Category: The Nation – Nigeria

To break long-standing taboos surrounding men’s sexual health global healthcare company Viatris (Nasdaq: VTRS) has taken its EmpowerED for Life campaign to the streets of Lagos – encouraging open stigma-free conversations about Erectile Dysfunction (ED) a subject often avoided in public discourse.

Led by medical doctor and award-winning health educator Dr Damian Avar also known as Sabi doctor the activity aimed to engage everyday Nigerians in candid discussions about a condition that many view as highly private.

From the Ikeja City Mall to the Palms Mall the team conducted interviews with 25 men and women across various age groups inviting them to share their thoughts and experiences related to ED.

The responses – authentic diverse and sometimes deeply personal – highlighted a rising awareness among the public and underscored the need for greater education and support. While several participants recognised ED as a common and treatable medical condition others spoke about the lingering stigma that makes it difficult for men to seek help or talk openly.

‘We wanted to shift this conversation from the confines of clinics into everyday spaces because awareness truly begins here’ said Sushil Kumar Mishra Associate Vice President – Commercial Viatris. ‘Many men are silently struggling with a condition that affects not only their physical health but also their confidence relationships and emotional well-being. Encouraging open dialogue is essential and initiatives like this help create a safe space for education and understanding’ he added.

Global projections suggest that more than 320 million men worldwide are affected by Erectile Dysfunction with developing regions projected to see the most significant increases.i Yet despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life ED remains widely underreported.

Research also indicates that ED can serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular disease often appearing before more serious heart complications. However conversations around men’s health particularly topics considered sensitive remain limited in many communities especially where cultural norms discourage open discussion.

‘ED is a health condition that deserves genuine attention – not judgment’ said Dr Damian Avar who led the activity in Nigeria. ‘Men’s health conversations need to move from silence to action. Erectile dysfunction is often an early indicator of broader health concerns yet many men ignore it due to stigma. This initiative is creating safe informed spaces for dialogue so we can encourage early diagnosis improve health outcomes and support healthier lives.’

One of the participants who featured in the street interviews shared his perspective: ‘Many men avoid talking about these issues because of stigma pride or embarrassment. Hearing healthcare professionals discuss them openly helps normalize the conversation. It reinforces that erectile dysfunction is a medical condition not something to be ashamed of and that seeking help early can make a real difference.’

Through this grass-roots activity Viatris aims to normalise conversations promote expert guidance and inspire meaningful action.

The EmpowerED for Life initiative operates across six African countries – Ghana Nigeria Kenya Côte d’Ivoire Senegal and South Africa.

The program combines community outreach digital storytelling and public education to demystify Erectile Dysfunction and empower men to seek care confidently and without shame fostering awareness vulnerability and action one conversation at a time.

Men experiencing symptoms are encouraged to avoid shame and misinformation and to speak to a qualified healthcare professional for accurate guidance and appropriate care.

Bayern Munich confirmed that head coach Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital after collapsing while watching the club’s second-team training session on Friday.

The Belgian required medical attention and is undergoing thorough examinations in hospital where he will remain under medical supervision.

Bayern added that Kompany’s coaching staff would take charge of training and matchday operations until further notice as the club prioritises his recovery.

The club’s board member for sport Max Eberl said Kompany’s health remained the primary concern assuring that he would receive the necessary medical care and support.

‘Vincent Kompany’s health is our top priority. We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure that he recovers quickly’ Eberl said.

‘Vinnie will receive all the necessary medical care and support as well as all the time he needs. His coaching staff whom we trust completely will take over his duties. All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery.’

Bayern have not disclosed the cause of Kompany’s collapse but confirmed that he will remain under medical supervision as he undergoes further examinations.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ have expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration in the fight against smuggling and other crimes in Lagos and the Southwest.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan stated this when the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’ Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Alausa Secretariat Ikeja.

Ogunsan stressed that there were several areas in which both organisations could work together to strengthen security operations.

‘There are a lot of things we could do together’ he said adding that closer cooperation could support security operations through improved equipment logistics and other institutional needs.

He added that the activities of the Customs Service formed an important part of the country’s security efforts particularly in preventing the movement of prohibited goods and other illicit consignments.

Ogunsan noted that the presence of Customs officers on major routes could also serve as a deterrent to criminals involved in the movement of illegal goods.

He recalled an incident involving a driver who became apprehensive after sighting Customs officers while driving at high speed saying such reactions showed the impact of enforcement operations.

