CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh Visits Minister of Women Affairs, Commends Her Passion and Dedication

Maryam Aminu

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, alongside his wife, Lady Ngozi Okoh, who also serves as the Director of the Women’s Choir, has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at her office in Abuja.

During the visit, Archbishop Okoh praised the Minister for her exceptional leadership, noting that her passion for women’s advancement and social development is evident in the remarkable progress being recorded by the Ministry.

He said Dr. Sulaiman-Ibrahim carries out her duties with grace and ease because she is deeply passionate about her work and genuinely committed to improving the lives of women and children across the country.

The CAN President highlighted the Minister’s initiatives on gender inclusion, family welfare, and empowerment as shining examples of purposeful public service that align with the moral and social values upheld by the Christian community.pl

L-R: CAN Team and Staff of the Ministry of Women Affairs

Lady Ngozi Okoh, in her remarks, commended the Minister’s consistent advocacy for women’s voices in leadership and nation-building.

She also extended an official invitation as Special Guest of Honour to Dr. Sulaiman-Ibrahim to attend the forthcoming National All Women Choir Conference scheduled to take place in Abuja on Saturday 11th of October, 2025 at NAF Conference Center a gathering designed to celebrate women’s unity, spirituality, and contribution to national harmony through music and service.

In response, the Honourable Minister expressed deep appreciation for the visit and kind words of encouragement from the CAN leadership.

She reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to building partnerships that promote the empowerment, dignity, and progress of Nigerian women.

Group photograph

L-R His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Chukwudumebi Oko and Dr. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

RMAFC Launches New Data Template to Boost Revenue from Solid Minerals Sector

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a new solid minerals data rendition template to strengthen monitoring, enhance transparency, and improve revenue generation from Nigeria’s mining sector.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, was officially introduced during a one-day sensitization workshop held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Muhammed Bello Shehu, OFR, represented by the Chairman of the Solid Minerals Monitoring Committee, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The new data rendition template could not have come at a better time. Nigeria must urgently diversify its revenue base beyond oil, given the volatility of the global oil market and challenges such as crude theft and pipeline vandalism,” Dr. Shehu stated.

He explained that the Commission, in line with its constitutional mandate, had previously conducted nationwide solid mineral revenue monitoring exercises in 2016 and 2022, which significantly boosted revenue from the sector. However, he expressed concern that despite increased mining activities, only a small fraction of expected earnings reaches the Federation Account due to weak oversight mechanisms.

L-R: Hon. Rakiya Ayuba Tanko-Haruna (FC Kebbi State); Hon. Aruviere Egharhevwa (FC Delta State and Vice Chairman of the Committee); Hon. B B Shettima (FC Niger State and Chairman, Solid Minerals Committee); Prof. Ibrahim Garba and Hon. Prof. Steve Davies Ugbah (FC Benue State) at the Sensitization Exercise on the Implementation of a New Solid Mineral Data Rendition Template for Effective Revenue Monitoring by RMAFC.

“The Commission under my leadership will ensure that all revenues due from the mining sector are fully and promptly remitted,” he assured.

Dr. Shehu noted that the new template was designed to collect critical data such as production volumes, company details, license fees, permits, and royalties, enabling more accurate tracking of mining operations and revenues. He emphasized that its adoption would promote transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in the sector.

Also speaking, Hon. Ibrahim Shettima, Chairman of the Solid Minerals Monitoring Committee and Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, said the sensitization exercise was aimed at bridging data gaps and ensuring timely and accurate revenue reporting across all states.

“This platform will serve as a reliable, independent source of data for the Commission and a tool for informed policy decisions,” Shettima said.

Stakeholders at the event including Engr. Imam Ganiu, Director of Mining Inspectorate at the Ministry of Solid Minerals; Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office; and Mr. Segun Ayanleke, President of the Miners Association of Nigeria commended RMAFC’s initiative. They emphasized that Nigeria could become a major player in the global mining industry if the sector is effectively regulated and supported by sound policies and stronger government-private sector collaboration.

