Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and illegal trade in endangered species.

Adeniyi made this commitment when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.

He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling but through broader national security implications.

‘We believe in the power of collaboration. We can achieve more with less when we work together,’ he said.

He revealed that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that Customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.

He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.

‘We will accept your request for partnership unconditionally. We will work with your designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security,’ he said.

On her part, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.

She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in areas such as intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.

‘I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work,’ she said.

She noted that human trafficking continues to evolve, requiring close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.

Speaking earlier, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.

Tumaka described Customs as a ‘strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,’ adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.

‘Your officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons. Your expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable,’ she said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso on his birthday.

The President described him as a steadfast public servant whose commitment to national development and democratic growth has remained consistent over the years.

In a birthday message yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President extolled the virtues of the Imo West senator for his enduring contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

President Tinubu recalled Senator Izunaso’s strategic role as the party’s former National Organising Secretary and his active involvement in strengthening the APC’s electoral fortunes in 2015, 2019, and 2023.

He also praised the legislator for his sustained support for the administration’s reforms and policies, particularly his efforts in rallying legislative backing for government programmes.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has urged the Federal Government to spend the significant part of the $ 2 billion available to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to proffer solutions to the power supply challenges of the country’s industrial hubs.

Vice Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Oseni, gave the charge at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) 20th anniversary in Abuja.

The theme of the event was ‘Strengthening Power Sector Governance For A Sustainable Future’

‘The government should deliberate make policy to power industry for economic prosperity since mini-grids of the REA can only provide energy access but would not be able to energize the economy to prosperity.

‘There must be a deliberate policy by the FGN to power our industry for economic prosperity. You can power access through Mini-Grids but you can’t power your economy to prosperity.

‘Thus, there is a need for policy rethink on the utilisation of the USD2bn currently available to the Rural Electrification Agency (‘REA’).

‘A substantial portion of the fund should be dedicated to providing end-to-end solution to the power supply challenges facing our industrial hubs,’ he said.

Oseni recalled that NERC oversaw the privatisation and unbundling of the hitherto state owned vertically integrated monopoly.

He stressed that the commission has developed standard regulatory instruments to strengthen the electricity market, improve reliability of supply and enhance consumer protection.

He said relative to 20 years ago, not less than 30 per cent of the electricity consumers have experienced significant improvement in their electricity services.

But through effective regulation, the Commission has saved the Federal Government several trillion of naira in subsidies thereby contributing to improved fiscal position of the Federal Government, according to him.

The Vice Chairman revealed that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) transmission

transmission networks require significant investments.

The fiscal realities, however, according to him, have shown that the government alone cannot fund it.

He insisted that necessary regulatory framework will go a long way in attracting private investments.

He disclosed that NERC has begun the process for the establishment of Transmission Infrastructure Fund (TIF)), which is expected to get policymakers support.

Oseni further noted that NERC shall sustain the regulatory process for transition to bilateral trading, handholding of state regulatory commissions for capacity development.

He said the Electricity Act of 2023 provides for regulatory oversights at the subnational level.

According to him, 15 states have got their transfer order from the Commission while 11 of them have crossed the six months transitional period but only eight out of the 11 are currently operational.

He added that there is a vacuum in Edo, Ogun and Oyo States.

Southwest leaders yesterday resolved to pursue regional integration to foster prosperity across the six states.

They also reiterated their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies and programmes, noting that a sound foundation is being laid for the future prosperity of the country.

The regional think-tank, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), sought stronger collaboration with the governors towards the implementation of plans designed to make the geo-political region a model in Nigeria.

It noted that only in an atmosphere of unity can the robust ideas be pulled together and deployed towards the development of the zone.

According to the stakeholders, support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is crucial to the success of the reforms that have heralded economic stability and long-term prosperity.

These resolutions were contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the two-day Southwest Stakeholders’ Dialogue, organised by the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, the DAWN Commission, and Southwest Governors’ Forum, held in Akure, Ondo State.

The theme of the conference was: ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.’

