Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Descendants of Alaafin Oranmiyan from Ipokia, Ogun State, have explained that their visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was to honour their royal ancestry and congratulate him on his emergence as the paramount ruler of the historic Oyo Kingdom.

Speaking at the Alaafin’s Palace, on Sunday, Head of the family, Alhaji Abdulatif Kolawole Adeowo, said the visit was a demonstration of their respect for their royal progenitor and a reaffirmation of their ancestral ties to the kingdom.

Adeowo explained that their mother, Princess Onisile, was a great-great-granddaughter of Alaafin Oranmiyan, whom tradition associates with the founding of Old Oyo, also known as Oyo-Ile or Oyo Igboho.

He said the family regarded its royal lineage as an important part of its identity and history, adding that the visit was intended to strengthen its relationship with the palace and preserve the cultural heritage of their forebears.

He added that the emergence of Oba Owoade offered a fresh opportunity to promote peace, unity and development in the Oyo Kingdom.

‘My message is to congratulate you, Your Majesty,’ Adeowo said, praying for a successful and peaceful reign for the monarch.

He also noted that relations between the people of Oyo and the palace remained cordial, and expressed hope that the new reign would further strengthen the bond between the monarch and his people.

In his response, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the chiefs, elders, sons and daughters of Oyo, who travelled from Ipokia to congratulate him on his ascension to the throne of his forebears.

The Alaafin said he was delighted by the show of love, solidarity and support he had received from Oyo indigenes, including those living outside the kingdom.

He appreciated the visitors for their prayers and goodwill, asking God to continue to bless and protect them.

‘I thank you all for coming. Olódùmarè will bless you all. Oyo will know peace in our time,’ the monarch said.

Oba Owoade called on Oyo indigenes at home and in the diaspora to join hands with him in building a greater kingdom founded on peace, unity and development.

The monarch also invited the indigenes of Oyo across the world to participate in the maiden Oyo Empire Day Celebration, tagged ‘M? Mi Kí N M? ?’ – A Homecoming.

The event is scheduled for December 17 to 19, at the Alaafin’s Palace, in Oyo town.

The celebration aims to reconnect descendants of the historic Oyo Empire with their ancestral roots while promoting cultural heritage, unity and a shared sense of identity among the people.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says Nigeria needs an annual economic growth of at least nine per cent to significantly reduce poverty and create jobs.

He made the assertion at the Nigerian Economic Summit 32 (NES32) with the theme ‘Growth that Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity’ in Abuja on Monday.

He said that Nigeria’s current growth rate of about four per cent remained inadequate to achieve rapid poverty reduction and employment generation.

The governor also said that Nigeria would require an annual growth of at least 12 per cent to achieve a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 or 2040.

He added that the country’s investment rate, estimated at 17 to 20 per cent, must rise significantly to support the required economic expansion.

Soludo cautioned against being misled by large nominal spending figures, saying that consolidated public expenditure across all government levels amounted to less than one dollar per person daily.

He stressed the need to channel national savings into productive investments, capable of expanding economic output, creating jobs and improving living standards.

He called for stronger coordination between the Federal Government, states and local governments, noting that subnational authorities accounted for a substantial share of public spending.

According to him, effective collaboration is essential to maximise the impact of government policies and investments across the country.

Soludo cited Anambra’s free education programme, which covers kindergarten through secondary school, as an example of interventions delivering measurable social benefits.

He said that the state had reduced its out-of-school children rate from 2.5 per cent to 0.25 per cent.

He also cited a recent Oxford and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report which reportedly placed Anambra’s multidimensional poverty rate at 9.6 per cent.

Soludo said that reducing food prices required structural reforms to address post-harvest losses, which he put at about 43 per cent of agricultural output.

He said that improving storage, transportation and distribution systems would help to move food from farms to urban markets and reduce consumer prices.

The governor, therefore, urged governments to strengthen sectoral collaboration and mobilise investments to accelerate economic growth.

Soludo also called for policies that encourage exports, develop domestic value chains and promote investment in sectors where Nigeria has competitive advantages.

He emphasised that stronger private-sector participation and productive investments were essential to generating sustainable jobs and ensuring that economic growth benefitted more Nigerians.

FORMER President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has urged African countries to move beyond supplying labour to ageing economies and invest in skills, technology and enterprise to make their workforce more competitive globally.

