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Author: Promise Odejide

  • INEC to Introduce Downloadable PVCs for Lost, Damaged Cards Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered voters whose physical cards have been lost, damaged or defaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The initiative is part of the commission’s wider efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system and improve access to voter services.

    Who qualifies for the digital PVC?

    INEC said the downloadable PVC will only be available to registered voters who had previously collected their physical voter cards before they were lost or damaged.

    The commission explained that the digital option will not apply to new registrants or individuals who have never collected their original PVCs.

    Eligible voters will still be required to complete the official replacement process at INEC offices and meet the stipulated deadline of at least 90 days before an election.

    Digital card recognised for accreditation

    According to INEC, the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2026 recognise both a valid physical PVC and a downloadable copy for voter accreditation, alongside the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    The commission said the initiative is expected to reduce the cost and logistical burden of reprinting replacement voter cards while making the process more convenient for affected voters.

    The Electoral Act 2026 also contains provisions allowing eligible voters to print downloadable replacement copies of their PVCs after completing the necessary procedures.

    Mixed reactions trail announcement

    The proposed digital PVC has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.

    While many welcomed the move as a step towards improving electoral services and reducing costs, others raised concerns about possible security risks, implementation challenges and the potential for abuse if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

    INEC also reiterated its plans to introduce full online voter registration as part of its ongoing electoral reforms and advised Nigerians to rely only on its official platforms for information regarding voter registration and PVC replacement.

    The commission said additional guidelines on accessing and downloading the digital PVC will be released in the coming weeks.

    For more information, eligible voters can visit INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.

  • Akpabio: I’ve Never Seen Any Nigerian President Commission This Many Projects in Two Years

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in office, saying he has not seen any Nigerian president commission as many projects within two years as the current administration.

    Akpabio made the remarks while representing President Tinubu at the commissioning of the Old Keffi Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    ‘This president is doing miracles’

    Highlighting recent infrastructure projects, the Senate President recalled the commissioning of Gaduwa Road in the FCT and other projects in Nasarawa State, where he said residents welcomed the developments with excitement.

    According to him, another major road project linking Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State was also being flagged off during the same period.

    “This president is doing miracles. This president is doing miracles,” Akpabio said.

    He added that he had never witnessed a Nigerian president commission so many projects within the first two years of an administration.

    Calls for performance-based voting

    Akpabio urged Nigerians to make performance the deciding factor during elections.

    “We must now bring up a standard for elections that says, ‘Show me your works and I will vote for you,’” he said.

    The Senate President also criticised politicians who, according to him, had spent decades in public office without tangible achievements.

    He commended Tinubu’s record, saying the President had maintained the same commitment to planning and delivering projects since serving as governor of Lagos State.

    Akpabio said he was honoured to represent the President at the inauguration of the Old Keffi Road, describing the project as another example of the administration’s focus on infrastructure development.

     

  • Trump: Birthright Citizenship Was Meant for Children of Former Slaves, Not Foreign Nationals

    U.S. President Donald Trump has defended his campaign to end birthright citizenship, arguing that the constitutional provision was originally intended to protect the children of formerly enslaved people and not those born to wealthy foreign nationals or undocumented immigrants.

    Trump made the remarks while speaking at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, reacting to the recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court on birthright citizenship.

    Trump disagrees with Supreme Court

    The U.S. president maintained that the Supreme Court had wrongly interpreted the law and insisted his administration would continue pursuing changes to the policy.

    “We’ll take care of the birthright citizenship because that was not meant for rich people from other countries. It was meant for the babies of slaves. I know they got it wrong,” Trump said.

    He argued that the citizenship guarantee contained in the Fourteenth Amendment, adopted after the American Civil War, was designed to protect the children of formerly enslaved people rather than children born to foreign visitors or undocumented immigrants.

    Although he acknowledged the court’s decision, Trump said his administration was not backing away from the issue.

    “We’ll work it out some way,” he added.

    JD Vance backs Trump’s position

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance also criticised the ruling, saying he believed the Supreme Court had reached the wrong conclusion.

