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How food adulteration, chemical misuse causes cancer, organ damage – Prof Omotuyi

A Professor of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Olaposi Omotuyi, has raised concerns over the growing health implications of food adulteration, unsafe agricultural practices and the misuse of chemicals in food preservation and processing in Nigeria.

He warned that exposure to such substances could contribute to kidney, liver, lung and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer.

Omotuyi gave the warning while delivering the second edition of the Prof. Olaposi Idowu Omotuyi Annual Lecture, titled, ‘Exploring Food Adulteration, Agricultural and Food Preservation Practices in Modern Pathologies.’

He explained that harmful substances introduced into the food chain through farming, processing, preservation and storage could expose consumers to chemicals and pollutants capable of damaging vital organs over time.

Addressing physical and virtual audiences across the globe, the academic expressed concern that some people were developing serious health conditions despite having no known family history of such illnesses or engaging in lifestyle practices commonly associated with them.

Citing the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among non-smokers in sub-Saharan Africa, he noted that about half of COPD cases in the region occurred among people who had never smoked, with an estimated 107,000 deaths annually.

The founder of Mols and Sims Laboratory challenged researchers and health professionals to look beyond conventional risk factors and examine environmental and food-related exposures that could be contributing to the situation.

‘If half of our COPD patients never smoked, what are they breathing? If young and middle-aged adults are developing kidney disease, what are their kidneys filtering?’ he asked.

Omotuyi identified several unsafe practices that could introduce harmful substances into food, including the misuse of pesticides in farming, the use of artificial dyes to enhance the appearance of palm oil, the application of calcium carbide to ripen fruits, and the use of contaminated equipment and colouring agents in pepper processing.

HAULMACE 2026 to tackle haulage inefficiencies through technology, collaboration

Rising operating costs, empty return trips and underutilised trucks continue to undermine profitability in Nigeria’s haulage industry, prompting stakeholders to explore technology and stronger collaboration as solutions at the forthcoming HAULMACE 2026 conference in Lagos.

The event, organized by Haulage and Logistics Magazine is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, November 4, at The Stable Event Center, Surulere, Lagos, under the theme, ‘Technology as an Enabler for More Efficient Haulage Operations: The Need for Industry Collaboration.’

It will bring together operators, manufacturers, technology providers and other industry players to examine how digital platforms and stronger collaboration can improve goods transportation.

A major issue expected to feature in the discussions is the problem of empty return trips, where trucks deliver goods but travel back without securing cargo for the return journey.

The practice leaves transport operators with unproductive vehicle capacity while still incurring expenses on fuel, maintenance, driver wages and other operational costs, reducing the revenue potential of their fleets.

Alfred Okugbeni, convener of HAULMACE, said inadequate coordination between cargo owners and transport operators, alongside underutilised trucking assets and rising operating expenses, continued to undermine the efficiency and profitability of the industry.

He said digital freight-matching platforms, data sharing and improved fleet management systems could help connect available trucks with cargo owners, reduce empty journeys and improve vehicle utilisation.

According to him, stronger collaboration among manufacturers, cargo owners, logistics providers, haulage operators and technology companies is necessary to develop practical solutions to the industry’s operational challenges.

The conference will also examine how technology adoption and strategic partnerships can reduce avoidable costs, maximise trucking capacity and improve the commercial sustainability of haulage businesses.

Jean-Claude Homawoo, co-founder and chief executive officer of Lori Systems, will deliver the keynote address, bringing perspectives on the application of logistics technology to transportation operations.

The event will also feature a panel discussion involving Anuoluwapo Agboola, chief operating officer of Dukeridges; Omotunde Adunbi Ogunbowale, chief executive officer of Tripple A Logistics; and Oluwafemi Oladokun, managing director of Trucksoft Logistics – Telematics Services.

The panellists are expected to discuss operational realities in Nigeria’s haulage sector and examine how digital solutions, better coordination and industry partnerships can address existing constraints.

Beyond the conference sessions, an exhibition will provide an opportunity for participating organisations to showcase products and services, while stakeholders explore potential business relationships and partnerships across the logistics value chain.

HAULMACE has been organised annually by Haulage and Logistics Magazine since 2015 to promote industry dialogue, knowledge sharing and business networking.

Adelakun preaches hope, tolerance at flag-off of Oyo NUJ Diamond Jubilee celebration

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has stressed the need for people to persevere, be unrelenting and remain hopeful while striving to achieve their set goals.

Adelakun made this known in his sermon, titled ‘The Story and the Goal’, at the thanksgiving service heralding the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at Victory International Church, Wonder City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, on Sunday.

