POLITICS
Tinubu to Sign National Digital Economy, E- Governance Bill 2025 into Law This Week
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has assured that President Bola Tinubu will sign the National Digital Economy and E- Government Bill 2025 into Law this week.
The bill, jointly drafted and processed by both the Senate and House of Representatives will blaze the trail in regulatory law on Digital Economy and E-Governance in Africa, when signed into law within the week.
Indications to this effect emerged yesterday during a one day Public Hearing on National Digital Economy and E – Governance Bill 2025 organised by the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on ICT and Cyber Security.
In his presentation at the Public Hearing, the Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani said that “this bill is being awaited by President Bola Tinubu for assent this week. It is one of the catalysts for the actualization of the projected $1trillion economy.
“The expected Act from the bill will be the first of this kind in the African Continent. And that’s a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s role in setting the pace for technological advancement across Africa.
“This sector, which once contributed about 16 percent to our GDP is now tracking at 19 percent. Under the President’s leadership, we are targeting a $1 trillion economy with the digital economy contributing 21 percent to GDP by 2027. This Bill will unlock the private sector’s potential to achieve that goal.
“Our government is committed not to quick fixes, but to deep, structural investment—building foundational digital infrastructure and progressive policies that will open new opportunities nationwide. Together with the National Assembly, we are driving the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic network to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government with world-class internet access.
“Beyond this, we are addressing the needs of over 20 million unconnected Nigerians by deploying nearly 4,000 new communication towers in currently underserved communities. The Bill also provides for a national data exchange system, ensuring seamless information sharing among MDAs and between government and the private sector.
“It further establishes a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption—enabling Nigeria to leapfrog in competitiveness and productivity across critical sectors. In strengthening this Bill, we are shaping the future of generations yet unborn. As the African proverb says, “Wise elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.”
“The generation that liberalized our telecommunications sector in 1999 laid the foundation for today’s growth. Now, we take the next bold step—to expand our economy through technology and innovation”, stated.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu said the legislation when passed into law will be the first in Africa as far as digital economy and e – governance are concerned.
According to him “the objective of this bill is to provide regulatory clarity for electronic transactions in the country.
“The second objective is to mandate government agencies to digitise their operations and services.
The law when put in place, will serve as the backbone of digital economy”.
In his own remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon Adedeji Olajide pointed out that the bill, when passed into law, would bring about digital transformation of the country.
All stakeholders present at the public hearing such as the National Communication Commission (NCC), Nigeria Communication Satellite (NICOMSAT), Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) , Galaxy Backbone , Office of the Head of Service etc. However supported the legislation.
POLITICS
2027: ADC Ready to Take over Zamfara — Official
Kabiru Garba, Zamfara Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the party is ready to take over Zamfara from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 General Elections.
Garba stated this while speaking to newsmen on Wednesday at the stakeholders’ meeting for the phase II Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise in Gusau.
Garba stated that the party was receiving new members from various political parties in the state.
“As I am speaking to you now, we are busy every day receiving high caliber political stakeholders in the state.
“People believe with the ideologies of our great party, the party is getting more popular on a daily basis.
“We are becoming stronger, the party is capable of winning all political offices in the state including the governorship position in the 2027 general elections,” the party Chairman explained.
Garba said that the ADC was the “most popular party in Zamfara” as people of the state were willing to join the party on a daily basis.
“The ADC is ready for the election, even if it’s held tomorrow.
“I believe people of the state are ever ready to vote for ADC, they are tired with the ongoing administration in the state aled by the PDP.
“The entire Nigerians are also tired with the ongoing administration of the All Progressive Congress (APC),”he added.
Garba commended the arrangements by INEC for the second phase of the CVR exercise.
He assured that the ADC would mobilise and sensitise its members in the state to participate actively in the exercise.
POLITICS
Tinubu’s Reforms Laying Foundation for National Growth – Folarin
Former Senate Leader and Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Sen. Teslim Folarin, said President Bola Tinubu’s bold reforms will lay a strong foundation for long-term national growth.
