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INEC Chairman orders deployment of more registration machines for CVR
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has ordered for deployment of more voter registration machines to some centres in Edo, for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
Yakubu said on Thursday in Benin, when he visited some of the registration centres in the state to access the ongoing exercise.
He lauded the massive turnout of the registration at different centres in the state, and assured of doing everything possible to make the process seamless.
Speaking at the registration centre located Western Boys Secondary School, Ward 2, Ikpoba Okha LGA, Yakubu directed that two additional machines and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), should be mobilised to the centre.
“The most important thing is for us to expedite the process. So what we have decided now is that tomorrow there will be two additional machines to this centre, to make it five machines.
“There are two queues. One is for registration, the other one is for transfer and collection of cards. So they are going to reorganise the queues. But I’ve seen the numbers here, and one of the solutions is to increase the number of machines to this centre,” he said.
Also at the INEC Ikpoba Okha LGA Office, Yakubu directed that additional registration machines should be deployed to the centre.
He also monitored the exercise at Eweka Primary School in Use Ward 3, Egor LGA.
Yakubu warned staff of the commission against demanding for money before registering people who presented themselves for the exercise.
On observation that some political parties were trying to hijack the exercise in favour of their supporters, Yakubu said that the commission would be meeting with the state commissioner of Police and other security agencies in the state to address the concern.
“My message consistently is that all the staff engaged in the registration, whether they are ad hoc staff or regular staff, should know that no one should collect money from any Nigerian who comes to register or transfer or request for replacement of cards.
“This is a service paid for by the Federal Government and it must be respected. Where we catch any staff involved in this act, that staff will be dealt with, whether the staff is regular staff or ad hoc staff,” Yakubu said.
Earlier, some of the prospective registrants on the queue commended INEC for the exercise and urged the commission to mobilise more registration machine to fast-track the registration process.
Mrs Sliver Angela and Mr Oluwasegun Oketoki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the registration centre located at INEC Ikpoba Okha LGA Office, that they came out as early as 5a. m., to register and called for deployment of more machines to the centre
“Most of us came here since 5.30. The machine was not working fast.
“The INEC staff are trying to coordinate us but some of us are pushing to boycott the line. That is what is delaying us. Now they are attending to us and everything is going on smoothly.
“If there is any alternative to bring additional machines, let INEC do so,” Angela said.
Mrs Blessings Uwagwe at Eweka Primary School, also complained about the delay in the process and the need for more machines to be deployed as more people are coming out to register.
Mr Oransaiye Nicolas, said initially one machine was deployed to the centre, but following their complaints, additional two machines were mobilised to the centre.
Nicolas commended Yakubu for directing that additional machines should be deployed to the centre.
Meanwhile, an INEC ad hoc Staff, Mr Oladele Emmanuel,deployed for the registration at the centre said he had no challenge with functionality of the registration machines. (NAN)
A Nigerian boxer, Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, has died after slumping during a boxing match in Ghana.
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Remi Aboderin confirmed the death of the boxer on Sunday.
The 40-year-old boxer, nicknamed “Success”, stumbled to the canvas while fighting Jon Mbanugu, a Ghanian, at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Saturday.
Olanrewaju was not punched or near his opponent when he collapsed violently in round three of the light-heavyweight bout.
The referee called the match immediately, and medical aid was ushered into the ring.
Olarenwaju died after he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Ther boxer was a former West African and national light-heavyweight champion.
He competed in 24 bouts with 13 wins, eight losses, and three draws.
In 2022, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, another boxer, also died after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) in a bout at the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Delta.
Igboanugo died after he took a fatal blow to the nose and did not survive the hit.
President Bola Tinubu has revealed the political calculus behind his decision to approve the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
He disclosed that he first asked FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whether the move would give his party an electoral advantage in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage by FCT residents at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu offered an unusually candid account of how the major fiscal reform came about—and the political considerations that shaped it.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA, so that I can do more work, and I achieve more,’” the President recounted.
According to Tinubu, before granting the request, he challenged Wike to explain how the reform would benefit not just governance but also his political interests.
“Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. And I threw in my own political guide. I said, ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?’”
The President, referencing the political dynamic between Wike—a member of the opposition—and himself, continued: “I said, ‘I know where you are coming from—your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”
President Tinubu also declared that hunger is reducing, security is improving, and Nigeria is beginning to feel the results of his administration’s reforms.
Tinubu attributed part of the visible progress in the FCT to the efforts of Minister Wike.
The President, who expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan, said Nigerians are starting to experience relief across several sectors.
“We are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. The hunger is coming down. Food prices lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business,” he said.
While addressing the diverse delegation from the FCT, Tinubu praised the spirit of discipline, prayer, and compassion exhibited during the holy month of Ramadan.
He urged Nigerians to carry those values into everyday life, especially in caring for the less privileged.
“We must continue to share. We must remember the orphanages, the widows, the have-nots—believing that we can share both in joy and in times of need,” he said.
Turning his attention to developments within the FCT, President Tinubu applauded Wike, for bringing progressive ideas and executing key projects.
He cited the revival of abandoned infrastructure, the rehabilitation of health centers and schools, and the modernization of public services.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouth to even celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you have given,” Tinubu told Wike. “The health facilities are being upgraded, our teachers and schools are being rehabilitated. Thank you, Wike.”
He also commended Wike’s performance as a southerner effectively managing affairs in the heart of northern Nigeria.
“That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity,” the President noted.
In his remarks, Wike congratulated the President and the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the 30-day fast, describing the holy month as a season that instills values of sacrifice, self-discipline, compassion, and unity—values he said align with the President’s leadership style.
“This visit marks a historic moment,” Wike noted. “It is the first time residents of the FCT have had the opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are truly delighted to be here.”
Highlighting the developmental strides achieved under Tinubu’s administration, Wike praised the President’s support in enabling key institutional reforms in the FCT.
He cited the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the establishment of new Mandate Secretariats for Women and Youths, and the appointment of Permanent Secretaries as landmark steps that have strengthened governance and service delivery in the territory.
“None of these significant strides would have been possible without your commitment to the well-being of the FCT and its residents,” Wike said.
He further affirmed the FCT Administration’s unwavering loyalty to the Tinubu-led government and reiterated its full commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the delegation that accompanied him to the Villa represented the rich diversity of the FCT—spanning religious, political, and traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, civil servants, members of the media, and everyday residents.
“Despite our different backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration. This unity demonstrates our collective commitment to national progress under your visionary leadership,” the Minister added.
Wike also disclosed that the FCT is preparing an array of impactful projects for commissioning as President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office approaches.
These projects, he said, are focused on infrastructure development, improved economic opportunities, and enhanced quality of life for FCT residents.
“We still recall with gratitude your physical presence at five of the nine projects commissioned during your first anniversary. We now look forward to hosting Your Excellency again to witness firsthand the tangible progress made over the past 12 months,” Wike said.
Concluding his address, the FCT Minister offered prayers for the President, the First Lady, and the entire First Family, wishing them good health, wisdom, and divine guidance.
“May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and continued progress to our nation,” he said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects is already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time.”