Adesina said Africa’s growing population could become a major economic asset if governments equipped young people with the knowledge and capabilities needed to drive productivity, innovation and industrial development.

He made the call at the inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium, held recently in Lagos, where he delivered an address titled: ‘Africa Next: Building the Demographic Asset Class.

‘Africa, therefore, should not aspire merely to supply labour to an ageing world. We should aspire to supply capability to a changing world,’ he said.

He stated that Africa’s demographic advantage would depend not simply on the number of people available to work, but on the quality of education, skills and employment opportunities available to them.

He said governments should strengthen education and vocational training, align learning with labour-market needs and expand opportunities for workers to acquire skills relevant to emerging industries.

Adesina described education as an investment in national productive capacity, warning that unemployment, underemployment and skills mismatches could undermine the continent’s development prospects.

‘Our young people are not the liability. Wasted potential is the liability,’ he said.

He argued that the failure to translate young people’s potential into productive employment often reflected weaknesses in the systems meant to prepare and support them, including inadequate education, healthcare, infrastructure and access to finance.

The former AfDB president also urged African countries to prepare workers for changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI), insisting that the continent must do more than consume technologies developed elsewhere.

‘We must become a creator, an adapter and a shaper of AI,’ he said.

He called for technologies that respond to African languages, businesses, markets and development needs, alongside investments that enable workers to adapt to changing workplace demands.

Adesina further emphasised the need to connect skills with capital, technology and markets, saying young people require access to finance and business support to turn their ideas into enterprises capable of creating jobs.

He cited the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme, which received $178 million in AfDB financing towards its $618 million funding package, as well as the bank’s $100 million commitment to support a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank model.

He said Africa’s ability to develop a competitive workforce would depend on whether its economies could productively deploy the skills young people acquire.

Adesina’s message was that the continent must move beyond providing workers to the global economy and build the capabilities to compete in higher-value activities, create businesses and drive innovation.

He maintained that investing in people would be critical to turning Africa’s demographic growth into economic prosperity.

Node Union has announced the launch of its AI infrastructure investment platform, offering individuals access to participation packages starting at just US$10.

Operating across three data centre sites in different countries, the platform enables participants to invest in pooled computing infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence development, business operations and research activities.

Node Union brings together equipment financing, professional infrastructure management and commercial computing services.

Participants select packages linked to pools of computing equipment, while the holding company manages procurement, deployment, maintenance and commercial operations. The model is designed to make participation in AI infrastructure accessible to a broader audience.

Computing capacity is rented to external customers for workloads including AI model training, inference (the process of running trained models) and other demanding computing tasks. Revenue supports operating costs and equipment reserves, with distributable proceeds determined by the terms of each participation program.

Packages start at US$10 and can be combined across equipment categories. They represent participation in pooled computing resources rather than the purchase of an individual physical server.

The model provides for potential monthly distributions and optional reinvestment. Returns are not guaranteed and depend on operating results, including customer demand, equipment utilization and energy costs.

‘We see computing capacity not as an abstract digital commodity, but as a real productive asset: capital becomes equipment, equipment becomes capacity available to customers, and demand for that capacity underpins the project’s economics,’ said Alexander Weber, CEO of Node Union.

Node Union’s infrastructure uses a modular approach, allowing capacity to expand in stages in response to customer demand. Its technology strategy covers general-purpose computing and specialized AI workloads, with equipment selected according to performance requirements, availability and operating economics.

The platform targets businesses, AI developers, universities and research teams with different computing needs, from access to individual GPU resources to dedicated servers and larger clusters. Further development includes isolated computing environments for organizations working with sensitive data.

Across its three operational sites, Node Union’s approach to expansion considers power supply, water availability, cooling requirements and the impact on nearby communities. The company prioritizes renewable energy and cooling approaches suited to local conditions, with the scale of each site guided by available resources.

Node Union’s next phase focuses on expanding computing capacity and customer relationships, broadening access in eligible markets and developing reporting on equipment utilization and operating performance.

The trial of the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Abubakar Sirika and three others before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) could not proceed on Monday as the prosecution sought vacation of the day earlier scheduled for continuation of cross-examination of the third prosecution witness (PW3), Engineer Isaiah Ganiyu Yesufu, by the defence team.

