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Brazil’s voters have given President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva another chance to govern. His victory also preserves the country’s freedom to negotiate its international partnerships. The election results leave Lula responsible for demonstrating what he can deliver in a fourth term. Whether an octogenarian president in a Latin America that is turning conservative can do so is a defining question for the next four years.

Lula won 51.79 percent of valid votes compared with Flavio Bolsonaro’s 48.21 percent reversing a 1.87-point deficit from the first round. Almost half of voters cast valid ballots for his opponent. A fourth presidential victory demonstrates extraordinary personal resilience but it cannot be read as an endorsement of his entire record.

Anatomy of a comeback

The comeback required mobilization beyond Lula’s loyal base. National abstention fell from 21.08 percent in the first round to roughly 19.2 percent. Lula’s campaign stepped up its outreach to those who had stayed home or remained unconvinced.

The electoral geography is clearer. Gains in Sao Paulo Minas Gerais Rio de Janeiro and Bahia together brought Lula millions of additional votes compared with the first round widening his overall margin over Bolsonaro. Lula recovered Minas Gerais and reinforced his advantage in the Northeast. He also won the city of Sao Paulo although Bolsonaro carried the state. The decisive expansion therefore went beyond familiar Workers’ Party strongholds.

Pre-election polling had shown Lula stronger among poorer voters and women. These constituencies help explain his coalition but claims about specific vote transfers require further evidence. Politically the result suggests that dissatisfaction with Lula did not automatically translate into confidence in a Bolsonaro successor. Voters could demand change while remaining uneasy about the alternative.

Foreign interference and national autonomy

Foreign involvement complicated that choice. Donald Trump’s pressure Javier Milei’s campaigning and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s endorsement gave Bolsonaro international visibility. What Flavio Bolsonaro expected to be a decisive asset for his campaign proved instead to be a poisoned chalice. It enabled Lula to link his defense of sovereignty to a tangible concern: whether Brazil’s next government would negotiate independently or import foreign patrons’ priorities.

Foreign involvement helped Lula politically by giving his sovereignty argument a concrete target. Establishing the precise electoral effect of this foreign pressure however is harder. The result alone cannot tell us how many voters rejected Bolsonaro because of outside backing. Nevertheless economic pressure gave the president grounds to frame autonomy as a protection for Brazilian livelihoods including those affected by tariffs rather than as an abstract diplomatic ambition.

The election offers a difficult lesson. Jair Bolsonaro’s decision to promote his son reinforced the movement’s dependence on one family. A modern conservative alternative needs credible programs for security and public spending as well as leaders with executive experience. Social media reach helped conservative candidates compete but winning national office requires proving that their organisations have the competence to govern.

Lula faces a related succession problem. His fourth victory confirms how heavily the Brazilian left depends on him. He should use this term to strengthen party institutions and groom leaders capable of carrying his platform beyond his presidency. Repeating past achievements will not satisfy younger voters seeking better education productive employment and protection from violence.

Pragmatism abroad

Abroad the outcome favours continuity of strategic autonomy. Brazil should negotiate constructively with Washington on trade and security while maintaining its partnerships with China and the wider Global South. Chinese demand sustains key Brazilian export sectors where the United States is actually a direct competitor particularly in soybeans. Sacrificing commercial opportunities to demonstrate political loyalty would cost Brazilian producers.

BRICS gives Brazil a forum to help shape institutions alongside other major developing economies. Lula should use that position to secure finance and technological cooperation that support development at home. International prominence needs practical results to retain domestic support.

The immediate political task is reconciliation. The late extension of voting hours amid transport and weather difficulties requires a transparent explanation. Institutions should answer questions with evidence and follow lawful procedures to protect confidence in the result and prevent grievances from hardening into a permanent refusal to accept electoral defeat.

