Contrary to widespread assumptions, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has not acquired a brand-new official jet, but rather a refurbished one, according to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. In an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Onanuga explained that the newly acquired Airbus A330 is meant to address the costly maintenance issues associated with older jets in the presidential fleet, which includes a 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 originally purchased during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Onanuga emphasized that the jet is a national asset, “belonging to the people of Nigeria,” and not President Tinubu’s personal property. The spokesman pointed out that the newly added Airbus, which was pre-owned but well-maintained, offers a more reliable alternative to the aging aircraft, which has been costly to maintain. The older Boeing reportedly encountered operational issues during Tinubu’s visit to Saudi Arabia, necessitating the use of a chartered jet to continue to The Netherlands.

Highlighting the importance of prioritizing the President’s safety, Onanuga added that the refurbished jet will be available for use by Tinubu’s successors as well. He clarified that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, also recognized the need for an upgrade, citing excessive maintenance expenses for the aging fleet.

Onanuga’s statements follow a series of recent directives by Tinubu’s administration aimed at streamlining governance costs, including reducing the size of ministers’ convoys and the number of aides.

The recent destruction of over 2,400 illicit arms at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja, marked a significant yet perplexing event in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity. Organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), the ceremony saw high-ranking military officials and government representatives, including National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, gather to witness the destruction of weapons that could potentially arm over two battalions.

While the act was celebrated as a triumph against illegal arms, it raised critical questions about Nigeria’s security strategies. Ribadu’s assertion that soldiers and police were implicated in selling arms to terrorists and bandits was quickly challenged by the Defence Headquarters, indicating a potential rift in the narrative surrounding the nation’s security challenges.

In a country struggling with security threats and financial constraints, the decision to destroy arms is bewildering. Even if these weapons are deemed unserviceable or outdated, they could have been repurposed for other security forces, such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) actively combating terrorism in the North-East. This raises the question: why would a nation so in need of arms willingly destroy what little it has?

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has previously lamented the challenges faced in acquiring military equipment, asserting that even when funds are available, Western suppliers often refuse to sell arms to Nigeria. This history of arms procurement difficulties, dating back to the Nigeria Civil War, underscores the urgency of enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities. Yet, at an event showcasing the destruction of arms, the discomfort of high-ranking officials like General Musa becomes apparent.

The destruction of these weapons appears counterproductive, especially when historical precedents highlight a clear need for military resources. Past administrations, including that of former President Jonathan, faced obstacles in procuring arms, leading to desperate attempts to circumvent international restrictions. Instances such as the seizure of $9.3 million in cash for intended arms purchases by South African authorities reveal the lengths to which Nigeria has gone in search of military support.

While the Director General of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, categorized the destroyed arms as a mix of unserviceable and decommissioned weapons, he hinted at future destructions of newly seized arms. This raises an unsettling prospect: if Nigeria continues to destroy weapons, including those recently confiscated, what does it say about our ability to secure and arm our forces against mounting threats?

Moreover, this pattern reflects a troubling mentality within the security apparatus. The focus on destruction rather than repurposing raises concerns about priorities in arms management and procurement. It highlights a broader issue of reliance on foreign arms, neglecting Nigeria’s rich history of indigenous arms production. Pre-colonial Nigeria was known for its arms manufacturing, particularly in regions like Awka, which were systematically dismantled by colonial powers.

The current security climate demands a critical reassessment of how Nigeria manages its military resources. It is imperative to move away from a reliance on foreign arms, investing instead in local manufacturing capabilities. By doing so, Nigeria can build a self-sustaining military framework better equipped to respond to its unique security challenges.

In summary, the destruction of arms amid ongoing security challenges raises pressing questions about Nigeria’s strategic approach to military preparedness. Rather than contributing to national security, such actions may undermine efforts to combat the very threats the nation faces. A shift towards repurposing existing resources, investing in local production, and fostering a cohesive strategy for arms management is essential for a resilient and secure Nigeria.

Youths from Aninri, Awgu, and Oji River Federal Constituency, under the aegis of the Greater Awgu Youth General Assembly (GAYGA), have praised the exceptional contributions of Igwe Elect of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom, Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr., towards community building and human capital development.

