Category: News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it will proceed with its planned congresses and national convention despite the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on its internal leadership dispute.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration.

The Senate has expeditiously approved the request of President Bola Tinubu to go for external loans totalling $6 billion.

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned what was described as the barbaric and cowardly attacks by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba district, Jos, Plateau State, according to a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He equally condemned the attacks in Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Describing the attack on the community in Jos and the killing and abduction of wedding guests in Kaduna as an affront to all that Nigeria stands for, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that the barbaric acts will not go unpunished.

“Anyone who will sneak under the cover of the night and kill defenceless citizens as done in Jos and Kahir village, is a heartless coward. By attacking soft targets in Jos, their objective is not only to cause harm but also trigger a spiral of reprisal attacks and further bloodletting,” he said.

He has directed security agencies to intensify all efforts to pursue the perpetrators and those spreading misinformation that can inflame tensions and further endanger lives. He cautioned some sections of the media, insinuating the attacks were religiously motivated.

President Tinubu reaffirmed that security agencies are actively addressing the situation and stressed that public cooperation is vital to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property. He stressed the need for communities to comply with evacuation, relocation, and related advice and processes. He hailed the safe return of two of the  Kaduna victims.

“I urge our security agencies to be more proactive in preventing these attacks by acting on early warning intelligence. All the remaining abductees from Kahir village must be rescued immediately”, the President said.

“I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for his efforts in containing the situation in Jos and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for supporting the rescue and containment efforts. I assure the people and government of the two states of my support.  I commiserate with the families of those killed and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Our government is currently acquiring more sophisticated equipment to enable our security agencies to track and smash criminals, in real time, wherever they are.”

Civil servants in Enugu State have expressed widespread excitement following the approval of promotion and conversion for 2,114 public workers by Governor Peter Mbah.

The affected workers participated in the November/December 2025 promotion and conversion exercises conducted across the state civil service.

The approval, which takes immediate effect, also covers the financial implications of the new ranks, ensuring that beneficiaries begin to enjoy their upgraded status without delay.

Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Robison Odo, who disclosed the development on Tuesday in Enugu, described the gesture as timely and morale-boosting, likening it to an Easter gift for workers.

According to him, the exercise cut across officers on Grade Levels 01 to 17 who successfully passed the promotion interviews.

“The Executive Governor recently approved the release of the promotion and conversion of 2,114 officers who participated in the 2025 exercise. The approval also takes immediate effect with the financial benefits attached,” Odo said.

He assured that the commission would expedite implementation of the governor’s directive.

Odo commended the administration for its sustained commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities had become a hallmark of the government.

He further highlighted the state’s N80,000 minimum wage as exceeding the national benchmark, describing it as a clear demonstration of the governor’s worker-friendly policies.

“Workers are genuinely excited. This is a strong motivation for improved productivity and commitment to service. We deeply appreciate the governor for prioritising our welfare despite ongoing infrastructural development across the state,” he added.

The commission chairman pledged continued discipline, innovation and productivity within the civil service to align with the administration’s development agenda.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Dr. Godwin Anigbo, said the governor’s policies had created an enabling environment for workers to embrace reforms and deliver optimally.

He noted that the administration’s focus on innovation had transformed the public service, equipping workers with modern skills required for efficient service delivery.

“We are working closely with the Civil Service Commission to ensure that workers are adequately prepared to align with the government’s reform-driven agenda. The administration has introduced forward-looking initiatives that are repositioning the service for greater efficiency,” Anigbo said.

He added that the government’s investment in capacity building, including the training of civil servants in digital competencies, was facilitating the transition from analogue to technology-driven operations.

Anigbo also lauded the approval for the establishment of a public service training institute, describing it as a critical step towards strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery.

Despite the state’s heavy investment in infrastructure and other capital-intensive projects, he said the administration had maintained a strong commitment to workers’ welfare.

His Grace, Most Rev. Barr. Christopher Nweke Ede, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, is set to celebrate his 60th birthday with a three-day programme of events scheduled for April 4 to 6, 2026.

The celebration will feature a medical outreach, a thanksgiving service, a eucharistic service, and a birthday celebration with book presentation, drawing dignitaries from across the country, including two state governors, former governors, and top clergy.

Day One: Medical Outreach

The celebration kicks off on Saturday, April 4, with a medical outreach at Wesley Specialist Hospital, Enugu, by 10:00 am.

Day Two: Thanksgiving Service

On Sunday, April 5, a thanksgiving service will be held at Wesley Cathedral Church by 9:00 am. The Sunday preacher is His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, GPJ, CON (Prelate Emeritus).

Day Three: Eucharistic Service, Birthday Celebration, Book Presentation

Monday, April 6, will feature a eucharistic service at Wesley Cathedral Uwani, Enugu, at 11:00 am, followed by the birthday celebration and book presentation at The Trinity Dome, 80 Agbani Road, Enugu, at 1:00 pm.

The Chief Host of the celebration is the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, while the Chief Guest of Honour is the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

The Special Guest of Honour is Rt. Rev. (Prof.) STV Adegbite, Bishop of Ikeja Diocese, Chaplain of Aso Rock Chapel, and Executive Secretary of NCPC.

