Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Federal Government has ordered strict enforcement of Ebola screening and entry protocols at Nigeria’s designated points of entry after the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) flagged reported breaches.

Health authorities have continued investigating the source of the country’s first confirmed case in more than a decade.

The directive, contained in a circular dated October 22, 2026, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollum, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister, Prof Ali Pate, requires relevant ministries, departments and agencies, health institutions and other stakeholders to comply with approved screening, health declaration and surveillance measures.

The Ministry said the directive followed concerns raised by ONSA over reported non-compliance with the protocols, warning that consistent and non-discriminatory enforcement was necessary to prevent cross-border transmission and protect public health and national security.

It directed agencies to improve coordination and information-sharing, promptly document and report actual or attempted breaches, support enforcement personnel and establish monitoring and accountability mechanisms.

Meanwhile, governments of Edo, and Ebonyi states have unveiled action plans on Ebola.

In Edo State, a Committee on Ebola Emergency Preparedness and Response was set up by the state government.

The committee, to be headed by Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa, would coordinate the state’s preparedness and response to any Ebola threat.

The Ebonyi government has also designated an isolation and treatment centre for suspected Ebola cases as part of measures to strengthen the state’s preparedness and response to the outbreak in the country.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, said members of the committee would be drawn from security agencies, the State Ministries of Health, Environment, Livestock, Local Government, Finance, and Information and Communication; the Edo assembly House Committee on Health; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA); the Department of Port Health; and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

From security agencies are members from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

From Health institutions are the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State University Teaching Hospital (EDSUTH), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Edo Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital, Benin, and Stella Obasanjo Hospital.

Professional bodies are also members including the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Edo State chapter.

Other members are a traditional ruler, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leader, the Chief Imam and a market women’s leader.

Development partners and agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Nigeria Red Cross Society, DataFi, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency are also committee members.

The statement said the committee would work through the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), which has pillars for coordination, epidemiology, surveillance, infection prevention and control, risk communication, logistics, laboratory, case management, and safe and dignified burial.

It said a stakeholders’ meeting on Ebola emergency preparedness and response would hold soon for the committee.

On its part, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma,

said that the state Ministry of Health had strengthened its preparedness and response mechanisms to ensure prompt and effective action in the event of a suspected case.

‘We have identified a designated isolation and treatment centre for suspected Ebola patients, should the need arise.

‘Health workers across the state have also been sensitised on infection prevention and control, as well as the early identification of suspected cases, to minimise the risk of transmission,’ he said.

He said personal protective equipment had been distributed to health workers in hospitals across the state to protect them, while providing care.

Ekuma added that the ministry had intensified public awareness campaigns to educate residents on Ebola, its mode of transmission and preventive measures.

He urged health workers to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols, including the proper use of protective equipment, to safeguard themselves and their patients.

He advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, avoid direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed Ebola patients.

The commissioner also urged residents to seek prompt medical attention if they developed symptoms suggestive of the disease.

He cautioned against handling dead wild animals or consuming bushmeat from potentially infected animals, stressing the importance of proper hygiene and compliance with public health advisories.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed that the 2026 flood has claimed 245 lives, displaced 214,996 persons and affected 673,350 across 134 Local Government Areas in 28 States.

NEMA disclosed the figures at the National Emergency Coordination Forum (NECF), held to review ongoing flood response efforts, strengthen inter-agency coordination and harmonise preparedness measures ahead of the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño phenomenon.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said the magnitude of the flooding underscored the urgent need to review ongoing interventions, identify response gaps and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to address the humanitarian needs of affected communities.

Umar, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Godwin Topikor, emphasised the importance of heightened surveillance, timely information sharing and coordinated preparedness against emerging public health threats.

She noted that disaster-affected communities could face increased health vulnerabilities due to displacement, poor sanitation and limited access to essential services.

