NEWS
Ekiti Guber: NSCDC Deploys 9,747 Personnel
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have deployed 9,747 personnel to provide security during Saturday’s Ekiti governorship election.
Acting Deputy Commandant-General of Operations, NSCDC, Lawal Haruna, made the disclosure on Friday in Ado Ekiti, while addressing personnel at the Agency’s headquarters in preparation for their deployment.
He disclosed that they were drawn from the FCT, Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Kogi, Kwara and Edo commands.
It was gathered that out of the number, 160 armed all-female squads would also be deployed to ensure the resistance of any form of violence, intimidation and abuse against women involved in the political process.
The Command had already identified some flash points and would be paying special attention to ensure that the polls go smoothly, Haruna also disclosed.
According to him, information regarding violence-prone areas has been shared with other security agencies involved in the election, while each polling unit would be manned by two personnel of the Corp.
Haruna strongly advised the personnel to remain apolitical and discharge their duties with high-level professionalism. He specifically instructed those bearing arms among them not to go near polling units, except they were called.
In his words, “We have an idea of flashpoints. What we are doing is working with other security agencies. We share the information with other security agencies.
“Those flash points are our target and we have enough deployment to those areas even before any problem will arise.
“We are working with other security agencies, most especially the lead agency (the police). It is not only Civil Defence that would deploy.
“In each polling unit we are deploying not less than two officers, but if we need more, we will deploy more. In all, we are deploying 9,747. Those officers will also be deployed to critical infrastructure.”
It was also gathered that a combined team of security agencies on Friday engaged in show of force across major areas within Ado Ekiti metropolis.
The team lined up two Armoured Personnel Carrier and 13 trucks conveying men of Nigerian Army, police and NSCDC operatives, which were sighted along with Ado Ekiti/Ikere round around 12:45 on Friday.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
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