The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    Oyebanji preaches politics without bitterness

    • Omatseye X-rays democracy at OAU lecture

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has canvassed entrenchment of politics without bitterness, to ensure a more virile, stronger and lasting democracy that will deliver quality governance to Nigerians.

    As Ekiti State gears up for the conduct of governorship election in June and as Nigeria inches nearer to the general election in 2027, Oyebanji enjoined politicians not to turn elections into war, saying the winner-takes-all mentality should be discouraged.

    The governor made the remarks yesterday at the Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

    He said politics of inclusion being practised by his administration had added value to governance and engendered peace in Ekiti State as widely acknowledged.

    The OAU Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumni Lecture chaired by Governor Oyebanji and also attended by his Osun State counterpart, Governor Ademola Adeleke, was delivered by the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Sam Omatseye, who graduated from the university with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1985.

    Addressing the gathering in his capacity as the chairman of the lecture titled: ‘’How to Make a Democrat”, Governor Oyebanji used the forum to advocate a political culture that promotes consensus building, cooperation, inclusion, decent public conduct, willingness to play by the rules and magnanimity in electoral victories or losses.

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    Describing consensus building as strength and not weakness, the Ekiti governor further canvassed the need to always defuse public rhetoric with conciliatory and peaceable communication, as such will help reduce resort to violence and other anti-democratic practices.

    Admitting that democracy is a tough job anywhere in the world, as it is always characterised by plurality, contestations, group conspiracies, clash of interests and power struggle, Oyebanji said the capacity to manage differences remained the major challenge that many democratic nations continued to confront.

    Drawing from his experience as a player in the Ekiti political arena for about 30 years, Oyebanji advised stakeholders in democracy to play politics of inclusion which, he noted, was on full display in Ekiti, a development he said had continued to make the state peaceful under his leadership.

    Hailing the lecturer, Mr Omatseye, for the brilliant lecture, Oyebanji also praised his contribution to journalism, public discourse, social commentary, intellectual engagement and poetry, describing him as “a distinguished alumnus by all standard that every university will be proud to have.”

    Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, lauded the faculty for organising the lecture, which he described as a platform that speaks to values of citizenship and scholarship.

    Omatseye stressed the need to make a distinction between a republic and a democracy, with many countries calling themselves democracies despite not practising its tenets and ethos.

    He said: “Countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and state. Democracy is idealist; so there is no real democracy, including the United States.’’

    He described the opportunity to deliver the distinguished Alumni Lecture as a fulfilling privilege for him, which offered him an avenue to return to his alma mater to share his thoughts on issues of democracy and governance.

    Omatseye, who cited many historical and contemporary instances, submitted that many nations merely lay claim to the practice of democracy without an iota of respect for the tenets of democracy.

    He cited the recent American invasion of Venezuela, a sovereign country and the “abduction” of its President to the US.

    “If the United States is the number one democracy in the world, then by implication, it means its President should be the number one democrat in the entire world.’’

    He then wondered why and how the invasion of Venezuela and the abduction of its president align with democracy.

    Omatseye said democracy was more of an idealism.

    According to him, countries often call themselves democracies. A republic installs an infrastructure of mediation between the people and the state. Democracy pretends there is none.

    “Democracy is idealist. There is no real democracy, including the United States. All who operate in republics call themselves democrats. So, if democracy is aspirational, why should the democrat be perfect?

    “In our own case, it is because the democrat has always been half-born. To have a democrat in full, they must be allowed to grow with all their facts and beauties.’’

    Also in attendance at the lecture, which took place at Oduduwa Hall of OAU, were Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State; Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye; Special Adviser Tertiary Education, Prof Akeem Azeez; Special Adviser Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Dr John Ekundayo; Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso and representatives of youth and students organisations from Ekiti State.

  • Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti govt targets N8.8tr GDP for this year

    Ekiti State Government has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N8.8 trillion for 2026 fiscal year, as it unveiled the breakdown of its N415.57billion Budget of Impactful Governance.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, said this yesterday in Ado-Ekiti during a presentation of the 2026 budget analysis to government officials, financial experts and other stakeholders.

    He said the budget was designed to stimulate economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, education, infrastructure, arts, tourism and the informal sector.