Lula’s legacy will ultimately depend on confronting corruption improving learning outcomes and making communities safer. That requires investigations that reach politically connected offenders schools that teach pupils to understand what they read and security policies that protect residents from organized crime. Success must be visible in public services and opportunities including for those who voted against him. Political parties must also recruit and prepare capable public servants rather than treating online popularity as a sufficient qualification. The next four years offer Brazil an opportunity to begin renewing both political camps. Voters have entrusted Lula with another mandate; the country now needs a government that can turn that mandate into improvements people can recognize.

Come November 5 2026 MultiChoice Group a Canal+ company will unveil its new simplified packages for its Nigeria audience.

In the new repackaged structure DSTV package will now comprise Starter Select Sports and Premium while GOtv subscribers will have the pleasure of choosing from: Easy Starter Select and Sports.

The new package line-up according to the company is designed to avail subscribers clearer choices more accessible content and greater value across the portfolio.

This was announced recently at a media parley held at the company’s corporate head office in Lagos.

According to MultiChoice Nigeria CEO Kemi Omotosho ‘Our focus is on giving subscribers better value and access to the entertainment they love. The strength of our platform is the combination of African entertainment leading international content and unrivalled live sports in one place. We’ve reimagined our packages to better reflect how customers watch today with tailored options specifically for general entertainment and sports fans.’

The new arrangement also opens up more vista of entertainment as some of DSTV’s biggest channels will now be available at significantly more accessible prices.

Starter which is the lowest bouquet will thus feature two new channels: SuperSports KICKOFF which avails subscribers the opportunity to watch the EPL Match of The Week and selected games from the UEFA Champions League; and Africa Magic+ which offers premium local and international series and more.

Select offers a wide range of entertainment offering all movie channels local and international series a selection of top football and other sports as well as the complete kids’ channel offering.

The Sports package offers every Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches WWE and UFC; alongside all the general entertainment channels.

DStv’s most comprehensive package Premium will now combine everything available on Sports with additional premium sporting titles including Formula 1 MotoGP Grand Slam tennis and Golf majors as well as the best international series on M-Net.

Notably GOtv customers will also benefit from MultiChoice’s refreshed package line-up with new GOtv packages launching alongside the new DStv offering on 5 November. Built around the same principles of greater value simpler choice and access to more of the entertainment the new GOtv packages will provide an enhanced viewing experience tailored to local audiences.

According to MultiChoice Senior Vice President Communications Tope Oshunkeye GOtv is not left behind in the New Era Expect More repackaging as subscribers will now have the opportunity of viewing all Champions League games on the Sports package.

Governor Dauda Lawal has presented staff of office and official vehicles to 19 emirs in Zamfara State.

The coronation and presentation ceremony took place at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau the state capital.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto the Etsu Nupe and the Emir of Gwandu.

Following their oaths of office Governor Lawal presented staff of office to 11 first class emirs and eight second class emirs.

Each newly coronated emir also received a GAC ULTRA SUV (2025/2026 model) a MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicle and an EV ANTIQUE MODEL car (DDP). The vehicles are intended to support their travels and help them engage more closely with their communities.

In his remarks Governor Lawal said the ceremony reflected his administration’s recognition of the traditional institution as an enduring part of society and an important partner in promoting peace stability and development.

He noted that the ceremony also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to giving traditional rulers the recognition and institutional support they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He said ‘The staff of office being presented today signifies the authority entrusted to you by the State.’

‘It also represents a responsibility to govern your respective domains with fairness wisdom integrity and compassion.

‘I expect every emir to carry out their responsibilities without discrimination uphold justice and ensure that the traditional institution remains accessible to all members of the community.

‘Our people must find guidance fairness and reassurance in their traditional rulers.

‘Recognising the importance of royal palaces as centres of traditional authority and community engagement I reaffirm our commitment to completing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the remaining royal palaces.

‘This is part of our broader effort to strengthen these institutions and improve the conditions in which traditional rulers carry out their responsibilities.

