By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated a joint campaign council of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The inauguration, held on Sunday at the International Convention Centre in Awka, brought together political leaders, serving and former lawmakers, local government chairmen and other stakeholders from both parties.

Soludo urged political actors across the South-East to unite behind Tinubu, stressing the need to take the campaign to grassroots communities, wards and polling units.

He described the initiative as an inclusive political movement, calling on APGA and APC members to work together to secure the President’s re-election.

The governor maintained that continued cooperation with the Federal Government was crucial to the South-East’s political relevance and development.

According to him, the region stands to benefit from stronger ties with the Federal Government, particularly in infrastructure development and economic growth.

Soludo also urged Anambra residents to vote massively for Tinubu in 2027, noting that the President had continued to support the region despite its voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election.

He attributed infrastructure development, increased federal allocations to states and improved economic stability to Tinubu’s reforms.

The governor further stressed that major projects, including railways and gas pipelines, required collaboration between state and federal governments.

The campaign council was formally inaugurated after members sang Tinubu’s campaign slogan, “On the mandate we shall stand.”

Soludo said the full membership and structure of the council would be unveiled soon.

The development comes as political parties and their supporters intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over Nigeria’s worsening electricity crisis, accusing the Federal Government of failing to deliver reliable power despite increased electricity tariffs.

Atiku, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, said Nigerians were increasingly frustrated by persistent power failures, while households and businesses continued to struggle with inadequate electricity supply.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Media Aide, Phrank Shuaibu, the former Vice-President urged the Tinubu administration to stop politicising the power crisis and focus on providing stable electricity.

He accused the government of offering repeated explanations without addressing the challenges confronting electricity consumers.

“Tinubu’s electricity excuses cannot light a single home. Nigerians need power, not excuses,” he said.

Atiku also criticised the electricity tariff structure, arguing that consumers continued to pay different rates under Bands A, B, C, D and E despite unreliable power supply.

He cited Band A customers in some areas as paying about ₦209.50 per kilowatt-hour before Value Added Tax (VAT), describing the situation as an additional financial burden on households and businesses.

According to him, Nigerians should not be forced to pay higher electricity bills while receiving inadequate power supply.

The ADC chieftain further questioned the Federal Government’s plan to end electricity subsidies from 2027, despite assurances that there would be no immediate increase in tariffs.

He demanded clarification on how the proposed subsidy removal would affect electricity bills, particularly for households and businesses already struggling with rising energy costs.

Atiku maintained that the government must prioritise reliable electricity supply and address the financial challenges facing consumers.

He called on the Tinubu administration to move beyond explanations and deliver measurable improvements in the power sector.

By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

Maltina, Nigeria’s first locally produced malt drink, has unveiled a refreshed visual identity as it celebrates 50 years of nourishing generations and creating shared moments of happiness.

The brand, which was introduced in 1976, marked the milestone with a new look and renewed partnerships with actress and media personality Tomike Adeoye and actress and content creator Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as KieKie.

The refreshed packaging features across Maltina’s glass bottles, cans and PET bottles, retaining the brand’s familiar orange colour while introducing enhanced gold elements and a more prominent barley symbol.

Other features include a gold crown cork, brighter sunrays, a bolder calcium icon and the inscription “Since 1976”, highlighting the brand’s five-decade history.

Despite the new appearance, the company says the drink retains its familiar taste, with its nutritional content enriched with vitamins A, B and C and fortified with calcium.

Tomike, KieKie Continue as Brand Ambassadors

The unveiling also coincides with the renewal of Maltina’s partnerships with Tomike and KieKie, who will continue promoting the brand’s values of nourishment, happiness and togetherness.

Tomike has been associated with the brand for six years, while KieKie is continuing her partnership following her first year as an ambassador.

Speaking on the renewed partnerships, Maltina Senior Brand Manager, Daniella Ogunsanya, said the two personalities had helped communicate the brand’s values through their creativity and connection with consumers.

She expressed optimism about creating more meaningful experiences with the ambassadors as the brand enters its next chapter.

Brand Extends Focus to Education

Beyond its refreshed identity, Maltina continues to support educational initiatives through the Maltina Nourishment Tour, which combines nutrition education with practical science activities for students.

The programme, developed in partnership with STEM Africa Fest, has reached more than 300,000 students across over 125 schools, according to the company.

Maltina also continues its Teacher of the Year initiative, established in 2015 to recognise outstanding educators and support professional development and school infrastructure.

As part of its 50th anniversary activities, the 2026 edition will introduce a new category recognising Nigeria’s best STEM teacher, while the overall winner will receive a brand-new car.

The company is also inviting consumers to participate in its “What’s Your Word?” campaign by sharing their impressions of the refreshed packaging.

The new packs are expected to be available in stores nationwide as Maltina celebrates five decades of presence in Nigerian homes and communities.