Category: Nigerian Tribune

A 54-year-old Customs officer, Prince Etteng Ise, has died in a lone road crash allegedly triggered by an attempt to avoid a pothole on the Ikom-Calabar Highway in Cross River State.

Ise, who was serving at the Mfum Border in Etung Local Government Area, reportedly lost control of his vehicle while trying to manoeuvre around a pothole near Alesi Village, Ikom Local Government Area.

The crash occurred at about 2:56 p.m. on Monday, 7 September 2026, according to the Cross River State Police Command.

The vehicle reportedly veered off the highway into the bush before crashing into a tree.

The victim was rushed to Holy Family Hospital, Ikom, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The fatal crash has once again drawn attention to the deplorable condition of sections of the Ikom-Calabar Highway, where potholes and other road defects pose serious risks to motorists.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, said preliminary information indicated that the deceased lost control of his vehicle while attempting to avoid a pothole.

The command commiserated with the deceased’s family, colleagues and the Nigeria Customs Service over the tragedy.

It also urged motorists to exercise caution, avoid excessive speed and remain vigilant while using the highway.

The death of the Customs officer adds to growing concerns over the safety of motorists on major roads in Cross River, particularly stretches where deteriorating road surfaces have made driving increasingly hazardous.

The Kano State Fire Service has reported two separate fire incidents at a power transmission plant in Dan Agundi and a paint manufacturing company in Kwakwaci, Kano State.

The incidents occurred on Monday, 7 September, and Tuesday, 8 September 2026, respectively, with firefighters preventing the blazes from spreading to adjoining facilities.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, ACFO Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, the agency received distress calls at about 9:52 a.m. and 9:05 a.m. respectively.

The first incident occurred at a Power Transmission Plant in Dan Agundi, Kano Municipal Local Government Area, where an open area measuring about 200 by 100 feet was engulfed by fire.

The blaze affected one of the electric transformers at the facility.

Firefighters from the Kano State Fire Service Headquarters were immediately mobilised to the scene, where they deployed two fire jets from Commando 1 and Commando 1B to contain the fire.

The prompt intervention prevented the flames from spreading to other transformers and parts of the facility.

The second incident occurred at NUTAK Universal Company Ltd in Kwakwaci by Bola, Fagge Local Government Area.

Firefighters from the Central and Bompai Fire Stations responded to the emergency and found a ground-floor building measuring approximately 50 by 100 feet engulfed in flames.

The fire affected a toilet, 25 drums of chemicals, 600 four-litre paint containers, 10 production machines and three underground paint storage facilities, which were reported to be well alight. One store was also slightly affected.

The Fire Service said two people were affected by the incident before the arrival of firefighters, but both victims were rescued alive.

The causes of the two fire incidents remain under investigation.

The Fire Service urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report fire outbreaks and other emergencies to the appropriate authorities.

It also advised industrial facilities and businesses dealing with flammable materials to strictly observe fire-safety measures to prevent avoidable disasters.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ntufam Hillard Eta, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to open an investigation into alleged financial crimes against former Vice-President and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The former national vice chairman (South South) of the APC made the call on Tuesday at a media briefing in Abuja.

Eta, who dropped the hint that he would officially file his petition at the EFCC Headquarters on Wednesday, is asking the Commission to look at the report of the United States Senate Report in 2010, which allegedly revealed suspicious financial transactions associated with individuals connected to the ADC presidential candidate.

As alleged by the former member of the APC National Working Committee, startling revelations contained in the US Senate Report included US$40 million in suspect funds into the United States between 2000 and 2008 through offshore corporations and accounts allegedly associated with Jennifer Douglas, Atiku Abubakar’s wife; allegations involving payments connected to Siemens AG and US$14 million transferred by offshore corporations to American University located in Yola, Adamawa State and owned by Atiku Abubakar.

He said: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerians deserve to know precisely what has been alleged rather than dealing with vague political accusations.

‘First, there were allegations concerning the movement of more than US$40 million in suspect funds into the United States between 2000 and 2008 through offshore corporations and accounts associated with Jennifer Douglas, Atiku Abubakar’s wife. The U.S. Senate investigation examined transfers involving entities including LetsGo Ltd., Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd. and Sima Holding Ltd. According to the Senate report, more than half of the funds; approximately US$25 million; were transferred by offshore corporations into U.S. bank accounts opened by Douglas (Homeland Security Committee, 2010).

