Category: PM News

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has appointed Mr. Bismarck Rewane as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of its Board of Directors, following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Rewane is a respected economist and experienced leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, with more than 40 years of experience in macroeconomic research, investment banking, and strategic management.

He is the Managing Director at Financial Derivatives Company Limited, a top financial advisory and economic research firm. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society and has held leadership roles at International Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and First National Bank of Chicago.

He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Economics and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Bankers of England and Wales.

Rewane has served on the boards of blue-chip companies and multinationals, including Guinness Nigeria Plc., British American Tobacco, Henkel Nigeria Limited, Top Feeds Nigeria Limited, and Africa Infrastructure Plus Partners. He was a member of the Presidential Steering Committee for the Resolution of the Global Economic Crisis.

He has completed executive management programmes at top business schools, including the Oxford International Capital Markets programme, the Euromoney Institute of Finance, and IMD Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Board of Directors of First City Monument Bank welcomes Rewane. The Bank is confident that his expertise in macroeconomics, corporate governance, and strategic management, together with the Bank’s stronger capital base, will strengthen its leadership and help drive the next phase of growth while continuing to deliver value to stakeholders.

First City Monument Bank Limited is a member of FCMB Group Plc, a financial services company that provides banking, consumer finance, investment management, and fintech services.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway with an action-packed opening week that promises early drama, heavyweight clashes and crucial group-stage battles as the expanded 48-team tournament begins across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Featuring a record 104 matches over 39 days, the competition opens with a series of high-profile fixtures that could immediately shape the race for qualification and establish early favourites for football’s biggest prize.

Fans in Nigeria will be able to follow every moment live on SuperSport through DStv and GOtv platforms.

The opening round begins on Friday, 12 June, with Korea Republic taking on Czech Republic at 3:00 am before Belgium face Egypt at 8:00 pm in a fascinating contest between European experience and African ambition.

Attention then turns to Saturday, 13 June, when hosts United States meet Paraguay at 2:00 am, while Qatar battle Switzerland at 8:00 pm. The day’s marquee fixture arrives at 11:00 pm as five-time world champions Brazil square off against Morocco, one of Africa’s most exciting teams following their historic recent achievements on the global stage.

Sunday, 14 June offers another intriguing lineup, with Germany facing Curacao at 6:00 pm before the Netherlands take on Japan at 9:00 pm in a clash expected to showcase tactical discipline and technical quality.

The schedule intensifies on Monday, 15 June, beginning with Ivory Coast versus Ecuador at midnight and Sweden against Tunisia at 3:00 am. Later in the day, Spain face Cape Verde at 5:00 pm, while Belgium and Egypt renew their rivalry at 8:00 pm in another compelling intercontinental encounter.

One of the standout matches of the opening week takes centre stage on Tuesday, 16 June, when France lock horns with Senegal at 8:00 pm in a contest that pits one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses against one of Africa’s most consistent performers.

Wednesday, 17 June brings further excitement as Argentina face Algeria at 2:00 am. The match is expected to draw global attention as Lionel Messi begins what many believe could be his final FIFA World Cup campaign. Later, England and Croatia meet at 9:00 pm in a heavyweight showdown between two nations with recent World Cup pedigree.

The first round of fixtures concludes on Thursday, 18 June, with Ghana taking on Panama at midnight before Uzbekistan face Colombia at 3:00 am, maintaining the tournament’s relentless pace and global appeal.

All matches will be broadcast live on SS World Cup Central (DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 61), ensuring viewers have uninterrupted access to every major moment.

With the tournament’s expanded format placing greater importance on every group-stage result, the opening week is expected to deliver early storylines, defining performances and memorable encounters as teams begin their quest for World Cup glory.

Ogun State commemorated World Environment Day 2026 on June 9 at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with calls for collective climate action and the distribution of clean cooking stoves to women across the state.

