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Edo State Security Corps: What It Means For The State

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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On May 26, 2025, the Edo State Government kicked off a critical training program for the newly recruited members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.

While the deadline for recruits to report has passed, the initiative remains a pivotal step in bolstering security across the state.

Here’s all you need to know about this community-driven security effort and what it means for the future.

What is the Edo State Security Corps About?

The Security Corps is a state-backed, community-based security outfit designed to tackle grassroots insecurity in the State.

Launched as a response to rising challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, the ESSC aims to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, such as the police, by fostering localized, proactive responses to crime.

According to Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, the corps has been restructured under the guidance of retired generals to ensure a disciplined and effective force.

The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to empowering local communities to take charge of their safety while promoting stability and reducing insecurity.

Why Is This Training Important?

The training, which began this week at the NYSC Camp in Okada, is a cornerstone of Edo State’s broader strategy to strengthen its security framework.

The program, designed to equip recruits with the skills, discipline, and coordination needed, will address local security threats effectively,by focusing on grassroots-level intervention, ensure that security personnel are familiar with the unique challenges of their communities, from urban centers like Benin City to rural areas across Edo’s three senatorial districts.

This initiative is particularly timely given recent reports of violent incidents in nearby regions, such as the attack in Imo State that claimed 30 lives, underscoring the need for robust local security measures.

The training also fosters collaboration between the ESSC and national security agencies, creating a unified front against crime.

What Happens If The Recruits Don’t Show Up?

The Edo State Government set a strict deadline for recruits to report to the NYSC Camp by the close of May 26, 2025.

According to Commissioner Ohonbamu, failure to report by this deadline results in disqualification from the training program, emphasizing the state’s commitment to discipline and accountability.

What’s Next After the Training?

Following the completion of the training, successful recruits will be deployed across Edo State to support local security efforts.

The ESSC is expected to play a critical role in maintaining law and order, working alongside police and other agencies to prevent and respond to criminal activities.

The state government has also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, signaling that the ESSC will rely on community cooperation to be effective. Looking ahead, the corps is likely to undergo continuous training and restructuring to adapt to evolving security challenges, ensuring that Edo remains a safe and stable environment for its residents.

Why This Matters Now

The launch of the ESSC training marks a significant milestone in Edo State’s fight against insecurity. As the recruits begin their intensive program, the initiative serves as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. For Edo residents, the ESSC represents hope for safer communities and a stronger, more coordinated response to crime. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the training and the impact of the Edo State Security Corps in the weeks to come.

NFF Suspends Referee After NNL Match Controversy

By
Mary Oluwabamise
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The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has handed an indefinite suspension to referee Adebayo Qudus following his contentious officiating during a Nigeria National League (NNL) clash between Gateway United and Sporting Lagos. Qudus faced sharp criticism over several questionable calls, including awarding Gateway a highly debatable penalty and making decisions that many believe violated standard officiating rules, casting a shadow over the game’s fairness.

According to the NFF’s Referee Development Committee, Qudus’s performance damaged the integrity of Nigerian football. A statement signed by Ameenu Mohammed emphasized that his actions undermined the credibility of match officiating and tarnished the image of the game.

During the match, Sporting Lagos striker Seun Akanji appeared to have scored a valid goal that was inexplicably ruled out for offside even though the assistant referee signaled it as a goal by advancing toward the center. Akanji received a yellow card despite no flag being raised. Shortly afterward, he scored again, only for Qudus to blow the whistle during play, show him a second yellow, and issue a red card. The assistant referee did not indicate offside in either instance.

Gateway United took advantage of the turmoil, equalizing with the controversial penalty before securing a 2-1 victory.

The controversy escalated further when Qudus reportedly posted a celebratory message on Facebook after the match, stating, “ALHAMDULILLAH IT ENDED SUCCESSFULLY 2-1 IN FAVOUR OF GATEWAY….. THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT.” This public display sparked outrage among fans and Sporting Lagos officials, with some on social media calling for severe consequences, including jail time, and condemning the officiating as blatant bias.