She stated the need for relevant institutions to harmonise climate forecasts, assess potential risks and translate early warning information into practical anticipatory actions to reduce the possible effects of the anticipated 2026/2027 El Niño phenomenon on lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure.

She noted that effective disaster management required a proactive, multisectoral approach anchored on early warning, preparedness, risk reduction, timely response and sustainable recovery.

Umar urged participating institutions to strengthen operational collaboration, eliminate duplication of efforts and prioritise the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

The forum featured technical presentations and discussions on the current flood situation and cholera updates, the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and its hydrological implications, as well as global and regional climate outlooks.

Participants also reviewed sectoral preparedness and response priorities covering food security, health, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, protection, emergency shelter, logistics, security and information management.

The Deputy Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Mr Tony Ephraim, highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among emergency management stakeholders.

He encouraged participants to identify operational gaps, improve information sharing and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen national disaster preparedness and response.

The forum had in attendance representatives of Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Environment, Information and National Orientation, and Education; the Armed Forces of Nigeria; the Nigeria Police Force; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency; the Nigerian Meteorological Agency; and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Other institutions represented are: Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Society for Family Health, World Meteorological Organization and other humanitarian and development partners.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday inaugurated the national headquarters of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Abuja, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and rally massive support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking at a colourful event in the nation’s capital, Mrs Tinubu described door-to-door campaigning as a vital avenue for engaging communities, listening to citizens’ concerns and communicating the achievements and policies of the President’s administration to Nigerians across the country.

She said the headquarters would serve as a central hub for coordination, idea development and the dissemination of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and message of shared prosperity to households nationwide.

The First Lady commended the convener and grand patron of the movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and other members for their commitment to grassroots political mobilisation.

She urged members to engage communities peacefully and respectfully, regardless of political affiliations, stressing that every Nigerian deserved to be heard and valued.

According to her, the movement must win the hearts and votes of Nigerians through messages of hope, unity, development and shared prosperity.

She said: ‘A message must consistently resonate hope, peace, unity, and development, especially the impactful progress the Tinubu administration has made so far.’

Mrs Tinubu also charged campaigners to communicate the government’s economic reforms and emerging opportunities, particularly those available to young Nigerians seeking employment.

She said the country was moving from implementing reforms to realising their benefits and building prosperity, urging members to explain these developments to citizens in communities across the country.

The First Lady cited advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics and electric vehicles as examples of changes creating new opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to her, the developments demonstrated that Nigeria was changing and that campaigners must communicate the opportunities emerging from the government’s policies.

‘Things are happening. Jobs are coming in. Investors are also coming in, in droves,’ she said.

Mrs Tinubu expressed optimism about the administration’s prospects in 2027, saying she wanted a Nigeria where citizens could enjoy improved infrastructure, efficient transportation and greater prosperity.

Also speaking, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, described the movement as an important platform for strengthening grassroots engagement, promoting national unity and mobilising support for the President’s second term.

Akpabio commended Tompolo and the movement’s national coordinator, Comrade Sunday Asuku, for establishing a campaign structure driven by support for the President’s policies.

He disclosed that the movement had visited 14 states, adding that its members were conducting door-to-door campaigns in states including Sokoto and Borno.

The Senate President urged members to use the campaign to listen to citizens, understand their challenges and explain the administration’s policies rather than merely solicit votes.

‘When you go from door to door, do not merely seek political support. Carry a message of the hope of the Renewed Hope of this President to them,’ he said.

Akpabio defended the administration’s economic reforms, including petrol subsidy removal, currency stabilisation efforts and tax reforms, arguing that the measures were intended to reposition the economy and improve Nigeria’s long-term prospects.

The Senate President also called on the movement to promote national unity, stressing that political mobilisation should transcend ethnic, religious and political differences.

‘Our diversity must never become our division. Our difficulties must never destroy our determination. And our politics must never become greater than our patriotism,’ he said.

In his goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Benjamin Kalu commended Tompolo for setting up the movement.

