By Elijah Oguche, Abuja 

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to stop giving money to relatives who seek financial assistance at home, saying the country needs better leadership to tackle its economic problems.

He also called on Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their family members to vote for leaders who can improve the economy and deliver good governance.

Obi made the appeal during a town hall meeting with his supporters in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Sunday.

The former Anambra State governor blamed Nigeria’s economic hardship on poor leadership, arguing that while money sent home could help people meet their immediate needs, it would not address the root causes of poverty.

“You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!” he said.

Obi also defended his record in office, particularly his handling of public funds during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

He said he was not claiming to be perfect but maintained that his administration saved substantial public funds, adding that he had yet to see another governor save up to 10 per cent of what he claimed to have saved.

“I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to begin by supporting leaders they consider less corrupt, describing it as a step towards changing the country’s political and economic fortunes.

“Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change,” he said.

Obi further stressed that rebuilding Nigeria would require citizens to take responsibility for the country’s future rather than relying solely on individual financial support to family members.

He said his engagement with Nigerians abroad had reinforced the need for collective action to address the country’s challenges and promote better governance.

The NDC candidate also urged Nigerians to take the 2027 general election seriously, describing it as a crucial moment for the country.

He called on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and make their votes count, stressing that leadership choices would play a major role in determining Nigeria’s future.

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The World Bank has urged the Federal  and state governments to establish a sustainable social protection system, warning that Nigeria’s N658.9bn cash transfer programme needs wider coverage, adequate payments and regular disbursements to provide meaningful relief to vulnerable households.

As of September 2026, the Federal Government had disbursed N658.

The bank, however, said the programme must move beyond emergency interventions to a reliable system backed by regular government funding.

The recommendation was contained in its latest Nigeria Development Update, titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities’.

According to the report, the effectiveness of cash transfers depends on the number of households reached, the value of payments and how consistently beneficiaries receive them.

The bank called for dedicated budget allocations at both federal and state levels, with increased funding from domestic resources to ensure continuity and reduce dependence on temporary interventions.

It also stressed the need for stronger coordination between the two tiers of government to improve the delivery and monitoring of social assistance programmes.

The report said a predictable, adequately funded social protection system would help vulnerable Nigerians cope with economic pressures and improve household welfare.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta 

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died. He was 71.

Uduaghan, who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, reportedly passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026.

His death was announced in a statement signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on behalf of the family, which described his passing as a devastating loss to the family, Delta State and Nigeria.

The family said the former governor was a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch, whose life and service touched many people across the state and the country.

“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria,” the statement said.

Uduaghan held several key positions in the Delta State Government before becoming governor. He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.

He subsequently emerged as governor in 2007 and remained in office until 2015, during which the family said he demonstrated commitment to the human and infrastructural development of the state.

The family described his death as a profound loss, noting that he was a source of strength, a father figure and a respected elder whose memories and legacy would remain cherished.

“We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement added.

The family prayed for the repose of his soul and divine comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his death.

“Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the family said in its farewell message.

Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former leader who occupied prominent positions in Delta State’s political and administrative history.

The family concluded its announcement with a prayer for his peaceful repose, saying, “May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”