The commendation was made by GAYGA President Comrade Okolie Valentine Ebuka in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu. He highlighted Chief Ogbonna’s deep commitment to the progress and well-being of the Greater Awgu community.

Comrade Okolie emphasized Chief Ogbonna’s significant role in enhancing access to clean water through a water reticulation project in Ogugu Ntu-egbenese. This initiative has greatly improved residents’ access to clean water, promoting a healthier living environment.

Additionally, he commended Chief Ogbonna’s involvement in infrastructure development, particularly through partnerships for the renovation and equipping of the Ibite Health Center and Ogugu Central School. These projects, sponsored by prominent figures including Chief and Lolo Nweke, and Gidim Ejike Okonkwo and his wife, have brought essential health and educational services closer to the people, reflecting the Igwe Elect’s dedication to community welfare.

GAYGA also acknowledged Chief Ogbonna’s efforts to provide food security and support for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement noted:

“The Greater Awgu Youth General Assembly (GAYGA) is honored to commend Chief Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr., Ikemba Enugu, and Igwe Elect of Ogugu Ntu-egbenese Ancient Kingdom for his significant contributions to community development across Greater Awgu Land. His dedication to progress, youth development, and unity has positively influenced many lives within Awgu Local Government Area and beyond.”

Chief Ogbonna’s commitment to community welfare is evident through various impactful projects, particularly in improving access to water. His personal contribution of ₦600,000 as part of the community’s share helped ensure the successful completion of the ₦12 million water reticulation project, significantly enhancing access to clean water for residents.

Moreover, Chief Ogbonna has played a key role in enhancing local infrastructure through community partnerships. The renovation, rehabilitation, and equipping of the Ibite Health Center and Ogugu Central School have brought vital health and educational services closer to the people. These efforts, supported by local leaders, reflect Chief Ogbonna’s focus on the well-being of his community.

Beyond these initiatives, Chief Ogbonna’s contributions extend to the broader Enugu State community. During the 2023 election period, he organized the distribution of 4,500 bags of rice—2,500 from his personal resources and 2,000 coordinated through Enugu indigenes in South Africa—to support local families and alleviate economic hardships. Such acts have helped foster unity and support among the region’s people.

His involvement in local government elections has further strengthened democracy, promoting democratic principles at the grassroots level while highlighting the achievements of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration, fostering pride and unity among the people of Greater Awgu.

Anglican Bishop, traditional rulers, and community leaders have praised 92-year-old academician Dr. Eberechukwu Anyabuike for unveiling his book on the Christian missionary enterprise in the Igbo community. The event, which also marked his 92nd anniversary, took place at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, and featured the book titled “Christian Missionary Enterprise in Isu-Ama Igbo 1900-1948: A Historical Survey.”

The celebration began with a church service at All Souls Chapel, Alvan, where dignitaries from various segments of society gathered to show their support for Dr. Anyabuike.

In a review of the book, Professor Ngozi Okereke challenged the notion that Isu-Ama lacked religion prior to the introduction of Christian missionaries, stating, “Isu-Ama had been religious from perennial times. In the religious evolutionary process, Isu-Ama evolved.”

Dr. Anyabuike took the opportunity to urge scholars across the country to develop a keen interest in continuous research and the advancement of university curricula. He emphasized the importance of adapting to the digital world, noting, “We are in a digital world, and trends are evolving daily; scholars must brace up to embrace the dynamics that present themselves as the realities of our time.”

He called on scholars, academicians, and university faculty to demonstrate a deep commitment and sense of responsibility in research work and academic excellence to produce materials that would endure over time. “When this is done, universities will have enough materials to produce students with high academic and moral standards,” he remarked.

Most Rev. David Onuoha, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe South and Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, who was represented by Rev. Ernest Uzoukwu, showered praises on Dr. Anyabuike, describing him as a dedicated lover of God and education.

Interswitch, an integrated payments and digital commerce company, has urged for the complete digitalization of the microfinance ecosystem to overcome existing challenges and unlock growth opportunities within the sector.