He stated this on Monday during the ongoing 14-Federal Constituency Tour jointly organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with Oyo All Progressives Congress(APC), at Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East and Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West Federal Constituencies.
Folarin noted that the ongoing reform agenda is necessary to stabilise the economy, stressing that effective communication of these reforms at the grassroots level would be critical to winning public understanding and sustained support.
He stated that the federal constituency tour was designed to strengthen internal cohesion, rebuild confidence within party structures, and lay a solid foundation for early and disciplined mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Ibadan is the political nerve centre of the South-West. Oyo state proved its strength in 2023 by giving the president the highest differential votes nationwide.
“In 2027, we are ready to raise the bar and deliver record votes for Mr. President.
“Leaders of the APC in Oyo state have resolved to mobilise a record number of votes for the president in the 2027 general elections, signalling an early and coordinated consolidation of party structures across the state,” Folarin said.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, emphasised the importance of unity, early reconciliation, and disciplined mobilisation.
He noted that electoral success depends on consistent engagement at ward and polling unit levels, rather than last minute campaigns.
The Oyo State Chairman of the APC, Olayide Abas, called for intensified voter education, continuous voter registration, and coordinated mobilisation ahead of the next general elections.
Former First Lady of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi, urged party leaders and supporters to remain united, stressing that cohesion and discipline were vital to sustaining the APC’s strength in the state.
She said the engagements provided an opportunity to reconnect with the grassroots and consolidate support for the president ahead of 2027.
A gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Adewale Kareem, described the federal constituency tour as timely, noting that it had helped to rebuild confidence within party structures.
He called for sustained mobilisation and voter education, adding that the unity of stakeholders and early preparation would be key to securing victory for the president in the 2027 general elections.
APC chieftains at the event included Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Sen. Yunus Akintunde, Sen. Femi Lanlehin, Sen. Ayo Adeseun, Sen. Hosea Agboola, Sen. Kola Balogun, and other key party stakeholders.
Others were Hon. Remi Oseni, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, former Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu and Barrister Akeem Agbaje among others.
POLITICS
Protest: Okpebholo Condemns Attack on Onojie of Ekpoma’s Palace
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has condemned the attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, by protesters in Ekpoma.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Monday in Benin.
The governor’s condemnation came after he visited the palace to personally assess the damage allegedly caused by the protesters.
The protesters had allegedly invaded the palace under the guise of expressing grievances over insecurity.
Okpebholo was accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), state chairman and other party stakeholders.
According to the statement, vehicles within the palace compound were vandalised, while canopies and chairs were broken. Cartons of Indomie noodles belonging to Onojie’s wife, who trades in the product, were also destroyed.
Doors and windows of the palace were also damaged.
Okpebholo described the invasion of the palace and the looting of property as criminal and unacceptable, stressing that protests must never be used as an excuse for lawlessness.
He disclosed that a security meeting was held earlier in the week with a strong focus on Edo Central Senatorial District, particularly the Ekpoma axis.
Okpebholo added that the government had rolled out strategic, technology-driven security operations.
The Governor warned that those who hijacked the protest to vandalise the palace and loot property would be brought to justice.
“I want to thank Your Highness for the love you have shown to me and our people over the years.
“They came under the guise of protest and sentiments, then resorted to looting and violence. This is unacceptable.
“We will go after them the same way we are going after kidnappers. Nobody should test our patience.
“I am an Esan man and I got my highest votes here in Ekpoma. I will not allow bad things to happen in this land. In the coming days, our actions will speak for themselves. Nobody involved in this criminality will be spared,” he said.
He assured the traditional ruler and the people of Ekpoma that decisive security operations were imminent.
He noted that peace, law, and order would be fully restored in the community and across Edo Central.
The Onojie Abumere II, described the incident as unfortunate, alleging that many of the protesters were under the influence of illicit drugs.
“What transpired was very sad. Many of them were under the influence of drugs. If not for God’s intervention, something worse would have happened,” he said.
He explained that he attempted to address the protesters when they first arrived but was prevented from doing so.
According to him, the protesters later returned while he was away attending a security meeting with other traditional rulers, forced their way into the palace, and unleashed violence.

