Category: PM News

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term would operate as a unity government.

He noted that the diverse political alliance within the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) creates a natural foundation for this inclusive approach.

While reacting to comments during plenary by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the inauguration of the campaign council, Akpabio described the development as historic, stating that it was unprecedented since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 for a sitting president to constitute a campaign council involving members of almost all political parties.

‘This is not just an inclusive government in terms of infrastructure, revenue allocation and reforms. It is also an inclusive government in terms of unity of purpose in democracy. What we are going to witness is evidence that his second term is going to be a unity government, just like his campaign council is a unity campaign council made up of almost all the political parties in the country,’ he stated.

Akpabio added that Nigeria is setting an example for other African countries congratulating Tinubu, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and leaders of the political parties participating in the council.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.

The revered monarch, who also called for collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, spoke on Thursday when Mrs Tinubu paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Benin City.

The visit was part of activities marking the 10th coronation anniversary of the Oba and the First Lady’s official visit to Edo State to commission CNG buses and empower 5,000 women.

In an address delivered by his daughter, Princess Ikuoyemwen Aimiuwu Ewuare, the Oba said he was proud of the First Lady’s international engagements, including the acknowledgement she recently received from US President Donald Trump.

He said such recognition was not only an honour to her but also a pride to the entire nation, as it boosts Nigeria’s image internationally.

The Oba urged Mrs Tinubu to partner with his Foundation to drive programmes targeted at women, children, families and vulnerable persons.

According to him, the Oba Ewuare II Foundation was set up to uphold Edo cultural values and dignity while intervening in critical areas of human development.

He listed its focus areas to include scholarships for indigent students, promotion of Edo language, vocational and skills acquisition training, and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.

He noted that a partnership would help scale up these interventions and address the plight of vulnerable groups, stressing that empowering women and youths was key to building stable families and a secured future.

The monarch reiterated the readiness of the Benin Palace to collaborate with government and credible institutions to advance peace, unity and development.

In a symbolic gesture, Oba Ewuare II presented the First Lady with a Benin Coral Bead, which he said represents honour and goodwill.

He offered prayers for her success and safe trip.

Responding, Senator Tinubu said she was in Edo on the invitation of Governor Monday Okpebholo to commission the state’s newly acquired CNG buses.

She said her Renewed Hope Initiative would continue to champion the cause of women and the vulnerable.

The First Lady said: ‘I am deeply honoured to be here and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Your Royal Majesty on the throne. I wish you continued good health, long life, prosperity, joy, peace, and happiness.

‘Serving in public office comes with significant responsibilities, but when God gives an assignment, He also provides the strength to fulfil it.

‘Having served in the legislature for 12 years, I understand lawmaking, but the executive has the opportunity to impact lives directly.

‘Our goal is to lay strong foundations that will create lasting change, improve living conditions, reduce transportation costs through initiatives such as CNG buses, and promote sustainable development that will benefit generations to come.

‘I am delighted to return to this special palace, which holds a meaningful place in my heart, and I pray for continued progress, unity, and prosperity for all.’

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his bid for re-election as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly in 2027.

Akpabio made the appeal on Wednesday, urging the president to back his ambition to retain the position after the 2027 general elections.

He also appealed to Tinubu to discourage Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma from seeking to replace him as Senate President in the next National Assembly.

The appeal signals an early move in the political discussions surrounding the leadership of the Senate after the 2027 elections, with Akpabio seeking the president’s support as he prepares for another term in office.

The Senate presidency is one of the most influential positions in Nigeria’s legislature.

The office holder presides over Senate plenary sessions, coordinates legislative proceedings and plays a major role in determining the direction of debates and legislative activities in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Although senators elect the Senate President from among themselves, political alliances and negotiations involving influential party leaders often play an important role in the contest for the position.

Akpabio’s appeal to Tinubu highlights the importance he attaches to securing political backing ahead of the leadership contest. His request that the president discourage Uzodimma from pursuing the position also suggests that the possibility of competing interests could become a factor in discussions over the next Senate leadership.

Uzodimma, who governs Imo State, is a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the details of his alleged ambition to become Senate President, including whether he has formally declared an interest in the position, were not provided in the information available.

The contest for the 11th Senate presidency will take place after the 2027 general elections, when the composition of the new National Assembly becomes clear.

The Senate President is elected by senators at the beginning of a new legislative session.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported an 18 per cent increase in malnutrition admissions at health facilities it supports in Northeast Nigeria, raising fresh concerns about the nutritional needs of vulnerable communities.

