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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, yesterday warned that any attempt to induce voters before or during the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State would be resisted and curtailed.

Speaking at the first consultative meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), Amupitan urged Nigerians-especially political actors-to unite in combating the menace of vote buying as a way of restoring integrity to the electoral process.

He said the commission was working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies, particularly the anti-graft agencies, to stop vote buyers from contaminating the electoral process.

‘Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate during the Anambra election,’ he said.

‘Together, let us combat vote buying, uphold the values of democracy, and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections. The path ahead may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve.’

The INEC boss said that following a week-long comprehensive readiness assessment conducted across Anambra State, the commission was confident of its full preparedness for the polls.

According to him, INEC recently conducted a mock accreditation exercise in 12 selected polling units across six local government areas of the state, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to test-run its facilities and readiness.

Members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday held a solidarity march to back the governorship aspiration of the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji (AMBO) and re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The supporters converged on Osogbo City Stadium and marched through Ayetoro, Igbona, Olounkoro, Old-Garage, Orisunbare, Ola-Iya, Fakunle, to Ogo-Oluwa, which covered five kilometres before they stopped at Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office.

They described the NIWA boss as the best aspirant, who had the capacity to deliver victory for the party if given the governorship ticket for the 2026 election.

Former Speaker of House of Assembly Timothy Owoeye said the walk was not just a show of strength for Oyebamiji, but also a reaffirmation that APC remained the party to beat in Osun.

He hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and performance, saying his achievements had rekindled faith in the party across the country.

‘This Unity Walk is to tell Osun people that APC is united and ready for 2026. Asiwaju Oyebamiji stands out as a competent, tested and trusted aspirant with a track record of performance as a two-time commissioner and as managing director of Osun Investment Company Limited,’ Owoeye said.

Addressing reporters, a former commissioner under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Adebayo Adeleke, said the large turnout of APC members to support Oyebamiji was a testament that he was loved by all ahead of December 13 primary.

‘It is obvious that Oyebamiji is an aspirant to beat in the APC primary election. We are happy for this large turnout. We are ready and prepared for the primary election. There is no aspirant in APC that is not competent. They are all competent. But what we are saying is Bola Oyebamiji is above all when it comes to APC. He is more acceptable, a gentleman, knowledgeable and a financial expert. He is the one that can strengthen the economic situation of Osun State.’

ýKehinde Ayantunji, special adviser to former Governor Oyetola, lauded President Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande and Oyetola for their continued support for the APC since 2022.

He said their efforts had strengthened the party and rekindled public trust.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun tree-planting campaign in Ondo State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability across Niger Delta.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring a greener environment, had earlier been launched in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), an environmental solutions non-governmental organisation.

This development comes amid reports of several coastal communities, particularly in southern Nigeria, being devastated by gully erosion.

Speaking yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the theme: ‘Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting’, the Acting State Director of NDDC, Dr. Asonye Victor-Ngozi, said the initiative became necessary in view of the severe ecological impact of erosion across Niger Delta communities.

He noted that the campaign underscored the commission’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of NDDC’s dedication to safeguard the environment.

‘Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating greenhouse effects, improving air and water quality, and sustaining biodiversity,’ he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FOSDO, Dr. Anthony Chovwen, lauded NDDC for funding and supporting tree-planting campaigns across the nine Niger Delta states.

Represented by Ms. Abigail Bokoyeibo, the FOSDO Ondo State programme director, Chovwen said the region was not immune to the effects of climate change, adding that the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.

‘Through this collaboration, we have conducted sensitisation programmes and environmental education projects, reaching more than 1,000 young people in secondary and primary schools across Niger Delta,’ she said.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Menakai Kekwaru, an environmental zoologist from the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the growing threat of climate change caused by human activities that increased carbon emissions and heated the planet.

Dr. Michael Rotimi Olujugba, a lecturer at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, emphasised the vital role of trees in sustaining life and reducing noise pollution.