    He noted that the budget was prepared in line with 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the state’s 30-year Development Plan, saying the MTEF provided a guide for efficient resource allocation and completion of projects within a medium-term period.

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    Ajayi said the fiscal framework was based on macroeconomic projections with a spending ceiling of N570.05billion, adding that the government adopted a zero-based budgeting approach with emphasis on completing ongoing projects to drive economic growth.

    He said funding for the 2026 budget would come from federal allocation (30 per cent), grants from domestic and foreign development partners (29 per cent), Value Added Tax (19 per cent), state independent revenue (11 per cent) and loans (two per cent).

    Ajayi added that recurrent expenditure would be allocated to personnel costs (28 per cent), overheads (28 per cent), grants and subsidies (18 per cent) and debt servicing (0.2 per cent), among others.

    On capital expenditure, Ajayi said 72 per cent would be spent on economic services, 14 per cent on social services, 13 per cent on administrative services and one per cent on law and justice.

    He said capital spending, which aligned with the administration’s six pillars, would focus on infrastructure and industrial development (57 per cent), agriculture and rural development (22 per cent), governance (nine per cent), human capital development (nine per cent), youth development and job creation (two per cent), and arts, culture and tourism (one per cent).

    Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s to fiscal accountability, transparency and sustainable growth, saying safety nets would be provided to cushion the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the success of previous budgets under the administration was driven by inclusive governance, fiscal transparency and accountability.

    He hailed Governor Oyebanji for implementing people-oriented reforms and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.

  • FUOYE to hold 10th convocation, valedictory session for outgoing VC

    FUOYE to hold 10th convocation, valedictory session for outgoing VC

    Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) is set to hold its 10th convocation and valedictory session for its outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina.

    The week-long event scheduled to be kick started with a church service on Sunday, will end on February 7, with a Convocation Lecture to be delivered by the Bishop of Roman Catholic Sokoto Diocese, Most Reverend Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah and presentation of awards to students and honorary awardees, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.

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    Other activities lined up for the event include Vice Chancellor Press Conference and inauguration of projects at Oye-Ekiti and Ikole campuses of the university.

    There is also medical outreach service for Oye-Ekiti and Ikole Ekiti communities holding at the palaces of Oloye-Ekiti and Elekole.

    The Vice Chancellor Valedictory Lecture will take place on Thursday, to be followed by a Muslim Valedictory Prayer on Friday and a Dinner at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Senate Building of FUOYE.

    The Convocation Lecture is to be delivered by Bishop Kukah at Victor Ndoma-Egba Auditorium of the university.

  • Commuters lament gridlock amid Kara bridge repairs

    Commuters lament gridlock amid Kara bridge repairs

    Motorists and commuters on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are facing gruelling hours in traffic, as the Federal Ministry of Works narrows Kara bridge for expansion joint repairs, leaving motorists trapped with little sign of progress.

    For over nine days, the bridge has been constricted at two sections without visible construction activity, sparking outrage among people who rely on the vital corridor daily.

    With no alternative routes available, drivers have resorted to leaving home in the early hours of the day. Commuters board taxis, opt for motorcycles or endure skyrocketing fares.

    The frustration peaked when The Nation contacted Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Layi Komolafe, an engineer, who said repairs began late last year, but was stopped during the festive season due to heavy holiday traffic into Lagos.

    “The bad expansion joints were causing accidents, so we have to resume urgently. The first two bridges inbound Lagos—Magboro Channel 14 and Punch Channel 13—have been completed. We’re now on Kara Channel 5, with two expansion joints per bridge,” he said.

    Komolafe noted night work attempts failed after truck drivers nearly caused two workers’ fatalities. 

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    He said a stakeholders’ meeting involving Works commissioners from Lagos and Ogun states, police commissioners, FRSC sector commanders, LASTMA and Federal Controllers devised strategies to manage traffic, adding that they agreed that narrowing the road remained the only viable option, as full diversion would worsen gridlock.

    Motorists are angry over the situation. Samuel Akindele, who lives in Magboro and works in Apapa, described the situation as “uncaring”, warning of a return to past nightmares of overnight bridge traffic jam,  bike accidents and deaths.

    “How can the government shut the place down for 10 days with no work?” he asked.