The workshop also featured expert presentations on global and national mining trends, revenue assessment through data rendition, and the functions of key government institutions driving the sector, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Mining Cadastre Office.

The event concluded with a demonstration of the new data rendition template, highlighting its role in achieving accurate, timely, and transparent reporting of solid mineral revenues nationwide.

WHO Urges African Countries to Scale Up Action on Eye Health as World Marks Sight Day 2025

Emmanuel Daudu

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called on African governments to intensify efforts to expand access to quality and affordable eye care services, as the world commemorates World Sight Day 2025 today.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, made the call in a message marking the annual observance, which highlights the importance of healthy vision and the urgent need to prevent avoidable blindness across the continent.

Dr. Janabi said that while the African Region has made commendable progress in reducing blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency, onchocerciasis, and trachoma, new challenges such as aging populations, poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and the rise of noncommunicable diseases have led to an increase in preventable vision problems like refractive errors and cataracts.

“Good eyesight is not just about seeing clearly; it impacts learning, employment, and overall quality of life. Millions still live with preventable vision impairment, and the numbers will rise unless we act decisively,” Dr. Janabi stated.

According to WHO, effective coverage for cataract surgery in Africa currently stands at just 26%, while coverage for refractive error correction such as eyeglasses is only 30%. Furthermore, only one in three countries in the Region has developed a national policy on eye health a situation that underscores the need for greater political will and investment.

To tackle these gaps, WHO highlighted several global and regional frameworks already guiding eye health efforts. Among them are Vision 2020: The Right to Sight, the World Health Assembly Resolution WHA74(12) adopted in 2021, and the SPECS 2030 initiative launched in 2024.

The SPECS 2030 initiative seeks to ensure that by the year 2030, everyone who needs vision correction can access quality, affordable, and people-centred eye care. Eight African countries have already begun implementing the plan, engaging stakeholders and developing national workplans.

Dr. Janabi urged Member States to align with WHO guidance by developing and funding national eye health strategies, integrating assistive technologies into health benefit packages, and expanding the eye health workforce.

He also emphasized the importance of including eye and sensory health indicators in national data systems to improve evidence-based policymaking.

The WHO Regional Director encouraged governments to leverage World Sight Day and other global platforms to raise public awareness, promote early detection, and combat stigma associated with vision impairment. He further called on citizens to adopt preventive habits such as regular eye examinations and timely medical care.

“Healthy vision means a better future for every person, every community, and every nation,” he said.

World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October to draw attention to blindness and visual impairment. This year’s observance underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, policymakers, and health institutions to protect and promote eye health across Africa.

Langtang North and South Needs a Breath of Fresh Air — Why Dr. Jemchang Fabong Represents the Change We Deserve

By Nankpak Cirfat

Politics, they say, is local. But for too long in Langtang North and South Federal Constituency, our politics has been stuck in the same old routines, the same familiar faces, the same recycled promises, and the same outcomes that leave the people behind.

Each election season brings renewed hope, yet after the ballots are counted, that hope often fades into frustration. Our young people still wander the streets without jobs, our health system remains in comatous, and our infrastructures continue to tell the story of neglect. The truth is simple: we need a new direction. We need a breath of fresh air. With Dr. Jemchang Yildam Fabong, a name that has become synonymous with leadership, competence, and compassion.

Dr. Fabong is not your typical politician. He’s a medical doctor, a policy expert, and a visionary administrator who has shown that governance can truly work when driven by purpose and sincerity.

As the then Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), he turned a new agency into one of Plateau State’s most efficient public institutions. In just under three years, over 87,000 residents, including civil servants, market women, artisans, and students were enrolled in health insurance programs.

