NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Eid-el-Fitr: Akpabio urges Muslims to pray, work for unity of Nigeria

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By Kingsley Okoye

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Muslim faithful in the country to continue to pray and work for the unity of the nation.

Akpabio gave the charge while felicitating with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“As you celebrate the end of Ramadan and mark the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri, I send you my warmest felicitations on behalf of my family, constituents, the 10th Senate and entire National Assembly.

“May this joyous occasion bring you peace, happiness, and spiritual renewal. May the blessings of Allah be upon you and your loved ones.

“As we celebrate, let us remember the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that define the spirit of Ramadan. May we continue to uphold these values in our daily lives and continuously work for our unity.

“Once again, I wish you all a happy and blessed Eid-el-Fitri”, Akpabio said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Tinubu’s vision, dedication to Nigeria inspiring – Akpabio

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By Kingsley Okoye

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described President Bola Tinubu’s vision and dedication to Nigeria as inspiring.

Akpabio said this on Saturday in Abuja in a congratulatory message on the occasion of Tinubu’s 73rd birthday anniversary.

He described the president’s passion for Nigeria’s progress as contagious.

“Your Excellency, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate and entire National Assembly, I wish you a happy 73rd birthday.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your life, and I am honoured to celebrate with you.

“Your leadership, vision and dedication to our great nation are truly inspiring.

“As Senate President, I have had the privilege of working closely with you, and I must say that your passion for Nigeria’s progress is contagious,” he said.

The Senate President said that Tinubu had pursued a political career marked by a strong commitment to progressive democratic principles and the uncanny courage in tackling authoritarian regimes.

He said that as the President of Nigeria in the last two years, Tinubu had demonstrated astute leadership, as he advocated for democratic values and bold economic reforms that had started to yield dividends.

“With you in the driving seat, Nigeria is in safe hands and Nigerians could not have made a better choice in 2023.

“As you mark this special day in this period of Ramadan, I pray that the Almighty Allah grants you continued wisdom, strength and good health to steer our nation towards greater heights.

“Please accept my warmest congratulations and happy birthday, Mr President,” Akpabio said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria commendable – Nwoko

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By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has described as commendable President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria.

Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, said this in his congratulatory message to Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary.

The lawmaker said that the nation recognised the weight of the task before the president and his genuine efforts to steer the country towards growth and stability.

According to him, this special day offers yet another moment to acknowledge Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to the service of the country and his resilience in the face of the enormous responsibility of leadership.

“Mr President, we recognise the weight of the task before you and the genuine efforts you are making to steer the nation towards growth and stability.

“As you celebrate another year today, we acknowledge your unwavering commitment to repositioning Nigeria and advancing the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is our earnest hope that the year ahead brings you renewed strength, wisdom, and the collective support needed to fulfil the aspirations of Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Akpabio commends Lado for strengthening Executive-Legislative relations

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By Naomi Sharang

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised Sen. Basheer Lado for redefining the role of Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.

He stated that, for the first time in years, the office is fully meeting expectations.

Speaking on Friday during a visit to the Special Adviser’s office, Akpabio described the visit as a key step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.

Accompanied by distinguished senators, he commended Lado and his team for ensuring a seamless flow of information between the Presidency and the Senate.

He said that the office is now more result-oriented, making governance more effective.

Akpabio also acknowledged its diligent efforts in tracking all bills passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

He highlighted the office’s critical role in enhancing legislative efficiency and governance.

Expressing his satisfaction, he said the Senate delegation was proud of the office’s achievements.

“We look forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout this administration,” he stated.

In recognition of his leadership, Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Akpabio.

In his remarks, Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a strong working relationship between both arms of government.

He praised Akpabio’s dedication to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, defending it with clarity and advancing it through legislative action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Nwosu made profound contributions to Nigeria’s democracy – Tinubu

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The remains of a former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, were laid to rest on Friday in his country home in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that eminent Nigerians, who attended the funeral service held at St. Marks Anglican Church, Ajalli, took turns to pay tribute to the late Nwosu.

In a tribute, President Bola Tinubu said Nwosu made profound contributions to Nigeria’s democracy.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said the nation would continue to celebrate and cherish Nwosu and his achievements.

“We shall continue to celebrate him because he played very vitals roles in the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy and governance.

“While we were here, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation called and told me that Nwosu’s family made two requests; and after discussions, they will be granted.