He urged all tiers of government to implement policies promoting afforestation, noting that ‘anyone who cuts down a tree should be mandated to plant three new ones.’

The event featured practical tree-planting sessions involving students from participating schools, including Community Primary School, Kofawa; Caring Heart Mega School; Ilaje High School and Community Grammar School, Igbokoda.

Former Senate President Pius Anyim yesterday said that economic recovery and industrial development are only possible through the protection of the local market.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said the local productive base should be expanded and strengthened.

He said: ‘There is no gainsaying that every successful local productive economy not only enjoys policy protection but also operates within a competitive production environment.

‘If we must expect a quick turnaround in local production, we must protect our market and enhance our environment. No productive economy thrives without policy protection and a competitive production environment,’ he said.

Anyim spoke in Abuja at the 4th Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN).

The theme of the conference was: ‘Boosting Nigeria’s productive capacity for national growth and self-reliance: The role of leadership, industry, and innovation in policy implementation.’

He argued that no economy could thrive without deliberate efforts to safeguard its domestic production base,

The former President called for a national reawakening on patriotism and shared vision, adding that there is no magic wand to reverse decades of economic decline without sacrifice and a united resolve.

He stressed: ‘We must accept that our national institutions and sense of patriotism have been weakened,

‘There is no simple fix, but with collective resolve and a renewed determination, we can rebuild like China, Singapore, and Vietnam did. It can work for us if we commit to it.’

Anyim said patriotism, policy consistency, and institutional commitment are essential ingredients for reviving the industrial base and achieving sustainable national growth.

He recalled that Nigeria’s earlier attempts at industrialization from the First National Development Plan (1962-1968) to the Indigenization Decree of 1977 had laid solid foundations that once made industrial clusters like Bompai (Kano), Kakuri (Kaduna), Onitsha (Anambra), Aba (Abia) and Ikeja (Lagos) vibrant manufacturing hubs.

The ex-Senate President attributed the collapse past efforts at industrialisation to past military interventions and the oil boom.

He said: ‘The collapse of past efforts was not for lack of understanding of their benefits, especially in job creation and economic stability.

‘The military coups of 1966 dislocated our sense of nationalism and values, replacing patriotism with ethnicity and nepotism. This weakened the rule of law and fostered recklessness in public office.’

Anyim also attributed the collapse to ‘the oil boom of the 1970s, which shifted consumer preference to foreign goods, and Nigeria’s signing of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement in 1994, as major setbacks that turned the nation into a dumping ground for imported products.’

He called urged Nigerians to recommit to a shared vision of national renewal built on patriotism and accountability.

Ayim added: ‘For any meaningful respite to be achieved in record time, we need the combined efforts of our leaders and the people to redirect our nation on the path of patriotism and national aspiration. Without this, no government’s industrial policy can succeed.’

FFDGN’s National Chairman and former Deputy Governor of Abia State Dr. Chris Akomas noted that nation-building is not a sprint, but a continuous process.

He explained that the event was not just another gathering of minds but a reminder that the destiny of the nation rests not in the hands of a few, but in the collective resolve of all citizens.

Akomas described the conference as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical recommendations aimed at accelerating industrial productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring effective policy implementation,

He said: ‘Nation-building is not a sprint; it is a continuous process. At the heart of it lies one indispensable ingredient a shared vision. This is the story of the FFDGN.’

Akomas added: ‘Nigeria is blessed with immense human and natural resources. Our challenge has never been the absence of potential but how to harness and translate it into tangible progress and improved quality of life for our people.’

He called for a grand coalition of purpose where leadership, industry, innovation, and civic responsibility converge to drive sustainable progress.

Akomas said: ‘Our leaders must embody integrity and foresight; our industries must be productive and globally competitive; our innovators must be empowered to create solutions; and every citizen must embrace patriotism, discipline, and a shared vision for national development.’

Former Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamako commended the group for its evolution into a respected institution for policy dialogue.

