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Sokoto Govt Commends NAF for Sustained Efforts in Tackling Insecurity

Mosunmola Ore
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Sokoto Govt Commends NAF for Sustained Efforts in Tackling Insecurity

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has applauded 119 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their sustained efforts in the fight against banditry and other forms of insecurity in the state.

Governor Aliyu made the commendation while speaking at the 2025 Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA) organised by 119 Composite Group in Sokoto.

He said Nigerian Air Force had made numerous positive sacrifices in keeping the country together as symbolized by BASA annual event which showcased different cultural and historical heritage of Nigeria.

Aliyu represented by the Commissioner Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, Dr Ibrahim Dade-Adare, described the celebration as an avenue that foster unity, harmony and brotherhood within the command and Nigeria’s environment.

He expressed confidence that Nigerian Armed forces remained the fulcrum and strategic institution capable of making Nigeria secured.

“The state government is saluting the Air force and their families for the resilience and sacrifices.

“We will continue to support you for sustained operations in defense of the country’s sovereignty as well as providing more security to the state,” he added.

In his remarks, the Commander 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Harry Gumut, said the annual event marks the end of the Year 2025 operational year and affords a unique opportunity to celebrate the unity, rich traditions, and cultural diversity that define the Nigerian Air Force families.

“Our culture defines who we are, and for us in the military, it reminds us of what we stand for and what we fight to protect.

“It also provides us with a unique opportunity to de-stress and strengthen the bond of solidarity, which is the bedrock of our profession.

“This occasion is more than a celebration, it is a crucible in which our dances, attire, music, and cuisine renew our sense of purpose, strengthen our bonds, and inspire us to look forward with optimism to the year ahead, as we remain steadfast in our duty to protect our people and defend our fatherland,” Group Captain Gumut said.

He said that 119 Composite Group has recorded remarkable success in alignment with the operational directives of Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.

“Despite the complex security environment within our area of responsibility in the State, our achievements in conjunction with Op FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 Annex and other security agencies within the JOA yield positive results.

“The Unit has also made a milestone in creating and mobilizing Mobile Air Defence Teams (MADT) with the capability of protecting our critical assets at the airport as well as Internal Security operations within Sokoto Metropolis,” he noted.

He reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to the defense and security of the nation, despite the challenges, “we have resolved to remove all encumbrances to peace across our area of responsibility”.

Group Captain Gumut expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to force motivation, which remains a key enabler of his command philosophy.

He also commended Governor Aliyu for his support to NAF by providing some operational equipment, as well as the establishment of Operation FASAN YANMA sector 2 Annex at Hajj Camp.

The highlights of the BASA Sociocultural Activities was presentations of awards to personalities, best Airman and Airwoman who distinguished themselves while discharging their duties in the year 2025, tug of war between Magajiya team and Airwomen team where the Magajiya’s emerged winner, cultural display by different ethnic groups among others.

EU to Elevate Ties with Vietnam Amid Trade Disruptions

Victoria Ibanga
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EU to Elevate Ties with Vietnam Amid Trade Disruptions

The European Union and Vietnam will elevate ties during a visit to Hanoi by the European Council President Antonio Costa on Thursday, an EU official disclosed, as both sides seek to expand international partnerships amid disruptions from U.S. tariffs.

The visit comes on the heels of To Lam’s re-appointment as Vietnam’s top official, potentially making Costa the first leader of a major power to meet Lam since the ruling Communist Party on Friday appointed him for a new term as general secretary.

The elevation of ties to Vietnam’s highest level has been planned for months and was delayed largely because of schedule complications, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymlty.

It would place the EU on the same tier as China, the U.S. and Russia among others, further expanding Vietnam’s advanced partnerships, in line with the country’s strategy of balancing big powers.

These upgrades are largely symbolic, as they merely entail more frequent high-level meetings and usually no binding agreements.

Vietnam’s relations with the United States worsened last year after the Trump administration imposed tariffs, despite the upgrade of bilateral ties inked by former president Joe Biden during a visit to Hanoi in late 2023.

