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Ekiti Gets World Bank Support For Three Meteorological Stations

By
Ayodele Oni
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Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

 

The World Bank has approved the installation of three agro-meteorological stations across Ekiti State, as part of efforts to strengthen climate-smart livestock production and agricultural resilience,

 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, revealed that the project, under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, marked another milestone in the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration’s drive to deploy technology and innovation to transform the agricultural sector.

 

The L-PRES project, a World Bank-supported initiative, aims to improve livestock productivity and build resilience to climate change among stakeholders in the livestock value chain across Nigeria.

 

Boluwade, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday, said the stations would be located at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Complex, Ado Ekiti; the State Agricultural Development Programme Complex, Ikole Ekiti; and the Faculty of Agriculture, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti.

 

He stated that the approval of the BOUESTI location completed the strategic distribution of the three stations across the state’s major agro-ecological zones — Savannah, Derived Savannah and Forest — to ensure wider coverage for climate observation, agricultural planning and research.

 

“The stations will provide real-time data on rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind speed, solar radiation and other critical weather conditions.

 

“The data generated from the stations will give livestock farmers, extension officers, veterinary professionals, researchers and policymakers reliable climate intelligence to support livestock production, pasture management, water resource use, disease surveillance and climate risk management.

 

“The stations will also strengthen Ekiti’s early warning system for extreme weather events, enabling proactive responses to climate-related challenges, improved evidence-based planning and enhanced productivity across the livestock and agricultural sectors,” he added.

 

Boluwade said the initiative reflected Governor Oyebanji’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development through innovation, technology and data-driven solutions.

 

He explained that the project aligned with the broader objectives of L-PRES to improve livestock productivity, build climate resilience and promote sustainable livestock development.

 

The commissioner expressed optimism that the project would boost food security, improve livelihoods across the livestock value chain and position Ekiti as a leading state in climate-smart agriculture.

NANS Rejects Upward Review Of Registration Fees For WAEC, NECO Exams

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
National Association of Nigerian Students - NANS

By Ayodele Oni

 

The National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) has rejected the upward review of registration fees for examinations conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

 

The association is of the view that the increase will overstretch students and their parents, who are already confronted by the harsh economic situation in the country.

 

NANS position was contained in a statement on Sunday by its president, Akinteye Babatunde.

 

The statement reads: “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) vehemently denounces the approval of the upward review of registration fees for examinations conducted by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) by the Honourable Minister of Education, as well as the proposal of such an increase in the first instance by the Registrars of both examination bodies.

 

“This is cruelty in its purest form. At this critical juncture, when our nation is undergoing economic reforms that have significantly overstretched the average Nigerian

 

“It is only inhumane to increase fees for national examinations at a time when the government should be putting measures in place to cushion the effects of the economic reforms.

 

“It is deeply painful that the registration fees for both WAEC and NECO have now been increased to #50,000 each, bringing the total to #100,000 even before schools add their own charges.

 

“Are we now saying that children of the poor should no longer have access to education? This level of hardship is unbearable.

 

“Unfortunately, the consequences and public backlash will ultimately be directed at Mr. President, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is clearly not part of this decision-making process.

 

“If the Federal Ministry of Education and the leadership of both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) cannot, in good conscience, make these examinations affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian student who intends to sit for them, then the very least they owe this nation is the restraint not to overstretch students and their parents, who are already bent under the weight of economic reforms.

 

“This is not the season to test how much more Nigerians can absorb. It is a season that demands relief, not another bill placed at the doorstep of households already choosing, daily, between survival and sacrifice.”

 

“To increase examination fees at such a time is not merely poor timing; it is a failure of empathy at the highest level of policy-making.

 

“The decision by the Honourable Minister of Education to approve an upward review of the examination fees was taken without due process and without due regard for the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerian students.

 

“More disturbing is the fact that this decision was made without engaging the apex students’ body, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), or consulting the leadership of Nigerian students, who will bear the direct consequences of this policy.

 

“A decision of this magnitude, affecting millions of students across the country, cannot be made unilaterally by the Ministry of Education. Anything for us, without us, is against us.

 

“In the foregoing, we vehemently denounce the upward review of these fees and call on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately reverse this decision in the best interest of Nigerian students and the nation at large.

