Author: user user

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reconfirmed suspected manipulation of its voter registration system by some officials, following the discovery of more than 1.5 million questionable registration records, warning that those found culpable will face severe sanctions.

The Commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye, where he revealed that some registration officials allegedly exploited their access to the Commission’s registration platform to introduce irregularities into the national voter database.

Bayode, who described the discoveries as disturbing and embarrassing to the Commission, said the alleged manipulation was not limited to isolated locations but had been identified across several states.

He explained that the Commission deployed its Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which uses fingerprint and facial recognition technology, to examine the 11,088,238 registrations recorded during the 2026 Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

According to him, the system flagged 1,545,052 records for various irregularities, including suspected multiple registrations and other discrepancies requiring further investigation.

He said that although a substantial number of the flagged records had already been removed, 268,000 remained for human verification before the Commission could determine their authenticity.

Explaining why the Commission did not automatically exclude all the flagged records, Bayode said the system was designed to identify suspicious entries, while human adjudication was necessary to establish whether they were genuinely fraudulent.

He said: ‘Any suspect has to be adjudicated to a human come and confirm what the ABIS has reported.’

The ICT director disclosed that some of the questionable registrations were allegedly facilitated by officials who exploited a special registration provision designed for persons with disabilities who had incomplete fingers or no fingers.

He explained that the provision allowed eligible individuals without complete fingerprints to register through an alternative process, but some officials allegedly abused the facility to create fictitious voter profiles.

According to him, the officials allegedly used their access credentials to create such profiles, exploiting the system’s provision for special registration to introduce questionable records into the database.

Bayode also disclosed that the Commission discovered instances of identical photographs appearing against different voter profiles, as well as photographs allegedly sourced from calendars and picture frames and used to deceive its web-based registration platform.

He, however, distinguished between legitimate photographs enhanced with artificial intelligence applications and suspicious images used to create fictitious identities.

He explained that some genuine registrants might have used AI applications on their mobile phones to improve the quality of their photographs, insisting that such cases should not automatically be treated as fraudulent registrations.

The director said: ‘Some of the profiles have similar photo for different profiles with one photo. And you cannot find seven, eight people who are from the same family.’

Describing the alleged manipulation as extensive, he said some officials had identified loopholes in the registration system but, rather than report them for correction, allegedly exploited them.

Bayode, who expressed disappointment over the development, said: ‘They saw the loophole and they leveraged on the system.’

He further disclosed that the Commission had withdrawn access from the officials under investigation, adding that digital records and one-time password (OTP) authentication could help establish those responsible for the questionable registrations.

According to him, the registration system sends an OTP to an official’s registered email address or telephone number before access is granted, making it difficult for officials to claim that their credentials were used without their knowledge.

‘If anybody is using your login details to do anything, it means that you are conniving with that person,’ he said.

Bayode, however, said he was taking time to establish sufficient evidence before submitting his investigative report to the Commission, stressing that he did not want innocent officials implicated without conclusive proof.

He assured that the Commission would review the evidence and follow due process, expressing confidence that officials found culpable would face severe consequences.

He said: ‘This is an embarrassment. … Maybe the punishment now will be so huge than what they experienced in 2020.’

On the implications of the questionable registrations for the 2027 general election, the ICT director warned that fictitious voter profiles could potentially be exploited to manipulate elections if the irregularities were not identified and removed before the final register was certified.

Using a hypothetical polling unit with 800 registered voters, including 400 fictitious profiles, he explained that the production of Permanent Voter Cards for such entries could create an opportunity for electoral manipulation.

He, however, maintained that the Commission’s Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had biometric safeguards capable of preventing individuals whose fingerprints were not captured from successfully participating in the voting process.

On concerns about the credibility of the preliminary register, Bayode explained that its release was necessary to allow Nigerians to participate in identifying questionable entries through the claims and objections process.

He said the Commission had to balance the time required to complete biometric screening with the statutory timelines for publishing the preliminary register, adding that the document released was not the final register for the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the Commission was working to complete the verification and cleaning exercise before 15 December, when the final register is expected to be certified.

The ICT director also expressed openness to independent scrutiny of the voter database, saying the Commission could engage a third party to examine the records if it considered such an exercise necessary.

He added that interested parties could request Certified True Copies of relevant records to examine the Commission’s findings and corrective measures.

