Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the House of Representatives to approve a plan to borrow $2.34 billion from external sources to fund part of the 2025 budget and refinance Nigeria’s maturing Eurobonds.

In a letter dated September 22, 2025, and read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen during Tuesday’s plenary, the President said the borrowing is needed to cover part of the budget deficit and ensure Nigeria meets its debt obligations.

According to him, the request is in line with sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2003. The plan includes a new external loan of about $1.23 billion (N1.84 trillion) provided in the 2025 Appropriation Act and another $1.12 billion to refinance Eurobonds maturing in November 2025.

President Tinubu said the funds would be sourced through Eurobond issuance, loan syndications, bridge financing, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

He explained that refinancing the Eurobond, originally issued in 2018, would help Nigeria avoid default when it matures later this year.

The President also sought approval to issue a $500 million debut Sovereign Sukuk (an Islamic bond) in the international market. He said Nigeria has successfully raised over N1.39 trillion from domestic Sukuk issues since 2017 to fund road and infrastructure projects and now wants to explore international opportunities.

Tinubu added that the international Sukuk would help Nigeria attract new investors, access cheaper funding, and support major infrastructure projects. The facility may come with a credit guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group.

He assured lawmakers that the Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office will work with financial advisers to secure the best terms for the borrowings, which will depend on market conditions at the time of issuance.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future disruptor; it is a present weapon for democracy which faces the dual pressures of internal erosion and external manipulation today. Around the world, AI is already being used to weaken democracies, manipulate public opinion, prop up authoritarian regimes and dampen diplomatic credibility. Yet the risks are not confined to national borders. A recent DW report warned that AI-driven disinformation could destabilise elections across Africa in the coming years. With 18 African countries scheduled to hold elections between 2025 and 2026, the stakes are global. As these reports emphasise, Africa is one of the key battlegrounds where the integrity of democracy will be tested by the malevolent use of AI. Technology has become a tool of destabilisation and control with AI-generated deepfakes sowing doubt in elections and synthetic propaganda amplifying the appeal of military juntas. This dual threat makes AI one of the defining battlegrounds of the 21st century, and for Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, the question is not whether AI will shape our political and social life, but how we choose to govern AI in ways that strengthen our democracy rather than undermine it.

The evidence is mounting. In Nigeria’s 2023 elections, deepfakes and coordinated disinformation campaigns flooded social media, fuelling polarisation and public scepticism about democratic institutions. This is not a uniquely Nigerian problem, but part of a global trend. A 2024 report from the Institute for Security + Technology warned that AI-powered disinformation campaigns are now a norm, with direct consequences for electoral integrity and citizen participation.

What Nigeria experienced in 2023 is not an isolated episode. It is a preview of the aggressive information warfare already unfolding in its neighbourhood. In the Sahel, Technology is accelerating authoritarian consolidation. In Burkina Faso, for example, deepfake videos have transformed Captain Ibrahim Traoré into a mythic figure, depicted as Africa’s messiah in digital campaigns featuring AI-generated music, starlike endorsements, and grandiose claims about infrastructure and social programs. In one wave of AI-generated content, a synthetic announcement by American Pan-Africans purportedly supporting the junta surfaced days after France withdrew its troops. In Mali, manipulated content on social media frames France and the UN as complicit in prolonging insecurity and exploiting the region’s resources, while in Niger, AI-generated videos amplify pro-junta messaging and discredit calls for a return to civilian rule. These campaigns are often linked to Russian-influenced information networks, illustrating how generative AI is now a tool in the geopolitical competition over Africa’s political future, shaping public support for undemocratic regimes and destabilising regional governance. If Nigeria fails to respond decisively, the same forces could undermine its institutions, deepen polarisation, and destabilise West Africa’s largest democracy.

Meanwhile, surveys confirm the danger is real as faith in democracy is declining across Africa. Afrobarometer reports that while roughly two-thirds of Africans still prefer democratic rule, support has fallen by seven percentage points in the last decade due to military coups and corruption. In 2025, the Mo Ibrahim Index noted that 78 per cent of Africans live in countries where governance and democratic participation have worsened, often due to repression of civic and media freedoms. This context makes AI-fuelled disinformation a force multiplier for democratic decay because it accelerates the spread of false narratives, erodes trust in legitimate institutions, and overwhelms citizens’ ability to discern truth from fabrication. By amplifying conspiracy theories, delegitimising elections, and glorifying authoritarian figures, AI-driven campaigns deepen cynicism and normalise undemocratic alternatives. For Nigeria, this is a national security challenge, not just a technological one.

