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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of Madam Nkoko Etagbo Eta elder sister of the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Ntufam Hilliard Eta.

The deceased who hailed from Cross River State passed away at the age of 76.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga the President extended his sympathies to the Eta family particularly the NYSC Governing Board Chairman who is also a former National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu described the late Madam Eta as a devoted Christian leader loving mother and cherished family member whose kindness compassion and dedication to humanity positively influenced many lives.

The President recalled her distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service from which she retired in 2008 noting that her life was marked by dedication to public service family and her Christian faith.

He urged the bereaved family to draw strength from the deceased’s exemplary life and the enduring memories of her contributions to society.

‘Madam Nkoko lived a life of remarkable service love and devotion. Though her passing leaves a painful void in your heart and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her I urge you to find solace and inspiration in the beautiful memories she created the lives she influenced and the faith she lived by’ the President said.

Tinubu also offered prayers for the family as preparations continued for the deceased’s final rites scheduled for Saturday October 24.

‘As you prepare for her final journey on October 24 I pray that Almighty God will grant you and your family the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace’ the President said.

The Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has congratulated Oba Taiwo Adenaike Ogunbona Fibigbuwa IV on his ascension to the throne of Alaperu of Iperu-Remo.

The governor urged the new monarch to promote peace unity and inclusive development in the ancient kingdom.

Recall that Oba Ogunbona ascended the revered throne of his forefathers on Saturday October 17 2026.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of his family the Ogun State Government and the people of the state Abiodun described the monarch’s emergence as the start of a new chapter in the history of Iperu-Remo.

The governor said the development reflected the enduring strength of traditional institutions the richness of the state’s cultural heritage and the people’s collective aspirations for peace unity progress and development.

Abiodun who described himself as a proud son of Iperu Akesan Land said the monarch’s ascension was a moment of pride and celebration for the community and a reminder of the collective responsibility to preserve its cherished customs traditions and cultural values.

He noted that the throne came with the responsibility of preserving the kingdom’s heritage fostering harmony among the people and providing purposeful traditional leadership that would advance the community’s welfare and development.

The governor expressed confidence that Oba Ogunbona would bring his experience wisdom and commitment to the throne’s responsibilities adding that his reign would strengthen unity among the people and inspire renewed efforts toward the kingdom’s growth and prosperity.

Abiodun also urged the monarch to promote peaceful coexistence encourage inclusive development and strengthen collaboration among traditional institutions government and the people.

He prayed for God’s guidance wisdom sound health and strength for the monarch wishing him a long peaceful and prosperous reign.

The governor expressed hope that Oba Ogunbona’s reign would usher in unprecedented development in Iperu Akesan Land and leave a lasting legacy of honour unity and progress for generations to come.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate Seyi Makinde has been mocked for poor attendance at the party’s town hall meeting in Uyo Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.

The All Progressives Congress Media Network (APCMN) in a press release issued on Thursday by its Acting Director-General Comrade Uwem Bassey described the APM town hall meeting as a ‘big flop’.

According to the APC group the abysmal turnout showed that his party’s state chairmen in the South-South region have rejected Makinde.

APCMN added that Akwa Ibom is fully an APC State and that APM has no acceptance in the state or the entire South-South as the state is satisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s superlative performance and economic reforms.

The press release states in part ‘In our assessment the gathering was a big flop and an embarrassment to those who promoted it as a presidential campaign event.

‘Having failed to make the gathering count the organisers resorted to tirades against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A meeting presented as an opportunity to engage the people became a platform for abusing the President.

‘What was presented as a gathering for a presidential hopeful looked more like an arrangement for a ward councillorship contest.

‘Governor Makinde should take the outcome seriously. His promoters owe him an honest assessment of his support because the outing exposed his ill-advised presidential ambition as child’s play.

‘Akwa Ibom could hardly have been suitable ground for such political grandstanding given the popularity of Governor Umo Eno and the APC in the state.’