Mr. Emmanuel Nwokocha, Head of Sales for South-South at Interswitch, made this call at the Interswitch Technconnect 4.0 program held in Asaba, Delta State. The event, themed “Unlocking Growth Opportunities Through Technology and Innovation,” attracted stakeholders from the financial technology space, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts.

During his keynote address titled “The Future of Microfinance – Digitalization, Challenges, and Growth Opportunities,” Nwokocha highlighted the significant transformation microfinance has undergone over the years. He noted that what started as a simple mechanism for offering small loans and savings options to the unbanked has evolved into a complex ecosystem that now provides a variety of financial services, including insurance, credit, and payments.

Despite these advancements, Nwokocha pointed out that challenges such as high operational costs, limited scalability, and inefficiencies in customer acquisition still persist. He emphasized that these barriers hinder the goal of extending financial services to underserved communities and driving grassroots prosperity.

“Digitalization is crucial,” Nwokocha stated. “By harnessing digital platforms, we can drastically reduce the cost of service delivery, improve customer engagement, and provide more tailored financial products. Digital innovation can create a more inclusive financial ecosystem that is accessible, affordable, and effective.”

He affirmed Interswitch’s commitment to a digital-first approach, advocating for solutions such as mobile banking, digital wallets, AI-driven credit scoring, and cloud-based platforms to ensure the relevance and resilience of microfinance in a digital age.

Nwokocha also noted that realizing the full potential of digitalized microfinance necessitates collaboration among various stakeholders. “Financial institutions, fintech companies, regulators, and telecom providers must come together. Innovation is rarely the work of a single entity; it thrives on collective effort. We must build partnerships that foster trust, create synergies, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable growth of the microfinance sector.”

He concluded by highlighting the importance of events like Interswitch’s TechConnect series in providing a platform for stakeholders to connect, share insights, and collaborate for impact. He envisions a future where microfinance institutions operate with the efficiency of digital banks, powered by robust data analytics and cloud computing.

The National Patriotic Coalition (NPC) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent local government elections conducted in Kano State, deeming the process a sham and a blatant disregard for democracy.

Despite a Federal High Court ruling that disqualified the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidates, the coalition of observers criticized Governor Abba Yusuf for proceeding with the elections, which they argue contravened the rule of law and judicial authority.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kunle Solomon, the NPC asserted that the election results, in which the NNPP won all 44 chairmanships and 484 councillorship seats, lack legitimacy. Solomon characterized the exercise as a “comedy taken too far” and dismissed it as a mere “kangaroo” poll for underage children. He accused Governor Yusuf of carrying out the elections without any understanding of democratic processes, further alleging that his actions are synonymous with corruption and misrule.

The NPC emphasized that such conduct undermines the democratic process, stating, “The National Patriotic Coalition (NPC) strongly condemns the recently conducted local government elections in Kano State, as it is a sham and a blatant disregard for democracy.” They highlighted the governor’s decision to disregard the Federal High Court’s ruling as a clear violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), specifically Section 287(1), which mandates that judicial decisions be enforced throughout the Federation by all authorities and persons.

The West African College of Physicians (WACP) is convening its 48th Annual General and Scientific Meeting (AGSM) from Monday to Wednesday in Abuja, focusing on the theme “Strengthening Healthcare Systems in West Africa: Opportunities and Challenges.” This gathering aims to generate key recommendations and actionable steps to enhance healthcare systems across the region, drawing health experts from the College’s 13-chapter countries.

The theme reflects the meeting’s purpose to address pressing healthcare challenges in West Africa and to identify innovative solutions and collaborations that can drive transformative change. Challenges being addressed include emerging infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, sustainable healthcare financing, and workforce development.

Dr. Rose Macauley, the College President, noted that the AGSM represents a pivotal moment for collaboration among healthcare providers, governments, and partners to tackle the region’s healthcare challenges and improve community health outcomes. The meeting aims to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing, developing practical strategies to strengthen healthcare systems across West Africa.

The WACP anticipates that the discussions and insights from the AGSM will translate into tangible benefits for communities, addressing the unique healthcare needs of the region. This event highlights the resilience and dedication of healthcare professionals while serving as a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at improving the overall health landscape in West Africa.