    Bukola Kupoloyi from Mowe, now waking up at 4am to beat the traffic jam, accused the contractor, Julius Berger, of treating commuters “like animals.” “It’s unfair—people coming to Lagos for business shouldn’t be punished daily,” she said.

    Uchechi Oluchi of Arepo, commuting to Lagos Island, slammed the firm as “incompetent and wicked”, questioning repeated joint fixes and the decision to narrow the bridge prematurely.

    Alfa Oyetunde from Lotto, whose daily trips to Adeniji Adele Market on Lagos Island increased his blood pressure, decried fare hikes. “We’re sentenced to hardship just to feed our families,” he lamented, urging the Federal Government to intervene.

    Komolafe appealed for patience as repairs continue, but commuters demand swift action to end the hardship.

  • Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has said effective physical planning remained the backbone of a safe, functional and prosperous state.

    He spoke yesterday during a ‘Fire Chat’ with the Fellows of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2025/2026 Cohort, held at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa-Ikeja.

    Hamzat said without proper planning, communities would become vulnerable to flooding, disorderly growth, environmental hazards and avoidable hardship for residents.

    “Physical planning is essential for ensuring people understand how development decisions are made, why regulations exist, and how orderly urban growth protects lives, property and the future of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.

    The deputy governor recalled that the experience of Maroko residents was a critical lesson on the dangers of unstructured settlements, emphasising that no society could thrive where people lived in areas exposed to water channels, without defined layouts, infrastructure, or enforceable building standards.

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    He said the task of the government was not only to respond when people arrived and built indiscriminately, but to create systems that guided development in a way that served everyone, the wealthy and the vulnerable.

    Hamzat lamented that one of Africa’s biggest setbacks was the lack of deliberate planning, noting that progress would remain limited until societies began to plan effectively for land use, infrastructure and the pressures of development.

    “Planning is not optional, as time and productivity depend on order, structure and adherence to standards, warning that development cannot be driven by personal desire alone,” he said.

    Highlighting the complexity of governance, the deputy governor said leaders must weigh decisions based on what benefited the greatest number of people, while also considering environmental realities and shifting economic conditions.

    Hamzat said public leadership must anticipate risks, understand how decisions affect ordinary citizens, and ensure policies are balanced to protect social welfare, education, health care and infrastructure delivery.

    Addressing broader societal concerns, he called for renewed personal responsibility and a culture of integrity among citizens and leaders, stressing that corruption and distrust weakened institutions and slowed development.

    He said: “As leaders and citizens, we need to rebuild trust, strengthen values and adopt a forward-looking mindset that prioritises sustainable planning, discipline and accountability. I want to encourage everyone for continuous dialogue and commitment to reforms that will support orderly growth, improve living conditions and secure the future of Nigeria and our dear state.”

    Hamzat concluded by emphasising that fixing societal challenges required collective effort, consistent planning, and courageous leadership, noting that the solutions must be people-centred, realistic and rooted in long-term development priorities.

  • Cleric thanks God for enjoying grace

    Cleric thanks God for enjoying grace

    The General Overseer of Christ Gospel International,  Prophet Samuel Olabode, has said nowadays when spirituality often seems distant from enterprise, for him to combine the two, is a grace from God.

    The cleric, who is also the CEO of Samuel Samiye Clothing, said: ‘With this uncommon grace, I have proved that divine calling and diligent work can co-exist in harmony.’’

    He noted: “As the General Overseer of Christ Gospel Church International, and the CEO of Florence BB Continental Limited and Samuel Samiye Clothing, I exemplify the biblical truth that “faith without work is dead” (James 2:17).

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    “Through my life and mission, I demonstrate that God’s purpose for man extends beyond the pulpit into every sphere of human endeavour. Like the biblical Joseph, who managed spiritual insight and economic wisdom to save nations, I blend ministry with entrepreneurship to empower lives and build communities.”

    “As a seasoned preacher, my messages inspire faith, holiness and hope. As a real estate developer through Florence BB Continental Limited, I mirror the work of Nehemiah, rebuilding not just walls, but also destinies, providing homes and creating jobs. My vision for decent housing reflects Proverbs 24:3 — ‘By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”

    In the fashion world, Samuel Samiye Clothing expresses the creativity of God, the Master Designer. Just as Joseph’s coat of many colours signified divine favour and uniqueness (Genesis 37:3), Prophet Olabode’s “Royalty Clothes Making” line promotes dignity, confidence and excellence — reminding all that believers are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).