The APC group accused Makinde of causing disunity in his party adding that his party’s South-South state chairmen passed a vote of no confidence in him.

‘The vote of no confidence passed against Governor Makinde by the APM state chairmen in the South-South zone vindicates our position that the supposed presidential candidate of the mushroom political party is a confused person.

‘He divided destabilised and killed the PDP and is now taking the same spirit of confusion division and destabilisation to the APM’ the APC group added.

The Borno State chapter of the National Association of Scrap and Waste Dealers Employers of Nigeria popularly called AJAKUTA has distanced itself from claims by its national body and some individuals regarding the state government’s recent decision on scrap scavenging.

The state chairman Umar Usman made the association’s position known on Wednesday when he led other executive members on a courtesy visit to the chairman of the Committee to Review the Ban on Metal Scavenging in Borno State Hon. Nasiru Ali Surundi in Maiduguri.

Mal. Usman welcomed Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s decision describing it as a positive step towards restoring members’ livelihoods and ensuring orderly business operations.

‘We welcome the Governor’s decision in good faith and dissociate ourselves from the claims made by our national body and some individuals. As law-abiding citizens we support the state government’s efforts to regulate our activities’ Usman said.

He thanked the Governor for supporting the association’s members and other residents of the state pledging cooperation with the committee towards implementing the government’s reforms.

Responding Hon. Surundi commended the association for clarifying its position explaining that the government’s measures were intended to sanitise the scrap business for the benefit of dealers and the wider public.

‘The measures introduced by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum are aimed at sanitising the scrap business for the benefit of our people. We urge the association’s national leadership to verify its facts before making public claims’ Surundi said.

Other members of the delegation endorsed their chairman’s position and pledged support for the state government’s decision.

The visit came barely a week after Governor Zulum announced the temporary lifting of the ban on scrap scavenging and began developing a proposed roadmap towards lifting the ban.

The Director-General of the Ondo State Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in 2027 saying the President has laid a solid foundation for a second term through his policies and ongoing reforms.

Olabimtan also dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi among other opposition figures arguing they had yet to show they could offer better alternatives to the incumbent president.

He spoke on Thursday in Akure the Ondo State capital while assessing the Tinubu administration’s performance and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.

Olabimtan who also coordinates the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Ondo State said the administration’s records in economic management infrastructure education and youth empowerment would strengthen the president’s chances of securing a second term.

He urged Nigerians to assess the government’s performance against the conditions it inherited the progress made so far and its plans.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has laid a solid foundation for a better tomorrow for Nigerians particularly our youths. The President has repeatedly stated that his second term will bring shared prosperity through these reforms.

‘What is required of us now is to support and vote for him for a second term so that he can consolidate the gains already recorded and complete the good work he has started.

‘The ongoing electioneering campaign should not be judged solely by where we are today. Rather it should be assessed against three critical realities: where we were before now where we are at present and where we are heading’ he said.

The campaign director-general acknowledged that Nigeria had yet to achieve its desired level of development but maintained that the country had made progress under Mr Tinubu’s leadership.

‘We all know that we are not yet where we ought to be but we are equally conscious of the fact that we have moved considerably beyond where we used to be. All indices point to the prospect of a better tomorrow’ he added.

Olabimtan said the administration’s reforms required continuity to deliver their anticipated benefits particularly for young Nigerians.

He cited the president’s promise that a second term would focus on shared prosperity urging voters to support the APC candidate to consolidate the current administration’s gains.

The APC chieftain challenged opposition politicians seeking to replace Mr Tinubu to present specific policies and practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

He argued that the opposition had not sufficiently explained how its proposed approach would improve on the current administration’s policies.

‘None of those aspiring to challenge the President has presented convincing and workable templates demonstrating what they intend to do differently or better if given the opportunity. Instead they continue to recycle familiar rhetoric without offering practical solutions’ he said.

Olabimtan added that voters should make sustaining ongoing reforms a major consideration when deciding the country’s political direction in 2027.

