Category: Nigerian Tribune

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, expressed concern over a recent court judgment involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that developments around the case could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank called on the United States Government and other members of the international community to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and to encourage respect for democratic principles, judicial independence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.

He reacted to the judgment, which, according to him, raised questions about the political future of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC.

In a statement, Frank said the judgment had raised concerns about the perception of judicial independence and the need to ensure that the courts are not seen as being influenced by political interests.

‘The judiciary must stay clear of the 2027 elections. Its independence and impartiality are fundamental to the survival of our democracy,’ he said.

Frank urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to continue to uphold her constitutional responsibility as guardian of judicial independence and to ensure that public confidence in the courts is preserved.

‘The judiciary must not be perceived as an extension of any government. Such a perception will erode public confidence in our democratic institutions,’ he said.

He expressed hope that the Court of Appeal would review the matter, cautioning that the controversy surrounding the judgment could increase political tension if not properly addressed.

‘The international community, particularly the United States, must pay close attention to developments in Nigeria,’ he said. ‘Nigeria’s democracy and stability are important to the region, and all stakeholders should work to ensure a peaceful electoral process.’

Frank said the issue should not be viewed as concerning one individual alone, but as a broader question about the survival of Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and the right of citizens to participate freely in elections.

‘If President Tinubu is genuinely popular, let him demonstrate it through free, fair and credible elections, conducted through the established mechanisms of INEC,’ he said.

He urged opposition parties and their supporters not to be discouraged by the development, insisting that unity, perseverance and democratic participation remained essential to protecting the country’s political future.

He called on youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former political leaders to unite in defence of judicial independence and democratic institutions.

He also cautioned political actors against celebrating the difficulties of their opponents, arguing that a precedent established in one case could affect others in future.

‘No political camp should celebrate, because what happens to one political leader today could happen to another political leader tomorrow,’ he said.

Frank maintained that Nigeria must not be allowed to descend into political instability because of disagreements over electoral competition.

‘This must not be seen as an Atiku issue alone; it concerns the future of every Nigerian and the survival of our democracy,’ he said.

‘Let us unite as a country – our youths, civil society organisations, elder statesmen and former leaders – to defend democracy and prevent anarchy through the protection of judicial independence. Nigeria must not be pushed into chaos,’ he added.

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos, has denied allegations that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, was involved in the alleged demolition of a property worth over ?1 billion in Lekki, Lagos State.

The Command described the allegations, reportedly contained in a petition by Akeem Osuolale Ogunseye to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as misleading and unfounded. It insisted that neither the AIG nor any police personnel under his command was deployed to the disputed property to supervise or participate in any demolition.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 2 Headquarters, DSP Afolayan Gbenga, said the AIG had no involvement in the alleged demolition and challenged Ogunseye to provide evidence of police presence at the property.

According to the statement, the controversy concerns a property located at Plot 37, Block 77, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos, which Skyview Properties Limited claims to own.

The Command disclosed that it received a petition dated October 22, 2026, from the law firm of C.O. Toyin Pinheiro (SAN) and Co., on behalf of Skyview Properties Limited, alleging land grabbing, criminal trespass, threats to life, destruction of property and assault by Ogunseye and his alleged associates.

The petition reportedly stated that on October 17, 2026, Ogunseye and some individuals allegedly invaded the property armed with machetes, daggers, Dane guns and other dangerous weapons. They were also accused of attacking construction workers and damaging ongoing building works.

The Police further disclosed that Skyview Properties Limited presented a judgment of the Lagos State High Court delivered on June 30, 2025, in Suit No. LD/1006CMW/2015, between Skyview Properties Limited and Mr Samuel Alao Ajibode and two others.

According to the Command, the judgment affirmed Skyview Properties Limited’s ownership of the property and restrained the first defendant, his agents and privies from trespassing on the land or harassing the company and its representatives.

The court also reportedly awarded ?10 million in general damages against the first defendant, alongside ?2 million in costs.

