Author: The Nation

  • Ignore lawmaker, youths tell  FIRS chair  Adedeji

    Ignore lawmaker, youths tell  FIRS chair  Adedeji

    Youths in the North under aegis of Northern Youths Movement (NYM), have told the Executive Chair of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, to ignore the threats of House of Representatives member, representing Ideato North of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere.

    They described  him as “a political opportunist .”

    Ugochinyere had claimed that a coalition of civil society groups that he leads was gathering signatures for a vote of no-confidence in the FIRS chairman over alleged breaches of constitutional and economic regulations.

    Read Also: ‘How Nigeria helped foil military coup in Benin Republic’

     He said the petition for Dr Adedeji’s removal will be released on December 15.

    Reacting, the NYM, in a statement yesterday  by its Chairman, Mallam Ishaya Jato, said there is no coalition of civil society groups, except one with Ikenga Ugochinyere as sole member.

    What Ugochinyere does is to get political titles and platforms  for use.

    Before now, he was parading himself as the spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly, a position that does not officially exist.

    Today, he is leading non-existing coalition of civil society groups, with the main target of getting the attention of the FIRS Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji. He should therefore ignore him.

    For us in the NYM, the FIRS chairman has done tremendously well and he should continue his work, which can be seen in the increment of non-oil revenue.

    Therefore, Ugochinyere should look elsewhere to practics his business.

  • ‘Oil industry records zero oil theft in one year’

    ‘Oil industry records zero oil theft in one year’

    Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/mid-Africa business unit, Mr. Jim Swartz, has said Chevron has recorded zero incidents of sabotage in the last one year.

    Swartz said this when he visited NUPRC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

    “Chevron has not recorded any oil theft or attacks on our pipelines this year. This is the longest we’ve gone without oil theft,’” he said.

    Chevron is a member of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), a subgroup of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. OPTS is a private industry group dedicated to the exploration, development, and production of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner for the people.

    It represents the interests of approximately 31 oil and gas companies that operate approximately 85 per cent of Nigeria’s oil.

    This success story of Chevron may not be unconnected with the progress recorded by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private pipeline security surveillance firm.

    The proactive approach of TSSNL,  using technology, local intelligence, has enhanced monitoring and control of activities in the region and contributed to increase in the nation’s oil production output since 2022.

    Further investigation showed that NNPCL and International Oil Companies (IOCs)  have  ramped up production to 1.8 million barrels per day unlike in the past when production was trapped at 600,00 barrels per day.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Wike’s faction inaugurates 13-member PDP caretaker committee as tenure of NWC ends Tuesday

    Further checks showed that with unhindered production, government is setting a target of 2.06 million barrels per day as unveiled in the Medium-Term  Expenditure Framework ( MTEF) as given to reporters by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

    In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC,  lauded Chevron’s testimony on recording zero incidents pertaining to oil theft.

    He attributed the feat achieved to initiatives by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. 

    TSSNL has played a crucial role in ensuring protection of critical infrastructure vital to the nation’s prosperity.

    Its laudable exploits have ensured increase of production and promoted the nation’s crude oil earnings.

    The firm has also created jobs for youths of Niger Delta, thereby addressing one of the major triggers of youth restiveness in the region.

  • Council empowers 500 residents with grants, tools  

    Council empowers 500 residents with grants, tools  

    Five hundred persons in Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have received cash, sewing machines, grinding machines, freezers, among others, from the Chairman, Moyosore Adebanjo.

    Adebanjo, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities for residents, said the items provided were tools for building long-term, sustainable livelihoods.

    He also announced the launch of the Onigbongbo Marshall (O’Marshall) Security Initiative, a community-based security network designed to strengthen neighbourhood safety and support security agencies.

    Other items distributed included hairdryers, solar lights, generator sets, clippers, and CNG tricycles, with ICT opportunities facilitated through a strategic partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

    Read Also: ‘How Nigeria helped foil military coup in Benin Republic’

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the initiative will expand economic access.

    He noted that the programme reflected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to inclusive growth, youth development, and community advancement.

    Also speaking, State Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Cornelius Ojelabi, lauded the chairman for embodying progressive ideals through initiatives that prioritise citizens’ well-being.

    He urged beneficiaries to use their tools and cash to grow their businesses.

  • ‘I’ll give children quality health care’

    ‘I’ll give children quality health care’

    Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Oyiza Orphanage in Ibadan, Oyo State, Joy Taiwo, has marked her 40th birthday and 25 years of the home.

    She said the orphanage provides quality health care and nutrition to children.

    She recalled that the journey began when her mother, Oyiza Idris, died in 2007, leaving her with the responsibility of caring for 50 children at the home, but her mother’s strength and resilience inspired her to take on the challenge.