‘We are also providing official vehicles to the 19 emirs. These include GAC ULTRA SUVs (2025/2026 models) MIKANO ZNA HILUX vehicles and EV ANTIQUE MODEL cars (DDP).

‘This provision is intended to facilitate travel across your respective emirates encourage closer engagement with your communities and improve coordination with government institutions.

‘I expect these vehicles to be properly maintained and used responsibly in support of your official duties.’

The governor also urged the royal fathers to build a productive partnership between their emirates and the State Government.

Earlier the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar had urged the newly coronated emirs to remain fully loyal to the authority. He also encouraged them to respect and uphold the dignity of the traditional institution as they discharge their duties.

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in two separate operations in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The victims were rescued following encounters between the troops and armed bandits on 30 and 31 October 2026.

In the first operation the troops responded to a distress call that bandits had blocked a road to Ribah town and were attempting to invade the community.

On arrival the soldiers found that some residents had been abducted and several motorcycles were abandoned at the scene.

The troops immediately pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a gun battle forcing them to abandon seven captives.

The rescued victims were identified as Sa’adu Bala Dantani Yahyi Nura Musa Nasiru Muhammad Abdulakeem Abubakar Abdulahi Maikudi and Zaki Gom. They have since been reunited with their families.

In a separate operation troops on patrol around Wasagu came under attack by terrorists but responded decisively forcing the assailants to flee and abandon four kidnapped farmers.

The victims reportedly abducted from their farms in Wasagu Village were identified as Lawali Ali Samaila Shuaibu Kasimu Shuaibu and Aliyu Bala.

They were subsequently handed over to the community head.

The troops reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property in the area assuring residents of continued efforts to respond swiftly to security threats and prevent criminal activities.

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lamented the unfortunate deaths of five Nigerian students from Gombe State who lost their lives in a tragic road accident involving a GUO Logistics truck along the Ijebu-Epe Road while travelling in search of Industrial Training (IT) placements.

NANS said it was so unfortunate that the dreams of the deceased students were cut short while travelling from Gombe to Lagos in search of Industrial Training (IT) placements noting that it was devastating to see their journey end in such a tragic manner.

A statement by NANS President Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez sympathised with the bereaved families friends colleagues and the entire Nigerian student community over the painful loss praying that God grants the families fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

NANS however said that while mourning the departed students it cannot remain silent over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident adding that the most disheartening part of the tragedy was that up till this moment the logistics firm was yet to take responsibility for the ugly incident that took the lives of the students.

‘Consequently we demand that GUO Logistics take full responsibility for this incident and ensure that the families are properly engaged and attended to. The company must also ensure that all injured victims receive adequate medical care.

‘We hereby give GUO Logistics 72 hours to take full responsibility particularly by reaching out to all the bereaved families providing the necessary support to them and ensuring that the injured victims receive adequate medical attention. We expect the company to act accordingly within the stipulated 72 hours.

‘We further demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish the facts and ensure that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.

‘Our departed students deserve justice. Their families deserve compassion and support while the injured deserve proper medical care. Of course we cannot bring these students back to life but we can get justice for them.

‘To the families of our departed students and the entire Nigerian student community we share in your pain. These were our colleagues and our future leaders. Their loss is a loss to all of us and we shall continue to demand accountability on their behalf.’

The Federal Government has invested over N1 trillion in cancer control in the past year Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said.

Bagudu disclosed this at the 12th edition of the Walk Away Cancer campaign held on Saturday in Abuja where survivors health professionals policymakers advocates and residents called for greater awareness early detection and stronger support for people living with cancer.

The 5.4-kilometre awareness walk organised by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) was held under the theme ‘One Walk One Fight – Walk Away Cancer’ as part of activities marking the conclusion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month also known as Pink October.

The minister said the Federal Government had committed N350 billion to establishing cancer centres across the country while over N300 billion had been invested in cancer detection equipment alongside additional allocations to the health sector.

