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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and his Sokoto State counterpart, Ahmad Aliyu, will be among 5,000 eminent Nigerians to grace the 2025 National Women’s Conference (NWC) in Lagos State.

The NWC is an annual event organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), which serves as a convergence for women from all walks of life to brainstorm and chart new and better ways of life for womenfolk.

Lagos State First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who is also the Chairman of COWLSO, made this known on Thursday during the pre-event press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, saying that the 25th National Women’s Conference (NWC) would be a milestone edition in the life of the Committee and a celebration of visionary impact and service to humanity.

Dr Sanwo-Olu said that this year’s Conference, themed ’25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation’, will hold from Monday, 28th to Wednesday, 30th October 2025, at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, with Governor Uzodinma as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony, while Governor Aliyu will grace the occasion at the closing ceremony.

She said that as part of activities marking the Conference, COWLSO will, this Saturday, 11th October 2025, storm Ikorodu for the annual Pre-Conference Awareness Walk with the theme ‘Step Up, Show Up, Never Give Up.’

‘For a quarter of a century, COWLSO has stood tall as a formidable platform committed to the advancement, empowerment, and transformation of women here in Lagos and across Nigeria.

‘Each of the past editions of this Conference has been a bold statement of purpose, addressing topical issues that touch the lives of women, their families, and their communities, thereby contributing to governance in our dear state,’ she said.

‘The theme equally challenges us to look back with gratitude, celebrate the legacies we have built, and look forward with hope as we pass the torch to the next generation of women leaders, builders, and change-makers.

‘For this annual National Women’s Conference, we are expecting 3,000 physical participants and about 2,000 virtual attendees from within and outside Lagos State. These participants are women from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, civil society advocates, and homemakers, united by one vision: to build a stronger, more inclusive society,’ she added.

The First Lady explained that the presence of the governors and other top personalities is not only symbolic of national unity but also underscores the growing recognition of COWLSO as a catalyst for women’s development across the federation.

She also disclosed that a series of pre-conference activities reflecting the compassionate spirit of COWLSO and its belief in giving back to society had been rolled out.

According to her, these include free health screenings, environmental sanitation exercises, empowerment of vulnerable persons, and visits to orphanages and care homes, among others.

‘In line with tradition, the Conference will also feature COWLSO Physical and Virtual Markets, where participants can purchase quality goods and services at subsidised rates from accredited vendors.

‘The usual vibrant Gala Night will hold on the second day of the Conference and will feature entertainment, cultural showcases, and exciting raffle draws for participants.

‘For the benefit of those who will join the Conference on social media, the event will be live-streamed on the various social media platforms of the State Government. This will ensure that no one is left out of this grand celebration of women and impact,’ she stated.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the 2025 Conference, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that the National Women’s Conferences had, over the years, continued to receive outstanding feedback for their impact, organisation, and inspiration, expressing the belief that this year’s edition, being the Silver Jubilee, would surpass all expectations and deliver yet another unforgettable experience.

‘The 25th Anniversary Edition promises to be fun-filled, engaging, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating, with thought-provoking sessions on career, marriage, relationships, entrepreneurship, leadership, and much more,’ she said.

Oke-Osanyintolu explained that this year’s theme aptly captured the enduring mission of COWLSO, saying that it also reflected the shared commitment to nurturing a generation of women who would drive purpose, progress, and positive change.

A former vice president and a presidential aspirant under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has appealed to residents of Ekiti State and the country to embrace the coalition platform for a better society.

Atiku spoke while receiving a governorship aspirant under ADC, Prince Adeyinka Alli, in his residence in Abuja ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The 2023 PDP presidential candidate commended the ADC aspirant for his efforts and commitment in mobilising for the party in the state, adding that people of Ekiti would be liberated from hopelessness and poverty under ADC administration.

He said he was impressed by his boldness and determination alongside his political and humanitarian antecedents in the last few years in the state and beyond.

Atiku said, ‘Ekiti has gotten a new face. ADC is a party that practises transitional politics. I’m encouraging young people, women, to come in because ADC is the young bride in town.

