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A member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Olusola Fatoba, has said the approval of the Nigeria Forest Security Services by President Bola Tinubu would restore confidence in the agricultural sector, enhance security and also empower farmers towards enhancing food security.

The initiative became imperative and was signed into law by the president following incessant attacks on farmers, agrarian areas and rampant kidnapping cases with criminals using the forests as hideouts from which they strike to carry out their heinous activities.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Monday, Fatoba appealed to all the 36 state governors to support the president’s initiative in their respective states for the prompt implementation of the project.

The Chairman House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values expressed optimism that the forest security services would address the disturbing challenges in the forests across the country.

He advised the state governments to complement the federal government’s efforts in stamping out illegal occupation of the country’s forests and farming areas by providing all the necessary support and encouraging the local people to embrace the development by participating and engaging in the proposed exercise.

The lawmaker representing Ekiti central constituency II said, ‘I wish to sincerely appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and approval for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Services.

‘This bold and timely initiative is a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges of insecurity, especially in our rural and agrarian communities.

‘At a time when insecurity has deterred many from engaging in farming and discourages foreign investment, this move will not only boost food security but also strengthen our economy through agriculture and non-oil financial inflows.

‘It sends a strong signal to both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to creating a safe and enabling environment for investment and growth.’

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a total of $308.63 million to finance strategic projects in clean energy, industrial development, and sustainable growth across the region.

The approvals were made during the Bank’s 93rd Ordinary Session, held at its Lomé headquarters under the chairmanship of Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, EBID’s President and Board Chair.

Dr. Donkor said the funding decisions align with the Bank’s mandate to drive regional integration and economic diversification while promoting sustainable development in West Africa.

Among the projects approved is a $40 million line of credit for Vista Bank Guinea to support trade-related activities such as import-export operations and commercial value chains. The initiative is expected to benefit about 105 enterprises, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and reduce unemployment.

In Nigeria, the Bank approved $98.18 million for the development of a 50 MW solar power plant in Taraba State. The project is expected to provide clean and reliable electricity to about 390,000 people and at least 200 public institutions. It will also generate 400 construction jobs, 50 permanent roles, and up to 1,500 indirect jobs through supply chain and maintenance services.

Another $79.22 million will go towards the establishment of a modern rice processing complex and a 10,000-hectare irrigated farm in Taraba State. The project aims to boost Nigeria’s food security, strengthen agricultural output, and support economic growth in the state. In addition, EBID has approved $91.23 million for the development of an industrial park in Taraba, designed to accelerate local industrialisation and foster economic diversification through the creation of a modern industrial ecosystem.

EBID said the projects reflect its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on hunger reduction, clean energy, decent work, industrialisation, and climate action.

‘With these new commitments, EBID is strengthening developmental footprint and reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainable economic growth across the ECOWAS region,’ Dr. Donkor stated.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, on Monday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to thoroughly scrutinise the academic credentials of candidates ahead of the 2027 polls to prevent the embarrassment of letting certificate forgers into public offices in the country.

He noted that, for example, some political office holders today came into office in 2023, using questionable certificates or swore to affidavits defending the certificates they possess

According to the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), the former governor of Anambra State, gave his views on his X handle on Monday.

Writing on ‘The danger of making crime a norm’, he stated, ‘Whenever I talk about Nigeria being a crime scene, those who are part of the criminality and their hirelings will quickly start their noise-making, attacking and blackmailing me.

‘But how do you tell people that those whose integrity, character and behaviour are supposed to be exemplary and emulated in society have become the very source of the nation’s decay? How do you tell young Nigerians to be honest and upright when those they are supposed to emulate are the least to be emulated because they are criminals and dishonest?

‘Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.

‘In one of my knowledge-seeking visits to Indonesia early this year, after interacting with several ministers responsible for Health, Villages, SMEs, Planning, and Education, as well as the Vice President and President Joko Widodo on development, I met with the Chairman of the General Elections Commission of Indonesia. I asked him about the educational qualifications required to participate in elections from local government to the state legislature, governorship, and up to the presidential level. He openly stated these qualifications to me.

‘My team and I then asked a simple question: What happens if someone contests for public office with a forged certificate or did not attend the school he claimed he attended? He looked at me, surprised and shocked, and said, ‘That attracts immediate disqualification and prosecution. It is a criminal offence. He added, ‘If someone can forge a certificate, how can that person be trusted to lead others?’