The dual-use nature of AI – capable of tampering with democracies yet also empowering authoritarian actors – underscores the urgency of crafting global governance frameworks. The responsibility is twofold for Nigeria: to safeguard its democracy at home and to champion norms abroad that ensure technology does not undermine Africa’s democratic future. In that regard, democracy in the age of AI requires more than defensive measures. It demands proactive investment in digital literacy, robust regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation. Here, Nigeria can lead by example. With more than 220 million citizens, half of them under the age of 19, Nigeria represents both the vulnerability and potential of the digital era. A youthful population that is globally connected but unevenly protected from digital manipulation is at once a risk factor and a resource for resilience.

This makes Nigeria the best-placed country to set the tone for an African-led response and the country has already begun to act in tangible ways. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has launched the development of a National AI Policy Framework to regulate the ethical use of emerging technologies in governance and electoral processes. Just recently, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Nigeria unveiled N-ATLAS, a pioneering AI language model trained in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English – a bold signal that the country is staking its claim in shaping global AI technology in ways that reflect African voices and realities. Fact-checking civil society organisations such as Dubawa have deployed AI-powered tools to detect and debunk disinformation in real time, especially during election cycles. These domestic initiatives are reinforced by Nigeria’s multilateral engagement. The government is aligned with UNESCO to train its civil service on AI and digital governance, embedding global best practices into public institutions. Diplomatically, Nigeria has used its influence in ECOWAS and at the African Union to press for stronger regional standards on electoral integrity and emphasise African agency in multilateral forums. Taken together, these actions show that Nigeria is actively building the frameworks, tools, and alliances needed to protect democracy and set a model for the continent.

This is where Nigeria’s soft power can be most effective. Nollywood and Afrobeats are reshaping global perceptions of African creativity; extending this influence to digital democracy is a natural progression. Nigeria can spearhead a continental coalition on AI ethics, champion digital literacy campaigns targeting its massive youth population, and continue to press for African inclusion in global AI governance forums. Such initiatives would not only protect Nigeria’s democracy but also give Africa a voice in shaping the rules of a technology that will define the future of governance worldwide.

Leadership also means leading by example. Nigeria’s own electoral reforms, including the digitisation of voter registration and the expansion of civic education, must be accelerated to show that technology can strengthen democracy. Regulation should focus not only on punitive measures but also on supporting innovation that defends civic space, protects human rights, and enhances transparency. Such leadership would reinforce Nigeria’s credibility as a defender of democratic norms in a period where coups and authoritarian backsliding have threatened regional stability.

The age of AI will test democracies everywhere, but it also offers an opportunity to reimagine global cooperation. Nigeria has the size, the voice, and now the tools to lead Africa’s response. The choice is stark: allow external actors to script the future of its democracy or shape the rules of engagement for a digital century. Acting decisively now would turn Nigeria’s domestic vulnerabilities into diplomatic capital. That is the essence of soft power: projecting influence through culture or diplomacy, while embodying solutions that others seek to emulate.

The world is entering uncharted territory where the boundaries between truth and falsehood can be engineered with a few lines of code. Nigeria cannot afford to be a passive recipient of these forces. Our responsibility, and indeed our opportunity, is to help shape how democracy survives, adapts and thrives in this new era.

Echowords, a creative platform founded by singer, songwriter and author, Elu Emina, has launched the maiden edition of its Spoken Word Contest to amplify youth voices and empower young Nigerians through poetry and performance.

The competition attracted more than 103 contestants, with stage voting narrowing the field to 30 before the final winners emerged. Iyenemi Muriel Ogbole claimed the first prize of N500,000 with her piece Life. Ogbu Joy Chiamaka came second with To those things hurting childhood, winning N150,000, while Favour Chinaza Basil’s Struggle of the Girl Child secured third place with N50,000.

Founder Echowords, Elu Emina, said that the contest was designed to give young Nigerians a platform for self-expression, healing and empowerment.

