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ANPP Bloc In APC Rallies Support For VP Shettima

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Kashim Shettima - Vice President

By Ayodele Oni

Each of the political parties in the coalition which birthed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is moving to protect its stake ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The All Nigeria People’s Party, (ANPP), alongside the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and the new PDP, had formed the APC in 2013 to unseat the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in its bid to remain relevant in the coalition, has warned President Bola Tinubu against dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group described Shettima as the political face of the former ANPP bloc within the APC and emphasized that any attempt to remove him as running mate in 2027 would be met with mass defection.

The statement, signed by the group’s national coordinator, Abdullahi Ibrahim, stressed that Shettima represents not only the ANPP legacy within the APC, but also a key symbol of Northern inclusion and party unity.

“Vice President Shettima is not just a loyal party man, but the only political figure from the ANPP stock holding a significant national position in the current administration.

“Dropping him would be tantamount to erasing the ANPP’s historical role in the formation of the APC,” the statement read.

The group further warned that such a decision would lead to political instability within the ruling party and alienate a critical bloc that contributed to its success in both 2015 and 2019.

“We will not hesitate to mobilize our structures across the country to leave the APC if this agenda of dumping Shettima is pursued.”

While there has been no official indication from the presidency of any plans to replace Shettima, speculations around a potential change in Tinubu’s 2027 ticket have reportedly unsettled some party stakeholders.

The ANPP bloc’s statement is seen as a proactive move to defend its political stake.

“You Cannot Expel Someone Not Yet A Fully Registered Member” – Kaduna SDP  Rubbishes El-Rufai’s Expulsion

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Malam Nasir El-Rufai

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Social Democratic Party SDP, has debunked claims that  the former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been expelled from the party.

The Source reports that news about the expulsion of El-Rufai, one of the arrowheads of the nascent Coalition platform African Democratic Congress, ADC, from the SDP,   dominated the Media circle on Monday  July 28, 2025.

In a statement issued by Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, its National spokesperson, the SDP leadership stated that El-Rufai has been expelled and banished from the party for thirty ( 30) years, citing gross anti-party activities as a major reason.

The SDP accused El-Rufai of promoting the activities of a rival political platform ahead of the party he claimed to belong

But in a counter statement, Darius Kurah, the Publicity Secretary of the SDP, Kaduna State Chapter, the home State of El-Rufai, described the purported expulsion as baseless, false and misleading.

Darius noted that Judith Shuiabu is the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, and, as such, the statement issued by Aiyenigba cannot  be taken to be a true reflection of the party’s position since he is not the authentic spokesperson.

Consequently, the SDP Kaduna while declaring Aiyenigba’s statement as unauthorized, null, void, and of no consequence whatever, insisted that he is not known to both the national leadership or members of the SDP.

“Our attention has been drawn to a false and misleading statement purportedly issued by one Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, claiming that Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has been expelled and banished from the Social Democratic party SDP for thirty years.

“We wish to categorically state that the individual in question,Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, does not currently serve as the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP.

“The authentic, and duly recognized National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic party is Judith Shuiabu.

“Therefore, any statement issued under Aiyenigba’s name in that capacity is null, unauthorized and of no consequence.

“The SDP, as a democratic institution, operates under a constitution that outlines clear processes for membership admission and disciplinary action.

“At no point did Malam El-Rufai receive any query, disciplinary hearing, or expulsion notice from any legally constituted organ of the party, including his ward,or National Working Committee NWC.

“The claim that Malam El-Rufai is promoting the activities of other political parties is baseless and unsubstantiated.

“El-Rufai has consistently shown a commitment to good governance and national discourse, but has not claimed or paraded himself as an SDP member in any official capacity.

“This misleading publication appears to be a politically motivated attempt to cause confusion within the party and the general public.

“It is unfortunate that individuals with no constitutional authority within the party structure are being used to orchestrate cheap propaganda and character assassination.

“El-Rufai has not formally declared membership of the SDP, or completed the constitutional requirements, such as ward registration.

“Any suggestions otherwise is a fabrication aimed at dragging his name into political speculation”, SDP stated.

According to Kurah, the circulation of the  false claim of El-Rufai’s expulsion by an impostor is defamatory and actionable under the law.

The Party said it might be considering legal options against the progenitors of the false and misleading publication.

This is as the party cautioned the unsuspecting public to be  wary of the desperate antics of  political actors who will stop at nothing in undermining the the democratic processes.

