
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf announced his administration's full commitment to securing victory for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress APC in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at an interactive session in Kano, Governor Yusuf stated that Kano would mobilize overwhelming support for Tinubu's re-election. He directed all political appointees who are not yet members of the APC to register immediately, emphasizing that every government official must identify with the ruling party and contribute to strengthening its structures. The Governor reaffirmed his administration's resolve to ensure APC victories across all levels, from presidential to local government elections. To motivate political office holders, Governor Yusuf approved the allocation of plots of land to over 300 political aides, including Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Special Reporters, Special Reporters, and Personal Assistants, along with a payment of N100,000 to each beneficiary. The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, highlighted the importance of promoting President Tinubu's achievements, while Kano APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa expressed the party's readiness for the 2027 elections. Attendees at the meeting passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, pledging intensified grassroots mobilization for APC's success.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced that captain Lionel Messi will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Jordan on the bench. This disclosure was made during a pre-match press conference in response to a question from 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya M谩rquez. Scaloni stated he would not have shared this information with any other reporter, citing his respect for M谩rquez. He added that Messi is expected to play in the second half, allowing for careful management of his workload as Argentina progresses in the tournament. The coach's interaction with M谩rquez, which included an embrace and photos, drew applause and positive reactions online, with users calling it a "beautiful story" and a "wholesome moment" between icons of Argentine football.

Victims rescued from a kidnapping incident in Ogun State, Nigeria, have urged the Federal Government to enhance police equipment and welfare. Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi and Temiloluwa, an IT officer, were among five individuals rescued by a joint Ogun and Lagos State security operation, "Operation Kosaye," from kidnappers in the Ogbere forest. Temiloluwa recounted that she was traveling to Lagos for annual leave when their vehicle was ambushed by kidnappers. She described being injured during the incident and marched into the bush, where a ransom of N20 million was demanded. Both victims expressed surprise and gratitude for the timely rescue by the police, with Temiloluwa noting her initial disbelief at the police's effectiveness. They emphasized the need for improved remuneration, allowances, and proper equipment for police officers, highlighting their critical role in ensuring public safety and the risks they undertake.
Must ReadIdris Olorunnimbe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, has committed to securing presidential incentives for investors willing to establish smartphone factories in Nigeria. Speaking at the Digital Africa Summit Roundtable in Shanghai, China, Olorunnimbe stated that local smartphone production is crucial for addressing device affordability and enhancing digital inclusion in Nigeria. He pledged to personally engage President Bola Tinubu to obtain waivers and government support for manufacturers who commit to starting factory construction in Nigeria before November. Olorunnimbe highlighted that attracting smartphone manufacturers would significantly reduce device costs, create jobs, strengthen local value chains, and decrease reliance on imported handsets, which currently expose consumers to high prices and foreign exchange volatility. He emphasized that local manufacturing would allow production costs to be denominated in naira, stabilizing prices and making smartphones more accessible for millions of Nigerians. He also noted that affordable smartphones are essential for participation in online education, digital banking, e-commerce, and access to government services. While acknowledging past challenges with local production due to poor quality and weak after-sales support, Olorunnimbe stressed the aim is to build phones that match imported quality and offer better prices. He pointed out Nigeria's significant market opportunity with over 1