🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Townhall CEO advises Nigerian political parties to begin 2027 election preparations now
via Punch Nigeria6 min read
Ugochukwu Nwagba, CEO of Townhall, a digital platform for grassroots mobilization, states that political parties aiming for success in the 2027 Nigerian general election should have started their preparations three years ago. He emphasizes that elections are decided by long-term preparation, including building structures, volunteer networks, and community relationships, rather than last-minute campaigning. Townhall, which was instrumental in the 2023 elections, has been redeveloped to serve as a "command center" for political and non-political organizations, offering tools for unified operational systems from leadership down to the polling unit. The platform addresses key challenges in political organizing by enabling movements to manage multiple support groups centrally, ensuring coordination and accountability. Nwagba also highlights the importance of internal democracy, with Townhall supporting transparent internal elections to build trust within movements. Furthermore, the platform facilitates structured grassroots fundraising with full accountability, allowing for transparent tracking of contributions and disbursements. A critical feature is its real-time reporting infrastructure from polling units, providing immediate field updates during electoral moments. Nwagba warns against the "expensive mistake" of late mobilization, advocating for early, sustained engagement to build genuine political capital. He notes that the Labour Party utilized Townhall in 2023 for volunteer
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has launched a sensitisation campaign to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. The initiative, announced by Saad Hamdalat, Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, emphasizes antenatal care, hospital deliveries, and birth preparedness. Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and attend all scheduled appointments, highlighting that early detection and management of complications are crucial for reducing deaths. Delivery kits were distributed to encourage clinic attendance and skilled birth assistance. Gloria Enueze, UNFPA Focal Person, underscored the vital role of midwives in maternal and child health and noted the benefits of family planning for birth spacing. Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, advised participants to use the provided delivery kits and sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets. This campaign is part of activities commemorating the International Day of the Midwife, observed annually on May 5 to recognize midwives' contributions and advocate for investment in midwifery services.
The Presidency has disassociated itself from claims regarding the appointment of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi by an organization named the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. A State House statement issued on Thursday by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, clarified that this alleged organization is not recognized by the Federal Government and does not exist under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The statement noted that Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, operating under the guise of this organization, has been presenting himself to the public as having received an appointment from the Chief of Staff's office. The public is advised that no such office or appointment exists within the current administration. The Chief of Staff urged foreign and diplomatic missions, financial and multilateral institutions, development organizations, security agencies, and the general public to be aware of this disclaimer.
New York City has temporarily renamed streets in honor of football legends Thierry Henry and Pele in anticipation of the World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, begins on Thursday, with the final scheduled for next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium. City officials unveiled "Thierry Henry Way" at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan. Henry, a former Arsenal and Barcelona player and 1998 World Cup winner with France, appeared via video call. He also played five seasons with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer until 2014. Additionally, the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens was renamed after Brazilian legend Pele. These temporary street names will remain in place until November 1.