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Gov Mohammed mourns as Bauchi LG chair dies in auto crash

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed deep sorrow and profound shock over the death of the Executive Chairman of Zaki Local Government Area (LGA), Malam Masud Umar, who reportedly died in a tragic motor accident at Konkiyal Village in Darazo LGA of the State.

Daily Trust gathered that the late Chairman was on his way back to Zaki LGA after attending an Allied people’s Movement (APM) Party stakeholders’ meeting convened on Sunday when the unfortunate incident occurred.

In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mukhtar Gidado, Mohammed described late Umar as a dedicated public servant, committed grassroots politician and compassionate leader whose contributions to public service and community development will remain indelible in the history of Bauchi State.

The governor said that before his election as Executive Chairman of Zaki LGA, late Umar served as the Director-General of the Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), where he demonstrated remarkable commitment to emergency response, disaster management and humanitarian interventions across the state.

Mohammed said, ‘His tenure at SEMA was characterised by dedication to alleviating the sufferings of vulnerable citizens and providing timely interventions to communities affected by emergencies and other humanitarian challenges.

‘As Executive Chairman of Zaki Local Government Area, he continued to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to grassroots development, particularly through initiatives aimed at empowering youths and women, improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development within his local government.’

The governor noted that although Umar’s tenure as Chairman was relatively brief, his passion for service, accessibility to the people and commitment to improving the welfare of his constituents distinguished his leadership.

The governor further observed that his death was not only a devastating loss to his immediate family and the people of Zaki Local Government Area but also to the entire Bauchi State, particularly the public service and local government administration, where his experience, dedication and contributions will be greatly missed.

While praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed, Governor Mohammed urged his family, political associates, friends and the people of Zaki LGA to find strength and comfort in Almighty Allah during the difficult moment.

‘May the Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest and give all those he left behind the fortitude to bear this great loss.’ the governor prayed.

Police Arrest Key Suspect In Sakumono Double Murder

The key suspect in the Sakumono double murder case, Samuel Osei Anto Christopher, who had been on the run, has been arrested.

Police sources confirm that the suspect was picked up from his hideout following intensive intelligence operations after a GHS100,000 bounty was placed on his head.

Full details of the arrest will be communicated in due course.

The suspect is alleged to have shot and killed George Atuguba and his niece, Irene Atuguba, in the head at their NTHC Estate residence in Sakumono on October 30, 2026, over an alleged GHS500,000 debt dispute.

His arrest comes after the earlier arrest of 47-year-old Beatrice Mumuni, who is believed to have led the principal suspect to the residence of the victims.

Police say investigations are ongoing.

CAFE 2026 serves up feast of culinary talent and opportunity

Sri Lanka’s food and hospitality industry is set to take centre stage at the 23rd edition of the Culinary Art Food Expo (CAFE) 2026, which will feature over 200 exhibition stalls, more than 3,000 culinary competition participants and nearly 4,000 food entries, bringing together chefs, food manufacturers, suppliers, hoteliers and hospitality professionals.

Scheduled to be held from 27 to 29 November at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo, the exhibition is expected to attract over 15,000 visitors, providing a platform for local businesses to showcase their products, establish partnerships and explore opportunities in regional and international markets.

Organised by the Chef’s Guild of Lanka (CGL), in collaboration with CDC Events and Travels Ltd., CAFE 2026 will combine culinary competitions, product exhibitions and industry networking, while highlighting the importance of professional training, entrepreneurship and the development of Sri Lankan culinary talent.

The exhibition was announced at a media launch held yesterday at Marino Beach Hotel, Colombo, attended by industry representatives, sponsors and culinary professionals.

Chef’s Guild of Lanka Chairman Chef Gerard Mendis welcomed the industry partners and highlighted the importance of bringing culinary professionals together to promote the country’s food and hospitality sector.

‘CAFE provides an important platform for our chefs to showcase their talent, share knowledge and demonstrate the standards that Sri Lankan culinary professionals can achieve. We also have a responsibility to encourage young chefs and create opportunities for them to develop their skills and represent Sri Lanka internationally,’ he said.

He also acknowledged the contribution of sponsors and industry partners in supporting the exhibition and the Guild’s ongoing work to develop culinary talent.

Another key objective highlighted at the launch was Sri Lanka’s bid to host the Worldchefs Congress 2030. Mendis expressed optimism about the bid, noting that hosting the international gathering could bring overseas culinary professionals and industry representatives to Sri Lanka.