On his part Afeni said the visit was aimed at establishing a working relationship with the LSSTF in pursuit of their shared security objectives.

He said FOU Zone ‘A’ headquartered in Lagos was responsible for anti-smuggling operations and enforcement across the Southwest.

‘I believe we can synergise to ensure that Lagos is free and by extension the entire South-West is free of crime’ Afeni said.

The comptroller also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership and emphasis on national security and border protection.

The Lagos State High Court in Tapa has granted interim preservative orders including a Mareva injunction against Vitol SA a Switzerland-based energy trading company and four other shipping companies in favour of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.

The bank alleged that Vitol wrongfully released cargoes of petroleum products consigned to its order in the bills of lading.

Lead counsel for UBA Bode Olanipekun (SAN) urged it to grant the interim preservative orders against Vitol and the other shipping companies.

Ruling on the application Justice K. A. Jose granted three prayers sought by UBA including requests to restrain the dissipation of assets and dealings with funds up to the disputed amount by Vitol SA.

‘Prayers one to three are granted as prayed against the second respondent only’ the judge ruled.

The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rule 1 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Lagos State High Court Practice Direction No. 2 of 2019.

UBA is seeking to establish that Vitol SA and the owners of the vessels are liable for alleged conversion misrepresentation and negligence arising from the non-delivery of the petroleum products.

UBA also cited 34 financial institutions and public agencies including commercial banks merchant banks microfinance banks the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service in connection with the application.

In an affidavit supporting the application UBA’s Group Head of Recoveries and Remedial Management Anthony Chilaka stated that the bank issued a letter of credit in favour of Vitol SA to facilitate petroleum products transactions.

UBA alleged that the cargoes were transported to Nigeria and that the vessels’ masters issued several bills of lading.

The bank further alleged that Vitol subsequently endorsed the bills of lading ‘to the order of’ UBA and handed over the original copies to it.

UBA maintained that the endorsement entitled it to take possession of the cargoes upon completion of the voyages.

Chilaka stated that the bank had not received the gasoil despite the completion of the voyage.

‘The applicant has not been given possession of the gasoil despite completion of the voyage’ the affidavit stated.

UBA alleged that the cargo was instead put to the use of another party arguing that the respondents’ failure to deliver it amounted to conversion and negligence.

The bank argued that the respondents had obligations arising from the transaction and the endorsement of the shipping documents which it alleged they failed to fulfil.

UBA further alleged that cargoes associated with the transactions were diverted to other parties after their voyages instead of being delivered to the bank.

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and prominent journalists have honoured veteran journalist and editor Mr. Lade Bonuola on his 80th birthday with the launch of a book documenting his life career and contributions to Nigerian journalism.

The book Lade Bonuola: A Life in Print was unveiled yesterday in Lagos during a commemorative event organised by the CJID in collaboration with the Bonuola family.

The event also marked the launch of the CJID’s Living Archives Initiative designed to document and preserve the history experiences and contributions of journalists and other significant personalities in Africa.

The organisation’s Chief Executive Officer Dapo Olorunyomi described Bonuola as one of the most consequential editors in the history of Nigerian print journalism.

He said the book contains about 750 pages and brings together contributions from more than 60 writers including colleagues mentees family members academics and public figures who reflected on Bonuola’s professional achievements and personal life.

Olorunyomi said the publication examines six aspects of Bonuola’s life including his editorial excellence mentorship courage professional achievements and relationships with family friends and colleagues.

He explained that the Living Archives Initiative was established to preserve the works and experiences of people whose contributions have shaped journalism and public life in Africa.

According to him the CJID began considering broader interventions in journalism in 2014 recognising the need to strengthen innovation in news production content distribution and the financing of journalism in the digital age.

He said the organisation formerly known as the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism adopted the CJID name in 2020 to reflect the growing importance of technology in the future of the media.

Olorunyomi said Bonuola was selected as the starting point for the initiative because he remained an active veteran whose career offered important lessons for younger journalists.

The celebrant Mr. Lade Bonuola expressed surprise at the project saying he only learnt about the book two weeks before the event.

The former editor paid tribute to his former mentors and colleagues particularly those who guided his entry into journalism and helped shape his professional career.

He recalled that his journey into journalism began in 1969 when he was encouraged to consider the profession and subsequently underwent recruitment tests at the Daily Times.

Bonuola said his career was shaped by the guidance and support he received from senior journalists adding that mentorship played a significant role in his development.

The veteran journalist also recalled his years at the Daily Times and The Guardian where he worked in various editorial positions and contributed to the development of Nigerian journalism.

