The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles

    North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles

    North Korea fired off multiple ballistic missiles on January 27 – the second missile test by Pyongyang so far in 2026, following another launch on January 4.

    According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missiles were launched around at 15:50 KST from the vicinity of northern Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, toward the waters off the east coast. The South’s military said that the missiles flew about 350 kilometers.

    “The South Korean military has heightened its surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches while maintaining full readiness through close information sharing with U.S. and Japanese authorities regarding the North Korean ballistic missile,” the South Korean military said in a statement sent to reporters.

    The National Security Office also convened an emergency meeting and urged North Korea to halt acts of provocations that violate the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

     yesterday’s ballistic missile launch was carried out 23 days after the North test-fired multiple hypersonic missiles. Also on January 4, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung departed to Beijing to have a summit meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

    More details  yesterday’s launch will likely be released by the North’s state-controlled media. For now, it’s safe to say that Pyongyang appears to be intent on beefing up its nuclear capabilities further.

    It seems the North Korea has not yet held the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), but the event is expected very soon. Then North Korea’s new five-year plan for strengthening its military capabilities will be released in the upcoming months.

    Read Also: Türkiye, Nigeria target $5bn trade volume as Erdogan, Tinubu seal new economic push

    Despite Lee’s dialogue-based approach to renew the devastated inter-Korean relations, Pyongyang has made crystal clear that it will not negotiate with Seoul, implying that Washington is the only counterpart whom it can deal with. Pyongyang has not crossed the red line – conducting a seventh nuclear test – but other developments in inter-Korea relations, such as the North’s accusation of the South sending drones toward its territory and Pyongyang’s consistent ballistic missile tests, apparently demonstrate that Pyongyang’s antagonism toward Seoul has not been soothed despite Lee’s consistent efforts.

    In light of this, the arms race on the Korean Peninsula will likely be accelerated. Seoul is looking to build a nuclear-powered submarine with support from the United States, while North Korea is enhancing its bilateral ties with Russia to receive economic support and sensitive military technology.

    Since his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that he would be willing to meet again with Kim Jong Un, the autocratic leader of North Korea. However, Washington has clearly shown that the North’s nuclear issues are no longer its priority task to deal with. Instead, the Trump administration has steadily urged Seoul to take more responsibility in handling North Korea.

  • Anambra safe for business, says commissioner

    Anambra safe for business, says commissioner

    Anambra State Government has said the state is safe for business, insisting that there is no longer any fear associated with the sit-at-home order observed on Mondays.

    Information Commissioner Law Mefoh said this yesterday during an interview on a national television programme, following the decision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to open their shops on Monday.

    Mefoh said adequate security measures had been put in place across the state, stressing that the sit-at-home order was no longer a threat to commercial activities. “Anambra is safe for business. The fear factor is no longer there. Maybe in the past when this sit-at-home started, but now it is no longer an issue,” he said.

    Read Also: Five strongest currencies in Africa as of January 2026

    He added that there was no justification for the continued closure of markets, particularly Onitsha Main Market, which he described as arguably the largest market in West Africa.

    According to him, the persistent shutdown of markets is negatively impacting on the state’s economy.

    Commenting on the governor’s action, the commissioner said the state government had the responsibility to ensure the smooth running of Anambra’s socio-economic activities.

    He noted that while fear initially forced traders and workers to stay indoors on Mondays, the situation had since changed.

    “Over time, traders converted Monday into an extension of the weekend, and this is seriously affecting the socio-economic life of the state,” Mefoh said, adding that Anambra reportedly lost an average of N8 billion every Monday markets remained closed.

  • Türkiye, Nigeria target $5bn trade volume as Erdogan, Tinubu seal new economic push

    Türkiye, Nigeria target $5bn trade volume as Erdogan, Tinubu seal new economic push

    President of the Republic Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Tuesday reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to achieving a $5 billion trade volume with Nigeria, saying discussions toward the target had already commenced.

    Erdogan spoke in Ankara during a joint press briefing with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is on a state visit to Türkiye.

    The Turkish leader said the planned establishment of a Joint Economy and Trade Committee would unlock opportunities to expand and support Turkish investments in Nigeria, describing it as a critical mechanism for reaching the $5 billion target.

    He also praised President Tinubu’s commitment to attracting investment, noting that the presence of several Nigerian ministers and senior officials underscored that determination.

