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…as Ambassador Mignot say reports citing insecurity and hostility towards EU observers as reasons are “pure speculations”

By Gloria Ikibah

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has dismissed reports that it rejected an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, describing the reports as inaccurate and speculative.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the delegation had accepted an invitation from INEC and will deploy an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM) comprising between two and four independent experts to the country for the elections.

Mignot, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said the EU received a formal invitation from INEC dated April 17, 2026, to deploy observers for the 2027 general elections.

He explained that the EU responded to the invitation on July 28, thanking INEC and confirming its decision to send an Electoral Expert Mission.

The clarification followed reports claiming that the EU had declined INEC’s invitation because of the deteriorating security situation in the country and alleged hostile treatment of its observers and officials following the publication of its final report on the 2023 general election.

Mignot, however, said neither of the reasons cited in the reports was contained in the EU’s response to INEC.

“The EU Delegation further underlines that the two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” he said.

The ambassador explained that the EU’s Electoral Expert Mission will be formally accredited as observers by INEC and will assess the electoral process against Nigeria’s international, regional and national obligations relating to democratic elections.

“An EEM, like an Electoral Observation Mission, assesses whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which the country has subscribed,” Mignot added.

He noted that the mission will submit a final report containing recommendations on ways to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework and future electoral processes.

“The EEM submits a final report with recommendations on how to improve the electoral framework and future electoral processes, the report will be shared with the government, and if they agree, it can also be released to the wider public,” he said.

Mignot explained that the EU reviews requests from partner countries each year before deciding whether to deploy an electoral mission and determining the appropriate type of mission based on the circumstances of each country and available resources.

He emphasised that the decision to deploy the expert mission will not affect the EU’s wider support for democratic governance and electoral development in Nigeria.

“It is on this basis that the decision to conduct an EEM in Nigeria has been taken and will be further consulted with the relevant Nigerian authorities for its implementation.

“This decision does not affect in any way the continuation of the implementation of the EU-funded project ‘Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria’ including its dimension of support to the electoral process,” Mignot stated.

The EU envoy also urged journalists and media organisations to verify information concerning the position of the European Union directly with its delegation before publication.

“The EU Delegation respectfully reminds members of the esteemed media community that, to avoid issuing such misleading information about positions or statements of the EU, they can simply check their accuracy with the press and communication office of the EU Delegation,” he said.

The clarification comes as Nigeria’s electoral authorities and political stakeholders intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with international partners expected to play a role in supporting democratic governance and electoral processes.

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…urge young innovators to combine digital skills with ethics and responsible technology

By Gloria Ikibah

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), David Daser, has charged young Nigerians to seize the opportunities presented by the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop technology-based solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Daser gave the charge on Monday while delivering a keynote address titled “Future Ready Mind: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Intelligence and Responsible Innovation” at the 2026 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), organised by the Rotary International District 9127, held at the British Nigerian School, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja.

The DBI boss, who was represented by the Institute’s Head of Learning and Development, Emeka Nzeih, told the young leaders that technical skills alone will not be enough to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.

He urged them to develop what he described as digital intelligence, combining technical knowledge with the ability to understand, assess and responsibly use digital technologies.

“Digital intelligence encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools effectively, but also the capacity to understand, evaluate, and apply digital information in meaningful ways,” he said.

Daser noted that technologies such as AI, Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT) were already reshaping industries around the world, making digital intelligence increasingly important to innovation, productivity and inclusive economic growth.

He therefore encouraged participants to look beyond seeking jobs and instead consider how technology can be used to solve problems and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Citing Nigerian technology companies such as Moniepoint, Interswitch, Andela, OPay and Flutterwave, Daser said many successful businesses in the country’s technology ecosystem started with simple ideas aimed at addressing specific challenges.

According to him, Nigeria’s large youthful population also provides a substantial market for innovative products and services capable of responding to everyday needs.

He challenged young Nigerians to identify problems around them and explore how technology could provide practical and scalable solutions.

Daser, however, cautioned that the rush to embrace new technologies must not come at the expense of ethics and accountability.

“Digital intelligence is about navigating technology wisely; responsible innovation is about building and deploying technology ethically,” he added.

He urged the young leaders to see themselves not only as technology users but also as ethical innovators whose decisions could affect individuals and society.

Daser challenged participants to ask five questions before launching any new application, idea or digital content: “Who benefits from this solution? Who could be harmed by it? Is it truthful? Is it fair? Would I be comfortable if my name were permanently attached to it?”

He said answering those questions honestly can help young innovators avoid developing technologies that might cause harm, spread misinformation or undermine public trust.

The DBI chief executive also urged the participants to take cybersecurity and online safety seriously, warning that their activities online could have lasting consequences.

He encouraged them to build positive digital footprints, practise responsible digital citizenship and remain conscious of how their use of technology could affect their personal and professional futures.

Daser said the rapid pace of technological change meant young people needed to remain curious, adaptable and willing to continuously learn.

He expressed confidence that Nigerian youths can play a major role in shaping the country’s digital future if they combined innovation with responsibility and a clear understanding of the problems they sought to solve.

The Rotary Youth Leadership Academy is an annual initiative of Rotary International aimed at equipping young people with leadership, innovation and civic responsibility skills to prepare them for meaningful contributions to national development.

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The Delta State Government has announced the indefinite suspension of Hon.Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben, Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads) with immediate effect.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Eze Emu, the suspension is to enable the Security Agencies carry out an unbiased investigation of allegations associating him with the assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr. Simon Mudi also known as (Temple) at the Petroleum Training Institute(PTI) Effurun,recently.

The statement added that the State Government remains committed to the maintenance of public safety in all circumstances which guarantees law and order and the sanctity of lives.This position is upheld even when institutions of state are involved.