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Afrobeats singer Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy of the defunct group P-Square, says he shares a good relationship with Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid and Davido.

Speaking on Yanga FM, the singer said every generation gets its moment in the spotlight and fans should accept the natural shift in the industry.

Rudeboy noted that the current wave is led by Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy, just as P-Square once dominated.

The singer urged fans to stop fueling unnecessary rivalries and instead acknowledge every generation’s contributions.

Rudeboy said while no artiste can reign forever, legacies are built through impact and achievements that outlive chart positions.

‘I have a good relationship with Wizkid, Davido. It’s their turn and people should respect that. Nobody is going to be there forever. People should respect that. After that, there’s still going to be another people. You can’t be there forever, but you can still put your legacy.

‘I don’t see why people argue about Afrobeats, they should know that we also made our mark’, he said.

The African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) has congratulated the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) following the country’s historic victory at the 2026 African U-18 Boys’ Volleyball Championship in Alexandria, Egypt.

In a congratulatory letter dated July 30, CAVB President and FIVB Executive Vice-President, Mrs. Bouchra Hajji, praised the leadership of NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for guiding Nigeria to its first continental title at the youth championship.

Hajji described the achievement as evidence of the federation’s commitment to youth development, discipline and long-term investment in volleyball.

She congratulated the federation’s board, coaching crew, support staff and players for their dedication, saying the triumph reflects the strength of Nigeria’s youth development programme.

According to her, Nigeria’s success will inspire more young players across Africa while contributing to the growth of volleyball on the continent.

She urged the federation to build on the achievement and expressed confidence that the current generation of players would record even greater success at continental and international competitions.

Thousands of delegates from across Africa gathered in Lusaka as the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026 concluded six days of high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, investment discussions and cultural exchange, reaffirming the continent’s growing determination to build a globally competitive creative economy.

Held from June 29 to July 4, 2026, ACM 2026 was organised in collaboration with the Creative Industries Business Summit Zambia (CIBSZ) and the Kwimbo National Arts Festival. It brought together participants from Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal and several other African countries.

The gathering united government officials, policymakers, investors, development partners, entrepreneurs, creatives and industry leaders on one of the continent’s most comprehensive platforms dedicated to advancing Africa’s creative and cultural industries.

Opening the event, Founder of Africa Creative Market, Dr. Inya Lawal, described Zambia as the ideal host for this year’s gathering, citing the country’s growing commitment to the creative economy.

‘People often ask me why we chose Zambia. My answer has always been simple: because Zambia is ready,’ she said.

Representing the Zambian Government, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, Mr. Kangwa Chileshe, underscored the importance of creating enabling systems that allow creative talent to flourish.

‘Talent alone is not enough. We must build the structures that allow talent to thrive,’ he said.

The remarks established the central theme that resonated throughout ACM 2026: Africa possesses extraordinary creative talent, but sustained investment, enabling policies, stronger institutions and deeper collaboration will determine the future of the continent’s creative economy.

Investment and enterprise development emerged as major priorities during the Creative Capital Forum, where policymakers, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders explored practical pathways to financing creative businesses and accelerating economic growth.

The conversation extended to policy and legal reform through the Global Creative Legal Summit, where legal practitioners, policymakers and industry stakeholders examined intellectual property protection, collective rights management, cross-border licensing, artificial intelligence and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The summit also witnessed the unveiling of the African Creative Economy Lawyer (ACEL) initiative and the Entertainment and Creative Law Hub (ECLH), reinforcing efforts to strengthen the legal infrastructure supporting Africa’s creative industries.

Innovation remained a defining focus throughout the week.

At the Creative Technology Summit, industry leaders explored how animation, immersive technologies, artificial intelligence and digital innovation are reshaping storytelling and expanding opportunities for African creators in the global digital economy.

Earlier, the session titled The YouTube Economy: A Creator’s Roadmap to Revenue brought creators and digital entrepreneurs together to examine audience growth, platform monetisation and sustainable content businesses.

Complementing these discussions, the Digital Creator Africa Summit challenged creators to move beyond viral success by building sustainable businesses through intellectual property, strategic partnerships, technological innovation and diversified revenue streams.

Across the visual arts, fashion, photography, film, theatre and music sectors, participants repeatedly returned to a common message: Africa’s cultural assets represent not only artistic excellence but also significant economic opportunities.