On public confidence in the electoral umpire, particularly following controversies surrounding the 2023 general election, Bayode acknowledged that the latest revelations had further complicated INEC’s efforts to rebuild public trust.

He said: ‘We are trying to build the trust, whether you like it or not, the trust is on the ground zero.’

He expressed regret that the alleged actions of some officials could undermine the Commission’s efforts to restore confidence in the electoral process, insisting that INEC had learnt lessons from previous elections and continued to improve its technological systems, including BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

Bayode assured Nigerians that the Commission remained committed to conducting a credible 2027 general election, stressing that the integrity of the voter register was fundamental to the credibility of the entire electoral process.

Over 300 residents of Ondo State have benefited from the Federal Government’s distribution of locally manufactured solar home systems and clean cooking stoves under its National Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

The beneficiaries, drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, received the items at an empowerment programme organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) at the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre, Akure.

The intervention is aimed at improving access to clean energy, reducing household health risks, promoting indigenous technology and supporting small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its commitment to economic self-reliance, local production and youth-centred development.

Olawande said the initiative was designed not only to provide immediate relief to vulnerable households but also to stimulate local industries, create employment opportunities and encourage Nigerians to embrace homegrown technological solutions.

He stressed that the selection of beneficiaries was not based on political affiliation, adding that the government was determined to ensure that its interventions reached ordinary Nigerians in need of support.

According to him, beneficiaries would also receive stipends to support the establishment and expansion of micro-businesses, making the intervention more sustainable.

He said: ‘Over 300 beneficiaries in Ondo State are receiving these items, irrespective of political affiliation.

‘This is not a political strategy but a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling his promises and making government interventions beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.’

The minister explained that the clean cooking stoves would reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood, particularly among women and children, while the solar systems would provide electricity for students and small-scale business operators.

He said the programme had been extended to several states, including Kano, Katsina, Lagos and Oyo, adding that Ondo was selected as part of efforts to expand its nationwide coverage.

Olawande also announced that the Nigeria Youth Academy (NYA) would be launched on November 9, with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, offering grants ranging from N5 million to N20 million to support promising young entrepreneurs.

He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, describing the intervention as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the agency was focused on converting research and development into practical products that address the needs of Nigerians.

Halilu said the locally manufactured solar systems and clean cooking stoves were part of efforts to promote indigenous technology, generate employment and provide solutions to challenges confronting communities.

He said: ‘Our clean cooking stoves make cooking healthier and more efficient, while the home solar systems help small businesses have electricity throughout the day and ensure that children can do their assignments even when there is no public power supply.’

He explained that the initiative was also intended to strengthen local manufacturing and create employment opportunities through the production of Nigerian-made equipment.

‘In a nutshell, it is about translating research and development into actual products that will impact people’s lives and, most importantly, make the intervention sustainable,’ he said.

The NASENI chief executive expressed satisfaction with the agency’s collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, describing the partnership as an important step towards sustainable development.

He assured that more empowerment initiatives would be introduced to improve living conditions, promote local manufacturing and create opportunities for economic advancement.

The National Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Oluwafemi Oyetunde, has called for a partnership between the church and the Oyo State Police Command to promote crime prevention and improve relations between young people and law enforcement officers. Pastor Oyetunde made the call when he led a delegation of the church’s National Youth Affairs to the Oyo State Police Command headquarters on Thursday.

He said the church was interested in working with the police to prevent crime and build trust between young people and law enforcement officers.

‘We are here to also talk about crime prevention. How can we prevent crime, and how can we also build trust between young people and the police?’ he said.

He added that religious organisations had a role to play in national development and expressed the church’s readiness to partner with the police.

Pastor Oyetunde also sought information on police career opportunities, including short-service entry pathways, to enable young people to understand the available options.

Responding, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, urged young people in the state to shun violence, familiarise themselves with criminal laws and pursue peaceful means of expressing their grievances.

The commissioner warned that ignorance of the law could expose young people to criminal liability, urging them to understand the consequences of their actions.

‘Criminal law is like a naked wire. Any little touch can be dangerous.

‘One of the things that can help young people avoid violating the criminal law is to know the law itself,’ he said.

CP Olugbenga also urged young people to remain peaceful when protesting or expressing dissatisfaction with public institutions, noting that their actions should not infringe on the rights of other citizens.