The NFF’s decision to suspend Qudus reflects a larger move to clean up officiating standards in Nigerian football. Earlier in the year, the federation warned that referees found guilty of match-fixing or manipulation would face a minimum ten-year ban and possible legal action from security agencies. This is part of an ongoing crackdown, including the suspension of another referee, Emmanuel Kolawole, in February for a similarly controversial penalty decision in an NPFL match. Measures such as improved monitoring and expanded live broadcasts have also been introduced to ensure greater transparency.

Sporting Lagos, who are in the race for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), expressed frustration over the incident. A member of the club’s board, Fola Olatunji-David, expressed his anger online, saying those responsible for the officiating disaster should lose their jobs or face legal consequences, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

This swift disciplinary action by the NFF demonstrates a commitment to raising officiating standards and confronting deeper issues such as insufficient referee training and poor working conditions, which continue to fuel controversies in domestic football.

NSF: Ogun Triumphs Over Eaglets to Set Up Final Showdown with Kwara

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Team Ogun’s men’s football squad secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Golden Eaglets – competing under the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative – in the semi-finals of the 2024 National Sports Festival on Sunday at the Ikene centre.

The win propels Ogun State to the men’s football final, where they will face Kwara State on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex.

The Golden Eaglets initially took the lead, but Team Ogun mounted an impressive comeback to claim the win, much to the delight of their home fans. Supporters are expected to turn out in force on Tuesday for the final in Abeokuta.

Meanwhile, in the women’s semi-final, Ogun State’s female team fell 1-0 to the Flamingos, who also competed under the IJA initiative. Shakirat Moshood’s penalty proved to be the decisive factor in that encounter.

The Flamingos will meet Delta State in the women’s final after Delta defeated Osun 4-1 in the other semi-final.

Kwara State also booked their spot in the men’s final, overcoming Kaduna State 1-0. Muhammed Abdullahi scored the crucial goal in the 62nd minute to secure Kwara’s passage.

The stage is now set for an exciting final between Ogun and Kwara, while the Golden Eaglets and Kaduna State will clash for bronze in the third-place match.

Organisers of the 22nd National Sports Festival have announced that both the men’s and women’s football finals will be held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Iga Swiatek Eyes Historic Fourth Straight French Open Title

By
Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Defending champion Iga Swiatek began her campaign for a historic fourth consecutive French Open crown by defeating Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova 6-3, 6-3 on Monday. Swiatek, who is riding a remarkable 22-match winning streak in Paris, is aiming to become the first female player in the professional era since 1968 to secure four consecutive French Open titles.

Arriving more than 10 days before the tournament to fine-tune her clay-court game, the Polish star believes the early preparation has already paid off.
“It was the first time we had this situation (of arriving early),” Swiatek shared in her post-match interview. “But I liked it. I knew I was going to have the best courts to practice on.”

Despite a somewhat challenging start, with Sramkova playing freely and resisting early on, Swiatek found her rhythm. She broke the Slovak’s serve to go up 4-3 in the first set and eventually sealed it.

Sramkova made a strong start in the second set, breaking Swiatek and taking a 2-0 lead. However, the world number one swiftly regained control, winning six of the next seven games to clinch victory in an hour and 24 minutes.

Unusually, Swiatek entered this year’s French Open without a title to her name so far in 2025, but her clinical performance in the opening match signals that she’s ready to chase another slice of history.

2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi

By
Kwaghza Asema Cephas
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Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Sheikh Gumi, based in Kaduna, confirmed the incident in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Monday.

According to Gumi, he had obtained a visa for the pilgrimage but was denied entry into Medina due to his political views.

“Despite holding a valid visa, the Saudi authorities refused me entry because of my views on global politics,” he wrote.

Gumi had traveled to Saudi Arabia with a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The delegation arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials reportedly denied Gumi entry, stopped him at the airport, and placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

In his statement, Sheikh Gumi thanked Nigerian authorities for their support and stated that they have pledged to engage with Saudi officials for clarification and a resolution.