One of the week’s defining moments came with the Zambian premiere of the feature film 77, which drew acclaimed actors, filmmakers, government officials, media professionals and cinema enthusiasts in a celebration of African storytelling.

The event also demonstrated the growing momentum behind cross-border collaboration within the continent’s film industry.

Through the FashionEVO Summit and the FashionEVO Fashion Show and Awards, designers, manufacturers, investors, policymakers and fashion entrepreneurs examined opportunities in sustainable production, manufacturing, exports, innovation and investment, while showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and commercial potential of contemporary African fashion to regional and international audiences.

As the curtains fell on the Lusaka edition, organisers described the Africa Creative Market as a continental platform where policy meets enterprise, culture intersects with commerce, and partnerships evolve into long-term opportunities capable of shaping Africa’s creative future.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Federal Government of Nigeria, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other gender stakeholders have called for far-reaching structural reforms to increase women’s representation in politics across West Africa region.

They urged the region to move beyond declarations to concrete action if it is to achieve gender parity in political leadership.

The call was made at the opening of a two-day West Africa Women’s Political Leadership Forum, themed ‘Accelerating Gender Parity in Political Leadership in West Africa: From Commitment to Action.’

The event was attended by regional leaders, ministers, parliamentarians, development partners, and civil society organisations

All the stakeholders were unanimous in their call for translation of existing commitments into measurable reforms that remove barriers to women participation in politics.

The two-day forum is expected to adopt the Abuja Regional Action Plan aimed at increasing women’s political participation and achieving ECOWAS’ gender parity objectives by 2035.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in her opening remarks the low representation of women in elective positions despite the fact that women make up more than half of West Africa’s population.

She posited that the challenge is institutional rather than a lack of capable women.

‘Africa does not suffer from a shortage of capable women. It suffers from structures that were never built to let them through,’ she stated.

She reeled out a five-point roadmap aimed at removing barriers to women leadership.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women’s political leadership is no longer only an issue of equity but one of national development and democratic effectiveness.

Highlighting Nigeria’s experience, the minister said women lead 11 of the country’s 24 commercial banks, occupy about one-third of superior court positions and hold more than 30 per cent of senior roles in the Federal Civil Service, yet account for less than five per cent of elected offices.

‘Where competence is the measure, she rises. Where the cost of entry and structural barriers stand in the way, too many are held back. Our challenge is not the candidate. It is the pathway,’ Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained.

‘To address the gap, she presented a five-point roadmap for advancing women’s political leadership across the ECOWAS region.’

To change the narrative, the minister proposed the establishment of a ‘Women’s Political Leadership Trust Fund’ to ease financial barriers by supporting nomination fees, campaign financing and leadership development for credible female candidates.

The minister also called for transforming the existing 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark into an enforceable commitment through political party compliance and electoral regulations, drawing lessons from Rwanda and Senegal, where legally backed reforms have increased women’s parliamentary representation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim further advocated the creation of an ‘ECOWAS Women’s Leadership Compact’ to strengthen collaboration between women in elective and appointive positions and civil society organisations, ensuring advocacy translates into legislative and policy outcomes.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged women across the region to support qualified female candidates during elections, describing solidarity at the ballot box as a strategic tool for expanding representation.

She also proposed a ‘Regional Women’s Leadership Academy’ to identify, mentor and prepare women from ward and local government levels for elective offices.

The minister said Nigeria is already taking steps through the review of the National Gender Policy, implementation of the Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security across 16 states, and expansion of the Nigeria for Women Programme, which targets more than five million beneficiaries to strengthen economic empowerment.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the ‘Power of 10 Million’ movement, through which women across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and 8,809 wards have mobilised and presented a Nigeria Women’s Charter for National Development.

She urged governments and development partners to move beyond dialogue and institutionalise reforms that will deliver measurable progress.

‘History is not made by those who gather to discuss change. It is made by those who summon the courage to institutionalise it,’ she said.

In her keynote address, Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission called for accelerated political, legal, and institutional reforms across member states to increase women’s representation in politics.

Tchintchibidja said the region must move beyond declarations to concrete action if it is to achieve gender parity in political leadership.

‘Strengthening women’s political leadership is not only about correcting a longstanding imbalance. It is also central to the economic and social progress of our region,’ she said.