Wamako, who represents Sokoto North in the Senate, was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi.

He said: ‘ In 1999, I was part of a team that attempted to form an umbrella body for former deputy governors. Our principals truncated it then. Today, I am delighted to see that the vision has not only been revived but has become impactful.’

He pledged his full support for the group’s initiatives and promised to champion legislative actions that would strengthen sub-national development.

Wamako said: ‘We must design a shared vision and work plan to build trust and enhance development at all levels. With the calibre of resource persons here today, actionable solutions will emerge to revitalize Nigeria’s industrial base.’

FFDGN’s Director-General, Dr. Kenneth Ibe-Kalu hailed the unprecedented growth and development currently being recorded within the organization.

Ibe-Kalu said that the group has never experienced such steady progress and robust advancement in all areas since its inception.

He noted that the group has also strengthened internal unity, leading to increased collaboration with serving deputy governors, who now serve as Associate Members and have been instrumental in supporting the Forum’s initiatives.

Ibe-Kalu disclosed that the group has fulfilled one of the key resolutions from last year’s conference by establishing a Peer Review Group to monitor the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Poland remains a friend of Nigeria and will continue to collaborate in areas of trade, innovation, and capacity development to strengthen Nigeria’s productive base.

The event brought together serving and former public officials, diplomats, scholars, and industry leaders.

At the conference were former Deputy Governors Azeem Gbolarunmi (Oyo State), Mukthar Shagari (Sokoto), Philip Shuaibu (Edo) and Lasisi Oluboyo (Ondo).

Other speakers agreed that rebuilding Nigeria’s economy requires patriotism, innovation, and leadership built on shared national aspirations.

I wasn’t always a believer. When I first encountered His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, I was skeptical. He was in the PDP then, and I had no reason to trust his vision. But one evening changed everything. I sat with him and listened – really listened. I saw the intensity in his voice, the focus in his eyes, the clarity in his thoughts.

This wasn’t a politician putting on a show. It was the quiet force of someone who had seen tomorrow and was determined to bring it into today. That night, his words echoed in my mind. Through Governor Peter Mbah’s eyes, I glimpsed a future where the glory of my beloved Enugu would shine brighter than ever before.

After the war and years of neglect, our industries had gone quiet. Our proud civil servants held the fort in an economy that moved slowly – dignified, peaceful, but asleep.

Then came Governor Mbah, with private-sector precision. And with almost startling speed, the work began. Sit-at-home ended. Insecurity was tackled. Not one, not two, but six ultramodern bus terminals were commissioned in a single day – a bold signal that motion had returned to Enugu. Then came the Smart Schools Project.

Two hundred and sixty world-class schools – one in every ward. Learning systems built for the 21st century: solar-powered classrooms, digital labs, AI-assisted platforms, robotics, coding, green design. Imagine each school graduating at least five hundred students a year – that’s 130,000 young minds annually. A pool of ready talent to position Enugu as the Silicon Valley of Africa. With Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart Schools, our children’s tomorrow is already taking shape.

At the same time, he’s reimagining Enugu as a global destination – a vision that came alive when the city hosted the Nigerian Bar Association Conference. Enugu exhaled after years of dormancy. Over 20,000 delegates arrived. Hotels sold out. Private homes, student hostels, even old guesthouses were refurbished and rented out. That one week put more money into more hands than a year of bureaucratic salary disbursements. It was a true awakening.

The five-star ICC Hotel is nearing completion, right beside the state-of-the-art hospital designed to support medical tourism, now almost finished. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport has been concessioned, with its international wing set to open in early 2026. Enugu Air launched just months ago, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas. By the end of next year, four new branded hotels will be completed. And across the state, dozens of other high-impact projects are rising. Governor Peter Mbah’s government has set a bold target: attract three million visitors annually and grow Enugu’s GDP from four to thirty billion dollars.

