Anambra 2025: INEC Begins Training Ahead of Anambra CVR, Bids Farewell to Retiring TEI Directors

The Electoral Institute (TEI), in collaboration with the Voter Registry (VR) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) departments of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday launched a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to commence on Tuesday, July 8, in Anambra State.

The training aims to equip 26 selected trainers, including supervisors, with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate the CVR process effectively. These trainers will subsequently cascade their training to registration officials in the various local government areas (LGAs) across the state.

Meanwhile, the Institute held a farewell ceremony to honour its former Director-General, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, and four retired directors who have made notable contributions to the advancement of electoral education and capacity building in Nigeria.

The retirees—Mr. John Irem, Mr. Sylvanus Yepe, Mr. Tunde Ojedokun, and Mr. Ifeanyi Agoha—were commended for their years of dedicated service to the Institute and the country’s democratic development.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in a message delivered on his behalf by the Chairman of the Board of the Electoral Institute (BEI), Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, praised Dr. Idris for his transformative leadership during his tenure as DG of TEI.

“Your groundwork has positioned the Electoral Institute to become a hub for electoral capacity building, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” Prof. Yakubu noted, while expressing optimism about Dr. Idris’ new role as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC). He encouraged the former DG to continue serving as an ambassador of the Institute.

The event was attended by several high-ranking INEC officials and dignitaries, including National Commissioners Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Malam A.T. Yusuf, Prof. Mohammed Sani Adam (SAN), Mr. Sam Olumekun (mni), Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Prof. Sunday Aja, Barr. May Agbamuche-Mbu, and Dr. Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu.

Also present were Resident Electoral Commissioners from Nasarawa, Sokoto, and the Federal Capital Territory—Mr. Shehu Wahab, Alhaji Yusuf Garba, and Alhaji Aminu Idris—as well as INEC Secretary, Mrs. Rosemary Anthony Oriaran.

Other notable attendees included Dr. Kole Shettima, external board member of the Institute, and Dr. Muhammad I. Ngoshe, former Assistant Director General of the DSS and a close associate of Dr. Idris.

The TEI serves as the research and training arm of INEC, playing a critical role in enhancing electoral competence, professionalism, and integrity across Nigeria’s electoral processes.