Excessive crying in babies could signal psychological problems – Mental health expert

Mulikhat Muhammad Magashi, a retired psychiatric nurse, has warned that excessive crying in babies could be a sign of underlying psychological problems that require attention from parents and health workers.

She revealed this on Wednesday during a one-day Community Report-Back Session organized by The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), with support from MISEREOR KZE, Germany.

Magashi stressed that mental health is particularly crucial for pregnant women and new mothers, as their well-being directly affects their ability to care for their babies.

“If a mother is mentally unwell, she cannot even take care of herself, regardless of the baby, and it will affect even the personality of the child later in life,” she said.

She explained that signs to watch out for in mothers include crying frequently after birth, restlessness, lack of sleep, excessive talking or too little talking, and irritability.

For babies, she noted, persistent crying despite being physically healthy may indicate psychological challenges.

Magashi also highlighted the importance of trained midwives and primary healthcare workers in recognizing mental health issues early.

“It is at the grassroots that you can screen expectant mothers during antenatal care. If a problem is identified early, it can be treated as an outpatient issue without major medication,” she said.

She called on governments to invest in training more psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses to strengthen maternal mental health care at all levels, including primary healthcare centers.

Magashi added that integrating mental health services into community health programs and conducting home visits could help reduce stigma and ensure early intervention.

“Breaking stigma is crucial. We must be role models in addressing mental health challenges so mothers and children can thrive,” she added.

Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED who was represented by Furera Isiaka, the Commutation Officer, emphasized that maternal mental health has often been neglected in healthcare service protocols.

“It is worrisome that many women go through pregnancy-related mental health challenges without adequate medical care and the right psycho-social support,” she said.

She explained that women suffering from conditions such as prenatal anxiety and depression, postpartum depression, or postpartum anxiety are often stigmatized, branded as witches, or accused of being possessed, instead of receiving proper care.

“These ill-treatments often breed a culture of fear and silence, causing women and their families to suffer in silence rather than seek help,” she added.

Dr. Zikirullahi urged the government, healthcare stakeholders, and community actors to make mental health a priority in maternal healthcare.

Malam Bala Ta Rasulu, a traditional medicine practitioner, called for stronger collaboration between local traditional healers and modern medical practitioners.

He urged that traditional birth attendants be equipped with modern tools and properly trained so they can be effectively integrated into hospital services.

Excessive crying in babies could signal psychological problems – Mental health expert

Insecurity: This must stop now – CAN, NOCREL, others raise alarm over Taraba killings

Taraba State, often described as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” is today no doubt grappling with a crisis that has shaken not only its farming communities but also its houses of worship.

Across Takum and Donga local government councils, church leaders say a pattern of violence, displacement and destruction is unfolding with alarming frequency, and they are demanding urgent intervention before the situation spirals further out of control.

From the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, to the Northern Christians Religious Leaders Assembly, NOCREL, and the United Methodist Church of Nigeria, UMCN, the message is consistent. They agitate that the killings must stop, and the state must act decisively.

In the latest wave of violence, at least 25 people were killed within two days in Takum and Donga councils, according to CAN.

Local residents and church leaders confirmed that 11 persons were killed in coordinated attacks on Sunday, while 14 more lost their lives in fresh assaults on Tuesday. The affected communities Adu, Aga, Mbaiyerikyaior, Tse-Nev, Facii, Demevaa and Igbum now bear fresh scars of grief and uncertainty.

Beyond the death toll, church leaders say the attacks have forced the closure of 103 denominational churches across Donga and Takum LGAs due to insecurity.

For many rural communities, churches are more than places of worship; they double as schools, counselling centres, and hubs of social support. Their closure signals not just fear, but social paralysis.

CAN revealed that the violence, which began in September, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people mostly Christian farmers who have fled to Peva and Amadu towns in Takum LGA in search of refuge.

While acknowledging and commending the Taraba State government for its early deployment of security personnel to the Amadu axis, CAN expressed dismay that the deployment lasted only a few days.

“We therefore call for urgent and expanded deployment of security forces to the communities to end the circle of killings and displacement and give room for the people to return to their homes,” the association said.

The group warned that if urgent steps are not taken in the coming days, it may organize a peaceful protest to draw national and international attention to the killings.

Supporting CAN’s position, NOCRELA painted a grimmer picture in neighboring Chanchanji District of Takum LGA.

A statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Dr. Micah Philip Dopah, NOCRELA said at least 102 Tiv Christians were killed and more than 31 injured in a series of attacks between January 2 and February 3, 2026 — a span of just 33 days.

The group described the violence as “continuous, horrific, and targeted,” alleging that suspected Fulani militia specifically attacked Tiv communities and NKST churches.

No fewer than 10 separate attacks were recorded within that period, according to the statement. Homes were razed, churches destroyed, and entire communities uprooted.

NOCRELA said consultations with Tiv leaders and affected NKST pastors revealed widespread frustration over what they described as inadequate protection by security agencies.

“This terrible and dreadful act of violent criminality against the Tiv people and NKST churches is totally condemnable and unacceptable,” the statement read.
The group warned that what it termed a lax government response may have emboldened attackers and called on authorities to urgently arrest those responsible.

“Our hearts are broken by this act of violence against our Tiv Christian brethren,” it added.

