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FG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending Demands

FG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending Demands

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

As a result of the threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has assured the union of its commitment to addressing all outstanding demands raised by the lecturers.

It said unlike in the past where separate committees handled negotiations for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, the government has now adopted a unified approach to ensure efficiency and coherence in the process.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the plea in Abuja on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the university-based unions.

Alausa disclosed that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

According to him, “We are finalising the components of the condition of service that ASUU has proposed. Our counterpart committee is also working to conclude its response and hopefully by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will present the Federal Government’s counter-offer to ASUU.”

He explained that President Bola Tinubu has given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

“The president has mandated us to do everything humanly possible to avoid strike. People at the highest level of government have been working several hours behind the scenes to come up with a robust but affordable response to the union’s demands. These issues have dragged on for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is determined to resolve them once and for all,” he said.

“In the past, we had three different committees working; one for universities; one for polytechnics, and one for colleges of education,” he explained. “But that was not an efficient way to negotiate. Now, we have one expanded negotiating committee that engages all tertiary institutions and all unions, both academic and non-academic, to ensure a holistic understanding of their needs.”

According to Alausa, about 80 per cent of the union’s requests are similar across the tertiary subsectors, while the remaining 20 per cent relate to peculiar career and institutional needs.

“We have seen all the requests, and we understand their peculiarities. The new committee has started work already and will continue to engage the unions expeditiously to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” he said.

The minister also urged ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue as a first option rather than resorting to industrial action.

“We know you have been patient, but please don’t use strike as your first resort. These are issues that have lingered for decades. President Tinubu has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way the government can afford.”

Alausa highlighted several steps already taken by the government to demonstrate its commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the provision of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions.

“The president has kept his promises. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues of wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be fully cleared, including the 2025 wage award. The government is sincere and committed,” he added.

He assured the union that discussions on the new conditions of service would soon be concluded, noting that this was the final component of the ongoing negotiation process.

“We have resolved most of the concerns raised by the unions, and we are now at the final stage — the conditions of service. We are pleading for patience. The government is truthful and genuinely interested in resolving this crisis once and for all,” he said.

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Kuni Tyessi in Abuja As a result of the threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has assured the union of its

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Detty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower Businesses

Detty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower Businesses

Nigeria’s lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has made a case for the need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa following the impressive revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December season. The Lagos State government had disclosed that it generated $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 Detty December.

According to the state government, hotels contri-buted over $44 million, while short-let apartments accounted for $13 million of the total earnings.

Ahead of the 2025 festive period, AWARI said  it has secured a new round of bridge funding aimed at empowering lifestyle businesses and deepening innovation in the sector.

The organisation said the  funding round, which surpassed the company’s previous pre-seed raise, was led by the Lagos Angel Network (LAN), and supported by a network of strategic investors.

Founded by entrepreneur Tannaz Bahnam, AWARI connects users with local lifestyle businesses such as restaurants, spas, gyms, shops and events, while providing business owners with tools for visibility, bookings, loyalty management and data-driven growth.

Speaking on the new funding, Bahnam said the investment would help the company deepen its impact and strengthen its role in supporting urban living and SME growth.

“AWARI was built to transform the way people experience their cities while helping lifestyle SMEs grow sustainably,” she said.

“With the support of the LAN and other visionary investors, we are doubling down on developing tools to strengthen communities, empower businesses, and improve everyday urban life. And with Detty December quickly approaching, now is the ideal time for businesses to join AWARI and gain visibility during Nigeria’s peak lifestyle season.”

According to the company, the new funding would be used to scale its event ticketing platform and loyalty programme, drive business engagement and user downloads ahead of Detty December, and enhance its technology and content operations as it prepares to expand into Ghana, Morocco, and Qatar within the next year.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the LAN, Yemi Keri, described the company’s growth as a positive sign for Africa’s digital and SME ecosystem.

Keri said: “We are excited to support AWARI as it shapes the future of urban discovery in Africa. AWARI is creating real value for SMEs by helping them increase visibility, attract new customers, and thrive in competitive urban markets.”

