Chris Infotainment

The Need for Evidence-Based Governance in Nigeria In the realm of Nigerian governance, there is a persistent gap between grand promises and tangible results. Budgets are passed with optimism, policies are announced with confidence, and projects are launched with great fanfare. However, the outcomes often fall short of expectations. What has long been missing from the government's machinery is not good intentions, but verifiable accountability. A system where every Naira spent is linked to measurable progress and where public confidence is built on evidence rather than rhetoric. This credibility gap is neither accidental nor new. In 2023, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF) reported that over N300 billion remained unaccounted for across federal government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Similarly, Transparency International ranked Nigeria 140th out of 180 countries on its Corruption Perception Index, despite the existence of fiscal laws and ov...

Governor of Enugu State Emphasizes the Role of Law as the Nation’s Conscience At the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, delivered a powerful message on the importance of the legal profession. The event took place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu and was attended by members of the NBA, legal professionals, and other stakeholders. Mbah emphasized that the law is not just a profession but a vital component of the nation’s moral and ethical foundation. “The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Stand Out, Stand Tall,’ is a timely reminder of the responsibility we bear as lawyers and leaders,” he stated. He added that the role of lawyers extends beyond courtroom advocacy—they are defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity. The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice sector reform, which he described as a cornerstone of his governance. “We are...

Strengthening Ties: Pakistan and China Commit to CPEC 2.0 Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory of their partnership. During a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, both leaders emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation on the next phase of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). This initiative includes five new corridors aimed at enhancing economic collaboration and mutual growth. The discussions highlighted the strong foundation of the Pakistan-China relationship, which has been characterized by unwavering support and strategic cooperation. The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their steadfast backing in matters of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. He also noted the significant role that China has played in Pakistan’s progress over the years. Build...

Vice-President Shettima Highlights Tinubu’s Commitment to Economic Diversification Vice-President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu's unwavering commitment to transforming the country's economic landscape. This statement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The Vice-President described Tinubu as a leader who possesses the political will to make bold decisions. He highlighted the President's recent visit to Brazil, which led to the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas such as aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture. These agreements, according to Shettima, represent deliberate steps toward diversifying the nation's economy. "President Tinubu is an ally and a friend who understands the language of business and commerce. He has the political courage to navigate the economic terrain effe...

Strengthening Ties: Pakistan and China Deepen Partnership under CPEC 2.0 Pakistan and China have taken significant steps to enhance their collaboration through the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0). This initiative introduces five new development corridors, signaling a renewed focus on economic growth and regional connectivity. The recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing underscored the strong relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to mutual prosperity. During the high-level talks, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress of their bilateral relationship. They reaffirmed their dedication to an "iron-clad partnership," emphasizing principles such as mutual respect, cooperation, and support for each other’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development. This reaffirmation highlights the deep-rooted trust and strategic alignment between the two cou...

The Democratic Party’s Push for Media Reform The Democratic Party in South Korea is proposing amendments to the Press Arbitration Act, aiming to introduce punitive damages for media reports that are deemed false or malicious. This move has sparked significant debate among lawmakers, media professionals, and civil society groups. Rep. Choi Min-hee, a member of the Democratic Party, highlighted this initiative on her Facebook page, stating, “A punitive damages ruling exceeding 90 billion Korean won was issued in the U.S. for false fabricated reporting.” She further explained, “This is what punitive damages should look like.” Choi emphasized that the proposed changes would allow for compensation at multiple times the actual damages. She pointed to a recent U.S. court ruling where Newsmax, a U.S. cable network known for promoting election fraud conspiracy theories, was ordered to pay Dominion Voting Systems approximately $67 million (around 93 billion Korean won) in defamation damages. ...

New University Fee Structure in Kenya On Friday, September 5, Kenyan newspapers covered various developments across the country, with a significant focus on the new fee structure introduced in universities. The dailies also discussed the 2027 presidential campaigns, highlighting the shifting dynamics among political figures. The Star: University Fees Reduced Following a reduction in tuition fees under President William Ruto's administration, public universities have implemented a new fee structure. This change came after months of public outcry over unsustainable university fees. A government directive issued in July led to these revisions, which were put into effect on Monday, September 1, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. Several universities, including the University of Nairobi, Moi, Egerton, and Maseno, have released the updated fee structure, marking a 25-year low. Other institutions such as Masinde Muliro University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultu...