Adding his voice to the outcry, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria ,UMCN, Rev. Emmanuel Ande, described the unfolding situation as a “deep humanitarian, moral and security failure.”

Bishop Ande said that since 2019, over 1,000 farming communities in Taraba have been displaced, with killings increasing steadily.

“This is about security and the government’s failure to protect lives and property. No responsible leader, religious or political, can be comfortable with such a tragic reality,,” he said..

According to him, food security, livelihoods and social trust have been severely damaged. He called for improved intelligence gathering, fair government policies, and inclusive leadership to address ethnic and religious tensions.

“Silence is not an option. Justice, reconciliation and decisive action must replace fear and neglect,” he stressed.
Beyond Bullets: The Social Cost
The crisis extends beyond the immediate violence

With farming communities displaced, agricultural productivity has plummeted in affected areas. Bishop Ande warned that food insecurity is becoming a secondary consequence of the conflict.

He also pointed to the erosion of social trust, where fear has replaced neighborly bonds and suspicion now clouds inter-communal relationships.
Ending religious and ethnic divisions, he argued, requires intentional leadership and collective responsibility.

“Government policies must be fair and inclusive. Religious and traditional leaders must reject hate speech and promote mutual respect. Education should emphasise shared humanity, not differences,” he said.

Amid the violence, Bishop Ande also raised alarm over rising substance abuse, especially among young people in the state.

Describing drug abuse as one of the greatest obstacles to effective evangelism, he said it distorts moral judgment, destroys families and robs youth of hope.

He called for collaboration between churches and government combining moral guidance, preventive education, counselling and rehabilitation support with strengthened law enforcement and youth empowerment programmes.

“When the church provides moral guidance and the government provides policy and infrastructure, sustainable change becomes possible,” he said.

Despite the grim realities, Bishop Ande commended ggovernor Agbu Kefas for ordering the reopening of a church that had been closed for years due to crisis, describing the move as courageous and peace-oriented.

He expressed optimism that reconciliation services, forgiveness processes, pastoral counselling and inclusive dialogue could lay the foundation for lasting peace.

“We emphasised unity over victory and healing over blame. Peace does not come by force; it comes when people feel heard, respected and treated fairly,” he said.

Taraba now stands at a critical juncture.
On one hand, religious leaders are reaffirming their commitment to peace, justice and the sanctity of human life. On the other, communities continue to bury their dead and flee their homes.

Church leaders insist that the security gains recorded by the present administration must not be eroded by continued violence in Southern Taraba.
Whether through expanded security deployment, meaningful dialogue, reconciliation processes or stronger social policies, one message rings clearly across denominations – the killings must end.

Insecurity: This must stop now – CAN, NOCREL, others raise alarm over Taraba killings

Nigerian govt initiates strategies to improve women health

Over 20 women groups have converged at the presidential villa at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Health to deliberate on ways to strengthen and coordinate interventions around healthcare provision for women.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Women’s Health, Dr Adanna Steinacker, whose office coordinated the meeting, said the stakeholders gathering is part of efforts to listen to the civil society, community groups, professionals, and leaders who represent and work closely with women at the grassroots.

She noted that doing so will help advance the vision of the RenewHER Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, which aims to prioritise issues affecting women across the country.

At the meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, Dr Steinacker disclosed that engagements will adopt the nationwide approach already put in place by the Ministry of Health and champion conversations that will examine policies, increase advocacy and improve service delivery for women.

In her words, “With the statewide approach, the goal is to coordinate and make sure that health is a priority in our national development.

“The goal today was just to listen. The conversation was about listening. Because really, the people that we need to get to, the people who the solution is created for, are mostly in underserved areas. And there’s usually a barrier to access.

“The advantage of bringing in all the women groups today is that they are the closest to the grassroots. And so if we really want to take the solution to them, we need to understand what the problem is. And this is not an office for one person.

“We have listened to the challenges. The purpose of listening is to understand really where it hurts the most. This is not a solution for one person or one office alone. The idea of the Statewide Approach is really to coordinate the interventions.

“And the next step is obviously then getting the right stakeholders from civil society, from government, from the ministry and the presidency level involved.

“And one of the options that was mentioned today was setting up a technical working group. And that’s not just for one problem, but as we identify what we want to tackle, we know that there are different groups that are needed to tackle those issues.”
​
Some of the key Issues affecting wome’s health raised by the stakeholders include, women’s inability to uptake family planning services teenage pregnancies in mining communities, respiratory complications among mining women dealing with dust, Gender Based Violence, maternal mortality, poor mental health among women, emotional and economic abuse of women, poor child birthing services in farming communities, health education for girls, sexual abuse,, fibroid, malnutrition among women, pregnancy complications,, cancer, stigma against women with disability, VVF among girls as a result of child marriages, among others.

Nigerian govt initiates strategies to improve women health

Court jails motorist over one-way driving on Lagos–Ibadan road

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has secured a two-month jail term without the option of a fine for a motorist arrested for driving against traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, confirmed the development in a statement issued by the FRSC Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

According to Mohammed, the judgment was delivered by the Ojodu-Abiodun Magisterial District Court following a special joint enforcement operation conducted on Monday to address the persistent menace of wrong-way driving along the Kara-Opic axis of the expressway.

He explained that the dangerous practice had worsened in recent weeks due to ongoing bridge expansion joint construction on both the inbound and outbound lanes of the corridor, creating traffic bottlenecks exploited by reckless motorists.

