Category: Daily Trust

Two Nigerians are putting Northern Nigeria on a global tech map with an education app designed to simplify learning methods for students and teachers.

For many edtech startups in Nigeria, the typical approach is to build an online platform with pre-recorded courses that users have to pay for, but Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Bilal Abdullah’s Breni are taking a different path.

Just like with food preferences and personality, learning methods differ from one person to another. However, traditional schools and training centres tend to employ a one-size-fits-all teaching method, which has created a gap in the educational system.

For learners and students in Northern Nigeria, this gap is even more pronounced as several of them struggle with language barriers, adopting new technology, and slow assimilation. This gap is what Abubakar Sadiq Umar, Co-founder and CEO of Breni, hopes to solve.

‘There is this educational dilemma that 21st century kids or students are being taught by 20th century teachers using 19th century curriculum on an 18th century calendar,’ Umar tells Techpoint Africa.

With his experience in digital marketing, blockchain, and business analysis, Umar is building a solution for the educational sector.

His platform, Breni is an AI-powered learning app that helps make education more accessible by offering personalised content tailored to different learning styles and languages.

Officially launched in August 2025, it has attracted over 3,000 users from more than 20 countries worldwide, with 90% of them outside Nigeria.

From fintech employees to edtech founders

Umar and his co-founder, Bilal Abdullahi, met while studying computer science at the Yusuf Maitama Sule University in Kano. There, they discovered a shared passion for technology and how it could improve the ecosystem in the North.

This bootstrapped startup has paid out N500m to Nigerian creators in two years

After school, they both worked at Kayi, a Nigerian fintech company, with Umar as a senior business analyst and Abdullahi as a software and AI engineer. In 2024, they both left their jobs to start Breni together.

Although new to the space, the founders saw an untapped potential in edtech, not just in impact but also in market opportunity. Currently, the edtech market in Nigeria is valued at $400 million, a 48% jump from its value in 2024.

How Breni works

Breni’s primary goal is to make learning personalised and easy. With the help of its AI-integrated tools, the app breaks down lessons into short, micro modules for easy understanding.

It also uses gamification: streaks, leaderboards, and quizzes, to make learning competitive, addictive, and fun.

‘The app employs cognitive science and technologies that social media platforms use to keep users engaged. Its spaced repetition revisits concepts at proven intervals for memory so learners don’t forget past learnings,’ Umar says.

Once users sign up, they get content based on the personal information provided. Breni adapts learning to age, level of experience, location, and preferred learning styles.

Instead of creating its own content, Breni employs AI models and Large Language Models (LLMs) that easily generate these courses based on the user’s search. Users can also set reminders and fix classes at their convenience. It also has access to information in over 100 languages worldwide.

‘Users can learn in Hausa, Spanish, French, and more. The app is not limited to traditional subjects and courses alone; users can learn anything from how to cook rice to coding,’ Umar says.

The learning platform operates a freemium model. Its free version contains ads, which provides the company with an income stream. Meanwhile, its subscription model offers access to unlimited courses.

For premium subscribers, it charges based on location, ranging from $1 in Nigeria to $5 in countries outside the continent, adjusted to the different economies. The company has generated N200,000 ($137) in revenue in 37 days.

Although Breni’s revenue stream mirrors similar competitors like Duolingo, which had free user bases before adopting a paying subscription model, its low subscription pricing and heavy reliance on ads make its business model fragile in the short term. Besides, its current user base is far from the millions required for meaningful ad revenue.

‘The truth is, not everybody, especially in Northern Nigeria, has the money to make that purchase, and not many of them actually know the value of these courses to spend such money on them.’

Unlike Southern Nigeria, Northern Nigeria has a smaller startup ecosystem, fewer investors, and less technology adoption.

With less access to tech infrastructure, connectivity, and mentorship, navigating the startup space is harder than in other parts of the country.

‘Building in Africa is already tough, but building in Nigeria is even tougher. And building in Northern Nigeria is ten times harder. There’s a mindset gap when it comes to startups and technology adoption.’

However, the region is slowly seeing more tech breakthroughs as several tech and startup hubs have been launched in several states.

Although the founders are based in Nigeria and built Breni for Nigerians, 90% of Breni’s audience is outside the country.

Nepal currently has the highest number of users, making up over 40% of Breni’s total users, with Russia and Nigeria following. The Breni app has also garnered users across countries like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the UAE, South Africa, Canada, the US, and the UK.

While both founders were able to leverage their contacts in some of these countries to get users on the app, its adoption in Asia was mainly driven by referrals from other consumers.

Competitive advantage

Breni is still new in a competitive market. Big players like Coursera and Duolingo dominate, but their models rely on a structured curriculum, video content, or expensive subscriptions.

In Africa, platforms like uLesson and Ubongo Learning are pushing mobile-first education but still lean on traditional teaching formats. Breni’s AI-powered personalised and gamified learning gives it a differentiated play.

Meanwhile, the company’s traction in unexpected geographies suggests positive adoption and could give it an edge in the edtech space.

A Kano Shari’a Court No. 2 sitting at Kofar Kudu in the Municipality has ordered the remand of one Sayyadi Muhammad in a correctional facility for allegedly attacking his father with a cutlass.

