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9th Assembly’s efforts ensured marked improvements in 2023 elections – Gbajabiamila
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that an objective assessment of the 2023 general elections would show marked improvements from previous elections held in the country.
Gbajabiamila noted that the improvements in the polls were necessitated by the amendments to the Electoral Act made by the 9th Assembly.
In an address to welcome members back from the election break, Gbajabiamila commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their hard work and commitment during the polls.
He said: “The 2023 general elections have effectively come to an end, with the exception of those areas where the electoral body has declared elections inconclusive or scheduled reruns. As I said two weeks ago, this has been a hard-fought election season.
“Expectedly, the declaration of results will not by itself suffice to assuage the passions or calm the tensions aroused by this electoral competition. For that, we need time and the deliberate efforts of political, religious, social, and economic leaders acting in recognition of the fact that while elections will come and go, our highest imperative remains the progress of Nigeria and the prosperity of her people.
“I wish to thank the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all the staff of the commission for their hard work and commitment to ensuring free and fair elections across the country. I wish to also express my gratitude to the men and women of the security agencies who ensured the worst predictions of crises and conflict did not come to pass.
“Any objective assessment of these elections will show marked improvements from prior outings. This is not to suggest perfection but to acknowledge evident progress in our collective efforts to ensure elections we can all be proud of.
“Amendments to our nation’s electoral laws by the legislature, pronouncements by the judiciary, and operational reforms by the electoral commission have significantly improved elections in Nigeria since 1999.
“The amendments to the Electoral Act by the 9th National Assembly have been particularly instrumental in improving the election process through the use of technology tools to facilitate voter accreditation and transmission of results.”
Gbajabiamila said the process of ongoing reform in the nation’s electoral system and continuous improvement must continue. He called on INEC to collaborate with stakeholders to conduct a meticulous assessment of the election process.
He said the House must take action on the Electoral Offences Commission Bill before the expiration of the current session “to ensure effective enforcement against individuals and organisations whose violations of our electoral laws undermine our constitution and threaten our democracy.
“A system of vigorous prosecution and punishment of electoral offenders will serve as a deterrent to others in the future and help build confidence in our elections.”
On the amendments to the constitution signed last week by President Muhammadu Buhari, the speaker said “they advance the cause of our federation, bringing us closer to achieving our highest national ambitions.”
He listed the amendments to include consequential reforms to the design and operations of the Nigerian state, particularly with regards to the devolution of powers to the states and strengthening the judiciary and legislature at the subnational level.
“Whilst these amendments represent a significant step forward for our country, the work is not yet done because nation-building is a continuum. Each new generation must build on the efforts of the past until, by our common endeavour, we achieve a just, peaceful, and prosperous society.
“We fell short this time in our commitment to ensuring political empowerment and representation for women and other marginalised groups in our country. In the time we have left, we will work to understand why, as a first step towards ensuring the success of subsequent efforts”, Speaker Gbajabiamila added.
He noted that, “our national priorities must return to the issues of governance, ensuring that the institutions of government work towards the ends of development, national security, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
“As representatives of the people, this is our highest obligation; it is a duty that persists so long as we hold office in the government of our republic. I am confident that all of us in the 9th House of Representatives recognise this and will continue to act accordingly, as we have always done.”
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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