The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Their craze for ‘number one’

    Their craze for ‘number one’

    It is in the character of politicians to be in front, to be the number one. Even, where they are not the numero uno, they still see themselves as such. Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara started what can be called the game of number one when he picked up his membership card of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Apparently to silence mockers that he has no political base, he brandished his card and with a smile intoned: “My membership card is 001. I am now number one in APC in Rivers State”. Then, came ADC’s Peter Obi’s turn to play the same card. While campaigning for a LP candidate in the forthcoming council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Obi said he would be contesting for “number one” in 2027.

    Read Also: PDP condemns Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results

    Obi might have done that to impress the Obidients, members of the amorphous group behind his political ministry. They supported him in 2023 when he contested on LP platform and have warned him against joining ADC if he won’t get the party’s presidential ticket in 2027. Is there any elective post called number one? I am contesting for president is I am contesting for president. Any reason for the cryptic signal?

  • How President Tinubu’s NELFUND provides equal access

    How President Tinubu’s NELFUND provides equal access

    • By Dare Ojepe

    In a country where identity often arrives before ability, it is no small thing when a public policy chooses to listen differently. Nigeria, with its many tongues and temperaments, has long struggled with the burden of translation of names into networks, of accents into access, of origins into opportunity. Too often, the gates of progress have opened not to merit but to familiarity. Yet, quietly and without fanfare, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) is attempting something both simple and radical: it refuses to ask which village you come from before asking what future you seek.

    This is not a poetic exaggeration. It is a structural statement. For decades, the Nigerian youth has learned sometimes painfully that education support often comes with invisible footnotes. Who you know matters. Where you are from matters. How well you can navigate informal corridors matters. In this landscape, talent without connection becomes stranded, ambition without exposure becomes muted, and potential waits endlessly for interpretation. NELFUND enters this fraught terrain not as a miracle worker but as a system designed to remove unnecessary filters between effort and opportunity.

    The most striking thing about NELFUND is not the money; it is the method. It does not speak Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, or any of our proud dialects. It speaks something rarer in our public life: equal access. The application process does not pause to admire surnames or interrogate ethnic origin. It does not ask who sent you or who can vouch for you behind closed doors. It asks one central, democratic question: are you a Nigerian youth seeking education and willing to take responsibility for your future?

    That question alone is a quiet revolution.

    In a nation where public intervention is often confused with charity, NELFUND insists on dignity. This is not a handout dressed in benevolence; it is a loan anchored in trust. It assumes that young Nigerians, when given a fair starting point, will rise not as dependents but as partners in national development. It replaces the politics of pity with the economics of possibility. And in doing so, it subtly reshapes the psychology of education, from entitlement to investment.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    Critics, of course, will ask whether equal opportunity truly exists in a deeply unequal society. It is a fair question. Equal opportunity does not mean equal outcome, and NELFUND makes no such promise. What it offers instead is something more honest: the same starting gate. It does not guarantee arrival; it clears the road. The race remains demanding, but at least the rules are visible, and the whistle is blown for all at the same time.

    There is also something profoundly national about the design. A student in Jalingo fills the same form as one in Surulere. A young woman in Aba submits the same details as a young man in Ogbomoso. No middlemen hover. No informal toll gates appear. The digital window does not recognise accents or skin tone; it responds only to data. In a country accustomed to whispered processes and selective hearing, this plainness feels almost radical.

    Yet, the deeper significance of NELFUND lies beyond administration. It sends a message, subtle but firm; that belonging is not conditional. That you do not need to sound like power to access support. That your background is not a disqualification. In a polity where identity has often been weaponised, this policy offers a counter-narrative: you are Nigerian enough to be considered, full stop.

    This matters for the youth, not just materially but psychologically. When systems are perceived as fair, effort increases. When rules are clear, cynicism weakens. When access is not mediated by tribe or proximity to influence, ambition begins to look inward rather than sideways. The question shifts from “who can help me?” to “how can I prepare myself?” That shift, multiplied across millions, is how nations quietly change course.

    Of course, no policy should be shielded from scrutiny. Transparency must remain non-negotiable. Loan recovery mechanisms must be humane but firm. Financial literacy must accompany access, lest opportunity becomes burden. NELFUND must continually prove that its promise of neutrality is not just aspirational but operational. Vigilance, not applause, is the civic duty of citizens.

