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Uncollected PVCs: INEC partners NCC to send SMS to owners
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is partnering with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to send messages to owners of the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).
A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr Soyebi Adedeji, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue Session on Osun election.
Adedeji said that the measure became imperative in order to remind Nigerians of their civic duty so as to ensure a successful electoral process.
He said that the number of uncollected PVCs with the commission was of great concern, adding that this number could determine who wins or loses elections.
“The Continuous Voter Registration has come to an end and INEC has other things to concentrate on since election is a matter of a chain of events.
“Before the end of the CVR the commission as at last week had 10 million uncollected PVCs in its possession, now with the end of the CRV, there are additional 14 million registrant cards to be processed within 165 days.
“People need to come and collect their PVCs; it is not just about registering, collection is the most important thing. When people register, the collection is always less than 50 per cent.
“We need to find a way to see what we can do about collection so we have decided to partner with NCC to alert Nigerians on the status of their cards,’’ the commissioner said.
Adedeji said that 46 political parties out of the 91 registered had notified the commission about their primaries and when their activities would pick up.
He urged CSOs to partner with INEC to monitor the activities of political parties to ensure that parties played the game according to the rules.
He said there was need for the parties to follow and respect their rules since they made it to ensure internal democracy and respect for their constitutions, stressing that it was the basis of democracy.
The commissioner said that the call for parties to respect the law they made in their parties was necessary in order to forestall too many legal cases after elections.
Adedeji said that between the last election and September 2018, INEC had appeared in court 1,000 times due to lack of internal democracy in parties.
He said that INEC has trained ad hoc staff and had made relevant preparations for the Osun election, adding that the secrecy of balloting was also being looked at.
Mr Clement Nwankwo, Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations, assured INEC of its support in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
Nwankwo said that the legislation on electoral offences should be passed if executive was serious about good governance and called for the passage of other bills relating to elections to strengthen the process.
He also called for the neutrality of security agents during elections, adding that a partisan law enforcement organisation could undermine credible election process.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was supported by the British Department for International Development (DFID) and the UKaid to promote credible elections in Nigeria. (NAN)
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
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Tinubu to Revitalize Zamfara and Nigeria’s Economy – Matawalle
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.