The upgrade with the EU is expected to generate more cooperation in multiple fields, including research, technology, energy and critical minerals, according to a draft joint statement, the official said.

Vietnam has significant but often little exploited deposits of rare earths, gallium and tungsten

The Southeast Asian trade-reliant nation is a major link in global supply chains, especially for electronics, clothing and footwear.

It has a string of free trade agreements with multiple partners, including with the European Union.

The EU has repeatedly criticised Vietnam’s implementation of the free trade agreement, which has boosted Vietnam’s surplus with the 27-nation bloc since it came into force in 2020.

The EU deficit with Hanoi stood at 42.5 billion euros ($50.26 billion) in 2024

EU officials accuse Hanoi of hampering EU imports with multiple non-tariff barriers, but Brussels has so far taken limited action to address the situation.

Also, facing tariffs from the United States, the EU has prioritised improving ties with economic partners and expanding trade agreements, including recently with South American nations of the Mercosur bloc.

Costa will visit India before Vietnam, where together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, he intends to hold trade talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a schedule published by the EU Council.

 

 

Reuters/ Victoria Ibanga

Kano Assembly Speaker, 22 Lawmakers Quit NNPP

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Kano Assembly Speaker, 22 Lawmakers Quit NNPP

The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Falgore, alongside his deputy, Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, and 22 other lawmakers, have resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and declared support for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The development was contained in a statement released by the Kano State House of Assembly and signed by its Press Secretary, Kamaludden Sani Shawai.

According to him, those who defected include the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Majority Leader of the House, Lawan Hussain, the Deputy Majority Leader, Garba Shehu and the Chief Whip, Muddasir Zawachiki, as well as other members representing constituencies across the state.

Shawai noted that the defection involved a total of 22 lawmakers from constituencies including Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai/Shanono, Bebeji, Bunkure, Dawakin Kudu, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Gwale, Karaye, Kura/Garun Malam, Madobi, Minjibir, Rano, Tarauni and Wudil.

Read Also: Kano Governor Quits NNPP Amid Deepening Political Realignment

The Assembly confirmed that it had verified and authenticated the list of the lawmakers who left the NNPP.

The statement explained that the disclosure was made to formally inform the public and clarify the political status of the affected legislators following the governor’s resignation from NNPP.

The development is regarded as a significant shift in Kano State’s political alignment.

Nigerian Army Foils Bandits Attack In Kaduna

Mosunmola Ore
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Nigerian Army Foils Bandits Attack In Kaduna

Troops of 1 Division, Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA have disrupted a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected violent extremist following a swift snap ambush operation in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.

The successful action followed a late night distress call received on Thursday, 22 January 2026, reporting the presence of armed bandits who had rustled livestock from Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.

According to operational details, troops immediately deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush aimed at intercepting the fleeing criminals. On contact, the troops engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, while one terrorist was neutralised during the encounter.

Following the initial engagement, troops carried out aggressive exploitation of adjoining forested areas to prevent regrouping or escape by the bandits. This included clearance operations within the Kankomi forest, where another contact was made at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.

The operation further denied the bandits freedom of movement within the area and reinforced troop dominance across the Maraban Rido axis and surrounding communities.

Recovered weapons and ammunition from the bandits

The sustained responsiveness of Sector 1 troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues to demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s resolve to protect rural communities, disrupt bandit networks and restore lasting security across Kaduna State and the wider North West region.

APC Chieftain Backs President Tinubu for Second Term

Mosunmola Ore
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APC Chieftain Backs President Tinubu for Second Term

The Director-General of the South East Governorship Forum and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has endorsed the joint ticket of President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for a second term, dismissing growing speculations over a possible replacement of Shettima amid calls for religious balancing on the APC presidential ticket.

Senator Ekwunife made the remarks on Saturday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during an APC stakeholders’ meeting convened to review progress and strategise on the party’s ongoing electronic membership registration exercise.

According to Ekwunife, the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms are beginning to yield positive results. She urged Nigerians to support the government in delivering its “Renewed Hope” agenda.