‘We are not saying you cannot come to protest. You can present your grievances, but you must be peaceful and civil,’ he said.

The police commissioner identified community policing as an important approach to improving relations between law enforcement officers and members of the public.

‘Community policing makes it possible for us to identify a common problem and discuss the way forward. It will not be the police alone solving that problem,’ he said.

He said mutual understanding and communication were necessary to build trust between the police and young people.

‘You can have trust when you understand yourselves,’ he added.

Pastor Oyetunde’s three-day visit to Oyo State comprised an executive meeting with the leadership of the Mission’s Youth Affairs in Oyo on the first day, official visits to key institutions on the second day and a 24-hour Prayer and Word Retreat, themed ‘BUILDUP’, on the third day.

The delegation included Pastor Fabulous Oluwabusiwa, Pastor-in-Charge of Province (PICP), Youth Province 4; Pastor Wole Akindele, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Province (APICP); Pastor Oyesanmi James, Regional Youth Evangelist, Region 21; Pastor Oluwafemi Oladele, Central Operations Officer; Pastor Daniel Nwoji, Director of Programs; and Victory Adudu, Director of Prayer.

Others were Pastor Moses Oladimeji, Regional Youth Pastor, Region 42; Pastor David Olagunju, Regional Youth Pastor, Region 21; Pastor Enoch Olatunji, Area Coordinator, Youth Province, C12; and Ayotunde Folahan, Assistant Director of Media, NYAYA.

A fire outbreak has destroyed 110 buildings and structures at Kofar Ruwa Timber Market in Kano State, leaving traders and business owners with significant losses.

The Kano State Fire Service, while confirming the incident in a statement, said the inferno razed 75 permanent buildings and 35 temporary structures across different sections of the market.

The Service’s Public Relations Officer, PFS Kabiru Isah Jafaru, said the fire broke out at approximately 7:39 a.m. on Saturday.

The agency received a distress call from a timber dealer identified as Alhaji Abba, prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters from various stations across the Kano metropolis.

Jafaru disclosed that upon arrival at the scene, firefighters discovered that the flames had spread to several sections of the market, causing extensive damage to properties.

According to him, the firefighters eventually brought the inferno under control, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market and causing further destruction.

The Fire Service spokesperson urged traders and business owners to remain vigilant and adopt appropriate fire-safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

He particularly warned that extra caution was necessary during the harmattan season, when dry and windy weather conditions could increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire and the total financial losses suffered by affected traders had yet to be established

Some political decisions acquire their full meaning only years after they are made. Others return at unexpected moments to illuminate the relationships, calculations and compromises that shaped an earlier generation of leadership.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reached back eight years at the unveiling of Dr. Obafemi Hamzat’s governorship manifesto on Friday, October 30, and retrieved one such decision from the political history of Lagos State.

It concerned September 2018, when the APC governorship contest had thrown up several aspirants, including the then incumbent, Akinwunmi Ambode, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat.

Hamzat was not an accidental entrant. He had served in the administrations of Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola, acquired experience across significant government ministries and built his own political relationships.

He had prepared to contest the governorship primary. Then, on September 29, 2018, he announced his withdrawal and endorsed Sanwo-Olu. The decision changed the configuration of the contest ahead of the primary in which Sanwo-Olu would confront Ambode.

What remained less clearly articulated in the public record was the full extent of the political conversations behind Hamzat’s decision.

Sanwo-Olu supplied his own account on Friday. ‘Then the leaders of our party asked him to step aside for me.’ The brevity of that statement gave it unusual weight.

For the governor, the central issue was not merely the withdrawal itself, which had been publicly reported at the time, but the personal cost of abandoning an ambition after years of preparation.

He recalled how Hamzat accepted the decision, supported his candidature and subsequently agreed to serve as his running mate.

That second decision was formalised on November 4, 2018, when the Lagos APC presented Hamzat as Sanwo-Olu’s deputy governorship candidate.

There is an important historical distinction here. Hamzat’s withdrawal was not simply a private favour whose meaning can be established by the beneficiary alone.

At the time, Hamzat publicly justified his action by reference to consultations, political counsel and his confidence in Sanwo-Olu. Friday’s speech added the governor’s perspective to that existing record.

It was nevertheless an instructive disclosure because of what followed.

