Category: Daily Trust

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has completed extensive preparations for Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, with thousands of trained personnel, essential voting materials, and multi-layered security arrangements in place.

According to the commission’s bulletin, INEC has trained and deployed 24,000 ad-hoc staff, while 114 domestic and international observer groups and 76 accredited media organisations will monitor the exercise.

INEC disclosed that 6,879 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been configured for the election. Data from the commission shows that there are 5,718 polling units and 183 voting points across the 21 local government areas of the state, with 45 Registration Area Centres (RACs) established for logistical support.

Similarly, over 3,000 vehicles and 83 boats have been secured to facilitate the movement of personnel and materials, especially to hard-to-reach riverine communities. The commission also reported a 98 per cent functionality rate for the BVAS devices after testing. Anambra has a total of 2,802,790 registered voters, with a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate of 63.9 per cent, according to INEC. Sixteen political parties are fielding candidates in the election.

Meanwhile, Yiaga Africa has warned that voter turnout may fall below 20 per cent due to growing apathy and declining public trust in the electoral process.

In a pre-election statement issued on Thursday and signed by Asmau Maikudi, chair of the 2025 Anambra Election Observation Mission, and Samson Itodo, executive director of Yiaga Africa, the organisation said the political atmosphere in the state ‘has remained relatively passive, with voters almost disinterested in participating in voter engagement activities.’

The group noted that ‘narratives indicating a lack of trust in the electoral process and outcomes are prevalent across different communities in the state,’ adding that young people appear the least interested.

The organisation warned that if this trend continues, it could further undermine electoral legitimacy.

‘Given this trend, and Anambra’s historical record of low voter turnout, there are serious concerns that the 2025 governorship election may witness turnout rates below 20 per cent, further weakening electoral legitimacy,’ Yiaga Africa stated.

It urged all stakeholders, including political parties, INEC, and security agencies, to take urgent steps to rebuild public confidence and encourage voter participation.

The government of Angola has announced plans to decorate Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, with the prestigious Peace and Development Medal in recognition of his contributions to peacebuilding in Angola.

The decoration will take place during the official ceremony marking the 50th Anniversary of Angola’s independence, scheduled for November 6, 2025.

In a formal notification dated October 30, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Angola in Nigeria, Benin, Niger, and ECOWAS conveyed the message to Professor Gambari, stating that the honour was being conferred on behalf of President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.

‘The Embassy of the Republic of Angola has the honour to inform you that, on behalf of His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, you have been selected to receive the Peace and Development Medal,’ the letter read.

The Embassy described the medal as a symbol of ‘deep gratitude and recognition’ of Gambari’s vital role in advancing the peace process in Angola through his work with the United Nations. It also acknowledged the ‘enduring support and solidarity of the Nigerian people in Angola’s journey toward national sovereignty and sustainable development.’

Professor Gambari, who served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and later as Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, played a significant role in diplomatic efforts across Africa, including conflict resolution and peace negotiations in Angola during the country’s post-civil war recovery.

The Peace and Development Medal is one of Angola’s highest honours, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s stability, development, and international partnerships.

The Embassy concluded its letter by reaffirming its respect and appreciation for Gambari’s legacy, stating:

‘The Embassy of the Republic of Angola avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency the assurances of its highest consideration.’

The 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence is expected to attract dignitaries from across Africa and beyond, as the country reflects on its journey from colonial rule to sovereignty and development.

A youth advocacy group on Wednesday took its campaign against air pollution to markets and schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The youths, led by Ms. Daniella Omotola, a young Rotaractor (Rotaract Club of Omole Golden, District 9111) and behavioral advocate, said the campaign aimed to promote the adoption of clean energy solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group distributed handbills, flyers, and held talk shows as part of the initiative.

Omotola explained that the ‘Breathe Clean Air Abuja’ project, scheduled for launch on Nov. 13, is a flagship public-private partnership initiative under the FCTA (Federal Capital Territory Administration). (NAN) ‘The campaign will focus on raising awareness about the dangers of charcoal and firewood stoves, aiming to replace traditional firewood stoves with gas stoves,’ she said.

She added that the campaign will reach over 5,000 households across the six area councils of the FCT, particularly in underserved communities. (NAN)

Two members of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) have been arrested in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State after a Facebook post allegedly accusing the council chairman, Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, of abandoning a road construction project.

The two, identified as Murtala Garba Doka and Shamsu Safiyanu Lambu, popularly known as Shamzeet Lambu, were reportedly picked up on Monday on the orders of the chairman.