Former Ogun State governor and chairman of the occasion Olusegun Osoba described the Daily Times as a major training ground for journalists who later played leading roles in news organisations across the country.

Osoba said the Daily Times supplied experienced journalists to several media organisations contributing significantly to the growth of the Nigerian press.

The former Managing Director of Daily Times expressed concern that the newspaper had not maintained its former prominence urging continued investment in journalism and the development of younger professionals.

The Consul-General of the Netherlands in Lagos Franklin Keurhorst said Bonuola’s career demonstrated the importance of professional integrity editorial independence and accountability in journalism.

He said a free and independent press was essential to democracy and commended the CJID for establishing an initiative that would preserve the history of Nigerian journalism.

The envoy announced that the Netherlands supported the CJID’s Civic Space Guard project between 2023 and 2025 with the programme providing media and information literacy training to nearly 1000 students and more than 100 teachers across Nigeria.

He said preserving the experiences of journalists would help future generations understand the role of the press in democratic transitions and periods of political change.

Also media entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of RadioNow Kadaria Ahmed urged media organisations to adapt to changes in technology and audience behaviour to remain relevant.

She said digital platforms had transformed the distribution of news warning that traditional media organisations risked losing audiences if they failed to understand the needs and habits of younger generations.

Ahmed stressed that journalism must retain its ethical foundations including truth accountability and public service regardless of the platforms used to deliver news.

She also called for media organisations to develop diverse revenue streams to protect their financial independence and sustain credible journalism.

President of Museum and Monument Limited Ifeanyi Mbaanefo said younger Nigerians had the potential to reshape the media landscape given their familiarity with digital technology and the country’s large youth population.

He urged established media professionals to create space for younger journalists to develop new approaches to storytelling while maintaining accuracy ethics and public trust.

CJID’s Programme Officer Chiamaka Ozurumba said the organisation had deliberately recruited young professionals to ensure they participated in shaping the future of journalism.

She said media organisations needed to make their stories more accessible and relevant to younger audiences without compromising journalistic standards.

Reviewing the book the Executive Editor of PM News who also reviewed the publication at the event described it as a collection of essays that documented Bonuola’s professional journey mentorship and influence on Nigerian journalism.

The reviewer said the publication traced Bonuola’s early life in Kishi his education entry into journalism and rise through the ranks at the Daily Times before his long career at The Guardian.

The book also documents his work as an editor his commitment to professional discipline and his relationships with colleagues and younger journalists.

Bonuola’s career included several editorial roles at the Daily Times before he moved to The Guardian where he served in senior editorial and management positions for more than two decades.

The reviewer said the book offered insights into the development of Nigerian journalism and the challenges faced by journalists and media organisations during periods of political repression.

The publication the reviewer added would serve as a reference for researchers students and journalists interested in the history and evolution of the Nigerian press.

Lagos State motorists could obtain renewed driver’s licences in 10 minutes and new licences in 30 minutes under an automated system scheduled for launch in 2027 the state government has said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) Rasheed Muri-Okunola announced this at the 2026 media parley organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation adding that testing was underway ahead of the planned rollout. He said the system would allow applicants to begin the process from home before visiting designated centres for biometric capture and other required procedures.

The initiative is expected to address persistent delays in driver’s licence issuance with some applicants waiting months or years after payment to receive their licences.

The permanent secretary said the state had signed a concession agreement with a consultant to support the automation of the agency’s operations. The programme will also cover vehicle documentation and number plate processing allowing motorists to handle more administrative procedures without repeated visits to government offices.

The announcement was one of several updates presented by agencies at the parley which covered rail expansion water transportation parking management and preparations for increased traffic during the December festive season.

The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Engr. Abimbola Akinajo said three additional stations on the Blue Line at Alakija Festac and Trade Fair were expected to become operational by the end of February 2027. She said the expansion would extend the line beyond its current Mile 2 terminus with the long-term plan to take it to Okokomaiko.

Akinajo also said three eight car train sets were expected to be added to the Red Line fleet in November allowing daily services to increase from nine to 20 initially and then to 28 before the end of 2027.

She added that four major quality bus corridors including their terminals and depots were expected to be ready by February 2027.

On water transportation officials said the five-year Omi Eko project which began in 2026 was expected to deliver 25 terminals and jetties and about 78 electric ferries. The first ferries are expected to arrive in Lagos around 2028 with full operations projected for 2031 after the completion of supporting infrastructure.

