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The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination and unanimous approval by the National Council of State (NCS) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

CNPP described the development as another opportunity to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria commended the President and the Council of State for the choice of a seasoned legal scholar and administrator with a track record of professionalism and integrity.

The CNPP urged Amupitan to remain a man of honour and good report, noting that public expectations are high and that his performance in office will be judged by his commitment to impartiality, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

The group said; ‘Professor Amupitan must remember that Nigerians are yearning for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will of the people.

‘We urge him to ensure that he leaves the office of INEC Chairman with his integrity intact and his reputation untainted, by serving the nation with courage, fairness, and sincerity of purpose’.

The statement emphasized that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election in November will be a test case and an opportunity to redeem the image of INEC as an impartial electoral umpire.

According to CNPP, how INEC conducts that election will set the tone for public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It said: ‘The Anambra election will be the first major poll under Professor Amupitan’s leadership.

‘It will provide him and the Commission the chance to demonstrate a new commitment to credibility and efficiency in the management of elections. The entire nation will be watching to see if INEC can truly rise above political pressures and logistical failures that have undermined past elections.’

The CNPP further called on civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens to take active interest in all electoral processes, stressing that democracy can only thrive when the people maintain vigilance and defend their right to choose their leaders.

Ezema said: ‘We urge Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and be ready to protect their votes in all elections beginning from the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election.

‘Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone but by the collective resolve of citizens to demand accountability and transparency.’

The CNPP reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote electoral integrity, peaceful participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Ezema said; ‘Our democracy will only endure when institutions like INEC earn the people’s trust. We believe Professor Amupitan has the opportunity to make history by restoring faith in the ballot, ensuring that every vote counts, and leaving behind a legacy of honour’.

National APC Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG) has appointed Dr. Adejare Adegbenro as Southwest zonal patron, recognising his contributions to humanitarian service, cultural diplomacy, and national development.

The appointment, contained in a letter signed by National Executive Council, was described as a reflection of Adegbenro’s leadership and commitment to public service.

Adegbenro, through Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation, has championed life-changing initiatives, including free medical outreach, eye-care programmes, clean water projects, feeding schemes, and educational scholarships. These projects, the organisation noted, have brought hope and relief to thousands, demonstrating that ‘true leadership is measured by the lives touched rather than titles or possessions.’

Beyond philanthropy, Adegbenro has distinguished himself as a global diplomat and cultural advocate, promoting peace, cooperation, and African excellence. As a Country director to UK for the International Society of Diplomats, he has amplified Nigeria’s voice abroad. His work with Ceci Educare Oy in Finland further bridges education, culture, and business on continents.

NAWA-ORG, a female-led political and humanitarian thinktank affiliated with All Progressives Congress, commits to advancing socio-economic development, empowering communities, and strengthening gender inclusion.

With members drawn from all 36 states and the FCT, the organisation plays a key role in grassroots mobilisation, promoting democracy, and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the organisation, Adegbenro’s appointment marks a new chapter in its drive to deepen grassroots engagement and inspire women leaders across the Southwest. His extensive networks and leadership experience are expected to play a vital role in the execution of NAWA-ORG’s strategic initiatives – including Women United for Tinubu (WUT) and the Hope Forward Network (HFN) – aimed at consolidating policy gains and positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 elections.

Fresh details have emerged on why the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s team sealed the operational base and Ife Central office of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State following the violent killings in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area.

The Nation reports that Amotekun operatives allegedly invaded Akinlalu Market Square, killing three members of a family and another individual, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. Amotekun Commandant Isaac Omoyele later claimed he escaped an assassination attempt – a claim the police dismissed.

In response, the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested 25 Amotekun officers on Wednesday night and sealed their operational base at Oke-Fia, Osogbo, as well as the Ife Central office.

Over the weekend, The Nation accompanied the IRT team led by SP Rotimi Ogunmuyiwa and the Deputy Commissioner of CID, Bayonle Suliaman, on an inspection of the Amotekun Headquarters at Powerline, Osogbo. Although Omoyele was absent, the Chairman of the Amotekun Board, Wale Abbas, received the team.

During the inspection, the team discovered that Amotekun had created several units, including Anti-Cultism, Narcotics, Kidnapping, and Homicide departments, and demanded that all unit heads report to the Osun State Police Command.

The IRT also uncovered five detention cells and underground holding areas used by Amotekun to keep suspects. The facilities were poorly maintained, and four detainees were found to have been held for over six weeks. One detainee claimed, ‘They are demanding ?150,000 bail for selling Indian hemp.’