NDNE Hails Super Falcons Win, Tinubu’s Unprecedented Rewards 

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Tinubu and Super Falcons

The Network of Digital Newspaper Editors, NDNE, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria for clinching their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, describing the historic feat as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s dominance in African football and a source of inspiration for young athletes across the country.

In a statement signed by its Director of Communication and Strategy, Uche Nnadozie, the Network praised the Falcons for their unwavering resilience, discipline, and determination, noting that their achievement reinforces Nigeria’s place at the summit of African women’s football.

The group also lauded President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation, and the Federal Government for the “unprecedented recognition and generous reward” extended to the team, which includes national honours, three-bedroom houses, and significant financial packages. NDNE noted that the gesture represents the largest-ever reward given to a female sports team by a Nigerian administration.

“President Tinubu has made history as the first Nigerian leader to officially receive and celebrate the Super Falcons in recognition of their accomplishments. This act of leadership speaks volumes about the administration’s respect for women in sports and its commitment to national pride and excellence,” the statement read.

While applauding the government’s support, NDNE urged stakeholders to leverage the Falcons’ success to spur broader reforms in Nigerian sports. The group called for sustained investment in sports infrastructure, especially the rehabilitation and maintenance of stadiums, as well as the provision of training grants to nurture emerging talents.

The Network also advocated for turning major sporting events into viable commercial ventures that could stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.

In addition, NDNE encouraged strategic partnerships between the private sector and sporting associations to boost innovation, sponsorship, and capacity building—both for local athletes and Nigerians pursuing professional sports careers abroad.

“Nigeria’s sports sector has immense potential, and with the right infrastructure, policies, and support systems, our athletes can thrive locally and compete globally,” the group stated.

The Network reiterated its pride in the Super Falcons and hailed the Tinubu-led government for what it described as a “new era of recognition and reward” for sports excellence in Nigeria.

“Why I Arranged My Own Kidnapping” –  Housewife

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Nigerian Police

By Adesina Soyooye

In a bizarre incident, a Delta State housewife arranged her own Kidnapping.  She arranged to be abducted in connivance with a security guard at her former place of work.

The woman, simply identified as Merit, arranged to be kidnapped so as to fleece her newly wedded husband of the sum of N3 million (Three Million Naira only).

According to the incident which confounds, Merit pretended she was just going to buy a few things. But the next news her husband received was the shocking news of her abduction. To secure her release, her husband was asked to cough out the sum of N3 million or lose his wife.

So, he rallied round and paid, only for the Police to find out it was a scam.

What pushed the 29-year old woman?

According to what she told the Police, she was in debt to the tune of N3.6 million which she borrowed to fund her wedding shower and hotel expenses. She allegedly borrowed the money, which was meant to buy a tricycle, but used it for her wedding in March 2025.

Stuck on how to repay, she planned her own kidnapping so as to get the money from her husband. “I was just thinking of how to raise the money so I said I could plan to be abducted”, she shamelessly said.

The Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the story told the Media:

“On July 20, the woman told her husband that she was coming, and the next thing he heard was that she has been kidnapped.

“The ransom of N3 million was paid, but the husband did not give up. He followed up with the case which he had already reported to the State’s Special Anti-kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad.

“The Police then intensified the investigation, and one of the suspects, eventually, let the cat out of the bag.”

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda directed the Commander of the Special Anti-kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor, to ensure that the ‘victim’ is rescued unhurt.

“Acting on the directive, the Commander led Operatives and launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.

Through diligent investigative efforts and strategic deployment, the Operatives apprehended one Alfred at Koks Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect, Ugochukwu, off DLA Road, Asaba on July 22, at about 9.00am.

“His revelation led to the arrest of the other suspect, the woman, named Merit, 29 years.

“She confessed that the money, loaned to her by her brother, N3.6million, was used to sponsor her bridal shower and hotel expenses for her wedding which took place in March.

“She further stated that she faked her kidnap and received a ransom of N3,000,000 and gave her accomplices N500,000, and took N2, 500,000 for herself.”

Edafe said all suspects have been arrested and are in custody.

Nabena To Kwakwanso: Inciting North Against Tinubu Won’t Work, He Will Complete 8yrs

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Rabiu Kwankwaso

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Yekini Nabena has advised Rabiu Kwakwanso to stop inciting northerners against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Yekini, a former Deputy national Publicity Secretary of the APC said urged the former Kano state to stop using arm twisting tactics against the president for pecuniary and selfish politicals gains.

