Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday expressed concerns over persistent fibre-optic cuts across Nigeria.

They warned against further damage, saying such acts negatively impact the economy.

The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr. Nadungu Gagare, and his counterpart in the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, said it had become imperative for stakeholders to address the phenomenon holistically in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

They spoke at the national workshop for the protection of fibre-optic cables at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the President.

The workshop was jointly organised by the two Federal Ministries, ONSA, NCC, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Speaking at the workshop, Gagare, represented by the Director of Communications and Poster Services at the ministry, Stanley Musa, said government institutions must come together to address the challenges posed to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure by fiber-optic cuts across the country.

He announced that the ministry had written memos to the Federal Executive Council on other critical issues regarding the telecommunications sector, especially on the Right of Way (RoW) and the need to get other stakeholders on board to fast-track policies that would change the narrative in the industry.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Dr. Adeladan, congratulated the stakeholders for coming together to address challenges of fibre optic cuts, especially during road constructions across Nigeria.

He expressed the willingness of the ministry to collaborate and engage with other stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to the problems.

NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, lamented that within the first six months of 2026, over 5,000 fibre-optic cuts were recorded across Nigeria.

‘In the first six months of this year alone, over 5,000 fibre cut incidents were reported from road excavation, construction, and related civil work. Many occurred because there was little or no coordination between works before they began, or before the first shovel entered the ground,’ Maida said.

Emphasising that telecommunications infrastructure has become a lifeline for the economy, the EVC enjoined critical stakeholders to work together to protect telecommunications infrastructure, especially as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu targets a $1 trillion economy for the country.

He said the workshop aimed to ‘clarify stakeholder responsibilities and strengthen coordination between work construction and network operators so that damage is prevented rather than repaired after the fact’.

Also, the Director of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure at ONSA, Air Vice Marshall Effiom Enebong Ewa, maintained that acts of damage to assets and infrastructure constitute an offence under the Nigerian law.

AVM Ewa said: ‘Your presence here today, despite your demanding status, is a strong demonstration of your commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s digital future. Thus, the objective of this engagement is to foster stronger collaboration amongst critical stakeholders whose collective actions have directly impacted, and have a direct impact on the future of Nigeria’s digital future.

‘As we deliberate today, let us recognise that every fatal cable damage is more than a disruption to a network, or simply a cable cut, as we hear in the field.

‘It is indeed a disruption to governance, economic productivity, public services, and the daily lives of millions of Nigerians. Accordingly, protection of fiber optic infrastructure is a shared national responsibility of every citizen, government institutions, private organisations, contractors, or operators residing here in Nigeria.

‘Let us also remind ourselves that fiber optics have been designated as critical national information infrastructure, and any damage due to negligence or interference with the assets or acts directly or indirectly which predisposes the assets to damage, constitute an offense under Nigeria’s legal framework.’

AVM Ewa highlighted the importance of institutional coordination and strict adherence to established protocol, and urged stakeholders to abide by guidelines and procedures, especially during construction and maintenance activities.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has deployed a high-powered monitoring team to Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The commission warned police personnel against misconduct, partisanship, and any actions that could undermine the credibility of the poll. It stressed that it would maintain zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct, insisting that officers must remain impartial and respectful of voters’ rights before, during, and after the election.

The monitoring delegation is led by retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, a PSC member and Chairman of its Standing Committee on Police Matters. The team is tasked with monitoring the conduct of police personnel statewide to ensure strict compliance with the rules and guidelines governing election policing.

In a statement issued yesterday by PSC Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu, the Commission said the deployment was part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the August 15 governorship election and boost public confidence in the process.

According to the statement, police officers on election duty must display exemplary conduct and remain apolitical. They are expected to protect citizens’ right to vote freely and peacefully while upholding professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

The PSC emphasised that the police play a critical role in creating an atmosphere conducive to peaceful voting and in protecting electoral materials, officials, and citizens. It added that the monitoring team would pay close attention to compliance with established standards of conduct, warning that any officer found compromising the credibility of the election would face disciplinary action.

‘The commission reassures Nigerians that it will not hesitate to sanction any officer found compromising the credibility of the election,’ the statement read.

The warning comes amid heightened security and political activity in Osun ahead of the poll, with security agencies expected to maintain law and order while ensuring voters exercise their franchise without intimidation.

The PSC urged Nigerians to have confidence in the electoral process and assured the public that police conduct would be closely monitored throughout the election period.

Ahead of Saturday governorship election, a political group has embarked on door-to-door campaign in Ayedire Local Government of Osun State to mobilise support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

The group under the aegis of Peculiar Peoples Progress, also distributed cash and food to over 200 households in the council.