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    “I was 22, but I knew I had to step up and ensure the children got care and education. Today, Oyiza Orphanage has produced seven graduates, two National Diploma holders and 12 undergraduates.”

    Taiwo appealed for support to complete renovation of a facility of the orphanage at Felele, Ibadan, which, would provide a safe and comfortable home for the 45 children.

    “I appeal to kind-hearted individuals for support. Every child deserves a peaceful home, and together, we can make a difference. As I say, every child deserves to be loved, cared for and protected.”

  • Screening: Oyetola did not interfere

    Screening: Oyetola did not interfere

    Special Adviser to minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Bolaji Akinola, has dismissed as “baseless and misleading” allegations by a governorship aspirant, Iyiola Omisore, that the Minister, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, interfered in the party’s screening process for Osun State governorship primary.

    In a statement yesterday, Akinola said Omisore’s claims were “totally false”.

    He stressed that the minister had no role — direct or indirect — in the Screening Committee’s decisions regarding the December 13 primary.

    Read Also: ‘How Nigeria helped foil military coup in Benin Republic’

    “Dr. Oyetola did not, and could not have meddled in the screening or in the affairs of the Screening Committee and the Screening Appeal Panel,” Akinola said. “These bodies are independent party organs empowered by APC Constitution to carry out duties without interference. Any suggestion of undue influence is wrong, unfair, and unfounded.”

    Akinola stressed that Oyetola has always upheld fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to party rules.

    “As respected leader of APC, Oyetola is committed to internal democracy,” he said. “He will not interfere where he has no statutory role.”

    He urged aspirants to channel complaints through the party’s mechanisms.

    Akinola reaffirmed the minister’s commitment to growth and stability of the party, calling all to act in the interest of APC and the people.

  • Beijing hosts +30 women’s  summit

    Beijing hosts +30 women’s  summit

    As part of activities to mark 2025 edition of ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,’ Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement (AIPLA), with African Women Leaders Network (AWLN-Nigeria) and Womanifesto, will  tomorrow convene Beijing+30 Women’s Summit – a gathering to reflect on three decades of progress, challenges, and commitments under Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA).

    Organised to strengthen women’s movements in Nigeria, the event is coming up 30 years after the Beijing, China, International Women’s Conference of 1995, as a platform to review decades past while projecting for the years ahead.

    With theme: “Holding the Line for Women’s Rights: Looking Back and Marching Forward”, the event re-examines roles played by African women in shaping the agenda, while facilitating intergenerational exchange and galvanising agency to advance feminist sensitive rights issues.

    Three African feminists, Mrs  ‘Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, co-founder of Amandla Institute; Prof. Funmilayo Para-Mallam, chair of AWLN-Nigeria; and Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi of Womanifesto, would provide instructional context setting for the event.

     Therafter, goodwill messages will be delivered by selected leaders and experts, as well as two panel sessions to address issues of women’s rights, abuses, and gender-based violence.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Wike’s faction inaugurates 13-member PDP caretaker committee as tenure of NWC ends Tuesday

    Secretary-General of Beijing Women’s Summit had foregrounded struggles of African women. Over the years, African countries have made progress through legal and constitutional reforms in their determination to chart a bold, transformative agenda for the empowerment of women.

    Women constitute 60–79% of the rural workforce, yet men are five times more likely to own land. In the annals of international policy, the issues of power, politics, and policy were placed squarely on irregular measures.

    In Rwanda, female parliamentary representation is the global highest at 61.3%; Senegal has passed a 50/50 parity law, Sierra Leone has a 30% affirmative action law, while Uganda has a constitutionally guaranteed representation for women. However, in Nigeria, the persistent gender gap in access to resources, representation, and opportunities remains painfully low for women.

    These examples underscore what is possible when political will aligns with women’s agency. In regard to these concerns, the Women’s Summit is thus geared towards enhancing understanding of the historical significance and continuing relevance of the Beijing Conference of 1995 and its numerous outcomes, strengthening leadership and coordination among women’s organisations, renewing the advocacy for the call to action and especially to expand the mentorship networks linking with younger and seasoned women leaders across Nigeria.

  • Firm urges moderate alcohol consumption

    Firm urges moderate alcohol consumption

    International Breweries Plc, subsidiary of global brewing giant AB InBev, has advocated moderation and informed consumption of alcohol.

    It highlighted its voluntary guidance labelling initiative across its Nigerian portfolio to promote moderation.

    The firm expanded its premium portfolio with introduction of Budweiser Royale, a super-premium beer unveiled at a high-profile launch in Lagos.

    The event, attended by royal dignitaries, government officials, industry stakeholders, trade partners, celebrities and media professionals, showcased the company’s latest flagship product crafted for consumers who value refinement, bold flavour and premium experiences.

    IB Plc reaffirmed its commitment to responsible drinking, noting that all marketing for Budweiser Royale targets adults, aged 18 and above.

