Category: Daily Trust

Many motorists and road users are feared dead as a fuel laden tanker on Friday fell and triggered fire along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway in Ogun State.

It was gathered that the tanker fell on its side and spilled its content along the Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Sagamu/Interchange stretch of the expressway.

The spokesman of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, in a traffic alert, said the development resulted into a fire outbreak.

He blamed the crash on speeding and loss of control on the part of the driver.

CBN takes direct control of Fixed Income Market

Paul Ibe: Atiku single-handedly bought Wadata Plaza for PDP

Akinbiyi said the casualty figures could not be ascertained yet, but rescue and emergency services are ongoing.

The statement read, ‘The case of an inferno caused by a 30,000 fuel laden tanker which fell on its side and dispensing its content in the wee-hours of today around 0100hrs (1am), along the Abeokuta-Kobape-Siun-Sagam/Interchange stretch of the PMB Expressway, due excessive speed and loss of control has been reported.

‘The effect of the unfortunate incident also extended to the burning of a truck and a tow vehicle along the road side, as well as the destruction of a cable supplying electricity to Mowe and environs.

‘Though the casualty figures cannot be ascertained presently, rescue/emergency services made of the TRACE, Ogun State and Nestle PLC Fire Service, FRSC and the Police are still on ground to restore normalcy and orderliness after quenching the fire and decantation process.

‘The general public, particularly the motoring public on transit along the route are implored to be calm, patient and cooperate with the diversion and re-routing of traffic put in place by TRACE, Police, Ogun State Fire Service, FRSC, AMOTEKUN and the NSCDC.

‘However, any inconveniences as a result of this unfortunate incident is highly regretted.’

The police command in Edo State says it has begun strict enforcement of tinted glass permits across the state from Thursday in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

Mr. Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, disclosed this via a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu.

Agbonika said the move was part of measures to enhance public safety and curb crimes perpetrated with unregistered or unauthorized vehicles.

‘From Thursday, our officers will stop and impound vehicles with factory-fitted and non-factory-fitted tinted glasses without a valid permit issued by the Nigeria Police Force,’ the commissioner said.

The police chief stressed that motorists must obtain the required permits through the official online portal.

The Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) has declared an operating profit of N30.47 billion for 2024, more than double the N13.75 billion recorded in the previous year.

The bank also secured a Bbb+ rating from Agusto and Co., a leading credit rating agency, which said the grade reflected NEXIM’s satisfactory financial condition and strong capacity to meet obligations compared with other development finance institutions.

Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Abba Bello, said the performance was as a result of intensified interventions in the non-oil export sector.

‘We disbursed over N495 billion to support Nigerian exporters, and this has led to the creation and sustenance of more than 36,000 direct and indirect jobs,’ he said.

He added that NEXIM’s loan book grew significantly in key areas such as manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals, and services, sectors the Federal Government has identified as critical to its diversification agenda.

Bello further noted that the bank was driving initiatives such as the Regional Sealink Project, a public-private partnership aimed at improving maritime logistics across West and Central Africa.

‘We are also promoting factoring services to expand export financing options for SMEs, while our Joint Project Preparation Fund with Afreximbank is enhancing the bankability of projects,’ he explained.

He added that NEXIM was developing tailored financing schemes for the mining sector, including contract mining, equipment leasing, and buyers’ credit, to unlock export potential and boost foreign exchange inflows.

As Nigeria marks her 65th Independence Anniversary in 2025, the mood across the nation is not one of triumph but of tension. For many young Nigerians, this milestone is less about celebrating progress and more about confronting the bitter truth of unfulfilled promises. From underfunded schools in rural villages to urban centers where survival requires daily hustling, the same question echoes: What does the Nigerian Dream look like today? For too many, the Nigerian Dream seems invisible – if it exists at all.

The Nigerian Dream cannot be borrowed from foreign models of white-picket fences or suburban comfort. For us, it must mean a life of dignity, opportunity, and contribution where citizens have a chance to earn a decent living through honest work, have access to education and skills that unlock potential, enjoy freedom from fear, hunger, and systemic neglect, and possess the ability to build, create, and leave a legacy.

But this dream often clashes with Nigeria’s current realities: failing schools, an economy strained by inflation and unemployment, and institutions too slow or unwilling to reform. The result is widespread disillusionment – especially among the youth, who make up over 60 per cent of our population.

Yet, hidden in plain sight, there is a tool that can help us reclaim agency. Ironically, it is the very subject many young Nigerians fear most: mathematics.