She also supported the submission of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank which posited that closing the gender gap could increase economic output by 10 to 35 %, depending on national circumstances, while countries lose approximately 14% of their human capital wealth when women are unable to participate fully in economic and public life.

Tchintchibidja said, ‘Behind those figures are real possibilities.

‘These findings reinforce what many of our communities already understand: Institutions become more responsive, economies more productive and development more inclusive when we make full use of our human potential.

‘This conviction lies at the heart of the Presidential Declaration.

‘The Declaration provides a regional framework for action and calls for sustained engagement by Member States, ECOWAS institutions and all sectors of society.’

She noted that the persistent underrepresentation of women in political leadership has continued to undermine ‘our democracies from fully reflecting the people they serve.’

Stressing that, ‘Women constitute more than half of our population and make indispensable contributions across every sphere of society. They lead businesses, sustain families and communities, build peace, drive innovation and contribute immeasurably to economic and social progress. Yet their presence in the institutions and processes where decisions are made remains far below the scale of their contribution to public life.

‘Today, women occupy only 15.5 per cent of parliamentary seats across West Africa, well below both the African average of 25 per cent and the global average of 26.5 per cent.

‘Several ECOWAS Member States have demonstrated commendable leadership through legislative and policy reforms, including gender quotas and parity laws, aimed at opening political space and expanding opportunities for women’s participation and leadership. These reforms mark important progress and offer valuable lessons for the region. However, progress remains uneven.’

While noting that democracy has continued to evolve, ECOWAS Commission vice president highlighted what the Commission have been doing to strengthen institutions, support electoral processes and deepen regional cooperation.

‘These efforts have helped to establish ECOWAS as an important force for peace, stability and democratic governance.’

She called on Member States to strengthen constitutional, legal and policy frameworks that create an enabling environment for women’s political participation and leadership.

Besides, she also encouraged political parties to review their nomination processes, internal structures and leadership practices so that women have genuine opportunities to compete for elected office and participate in decision-making within their parties.

She also called for greater investment in leadership development, mentorship, capacity-building and networks of support for women seeking public office.

The Commission’s Vice president further charged political parties to figure out means for women to access campaign funds.

She also advocated for the need for education, advocacy and constructive engagement with civil society organisations, academia and the media to address restrictive social norms.

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, Ahunna Eziakonwa said women continued to face entrenched financial, institutional, cultural and social barriers limiting both their entry into politics and their effectiveness once elected.

She disclosed that women currently hold only 27 percent of parliamentary seats across Africa, nine per cent of political party leadership positions, 13 percent of senior executive positions, and 24 percent of cabinet posts.

‘This exclusion has consequences for society as a whole. Greater representation of women in political leadership is associated with stronger democratic legitimacy, more inclusive policies, improved peace, and better development outcomes,’ she said.

Eziakonwa announced that UNDP, in partnership with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and the African Union, would launch the African Academy for Women’s Political Leadership in Kigali, bringing together 40 women from 28 African countries and the Caribbean.

She also said UNDP would support the African Union Commission in developing continental guidelines to address financial barriers confronting women seeking political office.

‘Our objective is concrete. By the close of this dialogue, we must have an actionable plan to address the financial, institutional, social, cultural, and digital barriers to women’s political participation,’ she said, adding that achieving gender parity also requires men to become active allies in dismantling discrimination.

Director of the UNDP Regional Programme for Africa, Jide Okeke, described West Africa’s 18.5 per cent female parliamentary representation as the lowest on the continent.

‘If you don’t remember anything from this conference, remember this number-18.5 percent. It is the share of parliamentary seats held by women across West Africa, and it is the lowest in Africa,’ he said.

Okeke posited that at the current pace, West Africa was unlikely to attain gender parity before 2131, well beyond the region’s target of 2035.

‘This is not about numbers. When women are represented in politics, states function better and democratic institutions gain greater legitimacy,’ he said.

He disclosed that UNDP had invested $2 million in the African Facility for Women in Political Leadership and would next week launch the African Academy for Women in Politics in Kigali.

He added that UNDP had graduated 140 young women from 31 African countries through its Young Women Leaders Programme and supported more than 200 women-led civil society organizations in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to strengthen inclusive democratic transitions.

President of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), Chantal Fanny, described the adoption of the Presidential Declaration on Gender Parity as the beginning of a new chapter for the region.

