Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Political economist, Pat Utomi, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over allegations that its preliminary register of voters contains AI-generated photographs and duplicate entries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This follows the publication of the preliminary register online on Monday, with social media users questioning the accuracy of the voter data and demanding an explanation from the electoral commission.

Some users alleged that the register contained AI-generated photographs, duplicated voter profiles and multiple entries bearing similar identification details, raising concerns about the integrity of the register.

In a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Utomi said the allegations raised serious questions about the electoral body’s verification process, transparency and accountability.

‘INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here!’ He wrote.

INEC cannot afford to be careless with the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. The presence of AI-generated images in a register meant to support our democracy raises serious questions about verification, transparency and accountability. Our democracy is at stake here! pic.twitter.com/uBSl1J9tp9

The controversy comes weeks after INEC announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools ahead of the 2027 general elections to detect discrepancies in election results, strengthen cybersecurity and tackle disinformation.

The commission has also said AI-assisted tools would operate with human oversight.

However, the planned use of AI in election administration does not, in itself, establish the authenticity of the photographs being questioned by social media users.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly reacted to the specific allegations concerning AI-generated photographs and duplicate entries in the preliminary register.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its 2026 recruitment portal, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for positions across four major categories, including detective officers, inspectors, assistants and professionals. The recruitment exercise covers applicants with qualifications ranging from secondary school certificates to National Diplomas, university degrees and professional qualifications. It also provides opportunities for experienced workers in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, information and communication technology (ICT), financial analysis and administration.

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications online through the commission’s official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.efcc.gov.ng.

Prospective candidates are advised to review the eligibility criteria for their preferred positions and ensure they meet the relevant educational, age and other requirements before applying.

EFCC recruitment 2026: Available positions and requirements

The recruitment exercise covers four major categories, each with specific educational qualifications and age limits.

1. Detective Superintendent – Assistant Superintendent of EFCC II, GL 08

Applicants for this position must possess a bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution.

Candidates must also have a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate.

Age requirement: 18 to 30 years.

2. Detective Inspector – Inspector of EFCC II, GL 06

Candidates applying for this position must possess a National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) from a recognised institution.

Age requirement: 18 to 27 years.

3. Detective Assistant – Detective Assistant II, GL 04

Applicants must possess at least five credit passes in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), General Certificate of Education (GCE) or National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

The required credits must include English Language and Mathematics and must be obtained in no more than two sittings.

Age requirement: 18 to 25 years.

4. Professionals and skilled workers

The category is open to qualified professionals and experienced personnel across several disciplines.

Eligible fields include:

Medicine

Pharmacy

Law

Nursing

Medical Laboratory Science

Engineering and technology-related disciplines

The commission is also seeking personnel with relevant qualifications or experience in the following areas:

Human Resources Management

Financial Analysis

Media and Publicity

Policy Analysis

Legal Services

Research

Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Library Services

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Driving

Administrative and Clerical Services

Estate Surveying and Valuation

Applicants must have graduated from recognised institutions and possess an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate. Membership of a relevant professional association will be an added advantage.

Age requirement: 18 to 40 years.

General requirements for EFCC recruitment 2026

Applicants must satisfy the commission’s general eligibility conditions to be considered for the recruitment exercise.

The stated requirements include:

Nigerian citizenship.

Basic computer skills.

Declaration of all academic and professional qualifications during the application process.

Medical fitness, supported by evidence from a government-approved hospital.

No tattoos on any part of the body.

No criminal record.

Additional conditions apply to cadet applicants. Candidates in this category must be single at the time of application.

Male cadet applicants must be at least 1.67 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.64 metres.

For professionals and skilled workers, possession of a valid national driver’s licence will be an added advantage. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate good character and integrity.

Candidates should confirm the requirements applicable to their preferred category on the official recruitment portal before submitting their applications.

How to apply for EFCC recruitment 2026

Interested and qualified Nigerians can apply online through the commission’s official recruitment portal by following these steps:

Visit the official portal: Go to https://recruitment.efcc.gov.ng.