Mohammed said the intervention was initiated by the Lagos Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, in response to growing concerns over road safety.

The operation involved collaboration with the Ogun State FRSC Command, the Corridor Commander, personnel of the Nigeria Police from Warewa, Ojodu-Abiodun and Isheri divisions, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, and the Nigerian Army.

“Officers were strategically positioned at identified hotspots notorious for one-way driving and other traffic violations to ensure effective enforcement,” he said.

During the operation, the enforcement team arrested a commercial bus driver, identified as Koko Moses, who was driving a Volkswagen bus with registration number MUS 89 YG against the flow of traffic.

Further investigations revealed that the motorist was also operating without a valid driver’s licence, thereby compounding the severity of the offence and endangering other road users.

The FRSC said the offender was promptly charged to court by the Divisional Police Officer of Warewa Police Station, CSP Ayegbede John.

Upon arraignment, the court found him guilty and imposed a two-month jail term without the option of a fine, a decision authorities described as a strong deterrent against traffic law violations.

Court jails motorist over one-way driving on Lagos–Ibadan road

ACF urges peaceful, credible 2027 elections as insecurity deepens in North

As the country approaches another general election, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged people across the region to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure peaceful and credible polls in 2027.

Mamman Mike Osuman, Chairman of ACF, made the appeal while addressing the forum’s 79th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday.

He said, “We must educate and enlighten our people on their civic responsibilities and the necessity of abiding by the laws of our fatherland.”

He noted that the election season had given rise to complex groupings whose focus, he said, was not on out-of-school children, hunger, poverty, frequent attacks by kidnappers, banditry or terrorism, but rather on strategies for repositioning ahead of the 2027 elections.

Osuman said there was ample evidence that many current elected and appointed officials remained disconnected from ACF’s aspirations and programmes. He acknowledged, however, that some had been supportive and had provided financial assistance to the forum.

He advised, “Our individual and collective approach must be sincere, genuine, and purposeful—with the downtrodden people of our region and our country as our central focus. We must disabuse our minds of persuasions that seek only to promote momentary, selfish, and primordial interests.”

Explaining the structure of the organisation, Osuman said the National Working Committee meets regularly to address issues before presenting them to the NEC, which then supports implementation through its established committees. He added that the NEC is also responsible for policy formulation and programme implementation.

The chairman observed that the region continues to face serious challenges, including natural disasters, tragic loss of life and the harsh realities of daily living. He said terrorism, armed banditry, insurgency and kidnapping were on the rise, citing incidents in Kwara, southern Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and other areas. The consequences, he said, had been devastating, with families and communities violently uprooted and displaced.

“These displacements have resulted in overcrowded camps and informal settlements with limited access to basic services, increasing the risks of malnutrition and mortality among survivors. Repeated attacks and the climate of fear have disrupted education, leading to school closures across affected areas. Rural economies have been severely strained, travel has become unsafe, and access to farming, schooling, and healthcare has been discouraged,” he lamented.

He added, “Insecurity has deepened to such an extent that external military assistance has been required.”

ACF urges peaceful, credible 2027 elections as insecurity deepens in North

Remo APC seals Senate ticket deal for Abiodun ahead of 2027

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Remo Division of Ogun East Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as their preferred candidate for the Senate in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was made during a well-attended meeting of party leaders on Tuesday, where stakeholders across the division urged the governor to contest the Ogun East Senatorial seat.

Moving the motion, Chief Muri Awolaja, an apex leader of the party from Sagamu Local Government Area, described Abiodun as an achiever and a true son of Remoland and Ogun East, noting that he is eminently qualified to represent the district at the National Assembly. The motion was seconded by a former Chairman of Remo North Local Government Area, Dapo Odunsi.

Speaking in support, council chairmen in the zone — Hon. Muyiwa Sodade of Remo North and Hon. Jamiu Asimi of Ikenne Local Government — called on the governor to heed the call of the people.

“We are at the grassroots and we can confidently say that the good people of Remoland and indeed Ogun East are waiting for you to represent them in the Senate from 2027. This is our way of appreciating the remarkable work you have done as governor,” Asimi said.

The formal endorsement was subsequently announced by a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Chief Kola Ogunjobi, in the presence of prominent APC leaders, including the Ogun East APC Chairman, Chief Adeleke Adedoyin; apex leader, Otunba Dapo Osho; Hon. Sikiru Awosipe; Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya; Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal; SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Olalekan Ifede; Special Adviser on Political Matters, Apagun Biyi Adeleye; Hon. Koye Ijaduoye; Hon. Ganiu Odufuwa (OGO); Hon. Segun Ogunleye; Muda Odukale; and the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Otunba ’Dare Odufowokan, among others.

Ogunjobi said the leaders reached the decision after extensive deliberations on the state of the party and a careful appraisal of the Abiodun administration.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun’s performance in governance and development has exceeded expectations. His achievements across infrastructure, education, security, housing, industry, investment and social welfare make him the ideal candidate to represent Ogun East in the Senate,” he said.

He noted that the governor has constructed over 1,600 kilometres of roads within six years, completed the Gateway International Airport, and implemented reforms that have attracted over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s new manufacturing companies to Ogun State.

“If he has done this much as governor, bringing him home to represent Ogun East will deliver even greater dividends for Remoland and the entire district,” Ogunjobi added.