Obi, in the tweets shared by the Spokesman of POMR, Mr Ibrahim Umar, wrote further, ‘But in my country Nigeria, though the laws are same as in other countries, that forgery is punished by immediate disqualification, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) makes no effort to scrutinize certificates before the elections, overlooks complaints of forgery and when you challenged after the elections, court will dismiss the serious criminal issues as ‘pre-election matters’ without giving this criminal act appropriate punishment.

‘INEC, even after the elections, does not bother to revisit or investigate these serious offences before the next election.

‘The other concerning issue from all these is how criminals and dishonest people scale through all the scrutiny layers -security, parliament and government apparatus set to handle such.

‘Even more disturbing, amounting to double tragedy, is that most of these dishonest people swore to an affidavit before a law court attesting to the authenticity of the documents they presented.

‘We are now preparing for the 2027 general elections. INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims.

‘Our Electoral amendments must include that anyone intending to contest for any public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election. These certificates, alongside details of schools attended, what was studied and years of study, should be made public for verification within 90 days. This process must also apply to appointed officials, ministers and even aides, because when dishonesty starts from the top, it spreads to every level of governance, just like it’s happening now.

‘We must deal with certificate forgery holistically with the seriousness and level of criminality it deserves. Criminal offences should not be dismissed as a mere procedural matter. We must end the era where forgery and deceit are rewarded with power. True leadership must begin with truth.’

Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment towards promoting and actualizing its vision of sustainable urban development through promotion of safe and enduring building practices, ensuring orderliness and good living environment as well as preparation of urban and rural development plans.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami disclosed this in his message to commemorate the 2025 World Habitat Day in Ogun State.

According him, the day, every first Monday of October has been set aside by the United Nations through the Un-Habitat to draw attention to the many challenges facing human settlements, especially the urban areas and find solutions to them.

Tpl. Odunlami stated that the yearly focus on human settlements was as a result of the projection that, by 2050, world population would reach 9.8 billion human beings, and nearly 70% of which would live in urban areas which according to him, could lead to inadequate and sub-standard housing, lack of jobs, high crime rate, inadequate waste management, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services among others.

He said ‘This year’s theme, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, is a continuation of the dialogue, fact finding and solution-proffering efforts of the UN-Habitat which started in 1986. The general objective of this yearly celebration is to continue to remind us that we are individually and collectively responsible for the urban crisis and we are therefore also individually and collectively responsible for finding the solutions. Every one of us has a part to play in these efforts, leaving no one behind.’

He advised the general public not to build houses without getting planning permit and building approval, desist from building structures including shanties on road setback and drainage channels, stop dumping refuse on the roads and drainages while encouraging all to plant trees and flowers in their environment.

Meanwhile, Tpl. Bamidele Badejo, a Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, who featured on OGTV new dawn program in commemoration of the World habitat day, called on government to incorporate town planning professionals into Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to help in planning as it’s relates to the environment.

Also speaking on the program, Mr. Fatai Adefala, Director, Fire Service maintained that safety of lives and properties as well as promotion of healthy community sanitation.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country for an imminent nationwide strike action over the failure of the Federal Government to address the demands of the union.

ASUU had last week issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government to resolve all outstanding issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the contentious 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.

Irked by the tepid responses ASUU gets from the Federal Government, especially the silence it has maintained after the union has served the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa and Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, the two-week ultimatum, the lecturers said they have no other option left than to mobilise their members to shut the universities on the expiration of the 14-day strike.

According to the union, the strike notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike action.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in a latest memo to all branches of the union, said the union had no choice but to shut down universities through strike action in response to the government’s conduct.

Piwuna, in the memorandum dated October 5, 2025, and sighted by Tribune Online on Monday, expressed regret that there had been no meaningful progress toward resolving the issue.

He said, ‘The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give the government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to the government since February, 2025.

‘It was further resolved that the union will proceed on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if the government fails to take acceptable and satisfactory steps to address the lingering issues.

‘The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

‘It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.

‘As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, | thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this torturous negotiation that has unjustifiably lasted over eight years.

‘The goal of our current action remains principally to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands.

‘The days ahead call for the mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle for our welfare, stem the Jupa syndrome and reposition the Nigerian University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.

‘We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different.

