The All Progressives Congress National Working Committee (APCNWC) has adopted indirect primary mode to pick its governorship candidate for the Nov.

Mr Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of its NWC meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

“Our meeting considered the processes in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, which is scheduled for Nov.

“It was formally decided at the meeting that the mode of emergence of the candidate for that election will be through indirect primary,” the APC scribe said.

He said the decision was taken to carry along all the party’s stakeholders based on the advice of the State Working Committee.

Basiru added that a stakeholders’ meeting with the State Working Committee, State Caucus and aspirants would hold at the party’s national headquarters on a later date to further discuss on the issue.

He assured that the party’s leadership would provide a level playing field for all aspirants for the election.

The APC secretary added that the NWC also considered its proposition to begin engagement with government appointees on their achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu immediately after the Ramadan fast.

He said the initiative was to ensure that there was engagement between the party and government officials to x-ray the progress and challenges faced by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

Basiru further said that the NWC reviewed the ongoing e-registration of members of the party, adding  that the consultants handling the project had been mobilised.

He said necessary equipment and software had been acquired to ensure that the exercise was seamless.

“Our commitment is that before the next election, we would have a register that has integrity and will also be useful for the purposes of accessing the demographics within the party,” he said.

The APC generated N350 million from the sale of its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to seven governorship aspirants in Anambra

The nomination form was sold at N40 million, while the expression of interest form cost N10 million.

The seven aspirants who purchased the forms are Chukuma Umeoji, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Johnbosco Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu.

The aspirants are to contest for the party’s ticket at it primary slated for April 5.(NAN)

The Inspector General (IG) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, stated that the safety of Nigerian educational institutions determines the nation’s future.

He made this remark on Thursday at a forum in Dutse.

The forum focused on the security of schools and the training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).

The workshop’s theme was ‘Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.

Egbetokun, represented by AIG Ahmad Ammani of Zone 1, Kano, explained that the Safe Schools Initiative stems from the IG’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and institutions.

“We cannot overstate the importance of our schools to the development of our nation,” he said.

Egbetokun emphasised that the security of schools directly affects the nation’s future. Therefore, schools must be protected from all possible threats.

To achieve this, the I-G instructed Commissioners of Police to engage stakeholders in their zones to enhance school safety across their states.

He explained that the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) aims to strengthen security resilience and involve host communities in safeguarding education.

Egbetokun highlighted the need for collaboration between educational authorities, community leaders, the police, and other security agencies to protect schools from potential threats.

“The launch of the Schools Protection Squads is a significant step towards an inclusive approach to school safety,” he added.

Training programmes will be provided for educators, administrators, and security personnel. These programmes will help them identify and respond to security threats.

“We will use modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure proactive law enforcement around our schools,” he assured.

Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi, the Commissioner of Police in Jigawa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding schools across the state.

“The NPF is enhancing patrols, strengthening intelligence, and collaborating with security agencies, stakeholders, and community groups to ensure swift responses to threats,” Abdullahi said.

He further emphasised the importance of cooperation for success: “Our success depends on the dedication of every individual here.”

Abdullahi noted that the state had recorded zero attacks on educational institutions. He expressed confidence that the forum would lead to effective security measures for schools.

He stressed that schools are essential for societal development, and a secure environment is vital for students, teachers, and staff to thrive.

“The security landscape is complex, requiring constant innovation and collaboration from all stakeholders,” Abdullahi said.

The Commissioner of Police for the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) at the Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shegunle, noted that Nigeria had faced security challenges, including kidnappings and destruction of infrastructure, leading to school closures.

Shegunle linked these issues to the increasing number of out-of-school children.

He referred to a 2021 report that highlighted the killing of over 600 teachers and the displacement of more than 19,000 people between 2012 and 2016.

Recognising the importance of safe schools, the Nigerian government signed the Safe Schools Declaration on Dec. 31, 2019, alongside 118 other countries.

Shegunle also stated that, in 2021, the Federal Ministry of Finance convened a forum with local and global stakeholders to create sustainable funding for school safety.

Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, in his opening speech, highlighted education as one of his administration’s key priorities.

He expressed optimism that the workshop would bring positive changes to the education sector.

Namadi assured that the state would support the Schools Protection Squad initiative. (NAN)

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has called on Nigerians to take ownership of the revitalised National Arts Theatre as a vital repository of the nation’s history and culture.

Cardoso made the call during an inspection of the Lagos landmark alongside members of the Bankers’ Committee on Thursday.

The governor commended the vision and resources of the Bankers’ Committee on the project.

He highlighted the significant cultural value of the National Arts Theatre, emphasising that it embodies the essence of the Nigerian people.

Cardoso noted that the creative sector has the potential to generate an estimated 25 billion dollars, acting as a powerful engine for broader economic growth.

He said that the years of neglect had led to the theatre’s decline since its heyday during and after FESTAC 77.

He expressed his satisfaction with the current restoration, noting that the project meets international standards.

“This is a giant leap forward, a source of immense pride for all Nigerians.

“Moving forward, it’s crucial that we all, not just the Bankers’ Committee, take responsibility for safeguarding this national treasure,” the governor said.

He emphasised that the restoration was driven by a desire to unlock the creative sector’s potential for Nigeria’s youth.

The renovation of the National Arts theatre began in July 2021, following approval by the federal government and the subsequent handover of the national edifice to the Bankers’ Committee.

The monument is expected to be a vibrant creative and entertainment hub, generating jobs, boosting income and attracting foreign exchange.

It will also provide essential community spaces for young Nigerians to flourish.

The extensive renovation encompassed numerous areas, including the 4,000-seat main bowl, the 3,000-seat banquet hall, exhibition halls, cinemas, VIP areas, and essential facilities like kitchens, clinics, and fire stations.

The project also included comprehensive roof repairs and the installation of over 300 new toilet cubicles. (NAN)