Party officials from the three local government areas, including chairmen, vice chairmen and secretaries, were also present and pledged full mobilisation and grassroots support to ensure victory should the governor declare his interest.

They said Remo Division is proud of Abiodun’s achievements and resolved to spearhead the push for his emergence as APC candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District in 2027.

Remo APC seals Senate ticket deal for Abiodun ahead of 2027

NELFUND has paid 265 tertiary institutions for 1.5 million applications – Sawyerr

Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, says the Fund has paid 265 tertiary institutions for 1.5 million applications.

Sawyerr made this disclosure on Tuesday in an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST.

He said that there is a complexity due to the verification of applications, stressing that they were negotiating with institutions to let students who applied late write their exams.

“I think if there’s anything to be stressed or worried about, it is the welfare of the youth in Nigeria. So I welcome the stress and the worry.

“The way things are is that we started the scheme to provide students with interest free loans to ensure that the situation that we’ve had in this country for so long where so many cannot commence tertiary education and so many who have struggled against all odds to get themselves into a tertiary institution have had to drop out because of funds.

“Essentially, what we are here to do is to enable students who have the capacity, the desire to remain in the institution until they graduate and to be able to access education. These systems require proper processes when you’re disbursing government funds.

“It is important that we use the proper processes that we have approved and designed and approved to ensure that we don’t have any sort of misappropriation of these funds.

“Today, the Fund has paid 265 tertiary institutions for 1.5 million applications,” he said.

NELFUND has paid 265 tertiary institutions for 1.5 million applications – Sawyerr

Outrage against Akpabio-led Senate mounts as Nigerians insist on e-transmission of results

Storm of public anger and dissatisfaction have continued to greet the Nigerian Senate’s latest move to amend the Electoral Act without providing for compulsory electronic transmission of election results.

Criticisms grew louder on Tuesday after the Senate plenary, with many Nigerians accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the 10th National Assembly of deliberately weakening the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

DAILY POST reported that the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday amended the Electoral Act to permit the electronic transmission of election results, while simultaneously creating a major loophole that allows manual result sheets to prevail where electronic transmission fails.

The amendment was adopted during plenary proceedings with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, presiding.

Under the revised provision, presiding officers at polling units are required to electronically transmit results to the IREV portal after the completion of voting.

However, the amendment provides that where electronic transmission is unsuccessful due to communication or network failure, the manual result sheet — Form EC8A — shall become the primary basis for collation and declaration of results.

DAILY POST reports that the development came after the upper chamber had earlier last week rejected the compulsory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s, INEC, Result Viewing Portal, IREV.

The proposal, however, has sparked concerns among Nigerians, particularly over the reliance on Form EC8A as the primary source of election results, where disputes arise.

At the heart of the controversy is the claim by many critics that the proposed amendment effectively waters down the gains of electoral reforms, especially provisions relating to electronic transmission of results.

Civil society groups, opposition figures, and legal experts, who spoke to DAILY POST following the development, argue that the Senate’s position signals a dangerous return to the era of manual manipulation.

We can’t be intimidated – Senate insists

However, speaking on the aftermath of the controversy on Tuesday, Senate Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that the red chamber cannot be intimidated over the real-time transmission of election results saga.

Adaramodu made the remarks on Tuesday while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

According to him, lawmaking is not comical, adding that the Senate does not play to the gallery.

“We are not worried, we’re not to be intimidated, and we shouldn’t be intimidated.

“And moreover, as we know, in Nigeria and anywhere else where democracy is thriving, there will be shades of opinions, there will be shadows of ideas, and then we have to listen to all. So, that’s what happened,” he said.

Senate setting stage for chaos – Obidient Movement

Speaking with DAILY POST on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, criticised the Senate’s position on the Electoral Act amendment, warning that it could create confusion and undermine the electoral process.

Tanko said the Senate’s approach amounted to “setting the people up,” arguing that lawmakers should either fully support electronic transmission of results or address the infrastructural challenges associated with it, such as poor internet connectivity in some areas.

He faulted claims by some senators that their constituencies lack network coverage, questioning the use of public funds and the level of development brought to such communities by their representatives.

According to Tanko, allowing a return to manual transmission of results where electronic transmission is considered impossible could lead to disputes at polling units and collation centres, as parties may disagree over the existence or absence of network service.

He described the Senate’s position as a “chaotic resolution” that could worsen electoral challenges rather than resolve them, warning that the issue could generate further tension in future elections.

Tanko said: “They (Senate) are setting the people up for chaps. What I meant by this is that you either support the electronic transmission of results holistically and provide solutions to inadequacies that may be faced with that particular process.

“For example, making sure that there is internet in that particular area that they said there’s no network.

“One of the senators shamelessly, for God’s sake, saying that there is no service in his own village, then, what are you in the Senate for? What is the allocation that the government has been giving you? What have you done? What development have you got to your own people? It is disgraceful.

“So and then you now say that where there is no service, you go back to manual transfer, or at when everybody agrees. It is a setup for chaos.

“Everybody can say that there is no service in his own area and then there will be an argument between those who want electronic transmission and those who don’t want.

“It’s a chaotic resolution. It won’t help but rather create more problems. At least the only thing in that discussion is that they have now learned that the power of the people reign supreme.