In preparation for the election Olabimtan said the Ondo State PCC was working to secure victory for Tinubu and the party’s candidates in the National Assembly and Ondo State House of Assembly elections.

He said the council was determined to mobilise support across the state and deliver a decisive electoral victory for the president and other APC candidates.

‘The Ondo State PCC is leaving no stone unturned in its determination to secure a resounding victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid and all APC candidates in the state’ he said.

He said the council’s ambition extended beyond securing substantial votes for the president to winning legislative seats by significant margins.

‘Our mission goes beyond delivering Ondo State massively for President Tinubu. We are equally determined to ensure that all APC candidates from the State House of Assembly to the National Assembly emerge victorious with unprecedented margins’ he stated.

Olabimtan attributed the council’s optimism to the party’s political structures and mobilisation strategies which the party developed ahead of the polls.

He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who chairs the state PCC for providing leadership and support for the council’s activities.

According to him the governor’s backing would strengthen the party’s mobilisation efforts and improve its chances at the polls.

The PCC director-general also called on APC leaders stakeholders and independent campaign groups to close ranks and work towards a common electoral objective.

He warned that internal disagreements could undermine the party’s preparations if members failed to put their differences aside.

Olabimtan urged party members and campaign organisations to embrace a coordinated strategy under the slogan ‘One Party One Message One Campaign Mobilisation.’

‘This is a clarion call on APC leaders and independent campaign groups in Ondo State to join hands with Mr Governor and the Ondo State PCC in the overall interest of our party.

‘We stand to gain more when we work together. Disagreements are inevitable in politics but we should not let past differences undermine our collective progress. This is the time to work as a united team rather than at cross-purposes’ he said.

He urged residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid saying a second term would give the administration a chance to consolidate its programmes in infrastructure education economic development and youth empowerment.

He however reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with party leaders stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers to secure victory for the president and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Concerned residents of Sokoto State have challenged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Manir Muhammad Dan’iya to present a clear and achievable development blueprint ahead of the 2027 general election.

The residents urged Dan’iya to move beyond criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto’s administration and explain how he intends to address the state’s security unemployment education healthcare and economic development challenges.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by Comrade Ibrahim Umar Kware Comrade Aminu Hali Tambuwal and Comrade Bello Arzika Dandange the group said Sokoto residents deserved concrete policy proposals from anyone seeking their mandate.

They maintained that the forthcoming election should be defined by competing ideas credible alternatives and practical solutions rather than campaigns built solely on fault-finding.

According to the group Dan’iya has consistently criticised the incumbent administration’s policies and programmes since emerging as the ADC governorship candidate but has yet to present a comprehensive policy document outlining his alternative plans for the state.

‘Enough of criticism. Sokoto people want to know what you intend to do for them. What is your development agenda and how do you intend to deliver on your promises? It is not enough to criticise the government without providing workable alternatives’ the statement read in part.

The residents said governing a state with more than five million people required thorough preparation a clear vision and a sound understanding of public administration.

They challenged Dan’iya to explain how he would tackle the state’s pressing challenges including the funding mechanisms implementation timelines and measurable performance indicators for his proposed policies.

The group also urged the ADC candidate to reflect on his tenure as deputy governor under former Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and share the lessons he learnt from the administration.

They cautioned Dan’iya against repeating what they described as his political mentor’s shortcomings accusing him of assuming office without adequate preparation and leaving without a tangible legacy commensurate with public expectations.

‘Dan’iya should not follow the same path as his political mentor. Having served in a previous administration he should understand that governance requires preparation clear priorities and a proven capacity to deliver. Sokoto State cannot afford another experiment in leadership without a convincing development agenda’ the residents said.

While acknowledging the need for accountability from the incumbent administration the group cited Governor Aliyu’s interventions in security logistics road construction and rehabilitation housing and primary healthcare revitalisation as efforts deserving objective assessment.