The organisation said admissions increased from about 17,000 cases between January and September 2025 to nearly 20,000 during the same period in 2026.

The figures were contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday and signed by the ICRC’s Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Dawobe.

According to the organisation, young children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are among those most affected by the worsening situation.

The ICRC attributed the growing nutritional challenges to factors including conflict, climate shocks and economic pressures that continue to undermine household food security in the region.

In Mubi, Adamawa State, malnutrition admissions increased by nearly 24 per cent, rising from approximately 4,600 cases between January and September 2025 to about 5,700 during the same period in 2026.

The organisation also highlighted the experiences of families seeking treatment and nutritional support for their children at facilities in the region.

One of the mothers, Zulaihatu Mohammed, brought her six-month-old daughter, Huseina, one of her twins, to a treatment centre for assessment and food collection.

Mohammed said the child had been unwell since birth.

The figures underscore the continuing pressure on families in conflict-affected parts of Northeast Nigeria, where insecurity and economic hardship have complicated access to adequate food and healthcare.

The ICRC said the latest data covered six health centres and four hospitals it supports in the region between January and September.

The organisation’s findings highlight the need for continued nutritional support and access to treatment for children and other vulnerable people affected by food insecurity.

The police in Kwara state have arrested two brothers and a suspected herbalist over an allegation of digging up graves and removal of human heads in Omupo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, made this known while presenting suspected criminals and ritualists to journalists at the police headquarters in Ilorin.

He said the case came to light in May 2026 when residents visited a cemetery to bury a dead person and discovered that several graves had been dug up, with the heads of the bodies missing.

According to him, the suspects, identified as Abu Jimoh, Ayo Jimoh and Mukaila Bello, were arrested following an intelligence-led investigation.

Adekimi said the two brothers were arrested around 5am on October 8 while allegedly attempting to dig up another grave in the cemetery.

He added that the brothers reportedly confessed during interrogation and named Bello, a suspected herbalist, as the person who allegedly bought the removed body parts.

However, the police commissioner said the alleged human parts had not been recovered.

‘We discovered that about nine graves had been exhumed without the heads of the bodies. The three of them have been arrested,’ he said.

Adekimi also confirmed that the suspects were caught while allegedly attempting to dig up another grave. He disclosed that one of the brothers was physically challenged.

However, Ayo denied involvement in the alleged crime, claiming that they were chasing a rat when they were arrested.

He told Daily Trust that his brother followed a rat into the cemetery after it ran into a grave. According to him, he advised his brother to leave the cemetery but made the mistake of going closer to him.

Ayo, who said he was in his fifties and came from Ile Fayabale in Omupo, insisted that he had no involvement in the alleged removal of human heads.

His brother, Abu, also denied the allegation and gave a similar explanation. He claimed they were on their way to the farm when they saw a rat run into the cemetery.

Abu said his elder brother drew his attention to the animal but warned that following it into the cemetery could get them into trouble if anyone saw them.

Bello, who identified himself as a native doctor based in Ajase-Ipo, admitted knowing the two brothers but denied buying human body parts from them.

He claimed that his business dealings with the brothers were limited to buying wood from them and insisted that he knew nothing about their alleged activities.

The police said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are completed.

Doctors working at health facilities belonging to Kwara State Government have commenced a seven-day warning strike over unpaid welfare and health insurance deductions.

The strike involves doctors under the Kwara Doctors Forum made up of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), KWASUTH.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Ilorin, the Chairman of MDCAN, Dr Adeola Olasinde, said the decision was reached at a congress held on Oct. 14, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

Olasinde said the ultimatum, which ran from Oct. 1 to Oct. 14, aimed to address welfare concerns, including the sudden salary deductions for the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme (KwaraCare).

He also cited the issue of non-implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), the official salary scale for medical doctors and dental surgeons in Nigerian government service.

He said the government must reverse the two per cent salary deduction for the Kwara Health Insurance Scheme (KHIS) and commence payment of approved 2025 and 2026 accoutrement allowance arrears.

‘The government must also recruit house officers, medical officers, resident doctors and consultants across healthcare facilities.

‘We also demand the renovation of the House Officers’ Quarters in teaching hospitals and the establishment of the Governing Board of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) in accordance with its enabling Act,’ he added.

The chairman however, clarified that the forum’s position was not against health insurance or the government’s efforts to expand access to affordable healthcare.

He noted that an insurance scheme financed through salary-based contributions must be built on transparency, accountability, due process, and confidence of contributors.

‘The sudden deduction of two per cent of our salaries without prior agreement and satisfactory clarification on the processes and management of the contributed funds leaves us in serious doubt.