The police team ordered that all detainees be handed over to the nearest divisional headquarters, stressing that it was unlawful to hold suspects for more than 24 hours.

Following the police action, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, condemned the sealing of Amotekun offices, describing it as unconstitutional. He insisted that the outfit was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

Egbedun said, ‘It is deeply troubling that an agency created by law and funded by the state government could be summarily shut down without consultation. If any security breach occurs in Osun as a result, the Police Force will be held accountable.’

He further alleged that the move might have been politically motivated, linking it to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

However, Senator Fadahunsi dismissed the Assembly’s claims, insisting that the Amotekun office had become ‘a home of murderers, not protectors of the community,’ and accused the outfit of disturbing the peace of the state.

According to him, ‘I am the Senator of Ife/Ijesa senatorial district, and this is not about the APC or PDP. From February to date, I’ve lost 12 people to Amotekun’s killing. I don’t know if Governor Oyetola is involved. He is the leader of the APC, but as for me, I was the one who invited the police, as I can’t continue to let them kill my people. During the crisis that occurred at the local government election, I lost four people. Many are still roaming about with bullets in their body. Nobody has been arrested.

‘There was another case of shooting in Esa-Oke caused by this careless Governor and the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. After causing trouble for Ijesa South and Ijesa North, they now went to Ife to kill people in Akinlalu. Do they expect me to keep quiet as the Senator representing the district? I will not keep quiet. They would not kill a single goat in my area again. If they send them to go and destabilize my own Senatorial District, I will not allow it.’

Meanwhile, Osun Civil Societies Coalition demanded justice for the slain victims of Amotekun killings in the state, blaming the Police and Department of State Service (DSS) for failing to stop killings and brutality by the outfit.

The CSOs through its Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal in a statement on Friday demanded for immediate suspension of Amotekun operations in the state, prosecution of all those involved in the killings, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, establishment of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry under the Tribunals of Inquiry Law, Cap 138, Laws of Osun State 2002 and adequate compensation for families of the deceased and victims of the attack.

However, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in a release by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, commended the IGP over the ongoing investigation of Amotekun killings in Akinlalu, calling for the observance of the rule of law in the process.

Amid the development, Akinlalu, through its spokesperson, Olamide Babarinde, raised an alarm that some aggrieved corps of Amotekun are still threatening to invade the community again if they continue to demand justice for slain residents.

Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has stated she feels underappreciated in the music industry despite her significant contributions.

In an interview on the Off Air Show, she stated that Nigerians and the industry don’t give her enough accolades, despite being one of the most-awarded female artists in Africa.

When asked if she felt she had received her flowers from the industry, Tiwa replied, ‘No. I’m sorry, I don’t’.

This sentiment comes after she praised colleagues, including Ayra Starr, Tems, and Diamond Platnumz, for their talents and contributions to the industry.

President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed high expectations for this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, citing the impressive form and quality of players set to compete.

Oshodi commended the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping in to host the tournament following Rwanda’s late withdrawal, praising their dedication to the sport and their experience in organizing top-tier events.

He also expressed excitement over the strong presence of young talent at the tournament, which will take place in Tunis between October 12 and 19. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London.

‘There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,’ Oshodi said. ‘We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans. This will give us a chance to see the levels of improvement in their play over the last year. I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.’

He added: ‘We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting. The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12. The highlight for many teams will be the team event, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London.’

The 2026 edition will celebrate the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926.

This year’s continental showcase promises high-stakes action as Africa’s finest athletes compete across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The Rades’ Multisports Hall will host eight thrilling days of elite competition.

The media aide to former Benue state governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Bede Bartholomew, has debunked rumours circulating on social media that his principal has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State.

In a statement made available to The Nation on Friday, Bartholomew dismissed the reports as false and misleading, insisting that Senator Suswam remains committed to his current political alignment.

He, however, confirmed that Governor Hyacinth Alia had, two days earlier, invited Senator Suswam and other stakeholders to a state banquet at the Government House, Makurdi.

‘Moments ago, I received calls from well-meaning Benuelites and leaders alerting me to trending news on Benue social media platforms claiming that the former governor, His Excellency Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, is set to defect to the APC today and would be received by Governor Hyacinth Alia this evening at the Banquet Hall,’ the statement read.