The Zone 2 Headquarters maintained that its intervention in land-related disputes was strictly aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order, protecting lives and property, and discouraging individuals from taking the law into their own hands.

It explained that further action on the petition against Ogunseye was discontinued to avoid any action that could undermine the subsisting court judgment or expose the Police to contempt proceedings.

The Command, however, stated that the petition was not destroyed, as alleged in some media reports, adding that it remained in its records. It also advised Ogunseye to return to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, where the matter was being handled.

The Police rejected claims that the AIG personally visited the property or supervised any demolition, describing the allegations as an attempt to malign his reputation and undermine the integrity of the Force.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, respect for the judiciary and professional policing, the Command urged members of the public to disregard what it described as misleading publications.

It also appealed to media organisations to verify allegations and establish the facts before publication, warning against the use of media platforms to spread misinformation or defamatory claims.

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it generated ?302,952,570,769.24 in October 2026, representing an increase of ?20,161,430,521.84 over the ?282,791,140,247.40 recorded in September 2026.

In a statement signed by the Command Spokesman, Isah Sulaiman, the revenue figure represents a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent.

According to the statement, ‘the October collection marks another significant revenue performance above the ?300 billion threshold, following the Command’s record-breaking collection of over ?323 billion in July 2026.

‘The performance reflects the Command’s continued drive to strengthen revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade under the leadership of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, who assumed duty on 29 September 2026.

‘Since assuming office, Comptroller Mu’azu has prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.

‘This approach was reflected in the stakeholder engagement meeting held on 5 October 2026, which brought together importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges, including Demand Notice delays, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users.

‘Beyond this meeting, the CAC has also embarked on courtesy visits to key stakeholders and strategic partners within the port community. These engagements are part of his deliberate efforts to build bridges, strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster the collaboration required to create a more conducive business environment for traders and other port users.

‘As part of measures to improve operational efficiency, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire. The initiative is aimed at eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time, while retaining the necessary compliance and control measures.’

Speaking on the initiative, the CAC stated: ‘Under my leadership, the Command has intensified efforts to review and streamline the processing of Transire, with a view to eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-departmental coordination and reducing processing time.

‘This initiative seeks to ensure that the various offices involved discharge their responsibilities more efficiently while maintaining the necessary compliance and control measures.’

He added that ‘this initiative is also driven by my commitment to trade facilitation and the need to address operational inefficiencies that could subject traders to unnecessary delays and hardship.

‘Traders should not suffer the consequences of avoidable administrative lapses or delays. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations, enhance service delivery and create a more efficient trading environment.’

In furtherance of this commitment, Comptroller Mu’azu has directed that cargo examinations must be conducted strictly in accordance with existing procedures and the requisite documentation and authorisation.

He has also emphasised that examinations must not become a source of avoidable delays and cautioned officers against unwarranted, repetitive or unnecessary checks capable of frustrating legitimate business transactions.

Officers have been directed to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally without compromising compliance, revenue protection or national security.

These directives are intended to ease cargo clearance, improve turnaround time and promote a more predictable trading environment while ensuring strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

The Command is also strengthening coordination among relevant departments and port stakeholders to address operational bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.

In the area of enforcement, officers of the Command intercepted 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two separate containers during the period under review.

The seizures comprised 162 sachets weighing 125 kilogrammes in container number MSKU0486747 and 275 sachets weighing 267.5 kilogrammes in container number TEMU6149358. The combined Duty Paid Value of the seized narcotics stands at ?196,131,606.82.

The consignments were jointly examined with relevant sister agencies, underscoring the Command’s resolve to prevent the use of Nigeria’s maritime gateway for illicit trade and protect public health and national security.

The Apapa Area Command remains committed to consolidating its revenue performance, strengthening enforcement and building stronger partnerships with stakeholders to improve the efficiency of port operations.

Under Comptroller Mu’azu’s leadership, the Command will continue to pursue a balanced approach that protects government revenue and national security while creating an enabling environment for legitimate trade and economic growth.