    According to a statement by Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Erdogan said: “Today, we conducted a comprehensive review of our relations with the esteemed president and his delegation in the fields of trade, investments, energy, education and defence industry.

    Read Also: Taraba security has Improved significantly, says Kefas

    “Firstly, we see that we have significant potential in the fields of trade and investment. In today’s meetings, our commitment is to the target of $5 billion trade volume, and we discussed the steps that need to be taken.

    “We also discussed opportunities to support our investments in Nigeria. We believe that the Joint Economy and Trade Committee, which we agreed to establish today, will be instrumental in this regard.”

    He further hailed Tinubu’s reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, which he said had contributed to the restructuring of the economy, expressing optimism that cooperation between the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Nigerian counterparts would yield the expected outcomes.

    On security, the Turkish President pledged support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region.

    “Terrorist organisations emerging, particularly in Africa’s Sahel region, unfortunately pose a threat to the peace of the entire continent. We stand by the friendly people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism under the leadership of President Tinubu.

    “In fact, today, we addressed opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of military training and intelligence. We stated that we are ready to share our country’s significant experience in the fight against terrorism.

    “Also, I believe that we will soon see positive outcomes from the meetings that Nigerian officials will hold with our leading defence industry companies during this visit”, he said.

    Tinubu expressed appreciation to Türkiye for its openness and willingness to collaborate in promoting global freedom, stability and prosperity, while stressing the importance of building an inclusive economy that caters for vulnerable groups.

    He commended President Erdogan for being “willing to collaborate, willing to help, willing to work together to promote freedom, stability and shared prosperity across the world.”

    “What is very important to the countries being discussed; trade, business, no restrictions, giving opportunity to those who are ready to learn to work and prosper. How do we build an inclusive economy together? How do we reform and get vulnerable people involved in the economy? How do we ensure peace in the world?” Tinubu asked.

    The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in Africa despite regional instability, noting that both leaders discussed joint efforts against terrorism.

    “We discussed efforts against terrorism. We discussed how to defeat agents of destabilization,” he said.

    Tinubu further praised Erdogan’s role in advancing global peace, particularly his efforts in Somalia.

    At the end of the bilateral meeting between the officials of the two countries, nine agreements were exchanged. 

    They were: Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Diaspora Policy, Agreement on Defence Cooperation, Joint Declaration Establishing Economy and Trade Joint Committee, and Agreement in the Field of Halal Quality Infrastructure.

    Others included Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education, Cooperation in the Field of Media and Communication, Cooperation in the Field of Education, Cooperation Between the Republic of Türkiye, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Diplomacy Academy, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Academy; and Cooperation Between the Republic of Turkiye, Ministry of Social Services and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of women Affairs and Social Development.

  • Pantami hails Governor Yahaya on honorary doctorate, Gombe’s Tsangaya reforms

    Pantami hails Governor Yahaya on honorary doctorate, Gombe’s Tsangaya reforms

    Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has congratulated Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on his Honorary Doctoral Degree conferred by Lincoln University College, Malaysia.

    Pantami said the honour reflects measurable achievements recorded under Yahaya’s administration, particularly in the education and health sectors, which he noted are increasingly being viewed as reference points for reform across the region.

    He highlighted the recruitment of 1,000 teachers to address manpower gaps, improvements in students’ performance in WAEC examinations in recent years, and the construction of modern school facilities in rural and underserved communities.

    Read Also: Taraba security has Improved significantly, says Kefas

    Drawing from his background in the Tsangaya system, Pantami hailed Gombe’s Almajiri Tsangaya programme under the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) initiative, which has put many thousands of out-of-school children into learning environments.

    The establishment of modernised Tsangaya Mega Schools across all 11 local government areas stands out as an inclusive reform that harmonises traditional Islamic education with modern learning systems, Pantami added.

    He also commended the construction of a 1,000-capacity Gombe State School of Nursing and Midwifery and the rehabilitation of 114 Primary Healthcare Centres—one in each ward—to strengthen the healthcare workforce and expand access to basic medical services.

    The former minister noted that the Governor’s approach demonstrates the importance of synergy between government, academia, and industry in building a future-ready society.

    “Education remains the most reliable instrument for bridging gaps,” Pantami stated, offering prayers for continued wisdom and guidance for Governor Yahaya, who holds the traditional titles of Dan Majen Gombe and Dan Amanan Daular Usmaniyya.

