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#OndoDecides: Yiaga Expresses Worry Over Open Vote Trading, Fingers Security Agents As Accomplish

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Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring civil society organisation, on Saturday expressed concern over how the two major political parties in the Ondo State governorship election openly traded votes in several polling units.

Yiaga Africa, in its Watching the Vote Mid-day Findings revealed that the ruling All Progressives Congress took the lead in vote buying as one of its agents was seen inducing voters as high as N20,000, while the Peoples Democratic Party was not left out in the trade though with lesser amount.

In their preliminary statement read by Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman, 2024 Ondo Election Mission, reads partly: “The APC agent stationed at Odulufe, Omoke, Odosika, Ogugbode polling unit in the Ileoluji II Ward of Illeoluji LGA was observed offering cash inducement of N20,000 to voters in exchange for their votes for the party. Unfortunately, security agents did not intervene to stop this action.

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READ ALSO: #Ondo Decides2024: CDD Decries Vote Buying, Low Turnout

” Voters at the Ogun/Saruku Area polling unit Ilara Ward II, Ifedore LGA, revealed how they marked their ballot papers to agents of APC party in exchange for cash gifts. The security personnel present did not respond to this situation. PDP and APC agents were observed bribing voters with cash incentives ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 at the Elegiri/Ediro Compound polling unit in Ilara I ward, Ifedore LGA.”

Further speaking on the election and INEC performance, Yiaga Africa commended INEC for early arrival of materials, and personnel at most polling units, just as it applauded security agents for professional conduct during the election.

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Yiaga Africa, therefore, urged INEC to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines for result collation, “specifically party agents, accredited media, and election observers should have access to the collation centres.”

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Insecurity: Nigerian Govt Launches Online Classes For Secondary School Students

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The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced the Inspire Live(s) Online Real-Time Classes Initiative, a national digital learning scheme designed to broaden access to quality education for children across the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry described the project as an innovative step toward ensuring equal learning opportunities for all Nigerian pupils.

It noted that the initiative supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

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The ministry explained that the programme was developed to tackle persistent gaps in the education sector, such as limited availability of qualified teachers and frequent disruptions to academic activities.

READ ALSO:TikTok Bans 49,512 Live Sessions In Nigeria As Creators Stream Sex Romps

Through real-time, interactive virtual lessons, the ministry stated that Inspire Live(s) “democratises access to quality education and ensures that no child is left behind regardless of location or circumstance”.

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The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, confirmed that the initiative is already fully operational. He added that the deployment “is underway, with expansion set to cover all classes from Primary 1 to Senior Secondary 3.”

At present, the Inspire platform provides online lessons for students in JSS and SSS levels.

The ministry further noted that the classes take place “Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.” and are taught by “certified master teachers using Cisco Webex.”

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READ ALSO:38 Abducted Kwara Church Worshippers Regain Freedom

The statement also highlighted the range of subjects available to Junior Secondary School students, including Mathematics, English Language, Basic Science, Basic Technology, ICT, Agricultural Science, Civic Education, French, Physical Education, Religious Studies, History, and Business Studies.

Senior Secondary School students can access lessons in Mathematics, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, Agricultural Science, Technical Drawing/Catering Craft, Civic Education, and Automobile Mechanics.

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To ensure uniform adoption nationwide, the ministry revealed that detailed directives have been sent to state Commissioners for Education.

These instructions include the nomination of “a State Focal Officer to coordinate Inspire Live(s) activities,” and the distribution of “programme details to all public and private school principals.”

READ ALSO:Davido Reacts To Kwara Church Attack, Kebbi Girls Abduction

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States were also mandated to “ensure designated schools are equipped with basic ICT facilities and internet connectivity,” as the success of the programme depends on a minimum level of digital readiness.

The ministry added that school principals are solely responsible for registering their institutions for participation, stating that registration “is strictly to be conducted by school principals via the Inspire support channels.”

It emphasised that the online classes are accessible to the entire education ecosystem, clarifying that the programme “is open to all public and private schools in the country to access.”

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Sanwo-Olu Presents N4.2tr 2026 Budget To Lagos Assembly

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday laid before the Lagos State House of Assembly a N4.237 trillion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as an ambitious, future-driven financial plan aimed at solidifying his administration’s legacy in its final full year.

Presenting the proposal, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” the governor said it reflects the collective optimism that Lagos will continue to expand opportunities, strengthen its leadership role, and reinforce its status as Africa’s foremost megacity.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the budget projects total revenue of N3,993,774,552,141, comprising N3.12 trillion in Internally Generated Revenue and N874 billion in expected Federal Transfers. The funding structure, he noted, leaves a deficit financing requirement of N243,332,457,167.

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For the 2026 fiscal year, capital expenditure is set at N2,185,085,419,495, while recurrent expenditure stands at N2,052,021,589,812. He explained that the recurrent component covers overheads, personnel costs, and debt obligations.

