By Our Correspondent

The Executive Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Eid el- Kabir celebration, stressing on the importance of sacrifice, love and dedication to national development.

In a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, E. N. Anyigor, saying, “On this joyous occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all Muslim faithfuls and indeed, all Nigerians as they commemorate this sacred festival of sacrifice, obedience, love , and devotion to Almighty God”, he declared, noting that Eid-el- Kabir was a significant period in the Islamic faith, reminding humanity of the virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim — unwavering faith, selflessness, obedience, and total submission to the will of God.

According to him, these enduring values continue to offer guidance and inspiration for building a virile, stronger, more united, and peaceful society where everyone will flourish in.

Speaking further, he said, “As we celebrate this important festival, I urge Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political affiliations, to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, love, and mutual understanding in our nation’s journey towards national unity, peace and development”.
He also called on all Nigerians to strive to play their role towards the peace and development of the country. Eid-el-Kabir (also known as Eid al-Adha or the “Greater Eid”) is a major Islamic festival celebrated globally to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute faith and submission to Allah, who provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of his son.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Abuja was the scene of a peaceful protest on Thursday as the Igala Youths Council and several civil society organisations, CSOs demanded protection for newly created constituencies in Kogi East.

The demonstrators accused the Kogi State Government of moves to abolish constituencies recently gazetted by the INEC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they urged the commission to preserve what they described as constitutionally recognised constituencies established through delineation exercises in 2024 and 2026.

Speaking for the group, spokesperson Onogu Collins said the protest was necessary to prevent any attempt to undermine the right of Kogi East communities to fair representation. The group is particularly concerned about alleged efforts to suppress the Enjema State Constituency in Ankpa Local Government Area through a proposed Harmonization Bill.

“We are here peacefully to call on INEC to defend the integrity of the newly gazetted constituencies in Kogi East,” Collins said.

The protesters argued that the creation of additional constituencies was meant to address years of political imbalance and underrepresentation in the area.

They warned that reversing the constituencies would deny affected communities access to democratic participation and developmental opportunities, describing it as marginalisation.

INEC National Commissioner, Professor Abdullahi Abduzuru, who received the protesters, assured them that the commission would review the concerns raised.

“We’ll examine all the issues you have presented and respond appropriately, not just to you but to Nigerians as well,” he said.

Security personnel monitored the protest, which ended without incident.

The demonstrators expressed confidence that INEC would safeguard the newly gazetted constituencies ahead of the next general elections.

By Ignatius Okorocha

The Acting National Secretary of Okun Development Association (ODA) has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding an illustrious son of South-East Yagba worthy to assume the position of a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In a statement signed he signed himself, Acting National Secretary of Okun Development Association (ODA), Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, said he deeply felicitates an illustrious and greatly esteemed Okun compatriot, the Agba Akin of South-East Yagba, and Aare Atona of Ekinrin-Adde, His Excellency, Ambassador Audu-Rafiu Olusola ENIKANOLAIYE, on his well-deserved appointment as Minister of State-Designate, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This appointment is considered fitting and one of the most strategic decisions of President Tinubu. It is a good development that will impact significantly on Nigeria’s image and foreign policy trajectory, considering the uncommon wealth of experience and noble character of the Minister-designate.

“Obviously, and undeniably, President Tinubu made the right choice by nominating Ambassador ENIKANOLAIYE, considering for the post of Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, considering that he is well-suited to add the desired value to this administration quest of repositioning our nation’s policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships, as well as to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional cooporation and stability, while safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“Ambassador ENIKANOLAIYE’s good career record, vast international exposure, network, and the depth of his professional knowledge and expertise in the Nigerian foreign service as a distinguished diplomat make him a good pick for the job.

“His vast career experience having earlier served as permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, and as senior special assistant on foreign affairs and international relations to the Preisident, will surely place the new Minister in good stead on his tour of duty, particularly at this juncture of increasing volatility in global politics and shifting dynamics of global order manifesting in a major transition from unipolarity to a complex multipolar system.”

According to him,”Sola ENIKANOLAIYE represents the pinnacle of ethical social and moral behaviour. He ia is a personification of nobility and an embodiment of impeccable character, integrity, humility, and excellence. His moral courage to always stand for what is right is most endearing.

“This great Okun son is known and celebrated as an exemplar of the act and art of social and a promoter of unity in diversity, and he always prioritizes the community and public good overself.

“His stepping up to the national stage as a federal cabinet member to contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the nation at this point in time is heartwarming for all Okun son and daughter gobally.

“It is undeniable that he has, over the years, not only impacted his Okun homeland and people but has played key roles in community development and has been a vital agent for social harmony. He has remarkably snd consistently given to the Okun nation, the larger Nigerian society and humanity in general, in deeds and in position actions.

“I have a strong conviction that Ambassador Sola ENIKANOLAIYE will do the Okun nation proud, and he will work to reposition Nigeria for greater global reckoning, and will assuredly write his indeliby name on the sands of time.

“Sir, I feel very proud to be associated with you. This is wishing you God’s speed, good health, and divine protection as you embark on this critical national assignment, which will further and admirably place the name of Okun on national and global map.”