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Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem on Thursday examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could address electoral challenges, improve the management of election results and strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.

They shared their views during a press conference and Ecosystem Round Table on AI for Elections held in Abuja, where Rise Networks launched its AI for Elections initiative to mobilise young Nigerian innovators to develop technology-driven solutions to problems confronting the country’s electoral process.

Speaking at the session, INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr Lawrence Bayode, said the question was no longer whether AI had a role to play in elections but how its capabilities could be harnessed without compromising the integrity, transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

Bayode disclosed that INEC had established an Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT Department and was developing a framework to guide the responsible deployment of the technology, building on its September 2025 policy on election technology acquisition and deployment.

He stated that the commission was already exploring applications of AI in voter information services, electoral data management, operational efficiency and the detection of misinformation.

According to him, INEC is deploying AI-powered intelligent document processing in its election result management system to digitise polling-unit result sheets and check for inconsistencies between figures entered electronically into the Data Verification and Authentication System (DIVAS) and those on scanned Form EC8A result sheets before transmission to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

He explained, ‘Where there is a discrepancy between the electronically entered figures and the scanned result sheet, the discrepancy must be resolved before the result can be uploaded to IReV.’

The director added that the process was designed to reduce human error, improve accuracy and ensure that results published on the portal corresponded with those from polling units.

Addressing concerns about the security implications of deploying AI in elections, Bayode stressed that innovation must not undermine electoral security, operational stability or public confidence, urging innovators to experiment responsibly with publicly available or authorised data without exposing critical election infrastructure or compromising INEC’s statutory responsibilities.

He noted that human oversight, accountability and appropriate safeguards remained essential, while encouraging innovators to develop practical solutions for voter education, accessibility for persons with disabilities, language barriers and information integrity.

The Chief Executive Officer of Rise Networks, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsuji, giving details of the programme, explained that it was designed to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and tools to develop home-grown solutions to electoral challenges, while strengthening the country’s capacity to manage its digital environment.

Akerele-Ogunsuji emphasised that Nigeria’s participation in the global technology ecosystem should be guided by knowledge, local capacity and digital sovereignty.

‘Nigeria’s data must remain within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, and Nigeria must retain control over its digital environment’, she told the session, adding that solutions developed through the initiative must align with global cybersecurity standards.

Akerele-Ogunsuji said the hackathon would provide an opportunity for innovators to develop practical applications across designated thematic areas, including election observation and citizen accountability, with an additional cross-cutting focus on climate resilience and environmental innovation.

She stressed that participants must use synthetic datasets rather than real electoral data, noting that sample datasets had been prepared and made available to developers working with different programming languages and technologies.

According to her, the initiative also seeks to build a sustainable ecosystem for civic technology through an Elections Development Hub and a Community of Practice, providing platforms for innovators to develop, test and refine solutions, share knowledge and collaborate with electoral institutions, technology companies, civil society and other stakeholders.

Akerele-Ogunsuji called for broad participation across the country, particularly from northern states, stressing that technology innovation should not be dominated by any region or ethnic group. She announced that the first-prize winner would receive a laptop credit worth N4 million from Microsoft, while the second- and third-prize winners would receive N2.5 million and N1.5 million, respectively, alongside other support and special innovation awards from partners.

She said the ultimate goal was to ensure that technology served citizens and strengthened democratic accountability, while maintaining respect for electoral institutions and their infrastructure.

The stakeholders urged young innovators to move beyond technological experimentation and develop secure, practical and sustainable solutions capable of addressing real electoral problems, with Nigerian voters’ confidence and participation remaining central to the country’s democratic process.

Among the stakeholders were Technology Ecosystem Representative, Mrs, Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy,

Anglophone West Africa and Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager, Africa at META; Tsema Ede, International Human Rights Lawyer; Dr Ayuba Tuodolo; Dr Ifeoma Ilechukwu; Engr. Muhammad Bello Yahaya of Centre for Technology and Development (CITAD), Kano; Mr Lami Sadiq, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR); Professor Victor Odumuyiwa, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Director, NITHUB (NITDA).

