By Our Correspondent

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 – Forward Nigeria has called for three days of national prayers for Nigeria, expressing optimism that the country will overcome its challenges and achieve stronger economic recovery, peace and sustainable development.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinating Chairman, Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, the Movement said the prayer initiative was aimed at strengthening hope, unity and faith in Nigeria as the country approaches its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026.

The Movement said Nigeria was at an important stage of its national development, with ongoing efforts to address insecurity, strengthen the economy, improve food and national security, create opportunities and expand social development.

It called on its members across the country and in the diaspora to pray for the success of the economic and social reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Movement expressed support for the administration’s reform programme, urging Nigerians to remain confident in the process and support its continuation for another four years to consolidate and complete the economic and social reform agenda.

It said the prayers would focus on workers, farmers, fishermen, traders, transporters and other productive sectors, seeking safer farming communities, increased agricultural production, efficient food distribution and greater food availability.

On security, the Movement prayed for an end to kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes, as well as the safe return of Nigerians held captive by kidnappers.

It commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting Nigerians, while praying for the families of personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

It also called for protection, wisdom and courage for serving security officers, while extending prayers to children, women, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, elderly citizens and other vulnerable Nigerians affected by insecurity and displacement.

The Movement called for sustained efforts to create a safer environment where children can attend school, families can live peacefully and citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear.

On governance, it prayed for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, governors, lawmakers, members of the judiciary, traditional rulers, public servants and other leaders at all levels, asking God to grant them wisdom and courage in advancing the country’s economic, security and development objectives.

The Movement also called for national unity, urging Nigerians to reject ethnic, religious, regional and political divisions and embrace peaceful coexistence.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, it appealed for responsible, patriotic and issues-based political engagement, urging political actors to avoid campaigns of calumny, incendiary rhetoric and other conduct capable of deepening national divisions.

It further prayed for a peaceful, orderly, credible and transparent electoral process, stressing that political competition should strengthen Nigeria’s democracy rather than become a source of acrimony, division and violence.

“Let these three days be a period of prayer, reflection, compassion, unity and hope,” the Movement said.

It urged Nigerians to remember victims of violence, families awaiting the return of abducted relatives, fallen security personnel and communities affected by insecurity.

The Movement said its vision remained a Nigeria where all citizens could live, work, travel, farm, learn, worship and raise their families in peace and prosperity.

Alkali urged members of the National Movement across the country to participate fully in the three-day prayers, stressing that Nigeria remained a common home whose future required collective commitment and defence.

He expressed hope that the country would continue to experience greater peace, economic recovery, prosperity, stability and democratic development.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer,Minna

It was a celebration galore in Zanchita community in gbako local government area of Niger State,as former Chairman federal inland Revenue service (FIRS)and gubernatorial candidate of the people’s Democratic party PDP re-connect the community with National grid after two years of darkness.

The coming on board of the former Chairman of federal inland Revenue service to contest as the governor of Niger State was described as a round peg in a round hole by Nigerlites as he has been known as a philanthropist touching the life of less privileged and communities.

In there response youths in the community express their bitterness over the attitude of government officials who took away the damaged transformer in the community for the past two years living them to their faith without electricity, adding that the only primary school have been in delapidated condition for over five years without government attention.

They express disappointment over the non challant attitude of the government, state and National assembly members for not responding to their several requests for the past two years, and assured NAMI for their commitment and support.

Presenting the brand new transformer to the people of Zanchita community on behalf of the PDP governorship candidate, Dr Mohammed Shaba popularly known as (psychology) said the transformer provided for the community is part of NAMI humanitarian gesture to improve the soci- economics of the community.

Dr Shaba said the foundation is part of the humanitarian services rendered by the Niger South foundation under the chairmanship of Dr Mohammed Nami who always shows concern to the plight of the people.

He said the community can reciprocate their kind gesture in rendering prayers for the PDP Governorship candidate,Dr Mohammed Nami for God’s guidance and protection to succeed in his ambition as an opportunity to do more particularly for the rural dwellers.

In his response the village head of Zanchita,Ahmadu Mohammed Zanchita appreciated the kind gesture of Mamman NAMI for redeeming his pledge and prayed for protection and more blessings to enable him to provide succour to rural dwellers.

By Our Correspondent

The 2026 Capacity-Building Workshop of the Senate Press Corps will focus on strengthening legislative oversight and media collaboration as mechanisms for safeguarding Nigeria’s national budget from unlawful insertions and other practices capable of undermining budgetary integrity.

In a statement signed by Chairman Senate Press Corps, Taiye Odewale on Friday, the workshop, scheduled to hold on Monday, September 28, will have as its theme: “Leveraging Legislative Oversight and Media Collaboration to Safeguard the National Budget from Unlawful Insertions.”

According to the statement, the theme of the workshop was carefully chosen in view of the critical role of effective legislative oversight, responsible journalism and public accountability in ensuring that the national budget reflects approved priorities and serves the broader interests of Nigerians.

The statement futher noted,”As part of efforts to provide participants with expert perspectives on the subject, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani; Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde; and Publisher of Eagle Times Newspaper, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, have been invited to make presentations on relevant aspects of the workshop theme.

“The workshop will also feature an intensive training session on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, to be facilitated by London-based instructors from Mass Media TX Limited.”

According to the organisers, the AI session is designed to expose participants to emerging technologies and their practical applications in contemporary media and professional practice.

The event is also expected to bring together key stakeholders from the National Assembly and the National Assembly bureaucracy, with invitations extended to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio (GCON); Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (CFR) and Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu.

Others are, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa; Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Kawu Sumaila; and the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana.

The organisers said the participation of lawmakers, budget experts, civil society advocates, media professionals and technology instructors would provide a platform for robust discussions on budget transparency, legislative scrutiny and the role of the media in promoting accountability.

“The workshop is expected to examine practical approaches to strengthening the budget process, improving oversight mechanisms and enhancing collaboration between legislative institutions and the media in the public interest,” it noted.

The organisers expressed optimism that the capacity-building initiative would contribute to improved understanding of budgetary processes and promote stronger professional engagement around issues of transparency, accountability and responsible public expenditure.

The 2026 Capacity-Building Workshop will take place at Hearing Room 231 on Monday.