SENATE SPOKESPERSON ADARAMODU HOSTS SENATE PRESS CORPS FOR 2026 CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP.

SENATE SPOKESPERSON ADARAMODU HOSTS SENATE PRESS CORPS FOR 2026 CAPACITY-BUILDING WORKSHOP.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs and Spokesperson of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, on Monday hosted members of the Senate Press Corps at its 2026 Capacity-Building Workshop held at the National Assembly, Abuja.

The workshop, organised by the Senate Press Corps, was held under the theme, “Leveraging Legislative Oversight and Media Collaboration to Safeguard the National Budget from Unlawful Insertions” and focused on strengthening legislative oversight, improving budget reporting and promoting transparency and accountability. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who represented the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, delivered the Senate President’s goodwill message and urged parliamentary journalists to deepen their understanding of legislative procedures and the budget process for effective reportage. He also cautioned journalists against drawing conclusions on budget provisions without proper verification.

The Senate President, through Adaramodu, charged journalists to sustain their watchdog role by scrutinising the national budget and its implementation, exposing waste and monitoring the utilisation of public funds. The workshop attracted lawmakers, budget experts, civil society representatives, journalists and technology practitioners, with resource persons including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani; BudgIT Director, Oluseun Onigbinde; and Publisher of Eagle Times, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere.

The workshop further examined concerns surrounding unlawful budget insertions and the role of the media in scrutinising budgetary information. Chairman of the Senate Press Corps, Taiye Odewale, called for stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and the media to promote budget transparency, effective legislative scrutiny and accountability.

EKITI POLL: BVAS MACHINE REJECTED MY VOTER CARD BECAUSE OF TWO 'HEADS' IN MY PICTURE, SDP WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL.

EKITI POLL: BVAS MACHINE REJECTED MY VOTER CARD BECAUSE OF TWO 'HEADS' IN MY PICTURE, SDP WITNESS TELLS TRIBUNAL.

...Panel slams petitioner's counsel over 'unacceptable' conduct.

A witness for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the Ekiti State Governorship Ekection Tribunal, Folasade Imade, has told the Tribunal that her voter’s  card was rejected by the  Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machine at the last June 20 election because the card showed two human heads.

The revelation came to light on Monday at the continuation of hearing by the three-member panel of judges led by Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi during a proceeding that witnessed some drama by the witnesses and hot exchanges among the counsels in the suit.

The SDP which scored 179 votes at the June 20 governorship election is challenging the return of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The APC polled 319,224 votes to win re-election at the poll.

The witnesses were led in their examination-in-chief by the SDP counsel, Nnamdi Chukwudebelu and were cross-examined by INEC counsel, Sulaiman Ibrahim, SAN and counsel to Oyebanji, Adetunji Oso, SAN.

Under cross-examination, an SDP witness, Imade, admitted that her voter’s card was rejected by the BVAS machine because the card had two heads in the voter's photograph box in the document which made the electoral officers to ask her to stay aside because of the anomaly discovered.

Imade, who told the Tribunal that the incident happened at her polling unit in Odo Ayedun in Ikole Local Government Area, also admitted not knowing the petitioner in the case for which she came to the court to give evidence.

The witness who alleged in her witness statement on oath that N15,000 was shared at the unit later contradicted her evidence by admitting under cross-examination that she couldn't have known the amount allegedly shared because she didn't count the money to know the exact amount. 

Seyi Alade while testifying for SDP caused a stir when she told the court that she deposed to her witness statement on oath three years ago when the actual date on the document showed that the deposition was done on July 11, 2026.

Attempts by the petitioner's counsel, Chukwudebelu to allow the witness correct herself after the testimony had been recorded by judges and suggesting answers to them, were resisted by respondents' counsel and also rejected by the three-member panel.

The chairman of the panel, Justice Kutigi, maintained that the witness responded to the hearing of the court on that line of evidence and what Chukwudebelu was attempting to do amounted to "leading evidence from the Bar."

During the evidence of the witnesses, Chukwudebelu disrupted the flow of proceedings several times by suggesting to the panel the way and manner the judges should make their records and witnesses to give evidence according to his dictates.

They warned Chukwudebelu against any act that is unacceptable in the prosecution of the petition advising the lawyer to encourage his witness to listen to questions asked them, speak audibly and give answers to the best of their abilities.

At least on three occasions, Justice Kutigi and another member of the panel, Justice Maurice Okediya asked Chukwudebelu to sit down as the business of the tribunal cannot be conducted the whims and caprices of the counsel but in accordance with the law.

Justice Kutigi said: "As much as we want to accommodate you, don't play with us here. The witness never said he didn’t understand what he is doing. Let him answer us, if they want to keep quiet, we will record that they kept mute. You cannot interject and try to do the business the way you want.

"You have to behave yourself, you have to be careful, we are not kids and you have to conduct yourself as a knowledgeable member of the Bar because we are not here to play to the gallery. You cannot come here and intimidate anybody.

