Bola Abimbola: “I Draw The Line On Things That Can Destroy Lives”

Development advocate speaks strongly against Yahoo-Yahoo, rape, substance abuse and other rising social vices among youths.

The Executive Director of Savannah Center for Diplomacy and Development, Bola Abimbola, popularly known as Sir. Bola, has sparked conversations online after speaking strongly against rising social vices among young people.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, he condemned trends such as hook-up culture, rape, internet fraud popularly known as Yahoo-Yahoo, money rituals, and substance abuse, describing them as dangerous paths capable of destroying lives and society.

Abimbola stated that he would never tolerate such behaviours from his children or wards, stressing that some societal trends currently being normalised should not be accepted under any circumstance.

While noting that he does not support violence, the Savannah Center boss insisted that he draws a firm line when it comes to issues capable of ruining the future of young people.

He particularly expressed concern over the growing exposure of teenagers to substance abuse, warning that introducing minors to drugs and harmful substances should never be excused as modern or “woke” behaviour.

According to him, his position is deeply connected to years of policy advocacy and firsthand experience working on issues related to substance abuse and youth protection.

Abimbola revealed that for more than five years, he has actively participated in advocacy efforts, policy development, and legislative engagements aimed at combating substance abuse and its effects on families and communities.

The post has since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that society is gradually becoming too tolerant of behaviours that were once openly condemned.

Nworisa  Michael's Blog views the statement as a reflection of growing concerns among parents, community leaders, and youth advocates over the increasing rate of social vices affecting young people across the country.

INEC: Why We May Need Over 1.4 Million NYSC personnel For 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission has revealed plans to deploy more than 1.4 million ad hoc personnel, largely made up of members of the National Youth Service Corps, for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this during a strategic courtesy visit to the headquarters of the NYSC in Abuja.

The INEC delegation, which included national commissioners, directors, and senior officials, was received by the NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, alongside members of the scheme’s management team at Yakubu Gowon House.

Speaking during the meeting, Amupitan described corps members as a critical part of Nigeria’s electoral process, noting that they had consistently remained the backbone of election operations since 1999.

According to him, the commission deployed nearly 1.2 million ad hoc workers during the 2023 general elections, with more than 70 percent of the workforce made up of corps members and student volunteers.

The INEC chairman further revealed that about 707,384 personnel would be required for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while another 707,384 officials would be deployed for the Governorship and State Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.

He added that additional manpower would also be needed for off-cycle governorship elections and bye-elections expected in states such as Ekiti State, Osun State, Nasarawa State, Enugu State, Rivers State, Ondo State, Kebbi State and Kano State.

Amupitan praised corps members for their neutrality, discipline, and digital competence, especially in operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

He stated that in several states, corps members accounted for nearly 90 percent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers across polling units nationwide.

The INEC boss also acknowledged the risks associated with election duties and assured the NYSC leadership that efforts were ongoing to improve insurance coverage, welfare packages, and security arrangements for corps members involved in election assignments.

Responding, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu commended the longstanding partnership between both institutions, describing corps members as reliable and patriotic manpower for national assignments.

He assured INEC of the NYSC’s readiness to fully mobilise corps members and administrative personnel for the 2027 elections while also advocating improved welfare and compensation for those participating in election duties.

The NYSC Director-General further noted that the emergence of more digitally skilled Gen Z corps members could strengthen modern electoral operations and improve efficiency during future elections.

Soludo Speaks On Crackdown Targeting Fake Pastors In Anambra

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has shed more light on the ongoing crackdown against fake pastors and religious operators in Anambra State, describing the move as part of wider social reform efforts by his administration.

The governor spoke during the All Knights Day celebration held at the Catholic Diocese of Awka, where he explained that the campaign was aimed at tackling deceptive religious practices and other social issues affecting communities across the state.

According to Soludo, several suspects linked to fake religious activities had already been arrested, adding that security agencies were continuing investigations based on information provided by those in custody.

The governor stated that the operation forms part of his administration’s broader vision of building what he described as “a new Anambra” driven by discipline, accountability, and stronger moral values.

He also called on political leaders across Nigeria to embrace bold and courageous reforms, stressing that leadership should focus more on doing what is right rather than what is politically convenient.

Soludo further commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for its contribution toward moral development and societal progress within the state.