“Nigeria is in safe hands with President Bola Tinubu. He remains the most formidable candidate for 2027. His policies are yielding results, and all we need to do is to support him and pray for our leaders to succeed,” she said.

Drawing from her experience as a former senator, Ekwunife expressed confidence in the leadership of the current administration, noting that she had worked closely with both the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima during her time in the National Assembly.

On party mobilisation, Ekwunife disclosed that the APC in Anambra State is targeting the registration of over 336,000 new members across the state’s wards as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots base ahead of the 2027 presidential, National Assembly and state elections.

She explained that the e-registration exercise is designed to identify loyal and committed party members and empower them politically, stressing that ward chairmen play a critical role as custodians of the party at the grassroots.

“Winning elections is not just about money; it is about institutional support. Elections are won from the wards, and despite structural and institutional challenges, the APC has firmly taken root in Anambra State,” she said.

Ekwunife acknowledged that the party did not receive significant federal backing during the last governorship election but maintained that it still recorded notable progress under the circumstances. She assured party faithful that past setbacks would not be repeated.

“We may not have received the expected federal support, but we still performed creditably. Any party chairman who is not serious about the e-registration process risks isolating himself. APC in Anambra is now resilient and prepared for future contests,” she added.

In his remarks, the Anambra State Chairman of the APC, Chief Basil Ejidike, described politics as a game of numbers, emphasising that a strong membership base is essential for electoral success.

Ejidike said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to assess participation in the e-registration exercise and ensure transparency and seriousness at all levels. He revealed that the party has adopted new strategies aimed at improving its electoral fortunes beginning from the next election cycle.

To encourage grassroots mobilisation, Ejidike announced incentives for the most active local government areas, with prizes of ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second, and ₦150,000 for third.

“As we approach another election cycle, without the right numbers we will not be reckoned with nationally. Ward chairmen and party leaders must take this exercise seriously,” he said.

 

FRSC Seeks Partnership To End Fake Drivers’ License

Mosunmola Ore
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0
FRSC Seeks Partnership To End Fake Drivers’ License

The Federal Road Safety Corps in collaboration with the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) is set to conduct a joint patrol exercise to address the issue of fake drivers’ licenses and plate numbers.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, Mr. Kehinde Dahunsi, announced this initiative during a press conference, in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

He emphasized the importance of launching an aggressive awareness campaign in the media and other platforms to educate the public about the issue.

Commenting on activities to mark the conclusion of the Ember Month Road Safety Operations, dubbed “Operation Zero”, conducted by the Federal Road Safety Corps, in Benue State, Mr. Dahunsi highlighted the challenges faced during the period.

He enumerated the challenges to include increased vehicular movement due to festive activities and ongoing road construction projects, particularly in Makurdi.

Despite these obstacles, the Benue Sector Command said it achieved the significant successes through operational planning, enforcement efforts, traffic management, and collaboration with various stakeholders.

READ ALSO: FRSC Clears Licence Backlog, Boosts Production to 15,000 Daily

FRSC Launches 2025 Safety Campaign in Benue

He said “the achievements of Operation Zero included a reduction in road traffic crashes, enhanced compliance with traffic regulations, effective enforcement through mobile court operations, sustained patrols, and engagement with stakeholders”.

He revealed that operational statistics from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026, showed positive outcomes, with a decrease in road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries compared to the previous year’s Ember period.

While acknowledging the progress made, Mr. Dahunsi highlighted persistent challenges like over speeding and non-compliance with traffic rules, especially in construction zones.

He pledged to continue enforcement activities, traffic management initiatives, rescue services, mobile court operations, and public enlightenment campaigns beyond the Ember period.

The Sector Commander expressed gratitude to the Corps Marshal, Management of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the officers of the RS4.2 Benue Sector Command for their support and dedication in ensuring road safety.

 

 

2027: Forum of Former Lawmakers Endorse President Tinubu

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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0
2027: Forum of Former Lawmakers Endorse President Tinubu

The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.

The endorsement was announced at the National Summit of the forum, which was attended by over two thousand delegates from across Nigeria, held in Abuja.