Select a position: Review the available recruitment categories and choose the position that matches your educational qualifications, professional background and experience.

Check the requirements: Read the eligibility criteria carefully, paying attention to the required qualifications, age limits and other conditions.

Complete the application form: Enter the requested personal, educational and professional information accurately.

Declare your qualifications: Provide details of all required academic and professional qualifications and any supporting information requested.

Review your application: Check all entries for accuracy and completeness before submitting the form.

Keep a copy: Save or print your completed application form for reference, as shortlisted candidates may be required to present printed copies during screening.

Applicants should use only the official portal and comply with any additional instructions issued by the commission.

EFCC recruitment 2026: Deadline and application fee

The recruitment information supplied for this report states that applications are expected to be submitted within one week of the commencement of the exercise. However, a specific opening or closing date was not provided in the information available for this report.

Applicants should therefore check the official EFCC recruitment portal for confirmation of the application period and any subsequent announcements before applying.

The application process is stated to be free of charge. Prospective candidates should not pay individuals or organisations claiming to offer recruitment assistance or guarantee employment.

The commission advises applicants to rely on information published through its official channels and avoid unauthorised agents.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said Nigerians in some households spend as much as 120 per cent of their income on food and are forced to borrow or rely on relatives to survive.

Oyedele disclosed this while speaking at Chatham House in London, where he highlighted the growing financial pressure on households and the challenges facing workers whose earnings are insufficient to meet their basic needs.

He said a government survey showed that food expenses exceeded the total income of some households, leaving them struggling to provide for themselves and their families.

‘In fact, there was a survey we did that shows that up to 120 per cent of household income is spent on food. Like, how do you spend 120 per cent of your income? You borrow food before the end of the month,’ he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria’s poverty rate remained above 50 per cent despite an unemployment rate of about five per cent, arguing that employment figures alone did not reflect the economic realities of many citizens.

According to him, a significant challenge is the growing number of people who have jobs but still cannot earn enough to afford basic necessities.

‘That tells you something. As a policymaker, you don’t sit back and say we don’t have unemployment. You have working poor,’ he stated.

Oyedele attributed the high cost of food to several structural problems affecting agriculture, including low yields, seasonal production, post-harvest losses, inadequate storage facilities, expensive transportation and insecurity in farming communities.

He said post-harvest losses remained a major concern, citing instances where as much as 60 per cent of tomatoes were lost after harvesting.

On inflation, Oyedele said food inflation stood at 19.6 per cent in September, adding that food prices were easing more slowly than the overall inflation rate.

‘Macroeconomic stability means little to a mother who still cannot afford food,’ he added.

To address the challenges, the minister said the Federal Government was investing in agricultural technology, irrigation and storage infrastructure, while expanding access to financing for smallholder farmers.

He also disclosed that the administration’s cash transfer programme had reached more than 10 million households.

According to him, digital payments and verification through the National Identification Number were being used to reduce leakages in the distribution of financial assistance.

Oyedele said the government was also prioritising agriculture and non-tradable services, which account for 81.4 per cent of working Nigerians, as part of efforts to improve incomes and reduce poverty.

He added that strengthening these sectors would help more Nigerians earn sustainable incomes and reduce their dependence on government cash transfers.

President Bola Tinubu is soliciting the approval of the House of Representatives to issue an N269,446,402,822.56 promissory note for the settlement of verified liabilities.

The President’s communication, titled: ‘Re: Request for transmission, establishment and expansion of the Promissory Note Programme for the outstanding Federal Government liabilities’, was conveyed through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

According to him, the proposed request is for the payment of various categories of creditors.

He added that the liabilities comprise obligations arising from outstanding contractual, project-related, and other verified financial commitments of the government, amounting to an aggregate sum of N269,446,402,822.56.

He said: ‘I write to convey the compliments of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and transmit for the consideration and approval of the National Assembly the request for the establishment and expansion of the Federal Government of Nigeria Promissory Note Programme for the settlement of outstanding and verified liabilities of the Federal Government.