"It is not for you to say 'record what I say and don't record that.' All of us on this panel are over 30 years at the Bar, we are not kids. The court is a public place and everybody is watching and we have rules that guide us.

"Do you want to lead evidence from the Bar? What does cross-examination entail? Let us teach you, do you have Evidence Act? There is no law that says he cannot be cross-examined on his deposition on oath. Let us do things that will allow us make progress in this case."

Another SDP witness, Comfort Obafemi, under cross-examination admitted that there was no picture on her party membership card. She claimed that she wrote her witness statement on oath by herself.

Other witnesses who testified in support of SDP included Joseph Tola, Christiana Akinyemi, Bosede Apara and Funke Alakuro who recanted a certain paragraph of her deposition in her witness statement on oath which she described as a "lie" while responding to a question from respondent's counsel.

Ekiti North II Women Rally Support for Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s Second Term.

Ekiti North II Women Rally Support for Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s Second Term.

Women leaders and representatives from across the wards in Ekiti North Federal Constituency II - comprising Moba, Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas - have reaffirmed their support for Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s bid to return to the Senate for a second term.

The meeting, held on Monday, September 28, 2026, was championed by the Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, Chief  Olaleye Kemisola Christiana  Yeyesewa, popularly known as CKO. It brought together women leaders, stakeholders and representatives from the three local government areas, all united by the conviction that Senator Fasuyi deserves another term in office.

During the meeting, participants highlighted several interventions and achievements credited to the senator. These include completed and ongoing physical projects, the ongoing road project in Ido-Ekiti, support for students, empowerment programmes for farmers, assistance for the aged and widows, provision of solar inverters and streetlights, ICT centres, as well as other initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people across the constituency.

The women expressed satisfaction with the senator’s performance, noting that his efforts have touched different sectors and reached various groups within the constituency. They described his approach to representation as purposeful, people-centred and responsive to the needs of the people.

Speaking with enthusiasm, the women pledged to intensify mobilisation efforts across the wards and communities. They promised to work with renewed vigour and commitment to secure a convincing victory for Senator Cyril Fasuyi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the January 2027 polls.

The gathering also served as an opportunity for the women to reaffirm their loyalty to the party and their determination to ensure that the senator’s ongoing work receives the mandate required for continuity.

Among those present were Chief Christianah Kemisola Olaleye; Princess Bamisile Adesola Clara; the Executive Chairman of Oye Local Government; other women stakeholders from across Ekiti North Federal Constituency II; and all ward women leaders.

With the spirit and unity displayed at the meeting, the women made it clear that the campaign for Senator Cyril Fasuyi’s second term has gained fresh momentum, stronger coordination and wider grassroots support across Moba, Ido-Osi and Ilejemeje.

Akure South Empowerment Programme: Concerned Citizens Demand Accountability Over ₦33M Allocation.

Akure South Empowerment Programme: Concerned Citizens Demand Accountability Over ₦33M Allocation.

  Questions are being raised over the implementation of an empowerment programme reportedly organised by the Akure South Local Government under the leadership of *Hon. Gbenga Timothy Fasua* , with concerned citizens calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding the funds reportedly earmarked for beneficiaries.

The empowerment exercise, said to have taken place on September 18, 2026, was reportedly targeted at three major categories of residents — the aged, youths and women.

According to information made available by concerned citizens, ₦18 million was reportedly earmarked for the aged, ₦10 million for youths and ₦5 million for women, bringing the reported total allocation to ₦33 million.

However, concerns have emerged over the alleged level of disbursement to the intended beneficiaries.

The concerned citizens alleged that, as of the time of writing, no youth beneficiary had received any payment, while fewer than 10 percent of the aged were said to have received funds. They also said there was no clear account available to them regarding the disbursement to the women’s group.

Particular concern was raised over the experience of elderly residents who reportedly gathered for several hours during the exercise. According to the account, some of the aged beneficiaries spent approximately eight hours under the sun, only to return home without receiving the expected empowerment support.

The concerned citizens further alleged that the beneficiaries and groups reportedly targeted by the programme had not been able to satisfactorily trace the purported empowerment funds to the intended recipients.

Against this backdrop, we are calling on the Akure South Local Government Chairman, *Hon Gbenga Timothy Fashua* to provide a clear and comprehensive account of the programme, including the actual amount released, the beneficiaries reached, the mode of disbursement and the status of funds reportedly earmarked for the different categories.

The call, is not intended to undermine government programmes but to ensure that public resources meant for vulnerable residents are properly accounted for and that intended beneficiaries receive the support announced in their name.

The citizens therefore urged the Akure South Local Government to address the concerns publicly and provide verifiable information on the implementation of the empowerment programme.

Until such clarification is provided, questions surrounding the reported ₦33 million empowerment allocation remain a matter of public concern.

 The concerned Citizens of Akure South Local Government, Ondo State.

40 Million Women Votes: 176,846 Communities Activated for Tinubu in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Abia, Rivers, Others.

