Nearly 40,000 steel wires hold up world’s tallest bridge

By Su Bin, Han Xin, People’s Daily

Supporting the world’s tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China’s Guizhou province, relies on two massive main cables. Each cable is formed by nearly 40,000 individual steel wires, each measuring just 5.7 millimeters in diameter. These cables anchor the bridge, which spans a deep canyon often described as an “earth crack.”

As the backbone of any suspension bridge, the main cables for this demanding location required exceptional strength and durability. Remarkably, if the wires from both main cables were laid end to end, their combined length would circle the Earth’s equator twice.

Ensuring the bridge’s longevity involves sophisticated monitoring. An intelligent control center features a large digital screen displaying real-time data from fiber-optic sensors embedded within the cables. These sensors continuously track temperature, humidity, and stress levels, providing 24/7 oversight of the structure’s health. Complementing this, maintenance teams conduct regular inspections of the bridge deck, joints and structural components from locations dozens of kilometers away.

“Winds in the canyon are unpredictable, and temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly. In such a complex environment, the main cables must deliver ultra-high strength, excellent toughness and strong corrosion resistance,” said Luo Zhi’an, general manager of the cable engineering company under Guizhou Steel Rope (Group) Co., Ltd.

The steel wires used in the bridge’s main cables have a tensile strength of up to 2,000 megapascals. This means each square millimeter of wire’s cross-section can withstand loads equivalent to approximately 0.2 metric ton — exceeding prevailing international standards by 7.5 percent. Achieving this strength while maintaining necessary toughness is a significant engineering challenge, as higher strength often reduces flexibility.

In 2022, Guizhou Steel Rope partnered with Guizhou University and Central South University to improve alloy material performance, achieving domestic production of high-performance cable materials for bridges.

“It was like refining a prescription, we tested different alloy combinations to find the optimal balance between strength and toughness,” Luo said. To cope with the canyon’s humid conditions, the team also developed a new zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy coating and a post-plating controlled cooling process, boosting corrosion resistance by 2.5 times. The innovations have secured nearly 10 invention patents.

Beyond robust materials, the cables are also “smart.” Engineers, in collaboration with Beijing Jiaotong University, pioneered a method of installing fiber grating sensors inside the main cables. Data collected by the sensors are transmitted to monitoring terminals in real time, effectively embedding “intelligent nerves” into the bridge and shifting maintenance from experience-based assessments to data-driven management.

Innovation continues to drive the company forward. Guizhou Steel Rope is now preparing to establish a provincial-level key laboratory for special metal wire materials, aiming to provide core technologies for future mega infrastructure projects.

The bridge has also become a new engine for regional development. As of January 28, it had received more than 1.3 million visitors and handled over 200,000 vehicle crossings, injecting sustained momentum into the local economy.

Brain-computer interface technology sees broader application, benefiting patients

By Shen Shaotie, Huang Xiaohuui, People’s Daily

Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology is rapidly transitioning from laboratories to real-world applications, enabling patients to control computers, robotic arms, and robot dogs with their thoughts. As integration into daily life accelerates, China marked a significant milestone on January 1, 2026, when its first national standard for BCI-based medical devices took effect.

The new standard defines the scope of BCI medical devices, categorizes technical approaches, standardizes terminology for signals such as electroencephalograms, and provides key definitions for signal acquisition, processing, encoding and decoding, as well as clinical applications.

Why are such standards important?

According to Yuan Peng, deputy director-general of the department of medical device registration at the National Medical Products Administration, as China makes breakthroughs in brain science and neural decoding, BCI medical devices are entering a critical stage of industrialization and clinical translation.

Because these devices integrate neuroscience, clinical medicine and computer science, the same concepts may be described differently across disciplines. Inconsistent terminology and unclear definitions have hindered industrial development, he added, noting that unified standards will help establish a common technical language for this emerging field.

BCI medical devices helps patients regain physical functions and may in the future be used to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. The technology holds significant potential and is expected to bring transformative changes to health care.

