Candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Mr John Nwosu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to ramp up measures to curtail vote buying in the election.

Claiming that elections in the country are typically characterized by vote buying, Nwosu said a repeat of such phenomenon would taint the credibility of the forthcoming Anambra election.

Nwosu is among the 16 governorship candidates listed by INEC in a June 4, 2025 statement to participate in the November 8, 2025 election in Anambra.

His party, the ADC, will battle it out with other parties to unseat incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

Nwosu, in a statement on Saturday, said it was baffling seeing voters openly selling their votes to party agents and other representatives around polling units on election day.

According to him, “such practices not only derail the true will of the people but also reduce elections to an auction, where the state is effectively handed over to the highest bidder.”

Nwosu urged INEC to introduce secure voting cubicles that would safeguard the legitimate rights of voters and uphold the sovereignty of democracy.

Nwosu said, “INEC must provide secure voting cubicles to ensure ballots remain private and secret. Currently, many polling areas are too exposed, allowing others to see the voting process. This not only encourages vote buying but also undermines the integrity of the elections.

“Voting must remain secret. Nigeria already has strong electoral laws which, if properly enforced, can deliver outcomes that truly benefit society.”

He held that the Anambra governorship election was another opportunity for INEC to secure the trust of Nigerians about its commitment to transparency and fairness during polls.

He also noted the role of security agencies in tackling the menace of vote buying on the day of election.

He said, “The success of any political activity depends largely on security, because security is key. While it is not solely INEC’s duty to ensure elections are properly conducted, the Commission must create an enabling environment that allows citizens to participate freely, conduct themselves properly, and exercise their right to vote.”

The Rotary Club of Lekki Golden, District 9112, has elected Christiana Okenla as its seventh president and third female leader during an investiture ceremony held recently in Lagos. The event, which drew over 250 Rotarians, dignitaries, and guests, took place under the theme “One World. One Community.”

President Okenla assumed leadership in line with Rotary International’s 2025-2026 theme, “Unite for Good”.Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Past District Governors Asiwaju Dr Michael Olawale-Cole and Omotunde Lawson and Past Assistant Governor Kayode Aderinokun.

A highlight of the investiture was the induction of 25 new members, described by District Governor Lanre Adedoyin as “the largest membership expansion in the club’s recent history.”

He commended President Okenla for a strong start, noting that “Rotary is first a membership club where friendship is built and then strengthened by service to humanity.”

The ceremony also saw the installation of three honorary Rotarians and the presentation of awards recognising outstanding service and humanitarian contributions. Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Samuel Egube, delivered the keynote address, while Chairman of the Executive Group and Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, chaired the event.

In a special recognition segment, Dr Ogunsan, his wife Dr Ajoke O. Ogunsan, and Mr Egube were installed as honorary Rotarians, acknowledging their contributions to community development and humanitarian causes.

The 2025-2026 leadership team includes Rtn. Abiodun Olawale-Cole as President-Elect, Rtn. Afolabi Olufunmilayo Margaret as Secretary, and Ulari Nwaogazie as Treasurer. Several key committee chairs were also appointed to drive the club’s programmes.

President Okenla outlined an ambitious agenda focused on Rotary’s seven areas of focus, with particular emphasis on health, education, and community economic development. She highlighted initiatives including the Pack-to-Schoolproject for underserved students and sponsorship of ten young people to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy at Sea School, Apapa, Lagos. Plans to expand health outreach programmes such as Safe Start and Dress-a-Dream were also announced.

Rtn. Okenla, who serves as Director of Customer Success for West Africa at Equinix (MainOne), brings more than 22 years of professional experience in banking, telecommunications, and information technology. She previously served as club treasurer during the Imagine Rotary and Create Hope in the World years.

“My leadership philosophy, Purpose, Passion, People, will guide how we embrace Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” she said. “Our purpose gives direction, our passion fuels commitment, and our people remain at the heart of every decision.”

Paying tribute to her late father, Chief Christopher Okhira, and her mother, Deaconess Agnes Okhira, she credited them for instilling values of service and integrity that guide her approach. “I see this Rotary year as a tapestry, each project a thread, each member a weaver, and each act of kindness a colour that makes the whole brighter,” she added.

The ceremony concluded with Okenla pledging to “lead with empathy, integrity, and excellence” while making the Rotary Club of Lekki Golden “a force for good” in the community.

The Deeper Life Bible Church has sought what it called a commensurate compensation for the demolition of its church building on 36 Aina St, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State.

The church also sought protection for its members while carrying out lawful activities on the land, pending when the demolition case would be resolved.

The spokesperson for the church, Mr Taiwo Kupolati, made this known on Friday in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

Kupolati said that the church building was pulled down on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

“Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action.

“For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property,” he said.

The spokesperson said that the church rejected a ₦10 million compensation earlier given to it by the Surulere Local Government.

“Alternatively, the church demands that it should be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their worship,” he said.

He said that the church had reported the case to the acting inspector-general of police in charge of Zone Two of the Nigeria Police Force, seeking protection of its members from harassment or intimidation while worshipping on the land pending resolution of the case.

Kupolati said that as a peaceful organisation, the church chose the legal route to settle the matter.

“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, has said that the state government had no issues with the church and had no hand in the demolition.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness. We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition,” he said.

According to him, the demolition was a local government matter.

“We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian) is engaging with them,” the commissioner said.

NAN

The Katsina State First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, in partnership with Hasene International Organisation and Baris Charity Foundation, Nigeria, on Thursday distributed fresh cow meat to over 6,000 vulnerable individuals across all 361 political wards of the state.

Our correspondent learnt that each local government area received between 10 and 12 cows, while Katsina LG alone received 90 cows, from which 1,000 meat packages were shared just as half of the packages were reserved for people with special needs while the remaining portions were distributed to orphans, internally displaced persons, the less privileged, and other vulnerable community members.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and efficient delivery, she constituted a dedicated oversight committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Commissioners for Special Duties, Internal Security, and Sports, Senior Special Assistants on Livestock and Disability Affairs.

The First Lady and her team also toured various key institutions across the state, such as the juvenile correctional facility, Katsina old and new prisons, Katsina State Orphanage, General Hospital Katsina, and the Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre, with not just food, but messages of hope and love, offering heartfelt support where needed.

Speaking on behalf of the First Lady in one of the places visited, Abdulkadir Nasir said, “Her Excellency wants you to know that you are not forgotten. She sends her love and prayers, hoping everyone can celebrate Eid with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging.

“More than charity, this initiative reflects Hajiya Zulaihat Radda’s enduring philosophy of service, compassion, and inclusive leadership.

“It is about being present not only in times of celebration, but also in moments of silence where kindness speaks the loudest.

“As the people of Katsina mark this sacred season, they do so with renewed strength and faith, thanks to a First Lady whose actions continue to echo deeply in the hearts of the people she serves.”