The former minister, who served in the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his younger brother, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, and two companies, Al-Buraq Limited and Enginos Nigeria Limited, alleged to be owned by the former minister’s brother, before Justice Suleiman Belgore, sitting at Garki, Abuja.

The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on abuse of office, criminal breach of trust and use of position for gratification.

The former minister was accused of using his position to award various contracts to his younger brother to the tune of about N19.4 billion.

He was further accused of conferring unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited by using his position to influence the award of contract for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,345,586,500.

EFCC further alleged that the former minister used his position to influence the award of contract for the establishment of Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport for the sum of N3,811,497,685, among other allegations.

According to the prosecution, the offences, allegedly committed in Abuja between August, 2022 and May, 2023, contravene provisions of Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, Section 17(b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 as well as Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same Acts.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them, by EFCC on behalf of the Federal Government.

At yesterday’s resumed sitting in the case, counsel for the former minister, Joseph Kwahar, holding the brief of Kanu Agabi SAN and counsel for the second defendant, Hafiz Matanmi, informed the court that they received a letter from the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, seeking the vacation of today’s date.

They added that the prosecutor, however, wanted the case to continue today, Tuesday, October 27.

With no objection from the defence team, Justice Belgore then adjourned to today for continuation of cross examination of the PW3, Engineer Yesufu, who is the Director of Certification, Compliance and Monitoring with Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

Yesufu had, while being crossed-examined by counsel for the former minister, Kanu Agabi SAN, told the court Senator Sirika neither issued nor signed any letters awarding contract for construction of a terminal building at the Katsina Airport.

He further told the court that Sirika did not participate in the Aviation Ministry’s ministerial tenders board proceedings leading to the award of the contracts.

‘I am aware that the first defendant (former minister) is on trial for violation of procurement processes. As far as I know, he did not participate in the ministerial tenders board’s proceedings.

‘He (Sirika) did not issue or sign any of the letters awarding the contracts,’ the PW3 told the court.

The PW3 further told the court that procurements in the Ministry of Aviation were being regulated by the Public Procurement Act, under which the ministry’s permanent secretary was the accounting officer of the ministry.

According to him, the permanent secretary as of the time the contract was awarded, Mr Abel Enitan, had the responsibility of ensuring that the ministry complied with the Public Procurement Act, adding that, ‘the permanent secretary has responsibility for liabilities in the breach of the Act.’

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is supporting efforts to strengthen employment creation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) prepares to unveil its five-year plan for improving skills development, enterprise growth and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The plan, scheduled for launch on Thursday, in Abuja, is designed to provide a framework for strengthening the NDE’s institutional effectiveness, improving programme delivery and expanding inclusive employment opportunities.

The ILO Abuja Office disclosed the development in a concept note on the launch, scheduled to hold at Chelsea Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja, between 10 a.m. and noon.

The plan identifies key priorities for strengthening the directorate’s operations and employment interventions, including demand-driven skills development, entrepreneurship and enterprise development, strategic partnerships and improved institutional performance.

It is also expected to provide a framework for aligning the NDE’s programmes with labour market needs and improving interventions designed to help Nigerians acquire employable skills, establish businesses and access sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The concept note explained that the plan was developed through a participatory process involving assessments of the Directorate’s programmes and institutional capacity, labour market analysis, consultations with NDE departments and units, and engagement with relevant government institutions, organised labour, employers, development partners and other stakeholders.

The document explained that issues, observations and recommendations arising from a stakeholders’ consultative workshop were consolidated and incorporated into the draft plan, which subsequently underwent stakeholder validation.

It stated that the launch would formally present the strategic framework to stakeholders and the public, demonstrate the Directorate’s commitment to results-oriented employment promotion and strengthen collective ownership of its implementation.

The event is also expected to reinforce collaboration among government institutions, employers, organised labour and development partners in addressing unemployment and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

The concept note identified the mobilisation of partnerships and resources as a key objective of the launch, alongside presenting the plan’s strategic priorities, objectives and expected outcomes.

Other objectives include strengthening stakeholder ownership, encouraging support for implementation and demonstrating the NDE’s commitment to effective, inclusive and sustainable employment interventions.