The District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko yesterday said the war against Polio disease is winnable.

He said the EndPolioNow campaign of the Rotary International in has saved over 20m children from being crippled.

He appealed to Nigerians to immunise their children against poliomelytis.

He asked Rotarians not to give up the campaign until Polio is completely eradicated.

He pleaded with members of the district to mark World Polio Day on October 24th with renewed vigour to put an end to the disease.

Owonikoko, who made the submissions at the unveiling of three sensitisation billboards in three strategic locations in Abuja by the District, the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and friends of the district, said Polio is still endemic in two countries.

He said: ‘With the commitment of Rotary International since 1985, we have shown that the war against Polio is winnable. It is a disease we have proved to the world can be eradicated.

‘I appeal to Rotarians in this district not to give up until we ensure complete eradication of Polio in the world.

‘We have saved more than 20m children from paralysis. As we mark this year’s World Polio Day, we should rededicate ourselves to immunisation of children. ‘

On his part, the President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi said: ‘What we are doing here is raising awareness to the effects of Polio. And you know communication is 90% of the job.

‘When people don’t know any epidemic is still around, they take it easy. When we take it easy, bad things happen.The awareness of fighting Polio is very critical.

‘We want to present these billboards as reminders that our work is not yet done until we eradicate the disease completely such that in the next 100 or 200 years, humanity will talk about it as history not as something active. Then our job is sorted’.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to take the party’s message to the grassroots and mobilise voters across units and wards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council, where he unveiled ‘MORE Plus’ as the theme of his re-election campaign.

He described membership of the council as a call to service, urging members to work with unity, discipline and dedication to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu, himself and other APC candidates.

The governor said the party must go beyond rallies and political meetings to engage ordinary citizens, including market women, youths, workers, farmers and traders, through door-to-door campaigns and direct interaction with voters.

He urged campaign coordinators at the local government and ward levels to strengthen their structures, work with support groups and ensure that the party’s message reached every polling unit.

Oborevwori said the APC should campaign on its record in government, pointing to the Federal Government’s policies and his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and security.

‘Our achievements must speak for us, but we must also be prepared to explain them convincingly,’ he said, urging party members to communicate the impact of government policies to the electorate.

He assured Deltans that political activities would not distract his administration from delivering on its promises, adding that ongoing projects and development programmes would continue during the campaign period.

The governor also appealed to politicians and their supporters to preserve peace, avoid hate speech and ensure that political differences did not divide the state.

Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, in his remarks, commended Oborevwori for aligning Delta State with the Federal Government, urging APC members to consolidate the gains by working towards victory in 2027.

Onyeme called on party faithful to publicise Tinubu’s achievements in areas such as local government autonomy, education funding, grassroots development, security, electricity and road infrastructure.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to address the country’s economic challenges.

Keyamo said the reforms had caused temporary hardship but maintained that they were intended to address underlying problems, including the unsustainable cost of fuel subsidies.

In his welcome address, Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s readiness to contest and win elections at all levels in 2027.

Arenyeka urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters peacefully and translate the achievements of the APC-led governments into electoral support.

Former Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke on behalf of Delta North Senatorial District, said expectations were high following their state’s mass defection from PDP to the APC in April 2025.

Okowa urged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through an impressive electoral performance, stressing the need to reach voters directly rather than rely solely on rallies.

Speaking for Delta Central Senatorial District, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor expressed delight that the APC was now the ruling party in Delta State, pledging support for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Former Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, who spoke for Delta South Senatorial District, said the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would help the party’s campaign, assuring that the district would work towards delivering substantial votes for the APC.

Former APC National Woman Leader and Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Stella Okotete, urged women to intensify mobilisation, setting a target of at least 75 per cent of the votes for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Responding, Director-General of the campaign council, Senator James Manager, pledged to work with party leaders and members to secure victory for the APC, describing the assignment as an onerous task requiring collective effort and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

The campaign council is made up of Governor Oborevwori as chairman, Senator Manager as Director-General, Mr Chiedu Ebie as Deputy Director-General, and a host of others.