Mathematics is not simply a classroom subject. It is a way of thinking – about problems, possibilities, and progress. It teaches us to identify patterns in chaos, ask the right questions before making decisions, measure progress with clarity, and break big problems into solvable steps. As the late Professor Chike Obi, the first Nigerian to receive a PhD in Mathematics, demonstrated, mathematics can shine even in the hardest conditions. At a recent event, distinguished academic Ibidapo-Obe declared: ‘Mathematics is fundamental to all other disciplines . it is very important to have a calculative and analytical mind where everything has to be measured; the economy has to be measured, productivity has to be measured .’ He urged young people not to shy away from mathematics. Ajoritsedere Josephine Awosika, a former Permanent Secretary , reminds us: ‘The biggest impediment to a progressive society is a malnourished mind, and the best medicine for a malnourished mind is education.’

In a nation where dreams are often dismissed as unrealistic, Mathematics provides both the logic and the structure to transform disillusionment into empowerment. Too many Nigerian youth believe, ‘I can’t do math.’ We face real obstacles such as math anxiety and poor teaching that leave many students convinced they ‘can’t do math.’ Added to this is the issue of digital divides in the education sector. This divide means that millions of young people lack stable electricity, reliable internet access, or digital devices. Systemic neglect – from diversion of funds to infrastructure decay – further proves that personal effort cannot and must not replace the need for sound policies and functioning institutions. These barriers matter. Unless we face them, mathematics risks sounding like an abstract ideal instead of a practical tool.

So how do we build the Nigerian Dream with mathematics? How do we move from possibility to practice? We should begin from the foundational level by making mathematics not just a classroom subject, but a national strategy for empowerment. Femi Gbajabiamila, speaking on grooming young people to be leaders rather than dependents, once said: ‘For me, youth empowerment is the real empowerment because it prepares you for the future.’ By reframing the narrative of mathematics, we should move successfully from fear to freedom. Learners at all levels will then realise that mathematics is not punishment, rather, it is power.

Equally, there is a need for teachers of mathematics at all levels to understand that they have a duty to teach the subject as an empowerment tool. Mathematics teachers especially those at the foundational level must be trained not just in content but also in pedagogy that builds problem-solving, curiosity, and resilience. There should be recognition, rewards, and funding for those using mathematics to solve real-life problems through mathematics-driven innovation challenges. Parents also have a stake in helping their children see this. And importantly, the media must, as a matter of national development, present mathematics as a tool for solving life problems such as budgeting, farming, and trading – not merely as a subject for passing exams.

Another important point is that the government, in collaboration with private organisations, companies, and non-governmental groups, must ensure that digital tools are not only available but accessible. This can be achieved by expanding low-cost access to digital resources. Offline math resources – such as booklets, radio programmes, and community learning hubs – must also reach rural and underserved communities. Youth should be taught to use math to run micro-businesses, organise community projects, and plan personal goals. Civic groups can apply statistics and data analysis to hold leaders accountable. Policymakers must integrate financial literacy, data literacy, and problem-solving into school curricula. Community leaders and private sector partners should sponsor math-driven innovation challenges that reward practical solutions. Progress must be measured not only in exam pass rates but also in how mathematics improves income, reduces waste, and inspires entrepreneurship.

At 65, Nigeria’s future cannot be sustained by slogans or symbols alone. Patriotism today must be about building where things are broken, teaching where knowledge is missing, and creating where opportunities are denied. Mathematics, often dismissed as irrelevant, is in truth a liberation strategy. It gives us the ability to design the Nigerian Dream ourselves, instead of waiting for it to be handed down from above.

Because sometimes, the best way to fix a broken nation is to first fix how its citizens think, plan, and act. And that begins with logic. With structure. With mathematics. If Nigeria is to move from disillusionment to empowerment, we must reclaim mathematics – not as a subject, but as a strategy. As a people, we owe that to ourselves.

Veteran golfer, Kwadiri Kwaga Yusuf, has emerged champion of the 2025 Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Resort and Country Club (TYB-IGRCC) Independence Golf Tournament in Abuja.

The week-long competition, held in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, also paid tribute to retired and serving officers of the Nigerian Army.

Yusuf, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), defeated over 400 golfers after playing off handicap 16 and returning a total gross score of 80 and 67 net to finish as the overall net winner.

Speaking after his victory, an elated Yusuf described his triumph as the result of perseverance and determination.

