The Velvet Voice.

WSCIJ accepting investigative story proposals i79media.com/wscij-acceptin…

The 2026 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize for emerging young Leaders (USD 10,000 prize and Fully Funded to the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece & One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa) @OneYoungWorld #OYW2026 tinyurl.com/5t32apyr

If you applied to move your voter’s record to a new polling unit, watch your email. @inecnigeria is sending approvals. Your new PVC will be ready for in-person pickup at your nearest INEC office.

The cure for sickle cell disorder is now available at sickle cell foundation Nigeria, LUTH. 🥺 Please retweet for others to see.

The wait is over. Applications for the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2026/2027 Fellowship Programme are now open. Are you ready to lead with purpose, deepen your knowledge, and drive real impact? The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy invites a new generation of visionary leaders to step forward. Application Timeline Opens: April 16th, 2026 Closes: May 16th, 2026 Apply Now: ljla.academy or click the link in our bio. #LJLA #LateefJakandeLeadershipAcademy #StayLJLAConnected

@BodunrinOgunba @leo_mic_

No idea why INEC has not been more present in establishing this, but PVC registration doesn't end this Friday. It's only the end of phase two, and phase three picks up on May 4 until the actual deadline of August 17. That's the official PVC registration timetable.

AN OPEN LETTER TO GILBERT CHAGOURY By Kio Amachree, President, Worldview International Mr. Gilbert Chagoury, Let me be direct with you. Every troll you dispatch in my direction, every attempt to silence or intimidate me, achieves precisely the opposite of your intention. It activates me further. It sharpens my focus. It deepens my resolve to ensure that the full, documented, verified record of your conduct in Nigeria is placed before every court, every regulator, and every international body with jurisdiction over your affairs. So by all means — keep sending them. I have spent decades as a man of the world — educated at Eton, trained at Wharton, tested on Wall Street and in the corridors of international diplomacy. In all those years, across every continent, I have rarely encountered a figure whose alleged criminality appears so deeply structural, so habitual, and so breathtakingly shameless as yours. On the question of your identity and your passports: You are not Nigerian. The Nigerian passport that the late tyrant Sani Abacha procured for you was not the product of any legal process — it was a transaction between two men who understood that Nigerian institutions existed, in their world, to be purchased. You did not renounce your British passport. You did not renounce your Lebanese passport. And the diplomatic passport that caused such controversy on that island nation — where you once again demonstrated your contempt for Black people by purchasing preferential treatment at the expense of legitimate Black citizens — is a document that deserves the closest scrutiny from every relevant authority. You are a man of many passports and, it would appear, no fixed loyalty to any of them except as instruments of convenience. On your Swiss conviction: A Swiss court found you guilty. A Swiss court — not a Nigerian tribunal susceptible to the kind of pressure and procurement your name has been associated with, but one of the most rigorous judicial systems in the world — convicted you of money laundering. Most men of conscience would have treated that moment as a reckoning. A turning point. An occasion for reflection on the harm done. You treated it as an inconvenience. You learned nothing. You felt no shame. You simply continued. That tells the world everything it needs to know about your character. On your alleged ties to Hezbollah: The FBI has reportedly investigated your alleged financial connections to Hezbollah. Mossad maintains files. The United States — a country where you participated in illegal foreign election financing, a federal crime — denied you entry. These are not the accusations of bloggers or political opponents. These are the documented concerns of the world’s most powerful intelligence and law enforcement agencies. When both the Americans and the Israelis have reason to watch you, Mr. Chagoury, that is not a coincidence. That is a pattern. On Nigeria — my country, not your feeding ground: You appear to operate under the belief that Nigeria — the most populous Black nation on earth, a country of two hundred million people of extraordinary talent, resilience, and dignity — exists as your personal treasury. That its contracts are yours to harvest. That its leaders are yours to cultivate and corrupt. That its people are yours to disregard. They are not. I watched with revulsion as cameras placed you in the entourage of a President whose own identity documents remain a matter of active legal investigation, walking through the doors of 10 Downing Street as though legitimacy can be borrowed from proximity to power. It cannot. The world sees what that image represents. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract — billions of dollars of Nigerian public funds, awarded without competitive tender, flowing toward structures connected to your family and to the family of the President — will not disappear into silence. The Swiss conviction. The FBI reports. The Hezbollah allegations. The foreign election financing. Judge Beryl Howell’s court-ordered release of sealed DEA and FBI files by June 2026. These are not going away, Mr. Chagoury. They are converging. On my family and what we represent: In 1986, my father, Chief Godfrey Kio Jaja Amachree QC — Nigeria’s first Solicitor-General, UN Under-Secretary-General, and a man whose name is etched into the constitutional and legal history of this nation — took a Lebanese businessman to court and won. He established, through the rule of law, that the Amachree name stands for honour, accountability, and the refusal to be intimidated. My grandfather, Chief Sekin Amachree, sat at the 1958 Constitutional Conference that helped determine what Nigeria would become. My family did not build this legacy so that men like you could plunder what they helped to create. My father invested enormously in my education — not so that I could be silent, but so that I could be effective. I am both. On what comes next: This is not 2004. This is not the era of Abacha, when men of your alleged disposition could operate in the comfortable darkness of institutional impunity. This is the age of artificial intelligence, investigative journalism with global reach, international asset recovery frameworks, and diaspora communities with the legal literacy and the platform to hold power to account. Every contract. Every shell company. Every offshore structure. Every family connection between the Chagoury Group and the Tinubu administration. Every passport, every tribunal, every conviction, every intelligence file. It is all being documented. It is all being preserved. It will all be submitted to the appropriate authorities — the UK Serious Fraud Office, the U.S. Department of Justice, the ICC, and every international body with jurisdiction. I am a man of honour addressing a man of — I will let the Swiss court’s verdict speak for itself. Read the Philip Morris case carefully, Mr. Chagoury. Not all Nigerians are crooks. Not all African voices can be trolled into silence. And not every man who stands against you can be bought, threatened, or worn down. Stop sending your people after me. I do not wish you well. Kio Amachree President, Worldview International Stockholm, Sweden Kio Amachree is a political commentator, diaspora activist, and President of Worldview International. His commentary has been published by Vanguard, Sahara Reporters, and major international platforms.