‘Alli is the first person I’m meeting that wants to contest for any political office in Ekiti under ADC. I saw your CV and it’s very okay, that’s why I said I want to see you.

‘You did well. I like your boldness and determination. I have other appointments with international personnel, but I have to suspend that to attend to you, and I believe that with you, Ekiti is safe in your hands under ADC.’

Alli, who had declared his ambition at his country home of Itapa-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of the state, said he has the capacity to transform the state.

‘Through transparency, accountability, and technology-driven governance, we will build a government that listens, serves, and delivers. This is the promise of Progress Together, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

‘My dear people of Ekiti, this journey is not mine alone; it is ours. It is the dream of every mother who prays for her child’s future, every farmer who tills the soil with hope, and every young person who dares to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Let us rise together to write a new chapter for our beloved state,’ he said.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has engaged the stakeholders on the various challenges facing power supplies across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State.

The interactive session, tagged ‘Breakfast Meeting with Managing Directors and Key Customers’, which brought together major business leaders within the IBEDC network, was held in Ibadan on Thursday.

The issues bordering on persistent issues, such as voltage fluctuations, supply inconsistencies and response time to faults were deliberated on.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engineer Francis Agoha, in his address, said the forum was designed not only to identify and resolve existing challenges but also to strengthen collaboration with valued customers.

‘We want to understand their challenges and jointly chart a way forward. This will be a periodic engagement to help us track the progress of the issues raised and ensure continuous improvement. Our goal is for customers to truly appreciate the quality of our supply and services,’ he said.

Agoha assured attendees that the company was already working on measures to deliver tangible improvements in service delivery.

He noted that the meeting itself reflected IBEDC’s renewed sense of accountability and commitment to its clients.

‘I am holding my colleagues responsible for ensuring that the problems identified here are promptly addressed.

‘We have taken note of the key issues affecting our major customers and are fully ready to resolve them,’ he added.

Participants at the event welcomed the initiative, expressing willingness to partner with IBEDC in tackling electricity supply challenges in the region, as many described the engagement as a positive step towards achieving a more reliable and customer-focused power distribution system across Oyo State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter, has written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately launch a probe into the management of local government allocations in the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Owerri by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party described it as astonishing how the 27 Imo LGAs, on average, received a staggering sum of over ?13 billion monthly in 2025, ?9 billion in 2024, and ?7 billion in 2023 from the federation account, yet remain in pitiable conditions with no proof of government presence to justify the receipt of such funds.

The party also bemoaned that the local government areas of the state are in a state of ruin, having no visible imprint of the government.

They asserted that while local government was created to serve as the tier of government closest to the people and to attend to their needs, the LGAs under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s regime have been worse than stagnant.

According to the PDP, since the inception of Uzodimma’s administration, the 27 LGAs of the state have received at least ?620 billion, which has yielded nothing and has not been accounted for.

He said: ‘As of today, no LGA in the state receives less than ?430 million monthly, with Mbaitoli and Isiala Mbano receiving the highest allocations for August at ?625 million and ?577 million respectively.’

The party, however, informed the EFCC and ICPC that primary health centres in various communities across the state, built decades ago, have become the dwelling places of rodents, reptiles, and snakes, while public schools in most LGAs have stopped functioning due to neglect.

They expressed sadness that roads leading to many LGA council headquarters are impassable, with a number of rural communities rendered uninhabitable due to bad roads that the local governments cannot even grade.

He said: ‘We insist that the anti-graft agencies must rise up now to tame this monumental corruption.’

The party acknowledged the statement by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in February, emphasising that local government chairpersons are not exempt from investigation or prosecution for fraudulent activities due to their lack of immunity.

He said: ‘We also welcome the information that the Commission has established a Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) Department, with officers from the department expected to visit local government councils to monitor the use of funds from the federation account.’

The PDP, therefore, urges the EFCC and ICPC to probe Imo LGA chairmen, who were literally appointed by Governor Hope Uzodimma, to explain the whereabouts of the sums they receive monthly as federal allocations.