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe highlighted the potential of the culinary sector to contribute to economic growth beyond traditional restaurant and hotel operations.

He said the industry offered opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop distinctive food products, build brands and explore export markets, while generating demand across the wider supply chain, including food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers and equipment providers.

Abeysinghe also stressed the importance of raising public awareness of food culture and culinary diversity, noting that greater understanding of different cuisines, ingredients and cooking techniques could help expand demand for new dining experiences and products.

Sri Lanka’s distinctive food culture and flavours could be developed into products and experiences for international markets, creating opportunities for both tourism and exports, he said.

A key highlight of CAFE 2026 will be its culinary competitions, covering disciplines including live cooking, pastry and bakery, chocolate showpieces, cake decorating, fruit and vegetable carving, and mixology.

Chef’s Guild of Lanka Director of Training and Skills Development Chef Madhawa Weerabhaddana outlined preparations for Sri Lanka’s participation in the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg from 21 to 25 November.

Fourteen chefs are expected to represent Sri Lanka at the competition following months of preparation, training and selection. A video presentation at the media launch offered an insight into the national team’s preparations and the work involved in maintaining international standards in food preparation, kitchen operations and safety.

The exhibition will also introduce the World Young Chefs Club Sri Lanka Junior Chefs Culinary Championship 2026 and the Worldchefs Global Butchery Competition 2026 – Sri Lanka.

For the first time, the organisers are encouraging participation from schools and educational institutions, with free participation being offered to most student teams. The initiative aims to give young people opportunities to demonstrate their abilities, gain practical experience and consider careers in the food and hospitality industry.

The Guild also plan to expand opportunities for women in culinary-related competitions and introduce additional product categories, including spices, vanilla and flavouring products.

Selected finalists from a local culinary competition are expected to have the opportunity to compete at the World Culinary Finals in Shanghai in 2027, providing another pathway for Sri Lankan talent to gain international exposure.

Nestlé Lanka Ltd., the Diamond Sponsor of CAFE 2026, reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Guild and highlighted the importance of developing young culinary talent.

Nestlé Professional Assistant Director Maduranga Perera said the company had maintained its partnership with the Guild for decades.

‘We have been associated with the Chef’s Guild of Lanka for decades, and we are very happy to see how this event has grown over the years,’ he said.

Chef’s Guild of Lanka Chairman Chef Gerard Mendis, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Nestlé Professional Assistant Director Maduranga Perera

Perera also highlighted the Nestlé Professional Chef Junior program, which provides young people with opportunities to develop culinary skills through training and guidance from industry professionals.

Asriel Marketing Ltd., the Platinum Sponsor, is supporting CAFE for the fourth consecutive year. House of Asriel Chairman Shiran Peiris described the exhibition as an important annual event for the food and hospitality industry.

‘CAFE is a very exciting time for us every year. We look forward to the event, the competitions and the opportunity to see the talent that Sri Lanka continues to produce,’ Peiris said.

CDC Events and Travels Ltd. CEO and Managing Director Imran Hassan said CAFE 2026 would bring together businesses across the food and hospitality value chain.

The exhibition will cover Halls A, B and C at the BMICH, alongside additional exhibition areas and dedicated spaces for culinary competitions. Products and services on display will include processed foods, spices, meat and seafood, bakery and confectionery products, tea and coffee, kitchen and catering equipment, food-processing technology, packaging, tableware and hospitality solutions.

Visitors are expected from across Sri Lanka and regional markets, including South India and the Maldives. The organisers expect the event to facilitate business-to-business networking, generate leads and connect local producers and manufacturers with potential buyers and industry decision-makers.

With its combination of international competitions, industry exhibitions, professional training and business networking, CAFE 2026 aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s culinary profile while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, food producers and the next generation of chefs.

Inside the luxury property rush in Kenya’s wildlife conservancies

As many scramble for 100 feet by 50 feet plots in Nairobi and its environs, there is a new rush among the super-rich to get away from the city and acquire plots of up to 230 acres in conservancies located in the wild.

Lolldaiga Conservancy, in Nanyuki, is the latest to join the foray, with 11 plots for sale in Lolldaiga Valley. The smallest plot on sale is Forest Lugga East, at 15.2 acres going for $395,000 (Sh51 million) while the largest is Big Glade being 233 acres.

