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VFD Group Plc has signed a N50.67 billion Rights Issue, marking a milestone in its drive to fortify its capital base and accelerate strategic growth initiatives.

Chairman, Olatunde Busari, said the move aligns with the company’s vision to build a resilient and diversified investment institution with a growing international footprint.

He recalled that at the Eighth Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved a capital raise of up to N30 billion, of which N12.5 billion had been successfully secured.

‘Building on that momentum, shareholders at our Ninth AGM on May 8, again demonstrated their confidence in our vision by authorising the board to raise additional capital of up to N50 billion through various instruments,’ he said.

The Rights Issue – comprising 5,067,396,400 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, offered at N10 per share, on the basis of two new shares for every three shares held has been approved by the board.

Busari explained that the proceeds, estimated at N49.55 billion net of costs, will be channelled towards deleveraging the balance sheet, funding geographic expansion into the United Kingdom and Southern Africa, and increasing investments in key subsidiaries.

He emphasised that the capital raise underscores the group’s commitment to building a stronger, more liquid, and well-leveraged institution poised to seize emerging opportunities in diverse sectors and regions.

‘As we sign these documents, we are not merely executing a financial transaction; we are reinforcing our belief in VFD’s future,’ Busari said.

He lauded shareholders for their trust, to advisers for their professionalism, and to regulators for their guidance throughout the process.

Busari added that the Rights Issue marks the start of a new growth phase focused on innovation, value creation, and sustainable prosperity, as VFD Group continues its journey toward becoming a pan-African investment powerhouse anchored on excellence, integrity, and resilience.

He explained that the company’s new rights issue is aimed at deepening shareholder participation and strengthening its investment capacity.

‘As an investment company, our goal is to encourage shareholders to increase their stake and invest more in the company. The approval of this rights issue by the board and shareholders reflects their confidence in VFD Group’s vision and performance,’ he said.

Group Managing Director, Nonso Okpala, expressed optimism about the cfirm’s ability to raise the targeted funds.

‘We are looking to raise N50 billion, and we’re confident this is achievable. The economic climate has created the right conditions for such a capital raise. Two or three years ago, the outlook wasn’t as promising, but today, the economy is opening up and opportunities are emerging.

We’re seeing improved capital formation across various sectors, with increased stability and investor confidence. This gives us the conviction that we can successfully raise the required funds to tap into the economic opportunities unfolding in Nigeria.

We must commend the Federal Government for the ongoing reforms and policy implementations since the start of this administration – they’ve truly helped reposition the business environment.’

Speaking on the broader economic outlook, Okpala observed that the Nigerian economy is headed in the right direction, despite short-term challenges.

‘There are some immediate pains to manage, but the government has shown awareness and sensitivity to these issues. From both economic and corporate perspectives, there are significant opportunities to harness.

The insurance, capital market, and banking sectors, for example, are experiencing revitalisation. Their capital bases are strengthening, and profitability is improving. The next challenge is ensuring these gains translate into benefits for the average Nigerian,’ he added.

Looking ahead, Okpala said VFD Group is strategically positioned to play a leading role in driving and leveraging developmental reforms across the economy.

‘In the coming years, we expect VFD to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s investment sector, leading efforts to mobilise sustainable capital and promote economic growth. The economy thrives when investors and corporates in the investment space effectively marshal capital, implement sound strategies, and strengthen performance – even against global competitors.

Nigeria needs strong investment companies to drive this process, and VFD is ready to seize that opportunity.’, Okpala said.

Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile has revealed the inspiration behind his soon-to-be-released third studio album, ‘Symbol of Hope.’

In an interview featuring his son, Shiloh, the rapper explained that the album reflects his journey from humble beginnings to success. He said the title represents the resilience and determination that shaped his rise from hardship to prominence.

‘When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to. I saw people who made it from nothing to something. They used their talent, they hustled right, and got to the top,’ Zlatan said.

‘They were symbols that gave me hope. And now, a lot of people look up to me too – including you. I’ve become a symbol of hope to many.’

Zlatan added that his childhood struggles, including the challenge of affording three meals a day, deeply influenced the themes and message of the new album.

‘When I was young, it was really hard to eat three times a day. The life experience influenced this album. It was like a process. I had to work hard. When others were sleeping, I had to motivate myself and tell myself that I want to be great,’ he added.

The album, set to release on October 17, 2025, is titled ‘Symbol of Hope’, and the album took two years to complete, involving a meticulous process of recording and refining tracks.