Their arrest was allegedly prompted by a Facebook post made by Shamzeet Lambu, in which he accused the chairman of failing to complete the Lambu-Banki-Yarimawa-Jakata road project, said to have been approved by the state government at a cost of about ?240 million.

In the post written in Hausa, Lambu stated: ‘240 Millions kudinmu a Burji Allah Ya Saka Mana Wlh,’ which translates to, ‘Our N240 million in Burji, may God reward us.’ Sources told our reporter that the two were initially detained at the Tofa Divisional Police Station before being transferred to the Kano State Police Command Headquarters in Bompai for further investigation.

Confirming the development, Nazifi Ado Lambu, a youth leader in the area, said the arrests had generated tension among residents.

‘Yes, they were arrested because of the Facebook post about the road project. They were held at the divisional police station before being taken to Bompai,’ he said.

A resident of Lambu Ward, who pleaded anonymity, said the community had long appealed to the council chairman to fix the road, adding that he initially promised to do so. ‘He promised to construct the road with proper drainage and asphalt. But after the state government’s approval, only clearing and sand filling were done before the work stopped,’ the resident alleged. When contacted, the chairman, Ibrahim Yakubu Addis, told our correspondent that he instituted their arrest at the CID on the issue to clarify the claims.

‘We are just demanding for facts about their claims and they prove before the authorities they don’t have. I have family and relatives and above all, the people are watching, many would have believed them. They have done it before and I allowed them and they are doing it again.

‘The work was given for less than a ?100m by the governor which they claim is above that. So, we just asked them to bring proof.’

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, received the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

ýThe Sultan, who is also the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), held a closed-door meeting with the President.

ýThe visit came a few days after President Tinubu met with the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, in a similar engagement aimed at promoting religious harmony.

ýAlthough details of the discussion were not made public, the meeting was believed to have focused on strengthening interfaith understanding and advancing national unity and development.

ýThe meeting followed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened action against Nigeria over alleged anti-Christian attacks.

ýThe Sultan later joined the President for the Juma’at prayer at the State House Mosque, where the Imam, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Abubakar, urged Nigerians to support the government’s peace and security initiatives.

ýHe described peace as a prerequisite for both individual growth and the nation’s overall development.

Air component commanders of the Nigeria Air Force across the country were summoned to the force headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The commanders, it was gathered, were summoned by the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal, with a view to giving them a fresh order in the war against insecurity.

Speaking during a high-level and strategic closed-door meeting, the air chief ordered the Commanders to intensify precision air operations and deliver smarter, harder, and more decisive firepower against insurgents, terrorists and criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability. The spokesman of NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, told journalists on the sideline of the session that the meeting marked a critical step in recalibrating the NAF’s operational posture under the new leadership.

‘It (the meeting) provided a platform to harmonize strategies, strengthen inter-service cooperation, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a decisive instrument of national security and a symbol of hope for citizens,’ Ejodame, an Air Commodore explained.

The senior military officer quoted Air Marshal Aneke to have emphasized that the days ahead demand agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare.

‘We must fly smarter and strike harder not only to neutralize threats but to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,’ the air chief was quoted to have declared.

According to him, the CAS noted that the evolving nature of threats across theatres requires synchronization of air, land, and maritime operations to achieve joint mission success.

‘Our operations must be intelligence-led, coordinated, and focused. We will continue to work closely with the sister services and other security agencies to ensure a united front in the fight against terrorism and criminality,’ the air chief added.

Reassuring personnel of his commitment to their welfare, capacity development, and operational effectiveness, Air Marshal Aneke affirmed that the NAF will prioritize innovation, technology, and training to enhance mission success.

‘Every airman and airwoman has a role to play in achieving our collective vision. I will ensure you are equipped, trained, and motivated to deliver results,’ he pledged.

The CAS also reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force remains dedicated to the government’s vision of peace and security while upholding international standards of conduct and accountability.

‘We will apply decisive force against those who threaten our nation, with discipline, humanity, and professionalism. The Nigerian people, government, and international partners expect nothing less from us,’ he stated.

Air Marshal Aneke charged the commanders to translate strategy into decisive action, sustain operational tempo, and ensure every sortie achieves tangible impact on the ground.

‘The safety and confidence of our citizens are our mission success indicators. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,’ he declared.

The strategic engagement reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of its personnel, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, reassuring Nigerians of its resolve to protect the nation, and reinforcing the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Three new books exploring Africa’s leadership challenges and deepening youth crisis will be unveiled on November 11 at the ECOWAS Commission, Asokoro, Abuja.

