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Electoral Bill: Senate President assures Nigerians of speedy resolution

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President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has promised Nigerians that the chamber would expedite action on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill having concluded all consultations on the President’s response. 

Lawan gave the indication on Tuesday in an address delivered at the commencement of plenary to welcome Senators back from the Christmas and New Year break. 

He recalled that the Senate postponed discussions on the consideration of the response of President Muhammadu Buhari on the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill in December last year.

He said this became imperative to enable the chamber consult with its counterparts in the House of Representatives and their Constituents, respectively. 
According to him, the chamber would expeditiously look into the Electoral Bill having concluded all the needed consultations on the President’s response. 

“Like we all know, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly worked so hard on the Bill. Having consulted, the Senate will expeditiously look into the issue”, he said.

The Senate President further assured that the upper chamber would continue to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the required support through legislative interventions to ensure that the Commission succeeds in the conduct of the 2023 general elections. 

He said, “Distinguished Colleagues, Political activities leading to 2023 general elections have already started. 

“This Senate should continue to provide the support that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs for successful elections across the country.”

Lawan also tasked standing committees to strategies on ways to effectively oversight Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to ensure the thorough implementation of the 2022 budget passed by the National Assembly in December last year and signed into law by President Buhari. 

“My Distinguished Colleagues, before we went on the recess, we considered and passed the Appropriation Bill on 22nd of December, 2021. That was the third consecutive time to pass the annual appropriation bill before end of year.

“The Bill was signed into law on 31st of December, 2021 by Mr President, to give the desired effect of starting the implementation of the Budget from January 2022.
“Distinguished Colleagues, I once again commend the Senate, indeed the National Assembly and the Executive arm of Government for working tirelessly to maintain the instituted January to December budget cycle. 
“Distinguished Colleagues, as we all know the oversight of the implementation of the Budget is a critical function of the National Assembly. 

“We must therefore strategize on effective oversight of the implementation of the 2022 Budget. 

“This is going to be the last budget that would be fully implemented for 12 months in the life of the Ninth Senate. We therefore, need to supervise very closely”, Lawan said.

“Distinguished Colleagues, the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) 2021 was enacted with a view to providing better investments climate for better performance by the Oil and Gas industry.
Lawan underscored the need for the upper chamber to seriously supervise the implementation of the PIA 2021, so as to enable the country benefit from its passage. 
He added that the Senate must continue to prioritize the Security and welfare of citizens as enshrined in the constitution, while urging Nigerians not to despair as a result of the security challenges confronting the nation. 
On plans by the chamber to review the 1999 Constitution, he said, “Our Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work so far. 
“Working with their counter parts in the House of Representatives the report of the Committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon. 

“The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year.”

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Legislature

Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices

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By Isah Bala

Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.

The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.

This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”

Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.

Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.

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Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process

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Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.

During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.

“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.

The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”

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NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions

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In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.

The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.

Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.

Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.

As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.

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