APPLY: MTN opens applications for 2026 media innovation programme, expands cohort to 25 fellows MTN Nigeria has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of its Media Innovation Programme (MIP). The initiative is a flagship fellowship designed to equip Nigerian journalists and digital content creators with skills to thrive in an evolving media landscape. The six-month, fully funded programme, in partnership with the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, aims to strengthen professional capacity, promote innovative storytelling, and help participants adapt to technological changes reshaping the industry. thecable.ng/apply-mtn-open…

We’ve formally written to @inecnigeria about the ongoing failures of the CVR process: inaccessible portal, no public notice, Nigerians locked out of registration. They’ve received our letter. Now we’re waiting for action.

3 days left #2ndPhaseCVRDeadline Turned 18? Still not registered? Changed location? 👉 Fix it TODAY. Time is running out.

@dranthoniaeddo ❤️

If you are skilled in any of these, I have something for you 👇 Basic typing skills ✅ Data entry ✅ Microsoft Word ✅ Microsoft Excel ✅ Microsoft PowerPoint ✅ Internet research ✅ Email writing ✅ Digital literacy ✅ Time management ✅ Effective communication ✅ Teamwork ✅ Problem-solving ✅ Critical thinking ✅ Adaptability ✅ Attention to detail ✅ Creativity ✅ Leadership ✅ Emotional intelligence ✅ Drop a ❤️ emoji under this post, follow who likes your comment for a follow-back. Let’s connect 🤝 Laptop Lady has something for you 💻✨

@MrCharlesky I have a sister who’s interested.