The world environment day comes on the 5th of June 2026 with the theme: ‘Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future,’ was moved from the global date of June 5 to allow broader stakeholder participation, according to organizers.

Speaking at the event which was attended by Market women and men, CDAs, students and other state stakeholders, Ogun State first Lady Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun said nature should be treated as a partner, not just a resource.

She highlighted the health and environmental risks of firewood and charcoal use, noting links to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and respiratory diseases in women and children.

Mrs. Abiodun presented a 3, 500 Clean Cooking Stoves and LPG cylinders which was donated through collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ogun State Government at the event.

She, however, urged beneficiaries to become ambassadors of clean energy in their communities.

Bamidele also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for interventions in waste management, tree planting, flood control, and environmental enforcement, calling them investments in public health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development, adding that women manage household energy while youth will shape future climate action.

Meanwhile the stoves, formally launched by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, are expected to reduce indoor air pollution, improve public health, ease pressure on forests, and support climate mitigation.

Beneficiaries were urged to adopt cleaner cooking practices and advocate for them in their communities

‘Let us therefore renew our resolve to protect our environment, preserve our natural heritage, and build a future that is cleaner, healthier, safer, and more prosperous for all,’ Mrs. Abiodun said.

Also speaking at the event, Ogun Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya said the state is intensifying climate action through Refuse Derived Fuel, RDF.

The technology converts combustible municipal waste into alternative fuel for industry, reducing landfill pressure, methane emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels.

Oresanya listed other achievements including strengthened compliance monitoring, pollution surveillance, and Environmental Management and Climate Change Clubs in schools to equip young people with stewardship skills.

He noted that challenges like urbanization, industrial pollution, and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment from government, businesses, and citizens.

Both speakers emphasized the role of women and youth in environmental transformation.

Oresanya added that the ministry is prioritizing environmental health, school safety, climate governance, and public-private partnerships.

The Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, commended the Ministry of Environment for projects including strengthened waste management, flood control, sanitation programmes, and environmental education campaigns.

He said these efforts are making Ogun State cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.

He urged public servants to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive while strengthening compliance, embracing technology-driven solutions, and deepening public engagement on environmental issues.

Mr Iskeel expressed delight at the Ministry’s Refuse-Derived Fuel initiative, describing it as a practical way to convert combustible waste into alternative industrial fuel.

He noted it will reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create green economic opportunities.

He also commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for donating clean cook stoves to Ogun State.

He stressed that government alone cannot achieve environmental sustainability and called on citizens, communities, institutions, and the private sector to join climate action efforts.

‘Together, inspired by nature, we can take meaningful climate actions and secure a prosperous future for ourselves and generations to come,’ he said.

The event aligns with global World Environment Day activities focused on climate change impacts like rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.

The stakeholders however renewed call for Ogun residents to choose sustainability over wastefulness and conservation over degradation.

The Federal Government has received 270 Nigerian citizens who returned from South Africa through an ongoing voluntary return initiative coordinated by relevant authorities.

The returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday after completing registration and screening procedures required under the programme.

In a statement issued by the Lagos Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the agency said officials from government institutions and partner organisations were present at the airport to receive the returnees and assist with arrangements for their reintegration into society.

The statement, signed by the Head of Operations, NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, noted that the return programme was aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for Nigerians choosing to return home.

According to Olatunde, the returnees had ‘registered for the programme and completed the required screening processes’ before departing South Africa.

He explained that government agencies worked together to ensure the arrival process was seamless, while support measures were put in place to address immediate needs.

Olatunde said the Federal Government provided transportation to help the returnees continue their journeys to various parts of the country.

He also disclosed that medical personnel and emergency response teams were on standby to attend to anyone requiring urgent healthcare services.

Reaffirming the agency’s role in the exercise, Olatunde said NEMA remained committed to providing humanitarian support and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians returning from overseas.

According to him, ‘the programme is designed to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens.’

