By Our Correspondent

InmatImates of the Onitsha Correctional Center, Anambra State, used the occasion of Mothers Day celebration on Sunday to Jubilate over the present of the Anglican
Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo and the Women Ministry of the diocese, led by his wife, Dr. Elsie Nwokolo, celebrated the Mothering Sunday with them in the spirit of motherhood.

Shortly after the special mass held in their honour, the inmates were counseled by the Bishop and wife, feted with 30 coolers of cooked rice, one cow, and presented with copies of Holy Bible,15 admitted into Anglican Youth Fellowship, even as 19 received sacrament of confirmation.and Mrs Nwokolo empowered them with cash.

The Bishop, his wife, several ministers of the diocese and over 100 parishioners, had before 9 am arrived the centre and solemnly processed for a two-and-half hour eventful service.

In his 30-minute homily during the service, the bishop had, while dwelling on “The dangers of ignoring wise counsel”, stressed the need for one to always be properly guided in life.

Making copious reference to the legendary Julius Caesar and the Ides of Match episode, Nwokolo remarked that the Sunday, March 15, 2026 was a good reminder to the inmates of the danger of ignoring good counsels.

The bishop said that many people, including the youth, still made the mistake of Caesar by discountenancing quality advice of their parents and elders.

Admonishing the youth to always “beware of Ideas of March”, he urged them to learn the habit of listening to their mothers’ advice, assuring them that their mothers would not receive them.

“You need somebody to guide you. If you don’t receive quality advice, you will fall, and failing is not a palatable experience “, he told
Nigerian youth.

Bishop Nwokolo however appealed to mothers not to give their children wrong counsel, but to instead constantly pray for them.

He encouraged inmates of the correction center to see their present condition as a transformative phase and not as the end of their lives, praying God for their soon regain of freedom.

In a brief chat shortly after the service, the Chaplain of the Centre, Ven John Nkwoemezie, expressed joy for the year’s outing saying that the 2026 Episcopal Visit was a big success.

According to him, the candidates for both the AYF and the confirmation performed extremely well in catechism and scripture reading, adding that while 15 boys were received into the AYF, 19 received the sacrament of confirmation, in the ratio of 15 males and 4, females.

The chaplain commended Bishop Nwokolo and his wife for the parental care and invaluable attention which he said the chaplaincy regularly received from them.

Senate passes FCTA’s N2.2trn 2026 Appropriation Bill to second reading

By George Mgbeleke

Senate, on Wednesday at plenary passed for second reading the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA 2026 Appropriation Bill, authorizing the issuance of N2.2 trillion from the FCT statutory revenue fund.

The passage of the Bill followed consideration of the lead debate presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central) during plenary.

Bamidele explained that out of the total budget, N165.8 billion is allocated for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overheads, and N1.657 trillion for capital projects.

According to him, the capital projects allocation is expected to drive development in the Federal Capital Territory, and improve the quality of life for residents.

He highlighted Abuja’s unique role as the nation’s capital and emphasized that the budget seeks to support infrastructure, social services, public utilities, health facilities, educational institutions, and transportation networks to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The bill also mandates monthly and quarterly reports to the National Assembly to ensure transparency and value for money in project execution.

Bamidele added that the FCTA 2026 budget is expected to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, among others.

Contributing, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) praised the N1.6 trillion allocation for capital projects, saying it shows the seriousness of the FCTA in the physical development of the Territory.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for their commitment to the Territory’s development, especially in terms of roads infrastructure, public buildings, and other social amenities.

The Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils for further review before returning to plenary in one week.

By George Mgbeleke

Ahead of 2027 election,the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria’s electoral process through airlift logistics, security operations, and aerial surveillance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Chief of Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke dropped this hint during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, where both institutions discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration for credible elections.

Speaking during the visit, Aneke assured that the Air Force remains “willing, able and ready” to provide rapid airlift of electoral materials and personnel across the country, particularly to remote and difficult terrains where transportation challenges could delay deployment.

He explained that the Air Force has already begun preparations to ensure operational readiness ahead of the elections.

“We are working ahead to ensure that all our heavy haulage aircraft and medium-level aircraft undergo periodic maintenance so that when they are required, they will be ready,” he said.

The Air Chief noted that the Air Force has historically supported INEC with the transportation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials and is prepared to expand that role in future electoral operations.

Beyond logistics support, Aneke noted that the Air Force is also deploying its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance election security across the country.

He explained that advanced aerial technologies, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will be used to monitor areas of interest, track potential threats, and support rapid response by security agencies.

According to him, some of the surveillance assets can remain airborne for extended periods, enabling real-time monitoring of sensitive locations before and during elections.

The Air Chief also stressed the importance of joint planning and simulation exercises between security agencies and INEC, noting that rehearsals and coordinated preparation significantly improve operational efficiency during elections.

He further assured the Commission that the Air Force will continue to work closely with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to protect electoral infrastructure such as INEC offices, collation centres, and logistics hubs nationwide.

Earlier,INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan welcomed the partnership, describing the visit as a reassuring step as the Commission intensifies preparations for upcoming elections.

He disclosed that under the revised timetable issued pursuant to the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for February 16, 2027.

Amupitan emphasised that logistics remains one of the most critical determinants of successful elections.
“An election can only be as good as its logistics,” he said, noting that the strategic logistics capacity of the Air Force will significantly strengthen electoral operations across the country.

He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its support during previous elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election, which he said contributed to the smooth conduct of the polls.

The INEC chairman further disclosed that the Commission will soon conduct governorship elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State on August 15, describing them as important tests ahead of the 2027 general elections.