Sayyadi is facing charges of assault and causing serious injury.

Prosecution counsel, Barrister Amina Umar Yakasai, told the court that the defendant attacked his father with a cutlass, striking him on the head and leaving him with serious injuries.

She added that the attack came after the father had been advising him to live with good moral character.

When the charges were read to him, Sayyadi pleaded guilty but claimed he acted because his father was ‘disturbing him.’

Presiding Judge Isa Rabi’u Kademi Gaya ordered his remand in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to October 13, for continuation of hearing.

Kaduna State has officially eliminated trachoma, a leading infectious cause of blindness, marking a major public health milestone achieved through the partnership between the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and Sightsavers.

The announcement was made during the close-out ceremony of the Trachoma Trichiasis Intervention in Kaduna, where stakeholders celebrated the successful elimination of the disease after more than a decade of concerted efforts.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Teyil Wamyil- Mshelia, Country Coordinator for Trachoma at Sightsavers, described the achievement as ‘a day of celebration and a testament to years of commitment and collaboration.’

‘Today, we are marking the close-out ceremony for trachoma elimination in Kaduna State,’ she said.

‘Kaduna is one of the first states where Sightsavers began its work not only in Nigeria but globally. It’s been 73 years of partnership, and we are proud to see the progress that has been made.’

According to her, Sightsavers has worked closely with the state and local communities to ensure that trachoma is no longer a public health problem. ‘With the elimination of trachoma in Kaduna State, we have successfully removed one of the major public health challenges in the state,’ she said. ‘We have met all the World Health Organization (WHO) requirements to ensure that trachoma is no longer a threat here.’

Dr. Wamyil-Mshelia noted that Kaduna’s success was achieved through intensive awareness campaigns, local capacity building, and community ownership. ‘We began by raising awareness because if people don’t know, they won’t participate,’ she explained. ‘Community leaders, district heads, and traditional institutions played a crucial role. They took ownership and ensured that community members understood that services were available and beneficial.’

She added that the intervention also focused on sustainability. ‘The Kaduna State Government provided strong support to ensure that these systems continue to function effectively beyond the project,’ she said. ‘We trained ophthalmic nurses, surgeons, and community volunteers to identify and manage trachoma cases, ensuring that future outbreaks can be handled immediately.’

Earlier in her remarks, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq, Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, described the achievement as a ‘significant public health milestone’ for Kaduna and Nigeria.

‘Trachoma, a preventable bacterial infection and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, has long been a burden in areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation,’ Dr. Sadiq said. ‘Through the SAFE strategy Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement we have made trachoma ancient history in Kaduna State.’

She disclosed that over 558,000 residents benefited from mass drug administration, while 683 individuals across 11 endemic local government areas received sight-saving surgeries. ‘Ten ophthalmic nurses were trained as trichiasis surgeons, 122 boreholes were constructed, and more than 10,000 community case finders were deployed,’ she added.

Dr. Sadiq commended Governor Uba Sani, the Federal Ministry of Health, Sightsavers, and community volunteers for their commitment to eliminating trachoma. ‘Your constant dedication has brought hope to hundreds of families and moved Kaduna State closer to the goal of eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases,’ she said.

Residents of Ebaji community in the Abaji Area Council of the FCT said it has been extremely difficult to move their farm produce to the nearest market as a result of abandoned road project in the area

The agrarian community is therefore appealing to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene on the dilapidated road that links Ebaji-Rimba to the neighboring Pandagi village in the council.

Some residents who spoke when Abuja Metro visited the community on Saturday, said the deplorable road continues to cause them significant hardship, especially during the annual rainy season.

They noted that the road is one of the rural routes that was awarded by the FCT Administration through the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), connecting Pandagi to Ebaji village.

Aliyu Ndatsu, an Ebaji resident, told our reporter that the deplorable state of the road has become a nightmare not only for villagers but also for farmers who find it difficult to transport their crops to the Abaji market.

He explained that farmers often mobalise to fix some bad portions of the road before their harvested produce can be transported to the market.

‘I don’t know if you noticed some of the bad portions of the road that were repaired on your way here. Just on Friday, we mobilized ourselves to fix some dilapidated sections so that vehicles can enter. Abaji market is on Sunday, and we needed to make sure our crops are taken to the market,’ he said.

Another villager, Yunusa Ibrahim, said residents are always cut off from accessing neighboring villages during the rainy season due to the road’s condition.

He said only those with motorcycles manage to ride through, while appealing to the government to intervene and rehabilitate the road.

‘Actually, a section of the road was graded, and some culverts were constructed across streams years ago by the FCT Administration, but the work suddenly stopped then, making the road impassable,’ he said.

Monarch expresses concern

Also speaking to our reporter at his palace, the Ohiodumi of Ebaji community, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Tsado, noted that the Rimba-Ebaji road is an essential access route that links not only to Abaji town but also to neighboring villages in Niger State.

He said the road’s deplorable state has become a source of serious concern to his subjects, especially the farmers who transport their farm produce to Abaji market every five days.