The probe, according to the party, becomes critical since there are no projects such as schools, markets, construction or rehabilitation of roads, electricity projects, or community healthcare initiatives, nor is there any meaningful intervention ongoing in the name of any LGA in the state.

The party also calls on the EFCC and ICPC to beam their searchlight beyond the LGA chairmen, who have continued to collude with the state government by maintaining illegal accounts to swindle the state and plunder the commonwealth of its people.

The House of Representatives on Thursday unveiled plans to investigate over $18 billion reportedly spent on the turn around maintenance (TAM) of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries by the successive administrations.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who expressed grave concern over the persistent non-functionality of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, despite over two decades of rehabilitation eforts with no tangible results to show.

In his lead debate, Whingan observed with concern the ‘recent public statements by Nigeria’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, expressing doubts about the viability of these refineries and describing the multi-billion-dollar investments as futile, sparking widespread public concern and outrage over potential mismanagement.

‘The House recalls that in 2007, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Dangote and other private investors acquired the refineries, but the succeeding administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua reversed the transaction, opting instead for rehabilitation using public funds, a decision that has yielded no significant operational improvements.

‘The House is concerned that on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, in an interview published by the Punch newspaper, sought to distance the current administration from the monumental mismanagement of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Wari, and Kaduna, confirming their continued non-functionality despite significant investments estimated at $18 billion, and proposed the potential sale of these assets, thereby raising critical questions about fiscal responsibility, strategic asset management, and the long-term implications for Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.

‘The House is worried that despite consistent annual budgetary allocations over the years, there is no verifiable evidence of substantial rehabilitation outcomes, representing a gross misuse of public funds and a betrayal of public trust.

‘The House is aware that Nigeria’s economic stability and energy security are inextricably linked to a functional and accountable downstream petroleum sector, particularly following the removal of the petrol subsidy by the current administration, which underscores the urgent need for operational refineries to mitigate economic hardship.

‘The House is convinced that a comprehensive, transparent, and time-bound investigation is essential to ascertain the current operational and structural status of Port Harcourt, Wari, and Kaduna refineries, examine the utilisation of all allocated funds and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts, identify any infractions, mismanagement, or corrupt practices in the management of these assets and propose actionable reforms to safeguard future public investments and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.’

To this end, the House resolves to set up an Ad-hoc Committee comprising members drawn from the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Public Accounts, Anti-Corruption, Finance, and Legislative Compliance, to investigate funds appropriated and disbursed for the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries between 2010 and 2024, ascertain the status of the refineries, examine how public funds were utilised and identify agencies responsible for infractions or mismanagement and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Cross River State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and development partners, has officially launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) a strategic programme aimed at drastically reducing maternal and newborn deaths across the state.

The initiative, which aims to reduce maternal deaths by 30 percent by 2028, is part of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. It targets 172 local government areas across Nigeria that contribute to over 50 percent of the nation’s maternal mortality burden.

In his welcome address, Dr. Jonah Offor, Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Health, who represented the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, emphasized that weak health systems remain the primary drivers of maternal and newborn deaths in the state. ‘The main causes of maternal deaths in our state are obstructed labor, hemorrhage, hypertension, and unsafe abortions. For newborn deaths, pneumonia, atresia, and congenital abnormalities are the leading causes. If you look at it critically, the root cause is simple, our weak health systems,’ Dr. Offor stated.

He announced the state government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through improved health infrastructure, adequate deployment of human resources, and the activation of an efficient ambulance referral system to reduce waiting times for emergency obstetric care.

‘We have a very dynamic, proactive, and listening government that is ready to come to the aid of our health sector. Already, our health infrastructure is improving, and we have engaged more human resources for health to man these facilities,’ the Permanent Secretary assured.

He concluded by calling on participants to take the workshop seriously, emphasizing that the state expects a ‘workable document’ by the end of the five-day session to guide the implementation of maternal mortality reduction strategies in Cross River State.