He added that further resources had been made available to state and local governments to strengthen cancer prevention early detection and treatment.

Bagudu however urged Nigerians to hold state and local governments accountable to ensure that funds allocated for cancer control were judiciously utilised.

‘I want to commend the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) under the leadership of Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu for its relentless and long-standing cancer awareness campaign.

‘Cancer control remains one of the priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector’ he said.

Also speaking the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory Dr. Maria Mahmoud stressed the importance of early screening particularly among women and young girls to improve the chances of successful treatment.

She commended the organisers for sustaining the awareness campaign expressing optimism that increased public sensitisation would help reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer.

‘We appreciate this sensitisation initiative for Nigerians. With this kind of massive awareness campaign the high prevalence of cervical cancer will go down’ she said.

Similarly the Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed said cancer does not discriminate based on age social status or influence noting that patients need collective support throughout their treatment journey.

‘No one fights cancer alone. To all cancer patients and survivors we see your fight and honour your courage. We shall continue to stand with you in solidarity’ she said.

In her remarks the President of the Union for International Cancer Control Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu said the organisation alongside other stakeholders had sustained the fight against cancer for more than 12 years.

She called for increased government funding and stronger partnerships to improve cancer prevention diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

‘We want to see a lot more financial appropriation for the fight against cancer. A lot has been done this year and we want to thank President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for investing heavily in the health sector’ she said.

The President of the Cancer Society of Nigeria Prof. Abidemi Omonisi also urged the Federal Government civil society organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support cancer patients and survivors describing such assistance as essential to national development.

He commended Bagudu for her advocacy and financial contributions to support patients noting that the high cost of cancer treatment remained a major challenge for many Nigerians.

A cancer survivor Mr Farooq Oreagba who said he had lived with a cancer diagnosis for more than 12 years attributed his survival to early screening and detection.

He urged Nigerians not to regard a cancer diagnosis as an automatic death sentence emphasising the importance of regular medical checks.

‘Being diagnosed with cancer is not a death sentence. All I ask of everyone here is to get regular screenings because early detection saves lives. My cancer was detected even when I was not ill. I still have a few more years to go and I am not ready to quit’ he said.

The awareness walk began with an aerobics session at Monoliza Park Area 11 Garki before participants proceeded along designated routes within the Federal Capital Territory.

A major attraction was the Health Village where participants accessed free medical services including clinical breast examinations blood pressure and blood sugar checks hepatitis testing and eye screenings.

Participants also received coupons for discounted digital mammograms at Medicaid facilities while young girls were offered Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to protect against the virus responsible for most cervical cancer cases.

The event also featured survivor testimonies goodwill messages celebrity performances and an after-walk concert.

The 12th edition was preceded by activities on Friday October 30 including a solidarity visit to cancer patients at the National Hospital Abuja as well as the Pink October Pop-up sales event and fashion show at Monoliza Park.

The fashion show featured brands including PriscyLuxe owned by actress Priscilla Ojo; Ciar; Roza; Amida; Shanty’s; and Ksei Legacy Wear. The organisers said 20 per cent of sales profits would go towards supporting cancer patients.

Proceeds from the sale of branded Walk Away Cancer kits will also support the foundation’s patient assistance programmes including financial assistance and treatment navigation for people living with cancer.

The organisers noted that late diagnosis and the high cost of treatment remained major barriers to cancer survival in Nigeria underscoring the need for sustained awareness accessible screening services and increased investment in cancer care.

The National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Baba Othman Ngelzarma has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 saying the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has given pastoralists and livestock farmers hope after decades of neglect.

Ngelzarma said livestock stakeholders across the country were prepared to support Tinubu in appreciation of his administration’s decision to create a dedicated ministry to address the challenges confronting the sector.

He spoke at a rally organised by the Fulbe APC Forum and Tinubu Yeso-Yeso Political Forum (TYPF) in collaboration with the Coalition of Pastoralists and Traders Associations and the Amalgamated Union of Livestock Dealers Butchers and other stakeholders in the sector.

