News September 03, 2026 Kano inaugurates steering committee to drive anti-corruption, transparency

Kano State Head of Civil Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Shehu Maimota, has inaugurated a high-powered Steering Committee to drive the implementation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Strategy (KANSACS) through the State Civil Service Delivery and Transparency Initiative (SSDTI).

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Abdulkarim Ibrahim I., DPRS/Ag. DPE, Office of the Head of Civil Service, the committee was inaugurated at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

The initiative brings together key government institutions to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency across the state’s public service.

Inaugurating the committee, Maimota described the SSDTI as more than an acronym, saying it represents a key component of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state civil service responds effectively to the demands of the 21st century.

She charged members to function both as watchdogs and drivers of efficiency by promoting transparent processes, accelerating service delivery and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder effective governance.

“This committee is tasked with a significant responsibility to act as a watchdog and a driver for efficiency, ensuring that our processes are transparent, our service delivery is timely and to remove all bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder the progress of our state,” she said.

The Head of Service also highlighted the strategic role of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in the initiative, noting that its inclusion reflects the state government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption and its commitment to strengthening accountability in public institutions.

She stressed that the committee’s success would ultimately be measured by the reforms implemented across government institutions rather than the number of recommendations produced.

“I expect measurable results, not merely recommended solutions, but practical strategies. I urge you to work collaboratively, share data openly, and maintain a consistent line of communication with this office,” Maimota said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Steering Committee and Executive Chairman of the PCACC, Sa’idu Yahaya, urged members to study the KANSACS Action Plan 2024–2028 and translate its provisions into practical reforms within their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Yahaya warned against allowing the anti-corruption strategy to become another policy document without implementation, describing it instead as a working blueprint for reducing corruption and strengthening institutional accountability in Kano State.

“The work has been done for us; it is now left for us to come and implement all the strategies. With significant implementation of the strategy, we will definitely see significant changes in Kano State when it comes to corruption,” he said.

The PCACC chairman assured members that the commission’s secretariat would provide technical guidance and support throughout the implementation process. He also urged institutions to take ownership of the aspects of the strategy relevant to their respective mandates.

“We want to see action implemented on this strategy in practical terms. It is a blueprint provided by technical experts with support from RoLAC and International IDEA on how to reduce corruption in Kano State to the barest minimum,” Yahaya added.

The committee comprises representatives from key government institutions, including Hon. Abubakar Dalladi Isa, Chairman, House Committee on Public Service; Salisu Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, SSG (AGS Directorate); Sabi’u Shu’aibu Muhammad, Permanent Secretary, Human Resource and Service Improvement; Ahmad M. Tahir, Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Amina Yusuf ‘Yargaya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; and Umma Dallatu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Other members are Fatima Adamu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government; Pharm. Aminu Bashir, incoming Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Abdulkadir Shehu, incoming Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Hannatu Ado Gwaram, Permanent Secretary, SERVICOM; and Engr. Abdulrazak Haruna, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

The Head of the KANSACS Secretariat, Isah Mansur Bello, will serve as secretary to the committee and coordinate the secretariat’s support for implementation, reporting and progress reviews.

Under the implementation framework, the Steering Committee will provide strategic oversight, while the KANSACS Secretariat will coordinate implementation, reporting and periodic reviews of progress.

The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional accountability, improve public service delivery and support efforts to reduce corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies across Kano State.

News Politics September 03, 2026 AI disinformation threatens credibility of 2027 elections- INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that artificial intelligence-driven disinformation poses a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections, calling for electoral technology and communication to be treated as a single discipline.

The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), also disclosed that the commission was conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and considering a mock presidential election to test its readiness ahead of the polls.

This was contained in a statement signed by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi.

Amupitan spoke on Wednesday in Abuja in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by a National Commissioner, Sani Adam (SAN), at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria.

The conference was themed, “Media, Technology and Elections in Africa: Navigating Digital Disruption and the New Dynamics of Electoral Communication.”

Amupitan said the credibility of the electoral commission increasingly depended not only on the integrity of the ballot, Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets, but also on how information about electoral processes was understood and trusted by voters.

He said the deployment of BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal was intended to address longstanding concerns about the transparency of elections by allowing citizens to view polling-unit results before their movement to collation centres.

“He, however, acknowledged that the 2023 general election showed that such technology could become a source of public doubt when it underperformed, stressing that legitimacy is earned only when systems perform reliably, are well understood, and are explained honestly when they fall short,” the statement read.