  • Peller to abandon school over income

    Peller to abandon school over income

    TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has announced the decision to postpone his university education, just days after celebrating his admission to study law at a private university in Lagos State.

    Peller, during a live session o TikTok, cited financial constraints for the decision, stating that attending school will affect his income.

    He expressed frustration at spending hours in class without earning money.

    Peller also said he will feel out of place among his older classmates, describing himself as the youngest person in the class.

    “Guys, I swear to God, I remember I said I am going to school… I am not going again. I am not going again,” he said.

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    “I just remember, I was inside class for four hours. I didn’t make any money. I will write, I will look, I will play, not making anything. God forbid. I am not doing that one again,” he said.

    “When I enter the school, I notice that everyone is old, I am the only young blood there,” he added.

    “So I need to go old. Maybe when I clock like 30, 40 years, I will now go to school. Please cancel everything. I am tired,” he said.

    The decision marks a reversal from his recent public celebration of securing admission into a law programme, where he had expressed excitement and responded to critics who mocked his educational background.

    “Everyone has been criticising me for not being educated, as if I’m the first person who didn’t attend university. Now, all of you should leave social media, because I’m in school.

    “I’m now studying law. You can see it, right? You can’t mess with me anymore. I know the law,” he added.

  • Taraba security has Improved significantly, says Kefas

    Taraba security has Improved significantly, says Kefas

    Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas said the sustained presence of Nigerian Army personnel has resulted in “visible and measurable improvements” in the security environment of the state.

    The Governor spoke when he, with federal legislators from the State and members of the Executive Council of the International Institute for African Defense Security and Governance, visited the Army Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    The Governor applauded the “strong inter-agency cooperation” among security agencies operating in the state and highlighted areas requiring reinforced military presence. 

    He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening support for the Nigerian Army, including providing accommodation for deployed troops, and pledged to sustain a united, steel-hard front against insecurity.

    Read Also: ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu,  emphasised the Army’s resolve to uphold its constitutional mandate to support civil authorities in maintaining peace and security nationwide.

    He noted that Taraba State occupies a strategic position within the nation’s security architecture, given its terrain and security dynamics.

    The COAS commended the governor for his “decisive leadership and effective coordination” with security agencies, stressing that enduring peace requires close collaboration between civil and military institutions.

    He described the State Government’s support, particularly the donation of land and the provision of operational equipment, as critical force multipliers that have significantly enhanced the tempo, reach and effectiveness of military operations in the region.

    The COAS appealed for continued partnership and requested the governor’s support in providing stable electricity to the 20 Model Battalion, Sarti and 93 Battalion. He noted that improved power supply would directly enhance operational efficiency, combat readiness and troop welfare.

    The COAS called for intensified public sensitisation across Taraba State, urging citizens to actively support security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence.

    “Community cooperation remains a decisive weapon in defeating terrorists and other criminal elements,” he said.

  • More pro-Kwankwaso appointees resign from Yusuf’s cabinet

    More pro-Kwankwaso appointees resign from Yusuf’s cabinet

    Following the defection of Governor Abba Yusuf to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, more political appointees, loyal to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have resigned from their positions.

    Their decision to quit the cabinet follows the disagreement between Yusuf and his benefactor Kwankwaso. 

    The Governor moved to APC against Kwankwaso’s approval, insisting it was in a “broader interest of Kano state.”

    Commissioners of Internal Security and Special Services, Ibrahim Umar and Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, on Tuesday tendered resignation letters, in clear opposition to the Governor’s new political realignment.

    Read Also: ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    In his resignation letter to the Secretary to the State Government, Garo said his decision to resign was taken after due consideration.

     Ibrahim Umar also wrote: “I write with profound gratitude and a deep sense of duty to formally tender my resignation from my position as the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Kano State, with immediate effect.”

    Their resignations come after the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the son of the NNPP national leader, resigned his appointment and membership of the State Executive Council few hours to the Governor’s defection.

    Also on the resignation list are Director-General of the Kano Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu and the Managing Director of the Kano State Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA), Hassan Danbappa.

     Amid a crowd of APC supporters and loyal Kwankwasiyya followers, Governor Yusuf rejoined the ruling party on Monday with 22 of the 24-member House of Assembly, nine of the 14 NNPP federal lawmakers and all 44 local government council chairmen for which Kwankwaso accused the Governor of betrayal.

  • FG inaugurates committee on ALSCON

    FG inaugurates committee on ALSCON

    In a bid to bring the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) into full operation, the Federal Government has inaugurated an 11- member project delivery committee.