Federal Government has said there is no evidence that the Ebola virus disease has spread into Nigerian communities, assuring citizens that the country’s response remains focused on containing the single confirmed imported case, as the patient shows significant improvement and may recover.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, gave the assurance at a ministerial press briefing on the government’s response to the outbreak, saying health authorities had intensified contact tracing, isolation and surveillance to prevent further transmission.

Pate disclosed that the patient, who developed symptoms a few days after arriving in Nigeria, was responding to treatment, with laboratory results indicating considerable improvement.

‘Today, I spoke to the clinicians and I understand that her lab results are showing great improvement and there’s a possibility that she would recover from this,’ he said.

The minister, however, cautioned that health authorities would not relax their efforts, stressing the need to sustain treatment and monitoring until the patient fully recovers.

He explained that the case was classified as imported because of the patient’s travel history, adding that she was asymptomatic when she arrived in Nigeria but developed symptoms a few days later.

According to him, contact tracing commenced immediately after the case was confirmed, with health authorities identifying contacts at hospitals, a private clinic attended by the patient and within her household.

Pate said the contacts had been categorised according to their levels of exposure, with high-risk individuals placed in a designated quarantine facility, while others were isolated in line with established public health guidelines.

‘Our focus is on the contact tracing and ensuring that we know exactly where those contacts are and it doesn’t go into the communities. And at this moment, there is no evidence to indicate that,’ he said.

The minister said the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was coordinating the operational response through the national incident management system, working closely with the Federal Capital Territory Administration and other relevant agencies.

He added that the federal government had briefed the Presidential Task Force, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the National Economic Council, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, to ensure coordinated action at all levels of government.

Pate disclosed that all state governments had been informed of the outbreak, with most already having response plans developed with guidance from the NCDC. States yet to complete their plans had been directed to do so urgently.

He said the government had also provided additional resources to the NCDC to support containment activities, while mobilising further domestic resources to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity.

The minister added that the federal government would continue engaging state commissioners of health and information to ensure consistency in public communication and coordination.

On Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity, Pate said health authorities had been able to diagnose and confirm the case, notify the World Health Organisation (WHO) and activate the response within 24 hours of being informed.

He said the government was working to sequence the virus’s genome to obtain further information about the infection, adding that Professor Christian Happi of Redeemer’s University had been invited to support the NCDC’s efforts.

‘The capabilities are in country and the investments that have been made to get us here are bearing fruit,’ he said.

Pate noted that the WHO, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and other international technical partners were supporting Nigeria’s response, including experts with experience in managing Ebola outbreaks in other countries.

He said traditional and religious leaders had also been engaged to promote public awareness and encourage Nigerians to follow verified health advice.

The minister stressed that Ebola was not an airborne disease, explaining that it spreads through contact with infected body fluids. He urged healthcare workers to observe infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients.

He advised Nigerians to practise regular handwashing, avoid contact with other people’s body fluids and promptly report symptoms such as fever, headaches and muscle aches, particularly where there was a relevant travel history.

Pate said federal hospitals and health facilities in the FCT had been directed to prepare isolation beds and strengthen infection prevention measures, while state governments were being encouraged to ensure similar preparedness in their facilities.

He also urged private healthcare providers to remain vigilant and promptly notify public health authorities of suspected cases, noting that the confirmed patient had visited a private facility.

On planned conferences and other large public gatherings, the minister said the government had not recommended changes to existing arrangements because the case remained contained.

‘At this moment, there is no indication that requires us to alter the course of large gatherings that have been planned, but if the situation changes, we’ll make a determination,’ he said.

Pate urged political leaders to avoid politicising the outbreak, describing health as a unifying issue that transcended political, religious and ethnic differences.

He also warned against the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media, saying unverified claims could undermine containment efforts by encouraging people under isolation or quarantine to disregard public health instructions.

‘The alternative to trusting the expert is a tragedy,’ he said, urging journalists and members of the public to rely on verified information from health authorities.

On border surveillance, Pate said the government was strengthening screening at the country’s points of entry in line with WHO guidance and the International Health Regulations.