    Still, it is important to acknowledge progress when it appears, especially in modest clothing. In a country of many languages, it is refreshing to encounter a policy that speaks fairness fluently. NELFUND may not solve all the structural problems of Nigerian education, but it addresses a foundational one: the exclusion that begins before learning even starts.

    When support no dey ask which village you been come from, hope becomes less complicated. And sometimes, that is exactly where national renewal begins.

    •Ojepe is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement.

  • Remita provides easy access to 2026 JAMB ePINs

    Remita provides easy access to 2026 JAMB ePINs

    As registration opens for 2026 UTME and Direct Entry examinations, Remita is simplifying how candidates can access their JAMB ePINs, making the process more intuitive, reliable, and inclusive. By reducing friction and strengthening digital connections between students, families, and institutions, Remita is ensuring that candidates can complete this step with greater ease.

    Remita is expanding access, convenience, and rewards across its digital platforms, empowering individuals and communities to directly transact securely, without relying on third-party intermediaries. Through its enhanced website and mobile app, parents and candidates can pay for JAMB services by themselves, maintain full visibility of their transaction records, obtain original transaction receipts, and earn rewards on every payment.

    Beyond individual candidates and their parents who can easily navigate digital platforms, Remita is also empowering trusted partners in the education ecosystem. Schools, training institutions, and other public-minded organisations  are supported by Remita to seamlessly process ePINs in their environments to eliminate operational stress and protect candidates from exploitation.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    Abayomi Oniku, executive director of Business Development,  said: “Education is the greatest investment in Nigeria’s tomorrow, and Remita will continue to ensure that payments are a bridge – never a barrier – to opportunity.”

    Alisa Chinedu, head of Digital Assets and Partnerships, Remita, added: “This year, we are making the JAMB ePIN experience more intuitive and more human – through our AI assistant and stronger partnerships with trusted institutions and stakeholders that guide students.”

    These initiatives represent Remita’s commitment to its responsibility as a leader in facilitating financial inclusion, digital access, and greater economic participation in Nigeria’s evolving payments ecosystem.  As a designated national payments and digital public infrastructure provider, Remita is focused on connecting people, institutions, and aspirations through systems Nigerians can depend on.

    As millions of young Nigerians take this step towards higher education, Remita is right there with them as a partner in progress. In every exam season and every academic transition, Remita remains dependable, forward-looking, and committed to expanding access. Because when education moves forward, Nigeria moves forward too.

  • Commission’s chief reaffirms stronger ties with legislature

    Commission’s chief reaffirms stronger ties with legislature

    Executive Chairman of Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hulayat Omidiran, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Assembly .

    It was during the visit of Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District.

    The meeting, held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, focused on deepening legislative–executive cooperation to promote equity, fairness and national balance in public service appointments, in line with the federal character principle.

    Omidiran stressed importance of sustained interaction with lawmakers in advancing the commission’s constitutional mandate and enhancing institutional effectiveness.

    Read Also: PDP condemns Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results

    “Federal Character Commission cannot operate in isolation. Our work requires strong synergy with National Assembly to ensure that fairness, inclusiveness and national balance remain at the heart of governance,” Omidiran said.

    “We are committed to building institutional bridges that reinforce transparency and accountability. This visit demonstrates our readiness to work  with the legislature for the benefit of Nigerians,” said the former federal lawmaker, who served at House of Representatives between 2011 and 2019.

    Aliero, a former Governor of Kebbi State (1999–2007) and one-time minister of Federal Capital Territory, who has represented Kebbi Central in the Senate since 2015, hailed leadership of the commission and pledged legislative backing for initiatives that promote equitable representation and national cohesion.

    The visit forms part of strategic engagements by FCC leadership to reinforce institutional partnerships and advancing reforms to entrench the federal character principle in the public service.

  • Nigeria’s energy gets a lift with first FLNG project

    Nigeria’s energy gets a lift with first FLNG project

    Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project is underway.

    Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore, Dr. Julius Rone, announced commencement of construction at an awards event in Lagos, after receiving the honour as Investor of the Year.

    Rone described the development as a defining moment for Nigeria’s energy sector.

    He attributed the project’s progress to an improved investment climate under President Bola Tinubu, noting incentives under Renewed Hope Agenda have unlocked private sector investments in gas.

    “This year, we are moving into construction,” Rone said, saying the project has reached execution stage after years of planning, financing and regulatory approvals.

    “This administration has  created an enabling environment to encourage investors, particularly in gas,” Rone said.

