Mohammed Shosanya

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, says Nigeria’s registered voters outnumber those of the entire West African subregion by over 10 million.

He disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the European Union (EU) Ambassador and Head of the Union’s Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said,while the 14 other countries in the West African subregion have a combined total of 74 million registered voters, Nigeria alone recorded over 93 million registered voters during the 2023 general elections.

He emphasized that conducting a general election in Nigeria is comparable to organizing elections for the entire West African region and part of Central Africa.

“In fact, recently, the Electoral Commission in Ghana conducted what we refer to as Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). Their target was to register 70,000 new voters nationwide. In contrast, during our last CVR exercise, we registered 119,000 new voters in Edo State alone, and an additional 55,000 in Ondo State, bringing the total to 177,000, three times more than Ghana’s target,” Prof. Yakubu stated.

He also highlighted the robust partnership between INEC and the European Union, acknowledging the EU’s support in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. Prof. Yakubu expressed his gratitude for the EU’s continued collaboration, particularly in implementing the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) program, and looked forward to sustaining this relationship with future EU representatives.

Speaking at the event, the outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuel Isopi has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening and strengthening Nigerian democracy.

Isopi,who has served in Nigeria for three years, highlighted the critical partnership between the EU and INEC in promoting democratic governance in the country.

She expressed honor and privilege to have worked closely with INEC and the Nigerian people, noting that supporting democracy in Nigeria has been a core priority of his mission.

“It’s been a privilege and an honor to serve the Nigerian people over the past three years, and I couldn’t leave without visiting this commission.

“This partnership has been integral to our work here, and I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate it”,she said.

Isopi emphasized the importance of continuing this partnership, particularly in light of recent democratic challenges across West Africa.

She noted that Nigeria, as the largest democracy in Africa and one of the largest in the world, plays a crucial role in setting an example for other countries in the region.

“Supporting democracy in Africa, and West Africa in particular, is more important than ever,” Isopi remarked.

“We believe that democracy remains the best way to respond to the aspirations of the people, and Nigeria’s journey towards a stronger democracy is something we are proud to support.”

Reflecting on the EU’s collaboration with INEC, Isopi described the relationship as open and constructive, even in times of disagreement. “A good partnership is defined by the ability to have different points of view, discuss them openly, and work together to overcome challenges,” she said.

“This is the kind of partnership we’ve had with INEC, and I am confident it will continue to thrive.”

As she prepares to hand over to his successor, Isopi conveyed her hopes for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

She expressed confidence that the trajectory is positive and that continued collaboration between the EU and INEC will lead to further improvements in election administration in Nigeria.

Isopi reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigerian democracy, stressing that strengthening democracy in Nigeria contributes to the global effort to promote democratic governance.

She said, “Strengthening democracy in Nigeria means strengthening democracy worldwide.”

“We all face challenges, but by working together, we can ensure that democracy remains the best way to meet the aspirations of the people.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC),has released its 2024 Half-Year Transparency and Efficiency report, highlighting significant advancements among Nigerian Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

According to the Council,the Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDMB) topped the list with an impressive score of 83.1%, followed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at 78.2% and the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service at 74.8%.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwale, Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC and Investment, presented the findings during a press conference in Abuja.

She noted that the number of MDAs scoring above 50% rose from eight in 2023 to 20 in 2024, indicating a positive trend in efficiency compliance.

She emphasized the need for ongoing improvements in service delivery to enhance Nigeria’s business environment.
The report also credited the Federal Government’s inaugural 90-day regulatory reform accelerator, launched on February 20, for driving these performance improvements.

He highlighted that MDAs consistently submitting monthly transparency reports performed better in the reform initiative.

She acknowledged ongoing challenges in the business climate, urging MDAs to strengthen their collaborative efforts to foster a more competitive environment in Nigeria.

Oduwale reiterated PEBEC’s commitment to driving reforms that enhance effectiveness, transparency, and collaboration among MDAs, to ensure that Nigeria continues to become an increasingly easier place to start and grow a business.

