The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tinubu felicitates longtime ally, Prof. Gbadegesin, at 80

    Tinubu felicitates longtime ally, Prof. Gbadegesin, at 80

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated his longtime friend and political associate, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, describing the renowned philosopher as a fearless democrat whose life of scholarship and activism has left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s democracy and educational development.

    In a statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, to mark the milestone birthday on December 20, the President rejoiced with the octogenarian scholar, noting that Prof. Gbadegesin devoted his knowledge, wisdom and intellect to national service, with a resonating impact on democracy, good governance and academic excellence.

    President Tinubu recalled the courage, brilliance and clarity of purpose that defined Gbadegesin’s role as a US-based democratic activist during the struggle to return Nigeria to civil rule in the 1990s, including the campaign for the recognition of the winner of the June 12 presidential election.

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    He acknowledged that the philosopher’s commitment to democratic ideals sometimes put his life on the line, underscoring his steadfast loyalty to the cause of freedom and justice.

    The President also highlighted Gbadegesin’s contributions to Nigeria’s educational development through decades of research, insightful articles, book authorship, teaching and counselling, which, he said, have produced a strong legacy of discipline, focus and resourcefulness among students and colleagues alike.

    “As Gbadegesin turns an octogenarian, the President believes his influence in academia, governance and democratic institutions will continue to expand, particularly in politics, philosophy and economics, where he remains an authority,” the statement said.

    President Tinubu joined members of Gbadegesin’s family, friends and associates in celebrating the milestone, which he said is coloured by memories of loyalty, service and patriotism.

    He prayed that Almighty God would bless the eminent professor with good health, renewed strength and greater wisdom to continue serving the nation he loves.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Yilwatda attend APC 15th NEC meeting in Abuja

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, are attending the party’s 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The session commenced at 6:05 pm with the arrival of the President and followed the APC National Caucus meeting held on Thursday.

    The meeting is being moderated by Prof. Yilwatda, who was elected National Chairman at the party’s NEC meeting of July 24, 2025.

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    Opening prayers were offered by the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, who led the Christian prayer, while the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Arugungu, offered the Muslim prayer.

    In attendance are Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and other principal officers of the National Assembly.

    Also present are six governors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri; Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.

    Details shortly….

  • NAF C-130 aircraft released from Burkina Faso lands in Ghana 

    NAF C-130 aircraft released from Burkina Faso lands in Ghana 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft, which was released on Thursday by Burkinabe authorities following a diplomatic meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Ghana.

    NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed this in a statement on Friday. 

    He said the aircraft departed Bobo-Dioulasso airfield, Burkina Faso on Friday evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with the updated flight plan.

    Ejodame revealed that the aircraft landing in Ghana was in preparation for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance. 

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is pleased to confirm that its C-130 aircraft, which made a precautionary landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, departed this evening and arrived safely in Accra in line with updated flight plan, preparing for onward movement to Portugal via Banjul and Casablanca for its scheduled depot maintenance. 

    “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the concern and support expressed by members of the public and assures Nigerians that all personnel remain safe, the aircraft is serviceable, and the Service continues to operate to the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”

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    The Nation reports that there was a diplomatic misunderstanding between Nigeria and Burkina Faso two weeks ago after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) C-130 aircraft made a precautionary landing in the Sahelian country on December 8.

    The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law.”

    But according to a statement by a NAF spokesperson, on December 9, the aircraft was en route to Portugal for maintenance, but had to divert to the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield in Burkina Faso after the crew detected a technical issue a few hours after departing Lagos on December 8.

    Ejodame explained that the Bobo-Dioulasso Airfield was the nearest available airfield at the time, noting that the diversion was in line with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.

    “Plans are ongoing to resume the mission as scheduled. The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the support received during this period and assures the public that the NAF remains professionally committed to strict compliance with operational procedures and safety standards, ensuring the protection of its personnel while fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” he said.

    However, despite the explanation, allegations of espionage circulated online. These allegations were later refuted by credible sources at the NAF Headquarters.

    Some online publications alleged that the aircraft was forced to land by Burkinabe authorities over alleged clandestine intelligence activities. They also alleged that the clandestine operation was backed by foreign powers, claiming that the experience of the crew onboard had no correlation with maintenance activities, contrary to the NAF’s assertion that the aircraft was en route to

    But a credible source, who spoke to The Nation on December 15, debunked the allegations as entirely “false, misleading, and unsupported by facts.”

    According to the source, the flight was covered by all necessary documentation, including provisions for diversion in line with international aviation procedures.

    The source added that the precautionary landing at Bobo-Dioulasso was initiated strictly on safety grounds and in full compliance with standard aviation protocols.

