The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • NCC Raises Fresh Security Concerns Over Call Masking Resurgence

    NCC Raises Fresh Security Concerns Over Call Masking Resurgence

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Communications Commission has raised fresh concerns over the resurgence of call masking in the telecommunications sector, warning that the practice could pose security risks and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s communication networks.

    The commission also said call masking could result in revenue losses for legitimate telecommunications operators and the government by allowing international calls to be presented as local traffic.

    The warning followed the 110th meeting of the NCC Governing Board held on September 9, 2026, where members reviewed developments in the industry and expressed concern over the renewed activities.

    Call masking refers to the practice of disguising an international call so that it appears to originate from a Nigerian telephone number or, in some cases, a shortcode.

    According to the NCC, the practice allows those behind the calls to avoid higher international termination charges by paying rates applicable to local calls.

    Beyond the financial implications, the commission said the ability to conceal the actual identity and origin of callers could create opportunities for fraud and other unlawful activities.

    The NCC Governing Board reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on call masking, describing it as an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern.

    The commission said, “Call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations and distorts industry revenues. The practice constitutes an act of economic sabotage capable of adversely impacting the national economy.”

    The NCC noted that masked calls can make it difficult to identify and trace the parties involved because temporary or proxy numbers may be displayed instead of the caller’s actual number.

    Although call masking technology can serve legitimate purposes, the commission said its abuse could facilitate fraudulent activities and anonymous communications, including communications exploited by criminal networks seeking to conceal their identities.

    The NCC said the practice had remained a regulatory challenge despite previous sanctions imposed on telecommunications operators over related violations.

    In response to the latest resurgence, the commission said it would strengthen collaboration with security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as other industry stakeholders, to identify and stop call masking activities.

    The renewed regulatory efforts come alongside the deployment of technology aimed at improving security, compliance and trust within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.

    The NCC said its Device Management System is now operational and will strengthen compliance with type-approval requirements while helping to prevent non-compliant devices from circulating in the country.

    The system will also support efforts to combat mobile phone theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks.

    The commission also disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System is scheduled to become operational in October 2026.

    The platform is expected to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling.

    The NCC said stronger identity management had become increasingly important as mobile numbers are now linked to financial transactions, social platforms and other digital services.

    It added that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms would take into consideration consumer protection, lawful digital services, privacy and data protection requirements.

    Meanwhile, the commission reported progress in the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

    Mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites they committed to provide, representing about 70 per cent of the target.

    The figure marks an increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the previous Governing Board meeting.

    However, the NCC said fibre cuts contributed to a significant increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need for stronger protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

    The commission is also working with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to improve students’ access to digital learning through the zero-rating of educational platforms and content.

    The initiative was officially launched on September 10, with October 1, 2026, set as the Go-Live date.

    The NCC said it would continue to implement regulatory measures aimed at improving network resilience, digital trust, consumer protection, fair competition and inclusive connectivity as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand.

  • Melaye Threatens Mass Action If Atiku Is Arrested Over EFCC Petition

    Melaye Threatens Mass Action If Atiku Is Arrested Over EFCC Petition

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Federal Government against arresting, inviting or interrogating African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over a corruption petition submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    Melaye said the ADC and its supporters would resist any attempt to use the petition to target Atiku, insisting that the opposition would demonstrate the strength of public support if the former Vice-President was invited or arrested.

    He made the remarks in a video posted on his X account on Friday.

    “This is our note of warning, if due to this frivolous petitions you invite, arrest, or interview Atiku Abubakar, and we are not saying it with fear or favour, we will prove to you that those in government are less than one percent of the population of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will prove to you that the people own government,” Melaye said.

    His comments followed a petition submitted to the EFCC by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, seeking the reopening of corruption allegations against Atiku dating back to his time as Vice-President.

    The petition, signed by Agbonayinma’s lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, reportedly referred to an earlier EFCC investigation and report concerning allegations involving Atiku.

