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TAF Africa Partners with INEC to Empower Voters with Disabilities Ahead of Ondo Governorship Election

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TAF Africa Partners with INEC to Empower Voters with Disabilities Ahead of Ondo Governorship Election....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A non-governmental organization, TAF Africa, has announced its collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that individuals with disabilities can vote without hindrance in the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024.

TAF Africa highlighted the significant challenges faced by people with disabilities (PWDs) during elections, emphasizing the need for major stakeholders, particularly INEC, to facilitate an inclusive voting process that allows PWDs to vote and stand for election on election day.

During a one-day Able2Vote and voter education event for individuals with disabilities held in Ondo State, Mr. Adeolu Kilanko, Programme Manager of TAF Africa, addressed the issues affecting PWDs in the electoral process. The event received support from the European Union’s initiative for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Kilanko stated, “As we are aware, the governorship election in Ondo state is scheduled for November 16, 2024. We are here to sensitise PWDs on the conduct they need to observe to enable them to participate seamlessly in the upcoming election. We also aim to educate them on relevant laws and legal frameworks in Nigeria that guarantee the active participation of PWDs in elections.”

He pointed out several challenges that PWDs encounter, such as the inaccessibility of polling booths located at elevated positions. This creates obstacles for individuals in wheelchairs who struggle to access these polling units. Kilanko also mentioned that individuals with albinism face difficulties reading the print on ballot papers, stressing the importance of providing magnifying glasses to facilitate their participation.

TAF Africa has recommended solutions to INEC based on challenges identified during the 2023 general elections, acknowledging the commission’s improved election conduct as outlined in the 2023 electoral guide.

Encouraging PWDs to participate actively in the upcoming governorship election, Kilanko revealed that the organization applied for 50 disability observers, of which 20 were approved.

Mr. Abiodun Samuel, Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, emphasized the significance of voter education in helping their members avoid disenfranchisement. He urged INEC to enhance accessibility to election materials for PWDs, enabling them to exercise their civic rights during the election.

Mrs. Ngozi Edet, who represented INEC at the event as the Desk Officer for Gender/Inclusivity, reassured PWDs that the commission had made adequate provisions to facilitate their voting experience. She encouraged PWDs to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and informed them of sufficient arrangements for easy collection at designated centers. However, she advised against visiting these centers during peak hours to avoid long queues.

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“Call Me Mayweather” — Carter Efe Celebrates Victory Over Portable In Boxing Clash.

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Nigerian skitmaker Carter Efe has spoken out after defeating singer Portable in a celebrity boxing match held on Friday night in Lagos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the bout took place at Chaos in the Ring 4 inside Balmoral Hall at the Federal Palace Hotel, where Carter Efe also secured a ₦50 million cash prize following his victory.

The fight ended in his favour by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 27–30.

Speaking after the match, Carter Efe said he felt like a global boxing star and described the fight as surprisingly easy. He claimed he dominated from the opening round and said Portable struggled significantly after absorbing early blows.

According to him, Portable began to lose energy by the second round and appeared unstable, while the final round saw him unable to maintain momentum.

“I am feeling like an international world star. My new name is Carter Mayweather. The fight was so easy. First round, I already damaged his face. Second round, he was shaking. Third round, he fainted,” he said.

Meanwhile, Portable has expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome of the match, alleging unfair treatment after his defeat to Carter Efe.

reports that the singer made the claim during a live Instagram session on Saturday morning, insisting that the fight was not properly judged.

He accused Carter Efe of lacking professionalism and also alleged that the organisers failed to properly count his punches during the contest.

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Political Realignment? Obi And Kwankwaso Supporters Converge In Abuja.

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Supporters of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are scheduled to hold a unity summit in Abuja today.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The event, themed “One Voice, One Vision: In Unity We Win,” is being organised by the OK Movement, a group advocating for a possible Obi–Kwankwaso political partnership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A flyer shared on by the group on Friday indicated that eight speakers will feature at the summit.

The lineup includes New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain Buba Galadima, activist Aisha Yesufu, and Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Others billed to speak are Moses Paul, a former African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate, and Adebayo Adefolaseye, the South-West coordinator of the OK Movement.

As of report time, about 428 participants had reportedly registered to attend the gathering.

The summit comes amid rising political speculation that Obi and Kwankwaso may be considering a move from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

On Friday night, Kwankwasiyya movement spokesperson Habibu Mohammed stated that both politicians were expected to conclude arrangements for the defection next week.

He said the decision followed unanimous approval by key stakeholders and added that discussions with the NDC were approximately 90 percent complete, with only minor details remaining.

According to him, the two politicians, along with other associates, could formally join the NDC as early as Monday or Tuesday.

“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.

The ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC has been linked to the reported political realignment.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court set aside an earlier order maintaining the status quo in the ADC leadership dispute and referred the case back to the Federal High Court for further hearing, effectively prolonging the uncertainty.

The OK Movement was originally launched in April by supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso to rally backing for a joint 2027 presidential ticket.

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Osun Political Circle In Grief As APC Chairman Suffers Personal Loss.

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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, has been thrown into mourning following the death of his wife, Alhaja Fatimah Oreoluwa Lawal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that she died on Friday at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife, after a brief illness.

The Osun APC expressed deep sorrow over her passing, describing it as a painful loss not only to the party and the Lawal family but also to all who knew her.

Party leaders said she was widely admired for her humility, compassion, and unwavering support for her husband’s public service.

They also described her as a devoted Muslim woman and a caring mother who maintained close ties with her family and was always supportive within her community.

In its condolence message, the party stated: “The deceased was a virtuous woman, devoted Muslimah, a pillar of support to her husband, and a compassionate mother whose life reflected humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family and humanity.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to our state chairman, his nuclear and extended families and all those affected by this monumental loss.

“May Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grants her Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give the families she left behind the fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss.”

She is scheduled to be buried on Saturday in Ile-Ife in accordance with Islamic funeral rites.

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