‘Second, the U.S. Senate report examined allegations involving payments connected to Siemens AG. The report stated that Douglas received at least US$1.7 million in alleged bribe payments connected to Siemens, while an SEC civil complaint had alleged US$2.8 million in bribe payments to her from Siemens. These are allegations and findings contained in historical records and must not be presented as a criminal conviction against Atiku (Homeland Security Committee 2010).

‘Third, there were questions concerning approximately US$14 million transferred by offshore corporations to American University in connection with consulting services relating to the establishment of the university in Nigeria. The Senate report examined the source and movement of those funds and the relationship between the offshore entities and the university project founded by Atiku. (Homeland Security Committee 2010)

‘Fourth, there were allegations in Nigeria concerning the use of companies and bank accounts as so-called Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to divert or misappropriate public funds during the period Atiku served as Vice-President between 1999 and 2007. These allegations became particularly prominent in 2023 following claims attributed to Michael Achimugu, described as a former aide to Atiku. A subsequent petition by Festus Keyamo asked the EFCC, ICPC and CCB to investigate the allegations (TheCable, 2023).

‘Fifth, the 2023 petition raised allegations bordering on money laundering, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation, conspiracy and possible violations of the Code of Conduct applicable to public officers. These were allegations presented to law-enforcement authorities, not findings of guilt by a court (Punch, 2023).

‘Sixth, questions were raised concerning Atiku’s alleged knowledge of certain accounts, including an account associated with Marine Float and accounts belonging to other companies, which were alleged to have been used as vehicles for the movement or diversion of public funds. The allegations formed part of the case brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja in 2023.’

The APC chieftain, who cautioned against political persecution, tasked the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation in order to avoid accusations that it was being used by the ruling party to witch-hunt a candidate of a rival party on the eve of a general election.’

‘Mere political with-hunt’

Reacting to the call for his investigation, the ADC presidential candidate, who spoke through his media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the call for his investigation as mere political witch-hunt.

He said: ‘When an incumbent government begins to feel politically threatened, the institutions of state suddenly become intensely interested in its opponents.

‘The latest episode is the move to bring former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, under the scrutiny of the EFCC.’

Atiku recalled that the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, in which he was incidentally Vice-President, investigated him but was left with no evidence to pursue his prosecution.

‘Nearly two decades later, different administrations controlled the machinery of the Nigerian state. Yet no successive administration found it necessary to prosecute Atiku Abubakar for corruption. Until now,’ he said.

‘Now, as Nigeria moves toward another presidential election, Atiku has emerged as the principal opposition challenger to President Bola Tinubu. And suddenly, an old allegation acquires new urgency.’

‘If Atiku Abubakar has committed a crime, investigate him. If there is credible evidence, charge him. If the evidence withstands judicial scrutiny and the courts find him guilty, let the law take its course.

‘But if the objective is to intimidate, embarrass, distract, or politically weaken an opposition candidate on the eve of a major election, then Nigerians have every right to question the motive.’

The tales of woe over the deplorable state of roads in Edo are not limited to commuters in transit on the linking highways in the state, as residents of Benin City, the state capital, also groan as most intra-city roads have become deplorable.

Most hit are roads within the Government Reserved Areas (GRA), which were constructed decades ago without any visible rehabilitation work done by successive governments in the state.

But more appalling is the condition of the Oba Ovoranmen Square, otherwise known as Ring Road, which, in recent months, has become an eyesore with potholes and deep craters, with the residents of the metropolitan city calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to rescue the city centre.

From the Mission Road, Oba Market Road and Plymouth Road entries to the Ring Road, it has become a herculean task for commuters using the square as they meander through the numerous potholes that have almost rendered the city centre impassable.

The situation is indescribable, especially in the early hours of the day when workers struggle to get to work and late in the evening, when the workers and traders close for the day.

Besides, commercial drivers that were previously barred from dropping and picking up passengers at the Kings Square have turned the place into a motor park, just as the rains have not helped matters either, as vehicles break down in the potholes that are usually covered by erosion.

In the GRA, Ihama Road by the House of Assembly Quarters remains impassable whenever it rains, while the Boundary Road towards Airport Road and Adesuwa Grammar School Road suffers the same fate whenever the rain falls.

Giwa Amu, Gapiona and other adjoining roads are also at the mercy of erosion as there are no drainages to take the overflow of water out of the GRA.