Fathers of the Day include former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Jim Nwobodo, and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Dr. Samuel Ominyi Egwu.

The Chairman of the Day is Sir Gbolahan Olayomi, Group CEO and Founder of Wowbii.

The Book Reviewer is Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Ukut, Ph.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Atamunu.

The Spiritual Fathers of the Day are His Eminence, Dr. Samuel C.K. Uche (Prelate Emeritus) and HRH Igwe Amb. Dr. Lawrence O. Agubuzu, OON, CFR (Ogbunechendo of Ezema).

The Birthday Chief Officiant is His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

The three-day celebration is expected to draw a large gathering of clergy, government officials, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country.

The Enugu Garment Factory (Enugu Fashion & Garment Hub) is producing and delivering thousands of high-quality school uniforms free of charge to students across the state, in a move that combines educational equity with local industrial activation.

Under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the initiative ensures that every child shows up to school confident, equal, and ready to learn, while also creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.

From Vision to Production

In a statement released by the Enugu MSME & Startup Agency (Enugu SME Center), the government emphasized that Enugu State is not just building Smart Green Schools but is also building systems that deliver dignity, equity, and opportunity.

“Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State is not just building Smart Green Schools, we are building systems that deliver dignity, equity, and opportunity,” the statement read.

Last-Mile Delivery in Awgu LGA

A significant milestone in the programme was recorded when the Mayor of Awgu Local Government Area received uniforms for all 11 Smart Schools in the LGA. The event was described as a clear demonstration of last-mile delivery and grassroots impact from the Governor and the Chairman of Awgu LGA.

Jobs, Industry, and Governance That Works

The agency noted that the initiative represents more than just the distribution of uniforms.

“This is more than uniforms. This is jobs created, local industry activated, and governance that works,” the statement concluded.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, has celebrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, describing him as an exceptional leader and statesman whose bold decisions are steadily recalibrating the fundamentals of Nigeria’s national development.

In a statement issued and signed by him, Udeh praised the President’s transformative governance and the far-reaching reforms his administration has instituted across critical sectors of the economy since assumption of office.

The Minister noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu’s administration has strategically positioned science, technology, and innovation as the central pillars of Nigeria’s developmental trajectory.

“Your forward-looking initiative ‘Energize Commercialization Now’ is transforming dormant research and innovation outcomes into viable products and industry solutions, thus optimizing the economic value of Nigeria’s rich human resources,” Udeh stated.

As the President marks another year, the Minister celebrated not only his life but his enduring legacy of visionary leadership, resilience, and transformative governance.

“Your Excellency, as you mark this significant milestone, we celebrate not only your life but your enduring legacy of visionary leadership, resilience, and transformative governance,” he said.

Udeh offered prayers for the President’s continued success, asking for divine guidance and strength as he leads the nation.

“It is our prayer that the Almighty God grants you continued wisdom, strength, and good health as you lead Nigeria toward greater prosperity, stability, and technological advancement,” he added.

The Minister concluded with warm birthday wishes to the President.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has paid a glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocks 74 on Sunday, March 29, 2026, describing him as a visionary and courageous leader whose love for the country has been demonstrated beyond any shred of doubt.

He said that at 74, Tinubu’s life’s journey has continued to stand as a testament to an enduring dedication to the development of Nigeria, while his leadership continues to reflect resilience and a bold commitment to reform, inclusivity, and national renewal.

A statement issued by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, on Saturday, quoted Mbah as recalling that the President had always risen to the occasion at the toughest times in the nation’s history, recalling also his days in the trenches to restore democratic rule and his tough decisions to rescue and reboot the nation’s economy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 74th birthday is an important moment to reflect on the life of a man whose journey has been deeply intertwined with Nigeria’s democratic evolution and economic transformation.

“Courage in the face of adversity is a defining feature of leadership. The President’s life’s journey boldly encapsulates this quality.

“From his role in the pro-democracy struggle to his stewardship in public office, there has never been anything convoluted about his vision.

“He has consistently demonstrated courage, resilience, and a firm belief in the Nigerian project. His selflessness and love for country are not performative. Neither are his actions driven by a quest for validation.

“So, we are celebrating not just the man, but what he has done for us – how he has deftly pulled our nation’s economy from the precipice.

“The impacts of his policies are not mere abstractions; they are all around us. The reforms we are witnessing today are not easy choices, but they are necessary steps towards building a more resilient and competitive economy.

“We have seen macro-pressures ease, a huge rise in our foreign reserves, and unprecedented unification of our exchange rates.

“At moments of great national reform, leadership requires vision and resolve. President Tinubu has shown both, and history often vindicates leaders who have the courage to confront long-standing structural challenges.

“When the results of his reforms fully crystallise, there can be no doubt that the president is indeed a man made for this moment – a man for all seasons!” Mbah said.

Continuing, Mbah said, “For us, this milestone is also an opportunity for reflection. We owe him a measure of gratitude for the sacrifices and responsibilities he has taken upon himself in steering the country through a critical phase.”

The governor called on Nigerians to continue to support the President, noting that nation-building calls for collective action.