The Elders forum of the Chief Tony Anenih Geriatric Centre, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has called for improved healthcare access, stronger social support systems and greater inclusion of older persons in policymaking to promote healthy ageing and improve their quality of life.

The call was made during the 2026 International Day of Older Persons celebration, organised to recognise senior citizens’ contributions and highlight the challenges facing Nigeria’s ageing population.

Speaking at the event, Founder-Director of the Centre, Dr Lawrence Adebusuyi, said the programme provided an opportunity for older persons to celebrate themselves while promoting their health and social well-being.

He explained that although the United Nations observes October 1 annually as the International Day of Older Persons, the Centre chose a convenient date to commemorate the occasion with Forum members.

Adebusuyi identified limited healthcare access and social isolation as major challenges confronting older persons, particularly those whose children live abroad or in other cities.

He cited complaints about delays in obtaining access codes under the National Health Insurance Scheme, saying some elderly persons reportedly wait more than three months after payment before receiving the codes needed to access healthcare.

He stressed that such delays must be addressed to ensure timely medical attention for older persons.

On social isolation, Adebusuyi said the Forum provided a support network where members could interact, exercise and celebrate important milestones.

‘Many of their children have travelled abroad, while those who remain in Nigeria have moved to other cities, leaving their parents practically alone. The Geriatric Centre is not just about diseases, healthcare and related issues; it is also about social welfare. This Forum serves as the social hub of the Chief Tony Geriatric Centre,’ he said.

Also speaking, the director of the Centre, Dr Mofoluwake Majekodunmi, described the Forum as a leading platform for social engagement among older persons in Africa.

She said its activities, including interactive sessions and excursions, had helped members build relationships and improve their physical and mental well-being.

Majekodunmi said the Forum hoped to extend its reach beyond Ibadan by providing older persons across Nigeria with opportunities to voice their concerns and engage government officials and policymakers on issues affecting their welfare.

She added that its executives worked with the Centre to engage government institutions and advocate policies that would improve elderly care.

In a lecture titled ‘The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,’ Dr Eniola Cadmus of the Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, highlighted the growing population of older persons in Nigeria.

Cadmus estimated that between 8.2 million and nine million Nigerians were aged 60 and above, projecting that the figure could rise to 25 million by 2050.

She expressed concern that only about three per cent of older persons had access to formal pensions, leaving many vulnerable to financial hardships in retirement.

She urged older persons to adopt healthier lifestyles by eating more vegetables, exercising regularly and attending routine medical check-ups.

The recent appointment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, as Director of Air Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 re-election campaign has raised important questions about the separation of political responsibilities from the administration and security of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Under the arrangement announced by the Presidency, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, will serve as Deputy Director I, while the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engineer Farouk Ahmed Umar, will serve as Deputy Director II.

Although the proposed directorate is understood to be concerned primarily with coordinating air transportation and campaign logistics, the involvement of serving aviation sector administrators in a partisan political structure has received diverse opinions amongst stakeholders in the aviation industry.

Those against the new move, which are largely from opposition parties, have raised fundamental questions, enquiring if the Presidency fully appreciates the possible implications of introducing political campaign mobilisation into airport environments, especially the security consequences for aviation and, by extension, national security.

To them, their concern is based on security issues that could arise from the new arrangement, just as they warned against allowing political mobilisation to interfere with the operational and security requirements of airports. This is more so, because airports are not ordinary public gathering places. They are highly sensitive national infrastructure with complex security arrangements designed to protect passengers, aircraft, airport personnel, facilities and the wider aviation ecosystem.

Beyond the immediate security implications, experts are also of the view that Nigeria must also consider the possible consequences for international aviation confidence. For instance, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), through Annex 17, establishes international standards and recommended practices for safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference. These requirements are not merely administrative procedures. They constitute an essential component of the broader national security architecture.

Besides, Nigeria’s aviation security framework recognises these vulnerabilities. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 17 specifically addresses aviation security and applies to airport operators, airport tenants, service providers and persons within or around designated airport environments.