A New Chapter in Nigeria-Brazil Relations When President Bola Tinubu walked side by side with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília last week, it was more than the choreography of diplomacy. It was the meeting of two nations whose histories are intertwined and whose futures beckon toward shared prosperity. Nigeria and Brazil are not strangers. Both are continental giants, blessed with human capital, natural resources, and the weight of history. Decades ago, our economies stood on almost the same starting line. Today, Brazil is an agricultural and industrial powerhouse, while Nigeria is at the cusp of rewriting its trajectory under a reform-driven leadership. I was also privileged to attend the Nigeria–Brazil Business Forum, where entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from both countries met with candour and focus. The conversations were not vague expressions of goodwill; they were practical discussions about projects, technology, and investment opportunities. It was c...

Concerns Over Voter Registration Discrepancies in Osun State The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised significant concerns regarding the voter registration statistics released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party highlighted a stark discrepancy between online pre-registrations and the number of individuals who completed the mandatory in-person registration process. This issue has sparked a broader debate about the transparency and credibility of the voter registration process. According to INEC’s data, over 470,000 Nigerians in Osun State reportedly began their online registration within just two weeks. However, the PDP noted that only less than 600 registrants had completed the in-person process as of the time the report was issued. This disparity has led the PDP to question the integrity of the registration system. In a statement released by its Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, the PDP criticized the lack of a transpar...

Senate Hearing Focuses on Health Secretary's Stance on Trump's Vaccine Program During a recent Senate hearing, Senator Bill Cassidy raised concerns about the approach taken by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the Trump administration’s COVID-19 vaccine initiative. The discussion centered around Kennedy’s support for Operation Warp Speed, a program that accelerated the development and distribution of vaccines during the early stages of the pandemic. Cassidy questioned whether Kennedy believed that former President Donald Trump deserved recognition for the initiative. In response, Kennedy affirmed his stance, calling the program “genius” for its rapid action in a time of crisis. He praised the effort for its efficiency in rolling out vaccines, which he claimed saved countless lives. However, Cassidy highlighted what he saw as a contradiction in Kennedy’s position. He pointed out that despite endorsing the program, Kennedy has implemented policies that restrict ...

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Faces Intensifying Pressure to Step Down Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is navigating a politically precarious situation, with growing pressure from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to resign. Analysts suggest that the current political landscape is increasingly unstable, and the recent release of an internal LDP report on its performance in the July Upper House election has only added to the tension. The LDP suffered a significant setback in the July election, losing 18 seats and falling short of a parliamentary majority even with its long-time ally Komeito. This marks the second national election loss for the party under Ishiba’s leadership and the third if the Tokyo Metropolitan Government election is included. Despite this, Ishiba has managed to maintain his position as prime minister by forming a minority government. The internal report highlighted several critical issues, including the party's failure to address scandal...

Political Maneuvering and Concerns Over Governance Recent political developments in the country have sparked significant concern among political scientists, particularly regarding the actions of the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party. The Pheu Thai Party has taken a bold step by petitioning for the dissolution of the House, while Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul is attempting to form a new government. Analysts warn that these moves carry varying degrees of risk and complexity. Stithorn Thananithichot, a political science lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, believes that Pheu Thai has played its "last card" by seeking the dissolution of the House. He highlights the potential dangers of this strategy, as there is no legal framework specifying a timeframe for royal endorsement of such a move. This lack of clarity raises concerns about accountability if no response is received from the monarchy. "If there is silence and no royal command is issued, who would...

Appointment of Mukhisa Kituyi as Spokesperson for the United Opposition A significant development has taken place within Kenya’s political landscape with the appointment of Mukhisa Kituyi to a prominent role in the United Opposition. The move was announced by key figures in the opposition, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Kituyi has been named as the spokesperson and head of the opposition secretariat, marking a strategic shift in the group's leadership structure. This decision was made public through social media platforms, where several opposition leaders shared the news. Kituyi, a well-known figure in Kenyan politics, has had a long career in both government and international organizations. His experience spans across various sectors, making him a valuable asset to the opposition movement. Background of Mukhisa Kituyi Born in Bungoma County in 1956, Kituyi received his early education at Mbakalo DEB Primary ...

Graduation Ceremony Marks Progress in Local Governance Education One hundred and forty students have successfully graduated from the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) during its 7th Congregation. These graduates received certificates in various Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MSc) programs, reflecting the institution's commitment to advancing knowledge in local governance and related fields. The programs offered include MA in Local Government Administration and Organisation, as well as MSc in Local Government Financial Management, Development Management, Environmental Science, Policy and Management, and Local Economic Development. These disciplines are crucial for equipping professionals with the skills needed to manage and improve local governance systems effectively. The graduation ceremony took place at the ILGS Accra campus in Ogbojo on Saturday. The event was themed “Beyond the Fund Transfer: Exploring the Prerequisites for Improved Financial Accountab...

