The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ondo Magistrates, Customary Court Presidents suspend strike

    Ondo Magistrates, Customary Court Presidents suspend strike

    Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in Ondo State have suspended their two-week-old industrial action following agreements with the State Government.

    The suspension was announced on Monday night in a statement jointly signed by Mrs O. Edwin, Mr Segun Rotiba, and Mrs Agbomola.

    The judicial officers, under the aegis of the Coalition of Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and Legal Research Officers in the Ondo State Judiciary, on January 5, 2026, embarked on an indefinite strike in pursuit of judicial autonomy and improved welfare.

    In a notice dated January 2, 2026, and addressed to all Magistrates, Presidents of Grade ‘A’ Customary Courts and legal research officers, the coalition directed its members to withdraw their services indefinitely.

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    Following the action, courts across the state were shut as magistrates, customary court presidents, and members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) downed tools.

    The striking judicial officers accused the State Government of failing to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary and address long-standing welfare concerns.

    However, in the statement obtained by The Nation in Akure, the judiciary workers said the decision to suspend the strike followed a series of meetings and engagements with the executive arm of government led by Governor Aiyedatiwa and other critical stakeholders.

    The engagements, according to the workers, were led by the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Mr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and involved the leadership of JUSUN, members of the coalition and government representatives.

    They stated that key issues raised during the meetings were favourably considered by the government.

    The judicial officers noted that after what they described as a “painstaking but realistic agreement,” the government demonstrated also good faith and commitment towards the immediate implementation of financial autonomy and other demands earlier presented.

    Consequently, the coalition directed all its members to resume work from Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

  • Atiku vows to build strong ADC opposition in Bauchi

    Atiku vows to build strong ADC opposition in Bauchi

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed commitment to working with leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at all levels to build a strong and effective opposition in Bauchi State.

    Atiku made the pledge after hosting a delegation of key ADC stakeholders from Bauchi, led by Alhaji Aminu Ahmed Yapeco, Sarkin Yakin Katagum, at his residence.

    The former vice president disclosed details of the meeting on his social media platforms on Monday, stressing that discussions centred on strengthening the party’s structure and positioning it to better serve the people of the state.

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    “This afternoon, I hosted a delegation of Bauchi State’s critical stakeholders in our party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Alhaji Aminu Ahmed Yapeco, Sarkin Yakin Katagum.

    “Our conversation focused on how to strengthen the party’s structures in the state. We have examined the gaps, and I am committed to working with the party’s leaders at all levels until we achieve a virile opposition that will best serve the interests of the people of Bauchi,” he wrote. 

    Yapeco, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, underscored the importance of unity and strategic organisation within the party as it seeks to expand its influence and provide a credible alternative in the state’s political landscape.

  • How woman, six children were killed in Kano

    How woman, six children were killed in Kano

    In Chiranchi, Dorayi area of Kano, noon became darkness. It was on Saturday, 17 January that the blood chilling incident unfurled.

    The heinous killing of a mother and her six children shattered the Dorayi community known for its close-knit bonds, warm and peaceful routines.

    Kano state is stiff stunned, as hearts are heavy with questions hanging.

    Malam Bala Abubakar, a neighbour had pulled off his clothing to bathe when frantic shouts ripped the air. 

    He heard screams for help, a cry of “Umar, please don’t kill me.” Abubakar said he rushed out, towel still on, and joined other neighbours who had already poured into the narrow lane.

    “Some labourers painting a new building adjacent to the affected home also heard the earsplitting cries and rushed out. They alerted people that “something wrong is going on in that house.” The Ward head Ahmad Ya’u Yahaya (Gidan Kwari) also rushed to the scene.

    “Together, we rallied to render help,” another eyewitness said. But it was too late. The killers had accomplished their mission. What they saw was a scene of horror. The canvass of blood was wide. 

    Thirty-five year-old mother, Fatima Abubakar, her first and second daughters Maimuna, 17, and Aisha, 16, alongside four sons:  Bashir, 13, Abubakar, 10, Faruk, 7, and Abdulsalam -a 1 year-old baby were all massacred in cold blood.

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    The killers invaded at 12:10 pm when the husband Haruna Bashir had gone to the market, witnesses said.

    “The attackers used a sewing machine head to smash and rip open the skulls of the victims. It was an unbelievably gory sight,” Abubakar told The Nation on Monday.

    Next, the neighbours swarmed the slaughter house, held the doors, and called the police.