But from the structure of the new directorate, it appears that the creation of the directorate may not necessarily turn airport premises into political mobilisation centres, rally grounds or venues for crowd-based partisan activities.

It is therefore necessary to distinguish between using air transportation for campaign logistics and using airport premises for political mobilisation.

For instance, there is nothing inherently objectionable about political parties chartering aircraft, purchasing airline tickets or coordinating the movement of campaign officials through properly authorised aviation channels. Such activities are part of legitimate air transport operations.

However, coordinating campaign flights is fundamentally different from organising political rallies, supporter gatherings or mass mobilisation within airport precincts.

The former is an aviation logistics responsibility; the latter introduces additional public-order and security considerations that airport authorities must not take lightly.

Whatever the intent seeks to pursue, it is very important that the authorities, the Minister of Aviation, FAAN and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) appreciate that airport security cannot be compromised by activities whose planning and execution fall outside established aviation security procedures.

All stakeholders including the politicians and airport management should therefore, retain complete authority to restrict activities that could compromise security or disrupt operations, irrespective of the political personalities involved.

While political parties have legitimate rights to organise, mobilise supporters and prepare for elections, such activities must be conducted within clearly defined boundaries, particularly when they involve critical national infrastructure such as airports.

When these rules are followed, parties involved will be able to disallow and control election campaigns in such a manner that it will not interfere and be allowed to compromise the security environment of our airports.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday condemned the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, describing the ruling as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The party also rejected the purported ‘rainbow coalition’ being championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating clandestine plots to infiltrate opposition parties and weaken their internal structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, stated the party’s position while addressing journalists in Abuja following a consultative engagement between the National Working Committee (NWC) and the party’s governorship candidates across nine states.

Prof. Gombe declared that the SDP would resist any maneuver designed to subvert democratic norms and deny Nigerians the freedom to choose their leaders without judicial or political interference.

‘We condemn the so-called disqualification of the ADC leadership and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. This is a democracy. We want Nigerians to be allowed to freely exercise their franchise,’ Gombe said.

‘If a political party present a candidate, it has the right to do that. We will not allow anything that will truncate our democracy because we have come a long way in this journey.’

Gombe further warned that any SDP member involved in the proposed coalition would be subjected to severe internal disciplinary proceedings.

‘So, we have taken a stand that as much as we are not part of anything to do with rainbow coalition, sanctions and other disciplinary measures await any member of our party who engages in it,’ he stated.

In addition, the party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish an authentic, verified, and clean voters’ register without further delay to allow for thorough scrutiny by the public and political stakeholders ahead of the 2027 polls.

Explaining the rationale behind the high-level meeting, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, noted that the parley was the first phase of consultative sessions with its standard-bearers, adding that other candidates would be hosted in subsequent batches.

Governorship candidates in attendance included the Nasarawa State candidate and Chairman of the SDP Governors’ Forum, Mohammed Adamu; Mogaji Agboola (Oyo); Prof. Sebastine Tar (Benue); Mohammed Mohammed (Niger); Christopher Nathaniel (Adamawa); Dr. Simple Dafup (Plateau); Ibrahim Bushira (Kano); Adam Ma’aji (Gombe); and Ayuba Katagun (Bauchi).

Adamu, a former Inspector-General of Police, stated that the meeting evaluated strategic operational frameworks to secure victories across the presidential, governorship, and legislative elections.

He explained that the candidates reviewed situational reports from their states to identify and plug operational gaps that the ruling party could exploit during the polls.

‘But we know that Nigerians are tired of the APC and need change. The only alternative is the SDP because it has the interest of the masses at heart. We also plan to elevate their living condition so everybody gets what he needs to get. It is the neglect of the masses that is causing so many problems in the country,’ Adamu said.

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has uncovered nearly N600 billion allegedly deducted by the Federal Government from the Natural Resources Development Fund outside the provisions of the law.

