The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Stop addressing me disrespectfully, 22-yr-old Ondo monarch warns public

    Stop addressing me disrespectfully, 22-yr-old Ondo monarch warns public

    The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has warned the general public against disrespectful forms of addressing its 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.

    Oba Oloyede ascended the throne of his forefathers at age 16 as a secondary school student.

    A statement issued on behalf of the palace on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, noted that the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, noting that any deviation from this would no longer be tolerated.

    According to him, some people are hiding under the guise of addressing the monarch as “bro or blood”, particularly to disrespect him.

    The statement reads: “I write in my capacity as Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public. Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times.

    “Any other form of address is unacceptable. The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not give room for disrespect in any form.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    “Addressing our revered monarch with terms such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any casual or demeaning expressions is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures. His Majesty’s leniency and calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should it be taken as permission to do the wrong thing. Especially for those who call themselves Yoruba, we should know better. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times.

    “Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not just our father; he is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people.”

    The palace called on residents of the Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to always uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that respect for the monarch remained central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.

  • Osun APC ex-guber aspirant alleges threat to life after criticising Adeleke’s education qualifications

    Osun APC ex-guber aspirant alleges threat to life after criticising Adeleke’s education qualifications

    • Petitions IGP, DSS, NSCDC

    A professor of Mathematics from the United States of America (USA), Rafiu Durodoye, who contested for the Osun State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life after criticising the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

     Durodoye recently granted an interview with an online platform, where he questioned the quality of education at Atlanta Metropolitan College, Georgia, and the certificate earned by Adeleke in the school. Also, he criticised his style of governance, stating that he should be voted out in 2026.

    However, Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement, warned the US university don against disinformation aimed at the governor.

    While addressing newsmen in Osogbo capital of Osun State, on Friday, Durodoye raised alarm over alleged death threats from unknown people who were bitter about how he criticised Governor Adeleke.

    He said: “I received a call from Ede, hometown of the governor, the person warned and threatened me over my comments on Adeleke with an unknown number.  After another person told me that they had given him my job to do, to kill me. After that, Adeleke’s spokesperson wrote things against me on social media.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    “Two weeks ago, three armed men were knocking at my gate at 9:30 pm I was not in, so my neighbour approached them, and they said they wanted that Professor. They were told that I was not in, then they sent him to tell me that they would be back to deliver the message. So they left.

    “On Monday, I went to Ibadan, and my people came back to Osogbo. They were stopped and blocked at the last junction to my house, and they were led to my gate with guns. They came in a Sienna SUV and two Okadas. They told them that I was not home, but they did not believe them, so one of them said maybe they should kill one of my cousins as a message to me, but one of them said no, that they needed me. They left and promised to come back.”

    He stated that Adeleke and his supporters should be held responsible if anything happens to him, adding that the threats have heightened concerns about his personal safety and the shrinking space for dissenting opinions in the state.

    The don disclosed that he has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Department of State Service (DSS) and Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) over the matter to seek security.

  • Tinubu felicitates Rep Ogbara on Lagos chieftaincy honour

    Tinubu felicitates Rep Ogbara on Lagos chieftaincy honour

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives, on her conferment with a chieftaincy title in Lagos.

    In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, will honour Ogbara with the title of Yeyesewa of Lagos, a distinguished title previously held by the late Chief Kemi Nelson, who passed away in 2022.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    Tinubu described the honour as well-deserved, commending Ogbara for her contributions to Lagos State and the nation, particularly her legislative advocacy for women’s empowerment and increased female participation in politics.

    He acknowledged her role in championing laws and initiatives aimed at strengthening the rights and opportunities of women, noting that her public service record reflects commitment, diligence, and impact.

    Ogbara, a human rights activist and former media entrepreneur, represents Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives.

    She currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Women’s Affairs.

    The President wished the lawmaker continued success and a life of sustained service and impact, expressing confidence that the chieftaincy honour would further inspire her contributions to governance and community development.

  • 10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    10,000 Ekiti youths, students march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    No fewer than 10,000 youths in Ekiti State on Friday staged a solidarity march in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 general election and governorship poll in the state.