‘The management of public health insurance funds must be subject to clearly defined institutional controls and collective oversight.

‘There should also be transparent financial procedures, independent audit and appropriate legislative and regulatory supervision,’ he said.

Olasinde advocated the involvement of relevant stakeholders in policy formulation, governance, monitoring and periodic review of the scheme.

He explained that the objective was to ensure the scheme operates in the best interest of the people and that workers’ contributions translate into accessible and quality healthcare.

He, however, apologised for any inconvenience the action may cause patients and the public.

‘The warning strike is not our preferred course of action but is adopted reluctantly after dialogue failed,’ he said.

He called on Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and relevant authorities to intervene urgently and address the demands.

In his reaction, the Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr Ahmed Abdul-Qadir, appealed to the striking doctors to return to work to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

Abdul-Qadir said the hospital was operating at full capacity, with critically ill patients in the wards and the Intensive Care Unit, including women who had recently undergone surgery.

He described the situation as unfortunate and urged the medical associations to resolve the dispute quickly in the interest of the patients.

The CMD expressed confidence in the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, particularly those in the health sector.

He, therefore, appealed to the doctors to resume duty to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

A Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, Jamilu Abdullahi, has revealed how ?1.425 billion was used for the purchase of foreign currencies between December 15 and February 21, 2022 by persons linked to former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello.

Abdullahi revealed this while testifying as Prosecution Witness 19, PW19, in the ongoing trial of the former Kogi State Governor by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on 16-count charges bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving ?110.4 billion.

Abdullahi testified on Thursday, October 15, 2026, before Justice Maryanne Anineh while being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

The BDC operation said he delivered the foreign currencies purchased through the transactions to Abba Adaudu.

Explaining the transactions, the witness identified several cash lodgments and transfers into accounts associated with him and his company, stating that the transactions were carried out for foreign exchange purposes on behalf of Adaudu.

While examining Exhibit AR, which contained transactions between July 2021 and April 2022, the witness confirmed cash lodgments of ?10 million each made by Adaudu through the Lokoja branch. ‘My lord, I confirm the cash lodgments of Ten, Ten million Naira by Abba Adaudu from the Lokoja branch. My lord, I confirm I received the cash lodgments. It wasn’t for gift but for a forex transaction,’ he said.

He explained that the transactions were for the purchase of United States dollars.

The witness also identified a transfer dated January 18, 2022, from Keyless Limited, which he said belonged to Adaudu. He maintained that the transaction was not a gift but was equally meant for foreign exchange.

On cash lodgments dated February 22, 2022, comprising ?9 million, ?8 million and another ?8 million, which were recorded in his name through the Lokoja branch, Abdullahi denied personally making the deposits. ‘In fact, I have never been to that branch in my life, but my name has been used as a beneficiary as any other person’s name can be used as the receiver, and it was a dollar transaction for Abba Adaudu,’ he said.

He gave a similar explanation for multiple cash lodgments recorded against his name on March 10 and 11, 2022, insisting that he had never visited the Lokoja branch. According to him, the names used in the transaction narrations depended on Adaudu’s instructions. ‘My lord, I get to know the cash was paid on Abba Adaudu’s behalf because whenever he makes a lodgment of cash in my account, the indicating narration is Abba Adaudu or Jamilu Abdullahi or any other name of their choice,’ the witness said.

He added that the transactions were carried out for foreign exchange purposes and that he consistently handed the converted currencies to Adaudu. ‘My lord, I always send the converted forex to Abba Adaudu. All the transactions at the Lokoja were from Abba Adaudu,’ he said.

Abdullahi also identified Exhibit AK as his personal account with Access Bank, Aminu Kano branch, Abuja. He confirmed entries indicating cash lodgments of ?10 million each on December 29 and 30, 2021, and January 1 and 31, 2022, but maintained that the deposits were made by Adaudu for foreign exchange transactions rather than by him personally.

The witness further testified that he sometimes handed the purchased dollars to Adaudu at his own office and, on other occasions, at Adaudu’s office in Area 8, Garki, Abuja.

On transactions involving Kunfayakun Global Limited, which he identified as his company, Abdullahi confirmed a credit entry of ?100 million from Keyless Nature Limited through FCMB, Zone 4, in 2021. He told the court that the transfer was made by Adaudu.

He also identified a ?400 million transfer through Keyless Nature Limited, which he attributed to Adaudu, as well as multiple transfers of ?100 million each, totaling ?600 million, from Ejadams Essence Limited on February 18, 2022. He said Ejadams Essence Limited belonged to Adaudu.