The Chairman of the RMAFC, Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu, disclosed this at the Abuja roundtable on Promise to Proof: The Renewed Hope Conversation, organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Progressive Strategy Roundtable.

Shehu said efforts are underway to recover the money for the benefit of states and local governments.

He expressed optimism that the current administration is working towards recovering the money to enable states and local governments to benefit from the fund.

The RMAFC chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing states to access the Natural Resources Development Fund, noting that the President had also agreed that the money already accrued to the fund should be shared among all states.

He described the development as remarkable, recalling that Tinubu, as governor of Lagos State, had gone to court to challenge the withholding of funds meant for local governments in the state.

According to Shehu, the President’s experience as a former governor has given him an understanding of the challenges associated with revenue distribution.

He specifically cited Lagos, Yobe, and Bauchi States as beneficiaries of the fund under the current administration.

On the proposed review of the revenue allocation formula, Shehu disclosed that the commission had completed its assignment after about two years of consultations with stakeholders across the country.

He explained that the commission’s constitutional responsibility under Section 153 and Paragraph 32 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) includes reviewing the revenue allocation formula from time to time to reflect changing realities.

He said the review considered population changes, the number of local governments, internally generated revenue, and other socio-economic developments, using data from the National Bureau of Statistics, health agencies, and other relevant institutions.

Shehu noted that the existing framework was based on a modification introduced during the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, but realities have changed considerably since then.

He stated that the commission had concluded its review and discussed the recommendations with President Tinubu, who agreed that the time had come to change the formula.

He disclosed that the commission had approached the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation to facilitate the drafting of the proposed bill, which the President is expected to transmit to the National Assembly soon.

Providing details of the existing structure, Shehu said the Federal Government currently receives 52.86 per cent, state governments 26.72 per cent, and local governments 20.60 per cent, while the Natural Resources Development Fund accounts for 1.68 per cent and the Stabilisation Fund 0.50 per cent.

Speaking on the achievements of the commission in the last three years, Shehu said the RMAFC had undergone significant institutional improvements after years of operating with inadequate resources and limited technological capacity.

He said the commission is also constitutionally responsible for reviewing the remuneration of political office holders, advising states on improving internally generated revenue, and monitoring revenue-generating agencies, including the CBN, NNPCL, and Customs.

Shehu disclosed that one major achievement was the improvement of staff remuneration, noting that while officials in monitored agencies earned between N500,000 and N600,000 monthly, some RMAFC employees earned only about N100,000 when he joined as secretary in 2020.

He said the commission had upgraded workers’ remuneration, digitalised its operations, and is examining the oil and gas industry, particularly regarding the absence of adequate metering to establish the actual volume of crude oil extracted and exported.

Also speaking at the roundtable, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), Uzoma Nwagba, disclosed that the corporation had empowered 350,161 Nigerians with N58.1 billion worth of consumer credit through more than 35 participating financial institutions.

Nwagba said CREDICORP, established in 2024, was created to democratise access to responsible consumer credit, improve household welfare, and stimulate economic growth, with an ambition to reach 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030.

He said between 30 and 40 per cent of its portfolio serves rural beneficiaries, adding that a USSD service had been launched for rural Nigerians without smartphones or conventional banking access.

In his presentation, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, disclosed that the Federal Government had disbursed approximately N50 billion to one million nano-businesses across the country.

Odii said SMEDAN identified about 39,654,385 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises across the 36 states and the FCT, with the major challenges categorised under power, infrastructure, financing, manpower, and multiple taxation.

He said the Tinubu administration had begun addressing these challenges through the removal of nuisance taxes, improved access to finance, and business formalisation, including a N200 billion intervention comprising N75 billion for manufacturers, N75 billion for small businesses, and N50 billion in grants.

Odii also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved a N6 billion waiver to eliminate Corporate Affairs Commission registration fees for approximately 250,000 nano-businesses, out of which about 110,000 have benefited so far.