“I am grateful to the Nigerian authorities who have assured me of their efforts to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.

A NAHCON source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the deportation. The source said the Commission was taken aback by Saudi Arabia’s decision, particularly since all members of the delegation had valid visas and met the required criteria for Hajj participation.

Although Saudi authorities have not issued an official explanation, observers believe the deportation may be linked to Sheikh Gumi’s outspoken political and religious views, which often challenge Saudi policies. In recent years, Gumi has been involved in dialogue with armed groups in northern Nigeria and has openly criticized both Western and Middle Eastern political interventions.

The incident has sparked widespread debate within religious communities and the general public, raising concerns about the impact of political beliefs on fulfilling religious obligations.

As of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Saudi embassy in Nigeria or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria, where he has resumed his preaching and teaching activities.

Abia Embarks on Groundbreaking $1.3 Billion Health Project

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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Abia State has officially set the wheels in motion to establish a state-of-the-art medical complex designed to address advanced healthcare needs locally, reducing the dependence on foreign medical treatment.

Over the weekend, the administration disclosed a collaborative venture with MKP International Holdings—an acclaimed global consortium in engineering and construction—to construct what will become Nigeria’s pioneering quaternary healthcare facility.

While showing reporters around the expansive 200-hectare project site at Mbasaa, close to Owerrinta in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, the State’s Health Commissioner, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, made the announcement.

He noted that “MKP would finance, develop, build, operate and transfer” the mega facility, with a capital investment totaling $1.3 billion from the private partner.

The Commissioner emphasized that Abia State’s contribution mainly involved the allocation of land, security arrangements, and overall support for the initiative.

“This Medical City is the first quaternary hospital in this country that would take care of all levels of complicated healthcare issues,”

Uche added that it would be remembered as “one of the landmark projects” of Governor Alex Otti’s tenure.

He stressed that this initiative is aimed not only at halting medical tourism but also at establishing Abia as a go-to location for specialized healthcare in the region.

The vast site, stretching across seven communities within Isiala Ngwa North and South, was made available through community collaboration.

Uche pointed out that MKP’s willingness to drive the development came “owing to the transparent record and, of course, the relentless visionary strides of (Governor Otti)”.

According to the Commissioner, “The company already wishes to start construction even before the flag off. So, everything is ready and you can see the, very nice landscape,”

He revealed that the rationale behind this medical hub stemmed from the financial burden of seeking treatment abroad, which prompted the governor to imagine a solution rooted in local capacity.

“It is estimated that about 1.6 billion Dollars, which many of us think is too conservative, is the amount of money that is lost from this country every year owing to medical tourism.”

With this in mind, he said the governor was driven to establish the country’s first fully integrated healthcare zone—“and that is the Abia Medical City”.

Addressing the scale of the upcoming complex, Uche revealed it would consist of a 1,000-bed medical facility with ultra-modern infrastructure to serve wide-ranging healthcare needs.

He elaborated: “Apart from the ultra-modern medical facility, there also going to have a tourist city. The medical step-down hotel there will be a five-star hotel, and there will be another five-star tourist hotel.”

The complex is also set to include a specialized oncology unit, recognizing the high demand for advanced cancer care services abroad.

“You’re also going to have an ultra-modern oncology centre. As you may well know, cancer care is one of the reasons people leave this country for care abroad.”

The facility will be equipped for radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and advanced cancer treatments using international-standard practices and personnel from across the globe. It will also contain specialized surgical units for procedures such as robotic and laparoscopic surgeries.

“It will also take care of all forms of brain, spine, orthopedic, organ transplantation, cardiac transplant, cardiac surgeries, name it, any level of surgery. There will also be a place for cosmetic surgery.”

Additional structures will house services such as “an ultramodern children’s hospital, a fertility centre, ophthalmology centre, organ transplantation, diagnostic centre, a hub for digital health technologies, among others.”

The Commissioner added that global-standard research institutions would be established as part of the ecosystem, with academic affiliations linking them to some of the most prestigious hospitals and universities worldwide.

