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Why Tinubu Should Nominate Minister from Nsukka Zone to Replace Nnaji

Why Tinubu Should Nominate Minister from Nsukka Zone to Replace Nnaji

By Ike Jonathan-Ezema

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to consolidate his political base and strengthen his administration’s national appeal, strategic inclusivity remains essential for deepening his support across all regions of Nigeria.

One critical region that deserves presidential attention in this regard is the Nsukka Zone of Enugu State, a region with about 60 percent of the state voting population that has not produced a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.

Nsukka zone is also the host of University of Nigeria with a huge student and staff population.

Replacing Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji from Enugu East Senatorial District who resigned as a Minister following the allegations of certificate forgery, with someone from Nsukka Zone in Enugu North Senatorial District would change the 2027 voting dynamics in favour of President Tinubu.

The two minority Senatorial Districts in Enugu State (Enugu East and Enugu West Senatorial Districts) have been rotating the Ministerial slots of the state to themselves since 1999 to date, leaving out the zone whose voting strength outwaigh votes from the two senatorial districts put together.

Here is a compiled chronological list of Nigerians from Enugu State who have served as federal ministers since 1999, with each person’s ministerial portfolio(s), years in office and source citations.

Ministers from Enugu State (1999 — 2025):

Dubem (Gideon) Onyia
Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of State, Foreign Affairs 1999–2003

Frank Nweke Jr.;
Enugu East Senatorial District :
Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs & Special Duties; Information & National Orientation; Information & Communications)
2003–2007 (various portfolios)

Fidelia Akuabata Njeze;
Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of State (Defence); Minister of State (Agriculture & Water Resources); Minister of Aviation (full minister) 2007–2011 (moved between roles; Aviation 2010–2011)

Bartholomew (Barth) Nnaji; Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of Power July 2011 – Aug 2012

Prof. Ositadimma (Osita) Nebo;
Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Power Feb 2013-2015.

Geoffrey Onyeama;
Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Foreign Affairs 2015 – 2023

Uche (Geoffrey) Nnaji;
Enugu East Senatorial District:
Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology (Minister) — resigned Oct 2025 Aug 16, 2023 – Oct 2025 (resigned Oct 7–8, 2025).

This anomaly and injustice if corrected by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, will pose a great goodwill for him in the next 2027 presidential election in the zone thereby making him to enjoy an overwhelming 60 percent of the total vote cast in Enugu State.

Nsukka Zone; The Political Stronghold of Enugu State:

The Nsukka Zone (Enugu North Senatorial District), comprising key local government areas such as Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani, with a sister Isi Uzo Local Government Area carved into Enugu East senatorial district, holds the highest voting population in Enugu State.

It has long been the political nerve center of the Enugu North Senatorial District and a strategic determinant of electoral outcomes in the state. By nominating a minister from this zone, President Tinubu would be acknowledging a region that will not only show confidence in his candidacy but also has the political weight to influence the broader Southeast electorate.

Strengthening Political Partnership:

Politics thrives on reciprocity. The Nsukka Zone’s increasing dominance in the APC, despite being in a traditionally opposition-dominated region, demonstrates political courage and loyalty. Rewarding such commitment with a ministerial position would send a clear message that President Tinubu values loyalty, fairness, and regional balance. This move would further energize APC supporters in Enugu State and attract undecided voters across the Southeast ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Balancing Regional Representation and National Integration:

In line with the federal character principle, equitable representation from all parts of the federation enhances national unity. The Southeast region, though still building a stronger presence in the APC, deserves inclusive participation at the highest level of governance. A ministerial appointment from the Nsukka Zone would not only balance the power equation in Enugu State but also promote inclusivity and give the people of the zone a sense of belonging in the Tinubu administration.

Economic and Developmental Justification:

The Nsukka Zone has vast agricultural potential, abundant human capital, and a growing youth population yearning for federal presence and economic opportunities. With the right ministerial representation, the zone could serve as a launchpad for federal agricultural initiatives, educational reform, and infrastructural development in the Southeast. Such visible impact would translate into greater political goodwill for President Tinubu’s government.

Strategic Political Gains Ahead of 2027:

Looking toward the 2027 presidential election, appointing a minister from Nsukka would be a masterstroke for consolidating APC’s foothold in Enugu and the wider Southeast. It would demonstrate that Tinubu’s government rewards and strengthens alliances, and builds trust beyond partisan lines.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s administration stands at a pivotal point where strategic political decisions can define its long-term success. Recognizing and empowering the Nsukka Zone through a ministerial appointment would not strengthen alliances but also broaden the APC’s appeal in the Southeast.