To anchor that ambition, he’s building what will soon be the tallest landmark in the state – the Cross of Hope. A monument of faith, culture, and tourism. It will draw pilgrims as Jerusalem and Rome do, reminding the world that spirituality and modernity can coexist beautifully on the hilltop of Enugu. Governor Mbah’s transformation plan is holistic – from power to infrastructure to culture.

With the urbanization of Nkanu East fully underway, I know fresh investment and fresh purpose will soon pour into my hometown, Nara Unateze. So yes, I’m a believer. And a disciple. Politics must meet truth, and the truth is that Governor Peter Mbah is working – without excuses – for all of us. If you have a dream for Enugu, or children, or even business interests, take a moment to reflect on this. Verify if you must. And join me in defending, protecting, and championing Governor Mbah’s vision.

I’m confident we’ll all witness the full sunrise of the tomorrow he’s building today. Because even if he reaches only halfway to the skies, Enugu will already be flying higher than it has in decades.

But I believe he’ll reach them. And when he does, we’ll all say that a governor came who refused to dream small. Ndi Enugu, brace yourselves. The sleeping giant is wide awake. The hill is alive again – with the sound of music and a loud drum.

Tomorrow is here indeed, and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is leading the charge.

A 23-year-old woman has been arrested over alleged involvement in abduction and robbery of a businessman of ?24 million and his Toyota Highlander SUV in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Wednesday, said Okonkwo Onyinye, was arrested by Police operatives in collaboration with members of Agunechemba Security outfit.

He said the victim was forced into the boot of his vehicle after his abduction and driven to a bush and dumped after being dispossessed of the ?24 million.

Ikenga however revealed that the stolen vehicle with registration number RBC 649 CN was recovered while the suspect was assisting assisting with credible information to arrest her accomplices.

He said: ‘Anambra State Police Command operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with Agunechemba Security, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Unit, in the early hours of October 27, 2025, arrested one Okonkwo Onyinye, aged 23 years, a female accomplice in a reported case of armed robbery and kidnap incident.

‘The team also recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander SUV of the victim in Ogidi.

‘Preliminary information revealed that the victim was double-crossed by five armed men operating in a Toyota Corolla car at Nkwelle GRA Gate.

‘The suspects forcefully placed the victim in the boot of his vehicle and drove off to a bush in Umuoji Town, where they dispossessed him of his phone and transferred the sum of ?24,000,000 from his account before abandoning him and escaping with the vehicle.

‘Following the report, the Joint Security Team, acting on technologically driven intelligence, traced the movement of the suspects to Nawfia and subsequently to Ogidi, where the armed hoodlums engaged the operatives in sporadic gunfire before fleeing the scene.

‘Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander, white in colour with registration number RBC 649 CN, was recovered and the female accomplice, Okonkwo Onyinye, was later arrested at the scene.

‘She is currently assisting Police detectives with credible information that will aid in the arrest of other fleeing gang members.

‘Furthermore, the Police have intensified patrols within the State, ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.’

A new major policy requiring electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to meet a minimum capital adequacy requirement to qualify for the renewal of their operating licenses is underway. The policy is aimed at addressing the capital adequacy requirement to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this known yesterday at the opening session of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 which kicked off in Lagos at the Landmark Event Centre. The summit, organised by Informa Markets, has as its theme: ‘Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.’

According to Adelabu, the sector continues to face challenges of under-capitalisation among several Distribution Companies (DisCos) and a severe debt burden.

‘As the tenure of their operational licenses approaches renewal, the government intends to introduce a minimum capital adequacy requirement as part of the license renewal process, to strengthen the financial health and liquidity position of the utilities,’ Adelabu said.

The minister also disclosed that prior to the coming of the present administration, Nigerians spent about N15 trillion on diesel and fuel to power their generators in a year because of unreliable public power services.

He, however, said that given the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration the narrative has changed as he claimed that there is better power provision currently.

Adelabu’s disclosure corroborates with the report of the National Bureau of Statistics which stated that the cost of petrol imports rose by 105.3 per cent to N15.42tr in 2024 from the N7.51tr recorded in 2023.

