Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Shina Peller, has raised concerns over what he described as attempts to weaken the opposition in Nigeria, warning that democracy cannot survive without a credible alternative voice.

Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, spoke in Iseyin during the 2026 Ramadan Lecture themed, “The Importance of Community Development in Islam.”

The event was held in honour of his late father, Prof. Abiola Peller, and drew Muslim faithful from across the Oke Ogun zone.

Reacting to the recent wave of defections and the reported mass exodus of governors and top politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peller cautioned against moves to emasculate the opposition, insisting that the survival of democracy depends on balance.

“For me, it’s not what I see about the prospect of PDP, it is what I see about the prospect of democracy, and this is what I want people to know. You know, what PDP is after is for there to be a balanced democracy,” he said.

“There must be a voice for the opposition. So, it’s not about PDP, and our leaders must know this. They cannot live for yesterday, live today, and live tomorrow. Many people are fighting for the PDP not to survive. These people, they become governors, they become ministers, but they have younger ones who are looking up to what they want to do. So, everyone is writing their own story.”

He warned that any attempt to silence opposition voices could spell disaster for the nation’s political space, stressing that democracy without checks and balances is doomed.

“And even the judiciary, this goes back to them as well, if they call you a judge, part of the 10 commandment says ‘You shall not judge,’ then you, you’re now a judge and you think that you will misjudge people, and even in the Quran it says specifically, that if you’re a judge, you have to be just. These are important instruments in upholding democracy, and people must know this,” Peller added.

The former lawmaker also urged leaders across all levels to embrace righteousness, reminding them of the transient nature of life and power.

In his lecture, guest speaker, Sheik Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, popularly known as Ami Olorun, emphasised the need for Nigerians to prioritise community development and youth empowerment as foundations for national progress.

“When you build community, it means you built the entire world. If you lack in building community, mainly, Youth, human resources, when you build humans, then you build the entire world. You built what will come after you. And I urge all our politicians, the traditional rulers, and all wealthy men and women around the community to support, to build people, to let people fly, to support their dreams, to support their tomorrow and future,” he said.

The Ramadan lecture ended with renewed calls for political responsibility, justice, and sustained investment in human capital as pathways to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

As part of her wider drive to digitalise education in the district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rolled out digital learning devices to selected primary and secondary schools across five local government areas in the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The initiative was executed during a series of visits to schools in Okene, Ajaokuta, Adavi, Okehi and Ogori-Magongo Local Government Areas. The events attracted teachers, traditional rulers, parents and other key community stakeholders.

Addressing participants during the visits, the lawmaker stressed that digital learning tools are no longer optional but essential components of contemporary education.

She said it was a significant move aimed at advancing technology-driven education and equipping students with the skills required to thrive in an increasingly digital and globally competitive world.

“Access to digital learning devices is no longer optional; it is essential. Our children must not be left behind in a world driven by technology and innovation. We are equipping them today so they can compete confidently with their peers globally,” she stated.

She added that the initiative was designed to bridge the technological gap between rural and urban schools while exposing students to global learning opportunities.

“Education remains the strongest foundation for sustainable development. When we invest in our children’s knowledge and digital capacity, we are investing in the future prosperity of Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole,” the Senator said.

Beneficiary schools include LGEA Primary School, Ganaja; LGEA Standard College, Ganaja in Ajaokuta LGA; Adavi Local Government Science Secondary School, Nagazi-Eba in Adavi LGA; LGEA Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, Eika Ohizenyi in Okehi LGA; Government Day Science Secondary School (GDSS), Ohueta in Okehi LGA; LGEA Central (Cluster) Schools, Obeiba-Ihima; Government Science Secondary School, Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area and Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College, Okene Local Government.

The visits were marked by colourful receptions and goodwill messages from school authorities who described the intervention as timely and transformative.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of LGEA Standard College Ganaja and LGEA Primary School Ganaja, Comrade Otuoze Jimoh Idris praised the Senator’s impact across the senatorial district, describing her as “the inexhaustible and unsinkable tigress of Kogi Central.”

“Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are truly humbled by your generosity and commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to our people,” he said, while acknowledging her developmental strides, including road rehabilitation projects across parts of Kogi Central.