     The Committee comprises three members from ALCON, two from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), two members from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN),  two members each from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Ministry of Power. 

    In its terms of reference, the committee is expected to fast-track  the connection of 132 kV transmission lines, ensure the completion of  the Itu-Aba 132kV line, Itu-Calabar 132kV line, produce a status report and Single Line Diagram (SLD) of the 132k V Line, conduct joint commissioning of 132kV line, including funding requirements.

    Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt

    In addition to the 132kV project, the committee is also saddled with the connection of 330kV transmission lines to ALSCON by coming up with the funding requirements to complete the project, produce status project report and SLD of the 330k V Line, and conduct a joint commissioning of the project.

    Inaugurating the committee in his office, the  Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu  emphasised the importance of the project, which he said would contribute to the economic growth and development of the country. 

    He said it was the desire of the Federal Government to see that ALSCON begins operation.

    He charged all the agencies involved in revamping the company to work as a team “to ensure that it comes alive within a very short time”, while urging them to set up a practical working solution.

    Adelabu said if ALSCON comes back, it would impact the economy of the country very positively,“ power is a critical enabler for continuous operation in the plant and could lead to economic growth. It will increase local capacity and create jobs for our people. 

    “So, we need to accelerate its activities and avoid delays. We need a lot of collaboration and cooperation to achieve this desired result”.

    The Minister recalled  visiting the company in October last year adding that ALSCON had reached out to the ministry on several occasions regarding the importance of reliable, stable, and uninterrupted power at the plant and the need for the plant to be connected to the national grid.

    The representative of UC Rusal, the majority shareholder of  ALSCON,  Viacheslav Krylov,  said the company was ready to work and collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing the challenges facing the power sector especially in the provision of electricity.

    He revealed that ALSCON has an in built 540MW installed, gas-fired turbines for power generation, primarily for operations, he however added  that the excesses would be transferred to the grid. 

    Krylov emphasized the importance of an alternative power supply for emergency basis in order to guarantee continuous operation in the plant when gas supply line is disrupted.

  • How AI can scale up skills in Nigeria’s digital future

    How AI can scale up skills in Nigeria’s digital future

    Artificial intelligence could boost Africa’s economic growth by 10 to 15 per cent, creating hundreds of millions of jobs by 2030. 

    Cear roadmaps are beginning to take shape. Nigeria’s national digital skilling efforts, including the recent Phase 2 launch of the AI Skills Initiative (AINSI), offer valuable insights into how AI-related skills can be scaled across emerging economies.

    However, a statement by the Government Affairs Director of Microsoft West Africa, Nonye Ujam, noted that Africa’s AI sector remains underfunded and underdeveloped. 

    According to the statement, annual AI investments on the continent stand at just $2 to $3 billion—barely one per cent of global spending.

    Without strategic investment in critical infrastructure and skills, the statement warned Africa risks becoming merely a consumer of AI technologies rather than a creator. 

    Read Also: Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

    Addressing this challenge requires infrastructure and solutions specifically designed for Africa’s diverse linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic realities, including advanced language models that reflect local contexts.

    True progress, the statement stressed, goes beyond technology alone and hinges on talent development. 

    Building a comprehensive skills ecosystem is essential—one that unites government and industry under a shared vision. Such an approach must move beyond isolated projects to establish scalable frameworks that empower policymakers, educators, developers, entrepreneurs and job seekers alike.

    Government leaders, in particular, have a unique mandate to set priorities, regulate responsibly and ensure equitable access to infrastructure and data.

    Nigeria, the statement explained, offers a compelling example of how targeted skills development can nurture AI leadership. 

    Through AINSI, the country has begun embedding ethical and inclusive AI leadership within the public sector. Over the past year, collaborations with government institutions and Lagos Business School have equipped nearly 100 senior leaders—including members of the National Assembly and representatives from 58 ministries—with practical strategies for AI-enabled governance and sector-specific roadmaps.

    Beyond executive leadership training, specialised programmes have strengthened institutional resilience in areas such as cybersecurity and responsible AI use. For instance, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission received tailored sessions focused on AI, data safeguarding and reinforcing principles of ethical technology deployment.

    Experts note that for AI to drive national development, it must move beyond theory into everyday business applications. This transition depends largely on developers—the professionals who translate abstract models into practical solutions for real-world challenges.