‘In a country where more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25, too many young people still feel unseen, unheard and undervalued. With youth unemployment hovering around 40 per cent, countless bright voices are left on the sidelines, their stories silenced before they’re ever told. That’s where Echowords comes in. A movement created to amplify youth voices, celebrate their stories and turn their words into power,’ he said.

He noted that the initiative will not end with the contest, as plans are in place to extend spoken word performances to schools, local communities and end-of-year events.

‘Our goal is simple: to amplify youth voices, nurture creativity, and make spoken word a force for social change,’ he added.

Ogbole, who won the contest, described her journey as one of resilience and creativity. She urged other young Nigerians to embrace spoken word as a medium of expression and self-discovery.

Author and musician, Emina, also published Night Market, a book that tells the story of a young girl navigating a world of witches, gods and phantoms. His music equally experiments with culture and sound, with his Afrobeat single Oya blending Hausa, English and the Chinese Guzheng. He is also set to release a song in the ancient Coptic language later this month.

Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting contingent yesterday departed for the 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships slated to hold between October 9th and 18th in Cairo, Egypt.

The milestone event marks the first-ever World Championships to be hosted on African soil, symbolizing a new era for the sport on the continent.

The first batch of Team Nigeria athletes left the country yesterday amid cheers and well-wishes from officials, fans, and supporters. The second batch of the contingent is scheduled to leave today, from Lagos, completing the full team that will represent the nation at this landmark competition.

Speaking ahead of the departure, officials expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with, in global para powerlifting.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) reaffirmed its full support for the athletes, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan attended plenary for the first time yesterday after the expiration of her six-month suspension for misconduct.

On September 23, the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealed her office to paved the way for her return after the suspension.

Yesterday, Akpoti-Uduaghan entered the Senate chamber around noon and proceeded straight to her designated seat in the minority aisle without any fuss.

That was shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over proceedings from his deputy, Barau Jibrin, who had begun the session at about 11:15 a.m.

Dressed in white attire with matching headgear and covered with a white veil and black sunglasses, the Senator who represents Kogi Central, was warmly received by some senators, including Seriake Dickson Ogoshi Onawo, Gbenga Daniel and Samaila Dahuwa. They exchanged handshakes with her.

The Senate, however, made no mention of her resumption during plenary.

After the session, Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke with reporters, saying she had no apology to tender to the Senate.

Sounding resolute, the lawmaker said she believes the courts would ”be fair and swift in handling the matters.”

She said: ‘My attendance at plenary today(yesterday) is a testament of resilience by the good people of Kogi Central and Nigerians, especially their courage to resist every unscrupulous intimidation.

‘Our victory is the people’s and God’s. I recommit myself to continued service to my constituents and country while trusting the courts to be fair and swift in adjudicating the matters before them.’

The Senator was suspended in March 2025 following her outburst over the reassignment of her seat on February 20.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night accepted the resignation of Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

It followed allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the President approved Nnaji’s resignation.

Nnaji, appointed in August 2023, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, attributing his resignation to ‘sustained blackmail and political persecution.’

‘I have been a target of blackmail by political opponents,’ he stated.

The former minister came under public scrutiny in recent weeks after reports questioned the authenticity of some certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening.

Despite repeatedly denying wrongdoing, civic groups and political figures called for his suspension pending investigation.

Onanuga said the President thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.

Nnaji’s exit marks the first ministerial resignation over a certificate-related controversy in the Tinubu Administration.

Other ministers had left the Tinubu Administration under different circumstances.

Among them was ex-Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Dr. Betta Edu, who left under a cloud of financial impropriety.

Nobody saw Nnaji’s resignation coming because up till last night, he defended himself against allegations that his University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka and the National Youth Corps certificates were forged.

Nearly one year ago, a newspaper broke the story of his fake university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

While the university could not confirm the authenticity of Nnaji’s certificate, he challenged them to publish his transcript.

He also accused the Enugu State Government of being behind the strident attacks on him over the issue.

But the government of his home state denied it all.

Nnaji contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State against Governor Peter Nmba. He ran on the ticket of the APC.

Minister insists he graduated from UNN

Nnaji maintained that he duly graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1985.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nnaji’s aide, Robert Ngwu, presented pages of the university’s 1985 convocation brochure showing Nnaji’s name and photograph.

