Category: The Nation – Nigeria

An incident of infrastructure vandalism in Delta State has severely disrupted network connectivity, leaving thousands of subscribers stranded. The breach, where a robber attacked the sites, occurred at an IHS-managed telecom node in the ASB region on July 8, 2026, immediately knocking 33 base stations offline across 2G, 3G, and 4G spectrums.

According to a statement yesterday, the situation in the region escalated dramatically by morning when a separate fibre-optic cable cut severed primary transmission lines. Because the compromised node serves as a critical fibre convergence point, the secondary fibre cut triggered a cascading failure. This secondary disruption ballooned the number of dark sites from 33 to 103, temporarily paralysing digital communications, banking, and commerce in the affected communities.

Industry sources reveal that the financial and logistical toll of such incidents is becoming unsustainable for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Currently, network providers are utilising 20 per cent more spare parts than initially budgeted for the fiscal year.

This unpredictable depletion of technical reserves has stripped operators of their supply buffers, making inventory management and financial forecasting increasingly difficult for telecom executives.

Consequently, engineering teams have been forced to cannibalise materials originally designated for network expansion and new site rollouts just to perform emergency restorations on the damaged sites. This diversion of resources significantly delays the rollout of new infrastructure, stifling the nation’s broader broadband penetration targets and stalling anticipated revenue generation for the telecom companies.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently noted an average of 1,744 weekly attacks on telecom infrastructure nationwide, including over 1,100 fibre cuts. As operators endure protracted back-and-forth negotiations with insurance firms to cover these sudden hardware losses, stakeholders are intensifying calls for the strict enforcement of the Federal Government’s recent designation of telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) to safeguard Quality of Service (QoS).

The Federal Government has disowned a fake recruitment statement which purportedly provided updates on the recruitment by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, urged Nigerians to disregard the fake news.

Dr Ajani said the fake report was falsely attributed to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

‘The document, which claims that the ongoing CDCFIB recruitment exercise has been deferred until after the 2027 general election due to funding constraints did not originate from the Ministry of Interior, the Minister’s office, or the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB)’, Dr Ajani said.

She maintained that the press release is fake, unauthorised, and fraudulent, adding that the Minister did not sign or issue the statement.

Ajani said:’ No decision has been made to defer the recruitment exercise until after the 2027 general election. The exercise is ongoing.

‘ Members of the public and applicants are strongly advised to disregard this document in its entirety and to rely solely on information published through the Ministry’s and CDCFIB’s verified platforms, including the official recruitment portal: cdcfib.gov.ng’

Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for next year’s general election, Peter Obi, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Cardinal John Onaiyekan were among the dignitaries who attended the funeral Mass of the late Archbishop of the Benin Catholic Diocese, Augustine Obiora Akubeze.

The late Akubeze died last month while on holiday in the United States of America.

The funeral Mass caused heavy traffic along Airport Road, where St Paul Catholic Church, the venue of the funeral service, is located.

Catholic faithful from across the state and beyond attended the Mass.

In an interview, Obi said that the late Akubeze lived a sacrificial life and urged Nigerians to emulate him.

He said, ‘Archbishop Akubeze lived an exceptional life. He lived his life for others. His life was sacrificial. Nigerians should learn from him. May the God who called him grant his soul eternal rest.’

Pope Leo XIV, whose condolence message was delivered through the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, recalled Archbishop Akubeze’s years of dedication to his episcopal ministry and his commitment as President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Pope Leo commended Akubeze’s pastoral initiatives.

Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso of the Archdiocese of Kaduna, described Akubeze as an epitome of humility, commitment and generosity that enabled the late cleric to succeed.

‘It is with a profound sense of loss, yet with hope of the resurrection, that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria received the news of the death of Most Reverend Augustine Obiora Akubeze, who was a man of extraordinary virtue-humble yet fearless, gentle yet unwavering in his commitment to truth and justice. Above all, he was a man of deep interior life, sustained by constant prayer and reflection. His spiritual depth was the wellspring from which he drew strength to labour tirelessly for the flock entrusted to his care.’

‘He was grounded in his intimate communion with the Lord. He was a man of humble and gentle mien. We will not forget in a hurry how he steered the ship of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria as its President. His tenure was marked by deep commitment to unity, and his wise counsel has continued to shape the life of the Conference to date.

‘His heart was genuinely and unreservedly given to those he served. He was also known for his gift for patiently listening to the problems of both the clergy and the laity. At the same time, his generosity was unmatched, and he will be remembered as a man who proclaimed the Gospel of generosity.’