China Commits to Strengthening Cultural, Educational, and Tourism Ties with Nigeria

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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China has shown keen interest in deepening its partnership with Nigeria across areas like culture, tourism, education, and the creative economy.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, made this known during the weekend at a celebration held to mark United Nations International Tea Day.

The event titled “Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” brought together dignitaries and longtime allies of both nations.

Guests were treated to captivating cultural showcases, which included performances like Yue Opera and pipa music by Chinese performers, along with engaging calligraphy and painting demonstrations.

This gathering served as a reflection of how Chinese tea traditions can serve as a bridge between the two cultures, while also noting the recent uptick in tea trade—especially the introduction of Hainan Baisha tea into Nigeria in 2024.

Ambassador Yu noted that the upcoming year has been designated as the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.’

He stated: “The Embassy will always be committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, creative economy and other fields to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.”

Yu further emphasized the evolving cultural relationship between both countries, noting its role in encouraging civilizational dialogue and fostering emotional bonds.

He remarked: “Last year, the two heads of state met in Beijing and jointly agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations.

“We are now implementing the three-year (2025-2027) ‘Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization to deepen China-Africa Cooperation’ with Nigeria and fellow 52 African countries. And cultural exchange is a very important part of this initiative.

“The year 2026 is the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange’, and China-Nigeria cultural exchanges shoulder the important historical mission of promoting mutual learning between civilizations and connecting hearts and minds of the two countries.

“President Xi Jinping emphasized, exchanges and Mutual Learning Make Civilizations Richer and More Colorful.”

Yu also applauded the strengthening of joint efforts in sectors like education, creative arts, and tourism.

He noted: “Nigerian students learn tea art and opera in China and showcase Nigerian music and dance culture in China; Chinese volunteers promote Chinese language and tea culture in Nigeria and learn local languages and cultures; from the historical legacy of the ‘Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Route’ to the future vision of the ‘Digital Silk Road’, culture has always served as the bond connecting the peoples of China and Nigeria.”

He described tea as a profound representation of goodwill and cultural understanding.

“China and Nigeria have many common cultural values, and tea represents harmony, connection, and respect.

“This platform allows us to interact more deeply with the Nigerian people, exchanging not just beverages, but values and ideas,” he said.

Yu also reaffirmed China’s intention to collaborate with Nigeria in areas such as agricultural value chains, tea commerce, agro-processing, and initiatives in cultural tourism.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy threw his weight behind proposals that not only preserve cultural heritage but also recognize its economic potential.

“This event is an eye-opener. We must put in place laws that strengthen cultural identity and also position culture as an economic driver,” he stated, stressing the importance of media in promoting and exporting Nigeria’s cultural wealth to the global stage.

During the event, Dr. Muhktar Mohamm, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy, highlighted Nigeria’s openness to capitalizing on the economic prospects presented by tea-related creative ventures.

Mohammed said: “We are supporting creative industries centered around tea. By promoting festivals and developing tea-themed tourism, Nigeria can tap into the global tea economy while preserving local culture.”

Ms. Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, described tea as “a symbol of peace and patience,” emphasizing its role in transcending boundaries and bringing communities together.

Representing the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Alhaji Suleiman Musa echoed the importance of the gathering as a window to showcase local heritage to an international audience.

What Memorial Day Means As U.S. Embassy Abuja And Lagos Closed

By
Olaosun Rebecca
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0
This is an American flag on a flagpole waving in the wind set against a blue sky. The top half of the Statue of Liberty is digitally composited onto the right side of the flag with the torch coming up in the blue sky. This is a digitally created image.

Today, May 26, 2025, the United States observes Memorial Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

As part of this solemn observance, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos have announced a temporary closure, halting all routine consular services for the day.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced via its official X account, formerly Twitter, that both the Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of the Day.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day—a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May in honor of U.S. military personnel who lost their lives in service of their country,” the statement read.

Normal operations are set to resume on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

This closure affects all standard consular services, including visa processing and American Citizen Services (ACS).

