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National, News

Senate Clears Prof. Joash Amupitan for INEC Top Job After Three-Hour Screening

The Senate has confirmed Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His confirmation followed a rigorous three-hour screening session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, where lawmakers questioned the nominee extensively on electoral integrity, logistics, and legal independence. After the screening, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, called for a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously approved Amupitan’s appointment without opposition. Akpabio urged the new INEC boss to ensure that “votes will count” under his leadership. Read Also: Council of State Approves Prof. Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman While responding to questions, Amupitan clarified that he was never a legal counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election petition proceedings, from the tribunal to the Supreme Court. He added that all case records were publicly available for verification. He assured the lawmakers that, if confirmed, his administration would prioritize credible elections where “losers will congratulate winners,” emphasizing transparency, logistics efficiency, and voter education as key focus areas. He also mentioned plans to introduce the use of clones to safeguard election materials. Before entering the chamber at 12:50 p.m., the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow strangers into the chamber—a motion seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). Senate President Akpabio revealed that Amupitan had been cleared by the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), all confirming that he has no criminal record. President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking the screening and confirmation of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman, in line with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The President’s letter read: “In accordance with the provisions of section 154 subsection 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” Tinubu expressed confidence in Amupitan’s capacity to lead the electoral body and urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process — a request which the Senate fulfilled with unanimous consent.

Katsina, News

Katsina distributes wheelchairs, learning kits to 500 out-of-school children

The Katsina State Government, on Tuesday, distributed wheelchairs and learning kits to at least 500 out-of-school children in the state. In a speech at the launch of the distribution of the items in Katsina, Gov. Dikko Radda said the gesture aimed towards reducing the out-of-school children, and increasing school enrollment. Radda, represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman-Nasir, said that the event affirmed his administration’s commitment to education and the wellbeing of children in the state. Read Also: NGO promotes inclusive peacebuilding in Katsina via stakeholders’ training He said: “From the outset of this administration, we made it clear that the education of our children will remain a top priority. “We believe that no society can progress without investing in its young people, and no child should be denied access to learning because of poverty or circumstance. “Education and the wellbeing of our children are indeed the main concern of this government. “Today’s event, where 500 pupils are being taken back to school, is part of our ongoing efforts to make education accessible and inclusive.” The governor said that the kits being distributed, which included uniforms, sandals and essential writing materials, are intended to encourage regular school attendance and boost the confidence of the pupils as they return to the classroom. He also said that the Department of Girl Children Education and Child Development in charge of the distribution was also extending support to the school for the blind, through the provision of writing materials, ensuring that education remains truly inclusive in the state. “This initiative builds upon earlier successes recorded by the department, including the enrollment of 1,395 children into formal education in 2024, in collaboration with UNICEF. “These achievements reflect the values of our administration, compassion, inclusion and opportunity for all. “We will continue to invest in policies and programmes that promote learning, protect children and support teachers in delivering quality education,” the governor said. Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl Child Education, Hajiya Jamila Abdu-Mani, said the event “marked another milestone in our collective effort to ensure that every child in the state had access to education. “The distribution of the learning materials aims to support the children’s learning journey and ease the financial burden on their families. “We’re also distributing materials to Kasina State School for the Blind, in line with our commitment to inclusive education and equal opportunity for all learners. “This programme builds upon the remarkable progress our department has made in the past year, especially the enrollment of 1,395 out-of-school, achieved due to the political will of Gov. Radda. “Education is the most powerful tool we can give our children to break the cycle of poverty and scale their dignity,” Abdu-Mani said. (NAN)

Education, Kano, News

Northwest University Kano Appoints Professor Aisha Garba Habib as Acting Vice Chancellor