Grace Udeme Emmanuel, a 22-year-old mother of four in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, who was driven by poverty to feed her children chicken feed, has found a new home, a stockpile of food, and newfound attention.

Grace’s life took a dramatic turn when the daughter of the poultry owner where she worked shared her tragic situation on social media.

Mrs. Uduak Ekong, Press Secretary to the Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, explained to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday that the post quickly caught the attention of the Governor’s Wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who was deeply moved by the young mother’s suffering.

Ekong disclosed that the Governor’s wife immediately responded with a lifeline of N500,000, marking the beginning of a series of efforts to uplift Grace and her children from their dire circumstances.

“The state government, alongside generous donors, is ensuring that Grace and her children are not only provided with basic necessities but are also given a pathway to a better future,” Ekong said.

“A room apartment has been secured and furnished for Grace and her children, who moved in last week. They were given a three-month supply of food, essential household items, and a significant salary increase—from N15,000 to N35,000 per month,” she added.

Narrating further, Ekong said, “What first caught Her Excellency’s attention was what would drive any human being to consider feeding her children chicken feed.

“When we met her, we discovered that she was pregnant at 16 and had dropped out of school in SS1. Despite her circumstances, she speaks impeccable English and comes across as an intelligent person.

“Like many young girls, she got pregnant and was sent out of the house. She moved in with the man who got her pregnant. Unfortunately, he was caught stealing sweet potatoes from Hausa people.

“He was beaten and left to bleed to death. After his death, things turned worse for Grace, who was left alone with four children: a four-year-old, a three-year-old, a two-year-old, and a one-year-old. A sister to the late father of her children had taken the three-year-old, leaving Grace to fend for the other three.

“Following the initial N500,000 intervention from Mrs. Eno, others reached out, offering to support Grace. Her Excellency directed all contributions to the lady who shared Grace’s story on Instagram. With over 300,000 followers, she managed to raise almost N2,000,000.

“Normally, she runs small humanitarian campaigns where people contribute bit by bit for medicals, school fees, and other needs, but this was the first time she raised this much. With this money, Grace’s monthly salary has been increased from N15,000 to N35,000.”

Ekong emphasized that the support must be carefully managed to ensure Grace’s long-term stability.

“We are mindful that this is still a young girl who doesn’t have a bank account or a phone. You don’t just raise money and give it to her in bulk. She is vulnerable, and anything could make her a target for those who might exploit her.

“We are working on providing her with training in managing her income. We noticed that she is skilled in braiding hair, having done her children’s hair herself. We plan to provide her with formal training in hairdressing and set her up with a place to work. Additionally, we are considering alternative trades for her in foodstuff or provisions.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun,has urged citizens to engage actively in national security and development initiatives.

He disclosed this in a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday.

According to him,the call aims to “foster a shift towards modern policing and to promote socioeconomic and political advancement in Nigeria.”

The IGP further advocated the need for citizen volunteerism and an individualistic approach to social and security restructuring in the country.

He made the call at the Force Headquarters while reflecting on and appraising the effectiveness of the well-coordinated operations placed for the rescue of the 20 medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State on the 15th of August 2024, and other seven Nigerians who had been in the captivity of the heinous criminals.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Police, other security agencies, and government entities at all levels, to realize the vision of a new Nigeria characterized by enhanced national security and good governance for all.

“The Inspector-General of Police also emphatically appreciates the personal role and steadfastness of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his unalloyed support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the rescuing of our beloved children and citizens of Nigeria.

“The IGP acknowledges the NSA’s dedication to lending helping hand to security forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, as well as upholding law and order throughout the nation.

“In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police extends sincere gratitude to the officers affiliated with the office of the National Security Adviser, the military, and other security personnel, as well as the local community members who actively participated in the rescue operation, along with numerous similar efforts throughout the nation.

“Their contributions are praiseworthy and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Nigeria and its citizens.

“The Inspector General of Police reaffirms the dedication of the Police, under his leadership, to assiduously emplace a Police Force that is professionally competent, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, and people-friendly. The IGP assures the public of the safe rescue of all Nigerians in captivity across the country. This is our pledge, and we will ensure its fulfilment..”