When Professor Mahmood Yakubu assumed office as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in November 2015, Nigeria’s democratic system was at a crossroads. Years of manual operations, logistical breakdowns, and allegations of electoral manipulation had eroded public confidence. To many, INEC was a bureaucracy struggling under the weight of its own inefficiencies. But to Yakubu, it was an institution on the verge of transformation – one that could be modernised through innovation, data, and technology.

Ten years later, as he stepped down – the first INEC chairman in Nigeria’s history to complete two full terms – his legacy is widely viewed through the lens of the digital revolution that took root under his leadership.

Yakubu on Tuesday handed over to May Agbamuche-Mbu as successor on an interim basis. In recognition of decade-long legacy at INEC, President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him the befitting national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.

As acting chairman, Agbamuche-Mbu inherited an INEC that has undergone one of the most profound technological transformations in its history. Much of that transformation bears the imprint of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose years at the helm redefined how elections are conducted, monitored, and perceived in Africa’s largest democracy.

When Professor Yakubu assumed office in November 2015, Nigeria’s electoral landscape was mired in challenges – logistical inefficiency, accusations of bias, and a pervasive distrust of official results. Yet, for Yakubu, the task was not just to conduct elections, but to reinvent the machinery that made them possible.

Over the years, he pursued a vision of technology-driven credibility, anchored in the belief that democracy must rest on systems that are transparent, verifiable, and resilient against manipulation. His leadership style blended academic precision with institutional pragmatism, and his reforms would ultimately turn INEC from a manual bureaucracy into a data-driven agency.

At the heart of Yakubu’s reforms was the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) – a device that became synonymous with Nigeria’s new electoral era. Designed to authenticate voters using both fingerprints and facial recognition, BVAS addressed one of the country’s longest-standing problems: voter impersonation and multiple voting.

Replacing the old Smart Card Reader, BVAS added a layer of biometric verification that significantly reduced irregularities. It also transmitted accreditation data electronically, linking the number of verified voters directly to the results uploaded from polling units. This innovation drastically curtailed opportunities for result manipulation and established a digital trail for every stage of the process.

BVAS was first tested during the Anambra State governorship election in November 2021, marking a cautious but ground-breaking departure from traditional methods. The results encouraged broader adoption. By the time Nigeria held its 2023 general elections, BVAS had become the centrepiece of electoral accreditation nationwide, backed by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

Despite isolated technical hitches, BVAS symbolised Yakubu’s commitment to using technology as a bulwark for integrity. It represented the institutionalisation of trust – a message that every vote must count and that every voter must be verified.

If BVAS strengthened the mechanics of voting, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) redefined electoral transparency. Launched in 2020, the portal allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time and viewed publicly by citizens, journalists, and observers.

For the first time, Nigerians could monitor their elections live, tracking results as they appeared from even the most remote corners of the country. This digital innovation shattered decades of opacity in the collation process, transforming what had long been a closed-door exercise into a public spectacle of accountability.

Yakubu often described transparency as ‘the oxygen of democracy,’ and the IReV portal embodied that conviction. Even when technical issues or connectivity gaps arose, the system represented a cultural shift – a move toward open governance in electoral administration.

Beyond BVAS and IReV, INEC under Yakubu underwent a quiet but sweeping digital overhaul. Several core processes that had once relied on manual inputs were automated. The online candidate nomination portal, for instance, allowed political parties to upload the names and details of their nominees electronically, minimising human interference and reducing disputes.

Observer accreditation, collation templates, and logistical data management were also digitised. The commission’s adoption of secure digital platforms streamlined its workflow and created a database-driven environment where decisions could be monitored, verified, and audited.

Another landmark achievement was the institutionalisation of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). The CVR initiative enabled citizens to register or update their details year-round rather than only before elections. This digital inclusion policy broadened the voter base and enhanced the accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register – now among the largest and most comprehensive in Africa.

To improve operational efficiency, Yakubu also introduced the Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), a data analytics hub that tracked polling activities in real time. Using dashboards and key performance indicators, the EMSC provided field updates that helped INEC identify and resolve problems promptly during elections. This internal digital infrastructure, though less publicised, became one of the most powerful tools of reform – turning INEC into a responsive, data-literate institution capable of rapid decision-making.

Yakubu’s vision of reform was not only technological but also humanistic. He believed that innovation should promote inclusion and access. Under his leadership, INEC developed systems to accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Tactile ballot guides were introduced for the visually impaired, while new digital mapping techniques allowed INEC to locate IDP settlements and ensure their participation in elections. These efforts underscored the idea that technology in democracy is most meaningful when it empowers the most vulnerable.

