The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Don to journalists: Your reports must not compromise GBV survivor’s safety, dignity

    Don to journalists: Your reports must not compromise GBV survivor’s safety, dignity

    A university lecturer, Dr Julius Nwosu, has stressed the role of media practitioners in promoting accountability and justice delivery through sensitive reporting.

    Nwosu stated this in Awka, Anambra State during a one-day training by Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) for media practitioners on reporting gender-based violence (GBV).

    The workshop, organised with support from Women Aid Collective (WACOL), and other partners, drew no fewer than 30 journalists from different media houses in the state.

    Delivering a paper on “Legal and Ethical Frameworks for GBV Reporting in Nigeria/Sensitive Reporting of GBV Stories”, Nwosu urged journalists to ensure their reports did not compromise survivors’ safety, dignity and rights.

    He also charged journalists to drive social change through content development and media strategies.

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    He said, “In an era where gender based violence has evolved into a pervasive societal malaise, it is incumbent upon journalists to galvanise their collective efforts and amplify the marginalised voices of survivors.

    “The media plays a vital role in driving social change by promoting a just and equitable society, through appropriate content development and clear media strategies.

    “By harnessing this power, they can shape narratives that challenge stereotypes, amplify voices that have been silenced and drive meaningful change.

    Another facilitator, Dr Odogwu Emeka underscored the importance of accurate and sensitive reporting of GBV cases, saying it could assist in reducing stigma and promote support for survivors.

    Earlier, Executive Director, GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe, said the training was to equip journalists with skills and knowledge needed to effectively report cases of gender-based violence, promote awareness and advocate for the rights of survivors.

  • Anyanwu-led PDP inaugurates Enugu caretaker executive

    Anyanwu-led PDP inaugurates Enugu caretaker executive

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has inaugurated its newly constituted caretaker committee approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulraham Mohameed, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    The inauguration, held at Okechi Estate Events Centre, opposite ANAMCO, Emene, Enugu, drew a mammoth turnout of party faithful from the state’s 17 local government areas.

    The ceremony signaled what many described as a fresh dawn for the party following months of inactivity and internal lull.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the new caretaker secretary of the state chapter, Hon. Chukwunonye Okereke.

    According to the statement, Barr. Kenneth Igwesi, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the National Legal Adviser and as directed by Senator Anyanwu, said the new leadership became necessary following the collapse of the former state leadership under Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, who defected to the APC.

    He charged members to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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    The caretaker committee is chaired by former Igboeze South Local Government chairman, Hon. Vitus Okechi, while Hon. Okereke serves as the State Secretary.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Okechi emphasised unity, inclusion, and the rebirth of the PDP’s winning spirit, expressing confidence that the party was firmly on track to reclaiming its dominance in the state.

    “Enugu State is PDP, and PDP is Enugu State,” he declared, applauding members who remained committed despite recent political turbulence.

    He assured them that their loyalty would be rewarded when the party returns to the Lion Building in 2027, describing the expected victory as fait accompli.

    He added that the party’s mobilisation strategy would be “efficient, smart and relentless.”

    The State Secretary, Hon. Okereke, highlighted the need for inclusivity and the deployment of administrative competence in steering the rejuvenated party to victory.

    He said the repositioned PDP would be driven by the values of integrity, honesty, and appreciation of members.

    Also speaking, the immediate past State Vice Chairman of the party, Ozo Okey Ozoani, commended the NWC for reposing confidence in the new leadership.

    He traced the party’s current challenges to what he described as an “alien leadership disconnected from the true PDP family,” noting that 2027 offered a chance to restore the party’s legacy in Enugu.

    Similarly, Dr. Nnamdi Onyia urged members to remain steadfast, stressing that loyalty and consistency remain key to political reward and collective progress.

    Other dignitaries at the event included Prof. (Mrs.) Iloh, Barr. Celine Ugwu, Barr. Chizoba Ezeagor, Chief Ken Obiora, Chief Chukwujekwu Nebo, and Chief Obiora Ugwu, a former prominent youth leader and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ugwuanyi.