Executive Virtual Assistant Role up for hire. Managing calendar, appointment scheduling. However, it's ONLY for females. Where are our ladies?

A great opportunity for media professionals and digital content creators seeking to elevate their careers. Apply now to be a fellow! docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

Someone less qualified than you is applying right now while you are still overthinking it. They may not be the smartest or the most prepared, but they are willing to take the shot. Do not sit this one out. Here are fully funded programs you should not ignore. We Are Together prize Website: wearetogetherprize.com Deadline: 24 May 2026 UN Fellowship for African Descendant Website: ohchr.org/en/about-us/fe… Deadline: 15 May 2026 Council of Europe/ European Youth Forum Program Website: rm.coe.int/2026-youth-inn… Deadline: 19 April, 2026 WACSI Next Generation Internship Programme 2026 Website: wacsi.org/call-for-appli… Deadline: May 1, 2026 The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) for Nigerian media practitioners/content creators Website: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng Deadline: 22 April 2026 African Union Youth Volunteer Corps Website: jobs.au.int/job/African-Un… Deadline: 26 April 2026 The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Programme 2026 for women scientists. Website: forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show… Deadline: 15 May 2026 Afreximbank Internship Website : afreximbank.com/careers/vacanc… World Trade Organization Young Trade Leaders Program Website: 1 May 2026 Deadline: wto.org/.../news26_e/y… The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Website: job.ifad.org/psc/IFHRPRDE/C… Sandoz Scholarship for the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town Website: oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/sa… Deadline: 27 April 2026 Z Zurich Foundation One Young World Scholarship Website: 4 May 2026 Deadline: oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/z-… Roche One Young World Scholarship Website: 6 May 2026 Deadline: oneyoungworld.com/scholarship/ro… Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition Website: royalcwsociety.org/writing-compet… Deadline: 30 April 2026 Peter Drucker Challenge Essay Contest 2026 for students & young entrepreneurs Website: druckerchallenge.org/home/ Deadline: 20 April 2026 The IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship 2027 for Women Journalists Worldwide (Fully Funded to the United States) Website: iwmf.submittable.com/.../2027-eliza…... Deadline: 19 April 2026 2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education (USD $50,000 Prize) Website : unesco.org/.../call-nomin…... Deadline: 12 May 2026 iF Social Impact prize 2026 Website: ifdesign.com/en/if-social-i… Deadline: 20 May 2026 World Food Prize Website: worldfoodprize.org/.../world_food… Deadline: 1 May 2026

Putting it out there that @AFREADA is open for fiction submissions from African writers till April ends. They pay 100 UK pounds for every published story. Check them out: afreada.com

Come work with us! We are looking to engage experienced consultants across a wide range of creative, communications, and technical roles to support our research, advocacy and campaign work across the world. 📅 Deadline to apply: 24 April Full details: web.civicus.org/jobs

African storytellers, creatives, journalists, artists- grants & funding opportunities are calling! Tag someone below 👇🏾 PART I: 1. Solutions Journalism Africa Grant (2026) Journalists reporting on what works across the continent — this is for you. 👉🏾 Funds rigorous, evidence based solutions reporting 👉🏾 Open to print, audio, video & digital storytellers 👉🏾 Strong focus on community impact Deadline: 22 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/fUNm50YIjcQ 2. Pulitzer Center Impact Seed Fund – Africa Looking to extend the life and impact of your journalism? 👉🏾 Grants up to $4,000 👉🏾 Supports education, engagement & outreach 👉🏾 Ideal for journalists working with communities Deadline: 19 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/9zsO50YIjcH 3. Environmental Investigative Journalism Grant (Africa–Europe) Climate, land, water, energy — dig deeper. 👉🏾 Supports cross border investigative reporting 👉🏾 African–European newsroom collaborations encouraged 👉🏾 Ideal for long form investigations Deadline: 23 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/7yxr50YIjcK #hotopportunities #africanofilter