The witness further identified a transfer of ?325 million through Ejadams Essence Limited on February 21, 2022, also attributed to Adaudu. He maintained that the transactions were for foreign exchange and that he delivered the currencies purchased to Adaudu.

Continuing his testimony, Abdullahi explained how he became familiar with accounts associated with Forza Oil, Alyeshua and Whales Oil and Gas, stating that they were the accounts used in making payments to the American International School, Abuja (AISA), for school fees on behalf of children whose payment instructions and account details were provided to him by Adaudu.

The witness identified the names: Fatima Bello, Zahra Bello and Na’ima Bello as familiar names associated with the school fees transactions. He also indicated that another name mentioned to him was familiar, although he could not recall it precisely. According to him, he carried out the payments by transferring funds to the school’s account using the details supplied by Adaudu.

He also identified Exhibits AX 10 (1-4), described as telexes, as receipts evidencing payments made to AISA. He said he sent the receipts to Adaudu as proof that the transactions had been completed. When asked whether he received any complaint from Adaudu or the children concerning the payments, the witness answered in the negative.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the first and second defendants, Abdullahi Yahaya, SAN, the witness said he had no direct dealings with any of the defendants. When asked about the total amount he gave Adaudu, Abdullahi said he could not remember the exact sum because the transactions were numerous. ‘I gave Abba Adaudu the cash and I have evidence,’ he said.

Following the testimony, Justice Anineh adjourned the case until October 27 and November 24, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that some Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are missing in Iwaro-Oka, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The statement was issued in reaction to call by Mr Adeyeri Stephen, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Candidate for Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency, on the commission to investigate alleged missing PVCs in Iwaro-Oka.

However, Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Ondo State dismissed the claim.

Agboke said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Akure by Mr Olayinka Ogunseye, INEC’s Head, Voter Education and Publicity in Ondo.

The INEC REIC said the clarification was to dismiss the allegations of some missing PVCs in Ondo State.

According to him, the commission wishes to state unequivocally that the allegation is incorrect and misleading because PVCs are not missing in Ondo State.

‘INEC announced the commencement of PVC collection and the display of the Register of Voters on Oct.9.

‘The commission made it adequately clear, through its public notices and voter education channels, that only two categories of cards were ready for collection:

‘Cards for registrants, who applied for transfer and (ii) cards for registrants, who enrolled during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), held from August to December 2025.

‘Cards for registrants of the subsequent phases (phases 2 and 3) of the CVR are not yet available for collection.

‘The commission’s records show that the number of cards in Polling Unit 12 (Igbeyinadun qrts) Ward 07 (Okay V Owalusin/Ayepe) in Akoko South-West Local Government Area in question corresponds exactly with the number received from the national headquarters in Abuja,’ he said.

The REC also said every card received was accounted for, and explained that the collection register, however, contained the names of registrants from all three phases of the CVR.

‘It is, therefore, natural that some persons whose names appear in the register will not find their cards at this time, since their cards are not yet ready. This does not, however, amount to missing cards.

‘Consequently, I wish to reemphasise that the commission in Ondo State has only the cards for transfer and those for first-phase CVR.

‘Cards that have not been produced or delivered cannot, therefore, be described as missing and no investigation is required into a situation that does not exist,’ Agboke said.

He, however, urged politicians, political parties and candidates, as well as the general public to verify facts with the state office before issuing public statements capable of creating unnecessary anxiety, suspicion or loss of confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, the commission remains open, transparent and committed to credible elections and its officials will gladly offer clarification to any stakeholder at any time.

‘INEC also wishes to inform the good people of Ondo State that PVC collection at the ward level ends today, Thursday, Oct.15.

‘From tomorrow, Friday, Oct.16, collection continues at the Local Government level (INEC Local Government Area offices) in all the 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State.

‘All registrants whose cards are ready are encouraged to collect them promptly, as the PVC remains the only means of voting.

‘Residents with enquiries or complaints are also advised to visit their respective INEC Local Government Area offices or the state office in Akure,’ he said.

Agboke assured the people of the commission’s readiness for the 2027 General Elections and said nothing would determine the winner of any election in Ondo State than the votes of the people.

The University of Ibadan (UI) has promoted the wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, and 22 other academics to the rank of professor.

Also promoted is Dr Samuel O. Orekoya of the university’s Department of Economics. His promotion takes effect from 2024.

The promotions were approved at a meeting of the university’s Appointments and Promotions Committee for Academic Staff held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Oyebanji, who was previously a senior lecturer in the Department of Educational Management, has now been promoted to professor in the same department.

