The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has called on members of the church to actively participate in Nigeria’s democratic process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a Sunday service at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, while delivering a sermon titled “Breaking the Curses of Life,” Oyedepo emphasized that Christians have a civic responsibility to participate in deciding who governs the nation.

The respected cleric noted that members of the church are not mere spectators in the affairs of the country but bona fide citizens with the constitutional right to influence leadership through the ballot box.

According to him, the numerical strength of the Living Faith Church gives it a significant voice in the electoral process, making it important for every eligible member to register, obtain a PVC, and vote.

“We have a civic responsibility as responsible citizens of our various nations. We are not passers-by in our nations. We are bona fide citizens of the nation and we have a right to participate in who governs us.

“We have a right to determine who rules us. And this church, with the millions that we have, has a say in it. So be part of it,” Oyedepo told the congregation.

His remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum, with increased calls from religious, civil society, and political leaders encouraging citizens to participate actively in the electoral process.

Oyedepo’s message underscores the importance of civic engagement and peaceful participation in democracy, urging Christians to exercise their constitutional rights by voting for leaders they believe will advance good governance and national development.

The Abia State Government has celebrated the 83rd birthday of elder statesman, renowned educationist and former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Chiedozie Madubuike, with glowing tributes and the launch of three books chronicling his remarkable contributions to education, public service and national development.

The event, held on Friday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, attracted an array of political leaders, academics, captains of industry, traditional rulers and other distinguished Nigerians who gathered to honour one of the country’s foremost intellectuals.

Leading the tributes, Governor Alex Otti congratulated Prof. Madubuike on attaining the milestone age of 83 and described him as an outstanding scholar, accomplished administrator, patriot and one of Abia State’s greatest intellectual assets.

The Governor said his administration deliberately celebrates deserving Abians while they are alive, stressing that societies that fail to honour their heroes risk losing their identity and history.

According to Governor Otti, Professor Madubuike earned the honour through decades of scholarship, integrity, visionary leadership and selfless service to humanity.

He explained that his administration places greater emphasis on merit, excellence and service than political affiliation, insisting that every son and daughter of Abia who has distinguished themselves deserves recognition irrespective of political or religious differences.

“We don’t care about political parties, where you worship or where you originally came from. What matters is your contribution to our State. Once you are our son or daughter and have served humanity with distinction, we will celebrate you because Abia comes first,” the Governor declared.

Governor Otti also used the occasion to highlight the ongoing transformation in the state’s education and healthcare sectors.

He disclosed that Abia State University has been revived through extensive rehabilitation of hostels and academic facilities, while Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic has regained lost accreditations and introduced innovative programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and 3D Printing.

The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing the proposed Abia Seaport, revealing that feasibility studies are currently being conducted by a Chinese firm as part of efforts to secure funding for the ambitious project.

“We are serious about building the Abia Seaport, and it will happen in our generation. We are equally committed to delivering world-class healthcare and education because that is the future we owe our people,” Governor Otti assured.

Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, described Professor Madubuike as an academic giant and patriotic Nigerian whose contributions to education and healthcare remain invaluable.

Ngige praised Governor Otti for honouring distinguished Abians and commended the quality of infrastructure projects being executed across the state. He urged the Governor to continue delivering impactful projects while calling on Abians to sustain their support for his administration.

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also applauded Governor Otti for recognising Professor Madubuike’s enduring legacy, describing the celebrant as a rare gem whose contributions significantly shaped Nigeria’s educational landscape.

Adding his voice, former Senator MAO Ohuabunwa commended the Governor for institutionalising the culture of celebrating accomplished citizens. He recalled Professor Madubuike’s distinguished public service career, noting that he served as Commissioner for Finance under the late Chief Sam Mbakwe before becoming Minister of Education, where he pioneered major educational reforms, including the establishment of state-owned, private and open universities in Nigeria.

Former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Sir Simeon Okeke, equally praised Governor Otti’s developmental strides, describing the transformation taking place across Abia State as unprecedented.

Responding to the honour, Professor Madubuike expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otti for recognising his contributions and commended the administration’s bold reforms in education and governance.

The elder statesman observed that Governor Otti had restored hope to Abia through purposeful leadership, saying the state had witnessed remarkable progress within a short period.

He urged the Governor to continue prioritising education by establishing a state think tank and considering the creation of a specialised technology institution focused on innovation, research and emerging technologies.

