₦airaland Forum

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have formally flagged off a nationwide enforcement framework to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government’s ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in bottles below 200 millilitres.
The enforcement campaign, launched at a joint press conference in Abuja, marks the beginning of coordinated regulatory and behavioural change measures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as a strategic public health intervention aimed at curbing underage access to cheap, high-concentration alcohol.
“This campaign is not about restriction for its own sake. It is about safeguarding the future of young Nigerians,” Issa-Onilu said, noting that sachet alcohol has remained inexpensive, portable and easy to conceal, making it dangerously accessible to minors.
Under the enforcement framework, NOA will deploy its network of 818 offices across all 774 Local Government Areas to drive grassroots sensitisation and compliance monitoring. Activities will include town hall meetings, market outreaches, school engagements, motor park campaigns and collaborations with faith-based institutions. Messaging will be delivered in local languages to deepen community penetration.
The agency will also leverage television, radio, digital platforms and its CLHEEAN App to encourage citizens to report violations, while urging parents, retailers, distributors and community leaders to support enforcement efforts.
On her part, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the enforcement follows resolutions of the Senate urging the agency to ensure strict implementation of the ban and to halt further extensions of the moratorium on sachet alcohol.
Effective January 1, 2026, the Federal Government banned the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and in PET or glass bottles smaller than 200ml.
Adeyeye said the enforcement framework is backed by data from a 2021 nationwide survey conducted in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, which revealed high levels of underage access to alcohol. According to the findings, over half of minors surveyed purchased alcohol themselves, with a significant percentage obtaining sachet packs and small PET bottles directly from retailers.
She warned that early exposure to alcohol increases risks of addiction, poor academic performance, road crashes, risky sexual behaviour and long-term mental health challenges. Citing global medical evidence, she added that alcohol consumption damages the developing brain, particularly areas responsible for memory and impulse control.
The NAFDAC boss stressed that enforcement would not only focus on production and distribution channels but also on retail outlets found violating the ban.
The framework is expected to strengthen regulatory surveillance, enhance public awareness and promote community participation in reducing underage alcohol consumption nationwide.
Officials described the flag-off as a decisive step toward protecting vulnerable populations and reinforcing compliance with Nigeria’s public health regulations.

A political support group, ADC Grassroots Mobilization for Change (AGMC), has condemned the reported attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during a meeting at the residence of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Oserheimen Osunbor, in Iruekpen, Edo State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, comes barely five days after alleged hoodlums disrupted a meeting of ADC leaders at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

According to the group, a video from the scene showed youths recovering spent cartridges believed to have been fired from pump-action rifles after chasing away the attackers.

In a statement signed by its Director of Communication, Andrew Iguebor, AGMC described the development as a disturbing pattern of intimidation targeted at the opposition party in Edo State.

The group stated that democracy can only flourish in an atmosphere where differing political views are respected, not suppressed through violence.

It described the attack as an example of political intolerance and condemned the disruption of what it called a peaceful and duly convened meeting held within a private residence.

AGMC further alleged that opposition voices in Edo State were being targeted, warning that such actions pose a threat to democratic principles.

The group insisted that the ADC would not be intimidated and reaffirmed its commitment to participating fully in the state’s political process ahead of the 2027 elections.

Calling on security agencies to intervene, the group urged a thorough investigation into the incident and prosecution of those responsible, stressing that the protection of democratic values must remain paramount.

...Urges Police, DSS to Go After Alleged Sponsors of Smear Campaign

A prominent socio-political group in the South-East, the South East Progressive Forum, has dismissed recent social media allegations against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing them as politically motivated blackmail.

In a statement issued Monday evening and signed by its spokesperson, Chief Ihuoma Okoronkwo, the group called on security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to investigate and apprehend those allegedly sponsoring what it termed “professional blackmailers of government functionaries.”

The controversy stems from claims circulating online alleging an overlap between Kalu’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and his attendance at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus. A group identified as Abia Patriots has reportedly amplified the allegations, citing a petition said to have been forwarded to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) over what was described as “fraudulent enrolment” on the Roll of Legal Practitioners of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
However, the South East Progressive Forum waved off the allegations, insisting they were part of a coordinated attempt to tarnish the image of the Deputy Speaker.
Kalu, who emerged Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives in June 2023 with the support of a majority of the 360-member House, is currently the highest-ranking political office holder from the South-East in the present administration.
While acknowledging that public office often attracts scrutiny, the Forum expressed concern over what it described as sustained media attacks allegedly originating from Abia State, where Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party is in office.
The group accused Abia Patriots of operating with ulterior motives, alleging that the platform was formed primarily to target Kalu. It claimed that the group’s public communications have largely focused on criticizing the Deputy Speaker while praising the Abia State Government.
“No amount of blackmail or social media attacks will deter the Deputy Speaker from performing his lawful duties,” the statement read, urging him to remain focused on his legislative responsibilities.
The Forum also appealed to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee to handle the petition professionally and transparently, expressing confidence that the body would not be influenced by political considerations.
According to the group, overlaps between NYSC service and professional or academic programmes are not uncommon, particularly where admission timelines coincide with mobilization schedules. It further noted that Kalu had contested and won elections in 2019 and 2023 after being cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), arguing that relevant authorities had previously vetted his credentials.
The Forum emphasized that the Deputy Speaker, as a presiding officer of the House, represents not only Bende Federal Constituency but also plays a national leadership role across all 360 federal constituencies.
Reaffirming its support, the group described Kalu as a respected parliamentarian and urged security agencies to investigate the alleged smear campaign, while allowing due process to take its course regarding the petition before the LPDC.

The Chief Executive Officer of DAMA Academy, Nwankwo Prince Ozioma, has called for stronger national engagement with blockchain, digital assets and artificial intelligence, describing them as foundational technologies shaping the future global economy. 

Speaking during a press conference organized in collaboration with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in Abuja on Monday, Prince Ozioma said Nigeria must move from observation to active participation in the rapidly evolving decentralized digital ecosystem.

In his keynote address, the DAMA Academy CEO highlighted the global transformation driven by blockchain and AI, referencing the rise of decentralized finance through Bitcoin, artificial intelligence advancements from OpenAI, and enterprise blockchain adoption by institutions such as IBM in the United States.

He stressed that these technologies enable transparent systems, inclusive financial structures, tokenized economies and data-driven healthcare solutions.

“Africa must not be left behind. Nigeria must not be left behind. Our youths must not be left behind,” he said.

As a practical case study, he introduced Body Scan AI, a health-focused innovation that combines artificial intelligence for diagnostics, blockchain for secure and immutable medical records, and a digital asset known as the SCANAI token to incentivize participation within a decentralized health ecosystem.

According to him, the Body Scan AI application which is yet to be deployed is designed to empower individuals with AI-driven tools, protect patient data through blockchain security, and facilitate seamless transactions via decentralized exchanges such as Raydium.

Prince Ozioma called on the media to promote informed reporting, reduce misinformation and encourage responsible innovation, noting that “the future economy will reward those who prepare and engage early.”

The AI-powered health monitoring system, according to DAMA Academy instructor, Mr. Moses Obaje, is designed to analyze health-related data points including emotional indicators, body mass index (BMI), posture patterns, lifestyle quality metrics and other biometric signals.

The system, he said, is capable of detecting early warning signs of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, fibroids and cardiovascular conditions.

Mr Obaje, nicknamed AI Prof, speaking through zoom from the UK explained that the Body Scan AI model draws conceptual inspiration from advancements in intelligent systems similar to those developed by OpenAI, where machine learning models analyze large datasets to generate predictive insights.

He further explained that the technology aims to shift healthcare from reactive treatment to preventive intelligence.

“The second layer of the system relies on blockchain technology for secure, decentralized storage of medical records.

“Blockchain, first popularized through digital assets such as Bitcoin, is being repurposed in this initiative as a secure cloud-based infrastructure for health data management.

“Health consultations can be recorded on blockchain, patient records become tamper-resistant, data integrity is preserved, unauthorized third-party interference is eliminated and patients maintain control over who accesses their medical data. Blockchain ensures privacy, transparency and data ownership,” he said, noting that individuals can share their health information directly with consultants without intermediary control.

According to him, another layer of the system introduces a digital token mechanism within a health and wellness marketplace.