Governor Okpebholo, who donated two Toyota Coaster buses to the Archdiocese, said the late cleric carried out his calling with dedication.

He said the state gathered to bid farewell to a cleric who devoted his life to serving God and the people entrusted to his care.

‘We thank God for the gift of his life, his priestly ministry, and his service to the Church and to God’s people. He carried out his calling with dedication, faith, courage, and love for the people entrusted to his care.

‘Though we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind, the lives he touched, the people he encouraged, and the work he did for the growth of the Church.

‘As we commit his soul into the hands of our merciful God, may the Lord grant him eternal rest and welcome him into His heavenly kingdom.’

Akubeze, who died at the age of 69, was ordained a Catholic priest in 1987 and became Archbishop of Benin City in 2011.

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the Qatar National Library (QNL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation in knowledge exchange, research, technology, cultural heritage, professional development and public engagement.

Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, the National Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of the National Library of Nigeria, and Huism Tan, Executive Director of the Qatar National Library, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.

According to the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the agreement is the outcome of a relationship that began with Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s, visit to the Qatar National Library in Doha. During her visit, the First Lady expressed admiration for QNL’s modern facilities and its approach to knowledge, research and cultural preservation, while highlighting the importance of properly documenting and preserving Nigeria’s rich heritage for future generations.

He further stated that ‘Following the First Lady’s visit, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, further consolidated discussions around the proposed cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar National Library. The Minister’s engagement with QNL reinforced the importance of technical collaboration in areas including digital services, preservation, staff development and innovative library technologies. Dr. Alausa subsequently facilitated the visit of the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, and her team to the Qatar National Library, providing an opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to engage directly with QNL and advance the discussions. The Minister had earlier identified the Qatar partnership as an avenue to strengthen Nigeria’s national library through technical collaboration, digital services, preservation, staff training, and innovative technologies.

‘The visit of the National Librarian and her delegation provided a platform for professionals from both institutions to exchange knowledge on digital transformation, preservation and conservation, electronic resources, digital repositories, automation, smart library systems and public library services. The engagement enabled Nigeria to examine practical approaches to modern national library development and to establish a stronger foundation for sustained institutional cooperation.

‘The MOU signed in Busan now gives this relationship a formal framework. It provides for cooperation in scientific, technical, and cultural areas and creates opportunities for cultural exchange, joint public engagement, exchange of educational and research materials, publications, and professional knowledge, joint content development, collaborative programmes, and mutual promotion of projects.

‘Of particular importance is the potential for cooperation in digital preservation and cultural heritage. Nigeria possesses an extensive collection of historical records, indigenous knowledge, publications, manuscripts, photographs and other materials that form part of the nation’s collective memory. Preserving these resources requires modern technologies, professional expertise and sustainable digital strategies. QNL’s experience provides a valuable platform for knowledge sharing as the National Library of Nigeria continues to strengthen its digital services and heritage preservation efforts.

‘The agreement also reflects a broader understanding of what a national library should represent in the modern age. Beyond collecting books, national libraries preserve the memory of nations,’ facilitate research, support education, expand access to knowledge and protect cultural identity. Through this partnership, the NLN and QNL can learn from each other while developing programmes tailored to their respective national priorities.

The presence of Ambassador Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut adds an important diplomatic dimension to the occasion. Her participation underscores the growing role of libraries as instruments of cultural and knowledge diplomacy. Through professional exchange, heritage preservation and shared intellectual resources, libraries can forge enduring connections between nations beyond conventional diplomatic engagements. Nigeria’s Federal Government officially listed Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut as its ambassador to South Korea, and the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs subsequently confirmed her presentation of credentials to the Korean President.

The journey from Doha to Busan is therefore more than a sequence of institutional events. The First Lady’s visit inspired; the Minister of Education’s intervention consolidated the discussions; the facilitated visit by the National Librarian and her team fostered deeper professional engagement; knowledge exchange created understanding and trust; and the MOU has now provided a framework for action.

For the National Library of Nigeria, the partnership represents an opportunity to deepen international cooperation in digital transformation, cultural preservation, research and professional development. For the Qatar National Library, it opens a stronger channel for engagement with Nigeria and its rich intellectual and cultural heritage.

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, rounded off their China tour on a winning note after defeating the hosts 88-77 in their final exhibition game in Foshan yesterday.

The victory provides another confidence boost for the reigning African champions as they continue preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

D’Tigress will next travel to Tenerife, Spain, for a triangular tournament involving Nigeria, Spain and Belgium from August 21 to 23.