The 2018 political arrangement became a governing partnership in May 2019. Seven years later, Sanwo-Olu was standing before party leaders and Lagos residents to explain why his former rival and longstanding deputy had become the candidate seeking to succeed him.

There was a circular quality to the moment: the man who stepped aside in 2018 had returned as the governorship candidate in 2026, with the man who benefited from that decision now offering a public account of their shared history.

But it would be too convenient to reduce the development to a story of sacrifice eventually rewarded.

Political ambition cannot be suspended indefinitely on the assumption of future compensation. Neither does an earlier concession confer an automatic right to public office.

The governorship of Lagos belongs to its electorate, not to a private understanding between two politicians. The more significant aspect of Sanwo-Olu’s recollection was therefore his description of what happened between the concession and the new candidature.

According to him, Hamzat did not allow the disappointment of 2018 to define their working relationship. He neither became a troublesome deputy nor pursued a competing political agenda within the administration.

Sanwo-Olu’s observation that they had maintained one government and one direction was intended to present the relationship as an example of political accommodation surviving the pressures of office.

That is relevant in a country where disagreements between governors and their deputies have periodically produced impeachment proceedings, factional conflicts and institutional instability.

For Lagos, the recollection also raises questions about the relationship between loyalty and leadership. Loyalty can preserve stability, but it cannot substitute for independent judgement.

A successful governorship requires more than the capacity to work harmoniously with a predecessor. It demands responsibility for decisions that may differ from the preferences of those who assisted a candidate’s rise.

That distinction will become increasingly relevant as Hamzat explains his own proposals. What Sanwo-Olu achieved through the recollection was to give the 2027 campaign a historical starting point that predates the manifesto and even the present administration.

He demonstrated that the relationship being presented to Lagosians was not suddenly assembled for electoral convenience. It had passed through competition, concession, political collaboration and the practical experience of government.

There is also a lesson for posterity in the governor’s decision to speak publicly about the episode. Political transitions are often documented through official announcements, with little acknowledgement of the human decisions that made them possible.

By recalling September 2018, Sanwo-Olu placed one such decision into the public conversation. Whether that history ultimately influences the electorate is a separate question.

What is established is that the narrative of Hamzat’s candidature now includes an important earlier chapter, told by a principal actor and open to examination alongside the contemporary record.

Itchy skin is a common complaint. Sometimes it is caused by something as simple as dry skin or an insect bite and settles within a short time. In other cases, persistent itching may be a sign of a skin condition, an allergic reaction or an underlying health problem.

The medical term for itching is pruritus. It can affect a small area of the body or occur all over the skin. Some people may also develop redness, rashes, bumps, dryness or peeling, while others may experience severe itching without any obvious change on the skin.

Finding the cause is important because scratching alone may provide temporary relief while making the skin more irritated or increasing the risk of infection.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights 10 common causes of itchy skin you should know.

Dry skin

Dry skin is one of the simplest and most common causes of itching. When the skin loses too much moisture, it can become rough, tight, flaky and irritated. The itching may be worse during periods of dry weather or after taking long, hot baths.

Frequent washing, harsh soaps and some skincare products can also strip the skin of its natural oils. Using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser regularly, particularly after bathing, can help restore moisture and reduce irritation.

Eczema

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Atopic dermatitis is a common form. It may cause patches of dry, red or darker-looking skin, depending on a person’s skin tone. Scratching can make the affected areas sore and may cause the skin to thicken over time.

Eczema can flare up in response to different triggers, including certain soaps, fabrics, heat, sweating, stress and allergens. People with frequent or severe flare-ups may need treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Allergic reactions

An allergic reaction can cause sudden itching, often accompanied by a rash or raised patches known as hives. Possible triggers include certain foods, medicines, insect bites, cosmetics, soaps, detergents and other substances.

Hives may appear and disappear within hours, with new areas becoming affected as others settle. A mild allergic rash may resolve after the trigger is avoided, but medical advice may be needed if the reaction keeps returning.

If itching or hives occur together with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or fainting, emergency medical care is needed because these can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Insect bites

Mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas and other insects can cause localised itching after biting the skin.

The affected area may become red, swollen or develop a small raised bump. In some people, the reaction may be more noticeable and last for several days.

Avoiding scratching is important because broken skin can become infected. If several household members develop itchy bites, particularly after sleeping, it may be worth checking bedding, mattresses and other areas where insects may be hiding.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the upper layer of the skin. It usually causes intense itching, which is often worse at night. Small bumps or a rash may appear, particularly between the fingers, around the wrists, waist, armpits and other areas where the mites commonly affect the skin.