‘Members are to take instructions only from their chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their chairpersons, zonal coordinators and attend congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.’

Some of the demands of ASUU over time include: renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, funding of universities, particularly, revitalisation fund, promotion arrears, and academic earned allowance, among others.

President of ASUU Piwuna had earlier called on all well-meaning Nigerian citizens, religious and traditional rulers, parents, students, and all other stakeholders in the education sector to press the Nigerian government to turn its attention to Nigerian public universities to address the challenges in the system.

The ASUU President accused the Federal Government of paying scant attention to the demands of the union,

recalling that in recent times, ASUU has been engaging the press very frequently.

LG Electronics (LG) has been recognised with 17 awards at the inaugural IFA 2025 Innovation Awards, including the top distinction, Best of IFA title. Established this year, the awards celebrate products that set new benchmarks in innovation, technology, design and market impact.

With over 1,800 participating companies, winners were selected in 16 categories, including Mobility, Home Appliances, Home Entertainment, Design and Smart Home.

The highest honors – Best of IFA, Best Tech Innovation and Best Brand – were reserved for the most outstanding entries.

The LG SIGNATURE OLED T, the world’s first wireless transparent TV, earned the Best of IFA award, underscoring LG’s leadership in advanced television technology. The groundbreaking product also won Best in Home Entertainment, achieving a double win at this year’s awards.

In addition to securing the Best of IFA title, LG received five Category Best awards in Mobility, Accessibility, Home Appliances and Home Entertainment, along with 11 Category Honoree recognitions in Home Appliances, Design, Smart Home and Home Entertainment. Collectively, these distinctions strengthen the company’s reputation as a global innovation leader and trusted industry pioneer.

In Mobility, LG’s Spielraum received the Best in Mobility award. This AI-powered mobility space solution blends personal wellness with multi-sensory experiences.

Its compact cabin integrates built-in appliances, LG ThinQ ON and entertainment features, introducing a new mobility-linked lifestyle that expands the LG AI Home concept.

In Accessibility, LG’s Comfort Kit was named Best in Accessibility Focused Product. Designed to improve usability for people of all ages and abilities, it highlights LG’s focus on inclusive design.

In Home Appliances, LG’s AI Sense Clean Dishwasher and Microplastic Filter claimed the Best in Home Appliances award.

The dishwasher’s intelligent wash system optimizes cycles and wash time based on load size and soil levels, while the filter removes microplastics released during the laundry cycle, combining convenience with environmental responsibility.

In addition to securing multiple Category Best awards, LG was also given Honoree distinctions across a wide range of fields, from Home Appliances to Smart Home, further underscoring its competitiveness in the global market. In the Best of Home Appliances category, LG earned four Honoree recognitions for its cutting-edge laundry and cleaning solutions, each boasting advanced performance with thoughtful design.

The LG WashTower simplifies laundry with intuitive controls and AI-powered features, while the Washer and Dryer with Heat Pump enhances efficiency with reduced energy consumption.

For floor care, the LG Robot Vacuum with Built-in Station features an auto-opening door that conceals the unit when not in use, and the LG Wet and Dry Stick Vacuum Cleaner employs AI Roller Control to sense movement direction, helping reduce wrist strain.

‘Winning 17 honors, including the prestigious Best of IFA award, is a strong validation of LG’s leadership in innovation and customer-focused solutions, said Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa.

‘For us in Nigeria and across Africa, it reinforces our promise to deliver technology that is not only advanced, but also meaningful to everyday life.

‘We want consumers to see LG as the most trusted brand, one that consistently exceeds expectations and makes life better in every home.’

The company also received four Honoree awards in the Best in Design category for products that blend style and functionality.

The Washer and Tumble Dryer Pair and TrueSteam Dishwasher present refined designs that integrate seamlessly into modern kitchens.

The Next LG Massage Recliner complements living areas with its elegant aesthetics, while the LG Styler Mini offers a compact, premium solution that maximizes functionality in smaller spaces.

Designed to fit effortlessly into connected home ecosystems, the LG Robot Vacuum with Objet Station was acknowledged in the Best in Smart Home category. With automated docking, smart scheduling and ThinQ compatibility, it showcases LG’s expertise in building cohesive, AI-driven home solutions.