He said legitimacy could only be earned when electoral systems performed reliably, were properly understood by voters, and their shortcomings were honestly explained when they occurred.

On preparations for 2027, Amupitan said the commission was auditing its technology systems, including system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery plans.

He added that INEC was exploring the possibility of conducting a mock presidential election ahead of the 2027 polls to test voter accreditation, result transmission and result viewing under conditions similar to election day.

NDC demands INEC portal audit over 10 Anambra candidates

The INEC chairman also raised concerns about the growing use of generative artificial intelligence to create synthetic audio, video and images capable of misleading voters.

He said the technology had made manipulated content cheaper to produce and increasingly difficult to detect, with fabricated political content already circulating during recent electoral cycles in West and East Africa.

According to him, the threat extends beyond outright fabrication to algorithmic microtargeting, which allows different and even contradictory political messages to be directed at narrow segments of the electorate.

He warned that such content could reach millions of social media users before fact-checkers or electoral authorities were able to verify it.

“The danger lies not only in outright fabrication but also in algorithmic microtargeting, which allows conflicting messages to reach narrow segments of the electorate without a shared factual foundation,” he said.

Amupitan disclosed that INEC had proposed a substantial budget for technology and election operations, “including new accreditation devices to replace those lost or damaged in the last cycle.”

He said the commission was still awaiting the full release of the funds but that its ICT team had begun engagements with manufacturers, while preparations for the technology audit and proposed mock election were proceeding alongside budget finalisation.

He also outlined a five-point strategy for strengthening the commission’s response to emerging electoral communication challenges.

The strategy includes integrating technology and communication planning, establishing a rapid-response mechanism to counter falsehoods within the same news cycle, proactively communicating known vulnerabilities and safeguards, deepening collaboration with media scholars, fact-checkers and technology platforms, and investing continuously in public media literacy.

Amupitan said the commission could no longer afford to regard technology and communication as separate components of election management.

He urged media professionals, technology experts, scholars and other stakeholders to work with INEC to strengthen public understanding and trust in the electoral process before the 2027 elections.

News September 03, 2026 Bandit Attacks: Gov Yusuf orders security agencies to intensify surveillance, intelligence operations in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered a strengthened security response following a series of bandit attacks reported in four local government areas of the state, warning that his administration will take decisive measures to protect residents and prevent further incursions by criminal elements.

The affected communities include Chiromawa in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, Beli in Rogo, Bebeji and communities around Gwarzo, where residents have reportedly come under attacks by suspected bandits.

The governor’s position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Director General, Media and Publicity, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

Yusuf described the attacks as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” while expressing sympathy to victims and families who have suffered losses as a result of the incidents.

He assured residents of the affected communities that the state government would not relent in its efforts to safeguard lives and property, stressing that necessary measures were being taken in collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and public confidence.

The governor directed relevant authorities to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid-response mechanisms in the affected areas, with a view to identifying vulnerable locations, disrupting criminal activities and bringing those responsible for the attacks to justice.

He also called for closer coordination between the state government, security agencies and local communities, particularly through the sharing of credible intelligence that could help security operatives prevent attacks and apprehend perpetrators.

Yusuf urged residents not to resort to actions capable of escalating tensions, appealing to them to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as the government works to contain the security challenges.

The governor commended security personnel for their efforts in protecting communities across the state and urged them to sustain intelligence-led operations, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.

The latest incidents come amid broader security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where rural and border communities have increasingly faced threats from armed criminal groups, including bandits and kidnappers. Such attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of residents, farmers and other rural dwellers whose livelihoods depend on access to their communities and farmlands.

Against this backdrop, the Kano government said it was determined to strengthen preventive measures and ensure that security agencies are adequately supported to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

Yusuf further prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the attacks, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery. He also called for the safe return of any persons abducted during the incidents.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, saying peace and security remain fundamental to the development and stability of Kano State.

News September 03, 2026 Glo@23: Glo staff turn 23rd anniversary into festival of sports rivalry, camaraderie

It was a different kind of competition at Globacom on Saturday as the telecommunications company’s 23rd anniversary celebration came alive with football, games, laughter and spirited rivalry, as staff gathered at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos, for Glo Fitfest 2026.