He announced plans to implement the One Local Government, One Product initiative across the 774 local government areas to provide cooperatives with access to up to N10 million, structured as a 70 per cent interest-free loan and a 30 per cent grant.

The Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KCPC) has confiscated 5,964 bottles of expired soft drinks allegedly stocked for sale to unsuspecting consumers at Singer Market in Kano.

The seizure followed a report received by the Council indicating that a trader had stocked a large quantity of soft drinks whose expiry dates had elapsed.

Acting on the information, the Council immediately deployed its enforcement officers to the market, where they investigated the complaint and seized the products to prevent them from reaching unsuspecting members of the public.

The Council’s Director of Enforcement and Removal of Substandard Products, Alhaji Auwalu A. Muhammad, said the agency was carrying out its responsibilities in accordance with the law.

He warned that the Council would not hesitate to confiscate any expired products or items whose essential packaging information, including expiry dates, had been tampered with.

Auwalu reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to removing expired and substandard products from circulation to protect consumers’ health and interests.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, said the agency would sustain enforcement operations across markets, business outlets and supermarkets throughout the state.

He stressed that the Council would not tolerate the harassment or intimidation of its personnel, explaining that the officers were performing their lawful duties to safeguard residents against illnesses associated with the consumption of unsafe and expired products.

Dr Ibrahim urged traders to cooperate with the Council by voluntarily identifying and removing expired or damaged products from their shops rather than concealing them or attempting to alter their expiry dates.

He noted that such cooperation would protect consumers’ health while enhancing public confidence in businesses and promoting their growth.

The Executive Secretary also commended Kano State Governor, Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his continued support and commitment to providing the Council with the necessary resources to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

The Council reiterated its determination to intensify market surveillance and track down expired and substandard products across Kano State, assuring residents of its commitment to protecting their rights and interests.

Amid an unprecedented crowd of party faithful, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday flagged off its 2027 campaign in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

At the rally, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other party leaders called for massive votes for President Bola Tinubu, the governor and all other APC candidates.

Speaking with confidence, Oborevwori said the decision to join the APC followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was aimed at aligning Delta State with the Federal Government for accelerated development.

He commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that increased revenue allocations had strengthened the capacity of state and local governments to execute projects and meet their obligations.

He disclosed that 17,500 Delta students had benefited from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), urging more students to apply.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education and healthcare. He disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of state police divisional headquarters in all 25 local government areas in anticipation of the proposed establishment of state police.

Oborevwori, who also spoke at another rally in Ozoro, urged the Isoko people to show love to their daughter, his wife, Deaconess Tobore, by voting massively for the APC.

He urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and work for the victory of all APC candidates in 2027.

The party train later moved to Ozoro, where the governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, an indigene of Isoko North, urged the people of Isoko nation to support President Bola Tinubu, her husband and other APC candidates.

She described voting as a powerful instrument of political expression, declaring: ‘Your vote is your voice, your strength and your weapon. Use it to vote for APC.’

On his part, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme said the administration had recorded significant progress in roads, education and healthcare, urging Deltans to sustain their support.

APC State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, while presenting party flags to the Delta South Senatorial candidate, the House of Representatives candidate and House of Assembly candidates from Isoko North and South, urged members to secure victory for the party in their respective polling units.

Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, challenged party faithful to work towards delivering over two million votes for President Tinubu and Oborevwori, while stressing the need for victory across all elective positions.

Director-General of the Delta APC Campaign Council, Senator James Manager, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians but urged them to remain hopeful, saying the Federal Government’s reforms were already producing better results.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Felix Morka, expressed delight at the turnout, which he likened to the party’s national campaign. He said the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms were aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.

Coordinator of the Isoko South Campaign Council, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, and his Isoko North counterpart, Hon. Oviemuno Oghoore, joined other party leaders in canvassing support for APC candidates.

Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi, acknowledged the governor’s commitment to youth appointments and empowerment, while Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, pledged the support of women for the party’s candidates.

Former Delta APC governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and Ovie Umuakpor also expressed support for the party and its candidates.