The gathering held in Kaduna under the theme ‘United for Inclusion Representation and Prosperity’ attracted Fulani groups pastoralists cattle breeders livestock dealers butchers processors and political stakeholders from across the country.

Ngelzarma said livestock farmers and pastoralists had campaigned for the establishment of a dedicated ministry for decades before the Tinubu administration created it in July 2024.

‘We are here today to extend our appreciation and support to the administration of President Tinubu.

‘The creation of the livestock ministry is something we have been advocating for and looking forward to for decades’ he said.

He added that the initiative had encouraged some state governments to establish similar institutions to coordinate livestock development describing it as a significant opportunity to address the longstanding challenges of pastoralists and other operators in the industry.

The MACBAN president said the support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition was a demonstration of appreciation for the administration’s recognition of the economic importance of livestock development.

The Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha urged pastoralists livestock farmers and other operators to take advantage of the ministry’s programmes to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

Maiha said the livestock sector had remained below its potential for decades due to inadequate veterinary services limited access to pasture and water high feed costs poor market infrastructure and low productivity.

He said Nigeria had about 58 million cattle 124 million goats 70 million sheep 9.3 million pigs 3.2 million donkeys 700000 camels and 300 million birds describing the figures as enormous economic opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

The minister said the Federal Government was implementing policies to improve animal health breeding feed production dairy farming meat processing and access to markets.

He disclosed that seven veterinary hospitals had been completed and equipped under a World Bank-supported programme while additional facilities were at various stages of completion.

According to him the government plans to expand veterinary services across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory with primary veterinary facilities also planned for the 774 local government areas.

Maiha urged livestock associations to collaborate with the ministry and state governments within three months to identify the major challenges confronting their members and develop practical proposals for investment and improved service delivery.

He said the Federal Government was also working to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in regional and international livestock trade through improved animal health standards traceability and market infrastructure.

The minister called for peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities stressing that dialogue and responsible management of land and water resources were essential to sustainable livestock development.

He added that the government wanted young Nigerians to regard livestock production as a profitable business capable of generating employment and wealth rather than merely a traditional occupation.

In his remarks Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture Murtala Dabo said the state government was complementing the Federal Government’s initiative through investments in livestock infrastructure and services.

Dabo said Kaduna’s budgetary allocation to livestock development had risen from N1.48 billion in 2023 to more than N100 billion in 2026.

He said the government had provided solar-powered water facilities in pastoralist communities expanded livestock vaccination and introduced artificial insemination services to improve animal productivity.

According to him improved feeding and breeding practices had helped increase milk production among some cattle from about 1.5 litres to between three and four litres.

He added that the state government was also upgrading slaughter facilities and improving infrastructure across the livestock value chain.

A coalition of civil society organisations has concluded an evaluation of the financial performance regulatory compliance and mandate execution of five federal agencies and will publish its findings this month.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Accountability Transparency and the Rule of Law said the review covered the 2023-2026 fiscal cycle and examined public expenditure records procurement activities and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The coalition will present the findings to the media according to a statement jointly issued by the Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch in Nigeria through its Executive Director Amb. Splendour Aironmwanbor Agbonkpolor who chairs the coalition.

The agencies covered by the evaluation are the National Youth Service Corps Galaxy Backbone Limited the National Primary Health Care Development Agency the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Federal Cooperative College Ibadan.

The coalition said the assessment was based on public expenditure records treasury datasets and corporate regulatory registries.

It added that the exercise aimed to promote transparency accountability and compliance with public financial management standards across government institutions.

‘Our objective is to encourage robust dialogue transparency and adherence to due process across all public institutions. We invite stakeholders media practitioners and public officers to engage objectively with the findings as we deliberate on strengthening public administration in Nigeria’ the coalition stated.

Operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps popularly known as ‘So-Safe Corps’ have arrested two suspects over alleged conspiracy burglary and theft of aluminium materials from a property in Shonekan Town Ayodapo Peace Land CDA Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The suspects identified as Bolaji Onifade 67 a land agent and Amiru Abdulahi 27 a scavenger were arrested after the Divisional Officer of Onireke Division SC Jinadu Okikiola received a distress call at about 11:45am on Friday October 30 2026.

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations So-Safe Corps Assistant Commander of Corps Adegunwa Adegbuyi said the incident was reported by the Chairman of Ayodapo Peace Land CDA who alerted the Corps that suspected thieves had been apprehended within the community although one of them reportedly escaped during the initial confrontation.

He said ‘Acting promptly on the information the Divisional Officer SC Jinadu Okikiola accompanied by the Operations Officer ASC Taofeek Omidiran proceeded to the scene.

‘On arrival the officers met one of the suspects and took him to the affected property for on-the-spot assessment and documentation. The suspect reportedly disclosed that his accomplice had escaped. Thereafter the Divisional Officer asked him to contact and persuade his accomplice.

‘In a carefully coordinated operation the Divisional Officer used the first suspect’s mobile phone to establish contact with the fleeing accomplice. The suspect was instructed to tell his accomplice that he had been released and needed help returning home.

‘The operation was subsequently extended to a location around Okungbolu a community not far from the scene of the crime where officers and community members maintained discreet surveillance while awaiting further information.

‘About an hour later the second suspect reportedly contacted his accomplice and disclosed that he was at KA Fueling Station Ogbayo. Acting on the information the Divisional Officer directed the Operations Officer and the first suspect to proceed towards the location on a motorcycle while maintaining the appearance of an ordinary journey.

‘On reaching the fueling station the first suspect reportedly identified his accomplice leading to the immediate arrest of the second suspect. The Divisional Officer and other officers then arrived at the location secured both suspects and returned them to the division for further interrogation.

‘During questioning the two suspects reportedly admitted that they had previously visited the community to remove aluminium window materials from the property. According to their statements they had taken advantage of the relatively quiet environment during working hours and the surrounding bush to remove a substantial quantity of aluminium materials which they intended to sell.’

‘They further reportedly admitted returning on 30 October 2026 to remove the remaining materials for sale.

‘A sack belonging to the second suspect a scavenger was also reportedly found to contain a pair of scissors and a side-cutting plier. The suspect allegedly identified the items as tools he used to cut and remove aluminium materials during such operations.’

The State Commander of So-Safe Dr Soji Ganzallo commended the officers of Onireke Division for their prompt response intelligence-led approach and effective collaboration with community members which led to the arrest of both suspects.

He also urged residents and Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen particularly in surrounding communities to clear bushes and overgrown vegetation and to keep their surroundings clean and tidy.

He noted that proper environmental maintenance could help eliminate potential hiding places for criminals and improve community safety.

The two suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Ifo Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and appropriate legal action. The recovered aluminium materials and other relevant exhibits were also handed over to the Police.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged Katsina State residents to report the circulation of fake drugs and other substandard products to help curb the menace.

The Katsina State Coordinator of the agency Pharmacist Musa Momodu Ikhazobor made the appeal during an interactive session with NAFDAC stakeholders in the state.

He said public cooperation is increasingly important in tackling the circulation of fake products and drug trafficking in Katsina.

‘The circulation of fake products in the state has become disturbing. The public should not be reluctant to raise the alarm and inform NAFDAC’ he said.

Ikhazobor urged residents to use available communication channels including social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to provide information to the agency.

He noted that NAFDAC has offices in all states of the federation making it easier for the public to report suspicious products and activities.

The coordinator said information provided by residents has been helpful adding that the agency cannot monitor every house shop and business outlet without public support.

He assured informants that their identities would remain confidential once they provided credible information.

Ikhazobor also described the stakeholder forum as timely and successful noting that participants’ feedback was important to the agency’s efforts.