“Under this model, users earn or exchange tokens. Tokens can be used for health-related products and services, wellness participation can be incentivized and preventive health engagement becomes economically rewarding.”

Mr Obaje noted that the model could support national campaigns to reduce obesity, heart disease and other chronic illnesses by encouraging healthier lifestyle choices through digital incentives.

On the security of the token, another instructor Paul Elombeh allayed fear, emphasizing that investment in Body Scan AI isn't a ponzi scheme.

He urged Nigerians to commence purchase of the token, warning that after the deployment of the Body Scan AI Application, the token may not be available as only 1 billion Bitcoin is provided for.

President of the Africa Development Studies Centre, ADSC, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi warmly congratulates the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the landmark arbitration victory against European Dynamics UK Ltd.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, an International Development Expert, Reputation Architecture Strategist stating that:

"This decisive outcome is not merely a legal win. It is a governance statement.

"At a time when international contractors often assume that African institutions will capitulate under technical pressure, Nigeria has demonstrated maturity, institutional discipline and contractual courage. 

"The dismissal of claims totalling over 6.2 million dollars signals a structural shift in how the country manages public-sector technology contracts.

"This is a defining moment in Nigeria’s procurement evolution, Oluwafemi asserted. 

He explained that: "For years, procurement in many developing economies has been vulnerable to inflated milestone claims, loosely defined deliverables and weak enforcement of performance validation mechanisms. 

"The tribunal’s affirmation of the centrality of User Acceptance Testing reinforces a fundamental principle: value must be delivered before value is paid for.

"That principle must now become doctrine. The Bureau of Public Procurement has sent a powerful message to the global contracting community that Nigeria will no longer accept distorted contractual interpretations, premature payment claims or technical shortcuts disguised as compliance. Payment must follow performance.

"Performance must be verifiable. Verification must be independent and rigorous.This is how institutions are built.

"The courage shown by Dr Adedokun in resisting premature settlement discussions reflects leadership rooted in fiduciary responsibility rather than convenience.

"The strategic coordination between the Bureau, the Attorney General’s office and Nigerian legal experts further demonstrates that domestic professional capacity can compete and prevail on the international stage.

"This victory should now catalyse a broader reform journey. Nigeria must seize this moment to institutionalise a new procurement architecture anchored on:

• Mandatory performance validated digital milestones

• Strengthened e-procurement oversight frameworks

• Independent technical audit layers embedded into contract execution

• Clear modular phase governance structures

• Structured risk allocation in technology contracting

"Through frameworks such as Policy as a Platform and Results as a Service, Nigeria can move beyond reactive dispute resolution into proactive procurement intelligence. The future of public procurement must be data-driven, performance-coded, and legally fortified.

"This arbitration win should mark the beginning of a national procurement renaissance.

"Let the journey of procurement reform begin in earnest. Let Nigeria’s e-procurement ecosystem evolve into a benchmark for transparency, accountability, and technical excellence across Africa. Let every contractor understand that Nigeria welcomes partnership but insists on performance.

"Today, Nigeria did not simply win a case. Nigeria strengthened its institutions. Nigeria protected public resources. Nigeria restored confidence in the architecture of public accountability.

"The Africa Development Studies Centre stands ready to support the Bureau of Public Procurement and relevant federal institutions in embedding these lessons into sustainable reform frameworks that will redefine public sector contracting for the digital age.

"The message is clear. Nigeria is no longer business as usual. The procurement reform era has begun," Oluwafemi added.

The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, are currently at the Party’s National Situation Room at the National Secretariat, coordinating monitoring activities for the ongoing FCT Area Council Elections.

The Situation Room is receiving real-time reports from Party monitors deployed across polling units within the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective observation and prompt response to developments during the elections.

The immediate past Speaker of the Bwari Area Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Julius Adamu, has explained why he stepped down as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in his ward during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Adamu, who spoke with journalists shortly after casting his vote, said his decision followed consultations with party leaders and was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and development of the Area Council.
“First and foremost, let me say I was a candidate under the platform of PDP, but with the consultation and advice of my leaders at the top, I had to step down for the APC candidate in my ward,” he said.
He noted that the APC candidate, whom he described as a former councillor from his ward, is well known to him and capable of serving the people effectively.
“Honourable Joshua is also a candidate from my ward. He was a councillor in 2016. After I left office and he took over in 2019, I was the Speaker of the House,” Adamu explained.
Describing himself as a strong contender in the race, Adamu said his withdrawal was not borne out of weakness but out of conviction and a desire to prioritise the collective good.
“In fact, let me say I was the hottest candidate as far as the Area Council is concerned,” he stated. “But God has His way of doing His own things, and so I have to step down for him for the progress and development of the people of the Area Council.”
Adamu emphasised that political ambition should not override the need for peace and unity, particularly at the grassroots level.
According to him, “There is nothing that peace cannot give. When the atmosphere is peaceful, everything will be successful.”
He urged supporters and residents to maintain calm and continue to participate peacefully in the electoral process, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of cooperation and stability.
The FCT Area Council elections are being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the six area councils of the nation’s capital.

The immediate past Speaker of the Bwari Area Council Legislative Arm and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant, Hon. Julius Adamu, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a credible and peaceful election in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls.

Hon. Adamu, who spoke to journalists shortly after casting his vote in his ward, 008, Katampe Village Square, said the electoral umpire had demonstrated readiness and professionalism in the conduct of the exercise.

“INEC has done well, and I can see that the atmosphere is peaceful,” he said.

“You can see there is no fracas, no argument. People are just voting their right choice of candidates.”

The former PDP candidate disclosed that although he initially contested under the PDP platform, he stepped down after consultations with party leaders and decided to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in his ward for the interest of unity and development.
“First and foremost, let me say I was a candidate under the platform of PDP, but with the consultation and advice of my leaders at the top, I had to step down for the APC candidate in my ward,” Adamu stated.

“God has His way of doing His own things, and so I have to step down for him for the progress and development of the people of the Area Council.”

Assessing the conduct of the election, Adamu noted that the process had so far been orderly, with early arrival of officials and materials at several polling units he monitored.

“We discovered that in some of the polling units I monitored today, officials and materials arrived as early as 6am and 6:30am,” he said.

“When you look at the system of INEC today, it is a fresh and brand new chairman, and I believe he will do his best, because the starting has shown that he is ready for the work.”

While expressing optimism that the peaceful atmosphere would be sustained through the end of the exercise, Adamu emphasised the importance of calm and orderly conduct by voters.

“There is nothing that peace cannot give,” he added. “By the time the atmosphere is peaceful, everything will be successful. I pray the way the voting is going on, let it end as such.”

Moreover, some of the party agents who spoke with our Correspondent lauded the Commission and security agencies for the peaceful and credible conduct of the election so far.

Glory Victor Onuoha, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Supervising Agent, observed that the election has been peaceful and credible.

"The election has been peaceful and credible so far and I pray it continues this way", she said.

In his remarks, the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) agent, Ilesanmi Adegoke commended the INEC officials for arriving early to the polling unit.

"Here at the Katampe Village Square (Chief's Palace) election has been peaceful and calm, and the election is on going and we hope to have a successful election today", he concluded.

The FCT Area Council elections are being closely monitored by stakeholders, with voters turning out across polling units in the six area councils to elect their representatives.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that over 1.5 million voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission disclosed that as of February 10, 2026, a total of 1,680,315 voters are registered in the FCT.
Out of this number, 1,587,025 PVCs have been collected, representing an overall collection rate of 94.4 per cent, while 93,290 cards remain uncollected.
A breakdown of the figures across the six Area Councils shows strong performance territory-wide. Abaji Area Council recorded 75,517 collected PVCs out of 79,471 registered voters, translating to a 95.0 per cent collection rate. Bwari Area Council posted 276,360 collected PVCs from 295,711 registered voters, representing 93.5 per cent.
In Gwagwalada Area Council, 196,184 PVCs were collected out of 208,057 registered voters, accounting for 94.3 per cent. Kuje Area Council recorded one of the highest rates, with 144,109 PVCs collected from 148,286 registered voters, representing 97.2 per cent.
Kwali Area Council reported 99,774 collected PVCs out of 107,203 registered voters, amounting to 93.1 per cent, while Municipal Area Council recorded 795,081 collected PVCs from 841,587 registered voters, representing 94.5 per cent.
The Commission also noted that at the Registration Area level, several units achieved collection rates exceeding 99 per cent, reflecting strong grassroots participation and voter engagement across the Territory.
INEC commended FCT residents for their responsiveness during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and PVC collection exercises, describing the turnout as a clear indication of citizens’ readiness to participate in the electoral process.
The Commission reiterated that only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be eligible to vote on Election Day, assuring stakeholders that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

The Minority Caucus of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has congratulated Christians and Muslims across the country on the commencement of Lent and the Holy Month of Ramadan, describing the simultaneous observance as a special moment for reflection, unity, and national rebirth.