It is a move that aligns with the President’s vision of inclusivity, equity, and national unity— and one that would significantly strengthen his victory prospects in Enugu State come 2027.

*Jonathan-Ezema writes from Enugu

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By Ike Jonathan-Ezema As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to consolidate his political base and strengthen his administration’s national appeal, strategic inclusivity remains essential for deepening his support across all

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Ogwashi-Uku Union Berates Group for Campaign of Calumny against Obi Okonjo

Ogwashi-Uku Union Berates Group for Campaign of Calumny against Obi Okonjo

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Ogwashi-Uku Union Town (OTU) has condemned in strong terms a communiqué issued by a faction of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA) accusing the traditional ruler of the kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, of alleged high-handedness and dictating to local farmers on access to their farmlands.

The communiqué, which was reportedly issued at the end of a purportedly town hall meeting in the community, claimed that the traditional ruler demanded for farmers to obtain express permission from the royal palace before they could have access to the farm.

The factional body also threatened, via the statement, to declare certain Quarters/Villages within the kingdom as “autonomous” communities.

However, the OTU in a statement at the weekend described the group as “expired, compromised and absolutely without authority to speak for the people of Ogwashi-Uku”, adding that the group had “done absolutely nothing good for this community”.

According to the Union, the timing and tone of the communiqué were provocative especially as Ogwashi-Uku is bracing up for its sacred Ineh (New Yam) Festival, which is a time of thanksgiving as well as advocacy for peace and unity.

It also accused the factional group of previously endorsing parallel Ineh festivals within the kingdom and backed actions that triggered unwarranted attacks on the Ogwashi-Uku royal father.

In the statement signed by the Acting President-General, Mr Francis Osude and Secretary, Mr Nkem Charles, the Union described the communiqué by the said ODA as “an attempt by self-serving individuals” who were intent on inciting unrest after years of alleged betrayal and land racketeering.

The signatories to the controversial communiqués are not competent representatives of the people while some are criminal suspects currently facing serious charges, it claimed.

The alleged mischief was being perpetrated by a handful of individuals responsible for indiscriminate and illegal sale of land in the kingdom, the Union noted.

The statement of OTU said, “The ODA has no capacity whatsoever within Ogwashi-Uku. Traditional authority in our kingdom rests with His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II and members of the Obi-in-Council, who are the recognized community chiefs.

“None of these chiefs or any lawful representatives of the people participated in this communiqué or the purported town hall meeting.

“Two of their key advisers – Secretary-General, Mazi Eluemuno Adigwe, and their Legal Adviser, Barrister Francis Okolie — are currently standing trial at the Federal High Court, Asaba, for terrorism and attempted murder in an armed attack on the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku at his Palace two years ago.

“One other person linked to the group was recently convicted at the Federal High Court, Asaba.

“Some of these factional ODA members are the same people who presided over the fraudulent sale of hundreds of acres of Ogwashi-Uku land worth hundreds of millions of naira – land that rightfully belongs to the kingdom.

“Now that the Obi has lawfully recovered these lands through court-backed processes, they are crying foul and trying to mislead the public.”

Furthermore, the statement said that alleged order to seek permission from the palace before farming was entirely false and mischievous

“No citizen of Ogwashi-Uku has been stopped from legitimate farming. His Majesty only directed that those wishing to farm within recovered estates under court judgment should obtain permission for proper coordination and security of the area. The Obi encourages all farmers to farm freely and peacefully.”

The statement reminded that the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association has long lost relevance, having spent years fighting the traditional ruler and supporting separatist elements in Otulu and Olodu-Ogwashi who attempted to balkanize the kingdom.

“They never protested when land was being sold fraudulently, nor when these separatists declared autonomy. It is only now, when the Obi has recovered the land for the rightful owners, that they are pretending to be defenders of the people,” the statement continued.

“We will hold anyone from the ODA personally and collectively responsible if they attempt to disrupt the sacred period of ineh festival or inflame communal tensions in the kingdom.

“Any attempt to disturb the peace during the Ineh Festival will be firmly resisted by the people of Ogwashi-Uku.

“Like the false mother who wanted the baby divided, these people prefer to destroy the kingdom because they have failed in their ambitions.”

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Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Ogwashi-Uku Union Town (OTU) has condemned in strong terms a communiqué issued by a faction of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA) accusing the traditional ruler of

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Akpabio Mocks Shrinking Opposition As Enugu LP Senator Joins APC

Akpabio Mocks Shrinking Opposition As Enugu LP Senator Joins APC

* Two new senators sworn in

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Wednesday announced the defection of Senator Kevin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, from the Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with a blend of satire and celebration that underscored the growing depletion of the opposition ranks in the upper legislative chamber.