‘Although this is not the first time my subjects have complained about the dilapidated Ebaji-Rimba road-it has been in the media on two occasions-since the present FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, assumed office, and we have been seeing the road projects he has been executing across Abuja city and the FCT area councils, we decided to draw his attention to also come to our aid on this Ebaji-Rimba road, which has been a nightmare for us for over 18 years,’ he said.

He appealed to the authorities of the Abaji Area Council under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Umar Abdullahi to liaise with the FCT Administration so that the road will be included among the roads the minister will be awarding.

‘To be fair to the present FCT Administration under Wike, the man is truly working, especially on the construction of roads across the FCT. We feel we should also use this medium to draw his attention to the Ebaji-Rimba road so that he will consider the road in any subsequent road project he awards,’ he added.

The monarch also expressed concern over the lack of a bridge connecting Ebaji to neighboring Egyesha, Gayankpa, Kenigi, Etebetse, and Padawa communities in Niger State.

He said the construction of a bridge across the river in the community would significantly boost socio-economic activities between Ebaji residents and the neighboring villages in Niger State.

‘Residents of these villages I mentioned, which are under Niger State, share a boundary with us, and they ply through the river into Ebaji to transport their farm produce to Abaji market. Whenever it rains heavily, people from those villages cannot cross that river,’ he stated.

The village chief recalled how members of the community contributed money about three years ago to construct a wooden bridge across the river, which was later left uncompleted due to financial constraints.

‘If you go there, you will see for yourself the kind of efforts my subjects made when they tried to contribute money to construct a wooden bridge, but unfortunately, they could not complete it due to financial constraints. So we are also appealing to the government to assist in constructing a main bridge that will connect us with neighboring villages in Niger State,’ he said.

He also lamented the insufficient number of boreholes in the community, saying residents mostly trek to the river to fetch water for domestic use.

‘I think the only functional borehole in this village is one solar-powered borehole, and it’s not enough to serve the entire households. So our women mostly go to the river to fetch water, even though some of the boreholes have been broken down for years,’ he said.

Council confirms intervention request

An official in the works department of the council, who craved anonymity, confided in our correspondent that the council chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, had already presented a proposal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, requesting the rehabilitation of the Ebaji-Rimba road.

‘Actually, when Wike came to commission the Unguwar Hausawa road a few months ago, the Chairman tendered the request to the Minister about that, which I am telling you confidently that the issue of the Ebaji-Rimba road is already before the Minister,’ he said.

The official noted that the Ebaji-Rimba road project was abandoned during the administration of the past FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, revealing that the present FCT Administration would likely revoke the road project and re-award it afresh.

‘When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.’ – African proverb

A potentially damaging campaign against Nigeria is gaining ground in sensitive and influential circles at the international level, particularly in the United States. Its goals appear to be to isolate and cripple Nigeria’s influence globally, limit its capacity to influence events around Israel and Palestine, and deepen internal religious fault lines in a country where faith is a valuable political currency. Basically, the campaign claims that Nigeria tolerates and encourages systemic religious persecution against Christian citizens in their thousands and demands that the international community sanction the country and protect Christians. While these types of allegations are not new, they are worrisome now because they appear to be contrived entirely from fiction and are intended to achieve maximum impact within the shortest period possible. The goal appears to be to stimulate President Trump’s massive appetite for operating outside established and predictable conduct, to punish Nigeria with labels and isolation, so that a country already weakened by its own leaders will remain on its knees and become even more irrelevant in an intensely competitive world. This will please interests that could be hurt by an assertive and confident Nigeria as the world agonizes over the seeming free fall of global values and the integrity of its institutions.

In March this year, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee acted on the testimony of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi and advised President Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria as a result of widespread persecution of Christians in the country. Since then, a variety of sources have piled on pressure to draw attention to Nigeria as a country hostile to Christians and therefore deserving of sanctions. From popular TV personality Phil Maher, who reeled out incredulous numbers of Christians allegedly killed in Nigeria, to U.S. senators and pressure groups speaking for Christian communities, an effort appears to be gaining momentum to promote the fiction that Nigeria is unsafe for Christians, who are being specifically targeted by ‘Islamist’ groups. This campaign will likely succeed in placing Nigeria under some form of sanction, as it had experienced earlier at the hands of the U.S.

Now, Marco Rubio has stepped up to get Nigeria blacklisted as a country hostile to Christians. If his initiative succeeds, Nigeria could come under sanctions and even hostile action by the United States. More serious is the possibility that Nigeria is the target of assaults from powerful interests in the U.S., in particular, at a time when it has a very weak capacity to protect itself. With a global environment in punishing and unsettling flux, nations – even strong ones with deep links – are unsure where they stand in relation to familiar protocols or standards. Nigeria has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. Those who worry over reactions to the genocide in Gaza and the free hand lent to Israel by the U.S. and Europe to complete the weakening of the Arab and Muslim world watch the reactions of Nigerian Muslims very closely.

