmes is an investment in the next generation.

While commending Yobe government for providing the enabling environment for educational initiatives of this nature to thrive in Yobe State.

He echoed, ‘I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 3rd Edition of the Yobe State Spelling Bee Competition. The Nigeria Food Corporation is proud to have supported this important educational initiative as the Gold Sponsor, contributing ?20 million, reaffirming our commitment to investing in the future of Yobe State and its children.

He highlighted, ‘Remarkably, all three trophies went to Nguru LGA, a wonderful demonstration of the academic potential and dedication of the children, parents, teachers and schools in the area. I also congratulate all 146 winners and outstanding participants who demonstrated courage, discipline and excellence throughout the competition.

He opined, ‘Every child who participated deserves recognition. Our children have equal rights to opportunities and an enabling environment in which they can learn, compete, discover their talents, and realise their full potential. I commend the organisers, teachers, parents, schools, volunteers and the entire Local Organising Committee for their dedication in making Yobe Spelling Bee 3.0 a remarkable success. Initiatives such as this go beyond competition; they build confidence, knowledge, leadership and the skills needed to shape the future of our society,’ Babagana noted.

The third edition, tagged ‘Building Champions Through Knowledge, Inspiring Excellence for a Brighter Yobe State,’ has brought together pupils and students to showcase their spelling abilities, confidence and intellectual capacity.

How the Church uses its authority to discipline errant Christians

‘If your brother sins against you, … tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ – Matthew 18:15-20.

Taken out of context, the text, ‘… where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am,’ can be used to discredit the significance of personal or private prayer, organised religion and religious activities such as Mass.

Given its original context and audience, Jesus was addressing a gathering of decision-making disciples and apostles. He intended to instruct them on how to deal with a Christian who sinned against another Christian, assuring them that He would be invisibly present to guide them. Jesus had the Jewish law in mind, which required two or three witnesses to establish the truth or ensure a fair judgment (Deuteronomy 17:6). Ultimately, He assured them that they were the final authority on matters such as these.

This reflection invites us to explore the significance of the authority and power Jesus gave to Peter and his fellow apostles, symbolised by the keys:

‘And I tell you, you are Peter (meaning rock), and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven.’ – Matthew 16:18-19.

After giving the disciples this authority, Jesus told them: ‘If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven.’

This simply meant that the disciples, in union with God the Father, could loose and bind disciplines on Christians who sinned. An ordained minister does not forgive sins by his own power but acts as an instrument of God’s mercy, in the person of Christ. During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated His divine authority and mercy by offering forgiveness (John 8:11).

In John 20:22-23, Jesus links this authority directly to receiving the Holy Spirit, showing that it is a spiritual authority rather than a human skill. The same passage is understood as the direct institution of the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation (Confession). It gives priests delegated authority from God to forgive or withhold forgiveness of sins and provides the basis for the practice of confessing sins to priests.

The text under reflection differs in significance from James 5:16, which encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another so that they may be healed. James, nevertheless, instructs sick individuals to call for the ‘presbyters’ of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil. These symbols and rites act as visible channels of God’s invisible grace.

Jesus neither restricted His apostles’ authority to matters of sin alone nor prevented them from passing His authority to their successors. Rather, He also meant that the Twelve, and those whom they ordained as their successors, could arbitrate on other important matters, such as disciplinary and doctrinal issues.

Through the centuries, the Church has developed binding rules, known as canon law, as well as a court system or tribunal. Through canon law and the tribunal, a diocesan bishop exercises judicial power in the diocese. The system also protects the legal and spiritual rights of Church members while providing formal corrective measures to help errant Christians amend their behaviour and repair damage to the community.

Project Centum launches to empower 500 Nigerian youths in five years

A vision conceived more than five years ago has become a reality with the launch of Project Centum, a five-year youth empowerment initiative designed to equip 100 young Nigerians annually with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.

The South-West pilot was launched at Discovery Empowerment House in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the first three trainees, their parents, trainers and project partners in attendance.