Gardens built around the King’s Square by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole have overgrown with weeds, even as hawkers are seen all over the place, turning all the walkways into extensions of their stores.

The National Museum, which used to be a point of attraction from any point of the King’s Square, has now become unkempt, overgrown with grass.

Some residents, who spoke with journalists over the deplorable state of the Ring Road, described its current state as a bad tale ahead of the Oba of Benin’s 10th coronation anniversary.

A resident, Mr. Osaro Idemudia, while responding to our correspondent, said: ‘We are not happy with the way the Ring Road is looking. Bus drivers are supposed to take passengers at the Central Park. Look at dirt everywhere.’

Another motorist, James Igie, opined that ‘Kings Square represents the image of the state, and called on the state government to attend to the situation promptly.

‘It was sad that the Oba Ovoranmen Square was allowed to look dirty. This is not good, and we hope the government will address the situation.

For Solomon Aibangbee, a businessman, ‘in the last two weeks, the state of the roads in Edo State has been in the news all over the world. Passengers and motorists spend days passing through Edo State because of bad roads.

‘As if that is not enough, you now add the roads within Benin City to the problems. Is Ring Road also a federal Road? I ask because that is the usual excuse we hear.’ Aibangbee bemoaned

When contacted for comments, the Managing Director of Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Engr. Felix Ibhade, said there were plans to fix the Ring Road.

Ibhade added that Governor Okpebholo had said that he would not want to do palliative work on the road but a full-blown asphalting rehabilitation.

‘So we are on it. Our constraint is the rain because the majority of the roads we have given amelioration, the rain washed them up. So we are waiting for the rain to subside. That is the beauty of the town, and we don’t do it and after one month it will wear out. We will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Works because it is not going to be an easy job,’ Ibhade admitted.

On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Pastor Stanley Ighodaro, assured that Governor Okpebholo had shown commitment to beautify Benin City centre and other areas in the state.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured the arrest and repatriation of Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a fugitive drug kingpin who had evaded arrest for over two years following the interception of the single largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Lagos International Airport.

The Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Wednesday that Ibewuike, who relocated to Mozambique where he ran a hotel business as a front, was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after operatives of the Agency’s Lagos International Airport Strategic Command, in a coordinated 12-day operation in February 2024, intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.

The operation, which led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including his wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who routinely received drug-laden parcels marked with the code ‘ND’ on his behalf, also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel.

According to the statement, those arrested were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in Charge No. FHC/L/205C/2024.

Three of the suspects who have so far been convicted and sentenced by the court include Adinnu Felix Chinedu; Osita Emmanuel Obinna; and Uzochukwu Frankline.

Three other suspects still standing trial before the court are Chidiebere Reginald Peter; Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence; and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, while three others who were charged in absentia include Ibewuike Festus, a.k.a. Ibewuike Chidibest; Osita Chidozie Cyril; and one Arinze.

Babafemi said that for over two years, Ibewuike remained a fugitive, shuttling between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in a calculated bid to evade Nigerian law enforcement.

That evasion came to an end following actionable intelligence, which led to his arrest at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on 2 September 2026, while the Agency worked with INTERPOL both in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his handover to a team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on 4 September. He was thereafter conveyed to Nigeria to answer for his role in the trafficking syndicate.

During preliminary interviews, Ibewuike confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. On Saturday, 5 September 2026, he was taken to the Agency’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified the parcels of heroin, bearing the ‘ND’ code, established to be linked to him.

Further investigation also revealed that Ibewuike Festus had previously been associated with another drug-related case before the Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, in Charge No. FHC/L/203C/2013, regarding the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. The case involved one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the Agency’s relentless pursuit of fleeing drug kingpins.

According to the NDLEA boss, ‘This arrest is a major breakthrough in our resolve to track down and bring to justice every drug baron who thinks that fleeing Nigeria’s shores puts them beyond the reach of the law.

‘As I have always vowed, the long arm of the NDLEA will catch up with anyone involved in this illicit trade, no matter how long it takes or how far they run. Festus Ibewuike ran for over two years, hiding under a change of name and a new life abroad, but today he is back in Nigeria to answer for the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his network. This should serve as a fresh warning to fleeing suspects still at large: the Agency will not relent until every one of you is brought to book,’ he added.

The NDLEA Chairman commended the excellent multinational cooperation that made the breakthrough possible, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, for their role in ensuring a smooth transfer of custody.

Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has dissociated himself from sponsored protest against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing reports linking him to the action as false and misleading.

In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Communications, Prince Tijani Dauda, which was made available to newsmen, Ajaka said he neither authorised, sponsored, directed, commissioned nor coordinated the protest.

The statement was issued in response to a publication by a group identified as ‘Igala Vanguard,’ attributed to one Engr. Lawrence Ankpa, which allegedly linked Ajaka to the demonstration.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka did not authorize, sponsor, direct, commission or coordinate the protest,’ the statement said.

It added that attributing the actions of independent citizens to Ajaka was an attempt to mislead the public and drag his name into an issue with which he was not connected.

Ajaka’s media aide also defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, stressing that Igala youths did not require the permission of any political actor to assemble and express concerns about issues affecting their communities, representation, and future.

The statement questioned why citizens who independently chose to speak out on matters affecting them should automatically be associated with Ajaka.

It further accused unnamed individuals and groups of using fictitious associations and pseudo-identities to engage in character assassination, political manipulation and the spread of unsubstantiated allegations.

The statement warned those allegedly operating behind such platforms to stop using Ajaka’s name for political propaganda, blackmail and manufactured controversies.

It challenged anyone with allegations against Ajaka to come forward openly, using their real names and presenting facts and evidence that could withstand public scrutiny.

The statement, however, clarified that Ajaka holds the Chairman of INEC and the Commission in high esteem.

According to it, Ajaka respects the constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the INEC Chairman and remains confident that the Commission will continue to discharge its duties with fairness, professionalism and regard for the law.

The statement urged the public to disregard the alleged false attribution and be guided accordingly.

Landing a high-paying job today isnt mainly about presenting a flawless CV. Whether you are targeting top domestic firms or international remote positions, recruiters investigate candidates deeply before scheduling interviews.

Many job seekers wonder why their applications get ghosted despite meeting every single qualification. The uncomfortable truth is that a single offensive post, an embarrassing old photo, or an aggressive comment from years ago can instantly disqualify you.

Nowadays, employers use social networking sites to research candidates during the hiring process, and more than half have rejected an applicant solely based on content found online.

Remote companies place even higher value on your virtual presence because your online demeanor reflects how you will communicate in virtual workspaces.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the essential actions required to scrub your internet presence and present a clean, hireable image worldwide.

Google your full name in private browsing

The first step is seeing exactly what hiring managers see when they type your name into search bars.

Open an incognito browser window, enter your name in quotation marks alongside your current city or industry, and check the first few pages of search results including Google Images.

This helps you identify forgotten blogs, tagged photos, or old forum arguments you must address immediately.

Audit and sanitise your social media handles

Go through your active accounts on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram to delete questionable posts. Remove content involving offensive language, controversial political rants, unprofessional jokes, or alcohol and substance abuse.

For personal accounts you do not intend to use professionally, switch the visibility settings strictly to private so external recruiters cannot view your personal moments.

Deactivate abandoned accounts and forum profiles

Most internet users leave behind dozens of dormant accounts on platforms they haven’t touched in a decade.

Old profiles on Quora, Nairaland, Reddit, or old gaming portals frequently show up in Google search results and can reveal sensitive personal details.

Use account management tools to permanently delete these inactive profiles so they stop generating search indexed matches.

Build an active and optimised LinkedIn profile

Cleaning up your past is only half the battle; you must also replace negative search hits with positive, authoritative professional content.

Cybersecurity analysts at Norton emphasise that proactively generating positive digital content helps suppress unwanted search results that you cannot easily delete.

Keep your LinkedIn headline sharp, maintain a high-quality headshot, and publish industry insights to show international hiring teams that you are serious, capable, and ready for work.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the reported attack on the convoy of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his journey to Benue State.

Kwankwaso described the incident as a disturbing development and alleged that unruly elements were deliberately mobilised to block and attack Obi’s convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Kwankwaso said the incident represented another dark day for our democracy, stressing that freedom of movement was guaranteed to every Nigerian under the Constitution.

He argued that the constitutional right was particularly important in the case of Obi, describing him as a former governor and a leading opposition figure.

‘The deliberate mobilisation of unruly elements to block and attack his convoy and prevent him from entering Makurdi marks another dark day for our democracy,’ Kwankwaso stated.

He called on the Benue State Government to urgently identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged attack.

According to him, the state government must also take immediate steps to guarantee the safety and free movement of Obi and members of his entourage.

