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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared Alhaji Mustafa Sule-Lamido, son of former Jigawa governor, winner of the party’s ticket to contest the governorship seat in 2027.

Mr Isa Ahmed, the Returning Officer for the primary election held in Dutse, while affirming Sule-Lamido as the sole candidate on Sunday, said that his emergence had complied with the party’s constitution and guidelines.

Sule-Lamido, who was also the party’s governorship flagbearer in 2023, thanked the leadership of the party for the peaceful conduct of primaries across the state.

He congratulated other candidates of the PDP across the state, and pledged to promote unity in the fold.

He listed economic growth, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, social revival and institutional reform as priority areas, if elected.

“This moment is not new to me. In 2023, you entrusted me with this same irresponsibility and together we ran a campaign rooted in unity, hope, reform and promise of a better Jigawa.

“Though we did not secure victory then, we earned the confidence of hundreds of thousands of our people and laid a strong foundation.

“We are back in the race today because the problems and challenges bedeviling our dear state are still with us,” he said.

Sule-Lamido identified unprecedented hardship, bad governance and insensitive leadership as some of the challenges bedeviling the north-western state.

“We are not here to lament. We are here to fix the problems,” he declared.

He decried the declining standard of education in Jigawa, and regretted that expectations of the citizens had not been met by government.

He promised to rebuild Jigawa into a state that works for all, where leadership is accountable and resources managed responsibly.

“We also intend to build a state where  opportunities are accessible to every citizen,” he said.

He called on members of the party to unite and woo voters to ensure success in 2027.

“To the people of Jigawa, I hear you, I see you and I feel your pains; give me the opportunity to serve you,” Sule-Lamido said.

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Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, has received international recognition after winning the Outstanding Organization Award at the global AI Youth Competition, presented by the International AI Youth Education Society (AIYES).

This milestone comes as part of the Digital Access Program implemented by TechQuest STEM Academy in partnership with Cummins Inc., which is currently equipping 750 students and 10 teachers with foundational and emerging digital skills.

The award recognizes the school’s outstanding achievement in the competition held between December 2025 and February 2026, highlighting the rapid progress of students just two months into the programme.

This achievement underscores the transformative impact of early access to structured digital and AI education, particularly for young girls in public secondary schools.

Speaking on the milestone, the Head of Service, Anambra State, Barr. Ngozi Anuli Iwouno stated: “It is particularly gratifying to note that your school, under the TechQuest Digital Access Programme (TQDAP), funded by the Cummins Foundation Inc., competed creditably alongside student. teams from advanced countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Russia, and distinguished itself with multiple international recognitions”

Also commenting, Corporate Responsibility Leader, Africa and the Middle East, Cummins Inc. Ify Alex Anene, said the organization is committed to giving back to its host communities.: “At Cummins, we are committed to powering a positive difference in the communities where our employees work and live. The achievements of the students at Ado Girls Secondary School are a powerful reflection of what can happen when young girls are given access to the right tools, mentorship and opportunities to thrive in the digital age,” Anene said.

Co-Founder of TechQuest STEM Academy, Charles Emembolu, said the victory of the students at the global stage is signal to what is achievable when the right infrastructure is provided.

“This is not just a win for Ado Girls. It is a signal of what is possible at scale. When we provide the right infrastructure, curriculum and support, our young people can deliver outcomes that meet global standards. Our focus now is to expand this model across more schools,” he said.

The award, originally presented virtually, was brought to life through an in-person celebration at the school’s Career Fair Day, where students showcased their achievements alongside school leadership, representatives from Cummins, and the TechQuest team.

Beyond recognition, the Digital Access Program is designed to deliver-long term impact by strengthening teacher capacity, embedding digital skills into the school ecosystem, and creating pathways into advanced learning, innovation, and global opportunities.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to bridging the digital divide, advancing gender inclusion, and building a future ready workforce.

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The Police Command in Kwara has condemned the killing of three worshippers and abduction of 15 others at a prayer ground in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Sunday in Ilorin, said that the incident occurred at Ori-Oke Ajaiye, on the outskirts of Ikiran Village in Ekiti LGA.

The Police spokesman stated that the incident was reported on Sunday by Pastor Adebayo Abiodun of Ijo Ajaye Ati Igbala, Ekerin Village, Ekiti LGA.

She said that the pastor reported that armed men invaded the prayer ground during a vigil on Saturday at about 8:30 p.m., firing sporadically and killing three persons while abducting 15 others to an unknown destination.

“Upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekiti Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, directed a comprehensive tactical and intelligence-driven operation involving the Police Drone Team, PMF personnel, intelligence units and other operational assets for a coordinated rescue mission,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.

The CP described the attack as barbaric, callous and unacceptable, assuring families of the victims that the command was committed to rescuing those abducted and apprehending the perpetrators.

He also assured residents of Ekiti LGA and the state of ongoing security operations, including bush combing and intelligence gathering, to track down the assailants.

Adekimi urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.

(NAN)