In a goodwill message jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda; Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C.; Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, the caucus noted that both faiths began their sacred seasons on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The lawmakers said although Christianity and Islam are distinct religions, they share enduring values that promote peace, love, and compassion.

“Our Christian brothers and sisters begin Lent at the same time our Muslim brothers and sisters begin Ramadan. Though the two faiths are different, they share beautiful values. Both seasons teach us to fast, to pray, to be kind, to forgive, to help the poor, and to grow closer to God,” the statement read.

According to the caucus, the overlapping observances serve as a reminder that Nigerians are united beyond ethnic, linguistic, or regional differences.
“They remind us that beyond tribe, language, or region, we are one people under one God,” the statement added.

Citing sacred texts, the caucus referenced John 13:34 and Matthew 5:9 from the Holy Bible, which call for love and peacemaking, as well as Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13) and Surah Al-Maidah (5:32) from the Holy Qur’an, which emphasize unity, mutual respect, and the sanctity of human life.

The lawmakers stressed that Lent and Ramadan are periods of spiritual cleansing and self-discipline, encouraging believers to cultivate patience, gratitude, fairness, and care for their neighbours.

“In a time when our country faces many challenges, these lessons are more important than ever. When we choose peace over anger and compassion over hatred, Nigeria becomes stronger,” they stated.
The caucus urged Christians and the Muslim Ummah to use the sacred period to pray fervently for the nation — for peace in communities, safety of families, wisdom for leaders, and unity among citizens.

They also called on the Federal Government, the armed forces, and all security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, emphasizing that no family should live in fear.

“Banditry, kidnapping, killings, and violence must be firmly addressed during these holy seasons and beyond. Security is not only a duty of government; it is a promise to the people,” the statement noted.

Expressing hope for national renewal, the caucus affirmed that God sees every sacrifice and hears every sincere prayer offered during the fasting seasons.
“May this sacred season bring healing to our land. May it soften hearts, strengthen families, and renew hope in our country,” the lawmakers prayed.

They concluded by wishing Nigerians a blessed Ramadan and a fulfilling Lenten season.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as purposeful and servant-oriented leadership aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja.

The lecture was titled, “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance.”

The FCT Minister noted that President Tinubu’s democratic credentials were established long before he assumed office, citing his role in the pro-democracy struggle and his record as former governor of Lagos State. According to Wike, Tinubu demonstrated the ability to translate vision into measurable development, particularly in revenue generation, infrastructure expansion and institutional reforms.

He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as evidence of decisive leadership, describing the move as a bold step that previous administrations had avoided. While acknowledging the short-term hardship associated with the policy, Wike said it has freed resources for subnational development, curtailed unsustainable debt accumulation and initiated reforms in the energy sector.

“This decision exemplifies leadership willing to endure temporary unpopularity in the pursuit of long-term national interest,” he said.

Wike further stated that the administration is addressing structural imbalances through development commissions and decentralised initiatives, alongside reforms in the security sector aimed at strengthening state capacity and restoring public confidence.

He, however, stressed that leadership alone cannot drive national transformation, urging citizens to embrace collective responsibility and active participation in governance.

“The current situation demands more than criticism; it demands commitment. With purposeful leadership and responsible citizenship working together, democracy can truly deliver development,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the annual lecture series reflects the institution’s commitment to intellectual engagement on national issues, particularly the nexus between leadership and development.

Chairman of the occasion, Aminu Gusau, described Wike as a result-oriented public servant whose tenure has witnessed accelerated infrastructure delivery and renewed focus on the Abuja Master Plan.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mutiullah Olasupo, said the Minister was chosen to deliver the lecture in recognition of his political resilience and contributions to democratic governance and infrastructural development.

... deploy a substantive Ambassador to South Africa now

...says recurring attacks on Nigerians in Republic of South Africa demand urgent and decisive action from FG

... insisting that safety of Nigerian citizens abroad is not a diplomatic courtesy

... It is a sovereign obligation

The President of Africa Development Study Centre, ADSC, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi has said Nigeria must protect its citizens and reclaim its global respect.

He said, the recent and recurring attacks on Nigerians in the Republic of South Africa demand urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government of Nigeria.


Oluwafemi who is also an International Development Consultant ,Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council disclosed this in a statement at the weekend stating that:

"The safety of Nigerian citizens abroad is not a diplomatic courtesy. It is a sovereign obligation.

"Nigeria currently has no substantive Ambassador in South Africa. At a time when tensions and vulnerabilities persist, this absence creates a strategic gap.

"An Ambassador is not deployed for ceremony alone. An Ambassador represents national authority, deterrence, crisis engagement, and the structured defence of citizens. Strategic countries must never remain diplomatically underrepresented.

"The Federal Government should immediately deploy a substantive Ambassador to South Africa and accelerate ambassadorial postings to other relevant high risk jurisdictions.

He explained that: "Diplomatic representation must serve not only protocol, but protection and national reputation management.

"In addition, the Government of Nigeria should summon the South African High Commissioner in Abuja for formal engagement and clear assurances regarding the safety of Nigerian nationals.

" Incidents involving the killing or violent targeting of Nigerians abroad must trigger visible diplomatic action within 24 hours. Delayed responses weaken deterrence and embolden repetition.

"This issue extends beyond a single country. A troubling perception is emerging across parts of the continent that Nigeria can be treated with casual disregard.

"From regulatory hostility to public rhetoric and sporadic violence, the pattern must not be allowed to normalise. Nigeria is Africa’s largest population and one of its leading economies. Its citizens must never be treated as expendable.

"Reputation is national infrastructure. When Nigerians are attacked without consequence, it affects investor confidence, diaspora morale, bilateral negotiations, and continental leadership credibility.

"Protection of citizens must therefore be intentionally built into foreign policy architecture. Bilateral engagements must include enforceable commitments on citizen safety. Diplomatic performance must be measurable, accountable, and time bound.

"The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs should strengthen rapid response protocols, establish structured escalation mechanisms for diaspora incidents, and ensure that all missions in sensitive jurisdictions operate with clear protective mandates. Citizen protection must be institutionalised, not improvised.

"The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission should also intensify risk mapping, crisis reporting channels, and structured engagement with host authorities to ensure that Nigerians in vulnerable environments are not left without support.

"At the same time, as we demand protection and respect, Nigerians living abroad must continue to uphold the laws of their host countries and conduct themselves with integrity.

"National reputation is shaped not only by statecraft but by citizen behaviour. Nigerians abroad must serve as responsible ambassadors of our values, enterprise, and discipline.

"Nigeria must demand respect. Nigeria must model responsibility. The time for hesitation has passed.

" The protection of Nigerian lives and the preservation of Nigeria’s global standing require urgency, clarity, and decisive leadership.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Tuesday presented a ₦10,499,984,667.10 budget proposal for the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the 2026 fiscal year, lamenting that the allocation was grossly insufficient to effectively execute the ministry’s wide-ranging mandate critical to Nigeria’s trade, transport efficiency and food security.

Oyetola made this known while defending the ministry’s budget before a joint sitting of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport and the House of Representatives committees on Ports and Harbours; Maritime Safety, Education and Administration; Shipping Services; Inland Waterways; and Ocean and Fisheries.

He said the proposed budget, which comprises ₦8.24 billion for capital expenditure, ₦453.86 million for overheads and ₦1.81 billion for personnel costs, would only sustain minimal operational continuity rather than deliver meaningful reforms or sectoral growth.