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Nigeria’s lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has made a case for the need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa following the impressive revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December season. The

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Why Nigeria’s Youth Must Be Employed

Why Nigeria’s Youth Must Be Employed

By Ugo Inyama

Nigeria’s youth are not just the future — they are the present. With more than 70% of the population under 35, the nation’s destiny depends on them. Yet millions of young Nigerians wake up each day to nothing — no jobs, no opportunities, no clear path to progress. This isn’t by accident. It’s the direct consequence of a broken system that rewards connections over competence and mediocrity over merit.

What we face today is not merely unemployment — it is a national betrayal.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, more than 73% of Nigerians aged 15–34 are unemployed or underemployed. That’s not just a figure; it’s a mirror reflecting the failure of leadership and policy. Behind every statistic lies a wasted dream, a graduate selling phone chargers on the street, a skilled artisan idle because there’s no power, a coder forced into cybercrime for survival.

Every year, Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and vocational schools produce over half a million graduates. Yet, the system absorbs almost none in percentage terms. Government after government makes speeches about “job creation” but builds no industries, reforms no curricula, and enforces no accountability. Education in Nigeria has become a conveyor belt of frustration producing certificates, not skills; graduates, not problem-solvers.

The problem isn’t the youth. It’s the system that has failed them — a system that refuses to grow industries, neglects infrastructure, and suffocates small businesses under the weight of erratic policies, multiple taxation, and corruption.

Insecurity, banditry, and cybercrime are not born in a vacuum. They are the offspring of economic exclusion. When a nation locks its young people out of opportunities, it opens the door to despair. And despair has consequences.

Employment gives purpose, pride, and peace. A working youth is a hopeful youth. A job is more than income -it is identity, dignity, and belonging. Without work, that same youth becomes vulnerable to manipulation, to crime, to hopelessness.

No nation can rise when its most vibrant generation is stuck in survival mode. Countries that made the leap from poverty to prosperity — China, Vietnam, South Korea did so by investing in their youth, building industries, and aligning education with national goals. Nigeria, by contrast, keeps recycling excuses and importing what it should be producing.

It’s time to stop pretending. Job creation must become the heartbeat of governance. It must shape education, infrastructure, and fiscal policy. Instead of endless subsidies that feed corruption, channel those billions into youth enterprise funds, innovation hubs, and industrial clusters that create real jobs.

The private sector too must be unleashed, not strangled. SMEs employ over 80% of Nigeria’s workforce but face crippling taxes, epileptic power, and no access to credit. Government must stop treating businesses as cash cows and start seeing them as engines of growth.

And education must return to purpose. The gap between classroom and career is now a canyon. We need vocational and digital training that matches the demands of the 21st-century economy. A degree without skill is a ticket to frustration.

Above all, there must be political will not slogans. We must measure progress not by committees and conferences, but by one metric: how many jobs were created, sustained, and scaled this year?

Nigeria’s youth have already shown their brilliance in technology, music, film, fashion, and sports—industries thriving not because of government, but in spite of it. Imagine what could happen if that same ingenuity received structured support, investment, and trust.

The real crisis isn’t that young Nigerians are unemployed; it’s that they are losing faith in the system, in the idea of merit, in their country itself. And when a nation’s youth stop believing, the future collapses long before the economy does.

Nigeria must act urgently and honestly. It must dismantle the barriers that keep its youth jobless and rebuild the structures that make work meaningful. Not as a favour, not as charity but as survival.

Because when young people work, the nation grows. But when they are abandoned, no amount of oil wealth or empty rhetoric can save it.

The message is clear and urgent: Employ the youth — or lose the nation.

*Ugo Inyama writes from the African Digital Governance Centre, Manchester, UK.
www.africandgc.org

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By Ugo Inyama Nigeria’s youth are not just the future — they are the present. With more than 70% of the population under 35, the nation’s destiny depends on them.

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Edo NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Destroy 66,000kg Drugs

Edo NDLEA Arrests 54 Suspected Drug Traffickers, Destroy 66,000kg Drugs

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk cannabis, while 54 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended with 1,506.57kg of various narcotic in the month of September.

Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this  while presenting the scorecard of the command in Benin City, saying  it recorded significant successes in its September operations.