‘I am happy about this win after spending 5 hours on the course I was not supposed to play at the regular session. I registered as a veteran. Unfortunately, when I saw the draw, my name was drawn in the regular and I came to the club to play it. And the organizer said, okay. They could still return me back to veteran. If I’m not interested in playing the regular, I said no problem. Of course, I did very well. I was doing very well. I gave my best and I thank the people I played with for their encouragement,’ he said.

The men’s categories witnessed intense competition. Chukwuma Nwude, Gabriel Egwurube, and DD Dilli fought hard in the handicap (21-28) group, with Dilli emerging as net winner, while SS Jiya claimed the gross title.

In the (13-20) handicap group, Nicholas Ashinze, D Ladan, and Usman Danladi battled closely, while in the lower handicap categories (6-12 and 0-5), Rueben Egughe and Gabriel Godwin stood out as winners, with Babajide Ashebu and Timothy Mike excelling in gross play.

The guest category added extra excitement as Paul Odoh Junior showed composure to secure the net winner award, while Effiong Okon took the best gross. Among the ladies, Justina Gideon shone as the gross winner, with Jennifer Shaapera claiming the net title.

The ladies’ event was equally competitive with Faridah Wada emerging victorious in the (0-18) handicap group, while Longdi Paul topped the gross category. In the (19-36) division, Tessy Johnson and Sarah Nkwariza impressed with strong performances.

Veterans also left their mark as Mike Ekoja’s precision earned him the Veteran Net Winner award, while Ahmed Oseni and M. Richard Obioha impressed in their respective categories. In the Super Veteran division, Dibu Ojerinde and Sunday Ehindero showcased remarkable resilience and consistency.

One student has died and property was destroyed after violence erupted at Ilugun High School, Elega, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over an alleged illegal fee collection by teachers.

Daily Trust gathered that trouble began last Friday when the school’s management invited operatives of the Amotekun Corps to disperse students protesting against fees they considered illegal.

According to witnesses, the arrival of the local security operatives caused students to scatter in different directions to avoid being apprehended.

In the process, some reportedly jumped into a river near the school, which led to the death of one student, witnesses said.

Three students were said to have jumped into the river. Two were rescued, while one, identified as Babalola, drowned. His body was reportedly recovered a day later and buried at the riverbank on Saturday.

Angered by the incident, aggrieved students returned to the school on Monday and reportedly went on a rampage.

They allegedly attacked teachers and vandalised school property.

A viral video that surfaced online showed them destroying property in broad daylight.

The clip captured groups of students hurling stones at classroom windows until the glass shattered.

In some cases, they went further by removing entire aluminium window frames, leaving the classrooms badly damaged.

Illegal fee controversy

In September 2019, Governor Dapo Abiodun scrapped the payment of N3,700 levies in all public schools across Ogun State with immediate effect.

In recent weeks, however, Abiodun’s administration has faced heavy criticism over the levy issue. At a stakeholders’ forum themed ‘Repositioning Education for Outstanding Performance’, the governor clarified that his government did not introduce the fee but inherited it from the previous administration.

He explained that the levy originated as a proposal from the Parents Teachers’ Association (PTA), which was later adopted by the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

According to him, suspending the payment became necessary in line with his promise of free, universal, and qualitative education in public primary and secondary schools.

‘I have been criticised in the media about the N3,700 PTA fee. I did not introduce the fee. It was proposed by the PTA and accepted by the previous administration. The fee negates the free education policy of this administration. It is like payment through the back door.

‘I hereby suspend the payment in all our schools. We will also look into the issue of principals and headmaster generals,’ he assured.

Abiodun further said his education team would critically review the items on the list that prompted the introduction of the levy, while promising to restore running costs to support the daily financial needs of schools.

Daily Trust, however, gathered that the government has not been consistent in releasing funds for public schools’ running costs, which has led many schools to impose levies on students.

At Ilugun High School, for instance, teachers were reported to have charged each student N7,500. The inability of many students to pay the amount reportedly triggered the crisis.

Principals suspended

The Ogun State Government has confirmed the incident but said only one person died.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stated that the deceased could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names – Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment,’ he explained.

Arigbabu also confirmed that teachers of the school had engaged in illegal fee collection, which triggered the protest.

He therefore announced the indefinite suspension of the school’s principals – Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi Alaba (junior school) and Mrs. Ladipo Olabisi Temitope (senior school).

According to him, the suspension was necessary following their roles in the incident.

He said findings showed that the principal of the junior school was directly involved in the collection of illegal fees, which sparked the students’ protest.

‘In light of these findings, the government has decided to place both the junior and senior principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate incident.