Big Glade is the main jewel of the project, giving the owner the best house site in the area with scenic views of Mt. Kenya.

The realtors declined to disclose the price.

The plots have names, and distance is given in flight time – 45 minutes from Nairobi by air – signalling the calibre of clientele the project is targeting.

Besides buying the land on a leasehold for 99 years, one is expected to adhere to strict construction rules set by management to ensure the least possible interference with the natural habitat.

The rules include houses being built to be hidden as much as possible, implying the roof shouldn’t be visible above the vegetation. The house should be solar-powered, harvest rainwater and use natural construction materials as much as possible, helping blend into the surroundings to retain the feeling of living in the wild.

There is also a cap to the amount of land that can be used for construction, which is dependent on the size of one’s plot.

On the 15.2-acre plot, the construction zone is capped at 1.5 acres, while construction land on the whole 3,750-acre valley, subdivided into 30 unequal plots, is at one percent.

Others on sale are five-acre plots in Sangare Conservancy in Nyeri, which are going for $450,000 (Sh59.4 million ). Sangare Conservancy, a 4,250-acre land, is in the market looking to sell four house sites, with 11 already taken up.

Realtors reckon the conservation is attractive to wealthy investors who desire luxury while feeling they are contributing to environmental conservation and development of the communities hosting the conservancies.

‘The investors obviously are looking for a project that is in the wild; they want a bush home and want to know the Kenyan wild as it were. But they also invest in it because of the work that is being done outside of the project – the work being done with the communities, conservation, wildlife – the 360-degree angle of the whole thing,’ said Tarquin Gross, head of residential agency at Knight Frank, the realtors selling the plots.

Nanyuki is the latest front on a model made popular in the Maasai Mara region and dubbed Safari Estates. The 1,000-acre Enonkishu Conservancy hosts 40 five-acre plots under the Naretoi project.

Currently, there is a house on sale in Naretoi, Tumbili House, priced at $5.5 million (Sh715 million). The house is built two metres above ground, supported by stilts, ensuring it does not interfere with the vegetation on the ground or the movement of wild animals.

According to the Financial Times, the house is owned by a Briton who built his wealth in the advertising industry, underlining the appetite for such investments in the international market.

Most of those who take up the houses are international investors who do not have to live in the country, opening the window for the houses to be rented on a short-term basis.

‘A lot of them are international investors who have busy lives in their own right wherever it is in the world, and they want this sort of haven to come to and get away from their busy life and actually feel like they are not only satisfying their own desires to get away from their busy lives but also with the desire to give back in whatever ways they can,’ said Mr Gross.

‘Some of them will live there full time. In Naretoi, there are a few people who live there, but a lot of them are not there full time – some of them rent out their properties on a short-term basis, and others don’t rent them out and will come for three months of the year,’ he added.

One of those open to tourism accommodation in Naretoi is Mara Moja.

In Lolldaiga Valley, the project is supporting schools in Umande and Muramati areas and restoring the forest habitat along the Sirimon River.

To execute the projects, the investors make annual contributions, which sources placed at $9,200 (Sh1.2 million ). The annual contribution is broken down into two parts, with one part covering service charges for items such as water, track and trail maintenance and security, while the second portion is a mandatory contribution to habitat restoration and community development projects.

Owners of Naretoi contribute $13,000 (Sh1.7 million ) in annual fees, with $6,000 (Sh780,000 ) being for community projects and the rest for service charges.

‘Developing the estates makes them money to have the consistency to still remain a conservancy,’ said Johnson Ndenge, a real estate consultant. ‘It also provides disparity in terms of claims of idle land – because you now do not have thousands of acres lying idle,’ he added.

The plots at Naretoi have also proven that the investment is good for speculative investors. Seven years ago, the five-acre plots were on sale for between $250,000 and $400,000.

Recently, two plots that had come back to market had an asking price of $2.2 million, capturing the price escalation that accompanies the actualisation of the project.

UNILAG seeks reduction in maternal death rates at Omololu-Mulele lecture

University of Lagos (UNILAG) has canvassed more reduction in maternal deaths.

This was at the Eighth Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele yearly lecture on Thursday in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine University of Lagos(CMUL) Idi-Araba.

Chairman of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Lecture Prof. Oluwole Familoni said the theme of the lecture ”Human Reproduction Through Evolutionary Perils: Moving Nigerian Women from Danger to Safety” was apt and timely as many women face preventable risks.