 

“Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Education must, henceforth, consult the apex leadership of Nigerian students when making decisions that directly affect them.

 

“The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) will continue to speak for the overall well-being of Nigerian students.”

Labour Party Hails Ajaero 2026 Arthur Svensson International Prize

By
The Source
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0
Joe Ajaero receiving Award in Norway
Arthur Svensson International Prize Award Presented to Comrade President Joe Ajaero in Oslo, Norway.

The Labour Party has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, on the conferment on him of the prestigious Arthur Svensson International Prize for 2026.

 

The honour was bestowed on him in Oslo, Norway, in recognition of his decades of courageous and selfless commitment to the defence of workers’ rights, social justice, democratic freedoms and the dignity of labour.

 

In the congratulatory letter signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ken Eluma Asogwa, the Party said in part:

 

“This remarkable recognition is not only a personal milestone for Comrade Ajaero but also a proud moment for the Nigerian labour movement and indeed the Labour Party, whose enduring bond with the organised labour movement remains constitutional, historical and ideological. As constitutionally affiliated partners in the struggle for equity, justice and the welfare of the Nigerian worker, we celebrate this global acknowledgement of one of our own, whose steadfast leadership has continued to inspire millions within and beyond our shores.

 

“That Comrade Ajaero is the first Nigerian labour leader to receive this distinguished international honour speaks volumes about his outstanding contributions to the advancement of workers’ welfare. His fearless resistance to anti-people policies spanning over three (3) decades in the struggle, his relentless advocacy for fair wages, and his unwavering defence of democratic space have earned him deserved global respect and admiration.

 

“On behalf of the leadership, members and supporters of the Labour Party across Nigeria and in the Diaspora, we congratulate Comrade Joe Ajaero on this historic achievement. We are confident that this honour will further strengthen his resolve to continue championing the cause of the Nigerian worker and the broader struggle for social and economic justice.

 

“Congratulations once again, Comrade President.”

N50,000 WAEC Fees: Atiku Slams Tinubu; You’re “Insensitive”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu

2027 African Democratic Congress, ADC presidntial candidate Atiku Abubakar has slammed the federal government for increasing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council examinations fees to N50,000.

The former vice president said the increase was part of the Tinubu’s administration’s insensitiveness to the plight of Nigerians, particularly poor people who are currently struggling to survive the harsh economic situation in the county, saying the hike in the fees has imposed more hardship on them, adding that the duty of the government is to make education is supposed to be acceissible to all Nigerians.

Until now, students paid N27, 000 to take the examinations across the country. The  Ministry of education, while making the announcement said it was a product of the decision taken by major stakeholders in March this year.

Abubakar made the assertion in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu his spokesperson, saying many parents are already suffering from the economic problems created by the administration,  including high food prices, high electricity tariff, high transportation fares, among others.

The presidential hopeful stressed that it’s ‘unconscionable” for the government to increase WAEC and NECO fees at this time when the level of poverty is very high in the country, saying many Nigerian children will be denied education as a result of the decision, adding that the hike has created a ‘barrier” between Nigerian children and “education”, warning that the number of school age children who are out of schools are astronomically high, from over 10 million to 15 million in recent times.

He said, “A government that genuinely believes in the future of its people does not erect financial barriers between children and education. It removes them. Education is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy; it is the birthright of every Nigerian child and the foundation upon which prosperous nations are built.”

“Nigeria already bears the painful distinction of having one of the largest populations of out-of-school children in the world. Any government confronted with such a national emergency should be investing aggressively to bring these children back into school. Instead, this administration is choosing policies that will inevitably swell those numbers.

Adding that, “The consequences of these policies extend far beyond school gates. Every child priced out of education today becomes tomorrow’s victim of unemployment, poverty, child labour, criminal exploitation, drug abuse or insecurity. Nations do not become prosperous by making education more expensive; they prosper by making education more accessible.

“It is a systemic filter that will inevitably restrict access to tertiary education for thousands of indigent but academically qualified Nigerian students. For many children from low-income families, the journey to university does not end at the admission gate—it is terminated long before then by the inability to afford the qualifying examinations that determine their future.”