At Adavi Local Government Science Secondary School, Nagazi-Eba, the Principal, Alhaji Bello Ismaila, described the Senator as a beacon of hope whose leadership has reshaped representation within the district.

“Your presence here today is not merely a visit; it is evidence of your untiring commitment to educational empowerment and infrastructural development,” he said.

He noted that the distribution of digital learning materials was a practical investment in the future of young people.

“Your tireless efforts at the National Assembly continue to touch lives and foster progress in ways that resonate deeply within our communities,” he added.

Representing the Head Teachers of LGEA Central (Cluster) Schools, Obeiba-Ihima, Mallam Umar Abdullateef highlighted the far-reaching impact of the Senator’s previous interventions, including the provision of school uniforms, sandals, school bags, and payment of fees for indigent pupils.

“You are not just a representative; you are a pillar of hope and a champion of education,” he said.

He further described the donation of 200 tablets to the cluster schools as a landmark development.

“This initiative is not just about devices; it is about access to knowledge, exposure to global opportunities, and preparation for a digital future,” Abdullateef stated.

At LGEA Demonstration Nursery and Primary School, Eika Ohizenyi, the Headmistress, HS Umar, said the Senator’s visit served as encouragement to both teachers and pupils.

“Your presence here is a clear demonstration of your unwavering commitment to advancing education and human capital development across Kogi Central.

“Your contributions continue to inspire confidence among educators and motivate our pupils to pursue excellence,” she added.

Similarly, the Principal of Government Day Science Secondary School, Ohueta, Mr. Lawal Yusuf Aworo, described the initiative as a milestone in educational development.

“Your visit signifies more than a ceremonial engagement; it reflects genuine concern for the growth of education and the welfare of young people.

“You have restored hope and strengthened public confidence in purposeful representation. These interventions will be maximally utilised for academic advancement,” Aworo assured.

Throughout the tour, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her long-term vision of integrating technology into classroom learning across all local governments in Kogi Central, stressing that digital literacy would empower students with critical thinking skills, innovation capacity, and global exposure.

“The world is changing rapidly. Our children must learn with modern tools so they can innovate, create solutions, and lead tomorrow’s economy,” she stated.

Community leaders and parents at the event described the initiative as timely, noting that many rural schools previously lacked access to digital learning resources.

For many communities, the exercise marked not merely the distribution of devices but the opening of doors to technological inclusion and a renewed hope for educational transformation in Kogi Central

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has commissioned a fleet of land restoration and waste management equipment in a bold move to strengthen food security, tackle environmental hazards and create jobs across the state.

The event, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, on Monday attracted top government officials, traditional rulers and community members, underscoring the administration’s push for sustainable development.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management and Chairman of the State Steering Committee of ACReSAL, Oluwasegun Joseph, the Governor described the commissioning as proof that the administration’s commitment to Kogites “goes beyond mere words.”

He assured residents that the government is determined to ensure no citizen goes hungry, while also opening up employment opportunities for the state’s teeming youths through agriculture and environmental initiatives.

The newly commissioned assets include one swamp buggy, one low bed truck, 23 tractors, 400 plastic waste bins, 20 tipping tricycles for waste evacuation and 30 galvanized waste bins.

Officials said the equipment would significantly reduce environmental hazards, improve sanitation and open up riverine communities for large-scale farming and fishing.

For years, many of these communities have battled water hyacinth invasion, which has choked waterways and disrupted farming and fishing activities. The swamp buggy is expected to clear the waterways and restore livelihoods.

In her welcome address, the Project Coordinator of Kogi ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, described the commissioning as another milestone for the project.

She explained that the equipment was procured through collaboration between the Kogi State Government, ACReSAL and the World Bank to combat land degradation, flooding and the growing impact of climate change.

Jatto revealed that under the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) initiative, 90 communities have benefitted, empowering families and strengthening grassroots economies.

She added that 150 farmers are currently engaged in dry-season farming under the project, while two greenhouses established by ACReSAL have commenced production of nutritious vegetables.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the State Commissioners for Agriculture and Water Resources, both co-chairs of the State Steering Committee of ACReSAL, as well as the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Council and the representative of the Maigari of Lokoja.