The All Progressives Congress (APC), South East Zone, has successfully concluded the zonal congress of the party, with an eight-member zonal executive emerging by consensus.

The zonal congress, which held on Wednesday at the newly revamped Hotel Presidential, Enugu, witnessed a mammoth turnout of party leaders, delegates, and party faithful from the five states of the South East.

Governor of Ebonyi State, Hon. Francis Nwifuru’s motion for the dissolution of the old zonal executive was seconded by the Senator representing Imo North Senatorial District, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and unanimously adopted, thus paving the way for the election of a new zonal executive.

However, before the continuation of proceedings, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State announced that the leaders of the party in the zone had fruitful and extensive discussions at the Government House, Enugu, where they decided to adopt the consensus mode of election, one of the two options spelt out in the party’s constitution.

“Today, in line with Article 20.1 of the Constitution of the APC, both the leadership and stakeholders of our party have agreed that our zonal congress shall be by consensus mode,” he stated.

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, moved a three-in-one motion, namely: a motion for the ratification of the outcomes of the ward, local government, and state congresses earlier concluded by the party; a motion for the adoption of the consensus mode of the zonal congress; and a motion naming the proposed officers for adoption by delegates.

The motion was seconded by the Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and was unanimously adopted.

Consequently, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu was reelected as the Vice Chairman (South East) of the APC, while Chief Innocent Azuoba emerged as the Zonal Secretary.

Others who emerged are: Zonal Legal Secretary, Barr. Ernest Mayor Ogbonna; Zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon. Henry Onwuahaluonye; Zonal Youth Leader, Barr. Chima Kenneth Ogbonna; Zonal Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Nwachukwu Stanley Chinedu; Zonal Woman Leader, Dr. Oby Ajih; and Zonal Organising Secretary, Chief Arinze Ikedife.

Meanwhile, addressing the congress, the host governor and leader of the party in Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said the successful ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses reinforced the strength and unity of the party in the South East, as well as the determination of the South East APC to return President Bola Tinubu to office in 2027.

“Ndi Igbo, our presence here, and the number of people that I have seen here today, is a testament to the fact that the South East is APC and APC is South East.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that APC in the South East is solid. I know that we have some naysayers who believed that our congresses would lead to an implosion. But we have disappointed those naysayers and critics because we have come out of these congresses stronger as a party.

“Importantly also, our peaceful and successful congresses in the South East region underscore our determination to reelect the President come 2027. So, I want to also commend the President for his audacious and expedient reforms. He has launched our country, Nigeria, on the path of major economic growth,” he stated.

While commending the ex-zonal executives and members of the National Working Committee in the region for their tireless efforts in making the APC solid in the region, Mbah congratulated the newly elected zonal executives, charging them to shoulder the responsibility of leading and consolidating the gains of the party in the region creditably.

The governor equally urged continued unity in the South East APC going into the National Convention in Abuja.

“As we go ahead to the National Convention, let us sustain this sense of brotherhood in our party, in our zone. Beyond the congresses, let us also continue to demonstrate that the South East APC is not only growing, but equally a model of internal cohesion and progressive politics,” he stated.

The congress was attended by former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; National Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu as well as serving and former governors, ministers, federal and state lawmakers, among a host of others.

Ikeja Electric says residents and businesses across Lagos are experiencing reduced electricity supply following a nationwide drop in power generation.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

Okotie attributed the development to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants, the country’s major source of electricity generation.

“The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants.

“This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” he said.

He noted that the shortfall had affected electricity distribution to customers, resulting in intermittent outages and load shedding across its network.

Okotie, however, assured customers of the company’s commitment to equitable and efficient distribution of the limited power available.

“The management regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers during this period.

“We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” he said.

The spokesman urged customers to remain patient as efforts continued at the national level to improve gas supply and stabilise power generation.

NAN reports that the development has worsened electricity challenges in Lagos, with residents and businesses lamenting poor supply.

Some residents, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN, said the situation had increased their dependence on generators and raised operating costs.

Mrs Kemi Adebayo, a frozen food trader, said she relied heavily on generators to preserve her goods.