He therefore charged the private investors to invest more in the nation’s power sector, adding that the federal government alone does not have the capacity to fund all the investment needed to make very efficient.

The minister also used the occasion to give updates on critical infrastructure projects. He confirmed that contracts for the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One have been signed, with the aim of adding 7,000MW of operational capacity to the grid. He also revealed that generation capacity has been sustained at an average of approximately 5,300MW in 2024, up from 4,200MW in 2023.

‘In parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW, alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023’.

The Minister disclosed further that the government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative, with N700 billion already secured to deploy 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He also noted that the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into two organisations: the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages the operation of Nigeria’s electricity grid and coordinates the electricity market, and the Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns, maintains, and expands the physical transmission infrastructure marks a long-awaited and critical structural reform in the power sector.

Adelabu direct appealed for investment, emphasising that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. He pointed to the over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity as a critical opportunity, assuring stakeholders that market fundamentals are improving, policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed.

‘As we commence today’s forum, let me once again emphasise to our investors, financiers, and innovators that Nigeria’s power sector remains open and ready for business more than ever before. We recognize that achieving the scale of investment required to transform the sector requires greater private sector participation across the entire value chain, particularly in the transmission segment.

‘A useful reference is South Africa’s ambitious $25 billion transmission grid expansion initiative, which seeks private developers to deliver 14,000 kilometers of new power lines and connect over 59 GW of new capacity within the next 14 years. This is remarkable when compared to Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative (the Siemens project) valued at $2.3 billion.

‘In Nigeria today, we have over 10 GW of stranded generation capacity. Energy that could power industries, create jobs, and even support electricity exports to our neighbouring countries through the regional power pool. We are therefore open to strategic partnerships to mobilize the necessary investments and unlock this potential. Our market fundamentals are improving, our policy environment is clear, and the national leadership is committed to creating the enabling conditions for long-term investment and innovation,’ Adelabu said.

He also spoke of the comprehensive reform agenda for the sector since 2023, describing it as a multi-pronged approach to reposition the Nigerian power sector for sustainability, efficiency and growth.

He said: ‘This approach spans critical pillars which include legislation, policy reforms, infrastructure development, energy transition and access expansion, and local content and capacity development with each designed to address structural challenges, unlock private capital, and enhance service delivery across the electricity value chain.’

The Minister highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a foundational milestone, which has already granted regulatory autonomy to 15 states. On the policy front, he revealed that the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy in nearly two decades, the Integrated National Electricity Policy, has been approved.

He said: ‘This represents a clear shift towards a liberalized and investment-friendly electricity market. Since its passage, 15 states have received regulatory autonomy to establish subnational electricity markets with one fully operationalized. We are working actively with these states to ensure strong alignment between the wholesale market and the retail market. In this regard, we believe the active involvement of state governments, particularly in the off-grid segment is critical, given the series of roundtable engagements held with governors by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as well as the ongoing efforts to closely track the Distribution Company (DisCo) performance within their respective jurisdictions.

On stabilisation of the market and sector commercialization, he said the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence. ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.’

To stabilise the market, he revealed: ‘Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialisation and viable industry,’ the minister concluded.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 through concrete actions, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the first lady’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, during her message as the special guest of honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

The first lady explained to the gathering of over 180 participants from 47 countries that Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to reduce reliance on donor funding, to build resilient systems to ensure no setback on ending TB by 2030.

According to Mrs Tinubu, who is the Global and National Stop TB Champion, TB remains the biggest infectious killer disease and is a threat for all of us, being airborne.

She said the stainability of TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance but from within the nation through leadership, community engagement and strategic national coordination.

‘I am equally pleased to share that, despite the temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong.

‘Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not increase..

‘This stands as a testament to the power of country ownership and to the unwavering commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

‘Health for all begins in our communities, therefore, coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board meetings remind us that the fight against tuberculosis is not finished, ‘ the first lady said.