Founded by Wale Fakile, founder of Rach. Gabriels Fashion Company, and overseen by Propagar Media Limited, Project Centum will provide training in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, mentorship and market access.

The initiative is starting with shoemaking through the Rach. Gabriels production system, with plans to adapt the model to other vocational sectors, including fashion, woodwork and other skilled trades.

The six-month programme combines hands-on training with business and digital skills, mentorship and access to markets. At the end of the programme, trainees will also be introduced to collective purchasing structures designed to improve access to production materials and reduce costs.

The first cohort marks the beginning of a five-year plan to directly empower 500 young Nigerians across the country.

Project Centum is structured around regional partnerships, with the Tobby Emmanuel Foundation serving the South-West, SiediHub the South-East, Hope Interactive the North and Value360 Empowerment Initiative the South-South, while Propagar provides central oversight.

Fakile described the launch as the fulfilment of a vision that had survived years of uncertainty.

‘We dreamt. We faltered. We dreamt again. And we are here. Project Centum started more than five years ago as an idea I scribbled on a notepad. There were times I wondered if it would ever happen. So seeing our first three trainees begin this journey today is deeply personal for me,’ he said.

He added: ‘We are starting with three, but I don’t see three. I see the 500 young people we want to empower over the next five years. I see the businesses they can build, the people they can employ and the lives that can change when young people are given the skills and opportunity to build for themselves.’

According to Fakile, shoemaking is only the starting point of a broader vision to create a replicable empowerment model.

‘Shoemaking is our starting point, not our destination. The bigger vision is to create a model that connects vocational training with mentorship, digital skills, markets and access to resources and then make that model available to other industries and communities,’ he said.

Project Manager, Stephanie Nneoma Nwache, said the launch demonstrated what could be achieved when a vision was matched with commitment and execution.

‘A vision can live on paper for years, but at some point someone has to decide to build it. Project Centum became real because we kept moving, developing the structure, bringing the right people together and finding a way to make the first cohort happen,’ she said.

Nwache added that the objective was to ensure the trainees left the programme with more than certificates.

‘They should leave with a skill, the confidence to use it, the knowledge to build a business and the connections to find a market for what they produce,’ she said.

Founder of the Tobby Emmanuel Foundation, Tobby Emmanuel, said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to practical and sustainable empowerment.

‘Empowerment has to go beyond giving people something today. It should give them the capacity to create value for themselves tomorrow,’ he said.

Emmanuel added that the foundation was proud to provide the infrastructure for the first cohort and participate in what he described as the first step of a potentially larger national initiative.

Project Centum will begin with its South-West pilot before progressively expanding to other regions, with the goal of training 100 young Nigerians every year for five years.

NRM flag bearer Ruyondo wins Women Council race unopposed after Acheng quits

Uganda’s representative to the Bahamas, Ambassador Joy Ruth Acheng, withdrew her independent candidature for the National Women Council chairperson race, giving her rival, National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Ann Lumumba Ruyondo, an unopposed victory.

Acheng announced her withdrawal on September 4, moments before the winners of the National Women Council and committee leadership positions were declared unopposed at a delegates’ conference held at Kyambogo College.

Addressing delegates and Electoral Commission officials, Acheng said her decision followed consultations and was driven by her desire to preserve peace and unity among Ugandan women.

She also dismissed suggestions that she had been paid to abandon the race, saying her decision was guided by her loyalty to the NRM and President Yoweri Museveni.

‘After consultation and looking into this matter deeply, I decided to withdraw my candidature because, as a woman, mother and diplomat, I don’t want anything that will divide the women of Uganda,’ Acheng said.

‘Secondly, as a woman of Uganda who has benefited and has been built by the government of NRM, I cannot go beyond my President. No one gave me even a coin to step down. I did it for the unity of women and for the best interest of NRM.’

Acheng, who also chairs the Kole District Women Council, pledged to support Ruyondo and draw on her experience to guide the incoming chairperson whenever needed.

She said women needed leadership that listens to their concerns and represents them regardless of their background or circumstances.