The former APC Deputy Spokesman issued the warning from the backdrop of a recent  Kwakwanso remark to the effect that federal government’s infrastructure and road projects in the country are not in favour of the north.

The Tinubu administration has rebuffed the claim saying infrastructure and road projects are fairly redistributed across the country.

Speaking, Nabena urged the former Kano state helmsman and NNPP Leader to stop blackmailing the president in order to promote his political mileage, accusing Kwakwanso of using ‘Kano votes’ for “political business”.

He said Kwakwanso has refused to come to the reality that after the eight years tenure of the north in the Nigerian Presidency, a southerner in person of Tinubu is now leading the country, wondering whether the country belongs to North alone.

He said the “former governor is up to’ something sinister, and that’s why he’s trying to instigate the people of the region against President Tinubu, adding that Nigerians now understand the former governor for who he’s, a political contractor, noting that the era of playing religious and ethnic cards to achieve political gains is over.

Nabena : “Is the North inferior or superior to the South after eight years of the North at the helm of affairs of Nigeria? Why is “Senator Kwankwaso still complaining of underdevelopment in the North when the region just completed its eight years? One will also wonder which of the northern money or resources was used to develop the South. Is it the gold, rice, or groundnut pyramid?

“As politicians, we all understand what the former governor is up to. He is working hard to incite the North against the southern presidency, but that has failed woefully because the South must complete its eight years in the presidency for fairness and equity

“You cannot intimidate the South or anybody with Kano votes any longer because, as politicians, we all know the game and what you are up to. The era of playing religious or ethnic cards is becoming increasingly unfashionable.”

Not a few insist that the former governor may have chosen this time to attack the president, in order to strengthen his position amidst  suggestions that he’s being considered to replace Kashim Shetima as President Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 under the APC.

Kwakwanso had recently stated that he’s open to working with President Tinubu even though he has yet to say whether he will dump his party, the NNPP to achieve this aim.

N187 Trillion Debt: Obi Laments Continuous Borrowing Without Accountability

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Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has, for the umpteenth time, cried out at the reckless borrowing by this regime without accountability.

Obi said that by the latest loan approval by the Nigerian Senate for another external borrowing of $21 billion, €2.2 billion, ¥15 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle, Nigeria’s debt now stands at N187 trillion with palpable fear that it might climb to N200 trillion before the end of the year.

Writing on his X handle, Obi said, “On July 22, 2025, the Nigerian Senate approved an additional $21 billion, €2.2 billion, ¥15 billion of external borrowing for the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle. It also approved a N750.98 billion domestic bond issuance and a €65 65million grant. With an already existing public debt of about N149.39 trillion as at the first quarter of 2025, adding the approved loans of about N37.2 trillion) brings our current total debt to about N187 trillion with concerns that our debt might likely be over N200 trillion by the end of 2025.

“As our GDP before rebasing was about N269.2 trillion (about $180 billion), the government has borrowed the equivalent of nearly 70% of our previous GDP. Even after the rebasing, which pushed our GDP to about N372.8 trillion (about $243. 7billion), the government would have borrowed about 50.16 % of the new GDP (with the approved loans), the highest debt-to-GDP ratio in our history as a nation.

“While the year-on-year increase is about N27.72 trillion and the quarter-on-quarter increase is about N4.72 trillion, we are accumulating very exponential levels of unsustainable debt with little or nothing to show for it in critical areas such as education, healthcare, electricity generation, security of lives and property, and pulling people out of poverty.

“We still rank low in all major human development indicators. While education is underfunded and standard in continuous decline, healthcare remains inaccessible to millions of Nigerians particularly the poor. Security of lives and property has deteriorated with over 10,217 people killed and 672 villages sacked between May 29th 2023, and May 29th 2025, even when security spending has significantly increased from N2.98 trillion in 2023 to N4.91 trillion in 2025. Infrastructure decay persists across the country, with about 135,000km of our 195,000km of roads remaining unpaved, largely unmotorable, and unusable. It is the same depressing situation in almost all sectors of the economy, with the power sector an unquestionable example, with less than 5,000 MW supplied for over 200 million Nigerians.