Nigeria have been drawn alongside France, Hungary and South Korea in the World Cup group stage, with the tournament scheduled for September 4 to 13.

Meanwhile, France have named a strong squad featuring Marine Johannès, Gabby Williams, Dominique Malonga, Valériane Ayayi, Marine Fauthoux, Janelle Salan and Leïla Lacan.

Hungary’s squad includes Yvonne Turner, Dorka Juhász, Réka Dombai, Virág Takács-Kiss and Ágnes Studer, while South Korea have selected a 13-player squad led by Jihyun Park, Jisu Park, Leeseul Kang and Haeran Lee.

D’Tigress will be aiming to build on their recent form and make a strong impact when the World Cup gets underway in Berlin.

Every August 12, the world observes International Youth Day. The UN-designated day is set aside to recognise the role of young people in shaping societies and to highlight the challenges they continue to face.

Here are 10 things to know about it:

1. It is observed on August 12

International Youth Day is marked annually on August 12. In 2026, it falls on Wednesday.

2. It was established by the United Nations

The UN General Assembly adopted the day in 1999 following a recommendation from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. The first official observance was in 2000.

3. The focus is on youth issues and contributions

The day aims to celebrate young people’s contributions to development while drawing attention to issues such as education, employment, health, climate change, and civic participation.

4. The UN defines ‘youth’ as ages 15 to 24

According to the United Nations, youth refers to persons between 15 and 24 years. However, member states, including Nigeria, often use broader definitions, in Nigeria, youth is 15 to 35 years.

5. There is a new theme each year

Each year, the UN announces a theme to guide global activities. Past themes include ‘Green Skills for Youth’ in 2023 and ‘Intergenerational Solidarity’ in 2022. The theme for 2026 is ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’.

6. Activities go beyond ceremonies

Governments, civil society groups, and youth organisations mark the day with conferences, job fairs, skill-training, policy dialogues, community projects, and digital campaigns.

7. Social media plays a major role

Hashtags like #InternationalYouthDay and #IYD2026 trend annually on X, Instagram, TikTok and Threads, as young people share stories, demands, and solutions.

8. It is tied to the Sustainable Development Goals

The observance is closely linked to the SDGs, particularly Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth. Youth are positioned as key drivers for achieving the 2030 Agenda.

9. It has strong observance in Nigeria and Africa

In Nigeria, the day is marked with government addresses, youth summits, and empowerment programs. Across Africa, it is used to spotlight youth unemployment, education gaps, and innovation.

10. The emphasis is on participation, not just celebration

UN officials have consistently stressed that the day is not only about celebrating young people but about including them in decision-making processes that affect their future.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has suspended the remaining portion of the disciplinary sanction imposed on Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye, clearing him to return to the bench.

The decision followed a review of Bendel Insurance’s appeal, Boboye’s written apology and appeal for leniency, his conduct during the period of the sanction, as well as his previous service to Nigeria as a player and technical member of the national team.

In a letter dated August 10, 2026, and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league said the remaining sanction had been suspended, but warned that it would be reinstated if Boboye is found guilty of similar misconduct during the 2026/27 season.

Boboye has therefore been cleared to lead Bendel Insurance from the bench when the new season begins, with the Benin Arsenal scheduled to host Warri Wolves on Sunday, August 30.

The sanction originated from Bendel Insurance’s 2-2 draw with Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on March 28, 2026. Boboye was found guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official and was initially handed a 17-match suspension and a ?2 million fine.

Bendel Insurance were also fined ?5 million and ordered to play their next three home matches behind closed doors over breaches connected to the incident, including crowd-related issues and inadequate security that allegedly allowed unauthorised persons into restricted areas.

Boboye had denied wrongdoing after the punishment and released video evidence which he said challenged the reported account of the incident. The club also condemned the incident and apologised to the NPFL and Nigeria Referees Association.

In its latest decision, the NPFL reminded Boboye of his responsibility to serve as a role model to players and junior coaches.

The reprieve has been welcomed by the Bendel Insurance family, with the club expressing appreciation to the NPFL and its Disciplinary Committee for what it described as a fair and favourable verdict.

The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) has given the Federal Government until August 31, 2026, to resolve outstanding salary and allowance issues, or face a three-day nationwide warning strike.

The union said years of unimplemented agreements, coupled with widening pay disparities between medical academics and their counterparts in hospitals, were worsening the ‘Japa’ syndrome and accelerating the loss of highly skilled doctors and dentists from Nigerian universities.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Prof. Andrew Omotayo Ugburo, Chairman of the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter, said the situation was increasingly difficult to retain qualified medical and dental lecturers in the university system.