According to him, education remains the greatest catalyst for sustainable development and the foundation upon which the prosperity of any society is built.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of three books, including A Crumbling State: Issues in Nation Building and Development and Aka Ekpuchi Onwa: The Igbo Unbowed, both authored by Professor Madubuike, as well as Triple Heritage: Essays in Honour of Ihechukwu Madubuike, Scholar, Administrator and Public Intellectual, edited by Professors Chima J. Korieh and Victor Ukaogu.

The books, reviewed by Prof. Chima Korieh and Dr. Jasper Uche, explore national development, governance, Igbo history and the remarkable life and legacy of the celebrated scholar.

The event concluded with the cutting of the birthday cake and the official launch of the three books amid applause from guests.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Abia State, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, former Minister Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, Chris Uche, SAN, Chief David Onuoha Ogba (Bourdex), leading academics, business leaders, clergy and other prominent personalities.

The Abia State Government has taken another bold step toward accelerating economic development by opening discussions with Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc on strategic partnerships that will support critical infrastructure, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and investment across the state.

Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, made this known on Thursday while receiving the Executive Management of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, led by its Group Chief Executive, Mr. Chuma Nwokeocha, at the Government House in Umuahia.

During the meeting, Governor Otti identified infrastructure financing as a major priority for his administration, revealing that the proposed Abia Medical City and the Obuaku Deep Sea Port are among the flagship projects for which the state is seeking credible financial and technical partners.

According to the Governor, the Abia Medical City project has already crossed a significant milestone with land acquisition completed, and the government is now preparing to commence implementation.

He also disclosed that the state is undertaking a feasibility study for the proposed Obuaku Seaport, a project expected to transform Abia into a major logistics and commercial hub in the South-East.

Governor Otti noted that beyond these projects, his administration remains open to collaboration in other sectors that will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Commending Stanbic IBTC for presenting concrete proposals, the Governor remarked that meaningful partnerships are built on shared value rather than requests for financial support alone.

He further applauded the bank for its corporate social responsibility initiatives in Abia, particularly its intervention in rehabilitating a public school, while encouraging the institution to expand its developmental footprint across the state.

Earlier, the Group Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Chuma Nwokeocha, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the economic transformation agenda of the Abia State Government.

He said the financial institution is prepared to deploy its expertise in infrastructure financing, housing finance, SME development, agro-industrial investment, capital market solutions, and strategies for improving the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Mr. Nwokeocha expressed confidence that a strategic alliance between Stanbic IBTC and the Abia State Government would unlock fresh investments, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and enhance the welfare of the people.

Explaining why the bank chose to deepen its engagement with Abia, he cited what he described as a strong alignment of vision and values with Governor Otti’s administration.

According to him, the partnership is inspired by a shared commitment to good governance, purposeful leadership, and the collective ambition to improve the lives of citizens through sustainable economic development.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Finance, other members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, and top executives of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, highlighting the importance both parties attach to the proposed partnership.

If successfully implemented, the collaboration is expected to provide the financial backbone for some of Abia’s most ambitious development projects while strengthening the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging investment destinations.

Another batch of Nigerians who voluntarily opted to return home from South Africa has safely arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard an Air Peace evacuation flight, as the Federal Government continues its repatriation programme for citizens abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the development on Thursday, announcing that the special flight transported 282 returnees, made up of 272 adults and 12 infants, along with two government officials who coordinated the evacuation process.

The latest evacuation marks another milestone in the government’s ongoing voluntary return initiative, designed to assist Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa and return home safely.

On arrival in Lagos, the returnees were welcomed by officials from relevant government agencies, who immediately commenced documentation, profiling, and reception procedures. Authorities also assured that necessary support services would be provided to facilitate the reintegration of the returnees into society.

The evacuation exercise has continued in phases since it began earlier this year. The first batch, which arrived on June 9, brought home 258 Nigerians, while the second batch returned with 66 persons. The third batch comprised 269 returnees, reflecting the Federal Government’s sustained commitment to assisting citizens seeking voluntary repatriation.

The latest operation comes against the backdrop of renewed anti-foreigner demonstrations in South Africa. On June 30, groups of South African protesters marched through parts of the country, calling for the removal of foreign nationals, a development that reignited concerns over the safety and welfare of migrants, including Nigerians.

While the Nigerian government has maintained that the evacuation programme is entirely voluntary, officials say the initiative underscores its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerian citizens wherever they may be.

As the repatriation exercise continues, authorities have reiterated their readiness to provide support for returning citizens and ensure their smooth reintegration into the country.

The Abia State Government has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as a landmark investment that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, promote regional development, and foster lasting peace across the South-East.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, at the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the 90 Regular Intake yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said security remains the bedrock upon which sustainable economic growth and investment are built.