African storytellers, creatives, journalists, artists- grants & funding opportunities are calling! Tag someone below 👇🏾 PART II: 4. Africa Photography Awards (2026) Visual storytellers — show the continent through your lens. 👉🏾 Categories include culture, cities & development 👉🏾 Open to all skill levels 👉🏾 Major exposure + cash prizes Deadline: 30 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/pJnL50YIjcP 5. IWMF Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship Women & non binary journalists reporting on justice and human rights. 👉🏾 7 month fellowship 👉🏾 Research at MIT + internship at The New York Times 👉🏾 Fully funded Deadline: 19 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/pEfO50YIjcS 6. UNCCD COP17 Media Fellowship Cover land, climate & drought resilience on a global stage. 👉🏾 Fully funded reporting opportunity 👉🏾 On the ground access to COP17 👉🏾 For journalists from the Global South Deadline: 15 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/kSMq50YIjcO 7. INMA Africa Elevate Scholarship Early career media professionals under 35 — level up. 👉🏾 Global masterclasses 👉🏾 Virtual mentorship 👉🏾 Journalism meets business & sustainability Deadline: 17 April 2026 🔗 ow.ly/Kxwf50YIjcR 8. InteRussia Journalism Fellowship Mid career journalists ready for international exposure. 👉🏾 4 week practical training programme 👉🏾 Open to journalists aged 25–40 👉🏾 Travel, accommodation & stipend covered Deadline: 19 May 2026 🔗 ow.ly/CHmJ50YIjcI #hotopportunities #africanofilter

OUR LAWS AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES The Nigerian Bar Association @NigBarAssoc has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections. These developments, particularly those arising from the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, raise serious constitutional, democratic, and rule-of-law concerns that require immediate intervention. We particularly deprecate the disturbing involvement by lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties despite the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which stipulates in Section 83 of the Act that “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.” Not only are courts denied jurisdiction to entertain any matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party, but they are also precluded from granting any interim or interlocutory injunction even where any action has been brought in violation of the Act. The section further provides that “Where such an action is brought in negation of this provision, no interim or interlocutory injunction shall be entertained by the Court, but the Court shall suspend its ruling and deliver it at the stage of final judgment and shall give accelerated hearing to the matter”. What we now see are situations where actions are not only instituted in Courts by lawyers in clear violation of the Act, but Courts purportedly grant interim and/or interlocutory injunctions in clear contempt of statutory provisions of the law. This does not augur well for our democracy. Democracy will not thrive in a situation where lawyers and courts take actions and decisions that not only negate our laws but also do violence to them. This emerging trend of subverting the clear letters of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of political parties through disingenuous litigation, forum shopping, and malafide applications designed to secure undemocratic political advantage, bodes no good for our democracy. Such practices, if not immediately curbed, would directly contradict the clear intendment of the Electoral Act and risk transforming the judicial processes into avenues for political score-settling or electoral manipulation. We must reiterate that these provisions were clearly designed to curb abuse of court processes and discourage forum shopping in political disputes. This is therefore why the NBA is concerned that the abuse, misapplication, or selective deployment of these provisions may create opportunities for manipulation capable of undermining democratic competition and shrinking the political space. Members of the Bar are reminded that they are Ministers in the Temple of Justice and not political agents seeking judicial endorsement of partisan objectives. The filing of actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes, particularly where jurisdiction is expressly excluded, constitutes an abuse of court process and a violation of professional responsibility. The NBA will take firm steps to deter such conduct. Lawyers who deliberately file actions aimed at procuring judicial interference in intra-party affairs, or who seek ex parte or interlocutory orders in clear violation of statutory provisions, risk facing disciplinary proceedings. We will not hesitate to present petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against any Legal Practitioner found to be engaging in such conduct. This will be pursued decisively to serve as a deterrent and to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process. The Nigerian judiciary must stay vigilant and resist being drawn into political theatrics. Courts should firmly decline invitations, no matter how artfully crafted, to intervene in matters the law explicitly bars them from. A thread 1/2