“When that is done, I will communicate the outcome to your Governor.

“While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, the President encourages his family and loved ones to take solace in his indelible legacy,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said the five South East governors would meet with President Tinubu to discuss conferring a national honour on late Nwosu.

“We must learn to change our style and devise new ways of dialogue to get what we need from the government at the centre and not through fighting and attacks.

“After the funeral, we the South East Governors will meet with the President to discuss conferring a national honour on our brother, and we are confident that our request will be granted.

“For us in Anambra and the Old Aguata Union made up of the 45 communities in the three local government areas, we shall honour and celebrate our son,” Soludo said.

On his part, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, described late Nwosu as an icon of democracy.

Otti said: “Nigeria’ is celebrating an icon of our democracy and that is why I came to join my brother, Prof. Soludo, to honour this great Nigerian who wrote his name in the sands of time.

“I pray that at the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, it would be a triumph for our brother, Late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.”

NAN reports that Nwosu’s corpse, in a white casket draped with Nigerian flag, arrived the church at 11.00 a.m.

In attendance at the ceremony were the former governors of Anambra including Mr Peter Obi, traditional rulers, among others.

Nwosu, a former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), (now Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), died in a U.S. hospital on Oct. 24 at 83.

Nwosu was chairman of NEC from 1989 to 1993 and oversaw the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, which General Ibrahim Babangida annulled.

Before the ill-fated presidential election, Nwosu’s NEC had conducted the governorship and parliamentary election.

He used an innovative, inexpensive OPTION A-4, in which voters queued behind the photographs of candidates of their choice at polling stations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Former presidential spokesperson, Okupe, buried

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By Abiodun Lawal

Dr Doyin Okupe, former presidential spokesman to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has been laid to rest in his hometown, Iperu-Remo in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okupe died on March 7, 2025, at the age of 72.

At the funeral service held at the Wesley Methodist Church, Nigeria, Iperu-Remo on Friday, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun described the deceased as a fearless man and a warrior, who fought many battles during his lifetime.

Abiodun said that Okupe lived an impactful life by being generous to people around him.

Extolling the virtues of the astute politician, the governor said Okupe served the nation meritoriously and was an advocate of good governance.

According to the governor, his unwavering commitment to the nation, his family and children remains a testament to his kindness to humanity.

“People should live an impactful life. life is a temporary place where every human being has to taste death.

“He was a media guru, articulate, fearless spokesman, and a very reliable, dependable, principled man.

“He will not change his viewpoint or position because anyone tried to influence him until out of conviction, or out of an inner conviction,” he said.

Abiodun admonished people to be conscious of their life in order to be remembered for good after death.

In his sermon, the Methodist Archbishop of Egba-Yewa, Most Rev. Adegbemi Adewale, explained that the life of Dr Okupe was full of testimonies.

Adewale stated that the late politician impacted positivity on people’s life during his lifetime, stating that his legacy would continue to inspire his children and generations to come.

Reading from Revelation 21: 1, the man of God emphasised the need for people to always remember that death was inevitable, saying every human had a limited time to live.

Some of the dignitaries at the burial service were members of the Ogun State Executive Council, Sen. Gbenga Daniel, Mr Bayo Onanuga and Mr Tunde Rahaman, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Senate urges Communications Ministry to review data costs

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By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has urged the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to engage with telecommunications providers to review the recent increase in data costs.

This, the upper chamber said, was with the view to ensuring that pricing remained fair and affordable for all Nigerians.

The senate’s resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River), at plenary on Wednesday.

The motion is with the title: “Urgent Need to Address the Increased Cost of Data Services in Nigeria”.

Moving the motion, Ekpenyong said that telecommunications providers in Nigeria had recently increased the cost of data services by as much as 200 per cent.

“This move has placed significant financial strain on millions of Nigerians, especially young people who rely on the internet for their livelihood.

“Young Nigerians have embraced the digital economy, leveraging the internet for various income-generating activities, including freelancing and remote work, digital marketing and social media management,” he said.

The lawmaker further said fibre-optic internet services remained unaffordable for the average young Nigerian, leaving them dependent on mobile telecommunications companies for internet access.

“The sudden and substantial increase in data cost threatens their economic survival and limits access to critical digital services,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the motion, when implemented, would assist young entrepreneurs.