‘Also, to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called WhistleBlowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to check illegalities, wrongdoings, and other misconduct,’ he added.

The commissioner restated Governor Abiodun’s commitment to providing free education for every school-age child in the state, regardless of residence, gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation.

He further urged students to desist from destroying school property.

‘We all know that we are still battling with inadequate infrastructure in our schools. Destroying the little we have will only worsen the situation, not improve it,’ he cautioned.

The State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, also confirmed the incident, but noted that peace had been restored.

‘It’s a secondary school and the Ministry of Education is on top of the matter. They will tell us what they want us to do, but for now, our role is just to maintain peace in that school and ensure that no further damage is done to property,’ Ogunlowo told Daily Trust.

History of teachers’ assault by students

In 2021, some secondary school students in Ogun State launched serial assaults on their teachers – a development considered alien by many educationists – leaving teachers unsettled and fearful.

In November of that year alone, at least three cases were recorded in which students hired hoodlums to storm school premises and attack their teachers.

In some instances, the students themselves physically assaulted the teachers, sometimes in the company of their parents.

This disturbing trend was preceded by violent clashes among students from different schools.

In June 2021, for example, students of two public schools clashed after two of their colleagues reportedly died during a gambling competition.

Students from Baptist Boys’ High School, Saje, and Ilugun High School, Elega, engaged in a violent confrontation that lasted several hours.

Investigations across various secondary schools revealed that cultism, truancy, defiance of school authorities, and other acts of indiscipline had become rampant.

Teachers, in their bid to instil discipline, often incurred the wrath of unruly students – and, in some cases, their parents.

At Unity High School, Kajola Ibooro in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, three teachers, including a nursing mother, were attacked by miscreants allegedly hired by students.

Similarly, at Community High School, Ijoun in Yewa North Local Government, students reportedly hired hoodlums to attack and chase their teachers away.

In response, the state government introduced a measure compelling parents of students in public secondary schools to sign undertakings on behalf of their wards, in an effort to curb unruly behaviour and restore order in schools.

At 65, Nigeria finds itself in a reflective mood, and rightly so. Independence anniversaries are not just occasions for parades, gun salutes, and flag-waving. They are moments when nations pause to take stock, to ask if their institutions have matured in wisdom, steadiness, and service to the people. With this understanding, it can be said that few institutions mirror the turbulent journey of Nigeria’s democracy as vividly as the legislature.

From the fragile parliament of the First Republic through the long intermissions of military-era suspension to the sometimes noisy and fractious assemblies of the Fourth Republic, the National Assembly has embodied both the promise and the perils of the Nigerian democratic experiment. As the Red Chamber resumes under the stewardship of Senate President Godswill Akpabio the 10th Senate can fairly be described as a maturing legislature that has delivered uncommon achievements with unprecedented vigour and steadiness.

The fact speaks clearly for itself. Within two years, the Senate has passed more than 900 bills, with over 54 already signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. It has reviewed and passed over 40 executive bills, 300 bills have passed second reading, 102 bills scheduled for public hearing, showing a willingness to collaborate with the executive arm while still retaining its independence. To be clear, this pace of legislative productivity is remarkable by any standard and the best in the annals of our history. It signals an institution committed to stabilising Nigeria’s fiscal, monetary, and political environment through purposeful and constructive lawmaking and other legislative engagements.

The Senate’s imprint on education is perhaps its most people-centred achievement. The National Education Fund Act provides a sustainable financing model for tertiary institutions. The Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act expands access to higher education for indigent students who might otherwise have been locked out of opportunity. The Out-of-School Children Education Act confronts one of Nigeria’s most stubborn social challenges by bringing learning to the margins where poverty often shuts doors. While these measures echo earlier efforts from Nigeria’s republican past, they are sharper, more inclusive, and better designed for the demands of today’s youth.

The economic front has also been impacted by the nation-building ambitions of the 10th Senate. Sweeping tax reforms, including the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, The Joint Revenue Board Bill, The Nigeria Tax Bill and The Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, have streamlined policy, reduced evasion, triggered equity and boosted revenue without overburdening citizens. The Securities and Exchange Commission Amendment Act has strengthened investor confidence, while the Investment and Securities Bill provides clearer frameworks for investment. The Electricity Amendment Act updates energy policy for an era that must integrate renewable power and private participation.

One standout measure, the Social Security for Unemployed Graduates Act, has provided a safety net for job seekers. It reduces frustrations that often fuel restiveness among young people. To be fair, these reforms recall the liberalisation drive of the late 1990s but are better tuned to the digital age and global competition.