Individuals seeking urgent assistance are advised to visit the U.S. Embassy’s official website for emergency contact information, such as the Abuja ACS line (+234 9 461 4000) or Lagos ACS line (+234 1 460 3400).

The closure aligns with the U.S. practice of suspending operations at diplomatic missions worldwide for federal holidays, as seen previously with closures for Presidents’ Day on February 17, 2025, and Workers’ Day on May 1, 2025.

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day, observed annually on the last Monday of May, is one of 12 U.S. federal holidays and serves as a poignant tribute to American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Originally known as “Decoration Day,” it was established after the American Civil War to honor fallen Union and Confederate soldiers.

The first formal national observance occurred on May 30, 1868, following a proclamation by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans’ organization.

The name derived from the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers.

After World War I, the holiday expanded to commemorate all U.S. military personnel who died in any conflict.

In 1971, Congress formalized Memorial Day as a federal holiday, shifting it to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend, which also marks the unofficial start of summer in the U.S.

What to expect on memorial day

Across the country, Americans participate in parades, memorial ceremonies, and visits to cemeteries, placing flowers and flags on graves.

A national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time calls for a pause in silence to honor the fallen.

At Arlington National Cemetery, the President or Vice President traditionally lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, symbolizing collective gratitude for unidentified soldiers’ sacrifices.

The Significance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day holds deep cultural and emotional significance in the U.S., serving as a day of reflection and national mourning.

Scholar Robert N. Bellah described it as part of America’s “civil religion,” noting that in small towns and cities, it is “a major event for the whole community involving a rededication to the martyred dead, to the spirit of sacrifice, and to the American vision.”

Beyond barbecues and travel, the holiday underscores the cost of freedom and the sacrifices of those who died in wars, from the Civil War to modern conflicts.

The day fosters unity, as communities gather to honor shared values of duty and patriotism.

Ceremonies, such as those at national landmarks, reinforce the collective memory of loss and resilience.

For many, it is a time to reconnect with the personal stories of fallen heroes, ensuring their legacy endures.

Memorial Day’s Global Ties with Nigeria and Other Nations

The observance of Memorial Day, while a distinctly American holiday, resonates with Nigeria and other countries through shared values of honoring military sacrifice and the practical implications of U.S. diplomatic closures.

In Nigeria, the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos reflects the strong bilateral relationship, as the U.S. Mission observes both American and select Nigerian holidays, such as Workers’ Day on May 1.

This mutual respect underscores diplomatic ties, with the U.S. supporting Nigeria in areas like education, trade, and security. For example, the U.S. Consulate in Lagos has facilitated programs like the LagosAtlanta Artist Exchange and initiatives for Nigerian students, with over 20,000 Nigerians studying in the U.S. in 2023/2024.

The temporary suspension of consular services impacts Nigerians seeking visas or U.S. citizens requiring assistance, highlighting the interconnectedness of U.S. holidays with global operations.

Visa applicants, particularly those pursuing immigrant or non-immigrant visas through the Lagos Consulate, may need to reschedule appointments, as in-person visits are mandatory for certain processes.

However, emergency services remain available, ensuring critical support for urgent cases like arrests or deaths of U.S. citizens.

Globally, Memorial Day closures at U.S. embassies and consulates in other countries demonstrate the holiday’s universal relevance, as many nations have analogous days to honor their fallen, such as Nigeria’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15.

These observances foster mutual understanding, as countries recognize the shared experience of commemorating military sacrifice.

For instance, U.S. diplomats in Nigeria and elsewhere often participate in local remembrance events, strengthening ties through shared values of honor and respect for service members.

The holiday also offers a moment for reflection on U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation, such as joint counter-terrorism efforts and training programs.

Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices underpinning global security, which benefits nations like Nigeria through partnerships addressing regional challenges like Boko Haram. For other countries, similar closures signal the U.S.’s commitment to honoring its fallen, reinforcing its role as a global leader while temporarily pausing routine diplomatic functions.