Through the Equity Health Plan, he ensured that even the most vulnerable citizens, those who could barely afford a hospital visit, had access to medical care without paying from their pockets. He didn’t stop there. Recognizing the struggles of young people in higher institutions, Dr. Fabong pioneered the Student Health Insurance Programme, helping students access affordable healthcare coverage across Plateau State.

In a system where many leaders only talk, he delivered measurable results. That’s not politics, that’s leadership.

Before his public service career, Dr. Fabong was already a household name among young people in Plateau State. As the Chairman of the Plateau Youth Council, he led from the front, advocating for peace, unity, and inclusion. At a time when youth engagement in governance was fading, he revived the spirit of participation and mentorship.

He didn’t rise through godfatherism or patronage. He rose through service, ideas, and community credibility. Today, when people speak of leaders who listen who truly understand the struggles of their people his name consistently comes up.

Dr. Fabong’s story is one of grit, grace, and grounded leadership as with ordinary people who simply want someone who cares.

Let’s be honest: representation in our constituency has fallen short of expectations. We deserve leaders who don’t vanish after elections, leaders who can translate influence into impact. For years, Langtang North and South has produced strong voices in national politics, but the question remains: how much of that influence has truly improved the lives of our people? And that is why it is time to rethink what leadership means. It should no longer be about who has been there the longest, but who can deliver the most. It should no longer be about connections in Abuja, but about impact in Kwampe, Bapkwai, Sabongida, and Gani.

In all sincerity, Dr. Jemchang Fabong represents a paradigm shift, from politics of entitlement to politics of performance.

As the race for who will represent Langtang North and South at the National Assembly will soon begin, Dr. Fabong is bringing a refreshing tone. His movement isn’t about trading insults or spreading division. It’s about ideas, integrity, and inclusion.

He envisions a constituency where federal representation translates to real development, where our infrastructures are fixed, our schools funded, and our youths empowered. It is in my hopes that his legislative agenda will focus on healthcare reforms, education access, youth development, and economic inclusion, the very areas he has already impacted as a public servant.

And as a data-driven leader, for me he understands that accountability begins with transparency. It’s no wonder that even outside government, he has championed evidence-based leadership and open governance.

Of course, unseating an incumbent in Nigerian politics is no small task. The sitting member has held the position and will undoubtedly leverage his influence. But politics is not just about incumbency; it’s about performance and trust.

Across Langtang North and South, the conversation is changing. From Mabudi to Jos Road, from Kuffen to Gani, people are beginning to say: we want something new in itarok. There’s a quiet but powerful movement, a desire for representation that is both youthful and competent.

Fellow constituents of Langtang North and South, We can either continue with business as usual or choose a new path of innovation and service. The 2027 elections will test whether we, as a people, are ready to move from politics of promises to politics of progress and real legislative agenda, anchored on capacity, character, and competence.

Dr. Jemchang Yildam Fabong has served Plateau State with excellence. He has led young people with courage. And now, without an iota of doubt he is ready to serve Langtang North and South with integrity.

Our constituency doesn’t just need a politician, it needs a patriot, a breath of fresh air. Nga pyal na byet.

Nankpak Cirfat is a communications and governance professional, advocate for youth participation, social accountability, and good governance. He writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

NSCC Names Minister Yilwatda as Ambassador for Senior Citizens

Emmanuel Daudu

In a move aimed at strengthening advocacy for the welfare of older persons in Nigeria, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has appointed the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Natawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as its official Ambassador.

The appointment, which took place on October 6, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State, coincided with the commemoration of the National Day of Older Persons.

According to the NSCC, the recognition reflects Professor Yilwatda’s consistent dedication to humanitarian service, poverty reduction, and the protection of vulnerable populations, especially senior citizens.

As the newly appointed NSCC Ambassador, Professor Yilwatda is expected to champion the rights, dignity, and well-being of older persons nationwide. His leadership, the Centre noted, would help drive initiatives that promote healthy, active, and inclusive aging in line with NSCC’s national mandate.