At the clinical and translational ward for BCI at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, affiliated to the Capital Medical University, a volunteer surnamed Liao wore a wireless BCI cap during a rehabilitation session. As he slowly raised his left arm in front of a computer, the cap transmitted electrical signals from his cerebral cortex in real time to an external decoding device, assisting his rehabilitation training.

Three years ago, Liao suffered a cerebral hemorrhage that left him partially paralyzed on his left side. After more than a year of conventional rehabilitation with limited improvement, he underwent a surgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital in May 2025. Doctors implanted a semi-transparent, 4-by-4-centimeter thin-film electrode beneath his skull. Following a period of rehabilitation training, his mobility function on the left side of his body improved significantly.

“During post-operative training, when the patient moves his limbs, the system captures brain signals, decodes them through algorithms, and drives external devices to assist in rehabilitation exercises,” said Cao Yong, executive deputy director of the hospital’s neurosurgery center.

Beijing Tiantan Hospital has since launched a BCI evaluation clinic to assess whether patients are suitable candidates for semi-invasive BCI surgery. More than 3,000 patients have made appointments. 

Cao noted that the technology remains in the clinical trial stage and that participant selection is conducted with caution. He expressed the hope that BCI technology will continue to advance and benefit more people in need.

Beyond rehabilitation, BCI technology is restoring independence to those with severe mobility impairments. In June 2025, a collaborative team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University’s Huashan Hospital, and industry partners implanted a BCI device in a quadriplegic patient, enabling thought-controlled computer gameplay. Six months later, a patient with high-level spinal cord injury used BCI to remotely manage an unmanned retail cabinet via video link.

According to Zhao, after two to three weeks of training following implantation, patients were able to control computer cursors and tablet devices. However, he noted that many patients hope to move beyond virtual interactions and regain a more direct connection with the physical world.

To meet this demand, the research team has extended BCI applications from screen-based control to physical external devices. Through a series of technical advances, patients with implanted BCI systems are now able to use their thoughts to operate electric wheelchairs or command robot dogs to retrieve delivered items.

“It’s like controlling a character in a video game,” one patient said. “You don’t consciously think about moving a joystick in a certain direction. You simply think about where you want to go, and the movement follows naturally.”

Zhao explained that the team adopts general-purpose interfaces and widely available devices, such as household robotic arms and robot dogs, with the aim of making BCI systems as user-friendly as Bluetooth or a computer mouse. This allows patients to control multiple external devices through a single, unified hub.

He noted that the value of BCI technology depends not only on advances in neural interfaces but also on the development of external intelligent devices. The growing maturity and accessibility of electric wheelchairs, robot dogs and humanoid robots are providing practical outlets for thought-based control, helping translate technological progress into tangible improvements in patients’ quality of life.

GOCMEJ APPLAUDS THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF NSCDC COMMANDANT GENERAL, PROF. AHMED ABUBAKAR AUDI

The Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice, and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) has highly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the re-appointment of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a second term of five years.

In a statement released from Mombasa, Kenya, the Guild described the President’s decision as that of a round peg in a round hole, affirming it as a testament to Prof. Audi’s transformative leadership and the remarkable success trajectory recorded during his first tenure.

The President of GOCMEJ, Omoba Kenneth Agbegbele, hailed the re-appointment as a “nationalist, decisive, and visionary action” that reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to excellence, capacity, and continuity. “Your avowed confidence in Prof. Audi is not only a recognition of his hard work and dedication but a bold statement that merit, proven results, and loyalty remain the bulwark of your administration’s cardinal principles,” the statement read.