The anticipated outcomes include improved public awareness of the plan’s priorities, renewed commitments from government, organised labour, employers and development partners, stronger partnerships for employment promotion and enterprise growth, and increased institutional emphasis on monitoring results and reporting progress.

The director-general and management of the NDE are expected to participate in the launch alongside representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the ILO, the German development agency GIZ, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Representatives of relevant development partners, the National Assembly, NDE departments and units, and the media are also expected to attend.

Birthday tributes are no lengthy religious sermons, but how does one describe in few words a vibrant young in age but exudes the wisdom of a 90-year-old?

A woman whose life is defined by fierce empathy for the downtrodden, unwavering service to humanity, and uncompromising love for country?

At 40, Dr. Betta Edu remains a role model for young people, especially young women, uncertain of life directions.

As Co-Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), she brings uncommon verve, strategic dexterity, and infectious energy to the task of galvanising Nigerian women behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Her outings so far have been marked by purposeful engagement, formidable grassroots mobilisation, and a refreshing demonstration of political commitment.

At the inauguration of the APC PCC, Edu distinguished herself with dignified conduct, measured eloquence, and inspiring remarks that underscored her readiness for the assignment.

In her, the APC PPC finds not merely a mobiliser but a woman whose passion is palpable, whose purpose is unmistakable, and whose drive is difficult to ignore.

There is something remarkably compelling about Dr. Edu: The fire in her spirit, the grace in her carriage, the conviction in her words, and the tenacity with which she pursues a cause.

At 40, Dr. Edu stands as a striking blend of brain and brawn, elegance and enterprise, intellect and impact.

She does not merely occupy space; she commands attention. She does not simply join the procession; she helps set the pace.

Some people wait for greatness to find them; others, like Edu, announce its arrival through the force of their character and the footprints of their accomplishments.

‘Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.’- Mark Twain .At a young age, Dr Edu’s journey reflects the power of purpose, courage and determination, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not by age, but by the impact one makes and the lives one inspires.

For Edu, this milestone is more than a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of grace, grit, growth, and a life that continues to unfold with remarkable promise.

She is no ordinary woman. She belongs to that rare breed whose lives seem touched by the unmistakable fingerprints of distinction. From her early years, Dr. Edu has displayed the unmistakable signs of a star destined to shine.

In my previous write-up marking her 39th birthday, I described her using the Yoruba expression, ‘Látì kékeré ló ti n ?e b?´b?`,’ which aptly captures the essence of her journey and the early signs of excellence that have continued to define her story.The seeds of greatness often announce themselves long before the harvest.

Her journey is a compelling chronicle of ambition disciplined by hard work, talent sharpened by learning, and opportunity transformed into impact.

Poised, articulate, and purposeful, she has traversed the corridors of medicine, public health, politics, and public service with a rare combination of intellectual depth and grassroots appeal.

Her story is not merely about how far she has travelled but how much she has dared to accomplish along the way.

Nelson Mandela once observed that ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.’

By this measure, Edu’s journey offers a powerful testament to the possibilities that unfold when courage meets competence and ambition finds a worthy purpose.

To many young Nigerians, particularly women, she represents the audacity to dream beyond limitations and the determination to turn those dreams into tangible achievements.

From Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Health, to Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to Commissioner for Health, Chairman of the Forum of Commissioners for Health, National Woman Leader of the APC, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and now Co-Director of Women Mobilisation of the APC PCC, Edu’s public-service trajectory has been marked by demanding assignments and high expectations.

Across these roles, she has projected an abiding commitment to service, organisational leadership, and the advancement of causes she believes in.

Her present assignment places her before one of the most consequential challenges in Nigeria’s political landscape: mobilising women whose electoral strength and grassroots influence remain indispensable to democratic success.

In this arena, Edu brings the instincts of a seasoned organiser, the eloquence of a persuasive communicator, and the energy of a woman determined to make every moment count.

Her current outings reflect a spirited effort to build bridges, deepen engagement, and rally women around the President’s re-election campaign.

Edu first entered the wider public consciousness in 2015 when she emerged as one of the youngest aides appointed by then Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade.

She subsequently became the youngest commissioner in his cabinet, an early distinction that announced her arrival as a rising force in the state’s political firmament.University of Calabar,

A former student-union leader at the where she studied Medicine, Edu has long demonstrated a gift for public speaking and mobilisation.