Airport Incident: “Aviation Minister, You Lied, Peter Obi Has No Police Or Civil Defence Personnel Attached To Him In Abuja” –  Media Office

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

By Gideon Njoku

 

The Peter Obi Media Office has put a lie to the narration by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, of the events of July 4  2026, as they concerned the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

 

The Candidate, Peter Obi, had, in a recent interview alerted Nigerians on the persecution he is constantly going through in the hands of the Federal Government and its agents just because he is challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 race.

 

Raising an alarm over his safety, Obi gave an example of his experience at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport where his vehicle was clamped by the Airport Security Operatives on the allegation that he packed at the wrong place even when other vehicles comfortably packed same place.

 

However, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN, poured petrol on an already raging fire when he tackled Obi using a video from Airport CCTV.

 

Keyamo alleged that Obi not only breached Airport Security by packing at a wrong place, but peddled influence to intimidate the Airport Security, and thus, evaded the payment of a N25,000 fine.

 

He alleged that Obi’s Police driver packed the car for about 30 minutes and that Obi was not in, and/or around the car at the time but was informed by his Police driver, prompting Obi to speak on the phone to the officials who clamped his car.

 

Keyamo then ordered that Obi must not only apologise to the Airport workers who were only doing their job, but must pay fine of N25,000 for wrong packing. He, also, threatened to take further steps against Obi if he fails to comply.

 

But in a comprehensive response, Obi’s Media Office, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Idris Zekeri Jnr., accused Minister Keyamo of a deliberate misrepresentation of facts and events.

 

For instance, the statement pointed out, Obi has neither a Police or Civil Defence personnel attached to him in Abuja even though he is entitled to it given his status. So, question: Where did Keyamo’s CCTV see a Police Driver.

 

Moreover, the claim by Keyamo that  Obi’s car was packed for 30 minutes was dismissed as a fabrication. The whole embarrassing incident, the statement said, did not last for more than five minutes.

 

Following is the full response to Minister Keyamo by Obi’s Media Office entitled:

 

To The Honourable Minister Of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo

 

Contrary to your account of events surrounding Mr. Peter Obi’s transit through the Abuja Airport on Saturday, July 4, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

 

Mr. Peter Obi does not have any police or civil defence personnel attached to him in Abuja, despite being entitled to VVIP protection by virtue of his status as a leading opposition figure in Nigeria. He certainly does not have a police officer serving as his driver. Your reference to a “police driver” appears to have been based on the assumption that he enjoys the level of security protection ordinarily accorded to someone of his standing. He does not.

 

Mr. Obi travels through multiple airports across Nigeria well over a dozen times every week. As someone who frequently travels with him, I have personally witnessed repeated instances of unusual discourtesy directed at him by some government personnel.

 

From your own account of events, it is evident that the incident Mr. Obi referred to during his interview occurred on a different date and at a different airport from the one referenced in your tweet.

 

However, let me address the incident you chose to publicise.

 

KEY CLARIFICATIONS

 

  1. The incident you posted is entirely different from the one Mr. Peter Obi narrated in his interview. In that interview, he clearly stated: “I was there…” In the incident contained in your tweet, he was not present.

 

If we now have at least two separate incidents in which vehicles associated with Mr. Obi were clamped under questionable circumstances, does this not suggest a pattern of targeting an individual simply because of who he is?

 

  1. The entire sequence of events you referenced, from arrival to the eventual clamping of the vehicle, lasted approximately five minutes.

 

At most airports around the world, including major international airports, a ten-minute drop-off window is generally considered acceptable. Where, then, did the claim of 30 minutes originate?

 

Do you not agree that half-truths can sometimes be more misleading than outright falsehoods?

 

  1. Is it not a fact that several other vehicles were in the vicinity of Mr. Obi’s vehicle without attracting similar attention from airport officials? Indeed, some of those vehicles had been parked there long before Mr. Obi’s vehicle arrived, yet none was clamped.

 

  1. I have personally been at the airport on several occasions when serving and former government officials arrived in large convoys, blocked access routes, and caused considerable inconvenience to the travelling public, without any agency of government taking similar action.

 

  1. Under your watch, there have been other high-profile airport incidents, including:

 

The disruption involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and airline staff.

 

The incident involving Mr. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), a known associate of the President, who allegedly attempted to prevent an aircraft from departing.