He disclosed that additional capacity had been requested for port health operations, including ensuring that thermal imaging equipment was functional and that travellers were assessed according to the risk categorisation of affected countries.

The minister said the government would continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as investigations progressed, with the NCDC maintaining daily response meetings.

He called on Nigerians to cooperate with health authorities, particularly by complying with contact-tracing, isolation and quarantine instructions, to prevent further transmission of the virus.

The Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LEXLUC Global Services and Tours to promote domestic tourism, cultural heritage and destination awareness across Nigeria.

The agreement established a framework for implementing and expanding the ‘Meet My Town, Know My State’ tourism initiative, which aims to encourage Nigerians to explore destinations within the country, learn about their cultural heritage and support greater community participation in tourism.

Speaking at the signing, the Chief Executive Officer of LEXLUC Global, Mr Oluwole Ajayi, said the initiative was developed to help Nigeria harness its tourism potential, attract investment and create more opportunities within the sector.

‘Tourism is number one employer worldwide. Whether we like it or not, we have to key into it and make sure it becomes the number one employer in Nigeria, too,’ Ajayi said.

He also referenced plans for a proposed West African Jollof Rice Championship and Tourism Festival, which he said could complement the initiative’s broader objectives. The proposed event is expected to form part of future tourism activities, subject to the necessary planning and approvals.

Ajayi expressed confidence that the collaboration with NTDA would help advance the initiative and attract investors to Nigeria’s tourism industry.

In his response, the Director-General of NTDA, Mr Ola Awakan, said the partnership aligned with the authority’s mandate to promote and develop tourism, noting that collaboration with the private sector was important to the sector’s growth.

‘It’s a laudable project. We are going to give you national and institutional backing. You are also helping us achieve our mandate, and we are helping you to bring your idea to fruition. So, it is a win-win situation. All of this is in the interest of Nigeria,’ Awakan said.

He commended Ajayi for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed NTDA’s commitment to supporting its objectives within the authority’s mandate.

‘The Meet My Town, Know My State initiative’ is designed to raise awareness of Nigeria’s destinations, promote cultural heritage and encourage domestic travel. Its activities include organised tours, tourism education, awareness campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements across the country.

Under the MoU, LEXLUC will coordinate and implement approved activities, develop tourism packages, mobilise sponsorship and partnerships, and report on progress, while NTDA will provide relevant tourism information, institutional coordination, policy guidance and support for stakeholder engagement, subject to its mandate and applicable approval processes.

The signing was coordinated by the Head of Legal Services at NTDA, Olufunke Soleye, and the Head of Legal at LEXLUC, Mary Oluwatoyin Noibi-Edoze.

The agreement established a framework for cooperation between the two organisations to expand awareness of Nigeria’s tourism offerings and encourage greater participation in domestic tourism.

Religious and traditional institutions have been urged to educate their communities on the importance of women’s participation in politics, stressing that it is neither against religious teachings nor a cultural taboo.

The call was made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) North-West women zonal leader, Hajiya Zainab Audu Bako, during a two-day leadership training workshop for women in Kano State, organised by Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) with support from Irish Aid, to strengthen their political participation and prepare them for effective engagement in the 2027 general elections.

At the workshop, themed around women’s political leadership and campaign readiness, she expressed concern over the low number of women contesting elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bako disclosed that only two women in Kano State were contesting seats in the State House of Assembly, describing the figure as a reflection of the low level of women’s participation in the state’s political process.

She noted that the number fell significantly short of the 35 per cent affirmative action target for women’s representation in decision-making processes, which she said underscored the need for greater commitment from stakeholders to promote women’s political inclusion.

According to her, religious and traditional institutions have crucial roles to play in addressing misconceptions surrounding women’s participation in politics.

She called on the institutions to engage their followers and communities in constructive discussions to dispel beliefs that religion and tradition prohibit women from participating in political activities.

Bako explained that women’s involvement in politics should not be perceived as an attempt to wrest political leadership from men but as an opportunity for women to contribute to governance and national development.

She added that increased women’s representation in legislative bodies would enable them to raise issues affecting women and advocate solutions to the challenges confronting them.

