By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday attended plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he witnessed the defection of eight members of the House of Representatives from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defections were formally announced during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

Letters from the lawmakers were read on the floor, citing internal crises within the NNPP as the primary reason for their decision.

The lawmakers who defected are Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe (Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa), Garba Ibrahim Diso (Gwale), Hassan Shehu Hussain (Nassarawa), Idris Dankawu (Kumbotso), Muhammad Chiroma Nalaraba (Gezawa/Gabasawa), Rabiu Yusuf (Takai/Sumaila), Ghali Mustapha Tijjani (Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi), and Muhammad Bello Shehu (Fagge).

Prominent political figures at the session included former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.

Speaking after the session, Governor Yusuf described the defections as part of the democratic process, noting that political realignments are common in a vibrant democracy.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kano State, regardless of political affiliations, and called for unity and cooperation among elected representatives to advance the state’s development.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government has approved the award of a contract for the dualisation of the road leading to the proposed Kogi Airport.

The project, which covers about 9.

1 kilometres, was awarded to CCECC Construction Company following a competitive bidding process involving five companies. CCECC Nigerian Limited emerged as the preferred contractor after submitting the lowest bid.

Presenting the award certificate to the company’s project manager in Lokoja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport, Sagir Abdulsalam, said the project would link the proposed ultra-modern Kogi Airport to the state road network.

Abdulsalam, who represented the Commissioner for Works and Transport, said the contract is expected to be completed within 18 months.

He explained that the road project forms part of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s economic expansion agenda and is designed to improve connectivity, ease movement and attract investment to the state.

According to him, the dualisation will boost the ease of doing business and enhance the movement of goods, services and people along the airport corridor.

“In his magnanimity, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, through the weekly Executive Council meeting, approved and awarded the dualisation of the airport road to the same construction company handling some of the state’s projects,” he said.

He added that the project would be funded directly by the state government and is expected to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities during and after construction.

Responding, the Project Manager of CCC Construction Company, Austin Qi, thanked Governor Ododo and members of the state executive council for the confidence reposed in the company.

He assured the government that the firm would deliver the project to the highest standard within the stipulated period.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has commenced payment of compensation to residents of Zariagi, Kabba Junction and Irepeni communities whose lands were acquired for the proposed airport project.

The affected residents, mostly farmers, have been invited to the Kogi State Bureau of Lands conference room from April 1, 2026, for the payment process.

They are expected to present two passport photographs and a valid means of identification, including a National Identity Card, Voter’s Card or Driver’s Licence.

In his reaction, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo said the contract award marks a “significant watershed” in the commitment of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to ensure Kogi is linked to the rest of the world through the establishment of an international airport.

“Today’s award is further proof that the Governor is prepared to see the project through. We are prepared for the project and I can confirm that finance won’t be a challenge. We have prepared ourselves well enough.

“With the financial engineering acumen of the Governor and the fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made resources available to the sub-nationals, we are prepared to see this Airport project through”.

He urged the people of Kogi State to continue to protect government infrastructure across the state as the state continues to provide infrastructure in the critical sectors of the economy.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have maintained their position at 26th in the world in FIFA’s latest rankings, following a busy March international window.

In a post obtained from FIFA’s website on Wednesday, the ranking reflects Nigeria’s strong performances in friendlies, including a 2‑1 win over Iran and a 2‑2 draw with Jordan, as well as their showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Nigeria won five matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, drew with Morocco in the semi-finals, and defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Despite these results, the team remains third in Africa, behind Morocco and Senegal.

Other nations saw minor adjustments in the rankings.

Iran slipped from 20th to 21st following consecutive defeats, while Jordan moved up to 63rd after draws with Nigeria and Costa Rica.

Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.

Nigeria will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing their intercontinental play-off to DR Congo and will have to wait until September to start qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.

The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for 10 June 2026, just ahead of the World Cup, when global standings could shift dramatically.