“Today, over two years after the present government took over and with all the humongous borrowing, we are still confronted with negative reports of worsening poverty with about 133 million (63%) Nigerians classified as multi-dimensionally poor, increasing unemployment and disheartening news like 652 children dead as the malnutrition crisis worsens in Northern Nigeria.

“Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has just sounded the alarm over an escalating malnutrition crisis in Northern Nigeria, with Katsina State emerging as one of the worst-hit areas.

“This is a country blessed with enormous resources, yet nobody should go to bed hungry. Still, a persistent deficiency in leadership has thrown the majority of our citizens into increasing multi-dimensional poverty.

“Borrowing is not inherently bad if it is sustainable and tied to productive investments with measurable outcomes. Unfortunately, this current pattern of borrowing without accountability, without transparency, and without transformational impact is simply mortgaging the future of our children. The government should consider the inter-generational consequences of their unsustainable borrowings and show at least a minimum consideration and interest in future of young and unborn Nigerians.

“We must return to a disciplined and prudent economic management culture, cutting the cost of governance, blocking leakages, investing in human capital, and building a productive economy. Nigeria cannot continue to borrow recklessly while poverty deepens and public trust erodes.

“It is time to stop this fiscal indiscipline. We must build a New Nigeria, where leadership is responsible, development is people-centred, and every kobo borrowed or spent delivers a measurable impact to achieve sustainable and inclusive development and growth”

Governor Nwifuru Suspends 25 Commissioners, Others

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Ebonyi State Governor - Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an unprecedented sweeping disciplinary action, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Monday July 28, 2025 directed the immediate suspension of over 87 aides.

The affected officials comprising 25 Commissioners , 14 Senior Special Assistants  SSAs, 24 Special Assistants SAs and no fewer than 22 Permanent Secretaries are to be on the sidelines for a month, without enjoying any official pecks, including salaries.

Their offence? They are  being punished for absenting themselves from an important Government function, where the Governor was present.

A statement from  Dr Monday Uzor, the Governor’s media aide informed that the affected Government officials are not to sign any official documents throughout the period of suspension.

Instructively, while the statement also quoted the Governor as directing that affected commissioners should hand over to their Permanent Secretaries, there may not be any Permanent Secretaries left to hand over to as 22 of them were equally sanctioned.

The Source reports that the mass suspension is coming less than three weeks after Governor Nwifuru reshuffled his cabinet, with a damning assessment of some of his dropped Commissioners.

He also promised to further rejig the system any moment should there be compelling reasons to do so.

The Ebonyi mass suspension represents a somewhat novel experiment in the governance space of the country.

Below is the full list of affected officials

COMMISSIONERS

  1. Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam
  2. Prof. Leonard Uguru
  3. Dr. Mathew Nwobashi
  4. Prof. Nwogo Obasi.
  5. Hon. Victor Chukwu
  6. Engr. Jude Okpor
  7. Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe
  8. Hon. Chidi Onyia
  9. Chief Oguzo – Offia Nwali
  10. Dr. Ben. Uruchi Odo
  11. Dr. Donatus Ilang
  12. Dr. Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu
  13. Dr. Moses Ekuma Ikenna
  14. Chief Richard Idike
  15. Barr. Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma
  16. Hon. Chinedu Nkah
  17. Engr. Ogbonna Obasi Abara
  18. Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku
  19. Engr. Francis Ori
  20. Hon. Tochukwu Okorie
  21. Barr. Valentine Okike Uzo
  22. Chief Sunday Inyima
  23. Hon. Ogbonnaya Okorie
  24. Chief Elechi Elechi
  25. Hon. Stanley Ogbuewu

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS.

  1. Hon. Bassey Chukwu
  2. Mrs. Rose Ofoke
  3. Mr. Kerian Ofoke
  4. Hon. Anthony Nwegede
  5. Hon. Onu Nwonye
  6. Mrs. Lilian Nwachkwu
  7. Mr. Fred Nwogbaga
  8. Hon. Paul Nwogha
  9. Hon. Pius Nwoga
  10. Hon. Ali Ikechukwu
  11. Hon. Nwiboko Chukwuma
  12. Mrs Esther Nwogha
  13. Barr. Caleb onwe
  14. Hon. Chinedu Awo