”Maternal mortality unequal access to quality healthcare cultural and social barriers gaps in reproductive-health education and delays in seeking or receiving medical attention demand urgent and sustained action” he added.

The don said there was the need to move women from the danger zone but that this required ”stronger maternal-health services accessible family planning and reproductive care effective public education and timely affordable and restful treatment for every woman”.

Familoni was hopeful that despite the challenges in the sector there was a ray of hope as ”there are meaningful opportunities for progress”.

”Through research education inclusive policies and sustained engagement with communities we can improve health outcomes and help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future”.

Provost CMUL Prof Ademola Oremosu praised the late Mrs Omololu-Mulele a lawyer and educationist among others for the endowment saying it had helped to boost medical education.

She had endowed N36 million each for the yearly lecture in medicine in her name and Ladipo Mobolaji Abisogun Afoedu pharmacy lecture in her Will and Testament at UNILAG to fund research and enhance industry-university cooperation through research.

Oremosu said yearly the ”lecture reminds us of the power of structured intentional giving. We are gathered here because of the foresight of this illustrious Abiola. She was not just a legal luminary; an educationist and philanthropist. She was a visionary who understood that the future of a nation is bound to the health of its women and children.

”Through her generous N36 million endowment at that time to the University of Lagos Chief Abiola ensured that long after her passing her name will remain synonymous with medical research innovation and clinical advancement in obstetrics and gynecology. Her family and the board of trustees deserve our deep appreciation for sustaining this vital platform which bridges academic inquiry and real-world working solutions year after year.”

He said the topic of the lecture struck ”at the very heart of challenges in maternal health in a region where reproductive healthcare requires urgent innovation increased funding and interdisciplinary collaboration these annual gatherings serve as a beacon for action”.

”Here at CMUL he continued ”with the inventive commitment to expanding our research capacities enhancing postgraduate training curricula and fostering the kind of grants yielding fundable research that changes outcomes and creates impact the insights shared by our distinguished guest lecturer would definitely sharpen our tools inspire young researchers and redefine our approach to women’s health challenges”.

. President Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) Prof Okechukwu Christian Ikpeze who was the guest lecturer painted a gloomy picture of maternal health despite the efforts of the government organisations SOGON and individuals.

Relying on statistics Ikpeze said worse still it was unbelievable that Lagos State was promoting the use of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) warning that this was archaic and could compound the problem the governments were trying to solve. Noting that the maternal deaths are preventable he submitted that with knowledge and tools available to the experts the ”ancient perils should no longer be” a problem. Still he said ”every preventable maternal death is a failure of systems access timing and sometimes of our collective will”.

What then is the way forward? ”Government must lead with commitment. Professional associations must continue to provide expertise advocacy and accountability. Development partners must support with resources and innovation. Health workers must be trained motivated and equipped. Communities and families must be engaged. and women themselves must be empowered to seek and receive quality care without delay” Ikpeze added.

He thanked MAMI MPDSR VASA the NDHS SOGON FIGO and others for their efforts at reducing maternal deaths. However he sought the implementation and funding of these efforts and ensured these got to the women in the village city those in labour at midnight and others whose lives depended on prompt and skilled care.

An awardee of this year’s grant Dr. Moses Ayokunle Olumodeji of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH) presented his research at the event.

The Vice Chancellor UNILAG Prof Folashade Ogunsola sent a goodwill message.

Emeritus Prof. Osato Giwa-Osagie formerly a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist LUTH and President Academy of Medical Sciences Prof Oladapo Ashiru who was the chairman of the lecture were recognised for their contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.

LIST: 11 Ate Gay song mash-ups that brought laughter to many

Comedian Gil Aducal Morales, popularly known as Ate Gay, who entertained audiences with his mash-ups of popular Filipino and international songs, died on Sunday evening, Nov. 1.

He was 55.

His family confirmed his death in a Facebook post on his official page, two days after announcing that the comedian was in critical condition and relying on life support following septic shock, acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, and stroke.

‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved Gil Aducal Morales, lovingly known to many as Ate Gay, on November 1, 2026,’ the family said.

‘After bravely fighting for his life, while surrounded by his family, our beloved Ate Gay has peacefully passed away,’ they added.

Beyond his comedy, Ate Gay became particularly popular for his unconventional musical mash-ups, combining familiar songs with entirely different melodies and lyrics to create unexpected, often memorable performances.

