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.

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with events in Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and workplace inclusion. In a display of companywide unity, employees across these locations gathered for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions under the global theme #AccelerateAction for Gender Equality, with a focus on allyship and leadership.

Gathered at the event were leaders from financial services, the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and regional and functional heads from Julius Berger, all reinforcing the shared responsibility of advancing gender equality. The Director General of the NIQS Foundation, Dr. Celestina Eke, delivered the keynote speech at the Abuja event, while Alhaji Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita, Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and progress.

Eke, speaking on men as allies, called for a shift beyond affirmative action to transformative change. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a strategic imperative for economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness,”she said; adding, for real progress, we must move from support to action. Allyship is not about stepping aside, it is about stepping up. It requires men to use their influence, privilege, and leadership to challenge biases, break barriers, and drive systemic change.

She praised Julius Berger for excelling not only in infrastructure and engineering but in fostering diversity and empowerment. She described the IWD movement as a call to rethink, reimagine, and reconstruct the foundations of industry, institutions, and society.

Alhaji Dr. Abdulaziz Kaita did not mince words in affirming the importance of International Women’s Day and the role of women in every society. Today, we celebrate the countless contributions of women in every sphere of life—politics, science, business, arts, sports, education, and within our own families. We honour the trailblazers who have shattered ceilings and defied expectations, as well as the everyday heroes—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who uplift and inspire us daily, Kaita said.

While acknowledging the progress made, Kaita called for continued reflection and action. Women still face barriers to leadership, unequal pay, and gender-based violence. In some parts of the world, access to education and healthcare remains a distant dream for many girls, he said.

In Lagos, a panel of female leaders within Julius Berger explored how women can balance professional growth with family responsibilities while embracing leadership opportunities. The discussion, featuring senior figures from commercial, legal, and engineering functions, emphasized the strengths women bring to the workplace, particularly in multitasking and strategic decision-making.

Senior Executive Manager, Ndifreke Nkocho encouraged women to speak up, seek mentorship, and create support networks, proposing regular forums for women to discuss career challenges and development opportunities.

In Warri, employees took part in an engaging keynote session, team-building games, and a sip-and-paint activity, reinforcing the spirit of empowerment and unity. The Branch Manager of UBA Warri-Sapele Road, Mrs. Abimbola Erivona, shared her personal journey navigating the corporate world, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs of leadership as a woman. She urged attendees to strive for excellence and embrace opportunities for career growth.

Julius Berger ensured that female employees across all regions had time to celebrate the global event, with activities in Warri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Lagos, and Abuja. The company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and leadership development continues to shape its workplace culture, as its women reaffirme