‘He is a proud alumnus of UNN, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Second Class (Lower Division),’ he said.

Ngwu cited a letter dated December 21, 2023, signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador on behalf of UNN’s Registrar, confirming that ‘Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (Reg. No. 1981/30725) graduated in July 1985 with a B.Sc. Second Class (Lower).’

‘This remains the university’s official position – properly stamped and valid,’ he said.

He questioned the motive behind a subsequent letter, dated May 2025, allegedly denying Nnaji’s records.

‘What changed between December 2023 and May 2025 apart from the change of leadership at UNN?’ Ngwu asked.

He claimed that attempts within the university to tamper with the minister’s file prompted a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Ngwu accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, of fuelling ‘politically motivated media attacks’ rather than complying with the court’s directive.

He alleged that the controversy was a ‘coordinated attempt’ to smear Nnaji and weaken his political influence in Enugu State.

‘This is not about education or integrity – it’s about political desperation disguised as academic inquiry,’ Ngwu said.

‘UNN must restore its integrity by distancing itself from politics. The minister will not be distracted by propaganda.’

Enugu govt: Minister must clear his name

The Enugu State Government distanced itself from the controversy, dismissing claims that it sponsored the allegations against Nnaji.

The state government, through its Director of Information, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nebo, denied the accusation, urging Nnaji to ‘carry his own cross and clear his name.’

‘The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations.

‘The Honourable Minister must clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him,’ Nebo stated.

Court adjourns till November 10

At the hearing of Nnaji’s suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025), his lawyer, Sebastine Hon (SAN), told the court that all parties had been served.

He accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor of writing to an online newspaper after being served, leading to the publication of a ‘damaging and prejudicial’ story.

‘The publication titled ‘Investigation: The Serial Certificate Forger in Tinubu’s Cabinet’ was made after the defendants were served, contrary to the rule that all parties must maintain the status quo,’ Hon said.

He informed the court of plans to file additional processes on the new development.

Counsel to the university, Mr. E.M. Asogwa, denied the claim but assured the court that his clients would maintain the status quo pending the hearing.

Justice Yilwa adjourned till November 10.

Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, has commended the commitment of stakeholders in the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality and Allied Trades sector to skills development and capacity building initiatives. He pledged his agency’s readiness, as the national Sector Skills Council, to champion initiatives that professionalize the sector and raise industry standards.

Dr. Fagade reiterated the critical importance of skills acquisition over reliance on academic paper qualifications, particularly in the travel, tourism, and hospitality value chain. Equipping young people with employable skills, he noted, is key to diverting them from social vices, strengthening national security, and addressing pressing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, social instability, and insecurity.

A further boost to the skills agenda came with the circular issued by the Head of Service of the Federation last year, which conveyed the approval by the National Council on Establishment for the inclusion of National Skills Qualification (NSQ) Levels in the Scheme of Service across all public service sectors.

This policy recognises that persons trained in any skill area, with qualifications from Levels 1-6, are employable and can be placed on salary grades corresponding to their certified competencies.

Explaining the framework, the DG highlighted that the NSQF is anchored on National Occupational Standards (NOS), statements of competence and performance required in specific job roles, alongside the necessary underpinning knowledge.

This, he noted, reinforces the vital role of the Sector Skills Council (SSC) and Awarding Bodies (ABs) in workforce development for travel, tourism, hospitality, and allied trades. Established in 2015, the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSON), coordinated by NIHOTOUR, is mandated to engage employers and industry stakeholders to identify skills gaps, develop, validate, and implement NOS nationwide.

The DG disclosed that 12 key areas have been identified and their NOS developed and approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the sector. These, he added, include: Airport and Passenger Service Operations, Event Handling Operations Food Preparation, Packaging, and Dispatch, Food and Beverage Production, Food Safety Services, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office Operations, Housekeeping Operations, Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operations, Tour Operations, Travel Agency Operations, Travel and Tourism Advisory Services.

These NOS, according to him, are subsequently developed into National Skills Qualifications by the designated Sectoral Awarding Body.

NIHOTOUR boss stressed that the functionality of the SSC relies on strong collaboration between the NBTE, which approves the NOS, and the Awarding Body, which develops qualifications for nationwide implementation.