But Nigerian Muslim leaders and the Nigerian government have remained substantially aligned with the world that has been content with Israel’s outrageous treatment of Palestinians, despite a series of indictments and condemnations by international regulators and monitors who have described Israeli actions as genocide many times over. For a world that had shared Jewish people’s labelling of their experiences during the Second World War as genocide, the term – when applied against any nation – should be an abomination. Yet Israel gets away with its actions with little more than slap-on-the-wrist statements. Many countries believe the world will appreciate the recent raft of decisions to recognise Palestine by many nations as punishment against Israel’s actions toward Palestinians. Those decisions, however, will be engineered by Israel and the U.S. in a manner that dilutes them into belated symbolism until Israel concludes its designs for its version of the future of Palestinians.

Nigeria could – if it were not so poorly led and unaware of its potential – make a stronger case for restraint against Israeli excesses in the Middle East and the U.S.’s domineering role in global affairs. It has the potential to represent Africa and the Black race on the Security Council with veto power, but it lacks the confidence and credibility to lead in that direction. That potential remains a threat, and those who seek to place upon it the same label of genocide which Israel now bears know this. A Nigeria labelled by the U.S. as engaging in genocide will bleed credibility in a world substantially designed by U.S. standards. The term genocide itself would be watered down, so it does not offend in its impact when applied against Israel.

Nigeria’s potential to play a more decisive role in global affairs would be severely damaged. Its internal capacity to rally its two major faiths – a vital requirement to rediscover its mission, rebuild, and assume a place as a united, developed African nation – would also be gravely undermined. The U.S. government has many sources of information that tell it there is no genocide against Christians in Nigeria. If it acts in reaction to this contrived falsehood, it cannot be because it has evidence that thousands of Christians are being systematically killed for their faith. It would be an action designed to weaken Nigeria and compound its already substantial self-inflicted weaknesses. These include rampant threats from multiple sources against all citizens, including insurgents and bandits who shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ as they kill, rob, and rape Muslim and Christian victims without discrimination. In many cases, Christian criminals kill Christians, the same way Muslim criminals kill Muslims.

The Nigerian government has made some effort to challenge this emerging smear campaign designed to worsen the country’s problems. This, however, is not enough. Whatever it is that has informed President Tinubu’s decision not to appoint Ambassadors and Heads of Missions since his swearing-in, he should know it has damaged Nigeria very badly. He must appoint Ambassadors immediately, at least to countries like the US and others with the potential to assist or harm our interests, as well as the UN. Nigerians are dying and running from criminals like never before. Only the government of Nigeria can stop this, and it must treat ending these threats as its single most important responsibility. Nigerian Christian clergy have a duty to speak up and denounce the falsehood that there is genocide against Christians in Nigeria. The U.S. will not step in and fight for over 100 million Christians if its contribution to our crises descends even lower than it currently is. Muslim and Christian leaders should improve their search for common ground and speak for both Muslims and Christians, all of whom are victims of criminals in all parts of Nigeria. Nigerians need to be aware of threats to our future as a free, secure, and united people, many of which come from outside our country.

Nigeria’s registered political parties, under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), have proposed the creation of an independent body to appoint the chairman, national commissioners and secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The move, they said, would strengthen the commission’s neutrality and enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.

The proposal was presented by IPAC national chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, at a consultative meeting between political party leaders and the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Monday in Abuja.

The call comes amid mounting pressure on the National Assembly to pass key electoral reforms to ensure transparency and credibility, especially in the appointment of the INEC chairman ahead of the 2027 general election.

Represented by his deputy, Dipo Olayoku, Dantalle said the current system, which allows the president to appoint INEC leadership, undermines public confidence and the commission’s independence.

‘To promote INEC’s neutrality, the power to appoint its leadership should be removed from the executive. Instead, an Independent Appointment Committee should be created, comprising representatives of all registered parties, civil society, the National Judicial Council and a joint committee of the National Assembly,’ he said.

He added that such inclusivity would enhance transparency and credibility in appointing INEC’s leadership.

IPAC’s position echoes earlier calls by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan for reforms to guarantee credible electoral leadership. In a recorded address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, Obasanjo described the 2023 elections as ‘a travesty,’ urging urgent reform to rebuild public trust.

He said INEC’s leadership must be thoroughly vetted to ensure that only ‘dispassionate, non-partisan actors with impeccable reputations’ are appointed, and recommended short tenures for electoral officials to prevent undue influence and corruption.

Jonathan also urged a new process for appointing the next INEC chairman, proposing an independent screening and nomination mechanism to strengthen the commission’s credibility ahead of the 2027 polls. Jonathan, represented by Ms Ann Iyonu, executive director of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, made the call late August in Abuja at the public presentation of the National Action Plan for Electoral Reforms organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

The intervention comes at a sensitive moment: the tenure of the current INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, is due to expire before the end of the year. Yakubu, who oversaw the 2019 and 2023 polls, has served two terms, and the choice of his successor is already generating quiet speculation. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expected to seek re-election in 2027, analysts say whoever emerges as the next INEC chair will play a decisive role in shaping the credibility of that contest.

Beyond the appointment process, Jonathan had also revived an earlier proposal for the establishment of an independent office of the registrar of political parties to regulate party operations, promote internal democracy and enforce discipline. He suggested that such an office should have the power to declare the seat of any defector vacant, arguing that the electoral mandate belongs to the people, not individual ambition.

