WAFFI TV | Feature

INEC Adopts AI In Election Planning And Administration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division to strengthen its capacity for data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, and to further automate voter services. This was revealed in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun. Olumekun noted that during its regular weekly meeting held on Thursday, the Commission discussed, among other matters, the growing importance of AI in elections and electoral processes both in Nigeria and globally. He added that the new AI Division, housed within INEC’s ICT Department, will also provide geo-spatial intelligence to support logistical planning, including improved distribution of election materials and optimal polling unit allocation. “It will also enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management and voter engagement. Furthermore, it will strengthen electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards”, said Olumekun. He said the Commission had recently attended several conferences with colleagues around the continent on the impact of AI on elections. According to him, these interactions were not only motivated by the concern over the use of AI to spread fake news or manipulate content online but also to utilise its benefits for election planning and administration. “Consequently, the Commission approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections. “The Division will enable the Commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralized AI governance. “This initiative puts the Commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure. It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission”, he explained.

5/22/2025, 4:58:59 PM

Tinubu Transmits N1.481trn 2025 Rivers Budget To N’assembly

President Bola Tinubu has submitted a request to the National Assembly for approval of a N1.481 trillion budget for Rivers State for the 2025 fiscal year. The request was read during Thursday’s plenary sessions by House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. According to the breakdown, Tinubu earmarked N324 billion for infrastructure, N166 billion for healthcare, N75.6 billion for education, and N31.4 billion for agriculture. He urged lawmakers to consider and pass the appropriation bill without delay. Earlier on April 3, Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas had announced plans for a new 2025 budget, emphasizing priorities such as education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure.

5/22/2025, 1:37:08 PM

2025 UTME Error: I Wanted To Resign~ JAMB Registrar

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that he briefly considered resigning following a significant technical glitch that disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). He made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with chief external examiners, civil society organizations, and key stakeholders in the tertiary education sector. Prof. Oloyede addressed the ensuing controversy and the growing calls for his resignation, which followed accusations from some critics alleging ethnic bias and sabotage in connection with the UTME incident. “When it happened, my first reaction was to resign. But people advised me that the students will never forgive me because it will look like you abandoned them at such a time,” Oloyede said.

5/22/2025, 11:56:34 AM

Wike, Fubara’s Camps Differ On Peace Efforts

The camps of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, clashed on Wednesday over the ongoing peace process in the state. Dr. Chidi Lloyd, a former Chairman of Emuoha Local Government Area and a close associate of Wike, questioned Fubara’s commitment to the peace agreement initiated by the minister. Lloyd claimed that Fubara had yet to meet key conditions Wike considers essential for authentic reconciliation. Speaking in Port Harcourt, he outlined these conditions, which include a public apology from Fubara to elder statesman Sergeant Awuse (the immediate past Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers), members of the State Assembly, former council chairmen, and others. Lloyd insisted that any reconciliation without justice would be hollow. “People are confused thinking only the minister was wounded in this political crisis, but many others—former council chairmen and campaign coordinators for Fubara—are also aggrieved,” he said. “I’m aggrieved, too. So, let us not seek peace in the graveyard; let us seek genuine peace.” Highlighting Fubara’s alleged lack of commitment, Lloyd recalled an eight-point peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu during the height of the political conflict, which Fubara reportedly reneged on. “To this day, none of Fubara’s supporters have apologised for their actions,” Lloyd added. “If Governor Fubara can renege on agreements made before the President, how can peace be trusted? He owes an apology to the Assembly members whose salaries were seized for two years. Peace is not just about the Minister; it requires full pursuit.” However, Fubara’s camp dismissed Lloyd’s assertions as unhelpful and lacking trust. The governor’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, described Lloyd as a “busybody” and criticised him for undermining ongoing peace talks. Omatsogunwa said, “Dr. Lloyd should support what the FCT Minister brings to the table instead of rehashing demands that will delay peace. Imagine if, in a war like the one between Russia and Ukraine, peace talks were held hostage to rebuilding every destroyed town first. Peace would never come.” He also pointed out, “If Fubara must apologise to every aggrieved party as suggested, it would take weeks—apologising to Assembly members alone would take 27 days. This is not practical.” Omatsogunwa stressed that the priority is peace for development. “Fubara has a leader speaking for him, and all his followers should respect agreements reached. Dr. Lloyd must trust his leader and let peace prevail in Rivers State.” Joining the debate, Chizi Enyi, the Chief of Staff to the reinstateted Chairman in the Rivers State All Progressives Congtoss, Chief Emeka Beke, also defended Fubara’s sincerity. Enyi criticised Lloyd’s demand for public apologies, insisting it is unrealistic for a sitting governor to be subjected to such conditions. “This is the kind of problem we face in Rivers State,” Enyi said. “Fubara has shown goodwill by calling on his supporters to stop abusive behavior, and social media abuse has stopped. Yet, Lloyd continues to stir trouble instead of supporting peace.”

