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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.

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.

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.

The Apapa Local Government has distributed five electricity transformers to communities to tackle erratic power supply and improve residents’ standard of living.

While handing over the transformers, the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Idowu Sebanjo, said the initiative reflects her administration’s resolve to pursue people-centered development.

‘This initiative is not just about providing light; it is about supporting families, strengthening education, boosting businesses, and improving security. It is a promise kept and a step towards renewing hope for a prosperous Apapa,’ she said.

She added that the intervention was targeted at easing the burden of households and businesses that have long suffered epileptic electricity in Apapa.

Sebanjo said that the transformers were allocated to Wards A, B, C, D, and E, with a pledge that additional units would be provided in the near future.

She also listed ongoing projects in road construction, water supply, education, women and youth empowerment as part of the council’s broader developmental drive.

The council boss urged residents to take ownership of the facilities, protect them against vandalism, and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee long-term use.

Chairman of Apapa GRA Residents Association (AGRA) Rear Admiral Austin Oyagha (rtd), said the council had brought long-awaited relief to residents.

‘If you live in Apapa, you know the problem of transformers. We have begged for years, but today this effort has brought hope to our people,’ he said.

A community leader, Mr. Nathaniel Adebe, said the distribution demonstrated genuine commitment to grassroots development.

‘My heart is full of joy. Past administrations neglected us, but now we see change. We pray God strengthens the Chairman to do even more,’ he said.

An Abuja High Court yesterday adjourned the trial of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), till October 21 to enable the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to list a witness to testify in the case.

Dasuki is standing trial on an amended 32-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, dishonest release and receiving various sums of money to the tune of N33.2 billion.

He was accused of misappropriation of security funds in the accounts of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) alongside a former General Manager with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa.

The others are two firms: Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

The EFCC arraigned the four defendants afresh on March 25 and accused Dasuki, among others, of releasing the equivalent of N10 billion in foreign currencies from the NSA’s account.

The account was with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the 2014 presidential primary election of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dasuki and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecution witness and a detective with the EFCC, Adariku Michael, informed the court that the anti-corruption commission received an intelligence report on September 21, bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

He alleged the NSA moved huge sums of money between October 2014 and April 2015 to accounts of various companies.

The witness said the report was assigned to a special task force team headed by ACE 1 Halimah Kazeem, of which he was a member, to carry out investigations on the report.

‘I got to know about this case when the commission (EFCC) received an intelligence report on September 21, bordering on abuse of office and money laundering.

The witness recalled that on receiving the report, the special task force promptly swung into action and wrote a letter of investigation activities to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

It was at this point the counsel to Baba-Kusa, Solomon Umoh (SAN), told the court that the witness was not listed by the prosecution among the witnesses in the paper the EFCC served the defence team.

‘This is against the provisions of Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA),’ he said.

But the prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the witness had given evidence before the Chief Judge in the case.

He submitted that several documents were tendered by the prosecution as exhibits through the witness.

‘This case had lasted almost 10 years,’ he said.

Atolagbe sought an adjournment for the prosecution to do the needful.

This was not opposed by the defence team.

Based on this, the presiding judge, Justice Charles Agbaza, adjourned the case until October 31 for continuation of the hearing.

Like most of his predecessors as chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has been the recipient of acidic criticism over the handling of elections under his watch. He, more than most, having stepped into the saddle against the backdrop of unprecedented political change.

He was appointed in 2015 by President Muhammadu Buhari who, along with his All Progressives Congress (APC), had pulled off the hitherto unthinkable feat of toppling an incumbent president. The losing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to come to terms with its defeat, and spent the last ten years blaming the commission for its woes.

But that’s understandable given that no one ever loses elections in Nigeria; it’s always down to INEC’s ‘rigging’. Even no-hoppers indulge in this national pastime of blaming the umpire. Way back in the Second Republic, the hapless chairman of the electoral body, retired Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey, famously retorted that he would faint if he saw N1 million in cash. This was in reaction to unending allegations that he and his team had been bought off by the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

To that extent, no one should be too shocked by the Yakubu-bashing, nor swallow hook, line and sinker ever accusation against the election management team.