She emphasised that TB was a threat that has claimed lives saying ‘it claims close to 1.3 million lives each year.

‘In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded.

‘These are not numbers, they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion,’ Mrs Tinubu said.

She commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its affiliate agencies, the Stop TB Partnership and others for their dedication and transparency in ensuring that all the money mobilided towards expanding access to testing, diagnosis, treatment and integrating TB services into primary healthcare are judiciously utilised.

In his remarks, the Stop TB Partnership Board Chair and Secretary of Health of Philippines Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that TB was more than a health concern but a development challenge for many nations.

‘It is critical fight, despite the remarkable progress made but we must be relentless and determined.

The Executive-Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu while giving the board report said that integrating data systems with governments of various country’s is vital to ending TB by 2030.

‘In five countries, in the last two months new facility for grants have been deployed and with it, 8,000 were screened, 5,000 were diagnosed and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment.’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate was in attendance at the meeting.

The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. (NAN)

Ordinarily, the phrase ‘red letter’ is used to describe something, such as a day or an event, of special significance. For example, October 1 every year is a red letter day in Nigeria, because the country attained independence on that date in 1960. That was a joyous and memorable event. However, not all red letter days are joyous moments. The day misfortune fell on New York City by way of a terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001, was a red letter day too.

If you wish to understand how The Red Letter issued on October 22, 2025, by the Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, has elements of both types of red letter and more, please follow me through the following semiotic analysis of the letter.

It was Roland Barthes (1915-1980), the French philosopher, literary theorist, and semiotician, who popularised an interesting rubric for analysing sign systems from a variety of perspectives. He found semiotics, the study of signs, a useful way of exposing contradictions and revealing hidden meanings. For example, Barthes showed how a simple advertisement, that of Panzani, a brand of pasta (spaghetti), could be analysed from multiple levels to reveal iconic and symbolic signs as well as surface (denotative) and hidden (connotative) meanings at the same time (see Rhetoric of the Image in his book, Image Music Text, London, Fontana, 1977, pages 32-51). In the following analysis, I juxtapose the various levels of meaning as I go along.

At the iconic level, Pate’s letter is set against a red background in its digital representation. Although the print of the digital copy is white, the red background captures attention much more than the white print. It literally makes the letter red. However, we begin to get the meat of the letter once we begin to decipher the white print.

But what does the white print say? Many things, some direct, others indirect. First, the words confirm the disbursement of N32.9 billion to the commercial bank accounts of ‘primary care facilities in every ward across the country.’ Wait! There are 8,809 wards across the country. That means that there are 8,809 primary care facilities across the country. And how much does each ward get from this pot of money? You do the math. But remember to multiply your answer by three, since the minister says this is ‘the third round this year.’

Second, the letter is presented as an invitation from the federal government to the various communities to help safeguard the spending of the fund by ensuring that it is monitored. There is a much deeper meaning here. Here is a government promoting participatory democracy, by appealing to the people not to ‘stand aside,’ at a time when some cheeky politicians are screaming the death of democracy.

Nevertheless, there is a sense in which the people’s lethargy makes room for the perceived death of democracy: They are not participating as they should, and the letter is very explicit about the problem: ‘Our community members and institutions do not ask how the money is used, or if it reaches the people it was meant for’.

Hence the government’s direct appeal in The Red Letter:

‘Stand up and take ownership

Go to your health facility

Join the committee

Review the plan

Demand openness

Celebrate progress

And above all, make sure the fund truly protects the health of your people.’

Third, there is an indirect appeal to the elite and those who are literate enough to be able to read The Red Letter to disseminate the information: ‘Let this Red Letter reach every community, every ward, and every home. Let it remind us that the health of Nigeria lives in the hands of Nigerians.’ I am doing my own bit here by reproducing The Red Letter and analysing it. You should do your own bit too, by sharing this article with as many people as possible. Make it a point of duty to tell at least ten people to find the primary health care facility in their ward and follow the money by taking part in ward activities and making enquiries about funding.