Furthermore, LG received recognition in the Home Entertainment category with Honoree awards for the LG Wireless OLED TV (M5) and the LG StanbyME 2, reinforcing the company’s global leadership.

For Nigerian consumers, these awards are a reassurance that every LG product purchased locally carries the same global standard of excellence, innovation, and trust.

In a determined effort to ensure that newborn babies receive optimal motherly care, the Bauchi State Government has approved the implementation of six months of maternity leave for breastfeeding mothers.

The approval was granted by the State Executive Council (SEC) during its extraordinary meeting held on Tuesday at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Bauchi.

The new six-month maternity leave applies to all nursing mothers across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) under the State Civil Service.

In addition, the SEC also approved the establishment of crèche centres in all government offices to enable nursing mothers to keep their babies safely while on duty.

The State Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the SEC meeting. He stated that the Council graciously approved the extension of maternity leave from the initial four months to six months, which will be legislated by the State House of Assembly.

Barr. Sani Umar explained that lactating mothers will be entitled to six months of leave from the date of delivery and, upon resumption, will be allowed a few hours off duty each day to care for their babies.

According to him, the Council’s approval is in line with the Civil Service Regulations under Sections 1122 and 1126, and an establishment circular will be issued to that effect.

The Head of Service further disclosed that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been directed to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that a conducive workplace environment is provided for nursing mothers, which may include crèches.

This development marks the culmination of long-standing advocacy efforts by local, national, and international civil society organizations (CSOs) in the state.

FROM the N3.5 trillion recorded in 2019, the Ogun State economy has continued to witness tremendous growth estimated at N16 trillion within six years of the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun. The geometric leap in the economic fortunes of the Gateway State is, no doubt, attributable to the holistic economic masterplan anchored on massive investments in human capital development and infrastructural revolution. Investment in infrastructure across the major towns and rural communities is rapidly turning the state around. Under the leadership of Governor Abiodun, Ogun State is leveraging on its ‘Gateway’ status to unleash new frontiers of development across sectors. There is no contending that Ogun State has evolved as the prime choice of investment hub in Nigeria, manifesting in the expansion of the industrial and manufacturing sector. Within the last four years, Ogun State has attracted significant foreign investments among which is the $400 million project with Arise Integrated Industrial platform for the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing zone. It should, however, be instructive that a major component of the economic rebirth currently unfolding in Ogun State is the transformational agenda of the state’s housing sector being overseen by the commissioner.

The housing sector is enhancing the much-needed environment conducive for economic growth, thereby making the state attractive to investors. It is heartwarming that the Ministry of Housing under the leadership of the Commissioner, Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, is complimenting the momentum of expansion in commercial and industrial outlooks of Ogun State with housing projects that are changing the landscape of urban and rural settings for goods. The appointment of the Commissioner for Housing who is a seasoned mortgage banker, an astute administrator and versatile real estate developer, has turned out to be a huge blessing to the incumbent administration in Ogun. The ennobling pedigree of Omoniyi has reflected in the style of leadership and the new direction being witnessed in the housing sector in Ogun State.

Having worked with Partnership Savings and Loans, Wema Homes and Abbey Mortgage Bank, the Commissioner rose to become the Regional Executive Manager before starting his own firm, C2Q Property and Investment Co Ltd. His firm was at the forefront of the initiative that delivered over 10,000 affordable houses to civil servants in the FCT in partnership with the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board.

It is therefore not surprising that housing schemes such as the Prince Court Estates at Kemta Idi Aba as well others in Kobape, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro and Iperu are a sight with their architecture layouts and aesthetic components. Apart from the main stream Housing Ministry, the Commissioner has supervised activities of other housing agencies under his purview, to deliver on their mandates. Other notable housing estates that are redefining the narratives of rural-urban settings in Ogun State through enhanced access to ownership and affordability include Kings Court Estate at Oke Mosan and in Warewa; Renewed Hope Housing Scheme (Abeokuta 1 and 2), PMB Estate, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, where construction of detached and semi-detached duplexes is ongoing; Ibara GRA Regeneration Scheme and Ijebu Ode GRA Regeneration Scheme. In all, Ogun State’s housing agencies under the watch of Jagunmolu Omoniyi has delivered no fewer than 4,230 housing units ( low, medium and high income class) across the state.