5/22/2025, 10:53:37 AM

Delta To Hold Placement Exams Saturday

The Delta State Cognitive/Placement Examination is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, 2025, and will be conducted simultaneously across all parts of the state. This was announced in a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, and circulated to journalists in Warri on Monday. The statement emphasized that candidates should arrive at their examination centres by 7 a.m. It also urged parents, guardians, examination supervisors, officers, and pupils to avoid any form of malpractice before and during the exercise. It specifically warned parents and guardians to “stay away from the examination centres while the examination lasted or face the wrath of the law”. According to the statement, any culprit caught would be handed over to the police for prosecution. The statement explained that the present administration led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori “has zero-tolerance for examination malpractices in any form”. It reminded all examination supervisors, examination officers, teachers, parents, and guardians that ignorance of the law was not a defence. “Anyone caught acting contrary to the State Government directive would be handed over to the police for prosecution”, the statement reiterated.

5/22/2025, 10:48:30 AM

Reps To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Driver’s Licence Issuance, Revenue Generation

The House of Representatives has decided to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate challenges surrounding the issuance of driver’s licences, as well as related revenue generation and utilization over the past three years. This decision followed the adoption of a motion presented by Rep. Victor Ogene (APC-Bayelsa) during Wednesday’s plenary session. While presenting the motion, Ogene highlighted a tripartite collaboration involving the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), State Boards of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), which facilitated the digital issuance and renewal of driver’s licences. He noted that the final approval on a driver’s licence is usually granted by a designated official at the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) in the applicant's state. Ogene further explained that the MVAA initially issues a learner’s permit at a prescribed fee before a full driver’s licence is granted. He raised concerns about the FRSC’s VIP centre, which, though intended for licence renewal, is allegedly being used to issue new driver’s licences without requiring prior learner’s permits. Ogene also pointed out that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had reviewed and set the fees for five-year and three-year driver’s licences at N21,000 and N15,000 respectively for vehicles, and N11,000 and N7,000 for motorcycles and tricycles, effective from November 1, 2024. “FRSC is alleged to use its Information Processing Centre (IPC) for warehousing data for driver’s licences and shortchange the state Boards of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the collection and usage of fees for processing driver’s licences. “Worried that FRSC is reportedly controlling and receiving accounts for drivers’ licence fees, the yearly revenue generated from chargeable fees, which amounts to hundreds of billions of naira, is also allegedly unaccounted for by the VIO and various state boards of internal revenue. “Disturbed that the processing of drivers’ licences is unexplainably being delayed for upward of two to three years after the biometric data capturing of applicants. “Also disturbed that the huge debts the FRSC owes Galaxy Backbone Ltd. and other system consultants who are the network providers and maintainers of the biometrics data capturing system are responsible for the system slowdown and the resultant long delay in the issuance of driver’s licences,” he said.