‘I debunk this unholy rumour with all vehemence as it does not represent the current interests of Senator Gabriel Suswam or those of his supporters across the state. It should be treated as nothing but baseless rumour.’

Bartholomew clarified that the governor’s invitation to Suswam was purely for a state event and not a political or defection ceremony.

‘As a former governor, Senator Suswam remains a stakeholder in the Benue project, hence his acceptance of the governor’s invitation. There was no indication that the event was political in nature,’ he added.

He urged supporters and well-wishers to disregard the speculation, describing it as ‘a lie from the deepest pit of hell,’ while appreciating those who reached out to confirm the truth.

Senator Suswam, according to the statement, extended his gratitude to his supporters and wished them a pleasant weekend.

Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-soldier, ex-military Head of State, ex-President, letterman, the most popular Baba Iyabo in this universe and public speaker, is one of the luckiest human beings on earth. Born of a very humbling background, his decision to join the Army changed his story. Opportunities just usually find a way to perch at his doors. If in doubt of my assertion, consider his role in the civil war, his ascension to the seat of Head of State, and his return to power after years in prison where the late General Sani Abacha dumped him. Even when it is not his will, he has gotten power without breaking much sweat.

Each time I listen to this erudite former President talk about leadership, I am always marveled. He comes across as an activist, a fire-spitting one for that matter. Femi Falana and others seem like his colleagues. But, I have repeatedly told myself: Wait a minute, this man is no activist. He is part of what he is complaining about.

From Nigeria to Europe to America and Asia, anytime he is given the opportunity to talk, he talks as though he is not an African leader who has contributed immensely to the challenges of the continent; he talks like a Messiah who is waiting for the opportunity to change the world; and he talks like an analyst with the best of intentions. But he is not. We all know he is not. Except we want to deceive ourselves.

A few years ago, I saw a video of his in a church and he was complaining about the leadership the country has had. He spoke about security challenges and his fears that churches might soon become dangerous to attend because kidnappers could just walk in and abduct congregants. He sounded convincing like an average activist.

The truth is: He is not far from the truth, but my problem is that he talks as though he is not part of the problem. He keeps hammering on his era as though we didn’t witness it.

He ruled us for some years as military Head of State after General Murtala Mohammed was killed, and he came back as civilian president in 1999. After his first term in 2003, he secured a second term and led us till 2007 before foisting ailing Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on us. He only chose Yar’Adua because his attempt to amend the constitution and seek a third term failed. Spectacularly. At every given opportunity, he denies this fact, whose witnesses are in tens and have repeatedly spoken about it and some, including Condeleza Rice, have included in their memoirs. He can deny it from now till tomorrow, but we are no fools. Those who played one role or the other in it are still here.

As President, Obasanjo carried out a privatisation programme. The idea was for government-owned businesses to be sold to the private sector so that they would be well-run. We are all witnesses to how bad that turned out. He also invested chunk of money on the power sector and, till today, we are in need of light to determine where the funds went.

Under his watch, the education sector didn’t witness any major turnaround. Under his watch, the health sector didn’t get the lift it deserved. Under his watch, housing was not improved significantly. Under his watch, respect for the rule of law was near zero. He seized the funds meant for local governments in Lagos and ignored the law. Under his watch, the National Assembly was unstable because he kept getting the leaders impeached because of his disagreement with them.

Under his watch, fewer roads got the attention they deserved. Under his watch, we crawled when we were supposed to be running a marathon.

Becaue of the way he is always talking down every other leader who has led the country, the tendency of seeing activism and noisemaking as the same is high. But, we must remember that because of Baba Iyabo, rich individuals and state governors ‘donated’ billions for the construction of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. The library is complete with a standard hotel and other money-spinning facilities, including a cinema. As I write, it is also his home having left the sprawling mansion he retired to after his tenure.

At the height of their quarrel, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose asked him to return Ekiti’s donation to the library. For me, there is no justification for him as a sitting president to raise money the way he did for a private project. For want of a better word, it is gross abuse of office. Yet, he speaks against this when others do it. He is unable to remove the speck in his eyes, but he is seeing the one in others. What a wonderful man!

Because of Baba Iyabo, the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, was illegally impeached as Oyo governor. It was brazen; he acted like God. I am waiting for the day he will meet Ladoja and see if he will not prostrate to the Oba as an Omoluabi!