Like IPAC, Obasanjo and Jonathan, the European Union (EU) also recently warned that Nigeria risks repeating the shortcomings of the 2023 general elections if reforms are not concluded before 2027.

Barry Andrews, member of the European Parliament and former chief observer of the EU Election Observation Mission for the 2023 polls, told a press conference in Abuja last week that progress on electoral reform had been ‘modest at best, dangerously close to stagnation.’

‘Unless these reforms are concluded within the next few months, there is a risk of repeating the serious shortcomings of 2023,’ he warned.

The mission listed six critical reforms, including transparent INEC appointments, election result transparency, women’s representation, creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, constitutional reforms to give INEC a stable legal framework, and protection of media freedom.

Aregbesola: Parties with five lawmakers should nominate INEC chair

Echoing the call for reform, national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola proposed that political parties with at least five lawmakers in the National Assembly should nominate candidates for the INEC chairmanship.

Speaking on Monday at a panel session themed ‘Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015-2025,’ Aregbesola said: ‘When a principal beneficiary of manipulation selects the electoral leadership, the process is inherently compromised. Let parties with at least five members in the National Assembly nominate those who will lead INEC.’

He added that public confidence in Nigeria’s elections would remain low unless reforms began with the method of appointing the electoral commission’s leadership, and urged INEC to publicly demonstrate the technology it plans to use during elections.

Aregbesola cautioned against over-reliance on technology without institutional integrity, noting that ‘technology is as good as the person behind it.’

He also questioned the reliability of institutions charged with upholding law and order, asking, ‘is it reliable?’

‘These are things we have to look at. Beyond general statements, we must be specific. If institutions fail, elections will continue to be manipulated,’ he said.

Youth group backs bill to strip president of appointment powers

The National Muslim Youth Association (NMYA) has urged the National Assembly to give serious consideration to a draft bill sponsored by Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah, which seeks to amend the constitution and strip the president and state governors of the power to appoint chairpersons of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NMYA President, Engr. Abdulraham Aliyu, said Nigeria’s electoral integrity hinges on removing political influence from the appointment process.

‘We agree with Senator Obiorah that honest elections are impossible in Nigeria if the president and the governors continue to wield the power of appointing the electoral bodies,’ Aliyu stated.

The group argued that technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal, while useful, cannot guarantee credible elections without an impartial electoral body. It said both systems remain vulnerable to manipulation.

The association maintained that the proposed amendment is necessary to establish a truly independent and neutral INEC capable of conducting free and fair elections.

Moves for new INEC chair

Efforts are on at the moment for the appointment of a new INEC chairman to replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure expires in about a month.

It would be recalled that the Weekend Trust had reported that Justice Abdullahi Mohammed Liman was being considered for the position.

However, in the past few days some newspapers have reported that Professor Joash Amupitan is also being considered for the position. Amupitan is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, and an indigene of Kogi State.

Lawal: Build institutions, not individuals

Similarly, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, speaking at the session as Aregbesola, described the ongoing conversation on electoral reform as ‘timely and necessary,’ noting that the country must embrace technology to safeguard democracy.

‘INEC came up with a very interesting process, moving away from the archaic way of doing things into embracing technology, which is the use of BVAS,’ he said. ‘It’s a very good innovation, and if we fine-tune it to reflect reality, it will be the way forward.’

Lawal identified gaps between BVAS and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) and called for full digital integration.

‘Going forward, there should be proper integration so that as aggregation is ongoing, whatever is dropping on BVAS should also reflect on IReV in real time,’ he said.

He emphasised the need for strong infrastructure to support technology-driven elections, acknowledging that ‘infrastructure is key because we are talking about technology and network. INEC must ensure connectivity across polling centres. That is the only way we can have a seamless process.’

The Zamfara governor further urged Nigeria to focus on building institutions rather than individuals. ‘Let us try to build institutions rather than building individuals, because individuals come and go, but institutions come to stay,’ he said. ‘So long as there’s no rule of law, no matter what we do here, it is absolutely nothing.’

He warned that security challenges also pose threats to electoral integrity. ‘Security is key to whatever we do because politicians rely on security and use it to intimidate people for their selfish interests. So long as that is not addressed, it is a fundamental error, and nothing can be done,’ he said.

Soludo: Politicians must stop manipulating elections

On his part, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who joined the panel session virtually, said Nigeria’s electoral process had made significant progress under the current INEC leadership but needed further strengthening.

‘I believe in technology, and I believe that INEC has done greatly well. It’s still a work in progress,’ he said, adding that ‘as we saw from the perceptions and those numbers about what people think, INEC doesn’t, in my view, receive enough credit for what it has done.’

Soludo recalled that Anambra State was the first to experiment with technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IReV under the current INEC leadership.

‘Anambra happened to be the first state where INEC, under the leadership of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, experimented on a statewide basis with BVAS, IReV. And it’s also going to be the last one under his tenure,’ he noted.

He added that ‘if the experience in Anambra since 2019 is anything to go by, we’ll be able to score INEC not less than 90 percent. It was clear, transparent, open, and credible.’