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    Brewed with top-quality ingredients and leveraging Budweiser’sm renowned techniques, it said Budweiser Royale offers a smooth yet full-bodied profile with six per cent Alcohol by Volume.

    According to the company spokesman, the variant delivers a rich and confident taste tailored to evolving consumer preferences in Nigeria’s fast-growing beer market.

    Managing Director, Carlos Coutiño, described Budweiser Royale as a product born from continuous innovation and a deep understanding of consumer expectations.

    He said: “Budweiser Royale reflects our goal to keep pushing boundaries of what a premium beer can offer

    “People want depth, flavour and a product that matches their lifestyle. Budweiser Royale brings these elements together in a full-bodied beer with refined smoothness.”

    The event featured an immersive showcase noting the craftsmanship behind the beer — from its flavour notes to its sleek, intentional design.

    The organisers said the spectacle underscored why the variant is positioned to redefine Nigeria’s premium beer landscape.

    Marketing Director Bamise Oyegbami emphasised the beer’s balance of strength and drinkability.

    “Consumers in Nigeria know quality when they see it. Budweiser Royale meets that standard with ease. Its 6% ABV gives it strength, while the smooth finish makes it enjoyable,” he said.

    Marketing Manager Olajumoke Okikiolu explained that the brand’s “All Rise” campaign is crafted to inspire confidence and celebrate personal achievement.

    She said the messaging draws from modern Nigerian stories of ambition and self-belief.

    “Our message is simple: All Rise. It is an invitation to step up, celebrate achievement and carry yourself with confidence,” Okikiolu noted, adding that Budweiser Royale was designed to reflect the aspirations of Nigerians who aim higher and expect more from the brands they choose.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat’s wives inaugurate projects in Ejigbo council

    Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat’s wives inaugurate projects in Ejigbo council

    Ejigbo Local Council Development Area celebrated a major milestone as the wife of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, led  other dignitary in the inauguration of key community projects.

    The project were carried out by the Chairmann of Ejigbo LCDA Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo (T.A.T).

    The inauguration, which was part of activities of Taiwo’s 100 days in office, showcased a series of completed infrastructure and social development projects across the council.

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu opened the newly completed and solar-powered Ilamoshe Link Tennis Club Road, while Mrs. Hamzat unveiled the fully solarised Moshalashi Street.

    The duo hailed Taiwo for the initiatives.

    Other dignitaries also performed project inaugurations. Chairman of the Lagos State House Committee on Local Government, Sanni Okanlawon, commissioned a new Waste Compactor Truck. Immediate past Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello (O.B.E), inaugurated a fully equipped Ambulance Bus.

    High Chief Muraina Akanbi Taiwo of the G.A.C, represented by Chief Bayo Okunola, commissioned Nurudeen Obe Street, while Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale, represented by Ladi Ajomale, inaugurated the newly raised and beautified dwarf fence at Modern Primary School.

    Ojoola, Ojon of Ejigbo and Ijan Kingdom, Oba Mooruf Adekunle Adisa  commissioned Allah Lane, while Council Manager, Mr. Ajagunna Olusegun Olumide, inaugurated the Jakande Security House/Gate.

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    Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised the chairman’s performance, describing the first 100 days as progressive and aligned with the State Government’s developmental priorities. She commended the administration’s strides in healthcare delivery and community welfare.

    Speaking at the event, Taiwo said the projects symbolised the administration’s commitment to impactful, inclusive, and accountable governance. He noted that the first 100 days were driven by intentional planning and the SHIELD Agenda—a localised adaptation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda and the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He highlighted major infrastructure upgrades, including the full construction and solarization of Ilamoshe Road, Adejumo Tennis Club Road, Moshalashi Street Phase 1 & 2, Nurudeen Obe Street, and Allah Lane.

    He added that several palliative works were executed on key routes such as Fadu Avenue Road, Ile-Iwe Road, Ejigbo–Ikotun Road, Egbe Road, Dauda Iloh Road, Lafenwa Road, and Canoe Road.

  • Council chief rolls out massive projects to mark 100 days 

    Council chief rolls out massive projects to mark 100 days 

    The Chairman of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area, Biliaminu Samson Agunbiade, has unveiled series of projects to mark his first 100 days in the office.

    At a well-attended ceremony that brought together community leaders, stakeholders, and residents, Agunbiade expressed profound gratitude for the support he has received since assuming office.

    Some of the projects include presentation of vehicles for the security purpose, presentation of ten 500KVA transformers to communities; construction and rehabilitation of access roads, renovation of Badore Nursery and Primary School among others.

    He described the first 100 days as a period of purposeful leadership and visible progress, noting that the administration remains firmly committed to delivering sustainable development.

    According to him, the projects were designed to improve the living conditions of residents and strengthen development across key sectors.

