News

Plateau Governor Urges Citizens to Embrace Democratic Values on Democracy Day

Published

3 years ago

June 12, 2023

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Plateau State, June 12, 2023 – The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has extended warm congratulations to the people of Plateau on the occasion of the 2023 Democracy Day celebration. In a goodwill message delivered to mark the day, Governor Mutfwang called on citizens to embrace the fundamental democratic values of tolerance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.

Highlighting the significance of democracy, Governor Mutfwang described it as the best form of government that focuses on enhancing the well-being of citizens and entrusts the power of choosing leaders to the people. He emphasized that democracy goes beyond mere elections, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law, respecting human rights, and involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Governor Mutfwang took the opportunity to reflect on the historical context of Democracy Day, which also commemorates the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections. He acknowledged the 1993 elections as the most credible and freest in Nigeria’s history and expressed deep concern over their annulment. He urged citizens to protect democratic principles and uphold the will of the people.

Calling for unity and progress, Governor Mutfwang encouraged the people of Plateau State to work together in building a fair, just, and inclusive society where every citizen has a voice and a stake in shaping a brighter future. He called for gratitude to God for preserving their lives and emphasized the importance of living together in peace and harmony.

Addressing the pressing security challenges facing the state, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged the need for healing and divine intervention. He lamented the unprovoked attacks by invaders that have inflicted pain and hardship, threatening the heritage of the land. To address these security concerns, the governor announced the appointment of a Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Safety, who will leverage their skills and expertise to provide effective solutions.

Governor Mutfwang also stressed that democracy is not solely about holding elections or forming a government; it is about ensuring the voices of the people are heard and their needs, particularly regarding security, are met. The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to promoting the welfare and security of all citizens and residents of Plateau State.

As Democracy Day is celebrated across the nation, Governor Mutfwang concluded by extending his warm wishes to everyone. It is a day to reflect on the journey so far, appreciate the gift of life, and renew the resolve to work together for the peace,

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News

NPFL: VAR Is Not A Luxury, Technology Is Taking Over – Avonda Richard

Published

60 minutes ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

WhatsApp Image 2026 11 06 at 8.02.51 PM.jpeg

Avonda Richard, an ardent supporter of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) based in Ogba, Lagos State, has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the domestic league, insisting that Nigeria must embrace modern football technology to improve officiating and strengthen the credibility of its football competitions.

Speaking during Sports247’s Let’s The Fans Talk programme, Richard expressed concerns over the standard of refereeing in Nigerian football, acknowledging the efforts of match officials while pointing out the challenges affecting their performance, particularly inadequate training and facilities.

“To be honest, the Nigerian officiating sometimes is really, really poor. But I must also give it to them; they are trying their best,” Richard said.

He argued that some referees lack the necessary professional training and access to adequate facilities to prepare them for the demands of the game, stressing that officiating should be treated as a serious profession that requires proper development and continuous education.

Richard maintained that introducing VAR into the NPFL would help reduce officiating errors and bring Nigerian football closer to the standards of other competitive leagues.

“VAR is not a luxury because technology is taking over. So VAR is something that Nigeria needs to introduce in the Nigerian Premier League,” he stated.

Beyond the introduction of technology, Richard also called for improved television coverage of the domestic league, noting that Nigerian football deserves greater visibility and should be accessible to supporters in the same way they follow major European competitions.

“We should be having a Nigerian professional league that people can watch, just like when we watch Premier League, Italy and Germany on the screen,” he added.

He believes that increased broadcast coverage would attract more attention to the NPFL, create greater awareness among football supporters and encourage accountability within the league.

Richard’s comments highlight the growing conversation around the need for improved refereeing standards, investment in modern technology and greater visibility for Nigerian football as the NPFL continues to seek stronger recognition within African football.

Business

CBN issues regulations for non-security virtual assets, effective November 5,

Published

2 hours ago

November 7, 2026

PlateauReports

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The apex regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday issued regulations for the Operations of Non-Security Virtual Assets in Nigeria, setting out a framework for licensing, regulating and supervising stablecoins, virtual asset service providers and related activities.

According to a circular to virtual asset service providers and stakeholders in the financial services industry, the apex bank said the regulations are meant to promote responsible innovation, strengthen the integrity of the Nigerian financial system and provide an appropriate framework for emerging digital payment instruments.

The CBN said the regulations are issued under the CBN Act, 2007, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, and other applicable laws. It described them as a comprehensive, risk-based framework covering the licensing, authorisation, regulation, supervision and oversight of non-security virtual assets in Nigeria.

The framework covers stablecoins, Deposit Money Tokens, virtual asset service providers, virtual asset payment services, platform-facilitated peer-to-peer services, and custody, transfer, remittance, clearing and settlement activities.

The regulations also set requirements on the classification and designation of regulated tokens and activities, and on the licensing of issuers and providers of non-security virtual asset services. Other areas covered include capital, reserve-backing, liquidity and redemption; corporate governance, risk management and internal controls; and technology risk, cybersecurity and operational resilience.

They further address the safeguarding of reserve and customer assets; customer protection, disclosures and complaints management; and anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing obligations. Sanctions screening, transaction monitoring, blockchain analytics, Travel Rule compliance, counterparty due diligence, regulatory reporting, supervisory access, information sharing, enforcement, administrative sanctions and orderly wind-down arrangements are also included.

The CBN said the regulations apply to persons carrying out regulated activities in or from Nigeria, those directing such activities at persons in Nigeria, and those whose activities may materially affect the country’s payments system, financial system, foreign exchange market or financial stability. They may apply whether or not the person has a physical presence in Nigeria.

The apex bank said the regulations do not displace the statutory mandate of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other competent authority. Activities involving security virtual assets, securities, investment contracts or other capital-market products remain subject to the capital-market regulatory framework. Where an activity involves both non-security virtual assets and matters under another authority’s mandate, approvals must be obtained from each competent authority.

All affected institutions, issuers, service providers, operators, promoters and other stakeholders are required to familiarise themselves with the regulations and comply fully with the applicable requirements.

The regulations take effect from November 5, 2026. The circular was issued by the CBN’s Payments System Policy Department.

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