“I will rather advise the National Assembly to be really decisive on this matter rather than to leave it hanging. Today, they are finding it difficult to approve, tomorrow it may turn to hunt them.

“We will continue to advocate for good governance and the process for election. And anything that’s required for us to do based on the confines of law and order, we will do it. Our people will revert back and take a look at the new resolution and take the next step.

“Well, they should wait for the consequence from the people. The action of the people will testify whether they’ve taken the right decision or not. The party, of course, as I said, will revisit it and look at what needs to be done accordingly.”

Lawmakers creating loopholes to manipulate polls – Ex-PDP National Auditor, Nnaji

Speaking also with DAILY POST, a former National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ray Nnaji, accused the National Assembly of deliberately creating loopholes in the Electoral Act amendment to enable manipulation of the electoral process.

Nnaji said the proposed changes to the law were aimed at weakening transparency, arguing that many lawmakers were aware they would struggle to retain their seats under a fully transparent electoral system.

According to him, public pressure remains critical in determining the outcome of the amendment process, stressing that the views of Nigerians must be reflected in the final law.

He alleged that the timing of the amendment was deliberate, claiming that lawmakers were attempting to push through the changes quickly in order to achieve their desired outcome.

Nnaji warned that resistance from the public could disrupt the electoral timetable if the amendment is rejected, potentially affecting preparations for future elections.

Nnaji declared: “You know quite well that these are loopholes for the manipulation of the system. So all these things are loopholes they are creating to manipulate the system. Most of them knew quite well they can’t come back to the National Assembly if the system is transparent, they can’t come back.

“The people will determine what will happen. But I must have to say, even if they come and harmonize and remove the real time transmission, the pressure that was mounted which made them do what they are doing now, will still have to be mounted. The people’s view must have to take place.

“They decided to do the electoral act amendment belatedly in order to see if they can do it so fast, and then manipulate and succeed in getting what they want.

“And if they try to do that and the people say no, it all means we have to shift the election timetable, and it will affect the conduct of the entire election. That’s what I’m seeing. I don’t know why the people will say this is what we want and you refuse to do that.”

Politicians lack leadership – CRRAN President, Omotayo

Similarly, the President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, CRRAN, Barr Olu Omotayo, criticised Nigerian politicians over the controversy surrounding the Electoral Act amendment, accusing them of failing to show leadership on electoral reforms.

Omotayo said the debate over electronic transmission of results should not be limited to the period close to elections, noting that genuine reforms ought to have been pursued immediately after the last general election.

According to him, making electronic transmission mandatory requires deliberate investment in infrastructure, particularly telecommunications, which he said has been neglected.

Omotayo accused politicians of pursuing personal interests rather than prioritising the welfare of the electorate, insisting that electoral reforms and infrastructural development should be continuous processes, not last-minute concerns.

He further said the proposed amendment does not represent any significant improvement on the existing law, describing it as a rewording of the old provisions without meaningful change.

According to him, the failure to strengthen the Electoral Act will effectively return the country to the status quo, stressing that accountability and development are often only emphasised during election periods.

He said: “Our politicians aren’t showing leadership, because it’s not when the election remains a year everybody will be jumping up.

“This is something that they are supposed to have tackled since the time of the last election if you want to make e-transmission mandatory.

“Part of good governance is to demand for infrastructure and also development of the society. If you look at the NCC report over 70% of rural areas are not covered by mobile networks. Even in the cities, not all the places we refer to our city have this mobile network.

“So the problem is that the politicians, people we have in power, are only interested in themselves. They’re only interested in their own, what they want to achieve is not for the populace.

“This is something they are supposed to have been canvasing, right from the first day this government came in. Politicians are part of the problem.

“There has not been any improvement on the former law. It’s still the same law, just that the language is a bit different, but it still means the same thing.

“When a government comes to power, we demand accountability. We demand improving the amenities, but nobody is doing that until the election period. We are back to square one.”

Senate endorsed electoral banditry – Analyst

On his part, a public affairs analyst and communication expert at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, criticised the Senate’s position, describing it as an endorsement of what he termed “electoral banditry.”

Odo said he was not surprised by the lawmakers’ action, arguing that many senators benefited from loopholes in the electoral process and lacked the incentive to close them.

According to him, the amendment empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to alternate between electronic transmission of results and manual processes, a development he said could undermine electoral credibility.

He alleged that similar loopholes were exploited during the 2023 general elections, when electronic transmission reportedly failed in some areas, leading to discrepancies between results uploaded on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal and those collated manually.

Odo cited Rivers State as an example, claiming that results presented at collation centres differed from those recorded at polling units, yet were admitted due to provisions in the Electoral Act.

He maintained that several lawmakers benefited from such irregularities and questioned their willingness to reform the system.

Describing the Senate’s action as self-serving, Odo called on Nigerians to reject the amendment and pressure lawmakers to revisit it.

He said: “No. I’m not surprised. How did we expect the same persons who benefited from the loopholes in the election transmission to fix it? They knew that if they fix it, the System will ensure that they are not reelected into the Senate.

“They have simply empowered INEC to switch between e-transmission to manual. This means a lot. The manual transmission as backup means that INEC can repeat what they did in 2023.

“If an unwanted candidate is leading, the IReV will experience ‘glitch. Many results submitted to the collation centres will totally differ from the ones obtained at the polling units.