According to the Guild, the CG’s first tenure witnessed an unprecedented repositioning of the Service, changing its narrative through a series of landmark achievements. These include:
· Institutional Development: Establishment of the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State; the NSCDC Arms Squad Training School in Ugede Development Area, Nasarawa State; and the creation of the NSCDC Female Squad to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in schools nationwide.
· Sector-Specific Interventions: Creation of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, which has drastically reduced the pillage of natural resources.
· Operational Capacity & Welfare: Massive acquisition of arms and accoutrements; procurement of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and over 250 operational vehicles; purchase of mini-fire-fighting tankers for disaster management; robust staff welfare packages, including mass promotions and the provision of staff buses; and the construction of official and residential buildings.
· Infrastructure Protection: Destruction of over 450 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta; arrest and prosecution of vandals with record conviction rates; and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at over ₦5 billion.
· Strategic Initiatives: Pioneering the ‘Safe Schools Initiative’ for the protection of vulnerable schools across the country; and the creation of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, which has made significant impacts in the war against illegal bunkering, kidnapping, and banditry.

The statement further highlighted Prof. Audi’s role in fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing public trust. It also praised the effective supervision of Private Guard Companies and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to amicably settle conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as other community disputes, contributing to national peace-building.

“Transparency and professionalism have remained at the forefront of Prof. Audi’s transformational philosophy,” the statement noted. “His introduction of far-reaching institutional reforms, including the yearly and quarterly Commandant General’s Conferences, has kept the Corps abreast of global best practices and aligned its operations with the mandate of President Tinubu’s administration.”

GOCMEJ reiterated that the efforts of the NSCDC under Prof. Audi are in line with the President’s vision to diversify the economy and protect critical national assets, including those in the mining, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors.

“The Guild looks forward to a second tenure marked by unprecedented milestones, improved policy direction, and sustained public trust,” Omoba Agbegbele added. “We call on all Nigerians to join hands with this pragmatic and transformative leader as he drives the NSCDC to even greater heights in national development, security, and safety.”

Dogara Salutes Obasanjo at 89: A Towering Statesman of Enduring Legacy

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of the Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has paid an elaborate tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 89 years of age.

Dogara extolled Obasanjo as one of Africa’s most iconic leaders whose life has been defined by sacrifice, resilience, and an unshakable devotion to the Nigerian project. He noted that Obasanjo’s leadership journey, from his days as a military commander to his stewardship as a civilian president, reflects a rare blend of courage and vision that has left indelible marks on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

“President Obasanjo is a statesman of uncommon stature. His contributions to Nigeria’s unity, democratic consolidation, and economic reforms remain unmatched. He has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not about self, but about service to the people and posterity,” Dogara said.

He emphasized Obasanjo’s role in strengthening democratic institutions, spearheading anti-corruption initiatives, and championing Nigeria’s voice in global affairs. Beyond Nigeria, Dogara highlighted Obasanjo’s interventions in African peace processes, noting that his efforts in conflict resolution across the continent have earned him respect as a continental leader and global diplomat.

Dogara also reflected on Obasanjo’s enduring influence as a mentor and conscience of the nation: “Baba Obasanjo’s wisdom continues to guide our country through turbulent times. His courage to speak truth to power and his insistence on justice and equity have made him a moral compass for leaders and citizens alike.”

Concluding his tribute, Dogara offered prayers for the former president: “At 89, Baba Obasanjo stands as a living testimony of God’s grace and favor. I pray for his continued health, strength, and wisdom. May the Almighty grant him many more years of fruitful service to humanity, and may his legacy forever shine as a beacon of hope for Nigeria and Africa.”

State Police: A Cure Worse Than the Disease?


By James Aduku Odaudu, PhD


For decades, the conversation around policing in Nigeria has oscillated between calls for deeper reforms and periodic agitation for state police — enforcement units created, funded and commanded by state governments rather than the federal centre. At first blush, this idea appeals to many: bring law enforcement closer to the people, make it more responsive to local needs, and reduce the burden on the Federal Government. Yet a deeper, evidence-based analysis reveals that in Nigeria’s current political and institutional context, state police is more likely to fracture public safety and empower abuses than to deliver justice and security.

This essay unpacks why state police cannot work in Nigeria as currently proposed, highlights areas of likely abuse rooted in our lived history with policing, recalls egregious examples of misuse from the existing Nigerian Police Force, and argues that the near-term focus must instead be on technology, accountability and strong institutions.