Gemsbok Group has announced significant upgrades to its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, gemsbokGPT, as revealed by founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Charles Awuzie, during the recent two-day Singularity Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, themed “Igniting Africa’s Future.”

Awuzie, a Nigerian-South African technology entrepreneur, emphasized that the Singularity Summit serves as a global gathering of technologists discussing the potential of emerging technologies, including AI and blockchain, to tackle pressing global issues in sectors like finance, energy, security, and disaster management.

The new features of gemsbokGPT include:

• Text-to-video: Generates videos in seconds.
• Text-to-3D: Creates 3D product designs rapidly.
• PDF-to-audio: Converts PDF documents into audio format.
• Text-to-images: Produces high-definition images.
• Text-to-professional CV: Builds professional CVs.
• Audio-to-PDF: Transcribes audio from sermons and speeches into eBook format.
• Text-to-code: Generates code from text prompts.

Additionally, the upgraded platform boasts over 35 AI bots, including Jakpa AI, which serves as a relationship counselor, business coach, and AI book writer, among other functionalities. Awuzie expressed confidence that these advancements will position gemsbokGPT as one of the most sophisticated generative AI platforms emerging from Africa.

In a notable shift, the company plans to transition from a monthly subscription model to a pay-as-you-use payment structure. Awuzie stated, “Once we hit $1 million in either revenue or funding, we shall make the platform free to accelerate AI adoption in Africa. We have developed alternative ways to generate revenue from the platform when it becomes free as well.”

While the gemsbokGPT website is currently operational, Awuzie acknowledged that they are addressing some existing bugs.

Reflecting on the broader implications of AI, he noted that the educational system is evolving. He stated, “In the pre-AI era, the school system taught humans how to answer examination questions, but technology is changing that system. Now that AI can answer all academic questions, the best students today are no longer those who can provide the right answers but those who can ask the right questions.”

An ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives has expressed serious concerns regarding the state of the Kaduna-Abuja section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project. During an oversight visit to inspect the highway, the committee members criticized the slow progress of work by the contractor and pledged to ensure that construction resumes promptly and the road is made accessible to the public as soon as possible.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action. This follows a warning from the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who threatened to revoke the contractor’s contract if work does not recommence within seven days. Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of completion since the project was awarded six years ago in 2018.

During the oversight visit, Jaji assured that the committee would intervene in the matter to resolve the issues delaying progress. He stated, “We’ll do our best to ensure that all things have been done in accordance with the contractual agreement and other applications that are supposed to be executed in the National Assembly, especially by this particular committee.”

Jaji noted that both the contractors and the Minister must adhere to their commitments under the contractual agreement. He also mentioned that the committee is awaiting formal updates and has requested necessary information from the Ministry of Works. Additionally, the committee plans to communicate with relevant agencies involved in the palliative measures currently being undertaken on the Abuja-Kaduna road.

He concluded by affirming the committee’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that progress on the road project is expedited.

The Francess Barbara Foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of families struggling with food insecurity through its dedicated outreach programs. Committed to community support and care, the foundation has been actively providing essential food and supplies to underserved neighborhoods.

In recent months, the foundation has organized several successful food distribution events, focusing on families facing economic hardships and ensuring they have access to nutritious food. Francess Ebea, the founder of the Francess Barbara Foundation, emphasizes the importance of these initiatives, stating, “No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Our goal is to support families in need and help ease their burden. By providing food and essentials, we hope to make a positive impact on their daily lives.”

During a recent event, volunteers distributed food packages containing staples like rice, beans, and vegetables, as well as hygiene products and other necessities. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Francess shares, “Seeing the relief and gratitude on people’s faces is incredibly moving. It reinforces our commitment to giving back and supporting those who need it most.”

In addition to food distribution, the foundation is focused on raising awareness about the broader issues of poverty and hunger. Collaborating with local organizations, they work to identify the most vulnerable families, ensuring that assistance reaches those in critical need.

The Francess Barbara Foundation also organizes educational workshops on nutrition and financial management. These workshops aim to empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their long-term well-being and financial stability. Francess explains, “While our immediate focus is on providing essential items, we also want to help families build a better future. Our workshops are designed to offer practical advice and support, helping individuals manage their resources more effectively.”