Before becoming Commissioner for Health in 2019, she served as Special Adviser and Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, as well as Special Technical Adviser to the Governor on the state’s Privatisation Council.

Her emergence as APC National Woman Leader in 2022 further elevated her political profile. When the position was zoned to the South-South, party stakeholders rallied around her on account of her youth, vibrancy, educational pedigree, advocacy for women, and formidable grassroots appeal.

She won the keenly contested election and served until her nomination as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

Academically accomplished, Edu holds a medical degree from the University of Calabar, postgraduate qualifications in public health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, and a Doctor of Public Health degree from Texila American University.

Her academic journey reflects a determination to complement political influence with professional knowledge and intellectual substance.

A proud daughter of Adadama in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Edu carries her roots with pride while projecting a broad vision of national service.

Her story speaks to the possibilities of a Nigeria where talent, hard work and determination can open doors to leadership and consequential public engagement.

As she marks her 40th birthday, the celebration goes beyond age. It honours a woman whose journey has been shaped by audacity, whose public life has been driven by ambition and whose political energy continues to find expression in new assignments.

For her admirers, she is a symbol of youthful leadership, humanitarian response, women’s empowerment, and the enduring power of purposeful service.

On this special day, I celebrate my boss, Dr Betta Edu: the medical doctor, the mobiliser, the orator, the trailblazer, and the woman whose story continues to inspire.

May the years ahead bring her renewed wisdom, enduring peace, greater accomplishments, and the grace to fulfil every worthy aspiration.

May the joy she shares, the hope she inspires, and the goodwill she extends to others return to her a hundredfold.

As she pursues her present assignment in the APC PCC, may her efforts yield fruitful outcomes, and her commitment to public service continue to find noble expression.

Happy 40th birthday, Dr Betta Edu, my boss- a rare bloom of grace, a force of conviction, and a woman still writing her story in bold strokes of purpose and possibility.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, ANIPR, FMBI, is a senior journalist, Media and Public Relations Consultant, and Strategic Communications Expert. He writes from Abuja, FCT.

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has called for strengthened measures to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza through effective control of animal movement, strict adherence to biosecurity protocols, enhanced surveillance and improved stakeholder collaboration across the poultry value chain.

Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services and National Programme Coordinator of the Avian Influenza Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Mitchell Alao, made the call. He spoke on behalf of the Government, at a workshop on Strengthening the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on October 22.

Dr. Alao explained that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service plays a critical role in controlling the movement of animals during Avian Influenza outbreaks, noting that effective movement restrictions are essential to preventing infected birds from spreading the disease to unaffected locations.

He identified disease surveillance, effective risk communication and sustained engagement with stakeholders across the poultry value chain as key measures for containing outbreaks, stressing that animal movement control remains central to preventing further transmission.

‘The idea is to keep the disease in the location, where it has occurred. It is basically like covering something with a blanket so that what is covered does not escape. The Quarantine Service is there to ensure that affected birds are not moved out of locations where an outbreak has occurred,’ Dr. Alao explained.

The director emphasised the need to build institutional capacity and strengthen collaboration with relevant security agencies and government institutions, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, state governments and local government authorities.

He noted that such partnerships would enhance regulatory compliance, improve enforcement and support a coordinated response to Avian Influenza outbreaks across the country.

Dr. Alao further disclosed that the US$350,000 intervention grant provided by FAO through its Technical Cooperation Programme for Emergencies to support Avian Influenza control in Nigeria, is expected to end in April 2027.

In his presentation, FAO Country Team Lead for Livestock in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Vianney, informed that the organisation had developed a digital tool for collecting data on animal movement globally, describing the initiative as a means of improving the monitoring and tracking of animal movements.

Dr. Vianney explained that the workshop was designed to assess the extent to which animal movement contributes to the spread of animal diseases in Nigeria, while strengthening public awareness, community education and understanding of preventive measures.

He also outlined the four pillars of the Good Emergency Management Practices (GEMP) Framework as prevention and preparedness; early detection and early response; eradication and recovery; and coordination and communication. He noted that these pillars provide a structured approach to managing animal health emergencies and reducing the impact of disease outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Zonal Commander, North Central, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Dr. David Shehu, said strengthening the control, monitoring and surveillance of poultry transportation was not intended to restrict trade, but to protect investments, safeguard national food safety, sustain the supply of essential animal products to millions of households and preserve jobs across urban and rural communities.