We must remember that because of Baba Iyabo, Nigeria is still crawling when it should be running. He cannot divorce himself from the leadership problem Nigeria has. As a matter of fact, he is an integral part of it. So, he should spare us the pontificating about our leadership deficiency. He is part and parcel of why we don’t have electricity, good roads, good schools, standard hospitals and many other good things of life.

I must add that this intervention does not imply that Obasanjo is a failure or has nothing to show for his years in office. It is just to say he is not a saint and he should stop dressing as one.

My final take: Can Baba Iyabo do us a favour and keep shut about his attempt for a third term? We have heard his denials, including his claim that he would have gotten it if he had wanted, but the truth is: even if he shouts it from Mount Everest, we will not believe him.

The certificates’ (degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificates forgery allegation against the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has again exposed the systemic dysfunction that bedevils the country. The former minister had allegedly claimed that he earned a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry from Nigeria’s premier indigenous university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in July 1985. He had equally claimed to have taken part in the one-year NYSC and had attached certificates which an online newspaper, Premium Times, alleges are forged.

Premium Times claims their lead came from a whistle blower about two years ago. Their investigations show correspondences from both the vice chancellor of the university, Prof. U.S Ortuanya, and registrar, Dr Ngozi Nnebedu, claiming that the former minister was never awarded a degree certificate because he did not fulfill the academic requirements as required by the university.

The NYSC management equally disclaimed the certificate he had submitted to the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It was equally observed that the signature on the NYSC discharge certificate was not signed by the right Director-General of the NYSC in 1985.

We are appalled at the cocktail of scandals trailing the alleged forgeries by the ex-minister. Universities, especially reputable ones like the UNN should not be involved in the type of double-speak that has unravelled in this instance.

About two years ago too, another online newspaper was alleged to have reported a contrary information about the authenticity of the ex-minister’s certificate.

The issue is not whether Mr. Nnaji attended the university. The records show he was admitted, enrolled but did not graduate with his mates.

Contradictorily, there is allegedly a letter circulating which he had written to the university years later to be allowed to retake the exam but what is not clear is what he did afterwards. The fact is that the university had written that they never issued Mr. Nnaji a certificate.

He has resigned his appointment in what he claimed was his decision to ‘step aside as a personal choice not an admission of guilt but rather, a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court’.

It is instructive that he had attempted to legally stop the university from giving information about his records.

We are shocked that the messy scandal is being dubbed ‘a political witch-hunt’ and the ex-minister had his supposed media aides trying to defend their principal in what often appeared very laughable and puerile style of feigning ignorance of issues under review.

Two questions are on the lips of every educated observer, ‘Was Mr. Nnaji awarded a degree from the UNN? How did he acquire an NYSC (even with the wrong signatory) discharge certificate with alleged conflicting dates of failed course retake dates and resumption of service year?

The whole messy scandal points a torch to what is wrong with institutions in the country. We would have thought that the sad Salisu Buhari University of Toronto and age falsification scandals of 1999 would have made Nigerians, especially the political class and security agencies more thorough and painstaking in their investigations.

Mr. Nnaji, if found guilty of the allegations would be seen as lacking in integrity. Public service is not for saints but like Caesar’s wife, they are expected to be above reproach.

To have presented certificates he knew to be tainted for clearance as a ministerial nominee, if true, raises questions of character.

The security agencies that are paid with tax payers’ money have over the years often done very shoddy jobs of investigating political nominees. The case of Kemi Adeosun, a former Minister of Finance comes to the fore as her NYSC exemption certificate was found to be fake. She resigned.

Today, a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology is embroiled in multiple scandals. The Nigerian Senate that prides itself on screening of nominees has again been exposed as either unpatriotic ircincompetent ‘screeners’, or both.

More often than not, the screening processes are shoddily and childishly handled. In fact, many nominees are often bantered with and jokingly advised to, ‘bow and go’ for the most ridiculous reasons. Today the scandal is like palm oil on one finger that soils the rest.

If proven, Mr Nnaji runs the risk of perjury and forgery charges.

Nickelodeon viewers are ready for endless fun, adventure and excitement in a series of shows billed for October.

Already, family time just got better with the Halloween season as Nickelodeon is bringing all the fun with fan favourites making a return and brand-new adventures to keep the whole family laughing and excited.

From spooky specials to classic characters, viewers are to get ready for favourite shows.

Under the Nickelodeon Global is the Wylde Pak (New Series), where half-siblings Jack and Lily adjust to living together while helping at their family’s pet business.

Viewers will also be able to watch new episodes on weekdays till Friday, October 24, 2025.