    “Yet, perhaps my most powerful message is philanthropy. Through countless humanitarian gestures — supporting widows, funding education for the less privileged, and offering relief to the needy, this can be seen in Proverbs 19:17: ‘He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given’.

  • FCT workers appeal Industrial Court ruling, resume strike

    FCT workers appeal Industrial Court ruling, resume strike

    The workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) yesterday resumed the indefinite strike they began on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.

    The development was in compliance with the JUAC directive to the workers to stay at home.

    The action followed the appeal of the ruling of the National Industrial Court on January 27, which directed the workers to suspend the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23.

    The union filed the appeal against the decision of the court through its lead counsel Femi Falana, SAN.

    Following the ruling, Mrs Nancy Nathan, acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCTA, had directed all FCT workers to resume work on Wednesday.

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike equally warned that there would be consequences for any worker who refused to resume.

    Wike assured the workers that the FCTA was open to reasonable negotiation, adding however that the majority of their demands had been addressed. However, consequent on the appeal of the industrial court ruling, the Secretary of JUAC, Abdullahi Saleh, in a circular on Wednesday, told the workers that the strike would continue from yesterday.

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    He urged the workers to stay at home and pray for the success of the strike, stressing that the struggle demands unity, discipline and commitment.

    He recalled that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had, in a joint communique issued on January 28, asked the FCT workers to defend their rights with courage and dignity.

    The labour unions argued that the order of interlocutory injunction obtained by Wike and the FCTA was against the President of JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer and Saleh, and not the trade unions.

    In a communique signed by NLC acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the unions insisted that the strike continues until Wike negotiates with the FCT workers.

  • Firm offers free medical outreach in Ondo

    Firm offers free medical outreach in Ondo

    As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Osemawe of Ondo Town, Oba  Festus Ibidapo Adedisewo Adesanoye (Osungbedelola II), a free medical outreach was organised for residents of Ondo, Ondo State.

    The event, sponsored by Veleta Sparkling Fruit Wine and Teezers brands of Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL), provided free health care to 350 residents, in line with the late monarch’s legacy of service and community development.

    Services offered included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, BMI and nutritional assessments, malaria screening, eye examinations, PSA screening for men over 40, health counselling and the dispensing of essential medications.

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    According to the Brand Manager, Wines and Bitters, IDL, Celestine Anyanwu, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to impactful corporate social responsibility and preventive healthcare.

    “At Intercontinental Distillers Limited, we believe that meaningful corporate social responsibility should address real needs within our communities. This medical outreach aligns with our values and with the enduring legacy of Oba F.I.A. Adesanoye, whose reign was defined by service to the people. Through Veleta Sparkling Fruit Wine and Teezers, we are pleased to support an intervention that promotes preventive healthcare and improves quality of life,” he said.

    Convener of the outreach, Princess Yewande Amos-Oluwole, described the programme as a tribute to her late father and thanked the companies for their support, noting that the partnership helped bring vital healthcare to the underserved members of the community.

  • Cult-suspects after my life, inspector petitions IG, Lagos CP

    Cult-suspects after my life, inspector petitions IG, Lagos CP

    An  Inspector Odekunle Najeem has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, to save him from an eight-member cult gang led by a Constable.

    In a petition, Najeem, who is  serving at the Lagos State Command Monitoring Unit of the state Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, said the Constable vowed to kill him over the money he lent him.  

    In the petition, he wrote: “I lent him money when he was in need and gave him my motorbike which he is claiming thieves have stolen. I am not demanding replacement of the bike again, but he is insisting I must die. IGP and Lagos CP should save my life from this constable.”

    The petition sighted by The Nation yesterday read in part: “I am appealing to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Police Commissioner to save me from cultists in Mushin who have vowed to kill me. The gang comprising eight members, led by a Police Constable, on Sunday, January 25 made frantic efforts to kill me.’’