Bako therefore urged stakeholders to support efforts aimed at encouraging more women to participate in politics and seek elective positions, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, PWAN’s Human Resources Manager, Mr Husaini Daniel Benjamin, said the programme was designed to empower women to exercise their leadership influence effectively, safely and accountably in their communities and institutions.

He said the workshop brought together women from diverse backgrounds, including political leaders, community mobilisers, civic advocates, faith-based organisations and traditional institutions, to strengthen their capacity to contribute meaningfully to decision-making.

The organisation noted that women continued to face significant challenges in political participation, including gender discrimination, restrictive social norms, limited access to resources and leadership opportunities, political intimidation, harassment and electoral violence.

Despite these obstacles, PWAN acknowledged women’s contributions to community development and democratic processes, stressing the need to create an enabling environment for their increased participation in leadership and governance.

Hajiya Hadiza Bala Fagge, Chairperson of the Women, Peace and Security network in Kano State, also highlighted the importance of strengthening women’s leadership capacity and preparing them to participate effectively in political and electoral processes.

The organisers explained that the training would provide a participatory platform for women to share experiences, develop practical leadership skills and build partnerships across political, civic, religious and traditional institutions.

The programme covers six major areas: leadership roles and personal effectiveness; gender barriers and inclusive decision-making; communication, negotiation and public engagement; stakeholder engagement and collective action; accountable leadership and resource mobilisation; and safe leadership, conflict management and action planning.

Participants are also expected to learn strategies for identifying and responding to risks associated with public leadership, including intimidation, gender-based violence, online harassment and other threats.

The sessions are being facilitated by Hajiya Hadiza Bala Fagge and Halima Sadiya Nuradeen through interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions and practical exercises designed to encourage peer learning.

According to the organisers, the workshop will strengthen participants’ communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills while equipping them with strategies to mobilise resources, build alliances and advance shared community priorities.

A key outcome of the programme is the development of a practical and measurable 90-day leadership action plan by each participant.

The plans are expected to outline individual priorities, responsibilities, required resources, accountability measures and indicators for monitoring progress.

Participants will also be encouraged to maintain contact with their assigned peer-support partners and take part in follow-up assessments after 30 and 90 days to evaluate progress in implementing their action plans.

PWAN said the intervention was part of its broader commitment to strengthening citizens’ participation, improving governance and promoting peaceful electoral processes in Nigeria.

The organisation expressed appreciation to Irish Aid for supporting the initiative, expressing optimism that the workshop would foster a stronger network of women leaders in Kano State.

It added that the programme would contribute to safer, more inclusive and gender-responsive electoral processes by preparing women to participate more actively in elections, governance and community development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has approved a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police.

The bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services and for Related Matters, 2026′, was transmitted to the House by the National Assembly for concurrence.

It was gathered that, when the bill was read in the House, it was unanimously approved during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Henry Magaji Dajuma.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the plenary, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Henry Marah, who represents Jaba State Constituency, said the House supported the proposed establishment of state police.

Marah said the proposed system would strengthen community security, improve the protection of lives and property, and create employment opportunities for youths.

He said the existing security structure limited state governments’ ability to hold police authorities directly accountable for security failures.

According to him, the proposed state police system would provide a legal framework for community-based security initiatives and strengthen local responses to banditry and other crimes.

Marah added that the House would enact appropriate laws to guide the operations and welfare of state police personnel when the proposal takes effect.

He assured that the state would prioritise funding for the proposed security outfit, even if it meant reducing expenditure on other projects.

The lawmaker urged residents to support the proposed state police system, saying improved security would enable farmers to return to their farms and harvest their produce without fear of kidnapping.

The Balogun Taiwo Atere-Gbebi Family has taken a swipe at the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, over the suspension of Dr Saka Balogun as Balogun of Ogbomosoland.

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, had, in a letter addressed to Balogun, announced his indefinite suspension as Balogun of Ogbomosoland for his alleged refusal to sign the Oath of Allegiance to the throne, as mandated by custom.