‘A declaration is never an end in itself. It is a starting point. It is now up to us to translate political commitments into laws, laws into public policies, public policies into concrete actions, and actions into tangible results,’ she said.

Fanny said ECOFEPA would intensify advocacy for legislative reforms while expanding mentorship programs to prepare the next generation of women leaders.

Delivering remarks on behalf of AWLN Global Co-Chair Bineta Diop, former Congolese minister Marie-Louise Mwange said West Africa was at a defining moment as it navigates constitutional reforms, democratic transitions, and elections.

She noted that women continued to face obstacles, including political violence, rising campaign costs, discriminatory party structures and online harassment.

‘The question is no longer whether women should lead. Africa has already answered that question. The real question is whether our political systems are prepared to create the conditions that allow women not only to participate, but to compete, influence and lead,’ she said.

Mwange said deliberations at the forum would culminate in the adoption of an Abuja Regional Action Plan to accelerate implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2035 on gender parity.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, has urged all stakeholders in the electricity sector to communicate openly, support one another in the discharge of their lawful responsibilities.

He said there would be stronger stakeholders’ regulatory ties by working together to protect the interests of consumers.

The FCCPC boss noted that a strong regulation is not built on institutional rivalry.

Bello spoke yesterday at a stakeholder engagement on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation in Nigeria’s electricity sector in Abuja.

The FCCPC chief executive officer explained that this is what modern regulatory governance requires. Institutions should understand and respect their respective mandates, he said.

Bello added: ‘The Electricity Act, 2023, represents one of the most significant reforms of Nigeria’s electricity sector in recent years. Beyond creating new opportunities for investment and improved service delivery, it has fundamentally reshaped our regulatory architecture. For the first time, states may establish their own Electricity Regulatory Commissions and regulate intrastate electricity markets in ways that reflect their individual economic and social realities.

‘This creates greater scope for innovation, quicker decision-making and more responsive regulation. At the same time, it makes cooperation between our institutions stronger than ever. The success of this framework will depend not only on the effectiveness of each regulator, but also on how well we work together. Consumers experience electricity as one system. When supply is interrupted or a Bill appears incorrect, they are not concerned about which regulator has jurisdiction. They simply expect protection. Ensuring that our institutions work seamlessly together is our responsibility, not theirs.’

According to him, as more State Electricity Regulatory Commissions assume responsibility for regulating intrastate electricity markets under the Electricity Act, 2023, close cooperation between the institutions will become increasingly important.

The success, the FCCPC boss said, ‘should not be judged by how firmly we protect our individual jurisdictions, but by how effectively we work together to serve electricity consumers’.

Today’s regulatory environment, he noted, is increasingly specialised. ‘Sector regulators bring deep technical expertise, while the FCCPC brings economy-wide experience in consumer protection and competition. Within the electricity sector, NERC provides sector-specific regulation while NEMSA enforces technical standards, the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions undertake intrastate regulations and the FCCPC contributes its cross-sector consumer protection mandate.

‘These responsibilities are different, but they are complementary. Our objective is to consult, exchange information, support one another’s lawful actions and ensure that consumers receive timely and effective protection. That is the hallmark of mature regulatory governance. Over the past year, the FCCPC has worked closely with NERC, NEMSA and other stakeholders on issues affecting electricity consumers.

‘That experience has consistently shown that the best outcomes come from collaboration, not rivalry; from respecting one another’s mandates, engaging early and coordinating our actions.

‘Allow me to illustrate this with two examples. The first demonstrates how early cooperation between regulators can prevent consumer harm. The second shows how coordinated enforcement can secure meaningful consumer redress. Together, they demonstrate that when regulators work together, consumers receive better protection, and when consumers are better protected, confidence in the electricity sector grows to the benefit of consumers, businesses and the wider economy.’

The FCCPC chief executive officer explained that consumer protection is often viewed only through the lens of resolving disputes after they arise. In reality, its greatest value lies in preventing problems before they occur, identifying risks early, resolving uncertainty and strengthening public confidence before disputes undermine trust. Success should, therefore, be measured not only by the number of complaints resolved but also by the number of complaints prevented, Bello said.

