The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) holding on Saturday, 12th February, 2022 would be credible and peaceful as the commission would engage with stakeholders.
Prof Yakub
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, gave the assurance at a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to review security arrangements for the Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
The INEC Chairman while welcoming stakeholders, disclosed that the meeting was their second, having resolved during the first meeting to invite the Resident Electoral Commissioner, as well as the FCT Police Commissioner, to brief ICCES of their level of preparedness.
“I welcome you all to our second meeting in the last two weeks. You may recall that at our last meeting held on 20th January, 2022, we resolved to invite the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to brief us on the security situation and state of readiness for the Area Council Election. As you are aware, the election is holding on Saturday 12th February 2022 which is just 11 days away.
“For our part, the commission has also been evaluating the risk to the election, using the Election Violence Mitigation and Advocacy Tool (EVMAT). The aim is to identify early warning signals that could assist the security agencies and other stakeholders in devising and deploying appropriate mitigation strategies.
“Among other areas of concern, the commission focused on threats specific to geographical locations, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the issue of hard drugs, presence of insurgents and armed groups, intra and inter-party conflicts, and incidents of hate speech.
“The hard copy of the summary of the threats and frequency of incidents is included in your folders for this meeting.
“In the next few days, the Commission will intensify its engagement with stakeholders, particularly with party leaders and candidates, traditional and religious leaders, transport providers, civil society organisations and the media.
“We will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming election is peaceful and our processes, credible. That is why this meeting is crucial. Securing the environment is the foundation for a peaceful, well-organised and credible election. This was clearly demonstrated in the peaceful conduct of the recent Anambra state governorship election. Let us make the FCT Area Council election another shining example of a peaceful election,” Yakubu said.
The INEC Chairman also said that in addition to the FCT Area Council Election, “the commission is also preparing for six bye-elections on 26th February, 2022, followed by the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections on 18th June and 16th July, 2022 respectively.
“In the case of the Ekiti state governorship election, the period earmarked in the timetable and schedule of activities for party primaries ended three days ago on 29th January, 2022. All 18 political parties served notices for their party primaries to elect their candidates for the election and invited the commission to monitor them.
“One party adopted the direct method for electing its candidate while 16 parties opted for the indirect method. However, from our field report, the Boot Party (BP) did not hold its primary election at any venue known to, and monitored by, the commission. Consequently, we do not expect the party to nominate a candidate for the Ekiti state governorship election.
“On this note, let me once again warn political parties to strictly adhere to the commission’s timelines for all activities, including the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates. These timelines are firm and fixed. No deviation or violation will be allowed,” Yakubu warned
JANDOR Congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on His 73rd Birthday
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), extends his heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic landscape remain significant, with a legacy of leadership that has shaped governance at both state and national levels. As he marks this milestone, Dr. Adediran acknowledges his resilience, strategic vision, and dedication to public “I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today.
His journey in leadership has been marked by courage and a commitment to nation-building. I wish him good health, divine guidance, and renewed strength as he continues his renewed hope agenda and the task of leading Nigeria towards greater development and prosperity,” JANDOR stated.
JANDOR Commends Hon. Faleke, Benson, and Badru for Sponsoring Constitutional Amendment Bill to Upgrade Lagos LCDAs
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), acknowledge, appreciate and commend the trio of Hon. James Faleke, Hon. Jimi Benson, and Hon. Enitan Badru for their bold and progressive step in sponsoring a constitutional amendment bill seeking to upgrade Lagos State’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to full-fledged Local Government Areas.
JANDOR applauds this initiative, recognizing it as a long-overdue step toward deepening grassroots governance, improving service delivery, and ensuring that Lagosians enjoy the full benefits of decentralization. The move aligns with the aspirations of the people of Lagos, who have long yearned for full autonomy and federal recognition of their LCDAs.
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency), Hon. Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency), and Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru (Lagos Island I Federal Constituency), alongside 19 other lawmakers sponsored the proposed legislation which has successfully scaled its second reading in the House of Representative.
“This legislative push is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a more functional and efficient local government system in Lagos State. By sponsoring this amendment, Hon. Faleke, Hon. Benson, and Hon. Badru have demonstrated true representation, putting the interests of Lagosians first,” JANDOR stated.
He further urged all stakeholders, including other lawmakers, political leaders, and Lagos residents, to support the bill’s passage, emphasizing that upgrading the LCDAs will promote equitable development, improve infrastructural growth, and strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
Dupe Olusola, Founder of the Next Generation Foundation and a transformational leader with vast experience spanning hospitality, finance, agribusiness, SME growth, and private equity, delivered a powerful keynote address at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Nigeria Office’s IP & Women Business Summit 2025.
The event, held at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, March 20, 2025, brought together female entrepreneurs and professionals to explore the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and business growth.
In her inspiring speech, Olusola emphasized the importance of personal branding and intellectual property protection as critical tools for women in business. She acknowledged the overwhelming interest in the event, noting how many women were eager to participate.
“That energy speaks to our collective thirst for growth and our commitment to being better,” she remarked.
Olusola highlighted the essence of personal branding, stating that a brand is more than a logo or a tagline—it is an individual’s reputation, voice, and the unique value they bring to the marketplace. She urged women to embrace their authenticity, stand for something meaningful, and remain consistent in their brand messaging.
“Authenticity is key. Your journey, including the challenges, is what makes you unique. Integrity and consistency will set you apart in your industry,” Olusola noted.
She also underscored the significance of intellectual property in protecting personal and business brands.
Encouraging women to safeguard their work, she stated, “We invest years into crafting our stories and expertise—so why leave them vulnerable? Intellectual property protection is not just for corporations; it is for every entrepreneur, every innovator, and every woman who wants to safeguard her legacy.”
Highlighting the financial impact of a strong personal brand, Olusola explained how it opens doors to new business opportunities, leadership roles, and partnerships. “Your network is your net worth.
A well-managed personal brand directly translates into increased revenue and influence,” she said.
She further explored key strategies for brand visibility, emphasizing the need to show up consistently, engage in meaningful networking, and leverage digital platforms to amplify one’s voice.
She encouraged attendees to be bold in advocating for themselves and their ideas, reminding them that success is built through persistence and resilience.
Concluding her speech, Olusola challenged the audience to take ownership of their personal brands and intellectual assets. “Audit your brand today. Do you own your name, your logo, and the content you produce? Have you taken the necessary steps to protect your identity and ideas? Your brand is not just who you are today—it is an asset that will create opportunities and impact for generations to come.”
Her message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom left the event empowered with new strategies to strengthen and protect their personal and business brands.
The IP & Women Business Summit 2025 served as a crucial platform for knowledge-sharing, inspiring female entrepreneurs to harness the power of intellectual property to secure their businesses and legacies.