Dr. Iniofon Inyang, representing the national MAMII team lead, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, outlined the structure of the five-day workshop, which includes a critical field assessment in Abi Local Government Area-identified as the LGA with the highest contribution to maternal and newborn mortality in the state.

‘On day two, we are moving to Abi LGA with every participant to identify challenges leading to maternal and neonatal deaths. Why are women not going to health facilities? Why are they delivering at home? What are the specific challenges in Cross River that have led to women dying while giving birth?’ Dr. Inyang explained.

The workshop will culminate in a co-creation session where state participants, federal representatives, and development partners will design state-specific interventions to address identified challenges. By the fifth day, stakeholders will make concrete commitments and establish a MAMII Task Force to drive the programme’s implementation in Cross River State.

Dr. Inyang noted that the initiative targets a 30 percent reduction in maternal and neonatal deaths and a 60 percent increase in healthcare service utilization by 2028, while also strengthening emergency transport systems through the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).

Also speaking at the activation workshop, Dr. Vivien Otu, Director-General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, highlighted the far-reaching implications of maternal deaths beyond mere statistics.

‘When a mother dies, it’s not just that a woman is gone, it has severe implications. The husband becomes a widower, the children become motherless, and there are significant limitations on socio-economic development,’ Dr. Otu noted.

She stressed that many maternal deaths are preventable, often resulting from postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, sepsis, healthcare system failures, and the lack of skilled birth attendants.

‘This crisis requires immediate and locally adapted strategies to improve healthcare access and quality, and to address the socio-cultural factors causing maternal and newborn mortality which is exactly what MAMII seeks to address,’ she added.

Dr. Ogonna Nwankwo, Cross River State Technical Assistant for MAMII, explained that the workshop would familiarize stakeholders with key national health programmes including NEMSAS, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

‘This programme aims to expose participants to all the activities, pillars, and strategies that will be engaged as part of MAMII to help bring down the rate of maternal mortality in Abi Local Government Area,’ Dr. Nwankwo stated.

The five-day workshop attracted participation from state health officials and development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), all of whom expressed support for the initiative.

The MAMII initiative represents a targeted, data-driven approach to addressing Nigeria’s maternal health crisis, focusing resources and interventions where they are needed most.

Lagos State recently announced a ban on single-use plastics. Concerns have risen over what this means for daily life, the environment, and the economy. To shed light on the issue, Kayode Taiwo, a researcher and an expert in sustainable food systems, whose work focuses on converting food and agricultural waste into biodegradable materials.

e shares insights on the ban, available alternatives, and the future of eco-friendly innovation in Nigeria.

Lagos State has just announced a ban on single-use plastics. As a scientist in this field, what do you think this means for the future of the state?

The recent ban on single-use plastics in Lagos State is a huge step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. For years, plastic pollution has clogged the drainage systems, worsened flooding, and found its way into our food and water. By enforcing this ban, Lagos is not just tackling waste; it is addressing public health, climate resilience, and the overall livability of the city. At the same time, this move opens opportunities for innovation. It challenges businesses, scientists like me, and entrepreneurs to create biodegradable packaging, reusable systems, and sustainable alternatives. That shift would generate new industries, jobs, and investments, positioning Lagos as a hub for green innovation in Africa. Importantly, this is also about changing behaviour. For too long, plastics have encouraged a throwaway culture. With the right education, affordable alternatives, and strong enforcement, this ban can push residents and businesses toward more responsible consumption and waste practices. If Lagos succeeds, it will not only improve its own environment but also set an example for other African cities facing similar crises.

Many people are worried about what alternatives they can use instead of plastic. What solutions are available right now?

It is normal for people to be concerned, but the good news is that several solutions already exist or are being created. For example, I am working on turning food waste into valuable raw materials for bioplastics. Instead of treating waste streams as a disposal problem, we can use them as feedstocks to produce precursor compounds, which can form the building blocks of sustainable packaging materials that mimic the strength and flexibility of conventional plastics; however, they are biodegradable. This is the kind of circular solution that Lagos, and indeed the world, needs at this time, which can help in closing the loop between food production, waste management, and sustainable packaging.

