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The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has congratulated Prof. Joash Amupitan on his nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mrs Abiola Adeyemi, IPAC Secretary and Lagos State Chairperson of the Action People’s Party (APP), congratulated Amupitan while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

She urged the new INEC chairman to use the opportunity of his appointment and time to enhance integrity of elections and build confidence in the electoral system.

According to her, Nigerians are disenchanted with the electoral process, hence the recurrent voter apathy during elections.

Adeyemi said: ‘We expect the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan champion and strengthen electoral reforms .Let the process be transparent and let election results reflect the will of the people.

‘The biggest task before him is the restoration of public confidence in the electoral process, because this is long gone.

‘We expect Amupitan to implement radical transparency and ensure legal backing for electronic transmission of election results from the polling units without glitches, to enhance election credibility.’

The IPAC scribe also advised the new INEC boss to leverage innovations, like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and others ,to eliminate all manipulative tendencies in elections.

‘He (Amupitan) should ensure that INEC’s is shielded from partisan pressure and political interferences. This is very vital to restore confidence.

‘Nigerians expect Prof. Amupitan to deliver credible, transparent, and fair elections, birthing an era of accountability and fairness in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,’ Adeyemi said.

She said that the electoral reforms that would made make Nigerians aspire, contest and votes without intimidation were needed to bring back public confidence.

Adeyemi urged him to find a way of addressing the nagging problem of vote buying and selling during elections.

NAN recalls that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appointed Amupitan, a professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as the new chairman of INEC.

Amupitan’s appointment has also been ratified by the National Council of State.

His appointment followed the tenure expiration of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who had led the nation’s electoral body for statutory two-term tenure of five years each since November 2015.

Nigerian artists Stanley Omah Didia, also known as Omah Lay, and Oluwafemi Oladapo also known as Slimcase, has cried out over the state of Nigerian music.

The artists claimed that Nigerian music and the afrobeats genre is becoming boring.

Slimcase who is popular for his hit song ‘Issa Banger’ with D’banj, first took to his Instagram page to air his opinion.

He claimed that artists focus too much on the quantity of songs being released rather than the quality.

‘Too many songs and albums. Una too Dey put una self for pressure for this Niger sha. Take a chill pill and be like Rihanna. Do other things, come back to give us a fresh vibe. Your sounds are getting boring because dem be coming too much in a year. I owe dem a song this year and that is it. It is only God that is New every morning. Everyday, and every second singles and albums dey kiiii afrobeats gradually it is not fun anymore,’ he stated in pidgin English.

Omah Lay on his Snapchat, also echoed his sentiments, adding that the music industry has become boring. He also promised to shake up the music scene soon.

‘Una music industry is boring AF! Spirit is coming to f**k up the continent in a bit,’ he wrote.

The Lagos State Government has issued a firm assurance to its public servants nearing retirement, pledging ‘prompt processing and remittance’ of their retirement benefits provided their documentation is in order.

The government spoke during the 29th Retirement Benefit Documentation Seminar held on Friday, 10 October 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, commended the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) for its dedication to ensuring a seamless retirement process for officers exiting the public service.

He applauded the agency’s consistency in organising the seminars, describing it as a demonstration of the State’s ‘commitment to supporting its workforce through every stage of their service journey.’

Agoro noted that the seminar, third of its kind in 2025, was designed to equip retiring officers with essential knowledge on documentation, pension administration, and financial readiness.

‘It is of utmost importance that retiring officers take advantage of this seminar by listening attentively and asking relevant questions that will simplify the process of remitting their retirement benefits without delay,’ he said.

He reassured participants that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains steadfast in guaranteeing prompt processing and remittance of benefits once documentation is complete.

‘Be assured that the Administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is steadfast in its unwavering commitment to guaranteeing your welfare and well-being, even after retirement,’ Agoro stated.

In his address, LASPEC’s Director-General, Babalola Obilana, described the seminar as part of ongoing efforts to prepare officers retiring between January and June 2026 for a smooth transition into post-service life.

‘This forum has been specially convened to prepare officers for the journey ahead, ensuring their transition from active service into retirement is carried out with clarity, dignity, and peace of mind,’ he said.

Obilana underscored the importance of proactive planning, financial discipline, and emotional preparedness, urging participants to approach retirement with optimism.

‘Retirement is not a period to fear or dread. Rather, it is a season to celebrate, a time to redirect your energy towards pursuits that bring joy, fulfilment and impact,’ he said.

He added that the Sanwo-Olu administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of its workforce through reforms that ensure transparency and efficiency in pension administration.

The seminar featured sessions led by pension experts, annuity service providers, and financial advisers, covering topics such as pension documentation, healthcare management, and legal considerations.

Obilana commended the LASPEC team and partners for their dedication in organising the forum, reaffirming that every retiring officer would be supported to ‘retire with dignity, pride, and the assurance that their welfare is safeguarded.’

The event brought together top government officials, including Permanent Secretaries, directors, Pension Fund Administrators, and hundreds of prospective retirees who expressed appreciation for the State Government’s continued prioritisation of their post-service welfare.

Activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Friday met for President Goodluck Jonathan over his planned 20th October protest for release of the leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who has been mobilizing leaders and prominent personalities for the protest revealed his meeting with Jonathan in a statement he posted on his social media platforms.

However, he did not indicate that the former President gave his word on joining the protest for the release of Kanu.

Rather, Sowore said Jonathan agreed that he will discuss the issue of detention of the IPOB leader with President Bola Tinubu.

Writing on his social media platforms, the activist said, ‘Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President @GEJonathan to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi @NnamdiKanu.

‘President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly. I thank him sincerely for recognizing the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.