Yet, the journey was not without obstacles. The 2023 general elections exposed the limits of Nigeria’s digital readiness. Delays in result upload to IReV, network disruptions, and logistical lapses fuelled public frustration. Critics accused the commission of overpromising, while supporters defended the reforms as evolutionary rather than instantaneous.

Yakubu was candid about the challenges. ‘Technology is not a magic wand,’ he said after the polls. ‘It is an enabler that requires constant refinement.’ He maintained that the real value of innovation lies in its ability to provide traceable evidence – allowing every dispute to be resolved on the basis of data rather than speculation.

Despite the criticism, independent observers, including the European Union and ECOWAS Election Mission, acknowledged that Nigeria’s elections had become more transparent and technically verifiable than ever before.

Perhaps Yakubu’s most underappreciated legacy was his defence of INEC’s autonomy. Throughout his decade-long leadership, he faced pressure from powerful political interests but consistently emphasised the commission’s neutrality. His tenure preserved INEC’s independence as a constitutional body, even amid heated national contests.

Under his watch, INEC expanded polling units for the first time in 25 years, regularised the electoral calendar, and professionalised its staff through training in data management, cyber security, and election technology. The cumulative effect was the birth of an institution that not only conducted elections but also evolved as a learning organisation – one that understood its duty to adapt, innovate, and improve.

Professor Yakubu’s decade at INEC was not without flaws, but it was undoubtedly transformative. He envisioned a commission that used technology not for show, but as a safeguard – a tool to anchor democracy in transparency and verifiable truth. Today, Nigeria’s electoral process stands on a stronger digital foundation. Voter accreditation is more credible, results are more transparent, and institutions are more accountable. The road ahead will require fine-tuning and resilience, but Yakubu’s legacy has already altered the DNA of election management in Nigeria.

As one analyst put it, ‘He did not perfect the system, but he gave it a soul – a digital conscience.’

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Crocodiles of Lesotho today (Friday, October 10, 2025) in their penultimate Group C fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.

Nigeria currently occupies third place in the group with 11 points from eight matches – three points behind joint leaders Benin Republic and South Africa.

Their qualification hopes were revived after FIFA deducted three points and three goals from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their March 2025 clash against Lesotho.

The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign has been a tale of adjustments and determination, with three different coaches – Jose Peseiro, Finidi George, and Eric Chelle – guiding the team at various stages in a bid to avoid a repeat of the 2022 World Cup miss.

Nigeria has been tough to beat, losing only once – the fewest defeats in Group C – but their struggle to turn draws into wins has been costly. The team has recorded five draws and just two victories so far.

Lesotho has shown a similar form, winning two matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe, while drawing three times. The Crocodiles have picked up nine points from eight games.

In the past six years, Nigeria and Lesotho have met three times. Their most recent encounter came earlier in this qualifying series in Uyo, with Jose Peseiro still in charge of the Super Eagles. The match ended 1-1, as Motlomelo Mkwanazi and Semi Ajayi both found the net.

The two sides had previously met in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2019 and 2021, with Nigeria winning both games – 4-2 in Maseru and 3-0 in Lagos.

Nigeria will be without several key players due to injury. Ola Aina is sidelined with a hamstring problem, Felix Agu is recovering from a syndesmosis ligament injury, Bright Osayi-Samuel is out with a foot injury, Cyriel Dessers is nursing an ankle issue, and Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru remains unavailable with a femoral bicep lesion.

Lesotho: None

Match Detais: Nigeria vs Lesotho

Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier (Africa)

Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa

Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

Kick-off: 5:00 PM (Nigeria time)

The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football, with live commentary and updates available on SportingLife and the Super Eagles’ official X (Twitter) handles.

Nigeria (4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Benjamin Fredrick, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen.

Lesotho (4-3-3): Sekhoane Moerane; Thabang Malane, Thabo Makhele, Siyabonga Monyaka, Fusi Matlabe; Lehlohonolo Matsau, Tsepo Toloane, Tshwarelo Bereng; Jane Thabantso, Katleho Makateng, Sera Motebang.

Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria

Two lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State – Oladiji Oguntudo and Raymond Daodu – have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oguntudo, who represents Akure South Constituency I, and Daodu, the Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I, announced their defection during yesterday’s plenary of the House of Assembly.

The Nation reports that the defection of the two lawmakers from the PDP to the APC now makes it a total of 26 legislators dominating the House of Assembly with no opposition in the parliament.

The plenary was presided over by the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji.

Their defection came a month after the duo resigned their membership of the PDP, citing leadership tussles and deepening internal crises within the opposition party.

In their resignation letters, the lawmakers explained that their decision to join the ruling APC followed extensive consultations with family members, constituents and political leaders, who advised them to align with the state’s governing party.

Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the remaining PDP members in the state legislature, which is dominated by the APC.

Welcoming the new members, Speaker Oladiji hailed their decision, expressing optimism that their defection would further strengthen APC’s numerical advantage in the House.

A senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill.

This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, themed, ‘Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community’ at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

She added that the bill when signed into law ‘will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.’

She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

She said: ‘The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources’.

Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

She said: ‘It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

‘This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.’

She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

‘The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,’ she said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied breaching any judgment of the Federal High Court that directed it to recognise the executive of the Action Alliance (AA) elected on October 7, 2023, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC stated that it had fully complied with the court’s directive.

Olumekun also clarified that there was no existing court order authorizing the arrest of the Commission’s immediate past Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

‘Our attention has been drawn to media reports claiming that the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, on September 29, 2025, ordered the arrest of former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for allegedly disobeying its judgment in a case involving the Action Alliance (AA),’ the statement read.

‘The Commission wishes to categorically state that it has not violated any court order and has fully complied with the judgment concerning the Action Alliance’s leadership,’ Olumekun added.

‘But the misleading reports mischievously omitted the Commission’s subsequent action on the case, erroneously portrayed the matter involving a corporate entity, namely INEC, as an individual affair and gave the wrong impression that the Court gave a fresh order after the initial pronouncement made on 29th September.

‘In line with its long-established tradition of always obeying court judgements and orders, the Commission on Monday 6th October 2025, which was still within the deadline, filed processes at the Federal High Court, Oshogbo to show that we had complied with its judgement and order of recognising the Action Alliance’s (AA) executive elected on 7th October 2023 at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

‘The dashboard of the Commission’s web site showing compliance was tendered as evidence.

‘However, when the judgement creditors filed a counter affidavit to complain that the Commission partially complied by listing the names of only four national executives without the National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, the Commission responded by attaching the Notice of Appeal filed by the same Omoaje at the Supreme Court, challenging the judgement of the Court of Appeal sacking him as the National Chairman of the party.

‘The judgement of the Court of Appeal is superior to that of the federal high court, hence, the Commission cannot list Omoaje’s name as the Chairman of the Action Alliance party when the judgement of the Appeal Court is still subsisting.

‘We appeal to media organisations to fact-check their reports before publication to avoid misleading the public’.

Meanwhile, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations for Elections (CECOE) has concluded its working visit to the commission.

Speaking at a farewell dinner for! The visiting delegation, Acting Chairman of INEC, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian delegation for selecting Nigeria as their preferred destination for the study tour, describing the engagement as mutually beneficial.

She said ‘I want to thank you all for coming to our country. Abuja is a beautiful city surrounded by hills and greenery, and I hope you will find time to visit again. We share many similarities as large, diverse nations committed to deepening democracy. Though we have unique experiences, we are all learning from one another.’

She commended the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for his dedication to strengthening the Commission through technological innovation and institutional reform and expressed optimism that the lessons shared during the visit would further support the growth and independence of Ethiopia’s electoral processes.

‘We hope that all you have learnt here will contribute positively to the advancement of democratic practices in your country. Please enjoy the evening, the music, and our cuisine. Abuja is full of life and beauty.’

Responding on behalf of the visiting delegation, the Deputy Chairman of NEBE, Mr. Tesfaye Niwai, conveyed his gratitude to INEC for the warm reception and fruitful engagements during the study visit.

‘This is my first time in Nigeria, and it has been an exceptional experience,’ he stated. ‘Nigeria’s diversity, energy, and democratic strength are inspiring. Our expectations have been fully met. We have gained valuable insights into INEC’s structure, its legal framework, and its strategies for inclusivity, planning, and stakeholder engagement.’

He noted that the lessons learned from the visit would inform ongoing reforms in Ethiopia’s electoral system and strengthen collaboration between both institutions.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has called for stronger youth involvement and the use of local languages in public health messaging to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of Nigeria’s most serious health threats.

Speaking at the launch of the SayAMR Language Hackathon in Abuja on Friday, he said effective communication is vital in public health, especially as Nigeria enters the Lassa fever season.

He emphasised the need for timely and culturally relevant communication to protect communities.

The SayAMR Language Hackathon, organised by NCDC in collaboration with DRASA Health Trust, the Centre for Infection Control and Patient Safety, the University of Lagos, and the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, seeks to develop local AMR terms in Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin English to enhance grassroots understanding.

He said youth must be central to Nigeria’s health response, describing AMR as a complex but silent killer that threatens health security, food safety, and the economy.