The Centre expressed optimism that the partnership with Professor Yilwatda would further advance policies and programmes aimed at uplifting and empowering the elderly across communities in Nigeria.

FG, Innoson Partner to Boost Youth Industrial Training and Job Creation

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) to strengthen youth industrial training, apprenticeship, and enterprise development across Nigeria, with a focus on the automotive and allied sectors.

This was revealed during a working visit by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, to the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing factory in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Monday, October 7, 2025. The Minister was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, and other senior officials.

The delegation was received by Chief Innocent Chukwuma (OFR), Chairman and CEO of the Innoson Group, whom the Minister described as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and patriotism.

He praised Innoson’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth, highlighting its pioneering efforts in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle production, tractor assembly, and local manufacturing initiatives that continue to create sustainable employment for young Nigerians.

During the factory tour, Comrade Olawande interacted with several young Nigerians undergoing technical training and apprenticeship under the Innoson Skills Programme.

He particularly commended two young women who have excelled as auto-technicians, describing their success stories as “proof that youth empowerment through skills acquisition is a powerful tool for national transformation.”

Following the visit, the Ministry and Innoson agreed to deepen collaboration to scale up industrial skills programmes, promote enterprise development, and expand access to practical training opportunities for young people nationwide.

In Anambra, the Minister also held discussions with the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, on strengthening cooperation between federal and state governments under the “1 Youth, 2 Skills” initiative. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the technical and entrepreneurial capacities needed to drive innovation, productivity, and self-reliance.

FG Withdraws NYCN Registration Over Prolonged Leadership Crisis

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has withdrawn the registration certificate of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), following a notification from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) citing serial violations of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Council’s constitution.

In a press statement issued on Monday, October 7, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Ministry announced that it received an official communication from the CAC dated October 6, 2025, confirming the withdrawal of the certificate earlier issued to the NYCN on October 28, 2020.

According to the correspondence, the CAC acted under Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of CAMA 2020 after a comprehensive investigation into the Council’s affairs revealed long-standing governance irregularities and leadership tussles spanning over 18 years.

The Ministry noted that the CAC’s findings established repeated breaches of Sections 833 and 834 of the Act, leading to the de-recognition of all existing claims to leadership, trusteeship, and management within the NYCN.

In exercise of its statutory powers, the Corporate Affairs Commission has appointed an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee and administer the affairs of the Council for a one-year period, effective from October 6, 2025.

As the supervising authority over the NYCN, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development acknowledged the CAC’s action as lawful and consistent with its mandate under CAMA 2020.

The Ministry urged all youth stakeholders, affiliated organizations, and partners of the Council to cooperate fully with the Interim Management Committee during the restructuring process, which it said is aimed at restoring unity, legitimacy, and institutional integrity to the organization.

Reaffirming its commitment to youth development and good governance, the Ministry stated that the move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing accountability, inclusiveness, and transparency in youth representation and engagement.

FRC Reaffirms Support for Local Governments to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Maryam Aminu

…Commission pledges technical assistance to strengthen grassroots fiscal management under FRA 2007

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has reiterated its commitment to promoting fiscal discipline and prudent financial management across Nigeria’s local government system through targeted technical support and capacity-building initiatives.

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for Local Government Areas in Adamawa State, held at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, the Deputy Director of the Policy and Standards Directorate, Mr. Ado Hassan, who represented the Executive Chairman, Victor Muruako, Esq., reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds at the grassroots level, in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007.

Mr. Hassan noted that extending technical guidance to local councils will help strengthen compliance with fiscal regulations and enhance service delivery to citizens.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission remains committed to working with subnational governments, particularly at the local level, to entrench fiscal discipline and promote the effective utilization of resources for sustainable development,” he stated.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from government institutions, academia, and civil society organizations in a collaborative effort to strengthen governance and accountability at the local government level.