The family, in a letter signed by the Secretary of the Balogun Chieftaincy House, Balogun Olajire Raufu, and dated October 22, 2026, said there was neither query nor prior communication with the family before the decision was taken by the Soun.

He noted that Balogun had been denied access to the palace on two occasions, adding, ‘It is on record that twice Balogun and his entourage were denied entrance to the palace since installation on 19th December 2025 during the observation of the traditional homage (Ikije)

‘On Wednesday, 21st October 2026, the family received letter of suspension from the palace without anybprevious communication, dialogue or query.

‘This is very strange to the family and the Balogun of Ogbomosoland, hence the letter to His Excellency, the Executive governor of Oyo state through the Honoirable Commissioner of Local government to kindly intercede on our behalf concerning the suspensio.

‘It is on record that the Balogun has not been paid salary since April 2025.

Meanwhile, Oba Olaoye has been resolute over the suspension order placed on the Balogun of Ogbomosoland.

The order was contained in a letter personally signed by Oba Olaoye, titled ‘Letter of Indefinite suspension from the title of Balogun of Ogbomosoland’, dated October 20, 2026.

The Oath of Allegiance to the throne, according to the letter, is neither optional nor ceremonial but a prerequisite for recognition as a member of the Executive Council Chiefs of Ogbomosoland.

‘It was a fundamental requirement for the proper assumption and exercise of the responsibilities and authority attached to the title.’

Oba Olaoye said it was stated in the appointment letter of assumption of office issued to Balogun, dated December 19, 2025, that the customary Oath of Allegiance to the office of the Soun of Ogbomosoland is a prerequisite for full participation in the Council of Executive Chiefs.

He added that until the oath is formally signed, Balogun will not be seated among the other Executive Chiefs.

The monarch, however, alleged that, despite the understanding reached before his installation, Balogun had failed to sign the oath and had demonstrated no intention of fulfilling the obligation.

‘Of even greater concern are your public statements and conduct, particularly the interview in which you threatened to take the stool of the Soun to court.

‘Such pronouncements are deeply regrettable and constitute a grave affront to the dignity of the throne, the sanctity of the Palace, and the institution you were privileged to serve.’

The monarch described the reported threat as an affront to the dignity of the throne and the institution of the palace, adding that the conduct had brought embarrassment to the traditional institution and undermined its standing.

Consequently, Oba Olaoye directed Balogun to stop presenting himself or acting in any official capacity as the Balogun of Ogbomosoland for the duration of the suspension.

He also barred him from exercising any authority, privilege or responsibility associated with the title, as well as undertaking official engagements, making representations or issuing communications in the name of the office.

The monarch maintained that the traditional institution of Ogbomosoland was founded on respect for constituted authority, adherence to established customs and the fulfilment of obligations attached to traditional titles.

He added that no title holder should expect to retain the privileges and recognition of an office while persistently rejecting its fundamental requirements.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has tasked the 36 state governors and other relevant government institutions to ensure that the gains of the administration’s economic reforms translate into affordable transportation, improved healthcare, employment opportunities and greater financial security for Nigerians.

He made the declaration on Thursday at the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), held virtually.

The Vice President maintained that the success of economic policies must ultimately be measured by their impact on citizens’ daily lives, stressing that the responsibility of government extends beyond announcing reforms to building institutions that enable Nigerians to plan their futures with confidence.

‘The first dividend of prosperity should be the confidence to plan a life. Our task is to make such confidence less dependent on fortune.’

According to him, the council’s deliberations on transportation, healthcare, police reform and livestock development represent critical decisions about the quality of life Nigerians should expect from economic progress.

‘Our separate jurisdictions must serve a common public interest,’ Shettima said, emphasising that Nigeria’s federal structure must strengthen cooperation rather than become an obstacle to the delivery of essential services.

Shettima maintained that President Tinubu’s economic reform programme was designed to achieve broader national prosperity, noting that governments at all levels have a responsibility to translate its objectives into improved living conditions.

He said:

‘His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made economic reform the instrument of a larger national ambition. Our contribution must give that ambition social depth and productive strength’

He urged governors to bring their understanding of local realities into national policy decisions, insisting that effective implementation requires clear responsibilities and practical agreements among the tiers of government.

