Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has paid glowing tribute to Chief Patrick Adaba, the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, and Dr Tom Adaba the pioneer Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), who both passed on few weeks ago.

During separate condolence visits to their families in Abuja, Governor Ododo acknowledged their outstanding legacy of public service and their significant contributions to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

At the residence of the late Chief Patrick Adaba, Governor Ododo acknowledged the late Chief Patrick Adaba for his selfless service to the government and people of Kogi State whom he served as Deputy Governor between 1999 and 2003.

Similarly, while visiting the home of the late Dr. Tom Adaba, Governor Ododo described him as a trailblazer whose pioneering role in Nigeria’s broadcasting industry has inspired generations of media practitioners within and outside Nigeria.

He praised the Adaba family for raising two exceptional children whose impact and service to the nation remain invaluable and indelible.

Governor Ododo emphasized that Kogi State and Nigeria will deeply miss the Adaba brothers, given their immense contributions to public service and national development.

Former Senator who represented Plateau North in the National Assembly Sen. Istifanus Gyang has felicitates with former Governor Dr. Jonah David Jang, who turned 81 years.

The senator Gyang in his birthday message racalled Jang’s remarkable life, legacy, and dedication to serving Nigeria and humanity.

Gyang describing Jang as a father and elder statesman and expressed gratitude to God for the former governor’s longevity, good health, and immense service.

He noted that Jang’s life is a testament to the power of living a purpose-driven life, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Senator Gyang also noted Jang’s remarkable career, which has been marked by numerous opportunities to serve Plateau State and Nigeria.

He prayed for Jang to remain strong, healthy, and finish well, leaving an enduring legacy.

The Nigerian Senate in a bid to enhance the country’s electoral process passed the Early Voting Bill for second reading.

The Bill which was sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua, representing Katsina Central Senatorial District aims to address the continuous disenfranchisement of eligible voters who are unable to cast their ballots on Election Day due to their duties and others deemed eligible by the Commission to vote as early voters

The bill’s passage is a response to the alarming number of disenfranchised voters in the 2023 General Election, which includes:

– Over 1 million Ad-hoc staff
– 310,973 police personnel
– 93,495 Military and Department of State Service (DSS) Personnel
– 51,000 Personnel from the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC)
– 21,000 from the Federal Road Safety Corps
– 11,336 from the Nigeria Correctional Service
– 9,447 from the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency
– 350 Personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

In addition, 144,800 Observers deployed by 196 national and domestic organisations were also unable to vote.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

– *Eligibility and Registration:* Eligible individuals, including security personnel, electoral officials, and those deemed eligible by the commission, must apply 30 days before the early voting date.
– *Implementation and Voting Procedure:* A designated early voting date will be set, not more than 7 days before the general election, and voting centers will be established by the Electoral Commission.

The bill’s passage is a significant step towards aligning Nigeria’s electoral system with international best practices and ensuring that all eligible adult citizens have the opportunity to perform their civic rights. Several African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, and Senegal, have successfully implemented early voting, resulting in higher voter turnout rates.

By adopting early voting, Nigeria can establish a more inclusive, efficient, and secure electoral process that better serves the interests of all Nigerians.