    The allegations date back to 2005 and 2006, when the EFCC and an administrative panel investigated claims including abuse of office, money laundering and alleged diversion of funds linked to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

    Atiku, who was Vice-President at the time, denied wrongdoing and described the allegations as politically motivated.

    On December 20, 2006, a Lagos State High Court reportedly set aside the EFCC’s administrative indictment against Atiku, holding that the process was unconstitutional and flawed.

    The allegations did not result in a criminal conviction against the former Vice-President.

    The renewed petition comes as Atiku prepares to contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the ADC, amid efforts by opposition politicians to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Melaye, a prominent supporter of Atiku and the ADC, warned that the opposition would not remain silent if the petition was used as a basis for targeting the former Vice-President.

    However, there was no confirmed indication as of the time of filing the report that the EFCC had invited or arrested Atiku in connection with the latest petition.

  • FG Begins Payment of N18bn Severance Benefits to 2,700 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

    FG Begins Payment of N18bn Severance Benefits to 2,700 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N18bn in outstanding severance benefits to 2,700 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways, more than 20 years after the airline was liquidated.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

    Oyedele said 2,100 former workers covered by batches one to seven had received their payments, while another 600 beneficiaries in batches eight and nine had been cleared for payment.

    He said the payments amounted to N18bn in outstanding benefits owed to the 2,700 former employees.

    “For more than two decades, following the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, many former employees have waited for their outstanding severance benefits. Some have grown old waiting. Some have sadly passed away, leaving their families to pursue what was legitimately due to them,” Oyedele said.

    According to the minister, the payment followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to resolve the long-standing obligation.

    Oyedele acknowledged that the settlement could not make up for the lengthy delay but said the government had decided to address inherited obligations rather than allow them to remain unresolved.

    “We recognise that no payment today can fully compensate for more than two decades of waiting, but it is important that government confronts these long-standing obligations rather than allowing them to remain unresolved for another generation,” he said.

    The minister explained that the exercise was part of the Federal Government’s broader effort to clear verified inherited liabilities, including outstanding obligations to pensioners and indigenous contractors.

    He said beneficiaries of the Nigeria Airways payments underwent extensive verification, including biometric capture and validation of their personal and banking details, to guard against fraudulent claims.

    Oyedele added that further verification would be conducted in cases involving outdated records, incorrect bank details and deceased beneficiaries whose next of kin or estates still needed to complete the required procedures.

    On concerns over the impact of inflation on the value of the benefits after more than two decades, the minister said the government was paying the amounts contained in the documented and verified claims.

    He acknowledged that inflation had significantly eroded the value of the money but said the settlement did not provide for inflation adjustments.

    Oyedele explained that the payments were being made in batches to ensure that beneficiaries whose claims had been verified did not have to wait while other outstanding cases were being processed.

    He said the benefits covered former employees across different categories and were not limited to either junior or senior staff.

    For beneficiaries who had died before receiving their entitlements, the minister said payments would be made to their documented next of kin or other eligible beneficiaries after the necessary legal procedures were completed.

    Oyedele also disclosed that the Federal Government had settled outstanding debts owed to more than 12,000 indigenous contractors as part of efforts to reduce accumulated obligations.

    He said the government initially prioritised smaller contractors with verified claims of N50m or less before extending the exercise to contractors owed up to N100m.

    Larger claims running into billions of naira, he explained, could be handled separately through negotiations and instruments such as promissory notes.

    According to the minister, the approach was designed to support small businesses that depend on government payments to meet salary obligations and other immediate financial commitments.

    Oyedele warned contractors against paying commissions or offering inducements to government officials to facilitate the settlement of verified claims, describing such demands as illegal.

    He said the government was also taking steps to prevent the accumulation of fresh unpaid obligations by making budgets more realistic and ensuring that capital expenditure commitments had identifiable funding sources.

    “We will do our best to ensure that the accumulated obligations of the past do not repeat themselves,” the minister said.

    Oyedele apologised to the former Nigeria Airways workers for the prolonged delay in settling their entitlements, stressing that the payments were owed benefits and not favours from the government.