    The youths, including students,s converged on the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado Ekiti, before marching through major streets of the state capital to Fajuyi Pavilion, chanting solidarity songs in support of President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji

    Addressing the youths, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Comr. Sunday Asefon said the march was organised to appreciate the people-oriented leadership of Tinubu and Oyebanji, particularly in the area of education and youth development at the federal and state levels.

    Asefon said that student dropout rates in higher institutions had reduced due to strategic education reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration, adding that bursaries, scholarships and subventions to tertiary institutions in Ekiti had been increased.

    He explained that the rally was a clear signal of support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general poll, stressing that the youths and students were firmly behind his administration.

    He added that the turnout at the march demonstrated the readiness of young people in Ekiti to reward both leaders at the polls for their immense contributions to education and youth empowerment.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    Asefon urged the youths and students to reciprocate the investments by collecting their Permanent Voter Cards and voting massively for Governor Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, governorship poll, noting that online support alone would not be counted by the electoral body.

    The Presidential aide exuded confidence that Governor Oyebanji would secure overwhelming votes in the governorship poll across the 177 wards and polling units in the state.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Farms, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Joluwe, also mobilised support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, calling on youths across Ekiti State to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and actively participate in the electoral process.

    She said that young people constituted a significant proportion of the country’s population and should harness their numerical strength to support leaders who had demonstrated commitment to youth empowerment, agriculture and education.

    The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasaoye, described the rally as a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying both leaders deserved a second term in view of what he called their stellar performance in office.

  • Tinubu swears in Aleshinloye as Oyo Federal Character Commissioner

    Tinubu swears in Aleshinloye as Oyo Federal Character Commissioner

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Federal Character Commissioners at a brief ceremony held at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja.

    Among the appointees was the former ALGON Chairman, Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, who was sworn in as FCC representing Oyo State.

    Aleshinloye’s appointment was part of the 37 commissioners confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Commission (FCC), a constitutional body established to ensure equitable distribution of public posts and socio-economic infrastructure across Nigeria’s federating units in accordance with Sections 14 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    Also sworn in was Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, appointed as Executive Chairman of the Commission, alongside commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The brief but dignified ceremony included the administration of the oath of office and subsequent presidential handshakes with the new commissioners.

    Speaking with newsmen after the swearing-in, Prince Abass-Aleshinloye thanked President Tinubu for the trust reposed in them and pledged to serve diligently in line with the mandate of the Federal Character Commission and the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

  • LASUSTECH’s 4th Founder’s Day holds February

    LASUSTECH’s 4th Founder’s Day holds February

    The 4th Founder’s Day of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) will be held on Monday, February 2nd, a statement issued by the institution’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Lanre Kuye, has said.

    The celebration will be held at the College of Agriculture, Main Auditorium, , Ikorodu Campus.

    LASUSTECH was established in 2022 following the upgrading of the former Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to a university in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make higher education accessible through science, technology and innovation that could transform Lagos into a hub of technical manpower and research.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    The university started with 37 approved academic programmes across five colleges under the leadership of the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya and currently has 42 academic programmes.

    According to the statement, the event themed: ”Mapping the Future”, reflects the university’s identity ”as a blueprint institution for defining the mandate of modern science and technology.”

    The statement further stated that the Founder’s Day lecture will be delivered by the Vice- Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, Ondo State, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji.  She will be speaking on the topic ”Achieving the objectives of the University of Science and Technology.

    ”The Founder’s Day celebration highlights LASUSTECH’s commitment to fostering a strong academic community and making a significant contribution to national growth,” the statement added.

  • Rights groups condemn demolitions, demand justice for residents of Makoko, others

    Rights groups condemn demolitions, demand justice for residents of Makoko, others

    A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental and social justice organisations has condemned what it described as systemic, illegal and cruel forced evictions by the Lagos State Government in waterfront and informal communities, including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Ilaje-Otumara, Baba Ijora and Owode Onirin.