‘The request arises from the nced to address the identified outstanding oplgatiuns owed to the various categories of creditors, as detailed in the accompanying schedule and supporting documentation. The liabilities comprise obligations arising from outstanding contractual, project-related and other verified financial commitments of Government, with an aggregate verified amount of N269,446,402,522.56.

‘Following a comprehensive review of the outstanding obligatons by the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and in furtherance of the Federal Government’s commitment to the orderly settlement of legitimate obligations, His Excellency, Mr. President, has considered and approved the proposal for the establishment and expansion of the Promissory Note Programme to provide an appropriate mechanism for the settlement of the liabilities.

‘The proposed Programme is intended to provide a structured, transparent and fiscally responsible framework for settling the outstand ng obligat ons while ensuring that only duly verified and validated claims are admitted for settlement. The implementation will be undertaken in accordance with applicable laws, extant financial regulations and established procedures for public debt management.

‘The proposal is also intended to mitigate the continued accumulation of interest, penalties and other financial costs associated with the outstanding liabilities, while providing relief to affected creditors and strengthening confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to honouring legitimate contractual and other obligations.

‘It is pertinent to note that the Federal Government’s Promissory Note Programme has previously been utilised as an instrument for the settlement of inherited local debts and contractual obligations. The establishment of the earlier programme followed Federal Executive Council approval and was subsequently subjected to National Assembly approval, consistent with the applicable fiscal and public debt management framework.

‘In view of the foregoing and pursuant to the approval granted by His Excellency, Mr. President, I am directed to respectfully request the National Assembly to consider and grant the necessary legislative approval for: the establishment and expansion of the Federal Government of Nigeria Promissory Note Programme: the issuance of Promissory Notes in an aggregate amount of N269,446,402,822.56, or such amount as may be approved by the National Assembly, for the settlement of the verified outstanding liabilities contained in the attached schedule; the inclusion of the identified categories of liabiities and beneficiaries in the Programme, subject to final verification, reconciliation and certification by the relevant Government Agencies; the authorisation of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in collaboration with the Debt Management Office and other relevant Agencies, to take all necessary steps to implement the Programme in accordance with the approval of the National Assembly; and such other approvals, resolutions of legislative measures as may be necessary to give full effect to the Programme.

‘The proposed arrangement is expected to facilitate the orderly settlement of the outstanding obligations without imposing an immed ate and disproportionate cash-flow burden on the Federal Government. It will also support fiscal planning by spreading the associated repayment obligations over an appropriate tenor, consistent with the principles of prudent debt management.

‘In view of the magnitude and ace of some of the outstanding liabilities, as well as the potential for further accumulation of interest and associated costs, the matter requires urgent consideration and approval by the National Assembly. Early legislative approval will enable the Federal Government to commence the necessary processes for the issuance of the Promissory Notes and bring closure to the affected liabilities.

‘Accordingly, the detailed schedule of the liabilites, including the relevant categories, beneficiaries, amounts and supporting documentation, is forwarded herewith for the information and consideration of the National Assembly.’

To this end, the SGF solicited expeditious consideration of the request in the national interest and in support of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen fiscal sustainability, honour legitimate obligations, and promote confidence in the Nigerian economy.

Plateau Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has disclosed that his administration has strengthened community-based security efforts, revitalised its security outfit ‘Operation Rainbow,’ and trained about 1,500 personnel throughout the state to address security challenges confronting the state.

The state Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, who disclosed this at the swearing-in ceremony of the Special Advisers and Honorary Advisers at the Little Ray Field Government House, pointed out that the state has equally introduced technology into its security architecture to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and operational response.

He stated that the state government was determined to optimise its security arrangements and collaborate with relevant agencies and communities to reduce threats to lives and property to a bare minimum, allowing people to sleep with their eyes closed.

The Governor charged the newly appointed Special Advisers to provide sound policy advice, strategic direction and practical solutions to the challenges of governance.

