Author: Friday Omosola

Agboola Ajayi, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Ondo State’s ongoing governorship election, has raised concerns about the malfunctioning of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Mr Ajayi, who is a former deputy governor of the state, made the allegation shortly after voting at Polling Unit 004, RCM, located in Idimado Quarters, Kiribo, within Ese Odo Local Government Area. The PDP candidate further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias, claiming that reports from various parts of the state indicated significant delays in the start of voting. He noted that it took approximately 10 minutes for him…

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, who is also the running mate to All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has exercised his voting rights. He cast his vote at Igboroko 2, Ward 3, Unit 16, in Owo Local Government Area. Arriving at the polling unit around 9:40 a.m., Adelami patiently joined the queue for accreditation. Shortly after, he cast his ballot alongside members of his immediate family. Addressing journalists after voting, the Deputy Governor urged residents of Owo and other parts of the state to come out in large numbers and participate in the electoral process. “Your…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the ongoing Ondo State governorship election, has exercised his voting rights. He cast his ballot at Polling Unit 5, Ugbo Ward 4, Ilaje Local Government Area, at approximately 8:50 a.m. After voting, the governor praised the electoral process, describing it as seamless, orderly, and transparent. Speaking to journalists, he commended the organisation and efficiency at the polling station, expressing optimism about the conduct of the election. “It’s encouraging to see the exercise going smoothly here, I am hopeful that this is reflective of the experience across the state,” he said.…

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has announced plans to deepen collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support vulnerable citizens and institutionalize its core mandate. This assurance was given by the Minister, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, during a courtesy visit by the UNHCR delegation led by the Country Representative, Arjun Jain, in Abuja. Yilwatda commended UNHCR for its longstanding partnership and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ goals in humanitarian assistance and response. He highlighted his prior experience working with the UN, which included projects like solar installations for vaccine…

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has applauded the Body of States Attorneys-General (BOSAG) for their pivotal role in shaping national policies aimed at improving justice delivery in Nigeria. Speaking at the BOSAG meeting in Abuja, the AGF praised the group for fostering consensus on critical issues, which has led to the validation and adoption of significant policies, including the National Policy on Justice and the National Policy on Arbitration. “I commend your dedication to building consensus on justice issues, resulting in the adoption of policies that reflect bold initiatives for achieving national aspirations in…

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ibrahim Kana, has announced plans to enhance the defence partnership between Nigeria and Germany through a new cycle of projects by the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG). Mr Kana made this statement during a meeting with a high-level GTAG delegation, led by Marcus Ohm, at Ship House, Abuja. Expressing his satisfaction with the renewed collaboration, Mr Kana said, “I am happy to accept the new project cycle, and I promise we are going to sustain it.” The Permanent Secretary highlighted the Nigerian government’s progress since GTAG’s last visit, noting the development of…

The Federal Government (FG) has renewed its commitment to eradicating open defecation across the country, emphasising the need for intensified efforts from all stakeholders. Speaking at a Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja ahead of World Toilet Day in 19nNovember, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, outlined significant strides and remaining challenges in achieving an Open Defecation Free (ODF) Nigeria by 2025. Mr Utsev disclosed that since the launch of the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign in 2019, 135 local government areas (LGAs) and over 30,000 communities have attained ODF status. However, he acknowledged that achieving…

The Federal Government’s (FG) Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu garnered praise for its focus on infrastructure development, particularly in Niger State. At a town hall meeting in Minna, stakeholders commended the administration while calling for decisive actions on lingering road projects. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, highlighted progress on the 125-kilometre Niger State segment of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, a legacy project passing through seven states. Mr Umahi emphasised the project’s potential to boost socio-economic activities along its corridor, directly benefiting residents and businesses. Despite the optimism, Umahi expressed disappointment over the state of ongoing road projects…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated Olorunfemi Festus as the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Ondo State governorship election taking place today (Saturday). In a post shared on its X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, INEC announced that the reinstatement was based on a Court of Appeal ruling, which dismissed Olusola Ebiseni as the party’s flagbearer. The New Daily Prime earlier reported that the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned a Federal High Court decision from September 27, 2024. The High Court had ordered INEC to recognise Olusola Ebiseni as the LP candidate. However, the appellate court,…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s full backing for Nigeria’s campaign to secure an Academy Award, offering access to the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE). This support is aimed at propelling Nigeria’s Oscar entry, ‘Mai Martaba’, directed by Prince Daniel, to clinch a nomination in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. Speaking at a meeting with the ‘Mai Martaba’ team, led by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Shettima expressed his excitement about the…