Dr. Shehu identified key priorities for maintaining a productive and profitable poultry sector to include strict enforcement of biosecurity measures during animal movement, proper documentation, regular updating of designated control posts, prevention of illegal and unregulated animal transportation, promotion of public-private partnerships, shared responsibility, technology integration and strict compliance with existing regulations.

He, however, highlighted challenges confronting the Agency, including porous alternative routes, poor compliance with regulations, inadequate infrastructure and the risks associated with the transportation of live animals.

A major highlight of the workshop was an inspection visit to the Garuku Toll Gate along the Akwanga Road in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, to assess animal movement procedures and the effectiveness of existing monitoring and control measures.

During the exercise, NAQS officers inspected three vehicles transporting livestock. The first vehicle was conveying nine cattle from Lafia, while the second truck was transporting a mixed consignment of cattle, goats, sheep and poultry. Temperatures of 35.9°C and 34.7°C were recorded during the inspection.

The third truck was conveying 35 cattle from Adamawa State to Warri, Delta State, with a valid animal movement permit.

Following the inspection, Dr. Vianney urged NAQS officers to be more proactive in carrying out their responsibilities, emphasising that effective monitoring, surveillance and control of animal movement were essential to preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases and protecting Nigeria’s livestock industry.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, security institutions, livestock farmers, transporters and other stakeholders in strengthening animal disease prevention and control systems, safeguarding livelihoods and promoting a resilient and productive livestock sector in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Experts in physical planning and urban development have canvassed for stronger cooperation among South-West states to coordinate infrastructure development, tackle urban congestion and flooding, improve housing delivery and attract investments across the region.

They spoke at a two-day Lagos Physical Planning Summit 2.0, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, where stakeholders sought an integrated regional development framework to address urban challenges that transcend state boundaries.

The experts argued that effective physical planning among Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states would improve transportation networks, strengthen economic corridors and promote sustainable urban growth.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, proposed a Lagos-to-South-West Spatial Development and Investment Compact, to foster collaboration among the six states on cross-border infrastructure, environmental resilience, regional economic development and investment opportunities.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Diagnosis to Delivery: Positioning Lagos for Regional Strategic Development and Priority Investment Agenda,’ Bamidele said the future of Lagos and its neighbouring states depended not only on the quality of their development plans, but also on their commitment to finance, coordinate and implement them.

He proposed that the framework should bring together state governments, relevant federal institutions, planning authorities, infrastructure agencies, private-sector organisations and development partners to identify common priorities and develop practical implementation plans.

He said, regional transportation and logistics, industrial development, power infrastructure, housing, environmental management and investment mobilisation require greater cooperation among the states.

He also called for improved land administration, digital innovation, transparent development regulations and effective public-private partnerships, stressing that regional projects must have clear funding arrangements, defined responsibilities and measurable performance targets.

Bamidele said coordinated development could reduce congestion, improve the movement of goods and people, attract investments and create employment opportunities across the South-West.

He added that effective physical planning should translate into accessible housing, shorter commuting times, reduced flood risks and a more productive business environment.

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also advocated stronger regional cooperation, noting that transportation, housing, economic activities and environmental challenges frequently extend beyond administrative boundaries.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, said the rapid growth of Lagos’s population, expanding economic activities and limited land resources made proper planning essential to sustainable development.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond preparing development plans to ensuring their effective implementation through clear priorities, adequate funding and measurable results.

The governor stressed that decisions on land use, housing, transportation, drainage and infrastructure must be properly coordinated to prevent congestion, flooding and overcrowded settlements.

He also called for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, consistent enforcement of planning regulations and transparent development approval processes.

Sanwo-Olu identified reliable data, clear implementation timelines and accountable institutions as critical to translating development plans into tangible improvements in residents’ living conditions while providing greater certainty for investors.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said the summit provided an opportunity for policymakers, professionals, investors, developers and academics to develop practical solutions to Lagos’s urban development challenges.

He said master plans and model city plans must guide infrastructure provision, housing, transportation, environmental management and investment decisions rather than remain documents without effective implementation

Olumide also highlighted regional collaboration, improved planning administration and technology as essential tools for modern urban management.