SpongeBob SquarePants returns to bring even more laughter and fun to your family time from October 13, 2025 to October 24, 2025.

The Haha Halloween special will include the premiere of The Patrick Star Show, from October 27, 2025 to October 31, 2025.

On NickJr., Tim Rex in Space returns with T-Rex Tim, his big brother Tommy, little sister Tia and Triceratops bestie Kai tackle kid-shaped problems with dinosized solutions in space.

Also to rock the October specials include Rubble and Crew, Trick or treat!, Dora, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and The Tiny Chef Show.

NickToons will air The Patrick Star Show, SpongeBob SquarePants, and SONIC Prime which returns by popular demand.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted presidential pardon to 175 persons, including Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, and one-time Federal Capital Territory Minister, the late Maj.-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (rtd).

Ogoni leaders, including the slain playwright Ken Saro-Wiwa, were also pardoned.

The decision followed the approval of the Council of State at its meeting in Abuja yesterday.

The move, initiated by the President on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM), was presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The Council ratified the appointment of Dr Aminu Yusuf as Chairman National Population Commission (NPC). It also approved the conferment of national honours on 959 Nigerians and friends of the country.

Maj.-Gen. Vatsa, sentenced to death in 1986 for treason, received a posthumous pardon, while Macaulay, founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), was pardoned posthumously for his 1913 conviction by British colonial authorities.

Also pardoned were a former member of the House of Representatives, Farouk Lawan, convicted of bribery collection; Mrs Anastasia Nwaobia, a lawyer; Hussaini Umar and Ayinla Alanamu.

Also listed were Nweke Chibueze, serving a life term for cocaine possession, and Dr Nwogu Peters, who had served 12 out of a 17-year sentence for fraud.

The Ogoni Nine – Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine – were also pardoned.

The Ogoni Four-Chief Albert Badey, Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage – received national honours.

President Tinubu granted clemency to 82 inmates, reduced the prison terms of 65 others, and commuted seven death sentences to life imprisonment.

The PACPM , chaired by the Attorney-General, has Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi(SAN); Prof. Alkasum Abba; Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Y. Sidikat Ijaiya; Justice Augustine B. Utsaha; and Dr Onwusoro Maduka (Secretary) as members.

It also has representatives of the Police, Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, NSCIA, and CAN.

According to the committee’s report, 175 inmates were interviewed and 62 applications were received on behalf of 119 others, bringing the total to 294 cases considered.

Of these, 82 were recommended for clemency, two for pardon, 65 for sentence reduction, and seven death sentences for commutation.

Fifteen ex-convicts were also recommended for presidential pardon – 11 of them posthumously, including the Ogoni Nine.

The committee said it considered factors such as old age (60 years and above), terminal illness, youth (16 years and below), long-term incarceration with good conduct, remorse, vocational skills training, and recommendations from correctional officers, including Nigerian prisoners deported from abroad.

The PACPM was inaugurated on January 15, 2025, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to promote justice, rehabilitation, and human rights.

Briefing reporters after the Council of State and Police Council meetings, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the approvals underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to justice reform and humane governance.

According to him, the gesture aims to decongest correctional facilities and promote restorative justice, in line with Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons, reprieves, or commute sentences.

Alhaji Tonge Bularafa was approved as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State at the NPC.

Gates, Yakubu, Amuka-Pemu, 956 get national honours

In another major decision, the Council approved President Tinubu’s proposal to confer national honours on 959 eminent individuals for the 2024-2025 cycle.

Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr Emanso Umobong, said the awards included 824 successful applications and 135 special recognitions.

She explained that the reconstituted National Honours Award Committee, chaired by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Mohammed Bage, screened over 5,000 applications before submitting its final recommendations.

Among those to be honoured are philanthropist Bill Gates, veteran journalist and publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu, and immediate past INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

Super Falcons and D’Tigresses received recognition for excellence in sports.

Police Council approves funding proposals

Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, stated that the Police Council approved proposals to strengthen the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), including the repeal and re-enactment of its Establishment Act 2025 to remove the six-year sunset clause and render it a permanent agency.

He proposed raising the statutory deduction from the Federation Account from 0.5 per cent to two per cent to expand funding for police training, welfare, logistics, and technology.

The Council, however, approved an increment of one per cent.

‘All our prayers were approved without omission,’ the minister said, noting that the Attorney-General has been directed to incorporate the approvals into a proposed Executive Bill.