By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

Aspirant for the Obingwa East State Constituency seat, George Nwankwo, has pledged to sustain the legacy of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, describing the party as a significant political force whose ideals must be preserved.

Nwankwo said that despite challenges facing the party, he remains committed to strengthening its presence in Abia State, the South-East and across Nigeria.

According to him, one of the driving forces behind his aspiration is the desire to ensure that the achievements and values associated with APGA do not fade away.

“The party has played a significant role in the political development of the South-East and Nigeria as a whole. I am among those who believe that the legacy of APGA must be sustained and strengthened,” he said.

The aspirant stated that youth empowerment would be a major focus of his legislative agenda if elected.

He noted that unemployment remains one of the major factors contributing to insecurity in the country and stressed the need for deliberate policies aimed at engaging young people productively.

“I am looking forward to a situation where the energies of our youths are meaningfully engaged. One of the major triggers of insecurity in the country is unemployment. If young people are gainfully employed and empowered, the rate of crime will reduce significantly,” he said.

Nwankwo appealed to residents of Obingwa East across all segments of society to support his aspiration, assuring them of effective representation and people-oriented legislative initiatives.

He expressed confidence that with the support of the electorate, he would contribute to the development of the constituency and advance policies that promote youth empowerment, security and economic growth.

Says Animal Sacrifice Was Conducted for All Pilgrims Who Paid

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, has assured pilgrims that animal sacrifices (Hadaya) were performed for all those who paid through the agency.

Malam Salihu made the clarification on Monday following complaints from some pilgrims who claimed they had paid for Hadaya but had not seen evidence that the sacrifices were carried out in fulfilment of their Hajj obligations.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, explained that Hadaya refers to the payment made by pilgrims for animals to be slaughtered on their behalf on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah.

According to the statement, some pilgrims had reported to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that the sacrifices were not performed despite their payments.

Addressing Kaduna pilgrims, Malam Salihu said the names of all pilgrims who paid for Hadaya had been displayed at the pilgrims’ residence, adding that officials had directed pilgrims to verify their names on the list.

He challenged any Kaduna pilgrim with valid proof of payment whose name was not included on the list to report directly to him for further investigation.

The chairman disclosed that 827 pilgrims paid for Hadaya in Nigeria through the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency before departing for Saudi Arabia, while 47 others made payments through NAHCON.

He added that another 54 pilgrims paid in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number of pilgrims who paid for Hadaya to 928, with total payments amounting to 668,160 Saudi Riyals.

Malam Salihu noted that only a few pilgrims had presented evidence of payment despite their names not appearing on the displayed list.

“We cross-checked their receipts with our records and discovered that those pilgrims made payments through Point of Sale (POS) platforms, and the transactions did not immediately reflect their names in our system,” he explained.

He, however, assured pilgrims that the discrepancy had been resolved.

The Executive Chairman reiterated that the Special Hajj Committee of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which he heads, holds its mandate in trust on behalf of Governor Uba Sani.

He pledged that members of the committee would continue to uphold the trust reposed in them, safeguard the governor’s reputation and ensure that no pilgrim is short-changed.

…Says Sacrifices of June 12 Heroes Should Inspire a Greater Nation

By Francis Wilfred

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that his administration will intensify efforts to address economic hardship, tackle insecurity and secure the release of citizens held captive by criminal groups across the country.

The President’s message was delivered on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The service, themed “God of Hope, Actualise Our Dreams,” attracted top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Akume congratulated Nigerians on 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy.

He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, imprisonment, injuries and even death in pursuit of democratic rule.

Addressing the nation’s current challenges, Akume acknowledged the economic difficulties, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting many communities across the country.

He said the Federal Government was fully aware of the hardships faced by citizens and remained committed to delivering sustainable solutions and tangible democratic dividends.

On security, the SGF reaffirmed the government’s determination to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. He stressed that securing the release of all persons held captive remains a national priority and assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue to receive the support required to protect lives and property.

Akume also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reject political violence, hate campaigns, misinformation and divisive rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

He called on citizens to uphold peace, tolerance and national unity while drawing inspiration from the sacrifices of the nation’s democratic heroes in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.