In tandem with the I.S.E.Y.A mantra of Governor Abiodun-led administration, the Ogun State Ministry of Housing initiated a number of incentives to deliver affordable housing to beneficiaries across the civil service and to the general public. Hence, the ministry under Omoniyi has demonstrated commitment to enhancing access to affordable housing by curbing administrative bottlenecks. Under the initiative aimed at enhancing access to affordable housing in the state, Governor Abiodun-led government subsidizes the cost of lands and also provides access to mortgages through Gateway Mortgage Bank with 0% profit! The ministry, however, monitors procurement of materials so as to curb waste and ensure standards; leading to significant reduction in the costs of building. It equally ensures that qualified engineers and architects are on ground to make sure the best jobs are done.

While the competent leadership evinced by the man supervising the housing sector in Ogun State is attributable to his experience and exposure, Omoniyi’s background and informal training in bricklaying as ‘Omo Baba Birikila’ of Joga-Orile, (A son of a bricklayer) reflect in the direction he has steered the Ogun State Ministry of Housing and ancillary agencies. His tutelage under his late father, Alhaji Mudashiru Omoniyi who was a seasoned bricklayer appeared to have shaped his commitment to the mass oriented policy of house ownership . On the socioeconomic front, the housing sector in Ogun State under the Commissioner has, through massive construction and innovative home ownership schemes, contributed immensely to expanding the economic fortunes through employment, finance and industrial growth. Various housing schemes have been tailored to create jobs for artisans, suppliers, skilled and unskilled labourers; thereby making life more abundant to families through livelihoods support and direct income earnings.

And due to increased activities in the housing sector, high demand for building materials such as cement, woods, roofing materials, blocks and so on, has positively impacted the economy with more jobs being created. Conclusively, the successes recorded, so far, by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the housing sector, have continued to serve as the driver of investments into the state. Many private estates are now springing up across the state on account of the housing environment that makes investments and business to thrive in Ogun.

IT is a no-brainer that Nigeria’s rather abysmal state and dismal fortune is largely rooted in a skewed, even perverse, leadership recruitment process. The terribly high statistics on poverty, out-of-school children, open defecation, poor electricity access and other features of underdevelopment can lead to no other verdict. Much of the problem is of course rooted in Nigeria’s extremely defective constitution. As we noted in a previous editorial, there is no doubting the submission that the inherent flaws in the existing constitutional framework manifest in weak delivery of governance arising from weak political structures and institutions; declining sense of citizenship and patriotism; and an increasing multi-dimensional poverty and inequality. As the report of the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held in July by a group of eminent Nigerians called The Patriots, in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), captures most poignantly, the same defective constitutional framework has enabled acute corruption, insecurity across regions; sectional, ethnic, and religious conflicts; and poor infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, it should be sufficiently clear that every effort in the direction of a restructuring of Nigeria’s electoral process deserves the backing of stakeholders. In this connection, it is cheering that a non-governmental, advocacy organisation, YIAGA Africa, and the International Press Centre (IPC), in partnership with the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two (EU-SDGNII), have launched a set of proposals for improving Nigeria’s electoral process. The objective of the proposals captured in a document tagged Citizens Memorandum for Electoral Reforms is to address the inadequacies, complexities and ambiguities in the 2022 Electoral Act and align the electoral legal framework with landmark judicial rulings that improve the electoral process. The well-researched document is meant to serve as a resource tool for legislators and other election stakeholders to understand priority electoral amendments and their strategic objectives.

The intendments of the memorandum were well elucidated during Yiaga Africa/IPC’s recent consultative roundtable with media practitioners in Abuja, held with the support of the European Union. The forum attended by civil society groups, EU partners, journalists, and newsroom editors dwelt on citizens’ demands for priority electoral reforms. As articulated by the organisers, the proposals stem from a comprehensive analysis of current challenges and the need to rebuild public trust in the electoral process. According to the Executive Director of the IPC, Lanre Arogundade, the National Assembly’s resumption to conclude work on constitutional amendments provides ample opportunity to intensify advocacy on electoral reforms. His views were echoed by Dr. Tony Onyima, a Senior Lecturer at Paul University, Awka, who posited that democratic sustenance is impossible without electoral reform, and urged the media to report issues with greater clarity, vision, and commitment to national development.