‘The entire system is designed to give trainees access to knowledge-based, practical skills and workplace ethics rooted in established occupational standards,’ he noted.

Awarding dodies, he added, go beyond issuing certificates, they are custodians of quality assurance and industry relevance. They set and enforce standards across training institutions, thereby safeguarding educational integrity and ensuring qualifications meet labour market demands.

To enhance effectiveness, Fagade outlined that the ‘SSC must be strengthened through strong institutional support, robust industry linkages, up-to-date skills standards, continuous capacity building, effective advocacy, and rigorous monitoring.’

‘The Awarding Body must ensure credibility, global benchmarking, strong quality assurance systems, digital innovation, active industry engagement, and visible policy advocacy to establish itself as the trusted authority for professionalising travel, tourism, and hospitality,’ he said.

Looking ahead, analysts envision a Nigeria empowered by a highly skilled, adaptable, and entrepreneurial workforce, capable of meeting the demands of a dynamic global economy.

They posit that such a workforce will not only reduce unemployment but also drive national development and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.

On attaining the target goals of the NSQF in the sector, Fagade opined that it requires the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including, government, industry, educational institutions, and awarding bodies.

‘Sustained investment in skills development is not just an educational cost, but a strategic national investment, a pathway to dignity, productivity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,’ he noted.

2. LASRAB honours Adebowale for contributions to archiving, history

By Ozolua Uhakheme

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

The event, themed ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future’, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

Celebrating a Modern Archivist and Historian

For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format-online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects-has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally. His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative-bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists-a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Attorney General of Osun State against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), in relation to the dispute over the withheld allocations due to local governments in the state.

The plaintiff, in the suit marked: SC/CV/773/2025 seeks primarily among others, to restrain the AGF from instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to release the withheld funds to the local government chairmen and councillors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, took final arguments from lawyers to parties yesterday.

Justice Abba-Aji said judgment in the suit is reserved till a date to be communicated to parties.

Musbau Adetumbi (SAN) led the plaintiff’s legal team, while Akin Olujimi (SAN) and the Acting Director, Civil Appeals at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tijani Gazali (SAN) lead the defendant’s legal team.

While arguing the plaintiff’s case, Adetunbi told the court that his client filed an originating summons on August 25 in which it formulated six questions for the court’s determination and prayed the court for 10 reliefs.

Adetunbi adopted all the documents he filed on behalf of his client and prayed the court to grant all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff and dismiss the defendant’s preliminary objection.

He told that court that while the case was still pending, the defendant attempted to destroy the res (subject of the dispute), by attempting to pay the withheld funds to one of the contending parties.

Adetunbi claimed that the money was moved from the CBN to a private bank, ‘but we were able to obtain a court order to stop the defendant from releasing the money.’

Olujinmi queried the competence of the suit, the court’s jurisdiction to hear it and the plaintiff’s locus standi (legal right to sue) and urged the court to dismiss the suit or strike it out for lacking in merit.

He argued that the case did not fall within the jurisdiction of the court to warrant the invocation of its original jurisdiction because the dispute is between two political parties and related to the tenure of elected local government officials.

Olujinmi argued that the case amounted to an abuse of court processes because the plaintiff filed multiple cases on the same dispute in both the state and federal high courts.

He further contended that the suit did not disclose any cause of action, adding that the tenure of the disputed council chairmen and councillors would expire on October 22.

Olujinmi argued that the proper thing was for the statutory allocation to be released to the elected APC officials to run the local governments.

In the suit, the plaintiff wants the court to issue an order, directing the AGF to immediately release the statutory allocations to chairmen and councilors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 30 local governments in Osun State.

The plaintiff said the decision to approach the Supreme Court was based on a letter by AGF according recognition to the disputed APC chairmen and councillors.

The Osun AG wants the court to issue an order stopping the AGF from further withholding, suspending or seizing monthly allocations and revenues standing to the credit of the constituents local governments, having democratically elected chairmen in place.

The plaintiff argued that the AGF was wrong in writing a letter recognising APC local government chairmen when the matter was pending in court.

According to the plaintiff, the election that brought in the APC officials as local government chairmen and councillors had been nullified by a Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu yesterday took over in acting capacity as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stepped down after ten years of service.