In his speech, the Grand Patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, reiterated his call for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

He stated that the Movement has already taken the message of the President’s re-election across 14 states, with plans to take the campaign to the remaining states and the FCT.

He noted that President Tinubu has earned a second term in office for taking tough decisions that have resulted in the repositioning of the country’s economy and the improved performance of governors.

Speaking through the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Chief Kestin Pondi, the PBAT Door-to-Door Grand Patron described the commissioning of the Movement’s Abuja Head Office by Mrs Tinubu as a defining moment.

He said: ‘This is more than the opening of an office. It is the opening of a new front in the effort to carry the message of Renewed Hope to every Nigerian. The gracious inauguration of this headquarters by our esteemed First Lady gives added significance to our mission and strengthens our resolve to reach every household, unit, ward, community, market and worship centre to mobilise support for President Tinubu. We are here to win support for Mr President and to stand firmly behind all candidates of the All Progressives Congress across the country’.

‘In recent months, we have taken the message of Renewed

Hope to the people with conviction and purpose. We have listened to citizens, engaged communities and explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-a leader of courage, patriotism and steadfast belief in Nigeria-deserves the opportunity to serve a second term, with the presidential election scheduled for 16 January 2027.Our message is clear: Nigeria is not standing still; Nigeria is moving forward’.

In their separate goodwill messages, Governors Sheriff Oberovwori and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Delta and Ondo states respectively threw their backing for the movement, adding that they would work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP) has tasked the 500 beneficiaries of its N1 million postgraduate scholarship award with pursuing high-quality research programmes that address environmental challenges and shape Ogoniland’s future.

HYPREP’s Project Coordinator (PC), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, delivered the charge at the 3rd scholarship award ceremony in Port Harcourt.

No fewer than 300 Master’s degree and 200 Doctoral degree scholars benefited from the gesture. It is part of the human capacity-building (livelihood component) in the United Nations Environmental Cleanup (UNEP) report and recommendations on the Ogoni cleanup.

Earlier, the consultant who handled the screening and selection process for HYPREP disclosed that over 2000 people applied for the grant, 1,500 participated in the first selection test, and 500 qualified after the final screening.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the PC told them that the fund is not for funfair or jollification, but a reminder of the role they have to play and the future they owe Ogoniland, the people, and posterity as young professionals.

He urged them to leverage the ongoing Ogoni cleanup exercise and produce quality, publishable research that addresses critical environmental, intellectual, and leadership needs in the area.

He said, ‘… beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni. Today, I want to have a candid conversation with you, beyond the grant, this intervention is also about renewing hope and the future we are co-creating in Ogoni.

‘As you may already know, education gives you knowledge, but it also places a responsibility on you to use that knowledge to improve society.

‘I encourage you to see this scholarship as a call to service. As researchers in different fields, you must understand that you play an important role in shaping Ogoni’s future.

The Ogoni community looks to you for ideas, leadership, and solutions to the challenges facing our people.

‘You are expected to question old and unsustainable ways of doing things, develop new ideas, innovate, create opportunities, and help build a society where the next generation can live in peace and sustainable economic prosperity.

‘It is in recognition of this responsibility that HYPREP is investing in your education and professional development.’

Further, Zabbey gave a deeper reason for spending the huge amount on the Scholars, saying, ‘This scholarship intervention is one way HYPREP is contributing to that objective by building human capacity, expanding opportunities, and preparing our people to participate across different sectors of the economy.

‘The programme was conceived and is being implemented to reinforce the role of researchers and intellectuals as drivers of development. Through these efforts, HYPREP has become a major contributor to the region’s transformation and an important partner in shaping our communities’ future.’

Speakers at the ceremony praised HYPREP under the current Administration for its commitment to implementing UNEP report recommendations and the Agency’s mandate.

At the event, Prof. Barinedum Nwibere, a member of the HYPREP Governing Council, charged the people of Ogoni to shun baseless, unconfirmed, and destructive criticisms of HYPREP and instead ask meaningful questions to address their confusion about the Agency’s activities.