The defection, which took place during plenary, was accompanied by dramatic exchanges between Akpabio, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who took a swipe at his defecting colleague, describing him as a beneficiary of a “sympathy vote” from the 2023 elections.

Before reading Chukwu’s defection letter, Akpabio could not resist teasing the dwindling minority caucus in his trademark humour.

“To the All Progressives Congress, the only party, please receive and celebrate your colleague,” Akpabio said, as the chamber erupted in laughter.

He said: “I used to worry about the left side of the aisle, but I am no longer worried. If they like, let them all move here. 

“I only wanted a few of them to remain. Senator Osita Ngwu, Minority Leader, and Senator Abba Moro, you are the only ones left to hold. 

“Even Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, from the look on his face, doesn’t seem ready to join us. But your party is in tatters. What are you waiting for?”

Akpabio then proceeded to read Chukwu’s formal letter of resignation from the Labour Party and notification of his decision to join the APC.

In the letter addressed to the Senate President, Chukwu said his decision followed “extensive consultations” with his constituents and political stakeholders in Enugu East and across Enugu State.

“Recent developments within the Labour Party, including internal wranglings, leadership crisis, policy disagreements, and lack of cohesion and focus at both state and national levels, have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties to the people,” Chukwu stated.

He further declared that the APC, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, “provides a more stable, progressive and inclusive platform for achieving our shared goals of economic growth, good governance, national unity, social development and progress for Nigeria”.

Akpabio, after reading the letter, formally accepted the defection.

“Your defection is accepted, noted and applauded. Welcome to the progressive family,” he declared.

Senate Leader and APC Caucus Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, seized the moment to congratulate his new party colleague, arguing that defections from the opposition parties were reflections of Nigeria’s political realities.

He said: “Every politician is local. They know the thinking of their people. They know it is in the overriding public interest that they do what they are doing. 

“We will continue to work with our colleagues in the minority side as more of them also look forward to joining us.”

In a tone laden with political metaphor, Bamidele added: “My mother used to tell me, Senator Abba Moro, that she would never say nobody should die in war, but she would also never say heaven should be empty.”

Bamidele added: “God created heaven for people to go there after living good lives. I want a strong and vibrant opposition, but where they cannot organize themselves, the right thing to do is to join us so we can move this country forward. Please, put your house in order.”

The Senate Leader’s remarks drew laughter across the chamber, but Minority Leader, Senator Moro, quickly rose to respond.

With measured restraint, he congratulated his former colleague while throwing a subtle jab at the circumstances surrounding his election and defection.

Moro said: “Mr. President, with due respect, I want to say that no matter the number here, we are capable of holding our own.

“Those who are gravitating towards the majority side are exercising their rights. But my brother and friend, Kevin, who has just left the third row here to go to the last row there, I wish him well. 

“But when it was announced that he was going, I asked, who did he consult? Because he didn’t talk to me.

“I do know that our politics are local. My brother came here for the Obedient Movement. He came here on the sympathy vote because an accident happened, but that is a story for another day.”

Moro referred to Chukwu’s emergence following the tragic assassination of his elder brother, Oyibo Chukwu, who was the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate during the 2023 elections.

Turning to Akpabio, the Minority Leader expressed concern about the Senate chamber becoming “too full” on the majority side, warning that political balance should remain a concern. 

“This house is becoming too full, Mr. President, and it should be of concern to you. For the rest of us that are here, we will try to remain here until 2027,” he said.

Akpabio, maintaining his light-hearted tone, replied: “Well, if you are waiting to cross over in 2027, no problem. Remain there. Your observations are noted.”

Chukwu’s defection further consolidates the APC’s dominance in the 10th Senate and deepens the political struggles within opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party, which has been battling leadership disputes and internal divisions since the 2023 general election.

Meanwhile, two new senators, Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) of the APC and Nwachukwu Chibuzor (Anambra South) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), were sworn in earlier in the day by the Senate President, bringing the chamber to its full complement of 109 members.

Akpabio congratulated the new lawmakers, urging them to “work harmoniously across party lines in the interest of national development”.

With Wednesday’s events, the Senate witnessed both political drama and legislative symbolism, one underscoring the shifting balance of power and the other, the steady restoration of its full membership.

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* Two new senators sworn in Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Wednesday announced the defection of Senator Kevin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, from the

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Insecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 

Insecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Speaker of the  House Of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,  has called for the  strengthening of community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to the realities of local communities.