The foundation’s dedication to alleviating hunger and supporting underserved families is making a significant impact. Their efforts not only address immediate needs but also contribute to the overall well-being of the community. By offering food, resources, and education, the Francess Barbara Foundation is helping to build a stronger and more resilient community for everyone

The Igbo community in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, recently held a vibrant celebration for the 2024 New Yam Festival, showcasing cultural ties with China through a collaboration with the HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria and the local Chinese community. This annual festival marks the conclusion of the farming season and heralds a new cycle of abundance and prosperity.

Attendees enjoyed an array of cultural performances, including traditional Igbo war dances, captivating masquerades, and the energetic Chinese lion dance, alongside the waist drum dance. The event featured the communal cutting and tasting of yams, fostering a rich tapestry of shared experiences among community members, who donned traditional attire, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the presentation of N100,000 in educational support to ten students from the Amuwo Odofin council. Eze Augustine Sunday Ojukwu, the Eze Nidigbo of Amuwo Odofin, welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and unity in his address.

Ojukwu remarked, “As we gather to celebrate the bountiful harvest that God has blessed us with, we are also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and China, which represents the enduring bonds of friendship and unity that bind us together. This is a moment for us to give thanks, to reflect on our journey, and to renew our commitment to our community and our values.”

He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Eric Ni, the Nwanne Di Namba of Amuwo Odofin, for generously providing scholarships to deserving students. Ojukwu highlighted this contribution as a vital reminder of the role education plays in shaping the future of the community’s youth.

The Igbo community in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, recently celebrated the 2024 New Yam Festival, emphasizing cultural ties with China through a collaborative effort involving the HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria and the local Chinese community. This vibrant event marks the end of the farming season, symbolizing the onset of a new cycle filled with abundance and prosperity.

The festival featured a variety of cultural performances, including traditional Igbo war dances, captivating masquerades, the energetic Chinese lion dance, and the waist drum dance. Attendees were treated to the communal cutting and tasting of yams, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences. The atmosphere was further enhanced by community members dressed in traditional attire, reflecting the festive spirit of the occasion.

A notable highlight of the celebration was the presentation of N100,000 in educational support to ten students from the Amuwo Odofin council. Eze Augustine Sunday Ojukwu, the Eze Nidigbo of Amuwo Odofin, welcomed guests and underscored the importance of cultural exchange and unity during his address.

Ojukwu stated, “As we gather to celebrate the bountiful harvest that God has blessed us with, we are also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and China, which represents the enduring bonds of friendship and unity that bind us together. This is a moment for us to give thanks, to reflect on our journey, and to renew our commitment to our community and our values.”

He also expressed gratitude to Chief Eric Ni, the Nwanne Di Namba of Amuwo Odofin, for his generous support in providing scholarships to the deserving students. Ojukwu highlighted this gesture as a reminder of the critical role education plays in shaping the future of the youth in the community.

The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC) is set to honor its Serving Overseer, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in celebration of his 70th birthday with a week-long series of events beginning on Sunday, November 10.

Kayode Ladeinde, the Team Lead for the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of CGCC, shared details about the celebration, emphasizing Bakare’s significant influence as a spiritual leader, passionate preacher, and advocate for justice. Known affectionately as PTB, Bakare’s impactful teachings and dedication to service have inspired millions both within the church and in the broader society. His contributions extend to socio-political realms, where he has been recognized for his candid remarks on national issues and his commitment to ethical leadership. Notably, he served as the running mate to former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election, showcasing his deep interest in Nigeria’s future.

The week’s activities include:

• Sunday, November 10: Appreciation Sunday organized by Affinity Groups within CGCC.
• Monday, November 11: Birthday Thanksgiving Service and Book Presentation.
• Tuesday, November 12: Law Endowment Fund and Solar Project Commissioning at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) themed “Let There Be Light.”
• Wednesday, November 13: Wellness and Health Talk titled “A Formula for a Sickness-Free Life” by Dr. Susana Adams.
• Friday, November 15: Inaugural Lecture hosted by The Citadel Centre for Development (TCCD).
• Sunday, November 17: Final Thanksgiving Service at CGCC, celebrating 70 years of impactful leadership and prophetic-apostolic ministry.