The convener of the group, Mrs. Ige Adeyanju, said exercise is to ensure victory for AMBO, hence they embarked on door-to-door campaign and also shared food with cash to members of APC at the grassroot.

She said, ‘The gesture is a usual way reaching out to the people but for this phase, beneficiaries are members of the APC who will mobilise support for AMBO.’

Adeyanju said the event afforded the group to remind people of the need to participate in the Saturday governorship election.

‘it is just to appreciate our people for their loyalty, because despite the waves here and there, they remain steadfast and they are giving us their full support. So, just to appreciate them and let them know that we see them, and to appreciate them.

‘We did it for 200 women to empower them. And you know women hold the house. They are the builder of the nation, and we have belief on this on our AMBO, because he is a man of the woman. He promised women many things in Osun State.’

Adeyanju expressed optimism that the entire local government will be delivered to Oyebamiji because the women will influence their husband, children and dependants.

She promised that the administration of Oyebamiji will prioritise the wellbeing of women if elected.

‘Our leaders in this town gave us the assurance that there will be no hidden agenda on this. The administration that is coming will be an open one.’

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Alaja, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Commission of the Commission, Mohammed Haruna, said in a statement that the inclusion of Ajala on the ballot followed a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The statement, issued a few days before the election, said, ‘The action has been taken in compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on 22nd July 2026 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, between Social Democratic Party and Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala on the one hand and the Independent National Electoral Commission on the other.

‘The Court ordered the Commission to forthwith recognise, accept, upload, process and publish the name and particulars of Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala as the candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

‘Consequently, the ballot papers for the election, scheduled to be held on Saturday, 15th August 2026, are being reproduced to reflect this addition, bringing to fifteen (15) the total number of political parties contesting the election. The result sheets for the election are also being reproduced alongside the ballot papers to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidate.

‘The Commission wishes to inform the public that the reproduced ballot papers will arrive in Osun State on Thursday, 13th August 2026, and will, on the same day, be moved to Local Government Area offices across the State, in line with its standard distribution procedure ahead of the election.

‘INEC assures political parties, candidates, and the general public of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Osun State.’

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has declared that the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, was the strongest performer at the recent candidates’ town hall meeting organised by Arise TV.

Ajayi said Oyebamiji distinguished himself through his understanding of public finance, policy formulation and the practical challenges facing the state, arguing that the APC candidate approached the debate from the standpoint of governance rather than political rhetoric.

The presidential aide made the assessment in a series of posts on his X handle on Wednesday, three days before the August 15 governorship election.

Oyebamiji is contesting against the incumbent governor and Accord Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a second term, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salam.

According to Ajayi, the town hall provided an opportunity for voters to assess the candidates beyond their political affiliations and campaign activities.

He said, ‘On the evidence of what I saw at the town hall, Oyebamiji made the stronger case that he understands that job.’

Explaining his position, Ajayi said the APC candidate’s experience as a former Commissioner for Finance and banker was evident in how he addressed questions about the state’s economy and the management of public resources.

He said, ‘If the exercise is judged strictly on policy articulation, command of facts, fiscal realism and evidence of managerial competence, I will candidly say Oyebamiji came out ahead.’

Ajayi also highlighted Oyebamiji’s account of his previous government roles, including his tenure as Commissioner for Finance under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.

The presidential aide said the candidate presented himself as having direct experience managing public finances rather than merely making promises about what he would do in office.

He added that Oyebamiji’s references to his work with Osun State Investment Holdings, including claims of turning around the organisation and developing assets in Lagos and Abuja, further reinforced his argument for managerial competence.

Ajayi argued that financial sustainability should be a major consideration for voters given Osun’s history of fiscal constraints.

‘Promising everything without convincingly explaining the financing is not social policy, but fiscal romanticism,’ he said, adding that Oyebamiji ‘played to his professional strength.’

While praising Oyebamiji’s performance, Ajayi criticised Adeleke’s approach to the town hall, saying the governor spent considerable time attacking former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Gboyega Oyetola.

He argued that Adeleke, as an incumbent seeking re-election, should have concentrated more on his administration’s achievements and presented a stronger case for another term.

‘Political attacks may excite loyalists, but they are no substitute for a convincing account of stewardship,’ Ajayi said.

He also questioned the financial feasibility of some of Salam’s campaign promises, particularly those involving free services and expanded government intervention.

According to him, such promises may appeal to voters, but they must be backed by credible plans for funding and implementation.

Ajayi maintained that the election should ultimately be decided by candidates’ records, policy proposals and capacity to manage the state’s resources.

He said, ‘A governorship election should be an audit of competing records, plans and managerial capacity, not a popularity contest between personalities.’

