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INEC Boss Inspects Mock Exercises Ahead of FCT Polls

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, personally led a high-level monitoring team on a mock accreditation exercise in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, signaling a final push to ensure seamless elections for the Area Councils scheduled for February 21.

In a crucial test of preparedness, the INEC Chairman, accompanied by National Commissioners Mallam Mohammed Haruna and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Aminu Kasimu Idris, and other senior officials, inspected polling units within the Abuja Municipal and Bwari Area Councils.

The exercise served a dual purpose: assessing the functionality of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and observing the ongoing training for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs).

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Addressing SPOs at a training session, Prof. Amupitan underscored the critical need for uniformity and integrity.

“Your trainer is teaching you based on a manual that has been carefully prepared to ensure uniformity,” he stated, urging them to master the guidelines.

He positioned the officials as key pillars in the electoral process, tasked with cascading their training down to other ad-hoc staff.

Highlighting the commission’s drive to restore public trust, the Chairman framed the mock exercise as a necessary rehearsal.

“We have improved on the BVAS, and we do not want to use the main election as a testing ground,” he explained, revealing that the drill covered both accreditation and voting simulations.

Preliminary results from the test appear promising. Prof. Amupitan expressed satisfaction, noting that the revamped BVAS completed voter accreditation in under five seconds and successfully blocked multiple attempts. He also confirmed the presence of political party agents during the exercise.

On logistics, the Chairman reported that all non-sensitive materials have been deployed to the Area Councils, with training for Presiding Officers set to begin next week. He clarified INEC’s role, stating that while the commission conducts civic education, the onus of voter mobilization lies squarely with political parties.

Closing on a note of commendation, Prof. Amupitan praised the dedication of election officials. Acknowledging their modest remuneration, he described their service as a patriotic “sacrifice” for nation-building, expressing hope for future national recognition.

With the mock exercise deemed successful, INEC enters the final stretch before the February 21 polls, banking on improved technology and rigorous training to deliver a credible and stable electoral process in the FCT.

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Gombe flags off the disbursement of the second batch of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer

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Gombe State Government has flagged-off the distribution of ATM cards to Adolescent Girls in public schools under the Conditional Cash Transfer,CCT of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project.

Speaking at the flagging off of the disbursement at Government Junior Secondary School Malamsidi central in Kwami Local Government area, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari said the disbursement of the CCT is part of the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s zeal and passion for the girl child education in the state.

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She said the concept is also geared towards supporting parents to cater for their children to remain in schools up to completion of their secondary education.

Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari then assured the students that the government will continue to bring more educational policies that will further support students to pursue education with ease.

Earlier, the project coordinator of the AGILE, Dr. Amina Abdul noted that with the disbursement of the second cohort of the conditional cash transfer, the project was able to record significant improvement in enrollment and retention of students in schools across the state.

The project coordinator therefore urged parents to utilize the funds judiciously through supporting the education of their children.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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