Ruyondo, in her maiden speech after being declared National Women Council chairperson unopposed, thanked Acheng for withdrawing from the race and pledged to work with her and other women leaders to advance the women’s agenda.

‘Some of you are older than me but you have given me your trust, I won’t disappoint you. I promised to work with you. I have people to guide me on this journey,’ Ruyondo said.

Other leaders elected unopposed were Agnes Kirabo Nantongo as vice chairperson, Hope Nankunda as secretary for finance and Among Shakila as publicity secretary.

Adrine Kobusingye, the NRM Women’s League national chairperson, welcomed Acheng’s decision and pledged to support a reconciliation process to keep women united as they pursue their agenda.

The development comes as the NRM continues efforts to address internal divisions following the 2025/2026 general elections.

On March 5, 2026, the ruling party launched a reconciliation process aimed at restoring internal peace, resolving post-election disputes and addressing divisions among its members.

Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission spokesperson, said the National Women Council and committee elections marked the completion of Uganda’s 2025/2026 electoral roadmap.

2027: INEC list sets stage for Kwara governorship race

The publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the particulars of candidates for the 2027 governorship election has formally set the stage for the contest for the Kwara State Government House.

The list places All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, and his running mate, Bello Mubarak Salau, among the contenders for the governorship seat, with the development already generating discussions around political succession and generational change in the state.

Thirteen candidates are now in the race in what political observers have described as a potentially fiercely contested election.

Tribune Online reports that the INEC list shows Danladi facing candidates including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Engineer Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, from Kwara Central, and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Zakari Mohammed, who hails from Kwara North.

However, a joint statement by youth stakeholders drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state said the emergence of the candidates had brought into focus a contest that could go beyond the search for a successor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The statement was jointly issued by the Kwara North Integrity Youth Forum (KNIYF), Ilorin Emirate Dynamic Youths (IEDY) and Kwara South Young Professionals in Politics (KSYPIP).

The groups described Danladi’s candidacy as a significant development in Kwara’s political evolution, particularly because of his age, political background and the possibility of a new generation moving from participation in governance to seeking executive leadership of the state.

According to the Coordinator of KNIYF, Aliyu Likofu, the development has placed the APC ticket at the centre of a contest with implications beyond the search for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s successor.

He said the election presented an opportunity to alter the political history of a state where, according to the group, the governorship had never been held by an elected politician from Kwara North since 1999.

‘The 41-year-old Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly was born in Gwanara, Baruten Local Government Area, and has built a political career through student activism, youth mobilisation and legislative leadership.

‘He has also served in student union positions at Kaduna Polytechnic before moving into partisan politics, including campaign coordination roles in 2011 and 2015.

‘His breakthrough came in 2019 when he won the Ilesha/Gwanara constituency seat and was elected Speaker at 34. He returned to the Assembly in 2023 and was again elected Speaker. So he is prepared for the race’, he said.

For his part, the Coordinator of IEDY, Abdulwaheed Olamilekan, said Danladi’s political trajectory had made his candidacy symbolic of a generation that entered mainstream politics through mobilisation before gradually moving into positions of institutional authority.

‘The symbolism is strengthened by the changing political environment in Kwara state.

‘The AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration has repeatedly promoted youth participation in governance, with younger people occupying cabinet and other government positions.

‘But the election will determine how far the movement has matured into an electoral force’, he submitted.

Also speaking, Owodunni Rasheed Adekunle of KSYPIP said Danladi’s candidacy represented both continuity and change for the APC.

‘For the APC, Danladi’s candidacy, therefore, represents both continuity and change: continuity with the political order established in 2019 and change through the elevation of a younger generation into the race for executive power.

‘As campaigns for the governorship formally commence on September 9, attention will increasingly shift to the candidates’ programmes, records and capacity to build statewide support.

‘For Danladi, the February 6, 2027 election will ultimately answer whether his political generation is ready not merely to participate in governing Kwara but to take charge of it’.