In response, some beneficiaries thanked HYPREP and its managers for their transparency and sincerity in handling the Scholarship screening process, and urged them to maintain the standard.

A postgraduate student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (Mathematics Education), Mrs Uloma Celestine-Gbara from Boa Community, Gokana Local Government Area, who benefited from the gift, expressed gratitude to HYPREP and assured that the fund she received would go a long way in defraying her academic expenses, including payment of tuition fees, engaging in research work, and publishing some of her ready articles.

Youths in the Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill, Governor Umo Eno, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates as their sole choices for the 2027 general elections.

They also pledged to mobilise grassroots support for Clement Jimbo and Sir Boniface Ebewo for the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency and Ika State Constituency, respectively.

The youths of the two local government areas made the declaration at a grand rally organised at the Council Secretariat, Utu Etim Ekpo, on Thursday.

Thompson Thompson moved a motion endorsing the candidates, and Mr Mfron Akpan seconded it before Akaninyene Eyo conducted a voice vote.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, urged party members to remain committed to the APC and work together to secure victory for its candidates in the forthcoming elections.

Ekpo, who described himself as a constituency member, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and predicted victory for its candidates.

He called for the re-election of President Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, endorsed Governor Eno for a second term, and expressed confidence in Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo’s electoral victory.

The minister also commended Governor Eno for creating what he described as an enabling environment for political leaders to discharge their responsibilities, stressing that the governor deserved another term in office.

Earlier, in their welcome remarks, the Chairmen of Etim Ekpo and Ika Local Government Areas, Gideon Uwa and Utibe Nwoko, respectively, said the rally was convened to reaffirm the two local government areas’ commitment to the APC and its candidates at all levels of government.

They urged party members and supporters to sustain grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reinforcing the message of unity, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN and the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.), declared that stakeholders across the area were united in their support for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno, Clement Jimbo and Boniface Ebewo, who is seeking the APC ticket for the Etim Ekpo State Constituency seat in 2027.

The youths, through their representatives, Goodnews Obidiah and Mfonobong Moses, also reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s candidates, pledging to mobilise their peers and communities towards the APC’s success in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking on youth development, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, highlighted the Eno administration’s interventions in education, youth empowerment, infrastructure, and employment. He urged the youths to recognise the importance of sustained development and remain actively involved in the political process.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas, said women in Etim Ekpo and Ika were prepared to mobilise support for the APC candidates. She described the party as central to Akwa Ibom State’s political future and called on women to remain united and committed ahead of the elections.

Responding to the endorsement, State House of Assembly candidate Sir Boniface Ebewo and House of Representatives candidate Hon. Clement Jimbo pledged to promote proactive leadership, strategic empowerment, and participatory representation, prioritising the needs of the people.

The State APC Women Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, and the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, also delivered goodwill messages, with Dr Enyiekere addressing the gathering on the need for party unity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Works David Umahi has declared that Peter Obi is not the best presidential candidate the South-East can produce.

The minister also accused the former Anambra State governor of failing to consult influential political leaders in the region before pursuing his presidential ambition.

Umahi made the remarks during an interview with ARISE Television on Friday, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.

‘Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in the South-East. He’s not the best; he can never be the best,’ the minister said, insisting that the region has other qualified political figures capable of aspiring to Nigeria’s highest political office.

The former Ebonyi State governor argued that anyone seeking to emerge as the political standard-bearer of the South-East must engage governors and other influential stakeholders rather than pursue an ambition that carries the expectations of an entire region without adequate consultation.

‘You cannot play politics in the South East without consulting people like us,’ he said.

Umahi added that if he were seeking the presidency, he would first consult widely with political leaders before presenting himself as a candidate.

‘If I were contesting, I would have consulted,’ he said.