‘You now find that the salary of a similarly qualified person is more than that of a medical and dental academic,’ Ugburo said, stressing that the disparity was fuelling both internal and external brain drain.

He warned that the crisis could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system, as medical academics perform a dual role, teaching students and providing clinical services, including emergency care and life-saving surgeries.

According to him, inadequate funding and the failure to implement allowances such as the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) have left medical schools struggling to retain enough qualified academics to train the next generation of doctors and dentists.

Ugburo said NAMDA had deliberately avoided a national strike for more than six years to avoid potential impacts on medical education and healthcare delivery.

‘NAMDA has never gone on a national strike, never,’ he said, adding that the association had consistently prioritised negotiation with the government.

However, he said the union’s patience was now being tested by the continued delay in implementing agreements already reached.

Ugburo commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their interventions, noting that the DSS had raised concerns about the security implications of a possible strike by medical academics.

He said the major stumbling block remained the failure of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to circularise agreed allowances, including CATA, and to fully implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

‘If it’s not in the circular, budgeting will be affected. So, the status quo remains the same,’ he said.

Following an emergency National Executive Council meeting, NAMDA, in a communiqué, extended its initial ultimatum by three weeks, warning that failure to achieve a meaningful resolution by the end of the extension period on August 31 would result in the declaration of a three-day warning strike, to be announced by the National Officers’ Council.

He stressed that such action would not only affect hospital services but could also suspend medical education, potentially disrupting the training and graduation of future doctors and dentists.

The NAMDA chairman therefore urged the Presidency and relevant government agencies to intervene and ensure the outstanding agreements were implemented before the deadline.

‘We are responsible academics and clinicians. We don’t want to take any action, but we have been pushed to do so. We have learned that the government only understands one language, and we have decided to speak their language.’

Meanwhile, NAMDA directed its branches to mobilise members immediately through congress meetings and sensitisation programmes.

‘All branches were directed to hold a minimum of two congress meetings before the deadline,’ the communiqué stated.

Branches are expected to submit reports on their first congress meetings to the association’s Acting Secretary-General on or before August 15, with reports on the second congress meetings due by August 25.

The reports are expected to indicate the level of preparedness, the position of branch congresses after voting, and the level of mobilisation for a possible strike.

There is a security blanket over Osun State to forestall further violence and ensure a crisis-free electoral process in Saturday’s governorship election.

The contest has been hot and volatile.

The ruling Accord and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are locked in a fierce battle to control the government.

This has led to pockets of violence in parts of the state.

Many people, mostly believed to be cultists supporting political parties, have been killed.

Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) collating reports of the violent attacks have put the number of deaths at more than 30.

The latest killing occurred in Ilesa, a major commercial town in the state, on Tuesday, leading to the death of three people and the alleged cumulative killing of 12 people within 24 hours, believed to be supporters of the APC.

An angry Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East) made an outburst in Yoruba while addressing angry supporters in front of the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland.

The video went viral, with Governor Ademola Adeleke calling for his arrest for making an inciting comment.

Fadahunsi appeared before the Commissioner of Police yesterday.

He clarified that his comment was misinterpreted and that the 38-minute video had been edited out of context.

He insisted that what he said was not an order to kill Accord members, but that they should ‘kill’ Accord with their votes on Saturday.

There has already been a massive deployment of soldiers, policemen and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers to reassure voters of their security.

The soldiers, dressed in camouflage, moved around in trucks, especially in Osogbo, the state capital.

They have also been patrolling hotspots, including Fagbewesa, Ola-Iya, Old Garage, Oke-Fia, Oke-Baale and Ilesa Garage.

At 7pm last night, another contingent of military personnel drove into Osogbo.

More policemen of the Special Protection Unit (SPU), Mobile Police and Intelligence Response Team (IRT), among others, arrived from Kwara, Oyo and Delta states in about 25 buses, with more expected.

NSCDC men are arriving in batches.

Police warn troublemakers

The police warned troublemakers to stay away from the election to be held across the 30 local government areas.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu said there was no room for violence.

He urged candidates and party leaders to steer their supporters away from thuggery.

Disu, who has deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Ishyaku Mohammed, to take charge, said thugs and hoodlums would have themselves to blame.

He said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, that the police would not renege on their commitment to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights and the protection of the electoral process.

The stage is set for the poll, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to begin the distribution of sensitive materials to the local governments today.