Among the participating agencies were the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), and the Federal Ministry of Justice.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Local Government Accountability Framework (LGAF), presented by Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW). The framework serves as a practical tool to strengthen accountability systems, ensure efficient use of public funds, and foster citizens’ trust in governance.

By fostering collaboration among multiple oversight institutions, the initiative reinforces the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development at the grassroots.

Unmasking the Vicious Political Sabotage: Governor Peter Mbah’s Desperate Assault on Minister Uche Nnaji Through Orchestrated ‘Certificate Scandal’ by UnityTimes

In a reprehensible act of political thuggery and unbridled hypocrisy, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State—clinging to his PDP ticket while secretly plotting a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for a 2027 reelection bid—has unleashed a manufactured certificate forgery scandal against the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.

According to UnityTimes Television and Online Magazine,  this orchestrated witch-hunt, funneled through his loyal stooge, the newly installed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, is a blatant attempt to eliminate a formidable rival and clear Mbah’s path to the APC governorship ticket. It is a disgraceful abuse of power that demands outright condemnation and swift intervention.

UnityTimes further stated that Mbah’s audacity knows no bounds. “This is the same governor who barely survived his own certificate forgery storm during the 2023 elections, where the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) publicly disavowed his purported discharge certificate, branding it a fake amid cries of electoral fraud.

“Courts may have dubiously cleared him, but the stench of that scandal lingers, exposing Mbah as a master of deceit. Now, he hypocritically turns the tables on Nnaji, a dedicated APC stalwart whose only offense is positioning himself as a strong contender for the Enugu governorship in 2027 under the APC banner.

“Mbah’s impending defection—widely reported as imminent, driven by PDP’s internal collapse and his desire to cozy up to federal power for reelection—faces a massive stumbling block in Nnaji, who has boldly declared APC’s intent to seize Enugu from PDP’s grip.

“By fabricating this forgery narrative, Mbah aims to force Nnaji’s sack, neutralizing a rival and paving his treacherous crossover.

“Enter Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, whose appointment as UNN’s VC in August 2025 was no coincidence but a calculated reward for loyalty.

“Ortuanya, in his inaugural speech, shamelessly praised Mbah’s “doggedness,” revealing the strings attached to his position. Under his watch, UNN has conveniently “discovered” discrepancies in Nnaji’s 1985 degree records, claiming no evidence of graduation or certificate issuance—despite Nnaji’s clear explanation of bureaucratic delays in collection.

“This is not academic diligence; it is sponsored sabotage, transforming a prestigious federal university into a partisan weapon. Ortuanya has sullied his scholarly credentials, prostituting UNN’s integrity for Mbah’s political gains ahead of 2027.

“This scandal is patently manufactured, a desperate ploy to destabilize Nnaji, whose ministerial role is propelling Nigeria’s innovation agenda forward with international partnerships and technological advancements. Mbah’s envy-fueled campaign threatens national progress for petty state-level ambition, all while he schemes to jump ship to APC, exploiting President Tinubu’s administration for personal survival.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, architect of Renewed Hope, must not fall for this charade. Mbah’s antics are a direct assault on your party’s unity and merit-based governance. Investigate this conspiracy immediately, shield Minister Nnaji from these baseless attacks, and reject Mbah’s opportunistic defection. Allowing such manipulation would embolden political vampires and undermine APC’s 2027 prospects.

“To right-thinking Nigerians—journalists, activists, and citizens alike—do not be hoodwinked by Mbah and Ortuanya’s deceitful theater. This is classic Nigerian godfatherism: a failing PDP governor weaponizing state resources and a captured university to crush competition. Demand accountability, expose the hypocrisy, and rally behind truth. Enugu and Nigeria deserve leaders of integrity, not schemers like Mbah who forge scandals to forge their futures. The 2027 elections must be won on merit, not malice—let this shameful plot crumble under the weight of justice.