The Problem with Power and Politics

In any democracy, the legitimacy of policing depends fundamentally on neutrality, predictability and accountability. Citizens must trust that law enforcement responds to the law — not to political commands from powerful leaders.
A state police system in Nigeria would place policing directly under state governors’ influence. In a political culture where governors exercise broad executive powers and where formal checks are weak, this would create powerful incentives for abuse. Governors might effectively wield their police forces as instruments of partisan control — enforcing laws selectively, suppressing political opposition, or targeting civil society activists.
This is not abstract. In countries with similar governance challenges, decentralised policing without independent oversight has often resulted in local elites capturing enforcement institutions, eroding rights and increasing insecurity rather than reducing it.

Lessons from SARS and the EndSARS Movement
It is impossible to discuss policing reform in Nigeria without confronting the legacy of SARS — the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.
Created ostensibly to tackle violent crime, SARS gained notoriety for its widespread abuses. For years, Nigerians reported rampant extortion, unlawful detention, torture and extra-judicial killings by SARS officers. Small businesses, youths and ordinary commuters routinely recounted experiences of humiliation, bribe demands and fear. The final spark came in October 2020, when massive youth-led protests under the #EndSARS banner erupted nationwide, calling for the unit’s dissolution and accountability for its abuses.
The movement, galvanised by evidence — video clips, personal testimonies, and relentless social media amplification — laid bare one central truth: the problem was not just a rogue unit, but a systemic failure of accountability within the policing system. (See history of SARS abuses and public backlash documented by journalists and rights groups.)
While SARS was formally disbanded, many Nigerians look back on that period as confirmation that police without accountability rapidly devolve into abuse, irrespective of the unit’s original mission.

Other Repeated Patterns of Abuse
Even outside SARS, patterns of misconduct within the Nigerian Police Force have recurred with alarming regularity. Investigations and reports by media outlets, human rights organisations and international observers have documented:
Excessive use of force in protest contexts, including lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. In 2024, independent monitors reported that protests in several states were met with live ammunition and heavy-handed tactics. These events revived familiar concerns about impunity and lack of transparent enforcement standards in the force.
Routine extortion and harassment at checkpoints and in daily policing, where citizens report being stopped without cause, pressured for payments, or detained on arbitrary grounds.
Poor oversight and accountability, where complaints against officers languish without investigation, and where disciplinary processes are opaque or ineffective.
Taken together, these patterns suggest that the issue is not just federal structure; it is institutional culture, norms and weak mechanisms of oversight and accountability.

Why State Police Would Multiply the Problems
If these patterns are already entrenched at the federal level, devolving policing to 36 states — each with its own political dynamics — threatens to multiply the problems in several ways:
Selective Enforcement and Partisan Policing
State police could be used to intimidate opposition politicians, silence critics, and enforce political compliance — particularly in states governed by strong political machines.

Uneven Standards Across States
Without uniform national standards, some states might adopt rigorous human rights practices while others drift toward repression. Citizens crossing state borders could effectively face different ‘laws’.
Fragmentation of Intelligence and Response
Effective policing depends on interoperable systems — shared data, coordinated intelligence, unified investigative protocols. A fractured structure could deepen gaps that criminals exploit.

A Better Roadmap: Technology + Accountability
If the goal is safer, more effective and more trusted policing, the evidence points to a different set of priorities — ones that build institutional capability and embed safeguards against abuse.
a) Technology as an Accountability Multiplier
Body-worn cameras and in-vehicle cameras provide transparent records of police–citizen interactions and deter misconduct.
Interoperable biometric and criminal databases help accurately identify suspects and reduce wrongful arrests — if paired with privacy safeguards.
Public CCTV systems with analytics improve detection and rapid response, especially in urban crime hotspots.
Mobile reporting platforms empower citizens to submit complaints, track cases, and hold the system to account.
These tools don’t solve all problems — but they reduce opportunities for abuse while improving operational effectiveness.
b) Independent Oversight Mechanisms
Technology must be paired with institutional checks: empowered civilian oversight boards with investigative authority, mandatory reporting of complaints and use-of-force incidents, and transparent disciplinary processes. These are essential to restoring trust between communities and law enforcement.
c) Professionalisation and Culture Change
Reforms in training, pay structures, promotion standards and human-rights education can reduce incentives for corruption and mistreatment. Technology alone cannot change culture — but it can reinforce accountability.