  • FG Assures Parents as Federal Unity Colleges Resume Monday

    FG Assures Parents as Federal Unity Colleges Resume Monday

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has assured parents, guardians and students of adequate security arrangements as all Federal Unity Colleges across the country prepare to resume academic activities on Monday, September 14, 2026.

    The Federal Ministry of Education said relevant security agencies had been notified of the resumption plans and were maintaining heightened vigilance around the schools and their surrounding communities.

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff remained a priority as the government works to provide a secure environment for learning.

    In a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government confirmed that the colleges would resume as scheduled.

    The ministry said coordinated efforts with security agencies were being implemented to protect students, staff and members of the school communities as academic activities resume nationwide.

    Alausa urged parents and guardians to remain calm, rely on information from official sources and proceed with preparations for their children and wards to return to their respective colleges.

    He also directed school authorities to maintain close communication with security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure a safe and orderly resumption.

    The minister called on students, parents, teachers, administrators and other stakeholders to contribute to maintaining a peaceful and secure school environment.

    Alausa said the ministry would continue to monitor developments and work with relevant authorities to respond to emerging security concerns and ensure the smooth continuation of academic activities in the colleges.

    The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to improving the education system and providing Nigerian children with access to quality education in a safe and conducive learning environment.

  • ADC Condemns Kaduna Attack, Warns Against Political Violence Ahead of 2027

    ADC Condemns Kaduna Attack, Warns Against Political Violence Ahead of 2027

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The African Democratic Congress has condemned an alleged attack on its members in Kaduna State, warning that the use of violence and thuggery in political activities could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party said the incident was an unacceptable development, particularly as political activities for the 2027 elections were beginning to gather momentum.

    In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC warned political actors against introducing violence into the electoral process.

    Abdullahi said no political party should assume that it had exclusive control over non-state-sponsored violence, warning that the consequences could become difficult to contain once violence was normalised as a tool of political competition.

    “Let nobody mistake our commitment to peaceful democratic participation for weakness. No political party has a monopoly on non-state sanctioned violence. Once violence becomes an accepted instrument of political competition, nobody can predict where it ends,” he said.

    The party called on security agencies to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, including anyone who may have sponsored or organised the attack, were identified and prosecuted.

    ADC also expressed solidarity with its Kaduna governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, and other party members affected by the incident.

    The party urged the Kaduna State Government to take steps to guarantee the safety of opposition parties and their members across the state.

    Abdullahi insisted that the alleged attack would not prevent the party from participating in political activities across Kaduna.

    “Kaduna belongs to its people, not to any party. If anyone believes intimidation will frighten the ADC off the political field, they have badly miscalculated,” he said.

    “We will not be intimidated. We will organise, we will campaign, and we will compete in every part of Kaduna State. The 2027 elections must be decided by ideas competing at the ballot box, not by thugs and bruises,” he added.

    The ADC urged political stakeholders and security agencies to ensure that the 2027 electoral process remained peaceful and focused on issues and competing policy ideas rather than violence and intimidation.

  • FG Moves to Remove Criminal Penalty for Attempted Suicide

    FG Moves to Remove Criminal Penalty for Attempted Suicide

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has commenced steps to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide following the approval of the decriminalisation proposal by the Federal Executive Council.

    The move is expected to pave the way for amendments to relevant provisions of the Penal Code and Criminal Code when the proposal is presented to the National Assembly.

    The development was disclosed in Abuja during an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to commemorate the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said the FEC approval followed the work of the National Task Force on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide.

    The task force has held consultations and policy engagements with government agencies, legal experts, mental health professionals, civil society organisations, development partners and people with lived experience.

    Salako described the proposed reform as both a public health and human rights measure, arguing that people experiencing mental health crises should receive care and support rather than face punishment.

    He expressed optimism that the legislative process would be completed without unnecessary delay.

    The minister also disclosed that the government was working to integrate mental health services into other areas of the healthcare system.