He added that the agency would sustain collaboration with stakeholders involved in the initiative to promote the welfare of the returnees and support their reintegration into their communities.

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has expressed concern over the growing practice of loading barges with cargo beyond approved limits, warning that the trend is creating significant safety risks on Lagos waterways.

The caution was issued during the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) in Lagos. Speaking at the event, the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Engr Sarat Braimah, said excessive container loading on barges increases the likelihood of accidents involving tugboats and other watercraft operating along inland routes.

Braimah stressed that safety standards within the maritime industry must be strictly observed, noting that negligence on the waterways can have consequences far beyond financial losses.

She said: ‘To maximise profit per trip, operators frequently overload barges with shipping containers. When these heavy containers are stacked too high or poorly arranged, they create a massive blind spot that completely blocks the tugboat captain’s forward visibility.

‘Operating a vessel without a clear line of sight is incredibly dangerous. It makes it nearly impossible for a captain to spot oncoming traffic, sandbanks, or smaller passenger boats in time to avoid a collision,’ she stated.

Represented by NIWA Assistant Manager, Marine Operations, Engr Kelvin Abba, Braimah disclosed that the authority has strengthened oversight at loading points to ensure compliance with approved loading standards. She explained that container stacks must remain within permissible heights to guarantee clear visibility from the wheelhouse.

According to her, the authority is taking proactive measures to address several safety concerns across the nation’s inland waterways, with particular attention on unsafe loading methods, misuse of safety equipment and environmental hazards.

‘NIWA has been actively addressing critical safety gaps across Nigeria’s inland waterways. The most urgent concerns focus on improper barge loading, misapplied safety gear, and the severe hazards of marine litter among many others,’ she stated.

The authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing safety regulations and promoting responsible operations to reduce accidents and safeguard lives, property and the aquatic environment.

As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993, and 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule on Friday, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to treat the country’s worsening insecurity as a direct threat to democracy, the rule of law, and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement to mark the day, the organisation warned that no democracy can flourish when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence, and other forms of criminality.

‘Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,’ Zikora Ibeh, CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, said.

The organisation lamented the continued spread of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting that persistent mass abductions, including attacks on schools and educational institutions, poses a grave danger to national growth and development.

According to available data, no fewer than 4,722 people were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents between July 2024 and June 2025, while at least 762 people lost their lives in kidnapping-related incidents during the same period. Nigerians also paid an estimated N2.57 billion in ransom to kidnappers over the course of the year.

Particularly troubling, CAPPA said, is the continued targeting of children, women, and young girls, many of whom remain separated from their families for extended periods under traumatic conditions. The group said videos circulating on social media, showing Nigerians in captivity being beaten, tortured, humiliated, and forced to make desperate appeals for ransom payments, have shocked the nation and exposed the human cost of the country’s security crisis.

‘No Nigerian should have to plead for their life before a camera while criminal groups operate with impunity. No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing whether a kidnapped child will return home alive. These tragedies represent a profound failure of the state’s most fundamental responsibility, which is the protection of life and property,’ Ibeh stated.

CAPPA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of all Nigerians currently held in captivity and ensure that those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted.

‘All criminal elements must be made to understand that Nigeria and its people are out of bounds. No group should be allowed to terrorise communities and undermine national life without facing the full consequences of the law.’

The organisation also urged government authorities to communicate more regularly and compassionately with the public on efforts being made to rescue abducted persons and prevent future attacks.

‘While security operations often require discretion, the current shortage of official information is fuelling rumours, anxiety, and a growing sense of abandonment among affected families and communities. Nigerians deserve reassurance that every available resource is being deployed to bring their loved ones home safely.’

CAPPA noted that the persistence of insecurity could significantly undermine voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Citizens who fear violence are less likely to engage in civic activities or turn out to vote. Communities displaced by insecurity face additional barriers to electoral participation. A democracy cannot be considered fully representative when large numbers of citizens are effectively excluded by fear and insecurity.’