‘Your responsibilities should include research and policy development, coordination and implementation of government programmes, monitoring and performance evaluation, identification of emerging challenges, and strengthening communication between government and the people.

‘Your recommendations must be timely, evidence-based and guided by the overriding interest of Plateau State. I expect you to demonstrate initiative, professionalism and the capacity to translate ideas into actionable proposals that deliver tangible results’

He added that the appointments provide a platform for the Special Advisers to bring their professional expertise, experience, networks and goodwill to bear on the development challenges and opportunities before the state.

The Governor further encouraged the appointees to offer informed advice, facilitate constructive stakeholder engagement, identify investment and development opportunities, and help build partnerships that can accelerate progress across our communities.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed reports that the Ebola outbreak could lead to the postponement of an election, describing the claims as false.

The agency also disclosed that 54 contacts linked to Nigeria’s imported Ebola case remained under surveillance, while three contacts who developed symptoms last week had tested negative for the virus.

It cautioned against reports claiming that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free, explaining that although there was no confirmed case in the country following the evacuation of the infected patient to Switzerland, monitoring of exposed persons was ongoing.

The clarification came a day after the patient and her husband were evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, following an improvement in her clinical condition.

According to the NCDC, the 54 primary contacts linked to the imported case were being monitored daily, with most in quarantine in Abuja and a few observing self-quarantine at home.

The agency said three contacts developed symptoms last week and were tested for Ebola, but all returned negative results.

It added that contact tracing and surveillance would continue to identify and monitor secondary contacts who might have interacted with the primary contacts at home or elsewhere.

The exercise, it said, was necessary to determine the extent of possible exposure and establish whether the virus had spread beyond the original case.

The NCDC urged Nigerians not to interpret the absence of additional confirmed cases as the end of the response, stressing that continued vigilance was necessary to prevent further transmission.

NCDC approves weekly support for quarantined contacts

In a related development, the authorities approved ?100,000 in weekly support for people placed in quarantine to ease the financial and social difficulties associated with movement restrictions.

The NCDC said the intervention followed concerns raised by quarantined contacts about disruptions to their daily activities and difficulties meeting their welfare needs.

It explained that the support was not included in the original response plan, noting that state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, had responsibilities in providing such assistance.

The agency said it had contacted the FCT Minister to seek the administration’s involvement in addressing the needs of affected individuals.

However, it maintained that the immediate welfare needs of those in quarantine had to be addressed while discussions on appropriate funding arrangements continued.

Agency warns against false Ebola-free claims

The NCDC expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free following the World Health Organisation’s clarification that the country currently had no confirmed case.

It described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, warning that they could create a false sense of security and discourage the public from observing necessary precautions.

The agency urged journalists to verify information through official channels before publication and correct false reports on the same platforms and with the same prominence as the original claims.

It acknowledged that questions about preparedness, funding and the pace of contact tracing were legitimate aspects of public accountability.

However, it distinguished between legitimate scrutiny and misinformation, warning that presenting unverified claims as established facts could cause unnecessary fear and undermine the response.

The NCDC pledged to provide timely, on-record responses to media enquiries.

NCDC defends evacuation of Ebola patient

The agency also rejected suggestions that the evacuation of the infected woman to Switzerland amounted to a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

It explained that the patient was in poor condition when she initially presented at a hospital but had shown clinical improvement before her departure.

The NCDC said the evacuation should not be politicised, stressing that decisions concerning patients’ lives and medical care should take precedence over political considerations.

The patient’s Ebola infection was confirmed on October 20 after she returned to Abuja from Uganda. She was evacuated alongside her husband at the request and expense of the Swiss government.

Public urged to avoid stigmatising patients

The NCDC urged journalists to protect the privacy and dignity of patients, quarantined individuals and their families.

It warned against publishing names, photographs or addresses that could identify patients and contacts, noting that such disclosures could expose them and their relatives to discrimination.

