By George Mgbeleke

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated its readiness to assist the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with biometric verification technology, as part of deepening collaboration between the two federal agencies.

This followed a courtesy visit by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, and members of his management team to the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Friday 4th September, 2026.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Aina said his team had approached INEC in its capacity as a sister agency with proven experience in biometric verification, noting that JAMB was seeking to strengthen the integrity of its examination processes.

He said JAMB understood that INEC possessed biometric verification machines that may no longer be in active use, and appealed to the Commission to consider making the equipment available to support JAMB’s efforts to enhance its own verification systems.

Responding, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, welcomed the JAMB delegation and commended the Board’s statutory role in national development, describing it as central to the education and advancement of Nigerian youths.

The INEC Chairman was joined to receive the delegation by the National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnerships, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu-Zuru, the Directors of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Human Resources Management, and Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), as well as the Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Chairman, Adedayo Oketola.

Prof. Amupitan cited the Commission’s recent conduct of the Anambra, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as bye elections across the country as evidence of INEC’s growing technological capacity, noting that both exercises were widely commended by observers, including the National Security Adviser’s Office and the United Kingdom High Commission, for their credibility and peaceful conduct.

He directed the Commission’s Director of ICT to review the request and determine, through a proof-of-concept assessment, the availability and suitability of INEC’s biometric verification equipment for possible use by JAMB.

The INEC Chairman described the visit as a reflection of the growing synergy between government agencies, stressing the importance of institutions working together to advance national development.

He assured the JAMB delegation of the Commission’s willingness to explore further areas of cooperation between the two agencies.

Prof. Aina, in turn, expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman and management for the warm reception accorded his team.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday signed the 2026 State Appropriation Bill into Law, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” and the beginning of a new chapter of unity and progress for the state.

At a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to God, stakeholders, and the State House of Assembly for the successful passage of the budget.
“First of all, we want to thank the Almighty God for making this day a reality. I strongly believe that it is a breath of fresh air and a healthy relationship moving forward,” he said.
Governor Fubara commended the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly particularly, for their diligence and speed in handling the budget at a critical time in the state’s history.
“I thank members of the State House of Assembly for a wonderful job at this very critical time of our life,” he said.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, to the “Rivers First” mantra, and pledged that the 2026 budget will be implemented with the people’s welfare as the central focus.
“ I want to assure you that our intention will still remain the progress and development of our dear state,” he said.
Governor Fubara specially acknowledged the role of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, in facilitating the process that led to the passage of the bill and its eventual signing into law.
“Let me also thank our leader, the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike for facilitating this meeting and this process that we are all signing into,” he stated.
The Governor also appreciated his family for their support, noting that governance is a collective responsibility. He further pledged to ensure a cordial working relationship with all arms of government and stakeholders going forward.
“Let me thank everyone for this moment and assure you of our most cordial and cooperative relationship going forward,” Governor Fubara said.
Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Major Jack, who had earlier presented the bill to the Governor for his assent, said the lawmakers passed the budget with the best of intentions, believing that it will be implemented accordingly for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.
“It is the expectation of the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, that this budget will usher in the desired growth and development of the state. It is therefore with a sense of responsibility that I respectfully present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill No 1 2026 to the Governor of Rivers State for his assent,” Jack said.
In a remark shortly after the bill had been signed, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Martin Amaewhule commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the various provisions made in the budget, describing them as indications that the Fubara administration is prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“We took time to look at the budget and from what we saw, we want to tell you that it shows that you are willing to move forward and ensure that this democracy is actually what will get to Rivers people,” Amaewhule said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, Principal Officers of the State House of Assembly, and other government functionaries.

By David Owei
‎
‎Organizers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, tagged the Prosperity Cup, have congratulated the board, management and staff of Premium Trust Bank, and particularly the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim for inaugurating another branch in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
‎
‎Director General of the tournament, Mr Ono Akpe, in a statement on behalf of the Central Organizing Committee, COC, described the development as a significant milestone for the financial institution that has continued to flourish in the State under Dr. Emefienim.

‎He lauded the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, whom he describes as a goal-getter, for the foresight in expanding its operations and bringing quality banking services closer to the people of Bayelsa State, stating that the financial institution in the past five years has emerged as Nigeria’s fastest growing financial institution.
‎
‎According to him, the latest addition from Premium Trust Bank reflects the bank’s confidence in the economic potential of the State and its willingness to contribute to the development of the State and the Niger Delta region.
‎
‎The statement commended the bank for its investment in the Governor’s Football Tournament, and that the institution’s continued sponsorship of the tournament shows its commitment to the development of sports, maintaining that the institution in the last few years has used the Prosperity Cup to positively engage youths in the State.
‎
‎Mr. Akpe acknowledged the bank’s commitment to growth, innovation and excellent customer service, describing its presence in Yenagoa as a positive development for residents and businesses operating in Bayelsa.
‎
‎The COC equally appreciated the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
‎
‎He further expressed pride in having Premium Trust Bank as part of its growing family of partners, that the partnership represents a shared commitment in supporting the philosophy of the Governor’s Football Tournament, pointing out that the platform has become a launchpad for the development of grassroots football in the country.
‎
‎”The entire family of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament celebrates with Premium Trust Bank on the official inauguration of their new branch in Yenagoa, we are elated with this development” Akpe said.
‎
‎”Your commitment to growth and services in Bayelsa State is commendable, and we are proud to have you as part of the Prosperity Cup family. Your investment in the tournament speaks volume of the institution’s passion for sports development” the statement said.

“We wish to particularly commend the Managing Director, Dr Emefienim, who has been driving the partnership between the bank and the Prosperity Cup for his passion and commitment to sports development in the State”.
‎
‎”We want to, as well appreciate the governor, Senator Douye Diri and the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Akpe for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Bayelsa under the Prosperity administration has become the safest state in the country due to your investment in security” he added.