The minister explained that the ministry oversees interconnected subsectors including ports, shipping, inland waterways, fisheries and aquaculture, which collectively handle over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade by volume, national food and nutrition security, and economic competitiveness. He noted that while agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and Nigerian Shippers’ Council were self-funding and made significant remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, their operations were being severely constrained by excessive deductions at source by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

According to him, these deductions had weakened liquidity and reduced the operational flexibility of key agencies responsible for maritime safety, port efficiency and regulatory oversight, with far-reaching consequences including port congestion, higher logistics costs, delayed cargo movement, revenue losses and inflationary pressures. He stressed that what appeared to be an accounting issue had become a national economic concern.

Oyetola also said that the 2026 budget of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) was wrongly placed by the Budget Office under the Federal Ministry of Transportation despite the fact that it is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, saying the misalignment undermined clarity in oversight and policy coherence within the maritime logistics value chain.

On inland waterways, the Minister appealed for increased funding to curb accidents and loss of lives. He said water transport is globally recognised as significantly cheaper than road transport. He noted that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on road haulage for over 80 per cent of freight movement had worsened road deterioration and increased the cost of goods, arguing that safer and more efficient inland waterways would ease pressure on roads and lower logistics costs.

On fisheries and aquaculture, Oyetola said Nigeria’s annual fish demand of over 3.6 million metric tonnes far exceeded domestic production of about 1.4 million metric tonnes, sustaining imports valued at more than one billion dollars annually. He added that post-harvest losses of up to 30 per cent further reduced supply, despite fish being one of the most affordable sources of animal protein for Nigerian households. He assured that the Ministry is working hard to increase local fish production and reduce importation.

The minister disclosed that in 2025, the ministry’s revised capital budget of ₦3.53 billion recorded an actual cash release of just ₦202.47 million, representing about 1.7 per cent, while overhead releases stood at 35 per cent.

He said engagements were ongoing with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to address the funding gaps in line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through the marine and blue economy.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, assured that the National Assembly would carefully examine the proposals, noting the strategic importance of the marine and blue economy to national development and economic resilience.

The National Assembly Joint Committee on the Air Force has rejected the proposed budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Air Force, describing it as grossly inadequate to sustain the level of firepower and operational capacity required to combat insurgency and other security threats across the country.
The Committee said the proposed budget falls short of meeting the Air Force’s operational demands, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent security challenges. Consequently, it resolved to set up a mini-committee to engage the Federal Government, the Budget Office, and relevant legislative committees with a view to developing a more realistic and sustainable funding framework.
Speaking with journalists after the session, Chairman of the House Committee on the Air Force, Hon. Kabir Alhassan, disclosed that once concluded, the revised budget proposal would be presented to the Joint Committee for consideration and approval. He noted that the objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Hon. Alhassan also clarified issues surrounding the 2025 budget cycle, explaining that although a percentage of the capital component has been deferred to 2026 due to fiscal constraints, the overall funding level remains insufficient.
He stressed that any funding eventually provided—particularly in 2026—must be robust enough to fully address the operational and strategic needs of the Air Force.
The Joint Committee called on the Federal Government to give maximum cooperation to the review process, emphasizing that Nigerians urgently require decisive, well-funded action to effectively tackle the nation’s security challenges.
The Committee thanked stakeholders for their cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national security institutions are adequately funded in the interest of peace, safety, and national stability.

...insists Nigeria is not yet structurally ready for real time result transmission


President and Chief Executive
Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) and Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Sir Victor Oluwafemi has said Electoral Reforms must follow readiness, not rhetoric as connectivity is still very low in rural areas of Nigeria.

The ADSC president made this assertion in a statement on Monday declaring that:

"The Office of the President and Chief Executive of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) issues this statement as an expert governance and public policy advisory on the ongoing national discourse surrounding electronic voting and real time transmission of election results in Nigeria.

"This intervention is not political. It is institutional, evidence based, and grounded in systems thinking drawn from comparative governance practice and digital transformation experience.

He insisted that Nigeria is not yet structurally ready for real time result transmission as Nigeria’s democratic aspiration must be matched by infrastructural reality.

"At present, the push for real time electronic transmission of election results risks prioritising speed over integrity, and visibility over verifiability.

"Nigeria still conducts elections through manual voting, manual counting, and physical documentation at polling units.

"Every valid result begins with paper processes, human procedures, and environmental dependencies that technology alone cannot correct.

"Without stable electricity, universal telecom coverage, cyber resilient systems, uniform training, and legal clarity, real time transmission remains aspirational rather than operational.

Oluwafemi explained that: "Attempting to enforce it nationwide under current conditions risks three serious outcomes:
• Disenfranchisement, particularly in rural and low connectivity communities
• Expanded cyber vulnerability, where perception of compromise alone can delegitimise outcomes
• Increased post election litigation, due to conflicting evidentiary standards

"Even advanced democracies do not prioritise instant transmission over auditability. They retain paper as the legal anchor while using technology to support verification, reconciliation, and transparency.

"The Issue Is Not Technology. It Is Sequencing.

"Electoral reform must be engineered as national infrastructure, not introduced as an election season feature.

"From a governance systems perspective, Nigeria requires a phased and platform based approach to electoral modernisation.

"This is where Policy as a Platform (PaaP) and Results as a Service (RaaS) provide practical, non partisan pathways forward.

What Policy as a Platform (PaaP) Offers INEC

"PaaP reframes electoral reform as a continuous, standards driven governance system.

Applied to the electoral process, PaaP would:
• Establish minimum national readiness thresholds for power, connectivity, cybersecurity, and device integrity
• Enable gradual, geographically sequenced deployment rather than a risky nationwide switch
• Align law, operations, technology, and dispute resolution into one coherent electoral platform
• Institutionalise transparency and auditability as design features, not post election explanations

"Under PaaP, elections are treated as engineered systems, not improvised events.

What Results as a Service (RaaS) Delivers

"RaaS shifts national focus away from how quickly results appear, towards how credibly they are produced.

For electoral administration, RaaS would:
• Treat each polling unit result as a verified service output with defined checks and validation stages
• Prioritise reconciliation, traceability, and audit trails before public visibility
• Reduce disputes by strengthening confidence in process rather than accelerating announcements
• Measure success by acceptance and legitimacy, not by transmission speed

In democratic governance, trust is built on proof, not on immediacy.

ADSC Advisory Position

"Nigeria does not need to abandon electoral technology. It needs to respect the order of reform.

"Infrastructure must come before automation. Verification must come before visibility. Trust must come before speed.

"Until foundational gaps in power, connectivity, cybersecurity, operational discipline, and legal coherence are addressed, real time electronic transmission of results should remain a medium term objective, not an immediate mandate.

"Electoral reform must be deliberate, inclusive, and system ready.

"That is how democracies endure, he added.

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI 

Given the multi-lingual, multi-tribal, and multi-ethnic diversities of Nigeria, the continuous clamour for consideration in the distribution of resources is expected. Often times, it has led to accusations and counter accusations, across board, as people angle for one benefit or the other for their respective groups and cleavages.

It is argued that structural imbalances have birth unending complaints about marginalization, inequality, and disparities. Sadly, it has produced social tension, deepening of tribal and ethnic gulf, as well as political agitations. For some people, these biases, disparities, and imbalances are prevalent in opportunities and possibilities; appointments and employments; allocation and distribution of resources.

Conscious of the implications of imbalances to national development, the Federal Character Commission, (FCC) was established as an agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Act No. 34 of 1996. It was enshrined in Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to give legal instruments to its operations. The primary mandate is to ensure equity and fairness in the allocation of positions, and distribution of socio-economic infrastructure among all federating units. This is anchored on the promotion of national integration and unity through fair representation; formulating guidelines for appointments into the public and civil service, MDAs, and security agencies; ensuring compliance and monitoring; ensuring equitable representation of all regions and states in public service; sanctioning identified MDAs for wilful violations of the federal character principle. In the early years, its impact was not felt as many people described the FCC as "another agency" created by the military rulership for "unclear reasons." 

However, this perception changed with the enthronement of democracy in 1999. The FCC began to play its role as the "stabilizing and balancing agency" of government. There were talks that during the Obasanjo presidency, deliberate and intentional actions were taken to ensure that a state from the South South geo-political zone got one Permanent Secretary position; when the FCC discovered that it had no representation in federal ministries. Successive governments have also done their beats in ensuring that the FCC promotes national unity and address cases of regional imbalances. Aware that the federal character principle is crucial to every activity of government, the Legislature has shown commitment towards ensuring that the FCC meets its responsibilities. To underscore this, the House of Representatives, and Senate have Committee on Federal Character; and Committee on Federal Character & Governmental Affairs, respectively to oversight the agency.