“We all saw the mutilated results from Rivers state. And because of the loopholes allowed in the electoral act, these mutilated copies were admitted as true copies.

“Many of the lawmakers benefited from these anomalies. So, how do you expect them to fix it?

“The action by the lawmakers is abominable and self-serving. Nigerians should reject it and pressure them to amend the act. A law that fails to reflect the wills of the people is atrocious and unprogressive.

“Let’s not empower an odoriferous electoral banditry that can create eternal atrocious proclivity for calamities.”

DAILY POST further reports that other notable political figures in the country who have also expressed displeasure against the position of the Senate on the matter include Obiageli Ezekwesili (former Minister of Education), veteran Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others.

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio said on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended Electoral Act into law this month.

Akpabio stated this during an emergency plenary session where the lawmakers constituted a committee to harmonise its version of the bill with the one passed by the House of Representatives.

The 12-member committee will work with the House of Representatives to harmonise the versions of the bills passed by both bodies.

“I believe that if you are able to conclude within this — in the next few days or one week— the President should be able to sign this amended Electoral Bill into an Act of Parliament within this month of February,” the Senate president told the lawmakers.

“So I wish you a worthy deliberation with your colleagues,” Akpabio said.

Outrage against Akpabio-led Senate mounts as Nigerians insist on e-transmission of results

Nigeria must not be ‘Giant of Africa’ that disgraces continent – Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for Nigeria to stop being the so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent.

In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Obi was reacting to the rejection of the real-time electronic transmission of election results by the Senate.

He said claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable.

According to him, anyone seeking to hold public office must emerge through a transparent and honourable process.

The former Anambra state governor added that aspirants for public office should provide verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with fulfilling other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications.

“Yesterday, February 9th, I participated in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

“Our demands were clear and non-negotiable: No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process.

“Beyond eligibility, candidates must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law. Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.

“Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes on a daily basis. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.

“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.

“We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust—not one mired in chaos and impunity. As the agitation continues, I urge our youth, who turned out in large numbers, to remain steadfast and not relent until the necessary reforms are achieved.

“I remain firmly committed to the vision of a New Nigeria—one that is not only possible, but inevitable if we stand and act together,” he wrote.

Nigeria must not be ‘Giant of Africa’ that disgraces continent – Peter Obi

Lack of sanitation facilities forcing girls to drop from schools – Jigawa govt

The Jigawa State Government has said that lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools is a major reason many girls drop out of school.

The state disclosed this during a media and stakeholders’ dialogue on WASH services in schools and primary healthcare centres, organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in partnership with UNICEF, following a media tour of selected schools across Jigawa State.

Speaking at the dialogue, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Hauwa Mustapha Babura, said poor sanitation and lack of privacy continue to affect girls’ education in the state.

“WASH is very important to us in Jigawa State, if we truly want children to be retained in school. We don’t want our girls to just survive; we want them to thrive.”

Dr. Babura explained that many girls are forced out of school due to the absence of proper toilet facilities and privacy.

She added that the state is working to address the problem despite challenges with terrain and inherited infrastructure.

“We are doing a lot, but we also inherited a lot. We have just spent two years, give us the next two years, and we will achieve even more,” she said.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, said the government is aware of the challenges facing basic education, particularly infrastructure and WASH facilities, and is taking steps to fix them.

“We are aware of our challenges and we are working towards fixing them. Learning cannot stop simply because there are no functional toilets in some schools. We will get there,” he said.

Prof. Musa disclosed that the state has 2,727 primary schools and 618 junior secondary schools, bringing the total number of public basic schools to 3,345.

According to him, there are 8,689 toilets across schools in the state.

He added that systems have been put in place for strategic renovation, operation and maintenance of school facilities, with a long-term target set for 2030.

“All hands are on deck. Of course, resources are limited, but education remains a priority for us,” he said.

On her part, UNICEF Advocacy and Risk Communication Specialist, Dr. Sussan Akila, commended Jigawa State for its efforts but raised concerns over national data.

She noted that a 2021 WASH survey showed that only 11 per cent of schools in Nigeria have basic WASH facilities, with Jigawa State recording just 2 per cent.

She warned that poor WASH conditions expose children and women to health risks and affect school enrolment and retention.

She urged the state to strengthen WASH facilities in schools, particularly in rural areas.

Lack of sanitation facilities forcing girls to drop from schools – Jigawa govt

Secondary school student dies after alleged bullying in Yobe school

A senior Secondary School (SS3) student of the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Potiskum, Yobe State, has reportedly died as a result of alleged bullying incident by fellow students.

The incident, DAILY POST learnt, occurred on Sunday, after the victim was allegedly attacked by some of his classmates under circumstances yet to be fully understood.

The affected student was said to have been buried the same day the incident happened in his hometown, Gadaka, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.

SP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Yobe State Police spokesman, confirmed the incident, assuring that the police had commenced investigation to determine the real cause of the student’s death.

According to Abdulkarim, “Yes, we are aware of the incident, investigation is currently ongoing to ascertain what led to the death of the student.”

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a teacher explained that some students suspected to be involved had been handed over to the police and investigation is ongoing.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Prof. Abba Idriss Adam, when contacted on the incident, promised to get back to our reporter but could not revert until this report was filed.