    According to Vance, those who drafted the Fourteenth Amendment did not intend for automatic U.S. citizenship to apply to children born to undocumented immigrants or tourists.

    The comments come as birthright citizenship remains one of the most contentious issues in U.S. immigration policy, with legal experts and political leaders divided over the interpretation of the Constitution.

  • Burna Boy Makes History With First Spotify Global No. 1 After Shakira Collaboration

    Nigerian music star Burna Boy has reached a major career milestone after his collaboration with Colombian singer Shakira, “Dai Dai,” climbed to No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Daily Songs chart.

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 official anthem recorded more than 4.2 million streams in a single day, making it Burna Boy’s first song to top the global Spotify chart.

    Historic achievement

    The achievement makes Burna Boy the first African lead artist to reach the top of Spotify’s Global Daily Songs chart, further cementing his place among the continent’s biggest music exports.

    The song, which features Shakira, has enjoyed a steady rise since its release as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, gaining momentum following performances during the tournament and strong streaming numbers worldwide.

    Streaming success continues

    “Dai Dai” has also become Burna Boy‘s most-streamed current release on Spotify, surpassing 100 million streams on the platform while helping the Grammy-winning singer achieve a new career high in monthly listeners.

    The collaboration blends Afrobeats with Latin pop, bringing together Burna Boy’s signature sound and Shakira’s global appeal in one of the biggest musical releases linked to the World Cup.

    Fans celebrate milestone

    Fans across Nigeria and beyond flooded social media with congratulatory messages, describing the achievement as another landmark moment for Afrobeats on the global stage.

    The milestone adds to Burna Boy’s growing list of international records and further highlights the increasing global influence of Nigerian music.

  • FG to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform with Locally Made Adire Fabric

    The Federal Government has announced plans to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric as part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the 53-year-old scheme.

    Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed the development during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday.

    ‘Let’s put our money back into Nigeria’

    Olawande said the new uniform would be produced in Nigeria to support local industries and reduce government spending on imported materials.”It’s Adire… Let’s put our money back into the country. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun, we have them in Kwara, we have textile industry,” the minister said.

    Adire is a traditional tie-dye fabric widely produced in parts of southwestern Nigeria and has become one of the country’s most recognised indigenous textiles.

    Part of wider NYSC reforms

    The proposed uniform change is part of a broader reform package recently approved by the Federal Government for the NYSC.

    The reforms include improved orientation camp standards, a redesigned graduation ceremony to replace the traditional Passing Out Parade, a new uniform design and measures aimed at making the scheme more skills-driven and employment-focused.

    The government said the reforms are intended to modernise the NYSC while promoting local production and economic growth.

    Announcement sparks reactions

    The proposal has generated mixed reactions on social media.

    While some Nigerians welcomed the move as a way of supporting local textile manufacturers, others questioned whether changing the uniform should take priority over issues such as corps members’ welfare, security and improved allowances.

    The Federal Government has yet to announce when the new Adire uniform will be introduced.

  • Sowore Pledges to Scrap JAMB, Replace NYSC With Two-Year Voluntary Job Corps

    African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has promised to abolish the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a voluntary National Job Corps if elected president in 2027.

    Sowore unveiled the proposals in a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, describing them as part of his plans to reform Nigeria’s education and youth development sectors.

    Sowore proposes end to JAMB

    The  presidential candidate said tertiary institutions should be responsible for admitting their students without going through what he described as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

    “When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, JAMB will be abolished. Admission into tertiary institutions should be determined by the institutions themselves under a transparent, merit-based system, not by another layer of bureaucracy,” he wrote.

    He argued that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should have greater control over their admission processes while maintaining transparency and merit.

    Plans to replace NYSC

    Sowore also proposed replacing the current compulsory one-year NYSC scheme with a two-year voluntary National Job Corps.

    According to him, the new programme would focus on guaranteed employment, practical skills, entrepreneurship support and pathways to permanent careers.

    “Nigeria’s young people do not need more compulsory schemes. They need opportunities, jobs, skills, and the freedom to choose their future,” he said.