For a company accustomed to the language of technology, targets and connectivity, the occasion offered a refreshing change of frequency. The workplace was temporarily left behind as colleagues stepped into the arena of sport, where departmental loyalties were tested, friendships strengthened and the competitive spirit found a joyful expression.

The anniversary fell on a Saturday, creating a natural opportunity for members of the Glo family to unwind after another demanding year of building the business. Dressed in specially produced, colourful T-shirts, the staff transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of corporate colours, with cheers, banter and music punctuating the air as one contest followed another.

The programme featured an entertaining mix of sporting and recreational activities, including table tennis, Big Ludo, Big Snooker, Beer Pong, Sack Race and Big Ayo. The centrepiece, however, was a football tournament involving various departments, grouped into clusters to encourage both healthy competition and stronger bonds of teamwork.

The football matches quickly became the day’s principal attraction. What began as friendly rivalry soon acquired the intensity of a proper cup competition, with departments determined to prove their superiority on the pitch. Some teams even reinforced their ranks with colleagues who were accomplished footballers from outside Lagos, adding greater quality and tactical sophistication to the contest.

The strategy paid dividends for Glo Rockets, comprising staff from the Sales Force and Value Added Services Department. Drawing on their strengthened squad, the team overcame Strikers FC, representing the Rollout, Information Systems, Gloworld Development and E-Pin departments, to emerge champions.

Glo Strikers received a giant trophy and N1 million, while the runners-up were rewarded with N750,000. Players from both teams received medals for their performances, while winners in the other sporting events were also presented with medals and cash prizes.

Yet, beyond the trophies and prize money, Glo Fitfest 2026 offered something perhaps more valuable: an opportunity for colleagues to reconnect outside the structures and pressures of everyday work.

On the field, departmental boundaries became little more than coloured shirts. Colleagues who ordinarily interacted across conference tables, emails and official assignments now cheered one another, exchanged playful taunts and celebrated victories together. For a few memorable hours, the corporate machine gave way to the human spirit that powers it.

The relaxed atmosphere continued long after the final whistle. Staff danced, laughed and celebrated with abandon, turning the anniversary outing into a vivid tableau of fellowship and shared accomplishment.

As Globacom marked 23 years of enterprise and innovation, Glo Fitfest 2026 provided a fitting reminder that behind every network, product and corporate milestone are people—and that sometimes, after years of running the race of business, there is wisdom in stopping briefly to celebrate those running it with you.

News Technology September 03, 2026 Uber exits Nigerian, Ugandan markets

Uber on Wednesday announced the discontinuation of its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria and Uganda, effective Sept. 2.

Ms Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications, Uber in East and West Africa, made this known in a statement in Lagos.

Onduru said that the decision followed a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.

She also said that the resolution was limited to Nigeria and Uganda, and would not affect its operations across the rest of Africa.

“Uber remains deeply committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where we continue to see robust growth and long-term opportunity,” Onduru said.

She said that its immediate priority was supporting affected drivers, riders and employees throughout the transition.

Onduru said that Uber had begun communicating directly with affected employees, drivers and riders on arrangements following the discontinuation.

She said that active drivers would receive a token of appreciation as they transitioned out of the platform.

Onduru also said that rider support would remain available for 21 days after operations ceased, to address outstanding and transition-related issues.

She said that Uber for Business services in Nigeria would also be discontinued as part of the exit, and partners were being contacted over the transition.

On data privacy, Onduru said that rider information would continue to be handled in line with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and its data protection policies.

She said that data retention would be limited to legally required periods, while appropriate security controls would remain in place.

Onduru also clarified that the company’s decision to exit Nigeria was not connected to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports.

According to her, the exit is driven by its broader review of business priorities and investment focus across the continent. (NAN)

Crime News September 03, 2026 JUST IN: Reps panel clears Gbajabiamila, uncovers 58 bank accounts, 12 entities linked to alleged PFIPC DG

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has cleared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, of any involvement in the alleged appointment of Adeniyi Adeyemi as Director-General of the disputed agency.

The committee, headed by Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, disclosed in its preliminary report released on Wednesday that its investigation uncovered 58 bank accounts and 12 agencies and entities allegedly linked to Adeyemi, who had presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.

The panel, however, said its preliminary findings showed that there was no valid Act of the National Assembly or presidential order establishing the PFIPC.

The investigation was launched by the House following controversy over the inclusion of the PFIPC in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, despite questions surrounding its legal status and the circumstances under which it appeared in the budget.