Security has also remained pivotal to its legislative priority. The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act fortify Nigeria’s defence against multifaceted threats. These laws reflect a recognition that insecurity cannot be addressed by military might alone. It requires legal frameworks, institutional coordination, and community involvement that cut off the supply chains of violence.

Regional balance, a recurrent challenge in Nigeria’s federal arrangement, has not been neglected. The South East, South South, South West, North Central and North West Development Commission Acts are designed to reduce disparities and foster inclusive growth. The National Steel Development Act seeks to revive an industry that has long symbolised Nigeria’s industrial aspirations since independence. Even patriotic memory has been legislated into revival with the National Anthem Bill, which restored ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ to the national soundscape, evoking nostalgia and reinforcing the dignity of Nigeria’s founding years.

If these domestic milestones form one side of the 10th Senate’s record, its international diplomacy forms the other. In 2023, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was elected to the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the first Nigerian in 59 years to achieve such recognition. The IPU, founded in 1889 and comprising 179 member countries, is the premier global body for parliamentary diplomacy. Akpabio’s election restores Nigeria’s voice in shaping global discourse on issues such as climate resilience, governance, and migration. His July 2025 address at the World Conference of Speakers in Geneva signalled Nigeria’s readiness to lead debates from the perspective of the Global South. This recalls the confident internationalism of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, who in the early years of independence positioned Nigeria as a champion of African unity and non-alignment.

Without a doubt, the 10th Senate’s work is not confined to the abstract language of lawmaking. Its impact is also felt in communities across Nigeria. Each senator has allocation for constituency projects. Unlike the ghost projects of earlier assemblies, these funds have been channelled into visible impact: rural electrification in the North West, healthcare centres in the Niger Delta, agricultural hubs in the South East, and market rehabilitations nationwide. This level of grassroots visibility gives legislative output a human face.

Discerning citizens know that tone matters in politics. The 10th Senate has cultivated a more cooperative and robust culture. Senators from across parties have set aside partisanship to advance laws in the national interest. This stability is no accident. It reflects Akpabio’s deliberate leadership style, one that combines firmness with humour, using wit to diffuse tension and consensus to build momentum.

Still, it must be said that the road ahead demands vigilance. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, electoral reform stands as the next critical frontier. Committees in both chambers of the National Assembly are working on a comprehensive new Electoral Act designed to guarantee credible, inclusive, and transparent elections. Proposals under review include diaspora voting, electronic transmission of results, and tighter campaign finance regulation.

Beyond elections, there have also been calls by civil society for a robust whistleblower protection law to fully harness whistleblowing as an anti-corruption and good governance tool. Moreover, constitution review, judicial reform, and stronger security frameworks remain pressing challenges. And even though the Petroleum Industry Act, passed into law in 2021, established a new legal, governance, administrative, and fiscal framework for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, recent turmoils in the sector indicate the 10th Senate can still revisit the Act in the national interest.

While acknowledging all that, the reality is that at 65, Nigeria has survived the turmoil of its infancy and the missteps of middle age. The 10th Senate, under Senator Godswill Akpabio, exemplifies a legislature that has matured. It has moved beyond the quarrels and gridlocks of the past to become a productive force, legislating boldly, engaging the world diplomatically, and impacting lives directly at the grassroots.

If independence anniversaries are moments for reflection, then Nigeria at 65 can take solace in the fact that its Senate is not a stumbling block but a guiding hand in the democratic journey. Under the capable and unifying leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio, the 10th Senate has emerged as a beacon of legislative achievement and democratic resilience. It signals not just what Nigeria has endured but what it can yet become.

It is worth reiterating that in as much as the 10th Senate has done well, as the members resume legislative duties, they should not rest on their oars. Much remains to be done if Nigeria is to be shaped into a modern, developed state.The 10th Senate should continue to play its central democratic role in that regard. To the Senator Akpabio- led 10th Senate, it is not yet Uhuru!

Nigeria has expressed concern over the absence of an appellate mechanism in the ECOWAS Court of Justice, calling for reform.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year of the Court, on Thursday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said that while finality of judgments is important, the inability to review decisions raises questions about fairness and access to justice.

According to him, the absence of a separate appellate process limits opportunities to correct errors of law or procedure.

‘It is concerning that there is currently inadequate room for appeal against the judgments of the ECOWAS Court.

‘While finality is important, justice must also be seen to be fair and revisable. The absence of a separate appellate mechanism limits access to justice, especially in cases where errors of law or procedure may have occurred.