    “At no time was the aircraft intercepted, forced to land, or found operating without authorisation, and claims of airspace violation or hostile intent are fabrications intended to misinform and inflame public sentiment,” the source said.

    The credible source also described the allegations of espionage, SIGINT operations, foreign sponsorship, or the involvement of other external networks, as “baseless”, insisting that the personnel on board were standard aircrew and mission-support officers “conducting a legitimate military air movement, not intelligence operatives, and the aircraft was not equipped with surveillance or data-collection systems of any kind.”

    The source said that the professional interactions between the Burkinabe authorities and the NAF crew since the aircraft’s emergency landing, as well as the fact that the crew had been in contact with their families, indicated that there was nothing clandestine about the aircraft or the crew’s mission.

    The source said, “Contrary to online speculation, there was no official statement from the NAF claiming that the crew had been released. 

    “Matters relating to the aircraft and its personnel are being responsibly managed by the relevant Nigerian government ministries and agencies through established diplomatic channels, in line with international norms and bilateral relations.”

    The source cautioned that the continued circulation allegation reflects a deliberate disinformation effort aimed at discrediting Nigeria, undermining trust, and straining regional relations. 

    On Wednesday, December 16, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, to meet with Ibrahim Traoré, Burkin Faso’s military leader, and both sides amicably resolved the issue, leading to the release of the aircraft and the crew by Burkinabe authorities on Friday, December 19.

  • Tinubu congratulates veteran broadcaster, Bisi Olatilo, at 72

    Tinubu congratulates veteran broadcaster, Bisi Olatilo, at 72

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated veteran broadcaster, Chief Bisi Olatilo, on his 72nd birthday, describing him as a media icon whose work continues to enrich Nigeria’s cultural life and national development.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday to mark Olatilo’s birthday on December 20, the President extolled the broadcaster, polyglot and founder of Biscon Communications for his pioneering role in broadcast journalism and his enduring commitment to professionalism in the media industry.

    President Tinubu noted that Olatilo, who still anchors the popular Bisi Olatilo Show, has become an institution and a widely respected voice in Nigeria’s celebrity and cultural media space.

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    “Otunba Bisi, at 72, you have become an institution and a widely respected voice in Nigeria’s celebrity media circle, primarily through the Bisi Olatilo Show, which has transformed into a must-see item in social circles and a veritable source of enlightenment and mentorship,” the President said.

    He further described the celebrant as more than a broadcaster, highlighting his contributions to the conservation and promotion of Nigerian arts and culture, which he said underscore Olatilo’s belief in national unity and socio-economic development.

    “You are more than a broadcaster. Your role in the conservation and promotion of Nigerian arts and culture stands you tall as a true believer in the unity and socio-economic development of our dear nation. You are a true master of your trade,” President Tinubu added.

    The President wished the respected media practitioner good health, renewed strength and many more years of fulfilment, as he continues to deploy his wealth of experience in advancing Nigeria’s media industry.

  • Olympique Lagos Academy uncovers emerging talents at Alagbado scouting tryouts

    Olympique Lagos Academy uncovers emerging talents at Alagbado scouting tryouts

    Olympique Lagos Football Academy on Friday held a free scouting tryout session at the Alade Stadium, Alagbado, Lagos, as part of its grassroots development drive aimed at identifying and grooming young football talents across the state.

    The exercise, which attracted hundreds of aspiring footballers, focused on players between the ages of 14 and 16, offering them a platform to showcase their skills before local and international scouts. 

    According to the academy’s president, Segun Oduwole, the initiative was designed to discover talents early and place them on a structured development pathway.

    “This is a tryout program to scout for grassroots talent in Lagos,” Oduwole said. “The reason for this is to catch young talent at their prime, at a youthful age, within 14, 15 and 16 years. At this stage, we are looking at prospects who can grow into superstars, even though growth is never guaranteed. Our goal is to groom young players who can fly the Nigerian flag both at home and abroad.”

    Oduwole noted that several promising players were identified during the session, stressing that talent alone was not enough to succeed at the highest level. He urged the selected players to remain focused and committed to personal development.

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    “Nothing good comes easy,” he added. “At times, talent is not everything; working hard and smart is. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are great not just because of talent, but because of dedication, discipline and lifestyle. Ronaldo at 40 is still playing great football. For these young players, they need to work three times harder to get to that stage.”

    Also present at the tryouts was Oluwagbenga Adewunmi Adetona, popularly known as Schimchi, founder and chairman of Schimchi Football Academy, who highlighted the depth of talent on display despite the limited number of players that could be selected.