 

You are undoubtedly aware of both incidents.

 

Where was this same enthusiasm to instigate public outrage and issue official condemnations? Was CCTV footage from those incidents also released, or was the CCTV system only activated when it involved Mr. Peter Obi?

 

  1. Can the publication of CCTV footage detailing Mr. Peter Obi’s movements on your personal social media platform be considered a serious breach of his personal security?

 

Your footage established no wrongdoing. Instead, you further exposed the movements of a leading opposition figure whose security concerns are already significant.

 

Would you release equivalent CCTV footage of other presidential candidates of Mr. Obi’s standing who travel in private and presidential aircraft funded by taxpayers?

 

Should a leading presidential candidate not be accorded security protocols consistent with democratic best practices?

 

  1. The tone of your tweet conveyed unusual hostility and contempt towards Mr. Peter Obi.

 

Are Nigerians to conclude that this treatment is politically motivated and reflective of a broader strategy to weaken a major opposition contender ahead of the next general election?

 

  1. You further threatened to direct FAAN to take unspecified action against Mr. Obi.

 

Are you the accuser, the investigator, the judge, and the executioner in the same matter?

 

As Minister of Aviation, are you now positioning yourself as the law itself?

 

Mr Keyamo, are you the Law?

 

Conclusion

 

This issue goes far beyond a clamped vehicle. It concerns equal treatment under the law, the security of opposition figures, the neutrality of state institutions, and the standards expected in a constitutional democracy.

 

Nigerians deserve answers to these questions.

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

 

Idris Zekeri Jnr

Spokesperson, Peter Obi Media Office

Fed Govt Increases WAEC, NECO Registration Fees To N50,000 …”Insensitive”, The Poor Laments

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Students in Examination Hall

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Effective 2027, parents  and guardians are to pay more for their children and wards to participate in the West African Examination Council, WAEC, and the National Examination Council, NECO, Senior School Certificate SSCE.

 

The Federal Government has increased registration fees by as much as 82 per cent.

 

According to a statement from Adeniyi Ibrahim ,the spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, prospective candidates are to pay a new registration fee of N50,000 as against the old rate of N27 ,000.

 

The statement emphasized that the upward  review of the examination fees was reached at a consultative meeting among industry stakeholders, examination bodies and the Ministry of Education held on March 31, 2026.

 

Accordingly, industry operators were said to have reviewed the present circumstances, and arrived at the decision to align fees payable for the examinations with realities on the ground.

 

Similarly, the registration fees for both  WAEC and NECO examinations have been harmonized, with all candidates paying the same N50,000.

 

The statement reads in part: “You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the Honourable Minister of Education on 31st March, 2026, where the need for an upward review of examination fees was discussed, the Honourable Minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE.

 

“Consequently, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister of Education’s approval of the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira ( N50,000.00) only, as the new examination fee per candidate with effect from SSCE ( Internal) 2027.”

 

Not a few people have described this raise as not only insensitive, but aimed at denying children of the poor the opportunity to participate in the examinations.

Submission Of Candidates’ Names: INEC Warns Parties To Stick To New Deadline

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for submission of lists of candidates for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by political parties.

The commission, which earlier directed parties to submit the list of their candidate on its porter on or before July 11, said the deadline has been extended by three days, to July 14, 2026.

INEC made this known in a release issued on Sunday, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission’s  National Commissioner & Chair, Information & Voter Education Committee.

INEC stated that the decision to extend the deadline was based on appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline.

The extension, according to the electoral umpire, underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in its practices, while acting within the ambit of the law.

The commission, however,  enjoins political parties in the country to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline.

The magazine had earlier reported that some political parties in the country were struggling to submit the list of their presidential and National Assembly candidates on the INEC porter, due to some challenges facing them, particularly the controversies that emanated from their primaries two months ago.

INEC Extends Deadline For Submission Of  Candidates’ Names By Political Parties

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
INEC Logo
INEC Logo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the dateline for political parties to submit names and particulars of their Presidential and National Assembly Assembly candidates.

 

The electoral umpire had, in its timetable for the 2027 polls, fixed Saturday July 11, 2026, as the final date for political parties to formally transmit details of their flag bearers for the Presidential and National Assembly contests .

