When the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) quietly opened its online portal for Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) just five days ago, few expected the response to be this swift. By midnight of August 22, no fewer than 505,906 Nigerians had logged on to pre-register—an early sign that citizens are eager to shape their country’s democratic journey.

The announcement came during a colourful roadshow in Abuja, where INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the turnout as “a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and in the effort to strengthen the electoral process.”

For many, the CVR is not just another bureaucratic exercise; it is the gateway to participating in elections and ensuring that their voices count. The initiative, which began with online pre-registration on August 18, allows citizens to use their phones, laptops, or other devices to get started. From August 25, the process moves offline as INEC opens all 774 Local Government Area offices, along with state offices, for in-person registration.

This hybrid approach—digital pre-registration followed by biometric capture in person—underscores INEC’s push to blend technology with accessibility. “The commission is impressed by the response,” Yakubu said, urging all eligible citizens to seize the moment.

The roadmap is ambitious: 811 registration centers nationwide, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with services ranging from new registration to PVC replacement, transfers, and corrections. Even more significant is INEC’s commitment to inclusivity. “Our staff are committed to ensuring accessibility for all, including vulnerable groups,” Yakubu assured.

Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, reinforced the commission’s readiness for the next phase. “From August 25, people will be attended to in our offices nationwide. We planned ahead, which is why we left a week between pre-registration and in-person registration,” she explained. She also cautioned against double registration, which constitutes an electoral offence, and reminded under-18s to wait until they reach the legal voting age.

The CVR will run in three phases until August 30, 2026, giving citizens ample opportunity to register or update their records before the next general elections.

Beyond figures, the roadshow itself reflected the democratic spirit. From INEC’s headquarters in Maitama through the bustling streets of Wuse and into the heart of Wuse Market, the commission’s staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) volunteers carried placards, shared leaflets, and engaged citizens in lively conversations about the power of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

For INEC, the first 500,000 pre-registrations are only the beginning. For citizens, they are a reminder that democracy is not abstract—it begins with the decision to register, collect a PVC, and show up at the ballot box.

As Prof. Yakubu summed it up: “Your PVC is key to making your voice heard.”

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Ibadan, the ancient city of warriors and traditions, is preparing for a historic moment as former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is set to ascend the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved Ladoja’s nomination as the 44th Olubadan, with the coronation scheduled for September 26 at Mapo Hall, Oja-Oba, a symbolic landmark in the heart of the city.

The confirmation came after a meeting between the state government delegation, members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, and Ladoja himself on Wednesday, August 20.

Speaking on the development, Ladoja’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, described the governor’s approval as “a fulfillment of tradition and the will of Ibadan people.”

Ladoja, who served as Oyo State governor from 2003 to 2007, returned to Ibadan earlier this week after weeks away from home. His nomination on August 4 followed the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on July 7.

For many residents, the coronation will not only mark the continuation of an unbroken line of Ibadan monarchs but also a reunion of politics and tradition — as the city watches one of its most influential sons step into royal shoes.

Twelve people have been confirmed dead in a lone truck crash at Samawa Village, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, along the Zaria–Kano Highway, in the early hours of Friday, August 15, 2025.

The accident involved a DAF trailer with registration number KMC 931 ZE, which was loaded with Ajinomoto spices and passengers. Preliminary investigation by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that the crash was caused by a mechanical fault after the trailer’s cab hook broke, leading to loss of control.

Nineteen people were involved in the accident. Twelve died, five sustained injuries, while two escaped unhurt. The corpses have been deposited at Nasarawa Hospital Mortuary, and the injured are receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.

Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the crash as avoidable and attributed it to poor maintenance and the use of mechanically unsafe vehicles. He warned transport operators against carrying passengers, goods, and animals in the same truck, adding that stiffer sanctions would be imposed on violators.

Mohammed also urged haulage companies to embrace fleet renewal and routine maintenance to reduce avoidable fatalities. He stressed that the Corps would intensify enforcement against speed violations, overloading, and poor vehicle standards, especially among truck owners.

The Corps reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on stakeholders to support efforts to end preventable crashes.