He said: “Our intelligence-led operations led to the significant arrest of 54 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 43 males and 11 females. In a proactive measure to curb cannabis cultivation, six illicit plantations spanning over 26.43 hectares were destroyed. They were located at Ugbogui Forest, Ovia South West LGA; Ataroro Forest, Owan West LGA; Urohi Forest, Esan West LGA; and Ogu Forest, Iguiben LGA, of Edo State with an estimated yield of 66,078.5715 kg of skunk cannabis. 

The command also intercepted 1,506.57kg of illicit drugs.” 

He listed the breakdown of seized drugs as follows: “Cannabis Sativa 1,502. 26 Kg, psychotropic substances 4.27kg including tramadol 3.964kg, nitrazepam 0.087kg, Swinol 0.0445kg, Danabol (Molly) 0.1163kg, methamphetamine 0.0184 Kg, cocaine 0.028 Kg and heroin 0.014kg.”

According to him, “Some of the interesting cases include the interception of a truck along Wareke-Auchi Road, conveying 82 bags of cannabis concealed in bags of charcoal with a total weight of one thousand and twenty-five kilograms (1,025kg). Two suspects, Kabiru Abdulahi, 35 years old, male, from Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara, and Anas Safiyanu, 20 years old, male, from Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, have been apprehended in connection with the drug seizure.

“In another raid operation at a drug flashpoint along Wire Road, Benin City, one suspected male drug trafficker, Etiosa Bazuaye, 43 years old from Uhumwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, was apprehended with 98 pinches of crack cocaine weighing 13 grams hidden in a wooden stool.

“As a result of the annual court vacation, one conviction was secured in drug-related cases, while four additional cases have been charged and 118 cases are ongoing at the Federal High Court in Benin City,” Ofoyeju concluded.

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Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 66,078.57kg of skunk cannabis, while 54 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended with

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Alleged Imposition of Chairmen, Diversion of LG Fund by FG, Assault on Democracy, Says Osun ADC Caucus

Alleged Imposition of Chairmen, Diversion of LG Fund by FG, Assault on Democracy, Says Osun ADC Caucus

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun Omoluabi Progressives Caucus of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) has decried the attitude of the All Progressive Congress ( APC) led federal government on the Imposition of illegal chairmen and diversion of local government fund, saying democracy in Osun and Nigeria is under direct attack.

Speaking at a press conference addressed by the Chairman of Omoluabi progressives, Azeez Adesiji noted that the Omoluabi progressives viewed with grave concerns the ongoing brazen assault on democracy, rule of law, and the sanctity of the Constitution by the APC- led federal government.

He posited that by the operation of law, those parading themselves as council chairmen and councillors had no lawful mandates, no constitutional backing, and no electoral legitimacy.

According to Adesiji, “APC’s attempt to build legality on the election it conducted based on technical victory over pre-election matter at the expense of a judgment that nullified the election outrightly is laughable and the height of political rascality.”

He remarked that “Yet, the Federal government, instead of upholding the law, has chosen to perpetrate fascism by starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds and diverting billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of these Yes or No illegal chairmen. This is not only unconstitutional but a direct theft of the people’s resources and political brigandage. “

“This unconscionable act amounts to a declaration of war against the Nigerian Constitution and against the people of Osun State in particular. It is a dangerous precedent where federal government acting with impunity, disregards valid court judgments in order to entrench his party’s rejected cronies in power.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms this overbearing character of the Federal Government who has shown by this conduct that he will stop at nothing to manipulate institutions, desecrate the courts, and subvert the will of the people. This same pattern of lawlessness is already being woven into the fabric of Osun politics in the build-up to the forthcoming Osun elections, and Nigerians must take note of what this portends for 2027.”

The Omoluabi Progressives however called on all democratic forces, civil society, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community to resist this creeping authoritarianism.

He posited that the struggle for local government autonomy must not be perverted into an APC scheme for political capture and financial looting.

Adesiji also stressed that “the federal government and his collaborators must be held accountable for this reckless abuse of power. The Yes or No illegal chairmen must stop disturbing the peace of Osun immediately, and Osun’s local government funds must be released to the legitimate, constituted authorities.”

“Our people will not surrender their hard-won democracy to fascist dictates, neither in Osun, nor in Nigeria. We align our position with that of the NBA with a view of upholding judicial authority and its enforcement, the lawful LG chairmen in Osun are no longer open to political argument under the law.”