The agency also cautioned against stigmatising healthcare facilities associated with the treatment of affected individuals.

It reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, not through the air.

The NCDC added that people who had not developed symptoms were not infectious, urging the public not to treat every traveller returning from an affected area as a threat.

Anyone experiencing fever alongside a relevant travel or contact history was advised to call the designated Ebola response hotline, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility and to alert public health officials upon arrival.

The agency maintained that continued surveillance, accurate information and public cooperation were essential to preventing further transmission.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has explained why subscribers often experience rapid data depletion, attributing the situation partly to how mobile applications consume data and the settings on users’ devices.

Toriola spoke at the Data on Trial experience held in Abuja on Monday, where MTN officials demonstrated how applications such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook use mobile data and offered subscribers tips on managing their consumption.

The event, hosted by popular Big Brother Naija presenter Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, provided subscribers with an opportunity to question the telecommunications company about their complaints over data depletion, pricing and the management of their subscriptions.

Responding to concerns raised by subscribers, MTN’s General Manager of Network Performance and Quality Assurance, Michael Ndukwe, alongside members of the company’s information technology support team, demonstrated how mobile applications consume data and how users could monitor and manage their usage.

The company urged subscribers to adjust their mobile device settings appropriately and pay attention to their application usage to reduce unnecessary data consumption.

The initiative was designed to address persistent concerns among Nigerian subscribers about how quickly their data subscriptions are exhausted, with MTN seeking to explain the factors that influence consumption and how users can exercise greater control over their usage.

Beyond data consumption, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Toriola, also addressed complaints about the perceived high cost of data subscriptions in the country, attributing the company’s operating expenses partly to the cost of electricity and transportation to its network sites.

He disclosed that MTN spent about N4.05 trillion on power and transportation last year, explaining that telecommunications operators in Nigeria face higher operating costs than their counterparts in some foreign markets.

‘Please understand that in this country, as well as a few other African countries, we are providing power and transportation to all our sites. That is all happening at a cost of electricity that is much higher than in the UK,’ Toriola said.

He added that MTN uses the same equipment and products as telecommunications operators in countries such as the United Kingdom, despite differences in operating environments.

Meanwhile, the Cable Fact Checker team at the event presented findings indicating that MTN’s data services in Nigeria were cheaper than those in several other African countries, citing data from 2023 and 2026.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, commended MTN for organising the initiative, saying it would help subscribers understand data management and address misconceptions about the company’s services.

He described the event as an opportunity for consumers to learn how their data was used and identify practices that could lead to unnecessary depletion.

‘It’s an event organised by MTN to show how transparently they manage the data that Nigerian consumers subscribe to. It’s such a wonderful one,’ Akpatason told Nigerian Newssphere after the event.

The event brought together subscribers who questioned MTN about its data services and how their subscriptions are managed. The Data on Trial initiative was previously held in Lagos on 6 June 2026.

The black plastic overhead water tank is a permanent feature in many homes. Because municipal public tap water is practically non-existent in most cities, households rely heavily on private boreholes or well water pumped into these high-rise tanks to serve daily domestic needs.

We use this stored water for bathing, washing cooking utensils, brushing our teeth, and sometimes even for drinking after basic filtering. However, because these tanks are usually perched high up on tank stands or roof slabs, out of sight truly becomes out of mind for many tenants and landlords.

Over time, dust, fallen leaves, bird droppings, and tiny insects creep inside through loose lids or broken pipe fittings. When raw borehole water sits trapped inside a warm plastic container under intense sunshine, it creates a perfect breeding ground for disease-causing germs.

According to water quality monitoring reports by health organizations like UNICEF Nigeria, consuming or washing with water contaminated by fecal bacteria such as E. coli remains a primary trigger for recurrent typhoid, severe diarrhea, and stubborn skin infections across urban communities.

In this article, Tribune Online examines four distinct physical signs that indicate your apartment’s water storage tank has been colonized by harmful bacteria, along with the step-by-step actions required to restore safe water flow.