Some critics say biodegradable products are too expensive compared to plastics. How do you respond to that concern?

That’s true, maybe in the short term, but not in long term, new technologies always look expensive and impossible at the initial stage but as those technologies get adapted into everyday lives, it will become cheaper. Aside from the economic side, when should also consider environmental costs such as cleaning up drainage systems, treating polluted water, and managing health problems linked to microplastics. If we invest in scaling up local production of bio-based packaging, costs will drop significantly. In fact, using locally available agricultural waste makes the system more affordable and supports farmers. In my research we are applying life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis to see how we can optimise these technologies to make less expensive and environmentally friendly.

Beyond packaging, how else can Lagos tackle the waste challenge?

Packaging is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly solve Lagos’ waste challenge, we need a multi-pronged approach. First, education is critical. Citizens need to understand the impact of their choices and be encouraged to adopt reusables, whether that’s shopping bags, water bottles, or food containers. Behavior change is often the hardest part, but it’s also the most powerful. Second, Lagos must invest in proper recycling and composting infrastructure. Biodegradable products only fulfill their potential if we have systems that can process them efficiently. Composting facilities, material recovery plants, and community collection systems will ensure that waste is managed, not just shifted from one form to another.

Finally, research and innovation should be at the heart of the strategy. Lagos has incredible scientific talent and entrepreneurial energy. Supporting local scientists and startups working on biobased materials, waste-to-energy systems, and circular economy models will not only tackle waste but also create jobs and position Lagos as a leader in sustainable development. In short, tackling waste requires a cultural shift, strong infrastructure, smart policies, and homegrown innovation. If these come together, Lagos can transform from a city overwhelmed by waste to one that thrives on sustainability.

Should the government provide subsidies or incentives for businesses to adopt biodegradable alternatives?

Absolutely. Transitioning away from single-use plastics does come with upfront costs, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. That’s why government support is essential. Subsidies, low-interest loans, and tax breaks can ease the financial burden and encourage businesses to switch quickly to biodegradable alternatives. If we leave companies to bear the full cost alone, many will resist change or simply pass the costs on to consumers. But with smart incentives, government can accelerate adoption, make sustainable packaging more affordable, and create a level playing field where innovation thrives. In the long run, these policies will not only reduce plastic pollution but also stimulate new industries and green jobs to make the investment worthwhile for both the economy and the environment.

What lessons can Lagos learn from countries or cities that have already banned plastics?

There are important lessons Lagos can learn from other countries and cities that have already banned plastics. Success usually comes when bans are rolled out gradually, giving people time to adjust, and when affordable alternatives are readily available. Enforcement must also be consistent; otherwise, the policy risks being ignored. Rwanda is a standout example on the continent. Kigali is now considered one of the cleanest cities in Africa because the government paired strict enforcement with strong community engagement. Citizens were not only told what not to do, they were shown the benefits of change and given alternatives. Similarly, countries in the European Union have phased in restrictions on single-use plastics while investing heavily in recycling and composting infrastructure, making the transition smoother for businesses and consumers alike.

For Lagos, the lesson is clear: combine strong leadership with community buy-in, ensure alternatives are accessible, and back it up with the infrastructure needed to manage waste responsibly. With those elements in place, Lagos can replicate and even surpass these success stories.

Finally, what role can young innovators and researchers play in this transition?

Young researchers are critical. We bring fresh ideas, scientific rigour, and passion for sustainability. For instance, my own research demonstrates that agro-wastes can be converted into valuable products, including biodegradable plastics. If given the right support, funding, incubation hubs, and partnerships with industry, Nigerian youth can turn the plastic ban into an opportunity for innovation, job creation, and global leadership in green technology.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the appointment of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The appointments, which take immediate effect, were confirmed in letters signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi.

The newly constituted OYSIEC board, responsible for overseeing local government elections in the state, is led by Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde as Chairman.