Secondary school student dies after alleged bullying in Yobe school 

Kebbi govt inaugurates panel to probe state-owned varsity

Kebbi State Government has inaugurated a visitation panel to investigate ongoing administrative and academic challenges at the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, AFUST, Aliero.

The panel was inaugurated on Monday by Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

It is chaired by a former Minister of Science and Technology and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Abubakar Ka’oje.

The government said the decision followed prolonged internal disputes within the institution, particularly between the university management and the governing council, which have continued despite interventions by the Ministry of Higher Education.

The persistent crises, according to the state government, have disrupted both academic and administrative activities at the university.

Governor Idris disclosed that the situation had at one point raised concerns about the continued functioning of the governing council and the university’s management, noting that unresolved disagreements had negatively affected stability within the institution.

The visitation panel is expected to examine the issues and submit recommendations aimed at resolving the challenges facing the university.

The government also directed the university management to cooperate with the panel by providing relevant documents, including financial records, to facilitate its work.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Professor Ka’oje assured that members would carry out their assignment objectively and recommend solutions in the interest of the institution.

Kebbi govt inaugurates panel to probe state-owned varsity

Truck crushes cyclist to death under LASUTH bridge

A cyclist has lost his life in a fatal road accident involving a heavy-duty truck beneath the LASUTH Bridge along the Airport Road corridor in Ikeja, Lagos.

The incident occurred on Monday at the traffic signal point under the bridge as the cyclist and a DAF articulated truck approached the roundabout from the Maryland axis. Reports indicate that the cyclist rode too close to the moving truck while attempting to navigate the turn, leading to a deadly collision.

Eyewitnesses said the cyclist lost balance during the manoeuvre and was run over by the truck, sustaining fatal injuries and dying instantly at the scene.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who were already deployed in the area, responded immediately. The truck driver was apprehended after allegedly attempting to escape and was subsequently handed over to officers at the Ikeja Police Division for further action.

To prevent secondary accidents and restore traffic flow, officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit evacuated the body of the deceased from the roadway.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, described the accident as “painful and avoidable,” while expressing condolences to the bereaved family.

“This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this very difficult time,” Giwa said. “No family deserves to lose a loved one in such a tragic and sudden manner.”

He warned cyclists and other vulnerable road users against plying major highways and high-speed corridors, stressing that such routes pose serious risks.

“Cyclists must understand that expressways and major arterial roads are designed for fast-moving vehicles. Using such routes exposes them to grave danger,” he said.

Giwa added that the state government has consistently invested in public enlightenment campaigns to reduce road crashes involving vulnerable road users.

“We have continued to sensitise cyclists, motorbike riders and other non-motorised road users through public awareness programmes, jingles and safety campaigns. These rules are not meant to punish anyone but to save lives,” he stated.

He urged all road users to obey traffic laws and remain alert at all times, noting that collective responsibility is key to preventing avoidable tragedies on Lagos roads.

The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, reaffirmed its commitment to strict traffic enforcement, continuous public education and the protection of lives across the state.

Truck crushes cyclist to death under LASUTH bridge

Federal Government revives three abandoned Jigawa roads after years of neglect

The Federal Government has approved the resumption of three long-abandoned road projects in Jigawa State, which had been neglected for years and had led to the loss of lives and destruction of property due to frequent road accidents.

DAILY POST reported that state residents have raised concerns over how abandoned Federal Government road projects are threatening the lives and properties of citizens.

State Coordinator of the Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu Guri, and former Chairman of Guri Local Government, disclosed this while presenting President Bola Ahmad Tinubu’s season greeting card to the Emir of Gumel on Sunday.

He explained that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu is displeased with how the Gaya–Shiwarin, Gaya–Kafin Hausa and Kwanar Dumawa–Babura road projects have remained uncompleted for years, resulting in the loss of lives and property.

Guri said President Tinubu has ordered the immediate revocation of the contracts, which have now been awarded to other companies for completion.

He urged traditional rulers to champion prayers for peace, unity and stability in the country.

He added that the greeting card from the president is a testimony to the traditional rulers’ commitment to maintaining peace in the country.

According to him” The season greeting card will be extended to the five Emirate Council including Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim and Dutse emirates respectively.

Responding, the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Sani, commended President Tinubu for his efforts in improving agriculture, education, health and peace in the country.

He assured that the emirate remains committed to supporting the Federal Government in achieving its mandates.

Federal Government revives three abandoned Jigawa roads after years of neglect

FG allocates N6bn for construction of 3 mega schools in Gombe

The Federal Government has approved the allocation of six billion Naira for the construction of three mega schools in Gombe State.

The Minister of Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Ahmadu, made this known y in Kumo, headquarters of Akko Local Government Area, while inaugurating a 250-bed capacity hostel constructed by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The minister said that the three schools are to be constructed by the NEDC.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the three mega schools are to be located in Dadin Kowa (Gombe Central Senatorial District), Dukku (Gombe North Senatorial District) and Kaltungo (Gombe South Senatorial District).

According to the minister, the intervention is part of a broader strategy to make education more attractive, accessible and competitive, particularly in regions affected by years of developmental challenges.

He emphasised that education remains key to catching up with national standards and bridging the educational gap between the North-East and other parts of the country.

“The federal government, is focused on providing modern learning environments that inspire students and improve academic outcomes,” Ahmadu said.

