State initiative aims to boost digital economy as officials celebrate milestone for local entrepreneurs and skilled youths

The Anambra State Government has invested ₦80 million in 80 technology startups and graduated 400 information and communications technology (ICT) professionals as part of efforts to strengthen the digital economy in the South-East state. The announcement was made on Saturday, 20 June, during a ceremony marking the successful completion of the latest cohort of tech trainees in Awka.

According to state officials, each startup received ₦1 million in seed funding to support early-stage development and innovation. The 400 ICT professionals were trained under government-sponsored programmes targeting software development, digital marketing, and other high-demand tech skills relevant to both local and international markets.

The initiative is expected to address youth unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship by providing young people with practical skills and financial backing. Technology sector observers say such interventions are critical for positioning Anambra as a regional hub for innovation, especially amid Nigeria’s rising demand for digital services and the global shift towards remote work.

While details of the selection process were not immediately disclosed, the government said beneficiaries were chosen through a competitive application involving project pitches and aptitude tests. Officials expressed optimism that these investments will yield measurable economic benefits for the state. “This marks a new dawn for Anambra’s tech ecosystem,” an official said at the event.

Stakeholders have called on other states to adopt similar strategies to harness Nigeria’s youth potential. The government says it will monitor progress among startups and graduates over the coming year to assess impact and inform future interventions.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889382-anambra-boosts-tech-sector-n80-million-invested-in-80-startups-400-professionals-graduate.html

INEC states lessons from forthcoming Ekiti governorship election may inform changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws

An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the outcome of the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State will play a significant role in guiding future amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act. The official made this disclosure on Saturday, 20 June, in Ekiti, as stakeholders prepare for the upcoming poll.

According to the INEC representative, experiences and challenges encountered during the Ekiti election will be carefully reviewed by relevant authorities to determine areas of improvement within the legal framework governing elections. The official noted that these findings could lead to recommendations for amending provisions of the Electoral Act, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The Electoral Act serves as the main legislation regulating conduct and administration of elections across Nigeria. Recent elections have raised concerns over issues such as electronic transmission of results, voter accreditation, and dispute resolution procedures—matters that have attracted calls from political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders for reform.

While speaking on preparations for #EkitiDecides2026, the INEC official emphasised that both successes and shortcomings observed in Ekiti would be documented and forwarded to relevant committees for consideration. “We expect that what we learn from this process will help us identify gaps and advise on possible amendments to improve future elections,” the official stated.

The statement comes as political parties intensify their campaigns in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship poll. As at press time, major parties such as APC and PDP are yet to comment on INEC’s position regarding potential amendments. Observers believe that practical lessons drawn from real-time challenges faced during state elections like Ekiti can provide valuable insights for legislative reforms ahead of national polls.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889380-ekitidecides2026-outcome-of-poll-will-guide-future-electoral-act-amendments-official.html

Force shares 080-570-00001 hotline for complaints as extortion claims persist despite nationwide ‘Bail Is Free’ campaign

The Nigerian Police Force has reiterated that bail remains free in all police stations across Lagos State and the country, warning officers against demanding money from citizens seeking the release of suspects in bailable offences. This announcement was made on Thursday following renewed public outcry over alleged extortion by police personnel, with many Nigerians expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the ‘Bail Is Free’ initiative.

In a video circulated online, a senior police officer clarified that bail is an administrative process that allows suspects to leave custody while investigations continue, provided a reliable surety is present. The officer stated, “Bail is a process in a criminal investigation where a suspect is released to a reliable surety to produce him back whenever needed. Bail is not a punishment. Bail is not a sentence. So, the Nigerian law does not permit anyone to collect money for bail.”

Despite repeated campaigns and visible banners in many police stations declaring bail to be free, reports persist of Nigerians paying between ₦50,000 and ₦1 million under the guise of ‘mobilisation fees’ or ‘administrative charges.’ Many citizens remain sceptical about the policy’s enforcement due to longstanding allegations of police extortion and brutality nationwide.

To address these concerns, police authorities have urged any Nigerian who is asked to pay for bail to report immediately by calling 080-570-00001. The dedicated hotline was set up specifically for complaints against officers involved in illegal collection of money for bail. “Rather than argue with any officer at the station, we encourage citizens to use this complaint line so appropriate action can be taken,” the officer advised in the video.

Legal experts note that proper bail procedure requires only a surety and completion of paperwork by an Investigating Police Officer (IPO), with no cash transaction involved. The bail bond—a written guarantee ensuring suspects appear when required—costs nothing under Nigerian law.

As at Thursday afternoon, no official figures were released on disciplinary actions taken against offending officers in Lagos or elsewhere. However, civil society groups have called for greater transparency and stricter enforcement to ensure compliance by rank-and-file personnel. The Police Service Commission did not respond to requests for comment as at press time.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/police-bail-is-free-nigeria-2026062015113740956