The former legislators unanimously agreed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capacity to take Nigeria to greater heights.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh, said that former legislators occupy a very important position in NIgeria as they are brains behind every successful executive.

“No National Assembly, no democracy,” she said.

She said that President Tinubu needs to be allowed to finish the Southern mandate for the sake of continuity.

She also proposed a single five year term for the president and expressed her support for the reserved Seats for Women Bill.

Another former Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara commended president Tinubu for improved security across Nigeria.

He noted that the North East is solidly behind president Tinubu.

The Nigerian Minister of Interior, who is also a former lawmaker, Mr. Tunji Ojo said that Nigeria deserves a brave man like president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said that the president has repositioned Nigeria and will do even more in his second tenure.

He praised president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking life changing decisions for the good of Nigeria.

The former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, promised mass grassroots mobilisation for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027.

He said that as former legislators, they are closer to the electorates.

Former President of the Senate, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim said that the forum of Former Lawmakers should propose constitutional rotation for stability in governance.

On his part, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, said that Nigeria has enjoyed 27 years of democracy under different zones.

“It is the turn of the south. Let us stand by them,” he stated.

Contributions to National Discourse

In his keynote address, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, said that the meeting comes at a moment when the world appears unsettled and uncertain of its direction.

“Yet it is precisely in moments such as these that leadership is most needed. Your willingness to convene, to deliberate, and to contribute once more to national discourse speaks volumes about your enduring commitment to the idea of Nigeria and to the responsibilities that citizenship and leadership impose upon us all,” Mr. Gbajabiamila said.

He said that the gathering is the culmination of months of consultation, dialogue, and engagement across the length and breadth of our country.

“The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) occupies a unique and vital place in our national life. It brings together individuals who have not merely observed the evolution of our democracy but have actively shaped it, often under difficult circumstances and at critical moments in our history. The institutional memory represented in this room is a national asset of immense value. It must not be allowed to fade or be marginalised. Instead, it must be deliberately harnessed to inform present choices and to illuminate future pathways as we continue the long and unfinished journey toward a more perfect union.

“It is neither accidental nor merely symbolic that this summit is convened under the theme “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031.” The emphasis on “beyond” is both deliberate and instructive. It reminds us that nation-building is not an event, nor the exclusive responsibility of any single administration. Nation-building is a continuum,” he said.

Mr. Gbajabiamila stressed that Nigeria is fortunate that at this pivotal moment, it is being led by a President who understands both the fragility and the strength of the country’s diversity, and who recognises that national unity must never be sacrificed on the altar of narrow ambition or short-term political gain.

Fostering National Unity and Security 

In his goodwill message, the Deputy President of the Senate and Guest of Honour, Senator Barau Jibrin, pointed out that former legislators occupy a unique and respected place in Nigeria’s national life.

“You are men and women who have had the privilege and burden of law making, articulating the aspirations of the people, and strengthening democratic institutions at critical moments in our history. Though you may no longer sit in legislative chambers, your experience, institutional memory, and statesmanship remain invaluable national assets,” Senator Barau said.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is still a work in progress.

“As we navigate challenges of governance, national cohesion, economic reform, and institutional trust, the wisdom of those who have “been there” is more needed than ever. Platforms such as this Summit provide an opportunity to reflect, mentor, advise, and contribute constructively to national discourse beyond partisan divides,” he noted.

He assured the former legislators that the leadership of the National Assembly remains open to collaboration with NFFL and similar bodies.

The National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators, Mr. Ralphel Igbokwe, said that the group focuses on political support and stability.

He also said that the group has unity, national security, and fostering collaboration between legislative and executive branches as its aim.

He equally used the opportunity of the summit to solicit for the payment of debts owed to its members, particularly members of the second and third Republic.

The theme of the Summit was “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031”.

Anambra Governor Urges NYSC Corps Members To Drive Nation-Building

Mosunmola Ore
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0
Anambra Governor Urges NYSC Corps Members To Drive Nation-Building

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has described members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as vital partners in Nigeria’s nation-building and youth-driven development, as the state formally opened the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 NYSC Orientation Course.