Adeleke declared tomorrow a public holiday.

Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, said in a statement that the move would enable workers to travel and make preparations to vote.

Adeleke’s media aide, Olawale Rasheed, also quoted him in another statement as saying that the holiday directive covered all categories of workers, except those on emergency and essential duties.

APC leaders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Monday Okpebholo (Edo) and Usman Ododo (Kogi); and House of Representatives member James Faleke (Ikeja Constituency), arrived in Osogbo ahead of today’s mega rally.

The rally is part of the APC’s final mobilisation for its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

The Accord, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and African Action Congress (AAC), led by Omoyele Sowore, intensified last-minute mobilisation for their candidates.

Sowore: we’re fielding a competent candidate

Sowore, presidential candidate of the AAC, said the party was fielding a competent candidate capable of liberating Osun from poor leadership.

Speaking at a rally held in the Ayetoro area of Osogbo, he said: ‘Don’t let them deceive you, other political parties are the reason why we are backwards as a state and nation.

‘We are level-headed, and that is why we picked a competent candidate to liberate the state from the servitude shackles that our leaders have always wanted us to be in. But we, as a movement of Revolution Now, are changing that starting from Osun State.’

He charged the electorate to monitor their votes to ensure that they counted.

Lauding the mobilisation by the party, Sowore said: ‘I am encouraged by the great numbers of people who received me into the state. I want you all to vote for Olajide Esan.’

ADC alleges plan to arrest Aregbesola

The ADC raised the alarm over alleged plans to arrest its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the poll.

The party warned that the move could heighten tension in the state.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a statement that the party had received ‘credible reports’ of plans to effect the arrest.

He said the allegation was particularly worrisome, judging by the pattern of ‘intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions.’

Abdullahi said if any security agency had lawful grounds to invite Aregbesola, established procedures should be followed.

He said arresting him on the eve of an election could be interpreted as an attempt to disrupt his role in the election.

Abdullahi said: ‘We therefore put the Federal Government and the security agencies on notice. The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun.

‘Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now.’

Fadahunsi meets CP

Fadahunsi arrived at the Osun State Police Command at about 2:25pm, accompanied by one of his aides.

The senator, who initially headed towards the office of the Commissioner of Police, was stopped along the way and directed to the Department of Criminal Investigation (CID), where he was led into an investigation room by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election duty, Samuel Erale Etifo.

Reporters were barred from the investigation room, a separate building away from the office of the Commissioner of Police, where the senator spent about one hour and 57 minutes.

He was subsequently taken to the office of the Commissioner of Police, where he spent another 20 minutes before being returned to the CID.

Fadahunsi was later joined at the CID by a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, and a lawyer, Edmund Biriomoni.

The police later released Fadahunsi.

Speaking to reporters, the senator clarified the statement attributed to him.

He said: ‘I came here to honour the police invitation. I told them what I said, not the one manipulated by the mischievous interpreters of the Yoruba language.

‘I am a Yoruba man. If a Hausa or Igbo person is interpreting, it may not be correct. Yoruba means a lot of things.

‘What I said was that between now and Saturday, we will kill them with our votes.’

Fadahunsi expressed concern over the security situation in Osun East, alleging that Adeleke was turning the district into a battleground while his hometown remained peaceful.

He said: ‘It is worrisome, but we have left the whole thing to the owner of life. Come Saturday, you will see a marvellous turnout for APC.’

Fadahunsi expressed confidence that APC members would come out en masse to vote for the party’s governorship candidate, despite the intimidation by thugs.

He left the premises of the police command at about 4:58pm.

INEC includes SDP candidate Ajala on ballot

INEC has included the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, on the ballot.

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

He 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 had 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 hold 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 on Thursday (today) and will, on the same day, be moved to LGA 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.’

NBA advocates neutrality, rule of law

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on electoral officials, security agencies, political actors and public office holders to uphold the rule of law and remain neutral ahead of Saturday’s election.

Its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), spoke after leading a delegation on separate visits to INEC and the police in Osun State as part of efforts to promote a free, fair, credible and peaceful poll.

He urged all institutions and individuals involved in the electoral process to refrain from using their offices or influence in favour of any candidate or political party.

‘The only acceptable outcome is one that genuinely reflects the freely expressed will of the people of Osun State,’ the SAN said.

During a visit to the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, Osigwe congratulated her on becoming the state’s first female REC and urged her to discharge her constitutional responsibilities with integrity, impartiality and courage.

Babalola assured the delegation that INEC was fully prepared for the election, saying election personnel had undergone extensive training to minimise human error and safeguard the integrity of the process.

