INEC unveils AI-powered virtual assistant ahead of Anambra gov election
25th October 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant to enhance staff training and operational readiness ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.

The new digital tool, known as the INEC Training Virtual Assistant or “INECTrainingBot,” was unveiled on Friday.

INECTrainingBot provides 24-hour access to election materials, interactive lessons, and on-demand learning modules.

It allows electoral officers to learn flexibly, from any location and at their own pace.

A statement by the commission via X read, “In preparation for the #AnambraDecides2025 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission is leveraging technology to enhance the capacity of its personnel and stakeholders.

“We are proud to introduce the INEC Training Virtual Assistant, ‘INECTrainingBot,’ now available on Telegram. This tool provides flexible, on-demand access to essential election training, ensuring our team can learn smarter and be fully equipped for their critical roles.

“Key Features: 24/7 Accessibility; User-friendly interface on Telegram; On-the-go learning.”

INEC had also announced that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards for voters who participated in the recent Continuous Voter Registration in Anambra State will take place from October 22 to October 26.The commission also revealed that INEC will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, October 25, in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The exercise, according to the commission, is intended to test the functionality of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and assess the real-time uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

Obasanjo Finally Reveals Why He Rejected El-Rufai as His Successor in 2007.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up on why he refused to choose former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as his preferred successor when he was leaving office in 2007.

Speaking at the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo disclosed that El-Rufai was one of his trusted aides during his administration.

However, he turned down the suggestion to make him president because he believed the former FCT Minister was “not yet mature enough” to handle Nigeria’s leadership at the time.

According to Obasanjo, the idea was pushed to him towards the end of his administration, but he refused to yield, insisting that El-Rufai still had a lot to learn before being ready for such responsibility.

The former president made the revelation while reacting to a speech by former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who delivered the keynote address at the event.

Chidoka had recalled how El-Rufai introduced him to Obasanjo at age 34; a meeting that later led to his appointment as the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Interrupting Chidoka’s remarks, Obasanjo said with a smile, “Let him tell you. He didn’t mention that when I was leaving government, he was pushing that his friend, El-Rufai, should be brought in as my successor.” Turning to Chidoka, he added jokingly, “No be so?” to which Chidoka nodded in agreement.

Obasanjo continued, “I did not yield to the pressure. Later, he asked why I didn’t agree, and I told him El-Rufai needed to mature. Many years later, after seeing his performance, he came back to me and said, ‘You were absolutely correct — El-Rufai needed to mature.’”

Gombe Commissioner Dies In Auto Crash.

The Gombe State Government has confirmed the death of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd), in a car accident on Friday.

The incident occurred along the Malam Sidi–Gombe road as the retired officer was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he had attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme.

According to a statement by the governor’s media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, the commissioner’s police orderly, Sergeant Adamu Hussaini, also died in the crash, while his driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

Reacting to the news, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the late commissioner as a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his military expertise to the service of Gombe State.

“Col. Abdullahi Bello (rtd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. His demise is a monumental loss not only to his family and our government, but to Gombe State and Nigeria at large,” Yahaya stated.

The governor highlighted Bello’s role in shaping security policies and fostering collaboration among agencies, noting that his efforts strengthened community safety and reinforced Gombe’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the North-East.

Yahaya extended condolences to the families of the commissioner and the deceased police orderly, praying Almighty Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljannat Firdaus.

“They died in active service to the state and the nation,” he said, while also wishing the injured driver a speedy recovery.

The state government said details of the commissioner’s funeral would be announced later.

Over 50 Generals To Go As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that yesterday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.

Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.

The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

Though the Defence Headquarters denied it, saying there was no such attempt, yesterday’s sacking of the

service chiefs may lend credence to the alleged coup plot.

“Their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander,” a security officer told one of our correspondents.

The Igala nation stands tall and proud, celebrating her illustrious sons who have attained the highest leadership positions within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Their remarkable achievements reflect courage, discipline, and commitment to national service.

Late Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi – Former Chief of Defence Staff (1999–2003), from Dekina Local Government Area.

Air Marshal Isaac Alfa (Rtd.) – Former Chief of Air Staff (1999–2001), from Ankpa Local Government Area.

Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin (Rtd.) – Former Chief of Naval Staff (2014–2015), from Dekina Local Government Area.

Major General Waidi Shaibu – Appointed Chief of Army Staff (October 24), from Olamaboro Local Government Area.

God bless Nigeria.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless Igala Land.