The Real Choice: Caution or Crisis?
Advocates of state police often argue that proximity to local needs will yield better outcomes. In principle, that aspiration has merit. But without robust safeguards — independent oversight, merit-based professional norms, unified disciplinary standards — the dangerous reality is that state police in Nigeria could become tools of political intimidation, rather than agents of justice.
Given the documented abuses of the existing federal system, from SARS to protest crackdowns and routine extortion, the immediate imperative is not structural decentralisation — but deep systemic reform rooted in accountability and technology.

Conclusion: Vision without Naivete
Nigeria deserves policing that is effective, constitutional, rights-respecting and trusted by citizens. That vision is worth fighting for. But achieving it requires realism about the risks inherent in devolving policing power without first building the institutions that make accountability real.
State police — in its current proposal — carries too high a cost, likely multiplying abuses rather than eliminating them. A better path leads through strategic adoption of technology, independent civilian oversight, and cultural transformation within the policing establishment.
Only then can Nigerians truly enjoy public safety that is for all citizens, and not just for the politically powerful.


(Dr. James Aduku Odaudu, development administrator and Convener, Kogi Professionals Network, can be reached at jamesaduku@gmail.com

Women Groups Rally Behind Umahi, Insist Allegations Must Be Tested In Court

Four women-led advocacy groups have called for strict adherence to the rule of law in addressing the allegations circulating against the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, insisting that the matter should be resolved through proper judicial channels rather than through social media campaigns.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, 1st March, 2026, the organisations, Women Advocates for Responsible Governance, WARG, Women for Justice and Institutional Integrity, WJII, Coalition of Patriotic Nigerian Women, CPNW, and National Women Alliance for Rule of Law, NWARL, collectively maintained that the accusations attributed to Mrs Tracy Nicholas Ohiri lack verifiable documentation and must be tested before a competent court.

Addressing journalists, the National President of WARG, Dr. Amina Yusuf, was reported to have expressed concern that unsubstantiated claims were being amplified in a manner capable of undermining governance. She reportedly stated that the issue was not about silencing any individual but about ensuring that serious allegations are backed by credible evidence. According to her, a ₦24.5 million transaction allegedly dating back to 2015 would ordinarily be supported by contracts, invoices, delivery acknowledgements, and traceable financial records.

She was quoted as questioning why, nearly a decade later, there appears to be no formal demand letter, civil action, or documented effort at recovery if the claim was genuine, stressing that public discourse must not replace legal procedure.

Similarly, the Executive Director of WJII, Hajia Halimat Bello, was said to have emphasized that institutional integrity depends on proof and process. She reportedly argued that commercial transactions of such magnitude cannot exist without documentation and challenged the claimant to present procurement records or evidence of civil recovery steps if the supply truly occurred.

The groups further cautioned against emotional narratives overshadowing legal standards, warning that sensational approaches risk eroding public trust in legitimate complaints.

Speaking for the CPNW, Mrs. Folake Adeyemi reportedly described the allegation as inconsistent with established commercial practice, noting that it would be unusual for a multi-million naira supply to remain undocumented and unlitigated for nearly ten years. She was said to have added that if the matter were purely about debt recovery, the appropriate legal remedies would have been pursued long ago.

On her part, Dr. Grace Onuoha, representing NWARL, reportedly drew attention to the broader democratic implications, stating that accountability must operate within the confines of lawful procedure. She was quoted as urging parties to file claims, present evidence, and allow the courts to determine the facts, warning against what she described as verdicts delivered in the court of public opinion.