His signature style brought together OPM classics, international pop hits, novelty songs, and even Christmas tunes, with seemingly unrelated lyrics flowing into one another through his distinctive delivery.

As he often jokingly recounted in his comedic performances, his signature mash-ups supposedly stemmed from a childhood experience of his mother constantly switching radio stations, leaving him to hear snippets of different songs one after another.

The amusing anecdote became a fitting explanation for his unconventional musical style, in which he seamlessly blended lyrics and melodies from seemingly unrelated hits.

Among his memorable song mash-ups were:

On My Own and Pangako

On my own…hindi kita iiwan, pangakong I walk with him ’til morning…without him…hindi ka na mag-iisa…and when I lose my way I close my eyes…tayong dalawa.

Nandito Ako and Till I met You

Nandito akong…this feeling seems to grow more every day, I love you more each day, huwag kang mag-alala, may nagmamahal sa’yo, till I met you.

Inuman Na and Bonggahan

Tama na ‘yan, inuman na…forget mo na ang problema.

Clumsy and Paskong Anong Saya

You got me trippin’ (oh), stumblin’ (oh)…Paskong anong saya. Happy New Year! Happy New Year!

Kahit Ayaw Mo Na and Awit Ng Barkada

Tatakbo, tatalon…ang barkada mong tunay aawit sa’yo…iisipin na lang…na ang buhay kung minsan ay nagbibiro.

If You Walked Away and Maging Sino Ka Man

If you walk away from me today…tiwala sa isa’t isa’y kailangan.

If I Were A Boy and Ako’y Isang Pinoy

If I were a boy…sa puso’t diwa.

Despacito and Eat Bulaga!

Despacito…Vic at Joey, ang barkada’y dumarami.

Hawak Kamay and Para Sa’yo Ang Laban Na’to

Hawak kamay…ang laban na ‘to.

Babae Po Ako and Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin

Di ako bakla klah klah klah klah klah, Di ako shokla klah klah klah klah klah, nililinlang ka lang ng ‘yong paningin…nagmamahal pa rin sa’yo giliw.

Secret Love Song and Little Drummer Boy

When you hold me in the street…pa rum pum pum pum.

Morales’ family said details of his wake and funeral arrangements would be announced soon. ‘We kindly ask for your continued prayers for his eternal repose and for strength and comfort for our grieving family,’ the family said.

Why Kenyan brands are missing the real power of social media

Seven in ten Kenyans online now research brands on social media before buying, yet many corporate pages remain glorified noticeboards. That gap is becoming a major marketing risk.

This month, a US television host said American cities were starting to look like Nairobi. Kenyans on X responded with photographs of the Expressway, skyline and matatus, prompting him to apologise online and on air.

Nobody organised the campaign. No agency was hired. A few hundred thousand phones did the work spontaneously. For Kenyan brands, the lesson is clear: the same people demanding responsiveness from public figures expect it from businesses.

Dotsavvy’s State of Social Media in Kenya 2026 report, published in August, found that 69 per cent of Kenyan internet users research brands on social networks, compared with 48 per cent who use search engines. Social media is no longer merely an awareness tool. It is where customers discover and evaluate brands.

Yet many marketing departments still treat it as a noticeboard, relying on scheduled posts and junior staff without authority to respond.

A promotional post published while the country is grieving can trigger backlash, particularly when nobody with decision-making authority is monitoring the conversation. Sometimes, the product is fine. The silence becomes the story.

Businesses need three changes.

First, empower social media teams to respond quickly without waiting days for management approval. Clear guidelines agreed with legal teams and an available senior executive can prevent minor complaints from becoming reputational crises.

Second, treat community management as a strategic function. Customers judge brands by responses, reviews and conversations around their products. Those managing these interactions need proper training, recognition and a voice in campaign planning.

Third, prioritise conversations over broadcasting. WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram are increasingly important commercial channels.

Businesses should provide responsive human support, particularly on WhatsApp, where customers expect answers about payments, deliveries and complaints.

2027: Wike pushes rainbow coalition for Tinubu’s re-election

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday intensified efforts to mobilise political support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Wike urged Nigerians to embrace the Rainbow Coalition as a platform for national unity political cooperation and sustainable development.

He said the coalition which brings together political leaders and supporters across party lines particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offers an opportunity to put aside partisan differences and work for the collective interest of Nigerians.