    According to him, Standard Operating Procedures for integrating mental health services into HIV care are being developed, while the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme has been directed to prepare a memorandum on incorporating mental health services into primary healthcare for consideration by the National Council on Health.

    He said the move would help bring mental health services closer to Nigerians, particularly people who lack access to specialised psychiatric facilities.

    However, stakeholders at the event cautioned that decriminalising attempted suicide alone would not resolve the country’s suicide crisis.

    A representative of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, Prof. Taiwo Lateef Sheik, said criminalisation was only one aspect of the challenge and called for a comprehensive national response.

    Sheik advocated improved collection of suicide and suicidal behaviour data, crisis intervention services, dedicated funding, specialised training for healthcare workers and first responders, as well as full implementation of the National Mental Health Act 2021.

    He said Nigeria had set a target of reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 50 per cent by 2030, adding that legislative reform alone would not be sufficient to achieve the goal.

    Sheik estimated annual suicide deaths in Nigeria at about 16,000 and described the situation as a major public health crisis.

    The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Dr Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamali, also raised concerns over the country’s shrinking mental health workforce.

    Nyamali said professionals were leaving the country, while some medical residents were abandoning psychiatric training.

    She noted that decriminalisation could encourage people experiencing psychological distress to seek help without fear of prosecution, but stressed the need for government to ensure that adequate mental health services were available.

    An official of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Juan Carlos, called for greater attention to people affected by conflict and violence.

    He noted that distance, insecurity and the cost of healthcare often prevent vulnerable populations from accessing mental health services.

    Civil society organisations also urged the government to address the social and economic conditions that can contribute to suicidal behaviour, rather than focusing solely on treatment.

    Speaking on behalf of people living with HIV in Nigeria, Isah Takuma called for mental health interventions to become an integral part of HIV services.

    He urged the government to fully integrate mental health support into HIV programmes as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said its suicide prevention efforts were guided by the National Mental Health Act 2021, National Mental Health Policy 2023 and National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023 to 2030.

    The 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day was marked with the theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” alongside the call to action, “Start the Conversation.”

    The campaign seeks to shift public discussions on suicide away from stigma, fear and misinformation towards compassion, understanding and timely access to support.

    The ministry said its broader objective was to build a society where people experiencing emotional or psychological distress could seek assistance without fear of criminal sanctions, discrimination or stigma.

  • NASS Suspends South Africa Visits Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks

    NASS Suspends South Africa Visits Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Assembly has suspended all official legislative visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the country over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals.

    The decision followed reports of fresh violence, intimidation and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, with demonstrators demanding that foreign nationals leave the country.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the joint leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives approved the suspension in response to concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa.

    According to the statement, the measure covers “all official visits” to South Africa as well as “South African-hosted or South African-organised legislative activities and engagements” until further notice.

    The National Assembly said the decision reflected its “grave concern for the safety, dignity and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.”

    It urged the South African government to take immediate and concrete steps to protect Nigerians and other African nationals, investigate reported attacks, apprehend suspected perpetrators and prosecute those found responsible.

    The suspension and boycott will remain in place until further notice, with the National Assembly leadership expected to review the decision as developments unfold.

    The latest unrest has also triggered concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in South Africa. The Nigerian government has repatriated about 1,490 citizens amid the crisis, while reports have emerged of attacks, property losses and difficulties relating to residency status.

    Nigerians have previously been affected by major xenophobic violence in South Africa, including outbreaks in 2008, 2015 and 2019. Nigerian officials have said at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in xenophobic attacks since 2022.

    The Federal Government has condemned the latest attacks and taken steps to evacuate affected Nigerians while engaging South African authorities.

    During bilateral discussions in Abuja in July, Nigeria demanded stronger protection for its citizens in South Africa. The South African government, in response, pledged to prosecute those responsible for the violence while maintaining that the attacks were not state-sponsored.

    The renewed attacks have also drawn condemnation from both chambers of the National Assembly.

    The Senate called for stronger measures to protect Nigerians, including written guarantees of their safety and justice for victims, while the House of Representatives demanded an investigation into the attacks and the losses suffered by Nigerians in South Africa.