NAN also reports that the mega schools are equipped with essential amenities and facilities, including decent student accommodation, which the minister noted would significantly enhance students’ concentration and academic performance due to the convenient and supportive atmosphere.

Ahmadu further acknowledged the efforts of the Gombe State Government, commending its collaboration with the NEDC to ensure that education in the state remains affordable and attractive to all interested learners.

He described the partnership as a model for sustainable educational development and regional growth.

NAN reports that mega schools in Nigeria are state-led initiatives focused on building large, modern and well-equipped school compleves, often featuring ICT labs, libraries and classrooms designed to boost education quality and insfrastructure.

These projects, particularly in Northern Nigeria, aim to provide, safe learning environments for thousands of students, including IDPs and orphans.

FG allocates N6bn for construction of 3 mega schools in Gombe

Abia government approves adjusted minimum wage for teachers, SEMB staff

The Abia State Government has approved the implementation of an adjusted minimum wage for teachers and staff of the State Education Management Board as part of efforts to improve their welfare.

The Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Basic and Secondary Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Umuahia, the state capital.

He explained that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that education workers receive their rightful entitlements without delay, adding that steps are also being taken to address other outstanding benefits.

According to him, the government is making progress in processing leave allowances for teachers and SEMB personnel, while arrangements are ongoing to settle payments for educators whose services were previously extended but later disrupted due to administrative challenges.

Nwosu praised Governor Otti for prioritising the education sector and maintaining a consistent focus on the welfare of teachers and school administrators across the state.

He recalled that the state had approved the implementation of the revised minimum wage in 2023 in line with federal guidelines, though some workers experienced delays in salary adjustments and allowances.

The latest approval, he said, is aimed at clearing pending entitlements and ensuring full compliance with the updated wage structure for education personnel in Abia State.

Abia government approves adjusted minimum wage for teachers, SEMB staff

John Amadi: Matthew Tonlagha – Compassion in action, patriotism in practice

In every generation, a nation is shaped not only by those who occupy public office, but by citizens whose sense of responsibility transcends personal ambition. Matthew Tonlagha belongs firmly to this rare class of Nigerians — men whose lives demonstrate that patriotism is not an abstract sentiment but a daily practice rooted in compassion, courage, and service.

Tonlagha’s story begins not with privilege, but with profound challenge. Born into a disciplined military family, his early childhood was disrupted by severe health complications arising from ill medication, impairing his ability to walk and delaying his education for years. For nearly a decade, his world revolved around hospitals, uncertainty, and dependence. During this period, his mother became his lifeline — carrying him physically to school and emotionally through despair. This formative experience instilled in him an unshakeable empathy for the vulnerable and a deep understanding of sacrifice that would later define his humanitarian philosophy.

Rather than allowing these hardships to diminish his ambition, Tonlagha emerged from them with remarkable mental resilience. His educational journey, though delayed, became a proving ground for leadership. At Ugborikoko Secondary School in Effurun, he distinguished himself through service-oriented leadership, earning the respect of peers and teachers alike. He was not known for dominance or flamboyance, but for dependability, fairness, and the ability to bring people together — qualities that would later become central to his success in business and community engagement.

The passing of his father marked a pivotal transition in his life. Returning to his ancestral home in Benikrukru Community, Tonlagha became deeply immersed in grassroots realities. Here, leadership was not theoretical; it was practical, personal, and often demanding. Elected as Public Relations Officer of the Benikrukru Youth Development Movement, he emerged as a voice of moderation and progress, advocating peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue between youths, traditional institutions, and multinational corporations.

His integrity and maturity earned him a rare honor: being presented to Chevron Nigeria Limited as a credible and trusted representative of his community. In a region where corporate-community relations are often strained, this endorsement spoke volumes about his character. It signaled the arrival of a young leader capable of balancing local interests with national economic imperatives.

Building on this foundation, Matthew Tonlagha ventured into entrepreneurship, founding MATON Engineering Nigeria Limited. What followed was not merely business expansion, but institution-building. Under his leadership, MATON grew into one of the Niger Delta’s leading indigenous firms, with operations spanning Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), Real Estate, Maritime Services, and Security. Through these ventures, thousands of jobs were created, local capacity was strengthened, and young Nigerians were given pathways to dignity and self-reliance.

Tonlagha’s patriotism reached national prominence during Nigeria’s oil production crisis, when vandalism, illegal bunkering, and sabotage crippled output and drained national revenue. As Vice Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, working alongside High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), he played a critical role in efforts that restored oil production and safeguarded vital national assets. The recovery of billions of dollars in lost revenue was not just an economic victory — it was a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s capacity to solve its problems through indigenous leadership.

Yet, beyond boardrooms and national security, Matthew Tonlagha’s legacy is most deeply felt in his philanthropy. He is widely known for supporting educational scholarships, free feeding programs, vocational training initiatives, and empowerment schemes for widows and vulnerable citizens. His giving is not ceremonial; it is consistent, quiet, and deeply personal. He gives because he remembers need — because he once lived it.

In Matthew Tonlagha, Nigeria sees compassion translated into action and patriotism expressed through practice. His life reminds us that nation-building is not confined to government corridors, but lives in the hearts of citizens who refuse to turn away from responsibility. He is proof that service, when sustained and sincere, becomes legacy.

John Amadi: Matthew Tonlagha – Compassion in action, patriotism in practice