His remarks have brought the question of political representation, regional consensus and the choice of a presidential candidate from the South-East into sharper focus ahead of the 2027 election.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, emerged as a formidable opposition figure after winning all five states in the South-East. His performance, which also secured him substantial support outside the region, helped establish a political movement that remains influential in national electoral discussions.

However, Umahi’s position reflects the growing disagreement among political leaders from the region over whether Obi should automatically be regarded as its preferred presidential candidate.

The minister also challenged the suggestion that the South-East’s next presidential candidate should necessarily come from Anambra State, Obi’s home state.

He argued that other states in the region should have the opportunity to produce a candidate, pointing to Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo as states whose political leaders could also aspire to the presidency.

Umahi’s argument introduces another dimension to the debate over regional representation: whether the South-East should rally behind the candidate with the strongest electoral appeal or seek a broader political understanding among its leaders over who should represent the zone.

The debate comes against the background of the South-East’s longstanding agitation for greater representation in the country’s highest political office. The region has five states, fewer than any other geopolitical zone, and its political leaders have frequently disagreed over the most effective strategy for securing the presidency.

For Obi’s supporters, his performance in 2023 demonstrated that he could mobilise voters across regional boundaries and challenge the established political order. They regard his electoral showing as evidence of his national appeal rather than merely a product of regional sentiment.

Umahi, however, maintained that Obi’s electoral performance should not automatically translate into an unquestioned claim to the South-East’s political leadership.

His criticism also raises questions about the relationship between popular support and elite political consensus in Nigeria’s electoral system.

While a candidate may enjoy considerable grassroots enthusiasm, securing the support of influential political actors can be important in building alliances, mobilising resources and broadening electoral reach. Yet, the extent to which consultations among political elites determine voter preferences remains a subject of political debate.

Umahi’s intervention is particularly significant because he is not only a former governor of Ebonyi State but also a senior member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He has repeatedly defended Tinubu’s prospects in the South-East, expressing confidence that the ruling party can improve its electoral performance in the region in 2027.

The minister has attributed the region’s overwhelming support for Obi in 2023 partly to dissatisfaction with what he described as its marginalisation under the previous administration.

According to Umahi, the situation has changed under Tinubu, with the appointment of South-East politicians to important federal positions and the administration’s infrastructure commitments providing reasons for the region to reconsider its political choices.

He has consequently argued that the South-East should support Tinubu’s re-election bid rather than assume that Obi remains its only viable presidential option.

The position places Umahi among the prominent South-East political figures seeking to weaken the perception that the region’s electoral future must revolve around Obi.

Nevertheless, whether the minister’s assessment reflects the wider mood of voters in the region remains uncertain. Obi’s 2023 performance demonstrated his ability to attract substantial support, but reproducing that result in 2027 will depend on several factors, including party organisation, political alliances, voter mobilisation and the broader national contest.

The debate over the region’s preferred candidate is also complicated by the absence of a universally accepted formula for determining who should represent it in the presidential race.

While some political leaders favour consultation and consensus among established stakeholders, Obi’s supporters are likely to argue that the candidate’s popularity and electoral record should carry significant weight in deciding who has the strongest claim to the ticket.

Umahi’s remarks therefore go beyond a personal assessment of Obi’s suitability for the presidency. They expose a deeper disagreement over political strategy within the South-East: whether the region should consolidate around a candidate who has already demonstrated substantial electoral appeal or pursue a wider agreement among its political leaders.

With the 2027 election approaching, that disagreement could influence the region’s relationship with the major political parties and determine the extent to which its leaders can agree on a common political direction.

For now, Umahi has made his position clear: Obi should not be regarded as the South-East’s automatic or best choice for the presidency, and any claim to represent the region must contend with the views of other political leaders and the interests of the wider zone.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged other states to adopt the Rainbow Coalition model, saying it has promoted peace, political stability and cooperation among rival parties in the territory and Rivers State.

He said the arrangement had brought leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together to pursue common interests, demonstrating that political differences should not breed violence or hostility.