Collectively, the four organisations reiterated that their stance was guided by principle rather than personality. They affirmed the presumption of innocence and underscored the need for due process in matters involving public officials.

They called on Nigerians to refrain from what they termed trial by ambush and to allow competent judicial institutions to examine the claims thoroughly.

The groups maintained that allegations, however serious, must ultimately be proven in court, not adjudicated through viral content.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Daughter Purity Lead Girls Tag: Redefining Period Care for Nigerian Girls

In homes across Nigeria, conversations about puberty and menstruation are often whispered, hidden, or avoided altogether. For many young girls, the arrival of their first period is met with fear, confusion, and silence. But now, a new initiative is changing that narrative. Girls Tag, Nigeria’s first all-in-one period care kit, has been launched to empower girls with dignity, comfort, and confidence. At the heart of this movement are actress and philanthropist Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her daughter Purity Okojie, who have been unveiled as co-brand ambassadors.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie, one of Nollywood’s most beloved stars, is not just lending her name to the project—she is sharing her personal journey as a mother. “As a mother, I want my daughter to step into womanhood without fear or embarrassment. Girls Tag is doing exactly that—helping families replace shame with pride and confusion with confidence,” she explained. Her daughter Purity stands proudly beside her, symbolizing the authentic mother-daughter bond that Girls Tag hopes to inspire in families nationwide.

At the core of the Girls Tag kit is Mercy’s newly authored book, “Youberty”, a puberty guide for boys and girls aged 10–13. The book is included in every pack, offering relatable advice and stories that help children feel seen, understood, and prepared. By combining education with practical care, Girls Tag ensures that menstrual health is addressed not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well.

The kit itself is thoughtfully designed to meet the everyday needs of young girls. It contains premium sanitary pads in multiple sizes, overnight period pants for maximum absorbency, panty liners, disposable bags for safe disposal, and a stylish, discreet carrying pouch that blends seamlessly into a teenager’s daily routine. Each item has been chosen to provide comfort, dignity, and ease, ensuring that girls can manage their periods confidently whether at home, in school, or out with friends.

Eddie Madaki and Oche Ejiga of iBlend Services, the regional agency for Girls Tag, emphasized the authenticity of the partnership: “Mercy and Purity’s voices are genuine. Their journey together mirrors the experiences of countless Nigerian families, making them the perfect ambassadors for Girls Tag.”

Girls Tag will be available nationwide in Q2 2026, through retail outlets, pharmacies, and malls, as well as direct sales via the official website and social media handle @girlstag.ng.

With Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Purity leading the charge, Girls Tag is more than a product launch—it is a lifestyle movement. It is about normalizing conversations around menstruation, empowering families to guide their daughters with confidence, and ensuring that every girl grows up with pride, knowledge, and dignity.

Governance Icon Chinelo Anohu Honoured as Woman of Impact in Africa 2026

An Icon of Excellence, Integrity, and Purpose: Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative Celebrates Chinelo Anohu as Woman of Impact in Africa 2026

Recognition by ARISE MEDIA GROUP Commemorates International Women’s Month and Honors a Trailblazer in African Development

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) proudly celebrates our own Mme Chinelo Anohu —governance expert, distinguished public servant, development leader, private sector advocate, accomplished entrepreneur, and woman of remarkable substance—following her selection as Woman of Impact in Africa 2026. This prestigious honor, conferred by the ARISE MEDIA GROUP in commemoration of International Women’s Month, recognizes her unwavering dedication to Pan-African development, selfless service to humanity, and transformative contributions across the continent.

From her pivotal roles at the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to her current leadership at Mutandis Africa Group, Mme Chinelo Anohu has consistently driven transformational success. Her visionary stewardship has not only shaped the institutions she has led but has also inspired a generation of young Africans, women, and members of the diaspora. Across the continent, she has carved a niche as a beacon of hope and an Amazon to the less privileged—proving that leadership with heart can indeed change lives.