    In a joint statement signed by signed by Israel Idowu , Student Coordinator, Makoko Waterfront community, Comrade Abiodun Ahmed – Chairman, Owode Motor Spare Parts Market, Comrade Tunde Yusuf – Secretary, Ajegunle Peoples Movement (APM), Olanrewaju Olusegun – Secretary, Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims, Betty Abah, Founder, Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEЕНОРЕ), Comrade Alex Omotehinse – President, Center for Human and Social Economic Rights (CHSR), Zikora Ibeh – Assistant Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and Opeyemi Adamolekun.

    The groups accused the government of clearing prime land for elite and private developments under the guise of “urban renewal,” without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement.

    They said the demolitions have created mass homelessness, disproportionately affecting fishermen, traders, women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and worsening poverty, food insecurity and social instability.

    The coalition cited a recurring pattern of demolitions dating back to Otodo Gbame (2016–2017) and more recent actions in Oworonshoki, Ilaje-Otumara, Baba Ijora and Makoko.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover loans of 6,308 students

    The statement noted that court orders were ignored, security operatives used force and tear gas, residents were detained, and livelihoods were destroyed. In Makoko alone, the groups claimed over 3,000 homes have been demolished since December 2025, displacing more than 10,000 people, with reported injuries and deaths.

    Rejecting government claims that the demolitions were for safety reasons, the organisations argued that actions went beyond legal setbacks and reflected long-term neglect of informal settlements.

    They demanded an immediate halt to demolitions, emergency shelter and services for displaced persons, full compensation, accountability for abuses, an inclusive resettlement plan, and a public apology from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, warning that the evictions undermine Lagos’ claim to global-city status.

    Lagos cannot claim global-city status while treating its poorest residents as disposable,” the statement noted that failure to ensure justice, compensation and resettlement would remain a “permanent stain” on the state’s governance record.

  • Bago woos renewable energy manufacturers to site industry in Niger

    Bago woos renewable energy manufacturers to site industry in Niger

    • Says state has huge Silicon, Lithium deposit
    • Partners REA to power 69,337 households, unlock $27bn in GDP

    Niger State governor, Mohammed Umar Bago has extended an invitation to renewable energy investors to come invest in the state.

    Bago said the state has the potential to be the renewable energy hub of Nigeria with its huge deposit of lithium and silicon – essential natural resources needed for the production of batteries and solar cells.

    He said the state is currently partnering with the Rural Electrification Agency to power 69,337 households, using renewable energy while also unlocking $27bn in GDP.

    He therefore urged global renewable energy manufacturers to take advantage of the huge deposit by setting up their companies in the state.

    In addition, he assured them of zero tax in their first five years.

    Speaking in Abuja at a roundtable on making renewable power viable in Niger State and Nigeria, Bago said: “We have the highest level of silicon in Niger State… To make solar cells, you don’t even have to bring them from China. The Chinese company can come and set up. No tax.”

    On batteries, he said: “We also have the largest concentration of lithium in Nigeria, with copper, zinc, manganese—and these things are ingredients needed for batteries.”

    Gov Bago noted that Niger State is collaborating with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide electricity to the state’s unserved and underserved communities.

    He highlighted REA’s projects in the state, including a 5.5 megawatt solar plant with 7.5 megawatt-hour battery storage, which ended vandalism that once plagued the lines to IBB University in Lapai.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    “When I came in as a governor, there was a cartel of people who did diesel. Every time the power lines supplying electricity to IBB University, Lapai, about 70 kilometres from Minna, were brought down, it was in the name of rain, wind, or vandalism. Now, with REA and TETFund, it’s over,” Bago stated, noting its benefits for the university expansion with more hostels and security jobs.

    The governor stressed the need to put in place resilient institutions, infrastructure, and policy sincerity as ways of building sustainability.

    “It is time that we build sustainability,” he said, warning that past Nigerian efforts had eroded due to weak foundations.

    He explained, “Sustainability means how it can continue after me? You have to build resilient institutions.” The governor linked renewables to livelihoods, citing the state’s allocation of 100,000 hectares under the Sustainable Integrated Productive Community (SIPC) Initiative for housing and agriculture.