The Lagos State Parking Authority also announced plans to expand its operations and introduce technology driven parking payments including cashless options and mobile phone payments.

Also the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said more than 2000 personnel would be deployed to major traffic corridors and commercial centres during the December rush supported by recovery vehicles and overnight operations.

He said more than 365 traffic incidents were recorded between January and September on the Toll Gate to Kara Bridge corridor resulting in about 15 deaths. More than 860 incidents were also recorded on the Coastal Road during the period under review with about 17 lives lost.

Hon. Philip Agbese the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State has accused Senator Ireti Kingibe of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of misleading Nigerians over claims of a fuel tax and a flat 25 per cent tax on citizens’ earnings.

Agbese a Labour Party chieftain in Benue State alleged that Kingibe was exploiting Nigerians’ economic difficulties to score political points ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday the federal lawmaker described the senator’s comments as misleading insisting that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 did not introduce a new fuel tax or impose a flat 25 per cent income tax on every Nigerian.

‘Senator Ireti Kingibe is playing dangerous scare-mongering politics with the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians’ Agbese said.

‘She knows there is no fuel tax in the tax reform laws yet she continues to package falsehoods as fact just to frighten the people and position herself as some kind of saviour.’

He said the tax reforms introduced a progressive tax system under which the 25 per cent rate applied only to the portion of annual income exceeding ?50 million.

According to him the first ?800000 of annual income is tax-exempt meaning some Nigerians would pay no income tax under the new framework.

‘For her to claim every Nigerian will lose 25 per cent of their earnings is either deliberate ignorance or outright mischief. She should be ashamed of herself’ he said.

Agbese also faulted Kingibe for linking the tax reforms to an alleged fuel tax calling the claim part of a pattern of opposition politicians exploiting economic hardship for electoral advantage.

He maintained that the National Assembly had passed the tax reform laws gazetted them and they took effect on January 1 2026.

The lawmaker also disputed Kingibe’s reported suggestion that implementation had been delayed until after the 2027 general elections.

Agbese said the senator’s position was particularly troubling because her status as a member of the National Assembly gave her access to the legislation and relevant legislative briefings.

He argued that spreading inaccurate information about the tax laws undermined public trust and called on political leaders to provide Nigerians with accurate information about the reforms.

‘How does a senator who participated in the National Assembly process turn around and tell Nigerians that a fuel tax is coming when none exists?

‘How does she look Nigerians in the face and claim a flat 25 per cent tax when the law clearly says otherwise?’ Agbese asked.

‘She is taking Nigerians for a ride and I will not stay silent while she does it. Kingibe should go back and read the Nigeria Tax Act properly instead of circulating half-truths and fear.

‘If she cannot educate the public with facts she should at least stop poisoning the atmosphere with lies.’

Agbese said the opposition’s strategy of exaggerating and inventing tax burdens would ultimately backfire.

He maintained that Labour Party candidates including himself would continue to present clear verifiable positions rather than resort to emotional blackmail.

He also challenged Kingibe to produce the specific section of the tax laws that imposes either a fuel tax or a uniform 25 per cent levy on all earnings daring her to defend her claims with the actual legal text rather than viral rhetoric.

‘She should retract apologise and stop using the hardship of the people as a political ladder. Anything short of that confirms that she is more interested in 2027 votes than in truth.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are designed to deliver lasting improvements in Nigerians’ living conditions stressing that the ultimate measure of good governance lies in the institutions built and opportunities created for future generations.

He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places human capital development quality healthcare education and sustainable economic productivity at the centre of its reform programme aiming to ensure that the benefits of government policies outlive the tenure of political officeholders.

Shettima spoke on Friday in Maiduguri Borno State where he inaugurated the ultra-modern Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) and two schools built by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration.

The Vice President maintained that political leaders would ultimately be remembered not for the privileges and trappings of their offices but for the tangible improvements they brought to the lives of citizens.

‘Someday and that day is nearer than we imagine we shall be judged by what survives our time in office. The offices we held the aides who surrounded us and the length of our convoys will have surrendered their importance.

‘What will endure are the institutions we built the roads we constructed and the lives made better because we served’ he declared.

Shettima described investments in healthcare and education as indispensable to Nigeria’s economic development particularly in communities recovering from prolonged insecurity and displacement.

He commended Governor Zulum for sustaining investments in critical social infrastructure despite the security challenges confronting Borno State saying the newly inaugurated facilities demonstrated how government resources could be deployed to improve people’s lives.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha Shettima said the teaching hospital will significantly strengthen access to specialised medical services reduce the financial and emotional burden on families compelled to seek treatment outside the state and expand opportunities for medical training and research.