The service, held at Wonder City, attracted journalists from across Oyo State, led by the State Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, alongside members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

He reflected on his personal and ministerial journey, highlighting the challenges, struggles and experiences that preceded the achievements and the glory of God in his life.

The cleric, who spoke on the different phases of life he and his wife had experienced, emphasised the importance of gratitude to God, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

He urged the congregation to remain unrelenting, steadfast and focused, and to avoid discouragement, stressing that stagnation could hinder progress and that every stage of life had its appointed time for fulfilment.

According to him, people should not give up on themselves or become overwhelmed by life’s challenges, noting that God makes everything beautiful in its time, even though many people may fail to understand or recognise the appropriate timing of their blessings.

Bishop Adelakun further encouraged the congregation to maintain faith in God, exercise patience and appreciate His goodness throughout their individual journeys.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of the union, recalling that the Oyo State Council was the first NUJ state council to be established in Nigeria.

Abas said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s historical contributions to journalism and its commitment to upholding professionalism, ethical conduct and legal standards in the practice of journalism.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His protection over journalists in the state, while praying for continued divine guidance, protection and wisdom for members of the union.

The thanksgiving service formally ushered in activities lined up to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, as journalists celebrate six decades of professional practice, institutional growth and service to society.

Onyema hails Fidelity Bank over $400 million Eurobond repayment

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Allen Onyema has congratulated Fidelity Bank Plc on successfully repaying its US$400 million Eurobond at maturity calling the achievement a remarkable demonstration of financial strength institutional discipline and visionary leadership.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the Board Management and Staff of Air Peace Limited Onyema commended the Bank for meeting its obligations throughout the Eurobond’s five-year term particularly for funding the repayment entirely from internal liquidity.

He attributed the milestone to the strategic foresight of Fidelity Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe whose leadership he noted has continued to strengthen the Bank’s financial standing and reputation within Nigeria’s banking industry.

Onyema further applauded the Bank’s successful completion of its recapitalisation ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s stipulated deadline describing both achievements as evidence of sound corporate governance and sustainable financial management.

Highlighting the critical relationship between banking and aviation the Air Peace Chairman underscored the importance of financially resilient institutions such as Fidelity Bank in supporting capital-intensive sectors particularly aviation where access to financing remains essential to fleet development operational sustainability and industry growth.

He noted that strong partnerships between financial institutions and indigenous enterprises are indispensable to strengthening Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and advancing the country’s broader development aspirations.

Onyema congratulated Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe the Board Management and the entire Fidelity Bank family expressing confidence in the institution’s capacity to attain even greater milestones.

He reaffirmed Air Peace’s goodwill towards Fidelity Bank wishing the institution continued growth enduring stability and greater accomplishments in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.

NIMASA DG refutes Omatseye, says $700m CVFF not converted to Naira

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has refuted claims by a former Director General of the agency, Temisan Omatseye, that the $700m Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) has been converted to naira and is no longer being held in United States dollars.

In a statement released on Sunday, NIMASA said this claim is incorrect and does not reflect the actual status of the CVFF.

The NIMASA statement reads, ‘The attention of the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has been drawn to reports circulating in some sections of the media alleging that the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) has been converted to naira and is no longer being held in United States dollars.

‘The reports attributed this claim to a former Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Omatseye, who reportedly alleged that the conversion was undertaken to enable the Fund to earn higher interest rates.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, this claim is incorrect and does not reflect the actual status of the CVFF.

‘The revenue streams accruing to the CVFF are denominated in different currencies. Accordingly, funds remitted in United States dollars are retained in dollars with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while contributions remitted in naira are retained in the local currency. There has been no conversion of the dollar-denominated component of the CVFF to naira, contrary to the allegation.

‘Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, is working assiduously towards ensuring the imminent disbursement of the Fund to qualified beneficiaries.

‘The Agency has received applications from eligible beneficiaries, some of whom are currently undergoing the required documentation processes with their preferred Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs). NIMASA remains optimistic that the disbursement process will commence shortly.

‘The Honourable Minister’s commitment to ensuring the disbursement of the CVFF is consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to strengthen indigenous capacity, empower local operators and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

‘In view of the foregoing, maritime stakeholders, industry operators and members of the public are advised to disregard the misleading reports suggesting that the CVFF has been converted from dollars to naira.’

NESG chairman advocates shift from GDP growth to improved living standards

The incoming Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Omoboyede Olusanya, has called for a shift in Nigeria’s economic priorities from headline growth figures to measurable improvements in employment, productivity, incomes and living standards.