According to him, the present administration in Abia is committed to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment that encourages business, investment, and social development.

Engr. Emetu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership in expanding the Army’s training capacity and modernising military institutions across the country. He also applauded the Federal Government for establishing the first primary military training depot in the South-East, describing the initiative as a demonstration of national inclusion, unity, and balanced development.

The event also witnessed a passionate appeal by the Chief of Army Staff to youths from the South-East to take advantage of opportunities to serve the nation through enlistment into the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed concern that recruitment quotas allocated to the region have consistently remained underutilised despite available opportunities.

He disclosed that the graduating recruits constitute the first batch of 14,000 personnel under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic military expansion programme, which aims to recruit a total of 28,000 new soldiers to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities.

Addressing the newly graduated soldiers, the Army Chief charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism throughout their careers. He emphasised strict compliance with human rights principles, the Armed Forces’ Rules of Engagement, and responsible use of social media, warning that any unauthorised disclosure of operational information would attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel through better accommodation, healthcare services, enhanced training, modern equipment, and increased investment in local defence production.

Host Governor, Barr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, described the establishment of the Army depot as a historic milestone with enormous benefits for both Ebonyi State and Nigeria. He noted that the institution would strengthen security, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure, and promote stronger civil-military relations.

Governor Nwifuru also appealed for the speedy completion of the proposed Nigerian Military Reference Hospital in Ebonyi State and requested the release of approximately 982.7 hectares of Army land in Abakaliki to support urban expansion, while pledging continued support for the military through investments in healthcare and other critical facilities.

The colourful ceremony featured impressive slow and quick march-pasts by the pioneer recruits, presentation of awards to outstanding recruits and instructors, as well as the conferment of the traditional title “Omeudo I” on the Chief of Army Staff by the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers in recognition of his contributions to peace and national security.

The event attracted serving and retired military officers, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry, and families of the graduating recruits, underscoring its significance as a major milestone in Nigeria’s defence and security landscape.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law following an emotional public appeal by Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, over her husband’s ongoing legal troubles.

Obi, who said he watched a viral video of Asiya El-Rufai’s appeal while in the United States, expressed concern about what he described as the need to safeguard justice from any perception of bias or selective application.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor said the video prompted him to reflect deeply on Nigeria’s democratic future and the importance of protecting the rights of every citizen.

“I woke this morning in America and was deeply moved by an emotional viral video of Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, prompting deep reflection on our nation’s future,” Obi wrote.

According to him, every Nigerian, irrespective of the allegations against them or their political affiliation, deserves justice that is transparent, impartial and rooted in due process.

Obi argued that bail conditions should never appear punitive before trial, stressing that democratic institutions exist to protect the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

“Regardless of the allegations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other citizen, justice must be transparent and fair, with reasonable bail conditions that should not be seen as punitive before trial,” he stated.

The former governor also cautioned law enforcement agencies against actions that could create the impression of selective justice, warning that such perceptions could weaken public confidence in state institutions and threaten national unity.

“We must resist any hint of selective justice that erodes public trust and threatens national unity. Those tasked with enforcing our laws must act professionally and strictly follow due process,” Obi added.

He concluded by reiterating his vision of a Nigeria where the rule of law remains supreme and every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness.

Asiya El-Rufai’s Emotional Appeal

Obi’s comments followed an emotional appeal made on Tuesday by Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, alongside Nasir El-Rufai’s other wife, Aichatou, at their Abuja residence.

Speaking directly to President Bola Tinubu, Asiya reminded the President of the political support her family gave him during the 2023 presidential election campaign and pleaded for what she described as fair and humane treatment for her husband.

“Mr. President, Sir, I campaigned for you. I stood up and went to every nook and cranny of Kaduna State for you. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she asked.

She further alleged that her husband, who has reportedly been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high blood sugar, had been denied adequate medical care while in custody.

Appealing to President Tinubu’s sense of compassion, she added, “The ball is in your court, Mr. President. All these can stop if you say a word. We believe that you are a father, and we know you can empathise.”

ICPC Responds

Meanwhile, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has maintained that it complied fully with a court order by facilitating El-Rufai’s medical examination while in custody.

The commission also confirmed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements concerning the former governor’s medical visit.

According to the anti-graft agency, the Kaduna State High Court had fixed July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of criminal charges against El-Rufai. However, the former governor reportedly failed to appear in court on the first day after insisting on being examined by his personal doctor before leaving custody.

As legal proceedings continue, Obi’s intervention has added a fresh political dimension to the controversy, reigniting national conversations about due process, human rights, judicial independence and the equal application of justice in Nigeria.