By John Akubo In the evolving mosaic of Nigeria’s federalism, the agitation for state creation remains one of the most enduring political demands—one that speaks to equity, representation, and developmental justice. Among the loudest and most consistent calls is the quest for Okura State, proposed to be carved out of the present-day Kogi East. And at the very heart of this agitation stands Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho—a lawmaker who has emerged as the unmistakable arrowhead of the movement, combining constitutional tact with grassroots passion. For the people of the Igala/Bassa bloc, the creation of Okura State is…
Author: National Update
By: Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The British Council, in partnership with King’s Trust International and the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has launched the Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge (YSEC) in Jigawa State — a targeted intervention to empower 80 young people, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), with ICT and essential soft skills. The programme, flagged off at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse, is part of the British Council’s global “Youth Connect” initiative. The YSEC programme is designed to create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, and active citizenship, particularly among Nigeria’s youth facing rising unemployment. Speaking at the launch,…
If the euphoria that greeted the unveiling of the ADC is sustained and competence becomes the hallmark for selecting candidates, then a new dawn is indeed birthed. But between promise and power lies ambition — and unchecked ambition may yet undo this fragile hope. Last Wednesday, the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) emerged as the political vehicle for a powerful opposition coalition, aiming to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. It was a moment that inspired cautious optimism across the country. With political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former…
Nigeria’s strategic economic reforms have received a strong endorsement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), following the conclusion of its 2025 Article IV Consultation. The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the IMF’s report as a “firm validation of Nigeria’s reform credibility and macroeconomic direction,” noting that the country’s improved fiscal position and stronger external buffers are direct outcomes of decisive policy action by the Tinubu administration. According to the Minister, the IMF’s assessment reflects international confidence in Nigeria’s ability to manage its economic transformation while weathering global headwinds. Director of Information…
Edo State has once again blazed the trail in women empowerment and sustainable development, as 50 pioneering female mechanics graduated from a historic training programme in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion. The initiative — a first of its kind in Nigeria — was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Edo State Government, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), and the Lady Mechanic Initiative. Held in Benin City, the graduation ceremony carried the theme: “CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry.” It attracted top government dignitaries from both state and federal levels, underscoring…
By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has flagged off the construction of a 900-meter flyover at Keffi Roundabout, valued at ₦11.5 billion, aimed at reducing road accidents and enhancing traffic flow in the area. The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Keffi, marks a major infrastructural push by the administration. The project, to be executed by Bauhaus Global Investment Nigeria Ltd, includes a 100m overhead bridge and 900m of access roads, with a completion timeline of 12 months and no variation clause. Governor Sule stressed that the flyover responds to recurring traffic accidents, including a deadly incident…
In a fiery and unflinching interview, elder statesman and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) chieftain Alhaji Buba Galadima has raised alarm over what he described as the creeping consolidation of power by a single political force, warning that Nigeria is veering dangerously close to a one-party authoritarian state. Speaking during a wide-ranging interview on constitutional reforms, coalition politics, and the state of Nigerian democracy, Galadima defended the rise of opposition coalitions as a “constitutional shield” against executive overreach, while accusing the current administration of subjugating the legislature and judiciary under its grip. “Democracy flourishes where all three arms of government…
***Imposes N5m fine on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating a previous gag order In a landmark judgment that strikes at the heart of legislative overreach, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted unlawfully in suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, ordering her immediate reinstatement. Delivering the ruling, Justice Binta Nyako declared the suspension “excessive” and lacking any legal justification, stating it effectively silenced the entire Kogi Central constituency—a violation of constitutional rights. “While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents…
Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has sounded a cautionary note on the future of Nigeria’s newest political alliance, questioning whether the coalition spearheaded by top opposition figures can withstand the high-stakes competition for a presidential ticket. Appearing on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed—known for his measured and analytical political commentary—expressed skepticism about the staying power of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-backed coalition, which brings together political heavyweights like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Chibuike Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and David Mark. “Let’s not get swept away by the excitement,” he warned. “These are powerful political figures, coming from different backgrounds and…
In a compelling endorsement of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, Buba Galadima, a prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has lauded the formation of the new opposition coalition as a positive and necessary development for Nigerian democracy. Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Galadima emphasized that the coalition represents a critical bulwark against creeping authoritarianism and a reaffirmation of constitutional rights that empower citizens to freely associate and pursue collective political goals. “The coalition is one more dissenting voice—one more iron gate against dictatorship,” Galadima stated firmly. “In a democracy, people must be free to add…