Chief Solomon Ogba highlighted the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Oleh and the planned dualisation of the Oleh Roundabout-Iyede Road as significant developments for the Isoko nation.

The flags were presented to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko for Isoko Federal Constituency; Hon. Lucky Idhove and Hon. Ferguson Onwo for Isoko South Constituencies I and II; and Engr. Orobosa Ashakah and Chief Frank Ozue for Isoko North Constituencies I and II, respectively.

The Executive Director of Futuremap Foundation, Dr Shuaib Sani Shuaib, has called on Nigeria to harness its youthful population and invest more in human capital development to accelerate economic growth and position the country as a leading force in the global digital economy.

He made the call at the Global Tech Africa 2026 Conference held in Kano, where stakeholders gathered to explore strategies for advancing Africa’s digital economy through technology, infrastructure, talent development and investment.

Shuaib described Nigeria’s youthful population as a major economic asset, stressing that developing the skills and talents of young people was essential to maximising the opportunities offered by the expanding digital economy.

He explained that the conference was designed to promote technology-driven industrialisation, improve market access and strengthen business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.

According to him, the event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on how technology could accelerate industrial development and enable African businesses to access wider markets.

He said participants also benefited from masterclasses designed to equip SMEs with practical knowledge on leveraging technology to expand their businesses and facilitate the movement of goods across international borders.

The executive director added that experts were invited to address issues raised during the sessions and conduct practical workshops to help participants acquire the skills required to apply technology in their businesses.

Shuaib noted that the conference also brought together academics, policymakers, government institutions and other stakeholders to develop coordinated solutions to challenges affecting economic development.

He said Global Tech Africa was established to bridge the gap between technology, commerce and industrialisation, which are often discussed separately at different conferences.

He highlighted the participation of organisations such as the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), multinational institutions and development partners.

On the challenges facing technology-driven industrialisation and market access, Shuaib said the conference was not limited to discussions but also focused on bringing relevant stakeholders together to develop practical solutions.

He expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and disclosed that a follow-up framework had been established to ensure the implementation of recommendations and resolutions reached at the conference.

Speaking at the event, the Creator of the Global Shapers Community in Kano, Sumayya Umar Tofa, described the conference as a platform for connecting Africa and accelerating economic growth through industrialisation and improved market access.

Tofa said the event went beyond speeches and panel discussions by creating opportunities for partnerships, investment and business development.

She explained that selected start-ups were showcasing innovative solutions at the conference to attract investors, establish partnerships and explore opportunities for expansion across Nigeria and Africa.

According to her, the conference also featured a curated deal room where start-ups, small businesses and other enterprises could interact directly with investors to explore potential funding opportunities and partnerships.

She said the engagements were expected to generate business collaborations, financial support and other opportunities capable of helping emerging enterprises expand.

Tofa stressed that the conference was designed to ensure that participants left with practical knowledge, valuable connections and opportunities that would contribute to business growth and the wider African economy.

Similarly, the Founder of Technology Bridge Foundation for Women and Girls, Eklema Musa, said the event was aimed at positioning Nigeria as an emerging digital hub and a leading player in the global technology ecosystem.

She identified talent development, infrastructure, investment and technology as critical areas requiring attention if Nigeria was to maximise the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

Musa also highlighted the importance of the deal room, which she said provided a platform for connecting investors with start-ups seeking funding, partnerships and opportunities to expand their businesses.

She disclosed that Technology Bridge Foundation was coordinating the deal room to facilitate engagements between investors and innovative businesses.

The foundation’s founder further noted that several start-ups were exhibiting innovative products and solutions designed to address pressing societal challenges.

She said the exhibitions demonstrated how entrepreneurs were transforming ideas into practical solutions capable of creating meaningful social and economic impact.

Musa added that exhibition stands and discussion sessions at the conference provided opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and explore partnerships that could strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.

She expressed optimism that the conversations, partnerships and connections generated at Global Tech Africa 2026 would accelerate digital development and unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s technology sector.