Because scabies can spread through close skin-to-skin contact, more than one person in a household may become affected. Treatment usually involves specific medicines designed to kill the mites. People should not rely on ordinary anti-itch creams alone if scabies is suspected.

Fungal skin infections

Fungal infections can cause itching, scaling and changes in the appearance of the skin.

Ringworm is one example. Despite its name, it is caused by a fungus rather than a worm. It can produce a circular or ring-shaped rash that may gradually spread.

Fungal infections can affect different parts of the body, including the groin, feet and scalp.

Keeping affected areas clean and dry can help, but appropriate antifungal treatment may be necessary. Using steroid creams on a fungal infection without medical advice can sometimes make the infection worse or harder to recognise.

Contact dermatitis

Sometimes the skin becomes itchy and inflamed after coming into contact with a substance that irritates it or triggers an allergic reaction. This is known as contact dermatitis.

Common triggers include soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, hair products, cleaning chemicals and some metals.

The rash usually develops in the area that came into contact with the substance. It may cause redness, itching, swelling, dryness or small blisters. Identifying and avoiding the trigger is an important part of managing contact dermatitis.

Liver or kidney problems

Persistent itching without an obvious skin rash can sometimes be associated with problems affecting internal organs. Certain liver diseases can cause itching because substances normally processed or excreted by the liver build up in the body.

Advanced kidney disease can also cause widespread itching, particularly when the kidneys are no longer effectively removing waste products from the blood. This does not mean that unexplained itching automatically indicates liver or kidney disease. There are many possible causes.

However, widespread or persistent itching without a clear skin problem, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling, changes in urination or unusual tiredness, should be medically assessed.

Medicines

Some medicines can cause itching as a side effect or trigger an allergic reaction. The reaction may occur shortly after starting a medicine, although not every drug-related skin reaction happens immediately. Medicines can sometimes cause itching with or without a visible rash.

Anyone who develops widespread itching, hives or swelling after starting a new medicine should contact a healthcare professional for advice. If there is difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness or fainting, emergency treatment is required.

People should not stop essential prescription medicines without discussing the problem with a doctor or pharmacist, unless they are experiencing a severe allergic reaction and have been instructed to seek emergency care.

10. Other underlying health conditions

Persistent itching can sometimes occur alongside other medical conditions. Thyroid disorders, diabetes, certain blood disorders and some neurological conditions can cause or contribute to itching in some people. In rare cases, widespread unexplained itching can occur with certain cancers, particularly some blood cancers.

Again, itching alone does not mean that a person has one of these diseases. Most cases have more common explanations. The important point is that unexplained itching that persists, keeps returning or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms should not simply be ignored.

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.

A total of 230 graduates of the Department of Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, have been inducted as graduate members of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB).

The induction, which was the second to be organised by the department, was held under the conference theme: ‘The Fate Inheritance Research in Africa: The Contribution of Biochemistry in Diseases, Medicine Development and Public Health in the World.’

The ceremony marked a milestone for the graduates, recognising their academic efforts and potential contributions to scientific research and healthcare.

Speaking at the event, ATBU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba, urged the inductees to apply their knowledge and skills to address societal challenges and question outdated practices in their respective workplaces.

Garba encouraged the graduates to become catalysts for positive change in whatever sectors they found themselves, including healthcare, industry, agriculture, technology and entrepreneurship.

He said, ‘As you step into the wider scientific world, hold fast to these enduring principles. Be the catalyst in every domain you enter, whether healthcare, industry, technology, agriculture, public policy or entrepreneurship.’

According to him, ‘Remember that catalysts do not force reactions; they make them happen. Challenge inefficient systems, question outdated assumptions and lower the activation energy required for positive change.’

The vice-chancellor also advised graduates to develop resilience, collaboration, professional integrity and a commitment to continuous learning, noting that scientific breakthroughs could not be achieved in isolation.

‘No biological system functions in isolation, and no transformational breakthrough is achieved alone. Build strong interdisciplinary bridges, cross-sectoral partnerships and enduring professional and personal bonds,’ he added.

He further urged them to uphold scientific integrity, accuracy and honesty, stressing that their professional reputation was more valuable than any achievement obtained through unethical practices.