Though Nigeria's federal character principle has been described as one of the best globally, in terms of policies and intended objectives, the operations and implementation has not been too successful. Indeed, it recorded marginal positives in the past few years. The FCC was bogged with allegations of corruption and manipulation; complaints of lack of transparency; alleged inequitable distribution of opportunities and resources; perceived inertia and ambiguities; and alleged over-ambitious tendencies. The serial controversies also bordered on alleged favouritism, mismanagement, and abuse of office led to disputes, protests, and polarization, which grossly affected the agency's output. In fact, some people wondered why it was difficult for the FCC to wriggle out of the challenges that made the effective implementation of policies difficult. They argued that, something must give for the FCC to be re-positioned for improvement, and efficient service delivery.

Identifying the FCC as a critical component of the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda, may have informed the nomination of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran by President Bola Tinubu as the Executive Chairman of the FCC, and subsequent confirmation by the Senate on 27 November 2025. That President Tinubu made sweeping changes at the agency, by appointing over 30 others (to serve as National Commissioners/Members of the Board) succinctly shows his commitment towards addressing imbalances in the MDAs. There have been divergent opinions about the necessity, timely intervention, and the choices made by Tinubu. Many who applauded the move, described it as a frank action reflecting the government's vision for all-inclusivity. Some other people believe that it signposts government's resolve to ensure equity, fairness, and fairness across all MDAs. However, a few others, though not doubting the capacity of the new Chairman, wondered if she can literally make omelette out of eggs.

A few days back, the writer had a brief discussion with a very senior retired civil servant on the changes at the FCC, challenges, and other relevant issues. The hugely experienced technocrat who occupied top positions across strategic ministries during his over three decades career provided useful insights about the peculiarities of the agency as the clearing house for all human resources matters in the federal bureaucracy. While opting for anonymity, he revealed that, "to succeed at the FCC, the chief executive must be resolute, resilient, and committed. Also, advocacy, networking skills, and leadership are very necessary. Happily, from what I have read and heard about her, I think she has these qualities. Interestingly, during my tour of duties in the civil service, I had the opportunity of observing her on a few occasions, during interactions with four different committees at the House of Representatives. She came across as a meticulously focussed politician whose knack for details, fairness, and equity was unequivocal."

Going by Omidiran's antecedents, her appointment may not be wrong. Her life and career odysseys reveal that she's in a familiar terrain. As a student leader at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; sports administrator; lawmaker; politician; and philanthropist, her life revolves around advocacy for equality, fairness, and justice. In Zaria, where she read Biochemistry, as an Executive Member of the popular Amina Hall, she fought for better, improved, and quality facilities for the all-female hall. Her advocacy for fair representation, equity, and improved welfare for footballers which she started as the Founder of the hugely successful Omidiran Babes remains sources of inspiration to stakeholders in the sector. Leveraging on her pursuits for common good, many globally recognized associations have appointed her into different positions at various times. It includes Member, FIFA Women's Football Committee - since 2006; Chairperson, NFF Women's Football Committee; Board Member, Nigerian Football Association, and a few others.

From empirical data, Omidiran, who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, from 2011 to 2019, distinguished herself creditably.

During her time at the House, where she was the Deputy Chairman, Committee on Sports, and Member of Committees on Communications, Interior, Justice, Solid Minerals, Women Affairs, Women In Parliament, and a few others, the Osun-born amazon was rated as one of the top-fliers. She was reputed to be very strong in advocacy, insightful in contributions, engaging in oversight. Her passion for excellence was as deep as her commitment to every cause that was geared towards the general well-being of Nigerians; anchored on transparency, integrity, fairness, and equality - pillars on which the FCC was created. A staff member of the National Assembly bureaucracy, who pleaded anonymity declared, "Madam was very dutiful, vocal, and upright at meetings. She was a detribalized lawmaker who emphasized fairness to all."  

General perceptions about the FCC are not encouraging, just as the mood of the staff members. There are reports that workers' morale are low; unresolved welfare matters; and some other operational issues which may be traceable to alleged divisions witnessed in the last few years. Aside from these, there are worries about the possibility of Omidiran meeting the expectations of Nigerians. More importantly, how she justifies the confidence reposed in her by President Tinubu, and the All Progressives Congress, (APC) remains a big puzzle.

A very senior political journalist who has covered the National Assembly for about two decades affirmed that, "having observed her at close quarters in the House, I can boldly state that she will achieve milestones at the agency." Continuing, the veteran journalist who craved anonymity said, "she's a go-getter, bridge-builder, and resourceful politician who is ever resolute in realizing objectives."

Indeed, going by Omidiran's comments at the first interface with the FCC, she seems to know the task ahead; and prepared for it. Her declaration that the agency was not established solely, to regulate public service appointments but to uphold justice, promote inclusion, and foster unity, took many staff members unawares. It confirmed her readiness and preparedness for the job.

That Omidiran repeatedly emphasized on fairness, equity, and justice as being "essential to building trust in public institutions and strenghthening of the Nigerian state" shows her desire to re-position, and re-invigorate the agency for quality performances and realistic service delivery. Her five-year strategic plan to guide the agency's operations, which is anchored on institutional reforms, capacity building and professionalization, digital transformation, public engagement and citizens enlightenment, collaboration with MDAs and other stakeholders reveals her depth of knowledge, commitment to positive change, and desire for breaking grounds. Her pledge that the agency, "would discharge its responsibilities with humility, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to(wards) ensuring (that) equity is not only articulated in policy statements but consistently practiced in governance outcomes" is what a staff member described as, "the most assuring and inspiring statement by any Chairman of the agency."

As Omidiran; the new sheriff at the FCC settles in her new office, many stakeholders, confident about her performances, have equally admonish her to be wary of interlopers, and scavengers. They believe that if she sustains the "fire and energy" seen since her assumption of office, Omidiran may emerge as the most successful FCC boss since 1999. One hopes, she will provide the silver lining that will make the FCC one of the most resourceful and responsive agency in the President Bola Tinubu's administration.


BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has in collaboration with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC) under the Business Environment Enhancement Programme Accelerator (BEEPA) held a three-day high-level stakeholder engagement in Lagos. Titled "Achieving a 7-Day Cargo Dwell Time," to streamline port processes to bolster the ease of doing business.


The event hosted by the NPA was held at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) Apapa recently.


According to NPA, the event was organised following an extensive "shadowing" exercise where officials observed real-time vessel berthing and cargo clearance operations at both the Tincan Island and Lagos Port complexes.


In her address at the event, the Director General (DG) PEBEC, Zahrah Mustapha emphasized that the session was designed to move beyond identifying hurdles toward implementing long-overdue practical solutions.


She said, "Nigeria loses significantly every day due to operational inefficiencies," Mustapha stated. "These are not just numbers; they represent missed opportunities, jobs not created, and delayed economic growth. This reform is about resilience and unlocking the nation’s economic potential".


Mustapha noted that the initiative integrates both government regulators and private sector stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability, with the ultimate goal of reducing cargo dwell time and improving vessel turnaround time.


Earlier, the Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho reiterated the Authority’s commitment to support PEBEC’s mandates.


According to him, NPA is making progress by collaborating with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to deploy the Port Community System (PCS) which will serve as the digital backbone for the National Single Window, a move expected to eliminate manual bottlenecks and synchronize port operations.


It could be recalled that the NPA achieved a 100% success rate in PEBEC reforms, ranking 5th among agencies in 2025 with an 84.2% compliance rating.


The NPA emphasised that, the outcomes of the engagement are expected to be implemented within the coming months.


It added, "By closing the operational gaps identified during the port inspections, the NPA and PEBEC aim to create a more competitive maritime environment that attracts investment and facilitates seamless trade".

...Constitutes Ombudsman Committee

The National Assembly New Media Forum (NANMF) on Saturday, 7 February 2026, elected a new Executive Committee, with Comrade Clement C. Nwabuko re-elected as Chairman.

The election, which was monitored by Mr. Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, National Assembly, also saw Pastor Prevail Inegbenose of Spark News Daily emerge as the General Secretary of the Forum.

