The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, has announced plans to improve healthcare services and staff welfare through the renovation of existing clinic facilities and the acquisition of a larger healthcare centre for workers of the Commission.

Prof. Amupitan made this known during the grand finale of the 2026 International Nurses Week celebration held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event themed “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” the INEC Chairman disclosed that the decision followed reports on the poor state of the Commission’s clinic facilities.

According to him, due process for the renovation of the Kubwa Clinic has already commenced after an assessment report was submitted to management.

Prof. Amupitan also revealed that the Commission is making arrangements to acquire a bigger clinic facility in Area 10, Abuja, to further strengthen healthcare delivery for staff.

He stressed that the nature of INEC’s operations exposes employees to significant risks, making access to quality healthcare and welfare support essential for a productive workforce.

The INEC Chairman described nurses as the backbone of healthcare delivery and commended their dedication, professionalism, and compassion in caring for people across different sectors of society.

He assured nurses and staff of the Commission’s commitment to improving welfare despite existing challenges and urged medical personnel attached to INEC to continue monitoring the health of workers and management staff.

In her remarks, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee, Rhoda Gumus, described nursing as a valuable profession to humanity and praised nurses for their contributions to healthcare delivery, disease prevention, and community wellbeing.

Other goodwill messages delivered at the event also highlighted the critical role nurses play in sustaining effective healthcare services.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, said that the theme of the 2026
celebration reflects a major policy direction aimed at strengthening the nursing profession in Nigeria.

Highlights of the ceremony included tributes to Florence Nightingale, presentation of awards to top INEC officials, and recognition of retired nurses for their meritorious service to the Commission.

Former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida, has described the theme of the 2026 study tour by participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, “Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity”, as both timely and relevant to Nigeria’s current security realities.

Babangida made this known while receiving members of the delegation at his uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.

He emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration between local communities and security agencies in tackling emerging threats across the country.

The former Head of State, who hosted the delegation alongside former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, noted that study tours serve as vital platforms for expanding the knowledge and operational capacity of senior military officers, particularly in areas of national security and civil-military relations.

The leader of the delegation, Air Commodore Obasa highlighted Babangida’s enduring contributions to military education, especially his role in establishing the Department of Air Warfare at the college.

He recalled that Babangida laid the foundation for the department on July 3, 1986. He commissioned it a year later, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in strengthening military training and national development.

….US Maintains Lead as India Climbs Higher.

The International Monetary Fund’s latest projections show the United States solidifying its position as the world’s largest economy in 2026, with nominal GDP expected to reach approximately $32.38 trillion, while emerging powers like India continue their rapid ascent.

According to IMF data compiled for 2026, global GDP is forecast to total around $126 trillion, reflecting steady but uneven growth amid geopolitical tensions, technological advancements, and varying regional performances.

Here is the full list of the Top 10 largest economies by nominal GDP for 2026:

1. United States — $32.38 trillion
   The U.S. economy remains the global powerhouse, driven by innovation in technology, strong consumer spending, and resilient financial markets. Projected growth stands at about 2.32%.
2. China — $20.85 trillion
   China holds a firm second place, supported by its manufacturing dominance and domestic consumption, with expected growth of around 4.41%.
3. Germany — $5.45 trillion
   Europe’s largest economy continues as an industrial leader despite modest projected growth of 0.79%.
4. Japan — $4.38 trillion
   Japan maintains its spot with stable but low growth of approximately 0.72%.
5. United Kingdom — $4.26 trillion
   The UK edges into fifth place with projected growth near 0.80%.
6. India — $4.15 trillion
   India stands out with one of the fastest growth rates among major economies at 6.48%, continuing its climb in global rankings.
7. France — $3.60 trillion
   France remains a key European player with projected growth of about 0.86%.
8. Italy — $2.74 trillion
   Italy rounds out the top eight with slower growth around 0.52%.
9. Russia — ~$2.66 trillion (projected)
10. Canada/Brazil — Contenders for the remaining spots, with figures hovering near $2.2–2.5 trillion depending on final revisions.

Economists note that while advanced economies dominate the top ranks by nominal GDP, emerging markets like India are closing the gap in real terms and purchasing power parity (PPP) measures, where China already leads. India is widely expected to overtake Japan and others in the coming years.

These rankings are based on IMF World Economic Outlook projections and can shift with new data releases, currency fluctuations, and global events. Analysts highlight that sustained growth in Asia, particularly from India, signals a gradual rebalancing of global economic power.