Sabi Writers hosts annual leadership lecture

In a move to deepen its investment in people and professional development, Sabi Writers has successfully hosted the third edition of The Frontline, bringing together talents from different parts of Nigeria for an experience centred on learning, exposure and growth.

The event, held in Lagos recently, provided a platform for Sabi Writers employees to step beyond their regular responsibilities and engage with accomplished professionals whose experiences offer valuable lessons for navigating today’s professional landscape.

Among the distinguished guest lecturers at the event were Oremeyi Akah (Chief Customer Success Officer, Interswitch Group), Chude Jideonwo (Founder, Red | Africa), Victoria Ajayi (CEO, TVC Communications Group,) and Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale (CVO, Digital Encode), who shared insights from their respective careers and engaged directly with members of the Sabi Writers team.

The conversations explored themes around leadership, excellence, career development, personal growth and the importance of continuously evolving in an increasingly competitive environment.

One of the defining features of The Frontline 3.0 was the diversity of its participants. Sabi Writers’ talents travelled from Lagos, Abuja, Anambra, Ibadan, Kaduna, and other parts of Nigeria, turning the event into an opportunity not only for learning but also for connection among colleagues working across different locations.

The initiative reflects Sabi Writers’ belief that some of the most valuable professional lessons are found outside formal job descriptions. By exposing its people to accomplished individuals from different fields, the company seeks to broaden the thinking of its workforce and encourage them to approach their careers with greater ambition, curiosity and purpose.

With the conclusion of The Frontline 3.0, Sabi Writers has once again created a platform where its talents can learn, connect and gain perspectives that extend beyond the workplace.

The company says it remains committed to creating more opportunities that enable its people to learn, grow and become more.

US carrier visit highlights security ties

The arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and more than 5,000 US personnel in Pattaya highlights both the strengthening of Thai-US security ties and complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, according to experts.

The Nimitz-class carrier, making its third visit to Thailand in 20 years, was to stay in the country until Sunday to allow its personnel to rest and recuperate while on duty.

However, its visit comes as the United States is at war with Iran, adding a security dimension to what would otherwise be a routine port call.

A longstanding alliance

The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier of the US Navy, was commissioned on Nov 11, 1989. Measuring about 333 metres long, with a flight deck spanning about 134 feet, it can carry up to 90 aircraft and has a crew of about 5,600.

Powered by two nuclear reactors and four shafts, it can travel at more than 30 knots and operate for 20-25 years before requiring refuelling. Its displacement is around 97,000-100,000 tonnes or more, depending on its operational configuration.

The carrier has taken part in numerous major operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 1991, it was initially deployed in connection with the Gulf War but was diverted to Operation Fiery Vigil following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The carrier helped evacuate nearly 45,000 people from Subic Bay to Cebu.

It also participated in Operation Unified Assistance, providing humanitarian aid following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The carrier first visited Thailand in 2006 and returned in 2012, making the current visit its third in two decades.

Security and foreign affairs expert Panitan Wattanayagorn said the visit should not be viewed as an attempt to expand US influence but rather as an effort to strengthen existing cooperation.

He said such cooperation had two dimensions. The first was rest and recuperation (R and R), a longstanding practice in Pattaya that supports the economy.

US military personnel have traditionally visited the resort city since the Vietnam War era in the 1960s and 1970s, when American troops stationed at U-Tapao used it for recreation.

The second dimension involved strengthening logistical arrangements between Thailand and the US under the Cobra Gold framework.

Escort vessels accompanying the carrier could also call at Sattahip for fuel and supplies, reinforcing the two countries’ existing security relationship.

However, Mr Panitan said the strategic implications were more complicated because the US was now at war.

“The carrier that has arrived is a command-and-control platform that has been involved in combat. It symbolises the war with Iran,” he said, noting that its crew had spent more than 250 days at sea before coming to Thailand.

He warned Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might not regard the visit as ordinary R and R, potentially complicating Thailand’s relations with Tehran.

Thailand should ensure the visit was not perceived as involving enhanced military capabilities or strategic exchanges with the Royal Thai Navy, he said.