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu has expressed confidence that the leadership of the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, will lead the party to greater electoral victories in next year’s general election.

In a goodwill message by his Chief of Staff, Ironbar Emmanuel, congratulating Yilwatda on his 58th birthday, the governor described the APC national chairman as an experienced administrator and politician whose wealth of experience would be crucial to strengthening the party ahead of the next general elections.

The governor hailed Yilwatda for his efforts to strengthen the APC and promote unity among its members, stressing that cohesive leadership was necessary to consolidate the party’s structures and expand its political base across the country. He noted that Yilwatda’s experience in academia, electoral administration, public service and politics had equipped him with the requisite skills to lead the APC at a critical period in Nigeria’s political development.

‘I am confident that Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda will continue to deploy his experience and political ingenuity to build a stronger and more united APC capable of achieving greater electoral success,’ Otu said.

The governor expressed optimism that the party, under Yilwatda’s leadership, would deepen its presence across the states, strengthen its grassroots structures and secure more victories in the 2027 polls.

‘As we look towards 2027, I am confident that a united, focused and determined APC will consolidate its achievements, expand its electoral frontiers and renew the confidence of Nigerians in our party,’ he said.

Otu wished Yilwatda many more years in good health, wisdom and strength, praying that God would continue to guide him in his service to the APC and the country.

‘On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Cross River State, I warmly felicitate with Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his 58th birthday.

‘I pray that God will continue to guide, strengthen and grant you the wisdom required to lead our great party to greater heights and electoral success,’ the governor added.

Senate Leader and Chairman of the South-West Caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has backed the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reclaim Osun State in Saturday’s governorship election, while urging all political actors to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.

Bamidele said the APC was now better organised and more cohesive than it was during the 2022 election, when internal divisions contributed to its defeat by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

In a statement yesterday, he argued that the political realignment in Osun, including the weakening of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the movement of some prominent political actors into the APC, had strengthened the party ahead of the election.

He cited the defection of Senator Francis Fadahunsi and three members of the House of Representatives – Omirin Olusanya, Wole Oke and Taofeek Ajilesoro – as evidence of the APC’s expanding political structure in the state.

According to him, the strength of a political party goes beyond incumbency, describing political capital, grassroots support and public confidence as critical determinants of electoral victory.

Bamidele said Adeleke’s decision to contest on the platform of the Accord Party following developments within the PDP had also altered the political equation ahead of the poll.

He questioned whether the Accord Party had developed sufficient political structure and grassroots strength to secure the governor’s re-election.

The Senate Leader also dismissed Adeleke’s allegation that the APC was relying on federal might to win the election, arguing that the Federal Government had demonstrated neutrality in the contest.

He cited President Bola Tinubu’s intervention following the restriction of the Osun State Government’s statutory allocation account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as evidence of the administration’s commitment to fairness.

Bamidele also pointed to the President’s directive to security agencies to maintain professionalism before, during and after the election, saying it underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to a peaceful and transparent poll.

He urged all parties and candidates to accept the rules of the electoral process and avoid actions capable of threatening the peace and stability of the state.

The Senate Leader said the election remained an opportunity for Osun voters to decide who would govern them for the next four years, stressing that the people, rather than any incumbent or political party, ultimately possessed the power to determine the outcome.

He urged the 2.339 million registered voters across the state’s 30 local government areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units to vote according to their conscience and choose the candidate they believed could best serve their interests.

Bamidele said the candidates should focus on selling their programmes and manifestoes to the electorate rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric or practices capable of undermining the election.

He expressed confidence that the APC was in a strong position to win the poll, attributing the party’s improved prospects to its unity, organisation and political structure.

However, he stressed that the final decision belonged to the electorate and urged all contestants to respect the outcome of the election in the interest of peace and democratic stability.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated 50 ballistic helmets, 50 bulletproof vests and 100 raincoats to the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft to boost the morale and operational readiness of security agencies in the state.

Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the donation, made at Apapa, was part of a routine exercise to inspect security agencies, encourage commanders and identify areas requiring intervention. He said the Fund was established as an interventionist agency to fill operational gaps that security agencies may be unable to address on their own.

Speaking on preparations for the forthcoming general election, Ogunsan said the Fund was working to ensure a hitch-free exercise by equipping personnel with the resources needed to secure lives and property, and that the state government had directed it to expand resources and deploy assets ahead of the polls.

Ogunsan also spoke on efforts to curb vandalism on bridges, citing the recent discovery of damage on the Alakija/Festac Link Bridge, uncovered during a clean-up exercise targeting scavengers and homeless persons occupying the bridge. He said affected persons had been relocated, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the site after the matter was escalated to him, and security operatives have since been permanently stationed there. Ogunsan added that warnings had been issued to those found responsible and that patrol vehicles and equipment had been deployed to strengthen surveillance.