Wike spoke during an interactive engagement with political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

‘If Nigerian politics can come to this level, we will not be hearing about fighting; we will not be seeing ourselves killing each other,’ he said.

The minister said the coalition had created an atmosphere in which politicians from different parties could work together, adding that the approach was also being implemented in Rivers State.

He maintained that the arrangement would promote inclusive representation and ensure that candidates received support across party lines.

Wike cited former FCT Senator Philip Aduda as an example of a politician whose support base extended beyond one party, stressing that effective representation required leaders to remain accessible to their constituents.

He urged Kuje residents to learn from the 2023 elections and make informed choices ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying voters should prioritise performance, accessibility and accountability over political promises.

The minister criticised what he described as inadequate engagement between the incumbent senator and constituents, contrasting it with Aduda’s relationship with the people.

‘Aduda knows them. Aduda knows when they have problems. Aduda knows when they are sleeping, and Aduda knows when they are crying. That is the essence of representation,’ he said.

Wike cautioned residents against entrusting their future to politicians he described as ‘political gamblers’, urging them to assess candidates based on their records and commitment to the people.

On infrastructure, the minister promised that the road project linking the Airport Road-Tipper Garage corridor to Gwagwalada would be completed and commissioned by the end of December.

He recalled that traditional rulers in Kuje had identified the road as a priority during an earlier visit, urging the administration to address its poor condition.

Wike said the first phase of the project had been commissioned, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

‘Let me assure you, to the glory of God, by the end of December, we will also commission the one that leads to Gwagwalada,’ he said.

He urged residents to compare the road’s previous condition with its present state, describing the project as part of efforts to improve connectivity and living conditions in satellite communities.

The Hakimi Agwai of Kuje Area Council, Shuibu Pada, assured the minister of the area’s support, promising that residents would reciprocate the administration’s interventions through their votes.

He, however, appealed for the extension of road construction to interior communities, including routes linking Rubochi, Kwali and neighbouring settlements.

Pada said that while ongoing projects had improved access along major corridors, communities outside those routes also needed government attention.

Earlier, Senator Jibrin Wowo declared support for Tinubu and the APC, saying political stakeholders in Kuje had consulted and agreed to back the party in the forthcoming elections.

He said the consultations involved women, youths, elderly residents and traditional rulers, adding that the community was prepared to demonstrate its appreciation of the administration’s interventions at the polls.

‘Honourable Minister, I want to assure you that we in Kuje Area Council have sat down and agreed that Kuje people are going to vote APC from top to bottom,’ Wowo said.

The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, commended the administration’s infrastructure programme and political engagement, saying the coalition had encouraged leaders of the APC and PDP to work together.

He described the willingness of rival political stakeholders to sit at the same table as a significant development in Kuje’s political environment.

Yamawo added that improved roads had reduced travel difficulties between Kuje and neighbouring communities.

The FCT PDP Chairman, Ismael Dogora, also praised Wike, saying the coalition had reduced political hostility and created an atmosphere of unity.

He said the current political campaign season had been different from previous exercises, with no reported incidents of cars being smashed, attributing the development to the minister’s efforts to unite political stakeholders.

Dogora said the administration had addressed some demands that previously prompted protests by residents, adding that the people were prepared to reciprocate through their support.

The Kuje women leader, Aishatu Yakubu, commended the administration for recognising women’s role in political mobilisation but called for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making.

She also appealed for more road projects to benefit communities across the area council.

Also, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, praised Wike for bringing indigenous and non-indigenous communities in the FCT under one political umbrella.

He said the minister had changed the narrative of underdevelopment in Kuje, where some young people previously felt the area was known mainly for its prison because of inadequate infrastructure.

Shekwolo said the political landscape had changed significantly, with members of the ruling party and opposition now working together.

He urged residents to honour their commitments at the polls on January 16, 2027, by supporting Tinubu, Aduda and Dablandi Chiya.

He said the administration’s interventions had given the people reasons to support the coalition and sustain the prevailing political cooperation.