The group called for greater investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, inter-community surveillance and early warning systems, stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, improved welfare for security personnel, and more effective prosecution of criminal networks.

It also urged government at all levels to address the structural conditions that fuel violence, including poverty, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, environmental degradation, resource conflicts, and social exclusion.

As Nigerians commemorate June 12, CAPPA stressed that the promise of democracy cannot be separated from the security and welfare of citizens.

‘The significance of June 12 lies in its affirmation that sovereignty belongs to the people. That promise loses meaning when citizens cannot move freely, sleep peacefully, send their children to school, or participate in public life without fear.

‘Defending democracy therefore requires defending the lives and dignity of Nigerians. The government must act with urgency to rescue those in captivity, dismantle criminal networks, and restore public confidence. That is the minimum obligation of any democratic state and the standard by which Nigerians will continue to judge their democracy.’

Nigeria’s crude oil production has surged to an 11-month high in May 2026, with the country exceeding its Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

The average crude oil production recorded during the month of May represents 102 per cent of Nigeria’s 1.5mbpd of production quota allocated by the OPEC.

The production report released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on Thursday, disclosed that Nigeria’s oil production averages 1,530,354 barrels of crude oil and 170,446 barrels of condensates per day (bpd).

According to the report, this brings the total combined production to 1, 700, 800 barrels per day and consolidating Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest oil producer.

The report said the production performance during the review period remained robust, with combined crude oil and condensate output ranging between a low of 1.51 million bpd and a peak of 1.86 million bpd.

It said the May 2026 production figures represented the highest recorded by Nigeria since July 2025, when output surged to 1,712,282.

‘In strict crude oil terms (excluding condensates), the 1.53 million barrels recorded in May 2026 represents the highest Nigeria has witnessed since January 2025 when crude oil production hit 1.538mbpd.

‘The latest crude oil production statistics thus represents a 15-month high on a month-on-month basis, production rose by 2.77 per cent in May 2026 as against 1.48mbpd in April,’ it said.

The report said the broader production trend over the last five months had also remained positive.

It said combined crude oil and condensate output increased from 1.48 million bpd in February to 1.54 million bpd in March, 1.66 million bpd in April, and then 1.7 million bpd in May, underscoring sustained growth in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon production levels.

According to the report, among production streams, Bonny Terminal led the pack with a total blend of 293,870 bpd, closely followed by Forcados Terminal at 289,900 bpd, Qua Iboe ranked third with 173,360 bpd, while Escravos Oil Terminal contributed 135,470 bpd.

It said the Odudu (Amenam Blend) completed the top five production streams, accounting for 63,250 bpd during the month under review.

The NUPRC attributes the rise in production to a sustained positive momentum as operations remained stable throughout the reporting period with no significant pipeline or facility outages recorded.

Additionally, all previously scheduled turnaround maintenance activities had been successfully completed, contributing to improved operational reliability and production efficiency.

The Inspector General of Police, I-G, on Thursday revealed how five suspects for allegedly hacked into the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s server to aide examination fraud during the conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations Computer-Based Test (UTME CBT) in Delta State.

The suspects, identified as Ojiyovwi Miracle, Goodluck Ovuijeddo, Dennis Uvietesivwi, Ransome Monday and Hilda Ejohwemu were to be arraigned on allegations bordering on cybercrime, examination malpractices and cheating by the Inspector-General of Police (I-GP)

But their arraignment could not go on before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja because they are based in Delta State.

When the case was called, the judge raised observation that since all the suspects reside in Delta, it would be better for the case to be heard at the court’s division in the state in order to ensure expeditious prosecution.

Counsel to the I-G, Faith Dimka, and lawyers to the suspects did not oppose the judge’s advice.

Justice Liman subsequently ordered that the case file should be returned to the central registry for onward transfer to Delta.

