• From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa

The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has suspended the Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections till further notice.

The N-CITRE, after its meeting in Yenagoa deliberated extensively on all issues that led to the impasse in the INC elections, including petitions received.

The group, therefore, unanimously agreed to suspend the conduct of the INC elections and directed the electoral committee to stop all forms of electoral duties.

N-CITRE, which is empowered by the INC constitution to resolve all disputes, has also set up a seven-man Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to investigate all petitions.

The resolutions read in part ‘’ That the elections into the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (NE-INC), which were rescheduled for Monday, 13th April, 2026, by the National Electoral Committee, Ijaw National Congress(N-ELECO-INC), have been temporarily suspended until N-CITRE directs further after all pending disputes have been settled. N-CITRE-INC, as the appointing authority for N-ELECO-INC, also holds the constitutional power to resolve all disputes within the Congress

‘’ Consequently, N-ELECO-INC has been directed to stop performing any electoral functions until otherwise subsequently directed by N-CITRE.’’

The N-CITRE has directed the DRC to resolve the lingering dispute and probe all petitions, including the petitions against the n-ELECO- INC.

The DRC is headed by HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, and Chairman of N-CITRE.

Other members are HRM, King Dr. Brig-Gen Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (Rtd), Chief Dr. Silas Eneyo (representing Eastern Zone), Dr. Loveth Ige (representing Central Zone), HRM, Pere Luke Kalanama III, HRM, Dr. Ekiomi Oweigbe John (Gbisa I) representing Western Zone, and Zonal Chairman of N-CITRE.

N-CITRE, which reminded all stakeholders of the principle of honesty that guides the Ijaws, therefore appealed for cooperation to achieve peace.

By David Torough, Abuja

Stakeholders at the 2026 Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) International Conference in Bida have called for urgent adoption of digital economy strategies and strengthened governance systems as critical tools for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth in developing nations.

Delivering the lead paper at the conference held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Professor Jonathan Atsua Ikughur emphasized that while technological advancement has transformed global systems, many developing countries, including Nigeria, have yet to fully harness its benefits due to weak institutions and inconsistent policy implementation.

He contrasted the inefficiencies of the past—marked by long banking queues, unreliable communication systems, and risky cash transactions with the current opportunities offered by digital innovation, noting that such advancements can significantly reduce economic and social costs.

Ikughur stressed that development must be viewed beyond mere economic growth, encompassing equitable resource distribution, improved living standards, and social well-being.

He warned that without deliberate planning and strong governance, many nations risk remaining trapped in poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation.

Painting a sobering picture of Nigeria’s development challenges, he cited high poverty and unemployment rates, weak institutional capacity, corruption, and overreliance on borrowing as major constraints to growth despite the country’s abundant natural resources.

The professor identified poor infrastructure, weak judicial systems, lack of transparency, and low investment in human capital as common features of many developing economies.

He urged policymakers to adopt data-driven strategies that integrate digital innovation with governance reforms to drive long-term prosperity.

Complementing this perspective, a research paper presented by Dr. Bolaji Tunde Matemilola highlighted the growing impact of digital financial inclusion on firms in emerging economies.

The study, which examined 475 firms across 15 countries, found that digital financial inclusion significantly boosts firms’ access to credit and drives business growth by reducing borrowing costs and information gaps.

However, the study also raised concerns about rising corporate debt levels, noting that while increased access to finance supports expansion, it may pose sustainability risks if not properly managed.

In his keynote address, Niger State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Muazu Hamidu Jantabo, described the digital economy as both a policy imperative and a generational opportunity for Africa.

He noted that digital transformation, when supported by strong governance, can reduce transaction costs, enhance transparency, and expand economic participation.

Jantabo highlighted ongoing reforms in Niger State, including investments in broadband infrastructure, digital literacy programmes, and e-governance systems aimed at improving service delivery and accountability.

He stressed that digitalization must be inclusive, warning that uneven access—particularly in rural areas—could deepen existing inequalities.

He further underscored the role of local governments as critical drivers of grassroots digital transformation, noting ongoing efforts to digitize administrative processes, improve revenue systems, and strengthen community engagement.

Earlier in his welcome address, ASUP Bida Chapter Chairman, Comrade Kolo Joshua, described the conference theme as timely, noting that the combination of digital economy and good governance remains essential for sustainable development in developing nations.

Across presentations, speakers converged on a common message: that digital transformation alone is insufficient without strong institutions, transparency, and accountability.

They called for coordinated efforts among governments, academia, and the private sector to align innovation with inclusive policies.

“The task before us is not just to embrace change,” Ikughur noted, “but to deliberately harness it for the collective good.”

By David Torough, Abuja

At the 2026 Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) National Conference held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Professor Jonathan Atsua Ikughur delivered a compelling call for developing countries to embrace the digital economy and strengthen governance systems as essential drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Presenting his lead paper, the statistician from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, reflected on the rapid transformation brought about by technological advancement, contrasting today’s digital ease with a past marked by inefficiencies—long banking queues, unreliable telecommunications, and risky cash-based trade journeys.

Ikughur argued that while change is inevitable, developing countries like Nigeria have yet to fully harness the transformative power of digitalization due to weak institutional frameworks and inconsistent development planning.

He emphasized that development must go beyond economic growth to include equitable distribution of resources, improved living standards, and social well-being.

Citing global perspectives, the professor described development as a multidimensional process encompassing economic, social, cultural, and political progress.

He warned that without deliberate policies and long-term planning, countries risk remaining trapped in cycles of poverty, inequality and stagnation.

Highlighting Nigeria’s development indicators, Ikughur painted a sobering picture: high poverty rates, unemployment, population pressure, and weak institutional capacity continue to hinder progress.

He noted that despite abundant natural resources, poor governance, corruption, and lack of economic diversification have limited the country’s growth potential.

The paper identified key characteristics of many developing nations, including weak judicial systems, lack of transparency, inadequate infrastructure, and low investment in human capital and innovation.

These challenges, he said, are compounded by poor policy implementation and overreliance on borrowing.

Ikughur stressed that sustainable development requires a balanced approach that integrates economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

He pointed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a global framework guiding nations toward poverty reduction, improved health and education, climate action, and inclusive economic participation.

According to him, digital technologies can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals by improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and fostering innovation.

He however, warned that without good governance, characterized by accountability, strong institutions, and anti-corruption measures, the benefits of digital transformation may not be fully realized.

He urged policymakers, academics and stakeholders to develop clear, data-driven national strategies that align digital innovation with governance reforms.

Such efforts, he said, are crucial for building resilient economies, reducing inequality, and ensuring long-term prosperity in developing countries.

“The task before us,” Ikughur noted, “is to understand the changing world and deliberately harness its opportunities for the collective good.”