“I run my generator more than I use public power. If there is no light, my goods spoil. If I use fuel, I lose profit. Either way, I am losing,” she said.

Mr Sani Ibrahim, a welder, described the situation as unsustainable.

“We spend more on diesel than on raw materials. Sometimes, customers leave because we cannot deliver on time,” he said.

Also, Mrs Roseline George, a civil servant, said erratic power supply had worsened the impact of rising temperatures.

“It has been very hot, and there is no constant electricity supply. We rely on rechargeable fans and drink plenty of water,” she said.

However, experts say persistent challenges, including gas supply shortages, recurring grid disturbances, and sectoral debts, continue to limit electricity generation in the country.

They warn that unreliable power supply could further constrain productivity and economic growth if not urgently addressed

(NAN)

Aprokorepublic

Vice President Kashim Shettima has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an “empty bone” that lacks substance and urged Nigerians not to align with the opposition party.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex in Zamfara State, while addressing a large crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters during the reception of Governor Dauda Lawal into the ruling party, Shettima said the ADC has nothing meaningful to offer the country.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there,” he told the gathering.

He likened the party to “an empty bone” that “neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” adding that it lacks the qualities needed to deliver for Nigerians.

The Vice President’s remarks came as he led a high-profile delegation of APC governors and leaders to formally welcome Governor Lawal and thousands of his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC fold.

The event drew a massive crowd and brought activities in the Zamfara State capital to a standstill.

Aprokorepublic

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has convicted and sentenced an ex-convict, Oluokun Gabriel Adekola, to three years’ imprisonment for theft involving N12 million.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after finding Adekola guilty of the offence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disclosed the development in a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday.

The defendant was arraigned on March 16, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC on a one-count amended charge bordering on stealing.

“Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, convicted and sentenced an ex-convict, Oluokun Gabriel Adekola, to three years’ imprisonment for theft involving N12 million.

“Adekola was arraigned on March 16, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC, on a one-count amended charge bordering on stealing,” EFCC wrote.

Aprokorepublic

The Federal Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to attract private sector and international investments to drive comprehensive education reform across Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the ministry on March 24, 2026, following a CEO Breakfast Roundtable held in Lagos.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on boosting productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The roundtable convened stakeholders from both public and private sectors to explore innovative financing options and deepen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.

Alausa acknowledged progress in policy reforms, digitisation, and partnerships, but noted that significant challenges such as out-of-school children, learning gaps, and skills shortages remain.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand technical and vocational education and training (TVET), enhance teacher capacity, reintegrate out-of-school children, and scale up digital infrastructure.

“The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to mobilise investment and strengthen collaboration for sustainable education reform,” the statement added.

Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the meeting as a critical step in deepening partnerships across the education sector.

Development partners, including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the United Kingdom, reaffirmed their support.

Italy also announced plans to host the fifth GPE Replenishment Conference in Rome.Stakeholders at the roundtable endorsed new financing models and a Basic Education Investment Framework.

The Airtel Africa Foundation indicated support for digital learning and connectivity initiatives.

The ministry announced the establishment of a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group to drive implementation and coordinate investments.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to improving learning outcomes through sustained partnerships and accountability.

Aprokorepublic

Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday regained control of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) national secretariat in Abuja after it was briefly occupied by a rival faction.

A video circulating on social media showed MC Oluomo inspecting the premises and assessing the extent of damage to property following the incident.

The development is the latest twist in the protracted leadership crisis rocking the union. On Monday, a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa had taken over the secretariat, claiming the move was backed by judgments from a lower court and the Court of Appeal.

Baruwa described the takeover as peaceful and in compliance with court orders after waiting two years for enforcement.

He, however, alleged that one of his supporters was attacked by the opposing faction and hospitalised.In a swift response on Tuesday, MC Oluomo’s team reclaimed the facility.

In an official statement, he insisted that he remains the legitimate National President of the NURTW, noting that he was not a defendant in the said judgment, which has since been appealed with a stay of execution granted.