The opening ceremony was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, where about 1,500 corps members were sworn in after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

The oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice O.M. Anyachebelu, represented by Justice A.O. Okuma.

In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, Governor Soludo urged the newly deployed corps members to see their service year as a defining phase of personal growth and national responsibility.

“Today marks not only the beginning of your national service, but also the start of a defining chapter in your journey as young Nigerians entrusted with the future of our nation,” Soludo said.

He stressed that the NYSC oath represents a lifelong commitment to unity, integrity, discipline and selfless service, adding that these values must extend beyond the orientation camp.

“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s nation-building efforts. In Anambra State, corps members have consistently contributed to education, healthcare, agriculture, technology and community development,” he noted.

The governor challenged the corps members to surpass the achievements of their predecessors by leaving legacies of innovation, compassion and measurable impact in their host communities.

Highlighting his administration’s youth-centred development agenda under Anambra Vision 2070, Soludo said the state is deliberately building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society driven by empowered young people.

He cited initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District (SID), Code Anambra, One Youth Two Skills Plus, and targeted agribusiness and entrepreneurship schemes, noting that over 36,000 youths have already been empowered with digital and vocational skills.

According to him, more than 13,300 youths have received skills training and grants amounting to ₦5.5 billion for business start-ups and expansion, while the ongoing One Million Anambra Digital Tribe programme aims to equip one million youths with digital skills.

“Many before you have acquired digital skills, accessed grants, started businesses and even chosen Anambra as their long-term home. You are encouraged to fully participate in these programmes,” he said.

The governor urged corps members to immerse themselves in the Anambra experience, obey camp rules, respect constituted authority and local cultures, promote peace, and conduct themselves with dignity and responsibility.

“True service is measured not by attendance, but by impact. Be solution-driven, identify challenges within your host communities and apply your knowledge creatively,” he added.

Discipline and Professionalism 

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, disclosed that 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 616 males and 884 females were successfully registered for the orientation programme.

She described the orientation course as the foundation of the service year, explaining that military drills, physical training, leadership development and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme would equip corps members for effective service and self-reliance.

“Discipline remains the cornerstone of the scheme,” Ojisua said, assuring that camp officials, security agencies, medical teams and collaborating partners had been fully mobilised to ensure the welfare and safety of participants throughout the programme.

The Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the security, welfare and empowerment of corps members. He also commended the NYSC leadership for its professionalism and preparedness.

The ceremony featured a Man-O-war tug-of-war display by corps members and was attended by traditional rulers, heads of federal establishments and senior government officials.

 

IMF Warns Central Banks Against Aggressive Rate Cuts

Oluwasola Akintonde
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IMF Warns Central Banks Against Aggressive Rate Cuts

The International Monetary Fund has called on central banks to exercise caution in cutting interest rates, emphasising that maintaining price stability remains critical amid uneven growth and persistent inflation pressures.

In its latest 13-page World Economic Outlook update, the Fund highlighted that while several economies are experiencing a modest recovery in output, inflationary pressures remain a significant concern.

The IMF noted that central banks must carefully balance the trade-offs between supporting growth and avoiding a resurgence of inflation.

“Monetary policymakers in countries where inflation is at or close to target should rely on a forecast-centred approach,” the report said. “Where economies are experiencing negative demand shocks, a gradual reduction in policy rates may be considered to cushion economic activity, provided risks to price stability objectives are contained.”

The IMF stressed that in regions where inflation remains above target, a more cautious, data-dependent approach is warranted.

“In economies facing adverse supply shocks, policymakers confront complex trade-offs between the risk of a growth slowdown and the risk of persistent inflation. In such cases, further monetary easing should proceed only where there is robust evidence that inflation expectations remain anchored and inflation is returning toward target,” the document added.

While Nigeria’s strong growth outlook positions it as a driver of Sub-Saharan Africa’s expansion, the IMF cautioned that sustaining economic momentum will require disciplined fiscal and monetary policies.

Headline inflation eased to 15.15 per cent year-on-year in December 2025 from 17.33 per cent in November, following a methodological review by the National Bureau of Statistics, while the Monetary Policy Rate has been held steady at 27 per cent since at least November 2025, with the MPC opting for a tight policy to anchor inflation amid elevated risks.