: igala4real

#kogiglobalmedia
#OneKogi
#KogiState

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

BREAKING NEWS:
Bishop Emeritus of Oyo, Most Rev. Julius Adelakun, has passed away at the age of 91.

May his soul rest in peace.

JUST IN: Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda appoints new heads for road maintenance agency, others

Nicole leaks a video she found on her husband’s phone
it shows her best friend and husband having fun together
Full video Dey telegram ooo

Egbon Bayo Onanuga abusing me because i stated the position of Nigeria’s debt. He called me economic illiterate—-a presidential spokesperson ooooo

Tell Egbon Bayo to challenge me with facts not abuses.

Has Nigeria not borrowed 152 trillion under Tinubu?
@ruffydfire

WATCH: Residents Alarmed As Truckloads Of Suspected Fulani Herders Flock To Kwara Border Communities For INEC Registration
https://x.com/i/status/1981728020197953707

PROFILE OF NEW CDS, SERVICE CHIEFS AND CDI

In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, replacing all the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The sweeping changes, which also include new appointments for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, signal the President’s resolve to inject fresh strategy and renewed vigour into the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.
https://x.com/i/status/1981827991299575867

Let us stop rigging Election & arm!ng thugs" -:Oshiomole to Akpabio and Politicians

STRENGTHENING OUR NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

I thank General Christopher Musa and the outgoing Service Chiefs for their selfless service and dedicated leadership, and I charge the new Service Chiefs to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

FG Approves just $1bn for Modernisation of Apapa, TinCan Ports in Lagos.

The Federal Government has approved $1 billion (₦1.4 trillion) for the modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos — Nigeria’s busiest commercial gateways.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, announced this on Wednesday at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria Conference in Lagos. 

He said the project aims to enhance cargo handling, expand capacity, and align operations with global standards under the ministry’s 10-year marine and blue economy strategy.

“We are working closely with stakeholders to achieve a paperless, technology-driven port environment that enhances efficiency, reduces turnaround time, and curbs corruption,” Oyetola stated.

He added that similar port upgrades are being planned outside Lagos to ensure balanced development nationwide.

Though the government has not released full details or a timeline, reports earlier this year indicated that ITB Nigeria — owned by Lebanese-Nigerian businessman Gilbert Chagoury — had been awarded a $700 million contract for the Lagos port renovation, expected to begin in mid-2025. 

The project is to be financed through a Citibank loan backed by UK Export Finance, with additional support from Afreximbank.

APM Terminals, operators of the Apapa port and a subsidiary of Maersk, has also proposed a $500 million investment.

Oyetola noted that the ministry is fostering private sector participation through regulatory reforms, public-private partnerships, and incentives to drive innovation and job creation.

Lagos ports, despite high fees and ageing infrastructure, remain vital trade hubs for West Africa and continue to attract major global shipping companies.

Aliko Dangote Becomes First African to Hit $30 Billion Net Worth.

Nigerian billionaire and industrial magnate Aliko Dangote has officially become the first African to reach a net worth of $30 billion, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The milestone follows a $430 million surge in his portfolio, capping a year of remarkable growth that added over $2.16 billion to his fortune. The rise cements his long-standing position as Africa’s richest person and underscores the strength of his vast industrial empire spanning cement, sugar, flour, and oil refining.

“This isn’t just a personal win for Dangote it’s a defining moment for African industry,” said Ngozi Okonjo, an analyst at Afrinvest. “He’s proving that value-added manufacturing can rival resource extraction as a source of African wealth.”

Sowore Back in police Custody After Fresh Arrest at Federal High Court.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been rearrested by police operatives shortly after appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.

Sowore, who is the convener of the movement, had attended court proceedings relating to the protest held earlier in the week when officers reportedly moved in to detain him. According to eyewitnesses, the activist was accosted moments after stepping out of the courtroom, sparking mild tension within the court premises.

Police authorities later confirmed the arrest, alleging that Sowore violated a subsisting court order prohibiting the said protest. Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Sowore was being held for leading the demonstration despite being aware of the restriction.

“He was arrested for violating a court order. Others arrested earlier in connection with the protest confirmed that he led them to the venue,” Hundeyin stated. The police said 14 other persons connected to the protest were also in custody and would soon be arraigned.

Sowore, who briefly attempted to resist arrest, was later taken away by armed operatives amid chants of solidarity from supporters present at the court. The development has drawn reactions from activists and civic groups who described the arrest as another attempt to silence dissenting voices.

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.