While acknowledging imperfections, Soludo said politicians must also take responsibility for electoral malpractices. ‘Politicians need to do a lot more. This Nigerian factor, where we believe that nothing can happen without some ‘wayo’, must stop,’ he said. ‘Some politicians are sleeping in INEC offices because they don’t believe votes can be counted and announced without manipulation,’ he added.

He urged the electoral body to enforce accountability among its officials, noting that ‘INEC officials who blatantly go ahead to manipulate results and say ‘go to court’ must be prosecuted and jailed,’ adding that ‘we must codify these things as law so that those officials who violate them are punished.’

IPAC calls for scrap of SIECs

As part of its electoral reforms, the IPAC also urged lawmakers to scrap State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and transfer responsibility for local government elections in all 774 councils to INEC.

Dantalle argued that SIECs have become tools of state governors to entrench one-party dominance. ‘Politics is local, and citizens should participate in grassroots democracy that guarantees credible council polls. Vesting local elections in INEC will restore credibility and deepen local government autonomy,’ he said.

He further proposed restoring public funding for political parties to promote inclusiveness and a level playing field, provided mechanisms for accountability are established.

IPAC also backed the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute electoral crimes such as vote-buying and ballot snatching. Dantalle added that legislative seats vacated due to death or defection should be filled by the original party through replacement rather than fresh elections, which he described as ‘costly and avoidable.’

Commending the National Assembly for its consultative approach, Dantalle said: ‘A revised Constitution and Electoral Act enacted before 2027 will correct recurring flaws and ensure fair representation for all Nigerians.’

CISLAC backs independent INEC appointment, opposes scrapping of SIECs

Executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, supported the call for an independent INEC appointment process but opposed scrapping state electoral bodies.

He said allowing the president to appoint INEC officials undermines trust and violates constitutional principles. ‘CISLAC and the Transition Monitoring Group have long advocated for an independent appointment process,’ he said, stressing that transparency and impartiality are crucial for credible polls.

He lamented that since 1999, successive presidents have ignored the constitutional provision barring partisan individuals from serving in the electoral body.

Rafsanjani stressed that only a transparent, impartial appointment process could guarantee credible elections. ‘If the process is not transparent or free from political influence, that’s a big challenge,’ he stated.

However, he disagreed with IPAC’s call to scrap state electoral bodies, warning that it could weaken Nigeria’s federal structure.

‘Instead of abolishing SIECs, we should reform and strengthen them to promote accountability and transparency at the subnational level.

‘We are supposed to be running a federal system of government. If we are to run a true federalism, we must build and consolidate institutions at the state and local government levels that can function independently,’ Rafsanjani said’, he said.

According to him, the debate mirrors the controversy over state police. ‘We’re supposed to run a federal system. Lack of trust in state institutions shouldn’t justify centralising power at the federal level,’ Rafsanjani added.

Public affairs analyst Dr Godwin Odeh agreed that the integrity of appointees, not the appointment method alone, remains the key issue.

‘If people with integrity, courage and patriotism are appointed, they will act in the nation’s best interest,’ he said.

Kalu: It’s our moment to make democracy work better

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Constitution Review Committee chairman, Benjamin Kalu, urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to strengthen democracy through ongoing constitutional amendments.

He called for consensus and collective action across party lines to address governance challenges. ‘Before us are critical amendment bills that will define the trajectory of our democracy for the next generation,’ Kalu said, citing bills to guarantee women’s representation, grant local government financial autonomy, and streamline the electoral process.

He emphasised that goodwill alone cannot sustain democracy. ‘We need strong institutions and clear rules. This is our moment to get it right,’ he added, urging stakeholders to study the bills and make meaningful inputs, particularly on women’s representation.

‘Too many Nigerians, especially women, feel left behind. Our democracy cannot be complete when half of the population is excluded from decisions that shape our future,’ he said.

Kalu explained that one of the amendment bills before the committee seeks to guarantee women’s representation in legislative houses at both federal and state levels.

‘This is not a token gesture but a practical effort to ensure equity and inclusiveness,’ he added, stressing that women’s perspectives enrich governance and make democracy more responsive.

He urged political parties to support the proposal, noting that genuine democratic progress depends on women’s active participation at all levels.

Kalu described the ongoing constitutional review as the most inclusive in Nigeria’s history, involving broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers, professional groups, and stakeholders across all zones.

Akpabio: Time to renew the promise of democracy

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno, declared the session open, urging a ‘collective renewal of Nigeria’s democratic promise.’

He said credible elections, justice delivery and local government autonomy are vital to restoring public confidence. ‘True federalism begins at the grassroots. If government doesn’t work in the village, it has failed in the capital,’ he said, and stressed women’s inclusion as both a moral and economic necessity.

Akpabio also endorsed state policing as a pragmatic response to insecurity, describing it as ‘realism, not rebellion.’

In his contribution, Accord Party chairman Maxwell Mbudem called for judicial decentralisation through state appeal courts to hasten justice delivery and decongest federal courts.

He said, ‘This reform will strengthen access to justice and bring it closer to the people.’

A heated exchange unfolded live on television on Tuesday when the Minister of Works, David Umahi, clashed with Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, during an appearance.