Responding, Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the donation would support the Navy’s constitutional role in Military Aid to Civil Authority and Military Aid to Civil Power operations. He thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and the LSSTF, saying the equipment would help the Navy, under Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, secure Lagos waterways and land areas.

The three leading candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr Najeem Salam, presented their manifestos and outlined their plans for the state at a town hall meeting yesterday.

The event, organised by Arise TV, also featured other candidates from smaller parties. It provided a platform for the contenders to highlight their achievements, political experience, and proposed policies on infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, security, and economic development.

Governor Adeleke showcased what he described as extensive achievements in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and healthcare. He cited road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, including the dualised road leading to the Ooni of Ife’s palace and projects in Ila-Orangun. On education, he said Osun had moved from 33rd to 7th position nationally in WAEC and NECO rankings under his administration. He also highlighted the rehabilitation of about 200 healthcare centres, provision of boreholes, solar lighting, and medical equipment, as well as procurement of tractors to support farmers.

APC candidate Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, promised to run a transparent and accountable government.

He criticised what he described as an imbalance in resource distribution, alleging that 97 per cent of Osun’s resources currently go to just two local governments. He pledged to prioritise healthcare and education, improve facilities, support teachers, and ensure equitable distribution of resources across towns and villages.

ADC candidate Salam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, commended Arise TV for providing an unbiased platform. He described himself as a peacemaker and vowed to tackle political thuggery, citing recent violence allegedly linked to APC and Accord supporters. Salam also made agriculture central to his agenda, promising to establish farm estates with modern machinery, schools, clinics, water supply, and housing to boost productivity.

He said improved road access to farms and dedicated markets in cities would help farmers sell their produce and strengthen food security.

The town hall meeting featured seasoned media professionals including Dr Reuben Abati, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Dr Festus Adedayo, and Adesuwa Omoruan, who engaged the candidates on governance, public finance, and the challenges confronting Osun ahead of the election.

Abia State Government has said it has through the Ministry of Health piloted a digital application called CyTracker, designed to identify and track high-risk pregnancies, to reduce maternal and child mortality.

Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu said this while briefing reporters in Umuahia on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He said the application had already been successfully used to track teenage pregnancies and monitor expectant mothers through delivery, describing the initiative as another practical demonstration of the administration’s commitment to using technology to improve health care outcomes.

The commissioner said Abia State had emerged as the number one in health care affordability and among the top three states in health care quality in Nigeria.

He said the recognition was contained in a recent assessment by Philips Consulting SPI, representing an independent validation of the administration’s efforts to reposition the state’s health sector and improve access to quality health care for residents.

Kanu said Abia was the only state that achieved top three positions in 13 out of 16 indicators of good governance based on citizens’ perception, adding that the state’s strong performance in health care affordability and quality further demonstrated the impact of the administration’s reforms.

The commissioner, who further gave update on the functionalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), said the first 50 functionalised PHCs accounted for more than 20 per cent of the over 1.067 million outpatient department visits recorded across the state between July 2025 and June 2026.

He said three additional PHCs had been functionalised between July 27 and August 10, bringing the total number of functionalised PHCs in the state to 151.

The commissioner disclosed that enrolment in Abia State Health Insurance Scheme had risen from 233,000 to 237,000 between July 27 and August 7, 2026.

He also announced that the state recorded no disease of public health importance during the period under review, including Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, diphtheria, cholera, mpox and yellow fever.

He said Abiriba Community Improvement Union, North America chapter, was committed to sponsoring 1,000 indigent persons under the state’s health insurance scheme, calling on other communities, organisations and groups to emulate the initiative.

On human resources for the health sector, the commissioner said Abia State Civil Service Commission would begin another round of recruitment of health care professionals, following the employment of 742 medical personnel by the administration so far.

He said the new recruitment would focus on medical officers, dental officers and consultants, including full-time and part-time consultants, adding that the application portal opened on Monday night.

Answering questions, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, said the CyTracker initiative was developed as part of comprehensive measures to tackle maternal and infant mortality in the state.

Uche said the initiative focused on identifying women who were at higher risk of complications, including teenage mothers, women without supervised antenatal care and expectant mothers, who might deliver without the assistance of skilled birth attendants.

He says the application collects key demographic and pregnancy information, including the woman’s age and last menstrual period, which enables health officials to determine expected delivery dates and monitor compliance with antenatal appointments.

He said expectant mothers could receive reminders through the application, while responsible adults within their communities could assist in ensuring high risk expectant mothers attended their scheduled antenatal appointments.