The Fund underscored the importance of central bank independence in safeguarding macroeconomic stability. It warned that any deviation from credible monetary frameworks could risk fiscal dominance, where fiscal pressures undermine monetary policy effectiveness and erode the credibility needed to anchor inflation expectations.

The IMF said it is essential to navigate volatile global conditions. “Central banks must articulate policy intentions transparently and consistently to ensure that expectations remain well-anchored. The independence of monetary authorities, both legal and operational, remains paramount for economic growth and price stability,” the report stated.

It also noted disparities in economic activity and inflation dynamics across regions. Rapid technological investment, for example, is likely to push real neutral interest rates upward at varying degrees across jurisdictions, affecting the potential for rate cuts differently in each economy.

“This heterogeneity underscores the need for tailored, country-specific monetary policy decisions rather than blanket approaches,” the Fund said.

While growth has shown resilience in several emerging markets, the IMF cautioned that sustaining economic expansion will require ongoing vigilance.

The Fund recommended that central banks remain flexible but prudent, signalling that aggressive or preemptive rate cuts could undermine hard-won gains in price stability.

“Policy rate decisions must strike a careful balance. Premature easing risks reigniting inflation, while delayed action in the face of weak demand can slow growth. Central banks must move deliberately, guided by data, to maintain the delicate equilibrium between growth and price stability,”  the report noted.

 

NP

Anambra APC Launches Statewide E-Registration Exercise

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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0
Anambra APC Launches Statewide E-Registration Exercise

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has launched a statewide electronic registration exercise for both existing and new members, as part of efforts to significantly expand its membership base ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The e-registration exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Speaking at a well-attended APC stakeholders’ meeting held in Awka, party leaders disclosed that the initiative aims to register no fewer than 400,000 new members.

The Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Uche Ekwunife, who convened the meeting, said the ambitious drive was designed to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and improve its electoral competitiveness in future polls.

According to Ekwunife, the expansion of the party’s membership would help the APC withstand electoral challenges and position it as a formidable political force in Anambra State.

She charged the party’s 326 ward chairmen and their executive members to intensify mobilisation and sensitisation efforts at the grassroots level to ensure broad participation in the registration exercise and secure support for APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

“The objective is for each ward to register at least 1,000 new members. If this target is achieved across all wards, we would be looking at over 336,000 new members joining the party,” Ekwunife said.

She explained that the e-registration exercise would also enable the party to identify, verify and empower committed members.

“The party wants to empower its members through this e-registration, and it is important for us to know who our committed members are. APC members are eager to win elections, and we cannot achieve this without the ward chairmen, who are the custodians of the party at the grassroots,” she added.

Read Also: APC E-Registration Hits 2 Million in One week

APC Launches e-registration for Members in Sokoto

Also speaking at the meeting, the APC State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, described politics as a “game of numbers,” stressing that electoral success depends largely on a strong voter base.

Reflecting on the November 8, 2025 off-season governorship election in Anambra State, Ejidike said the party’s poor performance was largely due to its limited numerical strength.

“We went into that election with almost nothing, and that was what cost us victory. If we had secured over 100,000 votes, our performance would have been much better,” he said.

Ejidike expressed optimism that the ongoing registration exercise would improve the party’s prospects in future elections, including the forthcoming presidential contest.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that eligible members are registered across Anambra State to give us leverage in national, state assembly and presidential elections,” he added.

The Chairman of the APC Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Mr. Izuchukwu Okeke, speaking on behalf of other zonal chairmen, said all ward chairmen and their executive members had been fully sensitised and mobilised ahead of the e-registration exercise.

He expressed confidence that the party would exceed its registration target.

As part of incentives to encourage participation, prizes were awarded to the three best-performing local government areas: ₦500,000 for first place, ₦300,000 for second place, and ₦150,000 for third place.

A performance breakdown showed that Njikoka Local Government Area recorded the highest number of registered members, followed by Awka South and Onitsha South.

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