Wike faulted politicians opposing the Rainbow Coalition saying those criticising the political alliance lack the capacity to unite their families and communities.

The minister spoke at the commissioning of Gwagwalada Civil Centre and during a town hall meeting in Gwagwalada Abuja attended by traditional rulers area council chairmen political leaders youth groups and supporters of the two major political parties.

The gathering was part of Wike’s ongoing engagements across the six area councils of the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the Rainbow Coalition as a strategic political arrangement capable of uniting diverse interests strengthening grassroots participation and building wider support for Tinubu’s administration.

He said ‘Some greedy and selfish politicians do not understand what we call unity. They have no capacity to hold their space they have no capacity to even hold their families and they have no capacity to hold their communities. So they can open their mouths and say there is no Rainbow Coalition’.

According to him Nigeria needs a political movement that prioritises governance performance and the welfare of citizens above party affiliations.

‘What is governance? Making the people happy. Never in the history of the FCT have you seen all of us sitting together like this-not to fight not to break heads but to discuss with understanding for the interest of the FCT and the unity of our people’ he said.

Wike maintained that the success of governance should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people insisting that political leaders must be accessible and responsive to the needs of their constituents.

He urged Nigerians to support the coalition arguing that bringing political forces together would strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign and provide a broader platform for advancing development across the country.

The minister also challenged political office holders to demonstrate effective representation through regular consultations with their constituents traditional institutions youths and other community stakeholders.

Taking a swipe at the current pattern of representation in the FCT Wike urged residents not to repeat what he described as the political mistake of the 2023 elections.

He questioned whether the current National Assembly representation had adequately engaged communities across Abaji Bwari Gwagwalada Kuje Kwali and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) drawing negative responses from the audience.

Wike said representation should not be limited to election periods adding that elected officials must maintain constant contact with the people and understand their challenges.

He cited the APC senatorial candidate Senator Philip Aduda and other grassroots political leaders as examples of politicians who maintain relationships with their constituents.

He urged all to also vote for Aduda.

On infrastructure and community development the minister commended the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman for his efforts recalling requests for the completion of important roads including those leading to Zuba.

He said the FCT Administration had responded to some of the demands stressing that development projects should cut across political and geographical boundaries.

Wike also directed relevant officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to address concerns raised by youths over abandoned community projects and the need for recreational facilities and community centres.

He said appropriate sites should be identified to provide spaces for youth development educational activities and community engagement.

The minister further called on residents of the six area councils to mobilise massively for the 2027 elections describing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as instruments through which citizens could determine their political future.

‘That day will not be a day for farming. It will not be a day for the market. It will not be a day for fishing. It is the day all of us have decided to carry our voters’ cards-our power-and mobilise every father mother and youth to go out and cast their votes’ he said.

Wike reaffirmed his commitment to working with political stakeholders across party lines to mobilise support for Tinubu insisting that unity effective governance and visible development should remain the driving forces of the coalition.

Earlier the FCT APC Chairman Hon. Ishaku Yamawo described the gathering as historic saying Wike’s political intervention had brought together leaders who previously operated on opposing sides.

He said political leaders who had never regarded themselves as brothers because of party differences are now sitting together and agreeing to work under one political platform in Gwagwalada.

Yamawo also commended the minister for reducing political tension in the area noting that campaigns had become more peaceful without the destruction of vehicles and other violent incidents previously associated with political activities.

Similarly the FCT PDP Chairman Hon. Ismaila Dogara praised Wike for his development interventions particularly the revival of a project abandoned for 16 years in Gwagwalada.

Dogara said the coming together of political leaders across party lines demonstrated the minister’s commitment to building cooperation among stakeholders.

The Aguma of Gwagwalada His Royal Highness Muhammadu Magaji also commended the minister for his contributions to the development of the territory saying the revival of the abandoned project underscored the importance of continuity in governance.

In his welcome address the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council Hon. Kassim Mohammed listed road projects executed by his administration in Gwagwalada metropolis Tungan Wada Abum-pe and other communities.

He vowed to also work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

2027: Accord Party urges Court to dismiss suit seeking to disqualify candidates

The Accord Party has urged the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to dismiss a suit seeking the disqualification of all its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The party, in a preliminary objection filed before the court, faulted the competence of the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CV/2524/2026, filed by its National Secretary, Adebukola Ajaja, on the grounds that it is statute-barred, having been instituted outside the 14 days allowed under the law.