    The children before the incident 

    Officers, prompted by Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, arrived swiftly, combing the premises in a sting operation. One of the suspects hidden in a toilet was seized for what would later be a lead to the rest.

    The dead were taken to the hospital, but none was saved.

    Soon, a funeral was held, according to Islamic rites, during which some of the perpetrators mingled with the mourners. They disguised as sympathisers at the funeral, unaware that the watchful eyes of detectives were tracking every of their moves. They were also arrested.

    Police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa gave the names of the three killer-suspects as Umar Auwalu, 23, Isyaku Yakubu, 40, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, all from Kano.

    One of them, Umar Auwalu, is a nephew to the slain mother who had begged him to spare her before he sniffed life out of her.

    The arrest of the killers, now in police custody, is a slight measure of relief to Kano people who spoke to The Nation on Monday, many calling on Governor Abba Yusuf to sign their death warrant if sentenced by the court.

  • NITDA backs crisis communication hub to counter AI-driven misinformation

    NITDA backs crisis communication hub to counter AI-driven misinformation

    The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has endorsed the establishment of a centralised National Crisis Communication Hub (NCCH) to counter the growing threats of fake news, hate speech and artificial intelligence-driven misinformation in Nigeria.

    Inuwa gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by its Chairman, Major-General Chris Olukolade (rtd.), following the successful conclusion of the maiden National Symposium on Digital Innovations in Crisis Communication.

    The NITDA chief said misinformation often spreads faster than verified facts because of its “novelty factor,” noting that the disruption of traditional media by social platforms has empowered individuals and groups to disseminate harmful content with far-reaching economic and social consequences.

    “There is a direct correlation between novelty and virality,” Inuwa said. “Misinformation is often packaged as something new or shocking, which allows it to outpace accurate information. The way forward is to build public trust through credible government action and strong, strategic partnerships.”

    Warning that AI-generated deepfakes and automated propaganda would likely intensify before and during the 2027 political season, Inuwa stressed that these developments make the creation of a coordinated national response mechanism more urgent than ever.

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    On CCC’s 12-point resolution, NITDA outlined workstreams to fast-track implementation of the proposed hub. These include strengthening digital literacy and professional training by leveraging platforms such as Cisco NetAcad to equip journalists, media professionals and security spokespersons with skills in AI-content detection and ethical reporting.

    The agency also proposed the expansion of crisis-communication conversations through regional symposiums across Nigeria to deepen grassroots participation and awareness. In addition, NITDA plans engagement with global technology companies to enable faster categorisation and takedown of content that poses risks to national security.

    Cybersecurity collaboration also featured prominently, with Inuwa disclosing plans to work closely with the relevant cyber units of critical institutions to establish a multi-layered defence against digital threats.

    Speaking, Major-General Olukolade said the call for a National Crisis Communication Hub was the central resolution of the recent symposium held at the National Defence College. He stressed that Nigeria must adopt proactive, predictive and digitally powered tools to manage emerging security and information threats.

    According to him, the proposed centre would operate as an independent, multi-stakeholder platform designed to monitor and counter harmful content during sensitive periods such as elections, while safeguarding democratic principles and freedom of expression.

    Olukolade also advocated the development of specialised mobile applications that would allow citizens to report crimes and emergencies in real-time, effectively transforming social media and digital platforms into tools for public safety and early warning.

    Inclusivity formed a critical part of the discussions, with both NITDA and the CCC agreeing that digital innovation must amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups, ensuring that emergency alerts and crisis information are accessible to all segments of society.

    To translate the resolutions into action, NITDA and the CCC agreed to constitute a joint working team to document specific agreements and drive implementation throughout 2026, positioning the proposed hub as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital resilience against misinformation and emerging information threats.

  • Parallex Bank reaffirms support for FALA

    Parallex Bank reaffirms support for FALA

    Parallex Bank Plc has reaffirmed commitment to nurturing African youth talent following sponsorship of the 2025 edition of the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) on December 31, 2025.

    Organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), the annual awards recognise young Africans driving exceptional impact across their communities.

    The 2025 edition honoured 10 outstanding young leaders across the continent for developmental projects spanning education, technology, healthcare, agriculture, community service and social innovation.

    The star prize was won by Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan agripreneur and humanitarian whose initiatives in food security, waste management and community health have been described as transformative and scalable.