Northwest University Kano has named Professor Aisha Garba Habib as its Acting Vice Chancellor, following the completion of Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa’s five-year tenure. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Abubakar Ibrahim, Head of the Public Relations Unit, on behalf of the University Registrar. The transition was described as “peaceful and historic,” marking the first time a woman has led the institution. “In line with the university’s succession procedure, Professor Aisha Garba Habib, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), assumed leadership in an acting capacity,” the statement said. Read Also: Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Appointed Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano The handover took place during a meeting between Professor Kurawa and the University’s principal officers, where he formally concluded his tenure and signed official handover documents. The statement highlighted that the campus atmosphere was filled with “emotions and celebration” as members of staff, students, and alumni commended Professor Kurawa’s visionary leadership, integrity, and transformative achievements. Among his final official acts was the commissioning of the Hajiya Rabi Aminu Dantata Female Students Common Room, a facility donated by the late philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. The building is described as a significant contribution to student welfare and a testament to the Dantata family’s continued support for education. Professor Kurawa also visited the site of the YUMSUK Microfinance Bank Limited, a CBN-licensed Tier II Non-Interest (Islamic) Microfinance Bank initiated under his leadership to promote financial inclusion within the university community. In a symbolic farewell, members of the university community accompanied him in a procession from his office to his residence — a gesture reflecting, according to the statement, “the profound impact of his leadership and the admiration he earned during his tenure.” “The exit of Professor Kurawa marks the end of a remarkable era in the history of the institution,” the statement concluded. “His legacy of integrity, innovation, and dedication to educational development will continue to inspire future generations.”

National, News, Politics

Those Who Criticised Me Are Now in APC – Wike Mocks Defecting PDP Governors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the mass defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and state governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has vindicated his earlier stance and justified his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways on the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja. The FCT Minister said some governors who previously accused him of destabilising the PDP and working for the APC are now members of the ruling party, adding that they should commend him for “doing a good job” that eventually paved the way for them. Read Also: Information Minister Predicts APC Takeover of 30 States by 2026 “I have been watching on daily television and social media, people who said I wanted to destabilise the party, that I was working for the APC. All of them are now in the APC. So, if that is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading. I should be commended for doing a good job for them,” he said. In the past 48 hours, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah resigned from the PDP and joined the APC, citing national development and President Tinubu’s leadership as reasons for his defection. Similarly, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri also announced his defection from the PDP on Wednesday, alongside 19 members of the State House of Assembly. His move makes him the fourth PDP governor to defect ahead of the 2027 general elections, reducing the party’s governorship seats from 11 as of October 2024 to only eight presently. Wike stated that the defecting governors have no reason to complain, as President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” has provided enough financial resources for states to pay salaries and execute meaningful projects. “Let every state be sincere to their people and to Nigerians. I was a governor for eight years, and sometimes the money that came in was not enough to pay salaries, let alone carry out projects. But today, because of the leadership of somebody—by the decisive leadership of somebody—every state now has money. Banks that governors used to run to are now the ones running after states, saying, ‘Don’t leave us out,’” Wike said. He described his decision to support Tinubu’s administration as a “worthwhile choice,” adding that the current leadership has ended the era of states leaving huge debts for their successors. “So, if for that reason so many people are going to support Mr President, I think it is worthwhile. Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for his successor, unlike what used to happen before. That is the leadership of somebody. And that’s what this country needs right now—visionary and purposeful leadership that takes bold decisions others once avoided,” he stated.