 

However, in a statement issued on Sunday July 12, by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the INEC informed that political parties now have until midnight of Tuesday , July 14, 2026 to submit their candidates.

 

The Commission disclosed that the extension was necessitated by an appeal  from the Inter-party Advisory Council, IPAC ,on behalf of political parties who could not upload the names and details of their candidates within the initial timeline.

 

This is as INEC appealed to political parties to avail themselves of the extension to complete the submission of their candidates’ details.

 

“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-party Advisory Council IPAC on behalf of political parties that were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline .

 

“The Commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiry of the new deadline” Haruna stated.

 

The electoral body noted that the extension underscores its commitment towards ensuring inclusiveness and wider participation in the electoral process.

Our Nigerians First Journey Has Started

By
The Source
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0
Chibuzo Okereke

By Chibuzo Okereke, PhD

 

 

Today marks another defining moment in our collective journey to build the Nigerians First Vision. It is with profound gratitude to God and an abiding sense of duty to our nation that I formally congratulate  Hajja Bintu Konto as my Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 General Elections following her selection and ratification by the leadership our great Party, the Labour Party.

 

This decision was guided by only one consideration: the best interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people. It is entirely consistent with the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to competence, integrity, inclusion, social justice, and transformational leadership.

 

Hajja Bintu Konto is a renowned nurse, accomplished public health specialist, humanitarian, development expert, and compassionate mother whose distinguished career has been devoted to improving lives, strengthening communities, and advancing human dignity. Her impeccable credentials, exceptional expertise, and remarkable accomplishments in public health management, humanitarian response, and development leadership made this decision both compelling and timely.

 

I have absolutely no doubt that she would bring extraordinary value, strategic, and compassionate  insight to our presidential ticket and, by the grace of God, to the governance of our dear country.

 

Our campaign is built on a simple but profound philosophy: Nigerians First. This is more than a campaign slogan; it is a governing philosophy that places the welfare, security, dignity, and prosperity of every Nigerian above every other consideration. It demands that leadership decisions be guided not by sentiment, patronage, ethnicity, religion, or gender, but by best interest of the Nigerian people and by competence, character, capacity, and the ability to deliver measurable results for our people.

 

The choice of Hajja Bintu Konto reflects this philosophy. She was not selected because she is a woman. She was selected because she is exceptionally qualified, eminently capable, and fully prepared to serve Nigeria with distinction as Vice President. This  demonstrates our conviction that when merit is allowed to flourish, capable women will naturally occupy their rightful place at the highest levels of leadership.

 

As a party firmly rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and social justice, the Labour Party believes that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable national development while excluding or underutilising half of its population. Mainstreaming women into leadership is not an act of political correctness or tokenism; it is a strategic imperative for national development. Nations that maximise the talents, creativity, and leadership of both men and women consistently build stronger institutions, more resilient economies, healthier communities, and more inclusive democracies.

 

Women are not peripheral stakeholders in national development; they are indispensable partners in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Leaving women behind is like attempting to clap with one hand, it weakens our national capacity and limits our collective progress.

 

It is therefore both my personal conviction and the corporate conviction of the Labour Party that Nigeria must become a nation where women have every opportunity to thrive, lead, innovate, and attain the highest levels of their potential, not because of charity or political convenience, but because of their proven competence, merit, and capacity.

 

Hajja Bintu Konto embodies these ideals. Throughout her distinguished career, she has demonstrated courage in adversity, resilience in service, compassion for the vulnerable, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to national development. She represents the values of integrity, service, inclusion, and transformational leadership that our campaign seeks to institutionalise in government.

 

Together, we present to Nigerians a ticket that reflects the diversity, aspirations, and immense potential of our nation, a partnership founded on competence, experience, compassion, and an commitment to placing Nigerians first in every policy, every programme, project and every decision of government.

 

I wish to express my profound appreciation to the leadership of the Labour Party for the confidence reposed in this historic ticket.

 

I am particularly grateful to our National Leader, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose strategic vision, courageous leadership, political foresight, and forthrightness continue to inspire confidence in the future of our great party.