The proposed amendments to the Electoral Act are to strenthen INEC’s independence by reviewing the process of appointments into the commission, additionally specifying professional skills and qualifications and introducing timelines for INEC appointments, among others; strengthen state electoral commissions by removing the power to appoint its chairmen from governors; improve INEC’s efficiency by unbundling it, creating separate bodies to regulate politcal parties and prosecute electoral offenders; conduct elections earlier than the current 150 days enshrined in the constitution; conclude all pre-election matters before the election; reduce the timeline for handling election petitions to 90 days from the date of filing the suit; terminate all pre-election matters at the Court of Appeal, and introduce diaspora and out-of-country voting. Other proposals are to create special seats for women in the legislature, make political parties to have functional and verifiable offices in at least 24 states, and give women 35 percent positions in all of their governing bodies.

The memorandum also canvasses mandatory voter education by INEC, the National Orientation Agency and civil society groups; the use of other means of identification such as driver’s license, international passport, etc, to vote; mandatory audit of the voter register by INEC to remove duplications and ineligible voters; early voting by workers on essential duties such as security personnel, INEC staff, election observers and journalists; accessibility of electoral results to persons living with disability, and solidification of INEC’s power to delimit constituencies. In addition, the memorandum seeks sanctions for parties that fail to submit their membership registers and delegates’ lists at least 30 days before primaries, congresses or conventions; the prohibition of parties from withdrawing candidates after a two-week period following the publication of the final list of candidates, except in cases of death; compulsory electronic transmission of results, and the introduction of timelines for the mandatory conduct of testing and mock exercises for technologies deployed by the electoral commission.

From the foregoing, it is not hard to surmise that the memorandum incorporates lessons from past reforms, the 2023 general election, and recommendations from domestic and international election observers. We believe that the recommendations are patriotic and commonsensical, and should be implemented by the National Assembly working in conjunction with the state assemblies. In addition, we want vote buying to be decisively addressed, and for political parties to be funded by the generality of their members rather than moneybags. It is clear that with the present arrangement, politicians do not fear the people, knowing that they can easily manipulate them with money. All of this has to change if Nigeria is to see better days.

We commend Yiaga Africa/IPC for a job well done. If Nigeria gets better through electoral reform, it will be for the benefit of all Nigerians, not the authors of the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reform alone. If Nigeria will not send mechanics to represent it at the FIFA World Cup, then it cannot scoff at Yiaga Africa/IPC’s push for professional competence and skills as part of the criteria for the appointment of the INEC chairman. We also believe that giving journalists and other essential workers the opportunity to vote, removing the power to appoint the INEC chairman and state SIEC chairmen from the president and governors, respectively; deciding pre-election cases before election and deciding all electoral disputes before the swearing in of winners are recommendations that have the potential to advance Nigeria’s development narrative if faithfully implemented. What is more, the proposals align broadly with the recommendations by The Patriots/ NPSG, proving that there is a heightened consciousness among Nigerians for a Nigeria that is truly fit for purpose.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has said it has received a total of 11,101 consumer complaints since its establishment in March 2018, out of which it was able to resolve 10,474 cases, with 437 being presently processed, and 197 referred to relevant agencies.

The General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, highlighted these achievements at the maiden edition of the Consumer Service Week and Award Ceremony, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, recently.

Solebo also revealed that the agency, during the period under review, also facilitated recoveries worth N530,266,592.31 and $14,901.80.

He added that the recovered amount was for consumers across various sectors, such as: Electricity, Automobiles, Banking, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Insurance, Logistics, Hospitality, Food and Beverages, Oil and Gas, among others.

Solebo noted that the agency also carried out multiple enforcement operations across supermarkets, open markets, and retail outlets to rid the state of expired and hazardous products, while intensifying consumer education campaigns through partnerships with NYSC, schools, trade associations, market leaders, and community groups, to empower Lagos residents to know and assert their rights.

He explained that the decision to organise Consumer Service Week and Award Day was informed by the need to celebrate excellence, transparency, fairness, and also recognise individuals, government bodies, private sector operators, civil society, the media, and compliant businesses, for their invaluable role in promoting fair trade and consumer rights.

‘Today, we are not only appreciating stakeholders but also reflecting on the remarkable progress we have made together in ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and fair marketplace for all,’ Solebo said.

He reaffirmed LASCOPA’s mission to build a Lagos where consumer rights are respected, businesses thrive on integrity, and residents enjoy the assurance of safety, fairness, and value.