This recognition stands as a powerful affirmation of a life devoted to excellence, service, and uncommon leadership. Anohu’s career reflects a rare synthesis of intellectual depth, professional discipline, moral clarity, and an unwavering commitment to building institutions that matter. Her selection followed a rigorous nomination and vetting process spanning Africa and the global community—a testament to the breadth and depth of her impact.

A Reform-Minded Leader at PENCOM

As former Director General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs. Anohu Chinelo distinguished herself as a highly principled reformer. Steering the affairs of Nigeria’s apex pension regulatory agency, she brought clarity, order, and professionalism to pension administration—instilling investor and stakeholder confidence at levels never before witnessed. Her leadership was marked by transparency, firmness, and a profound sense of responsibility, setting benchmarks for effective public service. Her strong foundations and sustainability pillars endure to this day.

Championing Africa’s Development Agenda

Her influence extended far beyond national borders during her tenure at the helm of the Africa Investment Forum, a flagship initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and seven other members. In that role, she helped structure critical transactions around Africa’s development future, championing African-driven solutions and forging strategic partnerships that elevated the continent’s standing in multinational transactions. She demonstrated, time and again, that Africa’s progress is best advanced by leaders who understand its realities and are unafraid to transform potential into reality.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Impact

In the private sector, as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mutandis Africa Group, Mme. Anohu continues to exemplify visionary leadership. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects courage, foresight, and an enduring belief in Africa’s capacity for growth and innovation. Through her work, she has unlocked opportunities in multi billion projects, facilitating policies that enhance investments and strengthened sovereign discourse for inspired confidence in African enterprise, and contributes tangibly to sustainable economic development across the continent.

A Beacon for Women and Girls Across Africa

Beyond the offices she has held and the institutions she has led, Mme Chinelo Anohu represents something profoundly powerful for women across Africa. She is living proof that competence, integrity, and hard work remain the most enduring currencies of influence. Her journey sends an unmistakable message to women and girls everywhere: that leadership is attainable, that excellence is non-negotiable, and that impact is possible—even in the most challenging environments. She stands as a source of encouragement to women striving quietly, breaking barriers steadily, and building futures with determination and grace.

A Celebration of Legacy and Purpose

The award ceremony, scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Lagos, is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a tribute to a legacy defined by service, resilience, and purpose. It offers a moment to honour a woman whose work continues to inspire confidence in Africa’s leadership capacity and whose example will guide generations yet to come.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative proudly congratulates Mme Chinelo Anohu on this well-deserved and meritorious recognition. We also commend the ARISE MEDIA GROUP for spotlighting leadership that truly reflects the very best of African excellence. Mme Chinelo Anohu’s story is a compelling reminder that when leadership is anchored in strong values and clear vision, its impact transcends borders and endures across time.

CSOs uncover inconsistencies in Tracy Ohiri’s claims against Works Minister

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON) has identified ‘serious logical gaps’ in claims made by Mrs Tracy Ohiri against the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, while calling for restraint and adherence to due process following a public confrontation by activist Omoyele Sowore.

It will be recalled that on the 25th of February 2026 at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command in Abuja, a confrontation occurred involving Mr Sowore and the Minister of Works. A widely circulated video shows Mr Sowore publicly accusing the Minister of misusing police authority in relation to an alleged private dispute involving Mrs Tracy Nicholas Ohiri.

COCSON after carefully analysing the issue, presented a fact driven position during a press conference addressed by its National President, Olawale Oladimeji on Friday in Abuja.

The Coalition revealed that it will be organizing a solidarity rally in support of the Minister on the Tuesday 3rd of March, 2026 to counter a rally against the Minister proposed by Sowore and his cohorts.

The group maintained that the accuser’s accounts were inconsistent and contradictory, a position that could be attested by members of the public who have followed the developments, while warning against what it described as “sensationalism disguised as activism.”