The event, which was held at the International Conference Centre (The DOME), Akure in Ondo State, was attended by governors of the six Southwest states, traditional rulers, religious leaders, scholars, religious leaders, civil society groups, women and youth groups.

At yesterday’s session, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, disclosed that over N7 billion was generated from mining fees and approvals for private mineral-buying centres across the country between January and September 2025.

He said Southwest has the highest contribution in the sector in the last nine months.

Eminent cleric, retired Methodist Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, who also spoke at the conference, urged Nigerians to cooperate with President Tinubu in his quest to reposition the country for excellence.

He lauded the reforms, saying that the government cannot be subsidising everything in the country.

According to the communiqué by the organisers, while some challenges are associated with the economic reforms in the short term, they are necessary for sustainable growth.

It, however, urged the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment on its policies and programmes so that Nigerians can understand their objectives and impacts.

The communique reads: ‘The Southwest stakeholders express strong support for the bold economic reforms being implemented by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While these reforms may present short-term challenges, they are essential for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and prosperity.

‘We call on the Federal Government to intensify public enlightenment and information dissemination on the government’s policies, programmes, and expected impacts. Citizens require clear, transparent, and regular communication to fully understand policy rationale, implementation timelines, and measurable outcomes

‘The summit calls for strengthened Yoruba unity and solidarity across all Southwest states and extended Yoruba communities, committing to transcend partisan political differences in pursuit of collective regional development and the advancement of our shared cultural heritage and economic prosperity.

‘The Southwest resolves to reclaim and strengthen its historical position as Nigeria’s centre of development, innovation, and good governance, and to serve as a model for democratic engagement, economic transformation, and social progress.’

The stakeholders called for accelerated regional integration through strategic infrastructure projects, including intra-regional railway networks, industrial hubs, and farm settlements, which they said would boost trade, create jobs, and enhance food security.

They drew the Federal Government’s attention to the poor conditions of federal roads in the region, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha, Lagos-Abeokuta, Ita-Owure-Ado-Ekiti, and Ifaki-Lokoja highways.

To sustain engagement, the summit resolved to institutionalise the Southwest Dialogue as an annual event, serving as a consistent platform for policy assessment and stakeholder collaboration.

It added: ‘Sector-specific working groups shall be established to provide continuous input on policy development and implementation, meeting regularly to review progress, address challenges, and make evidence-based recommendations to government.’

The communiqué also stated that the DAWN Commission would be strengthened to serve as the technical secretariat of the summit.

Alake: Southwest contributed over N7b mining revenue in nine months

Alake said over N30 billion was generated from mining fees and approvals for private mineral-buying centres across the country between January and September.

He said the region contributed N7.2 billion to the total revenue, making it the highest contributor to the mining income.

Alake said it is a significant leap in investor confidence and sectoral growth.

He said: ‘It is with pride that I announce authoritatively here today that between January and September this year, we have recorded over N13 billion as total revenue. And, wait for this – the South-West contributed N7.2 billion, making it the highest contributor to mining revenues of the federal government.’

The minister attributed the revenue boost to reforms and awareness campaigns designed to attract investors into the solid minerals sector, adding that the Southwest is strategically positioned to reap economic dividends from the reforms.

Alake said: ‘The Southwest has the most successful gold mining project in Nigeria – the Segilola Gold Project – which in 2024 declared a turnover of $193 million at its international headquarters.

‘The Segilola Gold Mining Project in Osun State employs over 2,000 workers, 80 per cent of whom are youths below 40 years of age.’

Alake said the project pays the highest taxes and royalties in the gold sub-sector, significantly boosting Nigeria’s presence in the global gold market.

He added: ‘This success is credited to Sheikh Horos, the Managing Director and CEO of Segilola Gold in Washington. The project is key to marketing Nigeria at various international forums.’

Highlighting the mineral wealth of the region, Alake described the Southwest as being richly endowed with gold, lithium, limestone, granite, clay, silica, salt, feldspar, kaolin, laterite, quartz, manganese, beryllium, and gemstones.