He handed over to her being one of the most senior national commissioners, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Prof. Yakubu announced that he was proceeding on a one-month terminal leave, preparatory to his final exit next month.

Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner from the Southeast, heads the INEC’s Legal Services, Clearance and Complaints Committee (LSCCC).

According to Section 154(1) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”

Also, ‘Sub-section 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, ‘the President shall consult the Council of State.’

The Council of State, which is made up of the President, former Heads of State, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker, Chief Justice of the Federation, past Chief Justices of Nigeria and 36 governors, is expected to meet in Abuja tomorrow.

Yakubu, a Professor of Political History and International Studies, and 14th Chief Umpire, succeeded Prof. Attahiru Jega in 2015. He was re-appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term of five years on December 9, 2020.

He announced his stepping down during a meeting with the State Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

In a letter dated October 3, 2025, Yakubu had expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation.

President Tinubu, who accepted his departure, thanked him for his service to the nation and bestowed on him the national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

In a speech laced with emotion, Yakubu, who supervised two presidential elections in 2019 and 2023, thanks National Commissioners, Resident Electoral Commissioners and other electoral officers for their dedication, commitment, and hard work during his tenure.

He also catalogued his achievements, which he attributed to team work.

Yakubu said: ‘Over the years, we achieved a lot in responding to challenges and introducing many innovations. We have consolidated the biometric register of voters and replaced many of our manual processes with digital platforms and applications.

‘These include the nomination of candidates, submission of polling and collation agents by political parties, accreditation of national and international observers and the media for elections, voter accreditation and result management.

‘In addition, with the support of development partners, we have introduced various technologies to improve diverse aspects of election management such as easy location of election facilities, management of collation and returning officers, virtual training of electoral staff, management of political parties finances and audits, as well as the overall monitoring of elections using our Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC). Indeed, we have made tremendous progress, but a lot more needs to be done.’

He added: ‘Accordingly, and knowing the enormity of the challenges ahead having been privileged to serve the Commission for ten years with only a few more weeks to serve, I have taken a decision and conveyed same as provided by Sec. 306 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as mended).

‘In the interim, I am handing over to one of the most senior National Commissioners by date of appointment. Following consultation with other National Commissioners, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu will serve in an acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Chairman of the Commission.

‘I hope that this will afford the appointing authorities adequate time to appoint a new Chairman. It will also enable the new Chairman to settle down quickly to the task of conducting elections and electoral activities in Africa’s most demographically and logistically complex elections.

‘I want to express my profound appreciation to members of the Commission and our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the excellent working relations that we shared.

‘Since 2015, I have worked with 24 National Commissioners and 67 RECs. So also to the staff of the Commission. Those involved in elections or vastly knowledgeable about election management understand what the conduct of elections entails. I will forever cherish the support of successive Secretaries and staff of the Commission nationwide.’

After receiving the baton, the acting chairman promised to uphold the integrity of the electoral agency during the transition period.

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, Lasaco Assurance Plc has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art ‘Lasaco Smart Class’ in Agindigbi Junior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos state.

The Smart Class initiative underscores Lasaco Assurance Plc’s drive to enhance digital literacy, bridge educational gaps, and promote technology-driven learning environments in underserved institutions.

Fully equipped with modern digital tools, the facility is designed to empower students with 21st-century skills, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-first world.

In addition to providing digital resources, the Lasaco Smart Class is also strategically positioned to instill the culture of insurance awareness in young learners, fostering early understanding of the role of insurance in financial security, risk management, and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the unveiling, the representative of the Managing Director, Lasaco Assurance plc, Mr Sesan Oki (Head, Internal control and compliance) emphasised that the project represents more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroot.

He said: ‘At Lasaco Assurance, we recognize that education and technology are the twin pillars of progress. The Lasaco Smart Class is not only a contribution to improved learning outcomes, but also a deliberate effort to nurture young minds with the values of foresight, security, and preparedness which insurance represents,’ he stated.

The launch of the Lasaco Smart Class marks the beginning of a broader CSR agenda focused on education, innovation, and community empowerment.

By integrating digital literacy with insurance consciousness, Lasaco Assurance is reaffirming its leadership as a forward-thinking organization that goes beyond business to positively impact lives and build resilient communities.