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.

As part of efforts to address the concerns of young Nigerians and ensure that their voices are heard, the federal government is set to organize a National Youth CONFAB.

This follows President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration of a 44-member planning committee for the event on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement issued by a member of the planning committee and Director-General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, he described the initiative as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to an inclusive government.

Chief Nwaka stated that the National Youth CONFAB will focus on citizen engagement, leading to the overall development of young Nigerians.

According to Nwaka, the outcome of the CONFAB will also address the “Japa” syndrome in Nigeria, which sees many young people seeking greener pastures abroad.

“President Bola Tinubu, in his wisdom, has taken a crucial step to secure the future of the country by addressing issues affecting young Nigerians. He is committed to tackling unemployment, ensuring education reforms, increasing political participation, and enhancing food security.

“This committee will organize the 30-day conference, bringing together representatives from all senatorial districts and regions while considering the diverse needs of Nigeria’s youth population.

“To ensure that the voices of Nigerian youths are heard across different strata of society, there will be virtual consultations, and we will receive memoranda from young people across the country, including socio-political groups, through the Ministry of Youth Development’s website.

“I believe the CONFAB will not just produce a document but also deliver actionable outcomes,” Nwaka stated.

Several personalities have also showered encomiums on the CYMS DG following his appointment to the planning committee.

Among those extending their well wishes is Hon. Matthew Omegara, a former member of the House of Representatives for Okigwe North, who praised Nwaka for his hard work and dedication. Similarly, Hon. Duro Meseko, the APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, congratulated him, emphasizing the significance of the appointment.

Hon. Emma Enukwu, Board Chairman of the Federal Medical Center, also offered his congratulations on behalf of his family, highlighting the importance of teamwork and Nwaka’s loyalty to good governance.

Nationwide, members of CYMS have also expressed their support, lauding Nwaka’s leadership and contributions over the years. The organization encouraged him to continue his impactful work.

Mr. Ibrahim, Deputy Director of the General Service Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), extended his congratulations, recognizing Nwaka’s role in strengthening public service and governance.

Additionally, Hon. Ibrahim Bapetel Hassan, a former presidential aide under Muhammadu Buhari, described Nwaka as a detribalized and resilient youth leader with an enviable track record.

Meanwhile, the President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide and other youth stakeholders have pledged their support, urging Chief Nwaka to remain steadfast in his commitment to youth development.

With widespread acknowledgment from key political, governmental, and organizational leaders, it is evident that Chief Obinna Nwaka’s appointment has resonated strongly across various sectors in Nigeria.

He was inaugurated alongside other notable individuals, including Aliyu Zakari, Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, and Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.