She also dismissed concerns over insecurity, explaining that recent disturbances in parts of the state were largely cult-related rather than politically motivated.

According to her, INEC has intensified voter education and engagement with students and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation in the election.

She assured Nigerians that every valid vote would count.

The NBA delegation also met with DIG Mohammed, who said the police had put in place comprehensive security arrangements, with more men expected.

Nigeria has advocated for a regional carbon market for West Africa, as experts from across the region gather in Abuja to validate the framework for establishing a carbon market platform for the region.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day regional workshop to validate the Framework for the establishment of a carbon market platform in West Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, expressed concern that the region remains the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Lawal noted that the shared challenges demand collective solutions.

The minister, represented by Mrs Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, a Director in the Ministry, stressed that the challenge presents opportunities for regional cooperation, innovation, and investment in climate action.

He said, ‘Today’s gathering comes at a defining moment for our region. Climate change continues to pose significant threats to our economies, ecosystems, food security, livelihoods and the well-being of our people. Although West Africa contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, we remain among the regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, including floods, desertification, land degradation, biodiversity loss and displacement of communities.

‘These shared challenges demand collective solutions. They also present opportunities for greater regional cooperation, innovation and investment in climate action. Carbon markets have emerged globally as an important mechanism for mobilising climate finance, incentivising emissions reductions, promoting sustainable development and unlocking new economic opportunities.’

‘The initiative by the ECOWAS Commission to establish a regional carbon market platform is therefore both timely and strategic. It reflects our collective commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement, advancing the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy, supporting Vision 2050 and contributing to the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063.’

He said Nigeria strongly believed in regional synergy, stressing that a well-designed regional carbon market can strengthen the capacity of member states to attract climate investment.

He also informed the gathering that Nigeria launched its Carbon Market Framework at COP 30 and that its Registry is under development.

He therefore said a regional Platform will support members in accessing information, encourage peer-to-peer learning and support, and, amongst other things, help visualise the Region’s carbon market potential.

According to him, ‘Nigeria strongly believes that a well-designed regional carbon market can strengthen the capacity of Member States to attract climate investments, support nature-based solutions, enhance private sector participation, and create green jobs while ensuring environmental integrity and equitable benefit-sharing.

‘I understand that member countries have developed their National frameworks or are in the process of developing them. Nigeria launched its Carbon Market Framework at COP 30 and has its Registry under development. So a Regional Platform will support members in accessing information, encourage peer-to-peer learning and support, and help visualise the Region’s carbon market potential.’

He also assured them that Nigeria is committed to working closely with ECOWAS, Member States, and our development partners to ensure the Platform translates into practical action that delivers tangible benefits for our people and our economies.

‘The workshop is expected to validate the work done, incorporate technical and legal recommendations, approve governance arrangements, and adopt a regional roadmap for implementation.

‘Your recommendations will help shape a regional platform that reflects our shared aspirations and responds effectively to the unique circumstances of West Africa,’ the Minister added.

In his welcome remarks, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou Sylla, noted that climate change is one of the most urgent threats to West Africa.

Sylla, who was represented by the Director for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Christophe Deguenon, quoted World Bank estimates that 32 million people in our region could be displaced due to climate impacts.

To respond, he said ECOWAS member states raised their ambitions through their Nationally Determined Contributions (that is, national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement) to cut gas pollution and adapt to global warming.

‘One clear pathway is Article 6 and carbon markets. West Africa has the assets: over 350 million hectares of agricultural land, vast forests and mangroves, and huge potential to restore degraded landscapes. We can generate high-integrity carbon credits.

‘Yet we remain under-represented in international carbon markets due to gaps in regulation, technical capacity, monitoring, and certification.

‘That is why, since 2024, ECOWAS has launched a regional process, aligned with Vision 2050 and AU Agenda 2063, to build a harmonised framework for a West African carbon market platform. It rests on four principles: transparency, environmental integrity, inclusive governance, and recognition of Member States’ efforts.’

He said the workshop is to review and validate the draft framework with the aim of creating a credible, transparent, and investor-friendly mechanism that supports the sub-region’s climate ambitions and strengthens regional integration.

‘This platform is not an end in itself. It must be a tool for regional cooperation: to share expertise, reduce transaction costs, build capacity, and put West Africa on the global carbon market map,’ he stressed.

While calling on the gathering to put their expertise to work, he was hopeful that the workshop would have a solid framework to open a new chapter in climate finance for West Africa.