Abbas made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the public hearing on a bill for an Act to establish the private intelligence and investigation council (2024) 

He said the event marked another vital step in the collective effort to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and institutionalised standards that would promote professionalism and accountability in the private intelligence and investigation sector. 

Abbas noted that the bill before the committee seeks to develop a regulatory framework for overseeing private intelligence and investigation firms, ensuring that they operate ethically, responsibly, and within established professional standards.

He added that the Bill also aimed at implementing uniform practices that would raise service quality and promote best industry standards. 

The Speaker stressed that the bill also provides for continuous training and capacity development to enable professionals in the sector to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

He noted that it also encourages stronger cooperation between private and public security institutions, ensuring that both sectors complement each other in advancing the overall safety and stability of Nigeria.

Abbas stated: “Security reforms remain a top national priority, and the time has come for the debate on multi-level policing to move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious consideration.

“However, beyond constitutional reform, there is also an urgent need to strengthen community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to the realities of local communities.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that ensures the professionalism, ethical conduct and accountability of private intelligence and investigation entities. 

He explained that the council proposed in the bill, if established, aimed at standardising industry practices, provide accreditation and certification, promote continuous training and development, and foster collaboration between private and public security sectors.

Satomi said it was therefore expected that through this legislative effort, the integrity and effectiveness of private intelligence and investigation services in contributing to national security and public safety will be greatly enhanced.

According to him, “Our country faces complex security challenges, from insurgency to cybercrime. Strengthening our security architecture requires innovative approaches, including effective regulation of private security services.

“Though the efforts of security agencies in tackling these criminality are highly commendable, it is also clearly evident that all hands need to be on deck for Nigeria to sustainably curtail and win the war. Security, it is said, is every one’s business. “

Satomi added that the bill aligned with the National Assembly’s efforts to address security concerns and promote legislative measures that improve national security

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja  The Speaker of the  House Of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,  has called for the  strengthening of community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to

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2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud Exercise

2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud Exercise

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday screened 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The screening, designed to ensure that only outstanding and well-prepared candidates below the age of 16 are considered for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session, was conducted by experts put together by the exam body.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the Abuja Centre for the screening of under-16 candidates, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, which was also held simultaneously in Owerri and Lagos.

On the screening procedure, Adedoja explained that candidates first sat for a written examination before proceeding to face-to-face interviews.

“They did the first paper which took like 20 minutes and after that the papers were marked and they proceeded to the second session and after that the third one and we will have a face-to-face interaction with them,” he said.

The former Minister of Sports noted that 22 candidates participated in the Abuja centre, while 176 candidates took part nationwide.

Also speaking after monitoring the exercise, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, commended JAMB for providing a platform for talented underage candidates to demonstrate their abilities.

Dandutse also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s education policies aimed at national development, while commending JAMB for its consistency and transparency.

On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, who also monitored the exercise in Abuja, lauded the students for their outstanding performance, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s competitiveness in education across Africa.

In Nigeria, the official age for university admission is 18, though the National Policy allows entry from age 16.

A total of 41,027 candidates applied under the category of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates for the 2025 UTME, but only 599 scored 80 per cent and above. 

Some were later disqualified for not meeting the same benchmark in their O-Level or Post-UTME results, leaving only 176 confirmed for final assessment.

The screening panel comprised representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), vice-chancellors and the Gifted School, among others.

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Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday screened 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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Nigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says Obasanjo

Nigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria needs to mobilise private sector investments to fast-track sustainable economic advancement.

He said this in Bauchi on Wednesday at the inauguration of the International Conference Centre (ICC), constructed by Bala Mohammed’s administration.

The centre was named after the first Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Obasanjo highlighted that both local and international investments must be mobilised to accelerate national economic growth.

“With what we have; we can show the world that we are part and parcel of the world. What others have and pride themselves about, is not more than what we have.

“Some people don’t even have half of what we have. We have a world packed centre which can be developed and be made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria.

“The people that will be coming here, will be able to stay in the hotels, interact, have discussions and conferences in this ICC, and make Bauchi a centre of attraction and tourism for Nigeria.

“Not only are we commissioning this, we are starting with a conference to talk about investment, and what do we need in Nigeria today? We need to mobilise investments from local and from the international,” he said.

Obasanjo also promised to showcase Bauchi to the world with a view to attract investments to the state.

Mohammed said the ICC was initiated to attract local and international businesses to invest in the state.