Foul smell coming from your kitchen and bathroom taps

When you open your tap in the morning and immediately catch an earthy, musty, or rotten-egg odor, your water tank is sending an urgent distress signal.

Clean domestic water is naturally odorless. A strong, pungent smell usually means that organic matter such as dead lizards, trapped insects, or thick sludge at the bottom of the tank has begun to decay. Anaerobic bacteria feed on this rotting organic waste, releasing foul gases that mix directly into the water flowing down to your taps.

Ignoring this bad odor means your family is routinely washing with water heavily populated by bacterial colonies. The smell alone is proof that the natural microbial balance inside the storage container has broken down completely.

Murky, yellowish, or brownish discoloration in buckets

When you fetch water into a white bucket or washbasin and notice a cloudy, yellow, or muddy tint, the storage environment is seriously compromised.

Over months of pumping water, fine silt, iron rust, and mud particles carried up from the borehole gradually settle at the floor of the tank. As the layer of mud grows thicker, it creates a nutrient-rich environment where bacteria multiply rapidly.

Every time fresh water is pumped into the tank, the incoming pressure violently stirs up this toxic bottom mud, turning your tap water murky brown. Using discolored water to cook or wash dishes exposes your entire household to immediate gastrointestinal risks.

Slippery or slimy layer inside taps and bucket walls

If you run your fingers along the inner walls of your plastic water buckets or around the mouth of your bathroom tap and feel a slippery, greasy film, you are touching a living bacterial biofilm.

Biofilm is a glue-like layer created when microscopic bacteria adhere to wet surfaces and construct a protective shield around themselves. This layer allows colonies of bacteria and green algae to attach firmly to the plastic walls of your overhead tank and inside the delivery pipes.

Once a biofilm forms inside your water system, normal water flow cannot wash it away. It continuously releases fresh bacteria into every drop of water passing through the system, rendering ordinary washing soaps ineffective against contamination.

Unexplained recurrent typhoid and skin irritations at home

Sometimes the clearest proof of water tank contamination does not appear in the water glass, but on the body of family members living in the building.

If multiple tenants or family members continually suffer from unexplained stomach cramps, frequent bouts of typhoid, or persistent skin rashes and body itching shortly after bathing, your water supply is likely heavily infected.

Pathogens like Salmonella and harmful coliform bacteria thrive inside unwashed tanks, easily entering human bodies through small skin abrasions, accidental ingestion during showers, or contaminated eating plates. When sickness becomes a recurring monthly routine in an apartment block, the overhead tank is usually the hidden culprit.

Step-by-step: how to safely clean and disinfect your water tank

Restoring safety to your domestic water supply requires a systematic cleaning process rather than a quick surface rinse.

First, turn off the main water pump power switch and isolate the tank outlet valve so dirty water does not flow down into house piping. Open the drain valve at the base of the tank or use a bucket to bail out the remaining water until only a few inches of water remain over the bottom mud layer.

Second, physically scrub the inner walls, floor, and corners of the tank using a clean, stiff-bristled brush to break off all slippery biofilm, algae, and stubborn mud crusts. Scoop out all the loosened dirty sludge completely using a small container and mop up remaining residues until the plastic surface is clean to the touch.

Third, disinfect the system thoroughly before refilling. Mix household liquid bleach (chlorine solution) with clean water at a standard ratio typically about one liter of regular household bleach for every thousand liters of tank capacity and brush it over the inner walls, allowing it to sit for at least two hours to kill remaining bacterial spores.

Finally, rinse the tank thoroughly with clean borehole water, flush the drain line completely, and refill the tank with fresh water. Ensure that the top lid is fitted with a tight lock or secure rubber seal to prevent sunlight, mosquitoes, dust, and wild birds from entering the tank ever again.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged support for the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ (CIS) proposed N5 billion professional development endowment fund, as the Institute steps up efforts to expand investor education and deepen participation in Nigeria’s capital market.