This week of events highlights Pastor Bakare’s multifaceted influence, bridging spiritual guidance and national advocacy, and invites all to partake in the celebration of a dedicated servant-leader committed to righteousness and justice.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has been recognized as a finalist for the Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Awards. NIPR has been nominated for the prestigious title of Global Public Relations Association of the Year, competing alongside notable organizations such as the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

This award category celebrates organizations that demonstrate exemplary public relations and communication efforts. NIPR’s nomination is attributed to its innovative use of media relations and stakeholder engagement strategies aimed at combating quackery within the industry. The institute has effectively implemented advanced public relations tactics to enhance the profession’s reputation in Nigeria.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ike Naliaku, NIPR has achieved significant milestones over the past year. These include receiving governmental endorsements, integrating public relations as a recognized cadre within civil public services, and certifying PR professionals as spokespersons for prominent organizations. Additionally, the NIPR has inducted over 2,040 new members, including military generals, lawyers, and editors, further advancing the professionalism of the field.

The Global Alliance World Public Relations & Communication Awards recognize campaigns that exemplify strategic planning, creativity, and transformative business results. A panel of industry experts, thought leaders, and academics evaluated over 100 entries from 20 countries to judge the submissions.

Winners of the awards will be announced during the World Public Relations Forum 2024 awards ceremony, scheduled for November 20 at the luxurious Merusaka Nusa Dua in Bali, Indonesia.

A youth group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State has commended President Bola Tinubu for reappointing Uba Maigari as Minister of State for Regional Development. The group, operating under the Taraba State APC Liberation Movement, also expressed its commitment to mobilizing support for the party in anticipation of the 2027 elections.

Idris Ayuba, the leader of the group, released a statement highlighting that the appointment of Taraba indigenes to significant federal positions underscores the APC’s dedication to the state. He noted, “The reappointment of H.E. Barr. Uba Maigari Ahmadu as Minister of State for Regional Development and the retention of Dr. Aisha Adamu as Managing Director of the Federal Medical Center Jalingo exemplify the president’s commitment to excellence.”

Additionally, Ayuba pointed out that the appointment of Dr. Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed as Managing Director of the Upper Benue Development Authority reflects the administration’s focus on leveraging local talent. He remarked, “These appointments reflect the present administration’s dedication to unity, progress, and empowerment, which has instilled hope among our members and the people of Taraba State.”

The group pledged its unwavering support for the federal government’s policies, emphasizing the recognition of Taraba State’s potential and the positive impact of these appointments on the region’s development.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is strategically positioned to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming governorship election on November 16, 2024. His remarks came during the formal inauguration of the Ondo State chapter of The Mandate Movement (TMM) in Akure on Sunday.

Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the significant role of the Mandate Movement in promoting progressive politics across southwestern Nigeria. He stated, “TMM is one of the strongest political movements in Nigeria. When the chairman was speaking, I reflected on how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elevated the progressive platform, becoming not only a leader of the Yoruba nation but also an African leader of repute.”

The governor emphasized his expectation of securing nothing less than 80% of the votes in the upcoming election, expressing confidence that the involvement and cooperation of the Mandate Movement would help achieve this goal.

Cardinal James Odunbaku, the national chairman of TMM, performed the official inauguration and outlined the group’s mandate to produce governors under the APC banner across the southwestern states. He expressed optimism about the growing strength of the progressive movement in Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, and Ekiti states, stating, “I want to say, without any doubt, that Osun and Oyo states will soon join us, because the entire southwest must be progressive as it has always been.”

Odunbaku reiterated that the goal for Ondo state is to deliver overwhelming votes for the APC to continue reaping the benefits of democracy. In his address, Ondo State APC chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin, represented by Aro Bernard, thanked the national chairman for enhancing the Mandate Movement’s capacity to achieve optimal results.

Furthermore, the Ondo State chairman of TMM, Omofunmilewa Adejombo, assured the national chairman of effective coordination within the Ondo chapter to lead the APC to victory in November.