  • Abia Secures N1.24tn Private Capital Investment Approvals

    Abia Secures N1.24tn Private Capital Investment Approvals

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that the state has secured approvals for about N1.24tn in private capital investments to drive infrastructure development and expand economic activities beyond the capacity of public funding.

    Otti made the disclosure in Lagos on Wednesday at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Meet the Governor Series, where he spoke on “Repositioning Abia for Enterprise, Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Growth.”

    The governor said the investment pipeline comprises about N914bn in joint ventures and N327bn in design-build-operate-transfer concessions, with market development, power and energy among the areas targeted.

    He added that the flag-off of some of the projects would commence soon.

    According to Otti, his administration is focused on creating stable economic conditions that can attract and retain long-term private investment.

    He said investors were more concerned about predictable policies and viable projects than expensive investment promotion campaigns.

    The governor disclosed that the state’s N1.01tn 2026 budget allocates 80 per cent to capital expenditure, while internally generated revenue is being used to fund recurrent obligations. He said external and private capital would be directed towards infrastructure and other assets capable of supporting economic growth.

    Otti said Abia was being repositioned as a regional destination for investment, noting that investors were highly sensitive to uncertainty.

    He identified quality infrastructure, security and responsive institutions as key factors in building investor confidence and attracting long-term capital.

    The governor said his administration had therefore prioritised road construction and rehabilitation to improve connectivity, open up business locations and restore confidence among businesses and investors.

    “We took on long-abandoned roads in our important business hubs and fixed them to announce our intention,” he said, adding that hundreds of kilometres of roads had been rehabilitated since he assumed office.

    Otti, however, noted that infrastructure alone was not enough to attract investment, as investors also considered the wider economic environment before committing funds.

    During a fireside chat with Bongo Adi, a professor of economics at Lagos Business School, the governor highlighted opportunities in Abia, attributing the state’s growing prospects to the resilience of its people and increased adoption of technology.

    He said sustained leadership and effective governance would be essential to making Abia more competitive globally.

    “When people see leadership and when they have tasted leadership, they know,” Otti said.

    He added, “In 10 years, I see an Abia that can compete globally. If Abia were to be a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world.”

    Earlier, President and Chairman of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Abimbola Olashore, called for clear and predictable policies, responsive institutions and quality infrastructure to strengthen investor confidence in Abia.

    Olashore said businesses and investors needed an enabling environment, security, access to markets and meaningful partnerships to expand their operations and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

  • Remi Tinubu Unveils Food Bank, Commissions ICT Centre in Anambra

    Remi Tinubu Unveils Food Bank, Commissions ICT Centre in Anambra

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has unveiled the National Community Food Bank for the South-East geopolitical zone and commissioned an Information and Communications Technology Experience Centre in Anambra State.

    Tinubu arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, at 11:31 a.m. on Wednesday for a one-day working visit to the state.

    She was received by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim and his wife, alongside members of the state House of Assembly and other government officials.

    The First Lady unveiled the South-East zonal food bank at the old Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia.

    The facility is intended to provide food assistance and nutrition education to vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly people, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children.

    Speaking during the event, Tinubu described the initiative as part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, aimed at tackling hunger, supporting grassroots development and improving human capital outcomes.

    She said the programme would complement Federal Government efforts in poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of social protection systems.

    Tinubu also stressed the need for collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to address economic hardship and promote inclusive development.

    At the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, the First Lady commissioned a new ICT Experience Centre designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills in areas such as software development, data analysis and remote work.

    The project is part of a nationwide intervention approved by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Board of Trustees to establish an ICT Experience Centre in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    Tinubu said the initiative would expand opportunities for young Nigerians through technology and skills development.

    She also highlighted the Anambra State Government’s humanitarian interventions, including empowerment grants, vocational tools and agricultural inputs for thousands of beneficiaries across the state’s 21 local government areas.