Olusanya said economic growth must translate into better livelihoods and expanded opportunities for Nigerians, stressing that macroeconomic stability alone was insufficient to guarantee shared prosperity.

He made the call while outlining his vision for the NESG at the closing of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#32), held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking under the theme, ‘Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,’ the incoming chairman introduced ‘Growth that Delivers’ as the guiding principle of his tenure.

He said the country’s economic progress should be assessed by the extent to which farmers earn more from improved productivity, manufacturers reduce production costs, graduates secure decent jobs and businesses access affordable financing.

According to him, children must also have access to adequate nutrition and healthcare to enable them to thrive. ‘Growth that delivers is growth whose impact is strongly felt,’ he said.

Olusanya acknowledged that recent economic reforms had helped restore macroeconomic stability but maintained that the country must move beyond stabilisation to accelerate productivity, expand productive investments, reduce poverty and improve the welfare of citizens.

‘Bridging the distance between macroeconomic stability and accelerated growth, and between accelerated growth and improved lives and livelihoods, is the task before us all,’ he stated.

To achieve this, he outlined five commitments that would guide the NESG’s activities during his tenure.

These include accountability, evidence-based policymaking, investment mobilisation, expansion of economic opportunities and institutional sustainability.

On accountability, Olusanya pledged to ensure that every priority commitment emerging from the summit has a designated owner, timeline and measurable performance indicators.

He said the group would build on its Accountability Framework and publish progress reports ahead of the 33rd Nigerian Economic Summit.

On evidence-based policymaking, he promised to strengthen research and policy intelligence to develop practical, rigorous and costed recommendations aligned with the National Development Plan 2026-2030.

He also pledged to work with government, financial institutions and development partners to transform policy proposals into bankable projects and mobilise investments into agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship and skills development.

The incoming chairman further emphasised the need to expand economic opportunities across all regions, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises and businesses operating within the informal economy.

He said the NESG would also broaden its membership, increase the participation of women and young people, protect its independence and strengthen its institutional sustainability.

Calling for collective action, Olusanya urged governments at all levels to sustain and improve ongoing reforms, reduce the costs of electricity, logistics and doing business, and maintain predictable policies supported by clear and measurable commitments.

He challenged private-sector operators to invest, innovate, develop workforce skills, pay fair wages and create productive employment opportunities.

He also urged young Nigerians to build enterprises, acquire relevant skills and hold institutions accountable, while encouraging civil society organisations to monitor policy commitments and amplify the voices of underserved communities.

Olusanya called on development partners to align their interventions with Nigeria’s priorities and focus on financing measurable outcomes.

He equally advocated stronger trade and investment relations with the international community and closer collaboration among academia, industry and policymakers to equip Nigerians with relevant skills for the changing economy.

Acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing NESG Chairman, Mr Niyi Yusuf, Olusanya commended his leadership during a period of economic transition and reforms.

He described the leadership transition as a continuation of the organisation’s longstanding mission, which began in 1993.

He reaffirmed the NESG’s commitment to remaining an independent, non-partisan, private-sector-led and evidence-driven organisation that engages constructively with government to advance national prosperity.

‘Our allegiance is to national prosperity and not to any administration,’ he said, emphasising the importance of sustained public-private sector collaboration in building a stronger Nigerian economy.

Olusanya thanked the NESG Board, members, Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, management, staff, volunteers, sponsors, partners and delegates for their contributions to the successful hosting of the summit.

He urged stakeholders to translate the discussions and recommendations from the summit into concrete actions, stressing that delivering economic prosperity required shared responsibility among government, businesses and citizens.

‘Growth that works must become growth that delivers. Let us deliver,’ he said.

Odu’a Investment Foundation’s Byte Busters Coding Club grows to 4,500 learners in 20 centres

The Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF), through its Byte Busters Coding Club under the DEFINED (Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development) initiative, has grown into a network of 20 centres reaching over 4,500 learners in18 local government areas.

The Byte Busters Coding Club of the Odu’a Investment Foundation (OIF) is the flagship initiative that empowers public secondary school students with digital literacy and creative problem-solving skills.

The Byte Busters Coding Club envisions a future where every child in Southwest Nigeria becomes a proficient coder, capable of creating innovative solutions and contributing to the global tech ecosystem, while its mission is to cultivate ethical tech leaders who harness their skills to drive positive change, encourage creativity, and advance the digital revolution.

Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, chairman, Advisory Council, Odua Investment Foundation (OIF), in her address at the Byte Busters showcase 2026, which is the second edition in Ibadan, disclosed that Byte Busters now operate across all six South-West states, and that the ‘quality of the projects before us shows clearly that our students are not merely learning how to use technology; they are learning how to think with it, build with it, and apply it to problems that affect their schools, families and communities’.