It must be emphasised, however, that this Red Letter carries far-reaching implications for accountability and citizen engagement beyond wards. Since the return to democracy in 1999, state governments have not been sufficiently accountable to those they were elected to serve. Local government councils and their wards have been shut out of their funds by their respective state governors. It has been reported numerous times since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration that states have been receiving increased allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee, compared to previous years due to the economic reforms by the administration.

Indeed, in the last few months, states have been receiving more funds than the federal government. For example, in September 2025, FAAC’s disbursements were as follows: federal government N711.314 billion; state governments N727.170 billion; and local government councils N529.954 billion. On top of their allocations, oil producing states also received a total of N134.956 billion as 13 percent derivation. These past few months would be the first time in over two decades that states would receive a larger share of FAAC allocation than the federal government. Yet, there is little to show for the increased allocations in many states of the federation. This led me to raise the alarm in September (see Your governor has your money, ask him for it, The Nation, September 3, 2025).

This situation also led the present administration to approach the Supreme Court to seek the loophole in the constitution in granting financial autonomy to local councils. Even then not much development has happened in the councils. It is alleged that some governors had their local council chairmen swear to an oath of secrecy or sign a fund sharing agreement on their council’s funds!

The Red Letter now shows that the ministry of health has even bypassed the councils by going directly to wards and calling on citizens to seize the opportunity by participating in the oversight of their health care facilities. But this is not the first time the federal government would target wards directly. Early in August, President Tinubu approved a ward-level development strategy designed to drive grassroots economic growth and address poverty across Nigeria’s 8,809 wards. It is the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RHWDP), which is integral to the Renewed Hope Agenda that targets a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Just as Minister Pate appealed to citizens to participate in the affairs of primary health care facilities in their wards, so did President Tinubu appeal to state governors to prioritise the welfare of their citizens at the local level: ‘I want to appeal to you; let us change the story of our people in the rural areas. The economy is working. We are on the path of recovery, but we need to stimulate growth in the rural areas.’

At the end of the day, The Red Letter and the President’s appeal to governors are coded messages: governors should perform and citizens should hold them to account through participation and oversight.

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers yesterday failed in their bid to terminate their ongoing trial for alleged failure to fully disclose their assets.

In its 23-count charge, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that Abba Kyari, Mohammed Kyari, and Ali Kyari failed to make full disclosure of their assets.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho rejected the no-case submissions the defendants made after the prosecution closed its case.

Justice Omotosho held, among others, that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter a defence.

The judge said: ‘In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to give some explanations in this regard.

‘The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

‘A connection of the defendants with the offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such, the defendants would be required to enter their defence to the charge or offer a rebuttal of some sort.

‘I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge.

‘It is simply to allow the defendants to exhaust their options for their defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

‘The defendants are still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt,’ Justice Omotosho said.

The judge held that at this stage of the case, the court would refrain from evaluating the evidence but, limit itself to stating that on the whole, a prima facie case had been made out against the defendants.

He added: ‘I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge.

‘The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants.

‘The evidence is such that the defendants must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against them, especially considering the seriousness of the offences, as their liberty is at stake.

‘The right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same.

‘These defendants, having not waived their right to defend themselves either expressly or by conduct they are hereby called upon to put in their defence to the charge against them.

‘In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution.

‘Consequently, the no-case submissions are hereby overruled.

‘Accordingly, the defendants are hereby ordered to put in their defence,’ he said and ordered them to do so within three days.

He adjourned till November 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

Besides accusing the defendants of failing to fully disclose their assets, the NDLEA, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, also accused them of ‘disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.’

According to the NDLEA, the offences are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

In conducting its case, the prosecution called 10 witnesses to prove its case and tendered about 20 exhibits.

Rather than open their defence immediately, the defendants chose to make no-case submissions after the prosecution closed its case.