This is not to say that the current commission, or its previous incarnations have delivered perfectly on their mandate. I doubt whether there’s any national institution for which that sort of generous claim can be made. While there’s much to be criticised, sometimes the criticism is way over the top; devoid of the generosity of spirit which acknowledges where progress has been made and innovations introduced.

Over the last decade, our elections have evolved from the dark days when the primary beneficiary the 2007 election, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, shockingly admitted that the process that threw him up was fundamentally flawed. For all the attempts by the aggrieved to paint the chairman as a devil in professorial garb, no one can say that the Yakubu period ever plumbed the scandalous depths of 18 years ago.

And that’s saying a lot, given that aside the general elections of 2019 and 2023 the commission under him also managed countless by-elections in that 10-year space. Virtually all parties – from the largest to fringe ones – at some point emerged enjoyed the feeling of being victors: in some instances in places where their triumph was considered an upset.

A case in point is the narrow defeat of APC and its candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Lagos, a place long considered his impenetrable fortress. In those instances, the victors would hail the commission to high heavens whilst the losers would curse them to the pits of hell.

This October, the curtain is set to be drawn on Yakubu’s decade-long leadership. But we must not forget that his tenure was not just about elections, it also involved transforming the institution and reforming the way our polling processes are managed – getting them aligned with global best practices.

Take away controversies about particular election outcomes and fair-minded persons cannot but admit that the Yakubu years have been transformative. Those with short memory forget that once upon a time ballot box-snatching and other Stone Age malpractices were consequential in determining electoral outcomes.

Today, with the embrace of technology, much of those abuses have become redundant. So much so that on polling days citizens can now track emerging results from polling units up to ward level and beyond on INEC’s portal same day.

One key achievement for which his time would be remembered is continuity and institutional stability. This is down to the fact that he’s the commission’s first chairman to have served two consecutive terms. In that period he oversaw the largest number of elections ever conducted in this country – two general elections, 19 governorship polls, hundreds of bye-elections, and three FCT council elections.

To guarantee enduring institutional memory, he initiated Nigeria’s first Election Museum to preserve the nation’s democratic history. He regularised election dates, creating certainty and predictability. Improved investment in modernised election infrastructure resulted in the building of State Collation Centres across the federation and initiation of a new INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

You cannot discuss Yakubu’s legacy without talking about the Commission’s embrace of technology. Two key items have become household names in political discourse. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) with fingerprint and facial recognition was introduced in place of the flawed manual processes. Equally, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) came into being, allowing Nigerians to view polling unit results in real time.

Technology has also revolutionised voter registration through IVED and ABIS, eliminating 2.7 million fraudulent registrations. Digital portals for candidate nomination, party agent registration, observer accreditation, and media access are now available. In a first on the African continent, INEC has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Division, with an eye on the future of election management.

Other achievements of the Yakubu tenure include expanding the Voter Roll by institutionalising Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). This has created year-round opportunities for people to register. Since the introduction in 2017, over 23 million new voters have been added.

In the face of persistent calls for legal and regulatory reforms, the Commission worked with the National Assembly to deliver the landmark Electoral Act 2022, heralding electronic transmission of results and stricter party regulations.

He would be remembered for making inclusion a core part of his agenda with the establishment of the Department of Gender and Inclusivity to give structure and voice to representation. Quota slots were reserved for women in senior management, breaking long-standing barriers.

Also introduced were assistive voting devices like Braille ballots and magnifying lenses. He created and implemented legal frameworks for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to vote, safeguarding rights even in times of crisis. To actually walk his talk, persons with disabilities were hired within INEC.

Deepening of stakeholder engagement has been achieved through quarterly consultations with political parties, civil society, security agencies, and the media. A Code of Conduct for security personnel on election duty, ensuring professionalism in the field has been introduced. Partnerships with traditional rulers, faith leaders, and the National Peace Committee have contributed to a more peaceful electoral process.