Central to the allegations is a claim that Umahi owes ₦24.5 million for campaign materials allegedly supplied during the 2015 Ebonyi State governorship election. In separate online narratives, a ₦250 million figure has also been mentioned, creating what COCSON described as “inconsistencies” in the claims.

The minister’s office has maintained that the matter is under lawful review and that the allegations lack verifiable documentation.

On the way forward, COCSON reaffirmed that no citizen is above the law but cautioned against public condemnation without proof, insisting that “Justice must be evidence driven. Governance must not be derailed by distraction.”

The group also called on investigative authorities to conclude their work without politicization, insisting that accountability must be rooted in verifiable facts and institutional processes.

“COCSON shall be organizing a solidarity rally in support of the Minister on the Tuesday 3rd of March, 2026 to counter a rally against the Minister. We ask Nigeria to join us to shame Sowore and his cohorts and not to join the proposed rally against the Minister,” Oladimeji stated.

Other salient observations and issues raised by COCSON’s findings are as follows:

Questions Over Documentation and Timing

COCSON said its internal review identified “serious logical gaps” in the allegations. The coalition questioned the absence of written contracts, delivery notes, acknowledgments of receipt, and documented demands for payment dating back to 2015.

“Governorship campaigns operate through structured committees and documented procurement processes,” the group said, arguing that transactions worth millions of naira would not typically rest on verbal agreements alone.

The coalition also raised concerns about the timeline, asking why the issue surfaced publicly nearly a decade after the alleged transaction. It noted that Nigeria’s judicial system provides mechanisms for civil debt recovery, including demand letters, arbitration, and court filings.

“Timing in public life is rarely accidental,” COCSON stated, suggesting that the delay in public escalation warrants scrutiny.

Call for Due Process

COCSON emphasized that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it must operate within the bounds of evidence and legality.

“If there is evidence, let it be presented in court. If there is documentation, let it be tested legally,” the coalition said.

The group stressed that private contractual disputes should be resolved through the courts rather than through “viral confrontations staged for public spectacle,” warning against the growing trend of social media being used as a substitute for legal institutions.

Institutional Integrity and Governance

Defending the minister’s public record, COCSON highlighted Umahi’s tenure as former governor of Ebonyi State and his current oversight of federal road infrastructure projects, describing the office as “performance measured and high pressure.”

The coalition argued that governance should not be disrupted by unverified allegations circulating online and urged Nigerians to resist what it termed “emotional manipulation.”

CSO’s kicks against media trial of Chief Judge, Justice Tsoho

*Says, any misconduct allegation must first be referred to National Judicial Council

The Coalition Alliance for Justice and Rule of Law (CAJROL) has condemned in strong terms the ongoing media trial and prejudicial online publication against the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Tsoho, alleging breaches of the Code of Conduct.

In a statement made available by it’s
Executive Director, CAJROL Dr. John Alushaji and made available to journalists on Thursday, the Coalition maintained that as a serving judicial officer, any misconduct allegation must first be referred to the National Judicial Council (NJC).

According to the Coalition, the NJC IS the sole constitutionally empowered body under Paragraph 21(b), Part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The Supreme Court affirmed this in FRN v. Nganjima (2022) LPELTR-58066(SC), ruling that no judicial officer can be subjected to any form of investigation and or prosecution without first having recourse to the disciplinary powers vested on the National Judicial Council.

Prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have warned that such media trials erode judicial independence and public trust. CORAL views the unauthorized publication of purported Code of Conduct Bureau findings as an attempt at blackmail and perversion of justice, violating Section 36’s fair hearing guarantee.

CAJROL urges the Federal Government of Nigeria not to allow a repeat of the incident involving the former Chief Justice of Nigeria; Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen which later resulted in an out-of-court settlement.  

“This reckless media trial and conviction bypasses due process and threatens Nigeria’s democracy. No one is above the law, but the rule of law demands NJC primacy—full stop. We demand immediate retraction of the prejudicial publication, an end to distractions from blackmailers, investigation of its source, and prevention of repeats like the Onnoghen case”, Dr. Alushaji stated.