    “This tryout is good. We have a lot of talent, but we can’t pick everybody,” Adetona said. “We had about 500 players here today, and we can only select around 15. They are all good, but we go for the best.”

    Adetona emphasised discipline as a critical factor in a footballer’s success, both on and off the pitch, warning young players against distractions that could derail their careers.

    “In football, if you are hardworking and skilful but you don’t have discipline, you can’t go anywhere,” he said. “Discipline comes first. If you want to play football, you must give everything to football. Lack of discipline has ruined the careers of many players who ended up being banned or sent back home from abroad.”

    He further called on government authorities to invest more in grassroots sports development, particularly in infrastructure.

    “Nigeria has more talent than any other country in Africa, but we lack facilities,” Adetona said. “In Ghana, there are pitches and parks for young players. Here, we don’t have enough fields. If each local government can provide at least two standard pitches, it will make a huge difference. Talent is not our problem; facilities are.”

    Adding an international perspective to the event was Serbian scout Aleksa Masic, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of players observed during the tryouts. Masic disclosed that 17 players had already been selected to join the Olympique Lagos Football Academy.

    “Our idea is to set up a European standard in this academy,” Masic said. “I am very satisfied with what I saw today. After this, we will travel to Delta State to find more players who can join the academy.”

    He explained that the academy’s long-term vision was focused on structured development and eventual exposure to European football.

    “We want to see good development, and after two or three years of hard work, we expect to move some of these players to European clubs,” Masic said. “That is the idea of this academy, and we hope to do it the right way.”

    The successful turnout and quality of talent at the Alagbado tryouts reinforced the growing belief that with proper structure, discipline and investment, grassroots football in Nigeria can continue to produce players capable of competing at the highest levels of the global game.

  • Nivedigital Academy Launches Nigeria’s First Agency-Based Digital Marketing Training Program with AI

    Nivedigital Academy Launches Nigeria’s First Agency-Based Digital Marketing Training Program with AI

    Nivedigital Academy, backed by an award-winning digital marketing agency in Nigeria, has officially launched Nigeria’s first agency-based digital marketing training program with AI. The initiative is designed to bridge the growing skills gap in Nigeria’s digital economy by providing learners with hands-on experience, real client exposure, and industry-relevant mentorship.

    As businesses increasingly rely on digital channels for growth, the demand for skilled digital marketers continues to rise. However, many graduates entering the market lack the practical experience required by employers.

    Nivedigital Academy aims to address this challenge by offering a results-driven digital marketing training program that focuses on execution rather than theory alone.

    Built by industry practitioners with real agency experience, Nivedigital Academy places a strong emphasis on learning by doing. Students enrolled in the program are trained using real client projects, live tools, and proven strategies currently used by businesses across Nigeria and beyond. This agency-style learning model ensures that learners understand how digital marketing works in real-world environments, not just in classrooms.

    “Over the years, we noticed that many digital marketing graduates had certificates but lacked practical experience,” said a spokesperson for Nivedigital Academy. “That’s why we designed a training model where students don’t just learn concepts, they execute real campaigns, work on live websites, and build portfolios that employers actually value.”

    The academy’s digital marketing training program covers essential and in-demand skills including search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, paid advertising, content marketing, email marketing, web analytics, and AI-powered marketing tools. Learners are also introduced to website optimization, conversion tracking, and performance analysis, helping them understand both strategy and execution across multiple digital channels.

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    Unlike traditional training centres that focus mainly on theory, Nivedigital Academy operates with an agency-based approach. Students work under close mentorship, receive continuous feedback, and are guided through real-world scenarios that mirror actual client challenges. This structure helps learners build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a deeper understanding of how to deliver measurable results for businesses.

    The program is designed to serve a wide range of learners, including fresh graduates, career switchers, business owners, and working professionals looking to upskill. To ensure accessibility, Nivedigital Academy offers both online and physical training options, including in-person digital marketing training in Lagos, allowing learners from different parts of Nigeria to participate in the program.

    One of the academy’s key differentiators is its strong focus on employability. Rather than prioritizing certificates alone, Nivedigital Academy helps students build job-ready portfolios, optimize their CVs, and prepare for interviews through mock sessions and structured career guidance. This employability-first approach ensures that graduates are equipped not just with knowledge, but with evidence of real work experience.

    Upon completion of the digital marketing training program, students receive placement assistance, freelance guidance, and access to a growing network of hiring partners, agencies, and business owners actively seeking skilled digital marketers. This support system helps graduates transition smoothly into full-time roles, freelance careers, or in-house marketing positions.