He said: ‘Our records show that South-West companies hold 1,801 mineral titles, including 630 exploration licenses, 51 mining leases, 284 quarry leases, and 836 small-scale mining licenses.

‘As of October 15, Ondo State had the highest number of titles at 481, followed by Oyo (441) and Osun (374). The South-West’s large concentration of quarry leases also explains the cluster of mining explosives manufacturing companies in the region.’

The minister disclosed that the government had licensed 46 private mineral buying centres and registered 369 mining cooperatives with over 5,000 members.

He said the cooperative model serves as a non-kinetic strategy to combat illegal mining.

Alake said the introduction of higher royalties and fees has boosted government revenue and encouraged mergers and acquisitions among mining firms, thereby improving their financial capacity and access to funding.

He stressed: ‘Previously, individuals held as many as 35 mining licenses without operating any. Meanwhile, investors with capital lacked licenses. The review of fees forced consolidation and improved financial discipline in the sector.’

Alake also said that revenues from the Mining Cadastral Office doubled from N6 billion in 2023 to N12.2 billion in 2024, and by last week had climbed by 110 per cent to N26.7 billion in 2025.

He added: ‘As we approach the year’s end, we expect even greater achievements.’

*Ladigbolu lists benefits of Tinubu’s reforms

Ladigbolu, chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) and Afenifere elder, warned against resistance to reforms.

The cleric spoke on: A Reflection on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal.’

He listed 11 benefits that would accrue to the country if the economic reforms succeed.

Ladigbolu said: ‘It will make more money available to the Government for infrastructure development and eventually reduce expenses.

‘Electricity generation (for example) will improve, and we will need less Petrol and Diesel for powering our generators. More vehicles will also be powered by gas, thus reducing our reliance on PMS. The availability of cooking gas will reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, thereby protecting our environment from degradation.

‘Massive transportation facilities will be available, like trains and buses, thereby reducing the number of Heavy-duty trucks and tankers on our roads. This, in turn, will reduce our expenses on road repairs and maintenance nationwide.

‘Affordable healthcare services will be at our beck and call, while global standard education will also thrive.

‘The policies will drive massive local manufacturing and production (like we once had at Lafia Canning Industry, Apata, Ibadan).

‘We shall return to agricultural investments and the use of local products. Our Engineers and Technologists will embrace innovation and creativity, producing appropriate tools and machines for our small, medium and large-scale industries without needing to use the Dollar to import them from America or China or Korea.

‘Our flashy, showoffish, and extravagant lifestyles will be curtailed, and more and more will live within their means. Wasteful, careless spending will be under control. Our number of personal vehicles and luxury automobiles will be curtailed, and unnecessary travel will be avoided.

‘As we grow wiser (but not miserly), more Nigerians will ask questions of our Governments and make them accountable for the disbursement and management of public funds.

‘Public office holders nationwide will be more careful and watchful. Corruption will be drastically reduced.

‘The price of PMS, gas, pipe-borne water and other utilities will reduce as we all determine to sacrifice for our Great Nation, Nigeria.

‘The fear of God and brotherly love will permeate every aspect of our reformed lives, affecting both the leaders and their followers; for ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.’

Ladigbolu urged the Federal Government to approach the implementation of the new tax law with sensitivity, fairness, and adequate public enlightenment.

He stressed the need for public trust and understanding in driving economic reforms.

Ladigbolu urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Ministry of Information, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to embark on massive public engagement to educate Nigerians on the objectives and implications of the new tax regime.

He enjoined Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic about the ongoing economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government.

He also expressed confidence that the country would reap substantial benefits if the reforms were pursued with transparency and consistency.

*Adeleke calls for agro-industrialisation, regional rail

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke urged the Southwest to leverage the federal support to drive agro-industrialisation.

He said that each state can focus on a product in which it has a comparative advantage.

Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, said the region should adopt a strategic development outlook that prioritises regional growth, irrespective of political affiliations.