They also said the provision of operational vehicles motorcycles and other security equipment had improved security responses while acknowledging that insecurity required sustained measurable action.

The residents stressed that the opposition had an equal responsibility to demonstrate its capacity to govern and offer better alternatives rather than relying on criticism to win voters’ support.

They challenged Dan’iya to outline specific measures to improve security in vulnerable communities publicly support farmers and small businesses tackle youth unemployment attract private investment and strengthen public service delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.

According to the group the 2027 election should let voters compare the incumbent’s performance with the opposition’s proposals and make informed decisions based on competence credibility and practical policy alternatives.

‘The people of Sokoto want results not political noise. Governor Aliyu should be judged by his record and the work that remains while Dan’iya must explain why he deserves the people’s mandate and what he can do better.

‘If he truly believes he has a better vision for Sokoto let him present it for public scrutiny’ the residents said.

They concluded that the state needed a prepared leader with a clear development plan not a candidate whose campaign they alleged revolved around attacking political opponents.

The Kebbi State House of Assembly has adopted the National Assembly’s position on establishing State Police Services nationwide.

This followed the House Committee on Home Affairs and Internal Security’s adoption of its report at plenary on Wednesday presided over by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Salihu Maikasuwa Dangoje.

Presenting the report the Committee Chairman Rt. Hon. Muhammad Garba Bena recalled that the House at its sitting on Tuesday October 20 2026 received the Constitution Alteration Bill from the National Assembly which seeks to establish State Police and committed it to the Committee for further legislative action.

He said the Committee after thoroughly scrutinising the Bill’s 26 sections unanimously agreed that establishing State Police is in the best interests of Kebbi State and the nation at large given the country’s current security challenges.

After the presentation the House put the matter to a vote: 20 of the 24 members present voted in favour of the Bill while four members were absent.

The House therefore adopted the Bill for the Establishment of State Police Services (Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Sixth Alteration Bill 2026) having secured the required two-thirds majority as stipulated by the Constitution.

The House also directed its Clerk to transmit its resolution to the National Assembly for further action.

The Minister of Defence Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) has said intensified military operations are gradually restoring stability in Nigeria’s economic corridors agricultural belts and industrial zones assuring investors that the government is intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity.

Musa spoke while delivering a keynote address titled ‘National Security: Pathway to a Trillion-Dollar Economy’ at the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

He said sustainable national security effective governance and credible institutions are indispensable to Nigeria’s ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy.

According to the minister national security must extend beyond conventional military operations and law enforcement to include protecting human capital critical infrastructure and the conditions needed to attract long-term investment.

‘No investor commits capital where lives and assets are not safe and no economy grows beyond the reach of its security’ he said.

Acknowledging the country’s security challenges including targeted attacks on communities highway kidnappings and sporadic insurgent activities Musa said the Armed Forces were intensifying operations to reclaim vulnerable areas and protect economic activities.

He said the ongoing efforts aimed to restore stability across strategic economic corridors agricultural belts and industrial zones which are critical to national productivity and growth.

Aligning the government’s security strategy with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda the minister outlined five priorities for leveraging national security to drive economic expansion.

‘These include Protection of Strategic Economic Assets Promoting Good Governance and Human Capital Defence Financial Discipline Cybersecurity and Financial Intelligence and Domestic Defence Industrial Capacity’ he said.

To strengthen institutional collaboration Musa announced the establishment of a joint Ministry of Defence-ICAN Implementation Committee to develop a cooperation framework proposed by ICAN President Hajia Queensley Seghosime.

He said the partnership would focus on specialised training in public financial management and accounting standards for Armed Forces personnel; joint programmes in forensic accounting and financial intelligence to combat terrorism financing; and improved corporate governance and welfare schemes for veterans.

The minister commended ICAN for its commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency stressing that a secure environment and sound financial management were essential to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.