5/22/2025, 10:32:15 AM

Senate Moves To Criminalise Ripening Of Fruits With Chemicals

The Senate has expressed concern over the increasing use of harmful substances—particularly calcium carbide—by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits. In response, it has resolved to amend existing legislation to criminalize the practice. Lawmakers described the use of such dangerous chemicals as a serious public health hazard affecting consumers nationwide and called for a thorough investigation into the trend. This decision follows a motion presented by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), who urged immediate intervention by relevant regulatory bodies. As a result, the Senate mandated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to probe the growing incidence of the dangerous practice. Senator Ani highlighted the severe health risks posed by the use of toxic ripening agents, noting links to cancer, kidney failure, and other critical illnesses. He warned that continued exposure could have devastating consequences for public health. The Senate also recommended tougher penalties for violators to deter the practice and protect the health of Nigerians. The motion has been referred to the Senate Committees on Health and Agriculture for further legislative consideration.

PAP Distributes Laptops To 663 Scholarship Beneficiaries

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has successfully completed the distribution of laptops to its final-year scholarship beneficiaries in universities across Nigeria, aimed at boosting their academic research and performance. A total of 663 laptops were handed over to students enrolled in 26 partnering and 72 non-partnering institutions during an exercise that ran from April to May 2025. Additionally, the PAP conducted a physical verification and orientation programme for 3,171 newly admitted students for the 2024/2025 academic session. According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, several teams led by the Head of Education, Dr. Charles Ariye, visited universities to distribute the laptops and carry out the verification and orientation activities. Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Otuaro emphasized that the laptop distribution was driven by the recognition of the essential role of mobile computing in supporting students’ academic success. He noted that the gesture was a fulfilment of his earlier promise made during his 2024 tour of partnering institutions. He expressed confidence that the devices would significantly aid the beneficiaries and encouraged them to use the laptops responsibly to justify the government's substantial investment in their education. Dr. Otuaro also highlighted that the verification and orientation were part of his administration’s commitment to due process, transparency, and accountability—ensuring accurate beneficiary data and educating the new intakes on the PAP’s educational framework. He further urged all PAP scholars to remain focused on their studies and avoid actions that could derail their academic goals or jeopardize their future. Reaffirming his dedication to the programme’s goals, Dr. Otuaro pledged continued support for the development and stability of the Niger Delta, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for peace and progress in the region.

5/21/2025, 3:40:33 PM

Reps Urge FG To Implement All Approved Pension Increments Immediately

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to commence the immediate implementation of all approved pension increments without further delay. This resolution came after the House adopted a motion addressing the hardships faced by pensioners due to the non-payment of approved pension increases and the withholding of government-sanctioned palliatives by relevant institutions. Presenting the motion during Wednesday’s plenary, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in October 2023, approved a N25,000 wage award as a palliative and an additional N32,000 pension increment for Nigerian pensioners. He expressed concern over the ongoing difficulties pensioners are enduring, especially the failure to implement the approved increments and the delay in disbursing crucial palliatives meant to ease their burden. Ayokunle lamented that many retirees across the country are still grappling with insufficient income, inability to afford basic necessities, and declining health conditions due to these unresolved issues. He further stressed that the delay in implementing the approved pension increases and palliative measures undermines constitutional values and poses a risk to national social stability. Accordingly, the House called on the Federal Government—through the Ministry of Finance and other relevant bodies including the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Accountant General, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), PTAD, and other concerned agencies—to urgently implement all approved pension increments without further delay.

5/21/2025, 3:15:16 PM

Boko Haram Has Informants Among Politicians, Soldiers~ Borno Gov

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed serious concern about informants and collaborators aiding insurgents from within the Nigerian armed forces, political circles, and local communities. “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly,” Zulum stated during an appearance on News Central’s Breakfast Central on Wednesday. His revelation adds a new layer to Nigeria’s counter-insurgency conversation, emphasising the need for internal cleansing and enhanced intelligence operations to defeat terrorism. The governor, who has consistently championed both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity, reiterated that military force alone will not bring an end to the insurgency in the North-East. He said, “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place. “What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.” Zulum revealed that while not all surrendered insurgents may be fully reformed, more than 99% have abandoned terrorism and are reintegrating into society. “I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” he said. The governor also lamented that the Nigerian Army does not have the necessary equipment to fight insurgency.

5/21/2025, 2:59:29 PM

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