In his keynote address, titled ‘The Genomic Future of Africa: How African Biochemists Transform Disease Research, Drug Discovery and Global Health,’ Prof. Ishaya Yohana challenged the inductees to identify societal problems within their areas of specialisation and develop practical solutions.

Yohana explained that genomics, which involves the study of the genetic material and makeup of organisms, had become important in understanding diseases, developing effective treatments and improving healthcare.

He said understanding individuals’ genetic makeup could help scientists determine how diseases develop and how patients respond to treatment.

He added that studying the genomes of disease-causing organisms could also help researchers develop more effective drugs.

‘Biochemists have been contributing to this because genomics began with biochemistry and molecular biology. Biochemists are pioneers in this field,’ he added.

‘We isolate genomes, sequence them, study them, understand the markers and pathways, and can mitigate whatever challenges pathogens may present,’ he further said.

The keynote speaker urged the graduates to apply their knowledge beyond laboratories and academic environments, noting that biochemistry offered opportunities to address challenges affecting different aspects of human life.

He stressed, ‘I encourage these inductees and others to look out for problems worthy of their training and find solutions to them because biochemistry studies life, the very foundation of life.’

‘They should go out there and be the change agents they call themselves in society,’ he added.

Earlier, the National President of the NSBMB, O. M. Wegwu, represented by his Vice-President, Mohammed Adamu Milala, commended ATBU for sustaining the induction programme.

He disclosed that the society was working to establish an Institute of Biochemistry in Nigeria, adding that the proposal had passed through the National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.

Wegwu also said the society had secured a plot of land on the outskirts of Abuja for the construction of a N15m complex to promote research, innovation and professional activities.

He encouraged the inductees to remain committed to professional excellence and contribute to the advancement of biochemistry in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the pioneer and outgoing President of the NSBMB ATBU branch, Shittu Salih, appreciated the university management and lecturers for their contributions to the graduates’ academic journey.

He described their training as demanding but rewarding, noting that the graduates had overcome several academic challenges and emerged better prepared for professional responsibilities.

Salih said, ‘We did not merely survive the journey; we grew through each challenge. We have emerged stronger, more knowledgeable, more resilient and determined to leave our footprints in the sands of our department’s history.’

He also acknowledged the efforts of their lecturers in helping them understand the value and practical relevance of biochemistry.

National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, has called on residents of Imo, to join the Rainbow Coalition, describing the platform as a political movement aimed at changing the state’s political direction ahead of future elections.

He made the call at the weekend while addressing residents of Ikeduru Local Government Area during a reception organised for the Imo East Senatorial candidate, Prince Eze Madumere.

Anyanwu said the Rainbow coalition, which he coordinates in Imo, brought together the PDP and other political stakeholders across party lines, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to pool their political structures towards what he described as rescuing the state from an unproductive administration.

According to him, the coalition was established to provide a common platform for stakeholders seeking political change and improved governance in Imo State.

‘Rainbow Coalition has come to stay in Imo State. There is nothing anyone can do. Those causing disaffection and fanning the ember of discord do that at their detriment. For us in PDP, the aim is not to cause political disharmony, or heighten tension in Imo State,’ he said.

Anyanwu said the coalition was committed to addressing what he described as selfishness, greed and insensitivity in the administration of the state, which he alleged had caused hardship for residents.

He commended former Governor Rochas Okorocha for embracing the coalition, stressing that the task of addressing the state’s challenges required the collective efforts of political stakeholders and residents.

The PDP national secretary also claimed that the coalition was attracting increasing interest from people across different political parties, adding that its leadership was making efforts to manage the growing number of prospective members.

‘Imo people are desperate to join the Rainbow Coalition, and the number of people interested to join the coalition are from different political parties. The number is increasing on daily basis and we are tactically managing the surge,’ he said.

He described the development as an indication of growing public interest in the coalition, claiming that many residents were seeking an alternative to the current administration.

Anyanwu further pledged that the coalition would oppose actions capable of undermining the progress of the state, while calling on political stakeholders to work towards addressing insecurity, hardship and governance challenges.

‘We are prepared to stop any individual or group of persons working against the progress of Imo people or deliberately causing chaos, or hardship in the state under the guise of governance,’ he said.

He urged residents to participate actively in the political process and demand accountability, justice, and improved governance in the state.