The Ondo State Government said it has intensified measures to prevent an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the state by deploying four ambulances to transport suspected cases and placing health personnel on alert.

The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, revealed this on Saturday in an interview in Akure, the state capital.

Odimayo also said the state had begun training health workers, strengthened disease surveillance, and intensified public awareness campaigns to ensure prompt detection and reporting of suspected cases.

He explained that the measures were part of the state’s proactive response in line with national guidelines, stressing that no Ebola case had been recorded in Ondo.

Odimayo said the government had set up a committee to coordinate preparedness efforts and sent team members to Abuja for specialised training to strengthen the state’s response capacity.

‘The state is doing a lot. We have already set up a committee that is working. We have sent some of our team to Abuja for some training programmes.

‘We have just procured so many ambulances in recent times, about 15 of them. So all we need to do at this time is to dedicate some, about four, in line with the national guidelines for movement of cases, in case we have cases,’ he said.

According to him, the health facilities and health posts across the state had been alerted to remain vigilant, recognise Ebola symptoms, and report suspected cases promptly through established channels.

He said the government was also arranging isolation, personal protective equipment, and other emergency logistics to protect health workers and limit transmission risk.

Odimayo said community mobilisers had been directed to sensitise residents, while radio jingles, educational materials, and media engagements were used to raise awareness and discourage panic.

‘We have our agents, our community mobilisers. We have informed them to inform the people at the grassroots level. We have also produced jingles and written materials that people will be able to utilise,’ he said.

He advised residents to remain calm, maintain good personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, and avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola.

Odimayo advised residents to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and to promptly report suspected cases to health authorities.

He also assured residents that the government was strengthening surveillance and emergency response systems to prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in the state.

The governor’s aide further said that health facilities and health posts across the state had been alerted to strengthen vigilance, familiarise personnel with Ebola symptoms, and adhere strictly to established reporting procedures.

He said the government was working to ensure that suspected cases were identified and referred through appropriate channels without unnecessary delays.

According to him, the state was aligning its surveillance and reporting mechanisms with national protocols to support a coordinated response involving health facilities and relevant emergency agencies.

He added that the government had arranged isolation for suspected cases to support appropriate medical assessment and reduce the risk of transmission.

The health adviser further said that personal protective equipment (PPE) had been provided through the state’s designated emergency management agency, while logistical arrangements were being reviewed to ensure that necessary materials could reach health facilities and health posts when required.

He, however, emphasised that protecting healthcare workers was an essential component of the preparedness strategy, noting that personnel must have the appropriate equipment and knowledge to handle suspected cases safely.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has confirmed that the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit will be held on October 26 and 27 in Abuja, despite an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Organisers have introduced additional health precautions to protect participants.

The two-day summit, scheduled to take place at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will adopt a modified hybrid format following consultations with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The decision follows health authorities’ confirmation on October 20 of an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the FCT.

According to the NESG, health authorities have isolated the patient and are monitoring contacts. The group said it decided to proceed after assessing the situation against the NCDC’s public health guidelines for mass gatherings.

The NESG said that confirming an imported case alone did not require cancelling the summit, adding that it would implement precautionary measures to protect delegates, workers and other participants.

The NESG Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju, said the organisation made participants’ safety its main consideration in deciding to proceed with the event.

‘The safety of every delegate, partner and member of staff comes first,’ Aduloju said.

He explained that the decision was reached in consultation with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NCDC, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), FCT health authorities and Transcorp Hilton.

Aduloju said the arrangements would allow the summit to proceed while participants follow health authorities’ guidance.

He also urged delegates and other participants to comply with the preventive measures put in place for the event.

Under the revised arrangements, physical attendance will be restricted to delegates who have already registered. The NESG said registration for in-person participation had closed and the venue would not allow walk-in admission or registration.

All plenary sessions will stream live on the summit’s virtual platform, allowing registered delegates to participate online if they choose not to attend in person.