Abuja, News

FCTA Begins Construction of Outer Southern Expressway to Ease Traffic in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced the construction of the main carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway, linking Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II in Abuja. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who flagged off the project on Wednesday, said the initiative would help ease traffic congestion along the Apo–Wasa road corridor. Describing the road as a “very important project,” Wike noted that its completion would drastically reduce travel time for residents commuting to and from the city centre through the busy axis. Related: Tinubu Has Transformed FCT Within Two Years – Dr. Mariya Bunkure “You will agree with me that this road is very, very important. Before the Apo to Wasa service lane was constructed, it used to take hours for motorists to access the city. It was very horrible, but I thank God we are trying to do all we can to give the people of FCT the happiness they deserve,” he said. The minister attributed the ongoing infrastructural transformation in the FCT to the purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He explained that through the removal of fuel subsidy, the Tinubu administration had made financial resources available to the 36 states and the FCT to pay workers’ salaries and embark on developmental projects. Read Also: Wike Appoints Acting Head of Service for FCT Administration “If Mr President had not taken that decisive decision to remove fuel subsidy, most states wouldn’t have been able to pay salaries. It would have been difficult even for the FCT. Tinubu’s leadership has made this possible. Every state now has money not only to pay salaries and carry out other government activities but also to embark on projects,” he stated. Wike added that the administration of President Tinubu has shown “good, purposeful, and visionary leadership,” which Nigeria needs to make significant progress. On the planned resettlement of Apo Mechanic dealers and artisans from the road corridor to their permanent site in Wasa, Wike said the plan had reached an advanced stage. He revealed that he had received the cost implications for providing the necessary infrastructure in the new site from the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). “For us, every promise made by this administration under the leadership of Mr President will be fulfilled. Residents of the FCT should be assured of our commitment,” he added. Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic activities, and enhancing mobility for residents across the FCT. Mahmoud stressed that Tinubu’s leadership style continues to remind Nigerians that progress is achieved not only through policy but also through the visible transformation of lives and communities. (NAN)

National, News, Politics

Information Minister Predicts APC Takeover of 30 States by 2026

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said on Wednesday that he expects the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to control 30 of the country’s 36 states by 2026, citing growing interest from opposition governors to join the party. Idris made this known during the 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) for commissioners of information from APC-led states, held in Maiduguri, Borno State. The event, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” focused on strengthening coordination between federal and state governments to ensure unified communication and developmental progress. Read Also: Inflation Cools to 18.02% in September, Driven by Drop in Food Costs “Presently, our party controls 24 states. With more opposition governors showing interest in joining, I can assure you that by 2026 we will have 30 APC-controlled states ahead of the 2027 elections,” Idris stated. The minister credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and reform-driven policies for boosting inclusive governance, stabilizing the economy, and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s currency. He also commended Borno State for its resilience amid security and environmental challenges, praising Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and security agencies for their tireless efforts in restoring peace and stability. As part of the meeting’s activities, delegates toured key infrastructure projects, including the Maiduguri Mega Power Plant, Tinubu Mega School, and newly constructed flyovers across the city.

Business, Economy, National, News

Inflation Cools to 18.02% in September, Driven by Drop in Food Costs

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a decline in Nigeria’s headline inflation, which fell to 18.02% in September 2025 from 20.12% in the previous month. According to the monthly inflation report, the month-on-month headline inflation rate was 0.72%, while food inflation recorded a negative growth of -1.57%, indicating a slight decrease in food prices compared to August 2025. The report highlighted that the food inflation rate dropped by 3.22%, falling from 1.65% in August 2025 to -1.57% in September, contributing significantly to the overall reduction in headline inflation. Read Also: Food Waivers Threaten Northern Agriculture, Says Wali It attributed the decrease to the drop in the average prices of maize (corn) grains, garri, beans, millet, potatoes, onions, eggs, tomatoes, and fresh pepper, among others. The report added that the average annual rate of food inflation for the twelve months ending September 2025 over the previous twelve-month average was 24.06%, which was 13.47% points lower compared with the average annual rate of change recorded in September 2024 (37.53%). “The food inflation rate in September 2025 was 16.87% on a year-on-year basis. This was 20.9% points lower compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 (37.77%). The significant decline in the annual food inflation figure is technically due to the change in the base year,” the report stated. It went on to note that the headline inflation rate eased to 18.02% relative to the August 2025 rate of 20.12%. “Looking at the movement, the September 2025 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 2.1% compared to August 2025. In addition, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68% lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70%).” The NBS further explained that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in September 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year, though with a different base year of November 2009 = 100. However, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72%, which was 0.02% lower than the rate recorded in August 2025 (0.74%). This indicates that in September 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than that of August 2025.