He however said “we the Omoluabi Progressives, say clearly the Yes or No illegal chairmen must not touch the money paid into their illegal accounts. Doing so is criminal and it will be revisited now or later.

“Local government funds must be released to legitimate and constitutional authorities. By any accounting procedure, government allocation cannot be paid directly or indirectly into any government functionary’s account. Doing so would amount to an egregious violation of financial regulation which the ICPC should address with the required urgency.”

“The federal government must stop treating Osun people’s resources as the APCs political war chest, All professional and democratic forces—NBA, NLC, civil society, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community must come together to resist this creeping authoritarianism.”

The Chairman however noted that “Osun people are watching. Nigeria is watching. the world is watching. Our democracy was not won to be handed over to fascist dictates. We will resist this abuse of power, we will defend the law, and we will stand for the dignity of Osun people.”

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Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun Omoluabi Progressives Caucus of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) has decried the attitude of the All Progressive Congress ( APC) led federal government on

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2026: Aspirant Unveils Plans for Greater Osun, Prioritizes Mechanised Farming, Affordable Healthcare, Business-friendly Reforms

2026: Aspirant Unveils Plans for Greater Osun, Prioritizes Mechanised Farming, Affordable Healthcare, Business-friendly Reforms

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State and leading governorship Aspirant for the 2026 gubernatorial election, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), has reiterated his commitment to delivering transformative governance that prioritizes the welfare of the people and the sustainable development of the state.

The Aspirant assured the people of Osun that, if elected as Governor in 2026, his administration will focus on mechanized farming support to boost agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and strengthen food security.

Alabi who stated this while hosting All Progressive Congress ( APC) stakeholders in the state emphasized that modernizing the agricultural sector is key to revitalizing the state’s economy and improving the livelihood of farmers across all local government areas.

He also pledged to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all residents, noting that quality health services are fundamental to a prosperous society.

He said “my plans include rehabilitating healthcare facilities, equipping hospitals with modern medical tools, and ensuring that trained personnel are available to deliver efficient and compassionate care.”

In addition, BOA promised to embark on an extensive rural road network expansion to enhance connectivity, open up rural communities, and stimulate commerce.

He equally expressed confidence that, with the collective support of Osun citizens, his vision will bring lasting progress and prosperity to the state.

BOA who is positioned to clinch the APC ticket pledged to implement business-friendly policies that will create an enabling environment for investors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to thrive.

According to him, “attracting investments and supporting local enterprises remain crucial to boosting economic growth and ensuring job creation for the people of Osun State; this, I will give a priority from day one.”

He further emphasized the promotion of a digital economy and the expansion of IT-related jobs, stressing that technology-driven empowerment will open opportunities for the youth, improve the State’s IGR and position the State for global business relationships.

He therefore assured that wealth creation through strategic empowerment programmes will be a key priority in his administration, as he works to build a more inclusive and prosperous Osun.

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Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The immediate past Deputy Governor of Osun State and leading governorship Aspirant for the 2026 gubernatorial election, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), has reiterated his commitment to

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Welding Institute Moves to Flush Out Fake Members

Welding Institute Moves to Flush Out Fake Members

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) has commenced moves to flush out alleged impersonators parading themselves as members of the professional group.

The Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of NIW, Chief Solomon Edebiri, in a statement issued yesterday assured them that the Institute was set to apply the full weight of the law on the alleged impersonators.

He disclosed that the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Institute slated for the last quarter of the year at its national headquarters in Benin City, Edo State,  would take  decisive steps  to put an end to cases of impersonation of membership of the Institute.

“The NIW is planning its annual general meeting (AGM) for the last quarter of the year. And it will be at the Institute’s headquarters in Benin-city, Edo State. It will address a lot of issues, including infiltration of the institute by non-financial members, abuse of powers by non-members and a lot of related illegal activities by dismissed staff of the Institute,” he stated.

While noting that the AGM would x-ray activities of the Institute in the last three years, Chief Edebiri maintained that it would also look into erring members and decisions it would come up with to sanction those denigrating the name of the Institute.