The organisers have also made daily health declarations and temperature checks compulsory for everyone entering the venue, including delegates, staff, vendors and media personnel.

Participants with fever or other symptoms, as well as those who have been in contact with a known or suspected Ebola case within the preceding 21 days, have been advised not to attend in person. They are expected to participate online instead.

The NESG said delegates would receive a health and safety information pack by email to guide them on the summit arrangements and precautions.

It also provided the NCDC’s toll-free number, 6232, for people seeking information or assistance with health concerns.

The organisation explained that Ebola does not spread through the air or from asymptomatic people. According to the statement, transmission occurs through direct contact with the body fluids of a person who is ill with the disease.

The NESG said it would continue to review the situation daily with health authorities and promptly communicate any changes through its official channels.

Despite the revised attendance arrangements, the summit is expected to attract senior government officials, state governors, business leaders and speakers from Nigeria and abroad.

Confirmed attendees include the Presidency, members of the Federal Executive Council, state governors and captains of industry.

The organisers have listed the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr Amina Mohammed; Prof Stefan Derco of Oxford University; and the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Samad Rabiu, among the speakers.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare is also expected to attend the opening ceremony.

The Director-General of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, said about two million farmers have pledged to vote for the President in the 2027 general elections, dismissing opposition claims that his administration is insensitive to farmers’ plight.

He added that the opposition cannot win the 2027 general elections with Artificial Intelligence (AI) lies against President Tinubu.

Speaking on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna, Yari accused opposition parties of using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation against the President, insisting that elections cannot be won through falsehoods and propaganda.

The former Zamfara State Governor said the farmers’ commitment followed engagements with the APC leadership and campaign team to explain the administration’s agricultural interventions and plans to further support farmers across the country.

‘They claim that your administration does not support farmers and that you hate farmers. That is not true. We have clear evidence of what your administration has done, what it intends to do and what it continues to do for farmers. The farmers themselves understand the truth. By God’s grace, about two million farmers have made a commitment to vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, in sha Allah,’ he declared.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, Yari accused its members of using AI-generated content to mislead Nigerians about the administration’s performance, saying the APC would counter such narratives by showcasing the President’s achievements and engaging directly with voters.

‘Yesterday, I was with the National Chairman and our youth team. We discussed the opposition’s activities, who have resorted to spreading falsehoods through artificial intelligence (AI). They continue to rely on AI-generated content and misinformation, but elections in Nigeria are not won through lies. They will not win the election by deceiving Nigerians,’ he said.

On the economy, the Campaign DG claimed the Tinubu administration recorded significant improvements in key economic indicators despite inheriting difficult conditions, citing the exchange rate, which he said strengthened from nearly N1,800 to about N1,300 per dollar.

He also claimed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had increased from about $3.9 billion to approximately $54.7 billion, describing the developments as evidence of the administration’s efforts to reposition the economy, while acknowledging that Nigerians continued to face economic challenges.

Yari explained that Kaduna was deliberately chosen to host the presidential campaign flag-off for its strategic status as the political centre of Northern Nigeria, commending APC governors nationwide, particularly Governor Uba Sani, for their collective efforts in organising the event.

‘Mr President, we are in Kaduna not by mistake or error, but by deliberate choice. We have chosen Kaduna as the venue for this important gathering and the flag-off of the campaign for the 2027 presidential election,’ he said, adding that the colourful gathering was the product of coordinated efforts by APC governors, with the host governor spending the preceding 10 days preparing for the event.

The Campaign DG further disclosed that the party had intensified consultations with traditional rulers, community elders, imams, and other influential stakeholders across Northern Nigeria to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election and promote peaceful political participation ahead of the polls.

‘Mr President, Northern Nigeria is fully committed to your re-election. We are confident that the people of the region will support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, in sha Allah,’ Yari declared, assuring the President that APC governors and party structures would sustain grassroots mobilisation to strengthen the party’s chances in the election.