‘As we expand the Court’s reach, we must also ensure that its decisions are subject to the same standards of review and accountability that underpin robust judicial systems,’ he said.

The minister urged the Court to draw lessons from other regional judicial institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the East African Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which, according to him, offer valuable models of transparency, judicial independence and procedural innovation.

He said, ‘As we navigate these challenges, it is imperative that member states pursue greater uniformity in legal standards, reciprocity in enforcement, and peer review in judicial performance. The ECOWAS legal space must not be a patchwork of divergent systems, but a harmonised framework that promotes predictability, fairness, and mutual respect. ‘You will all agree with me that comparative learning is not imitation-it is evolution. By studying how other regional courts manage appellate review, enforce judgments, engage with civil society, and balance sovereignty with supranational authority, the ECOWAS Court can refine its own processes and strengthen its legitimacy.’

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the ECOWAS Court as host country, describing it as central to regional integration, human rights enforcement and stability.

In his address, the President of the ECOWAS Court, Justice Ricardo Goncalves, said the Court handled 34 new cases in the past year, including matters relating to civil and political rights, economic freedoms, and disputes between member states.

He disclosed that the Court held 79 judicial sessions and issued 54 rulings, many of which reaffirmed key principles such as the justiciability of socio-economic rights and the supremacy of community law over conflicting national legislation. According to him, 112 cases are currently pending before the Court.

Aspira Nigeria Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturers and distributors of trusted household cleaning and personal care brands for over 15 years, is proud to unveil Viva Matic, its latest innovation designed to transform laundry routines nationwide for families and individuals. Building on the success of beloved brands like Viva Plus Detergent, Aspira continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering practical solutions that meet the evolving needs of Nigerian families.

Viva Matic is a high-performance detergent, specifically formulated for use in washing machines, offering a more innovative and efficient way to handle laundry. With washing machines becoming a household essential across Nigeria, Viva Matic is positioned as an indispensable laundry companion, ensuring clothes come out cleaner, fresher, and protected wash after wash.

Unlike traditional powder detergents designed for hand washing, Viva Matic’s advanced formula is engineered to dissolve quickly and work seamlessly in both front-load and top-load washing machines. It penetrates fabrics deeply, tackles tough stains, preserves colours, and extends the life of both clothes and washing machines, giving families the confidence of a superior clean every time.

‘At Aspira, we listen to our customers and understand that efficiency and convenience are top priorities for modern households,’ said Lynda Aguocha, Head of Advertising at Aspira. ‘With Viva Matic, we’re introducing an innovative solution that makes laundry faster, easier, and more cost-effective, redefining what laundry care should look like for today’s Nigerian families.’

Speaking on the company’s vision for innovation, Santhosh Kumar Nair, Head of Marketing at Aspira, added: ‘Viva Matic embodies our commitment to practical innovation and quality. It’s more than just a washing product; it’s a solution that helps families care for their clothes and appliances better, while saving time and resources.’

Available at major supermarkets, neighbourhood retail outlets, and leading online stores nationwide, Viva Matic is set to become an indispensable part of every home that values convenience and smart laundry care. With this launch, Aspira Nigeria reaffirms its position as a brand that cares, listens, and continuously raises the bar for innovative household solutions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Assembly to speed up work on electoral reform proposals to avoid uncertainty in preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal yesterday in Abuja while receiving the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission, led by Mr. Barry Andrews, a Member of the European Parliament.

Yakubu, who is approaching the last weeks of his second and last tenure, said early passage of amendments to the Electoral Act would ensure smooth planning for the polls.

‘We appeal to the National Assembly for an expeditious consideration of the electoral reform proposal. An early passage of law is critical to our planning for the elections,’ he said.

‘Uncertainty over the legal framework for the election can unsettle the work of the Commission as the election draws nearer,’ he added.

The INEC Chairman explained that the commission had acted on the recommendations addressed directly to it in the EU’s 2023 report.

‘Action has been taken on aspects of the recommendations that only require administrative action to implement. Similarly, action is being taken on cross-cutting recommendations that require collective action between INEC and other bodies and stakeholders while waiting for the conclusion of the ongoing legal review by the National Assembly,’ he said.

In his remarks, Mr Barry Andrews praised Nigeria’s importance in global democracy, describing the 2023 EU mission as one of the largest deployments to any country.

‘Our task is to assess progress made in implementing the recommendations from the 2023 elections. We have noted significant improvements in several areas, though some challenges remain, particularly those requiring judicial, administrative, and constitutional reforms,’ he said.