The government, he explained, is implementing the National Action Plan on AMR (2024-2028) anchored on prevention, stewardship, and communication under the One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.

‘This hackathon highlights the power of language in public health, because what we cannot say, we cannot fight,’ he said, adding that Nigeria’s 500-plus languages are assets for reaching communities.

Drawing from past HIV/AIDS campaigns, he said, when people could describe diseases in familiar words, stigma was reduced and action followed.

Through the SayAMR initiative, he urged young linguists, artists, and health professionals to create relatable AMR expressions that inspire action.

‘When a market woman in Aba or a daughter in Katsina can describe AMR in her language, we will begin to win the fight,’ he said.

Professor Haruna Andrew, Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, described language as a bridge between culture and education, saying the programme models collaboration between academia and public health.

Dr. Tochi Okwor, Head of Disease Prevention at NCDC and Chair of Nigeria’s AMR Coordinating Committee, said the initiative reinforces the need to communicate AMR in indigenous languages to strengthen public understanding.

She explained that many Nigerians struggle to grasp AMR because there are no local words for it, making translation essential for effective engagement.

‘By translating AMR concepts into major Nigerian languages, we can empower farmers, traders, and communities to understand how resistance spreads and why rational antibiotic use matters,’ she said.

World Health Organization Technical Officer for AMR and One Health, Dr. Chavan Laxmikant, commended the initiative as innovative and timely.

Comparing India and Nigeria, he said multilingual contexts make English-only campaigns ineffective.

‘Misuse of antibiotics begins in communities where people demand them unnecessarily. This hackathon will help communities understand what AMR is and their role in stopping it,’ he said, noting that more than 60,000 Nigerians die annually from AMR.

Dr. Ayodele Majekodunmi, Project Lead for the World Bank-funded Health Security Programme for West and Central Africa under WOAH, said AMR is a cross-border challenge requiring regional collaboration.

He praised the hackathon for engaging youth and empowering communities with accurate and culturally relevant knowledge.

Chidinma Ibe, Head of the Infection Prevention and Control Programme at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), said community engagement and culturally tailored messaging are vital to containing AMR.

Translating scientific information into local languages, she said, improves understanding and encourages infection prevention practices at the grassroots.

Niniola Williams, Managing Director of DRASA Health Trust, said the hackathon merges science, creativity, and community to address one of Nigeria’s most urgent health challenges.

She noted that infections continue to disrupt lives and weaken the health system, emphasizing that most are preventable.

She said DRASA, founded in memory of Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, continues her legacy of courage and prevention, ‘The SayAMR Hackathon expands that vision by showing that prevention is not just about medicine or policy but also about how we communicate.

‘How we speak about AMR determines how people understand and act on it,’ she said.

Williams commended NCDC, the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, and other partners for supporting efforts to make AMR prevention a national movement that reaches every home, market, and classroom.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the people of Ekiti State to support the African Democratic Party (ADC) ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship poll.

Atiku said the ADC was ready to rescue Ekiti people from the shackles of alleged maladministration,saying the party has what it takes to transform the state and put it on the path of greatness and prosperity.

The former Vice President spoke while receiving a frontline ADC governorship aspirant, Prince Adeyinka Alli in his residence in Abuja ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The ADC Chieftain expressed confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, describing him as a vibrant and determined young politician capable of giving Ekiti a new direction.

Atiku who commended the Alli’s courage, vision, and track record in public service and humanitarian work, describing him as a refreshing face in Ekiti politics.

He explained his decision to meet the governorship hopeful was influenced by his credentials and commitment to humanitarian services, which he said align with the ADC’s vision for reform and inclusive governance.

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’, he added.

Alli, who declared his ambition at his country home of Itapa-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, 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.

Entertainer Mr. Jollof has expressed concerns about the high performance fees charged by Nigerian music artists, calling them ‘unrealistic’.

He warned, via Instagram story, that it could negatively impact the festive season’s celebrations.

Mr. Jollof urged artists to reconsider their rates, showing empathy towards fans and event organisers struggling with high expenses.

According to him, the current trend could make it difficult for promoters and fans to enjoy the usual excitement of December events.

Mr. Jollof emphasised the need for balance and understanding between artists and event organisers, encouraging the entertainment industry to work together to maintain the festive spirit.

He reminded artists that music is about connection and celebration, particularly during December festivities.

‘Dear Nigerian music artists, the current rate of billing is becoming unrealistic. If it continues, this festive season might not deliver the energy we expect.

‘Fans promoters and communities are struggling with costs, there will be a justification to pay such high amounts. Please let’s be reasonable so December can remain a season of joy, not disappointment,’ he said.