40 Million Women Votes: 176,846 Communities Activated for Tinubu in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Abia, Rivers, Others.

The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Women Mobilisation Directorate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has activated women across 176,846 communities as part of its grassroots engagement and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Directorate said women’s groups in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Kwara, Abia, Rivers and other states have been holding action meetings and community-level engagements over the past month as part of efforts to build a sustained grassroots structure.

The structure, according to the Directorate, is designed to establish committed grassroots mobilisers who will maintain contact with households and communities while encouraging women and other eligible voters to participate in the electoral process.

Dr Betta Edu, Director of Women Mobilisation, PCC, working under the guidance of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged women across the country to strengthen grassroots engagement and mobilise fellow women and other citizens around the programmes and policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

From Afaka Ward in Kaduna State to Kemanji Ward in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Angwa-Katsinawa and Daura in Katsina State, Dutse in Jigawa State and communities in Abia and Rivers states, women’s groups have continued to hold meetings and sensitisation activities.

The Directorate said the engagements are intended to connect government policies and programmes with the everyday economic realities of women in their communities.

It said the grassroots mobilisation structure would focus not only on political participation Campaign Rallies and election-day mobilisation but also on helping women understand the Achievements of the President Tinubu administration, government programmes, identify available opportunities, determine eligibility, access relevant interventions and engage implementing institutions.

Dr. Edu said the Directorate would continue to promote practical information-sharing, particularly on initiatives and reforms that could affect household incomes, businesses and livelihoods positively.

She identified the Renewed Hope Initiative programs, transportation, enterprise development, agriculture, energy and community development among areas where women could benefit from emerging opportunities.

The Directorate also highlighted the planned expansion of the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, noting that improved access to affordable transportation could benefit women who depend on public transport to reach markets, farms, workplaces and schools.

The Directorate said the nationwide engagements would continue as part of its strategy to deepen grassroots contact, communicate information sharing on the many achievements of this administration to mobilise support for President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead Of  the 2027 elections.

SENATOR CYRIL FASUYI: A RECORD OF SERVICE TO EKITI NORTH.

SENATOR CYRIL FASUYI: A RECORD OF SERVICE TO EKITI NORTH.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing the people of Ekiti North Senatorial District, popularly known as Ekiti Oke, has focused his representation on programmes and interventions targeted at improving opportunities and supporting communities across the senatorial district.

Since assuming office, his constituency activities have included initiatives relating to youth employment and opportunities, empowerment for artisans, and educational support for students in secondary and tertiary institutions.

Through various interventions, engagements and constituency programmes, Senator Fasuyi has continued to draw attention to issues affecting young people, students, artisans and other residents across Ekiti North.

Employment facilitation has featured prominently among the areas highlighted in reports on Senator Fasuyi's constituency activities.

For a senatorial district with many young graduates and job seekers, employment-related interventions have remained an important area of interest among constituents and stakeholders.

His supporters and beneficiaries have cited these initiatives as part of what they consider significant aspects of his representation, particularly in creating opportunities and providing support to people across the district.

Education and human-capital development have also featured in his constituency interventions, alongside programmes designed to support students and empower artisans and other members of the community.

These initiatives reflect areas of constituency representation that directly affect the everyday needs and aspirations of residents of Ekiti North.

As conversations about the future of Ekiti North continue, Senator Cyril Fasuyi's programmes, interventions and engagements remain part of the public discussion about his period of service to the senatorial district.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi Till 2031.

AAUA VC Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Consistent, Unprecedented Financial interventions’.

AAUA VC Applauds Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘Consistent, Unprecedented Financial interventions’.

...Thanks Visitor for Implementation of FG/Unions Agreements.

The Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Prof. Tomola Obamuyi, has commended the Visitor to the Institution and Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for the commencement and implementation of the agreements reached between the Federal Government and university unions.

In a statement of appreciation signed by the Vice Chancellor and released on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Prof. Obamuyi said it was heartwarming that the Visitor has been forthcoming with consistent financial interventions as and when necessary.

The statement said in part, “The governor last month approved a hefty sum of over one billion Naira to us to pay outstanding May and June salaries. He has also approved money for us to commence the payment of the salary increment reached between the federal government and university unions.

“That means that the CATTA/CONTTA agreements would henceforth be paid without hassles, and the academic calendar would henceforth be stable to enable our students to graduate as and when due.

“These consistent and timely financial interventions are unprecedented in the annals of Adekunle Ajasin University and should be commended by all lovers of education in the state and beyond.

“Adekunle Ajasin University will forever remain grateful for these commendable acts of the Visitor. And as Management, we assure Mr. Governor that we remain committed to the vision and mission of the University and would reciprocate the gestures by guaranteeing research that would positively impact the society, and the graduation of students who will hold their own among their peers globally.”

With the release of funds and the commencement of the implementation of the CATTA/CONTTA agreements, it is expected that normal academic and other programmes will resume soonest.