The proposed fund is expected to strengthen professional training and capacity development in the securities industry, while the Institute is also working with the Office of the Vice President on a programme to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and capital market participation.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Friday, when the President and Chairman of the CIS Council, Fiona Ahimie, led a delegation of the Institute’s principal officers on a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Ikeja.

The Governor’s backing comes amid efforts by capital market stakeholders to broaden retail participation, improve investment awareness and equip professionals with the expertise required to support the growth of the Nigerian financial system.

Sanwo-Olu said the capital market had recorded significant growth in recent years but stressed that wider participation remained critical to unlocking its potential for wealth creation and inclusive economic development.

He observed that many Nigerians were still unfamiliar with investment opportunities beyond meeting their immediate financial needs, underscoring the need for sustained public education on savings, investment and wealth creation.

According to him, his administration is willing to support initiatives that promote financial literacy and develop the professional expertise required to strengthen the market.

The Governor urged the Institute to intensify its financial literacy campaigns and encourage more Nigerians to understand the investment opportunities available in the capital market, noting that improved public awareness could help expand participation and enable individuals to make informed financial decisions.

For the CIS, the proposed endowment fund and the planned nationwide financial literacy programme represent complementary efforts to address two important requirements for market development: a skilled professional workforce and a better-informed investing public.

Speaking during the visit, Ahimie disclosed that the Institute was collaborating with the Office of the Vice President on a programme designed to train 10 million Nigerians in financial literacy and capital market participation.

She said the initiative was expected to improve public understanding of investment opportunities and encourage broader participation, particularly among young Nigerians.

The programme could provide a platform for extending investment education beyond established market participants to individuals who have limited knowledge of the securities market and the range of financial instruments available to them.

However, expanding participation will require sustained education and greater public understanding of investment risks, alongside improved access to appropriate investment channels.

Ahimie also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between government and professional institutions in developing skilled practitioners, improving investment awareness and building a more inclusive capital market.

The CIS President’s engagement with the Lagos State Government comes as the Institute prepares for its 30th Annual Conference, scheduled for 4 and 5 November in Lagos.

She said the conference would examine strategies for mobilising capital, advancing economic prosperity and strengthening Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussions on how the capital market can more effectively support economic growth by connecting available funds with businesses and other entities requiring long-term financing.

Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Ahimie on becoming the first female President of the Institute, describing her emergence as a significant milestone. He urged the new Council to sustain the organisation’s achievements in professionalism, public engagement and capacity development.

Ahimie was accompanied on the visit by the First and Second Vice Presidents of the Institute, Akeem Oyewale and Jude Chiemeka; the Registrar and Chief Executive, Ayorinde Adeonipekun; past presidents; and serving Council members.

The proposed N5 billion fund and the target of reaching 10 million Nigerians place professional development and financial education at the centre of the Institute’s efforts to strengthen the capital market.

Their implementation, however, will be important in determining how effectively the initiatives translate into a larger pool of qualified practitioners, improved investor awareness and broader participation in Nigeria’s investment market.

Oyo State Government has intensified the reconstruction of five roads in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and ease transportation for residents and businesses.

The projects, which cover several routes within the local government area, are part of ongoing road infrastructure interventions being carried out by the state government across Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South.

An update shared by the Oyo State Government’s Feedback Service on X featured photographs showing the ongoing reconstruction work on the roads.

The five road projects in Ogbomoso North include the 2.6-kilometre Ile-Ewe-Oke Aduin Road; the 1.7-kilometre Aguodo-Olojo-Sekoni-Osupa-Eleko-Bosunla Junction Road; and the 3.3-kilometre General-Orita Naira-Oja Igbo-Abede Road.

Others are the 5.7-kilometre Owode-Idi Oro-Kere Baya Oje Road and the one-kilometre INEC-Delight Hotel-Ile-Ewe Junction Road.

The reconstruction projects are expected to improve access to different communities within the local government area, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and support commercial activities along the affected routes.

The interventions also form part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade road infrastructure and improve transportation networks across Oyo.