    His proposal comes days after the Federal Executive Council approved major reforms to the NYSC, including the appointment of civilian leadership and a stronger focus on technology and skills development.

    Proposal sparks debate

    Sowore’s announcement has generated mixed reactions online.

    Supporters described the proposals as bold reforms capable of reducing bureaucracy and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.

    Others, however, questioned the feasibility of scrapping JAMB and replacing the NYSC, arguing that both institutions still play important roles in maintaining educational standards and promoting national integration.

    The proposals are expected to feature prominently in Sowore’s campaign as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue.

  • Nigerian Graduate Stuns Audience With Fluent Mandarin Speech at Chinese University Graduation

    A Nigerian graduate, Nnabuike Chisom, has gone viral after delivering a keynote speech in fluent Mandarin during the 2026 master’s graduation ceremony at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) in Wuhan, China.

    Chisom, who represented international students at the ceremony, earned widespread applause for his confident delivery, cultural references and impressive command of the Chinese language.

    Speech wins admiration

    Standing before thousands of graduates, lecturers and guests, Chisom introduced himself as a master’s graduate from Nigeria and reflected on his academic journey in China.

    He described his two years in Wuhan as “the fastest growing two years of my life” and praised China for building international friendships through openness and cultural exchange.

    The Nigerian graduate also shared light-hearted stories about campus life, mentioning local food, the university environment and experiences that made China feel like a second home.

    His remarks drew repeated applause from the audience.

    Traditional performance adds to excitement

    Beyond the speech, Chisom further impressed attendees by performing Kuaiban, a traditional Chinese rhythmic storytelling art that uses bamboo clappers.

    The performance, combined with his fluent Mandarin, quickly attracted attention after videos from the event circulated across social media platforms.

    Many Nigerians and international viewers praised his dedication to learning the language and described his performance as a proud moment for the country.

    Recognition from home and abroad

    Chisom, who is from Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been widely commended for promoting Nigeria positively on the global stage.

    His performance has also reignited conversations about the growing number of Nigerian students excelling in Chinese universities, where many study through scholarship programmes in business, law, engineering and other disciplines.

  • Top 10 News Updates You Should Know Today

    1. Senate Passes State Police Constitutional Amendment Bill

    The Senate has passed the constitutional amendment bill to establish state police, marking one of the biggest security reforms since Nigeria returned to democracy. The proposal seeks to allow states to create and manage their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

    Supporters say the move will improve responses to kidnapping, banditry and other security threats, while critics have warned about possible political misuse. The bill now moves to the next constitutional stages before it can become law.

    2. CBN Revokes Licences of 46 Microfinance Banks

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has withdrawn the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks over regulatory breaches, including insolvency, inactivity and failure to meet minimum capital requirements.

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has commenced liquidation of the affected institutions and advised depositors to begin the refund process. The action is expected to strengthen confidence in the banking sector, although concerns remain over access to financial services in underserved communities.

    3. Several Feared Dead in Fresh Benue Attack

    Several people are feared dead after suspected herders attacked another community in Benue State, adding to the growing death toll from recurring violence in the Middle Belt.

    Security personnel have been deployed to the affected area while investigations continue. Community leaders are demanding stronger protection as concerns grow over the impact of the violence on farming and food production.

    4. Nigeria Seeks Compensation for Citizens Who Lost Property in South Africa

    The Nigerian government says it will pursue compensation for citizens who abandoned businesses and properties while fleeing renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa.

    The latest batch of returnees has arrived in Lagos as diplomatic engagements continue between both countries. The development has renewed discussions about the protection of Nigerians living abroad.

    5. Oyo Teachers Suspend Strike, Schools Set to Reopen

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has suspended its industrial action following fresh discussions with the state government after recent security concerns involving schoolchildren.

    Teachers have been directed to resume work, bringing relief to parents and students. Authorities say efforts to improve school security and resolve outstanding issues will continue.