“But beyond celebrating the man, the most meaningful gesture Nigerians can make is to support the difficult but necessary journey of national renewal that his administration has embarked upon.

“Nation-building is never the task of one individual. It requires collective belief, shared sacrifice, and sustained support from citizens.

“So, as we celebrate President Tinubu at 74, my prayer is that he continues to be guided by wisdom and strength, and that Nigerians across all divides rally behind the vision of building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” he concluded.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and leading figure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate release of Kaduna-based cleric, Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria, describing his continued detention without trial as a grave violation of his fundamental rights.

Sheikh Khalifa has reportedly been held since December 2025 over allegations of involvement in a coup plot, yet has not been formally charged before any court of law. This prolonged detention, without due process, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Atiku Media Office, Atiku noted that even a subsisting order of the Federal High Court directing that the cleric be presented in court has been ignored, an action he described as a direct affront to the rule of law and judicial authority.

“There can be no democracy without strict adherence to the rule of law. No security agency is above the Constitution, and none has the power to treat the rights of citizens as privileges to be dispensed with at will,” the statement read.

He further warned that the continued detention of Sheikh Khalifa—without access to his family, legal counsel, and adequate medical care—amounts to a gross violation of his constitutional rights.
Atiku cautioned that normalising such conduct by security agencies poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations and risks eroding the fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens.

He also expressed concern over growing public speculation surrounding the cleric’s condition, noting that the silence of the authorities has only deepened uncertainty and mistrust.

“Nigeria cannot continue to claim the status of a democracy while the rights of its citizens are routinely and brazenly violated,” he stated.

Atiku therefore called on the relevant security agencies to either release Sheikh Sani Khalifa immediately or charge him before a competent court without further delay, insisting that anything short of this constitutes unlawful detention and an abuse of power.

The Enugu State Government and the United Kingdom, through its United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNiAF) have successfully carried out a pilot programme introducing an AI-enabled smart metering system to curtail energy theft and eliminate revenue losses in the power sector.

This was made known at the Enugu State Investor Forum themed “Driving Revenue Assurance and Private Investment through Data-Driven Metering,” which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Tuesday.

The event funded by the UK International Development and implemented by Tetra Tech brought together key sector stakeholders, including electricity distribution companies, investors, and policymakers, to explore opportunities for expanding smart metering and improving electricity access in Enugu State.

It also focused on strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to deliver sustainable and climate-smart infrastructure, with Enugu State as a key beneficiary.

Speaking at the event, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mr Chijioke Okonkwo, said the project was designed to address persistent challenges of revenue leakages, energy theft, and poor billing efficiency in the power sector.

He disclosed that a pilot scheme involving the deployment of 846 smart meters had already been carried out in the Ugwuaji axis of the state capital, covering surrounding semi-urban communities.

According to Okonkwo, the pilot enabled full tracking of electricity consumption from transformers to individual households.

“This system allows us to drastically reduce, if not eliminate, commercial and collection losses, which have long hindered the growth of the power sector,” he said.

He explained that the AI-enabled meters provide real-time data on energy usage, empower consumers to monitor their consumption, and help operators quickly detect faults or irregularities, including theft and equipment vandalism.

The regulator noted that the initiative also opens opportunities for private investors and energy retail companies to participate in Enugu’s electricity market, particularly in underserved areas.

“We are inviting investors to take advantage of this opportunity by deploying smart meters, expanding distribution networks, and even establishing embedded power generation within the state,” he added.

He said current market prices for meters stand at approximately N130,000 for single-phase units and about N230,000 for three-phase units, adding that flexible payment structures could be arranged to ease adoption.

Also speaking, Team Leader of UKNiAF, Mr Frank Edozie, described the project as a “demonstrator” of how artificial intelligence could enhance transparency and accountability in electricity revenue collection.

“The system ensures that all revenues due to the sector are properly collected and accounted for. It also detects any breach in energy or financial flows, making it a strong revenue assurance mechanism,” Edozie said.

He observed that Enugu was selected for the pilot due to its leading role in implementing reforms under Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to develop independent electricity markets.

According to him, the pilot project, which commenced in November 2025, had already shown encouraging results, including significant improvements in revenue recovery and reduction in losses.

In his remarks, Managing Director of MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, said the initiative addresses two critical issues in the power sector—metering gaps and revenue protection.

He emphasised that without efficient metering and strong revenue assurance systems, investments in the power sector would remain unattractive and unsustainable.

“Smart metering, combined with advanced monitoring systems gives utilities visibility across their networks, making it easier to detect losses and improve operational efficiency,” he said.

Mupwaya added that the project has demonstrated the viability of attracting private financing into metering infrastructure, noting that improved revenue collection would enable operators to repay investments over time.

Earlier, Enugu State Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said the state was selected for the initiative due to ongoing reforms and progress in its electricity market.

He explained that the successful pilot had shown that smart metering could guarantee revenue assurance across the electricity value chain—from generation to distribution—thereby boosting investor confidence.

“The system assures investors that they will recover their investments, which is critical for attracting funding into power generation, transmission, and distribution,” he said.