  • EFCC hands over N96.5m to victims of ponzi scheme in Enugu

    EFCC hands over N96.5m to victims of ponzi scheme in Enugu

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N96.5 million to victims of ponzi schemes in Enugu State.

    Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Oyewale said the step was in line with the anti-graft agency’s commitment to combating economic and financial crimes and ensuring restitution for victims of fraudulent schemes.

    He said the commission received a petition dated Sept. 30, 2024 from one Chijioke Ngwu and others against one Oyubu  Akpojewve, also known as Justice Nonso Chima,  Managing Director, Leverage Index Limited.

    Oyewale said the petitioners alleged that Akpojewve lured them into investing the said sum in a ponzi scheme.

    “He presented offers to prospective investors in two formats; what he called the Monthly Plan and another one called Live Trading.

    “The Monthly Plan required that an investor transfers a minimum sum of N2.5 million or more to a UBA account number for the firm to use and trade in Forex.

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    “After this, a monthly profit of N200,000. 00 or eight per cent of the total money invested is given to the investor, while the initial capital of N2.5million or more is retained for further monthly trading if the investor so wishes.”

    “The Live Trading format is such that an investor transfers any amount of money to Leverage Index into the said account for a live trading session on a designated day for the firm to trade with on the same designated day and remit 10 per cent of the total sum transferred initially as profit to the investor the next day”, the petitioners said.

    According to the petitioners, after investing the said sum, Akpojewve, who presented himself as a registered forex trader, trading in foreign exchange, started with excuses bordering on disagreement with his trading partners and before they knew it, he shut down his office and became unreachable.

    Oyewale said operatives of the commission swung into action and discovered that Akpojewve conspired with his cohorts to defraud unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money.

    While handing over the recovered money to the victims, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, represented by the commission’s Enugu Zonal Director, Mr Daniel Isei, reiterated the EFCC’s readiness to combat economic and financial crimes.

    “My own final word, beyond giving you the draft, is that this should also serve as a lesson. We should be more circumspect. We should be more vigilant during every business proposal.”

    Ukwu Ernest Ikechukwu, one of the victims of Akpojewve who received N19.9million draft commended the commission for its level of professionalism and integrity in discharging its duties.

    Another recipient of the recovered funds, Ikechukwu Ogbunubi who received N10million, lauded the commission for its dogged efforts in recovering the whole money.

    Other recipients include Temple Lewis Maduka who got N7.5million; Ngwu A, who got N19.4million; and Alphonsus Umeh who received N7million.

  • ‘Women-led PHCs key to reducing maternal, infant mortality’

    ‘Women-led PHCs key to reducing maternal, infant mortality’

    Stakeholders in the health sector have advocated for increased participation of women in leadership roles across Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.

    Speaking during a Strengthening Public Accountability for Result and Knowledge (SPARK 2) Town Hall Meeting in Awka, with women groups and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the stakeholders said women-led PHCs would significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality.

    The stakeholders included Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Community Empowerment Network (COMEN), Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), and Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), with support from IBP.

    Executive Director of SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike said the forum was to strengthen service delivery and push for women’s inclusion in decision-making positions within WDC structures.

    According to her, while women constitute a reasonable percentage of membership in WDCs, only 11 percent occupy elective leadership positions.

    “Our goal is to work with community and market women, WDC chairpersons, CSOs and the media to change this narrative.

    “We are hopeful that by the next election cycle, women’s representation in elective WDC positions will increase by at least 20 percent,” she said.

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    Director of JDPC Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo, regretted the continued low patronage of PHCs despite the state government’s investment in facility upgrades.

    He stressed the need for more women in leadership to rebuild public trust and improve community utilisation of PHCs.

    Programme Manager at JDPC, Onyekachi Ololo explained that discussions also focused on welfare and resource allocation for health workers, and the need for policy reforms that strengthen healthcare systems.

    He revealed that in the 58 PHCs across 24 communities in six LGAs where the organisation currently works, men dominate leadership despite women being the key patrons.