  • Kwankwaso Urges Atiku to Quit 2027 Presidential Race

    Kwankwaso Urges Atiku to Quit 2027 Presidential Race

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

    Kwankwaso, who is the running mate to NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, made the appeal on Monday while speaking at his Abuja residence during a meeting with members of the Fulani Farmers Association.

    Speaking in Hausa, the former Kano State governor appealed to the group to advise Atiku, citing his age and health.

    “Go to the Wazirin of Adamawa’s house and tell him in Fulani that he needs to focus on his traditional title of Wazirin, given his age and health,” he said.

    Kwankwaso also promised that he and Obi would take care of Atiku if they emerge victorious in the 2027 election.

    “If Allah grants us success, we will take good care of him, especially since you all come from Adamawa. An apology should be offered to him,” he added.

    Atiku emerged as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate in May 2026, setting the stage for another presidential contest.

    His emergence marked his latest attempt at securing Nigeria’s presidency after first contesting for the position in 1993.

    The former Vice-President was the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate in the 2019 election, where he lost to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking after his emergence as the ADC candidate, Atiku pledged to focus on national unity, security, economic development, education and greater devolution of resources and powers to Nigeria’s federating units.

    “This time around is different; our journey will not end at the poll; we will get to work and rescue Nigeria. I invite every Nigerian to join me in this mission to save our dear country,” he said.

    Atiku also promised to pursue a liberal economy with lower taxes for small businesses and low-income earners if elected president.

    “I have never been this optimistic, and with your support and God’s grace, we will get to the promised land,” he said.

  • LG Polls: APC Flags Off Nkanu West Campaign, Seeks Second Term for Ogbodo, Nnam

    Apc

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State has commenced its campaign for the September 26 council election, rallying voters behind the re-election bid of the council chairman, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, and his deputy, Engr. Friday Nnam.

    The campaign, which began at Group School, Agbani, on Thursday, moved through Amurri Ward before ending at Amodu Ward, with party leaders, members and community stakeholders calling for continuity in the administration of the council.

    Ogbodo is seeking another term as chairman on the APC platform, with Nnam, his incumbent deputy from Agbani, as his running mate.

    Launching the campaign, APC Nkanu West Party Chairman, Chinedu Nnaji, urged party members to remain united and conduct an issue-based and peaceful campaign.

    He said the party would focus its message on the development record of APC administrations at the state and local government levels, while urging voters to assess candidates based on their record, capacity and development agenda.

    The Chairman of the campaign organisation, Hon. Onyeka Onwe, a former Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, said the campaign structure was prepared to mobilise support across the 14 wards of the local government.

    Onwe cited infrastructure and other grassroots interventions by the Ogbodo administration as reasons for seeking continuity, while urging party supporters to take the campaign message to voters peacefully.

    Some of the speakers that backed the campaign in the wards visited were, Henry Okenwa; Prof. Gozie Ogbodo; Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; Dr. Ben Nwoye; Dr. Chika Igwesi; Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku; ward chairmen, among others.

    The campaign was attended by other APC leaders and political office holders, including the Member representing Nkanu West Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu; Chairperson of the State Technical and Vocational Management Board (STVMB), Dr. Amaka Ngene; Secretary of Nkanu West, Prince Onochie Jon-Igwesi; Enugu State Accountant-General, Tony Okenwa.

    The APC’s campaign message is built around the development record of the Governor Peter Mbah administration, particularly in road infrastructure, Smart Green Schools, primary healthcare, water infrastructure, human-capital development and economic reforms.

    At the local government level, the party is also highlighting the Ogbodo administration’s construction and rehabilitation of roads, solar-powered boreholes and other grassroots projects as evidence in support of its continuity campaign.

    The campaign will continue across the remaining wards in the coming days, culminating in a grand finale at Akpugo Ward 2 on September 17.

    The next phase of the campaign is scheduled for Monday, September 14, in Akpugo Wards 1, 5 and 3, followed by engagements in Ozalla, Akegbe Ward 1 and Akegbe Ugwu Ward 2 on Tuesday.