He said in the last three years, NIW had trained about 60 welding accessors,  internal and external quality assurance officers and several others, stressing that the institute was working assiduously to ensure that sufficient internationally certified welders were available to meet the local needs of the industrial sector.

Edebiri disclosed that some of the trainings were in collaboration with the National  Board for Technical Education (NBTE) while the Institute also funded some of the exercises.

“We are pushing to train more accessors in the industry. We want the country to be well grounded in welding in line with the international framework,” he added.

Edebiri said the body was working with the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to train welding coordinators across the country, noting that they were done with the South-west and the South-south zones.

“We are working on the South-east zone and then we will  proceed to the northern regions. The federal government wants to equip every zone with competent welding coordinators that are certified under the International Institute of Welding.

“Our focus is to build a strong capacity for the country in terms of Control, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control in terms of welding operations in the industry. We are pushing for other activities in collaboration with government interventionist agencies,” he said.

Chief Edebiri debunked the alleged AGM of the institute held at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State recently, emphasising that such impersonations by some persons were matters that would be addressed at the coming AGM billed for last quarter of the year in Edo State.

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Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) has commenced moves to flush out alleged impersonators parading themselves as members of the professional group. The Secretary of the Board

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FCCPC Warns Kano Traders against  Adulteration, Harmful Chemicals

FCCPC Warns Kano Traders against  Adulteration, Harmful Chemicals

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Kano State traders against adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, formalin, among others.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the agency, Mr. Tunji Bello, issued the warning at a one-day sensitisation campaign on food quality standards, safety, regulation, and fair business practices, organised for the business community in Kano yesterday.

He explained that food is not merely for sustenance or a commodity, but a fundamental human right, emphasizing that access to safe, unadulterated, nutritious food is a key pillar of public health, economic development, and national security.

Bello, represented by the Director of Quality Assurance and Development, Dr. Nkechi Mba, said issues of food quality standards, safety, and fair business practices are more pressing than ever, “but we continue to witness alarming trends like: ‘The forceful ripening of fruits using harmful chemicals such as calcium carbide, which contains trace amounts of arsenic and phosphorus both of which are highly toxic to humans’.

“Adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate, Sudan red colorant, sniper, formalin, among others.

“Improper handling and contamination across the food value chain, from farm to table such as poor storage conditions, unhygienic environment, poor waste disposal, exposure of food stuffs to flies, insects and rodents among others.”

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Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned Kano State traders against adulteration of food products with dangerous additives and preservatives chemicals such as bromate,

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Hamza Madagali Takes Over as  PDP Chairman in Adamawa

Hamza Madagali Takes Over as  PDP Chairman in Adamawa

Daji Sani in Yola

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has sworn in its new executive committee members, with Hamza Madagali emerging as the chairman. The ceremony took place in Yola, marking a new chapter for the party in the state.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta attended the swearing-in event, underscoring the government’s connection with the party. The governor’s representative expressed optimism, saying  Madagali’s leadership would  bring fresh dynamics to the PDP in Adamawa.

Other key officials of  new executive committee are: Saleh Mohammed Musa Shelleng as State Secretary, Barr. Ishaku Y. Daniel as Legal Adviser, Bature Moses as Auditor, Titus Samaila as Organising Secretary, and Victor Dogo as Publicity Secretary, alongside others.

Farauta  urged the new chairman to foster collaboration with party stakeholders, promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness within the party. This, it was noted, would help strengthen the PDP’s structure.

The professor also appealed to  Madagali to reach out to aggressive members of the PDP across the state and encourage them to return to the party fold, promoting reconciliation.

She appreciated the outgoing chairman, Barrister AT Shehu,  for his efforts in building and developing the party during  his tenure. The transition to the new leadership was noted to be smooth.

While speaking the newly inaugurated chairman Madagali, expressed gratitude to God, Governor Fintiri, and PDP stakeholders  for trusting him with the leadership of the party in Adamawa State. He pledged to provide good leadership.

Madagali’s leadership is anticipated to enhance the party’s relationships with members and boost its standing in the state. With Governor Fintiri’s support, the PDP aims for greater achievements.

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Daji Sani in Yola The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has sworn in its new executive committee members, with Hamza Madagali emerging as the chairman. The ceremony took place