According to the committee, its preliminary conclusions were based on oral testimonies, documentary evidence, financial records and submissions obtained from several government agencies during the course of its investigation.

The panel said evidence obtained from the State House indicated that Adeyemi was not appointed Director-General of the PFIPC by the Presidency.

It also said it found no evidence that Gbajabiamila signed an appointment letter purportedly issued to Adeyemi.

The committee’s findings effectively contradict claims linking the Chief of Staff to the establishment of the PFIPC or Adeyemi’s appointment as its head.

Beyond the question of the council’s legal existence, however, the committee said its investigation had raised further concerns over financial transactions and institutional relationships involving Adeyemi.

The discovery of 58 bank accounts and 12 agencies and entities linked to him is expected to form part of the issues requiring further scrutiny as the committee proceeds with its investigation.

The committee stressed that the report was preliminary and emerged from evidence so far presented before it, suggesting that additional findings could be made as the investigation progresses.

The controversy surrounding the PFIPC intensified after the council was listed in the 2026 federal budget, prompting lawmakers to question its origin, legal backing and the identity and authority of those operating it.

The House subsequently constituted the ad hoc committee to establish how the entity came to be included in the appropriation bill and to investigate the activities and financial dealings associated with it.

The latest report therefore shifts the focus of the investigation towards the circumstances surrounding Adeyemi’s activities, the alleged network of entities linked to him and the financial accounts identified by the panel, while separating Gbajabiamila from the purported appointment.

The committee is expected to continue its investigation before submitting a final report and recommendations to the House of Representatives.

Events News September 03, 2026 South West Investment Summit And Advancement Awards 2026 Takes Centre Stage In Lagos On September 4

Lagos, Nigeria — The much-anticipated 6th South West Investment Summit and Advancement Awards 2026 is set to take centre stage on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together an impressive gathering of political leaders, policymakers, business executives, investors, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs, development experts and other distinguished personalities.

Organized by ASo Multimedia, the annual summit has continued to position itself as a leading platform for conversations around investment, economic development, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and regional advancement.

This year’s edition promises to be particularly significant, with several prominent personalities expected to grace the occasion, including the Governor of Lagos State, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Chairman of the Management Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Chairman of the Management Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Also expected at the summit are senior members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Minister of Youth Development, and the Minister of Interior, alongside other senior government officials and policymakers.

The revered Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is also expected to be in attendance, alongside other traditional rulers and royal fathers from across the South West.

The summit will provide an important platform for stakeholders to examine emerging investment opportunities, strengthen public-private partnerships, promote entrepreneurship and explore practical strategies for unlocking the economic potential of the South West.

CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP, EXCELLENCE AND IMPACT

Beyond investment and economic conversations, the summit will feature the South West Investment and Advancement Awards 2026, recognizing distinguished individuals, institutions, entrepreneurs, public servants, investors and community leaders whose contributions have made significant impact in their respective fields.

The awards will celebrate excellence across areas including public service, business, investment, real estate, technology, youth development, philanthropy, humanitarian service, media, agriculture, sports and community development.

The 2026 edition will also celebrate the rich heritage, achievements and enduring contributions of Yoruba sons and daughters across Nigeria and the global diaspora, while creating an avenue for networking, collaboration and the exchange of ideas that can translate into tangible development.

Speaking ahead of the event, the organizers described the summit as more than an awards ceremony, stressing that it is designed to create a platform where leadership meets investment, ideas meet opportunities, and partnerships are built for sustainable development.

According to the organizers, the presence of leading government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers and investors reflects the growing importance of the South West as a strategic hub for economic development and investment.

A GATHERING OF GREAT MINDS

The summit is expected to attract participants from government, the private sector, financial institutions, real estate, technology, manufacturing, media, agriculture, youth organizations, civil society and the creative economy.

With an impressive line-up of distinguished guests, speakers and award recipients, the 6th South West Investment Summit and Advancement Awards 2026 is poised to become one of the major leadership and investment gatherings in Lagos this year.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Friday, 4th September 2026

📍 Venue: Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

⏰ Time: 12:00 Noon

🎯 Organizer: ASo Multimedia

The organizers invite stakeholders, investors, entrepreneurs, members of the media and the general public to join this important gathering as the South West continues to chart a new course for investment, innovation, prosperity and sustainable development