    Executive Director of Civil Rights Concern (CRC), Okey Onyeka commended women already active in PHC committees and urged more women to contest leadership positions for stronger representation and better impact.

  • PMAN commends Otti for approving ₦20m  lifeline for ailing musician, Daddy Fresh

    PMAN commends Otti for approving ₦20m  lifeline for ailing musician, Daddy Fresh

    The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has lauded the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for approving a ₦20million medical support fund for veteran Nigerian artist, Innocent Michael Onyebuchi, popularly known as Daddy Fresh.

    According to the association, the gesture demonstrates the governor’s compassion and commitment to preserving Nigeria’s creative industry and honouring those who contributed significantly to its growth. The funds are expected to cater to the medical needs of the ailing musician.

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    In a statement signed by Elizabeth Gabriel, Esq., (Acting General Secretary) PMAN also acknowledged the role of Hon. Dr. Martins Okey Justice (J. Martins), Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment and Tourism, whose intervention and follow-up were instrumental in securing the approval. Appreciation was further extended to Naijagal for amplifying the call for support, as well as fans and Nigerians who have continued to pray for Daddy Fresh.

    PMAN President, Pretty Okafor, assured that the association will ensure transparency and proper utilisation of the financial support while closely monitoring the medical process to guarantee timely care for the musician.

    The association urged stakeholders in the entertainment industry and the public to keep Daddy Fresh in their prayers for a quick and full recovery.

  • Digital strategist unveils three books on tech

    Digital strategist unveils three books on tech

    Dr. Enny Abiola Idris, a technology educator, digital strategist, and emerging thought leader in AI-powered learning, has released a trilogy of books already gaining rapid traction as fast-selling titles on Amazon Kindle Edition.

    The collection: 1001 Digital Marketing Questions and Answers, The C# Playbook: Learn by Doing, and The Beginner’s Blueprint to Digital Marketing cement Dr. Idris’ position as one of the most pragmatic and accessible voices in digital education today.

    This release comes at an exciting moment in Dr. Idris’s academic journey, as he recently enrolled at Harvard University to study Artificial Intelligence, a pursuit that aligns strongly with his passion for shaping the future of tech education.

    His exposure to cutting-edge AI frameworks at Harvard continues to strengthen the depth, clarity, and global relevance reflected across his work.

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    1001 Digital Marketing Questions and Answers provides a definitive compendium for marketers, business owners, and students in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

    The C# Playbook: Learn by Doing delivers a practical, immersive approach to learning C#, enabling readers to build intuition through real-world application.

    The Beginner’s Blueprint to Digital Marketing distills digital marketing fundamentals into an accessible, actionable guide designed for immediate implementation.

    Each book echoes the same commitment that defines Dr. Idris’ work: making learning simple, relevant, and transformational.

    Dr. Idris described the trilogy as a response to a deep knowledge gap he observed over years: “My goal was to remove the fear around digital skills and programming by offering clarity, structure, and practicality. I’m grateful to see the trilogy resonating so strongly and becoming fast-selling titles on Amazon Kindle – it affirms that people are ready for learning that empowers rather than intimidates.”

    With the explosive demand for digital skills worldwide, spanning marketing, analytics, and software engineering, Dr. Idris’s trilogy arrives at a perfect moment. The books not only inform but equip readers to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, whether as professionals, freelancers, founders, or students.

  • Lagos kicks off polio vaccination second phase today

    Lagos kicks off polio vaccination second phase today

    The Lagos State government has announced the commencement of the Second Round of the Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign, a coordinated effort led by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners.

    The campaign, which will run from today to Tuesday, December 9, forms part of the state’s strategy to halt the spread of the polio virus and strengthen immunity among children.

    This round builds on the achievements recorded during the initial OBR exercise and aims to further fortify vulnerable communities, especially those that are densely populated and considered high-risk.

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    During the four-day exercise, vaccination officers would be deployed across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas in Lagos.

    The target population remains children aged 0 to 59 months, irrespective of their previous immunisation status. Each child will be administered two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a safe and effective vaccine approved by NAFDAC and the WHO.

    Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, emphasised the government’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding the health of every child in the state.

  • Well blowout, oil leak threaten Rivers communities

    Well blowout, oil leak threaten Rivers communities

    Series of oil and gas leakages, spillages, wellhead blowouts in different oil bearing communities of Rivers State, have sparked fear and tension among residents of the concerned places.

    The latest is the well blowout reported in Kpean Community, Khana Local Government, where a massive substance suspected to be crude oil is seriously pumping out from the wellhead, spreading all through the environment.

    The incident which was reportedly noticed Thursday has been nonstop.

    The Nation can authoritatively report that the affected has been engulfed in inferno as a result of the spill.

    The leakages in the community’s river is said to be ongoing for at least one month now, without any form of intervention from the oil and gas regulatory bodies.

    Before that of Bille, a massive oil spill had been recorded in Oshi community in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

    Residents of the areas are currently living in panic.

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    Besides the choking stench and emissions into their environment, apparently from the leaking sites and its obvious health hazards, residents fear there could be a possible fire outbreak which could render devastating destruction across the communities.

    The distraught residents therefore urged the Federal Government regulatory bodies, the indigenous oil companies operating the facilities to intervene to forestall any untoward havoc.

    Meanwhile, an environmental activist group in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Youth and Environmental Advocacy Centre(YEAC-Nigeria), has blamed the indigenous oil companies for accepting to buy oil facilities whose pipes and well heads have long expired.

    In a statement by the Executive Director of YEAC, Dr. Dumnamene Fyneface Dumnamene, the group regretted that Niger Delta environs could suffer more pollution and degradation under the current operators than the time of multinational companies.

  • Transparent capital market can drive socioeconomic growth –Udoma

    Transparent capital market can drive socioeconomic growth –Udoma

    Former Minister of Budget and National Planning, and immediate past Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, has reaffirmed the central role of a transparent and innovative capital market in driving sustainable economic growth.

    Udoma, who currently serves as Chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, spoke in Lagos, at the just concluded 30th Anniversary PEARL Awards Nite themed “Celebrating a Legacy of Corporate Excellence.”

    Speaking to an audience of industry leaders, regulators and policymakers, Udoma said strong market governance fosters investor confidence, improves capital flows, accelerates corporate expansion, creates jobs and enhances national development.

    “A vibrant capital market is essential for channeling funds into productive enterprises. When governance is strong, confidence rises and growth becomes inevitable,” he said.

    Udoma noted the remarkable transformation of the Nigerian capital market over the past three decades—transitioning from manual trading floors to digital platforms, expanding its product offerings and embracing new sectors such as technology, fintech and the energy transition.

    “I am very impressed by the scale of transformation we have witnessed. We now operate a fully digitalised trading and settlement environment with diverse instruments and deeper opportunities. The evolution of our capital market is truly one of Nigeria’s success stories,” he said.

    The Seplat Chairman commended the vision of the founders of the PEARL Awards, describing the initiative as a catalyst for performance excellence.

    By using quantifiable and verifiable metrics, he said, the Awards have promoted transparency, discipline and competitiveness across the market. Udoma also congratulated all companies that emerged in the top three positions across various award categories.

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    In his goodwill message, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai praised the Awards for recognising excellence but stressed the need to expand opportunities for broader socio-economic progress.

    He highlighted the struggles of sub-national governments in upgrading critical infrastructure, noting that without such infrastructure, private sector growth remains constrained.

    A key challenge, he said, is the inability to distinguish development finance from commercial or investment finance.

    “While investment finance delivers returns, development finance is designed to catalyse growth rather than generate high financial returns,” he explained.

    Mbah appealed to the capital market and corporate Nigeria to collaborate in creating a separate portfolio specifically tailored for development finance—one that offers lower and more flexible interest rates to enable states to invest in essential infrastructure.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka, highlighted the Exchange’s evolution into a multi-asset platform, with 147 listed companies and 102 Federal Government bonds among its offerings.

    He said NGX is pleased to support the PEARL Awards, which celebrate corporate organisations operating within the Nigerian economy.