Kwankwaso further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors, particularly those belonging to the ruling party, against actions that could undermine democratic values and freedoms.

He also urged the international community, including diplomatic missions and election observation organisations, to take note of the incident.

The NDC vice presidential candidate called on such bodies to encourage Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law, protect opposition leaders and safeguard democratic freedoms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The reported incident involving Obi’s convoy comes amid heightened political activities as political parties and their candidates intensify mobilisation and engagements across the country ahead of the 2027 elections.

The usually political Onikan Stadium assumed an unusually spiritual atmosphere on a warm Tuesday in Lagos. The familiar colours and symbols of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were everywhere, but the gathering was not a campaign rally in the conventional sense.

No blaring campaign songs or lengthy political speeches marked the event. Instead, thousands of party members, supporters, religious leaders, representatives of traditional institutions and other political stakeholders gathered with a common purpose: to seek divine intervention and guidance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The turnout was significant, further projecting the organisational strength of the ruling APC in Lagos State.

From the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of the state, party faithful and clergymen converged on the stadium, turning the venue into a display of political mobilisation and religious diversity.

Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers were represented, underscoring the organisers’ attempt to present the APC as a political family drawing support across the religious spectrum.

Among those present were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the APC governorship candidate, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; the state party chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; former Minister and Director-General of the PBAT/KOH Campaign Committee, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; religious leaders; representatives of traditional institutions; political appointees; candidates; support groups and party leaders.

Representatives of the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Reverend Stephen Adegbite, were also present, alongside Islamic organisations and other stakeholders.

For a party already positioning itself for another electoral contest, the event was described as an attempt to set the tone for what lies ahead-not merely through political strategy, but through faith.

Governor Sanwo-Olu captured the mood succinctly when he declared, ‘Nothing is greater than prayer.’

For the governor, however, the prayer session represented more than a religious gathering. It marked the formal commencement of the party’s journey towards the 2027 elections.

Having presented its candidates, the party, he said, was committing the political journey into the hands of God before embarking fully on its campaign activities.

‘We have made public all our candidates. We commit our journey and our candidates into the hands of God,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor’s message was also one of confidence. He expressed optimism that the party’s preparations, stakeholder engagement and religious commitment would culminate in electoral victory.

‘We are not taking any stakeholders for granted, and that is why we believe we will return victorious,’ he said.

A prayer for continuity

At the heart of the gathering was the APC’s message of continuity.

The prayer was not simply for victory at the polls. It was also a prayer for the continuation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at the federal level and the emergence of Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor of Lagos State.

The Chairman of the Interfaith Prayers Planning Committee, Hon. Mohammed Bello Oyinlomo Danmole, made that objective explicit.

He described the gathering as a way of putting the 2027 elections ‘in motion on prayer mode’ and urged participants to pray for the success of the party’s candidates.

For Danmole, the call for continuity was linked to what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as well as infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

He similarly praised the Sanwo-Olu administration for what he described as its transformation of Lagos and its economy.

The argument was straightforward: if the party believed its administrations had achieved significant milestones, the 2027 election should provide an opportunity to seek a fresh mandate.

But the gathering also revealed something deeper about the APC’s political strategy.

By bringing together party members from virtually every part of Lagos, the event served as both a spiritual exercise and a demonstration of organisational strength.

The presence of delegates and supporters from all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs suggested that the party was keen to project an image of a structure already mobilising at the grassroots.

Beyond politics, a show of unity

Perhaps the most significant intervention, however, came from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

His message was directed not at the opposition, but at members of his own party.

While acknowledging the importance of strategy and organisation in electoral contests, the former minister argued that political success also required divine guidance.

‘Strategy matters. Organisation matters, but prayer is the ultimate,’ he said.

But Obanikoro quickly moved from prayer to politics.

His warning against internal division may prove to be one of the more consequential messages from the gathering as the APC moves closer to 2027.

‘This is not about individual ambition. We all belong to one political family. Internal squabbles must not be allowed to cause divisions,’ he said.

It was a reminder that the challenge facing a dominant political party is not always the opposition.

Internal disagreements, competing ambitions and struggles for political relevance can become equally potent challenges.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the APC will inevitably face the task of managing the ambitions of candidates, aspirants, elected officials, party leaders and grassroots actors.

Obanikoro’s intervention appeared designed to send an early warning: disagreements must not be allowed to fracture the party.