    Nivedigital Academy’s curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current digital trends and market demands, including the increasing use of AI tools for content creation, data analysis, campaign optimization, and performance tracking. In addition, guest sessions from experienced digital marketers and business leaders expose learners to practical insights, evolving best practices, and emerging opportunities within the digital space.

    By focusing on measurable results, practical execution, and mentorship, Nivedigital Academy continues to raise the standard for digital marketing education in Nigeria. The academy’s mission is to produce confident, data-driven marketers who can deliver real business impact from day one.

    As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, initiatives like this agency-based digital marketing training program play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of digital professionals. Through its hands-on approach and commitment to excellence, Nivedigital Academy is positioning itself as a leading force in shaping the future of digital marketing talent in the country.

  • Civil society situation room rates NNPC GCEO high on performance, improved crude production

    Civil society situation room rates NNPC GCEO high on performance, improved crude production

     The Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in the Extractive Industry (CCSTEI) has highly commended the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, for his transformative leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja.  the coalition’s National Coordinator, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel praised Ojulari’s bold reforms that have enhanced transparency, boosted operational efficiency, and driven significant improvements in crude oil production.

    The CCSTEI highlighted that since Ojulari’s appointment in April 2025, NNPC Ltd has shifted from longstanding perceptions of opacity and inefficiency to a more commercially driven and accountable entity. 

    Key achievements noted include the consistent publication of monthly performance reports, which have fostered real-time stakeholder oversight.

    Financially, the coalition applauded the company’s 2024 audited results, which showed a record revenue of ₦45.1 trillion and a profit after tax of ₦5.4 trillion – marking a 64% year-on-year growth in profit.

    On the production front, the group celebrated the milestone reached by NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), the company’s upstream subsidiary, which hit a daily crude oil output of 355,000 barrels on December 1, 2025 – the highest in 36 years. 

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    This contributed to an average daily production increase of 52%, from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025.

    The statement also acknowledged ongoing investments in gas infrastructure, including progress on projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), and Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, aimed at achieving ambitious targets of 10 billion cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion by 2030.

    While recognizing persistent challenges such as lingering public skepticism, oil theft, and global energy transitions, the CCSTEI called for continued support for Ojulari’s leadership. 

    It recommended further enhancements in public engagement, third-party audits, anti-corruption measures, local content development, and alignment with energy transition goals.

    Concluding the appraisal, Dr. Emanuel stated: “Bashir Bayo Ojulari and his team for restoring confidence in NNPC Limited after many challenging years.

    “You have proven that visionary leadership, coupled with accountability and performance excellence, can redefine an institution for the better. We charge you to soldier on undeterred. 

    “The Nigerian people are watching, and with your continued resolve, NNPC Limited will not only drive economic prosperity but also serve as a beacon of transparent governance in Africa.”

  • Enugu APC to register 1.5m members – Chairman

    Enugu APC to register 1.5m members – Chairman

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State says it plans to register more than 1.5 million members in the state.

    The party’s Caretaker Chairman in the state, Dr Ben Nwoye, disclosed this on Thursday in Enugu during the flag-off of training for the APC E-registration Local Government Supervisors.

    Nwoye said that the e-registration would enable the party to register new members, which would equally expand its membership base in the state.

    He said that the commencement of the online membership registration was indicative of the state’s determination to lead in the party’s organisation and structure.

    “The training is the first mark of how the party is henceforth organised.

    “It’s no longer a time when people run away with party registers and refuse to issue you membership cards.

    “Gone are the days when one’s membership of the party was in doubt. Enugu is taking the lead as a smart state with a smart political party.

    “We want to make Enugu the best state in Nigeria, and the governor is working towards that,” Nwoye said.

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    He expressed the optimism that the exercise would help to consolidate President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda as well as Gov. Peter Mbah’s ‘Tomorrow is Here’ mantra.

    According to him, this will enable the governor to continue his good governance and make Enugu the best state in Nigeria.

    In his remarks, the APC E-registration Chairman in the state, Chief Flavour Eze, said that the idea behind the online registration was to eliminate fictitious members from the party.

    Eze stated that members would be registered with their National Identification Number (NIN) and voter cards, noting that the exercise would be done online.

    While hinting that the registration would be done at the ward level, the chairman said that ward supervisors would soon be trained to enable them carry out the exercise successfully.

    He applauded governor’s leadership style, saying that it had not only transformed the state but had also opened it up to investors, urging him not to rest on his oars.

    Eze described Mbah’s appointees to the committee as round pegs in round holes, saying they were competent and qualified to occupy the positions.