‘For a family already burdened by illness the cost and anxiety of travelling outside the state can compound their suffering. This hospital offers the prospect of expert attention nearer home’ he said.

The Vice President emphasised that rebuilding educational institutions in communities devastated by insurgency was as important as restoring confidence rebuilding livelihoods and securing the future of young people.

He observed that beyond providing learning opportunities functional schools represented a return to normalcy and renewed confidence in the future of communities emerging from conflict.

‘In a state whose communities have endured the disruption of insurgency a classroom carries a particular significance. It restores the expectation that tomorrow can be planned for’ Shettima stated.

Drawing on his experience as former governor of Borno State the Vice President acknowledged the difficulties of delivering development projects in an environment threatened by insurgency.

He praised Zulum’s determination to sustain investments in healthcare education and other essential public services despite the enormous demands of rebuilding the state.

‘To improve lives and livelihoods in a state that has withstood such a climate of insecurity demands uncommon fortitude. I know the weight of that responsibility. As the street language goes I have been there and done that’ he said.

Shettima conveyed President Tinubu’s felicitations to the government and people of Borno State and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the state’s reconstruction peacebuilding and human capital development programmes.

He explained that the administration’s emphasis on healthcare and education stems from the conviction that a healthy educated population is the foundation of sustainable economic growth.

‘Our investment in human capital proceeds from the conviction that a healthier better educated population can produce more earn more and contribute more. The Federal Government will continue to support Borno’s efforts to consolidate peace rebuild communities and expand opportunities for its people’ he assured.

The Vice President said Borno’s reconstruction experience offered important lessons for other communities recovering from violent conflicts particularly the need to restore essential public institutions alongside physical infrastructure.

He commended healthcare professionals educators contractors development partners and security personnel whose contributions helped complete the projects.

Shettima however cautioned that the real success of the newly commissioned facilities would depend on their capacity to consistently deliver quality services rather than the sophistication of their physical structures.

‘The responsibility now is to keep these institutions worthy of that faith. Their value will be measured in the care patients receive and the education children acquire’ he stressed.

Earlier Governor Zulum described the teaching hospital as one of the most significant manifestations of his administration’s commitment to providing modern and accessible healthcare services for the people of Borno State.

He explained that the facility was conceived not merely as a medical institution but as a centre for specialised healthcare delivery teaching and research that would serve millions of people across the Northeast.

The governor said the hospital would serve as the principal clinical training facility for Kashim Ibrahim University’s College of Health Sciences providing practical medical education and professional development opportunities for students and healthcare practitioners.

He said the institution will train medical students resident doctors nurses midwives pharmacists medical laboratory scientists physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

Zulum assured that his administration would sustain the investments required to keep the teaching hospital operating effectively including recruiting personnel procuring equipment and providing necessary infrastructure.

‘We have recruited and we will continue to recruit qualified healthcare professionals. We will provide equipment utility infrastructure and an enabling environment for the hospital to function at the highest standard’ he pledged.

Also speaking the Pro-Chancellor of Kashim Ibrahim University Alhaji Mohammed Indimi described the inauguration of the teaching hospital as a major milestone in the collective efforts to strengthen medical education research professional training and healthcare delivery in Borno State.

He expressed optimism that the facility would substantially improve access to quality medical services and contribute to the well-being of residents across the Northeast.

Similarly the Chairman of the Governing Board of the teaching hospital Professor Ahmed Ahidjo described the project as an unprecedented landmark in the state’s healthcare development.

Ahidjo commended Shettima for choosing Zulum as his successor and praised the governor’s decision to establish and equip the institution with modern medical facilities.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director Professor Ibrahim Musa Kida said the institution’s long-term success would depend on the competence professionalism and dedication of its medical personnel rather than on the quality of its buildings and equipment alone.

He also acknowledged Shettima’s contributions to Borno’s development particularly his continuing involvement in efforts to consolidate peace and promote socioeconomic recovery.

In her remarks the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Professor Fatima Kyari assured that the council would facilitate the accreditation of relevant medical science courses at the institution.

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 has welcomed President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the formal launch of the President’s 2027 re-election campaign in Kaduna.

The group described the campaign flag-off as an opportunity to deepen public understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda and highlight what it called progress under the administration’s economic reforms.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri the network reaffirmed its support for the administration’s policies citing the work of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in national planning and economic development.

The group said its members believed in the transformative potential of the administration’s reforms and expressed readiness to mobilise citizens across the country in support of continuity.