‘This preventive approach informed one of the commission’s earliest interventions after I assumed office in July 2024. Public concern was growing over the planned replacement of obsolete Unistar prepaid meters used by customers of one of the electricity distribution companies. Replacing obsolete meters is ordinarily a routine technical exercise.

‘However, many consumers feared they would be required to pay for meters that had become obsolete through no fault of their own. Others worried about the possibility of estimated billing or interruptions to electricity supply while the replacement programme was underway. Those concerns were understandable. ‘At its core were the issues of fairness, affordability, continuity of supply and public confidence in the institutions responsible for consumer protection.

Recognising that unresolved concerns could undermine confidence in both the replacement exercise and the wider regulatory system, the commission convened a meeting attended by NERC, NEMSA and all electricity distribution companies to ensure that the exercise proceeded fairly and in accordance with the law. The engagement was constructive.

‘Following deliberations, the replacement exercise was suspended pending compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, a position that was endorsed by both NERC and NEMSA. The outcome demonstrated that consumers benefit most when regulators work together and coordinate their respective powers towards a common objective.

The eventual resolution reflected the requirements of NERC’s Order on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters. The order guaranteed that consumers would not bear the cost of replacing obsolete meters, would not experience interruption of electricity supply during the replacement exercise, and would not be subjected to estimated billing because of delays in implementation. ‘Those safeguards reflected the principle that consumers should never be disadvantaged because infrastructure has reached the end of its useful life through no fault of their own,’ he said.

Bello maintained that preventing consumer harm is one of the highest aspirations of any regulatory system. Yet, no matter how robust the regulatory framework becomes, disputes will inevitably arise. When they do, consumers must have confidence that the institutions established to protect them will not only hear their complaints but also ensure that lawful decisions are respected and effectively implemented.

‘The obsolete meter intervention illustrates an important principle. The Commission respected NERC’s statutory mandate and recognised its technical expertise. We did not seek to assume the role of the sector regulator. Instead, we acted in a way that supported the existing regulatory framework and strengthened its effectiveness. Wherever an electricity consumer lives in Nigeria, they should have the same confidence that they will be treated fairly, that complaints will be resolved effectively, and that lawful regulatory decisions will be respected.

‘Building trusted electricity markets is not the responsibility of regulators alone. Electricity Distribution Companies and every other participant in the electricity value chain also have important roles to play. When market participants comply promptly with regulatory obligations, resolve complaints fairly and operate transparently, they help build stronger, more competitive and more sustainable electricity markets.

‘Consumers should use the established complaints resolution mechanisms, engage regulatory institutions in good faith, and exercise their rights responsibly while fulfilling their own obligations.

‘As we continue to implement the Electricity Act, 2023, my hope is that cooperation becomes our default approach, not something we turn to only when other options have failed. We should strengthen institutional relationships that will outlast individual office holders and build regulatory frameworks that will continue to serve Nigeria for many years to come.

‘Above all, we should never lose sight of the people our decisions affect, as every regulatory action has real consequences for ordinary Nigerians, the family that depends on reliable electricity at home, the small business trying to keep its doors open, the hospital caring for patients, the school educating the next generation, and the manufacturer whose operations support jobs and economic growth. ‘Ultimately, that is why we are here. When our institutions work together, consumers receive better protection.

‘As we leave this engagement, I hope we do so with a renewed commitment to partnership, closer coordination and, above all, the interests of the Nigerian consumer. That commitment will do more than strengthen our institutions. It will strengthen public confidence in the electricity sector and in the regulatory system established to protect those we serve,’ Bello added.

Abia State chapters of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have criticised the recent campaign advertisement fees on campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general election.

Abia State Structure for Signage and Advertising Agency (ABSSAA) had announced that campaign advertisement for presidential candidates participating in the 2027 general election would cost N200 million, while governorship candidates would pay N150 million to display campaign materials in approved advertising spaces across the state.

According to ABSSAA, senatorial candidates will pay N100 million, House of Representatives candidates, N50 million, and House of Assembly candidates, N20 million.

The policy was unveiled at ABSSAA’s 2026 Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum in Aba by the agency’s Director of Strategy and Innovation, Ndubuisi Nwogwugwu, who said the one-time payment would cover the entire campaign and election period.

He added that House of Assembly candidates unable to pay the full fee could share campaign billboards with their party’s governorship candidate.