    On Wednesday, the campaign will move to Obuoffia, Umueze and Obe wards before the final day’s activities in Akpugo Ward 4 and the grand finale at Akpugo Ward 2.

    With the APC seeking another mandate for Ogbodo and Nnam alongside its councillorship candidates, the campaign is positioning continuity and grassroots development as its central message ahead of the September 26 council polls.

  • Mbah Unveils Over 10,000 Milestone Achievements, Says Enugu on Course to Greatness

    Mbah Unveils Over 10,000 Milestone Achievements, Says Enugu on Course to Greatness

    …Records 1,521km of roads, 7,000 classrooms, 260 Type-2 PHCs, sweeping reforms

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has unveiled a compendium of more than 10,000 milestones recorded in the first term of his administration across critical sectors of the Enugu State economy.

    The compendium, entitled “A Thousand and One Reasons Why Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Should be Re-elected as Governor of Enugu State,” was presented to the public at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Wednesday.

    The compendium of milestones records, among others, over 1,521 kilometres of constructed and reconstructed roads, over 7,000 classrooms, 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Enugu Air, the New Enugu Smart City, and the revamp of moribund assets.

    Represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Mbah said the compendium aligns with the Citizens Charter, also known as Executive Order 001, which he executed immediately he was sworn into office on 29th May 2023 to emphasise his administration’s commitment to accountability, traceability and transparency.

    He, however, said the compendium highlighted the administration’s philosophy of disruptive innovation and its focus on large-scale infrastructure, noting that it did not contain all that had been done up to the day of unveiling.

    “Our assignment today is not just to unveil the Citizens Charter via the compendium. It is a lot more than that. It is a conversation on the sacrosanct duty and responsibility you gave to us to midwife and preside over your resources.

    “But above all, it is important to note that the document we are about to unveil does not entirely capture everything this government has done because, given the time it took to prepare this document, there was a cut-off point running months behind.

    “So, this document that we shall unveil shortly does not in any particular material represent the actual successful modest achievements of this government as at 9th of September 2026.”

    He thanked those who believed in his vision and worked for his election in 2023 and urged those affected in any way by the tough decisions the administration had to make, assuring them that Enugu was on its way to greatness as a $30bn economy and the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

    “I also want to thank all those who made sacrifices, who lost their friends because they felt supporting us was the right thing to do. I want to thank all those who invested their resources. I want to thank all those who took pains in very unimaginable circumstances to ensure that Enugu moves to the next level.

    “But what you must take home with you is that our intentions are noble. What we try to do is to put Enugu on an irreversible path of greatness. What we try to do is to ensure that Enugu will not compete with Nigeria or within Nigeria, but globally” he added.

    In his welcome address, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the state had pursued an extensive urban development agenda, including the New Enugu Smart City, environmental sustainability and urban renewal.

    He added that the State’s fiscal architecture had undergone significant reform through revenue automation, reforms at the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, improved financial management, the Treasury Single Account, enterprise resource planning and broader institutional restructuring.

    According to him, the administration had also sustained investments in youth empowerment, women development, technology, skills acquisition, social protection, tourism, environmental sustainability and community development.

    He said the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the people.

    “Behind every project is a community; behind every policy is a citizen; and behind every statistic is a human being whose life government seeks to improve,” he concluded.

    He also stressed the importance of institutional reforms in sustaining government programmes, stating: “Sustainable development requires not only projects that citizens can see, but institutions and systems that can sustain those projects.”

    The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended the administration for its development record and the scale of projects executed across the State.

    The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, commended the Governor for his developmental strides, pledging the continued support of the legislative arm of the state government.

    The Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, equally spoke glowingly about the administration’s performance, saying a performing government should be supported to continue till 2031.

    “We have never had it so good. It is not about party. But let us give the job to those who understand the job. The governor wants to move the Enugu State economy to a $30bn economy and that is exactly what he is doing,” he stated.

    Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, described the compendium as an evidence-based publication and a commitment to accountability.

    The event brought together political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, captains of industry, professionals, public servants and other stakeholders, who commended the administration for the scale and spread of its interventions across the State.