‘Our separate mandates must not become competing excuses. Each Governor carries knowledge that no federal document can supply,’ he said.

The Vice President challenged members of the council to judge every policy proposal by its capacity to reduce uncertainty, create opportunities and strengthen public confidence in government.

‘Nigerians deserve institutions on which they can organise their lives. Providing that assurance is among the most consequential uses of public authority. That is the assurance we owe them,’ the Vice President said.

The NEC, at the end of its deliberations, endorsed a 90-day economic action plan proposed by the Federal Ministry of Finance to consolidate gains from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms.

The plan focuses on reducing the cost of living, improving food affordability, attracting investment and accelerating the delivery of projects with direct benefits to Nigerians.

The council’s endorsement followed a presentation by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, at the meeting.

The 90-day action plan identifies five priority areas: food affordability, tax harmonisation, completion of high-impact projects, resolution of investment bottlenecks and regulated household support.

NEC also approved the establishment of a national dashboard to track ongoing projects across the federation, with particular emphasis on transparency, accountability and accurate reporting of how proceeds from fuel subsidy removal are being utilised.

Presenting the economic outlook, Oyedele expressed optimism about the progress recorded under the Tinubu administration’s reform programme and the prospects for further economic recovery.

He identified the reduction of headline inflation and interest rates to single digits by 2027 as key policy objectives, noting that the next phase of reforms would require coordinated implementation across federal and state institutions.

The council equally received an update on the reported Ebola outbreak in the Federal Capital Territory from the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who allayed fears of a major public health crisis, assuring members that Nigeria possesses the institutional capacity to contain the situation.

The minister briefed the council on efforts by the ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to operationalise a robust national response system.

He identified coordination and governance, detection at points of entry, laboratory testing capacity, logistics for essential kits and personal protective equipment, and effective strategic communication as critical components of the response.

The minister acknowledged the efforts of 21 state governments that had updated their response plans and urged the remaining 15 states to expedite the establishment of appropriate preparedness and response mechanisms.

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State has officially kicked off community consultations for its upcoming fiscal year, tagged the 2027 ‘Budget of Hope Rekindled.’

During a stakeholders’ consultative forum held on Monday, October 19, at the council secretariat, community members and leaders identified road rehabilitation, drainage networks, solar-powered streetlights, healthcare upgrades, security enhancements and youth empowerment as the top spending priorities for 2027.

The town hall meeting served a dual purpose: reviewing the execution of the current 2026 budget and gathering direct feedback from residents to map out the financial blueprint for the coming year.

Addressing the gathering, the Executive Chairman of the local government, Olalekan Olu Akindipe, reiterated his administration’s commitment to an open, responsive system of governance.

He assured attendees that their inputs would heavily influence the final budget planning and prioritisation process, balanced against community needs and available state resources.

Akindipe, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Sylva Daniel, expressed strong optimism that the 2027 budget proposal would actively consolidate his administration’s existing achievements and drive substantial developmental changes across the local government area.

Providing a performance review of the outgoing cycle, the Head of the Budget Department, Mr Adekoya Adebayo, detailed the progress achieved under the 2026 budget.

He highlighted successfully executed projects spanning education, healthcare, environmental management, public infrastructure and economic empowerment schemes tailored specifically for local women and youth.

Supporting the administration’s trajectory, the Council Manager, Mr Salam Adeyemi, praised the chairman’s project execution and urged residents to continue cooperating with local authorities, noting that past milestones had laid a solid foundation for future development.

The high-profile event drew key political and traditional leaders, including Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, member of the House of Representatives for the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, and His Royal Majesty Oba Mohammed Moroof Amodu Tijani Oluwa (Amore III), the Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom, alongside Yeye Iretiola Oluwa.

Other notable officials in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Bola Ugbo-Anite; the Leader of the 7th Legislative Arm, Samson Olayinka, alongside local councillors; the Secretary to the Local Government, Noheem Oluwa; executive cabinet members; G-20 leadership figures; security agency representatives; community development leaders; and market association heads.