Other members appointed to the OYSIEC board include Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs Adebayo Mariam Adepeju, Mr Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr Remi Ayoade, Mr Sunday Falana, and Mr Babatunde Ige. For the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council, Governor Makinde named Professor Banji Oyeyinka Oyelaran as Chairman, along with six other members who will oversee the affairs of the Ogbomoso-based institution.

The members of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council are Mr Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Professor Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, and Professor Adenike Olugbenga-Bello.

The Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited (KEDL) revealed that the company had lost the sum of ?1.3 billion to energy theft in the first quarter of 2025.

The Acting Managing Director of KEDL, Engr. Olaseni Agunpopo, disclosed this on Thursday during a town hall meeting on the establishment of special courts for electricity theft and other related offences held at Edge Drive Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State.

According to him, the distribution company had recorded enormous losses through bypassing, meter tampering, and illegal connections by consumers of electricity in the state.

He said the heinous acts of some unscrupulous elements had led to huge losses, thereby causing epileptic power supply to consumers.

The Acting Managing Director further stated that the lack of prompt bill payments and underpayment of bills had also hampered the company’s revenue generation, stressing that no organisation can succeed when the services rendered are not paid for as and when due.

‘KEDL has recorded collection and commercial losses totalling ?1.3 billion in the first quarter of 2025,’ he said, describing the situation as unimpressive for the business to thrive in Kogi State.

He commended the state government for establishing the Kogi State Electricity Regulation Commission with a special court aimed at addressing energy theft and related offences in the state.

He called for the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, communities, traditional leaders, security agencies, and citizens who value progress and integrity, to assist the company.

In a keynote address, the Chairman of the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Engr. Ibrahim Abdwaaris, said the new legal framework established by the Kogi State Government would go a long way in curbing electricity theft and safeguarding the integrity of the electricity supply system.

He said the establishment of the Electricity Theft Task Force and the Special Court by the Kogi State Government represented a bold and progressive step towards protecting investments in an emerging state electricity market.

‘Electricity theft undermines not only the financial viability of distribution companies but also the stability and reliability of electricity supply to honest consumers. The State Government, therefore, remains resolutely committed to creating an enabling environment where investors can operate profitably while consumers receive fair, reliable, and affordable service,’ he stated.

The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has begun full-scale preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with the sales of seats to intending pilgrims already in progress across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Chairman of the Agency, Mallam Aliyu Musa, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Agency’s headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, noting that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 5,059 seats to the state for next year’s pilgrimage.

Musa said the Agency has already commenced consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a smooth, transparent, and well-coordinated operation.

‘As part of our preparations, we have invited major stakeholders in the Hajj operations, including the Immigration Service, Customs, Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Airports Authority, to discuss areas of collaboration and operational synergy,’ he stated.

According to him, all local government chairmen have been briefed and allocated their seat quotas, with registration and sales of forms now underway.

‘We are optimistic that all councils will meet the December 25th deadline set for registration and full payment,’ Musa added.

The chairman further announced that the official 2026 Hajj fare has been tentatively pegged at ?8,244,000, though discussions are ongoing between the Federal Government and NAHCON to review the cost downward.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the high cost, and efforts are being made to make it more affordable. I’ll be attending a meeting in Abuja next week where the final fare will be reviewed,’ he revealed.

Musa reaffirmed the Agency’s determination to sustain the high standards that earned Sokoto State commendation from Saudi authorities during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj exercises.

‘We were recognised among the best-organised contingents during the last Hajj. This year, we intend to sustain and improve on that record through diligence, planning, and teamwork,’ he said.

He warned registration officers against enrolling foreigners or individuals with questionable identities, citing reports of fraudulent registrations in some neighbouring states.

‘We have strengthened collaboration with the DSS and Immigration to ensure only qualified Nigerian Muslims are registered. Any attempt to manipulate the process will not be tolerated,’ he warned.

Musa expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for his consistent support and commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, assuring that their safety, comfort, and spiritual fulfilment will remain top priorities.

‘We are determined to make the 2026 Hajj another success story for Sokoto State, and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we will achieve that,’ he concluded.