ABSSAA warned that it would remove campaign billboards that failed to meet approval standards or pose risks to public safety.

The agency said the policy applied equally to all political parties and was not intended to discriminate against any candidate.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of Abia State Bureau of Strategic Communication, Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the charges were not designed to stifle opposition parties, but would apply uniformly across the political spectrum.

However, the APC governorship candidate in Abia State, Eric Opah, described the policy as an attempt to frustrate opposition candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a statement, Opah faulted the fees requiring governorship candidates to pay N150 million for campaign posters and banners, while Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates are to pay N100 million, N50 million and N20 million.

He described the policy as ‘not regulation’ but ‘a way of squeezing money out of people who want to run for office,’ saying ‘democracy should be a contest of ideas, not a contest of who has more money.’

The APC governorship candidate called on Governor Alex Otti and the management of ABSSAA to reverse the decision and consult political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders on a fair framework for regulating campaign advertisements.

Opah said: ‘Government offices belong to every citizen, not to any political party,’ insisting that ‘Abia deserves a contest of ideas, not political toll gates.’

He maintained that the policy should be suspended to guarantee a level playing field for all candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also reacting, Abia State chapter of PDP condemned what it described as the outrageous, punitive and manifestly anti-democratic campaign advertising charges announced by Abia State Structures for Signage and Advertising Agency under the administration of Governor Otti.

A statement by the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Sir Jude Udeachara, said: ‘PDP considers this policy an outrageous commercialisation of the democratic space, a calculated assault on opposition candidates and an unconscionable attempt to convert political participation into the exclusive privilege of the wealthy and those with access to public funds.

‘This is not regulation. It is political extortion dressed in administrative language.

‘It is a cynical and oppressive revenue scheme apparently designed to frustrate legitimate campaigns, silence political opponents and deny less financially endowed candidates the opportunity to communicate with the Abia electorate.

‘Governor Otti must be reminded that Abia State is not his private estate and that ABSSAA is not an instrument that may lawfully be deployed to erect financial barricades against opposition political parties.

‘Public advertising spaces are part of the democratic environment in which candidates must be allowed to canvass for votes under fair, transparent and reasonable conditions.

‘The imposition of these prohibitive charges raises grave questions about the Otti administration’s understanding of the campaign finance framework established by the Electoral Act 2026.

‘Section 92 of the Act limits the total election expenditure of a presidential candidate to N10 billion, a governorship candidate to N3 billion, a senatorial candidate to N500 million, a House of Representatives candidate to N250 million, and a House of Assembly candidate to N100 million.

‘A candidate who knowingly exceeds the applicable ceiling commits an offence and may, upon conviction, face a fine, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

‘For instance, the N20 million demanded from a House of Assembly candidate represents 20 per cent of the candidate’s entire legally-permitted election expenditure of N100 million.

‘That is one-fifth of the candidate’s total campaign budget consumed by a billboard permit before accounting for the production and installation of the billboards, transportation, rallies, media publicity, campaign offices, agents, logistics, voter engagement and other legitimate expenses.

‘Assuming, without conceding, that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were to replicate Governor Otti’s N200 million charge, a presidential candidate will be required to spend N7.4 billion on permits alone.

‘That will consume 74 per cent of the candidate’s entire N10 billion statutory spending ceiling before paying for the production, mounting or maintenance of a billboard or undertaking any other campaign activity.

‘This exposes the absurdity, recklessness and anti-democratic character of the Governor Otti administration’s policy.

‘The unavoidable question is: Is Governor Otti deliberately attempting to compel opposition candidates to exhaust or breach their legally- permitted campaign expenditure, or is his administration simply ignorant of the implications of the Electoral Act?

‘At a time Nigerians are demanding greater political inclusion, reduced election costs and a level playing field, the Otti administration has chosen to impose a financial blockade against democratic participation.

‘The policy discriminates against candidates without access to state resources, discourages credible citizens of modest means and strengthens the influence of moneybags in the electoral process.

‘It is particularly disturbing that a government headed by a beneficiary of multi-party democracy will now seek to shrink the same democratic space through exorbitant and exclusionary charges.

‘The PDP also warns that a state government must not use signage regulation as a backdoor mechanism for suppressing the visibility of opposition candidates.

‘Any policy whose foreseeable effect is to make campaign communication practically inaccessible to rival candidates is inconsistent with the principles of political equality, fairness and free electoral competition.