    He said the facility, to be located in Yoho Field, Oil Mining Lease (OML) 104, 60 kilometres offshore Niger Delta, would produce 1.5 million tonnes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) yearly for export, with 300,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for domestic consumption.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    With 2.2 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, the facility is expected to sustain operations for at least 20 years.

    Rone said the project would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported cooking gas, stressing that domestic LPG supply remains one of the project’s core objectives.

    “One quarter of LPG importation into Nigeria will stop, from this project alone, we will supply at least 300,000 metric tonnes yearly to support the domestic market. Instead of importing, we will become self-sufficient,” he said.

    Beyond energy security, he noted that FLNG would create jobs, boost revenue and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

    The financial structure reflects strong international confidence in Nigerian-led energy initiatives. Afreximbank as lead financier mobilised $2 billion for Phase 1, with additional $3 billion for Phase 2, making the total $5 billion.

    The ownership comprises UTM FLNG with 72 per cent equity, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) with 20 per cent, and Delta State with eight per cent.

    The project also secured partnerships with global engineering firms, JGC Holdings, Technip Energies and KBR, and has completed environmental and social impact assessments.

    Project Advisor and board member of UTM FLNG, Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, said the award is well-deserved, noting the project would open the door for more FLNG developments.

    “This is the first FLNG project in Nigeria, and once this one is done, more will come.”  “It is an encouraging recognition, and more is expected of the firm,” Mai-Bornu said.

    The Managing Director and Editor -in-chief of Sun Publishing Limited Onuoha Ukeh described Rone and other award recipients as “uncommon achievers” whose investments and resilience continue to drive national development beyond government policy frameworks.

  • Bauchi at 50: Retired Army chief seeks inclusive growth

    Bauchi at 50: Retired Army chief seeks inclusive growth

    A retired Army General, Yakubu Usman, has urged Bauchi State to prioritise unity, fairness, justice and inclusive development as the state turns 50.

    In a statement to mark the Golden Jubilee, Gen. Usman congratulated the state under Governor Bala Mohammed, describing the milestone as a moment for reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals on which the state was founded.

    He said the anniversary is an opportunity to appreciate the vision, sacrifices and resilience of past leaders, who laid the foundation, often under challenging circumstances.

    According to him, as the state enters its next phase, successive administrations must be committed to policies that promote unity, equity and inclusive growth.

    Read Also: PDP condemns Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results

    “As Bauchi embarks on its next phase, it is imperative to prioritise unity, fairness, justice and inclusive development,” he said.

    Gen. Usman lauded the administration’s people-centred approach, noting Governor Mohammed’s leadership reflects a commitment to progress and shared responsibility.

    He urged political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to emulate this spirit by setting aside parochial interests and working together for development of the state.

    Looking ahead, he hoped the resilience, ingenuity and solidarity of the Bauchi people would continue to drive progress and prosperity.

    Gen. Usman also praised the indigenes of the state, at home and in the diaspora, for their commitment to Bauchi’s growth, calling on stakeholders to leverage the celebrations as a catalyst for renewed hope, faith, and optimism.

  • NESG chair: prioritise poverty reduction

    NESG chair: prioritise poverty reduction

    Chair of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Niyi Yusuf, has urged stakeholders to prioritise reducing poverty levels in Osun State and beyond.

    He spoke in his keynote address at the 30th anniversary celebration of Osun Development Association (ODA) in Lagos.

    Yusuf said in terms of the quality of life, poverty is an issue, and Osun State is not doing well. “There is what we call Multi-dimensional Poverty Index, and in terms of this, Osun scored 31. We are ranked 31 of 36 states,” he said.

    The NESG chief said: “Poverty is an issue today, but it is also an opportunity for us in ODA and for members, because we can’t focus on increasing the quality of life if people are still multi-dimensionally poor.”

    The event attracted prominent personalities from the public and private sectors, as well as stakeholders from in and outside the state.

    The event, convening leaders from business, government, and communities, marked three decades of ODA’s advocacy, engagement and commitment to growth of Osun.

    Earlier, Chair of Organising Committee of the 30th anniversary, Chief Bamidele Alimi, said the gathering was not merely to celebrate the passage of time, but “to celebrate three decades of service, sacrifice, resilience, and progress.”

    He said the event marks a moment of reflection—on how far ODA has come.