“The situation is under the control of security agencies,” the statement added.MC Oluomo urged all union members to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the matter is resolved through the courts.

The leadership tussle between the two factions has been ongoing for years, with both sides laying claim to the presidency of the influential transport union.

Aprokorepublic

Oyo State Police Command has revealed that it has arrested no fewer than six suspected armed robbers.

The suspects, according to the police, were apprehended at a hotel located in the 7UP/Academy area of Ibadan, the state capital.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, made the disclosure in a statement made on Tuesday.

Ayanlade added that several items were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

He further stated that the operation was successfully carried out following accurate information received from members of the public.

Ayanlade also maintained that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

He said, “Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, the operatives launched a well-coordinated sting operation and stormed the location, leading to the arrest of six suspects. The arrested individuals are Kelvin Daniel, Idris Ramon, Christopher Solomon, Mohamed Telim, Taored Aderibigbe, and Adekunle Tolani.

“Following the arrest, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: eighteen mobile phones, one Opay ATM card, one National Identification Number (NIN) card, and one tricycle with registration number OYO SHK 508 QP, identified as the operational vehicle used by the syndicate.

“In light of the foregoing, the Command reassures members of the public that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”

Aprokorepublic

The federal government has selected 65 student innovators
from a total of 30,639 applicants across 404 tertiary institutions nationwide
to advance to the final stage of the student venture capital grant (SVCG).

The scheme, introduced in November 2025 in collaboration
with the Bank of Industry (BoI), aims to provide up to N50 million in
non-dilutive funding to student-led ventures that have reached the
commercialisation stage.

In a statement issued on Monday, Folasade Boriowo, director
of press and public relations at the federal ministry of education, said the
initiative was designed to support young entrepreneurs in scaling their ideas,
creating jobs, and boosting the economy.

Boriowo added that the programme is a key initiative of
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the shortlisted candidates
are developing solutions in sectors critical to national development.

According to her, Tunji Alausa, minister of education,
described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the next generation of
innovators and job creators.

She added that the minister expressed optimism about the
creativity and ambition demonstrated by the finalists, noting that reaching the
final stage marks a significant milestone.

“The minister also stressed that the selection process was
rigorous and transparent, adding that the programme is helping to build a
pipeline of entrepreneurs who will contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,”
Boriowo said.

She said applications were first subjected to AI-driven
screening to determine eligibility and alignment with the programme’s
objectives, followed by human review.

“Entries that passed this stage were then evaluated by a
panel comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the
investment community, using criteria such as scalability, feasibility, founder
capability, and impact potential,” she added.

“The 65 finalists are expected to participate in an
intensive venture development bootcamp between March 26 and 29.

“Activities will include pitch presentations, workshops,
live assessments, and investor feedback aimed at strengthening their ventures.

The final grant recipients will be selected based on
application scores, bootcamp performance, and recommendations from the
evaluation panel.

“The programme will conclude on March 29, 2026, with an
awards ceremony where beneficiaries of the N50 million funding will be
officially announced.”

Student venture capital grant

Aprokorepublic

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has raised a strong alarm that Nigeria could lose parts of Borno State and the entire North-East region to terrorist groups if urgent action is not taken.

The former Senate Leader urged the federal government to immediately double its efforts in fully equipping the Nigerian Army with sophisticated arms and ammunition to effectively combat insurgency and banditry.

Ndume made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, citing recent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, including coordinated assaults in Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, where soldiers were killed and troops were reportedly overwhelmed due to lack of adequate ammunition.

“The military was initially overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the terrorist groups,” he said, adding that soldiers sometimes had to retreat from positions like Ngoshe and Pulka because they lacked sufficient firepower.

Ndume stressed that without decisive action to properly arm and support the troops, the territorial integrity of Borno and the North-East remains at serious risk.

He called on the federal government to intensify support for the military, including providing modern weapons and resources needed to reclaim and secure the affected areas.

The warning comes amid renewed insurgent activities in parts of Borno, with terrorists continuing hit-and-run tactics and targeting both military formations and civilian communities.

Aprokorepublic