“This is clearly a disturbing display of abuse of power, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the newly installed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, have launched a baseless, politically motivated campaign to malign and discredit the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, through spurious allegations of certificate forgery.

“This shameful conspiracy is not only a disgrace to democratic principles and academic integrity, but it also reflects the growing rot in Enugu State’s leadership—a rot that threatens to drag one of Nigeria’s most respected federal universities into the mud of partisan politics.

“At the heart of this malicious campaign is a desperate attempt by Governor Mbah and his political cronies to neutralize perceived threats and opposition voices by weaponizing falsehood and state institutions. That Professor Simon Ortuanya—barely warmed into his seat as Vice Chancellor—has allowed himself and the hallowed institution of UNN to be used as a political attack dog raises serious questions about his character, independence, and suitability for the office he holds.

“Let it be stated clearly: Uche Nnaji is a respected technocrat and politician who has contributed immensely to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria at large. His track record, both in public service and private enterprise, speaks volumes—far louder than the whispers of envy and propaganda echoing from the corridors of Enugu’s Government House.

UnityTimes also stressed in its report that it is an insult to the intelligence of right-thinking Nigerians that Governor Mbah—a man who himself has faced intense public scrutiny over allegations surrounding his own academic records—would now turn around to sponsor a witch-hunt against another son of the state. “The hypocrisy is staggering, the motives are transparent, and the outcome is bound to fail.

“Let us be clear: this is not about truth, justice, or accountability. This is about political vendetta, executed with reckless disregard for truth and decency. It is about silencing credible leaders who refuse to kneel before the godfathers of Enugu politics. It is about consolidating power by any means necessary—even if that means dragging the name of a federal minister through the gutter of manufactured scandal.

“Nigerians must not be fooled. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all defenders of truth and justice must stand firm and reject this poorly scripted drama. The Presidency must not lend even a second of attention to the distraction being cooked up by elements who fear accountability, transparency, and competence in government.

“Furthermore, we call on the governing council of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to urgently investigate the conduct of Professor Simon U. Ortuanya. No Vice Chancellor should ever use the sacred office of academia to serve as a foot soldier for political hatchet jobs.

“The University of Nigeria was founded to restore the dignity of man—not to be reduced to a propaganda mill for disgraced politicians and desperate governors. The future of academic credibility and democratic accountability demands that this toxic alliance between Mbah and Ortuanya be publicly condemned and thoroughly investigated.

“We, as citizens, owe it to our democracy to resist the politics of blackmail and character assassination. Let truth prevail. Let integrity rise above impunity. And let those who think they can manipulate public perception with falsehood be reminded: the Nigerian people are watching, and history never forgets.”

FRC Joins Push for Grassroots Accountability at Launch of Nigerian Local Government Integrity Index

Maryam Aminu

In a bold move to strengthen transparency and accountability at the grassroots, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) was featured at the unveiling of the Nigerian Local Government Integrity Index (NLGI) by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

The landmark event drew stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, and the media to deliberate on mechanisms for improving governance at the local level.

Executive Director of CeFTPI, Dr. Umar Yakubu, explained that the index is a data-driven tool designed to evaluate governance and corruption risks across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

He noted that the assessment framework rests on eight pillars, ranging from fiscal transparency and accountability to public service delivery, civic oversight, and e-governance.

Speaking on behalf of FRC Chairman, Victor Muruako, Esq., the Commission’s Special Adviser, Dr. Chris Uwadoka, praised CeFTPI for the initiative, stressing that the NLGI complements FRC’s mandate to entrench fiscal discipline and accountability.

He described the index as a “vital instrument for empowering civil society, oversight bodies, and citizens to demand responsible use of public resources at the grassroots.”

Stakeholders at the launch welcomed the initiative as a timely tool, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s recent judgment granting financial autonomy to local governments.

They agreed that the real impact of the index will be seen in its application as a reform driver, civic engagement enabler, and accountability mechanism for better service delivery.