Authored by diplomat and leadership scholar, Steve Okey Onwuka, the books – Africa: Vengeance of the Abandoned, The Dialogue: The Vulnerable and the Desperate, and Songs of Ogadi – examine the continent’s moral, social, and generational struggles through literature, philosophy, and faith.

Onwuka said the works reflect Africa’s crisis of purpose and the growing alienation of its youth, urging leaders to return to indigenous wisdom and collective moral responsibility.

‘Africa must rediscover its own problem-solving models before the despair of the young consumes the continent,’ he said.

He explained that Africa: Vengeance of the Abandoned traces the roots of youth neglect to the colonial era, while The Dialogue dramatises greed and abandonment as moral epidemics. Songs of Ogadi, he added, offers thirty poems that link ancestral wisdom with youthful aspiration.

The event will be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as Guest of Honour.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, will serve as Chief Host, while African Union Special Envoy on Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, will deliver the keynote address.

Book unveiling will be led by former Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha and Chief Chibuike Achigbu, CEO of CHIMONS Gas Ltd.

Reviews will be presented by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Julius Sandy, and Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Executive Director, Development Specs Academy.

Onwuka said the presentation, themed African Leadership and the Youth Crises, would bring together policymakers, diplomats, and thinkers in what he described as ‘a confluence of African reflection and renewal.’

The Senate on Wednesday suspended the confirmation of Kingsley Udeh (SAN) as minister following the absence of a mandatory security clearance.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the plenary, announced that the confirmation could not hold until the chamber received the required security report on the nominee.

‘The confirmation of the minister-nominee would have been next on the list, but we need security clearance,’ Akpabio told his colleagues.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on Tuesday, requested the Senate to confirm Udeh, from Enugu State, as minister. The request was contained in a letter read by Akpabio during plenary.

The President said the nomination was made in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers him to appoint ministers subject to Senate confirmation.

Udeh’s nomination followed the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down last month amid controversy over his academic credentials – including questions surrounding a degree allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji, the only cabinet member from Enugu State, resigned after mounting public pressure and calls for his replacement, leaving the state without representation in the Federal Executive Council.

After reading the President’s letter on Tuesday, Akpabio referred Udeh’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole for screening and further legislative action.

However, when the matter came up on the Order Paper on Wednesday, Akpabio announced that the confirmation would not proceed due to the pending clearance.

He hinted, however, that one of the senators had informed him that the nominee was already on his way to the National Assembly with the security clearance letter.

But Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) cautioned against compromising institutional procedures, insisting that the Senate must not act outside established norms.

‘This is an institution. I have nothing against the young man; I know him. But let’s respect this institution. You can’t wait for the nominee because he’s coming with a security clearance letter. No, that’s not done,’ Ningi said.

In response, Akpabio clarified that the Senate had no intention of waiting indefinitely, saying, ‘I don’t even have any intention of waiting for anybody because after screening them, you don’t see them again.’

The Senate President then directed the Senate Leader to move a motion for a closed-door session to deliberate on ‘national issues.’ The motion was seconded, and the lawmakers subsequently dissolved into an executive session.

Honda Nigeria has announced its participation in the 2025 Lagos International Trade Fair, scheduled to take place from November 7th to 16th at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The exhibition will feature Honda’s full range of products, including its latest automobiles, motorcycles, and power products.

Honda stated that its presence at the fair underscores Honda’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and improving everyday mobility for Nigerians.

In addition to showcasing its wide product lineup, Honda will be offering exclusive trade fair discounts on select vehicles and power products throughout the event.

The company aims to make its products more accessible to customers and strengthen relationships with dealers, distributors, and end users said Daisuke Mita

Speaking on the upcoming exhibition, Factory Manager, Shoji Suzuki said: ‘The Lagos International Trade Fair provides an excellent platform to connect directly with our customers, showcase our engineering excellence, and offer them great value. We’re excited to be part of this event and look forward to welcoming visitors to the Honda stand.

‘Honda invites the general public, business partners, and stakeholders to visit its exhibition stand to experience the brand’s quality, technology, and trusted performance first-hand.’

Head, Sales and Logistics Automobile, Remi Adams also speaking at a media briefing held at Honda said no fewer than 12 products would be exhibited at the trade fair including two automobiles – the Honda HR-V and CR-V; two motorbikes and eight power products.