    Read Also: PDP condemns Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results

    “It is also a moment of appreciation—for those who laboured in the early days, those who sustained the vision through challenging seasons, and those who continue to carry the torch of leadership and service today,” Alimi said.

    He noted that “the event is also about reconnection—renewing bonds, strengthening relationships, and recommitting ourselves to ideals that bind us together.”

    The chairman noted that in a changing world, associations like ODA play a critical role in preserving identity, promoting collaboration, and driving sustainable development.

    Moving forward, Dr. Alimi said the association will focus on thinking boldly, acting strategically, and working inclusively—so the legacy it hands over will be stronger than the one it inherited.

    The association added that the next phase of its journey will focus on deepening partnerships, strengthening institutions and shaping an economic roadmap for Osun.

    Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by Commissioner for  Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, pledged the state’s readiness to partner the  private sector

    He said government is partnering any organisation that is forward-looking to join the governor’s mission and actualise his five-point agenda.

    Jenyo said presence of three commissioners at the event underscored the government’s support of what ODA is doing.

  • Firm seeks Pan-African expansion

    Firm seeks Pan-African expansion

    Barely two years since his first major project in the movie industry, Founder of Harmony Luxe Event, Adenipekun Harmony Oluwanipinmi has intensified efforts to spread the company’s tentacles across the continent.

    Firmly established as the undisputed leader in luxury movie premieres in Nigeria; he is setting his sights far beyond national borders.

    A statement from his media office said: “The turning point came in 2024 when actress Bolaji Ogunmola reached out and asked him to handle the premiere of her movie Ajosepo. Faced with no conventional venue, Harmony and his team took on the challenge head-on: they transformed a flooded parking lot into a world-class event space in less than 18 hours. That single execution changed everything. “After that premiere I knew the opportunities were endless,” he recalls.

    “From that moment, Harmony Luxe Event quickly became the gold standard.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    “ The company is now instantly recognizable for red-carpet excellence, exaggerated finishing, immersive experiences, unlimited premium food and drinks, creative and large-scale set builds, and an unmistakable aura of sophistication and steeze.

    “Among the most talked-about projects are the Gladiator movie premiere at IMAX Lekki — where the team flooded the entire venue floor with sharp sand to create a full arena atmosphere.

     “I look forward to expanding into Africa as a whole and into Europe.We will be doing more destination weddings in Europe and more corporate events in Africa by collaborating with locals in these places and building pocket teams and franchises everywhere possible.”

    “He has set an even bolder long-term target: the ability to deliver complete, high-end luxury events from concept to flawless execution in under 10 hours.

    “Industry observers agree that Harmony Luxe has not only raised the bar for movie premieres but has also redefined what experiential movie premieres can and should look like in Nigeria. The combination of speed, creativity, meticulous detail, and uncompromising quality has turned the company into a blueprint others now study and try to emulate.

    As Harmony Luxe Event prepares to export its signature style across continents, Adenipekun Harmony Oluwanipinmi is showing that Nigerian event production doesn’t just belong on the global stage it has the potential to lead it.”

  • Company opens energy training facility in Lagos

    Company opens energy training facility in Lagos

    Westpaq International, in partnership with Subsurface Consultants and Associates (SCA), has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Energy Industry Training Facility at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, marking a step toward strengthening capacity development in the energy sector.

    The facility will support capability building, leadership development, and industry transformation for integrated energy firms, service providers, and regulatory agencies operating in the sector.

    The ceremony brought in the Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Commercial Service, Bradley McKinney, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, consul general, senior Commercial Service officials, and representatives of U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Obasanjo, Mimiko, Fasoranti, others bag Ondo golden jubilee awards

    Representative of Westpaq described the facility as a milestone in advancing growth of Nigeria’s energy.

    He said: “This facility is a significant milestone in our efforts to support growth and development of the energy industry in Nigeria.

    “We are committed to working with our partners to build local capacity and drive innovation in the sector.”

    The DAS, Bradley McKinney, led a roundtable discussion with representatives of leading U.S. energy and oilfield services companies operating in Nigeria. Participants included executives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Schlum

  • 78 buried in Kwara community after terror attack

    78 buried in Kwara community after terror attack

    • 37 killed in Benue, Katsina communities
    • Tinubu orders deployment of military battalion to troubled community
    • Operation Savanna Shield begins as 78 victims are buried in Woro community

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a military battalion to parts of Kwara State following a deadly attack on Kaiama Local Government Area.