Akpabio said the motion would not only enable them to remain in business but ensure they had affordable prices that would also generate revenue and profits for them.

The upper chamber also resolved to call on the ministry to develop a policy framework for affordable internet services in Nigeria.

The senate said that there was a need for the Federal Government to establish and support tech hubs across the country, providing free or subsidised internet access to young entrepreneurs, students and innovators.

The upper chamber also mandated its Committee on Communications, to conduct an investigation into the factors driving the high cost of data and proffer solutions for a sustainable and business-friendly telecommunications sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

PDP governors congratulate Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has congratulated former president Goodluck Jonathan for winning the prestigious 2025 Founders Sunhak Peace Prize (FSPP).

The congratulatory message was issued by the Director-General of the PDP-GF, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, in Abuja on behalf of the Chairman, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

Mohammed said the award, being one of the highest global honours reserved for men of outstanding initiatives across the world, was well deserving.

He said that since leaving office in 2015, Jonathan had been very visible on the global scene advocating and propagating peace towards the development of humanity.

He said that the global recognition could not be fully appreciated without recalling days of Jonathan as Nigeria’s president between 2010 and 2015.

He recalled how Jonathan, in no small measure, transformed Nigeria and Nigerians lives with impactful policies, projects and programmes in every nook and cranny of the country.

He said that Jonathan’s administration recorded several outstanding and yet to be broken achievements.

These, according to him, include rebase of Nigeria’s economy and its gross domestic product for the first time in over a decade, making the country the largest economy in Africa by overtaking South Africa and Egypt.

Mohammed prayed for divine protection upon Jonathan and his family as he continues to lead and serve by example beyond borders.

NAN reports that Jonathan made history as the winner of the 2025 Founder’s Sunhak Peace Award, a prestigious recognition by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea.

With this win, Jonathan becomes the first African leader and only the third recipient of the Founder’s Prize, following in the footsteps of former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee lauded Jonathan’s relentless peace efforts, highlighting his pro-democracy initiatives and mediation roles across Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

Bills on state/LG police, others scale 2nd reading in House of Reps

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By EricJames Ochigbo

The bills seeking creation of State and Local Governments Police, Special Legislatives Seats for Persons with Disability (PwD) and Special Interest Groups scaled second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bills were among the 39 constitutional amendment bills seeking judicial and legislative security as well as electoral reforms, sponsored by different members of the house and passed without debate.

Some of the bills, according to the house, are as listed below:

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to provide for special seats for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria’s Federal, State and Local Government Areas and Legislative Houses and for related matters”, sponsored by Rep. Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Marcus Onobun;

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to provide for six special seats for special interest groups in the House of Representatives and for related matters”, sponsored by Rep. Akintunde Rotimi (APC-Ekiti);

“Bill for An Act to Alter the Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police and for related matters”, sponsored by Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta) and Rep. Akintunde Rotimi (APC-Ekiti);

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to permit public servants to engage in healthcare education, production and services beyond farming and for related matters”, sponsored by Rep. Ahmed Wase (APC- Plateau);

“Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to ensure gender equality in the composition of the Federal Character Commission and for related matters”, by Rep. Kaftlat Ogbara (APC-Lagos);

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to establish and empower the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission to register, regulate and monitor the organisation and operation of political parties, and for related matters”, by Rep. Aminu Daura (APC-Katsina);

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to confer jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to try offences arising from violations of the Electoral Act and any other Related Act of the National Assembly”, Rep. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara);

“Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to provide for transition of substantive heads of Courts in Nigeria and to strengthen the procedure for removal of judicial officers in order to guarantee the independence of the judiciary; and for related matters”; and

“Bill for an Act to alter sections 68(1) (g) &109(1)(g) of the Constitution to require the official resignation from a political party before defection by members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly and for related matters”, by Rep. Adebayo Balogun (APC-Lagos).

In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred all the 39 bills to the Committee on Review of the Constitution for further legislative actions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Tinubu condoles Lagos APC chairman over wife’s death

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, on the death of Ebunoluwa Ojelabi, his wife.

President Tinubu joined the Ojelabi family in the moment of grief and prayed for God’s divine comfort and strength for her loved ones.

The President stated that the loss of a beloved wife and mother was an immeasurable pain and a reminder of the brevity of life.

“I share in this pain and pray that God would grant the family the fortitude to bear this loss and give the departed peaceful and eternal rest,” said Tinubu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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