According to him, attending the fair is all about connecting with the people and the trade fair offers an opportunity for that.

‘Our goal is to strengthen the Honda brand. We will display products that connect with the daily life of the people. And as a visitor you would have the opportunity to access all our product line-up, experts’ explanation about the product usage and after sales consultation. Then every visitor will have access to the best deal on our products,’ he added.

The federal government has rejected the return of Nigeria to a ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ list of nations that U.S says have violated religious freedom.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, who spoke during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, said the security situation in the country is not targeted at a particular ethnic or religious minority.

He said that some influencers that engage in criminal activities are behind the misinformation on Nigeria’s security situation.

United States President Donald Trump had, on Saturday, instructed the Pentagon to ‘prepare for action’ in Nigeria over alleged killing of Christians in the country. He warned that if the Nigerian government failed to end the alleged killings, the United States would launch strikes that would be ‘fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs who attack our cherished Christians’.

While speaking, the information minister said the challenge of accessing some of the areas affected by insecurity makes it hard for security agencies to ward off such attacks.

Idris said, ‘We can say that, for example, the Nigerian government has been able to have a correlation between some of these lobbies operating especially in the United States of America and the activities here.’

‘We have seen, and it’s a matter of public record, if you go to the records of the United States, there is what is called the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Some of the influencers of these criminal activities have direct relationship with lobbies in the U.S. who have direct relationship with some of the people who are shouting about this issue outside this country. It is a matter of public record.

‘Sometimes you hear these arguments about the minorities being attacked. The policing system and the security agencies will not in any way, because someone is in the minority, say he’s not going to be provided security or he’s not going to be protected by the security agencies. Nigerian security is formed in such a way that they should be able to respond to any threat wherever it may be, whichever community that they belong to.

‘But of course, sometimes access to some of the infrastructure leading to some of these communities make it sometimes a bit difficult to reach there on time or when this crime is committed. And the government is looking seriously into that to improve on that. And that is why there is massive investment in the infrastructure you see going around the country to also make it easy and smooth for the security agencies to operate.’

He added that the government was making all efforts to bring back community policing to complement the efforts of the Nigerian security agencies.

When asked on whether the lack of appointment of ambassadors is responsible to the President Donald Trump’s insistence on Christian genocide in the country, he said it is not, as the federal government has a cordial relation with the US.

He added, ‘We know that ambassadors play a great role in enhancing a country’s image wherever they are. But we don’t want to say it is because there is the absence of ambassadors because the Nigerian government has been relating with the American counterparts and other nations to ensure that there is greater collaboration. But let me also add that the president is working hard on this ambassador matter.’

On his part, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, David Alake, said politicians who lost in the elections are also pushing the narrative of Christian genocide in the US.

He added that there is a letter written by Nigerians applauding Trump for labelling Nigeria as a country of concern.

He warned that if there is an escalation in the security situation in the country nobody knows who will be affected.

He also accused them of amplifying the activities of separatist groups in the name of losing elections which he said showed they do not have goodwill towards the country.

Tinubu’s family, appointments prove Nigeria isn’t targeting Christians – Keyamo

Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the claim that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria is untrue.

In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo said Trump’s comments were based on false information.

The aviation minister said he had been a lawyer for over three decades and had dedicated most of his career to promoting and defending human rights.

Keyamo said his faith and commitment to ethical conduct would have prevented him from serving in any government that targeted Christians.

He said Nigeria, like many other countries, has faced internal security challenges caused by violent groups such as Boko Haram and armed herders.

‘These decades-old problems were inherited by our president who has made great progress in the fight against these insurgents,’ he said.

‘In fact, most of the security chiefs appointed by him are Christians, so it would be unthinkable to imagine them being complicit in the killing of fellow Christians in Nigeria.’

The aviation minister described President Bola Tinubu as a ‘moderate’ Muslim whose family reflects Nigeria’s religious diversity.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, though a Muslim, is a known ‘moderate’, whose wife is a pastor of one of the biggest Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria and most of his children are practising Christians,’ he said.

‘When he was governor of Lagos State, he regularly invited Christian pastors for prayers and worship sessions at the government house.

‘He will be the last person to either adopt the killing of Christians as a state policy, or condone such acts or be complicit in them.’

Keyamo added that insecurity in parts of the country affects people of all religions, not just Christians.

The minister said opposition parties in Nigeria, despite their political differences, also agree that there is no targeted killing of Christians in the country.

The minister appealed to the US government to support Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism rather than rely on distorted reports.