The university approved the promotion of 46 academic staff members. Of the number, 23 were promoted from reader to professor, while another 23 were elevated from senior lecturer to reader.

The promotions take effect from different dates between 2017 and 2025.

Other academics promoted to professor include Dr I. A. Salami of the Department of Early Childhood and Educational Foundations, whose promotion takes effect from 2022, and Dr Kemi Ogunsola of the Department of Data and Information Science.

High Chief Dr Sir Anterus Chikaobi Ezeh, founder of institutions dedicated to nursing education, healthcare delivery and social welfare, has received the Excellent Leadership Award in Health Care and Medical Services at the 2026 National Excellent Leadership Awards and Lecture (NELAL) in Abuja.

The award was presented on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in recognition of Ezeh’s contributions to healthcare and community service.

His journey towards institution-building began long before he established a nursing college and a hospital. As a Primary Three pupil, he taught Catechism to other children in his parish, an early experience that reflected his commitment to service.

Born in Akanugu Ada, Obollo Etiti, in the former Anambra State, Ezeh is the youngest of seven children. Despite losing his father during his early secondary school years, he continued his education, attending Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude, and St John Cross Seminary, Nsukka.

He later obtained a degree in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan and a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome in 2003. He subsequently earned a master’s degree in Civil Rights Law from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom.

Establishing Institutions for Healthcare and Training

Ezeh has translated his commitment to service into initiatives spanning healthcare, professional education and social support.

He is the founder and proprietor of La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, where nurses are trained to provide competent, compassionate and ethically responsible care.

He also established La Vera College Hospital and Diagnostics Ltd, with the aim of improving access to quality and affordable healthcare, particularly for people in underserved communities.

His work extends to the United Kingdom, where Abbey’s Care Centre provides care and social support to vulnerable people and others in need.

Ezeh’s interest in caring for vulnerable groups is also rooted in his personal experience. During his years in Ibadan, Rome and the UK, he cared for older people and individuals with mental health challenges.

A Commitment That Extends Beyond Medicine

Beyond his healthcare and educational initiatives, Ezeh has contributed to community development through practical service.

He provided technical expertise and resources towards the construction of a community church in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo Eze South, Enugu State. He also volunteered as an unpaid secondary school teacher in Oraifite, Anambra State.

His contributions have earned him recognition from the Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy, Nigeria. He also holds traditional titles in Enugu and Abia states.

Ezeh is married to Dame Rita Ogonna Anterus, a nurse, and they have six children.

His NELAL award places a spotlight on his work across healthcare, education and community service, as well as the role of committed leadership in establishing institutions that respond to people’s needs.

Okoye Urges Leaders to Invest in Character and Communication

The award ceremony also featured a keynote address by Dr Lotanna Okoye, Director-General of the Profession Public Speaking and Leadership Academy (PPSLA Africa).

Speaking on the theme ‘Vision Beyond Today: Building Leaders, Institutions and Nations for a New Generation,’ Okoye introduced Metamorphoses, a leadership and values-development programme for young people aged 13 and above.

The initiative covers 14 areas of development, with character and communication among the areas highlighted in his address.

On character, Okoye said young people closely observe how adults behave, particularly how they respond to success and exercise authority.

He challenged leaders to consider whether achievement makes them more responsible or arrogant, and whether they use their influence to serve society or exploit others.

He stressed that young people learn from the examples set by adults, making it important for those in positions of authority to demonstrate the values they expect the next generation to uphold.

Communication as a Leadership Skill

Okoye also emphasised the need to help young people develop effective communication skills, alongside the mentoring and values that prepare them for leadership.

He questioned who would take responsibility for guiding young people in these areas, arguing that the development of future leaders should be deliberate rather than left to chance.

His message highlighted the importance of providing young people with the guidance, skills and support needed to assume greater responsibilities in society.

Metamorphoses Set to Reach Thousands of Young People

Metamorphoses is scheduled to begin on October 17 across 30 locations in Abuja, targeting more than 5,000 young people weekly. An online component is also planned to extend the programme’s reach beyond its physical locations.

Okoye called on individuals, organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorship, mentorship and strategic partnerships.

The programme is designed to promote personal development and equip young people with values and skills relevant to future leadership.

While Ezeh’s recognition celebrated his work in healthcare, nursing education and community support, Okoye’s address stressed the importance of preparing young Nigerians to lead responsibly.

Both themes reflected the broader message of NELAL 2026: that meaningful progress requires service-driven leadership, sustainable institutions and a deliberate commitment to developing the next generation.