States Forming Health Alliances to Counter Federal Vaccine Policies Four states led by Democratic governors have taken a significant step in forming their own vaccine guidelines, following Florida's decision to ban all vaccine mandates. This move comes as part of a broader effort by several states to ensure that public health recommendations are based on scientific evidence rather than political influence. The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington state have announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance. Their goal is to provide independent vaccine recommendations that are not influenced by federal guidelines. This initiative aims to protect residents from what they see as the politicization of public health, especially under the Trump administration and the policies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has been criticized for his stance on vaccines. This alliance marks the first time that blue-state governments have directly cha...

Academic Excellence at a Religious Seminary Two students from a religious seminary have achieved remarkable success in the Commerce Group of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) examinations. Their accomplishments highlight the institution's commitment to providing high-quality education that combines religious studies with modern academic disciplines. Abdul Rahman, one of the top performers, appeared in the FA/FSc examination under roll number 1300138. He scored an impressive 1029 marks out of a total of 1200, securing the second position in the Commerce Group. His achievement reflects not only his personal dedication but also the strong academic environment fostered by the institute. Another outstanding student, Mohammad Suffyan Ahmad, took the examination under roll number 1300151. He obtained 1022 marks out of 1200, placing him third in the same group. These results are a testament to the comprehensive curriculum offered by the institution, which...

The Rise of eCitizen: A Digital Transformation in Government Services The eCitizen platform has emerged as a game-changer in the way government services are delivered and revenue is collected. Recently, it was revealed that the digital system generates up to Sh1 billion daily, marking it as one of the most significant revenue collection mechanisms in the country’s history. Isaac Ochieng, the Director General of eCitizen Services, emphasized how the platform has revolutionized public service delivery and government revenue mobilization. “Our goal with eCitizen is to ensure that Kenyans can access services at their convenience, which was previously unimaginable,” he stated. The journey of eCitizen began in 2013 as a pilot project between the National Treasury and the World Bank. Initially, it offered only 10 services. However, the platform saw a major transformation after a presidential directive by President William Ruto in 2022, which accelerated the onboarding of additional service...

Protest Against Palantir Software in Berlin On the 3rd, a social organization in Berlin, Germany, organized a protest against the potential introduction of Palantir software. The demonstration used protest tools shaped like a Trojan horse, symbolizing what the group described as "covert infiltration." This visual metaphor was intended to highlight concerns about the implications of adopting such technology. The German federal government has proposed the use of software from the U.S.-based big data analysis company Palantir for crime prevention purposes. However, this initiative has faced significant opposition from various groups and individuals who argue that it poses a threat to citizens' freedoms. Concerns Over Data Privacy and Surveillance One of the primary concerns raised by critics is the issue of data privacy. Palantir's software is designed to analyze large volumes of data, which could include personal information about citizens. Opponents worry that this...

Expanding Digital Horizons: Sindh Government and Google Collaborate on IT and Journalism Initiatives The Sindh government has taken a significant step forward in the realm of digital education and media development by signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Google. These agreements aim to enhance the Peoples IT Program (PITP) and introduce a new initiative focused on digital journalism. The event, held in Karachi, was presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. A Focus on IT Education and Skill Development During the ceremony, the Chief Minister emphasized the accomplishments of the PITP, which has already enabled thousands of students to gain globally recognized IT skills. Over 4,300 graduates have contributed to various economic activities, showcasing the program's impact on the local workforce. He highlighted that women’s participation and rural representation remain key pillars of the program's success. The launch of PITP-II marks an expansion of ...

Embracing the Digital Revolution: Pakistan's Path to Blockchain and Financial Inclusion Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, emphasized the importance of integrating blockchain and digital assets into Pakistan’s economic framework. He highlighted that millions of Pakistanis, especially the youth, are already involved in these technologies, signaling a significant shift that must be embraced as part of the country’s evolving economy. The minister made these remarks during the 'Leadership Summit on Blockchain and Digital Assets: Technology and Innovation' held in Islamabad. The event was organized in collaboration with LUMS and brought together key players from academia, industry, and government to discuss the future of blockchain and digital assets in Pakistan. In his keynote address, the finance minister stressed the need for technological innovation to align with the global movement toward a digital economy. While Pakistan is making prog...