The governor proposed the development of a circular cargo railway for the Southwest in partnership with the Federal Government, describing it as a catalyst for regional economic expansion.

Adewusisaid: ‘We must additionally develop a network of dry ports across the zone, all linked with the circular railway project. It is our position that the South-West must elevate power applications beyond partisan considerations.’

On security, the governor said: ‘For security, we must enhance and strengthen Amotekun instead of current efforts to demonise the body based on partisan considerations.’

Adeleke emphasised the need for political unity in the region, warning against the misuse of federal power.

He said: ‘More importantly, we must never deploy federal power against ourselves, no matter the differences. We must develop an internal clearing house where disagreements can be sorted,’ Adeleke said.

The governor also cautioned against compromising democratic principles in the pursuit of development, urging political leaders in the region to uphold electoral integrity.

He added, ‘I must warn that we must never compromise democracy in our quest for development. As the most literate segment of the Nigerian society, the Southwest must enhance and protect the rights of its citizens to vote and be voted for. Southwest should be the bastion of free and fair elections in Nigeria.

‘We must avoid the temptation to rig elections, as the consequences have never been palatable. The rights of the people as expressed through the ballot boxes must be respected.’

At yesterday’s session were former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Okunrinboye, Senator Femi Okunnu, Chief Jamiu Ekungba, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, presidential aides- Tunde Rahmon, Bolaji Adebiyi and Tope Ajayi, Chief Kole Omololu and former Information Commissioner Yemi Olowolabi.

Also at the event were the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo and Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Obateru Akinruntan.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments of service chiefs, stating that the appointments demonstrate the country’s security is in capable hands.

Musa stated this in his valedictory speech at pulling out parade organised in his honour at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, on Friday.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Defence Staff, noting that he had left the Armed Forces with a clear conscience, having given his best to the nation.

The former Defence Chief said the parade was not just a ceremony, but a sacred military tradition marking the conclusion of 39 years and 4 months of remarkable service to his beloved nation, Nigeria, adding that the parade also signals the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

He said: ‘As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am humbled by the privilege of having served my country.

‘It has been an incredible honour, and I do not take that for granted. We shall remain loyal and committed to the cause, even in retirement. Together, we will continue to ensure that our armed forces and security agencies are able to fulfil their responsibilities with excellence,’ he said.

While congratulating his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, and assured them of his full support as they continue the great work.

‘The security of our nation is in capable hands, and I urge you all, personnel and civilians alike, to continue serving with the same loyalty, dedication, and professionalism that you have shown me.’

General Musa in his tribute to the men and women of the armed forces described them as the true heroes of our nation.

He said: ‘I have had the privilege of serving alongside giants. I have witnessed your courage in the face of adversity, your resilience in the harshest conditions, and your unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of our country.

‘You are the best among us, and it has been the highest honour of my life to be your comrade and your leader.

‘I urge you all to never lose faith, to remain steadfast in your duties, and to uphold the values of loyalty, sacrifice, and selfless service. Remember: defeat is temporary, but victory is forever. Keep believing in Nigeria, for it is a nation worth fighting for.’

‘As I retire my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all. I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie, battle-hardened thoughts, and the triumphs we celebrated together as one family.

‘While the sound of the drill may fade for me, the heart of a soldier beats forever. I may be retiring from active service, but I will never retire from my love for Nigeria,’.

‘I remain a soldier at heart, a patriot committed to the Constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.’

One person has been confirmed dead, while eight others were rescued after a three-storey building with a penthouse collapsed at 28 Baale Alayabiagba Street, Ajegunle, Lagos.

The building, which was said to be undergoing manual demolition, caved in around 11:09am yesterday, trapping some of the workers under the rubble.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), eight adult male workers were rescued while one man was recovered dead from the debris.

Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed the incident, said emergency responders swiftly moved to the scene following a distress call.