Hon. Ali Oriri said ‘We heartily welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the APC National Chairman members of the Presidential Campaign Council and all party leaders to the formal launch of the 2027 campaign.

‘This moment allows us to renew our collective commitment to the economic reforms that are gradually stabilising our nation.’

He added: ‘Our members are not merely political supporters. We believe in the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and the outstanding work the Honourable Minister is doing in national planning and economic development.

‘We see the results in improved coordination better budgeting processes and a clearer path to sustainable growth.’

The network noted that Bagudu’s leadership at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has provided critical technical direction for the implementation of key reforms.

Members said the Minister’s focus on evidence-based planning fiscal discipline and inclusive development continues to inspire confidence among citizens who want tangible progress rather than empty rhetoric.

According to the statement the network has activated its structures nationwide to explain the benefits of the ongoing reforms and to encourage greater citizen participation in the campaign.

It described the Kaduna launch as the beginning of an important phase in consolidating the gains already made.

Hon. Ali Oriri stated: ‘Senator Atiku Bagudu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to national planning and economic development.

‘His steady hand in coordinating budgets and aligning them with the President’s vision gives us the confidence to campaign vigorously for the continuity of this administration.’

He continued: ‘We believe that the reforms currently underway in fiscal management revenue mobilisation and strategic planning must be sustained.

‘That is why our network is fully prepared to take the message of progress and responsible governance to every community where we have a presence.’

The group also commended the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Senator Abdulaziz Yari and other council members for the orderly preparations leading to the Kaduna flag-off.

It expressed optimism that the campaign will remain focused on the administration’s economic achievements and the practical benefits already reaching ordinary Nigerians.

Members of the network pledged to sustain their grassroots engagement throughout the campaign period emphasising education mobilisation and peaceful participation as the pillars of their support for President Tinubu’s re-election

.

Hon. Ali Oriri noted: ‘Our belief is rooted in the results we see. The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration combined with the professional and dedicated work of the Honourable Minister in national planning and economic development give us every reason to stand firmly for continuity.’

He concluded: ‘As the formal launch takes place in Kaduna we urge every member of our network across Nigeria to remain focused disciplined and active.

‘Let us explain the reforms defend the progress and work tirelessly so that Nigerians will once again entrust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the mandate to complete the task of national renewal.’

About 24 states have passed resolutions supporting the consideration of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026 on the establishment of State Police Services.

Recall the proposed Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026 was transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16 2026 by the Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana for consideration and approval.

The Sixth Alteration Bill amends section 214 of the Constitution to replace the single Nigeria Police Force with a Federal Police Service and State Police Services as part of efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

Meanwhile the constitutionally required 24-state endorsement benchmark needed for the state police bill to become law has been met.

But there are 12 states yet to approve the bill.

The Adamawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed 24 out of 26 clauses of the state Police Bill 2026 rejecting two clauses.

At an emergency sitting on Tuesday the lawmakers who had been on recess in China spent over two hours reading each section of the Alteration Bill for members to approve or disapprove.

Speaker Bathiya Wesley who presided over the session directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the approved 24 clauses and transmit them to the National Assembly.

1. Adamawa State

2. Delta State

3. Edo State

4. Kwara State

5. Nasarawa State

6. Ogun State

7. Osun State

8. Oyo State

9. Plateau State

10. Rivers State

11. Taraba State

12. Zamfara State

13. Enugu

14. Anambra

15. Imo

16. Ekiti

17. Kebbi

18. Akwa Ibom

19. Bayelsa

20. Benue

21. Cross River

22. Abia

23. Yobe

24. Kaduna

1. Kogi

2. Niger

3. Borno

4. Gombe

5. Bauchi

6. Jigawa

7. Katsina

8. Kano

9. Sokoto

1. Lagos

2. Ondo

3. Ebonyi

Currently 14 of the 17 southern states have endorsed the bill and 10 of the 19 northern states have okayed the move.

Five of the 10 states are in the North-West zone. The North-Central has two and North-East three states.

Meanwhile the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill has expressed satisfaction that the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2026 providing for a dual policing system has been approved by 24 State Houses of Assembly meeting the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of the 36 states.

The Working Group commended the State Houses of Assembly for their decisive action on the reform of national importance and appreciates the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers.

In line with Section 9 of the Constitution the amendment can now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to Mr President for assent.

The approval gives constitutional backing to the policing framework that the Working Group’s draft National Policing Bill 2026 is designed to implement.