The interview, which focused on the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, took an unexpected turn when Oseni questioned the minister about reports that he had allegedly complained to President Bola Tinubu over his comments on the project.

Visibly irritated, Umahi dismissed the allegation, saying Oseni was ‘too small’ for him to report to the President.

‘You are too small for me to report you to the President. Who are you for me to report you? ‘ Umahi fired back.

Tensions heightened further when the minister described himself as a ‘professor in engineering,’ prompting Oseni to interject and ask when he attained the title.

In response, Umahi clarified that his professorship was earned through experience in the field rather than through academia.

‘Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. I understand engineering very well. You don’t understand anything,’ he said.

The exchange continued briefly before Oseni retorted, ‘Minister, it’s alright. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world know who you truly are.’

This has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with viewers divided over the conduct of both Umahi and Oseni.

On X, formerly Twitter, @gelsonluz said: ‘I think these outbursts, while certainly undignified, actually serve a purpose in revealing the true character behind the policy positions. It shows the public the transparency, or lack thereof, we can expect when the cameras aren’t rolling.’

@Royal_Citizens: ‘Rufai can be too hot headed attimes and talks off point. They are your guests, you should treat them with respect, even your gbasgbos with them should be subtle, not this brazen.’

@iambkong: ‘In Nigeria, office holders see themselves as superior over the masses. In other climes, office holders are servants and answerable to the masses.’

@labalingo: ‘I don’t support the corruption in the government but this is not journalism. This Oseni guy is so full of himself and wasted a great opportunity to actually shed light on an important topic.’

@Greatix_post: ‘Rufai needs to learn some tactics. Nobody is perfect, he has key punches to throw but he needs to learn when to release them. I don’t like Umahi, I don’t like this venture when the rest of the roads in Nigeria in impassable but I also don’t like this exchange.’

Nigerian-born global investor and Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Adebayo Ogunlesi has disclosed his intention to develop a local aviation infrastructure in Nigeria.

He spoke to newsmen after a closed door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos, expressing strong confidence in the President’s economic reforms.

He described the reforms as a solid foundation for renewed international investment in the country, commending the administration’s economic direction citing removal of fuel subsidies, ongoing tax reforms, and the revival of the national refinery.

‘We had an excellent meeting where we discussed strategies to put Nigeria front and centre for global investment. The President was very encouraging, and we exchanged valuable ideas on driving economic growth,’ he said in a statement made available to Daily Trust yesterday.

Ogunlesi added that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and evaluating new opportunities across multiple sectors.

‘Watch this space. Nigeria may not yet be the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,’ he noted.

He highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewable energy as the areas of focus, stressing that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves remain significantly underdeveloped.

Drawing on his firm’s experience in LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he described Nigeria’s energy sector as ‘ripe for sustainable partnerships.’

Ogunlesi hinted his interest in developing local aviation infrastructure, revealing that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé, but none in Nigeria, a point the President humorously challenged him on.

‘He forgave me but said, ‘You must bring port investment to Nigeria,” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

Also present at the meeting, international investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie emphasized the importance of diaspora involvement in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

‘When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in the country, it sends a powerful message to the global community,’ he said.

Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), noted that the administration’s fiscal and structural reforms are laying the groundwork for an export-led economy.

‘We have done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,’ he said.

Xiaomi, a global technology leader committed to delivering innovation for everyone, officially launched its latest smartphones, the Xiaomi 15T and the REDMI 15, at an exciting media event in Lagos. The highly anticipated launch marks another major step in Xiaomi’s journey to make cutting-edge technology accessible to Nigerian consumers, offering a powerful flagship device alongside an everyday companion designed to meet the real needs of the Nigerian market.

A Flagship Device for Trailblazers: The Xiaomi 15T

At the heart of the launch was the Xiaomi 15T, Xiaomi’s flagship innovation device. Crafted for users who demand the very best in design, performance, and photography, the Xiaomi 15T embodies Xiaomi’s philosophy of blending top-tier technology with user-centric experiences.

The Xiaomi 15T comes in three elegant colors-Black, Gray, and Rose Gold-and is available in one premium variant: 12GB RAM + 512GB storage. Priced at ?715,800, it sets a new benchmark for flagship smartphones in Nigeria.

Key Features of the Xiaomi 15T:

Leica Summilux Optical Lens – Developed in collaboration with Leica, the camera system delivers professional-grade photography, from vivid portraits to stunning low-light shots. Nigerians who love capturing everyday moments, from weddings to street life, will appreciate the depth and clarity the Xiaomi 15T offers.

MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Ultra Processor – Engineered for speed and efficiency, this processor ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and streaming. Whether it’s handling heavy work tasks or entertainment, performance is seamless.

6.83′ 120Hz Eye-care Display – With a large, vibrant screen and eye-care technology, the display provides an immersive viewing experience while reducing eye strain, making it ideal for long hours of use.

Massive 5500mAh Battery + 67W HyperCharge – Battery life is a top priority for Nigerian users, and Xiaomi delivers with a long-lasting 5500mAh battery. Paired with 67W fast charging, users can power up quickly and stay connected all day.