He disclosed that the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System, introduced on April 1, 2026, was designed to enable applicants to process planning permit applications remotely, reduce unnecessary human interference and improve efficiency without compromising planning standards or public safety.

The commissioner called for innovative infrastructure financing, stronger institutional coordination and sustained investment in the capacity of planning officers and allied professionals.

He urged participants to ensure that the summit’s recommendations were practical, measurable and supported by clear responsibilities, timelines and credible funding arrangements.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Tpl. Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, commended the state government for its commitment to physical planning and sustainable development through the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

He expressed confidence that the knowledge shared and recommendations generated at the summit would strengthen partnerships and promote practical solutions for sustainable urban development in Lagos and the wider region.

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would consider petitions filed by political parties over omission of their governorship candidates from final list and publish voters register online as demanded by presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Mohammed Haruna, stated this in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune.

Asked how many petitions were filed by parties that believe their governorship candidates were wrongly omitted before the October 24 deadline expired, Haruna said he needed to confirm from the legal department.

‘I would have to confirm that. I would have to speak to the legal department to find out how the total number of petitions. I know we have been receiving petitions right up to that deadline on Saturday,’ he said.

On whether the commission will meet on petitions Thursday, he said the final decision will be taken since deadline has passed.

‘Of course, we will have to take a final decision since we have received the petitions already. The deadline has passed. Anybody, who is sending a petition now is out of time,’ Haruna stated.

Responding to Atiku’s demand that the Commission should publish the voter register online in addition to physical display already done, Haruna said Atiku is right.

‘Yes, I think he is right. We will do that. We will have to publish it online. We will do that. Maybe, it is even online already,’ he said.

Asked if there is no particular deadline since Electoral Act provides for 90 days before election, Haruna said the law says not later than 90 days.

‘Not later than 90 days. That means we should have published it before now, but it is not too late. Because, you know, the final clean copy of the register itself, the one we will give each political party, I think it is in December. So, we can continue to clean it up up to that date. So, if there are any petitions, even from the online, of course, we will have to consider all those petitions. But, it is never too late until the final clean copy is printed,’ he explained.

When asked if the October 29 meeting will look at petitions, he said, the Commission will definitely consider them.

‘We definitely will consider it. I mean all the petitions, that is for candidates,’ Haruna said.

On whether the meeting is Thursday or another day, he said: ‘That is the first meeting after the deadline. Obviously, most likely, we will consider it.’

Background:

The petitions include those relating to omission of names of former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami; Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Abdulsalam Gwarzo; his counterpart in Kaduna State, Senator Danjuma Laah; Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate nominee for Benue State, Sebastine Hon; governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, and others.

INEC had defended omission of some candidates from final list for 2027 governorship election, citing recent judgment of Supreme Court.

In a statement signed on October 13, by Haruna, the commission said its action was in line with Supreme Court decision in INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, Appeal No. SC/CV/495/2026 delivered on September 24, 2026.

According to commission, the court held that provisions of Section 77(5)-(7) of Electoral Act, 2026 requiring submission of membership registers as prerequisite for valid party primaries are constitutional and mandatory, and failure to comply renders defaulting parties ineligible to sponsor any candidate.

INEC said the final list of Presidential and National Assembly candidates had already been published on September 12, 2026, thirteen days before Supreme Court judgment, adding that under Section 32(2) of Electoral Act, 2026, political parties that believe their candidates were wrongly omitted have 14 days from date of publication to notify commission, with deadline set for October 24, 2026.

On October 10, 2026, the commission published the final list of 936 governorship/deputy governorship candidates and 9,692 state Houses of Assembly candidates, nominated by 21 political parties ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, the lists did not include three governorship candidates of PDP and NDC in Ogun, Gombe and Kano states, including PDP candidate in Ogun, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, PDP candidate in Gombe, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, and NDC governorship candidate in Kano, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had called for immediate publication of preliminary voter register, saying its absence during announced scrutiny period raises concerns about integrity of 2027 election.

Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku, had also faulted INEC over display of voter register, saying when parties or candidates miss electoral deadlines they risk exclusion and questioning why INEC should expect indulgence when it fails to meet its own legal obligations.

‘Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires physical display and online publication of the voters’ register for public scrutiny within the stipulated 90-day timeline. Physical display alone does not satisfy both requirements,’ Ibe said.