While saying that the distinction is important, she said, ‘Our young people are growing up in a world in which artificial intelligence, digital platforms and new technologies will shape how they learn, work, communicate and create.

‘We must give them the confidence and capability to participate actively in shaping the digital future, so I am delighted by the continued expansion of the program and by the increasing sophistication of the projects being developed by the students. From applications addressing learning and accessibility to ideas connected with agriculture, commerce, public safety and indigenous language, these young people are showing us what becomes possible when talent is given opportunity.

She said the Foundation has also witnessed its approach through the digital literacy training for teachers programme, recognising that sustainable transformation in education must include those who stand in classrooms every day.

‘By equipping teachers with practical digital skills and using a Train-the-Trainer model, we are building capacity that can multiply far beyond the first cohort,’ she said.

In his address, Tola Kasali, Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, said the future of any society was forged long before its next generation takes the reins of leadership.

According to Kasali, ‘It is shaped by the quality of education we provide, the values we instil, the skills we nurture, and the opportunities we make universally accessible.

For Odu’a Investment Company Limited, our mandate extends well beyond asset management and corporate financial performance. Rooted in the sustainable development of Southwest Nigeria, our true responsibility encompasses the future of the people, communities, and regional economies we exist to serve. Commercial prosperity and social development are not mutually exclusive; they are deeply complementary. A vibrant region requires productive enterprises, resilient institutions, skilled professionals, dynamic entrepreneurs, and a youth population fully equipped to thrive in a global, knowledge-driven economy.

‘We must therefore ask ourselves a defining question: What are we doing today to empower the leaders who will shape Southwest Nigeria tomorrow? This vital imperative lies at the heart of the Odu’a Investment Foundation-our corporate social responsibility vehicle designed to deliver sustainable interventions across education, healthcare, and youth development. The Foundation embodies our belief that true progress is measured not merely by balance sheets, but by the lives we uplift and the opportunities we create,’ he said.

A legacy of educational leadership

Southwest Nigeria has long recognised education as the ultimate catalyst for social mobility. The legendary legacy of Obafemi Awolowo and the landmark educational advancements of the former Western Region remain foundational chapters of our shared history. However, that proud heritage challenges us to continually re-examine what meaningful education demands today.

Kasali noted that ‘In this era, that conversation must prioritise digital literacy and technological fluency.

Technology is fundamentally reshaping global industries, redefining labour markets, and altering how societies function. To navigate this landscape, our youth require far more than basic digital familiarity; they must cultivate critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and the capacity to apply technology to real-world challenges. Crucially, these competencies must not be restricted to privileged institutions. Every child with a spark of curiosity deserves the opportunity to transform that curiosity into capability.’

On his part, Yinusa Abdulrahman, Group Managing Director, Odua Investment Company Limited, said that technology was changing how people work, learn, communicate, and do business, and that it is changing things fast.

‘Yet access to practical digital learning is still uneven, especially for many children in public schools. Their curiosity and potential are not in doubt. What is often missing is access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to develop that potential,’ Abdulrahman noted.

According to him, ‘We believe a child’s future should not be determined by the school they attend or the resources available in their immediate environment. That belief led the Odu’a Investment Foundation to introduce DEFINED-Digital Education for Innovation and Economic Development-our flagship initiative designed to strengthen digital literacy and equip learners and teachers across Southwest Nigeria with skills for the future.

‘DEFINED recognises that digital education must begin early, that teachers are essential to its success, and that young people need opportunities to move beyond theory-to experiment, create, and apply what they learn. Byte Busters is one of the practical ways we bring that vision to life.

‘Through after-school coding clubs in public secondary schools across the six states of Southwest Nigeria, students are introduced to coding, artificial intelligence, digital creativity, computational thinking, and problem-solving. But our ambition goes beyond teaching young people to write code.

‘We want them to develop the confidence to ask questions, the discipline to work through difficult problems, the creativity to imagine new possibilities, and the courage to turn their ideas into something useful. We want a student who sees a problem in their community to start asking, ‘What can I create that might help solve this?’

Seun Kolade, professor and project director, defined the project in his keynote address, saying the great competition of the coming decades would be between societies that prepared their young people to understand, adapt and create with technology, and societies that allowed them to remain merely consumers of what others created.

He said Africa still has a choice about which side of that divide it will occupy.

‘Last year, I asked us to give our children wings and the wind to soar; today I ask for something more ambitious: let us ensure that when the technologies, businesses and solutions of the next twenty years are being built, our children are not standing outside looking in.