The party, in the objection filed through its lawyer, Musibau Adetunbi, SAN, also queried the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case, which it argued relates to the nomination of candidates, an issue that falls within the internal affairs of a political party.

The Accord Party, while questioning the plaintiff’s locus standi to file the suit on the grounds that she was not an aspirant in the primary election conducted on May 29, also faulted the competence of the suit for failure to include necessary parties.

It argued that while the plaintiff wants the court to nullify the nomination of its candidates, none of the candidates who would be affected by the outcome of the suit was joined as a party to afford them the opportunity to be heard.

The party also faulted the competence of the suit on the grounds that it was allegedly premature because the plaintiff failed to serve it with the required 21 days’ pre-action notice.

Accord, listed as the second defendant in the suit, argued that its primary election was conducted in accordance with all relevant laws and guidelines, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had since recognised its outcome and the list of candidates duly submitted to the electoral umpire in the prescribed format.

It further argued that, contrary to the plaintiff’s contention, the National Chairman and the National Organising Secretary could validly sign and submit candidates’ lists and forms to INEC in the absence of the National Secretary, in line with Article 18 of the party’s constitution and Regulations 25(3) and 28(2) of INEC’s guidelines.

The Accord Party added that: ‘INEC Regulations and Guidelines for political parties did not, in any way, specify that the plaintiff herein must sign the forwarding letter, neither did the Constitution of the second defendant require her (the plaintiff) to sign.

‘The National Executives of the party expressly authorised the fourth defendant to co-sign with the third defendant. No wrong has been done,’ the party said.

Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Jegede v. INEC, the party argued that even if only its National Chairman had signed, ‘the plaintiff’s case is still bound to fail because the signature of the National Chairman suffices on the authority of Jegede v. INEC.’

Accord Party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated in a counter-affidavit that, contrary to the plaintiff’s claim that her responsibilities were usurped by the National Organising Secretary, she had actually abandoned her duties.

Mgbudem, who queried the plaintiff’s handling of the party’s funds, accused her of making false claims about the number of cases pending in court in relation to the primary election, stating that no fewer than 16 cases had been filed.

He said: ‘The plaintiff is the National Secretary, but she had stopped attending the meetings of the National Working Committee, which, under our party’s constitution, comprises the National Executive Officers.

‘She did not attend the past three consecutive National Working Committee meetings. As the Chief Executive of the second defendant, I can sign any document on behalf of the party, except where either the National Executive Council or the Convention sees the need for the contrary.

‘By virtue of Article 18(1) of the Accord Constitution, I am the Chief Executive of Accord and, by virtue of Article 18(1)(v), I have the power to ‘assign specific functions to any member or officer of the party.’

‘On May 24, 2026, the National Working Committee, under my leadership, met and resolved that I, as the National Chairman, and Elder Ibe Kenechukwu ThankGod, the National Organising Secretary, should co-sign the forwarding letter of the aspirants who are eventually successful.

‘INEC recognised the primary election conducted on May 29, 2026, by the National Executive of the party under the supervision of the National Working Committee.

‘After the successful completion of all the primaries for contested elective positions, except the presidential election (for which the party did not conduct any primary election), Mr Ibe and I forwarded the names of all our successful candidates electronically to INEC.

‘Electronic submissions of all INEC forms, other than the letters, do not require physical signing of all the forms due to the large number of participating political parties and the extremely large number of candidates participating in the 2027 General Elections,’ he said.

Naia expects Undas season passenger count to exceed 1 million

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is anticipating at least 144,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday, All Souls’ Day.

This is on top of the 868,423 passengers recorded from October 27 to November 1, which will push the total number of travelers using the country’s primary airport to over 1 million before the end of the Undas season.

‘Based on the projection of NNIC-AICCC (Airport Integrated Command and Control Center) passenger traffic is expected to reach at least 144,000 today,’ the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a text message to the media.

MIAA also said it is anticipating less passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

‘Mas mataas po ang expected passenger volume namin today based on the projection, compared to November 3, we are expecting at least 139,000 passengers na lang po,’ MIAA told the Inquirer in a text message.

(The expected passenger volume today is higher based on projection compared to November 3, we are expecting at least 139,000 passengers.)

In 2025, NAIA handled 1,237,653 passengers from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4.