Speaking on social reforms introduced by his administration, the governor praised the impact of the Anambra Burial Law, noting that it had helped reduce extravagant funeral spending and encouraged more modest burial ceremonies in many communities.

He also announced support for charity activities organised by members of the Knights, particularly humanitarian visits to orphanages and vulnerable groups.

In his homily, Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor described knighthood as a call to discipline, humility, and responsibility.

Represented by the Diocesan Secretary, Evaristus Iheanacho, the bishop urged members of the order to remain connected to ordinary people while preserving their moral voice within society.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Register For Permanent Voter Card (PVC)

As preparations gradually begin ahead of future elections in Nigeria, many eligible citizens are seeking information on how to obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

The Permanent Voter Card, issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, is required for participation in elections across the country.

Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how Nigerians can register for their PVC.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before registering, applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Reside, work, or originate from the area where they intend to register
• Not already possess a PVC

Step 2: Visit INEC Online Registration Portal

Eligible applicants are expected to begin the process online through the official INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal.

Visit:

https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/

Applicants will be required to create an account using:

• Email address
• Phone number
• Password

Step 3: Fill In Personal Information

After creating an account, applicants will provide details including:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• State and Local Government Area
• Residential address
• Occupation
• Gender

Applicants are advised to ensure all information is accurate to avoid future correction issues.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Applicants may be asked to upload:

• A clear passport photograph
• Supporting identification document (where necessary)

Accepted identification documents may include:

• National Identification Number (NIN)
• International Passport
• Driver’s License
• School ID Card

Step 5: Schedule Physical Capture

After completing the online process, applicants will select a preferred registration center and date for physical biometric capture.

This stage is compulsory because INEC officials will capture:

• Fingerprints
• Facial photograph
• Signature

Step 6: Visit INEC Registration Centre

Applicants must visit the selected INEC registration center with:

• Their registration slip
• Any required identification document

Biometric verification will then be completed physically.

Step 7: Collect Your PVC

After successful registration and processing, applicants will receive information from INEC regarding the date and venue for PVC collection.

Applicants are advised to keep their registration slip safe until collection is completed.

Important Things To Know

• PVC registration is free
• Applicants should avoid paying anyone for registration
• Double registration is illegal
• Registration can only be done through official INEC channels
• This is the LAST PHASE of registration and it is expected to run from 11th May 2026 to 10th July 2026. 9am - 3pm Mondays - Fridays

For more information and updates, Nigerians are encouraged to follow announcements from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This civic education piece was supported by Inter-Tribe Community Support Forum as part of efforts to promote voter awareness and democratic participation.

Group Explains Why Nigerian Universities Should Study Tinubu’s Political Journey

A political organisation, Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative, has urged Nigerian universities to begin examining the political journey and leadership strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of political science and leadership studies.

The group argued that Tinubu’s rise from pro-democracy activism to becoming Nigeria’s president represents a unique political journey that deserves academic attention.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Samaila Musa, the organisation described Tinubu as one of the most influential political figures in modern Nigeria, citing his coalition-building style, political networking, and long-term strategic planning as areas students and political actors could learn from.

According to the group, Tinubu’s political career reflects resilience and an ability to build enduring political structures over several decades.

The organisation noted that understanding the political alliances and strategies that shaped Nigeria’s current democratic landscape remains important for students seeking to understand governance and power dynamics in the country.

The group also referenced Tinubu’s role during the June 12 struggle and his involvement in the National Democratic Coalition during the military era, describing his years in opposition politics and exile as defining moments in his political evolution.

GMI further highlighted Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State, stating that his administration introduced reforms and governance policies that later strengthened the state’s economy despite challenges surrounding federal allocations at the time.

The organisation also praised Tinubu’s role in mentoring political figures such as Babatunde Fashola and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, describing it as evidence of deliberate leadership development and institution building.

It additionally pointed to the 2013 political merger that produced the All Progressives Congress, arguing that the alliance significantly altered Nigeria’s political landscape and ended the long-standing dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party at the federal level.

According to the group, universities should move beyond theoretical political studies and begin analysing practical political strategies shaping governance and leadership in Nigeria.

The organisation also mentioned some of Tinubu’s economic policies as president, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, describing them as difficult but strategic decisions aimed at addressing structural economic challenges.

GMI further advised opposition politicians to focus more on long-term planning, coalition building, and issue-based politics rather than divisive political rhetoric.