“Our arrival in Laem Chabang provides a well-deserved opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to rest and recharge. It also underscores the strong and enduring partnership and alliance between the United States and Thailand,” said Rear Adm Robert E. Loughran, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3.

“What this strike group has accomplished is truly historic. I could not be prouder of the exceptional professionalism and expertise demonstrated by every member of this team during our operations in the US Central Command area of responsibility.”

“Abraham Lincoln’s visit to Laem Chabang is a clear demonstration of our enduring commitment to our allies and partners in Thailand, and we are all very excited to make Thailand the first port visit on our historic deployment,” said Capt Dan Keeler, Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer.

“This port visit will help us gain a deeper understanding of one another, demonstrate our mutual commitment to the security of the region, and allow our crew to enjoy this beautiful and historic country.”

A complex security web

Mr Panitan said Thailand also needed to consider the sensitivity of its maritime links with Iran and Oman, particularly as Iran exercises influence over the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding routes.

He suggested Thailand should strengthen communication channels with the IRGC and explain the purpose of the US fleet’s visit.

He said the visit was linked to a broader pattern of high-level Thai-US security contacts, including the previous visit by US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge A Colby, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow’s trip to Hawaii and Army Chief Gen Pana Claewplodtook’s visit to the US.

These developments reflected a “complex web” of security relations during wartime and were normal features of closer cooperation between allies, he said.

Mr Panitan said the carrier’s visit followed a normal route but had taken on a different significance during wartime.

He suggested it served both as a way to “touch base” and reward the crew, while also providing an opportunity for the US fleet commander to meet Thai military commanders without making the engagement appear unusual.

The visit also had implications for the US-China strategic competition in Southeast Asia, he said. China has expanded its influence in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, while Japan and Australia face domestic pressures that could limit their ability to balance China’s influence.

Mr Panitan said the struggle for strategic influence was becoming increasingly intense, with every forum and partnership carrying significance. China’s growing involvement in the region, including through the Lancang-Mekong framework and mechanisms outside Asean, could challenge Asean centrality, he said.

Psychological reassurance

Mr Panitan said the visit also coincided with Thailand’s efforts to acquire weapons, missiles and other military equipment from the US, including off-the-shelf systems to strengthen defensive capabilities. These discussions were taking place alongside broader high-level security cooperation.

Rangsit University’s political scientist Wanwichit Boonprong said the US naval visit had considerable psychological significance, demonstrating the enduring strength of the Thai-US alliance and signalling Washington’s renewed strategic engagement in Asean.

He said Thailand remained one of the US’ oldest and closest allies in Southeast Asia, alongside Singapore and the Philippines.

Against the backdrop of the Thailand-Cambodia conflict and questions over Washington’s position, the sight of an American aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Thailand could reassure the Thai public about the strength of bilateral ties.

Mr Wanwichit said the US decision to approve Thailand’s purchase of M142 HIMARS systems, together with Mr Colby’s visit, suggested that military cooperation could be elevated across several levels of capability.

He said this also gave Thailand an opportunity to strengthen its bargaining position with China and encourage Beijing to moderate any perceived bias in its approach to the Thailand-Cambodia dispute.

“For Thailand, we have seen the old ecosystem of close Thai-US relations as longstanding allies,” Mr Wanwichit said. However, he said this relationship must not develop into confrontation or make Thailand appear to be a proxy for either the US or China.

Balancing the powers

Mr Wanwichit said US policy towards Asean had shifted from the distance seen during the earlier Trump administration towards greater engagement, partly because Russia and India were also expanding their roles in Asia.

Russia has sought to deepen military cooperation and arms sales, while India has expanded joint military exercises and is seeking a larger role in regional supply chains and the defence industry. The US therefore faces growing competition for influence even beyond China, he said.

Asked what Thailand stood to gain from the regional balance of power, Mr Wanwichit said Washington had shown flexibility when Thailand maintained a firm position on issues important to its national interests.