    According to the House of Assembly member representing the Gwanabe/Gwaria Constituency, Saidu Baba Ahmed, confirmed that 78 residents were killed by the invaders.

    Separate attacks were also launched on communities in Benue and Katsina states. Thirty-seven residents were killed in the two states.

    Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue) and AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman (Kwara) condemned the attacks in the states.

    The Senate demands urgent military action and reliefs for victims of the deadly raids.

    It urged security agencies to sustain their onslaught on terrorists and other criminals.

    Tinubu’s directive, which also includes the appointment of a Field Commander and the immediate commencement of a military operation tagged: Operation Savanna Shield, was given yesterday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    Read Also: PDP condemns Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results

    Onanuga, in a post on his X handle, @aonanuga1956, said the President’s intervention was aimed at providing immediate relief to affected communities and restoring security in the area.

    The post reads: “Help is on the way for the beleaguered people of Kaiama and others as President Tinubu orders the deployment of a military battalion, the appointment of a commander and the start of Operation Savanna Shield.”

    The federal action followed a brutal attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, where residents reportedly recovered the bodies of 78 persons killed by armed bandits who invaded the rural settlement on Tuesday.

    The victims were buried on yesterday evening after funeral prayers (Janazah) were held around 6:30pm, shortly before the evening (Magrib) prayers.

    The lawmaker representing Gwanabe/Gwaria Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba Ahmed, who witnessed the burial rites, confirmed the casualty figures.

    He said the deceased included 75 males and three females, adding that 35 residents were abducted and taken into the bush by the attackers.

    The launch of Operation Savanna Shield is expected to strengthen federal security presence in the area, stabilise affected communities and prevent further attacks, as residents continue to mourn the victims of the raid.

    In Benue, the gunmen attacked the Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of the state, killing a police officer and farmers. They also destroyed houses.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), attached to 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, was on special duty in the community, when he was shot dead.

    A community leader, Lawrence Akerigba, told The Nation on phone that 17 persons were killed.

    It was learnt that on Tuesday, suspected armed herders in large numbers stormed the community and shot indiscriminately at residents.

    The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edet Edema, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the attack.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Ifeanyi Emenari, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations to  proceed to Jato-Aka with more Mobile Force personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest.

    Alia, who condemned the attacks in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary(CPS), Sir Kulas Tersoo, said the bandits have dared the state and Nigeria security system and must be attended to in the language they understood better.

    Sympathising with the families of the victims, the governor assured the people of safety.

    The gunmen invaded two communities of Woro and Nuku, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday night, burnt houses and killed scores.

    A community leader said many bandits suspected to be hibernating in the forest of the National Park in Borgu, Niger State, invaded the Woro community about 6pm on Tuesday.

    In a statement by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq confirmed the development and mourned victims, saying that security forces had continued to improve on counterterrorism.

    He assured that nothing would tamper with the peace in the state.

    Also in Katsina, a gang of armed bandits struck in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 20 villagers, burning houses, shops, and vehicles and many rendered homeless

    Investigation by The Nation showed that the fresh attack took place in the Doma Community, Tafoki, about 4:30pm

    The bandits, who were armed with dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles, invaded the community five months after the peace deal reached with the bandits, attended by prominent traditional leaders and security personnel.

    Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area, Sirajo Daudawa, told The Nation, the incident was a suspected reprisal attack.

    He said: “The situation is indeed very unfortunate. We have not recorded any bad moments over the past five months, except for this that we found ourselves.

    “We lost at least 20 people. Several houses and vehicles were burnt down by the hoodlums, security agencies were duly informed, but, unfortunately, none of them was able to report to the scene until after the bandits achieved their mission.

    “The bodies of the deceased were retrieved at Tafoki, and will be buried tomorrow morning.

    “We are sympathising with the Doma community and Tafoki ward, Faskari Local Government Area, and Katsina State people in general over this tragedy. May Almighty Allah have mercy on those killed and bring this to an end.”

    The State Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, commiserated with the families and friends of the victims of the deadly armed bandits attack.

    Shehu, who also condemned the attack, directed the deployment of additional resources to expedite the investigation and arrest of the perpetrators of the act.

    The commissioner, in a statement by the state PPRO, Abubakar Sadiq, said operatives, in collaboration with the military, and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC), had moved to the scene of the incident.

    He said 13 persons were shot by the bandits who escaped the scene before the arrival of the operatives.

    Normalcy has been restored to the affected area, investigations into the incident have started, he said.