‘Let them be inside, let them be coding, let them solve the problems of their communities. Let them build in Yoruba, English, Hausa, Igbo, Swahili, and in the languages of code that connect them to the World.’

Kolade, however, urged governments, businesses, old students, associations, philanthropists, and diaspora communities to commit greater resources to the work, computers, connectivity, learning space, facilitators, equipment and sustained funding.

‘This year, we are seeing projects that engage directly with the world around them: an AI-powered CBT platform, Tomato AI, exploring technology in Agriculture; an emergency response system, a sign language application and an AI-powered marketplace for local traders. Other teams are tackling post-harvest losses and building a Yoruba-English translation application’, the project director added.

St. Lucia congratulates Antigua on 45th anniversary of independence

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre has congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on its 45th anniversary of independence, reaffirming St Lucia’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two Caribbean nations.

In a message to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Pierre acknowledged the country’s journey since gaining independence on November 1, 1981.

He noted that this year’s celebrations coincide with Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will focus on strengthening partnerships and investment, climate resilience, trade and sustainable development.

Pierre said he looks forward to participating in the discussions and meeting with Browne and other Commonwealth leaders.

He also highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two countries through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

Pierre reaffirmed St Lucia’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges while pursuing opportunities for the people of both countries.

The Prime Minister extended best wishes to Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad as they celebrate the milestone.

LaLiga: Mbappe scores as Real Madrid cruise to 3-0 win over Santander

Kylian Mbappe continued his impressive scoring form, converting a penalty as Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory away to Racing Santander on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande were also on target as third-placed Madrid stayed within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who thrashed Alaves 6-1 on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho’s side have now won six consecutive matches across all competitions and remain one point behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, who defeated Levante 2-0.

‘In the first half we were very strong; we came out to play well,’ Mourinho told reporters.

‘The team is growing and playing well; I think we should have scored even more goals with the chances we had.’

Mbappe put Real Madrid ahead in the 11th minute after winning a penalty following contact from Matteo Prati. The French forward made no mistake from the spot, sending his effort past the goalkeeper at the Sardinero Stadium.

It was the 27-year-old’s 12th league goal of the season, leaving him behind Barcelona’s Raphinha, who leads the scoring charts with 15.

Madrid controlled proceedings and doubled their advantage through Bellingham, who was sent through on goal by an excellent pass from Arda Guler.

The England international rounded the goalkeeper before calmly rolling the ball into the net for his 50th goal since joining the Spanish giants in 2023.

Guler missed a good opportunity to make it three after being set up by Mbappe, but Real Madrid eventually extended their lead when record signing Diomande unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area.

The defeat handed 16th-placed Racing their first home defeat of the campaign.

Racing manager Jose Alberto expressed his frustration with the penalty awarded to Madrid.

‘Real Madrid’s penalty award annoys me,’ he told DAZN.

‘Evidently we came across a great Madrid, who put us under a lot of pressure in the first half hour and were much better than us.’

Kano guber: Why NDC’s Gwarzo is absent from updated list – INEC

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that it has no objection to the candidacy of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano, Abdulsalam Gwarzo, saying his absence from the updated list of candidates is due to a subsisting court order.

A senior official of the commission disclosed that Gwarzo had been cleared by INEC, but his name could not be published pending the final determination of an ex parte order issued by the Federal High Court in Kano on October 27.

The official explained that the court had directed the commission not to publish the names of candidates presented by the NDC until the matter was determined.

‘I thought I told you he had been cleared, subject only to the final outcome of an ex parte order by a Federal High Court in Kano on October 27 that we should not download the name of any candidate for NDC,’ the official said.

The clarification followed concerns over the continued omission of Gwarzo and his running mate, Rabiu Mustapha, from INEC’s updated list of governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2027 elections.

In the updated list, the commission indicated ‘Court Order’ against the NDC’s governorship and deputy governorship positions in Kano State.

Gwarzo’s omission had raised questions about the status of his candidacy,

particularly after INEC announced that it had reviewed petitions arising from the omission of some candidates from its initial list published on October 10.

On Thursday, the commission upheld 66 petitions and rejected 64 others relating to governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates across the country.

Among those whose candidacies were cleared was former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, whose name was subsequently included in the list as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Gombe State.

However, INEC’s latest clarification indicates that Gwarzo’s absence from the updated list should not be interpreted as a rejection of his candidacy, but rather as compliance with the subsisting court order.

The publication of the NDC’s governorship and deputy governorship candidates in Kano will therefore depend on the final determination of the court proceedings.