Other members elected into the Executive Committee include Nancy Okafor as Vice Chairman (Senate), Mercy Gadia as Assistant Secretary, Glory Okon as Treasurer, and Adebola Alesinloye as Financial Secretary.

Inaugurating the new NANMF executives Mr. Adedeji commended the Forum for its professionalism, creativity and sense of unity, describing it as a “family affair,”.

According to him, the conduct and organisation displayed by members earned his respect and admiration.

He said his initial perception of the event changed upon arrival, as he witnessed a rare level of cooperation and mutual understanding among the executives.

“I must commend you. You have really earned my respect,” he said, applauding the peaceful and coordinated manner in which the Forum conducted its internal processes.

Drawing from his experience in managing elections within the National Assembly, Adedeji noted that such harmony was uncommon and worthy of recognition.

He further praised the Forum’s use of visuals and animation, describing the creative output on display as impressive and engaging.

In his acceptance speech, Nwabuko expressed gratitude to members for the renewed confidence reposed in him, describing his re-election as a collective mandate and a renewed call to service.
He commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as a credible, transparent, and unbiased election, noting that the process further strengthened confidence in the Forum’s democratic values. He also appreciated the immediate past Executive Committee for their contributions, acknowledging both the challenges faced and achievements recorded during the previous tenure.
The Chairman assured members that the new Executive Committee would consolidate on past gains, address identified shortcomings, and expand capacity-building initiatives. According to him, efforts would continue to secure and strengthen the Forum’s institutional presence, including office accommodation and enhanced professional relevance.
Nwabuko emphasized that the welfare and professional development of members would be a major focus of the current administration, stressing that a motivated and well-supported membership is critical to the effectiveness of the Forum.
He also announced plans to fast-track the completion of the Forum’s bye-laws to provide a clear regulatory framework for accountability and sustainable growth. As part of measures to promote discipline and responsible conduct among members, the Chairman announced the immediate constitution of an Ombudsman Committee to address issues of misconduct, abuse of privileges, and internal disputes.
Members of the Ombudsman Committee include Nelson Ogbu as Chairman, Joy Odor as Secretary, with Kassem Omomia, Emmanuel Ovuakpore, and Anderson Osiebe as members.
Emphasising the need for professionalism, Nwabuko urged members without requisite journalistic certifications to upgrade their qualifications, describing adherence to professional standards as non-negotiable.
He further announced the establishment of a Membership Admission Screening Committee (MASC) to ensure that only qualified and ethically sound journalists are admitted into the Forum. The committee will be chaired by Moses Idika, with Babalola Lukman as Vice Chairman and Mercy Gadia as Secretary.
Nwabuko stated that the appointments of both committees take immediate effect and will be ratified at the next Congress. He also directed the Electoral Committee to conduct bye-elections for vacant executive positions within 30 days to enable the Executive Committee to function at full capacity.
Calling for unity after the elections, he stressed that there was “no victor and no vanquished,” urging members to set aside differences and work collectively for the progress of the Forum. He assured members that the leadership remains open to new ideas, constructive criticism, and meaningful contributions.

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has strongly condemned the brutal attacks on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, describing the incident as heinous and heartbreaking.

The attacks, reportedly carried out by armed terrorists, claimed no fewer than 75 lives, led to the destruction of about half of the affected villages, and resulted in the loss of property worth millions of naira.

In a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. O.K. Chinda; Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa J.C; Deputy Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, the caucus expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity not only in Kwara but also in Benue, Katsina, and other parts of the federation.

The caucus lamented that the attacks were carried out in a “senseless and vicious manner,” leaving communities devastated and fearful, even as bodies were still being recovered days after the incident.
They also raised serious concerns over the alleged failure of security agencies to respond promptly, citing claims by the Head of Woro village, Mallam Umar Salihu, that security operatives arrived about 10 hours after the attackers had completed their operations.

According to the caucus, it was particularly disturbing that security agencies were allegedly alerted ahead of the attacks, yet no effective measures were taken to safeguard lives and property in the affected communities.

Given the scale and brutality of the violence, the lawmakers called on the Federal Government, through relevant authorities, to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the killings with a view to uncovering the truth, arresting the perpetrators, and ensuring their prosecution.

The caucus further warned that the renewed wave of violent attacks across the country has become a national emergency, noting that the continuous killing and maiming of innocent Nigerians—including women, children, and the elderly—requires deliberate and decisive action by the authorities.

Reiterating that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property, the Minority Caucus urged the Federal Government to strengthen security across the country.

They also assured Nigerians that, as a responsible bloc of lawmakers, they would deploy all necessary legislative instruments to support efforts aimed at addressing the country’s security challenges and finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

...says Abuja must not wait to become permanently gridlocked before structural reform is undertaken

The Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), in its research findings on Abuja gridlock has said there's urgent need for investment and administrative decentralization to curb the menace in the Federal Capital Territory FCT.

This was contained in a statement issued by ADSC's President, Sir, Victor Oluwafemi on Wednesday where he noted that he issued this statement on the strength of ADSC’s policy research and urban systems analysis on the worsening traffic gridlock within the Federal Capital Territory.

Oluwafemi explained that: "Our findings are clear. Abuja’s morning and evening congestion has moved beyond inconvenience.

" It is now a structural governance challenge with direct implications for national productivity, public service performance, staff wellbeing, investor confidence, and the long term liveability of the capital.

" Every workday, the same pattern repeats itself. In the mornings, a large majority of vehicles flow toward the same central corridors because government offices, public service points, and high activity institutions remain excessively clustered in the city core.

"In the evenings, the same traffic reverses in a single wave, creating daily paralysis that drains time, energy, and morale.

"ADSC’s research indicates that this problem is driven primarily by institutional concentration, not simply by limited road space.

" The more Abuja continues to concentrate government activity into the same tight centre, the more congestion becomes inevitable, regardless of how many interchanges are built.

"While road expansions and corridor upgrades remain important, they are insufficient as a standalone solution. Global urban planning evidence shows that where traffic demand is generated by concentrated destinations, increasing road capacity often produces temporary relief before congestion returns as demand rises to match the new capacity.

" Abuja must therefore shift from a road led response to a governance led, spatial planning strategy that reduces the daily need for mass commuting into the city centre.

"On the basis of these findings, I respectfully call on Mr President and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to adopt an evidence led decongestion programme anchored on accelerated satellite town development and administrative decentralisation.

" The Federal Capital Territory has substantial land and expansion potential across Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Abaji.

" These municipalities should no longer remain peripheral settlements while the city centre carries an unsustainable load. When satellite towns are treated only as residential spillover, they create commuter pressure rather than economic balance.

"The solution is to build them as functional municipal centres where people can work, access services, invest, and live without being compelled to enter central Abuja daily.

Oluwafemi who is also Founder, Douglas Development Institute (DDI) said: "ADSC recommends the phased relocation of selected non sensitive and high traffic government functions to these satellite municipalities.

"Priority should be given to back office directorates and support units, training institutions and conference facilities, records and archives, stores and logistics centres, procurement processing and compliance units, and high footfall service points that can operate efficiently as one stop municipal hubs.

"This will reduce peak hour traffic demand, improve punctuality, lift staff motivation, and spread economic activity across the wider FCT.

"In addition, we recommend accelerated digitisation of government workflows so that approvals, memos, reporting, file routing, and inter agency coordination occur securely through digital systems rather than requiring constant physical movement.

"When governance processes become digitally enabled, congestion reduces organically, service delivery becomes faster, transparency improves, and the entire administration becomes more efficient.

"Finally, ADSC supports a broader national approach where suitable federal institutions, where feasible, are relocated to other states of the federation.

" This will reduce Abuja’s long term administrative burden, strengthen national belonging through a more visible and balanced federal presence, and stimulate development and job creation beyond the capital.

"Abuja must not wait to become permanently gridlocked before structural reform is undertaken. A capital that cannot move will eventually struggle to lead. The time to act is now, while reforms can be implemented in a phased, orderly, and dignified manner that protects productivity, public health, and the identity of Abuja as a planned and functional capital.

Disengaged employees of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) have rejected the company’s response to their formal demand for a review and enhancement of exit compensation, describing it as evasive, incompetent, and symptomatic of deeper institutional decay within the power utility.