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

  1. Mr Mbam Emmanuel
  2. Tobias Ogbonna
  3. Easy Okike Uzo
  4. Obinna Oko Enyim
  5. Chima Nnachi Okoro
  6. Nwali Amechi
  7. Dr. Sabinus Nwibo
  8. Okorie Jideofor
  9. Sunday ogenyi
  10. Stanley Kamani
  11. Ikechukwu Jideofor
  12. Emeka Okpa Onwe
  13. David Aja
  14. Frank Uka
  15. John Nwangbo
  16. Ogbonna Melford Nwifuru
  17. Ifeanyi Ujebe
  18. Chima Ogbuagu
  19. Kizito Nwenyi
  20. Uwa Henry Ifeanyi
  21. Elechi Okechukwu Solomon
  22. Ibina John Ogbonna
  23. Mbam Ifeanyi D
  24. Nwigum Nonso Christian

PERMANENT SECRETARIES

  1. Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo
  2. Dr. Isioma C Arunne-Inyang
  3. Mrs Rose Ibe
  4. Mrs Ogechi Nwobasi
  5. Mrs Anwu Theresa
  6. Dr. Lynda Alo
  7. Mr Monday Nkwuda
  8. Mrs Mary Ngozi Otozi
  9. Mrs Martina Obiya
  10. Mrs Ogechi Anaso-Kalu
  11. Barr Emmanuel Onwe
  12. Mr Henry Nworie
  13. Mrs Joy Mbam
  14. Mrs Henrietta Ikechukwu Oruh
  15. Barr Peter Ede
  16. Dr. Gabriel Odo
  17. Mrs Mfon Williamson
  18. Ms Alusi Felicia
  19. Mrs Betty Uzoma
  20. Engr Chukwuma Ojeogu
  21. Barr Ikechukwu Alobu
  22. Mr Fidelis Nwankwo .

Dr. Monday Uzor
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
July 28, 2025

INEC Confirms Implementation Of ECOWAS Recommendations On Election Reforms

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Prof Mahmood Yakubu

By Ayodele Oni

The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), team is in Nigeria on a post-election follow-up by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ECONEC team is evaluating the progress made on a broader set of 37 reform recommendations issued after the 2023 polls.

The team, led by Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission, Mrs. Davidetta Browne-Lansana will also  see how INEC has responded and addressed to the post election recommendations.

Others include senior officials from Ghana’s Electoral Commission, the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division, and technical partners from GIZ, EISA, and International IDEA.

At a meeting with the team members, on Monday in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu informed that the Commission has fully implemented all 13 recommendations directed to it by the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM) following Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections.

Prof. Yakubu affirmed INEC’s commitment to electoral improvement, noting that the Commission had acted swiftly on all recommendations within its administrative capacity.

“Of the 13 recommendations addressed to INEC, we have fully implemented those requiring administrative action. Others that involve legal reforms are awaiting action by the National Assembly.”

He added that INEC’s internal reform drive incorporates the ECOWAS proposals into a broader post-election review process, culminating in a 142-point reform document developed through nationwide consultations.

While Prof. Yakubu did not list each of the 13 recommendations, he noted they spanned vital operational areas such as election logistics, result transmission systems, training of personnel, voter education, ICT infrastructure resilience, inclusion of marginalized groups, and inter-agency coordination on election security.

He also reiterated that ECOWAS made a total of 37 recommendations—13 directed to INEC and 24 to other institutions including the National Assembly, the Nigeria Police Force, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), political parties, and civil society organisations.

Prof. Yakubu welcomed the ECONEC mission as an opportunity for mutual learning and accountability, emphasizing the importance of post-election peer engagements in strengthening democratic institutions across West Africa.

“Observation missions are not just about writing reports; the real value lies in follow-up and continued engagement. We appreciate this visit as a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to improving electoral processes across the region.”

He also commended Nigeria’s development partners, especially GIZ, EISA, and International IDEA, for their technical and financial support in driving electoral reforms.

Responding on behalf of the ECONEC Mission, Mrs. Browne-Lansanah praised INEC’s transparency and cooperation, describing the visit as a peer-review exercise aimed at drawing regional lessons from Nigeria’s electoral experience.

“We came to see how INEC has responded to our recommendations. The challenges Nigeria faced are similar to those faced across the sub-region, and we hope to learn from your solutions,” she said.

She expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria for its leadership and solidarity in supporting other West African electoral commissions, especially Liberia, citing INEC’s critical support in equipping her country’s electoral ICT infrastructure.

“Through ECONEC and Nigeria’s leadership, we were able to establish an ICT centre in Liberia. Your support changed the trajectory of our election management,” she said emotionally.