Xiaomi HyperOS – Built on Xiaomi’s latest software innovation, HyperOS provides an intuitive and fast user experience, ensuring the device feels smart, fluid, and efficient.

The Xiaomi 15T is designed for professionals, creators, and power users who want a phone that goes beyond expectations. It is not just a device-it’s a lifestyle companion that brings creativity and productivity to the forefront.

Everyday Power for Everyone: The REDMI 15

Complementing the flagship Xiaomi 15T is the REDMI 15, a device crafted for everyday users who value practicality, long-lasting power, and immersive entertainment. The REDMI 15 underscores Xiaomi’s mission to make high-quality technology accessible to everyone.

The device is available in Midnight Black, Titan Gray, and Sandy Purple, giving users a mix of classic and trendy styles. Consumers can choose between two storage variants: 6GB+128GB priced at ?186,400 and 8GB+256GB priced at ?212,900.

Key Features of the REDMI 15:

Massive 7000mAh Battery – One of the largest batteries in its class, the REDMI 15 ensures days of usage on a single charge. This is especially valuable in Nigeria, where power availability can be a challenge.

6.9′ Immersive FHD+ Display – A big screen for big entertainment. From watching movies to online classes, the large display creates a rich, engaging experience.

Snapdragon 685 Processor – A reliable and efficient chipset that powers smooth everyday performance, supporting both work and play without compromise.

33W Fast Charging – Despite its huge battery, the device recharges quickly, giving users more time to enjoy and less time waiting by the socket.

50MP AI Dual Camera System – With a 50MP primary camera and AI enhancements, the REDMI 15 makes it easy for anyone to capture crisp, detailed photos, whether it’s for social media or personal memories.

The REDMI 15 is built for students, families, and everyday consumers who want dependability and value. It proves that powerful features don’t have to come with a flagship price tag.

Strengthening Xiaomi’s Commitment to Nigeria

Speaking at the event, Xiaomi Nigeria’s Country Manager, Xingyu, emphasized the importance of the Nigerian market in Xiaomi’s global strategy:

‘Nigeria is one of the most vibrant smartphone markets in Africa. With the Xiaomi 15T, we are bringing world-class innovation, and with the REDMI 15, we are delivering power and reliability at an affordable price. Together, they represent Xiaomi’s vision to serve every type of user.’

Xiaomi’s distributor partners, Finet and Raya Nigeria, also highlighted their commitment to ensuring wide availability, strong retail presence, and reliable after-sales support for Xiaomi customers nationwide.

A Launch That Bridges Innovation and Accessibility

The Xiaomi 15T and REDMI 15 launch event was not just about unveiling two new devices; it was about showcasing Xiaomi’s dual strategy in Nigeria-offering premium flagship experiences while also meeting the everyday needs of millions of consumers.

With the Xiaomi 15T, users get an unrivaled flagship smartphone packed with Leica camera technology, a powerful processor, and HyperOS-driven experiences. With the REDMI 15, consumers enjoy massive battery life, a large immersive display, and reliable performance at prices that make sense for the Nigerian market.

Availability and Where to Buy?

The Xiaomi 15T and REDMI 15 are now available in Nigeria through all authorized Xiaomi stores, including Finet, Raya, 3C Hub, Slot, and more.

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, governors elected on the platform of the opposition party have promised a transparent process anchored on internal democracy.

The Chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, said the party leadership is committed to ensuring that the convention holds as planned and that all members are carried along.

Fintiri, who spoke during a meeting of the Protocol Subcommittee on Monday in Abuja, assured that no stone would be left unturned to ensure a successful exercise.

The forthcoming convention has faced internal discontent since its announcement, following conditions set by a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. The group had demanded, among other things, recognition of the South-South zonal congress in Calabar, which produced Dan Orbih as zonal chairman but was rejected by the National Working Committee (NWC).

They also opposed the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive by the NWC and rejected the proposed micro-zoning arrangement, insisting that the North Central zone should produce the next national chairman. The group warned that these issues could jeopardise the success of the convention.

However, despite the tensions, Fintiri, who spoke alongside the Protocol Subcommittee chairman and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said preparations were in top gear and that the delegates list would soon be released.

He reiterated the committee’s commitment to inclusivity, assuring that no aspirant would be shut out of the process.

Fintiri emphasised that the process would be open and transparent.

‘We are not going to deny anybody access to contest in the election. I will personally ensure that the screening committee does not do any hanky-panky. Everyone who has purchased forms will be screened once they have no encumbrances in their documents or past records,’ he said.

‘So, you can still move around and canvass for votes. It’s not a closed system; it’s open. There’s nothing to worry about – it’s true democracy. If you feel you are popular, go to the field and test your strength. At the end of the day, those supported by the majority will emerge victorious.’

In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang said the high level of commitment among members underscored the resilience of the PDP and its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political space.

‘I have always maintained that those who founded the PDP would not wish for it to die in our time,’ Mutfwang said. ‘We have a responsibility to keep the platform alive for Nigerians. For the convention to be smooth, the work of this committee is critical.

‘If you see any meeting well-organised, with a lot of ease and flow, it’s because the protocol was well handled,’ he added.