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Osun poll strategically important in Nigeria’s democratic calendar — INEC Chairman 

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has noted that preparations for the Osun governorship election also formed part of the commission’s broader plans for the 2027 general elections, describing the state as strategically important in Nigeria’s electoral calendar.

Prof Amupitan made this disclosure on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, where he appealed for the support of traditional institutions in promoting peace before, during and after the election.

According to him, “Osun is special in the democratic structure of Nigeria because it is the last major off-cycle election before the general elections. We now see it as a mirror through which we can measure our preparations for the 2027 general elections.”

He also maintained that the commission has put in place extensive measures to ensure a successful August 15 governorship election in Osun State and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, credible and transparent governorship election in the State. 

The INEC chairman said the commission had prioritised peaceful conduct, efficient logistics, timely commencement of voting, transparent result management and prompt declaration of results as critical components of the election.

According to him, “INEC had also introduced additional measures to enhance voter participation, including the extension of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection period and the introduction of online voter registration initiatives.

“We have the responsibility and duty to do everything within our power to ensure that the election is peaceful.

“We are doing everything possible in INEC and putting a lot of measures in place, like the extension of the collection of PVCs and the introduction of online registration, to make sure the election is free, fair, inclusive and credible.”

Addressing concerns over political tension in the state, Amupitan disclosed that INEC had been working closely with security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel and prevent violence during the election.

He stressed that no political contest was worth the loss of human lives, saying, “The blood of any resident of the state is not worth shedding. INEC will do everything possible to ensure the safety of voters and our staff on election day.”

The INEC chairman appealed to the Ataoja to use his influence to encourage politicians and their supporters to embrace peace, noting that the monarch’s voice carried significant weight across Osogbo and beyond.

“We appeal to the Ataoja of Osogbo to help us intervene in order to avoid further regret and the futility of fighting ourselves. Osun is a shining example to other states, but what will they learn if there is violence and bloodshed? INEC is committed to ensuring that a peaceful election is achieved and that the people of the state freely choose their preferred candidate on 15 August,” he added.

Amupitan expressed concern that election-related violence could discourage voter turnout, warning that attempts to intimidate the electorate would undermine democratic participation.

Responding, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, welcomed the INEC chairman and called for a peaceful, free and fair governorship election across Osun State. 

Oba Oyetunji thanked the commission’s leadership for the visit and prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance in carrying out its constitutional responsibility.

Earlier, retired Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, described the assignment before the new INEC chairman as significant, particularly because of the importance of the forthcoming Osun governorship election. 

Justice Adeigbe also assured the INEC chairman that the Ataoja’s palace would continue to promote peaceful coexistence and encourage political stakeholders to embrace dialogue despite prevailing security concerns. 

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Aminu Kano hospital introduces IVF service for childless couples

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The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has recorded a major milestone with the introduction of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) service provision to restore hopes of childless couples.

The milestone was recorded by a team of the hospital’s assisted reproductive health technology and others.

The Chief Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist at AKTH, Dr Ibrahim Rais, disclosed this in a video shared on the hospital’s official Facebook page.

Mr Rais said the team collected eggs from two women, while semen samples were also collected from their husbands for the next stage of the IVF procedure.

“Today marks a great milestone in the history of AKTH and the IVF service provision in the institution.

“The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, CMD, Abdulrahman Sheshe and his team has been working assiduously and today we have achieved this great milestone of the first egg collection in this institution.

“We have collected eggs from two women and also collected semen samples from their husbands. The eggs collected will be fertilised with their husbands’ sperm and we hope to achieve success.

“We are going to continue the service provision with three more patients and then we cap it up on Sunday with the last patient,” he said.

Mr Rais said commencement of the service would bring the service close to the population and restore hope among couples suffering from infertility.

“It is also important to note that starting IVF services in AKTH has been a very important development because the center will form one of points for service provision to the teeming population needing IVF services.

“It will form a centre of excellence for training in the field of Obstetric and Gynaecologist and Reproductive medicine.

“We have extracted more than a dozen eggs for now. Embryologists are working assiduously to ensure that there is fertilisation by sperm of the patients that had the procedure.

“We will go on to get more eggs that will generate more embryos and translate to potential more Nigerians,” Mr Rais said.

Similarly, the hospital in a statement on its official handle, said the milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of AKTH staff, specialist reproductive health experts from Jos and Abuja, and two embryologists.

It described the development as a significant step towards expanding advanced fertility services and bringing hope closer to residents.

Meanwhile, the hospital congratulated the the AKTH team for attaining the feat.

(NAN)

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Nigerian Trio Take Major Step as Buruj Football Academy Secures UK Trial Opportunities

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Three promising Nigerian youngsters — Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen, Fawas Ayomide Adeleke and Jacob Obiora Iyida — are taking another important step in their football development after being registered for trial opportunities in the United Kingdom.

The trio, who are associated with Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy, will have the opportunity to experience football in a different environment while testing themselves against talented players in the UK.

Read Also: “When We Honour Our Legends, We Invest in the Future” — SSA Adeboye Commends Ex-Internationals Cup

The registration is part of Buruj’s wider commitment to creating international pathways for young Nigerian footballers and providing them with opportunities to gain exposure beyond the domestic football system.

For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the UK opportunity represents more than simply a football trial. It is a chance to learn, adapt and understand the demands of playing in a different football culture.

The three youngsters have continued to show commitment and determination throughout their development, and their latest opportunity provides another platform to showcase the qualities they have developed through their time in Nigeria.

Speaking about the opportunity, Raheem Salaudeen said:

“This is a big opportunity for us and we are grateful to everyone who has supported our journey. We want to go there, learn as much as possible, compete with confidence and show what Nigerian young players can do.”

Fawas Adeleke also expressed his determination to make the most of the experience:

“I see this as an opportunity to improve myself and understand a different style of football. I want to work hard, listen to the coaches and make every opportunity count. Hopefully, this will open another door for my career.”

For Jacob Obiora Iyida, the focus is equally clear — continue learning, gaining experience and taking another step towards his professional ambitions.

“I’m excited about the opportunity because playing outside Nigeria has always been one of my goals. I know there is a lot to learn, so I want to stay focused, work hard and show my best whenever I get the chance.”

Buruj Football Club and Buruj Sports Academy believe international exposure can play a significant role in the development of young footballers, allowing them to experience different coaching philosophies, tactical approaches and football cultures.

The academy’s development philosophy also places emphasis on education and personal development, ensuring that young players are prepared not only for possible professional careers but also for life beyond football.

The UK trip therefore represents another stage in a broader development pathway designed to help Nigerian youngsters build confidence, experience and international connections.

For Raheem, Fawas and Jacob, the message is simple: the opportunity has arrived, and now it is time to make it count.

From Nigeria to the United Kingdom, another chapter begins—with bigger dreams ahead.

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