    Read Also: ‘How Nigeria helped foil military coup in Benin Republic’

    He said the renovated Badore Nursery and Primary School, offers pupils a safer and more conducive learning environment.

    The council, he said, also organised free summer lessons for pupils across the LCDA and honoured exceptional teachers who continue to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the community’s children.

    He said: “Infrastructure development formed another major pillar of our administration’s achievements. We have commenced construction and rehabilitation of key access roads such as Pastor Olusakin Street, Sikiru Oloko Street, Osho Street, Itushoko Street, and Ituegbe Street. These road projects are expected to ease movement, boost local commerce, and eliminate longstanding infrastructural bottlenecks.”

     Agunbiade explained that the transformers would help alleviate energy challenges and enhance socio-economic activities within the LCDA.

    In addition, the council boss said the vehicles distributed utility to security formations operating in the area would enhanced surveillance and rapid response to safeguarding lives and property.

    In the area of empowerment and welfare, the chairman explained that the administration rolled out several initiatives targeted at small business owners and vulnerable groups.

    On healthcare, he said elderly residents benefited from health checks, palliatives, and free medication aimed at cushioning the effects of current economic challenges and ensuring their well-being.

    “Our commitment to a cleaner, safer Eti-Osa East is paramount. We intensified environmental sanitation, mobilised the environmental task force, and confronted the persistent challenge of indiscriminate refuse dumping, ensuring that our communities remain healthy and habitable,” he said.

    Agunbiade assured residents that the achievements recorded in the first 100 days represent only the beginning of his administration’s long-term vision for inclusive development.

    He emphasised that his team would not relent in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt in every part of Eti-Osa East LCDA.

    Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Noheem Adams, hailed the council boss for his sterling performance.

    “We have gone out to inspect the projects initiated within a short time and we are happy that he has started well,” he said

    He said Agunbiade’s political style is synonymous of the former Premier of Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo

    Former Chairman of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Owolabi Yisa, said the council boss has done well in the last 100 days.

    “We are impressed with his achievements,” he said

  • Association targets affordable health scheme for members

    Association targets affordable health scheme for members

    The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) has taken a decisive step towards formalising and expanding its century-old medical services with the official launch of AnsarCare, a new healthcare initiative set to target both its vast membership and the general public nationwide.

    The programme, unveiled at the Society’s National Headquarters in Ajao, Surulere, Lagos, is being positioned by the leadership as a critical response to the soaring cost of medical care and structural deficiencies within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    ADSN National President, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, described the initiative as a move to consolidate and coordinate the organisation’s existing, sporadic medical efforts into a national, impactful programme.

    “The aim of AnsarCare is to formalise our existing medical efforts and extend them across all our councils and branches nationwide,” Prince Kazeem stated.

    He expressed an ambitious vision for the programme to evolve into a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and eventually become as prominent and impactful as international organisations like the Red Cross or Red Crescent.

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    He highlighted the economic pressures faced by ordinary Nigerians as a core motivator, noting that access to affordable healthcare has become a major concern.

     “From drug prices to diagnostic services, medical care has become too expensive. Our members and the communities we serve need help,” he added.

    The initiative is set to begin its pilot phase in Osun State, leveraging the society’s functional medical facilities already established there.

    Prince Kazeem confirmed that a temporary medical outreach team would deliver services to members and surrounding communities, with plans to gradually replicate this model across the Society’s seven councils and 187 branches.

    The implementation will be steered by a newly inaugurated 10-member AnsarCare Committee, chaired by, President of the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) , Dr. Abdulganiy Labinjo and others, including Dr. Hafiz Akande, Dr. Rasheed Adekeye Odunola, Alhaja Ganiat Toluwaloju, Dr. Kamaldeen Adelowo, Dr. Abdulfatai Odemuyiwa, Dr. Tunji Akintade, Dr. Fouad Adetoro (Joint Secretary), Abdulwahab Oseni (Joint Secretary) and Alhaji Lateef Aremu Oridota, National Welfare Secretary.

    Prince Kazeem urged the committee to uphold the society’s core values of volunteerism and selfless service to the cause of Allah.

    Speaking virtually at the launch, Dr. Labinjo stressed the committee’s focus on accessibility and affordability, echoing the president’s concerns.

    “Healthcare, as defined by the World Health Organization, goes beyond just treating the sick. It is also not cheap. Our job is to put systems in place to make it more accessible and affordable, not necessarily free,” Dr. Labinjo said.

    He commended the Society’s financial backing, revealing that N5 million has already been allocated to kickstart the project, and called for broader support from the community.

    A committee member, Dr. Tunji Akintade, reinforced the community-driven nature of the project. Acknowledging the abysmal state of the nation’s health system, citing poor maternal and child health indices. “Our most important task is to mobilise beneficiaries to contribute to the pool of funds that will sustain this project,” he stated.