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Economy

Speaker Abbas: Inclusiveness, Not Just Procedures, Defines True Democracy

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Hon. Abbas Tajudeen

Speaker Abbas: Inclusiveness, Not Just Procedures, Defines True Democracy

Speaker Abbas: Inclusiveness, not just procedures, defines true democracy. In a landmark dialogue with Nigeria’s digital community, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has underscored the critical role of inclusiveness in measuring the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking at the first-ever ‘Speaker’s New Media Exchange’ held at the National Assembly on Monday, Abbas addressed an audience of social media influencers, policy experts, entertainers, and presidential aides. He emphasized that democratic progress must be evaluated not only by its structures but also by the extent of citizen participation especially among youth.

“Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness,” the Speaker declared during the event themed ‘Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development’.

Joined by several lawmakers and the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Abbas said the session marked a “seminal moment” in formalizing engagement between Parliament and Nigeria’s fast-growing online community.

Nigeria’s digital space, the Speaker noted, is booming with over 38.7 million active social media users in 2025, representing a 5.3% rise from last year. Nigerians now rank fifth globally in daily time spent on social media, averaging 3 hours and 23 minutes per day. “These figures attest to the unrivalled capacity of digital platforms to shape public opinion,” Abbas said, advocating for strategic partnerships rather than censorship.

“Our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education, and constructive engagement.” Notable attendees included Kayode Okikiolu of Channels TV, digital media aides to the President O’tega Ogra and Olusegun Dada as well as comedian and activist, Seyi Law, and motivational speaker Abraham Great.

The Speaker also outlined legislative efforts supporting youth and innovation, including the Nigeria Start-Up Act, Data Protection Act, and youth-focused initiatives such as the Legislative Mentorship Initiative and Bi-Annual Youth Town Hall Meetings. In a keynote, former DG of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, led a spirited conversation on balancing freedom of speech with national interest. “The question is: Can we combat fake news and hate speech without new laws? I believe we can,” Abah said.

The Speaker reaffirmed the 10th House’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and inclusive governance, highlighting reforms promoting the rights of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. “Inclusiveness, not just procedures, defines true democracy — Speaker Abbas tells Social Media Influencers

In a landmark dialogue with Nigeria’s digital community, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has underscored the critical role of inclusiveness in measuring the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking at the first-ever ‘Speaker’s New Media Exchange’ held at the National Assembly on Monday, Abbas addressed an audience of social media influencers, policy experts, entertainers, and presidential aides. He emphasized that democratic progress must be evaluated not only by its structures but also by the extent of citizen participation especially among youth.

“Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness,” the Speaker declared during the event themed ‘Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development’.

Joined by several lawmakers and the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Abbas said the session marked a “seminal moment” in formalizing engagement between Parliament and Nigeria’s fast-growing online community.

Nigeria’s digital space, the Speaker noted, is booming with over 38.7 million active social media users in 2025, representing a 5.3% rise from last year. Nigerians now rank fifth globally in daily time spent on social media, averaging 3 hours and 23 minutes per day.

“These figures attest to the unrivalled capacity of digital platforms to shape public opinion,” Abbas said, advocating for strategic partnerships rather than censorship.

Reps Issues Warning to Rivers

Reps Issues Warning to Rivers

“Our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education, and constructive engagement.” Notable attendees included Kayode Okikiolu of Channels TV, digital media aides to the President O’tega Ogra and Olusegun Dada as well as comedian and activist, Seyi Law, and motivational speaker Abraham Great.

The Speaker also outlined legislative efforts supporting youth and innovation, including the Nigeria Start-Up Act, Data Protection Act, and youth-focused initiatives such as the Legislative Mentorship Initiative and Bi-Annual Youth Town Hall Meetings. In a keynote, former DG of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, led a spirited conversation on balancing freedom of speech with national interest.

“The question is: Can we combat fake news and hate speech without new laws? I believe we can,” Abah said.

The Speaker reaffirmed the 10th House’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and inclusive governance, highlighting reforms promoting the rights of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. “As digital actors, your voices are central to deepening participatory democracy,” Abbas concluded.

As digital actors, your voices are central to deepening participatory democracy,” Abbas concluded.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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