‘We must be seen as one and be united to confront opposition parties in the interest of all,’ he said.

In effect, the former minister was asking the party to transform the spiritual unity displayed at Onikan into political unity beyond the stadium.

The Hamzat factor

For Hamzat, who has emerged as the APC’s candidate for the Lagos governorship election, the gathering offered an opportunity to publicly place his ambition within the broader party structure.

He expressed gratitude for the successful prayer session and asked for divine intervention for President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, the APC and all its candidates.

Hamzat’s prayer was also personal.

‘As we are starting, we believe we must place everything in the hands of our Creator,’ he said, before expressing his expectation of emerging as the next governor of Lagos.

His candidacy represents the next stage of the APC’s succession arrangement in Lagos and makes the 2027 contest particularly significant for the party.

Since 1999, the APC and its political predecessors have maintained a strong hold on the Lagos governorship. The party’s ability to sustain that dominance in 2027 will depend not only on its candidates, but also on its capacity to manage internal cohesion, mobilise its extensive grassroots structure and persuade voters that continuity remains desirable.

That explains why the Onikan gathering was significant.

It brought the party’s political machinery into one place before the full intensity of the election season begins.

When faith meets political mobilisation

There was, inevitably, a political dimension to the event.

Interfaith prayer sessions are not unusual in Nigerian politics, where politicians routinely invoke divine authority before major political contests. But the scale of Tuesday’s gathering gave it a different character.

The APC was effectively telling its supporters that the road to 2027 had begun.

Yet it was doing so through a language familiar to millions of Nigerians: prayer.

The political message was embedded within the religious one-pray for victory, pray for continuity, pray for the candidates, pray for the country and pray for Lagos.

The challenge now is what happens after the prayers.

Obanikoro himself provided the answer: ‘Let us pray. Let us work and let us remain united.’

That perhaps captures the real significance of the Onikan gathering.

Prayer may have opened the APC’s 2027 political calendar in Lagos, but the months ahead will require organisation, persuasion, grassroots mobilisation, candidate visibility, coalition-building and, above all, the management of competing interests within the party.

For now, however, the APC has chosen to begin its journey on a spiritual note.

The party did not merely gather to ask for electoral victory. It also sought to demonstrate that its political family remains broad, organised and capable of mobilising across Lagos.

Whether the unity witnessed at the stadium survives the pressures of the campaign and ultimately translates into votes at the polling booths will be the real test.

The maternal mortality ratio in Kano State has dropped from 1,025 to 358 deaths per 100,000 live births, representing a reduction of more than 50 per cent, the State Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Coordinator, Mansura Yahya Haruna, has disclosed.

Haruna made this known during a two-day Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCA+N) Technical Working Group meeting organised by the Kano State Ministry of Health, with support from Pathfinder International, the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), the African Centre for Excellence in Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) and other partners.

She said the latest figure was generated through a project led by ACEPHAP under the leadership of Professor Hadiza Galadanci, adding that the data was being used to guide maternal and child health interventions across the state.

‘The data we are currently using shows that our maternal mortality ratio is 358 per 100,000 live births. Compared with the previous figure of 1,025 per 100,000 live births, this represents more than a 50 per cent reduction,’ Haruna said.

She attributed the improvement to data-driven interventions and sustained efforts by the state government and development partners to strengthen maternal healthcare services.

Haruna, however, said the government would not rest on the achievement, stressing that interventions would be expanded across the state rather than being restricted to identified MAMI LGAs.

‘Because our interventions are data-driven and we have seen the results, we are looking at Kano State as a whole. We are not limiting our interventions to only the MAMI LGAs,’ she said.

According to her, the state is prioritising the expansion of essential newborn care, while also strengthening antenatal and postnatal services to further improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.

‘Part of the plan is to scale up essential newborn care from the point of birth and strengthen antenatal and postnatal care. We also want to establish neonatal corners across primary and secondary health facilities,’ she said.

Haruna explained that the proposed neonatal corners would enable healthcare workers to properly assess newborns, provide immediate care and identify babies requiring specialised treatment before discharge.

‘Every newborn should receive critical care and be properly assessed to ensure that the baby is stable before being discharged home. Where there are complications, we also have plans to expand Special Care Baby Units across the state,’ she added.

She said the government remained committed to using reliable health data to identify gaps, target interventions and sustain the progress recorded in reducing maternal and newborn deaths across Kano State.