He said: ‘Upon arrival, it was observed that a three-storey building with a penthouse undergoing manual demolition collapsed, trapping some workers under the rubble. Eight adult males were rescued alive, while one adult male was recovered dead’.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu added that the injured victims were treated on-site by officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) before being taken to Ajeromi General Hospital for further medical attention.

Responders at the scene included LASEMA, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), LASAMBUS, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police.

Also, multiple accidents on the Kara Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway causede major traffic congestions across the state. The accident, which occurred barely hours after a fatal crash on the bridge left several people dead, was said to have injured at least one person. it halted movements from Otedola Bridge into Alausa; Eko Bridge, Third Mainland and the Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway for several hours.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he is confidence of retaining his seat in the 2026 governorship election, saying his achievements and goodwill will enhance his re-election chances.

Adeleke stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after he was screened by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osun State Governorship Screening Panel in Abuja.

‘I’m so confident I’m going to win. If I could defeat an incumbent and now that I’m the governor, within two years, it’s unprecedented what we have achieved in less than two years. I’m so confident that nobody can beat us there.’

He expressed confidence that the federal might will not influence the outcome of the election because he is popular and the people of the state have much love for him.

‘How can I be scared? I’m too popular! Anywhere I go, people love me and everybody say `Imole.’

‘What are you talking about? Anywhere I go, throughout this country, even among the All Progressives Congress (APC) people, I have some friends as well as in other parties.

‘Just take APC as a case study: anytime they’re having a party or an event, I’ll go there, I’ll take over and they all love me.

‘If you are not performing, that’s when you’ll be scared. When you have your people behind you, you don’t have to fear,” he said.

Adeleke said that he is optimistic that President Bola Tinubu will not want to be dabble into the state election, but would rather ensure free, fair and credible election.

Also speaking to newsmen, Adebayo Adepoju, the Chairman, Osun State PDP Governorship Screening Committee, described the screening process as smooth process.

‘We had gone through all his credentials to ascertain that everything was in order. We had done that even before he arrived, he had submitted his documents on time.

‘We went through his forms, his nomination forms and we also noticed that he was nominated by very highly placed people as well as ordinary people in Osun communities.

‘This just shows that he is very well accepted all around the party. We went through other credentials besides academic ones that he had submitted and everything was very, very satisfactory to us.

‘When he came in, we asked him a few questions and all his answers matched what he had submitted,” Adepoju said.

Adepoju who said that the committee was still expecting more aspirants to appear before it, added that the committee report would be submitted to the party at the conclusion of the entire exercise.(NAN)

At least five persons have lost their lives, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred yesterday in Ondo State.

The accident, which occurred around 9:10am at Oyin Junction, after Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, involved a Nissan Sunny car and a DAF tipper truck.

According to eyewitnesses, the victims were on their way to the popular Ogbese Market, on the outskirts of Akure, to trade their goods.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, attributed the cause of the crash to over speeding.

‘Seven people were involved, five people – one male adult, three female adults, and one female child – died, while two others were injured,’ Ibitoye said.

He added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, by personnel from the FRSC Owo Unit Command.

Ibitoye lamented the rising cases of avoidable accidents on major routes across the state, saying the command had intensified engagements with tipper drivers and other motorists along the Akure-Ogbese axis to promote safer driving practices.

‘It is becoming too frequent. We have been engaging tipper drivers and will continue to do so. They must ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent crashes caused by mechanical faults,’ he said.

The sector commander called on motorists to adopt defensive driving techniques, especially during the ember months, stressing the need for road users to drive responsibly to safeguard lives and support national development.

The Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure that the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election is fair, transparent, and credible.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of both agencies in Awka, noting that the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration with security agencies in promoting inclusive and credible elections.

Orakwe said the partnership was crucial in light of growing concerns about potential electoral violence. He urged security agencies to guarantee the protection of electoral materials and the safety of voters before, during, and after the election.

He said: ‘This initiative is part of CATYCOI’s broader youth-led advocacy for electoral reforms in line with the ongoing constitutional amendment process and the need to safeguard democratic governance in Nigeria.