READ ALSO:Sanwo-Olu makes U-turn, Unblocks Lawyer Who Sued Him Over Blocking On X

A breakdown of recurrent spending shows total overhead costs of N1,084,245,843,091, including general overheads, subventions and dedicated expenditures, while personnel costs amount to N440,494,339,384. Recurrent debt charges are projected at ₦143,876,701,943, with debt repayments estimated at N383,404,705,394.

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Sanwo-Olu also outlined the sectoral distribution of the 2026 budget. General Public Services will receive N847,472,071,966; Public Order and Safety, N147,040,088,897; and Economic Affairs, N1,372,307,808,626. The Environment Ministry is allocated N235,957,235,138, while Housing receives N123,760,310,429.

The Health sector is earmarked N338,449,258,945; Education gets N249,132,921,287; Social Protection, N70,024,171,038; and the Recreation and Culture sector will take N54,682,339,586.

The governor said the year 2026 carries special weight as the last full calendar year of his administration, describing it as a period crucial for consolidating achievements and ensuring a “strong, successful finish.”

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READ ALSO:Trump’s Military Threat: ‘Poor Man Is Already A Sinner’ – Shehu Sani

He reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing and newly initiated projects, adding that his administration will continue to prioritise citizen engagement to ensure government decisions reflect the needs of Lagosians.

According to him, Lagos is entering a new phase of “accelerated impact,” driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital, social welfare and governance systems that are “intentional, inclusive and future-oriented.”

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Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s core mission: “To keep Lagos secure, to keep Lagos working, to keep Lagos growing, and to make sure the prosperity we build is shared by everyone who calls this centre of excellence home.”

He commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for its consistent partnership, describing the lawmakers as steadfast allies in the state’s development journey. He also praised the civil service for its hard work in translating government vision into measurable progress.

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MOWAA Authorities Shun Edo Assembly Committee, Give Reason

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Authorities of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on Monday refused to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee which was set up to investigate its operations and funding.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpebholo, had last month, asked the Assembly to determine the stake of the state government having committed N3.3bn and true ownership of MOWAA.

At the resumed sitting of the Committee on Monday, MOWAA, in a letter by its lawyer, Olayiwola Afolabi, said it earlier informed the Committee that it would be sub judice for it to attend the public hearing due to the pendency of the same matter before the Federal High Court, Benin City.

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In the letter, MOWAA informed the Committee that other committees of the Federal Government and the House of Representatives have been constituted to look into the same issues.

READ ALSO:Why Niger Delta Suffers Most — Jonathan

The letter said documents it previously submitted to the Assembly showed that everything about MOWAA was genuine and transparent.

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MOWAA, in the documents it submitted, said, “No funds from any international institution had been received for the building of MOWAA until after it was very clear what MOWAA was and was not.

“All funding was received subsequent to the time in the middle of 2021 that it was clear to potential donors that there would be two separate organisations one focused on Benin heritage art and another on modern and contemporary, broader West African art and research/education.

“Funding from the German Government did not come until the end of 2022 – a year and a half after the Palace disassociated itself from MOWAA. The fact that there would be two separate museums was communicated to the Benin Dialogue Group (the European museums) in the meetings of October, 2021 at the London meeting and again in Hamburg in the meetings of March 2023, and further confirmed in writing to all Benin Dialogue Group members approximately two years ago when MOWAA formally withdrew from the group meetings.”

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READ ALSO:Police Evacuate Expertriates As Thugs Invade MOWAA In Benin

Speaking before the Committee, the state Accountant General, Julius Oseimen Anelu, said N3.8bn was released for the building of MOWAA between 2022 and 2024.

He said funding for MOWAA by the Edo State Government was appropriated in the budget.

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He said the $18m from donors did not enter the state’s coffers.

On his part, the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, who was represented by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki of making efforts to hijack the processes of the returned artefacts.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Revokes MOWAA Land Title

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He accused former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and a former Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Albert Tijani, of fighting the Palace to defend the actions of the Legacy Restoration Trust (LRT).

Oba Ewuare II said the LRT was used to solicit funds abroad using his name.

The Benin Monarch said the Federal Government gazette, which recognised him as the custodian of the returned artefacts, made the LRT promoters realise that they were fighting a lost battle.

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Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon Ade Isibor, expressed shock at the action of MOWAA.

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Hon. Isibor said the suit cited by MOWAA would not stop the Committee’s investigation, saying the Assembly and the Edo State Government were not involved in any litigation involving MOWAA.

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According to him, “The powers of parliament to look into funds disbursed by the Executive is sacrosanct and cannot be taken away by any court.

“We are shocked that MOWAA did not attend sitting or come to give a verbal presentation. The Committee adopted the documentary evidence forwarded to us without by MOWAA.”

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