    “You build houses for people, you want to create mortgages, they don’t have a livelihood, and they can’t pay. You deploy renewable energy, they consume power, they can’t pay,” he cautioned. “But when these people can generate revenue, to add value that means there is production. And when there is production, there is sustainability.”

    The REA managing director, Dr Abba Aliyu, highlighted that 77 mini-grid sites are already underway in Niger State, injecting 20MW to connect 69,337 households—an unprecedented scale. He shared geospatial data on 3,564 off-grid communities serving 1.5 million people, projecting that Niger could attract $1.2 billion in investment, add $27 billion to GDP, and create 280,000 jobs.

    This leverages the Electricity Act 2023 and REA’s $1.2 billion funding pool (plus $2.6 billion pipeline) from President Tinubu’s $750 million global program for 17.5 million Nigerians.

    Recent feats include a 990 kWp mini-grid in Lambata, powering 3,900 homes, and scaling to 1.5MW.

    Also speaking, the state commissioner, Ministry of Investment, Hon. Aminu Suleiman Takuma, highlighted specific tax incentives for renewable energy manufacturers and power generation projects.

    He stated that investors in power generation would enjoy up to 5 years of pioneer status, along with 0% incentives for new opportunities in renewable energy equipment, machinery, and components.

  • NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover 6,308 students loans

    NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover 6,308 students loans

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) yesterday said it has disbursed N1,326,550,000 to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The agency said the fund was in line with the approved disbursement schedule for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    In a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the disbursement covers 6,308 eligible UNILAG students who have met all requirements under its student loan programme.

    The statement said: “As is standard procedure, student beneficiary lists are generated through verified institutional data submitted during the application and validation process.

    “NELFUND wishes to reiterate that once disbursement has been made to an institution, students should be able to register and access classes without delays.

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    “The Fund always engages with the appropriate officials of tertiary institutions to ensure:

    1. Proper reconciliation of beneficiary student lists;

    2. Timely application of disbursed funds to all eligible students’ accounts; and

    3. Clear communication to students to prevent misinformation and avoidable distress.”

    Managing Director/Chief Executive of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to transparency and student welfare.

    He stated: “NELFUND remains fully committed to ensuring that approved student loan funds are disbursed promptly and applied appropriately. We are working closely with all partner institutions to resolve any administrative gaps and to ensure that no eligible student is disadvantaged.”

    NELFUND advised students to contact their institution’s bursary or student affairs office, while it continued engagement with UNILAG to conclude reconciliation.

  • Northwest record highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    Northwest record highest interest to vote in 2027 election – Yiaga Africa

    A report by Yiaga Africa has shown that voters in North-West are more likely to come out en masse in 2027 to cast their vote despite widespread insecurity in the region.

    The region is followed by the North-East in the report released by the civil society organisation.

     Yiaga Africa disclosed this in Abuja during the presentation of the first round of its National Voting Intentions Survey titled “Who Will Vote?.”

    According to the report, 67 per cent of respondents in the North-West and 45 per cent in the North-East expressed willingness to vote in 2027, while the South-South and South-East recorded the lowest levels of enthusiasm at 29 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

    Presenting the findings, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, noted that the regions with the strongest intention to vote also reported high levels of concern over security threats and possible electoral violence, which could hinder participation.

    Itodo said the survey was conducted to assess voter interest, confidence in the electoral process and barriers to participation ahead of the polls.

    Read Also: If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    He said the survey was carried out between December 1 and 5, 2025, using telephone interviews with 1,500 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a 95 per cent confidence level.

    The report showed that 77 per cent of Nigerians indicated they were likely to vote in 2027, but 42 per cent cited fear of violence as the major reason discouraging participation.

    While 76 per cent of respondents believed their votes could influence election outcomes, only 45 per cent expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ability to conduct credible elections.

    Yiaga Africa recommended improved election security, credible party primaries and enhanced INEC logistics to boost voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general election.

    National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr Yusuf Dantalle, expressed concern over declining voter turnout, noting that only about 27 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 presidential election.