‘We seek collaboration with the Police and the NSCDC to enhance civic participation and ensure security during the election. Our goal is to promote good governance, voter education, and inclusiveness throughout the electoral process.’

While commending the police for their professionalism in previous elections, Orakwe expressed confidence that they would build on past successes in the November 8 poll.

‘We are advocating and hoping that the police and other security agencies will ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election devoid of violence,’ he added.

Responding on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, commended CATYCOI for its advocacy toward peaceful and credible elections.

Ikenga, however, noted that such initiatives should ideally begin long before an election year to achieve wider reach and deeper community impact.

‘This kind of advocacy should have started much earlier so that the message could have reached every part of the state. Our biggest challenge remains voter apathy – people must be encouraged to participate actively in the process,’ he said.

Also responding on behalf of the NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, the Deputy Commandant, P. N. Ukaobi, pledged the Corps’ readiness to partner with CATYCOI and other civic organisations to promote credible and peaceful elections.

Ukaobi lamented the low voter turnout recorded in previous elections, despite the government’s financial investments in the electoral process, and called for renewed public confidence in democratic participation.

‘The NSCDC will continue to engage with civic groups and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral environment,’ she added.

The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Godswill Akpabio has made a passionate call for the empowerment of the Nigerian girl child through sports, stressing that when girls are given equal opportunities, the entire nation benefits.

Delivering her keynote address at an event organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) marking the 60th celebration/diamond jubilee anniversary of the Association, Mrs. Akpabio who was represented by Mrs. Matilda Samson Ekong celebrated the remarkable achievements of Nigerian female athletes who have brought global recognition to the nation despite facing enormous challenges.

‘Nigeria’s basketball team has risen above the odds to dominate the African Championship and earn global respect. Our track queens, from Chioma Ajunwa, who made history with Nigeria’s first Olympic gold in 1996, to Tobi Amusan, who stunned the world with her record-breaking performance, have proven that when Nigerian women rise, the world takes notice,’ she said.

Mrs. Ekong, speaking with conviction, emphasized that behind every successful woman athlete is a girl who dared to dream, often in the face of discouragement and limited opportunities.

She lamented that too many Nigerian girls are still denied access to sports facilities, discouraged by societal norms that view sports as male-dominated, and burdened by cultural expectations that restrict their growth.

‘We lose potential every time a young girl is told to sit on the side-line while others play,’ she warned. ‘Empowering the girl child through sport means changing mind-sets – in families, schools, and communities.’

Mrs. Ekong underscored that sports are not merely about competition but also a tool for personal development, discipline and confidence. She urged parents to recognize the transformative power of sports and support their daughters in pursuing it.

Sharing an inspiring story, she recounted the journey of Talia Lorepo, a Kenyan girl who defied social and economic odds to become the first African woman to win the New York City Marathon. Lorepo’s success, Mrs. Ekong noted, went beyond medals – she became a beacon of hope and a unifier through her foundation.

‘That is the power of sports empowerment,’ she explained. ‘It’s not just about medals; it’s about transformation – creating ripples of possibility that spread across families, communities, and generations.’

She also challenged sports journalists to use their platforms to highlight the achievements of female athletes and inspire future generations.

‘The stories you tell can inspire millions,’ she said. ‘When you highlight the struggles and victories of our women athletes, you make it possible for another little girl to dream.’

Mrs. Ekong further called on corporate Nigeria – banks, telecoms, oil and gas, and manufacturing companies – to partner with government and civil society in investing in sports development, particularly for young girls.

‘When you invest in girls’ sports, you are not just funding play; you are fuelling progress,’ she asserted. ‘You are creating confident young women who will become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.’

As she rounded off her address, Mrs. Ekong urged Nigerians to build a society where girls have equal access to opportunities, are celebrated for their talents, and are empowered to lead.

‘Engaging the girl child through sports is not just a goal; it is a duty. If we give our girls the same chance we give our boys, we are not just raising athletes – we are raising leaders, teachers, journalists, and citizens who will move this nation forward,’ she declared.