‘We therefore call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to take immediate notice of this dangerous development and caution Governor Otti and Abia State Government against policies capable of undermining a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘INEC cannot remain indifferent while a state-controlled agency imposes charges that consume substantial portions of the expenditure ceilings candidates are legally required to observe.

‘The commission must engage the Abia State Government, examine the implications of the announced rates and issue appropriate guidance to prevent state institutions from frustrating lawful political campaigns.

‘We further call on civil society organisations, election-monitoring groups, the media, the Nigerian Bar Association and all defenders of democracy to reject this attempt to monetise political expression and financially suffocate opposition campaigns.

‘The PDP demands the immediate withdrawal of these outrageous charges and this draconian policy.

‘Any legitimate advertising fee must reflect the actual administrative cost of regulation and must not become a weapon for political exclusion, revenue exploitation or opposition suppression.

‘Governor Otti should understand that democracy is not strengthened by pricing opponents out of the public space. It is strengthened when every candidate, irrespective of party affiliation or financial strength, is allowed to present ideas freely to the electorate.

‘The Abia PDP will resist every attempt to use state institutions to intimidate, obstruct or financially cripple opposition candidates. We will explore every lawful political, regulatory and judicial avenue necessary to protect the democratic rights of our candidates, members and the people of Abia State.

‘Abia belongs to all ‘Abians’. Its political space cannot be auctioned to the highest bidder by the Otti administration.’

Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme has declared that communities stand a better chance of attracting development through constructive engagement with government rather than remaining in opposition.

He spoke yesterday while receiving leaders of the Emu-Ebendo Community at his office in Asaba.

Onyeme said active participation and cooperation with government were more productive than political antagonism.

‘Those who think that being in opposition is the best way to get things done, that is not true. You get things done by being involved and cooperative with those in government,’ he said.

The Deputy Governor commended the community for what he described as its decision to support the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

He stated that democracy delivers greater dividends when citizens and political leaders work with government instead of sustaining needless hostility.

He also praised the community’s intervention in a matter involving one of its sons, saying it demonstrated that no individual should be placed above the collective interest of the community.

Onyeme said the Oborevwori administration remained committed to inclusive governance through its MORE Agenda, urging community leaders to promote unity, support government policies and mobilise their people for initiatives that would improve their welfare.

He restated the state government’s commitment to infrastructure and socio-economic development, disclosing that more than N8 billion had been approved for the construction of the Emu-Ebendo/Emu-Iyasele/Ashaka Road.

In his remarks, the spokesman for the Emu-Ebendo Community, Chief Josiah Agbanashi, said the delegation was in Government House on a thanksgiving visit to appreciate Onyeme for his responsiveness to the community’s concerns.

Agbanashi thanked the deputy governor for intervening in an issue involving one of their sons and for facilitating the approval of the Emu-Ebendo/Emu-Iyasele/Ashaka road project.

He pledged the community’s political support for the Deputy Governor and the Oborevwori administration.

He also expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for its support for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Christopher Osakwe, was present at the meeting.

A coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has raised alarm over the increasing involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Speaking during the coalition’s monthly State-of-the-State address, Executive Director Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli alleged that some monarchs have openly endorsed political candidates, hosted partisan meetings, and made controversial public pronouncements, including curses directed at political parties.

According to the coalition, such actions undermine the neutrality and moral authority traditionally associated with the royal institution.

The group stressed that traditional rulers hold revered positions as custodians of culture, values, and communal harmony, and are expected to serve as fathers to all residents regardless of political affiliation. It warned that when monarchs openly align with political parties, they risk eroding public confidence in the institution and weakening their ability to mediate disputes within their communities.

‘The traditional institution in Yorubaland, and Osun State in particular, holds a sacred, historical position as the custodian of our culture, values, peace, and communal cohesion. Traditional rulers are, by design and cultural expectation, the spiritual and moral fathers of all citizens in their respective domains, regardless of political affiliation, religious belief, or social status. When a king descends into the political arena and takes a partisan side, he voluntarily strips himself of the sacred neutrality that grants him moral authority over his people,’ Oyedokun-Alli said.

The coalition cautioned that partisan involvement by royal fathers could deepen divisions within communities, foster hostility between monarchs and their subjects, and expose the traditional institution to public ridicule. It added that politically aligned monarchs may struggle to discharge their traditional role as impartial mediators during communal disputes.