    He urged the people of the state to continue supporting the government to enable it implement its policies and programmes for the betterment of their lives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kelvin Edeh is the Coordinator of Enugu East Senatorial District, while Messrs Samson Eneje and Jennifer Ndubuisi are the coordinators of Enugu North and Enugu West senatorial districts respectively.

    (NAN)

  • Institute trains health workers on AI application in cancer treatment

    Institute trains health workers on AI application in cancer treatment

    The National Institute for Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has trained health workers in Nigeria’s Southwest geopolitical zone on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer treatment.

    The three-day capacity-building workshop, held at the Radiation Oncology Department of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is part of a broader nationwide programme spanning the country’s six geopolitical zones.

    Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said the initiative underscores the institute’s commitment to deploying innovation and technology to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.

    Aliyu, who was represented by the Acting Head of the Nuclear Medicine Unit, Radiation Oncology Department at UCH, Dr. Jimoh Alani, described the workshop as a strategic intervention aimed at improving cancer outcomes and building a highly skilled oncology workforce capable of leveraging emerging technologies.

    He said, “Today, we begin a mission to improve cancer care in Nigeria. NICRAT is proud to lead this effort by using innovation and technology to improve outcomes for cancer patients across the country.”

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    He noted that NICRAT has continued to play a leading role in cancer prevention, control, research and treatment, adding that the capacity-building programme reflected the institute’s resolve to integrate modern tools such as AI into routine oncology practice.

    According to him, AI is revolutionising healthcare globally, with significant implications for oncology. 

    He said AI enhances early cancer detection, improves diagnostic accuracy, supports personalised treatment planning and deepens understanding of cancer biology.

    “AI also enables us to identify high-risk populations and develop targeted strategies. Its role in cancer care is crucial, and Nigeria must not be left behind.”

    He explained that the workshop was designed to equiped healthcare professionals with practical knowledge and skills required to apply AI in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. 

    Participants drawn from various oncology-related disciplines are undergoing intensive training sessions, expert-led discussions and knowledge-sharing engagements throughout the three-day programme.

    Aliyu expressed confidence that the training would have a ripple effect across the health sector, as participants return to their institutions better equipped to deliver quality cancer care.

    “The benefits of this programme are enormous. It will improve diagnostic precision, enhance treatment planning, strengthen collaboration among clinicians, researchers and policymakers, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.”

    He commended Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and other partners for their support, describing their commitment to the Renewed Hope Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as instrumental to the success of the initiative.

    While drawing attention to the rising burden of cancer in Nigeria, Aliyu stressed the urgency of adopting innovative solutions to address the growing challenge.

    “Cancer remains a leading cause of illness and death in our country. With Artificial Intelligence, we can turn the tide by improving survival rates, reducing suffering and enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients.”

    Aliyu however reaffirmed NICRAT’s commitment towards continuous innovation, collaboration and capacity development in cancer care.

    He urged stakeholders across government, academia and the health sector to support the integration of AI-driven solutions.

    “Together, we can bring hope to those affected by cancer and build a healthier future for Nigeria.”

    The workshop set to feature in-depth sessions on the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in oncology and the future of cancer care, AI applications in diagnostic oncology, including histopathology through digital microscopy and biopsy interpretation, as well as AI-driven cancer imaging for precise detection of breast, lung and brain tumours.

    Other focus areas include the application of AI in oncology surgery, machine learning and deep learning in cancer management, AI-assisted clinical decision-making in complex gynaecological cancer cases, AI-enhanced radiotherapy, including auto-contouring, dose prediction and workflow optimisation, and the use of AI to optimise chemotherapy through dose adjustment, toxicity prediction and personalised treatment regimens.

  • CAN condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Movie, calls for apology

    CAN condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Movie, calls for apology

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the Nollywood film titled ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

    This position was contained in a statement signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, and made available to newsmen yesterday.

    A Very Dirty Christmas is a new Nigerian drama/thriller produced by Ini Edo and directed by Akay Mason. 

    The film was released in cinemas on December 16, 2025.

    CAN stated that Christmas is a sacred season that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and symbolises purity, peace, love, and redemption. 

    According to the association, associating such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” undermines its spiritual significance and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

    While acknowledging the importance of creative freedom and artistic expression, CAN stressed that such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. 

    The association noted that creativity should promote understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held religious beliefs.

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    The Christian body also expressed concern that a film with such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. It therefore called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, especially during the Christmas season.

    CAN further urged industry bodies, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other Nollywood stakeholders, to take a firm stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

    The association called on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with dignity. 

    CAN appealed to the film’s producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.

    CAN added that Nigeria is already grappling with serious moral and social challenges, warning that such a movie title could further deepen divisions and erode mutual respect among citizens.