In the Thailand-Cambodia dispute, he said the US had repeatedly urged Thailand to show greater flexibility. However, when Thailand refused to back down, Washington adjusted its position and instead offered greater military cooperation in some areas.

On the possibility of further negotiations to reduce US tariffs on Thai goods, Mr Wanwichit said the Trump administration treated economic policy aimed at protecting US national interests separately from military affairs.

“Thailand’s position of not taking sides while maintaining relations with everyone is the right foreign policy and gives Thailand the greatest possible benefit. Every country understands our actions and role,” he said.

Five West African countries with strongest economies in 2026

Economic activity across West Africa continues to expand, with several countries recording strong growth across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, manufacturing and technology. GDP remains a major indicator of economic strength, providing a basis for comparing the size of economies across the region.

According to recent GDP projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria continues to lead West Africa by a wide margin, while Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire remain among the region’s economic heavyweights, supported by diversified industries and steady investment flows.

Also, based on Worldometer’s 2026 projections of nominal GDP by country, five of the region’s strongest economies stood out.

Below are five West African countries with the strongest economies in 2026.

1. Nigeria

Nigeria remains West Africa’s largest economy by nominal GDP, despite persistent inflationary pressures, exchange-rate reforms and fiscal challenges.

The country’s economic strength is driven by its large population and broad economic base, including financial services, telecommunications, agriculture, entertainment, manufacturing, oil and gas. While crude oil remains a major source of export earnings, the non-oil sector continues to play a growing role in economic activity.

The size and diversity of Nigeria’s economy keep it firmly ahead of other countries in the sub-region.

2. Ghana

Ghana remains the second-largest economy in West Africa, supported by a broad mix of productive sectors and investment.

The economy benefits from gold mining, cocoa exports, petroleum production, financial services, tourism and a growing technology sector. Continued investment in infrastructure and digital innovation has also strengthened the country’s long-term economic prospects.

Although Ghana has undergone debt restructuring in recent years, economic reforms and continued growth are expected to support its recovery and medium-term outlook.

3. Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire continues to rank among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, supported by sustained investment and expansion across key sectors.

The world’s leading cocoa producer has diversified its economy into manufacturing, construction, logistics, banking and agribusiness. Abidjan has also emerged as a major commercial and financial hub for Francophone West Africa.

Steady investment and relative political stability have helped Côte d’Ivoire strengthen its position among the region’s largest economies.

4. Senegal

Senegal’s economy has expanded steadily over the past decade, driven by infrastructure development, agriculture, tourism, services and the emergence of offshore oil and natural gas production.

Government reforms aimed at improving the business environment have helped attract investment, while Dakar continues to strengthen its position as one of West Africa’s leading commercial centres.

The country’s medium-term economic outlook remains positive, particularly as oil and gas production adds to government revenue and economic activity.

5. Mali

Despite persistent security and political challenges, Mali remains one of West Africa’s largest economies by nominal GDP.

Agriculture remains a major pillar of the economy, with cotton production providing livelihoods for a significant share of the population. Gold mining also contributes substantially to export earnings and government revenue.

The resilience of key sectors, particularly agriculture and mining, has helped Mali maintain its position among the region’s largest economies.

What makes these economies stand out?

Natural resources remain a key part of West Africa’s economic strength, but the region’s leading economies are increasingly supported by a broad mix of sectors. Financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, transport and digital innovation are becoming important drivers of economic activity.

Beyond natural resources, sustained investment in infrastructure, education and industrialization is helping countries strengthen their productive capacity. Business-friendly policies and efforts to improve the investment climate are also positioning these economies for more sustainable growth.

The economic rankings highlight West Africa’s growing weight within Africa’s broader economic landscape. Nigeria remains the region’s largest economy, followed by Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Mali.

It is important to note that GDP measures the overall size of an economy rather than the living standards of its citizens. However, it remains a key indicator of production, investment and economic activity, while continued reforms and efforts to attract investment could further strengthen West Africa’s position as one of Africa’s major growth regions.