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Okun Development Association backs Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC Chairman, urges restraint
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Okun Development Association ODA has expressed strong confidence in the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. In a statement signed by its President General, Ambassador Chief Akenson Rotimi, the association commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as a merit-based decision, honoring Okunland, Kogi State, and all Nigerians who value integrity and capacity in public office. ODA declared its full support for Professor Amupitan, highlighting his track record, leadership qualities, and commitment to due process and institutions. The association believes his temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage will guide his stewardship of INEC, ensuring the commission discharges its constitutional mandate without fear or favor and strengthens the credibility of the electoral process. While acknowledging the intense scrutiny the office attracts, ODA urged all stakeholders, political actors, and citizens to channel grievances through established legal and institutional mechanisms, calling for restraint in public commentary and allowing Professor Amupitan the space to serve the nation with neutrality. The association reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and democratic stability, assuring the President and Nigerians that Professor Amupitan will discharge his responsibilities with honor and bring credibility to his office.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Yoruba Leaders of Thought, a pro-Yoruba group, has praised President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Mr. Bayo Aina, the group described the rescue operation, which involved various security agencies, vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps, as a testament to the Nigerian Armed Forces' efforts to ensure national safety amidst increased bandit activities. Aina highlighted that the abductees were rescued after over 54 days in captivity without a ransom payment, showcasing the effectiveness of the security operation. The group also commended President Tinubu's leadership. The Yoruba Leaders of Thought extended condolences to the families of Mr. Michael Oyedokun, a teacher, and Lieutenant Felix Isaac, an army officer, who died during the operation and called for their immortalization by the Federal Government. They urged the government to apply the multifaceted rescue approach used in Oyo to other states and to investigate the involvement of foreigners in crimes across the country, citing them as a source of weapons for bandits.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has commissioned the reconstructed Modibo Adama Modern Market in Yola Town. The project, costing ₦2.98bn, was awarded last year to an indigenous construction company and aims to boost commercial activities and increase the state’s internally generated revenue. Governor Fintiri stated that the market's reconstruction fulfills a promise made after a fire destroyed the previous market. He highlighted that the project demonstrates the capability of local contractors, as it was designed and delivered entirely by indigenous Adamawa contractors. The new market features 936 shops, including 120 open stalls and 816 lock-up shops, along with a reinforced perimeter fence, wider access roads for fire trucks, a fire service station, a comprehensive water reticulation system with overhead tanks and fire hydrants, desilted drainage channels, and modern toilet and sanitation facilities. Fintiri noted that the new edifice replaces the old Yola Market, which was characterized by disorder and recurring fire outbreaks, and that his administration has permanently addressed these challenges with improved safety features and infrastructure. The previous Yola Town Market was destroyed by a fire last year, which reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries.
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has declared a national emergency regarding the deteriorating condition of student hostels across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, made the declaration in Abuja during the inauguration of the 2026 National Executive Council, stating that the neglect of accommodation facilities threatens students' welfare, safety, and dignity. He described the state of hostels as "pathetically disheartening," with many becoming uninhabitable due to poor sanitation, inadequate facilities, and other hazards. Akinteye pledged that his administration would prioritize student welfare and engage relevant authorities to address the crisis. President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon, urged NANS to collaborate with the government on education sector reforms. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mrs Amy Igwe, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, encouraged NANS to promote unity, patriotism, and skills acquisition, and to partner with the government on sensitizing students about the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, called for sustained dialogue between student leaders and the government. Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, urged NANS to rebuild trust, defend student rights, and work with