    6. Tinubu Flags Off Akwanga-Jos Super Highway

    President Bola Tinubu has flagged off construction of the Akwanga-Jos Super Highway as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity across the North Central region.

    The project is expected to reduce travel time, support trade and create jobs. Government officials say work will proceed in phases with funding already secured.

    7. Soldiers Accused of Assaulting UNIOSUN Students

    The management of Osun State University has demanded action after soldiers allegedly assaulted students during an incident that has generated widespread condemnation.

    Military authorities have begun investigations into the allegations. Civil society groups and the university community are calling for accountability if those involved are found culpable.

    8. Folarin Balogun Scores as USA Progress at World Cup

    Nigeria-eligible striker Folarin Balogun scored for the United States in their World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina before receiving a red card late in the match.

    His performance has continued to attract attention from Nigerian football fans following the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament. The United States now advances to the next stage.

    9. IMF Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Unreported Public Spending

    The International Monetary Fund says Nigeria recorded unreported public spending equivalent to about two percent of its Gross Domestic Product, urging stronger fiscal transparency.

    The observation comes as the country pursues economic reforms and seeks to improve investor confidence. Analysts say the findings could shape future budget oversight and financial accountability.

    10. ICPC Arrests Former Minister Uche Nnaji

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has arrested former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations involving forged academic and NYSC certificates.

    The former minister has previously denied the allegations. The case is expected to proceed through the courts and is likely to remain under close public scrutiny.

     

  • World Bank Approves Fresh $1.25bn Loan for Nigeria Despite Rising Debt Concerns

    The World Bank has approved a fresh $1.25 billion loan for Nigeria under its Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) programme, despite growing concerns over the country’s rising debt burden.

    The approval was announced on Wednesday alongside the launch of the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering 2026 to 2032, which is designed to promote private sector-led growth and create more jobs.

    Loan to Fund Key Reforms

    According to the World Bank, the financing will support reforms aimed at deepening capital markets, modernising the digital economy, expanding electricity access, strengthening agriculture, improving revenue generation and reducing trade barriers under the ECOWAS and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) frameworks.

    The programme also targets electricity access for 32 million Nigerians, broadband connectivity for 58 million people, improved health and nutrition services for 40 million citizens, and support for 9.5 million farmers.

    World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the initiative is intended to ensure that recent economic reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

    “The recent macroeconomic gains have been critical to help stabilise the economy. Translating improved macroeconomic conditions into better living standards will require addressing the structural constraints to spur private sector investment and job creation,” he said.

    Debt Concerns Persist

    The approval comes as concerns continue to grow over Nigeria’s increasing reliance on external borrowing, with many Nigerians questioning why rising debt levels have not resulted in significant improvements in living standards.

    According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s debt to the World Bank rose from $17.81 billion at the end of 2024 to $19.89 billion by December 2025, representing an increase of $2.08 billion.

    The World Bank now accounts for 38.36 per cent of Nigeria’s total external debt of $51.86 billion.

    The latest facility is the second-largest World Bank loan secured under President Bola Tinubu’s administration after the $1.5 billion economic reform financing approved in June 2024.

     

  • Ex-Science Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

    Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested over allegations of certificate forgery after weeks of being declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

    According to reports, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday after arriving from Enugu and is expected to be handed over to the ICPC for interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.

    Court Had Earlier Ordered His Arrest

    The arrest follows a ruling by the Federal High Court, which granted the ICPC permission to arrest Nnaji and declare him wanted after the commission alleged that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning.

    The court also authorised the anti-graft agency to publish his wanted status in newspapers, social media and other public platforms pending his arrest.

    ICPC Investigation

    The ICPC is investigating allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his appointment process.

    According to the commission, repeated efforts to secure his appearance for investigative activities were unsuccessful, prompting it to seek judicial approval for his arrest.

    Nnaji had previously denied the allegations and challenged the court order, maintaining that he was not under investigation before filing an appeal against the arrest order.

    The ICPC is yet to issue an official statement on Wednesday’s arrest, while Nnaji’s legal team has not publicly reacted to the latest development.