The group appealed to all traditional rulers in Osun State to refrain from partisan political activities and preserve the sanctity of their thrones. It urged royal fathers to keep their palaces open to all political actors and residents, offering prayers, moral guidance, and counsel rather than serving as platforms for political campaigns.

The coalition also warned political candidates and government officials against inducing or pressuring traditional rulers to endorse any candidate or party. It stressed that preserving the dignity and neutrality of the traditional institution is essential to maintaining peace and public confidence ahead of the governorship election.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has asked lawyers in the country to desist from further adopting the ward – Barrister – as a prefix to their names in every official correspondence to the Supreme Court.

The CJN’s directive is contained in a memo, dated July 13 and authored by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Part of the memo reads: ‘I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all litigation staff, legal practitioners, court Registrars, and lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

‘Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.

‘Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.’

The Director of Information at the Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande also confirmed the development.

Akande recalled that at the call-to-bar ceremony held on July 7, 2026 the Chairman of Body of Benchers, in his speech, equally frowned at the outlandish style of using ‘Barrister’ as a prefix in addressing lawyers.

‘He made it clear that the most appropriate way to address a lawyer is, for instance, Eric I. Kayode, Esq. Not Barr. Eric I. Kayode,’ Akande said.

Dr Adefunke Soyibo is a powerful force in the Nigerian interior design industry with a brand name, HNK interior, that has stood the test of time in the last 19 years of existence and operation.

She began her business importing decors for a long list of clientele scattered across Nigeria and made a name for herself and her brand but in 2000, she decided to concentrate on manufacturing globally accepted and top notch products in Nigeria for her long list of clientele.

Five years later, Soyibo opened a multi-million Naira and multi purpose manufacturing factory, HNK Manufactory, in Lagos to cater for her increasing clientele across Nigeria.

‘HNK has been in existence for 19yrs, 5yrs ago, we opened furniture manufacturing company in Nigeria. 5 years after, we realised the space was becoming rather too small and we decided to move into a more purpose built space, express ourselves, do a lot more and our turn around time would be faster,’ she said in a brief chat.

With the completion of the HNK Manufactory, Soyibo decided it was only necessary to create a space which would not just be a showroom to showcase the creations from her factory but also one to contribute to the Nigerian interior decor and creative industries, hence, the berth of HNK Design Centre with the HNK Casa being a major factor of the space. Other areas in the Design centre include The Glow, Midnight Rose, The Sculpt Room, The Nest, The Muse, The Velvet Bar, The Closet, The Dialogue Room, The Luxe Suite, and Cotton Candy.

‘We also realise we need a place where we can showcase our designs and also because trend moves from time to time, we decided to create a space we can express ourselves as well as our creativity and 90 percent of what you see in this design centre was made in Nigeria from HNK Manufactory and it is our way of showcasing made in Nigeria products,’ she said.

Continuing, the HNK interior design boss said content creators, filmmakers now have a mini set in the HNK Design Centre that can be used for production of their vlogs, skits and movie scenes.

In her words, ‘However, our intention and goal is to change the face and what you see here every quarter and for us to do that, we don’t want to create stuffs after which we pull it down but we want to be able to realise some funds back and cater for an emerging sector, the content creation space as well as the entertainment space. The idea is that people come in, shoot their content, we have the HNK Casa where you can have a bridal shower, baby shower, private birthday dinner as long as it doesn’t take more than 20 people. So we want to be able to provide the space as well as generate income and change the decor every quarter with our fresh and new designs from HNK Manufactory.’

Soyibo also explained that her brand sources for materials locally and internationally to create quality products at affordable rates for the HNK clientele.

‘What we do more is bring in the materials – especially the ones that can’t be sourced locally – for our decor. There some times of wood that can’t be gotten in Nigeria, we bring in the material, assemble here, we source for our fabrics abroad and some other components but we do this because we don’t want to do a wishy washy thing neither do we want to compromise on our quality, which is how we built our name and integrity, yet make our products affordable. So we merge the sourcing locally and foreign sourced to produce quality furniture that will be affordable for our clients in Nigeria.’

Both ventures were declared open by the senior pastor of Trinity House, Ituah Olajide Ighodalo.