The conference attracted professional accountants policymakers and business leaders.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State Kayode Ojo has described the death of the late Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

Ojo said the elder statesman who passed away on Tuesday October 20 2026 at 100 marked the end of a glorious era in Yoruba and Nigerian history.

In a statement on Wednesday the APC chieftain described Fasoranti as the conscience of Nigerian democracy noting that he dedicated his life to pursuing justice true federalism and good governance.

He said the late Afenifere leader remained a symbol of integrity selflessness and courage adding that his commitment to progressive ideals and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians distinguished him as a statesman.

He said ‘The passing of our revered leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti at the age of 100 is a monumental loss not just to Yorubaland but to the entire Nigerian nation.

‘Pa Fasoranti was the true conscience of Nigerian democracy. He was a patriot par excellence a custodian of the progressive ideals of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and a fearless voice who stood to defend the cause of the common man without fear or favour.’

He recalled that Fasoranti’s contributions to public service spanned his career as an educationist and school administrator his tenure as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State and his leadership of Afenifere.

According to him the deceased also played a significant role in the struggle to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12 1993 presidential election.

Ojo described Fasoranti as a bridge between the politics of the First Republic and the Fourth Republic saying his counsel moral authority and stabilising influence would be sorely missed.

He said that the elder statesman’s death came at a critical period in the country’s development when his wisdom and commitment to democratic principles remained invaluable.

The APC chieftain commiserated with the Fasoranti family the people of Ondo State Afenifere the Yoruba nation and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the loss.

He also recalled Fasoranti’s support for Tinubu whom the late elder statesman regarded as a progressive leader.

Ojo prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant his family associates and the country the fortitude to bear the loss.

‘May the soul of Baba Fasoranti rest in perfect peace’ he said.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has tasked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council with intensifying grassroots mobilisation and taking the message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party candidates to voters 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.

Describing council membership as a call to service Oborevwori said: ‘I urge you to demonstrate unity discipline and commitment as we work together to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu myself and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.’

He added: ‘We must move beyond rallies and meetings to engage voters directly through door-to-door campaigns and interactions with market women youths workers farmers and traders. Our campaign coordinators at the local government and ward levels must strengthen their structures and ensure our message reaches every polling unit.’

He urged members to highlight the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and his government’s M.O.R.E Agenda particularly in 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’ the governor said.

He assured Deltans that political activities would not distract his administration from governance adding that ongoing projects and development programmes would continue throughout the campaign period.

The governor also urged politicians and their supporters to maintain peace shun hate speech and ensure that political differences do not divide the state.

Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme commended Oborevwori for aligning Delta with the Federal Government and urged APC members to consolidate the gains ahead of the elections.

Onyeme urged party faithful to highlight the Tinubu administration’s achievements in local government autonomy education funding grassroots development security electricity and road infrastructure.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa speaking on behalf of the Delta North Senatorial District said expectations were high after political leaders defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in April 2025.

He challenged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through impressive electoral performance.

He stressed the need to engage voters directly rather than rely solely on rallies.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo defended Tinubu’s economic reforms describing them as necessary measures to address longstanding economic challenges.

While acknowledging the hardship the reforms bring Keyamo maintained that the policies were designed to tackle structural problems in the economy including the cost of fuel subsidies.

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

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

Speaking for Delta Central Senatorial District a founding chieftain of the APC in Delta State Chief Emerhor O’tega welcomed the APC’s emergence as the ruling party in Delta and pledged support for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Former Secretary to the State Government Ovuozourie Macaulay who represented Delta South Senatorial District said the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would strengthen the party’s campaign.

He assured the council that the district would work towards delivering substantial votes for APC candidates.

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

Responding on behalf of the campaign council its Director-General Senator James Manager pledged to work with party leaders and members to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

The Manager described the assignment as a major responsibility that requires unity collective commitment and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

Oborevwori chairs the campaign council with the Manager as Director-General and Chiedu Ebie as Deputy Director-General.

Other party leaders and stakeholders also serve on the council.