However, the charges filed against the suspects FHC/ABJ/CR/300/2026 on May 22 by the Prosecution Counsel, Faith Dimka revealed how they allegedly installed a special software on about 200 computer systems used for the 2026 UTME in Delta State.

In count one, the suspects were alleged to have conspired among themselves to commit the offence bordering on unlawful access to a computer and computer related fraud.

In count two, they were alleged to have, ‘on April, without authorisation, intentionally accessed the JAMB server remotely by installing a software by name, RADMI software in over 200 systems used for UTME CBT.’

The police alleged that ‘after it was installed, the system was operated remotely on its own, for fraudulent purposes and obtain data that are vital to national security within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.’

In count three, the suspects were alleged to have knowingly and without authority on April 20, caused loss of property by altering, erasing, imputing and suppressing data for the purpose of conferring economic benefit to themselves against JAMB during the UTME CBT.

In count four, the suspects were alleged to have conspired among themselves ‘to commit offence to wit cheating at examination and aiding and abetting examination malpractice within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.’

They were also accused to have, on April 20, ‘by any fraudulent trick or device, by false pretence and with intent to cheat or secure undue advantage procure any question paper produced or intended to be used at JAMB during the UTME CBT.’

The suspects were alleged in count six to have, on April 20, conspired, aided, abetted, counseled, incited, procured and induced persons to commit examination malpractice during the UTME CBT.

While counts one, two and three are offences punishable under sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024); counts four, five and six are punishable under provisions of Examination Malpractice Act, 1999 (LFN 2004).

As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its final hours, anticipation is reaching fever pitch across the globe for what is expected to be the biggest and most transformative edition of the tournament in history.

The competition kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City and will run until July 19, when the world champions will be crowned at the final in New York/New Jersey.

For the first time since the World Cup began in 1930, three countries Canada, Mexico and the United States will jointly host the tournament, ushering in a new era for football’s most prestigious event.

FIFA’s decision to expand the competition from 32 to 48 teams marks one of the most significant changes in the tournament’s history. The new format is designed to increase global participation and provide more nations with the opportunity to compete on football’s grandest stage. As a result, the 2026 edition will feature more matches, more host cities and a larger international audience than any previous World Cup.

A total of 48 teams from six continental confederations have secured qualification for the tournament.

Defending champions Argentina will be among the favourites, while traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, England and Portugal are also expected to challenge for the trophy.

Africa heads into the competition with one of its strongest representations ever.

The continent will be represented by Algeria, Cabo Verde, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.

Following Morocco’s historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, expectations are high that African teams can once again make a significant impact on the global stage.

The tournament’s matches will be spread across 16 host cities. Canada will host games in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico’s venues are located in Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey. The United States will stage the majority of the matches, with host cities including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle.

The World Cup will be played in some of North America’s most iconic sporting venues, many of which have undergone extensive upgrades and preparations in anticipation of welcoming millions of fans and visitors.

Organisers expect record-breaking attendance figures and unprecedented global television viewership throughout the tournament.

Beyond the football action, FIFA is also placing strong emphasis on entertainment and cultural celebration.

The organisation has unveiled a record 18-track official World Cup album featuring a diverse lineup of international artists. Nigeria has secured a prominent place on the soundtrack through the inclusion of Afrobeats superstars Davido, Burna Boy, Rema and Ayra Starr, underlining the genre’s growing influence on global popular culture.

The tournament’s official match ball, the adidas TRIONDA, has also attracted considerable attention.

Unveiled in October 2025, the ball derives its name from the concept of ‘three waves,’ symbolising the unity of the three host nations. Its design incorporates the colours associated with Canada, Mexico and the United States, reflecting the unique nature of the tournament.

Adding a touch of fun and national identity to the event are the three official mascots introduced by FIFA. Maple the Moose represents Canada, Zayu the Jaguar symbolises Mexico, while Clutch the Bald Eagle serves as the mascot for the United States.

The mascots are expected to feature prominently in fan engagement activities, promotional campaigns and tournament festivities.