The affected workers, who are represented by P. H. Ogbolé, SAN & Co., said AEDC’s reaction falls far short of the seriousness required of a company confronted with grave legal and social claims from former employees.

AEDC had responded to the workers’ solicitors via email, rather than through a formally served letter acknowledged by stamp or receipt — a move the disengaged staff say underscores the company’s lack of seriousness and accountability. According to the workers, such conduct further validates the concerns already raised by their legal representatives, led by P. H. Ogbolé, SAN, about AEDC’s approach to due process and industrial relations.

In the email response dated January 29, 2026, AEDC merely acknowledged receipt of the demand and requested time to “review” the issues raised, without committing to any clear timeline for resolution. The former employees argue that the open-ended request mirrors the same arbitrariness with which about 800 staff were disengaged without justification late last year.

According to the affected workers, their disengagement was carried out under a purportedly non-justiciable agreement allegedly entered into with a compromised in-house union—an agreement they say is riddled with loopholes and was exploited to enable victimisation. They further allege that the process failed to state the exact number of staff to be affected and was executed without any stakeholders’ meeting, despite the fact that many of the disengaged workers still had several years remaining before retirement.

“This sector is already notorious for structural unemployment. To throw out experienced staff without justification or consultation is not only cruel but economically reckless,” one of the affected employees said.
The workers further accuse AEDC of acting with impunity, noting that the same culture of incompetence and disregard for due process evident in their disengagement is what customers within the company’s franchise area have endured for years—manifesting in poor service delivery, estimated billing, and unresolved complaints.

Unimpressed by AEDC’s response, the disengaged staff—through their solicitors, P. H. Ogbolé, SAN & Co.—say they are now mobilising for immediate legal action, insisting that the company’s failure to provide a definite timeline confirms bad faith.
They warned that the impending court action, to be initiated at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, would go beyond compensation claims, as they intend to expose internal practices and under-dealings within AEDC that, according to them, would “shock the Nigerian polity” once judicial proceedings commence.

As pressure mounts, industry observers say the unfolding legal battle—being driven by senior labour counsel P. H. Ogbolé, SAN—could reopen uncomfortable conversations around labour rights, corporate governance, and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s privatised power sector, a sector already under intense public scrutiny.

For now, the disengaged workers insist they will no longer wait indefinitely.
“The courts will decide,” one source said. “And Nigerians will finally see how this company really operates.”

The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, officials of the Ministry and those of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), concessionaires on the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway, held on Thursday, 5 February, 2026 at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja.

During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, and firm warnings and directives were issued to safeguard public health, ensure quality delivery, and sustainability, also to protect government investment.

Engr. Umahi disclosed that the Ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose environmental and health risks to residents on the corridor. Therefore, he directed that the Permanent Secretary issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, to be implemented. He warned that failure to resolve the issue within 7 days would lead to the project's suspension.

On the Dualisation of the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister stated that although the project was started by the previous government, the present one completed some sections and tolled them. It was, however, observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling. Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five (5) kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work.

He further directed that other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention given to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control. In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works.

Engr. Umahi emphasised the need for improved highway safety management, directing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the Highways.

Whilst expressing deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja. He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries have not been deployed with minimal site clearance being carried out. In this regard, he also warned that “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.”

The Minister made it abundantly clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds. He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development.

Highlighting the administration’s inheritance of projects, Engr. Umahi stated that the government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, he confirmed. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and much more.

Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be taken on all construction sites, adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial
Road and the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararraba-Lafia road.

The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have reaffirmed their commitment to credible, transparent and inclusive elections, urging political parties to strengthen internal democracy and support urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the Commission’s first regular consultative meeting with political parties for 2026, describing the year as a critical pre-election period that would test the readiness of all electoral stakeholders.
Amupitan said the Commission had successfully conducted the Anambra State off-cycle governorship election in November 2025, which he described as peaceful, transparent and credible, crediting political parties for rejecting violence and upholding the peace accord. He assured party leaders that INEC would continue to operate with openness, accountability and strict adherence to the law.
Turning to imminent elections, the INEC Chairman disclosed that preparations had reached an advanced stage for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026. According to him, over 1.6 million registered voters will vote across 2,822 polling units in the six area councils, with campaigns officially ending on 19 February.
He noted that non-sensitive materials had been deployed, ad hoc staff recruited, and security personnel trained, while BVAS devices were being configured for accreditation and result upload. He also announced a mock accreditation exercise slated for 7 February across 289 polling units in the FCT, alongside the accreditation of domestic and foreign observers.
Amupitan further revealed that INEC would conduct bye-elections the same day in Rivers State as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, following vacancies caused by resignation and deaths of lawmakers. He also confirmed the dates for the Ekiti governorship election on 20 June 2026 and the Osun governorship poll on 8 August 2026.
On the 2027 General Election, the INEC Chairman said the Commission had completed its timetable in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act, stressing the need for the National Assembly to expedite amendments to the electoral legal framework to guarantee stability well ahead of the polls.
Addressing voter-related concerns, Amupitan announced that INEC would soon commence a nationwide voter revalidation exercise to clean up the register ahead of 2027, citing issues such as duplicate registrations, deceased voters and non-citizens. He also expressed concern over declining voter turnout, which fell to 26.7 per cent in the 2023 presidential election, calling on political parties to intensify voter education and mobilisation.
The INEC Chairman also disclosed the registration of two new political parties — the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) — bringing the total number of registered parties in the country higher, while warning parties against internal crises that often lead to protracted litigation.
In his remarks, IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated Professor Amupitan on his appointment and urged INEC to remain independent, neutral and firm in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Dantalle called on INEC to strictly rely on party constitutions when recognising party leadership, warning that perceived interference fuels internal disputes and unnecessary court cases. He encouraged political parties to make greater use of IPAC’s alternative dispute resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to litigation.
IPAC also urged the National Assembly to hasten the harmonisation of electoral laws, advocating for mandatory real-time transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. The council reiterated its long-standing position for the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and the conduct of all elections by INEC on the same day nationwide to reduce costs, voter fatigue and credibility concerns.
Dantalle said the forthcoming FCT Area Council election, as well as the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls, would serve as key indicators of public confidence ahead of 2027, stressing that “the eyes of the nation and the world” would be on INEC.
Both INEC and IPAC pledged continued collaboration to deepen democracy, restore public trust in elections and ensure that every vote counts in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 22nd Sept, 2022//Pastor Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Is coming to church services late a sin?

"Iisten pastor, I work six days a week, and the only time I have to do my house chores and sleep longer hours is Sunday; i guess you understand what I mean."

The question rings again; this time in a lighter mood; is it ideal for a believer to be coming to church services late?

No doubt, this is another cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the body of Christ.

The trend of Christian faithful walking into church services at their own time.

We at LearnChrist however noted that;

If an employer will not permit his employees to be coming to work late;

If a person with an appointment with the president, will not go there late.

Then, coming to church services late is outright dishonour to the person of God; profane and ungodly.

I prayer for you, from today lateness to church services for any reason shall not be named among you IJN �.

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 15th Sept, 2022//Pastor Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Absenteeism From Church Services.

Focus: Should a believer be absent from church service at will?

I was in one of the offices in Abuja a few months ago, and some men got talking.

One of them said, "I don't go to church; in fact I'm neither a Christian nor a Muslim."

Then, the other man said, "well, I go to church only once every three months."

Shocked by this, I asked; "are you a believer sir?

Yes I'm, but I go to church like once in 3 months, he responded.

When I inquire further, he said, "if I want to have fellowship with God, I will gather my family together in my house."

Hmmmmmmmmm!

The alarming decline in church attendance by believers formed the basis of our discussion on LearnChrist.

We noted that believers must not forsake the gathering together of God's people in their local churches (Heb 10:25) for any reason.

Be it rain fall on a Sunday morning or not having worship offering...

The Psalmist says,
"For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up", Ps 69:9.

Again, he says, "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand...

I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."Ps 84:10.

Where is your zeal for the Lord?

Oh, you have lost it. Is that why you're saying it doesn't matter?

Now, you can walk in and out of your local church services at will; and have now become an online worshipper.

Someone maybe saying, "Pastor, is not by going to church often."

Well, my question to you is, is it by staying out of church always?

Let us use our tongues to count our teeth. No wonder, the children of this world are wiser.