What You Should Know About the 2025 UTME Resit Performance

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has provided a comprehensive update following the conclusion of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the rescheduled exams held for affected candidates.

According to JAMB Spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the 2025 UTME marks a significant milestone in the board’s examination history. A total of 17,025 candidates scored 300 and above, representing just 0.88% of those who sat for the exam. This, according to Benjamin, makes the 2025 UTME “the best result since 2013 when JAMB adopted the Computer Based Test (CBT).”

In the wake of technical disruptions and suspicious activities that led to the cancellation of sessions in several centres across six states, the board rescheduled the examination for over 336,000 candidates. JAMB noted that “of the 336,845 who were eventually scheduled after isolated good sessions of the affected centres were excluded and their previously unverified candidates were added, 21,082 were absent.”

Amid speculation that some candidates who may have scored high in the cancelled sessions had their valid results invalidated, the board clarified that these concerns were without basis. JAMB stated that “only a handful scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, while 99% scored below 200 marks,” adding that such claims were “totally unfounded.” This, it said, underscores the credibility of the decision to cancel those sessions and reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in its processes.

Exam Malpractice: How Some Undergraduates Got Involved in the 2025 UTME Scandal

JAMB also raised alarm over the scale of exam malpractice recorded during the just-concluded exercise. In a disturbing revelation, the board disclosed that many of those involved in organised fraud were university undergraduates. These individuals reportedly worked in concert with professional exam mercenaries to manipulate the process. According to the board, their method was to “pair candidates with professional mercenaries (after wilful disruption of sitting arrangements) who had registered for the UTME for the purpose of access to the examination hall.”

Dr. Benjamin expressed deep concern, stating that “unfortunately, many undergraduates of tertiary institutions are found to be involved in this nefarious practice.” So far, over 3,000 candidates have been identified nationwide as either beneficiaries or accomplices in what the board described as “extraordinary examination fraud.” JAMB has assured that once investigations are concluded, “all candidates implicated in these unwholesome activities will have their results withdrawn as soon as incontrovertible proofs are established, even if the results have been released.”

Despite these challenges, the board emphasized that the overall performance remains within historical range, pointing to consistent performance analysis trends between “11% in 2013 and 34% in 2016.” JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the examination process and protecting the credibility of the Computer-Based Testing model against any attempt to “discredit not only the CBT process but also the Board itself.”

Jigawa Delegates Spark Uproar at Atiku, Obi Opposition Gathering

By
Ohiomoje Margaret
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A planned political gathering involving prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, was momentarily interrupted in Abuja on Sunday following tensions among some delegates.

The disruption occurred due to a disagreement surrounding who would be the spokesperson for Jigawa State during the session organized by the National Political Consultative Group (North) at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

The issue began when Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, introduced a representative for the Jigawa group.

This announcement was met with immediate backlash from other Jigawa delegates, who voiced strong objections to the chosen individual, creating unrest and pausing the meeting.

As the situation escalated, security operatives, including personnel from the police and the State Security Service (SSS), quickly moved to shield Atiku, Rotimi Amaechi, and other high-profile participants.

Calm was eventually restored after some time, and Mustapha Lamido — son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido — along with another delegate, were agreed upon to represent the state.

Efforts Toward a Political Alliance
In March, Atiku, who was the PDP’s candidate in the last presidential race, joined forces with other opposition leaders to forge a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027,” the former vice president told journalists.

Among the major figures backing the coalition are Mr Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, a former Kaduna State governor.

The initiative has met resistance from within Atiku’s own party. PDP governors fear it could dilute the party’s influence, while the party’s Senate members maintain that such efforts should be led collectively through party structures rather than individual campaigns.

Still, Atiku maintains his position that unity among opposition leaders is essential to overcoming the ruling APC.

Rumours About ADC
Recently, claims emerged that Atiku and Obi had reached an understanding to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 race.

The coalition, however, rejected the speculation. “The public should disregard the story as it is completely false. No such decision has been taken,” coalition spokesperson, Salihu Lukman, said.

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