    Chiemeka noted that listed companies tend to be more tax-compliant and stressed that the Exchange remains aligned with the Federal Government’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.

    He urged government to create policies that encourage more corporates to list on the Exchange.

    President of PEARL Awards Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Orekoya, reflected on the Awards’ 30-year legacy, describing it as a celebration of vision, integrity, impact and resilience—values that have helped shape the nation’s capital market.

    Orekoya reiterated that the Awards were established to honour publicly quoted companies based strictly on performance indicators such as earnings, operations and returns. Over the years, the Awards have become a symbol of transparency, credibility and meritocracy, he said.

    A highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of the 2026 Nigerian Stock Market Annals, which documents the methodologies, data, and market insights underpinning the Awards, including insightful articles on the Nigerian economy.

    Orekoya also announced a new category, The PEARL Excellence in Public Governance Award—created to recognise outstanding leadership in the public sector.

    “Excellence is not limited to the private sector; it thrives equally in public service where vision and integrity can transform lives,” he stated.

    He added that the next phase of the Awards will deepen data-driven insights, including expanded reviews of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to support their growth.

    Among the companies honoured at the event were Prescott Plc, BUA Foods Plc, Transnational Corporation Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Seplat Energies, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Champion Breweries, and NEM Insurance Plc, among others, while the PEAR Awards CEO of the year award was presented to Dr Owen Omogaifo, Group CEO, Transnational Corporation Plc.

    Under the newly introduced Public Governance category, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were honoured for exemplary leadership.

    Dignitaries at the event included the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Chairman of the Exchange Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; industry captains, policymakers and corporate executives.

  • Olaopa urges Civil Service Commissions to embrace shared learning

    Olaopa urges Civil Service Commissions to embrace shared learning

    The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has urged state civil service commissions to embrace shared learning to deepen their reforms.

    Olaopa spoke on Thursday in Umuahia during the gala night marking the end of the 2025 Annual National Council of Civil Service Commissions in Abia State.

    According to him, some states have specific innovations that constitute smart and good practices. He cited the Gombe State Biometric Staff Attendance application. He said that this would be studied to “possibly profile an innovation for benchmarking in our sharing and learning platforms.”

    “Within the framework of the implementation of the National Strategy also, we plan to profile the innovations from different states so we can organise benchmarking learning and sharing events for other states to take advantage of these innovations to deepen reforms in their states”, he said .

    Olaopa stated that the 44th NCCSCs in Umuahia, Abia State was one council with a unique flavor.

    He said that it came with a confirmation of his opinion of the state governor.

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    “Having been an admirer of HE Governor Alex Otti, based on a close reading of overall governance performance at the subnational level of government in Nigeria, and coming in to Abia, especially seeing the breadth and depth of governance and public service institutional reforms, including those within the purview of the Abia State CSCs, I am awestruck, to say the least – ⁠

    “It was therefore easy for me to announce that the Abia State CSCs will be the first pilot state in the implementation of the FCSC strategic plan which the Council has in turn approved without hesitation, asking also that Abia State successes be reprofiled for benchmarking. Besides, the Council approved that the FCSC Strategic Plan be adopted as the National Strategic Plan for Repositioning the Civil Service Commissions of the Federation to drive a national movement to reengineer service commissions in the federation. I am glad that I also got the concurrence of the National Council to name the Abia State CSCs as the first pilot state Commission for the implementation of the National Strategy. “

    While recognising that there are a lot of other star CSCs with incredible reform strides and successes, he said that the council resolved to profile the Abia State CSC along with a few others that would hereafter be enlisted as pilot states in the implementation of the National Strategy.

    “On the basis of this, we will put in place a framework of peer review between states as change dynamic rooted in continuous learning and incremental improvement that leaves no service commission behind.

    “In this connection, we have taken briefs from some Commissions that need mentorship and technical guidance, being newly constituted Commissions with weak secretariats and standards to ride on.”

    Olaopa also appreciated Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwor for accepting to host the 45th National Council in Asaba.