‘Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet @officialabat to discuss this issue as soon as possible.’

He added that with his meeting with him, former President Jonathan has joined others Nigerians who have ‘called for justice in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.’

He listed other prominent Nigerians who have agreed on the need to secure freedom for Kanu to include for Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Lagos lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana SAN and activities and former senator, Shehu Sani.

‘Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention today because he took up the just cause of confronting the long-standing issue of marginalization in Nigeria.

‘Like other ethnic and regional activists whose politically motivated cases have been withdrawn or dismissed, Nnamdi Kanu should also be released without further delay.

Sowere also appelaed to other political, cultural, ethnic, and religious leaders across Nigeria to join his campaign for release of Kanu.

In particular, he called on leaders from the South East, particularly, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the governors of the five states of the South East, and John Mbata, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide to join the move to free Kanu.

He also called on ‘Nigerians of conscience everywhere, to lend their voices to the call for justice and freedom’

‘Nnamdi Kanu should be set free. And I remain firmly committed to peacefully mobilizing for justice and freedom in this matter,’ Sowore said.

The Federal Government is currently prosecuting Kanu, on allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

However there have been calls for his release by various groups and individuals across the country, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in a recent statement in Enugu appealed to President Tinubu to deploy his constitutional powers and diplomatic instruments to release him in the spirit of equity, fairness and inclusive justice.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-1 victory against a determined Lesotho side in their CAF World Cup Qualifier on Friday.

The encounter, played at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa, saw the Super Eagles break through a stubborn Lesotho defense with a second-half penalty from captain William Troost-Ekong and a late strike from substitute Akor Adams, enough to claim all three points despite a nervy finish after Lesotho’s consolation goal .

The victory provides Nigeria with vital momentum in their quest for World Cup qualification, though the performance revealed areas requiring improvement against what many predicted would be straightforward opposition.

The opening 45 minutes proved to be a tactical stalemate that defied pre-match predictions. Super Eagles, despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut opportunities against a well-organized Lesotho defense.

The home side employed a compact 5-3-2 formation, effectively closing down spaces and frustrating Nigeria’s attacking talents .

Lesotho grew in confidence as the half progressed, not only defending resolutely but also showing glimpses of threat on the counter-attack. The teams headed into the interval with the scoreline reading 0-0, leaving the Super Eagles with much to contemplate .

The game transformed dramatically after the break, with the deadlock finally broken in the 55th minute. Following a clumsy challenge on Victor Osimhen in the penalty area, captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up to calmly convert from the spot, giving Nigeria a hard-earned 1-0 lead .

Rather than opening the floodgates, the goal preceded a period of continued resistance from Lesotho.

The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when substitute Akor Adams, who had replaced the quiet Tolu Arokodare, doubled Nigeria’s advantage with a sharp finish assisted by Osimhen.

Just when the game seemed secure, Lesotho responded with a stunning goal three minutes later. Substitute Hlompho Kalake found the net in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense finale. Despite late pressure, Super Eagles managed to see out the remaining minutes to secure a 2-1 victory.

The result places Nigeria in a strong position in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifications with 14 points, though the standings remain tight.

The match revealed both the resilience and the areas requiring refinement for the Super Eagles as they continue their campaign.

While the performance was not as commanding as many Nigerian supporters would have hoped, the ability to secure three points in challenging circumstances demonstrates a crucial characteristic of successful qualifying campaigns.

The Super Eagles displayed patience to break down a stubborn opponent and resilience to withstand late pressure.

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerian youths to shun internet fraud and channel their creative energies towards nation-building.

He gave the charge on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, at the inaugural Kids and Teens STEAM Innovate Buildathon bootcamp. The event, themed ‘Future Innovator: Young Minds, Big Ideas, Creating Tomorrow Today,’ was held for young people aged between seven and 18.

Delivering his keynote address through the Acting Director of the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Bawa Usman Kaltungo, Olukoyede encouraged youths to embrace positive, productive ventures and steer clear of economic and financial crimes – particularly internet fraud.

While applauding the innovative spirit, talents, and skills of Nigerian youths, he urged them to apply their gifts in ways that support government efforts and contribute to national development, rather than engaging in activities that could jeopardise their future and the country’s progress.

‘A lot of negativity is going on among the youth, but I urge you not to go with the tide. Desist from joining the bandwagon of internet fraud, as there will be regrets in future. Your importance in our society cannot be taken lightly. Galvanise your thoughts in such a way that you can stand nationally or internationally when the opportunity presents itself. Your era is very different from ours,’ he said.

Security operatives have rescued 10 people, including children between the age of one and 13 years about five months after they were abducted by bandits from a community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State

Kaduna Police Command spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan revealed this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the victims were abducted by bandits who attacked their homes in Kushe Makaranta village in large numbers and took them into a dense forest near the Rijana community.

Mansir however said the victims were rescued on October 7, five months after their abduction following a sustained pressure from a combined team of the police, Department for State Services (DSS) and military personnel who forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and escape from their hideout.

The Kaduna Police Command spokesperson identified the rescued victims as: Helen Abraham, Rosemary Elisha, Jummai Istifanus, Hauwa’u Sule and Mary Sunday. Others are Kelvin Abraham, Devine Elisha, Jeremiah Istfanus, Christabeth Abraham and Hauwa Sulaiman all indigenes of Kushe Makaranta village.

According to the statement, the rescued victims upon their rescue were immediately taken to the Police Clinic for medical attention.

He added that after two days of observation and treatment, they were successfully reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad has commended operatives of the command for their dedication and professionalism over the rescue of the victims.

The Police Commissioner also assured the public that the Command remains resolute in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents and in fighting banditry in the State.