They don't miss their occult or confraternity meetings...but here we are with all manner of excuses.

We at LearnChrist however admonished...

That every believer must make it a point of duty to attend his local church services...so as to fellowship with God amidst other believers, and to exhort one another in the Lord.

God bless your soul richly in Jesus name �.

What Does Prayer Do To Us?

1. It helps us to activate our spiritual identity. Your identity is what you represent in the arsenal/armoury of God.
- Elijah represented chariot and horses of fire; 2kings 2:11-12.
- David, the light of Israel; 2Sam 21 15-17.
- Jesus, a lion; Rev 5:5.
All these men were men of prayer!

2. Prayer helps us to build a strong spirit.
Jude 1:20; 1Cor 14:4.
One of the things we need to have a meaningful walking relationship with God is a strong spirit, and not anointing - that was the difference between Joseph and Samson.
Listen, anointing is given to make things happen and profit others, (1Cor 12:7; Acts 10:38).
What we need to have a meaningful walk with God is a strong spirit that's built by constant prayer and studying of God's word; and allowing ourselves to be guided by the word.
Selah!

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 8th Sept, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Dealing with negative thought.

Rick Warren once said, a bird may petch on your heard, but never allows it to build a nest on it.

Do negative thought sometimes pops up in our minds? Yes, it does? Sometimes, thought of our past lifestyle or the challenges we are faced with in life.

We at LearnChrist however noted that what we do with our negative thoughts is what matters. When it pop up in our hearts, as believers we are to resist and give it no place, James 4:7.

Do you know that resisting a negative thought may take seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months?
Don't fall to it!

Tips to Resisting Negative Thought:
1. Biuld a strong spirit through secret place dealings.
2. Be mindful of what you feed your mind with.
3. Submit yourself totally to God's commandments.
4. Know that Christianity isn't, "eat your cake and have it back". Take God seriously.

God bless you in Jesus name �.

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 1st September, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Is it possible to live a holy life?

"Oh forget it, it's only God that is holy; man can't be holy, and trying to live holy will only amount to nothing"

We at LearnChrist we pointed out the followings;
1. The cheap talk that nobody is holy has the tendency to discourage people from living a holy life. If you can't live holy, at least encourage others who wants to do so. We have discovered over the years that 90% of the people who says holy living isn't possible are people who have given themselves to the pleasure of sins.

2. If the bible refered to Noah, Job, John the Baptist, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Simeon, and Joseph the Aramathea as being perfect and just, why then do we say man can't live holy?

3. When the bible says all our righteousness are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), this doesn't mean man can't be righteous. It only means one thing: that the righteousness of man when compared with that of God, is like a filthy rag, Job 4:17; 15:14-15; 25:4-6.

When the bible says the heaven is not clean in God's sight, does it mean the heaven is dirty? No! Listen, there is a standard that God has set for man, when you meet it He will adjudged you holy. Let us not use this scripture as a cloak to live unholy life.

4. There are several passages of the bible where we were instructed to live holy. "Be ye holy, for I am holy.",1Peter 1:15-16, Heb 12:14; 1Thess 4:7 etc. The question is, will God ask us to do a thing if He knew it wasn't possible?

We however concluded that holy living is possible; if you can't live holy, don't discourage others from doing so.
God bless your soul �!

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 25th August, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Are there conducts a believer must stay away from, though they are right?

The answer is YES!
We at LearnChrist took a look at first Corinthians chapter eight where Apostle Paul talks about eating food offered to idols.

He said we know there is only one true God, suffice it is not wrong for a believer to eat such food having this knowledge.

However, in verse nine, he cautioned, "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."

So, drawing inference from this scripture one can say there are conducts that are right for a believer, but for the sake of they that are weak he/she must stay away from them.

Paul, the erudite Apostle went further to say, "For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols."

Is is wrong to eat idol's food? Is is wrong to seat at prostitute/beer joint talking malt? Is wrong to play/listen to worldly music? Is it wrong to dress as a modern man/woman? The answer maybe NO, but for the sake of others that are weak in conscience we are to avoid such, except for a godly motive, 1Cor 9:19-22.

We at LearnChrist therefore concluded that if going to certain places, doing certain things, dressing in certain manner etc could make the weak believer to offend, then we are to stay away from it.

"I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother offend ", 1Cor 8:13.

God bless your soul!

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 18th August, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: The Cost of Salvation.

We believe there are some people who do not believe it cost God anything to save man from eternal destruction. Well, the truth is, it cost God His Son, Jesus to save mankind, John 3:16.

God is the Almighty; but even in that capacity He did not just declare the salvation of man, He paid for it. The bible says we are bought with a price, 1Cor 6:20.

Though grace is freely given to us, it was never obtained freely by God; He parted with His most prescious Son who died the most painful death on the cross for us to be redeemed. Gloooory!

We at LearnChrist therefore admonished believers to take their walk with God seriously - living a life that befits Christ and pleasing unto God.

We pray for you, You will not miss eternity in Jesus name �.

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 11th August, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: The sin not unto death and sin unto death (1John 5:16-17)

"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death." John 5:16-17

The question now is which sin is not unto death and unto death?

Note that there are sins that do not lead to death (forgivable), and there are sins that leads to death (unforgivable).

We at LearnChrist noted that the sin that do not lead to death is the sin committed by a believer. Noticed it says, "if any man see his brother sin a sin". A brother is one who believes in Jesus, Acts 9:17. So then, if a believer commits sin; and repents and ask for mercy, he shall be forgiven, 1John 1:9. Hence such sin is not unto death because it has been forgiven. However, this doesn't in anyway encourage believers to continue to make practice of sin, 1John 5:18.

Now, the sin that leads to death is the sin committed by the unbelievers. Notice he says, "I do not say that he shall pray for it." In other words, even if you pray, it will still lead to death. Why? Because the unbelievers do not even believe in Christ and the cleansing power in His blood. How can they be forgiven when they do not believe that Jesus is the way? So then, an unforgiven sin leads to death.

We also considered the sin against the Holy Spirit as unto death, Matt 12:31. Do believers blaspheme against Him? No! A truly born again child of God doesn't blaspheme the Holy Spirit because he has Him in him, 1Cor 12:3. It is only the unbeliever that does.

Hmmmm, that brought us to another vital question, if an unbeliever who once blaspheme, later got born again, will his sins be forgiven? Well, in our own understanding, such a person shall receive forgiveness, because that's the purpose of Christ death.

Moreover, we at LearnChrist also noted that there are instances where God allows a sin to lead to death just to serve as deterrent to others; like the case of Ananais and Sappbira in Acts 5:1-14.

I pray for you, may you lost the appetite for sin in Jesus name. God bless!

LearnChrist Bible Study Meeting, Thursday 4th August, 2022//Pst Prevail Inegbenose.

Topic: Redeeming Vow: How Important is it?

A vow is a solemn promise or pledge made to God to do something or behave in a certain way. A vow could be financial or service or conduct. Unfortunately, so many believers have failed in this task. They are quick to make pledges in the house of God, but only to leave them unredeemed.

The big question now is, how important is it for us to pay our vows?

We at LearnChrist took a look at the thought of King Solomon in Ecclesiastics 5:1-6, where he said when we come to the house of God; let us be more ready to hear, rather than making pledges without considering the commitments involved.

He says when you make a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; stating emphatically that it is better not to make a vow than to make and pay not.

King Solomon admonished that we should not allow our mouths to cause us to sin, nor say before the angel, it was an error. He asked; do you want God to be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

From the foregoing, we concluded that it is very important for us to redeem our vows.

Now, someone maybe saying, "Pastor, I have made so many vows in time past, no doubt out of ignorance, coercion, fear, favour and alright show-off; and I don't have what it takes to redeem them." Well, in the time of ignorance God overlook, Acts 17:30. Thank God this message has come to you; repent and stop making mindless vows.

Another person maybe asking, "pastor, should we stop making vow unto God?". No, don't stop; but do it with the understanding of what it entails, not as the fools.

Pls note:
1. Vow is sacred, holy and spiritual, and therefore, its binding on the vower.

2. Vow is not only in money/materials, but also in conducts and service

3. Financial/material vow must not be made in faith (in expectation of resources), but out of what you have at hand or within reach.

God bless your mind!