The World Cup also arrives at a time when football continues to expand its reach into new markets and audiences. The enlarged format is expected to generate greater commercial opportunities, attract new supporters and strengthen the sport’s global appeal. FIFA believes the tournament will set new benchmarks for fan engagement, digital innovation and international collaboration.

For players, coaches and supporters, the coming weeks will provide moments of triumph, heartbreak, drama and unforgettable memories. From the opening whistle in Mexico City to the final celebration in New York/New Jersey, the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a historic showcase of sporting excellence, cultural diversity and global unity.

With billions of viewers expected to follow the action and millions set to attend matches across North America, the stage is now set for a tournament that could redefine the future of international football and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, says the party has the number and strength to win the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election and the 2027 presidential election.

Yilwatda made the statement while inaugurating the APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti Governorship election, slated for June 20 in Abuja.

The chairman presented flag of the party to APC governorship candidate, Gov. Biodun Oyenbanji contesting for a second term in office.

He noted that Oyebanji was doing well in terms of infrastructural development, social protection, scholarships and health support systems for the people.

‘You are connecting roads and connecting hearts across the state, we celebrate you and I thank God for giving you to the people of Ekiti and to our party as well. Today, we present you to the people of Ekiti for a second term in office, as a party, we are proud and happy that we have you. You are one of the best candidates for this election, the people have no option as you seem to be the only candidate for this election,’ he said.

Yilwatda who boasted on the growing strength of the party lately, added that no political party in the country could match the array of people in the APC.

‘APC has the strength and is prepared to win any election.”

Yiltwada said funding would not be a problem to the party to win elections because it has the manpower and capacity to raise funds, adding that it was building an inclusive campaign council for Ekiti.

‘The elderly are here with all talents and all shared opinion people who can raise funds down to mobilisation at the polling unit level, we are prepared,’ he said.

Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate and Co-Chairman of the council, thanked the party’s leadership for the honour to serve.

He, however, advised aspirants seeking elective positions on the party’s platform in 2027 general elections to accept in good faith, the results of its primary election across the states that was being expected.

He congratulated those who would make the list in advance for the House of Representatives and the Senate, saying those that may not make it, should had done their homework well before going for the primaries.

He added that the National Assembly would endorse the list of successful aspirants when it is eventually released by the party’s leadership.

‘When the party meets, we shall endorse the list and may God Almighty grant us victory in the elections and grant us victory in justice,’ Akpabio said.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Council said its goal was ambitious yet achievable, adding that the council was committed to ensuring that the voice of the people was amplified.

He said the council was also committed to ensure that the people’s trust in good governance was rewarded.

He said to achieve its goal, the council had established effective campaign structures across all 16 Local Government Areas and 177 wards in Ekiti.

Sani said the grassroots engagement was foundational to the council’s strategy in ensuring that every indigene of the state was reached, heard and mobilised for the election.

‘Our campaign will not merely be a series of rallies; it will be a movement that resonates with the aspirations of the people,’ he said.

He described Oyebanji as a man with a strong commitment to the welfare of the people of Ekiti, saying his leadership was strategic, defined by humility and kindness that brought everyone together.

He said the campaign would focus on engaging and mobilising the youth and women, two vital demographics essential for shaping the future of the state.

‘Their voices will be heard, their concerns addressed and their aspirations prioritised in our governance agenda. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future. Let us remember that this campaign is not just about winning an election; it is about securing the future of the state,’ he said.

He explained that the election was about ensuring that the progress made by the APC government continued and that every indigene of the state partook in the benefits of good governance.

He urged members of the council to commit fully to mobilise, engage and advocate for the vision it shared, assuring that together, they would ensure that the voice of the people was not only heard but amplified.

‘Let us march forward with courage, determination and unity, together, we will achieve an extraordinary victory for Gov. Oyebanji and the APC in the forthcoming Ekiti governorship election,’ he said