 

My sincere appreciation also goes to our National Chairman, Distinguished Senator Nenadi Usman, PhD, for her steadfast leadership and commitment to party unity, and to our National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, for his dedication, solidarity, and invaluable support throughout this process. Together with the National Working Committee and leaders of our party across the federation, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the Labour Party as the credible platform for national renewal.

 

To every member and supporter of our great party, and indeed to every Nigerian, I reaffirm our solemn commitment to building a nation where justice prevails, opportunities are expanded, institutions are strengthened, and government works for the benefit of all.

 

Together, we shall restore trust, inspire Nigerians to believe again and build a Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to live in peace, dignity, prosperity and thrive in their various legitimate endeavours.

 

Forward!

Nigerians First… Believe Again!

 

God bless the Labour Party.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

OKEREKE Ph.D. FSM, is The Labour Party Presidential Candidate for 2027

Labour Party Woos Women, Unveils Hajja Bintu Konyo As Vice Presidential Candidate

By
The Source
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0
Hajja Bintu Konyo

Labour Party has become the first political party with name-recognition to choose a female as its Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election.

 

The party, to confirm to Nigerian women that they are a consequential party in Nigeria’s politics, future, and development, has unveiled a woman of unmistakable substance, Hajja Bintu Konto, as Nigeria’s number two citizen if the party wins in 2027.

 

The National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Barr. Ken  Eluma Asogwa, who announced the heart-warming choice in a statement, said the Vice Presidential Candidate is a Health Specialist who hails from Borno State, and has significantly contributed to the training of health professionals in Nigeria.

 

Asogwa’s statement reads:

 

“The National Leadership of the Labour Party is pleased to formally unveil Hajja Bintu Konto as the Party’s Vice Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Presidential Election, to run alongside our Presidential Candidate, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, on the Labour Party ticket.

 

“This decision followed extensive consultations across critical stakeholders of our Party and reflects our unwavering commitment to presenting Nigerians with a ticket that embodies competence, integrity, inclusiveness, patriotism and proven capacity for public service.

 

“Hajja Bintu Konto is a distinguished public health expert, humanitarian leader and development practitioner whose professional career spans over three decades of dedicated service in healthcare delivery, community development, humanitarian intervention and stakeholder engagement. Her impressive record of service, particularly in conflict-affected communities across Northern Nigeria, has earned her widespread respect as a bridge-builder, consensus mobiliser and compassionate leader.

 

“Following a distinguished career with Catholic Relief Services, from which she has since retired, Hajja Konto served in several strategic leadership capacities, including as Community and Government Liaison Program Officer.

 

“Throughout her career, she led high-level engagement with governments, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and local communities in advancing health, nutrition, WASH and humanitarian programmes.

 

“She also held several leadership positions across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, coordinating community mobilisation, humanitarian response and multisectoral interventions that improved the lives of thousands of vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons.

 

“A trained Nurse, Midwife, Health Educator and Public Health Specialist, Hajja Konto holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health and has also served as a Lecturer in Community Health, contributing significantly to the training of future health professionals. She currently serves as a Member of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund in Nigeria and is the National Treasurer of the Civil Society for Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), among several other professional affiliations.

 

“Her vast experience in governance engagement, humanitarian coordination, conflict-sensitive programming, women’s empowerment, community mobilisation and public policy implementation, combined with her ability to communicate fluently in English, Hausa, Kanuri, Shuwa, Fulani and Bura, positions her as a national asset whose experience will greatly enrich the Labour Party’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria.

 

“The nomination of Hajja Bintu Konto further underscores the Labour Party’s enduring commitment to gender inclusion, national unity and the promotion of competent leadership drawn from every part of our country. It is also a clear demonstration that our Party remains resolute in presenting a ticket that reflects the diversity, resilience and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

 

“As our Vice Presidential Candidate, Hajja Bintu Konto brings compassion, experience, administrative competence and an uncommon understanding of the developmental challenges confronting millions of Nigerians, particularly women, children, rural communities and populations affected by insecurity. Together with Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, she represents a new generation of purposeful, people-centred leadership committed to restoring hope, strengthening national institutions, reviving the economy, improving security and delivering responsible governance.

 

“The Labour Party calls on all Nigerians to rally behind this historic ticket as we collectively embark on the task of building a united, prosperous, secure and just Nigeria.”

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