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    “Eight of them on three motorbikes on Sunday, January 25, 2026 made frantic efforts to kill me, as they pursued me, carrying pistols, axes, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. They carried pistols, axes, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons.

    Though they were unsuccessful in their attempt on my life that night, they broke the windscreen of my car, a grey Toyota Camry, with registration number MUS 181 KA.’’

    Odekunle explained the issue started when the constable in August, last year approached him for financial support to get an accommodation at the police barracks, which he rendered, noting: “When it was clear he was not getting the accommodation again, I said he should transfer the money back as I, too, had needed it. He did and I gave him N50,000 out of the money.”

    Odekunle said: “The constable, alongside seven other cultist-suspects on the said date and about 2155hours, pursued me on three bikes, the constable was on a bike with a rider, while six others mounted the remaining two, as I was driving towards Vono area. I noticed the three motorbikes were trailing me right from Olorunshogo junction where I came out in front of GTBank.

    “ I saw the occupants of two of the two bikes trailing me were wearing masks, but the constable, who rode another bike, which made me see him clearly enough.

    “I didn’t branch to Palm Avenue where I was actually going to buy pieces of meat; I faced Oshodi straight and branched into Vono Road, Mushin and packed there. Just a few seconds after packing, I saw just two of the bikes, with six hooded gang members coming in my direction.

    “They didn’t fire a single shot. Convinced they were actually after me, as they entered the same street where I had parked, I rushed inside my car and drove off, but I was not fast enough, which made them catch up with me, and they smashed my car windscreen. They were carrying axes and pistols.

    “After my escape, I called the constable, but he refused to pick the call. He called me back later, saying he missed my calls, but I told him pointedly he did not miss my calls, but had just refused to pick them. The following day when I saw him pass by the barracks entrance gate, I confronted and accused him. He denied being involved in such and made up excuses. He also said he was not the one I saw on bike among those trailing me the day earlier.

    That same night, I went straight to Olosan Police Division to relay my experience to the Divisional Police Officer, as he, who led the gang, was serving under him. He refused to call him and said I should not worry, noting that I was not the target of any cultist-suspects, and must have mistaken their intention.

    “But I know he was leading those trailing me the night of January 25, 2026. I also know he has some axe to grind with me,” Najeem said.

  • Alcohol in sachet ban: Producing firms not shut, says NAFDAC

    Alcohol in sachet ban: Producing firms not shut, says NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared that it has not shut any alcohol-producing company in enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small plastic or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, in line with a recent resolution of the Nigerian Senate.

    NAFDAC said the enforcement directive, backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is part of efforts to protect public health, particularly children, adolescents and young adults, from the harmful use of alcohol.

    Addressing concerns surrounding the action, the Director-General(DG), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said: “NAFDAC did not close down any company that makes alcohol. The agency only banned alcohol in sachets and small containers less than 200ml”.

    In a statement, the DG explained that the policy was designed as a public health intervention rather than a punitive measure, saying, “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth by not allowing alcohol in small pack sizes.

    “The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”

    Adeyeye noted that the availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers has contributed to alcohol misuse among minors and some commercial drivers.

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    “This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities,” she said.

    She added that labelling such products as not for children was ineffective, stressing, “Placing a label to read ‘not for children’ on the sachets and the small containers will not work.

    “It cannot be enforced because of the peculiarity of the society. Many parents don’t know their children take alcohol in sachets because the pack size can be easily concealed and the sachet is cheap,”

    Adeyeye recalled that manufacturers had been granted a moratorium since 2018 to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging.

    “History of six years of moratorium given to manufacturers to reconfigure their product lines: In December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024.

    “The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow industry operators to exhaust old stock and reconfigure production lines,” she said.

    Noting that the Senate resolution aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, the DG asserted, “The ban on sachet packaging and PET bottles less than 200 ml is to make it difficult for children to get to alcohol and its consumption.

    “NAFDAC approves alcohol in bigger pack sizes. The small size of the sachet makes it easier for underage users to conceal from parents and teachers.”

    The DG emphasised that the regulation applies only to sachets and alcohol packaged in containers below 200ml, urging manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully.

    She declared that no further extension would be granted beyond last December, while adding that NAFDAC would continue public sensitisation efforts in collaboration with relevant government bodies.