Yakubu’s impact has been felt in the area of electoral diplomacy and regional leadership. He revived and presided over ECONEC (ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions), positioning Nigeria as a hub of electoral thought leadership. He has also driven solidarity and peer-learning missions across West Africa, providing technical, material, and moral support to sister commissions.

Demotivated staff can become a danger to electoral credibility as they become vulnerable to manipulation by politicians and parties. Understanding this, the INEC boss has addressed staff development and welfare by introducing merit-based promotions and gender quotas for directors, rewarding excellence; rolled out welfare packages: hazard allowances, bonuses, medical aid, and funeral grants; built a crèche for nursing mothers, supporting staff with young families; instituted Long Service Awards and Staff Recognition Nights.

As he departs from a seat which many have dubbed a poisoned chalice, INEC’s low key, self-effacing chair can look back with pride at the technology-driven, reform-oriented, and people-focused institution he’s leaving behind. Perhaps with time he will get the credit he deserves for laying the foundation for deeper public trust in the integrity of our elections.

The Chairman of Eti-Osa Local Government, Omo’ba Adeola Adetoro, has distributed school materials to public schools pupils in her council.

Adetoro said that education is the bedrock of a society’s growth and development.

She added that the initiative reflects her administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters all round development.

‘Our young scholars are the foundation of Eti-Osa’s future, and their achievements will determine the progress of our local government. That’s why we’re committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters learning and personal growth,’ she said.

She urged the pupils to take their studies serious, adding that hardworking and determination lead to success.

She said: ‘I urge our students to approach this new session with discipline, dedication, and excellence. Education is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere, and I have no doubt that with hard work and determination, you will achieve great things.’

She commended the roles of teachers in building the future leaders.

‘To our teachers, I commend your tireless efforts in shaping the minds of our future leaders. Your role is crucial in inspiring and guiding our students to reach their full potential,’ she said.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Eti Osa Local Government, Aremo Olusegun Oyindasola, urged the pupils to be dedicated to their studies and avoid joining bad gangs.

The schools that benefited from the gesture included Ikota Primary School, Ilasan Primary School, Ajiran Primary School, Lagos State Model Primary School, Mayegun Community Primary School, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi Primary School, and Jamatul Islamiyah Primary School.

The Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Aderemi Ogunlari, has lamented the invasion of the community by some landgrabbers.

The monarch said the peaceful Owu-Ikosi Kingdom in the Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Epe Division is reeling from an escalating crisis as ‘Ajagungbale’ (landgrabbers) are intimidating residents and crippling local commerce.

Addressing reporters at a briefing in his palace, Oba Ogunlari, flanked by his Council of Chiefs, appealed to the Lagos State Government and all security agencies for immediate intervention, warning that the situation is rapidly descending into anarchy.

The monarch stated that the landgrabbers had made incursions into villages across the Epe Division.

‘The state government should act quickly before it becomes the issue of herdsmen,’ the monarch cautioned, drawing a parallel to the security challenges in other parts of the country.

He implored Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to swiftly come to the aid of residents and the State House of Assembly to swiftly make a law to curb landgrabbing.

The traditional rulers and chiefs made a joint, urgent call for the deployment of state security service officials to the area.

He said: ‘We are calling on Governor Sanwo-Olu to quickly take it up to avoid unrest, and specifically on the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Area Commander of Area N to come and save our life and soul before it is too late. ‘We appeal Lagos State House of Assembly to make a law to aid the work of Lagos State Task Force on Land Grabbers (LSTF) as this will curb land-grabbing in the state.’

He noted that the escalating violence posed a direct threat to the state government’s investment in the area, specifically the relocation of Sawmillers from Okobaba to Imofa.

Oluwo/Jagun oba of Owu-Ikosi, Chief Olumide Osilaja, painted a grim picture of daily life, stating that the situation has become so pervasive that there is nowhere in the community that the landgrabbers are not operating.