Bayelsa, News, Politics

Ben Murray-Bruce Dumps PDP, Joins APC, Hails Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The media entrepreneur and founder of Silverbird Group made the announcement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, commending President Bola Tinubu for his courage, leadership, and economic vision for Nigeria. Murray-Bruce stated that, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, the country has a president who truly understands finance and views the economy as “a living organism that must be disciplined, deregulated, and allowed to breathe.” Read Also: Douye Diri Dumps PDP With 23 Bayelsa Lawmakers He expressed optimism that the current economic hardship would soon subside, describing ongoing reforms as the foundation for future prosperity. “The painful reforms we face today are the very foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity. We are moving into a free-market economy—one that rewards hard work and innovation instead of dependency and distortion,” he said. The former senator praised the administration’s security and economic measures, noting that “insecurity is being quietly and systematically dismantled.” He added that the Central Bank of Nigeria is “now professionally steered, stabilizing the economy, rebuilding confidence, and restoring the dignity of the naira.” Murray-Bruce also lauded Tinubu’s infrastructural drive across the country, citing improvements in roads, ports, airports, and housing. “These developments are not just concrete and steel; they are the arteries through which growth and opportunity now flow,” he said. He explained that his decision to join the APC was driven by a belief in President Tinubu’s leadership and vision for national progress, not political gain. “That is why today, I am joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), not for politics, but for progress. Because I believe that Bola Tinubu’s leadership, guided by courage and intellect, will deliver the Nigeria we have all dreamed of. In the full term of eight years, Nigeria will witness phenomenal growth. I choose to stand with that vision, with reform, and with the future,” he stated. Murray-Bruce’s defection follows the recent moves by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and 23 Bayelsa State House of Assembly members, who also dumped the PDP for the APC—just 24 hours after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah made a similar switch.

Bayelsa, News, Politics

Douye Diri Dumps PDP With 23 Bayelsa Lawmakers

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to reports by Arise TV, Diri’s defection was accompanied by 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, marking a major political shift in the South-South state. The development comes barely 24 hours after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, also dumped the PDP for the APC — a move seen by analysts as part of the ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Read Also: Mbah Leads Enugu Political Shift as He Dumps PDP for Ruling APC Although official details of the defection ceremony remain sketchy, sources revealed that the Bayelsa governor and the lawmakers are expected to formally declare their allegiance to the APC in the coming days. The wave of defections has recently intensified as several federal and state legislators from opposition parties continue to join the ruling party, citing the need for “national alignment” and “political stability.”

Kano, News

Kano Govt Approves New Water Treatment Plant for Rano Zone

The Kano State Government has approved the establishment of a new water treatment plant in Taluwaiwai, located in Rano Local Government Area. The project, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aims to enhance water supply and improve living standards across Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure local government areas. Announcing the development, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Umar Haruna Doguwa, described the initiative as a monumental step toward addressing long-standing water scarcity in the region. He said the new facility, once completed, would ensure access to clean and potable water for thousands of residents, in line with the governor’s commitment to improving infrastructure and the quality of life for Kano citizens. Speaking on the project, the Chairmen of Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure local governments expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his visionary leadership and dedication to addressing the water needs of their communities. Read Also: DMCSA Clears ₦102m Debt, Raises Capital to Over ₦377m in Kano They noted that the project would not only provide access to clean water but also generate employment and promote community development. “We are extremely thankful to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for this impactful project. It is a major step toward improving our infrastructure and ensuring that our people enjoy basic necessities. This will enhance public health and create a lasting legacy of sustainable water supply,” one of the chairmen stated. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has consistently prioritized sectors such as water, healthcare, and education, focusing on long-term solutions that benefit both urban and rural communities. The Taluwaiwai Water Treatment Plant project is expected to further strengthen these efforts. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, preparations and resource mobilization for the commencement of construction are already underway, with work expected to begin in the coming weeks. A resident of Rano, Ibrahim Musa Kahu, commended the governor for what he described as a life-changing initiative that will finally relieve communities of the hardship caused by persistent water shortages. He said, “We thank our able governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for remembering our plight. This project will truly change lives in Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure.”  

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