Also, Reuben Okoya, the contractor handling the project, said the centre was designed to accommodate 3,000 people, adding that 10 separate events could take place simultaneously at the centre.

The event was attended by Vice -President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; deputy governors of Oyo and Plateau, Bayo Lawal and Josephine Piyo, among others. (NAN) 

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria needs to mobilise private sector investments to fast-track sustainable economic advancement. He said this in Bauchi on Wednesday at the inauguration of the

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Repairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS 

Repairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS 

The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of  repair works on the Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

Osiyemi said the repair would take place between 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily, commencing on Sunday, October 12 and ending on Sunday, November 23 — a duration of six weeks.

“To minimise traffic disruptions, only one lane will be closed at a time, while the remaining lanes will be open to motorists,” he said.

Osiyemi assured motorists that traffic management personnel would be deployed in the affected area to reduce inconvenience and manage vehicular movement during the repair works.

He urged motorists to comply with the directives of traffic officers on the ground to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Motorists are implored to be patient,” he said. (NAN)

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The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of  repair works on the Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS. The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi,

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States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FG

States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FG

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged state governments to show greater commitment to implementing the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

He said this would help accelerate access to safe water and improved sanitation across the country.

Utsev made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the Fourth Federal Steering Committee Meeting of the World Bank assisted SURWASH programme.

He said the meeting was convened to review progress in the seven implementing states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau and to consider their revised work plans for approval.

The minister expressed concern over delays in the submission of state work plans, saying it was one of the major factors affecting the pace of implementation.

”We must all show stronger ownership and commitment at both the federal and state levels if we are to achieve the desired impact of this programme.

”The first phase of the SURWASH restructuring completed earlier this year has improved disbursements to states through the achievement of key results under the Disbursement Linked Indicators.

”We are now in the second phase of restructuring, which aims to strengthen programme institutions, improve accountability, and onboard new states into the SURWASH initiative,” he said.

Utsev said the Federal Government was working with the World Bank to onboard 10 additional states, bringing the total number of participating states to 17.

He stated that other states would be included in subsequent cycles to ensure nationwide coverage.

”Our vision is for all 36 states and the FCT to eventually benefit from SURWASH interventions, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for universal access to water and sanitation,” he added.

Earlier, the National Programme Coordinator of SURWASH, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, said the meeting was crucial to finalising and harmonising work plans from the implementing states for federal approval.

Gwaram assessed the performance of the programme as “very good and modest,” noting that while institutional strengthening had recorded significant success, service delivery was still improving under the performance-based funding model.

”In Result Area One, which focuses on strengthening institutions, we are doing very well.

”However, in service delivery, we are modest because the Programme-for-Results (P4R) model is new to Nigeria. We have faced challenges but are now consolidating and seeing faster progress,” he said.

He added that some states initially misunderstood the funding structure but had since embraced the performance-based approach.

”States now understand that SURWASH is not a repayment programme but one that rewards performance, the better you do, the more support you get.

”We appreciate their growing commitment and urge them to continue working diligently to ensure the programme’s success,” he added.

The SURWASH programme, supported by the World Bank, seeks to increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, strengthen sector institutions, and promote sustainable management of water resources in participating states. (NAN)

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The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged state governments to show greater commitment to implementing the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene

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INEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCT

INEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCT

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the ward-level Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director, Voter Education and Publicity Department, Victoria Eta-Messi, in a statement issued Wednesday, said the exercise has been extended by four days.

She said the decision was taken at the commission’s third quarterly meeting with resident electoral commissioners (RECs) held on Tuesday.

Messi noted: “Following the review, the commission approved a four-day extension of the ongoing Ward-level CVR exercise in the FCT.  Consequently, the exercise which was earlier scheduled to end today, Wednesday, 8th October 2025, will now continue until Sunday, 12th October 2025.

“As of 7th October 2025, a total of 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded in the FCT, comprising 38,528 online pre-registrations and 16,818 completed physical registrations. 

“This impressive turnout underscores the growing civic awareness among residents and the effectiveness of devolving the exercise to the grassroots.”

Eta-Messi said as earlier announced, the online pre-registration option in the FCT remained suspended to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration in person at the designated centres. 

This measure, she added, ensured the validity of their records in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The commission appealed to all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to take advantage of the extension. 

It reiterated that registered voters, who wish to transfer their registration to the FCT, or within the FCT, are also encouraged to do so within this period. 

The commission reminded the citizens that multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law.

It said the list and addresses of all registration centres remained available on the commission’s website and official social media platforms.

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the ward-level Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Director, Voter