Mrs. Browne-Lansanah reaffirmed ECONEC’s commitment to promoting collaborative learning, stating that lessons from Nigeria’s 2023 elections would help inform electoral improvements across the sub-region.

“We are here to learn, share, and replicate best practices. Strengthening electoral bodies is key to sustaining democracy in West Africa.”

PDP Slams Governor Abdulrazaq, Says Plan to Build New Govt House Is Misplaced Priority

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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State

By Akinwale Kasali

The plan by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State to build a new and befitting Government House in Illorin, Kwara State Capital, have been condemned by the opposition  Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the State.

The Kwara State Chapter of the PDP raised eyebrow following the recent disclosure by Governor Abdulrazaq that he would embark on the construction of a new Government House Secretariat.

The PDP through Olusegun Adewara, the State’s Publicity Secretary, stated that the move is considered not only illogical but also a glaring example of misplaced priority and an attempt to siphon the collective resources of the State.

In a statement signed by Adewara, the PDP questioned the rationale behind this venture, especially at a time when several communities in Kwara State are groaning under the weight of severe infrastructural deficits—ranging from deplorable roads, collapsed school structures, poorly equipped hospitals, and a worsening poverty rate

“Governor Abdulrazaq has barely two years left in office. What pressing need does a new Government House Secretariat serve at this twilight of his administration?

“This clearly reinforces our belief that the project is a smokescreen for looting—a backdoor channel to divert state funds under the guise of infrastructure development.

“The existing Government House complex, despite its luxuries and aesthetic rating remains grossly underutilized due to Mr Governor’s refusal to use it since 2019 and yet, every year, this administration allocates and spends hundreds of millions of Naira on its maintenance.

“For example, in 2021, about N3.2bn was budgeted for Government House renovation by Governor Abdulrahman.

“We challenge Governor Abdulrazaq to come clean and publish the full contract details and amount associated with this questionable project.

“Kwarans deserve to know how their commonwealth is being deployed—especially at a time when many families are struggling to survive amid biting economic hardship and government neglect.

“We also ask: of what economic or governance value is a new Government House Secretariat to the people of Kwara when the present one is not being used?

“How does this white elephant project reflect the urgent developmental needs of our people, particularly in rural areas that lack access to the most basic infrastructure?

“Even more disturbing is the report that this contract—if at all justifiable—is being awarded to a foreign contractor.

“This is a direct contradiction of the Otoge campaign promise that pledged to empower local contractors and boost indigenous enterprise as a means to stimulate the state economy.

“The PDP urges Kwarans to remain vigilant and not allow this administration to mortgage the future of our children with vanity projects that neither reflect our immediate priorities nor deliver any long-term benefit to the people”, the Statement reads.

Inclusive African Children’s Runway Returns

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Inclusive Runway

The Inclusive African Children’s Runway is set to take place next weekend, August 2, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Exhibition Pavilion in Abuja.

Organized by The Engraced Ones Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative, this event brings together children of diverse physical and intellectual abilities for a vibrant fashion showcase that promotes disability inclusion, cultural pride and social justice. The third edition of this anticipated event aims to continue its mission of breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive community.

Since its debut in 2023, the Inclusive African Children’s Runway has evolved into a dynamic platform where children with disabilities taking center stage, redefining beauty, shattering stereotypes, and amplifying unheard voices. With each edition, it continues to inspire a rising generation of advocates who believe in a world where every child matters and every child is seen.

This year’s event follows the momentum of the international edition held in April 2025 in Dayton, USA, which echoed the same message across borders: every child deserves to be seen and celebrated.

This edition promises more culture, colour, courage, and a deeper call to action. Through the universal language of fashion, music, and storytelling, the event brings families, allies, and changemakers together to demand equal access to education, inclusive policies, and safe environments where all children—regardless of ability—can thrive and shine.

“Too many children grow up unseen, their dreams dimmed by silence and exclusion. The Inclusive African Children’s Runway changes that. It’s where stories come alive, confidence is celebrated, and inclusion becomes a lived experience,” said Biboara Yinkere, Convener of the event.

The organizers call “on individuals, professionals, brands, organizations, and changemakers to walk with us. Support can come in many forms—sponsorship, medical input, technical expertise, professional services, publicity partnerships, or volunteer engagement. Together, we can build stages where confidence blooms and inclusion becomes part of every child’s daily reality.”