    Nigeria’s recent skilling initiatives demonstrate how strategic investment in developer talent can generate economy-wide benefits. 

    Programmes such as Developers in Government (DevsInGov) and the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative (3MTT) are building a strong pipeline of technical expertise across sectors. 

    These efforts have already equipped about 250 participants with practical skills in Power BI and AI integration, while an additional 1,000 developers have progressed into specialised fields including DevOps, machine learning and data science.

  • APC constitutes screening committee for youth fellowship

    APC constitutes screening committee for youth fellowship

    The APC National Youth Wing  under its Progressive School of Politics, Leadership and Statecraft (PSPLS) , has  constituted  a high-powered screening committee to review over 1700 applications  nationwide from young Nigerians for the  novel Rising Progressive Young Leaders Fellowship (RPLF).

    The RPLF is a flagship and elite leadership development initiative purposefully designed to produce the best of the best, a new cadre of high value, governance ready young leaders prepared for public sector leadership and national service.

    According to the APC National Youth Leader, Dr Dayo Israel, the Fellowship targets exceptional emerging leaders with the capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance today even as they would be deliberately groomed to shape leadership and statecraft tomorrow. 

    It is structured as a rigorous, immersive and transformational experience that combines intellectual depth, practical exposure and elite mentorship to prepare the next generation of progressive leaders for roles across the public sector, political institutions, and policy making spaces.

    Read Also; Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident

    Notable names  among the 170 chairpersons and members of the screening committee include former Nigerian Ambassador to Burundi, HE Elijah Onyeagba; DG Citizen and Leadership Center, Rinsola Abiola; Executive Director, Galaxy Backbone Hon Segun Olulade; former SSA to President Buhari Mr.Wole Aboderin; SSA to the President on Community Engagement Southwest, Moremi Ojudu; ED North Central Development Commission, Princess Atika Ajana; Founder of WFM Toun Okewale Sonaiya; SSA to the President on Entrepreneurship Development Chalya Shagaya .

    “RPLF is delivered as a high intensity, cohort based fellowship, featuring a residential component that removes participants from everyday distractions and places them in a focused environment of learning, reflection, collaboration, and leadership formation. This immersive model fosters discipline, peer bonding, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation of the demands of public leadership and service in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu“, the APC Youth Leader noted.

     Israel affirmed that the Fellowship draws on a distinguished faculty and resource network comprising former governors, former ministers, senior public servants, seasoned legislators, private sector leaders, policy experts and thought leaders.

    Other members of the committee include: Mr.Bode Olugbore; Hon Ife Adebayo; Dr Sanusi Ohiare; Mr Kingsley Mordi;  Barr Zainab Buba Marwa; Mr Abu Andrew; Engr Prof Abubakar Sadiq Zubair, Hon Ginika Tor, SA to the Vice President Hon Ahmed Ningi; SSA to the President Mrs Abiodun Essiet; Hon Abu Sidiq; Hon Mrs Nana Hauwa; Hajia Jemilah Shuaibu; Sheefah Zarma; Hon Onyeka Nwafor; Maryam Illyasu Gwarzo; Queen Zarah Onyinye; Engr Anjo Obande; Shehu Huseini Kollere; Dr Muhammed Yahaz; Chidinma Makachukwu; Gbenga Saka; Hon Ibrahim Alli Balogun; Mr Muyiwa Adebola; Hon Onyambo; Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi; Segun Tomori; Theresa Tekanah; Abida Rabo; Jason Baba Kwaghe; Lamir Umar Ibrahim; Ochanya Okoh; Zubair Aliyu; Yewande Bisiolu; Gambo Manzo; Martha Agba; Melycent C. Reis; Abdul Haruna Danja; Olumide Olaniyan; Eng Ibrahim; Esther Oyeyinka; Jamilu Yusuf Yola; Saidu Malagi; Lamide Lawal; Mark Hamation; Bashir Ahmad; Kasha Musa Illiya; Ummi Uki Yusuf; Yetunde Gold; Imram Mohammed; Mohammed Tambura and many more.

    The application review committee is broken down into a 17 set of 10 man committee to review 100 applications each and shortlist to 350 which would proceed to the next stage of physical interviews to be conducted by former Governors of the party, agency heads and other senior leaders.

    The application review process is expected to  commence on Wednesday, January 27, while further updates on the review exercise and final selection process will be communicated in due course.