‘They are in our farms now with the hoodlums they are using to harass our people. Farmers cannot go to their farms, our women cannot go on their daily business,’ Chief Osilaja said.

He added that people visiting sawmills to purchase planks are being stopped and extorted for huge amount of money.

‘The thugs are reportedly armed with cutlass and guns and are seen taking harmful drugs, fueling community panic,’ he said.

The 1986/92 set of the Government College Ibadan has intensified plans for the closed table tennis championship tagged ”Battle of the Century.”

The table tennis event, proposed to be annual competition is part of the set’s role of giving back to the school project.

The tournament will be staged in the school premises on October 30th and 31st .

Interestingly, most of the old students behind the project are based abroad but they are passionate about sports especially the ping pong game.

The Closed Table Tennis Championship will be competed for on House basis in the school.

Charles Olayinka, one of the ’86/92 set members told our correspondent that seven top notch officials led by table tennis guru, Coach Wale Ajetunmobi, who will double as project coordinator, will take charge of proceedings.

Seun Esho and Kolade Aladeojebi are other executive members working hard to stage the competition.

So far, BSG, Mage designs, Muyenbaba, Daimler and DPIL are corporate organisers supporting the initiative while individuals like Dayo Alabi, Tijani Yusuff Adewale, Bunmi Ashaolu, Anonymous-AO, Taiwo Demuren, Pst. Tolu Makinde, Femi Olaobaju, Pst. Bayo Falode and Oluwafemi Oyetunde are supporting the project.

Carr House, Field House, Power House, Swanson House and Grier House will slug it out against one another in the maiden table tennis extravaganza which promises to be highly entertaining.

Coach Ajetunmobi told our correspondent that the tournament would be a great avenue to further boost the catch them young initiative of many table tennis lovers in the country.

‘We are highly expectant because the students expected to compete are highly skilful and talented. It will be interesting,’ he said.

There will be a total of 40 players expected to compete for honours in the competition with five each in a group of eight. Two players each will qualify from each group to move into the last 16 stage.

Winners in each of the categories will be given attractive prizes to be donated by the sponsors of the competition.

After nearly three years away from the Nigerian national team, Mati Taiwo is back and his return couldn’t be more symbolic as Nigeria prepares to defend its men’s team title at the 2025 ITTF-African Championships in Tunis, to be held from 12-19 October.

Mati earned his place on the team through hard work, helped Nigeria to secure a men’s team victory and reached the semi-finals in singles at the 2025 West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos.

These performances were pivotal to his selection, including the ranking points he garnered at WTT Contender Lagos.

Now based in France and playing for league side Association tennis de table Le Havre, Mati has been rebuilding his form, helping his club in the French PRO B DIVISION and competing at various WTT events occasionally.

‘I feel positive and more confident to be back,’ he said. ‘I’ve been preparing really well for this tournament.’

Mati joins a familiar cast, including Muizz Adegoke, Kuti Matthew, and Abdulbasit AbdulFatai; teammates with whom he shares a successful spell during his youth-level days.

The squad will be captained by Olajide Omotayo, stepping up in the absence of Aruna Quadri, whose leadership was instrumental in last year’s men’s team triumph.

‘We’ll miss Aruna. I checked up on him after hearing he withdrew. The confidence whenever he’s on the team and the less pressure we experience because of him. But we’ll still feel the captain’s spirit that we usually get from him. Nevertheless, we’ll always try our best to be positive,’ Mati admitted

Despite the challenge posed by perennial rivals Egypt, Mati believes in the strength and energy of the younger squad.

‘We’re full of energy and can go a long way. I feel we can cause an upset,’ echoed Mati

His optimism is matched by his praise for the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation’s recent investment in youth development, which he calls a ‘great development.

‘ That investment is now bearing fruit, and he hopes that if the momentum continues, it will birth even more generations of players ready to fly the flag higher on the international stage.

Taiwo’s return is a reflection of Nigeria’s growing depth in its current squad, boosting younger and developing talents ready to carry on the torch of Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.