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    Speaking during the public presentation of the winners, the Managing Director of Parallex Bank, Dr. Olufemi Bakre, said the bank’s sponsorship reflects its belief in the continent’s young population and its potential to redefine Africa’s developmental trajectory.

    Bakre, who was represented by the Head Brands and Communication, Parallex Bank, Mr. Ademola Adeshola noted that Nigeria stands at an extraordinary demographic moment, with its large and youthful population representing significant national potential.

    Nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians are under the age of 30, a figure he believes illustrates both the nation’s vibrant energy and the opportunities embedded within this demographic advantage.

    He added that Africa’s young population represents a dynamic force capable of driving innovation, accelerating economic growth, increasing social impact and reshaping leadership norms across the continent, provided they receive the right support, platforms and resources to thrive.

    Bakre explained that Parallex Bank’s involvement in the awards aligns with its long-term commitment to youth empowerment, stating that the bank sees young people as central to Africa’s future and remains dedicated to initiatives that expand leadership potential across the continent.

    He expressed strong admiration to the 2025 FALA winners and ambassadors for their courage, ingenuity and resilience, describing their achievements as evidence of a new generation determined to turn challenges into opportunities and build meaningful change within their communities.

    He encouraged the young leaders to remain committed to Africa’s development by leading with integrity, purpose and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift the continent.

    The Manging Director also commended the Future Africa Leaders Foundation for its sustained investment in youth leadership development, acknowledging the organisation’s role in inspiring hope and nurturing a legacy of impactful leadership across Africa in line with its founding vision.

  • Baze University’s ‘The Revenants’ wins CGMA Nigeria Business Challenge 2025

    Baze University’s ‘The Revenants’ wins CGMA Nigeria Business Challenge 2025

    Undergraduate team, The Revenants from Baze University, Abuja has emerged winners of the AICPA & CIMA Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Nigeria Business Challenge 2025.

    CGMA Nigeria Business Challenge is an annual business competition for undergraduate students which tasks them to solve a complex business case study to the satisfaction of seasoned business and financial executives.

    The 2025 edition focused on developing practical strategies for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by Cipherwel, a hypothetical global security company operating in over 132 countries.

    The winning team, Ugochukwu Udorji, Ninma Kolo, Jasmine Iliya, Tiffany Beh-Nubel, and Francis Onyilo (Course Adviser) excelled across all three competitive stages of the challenge.

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    The winning solution presented by The Revenants, titled “Cipherwel: A Bold New Strategy – AI Adoption for Business Growth,” stood out for its strategic depth, innovation, and real-world applicability. 

    The team achieved an exceptional 296 out of 300 in the Assessment Category and 27 out of 30 in the Employability Category, reflecting both the strength of their business analysis and the judges’ confidence in their professional readiness.

    Teams were evaluated on how effectively their proposals addressed Cipherwel’s business challenges and whether the judges would be willing to employ the students based on their performance. 

    Over 60 teams from 10 top universities across Nigeria competed in the 2025 challenge, progressing through University and Regional Rounds before reaching the national finals.

    In a decisive final round, The Revenants defeated Covenant University, the defending champions of the 2024 edition, and Thomas Adewumi University, to claim the 2025 title.

    As overall winners, the team received a ₦1 million cash prize and a full scholarship to complete the CGMA FLP professional qualification, valued at approximately £3,000 per team member, about ₦20 million in total.

  • Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally opened Nigeria House at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, describing the country’s first-ever sovereign pavilion at the annual meeting as a statement of Nigeria’s renewed seriousness and readiness to engage the global economy as an active participant.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Shettima said nations do not prosper in isolation and stressed that Nigeria’s future growth depends on deliberate, structured engagement with the world. 

    “For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigeria stands at Davos with a sovereign pavilion of its own,” he said, adding that Nigeria House “reflects our intention, our seriousness, and above all our resolve to take a front-line seat in the discourse of the global economy, not as observers, but as participants with a clear sense of purpose.”

    The Vice President noted that although Nigeria House was conceived as a whole-of-government platform, bringing together leadership across trade, investment, foreign affairs, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate and culture, its success would ultimately be driven by private enterprise. 

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “government can open doors and de-risk environments; only enterprise can animate growth and translate policy into productivity”.

    Shettima said the commissioning coincides with early dividends from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, citing stronger non-oil growth and improved macroeconomic indicators. 

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    He added that services, agriculture, finance and technology are expanding, while non-oil revenues now account for a larger share of government collections. 

    Inflationary pressures, he said, eased through 2025, foreign reserves improved, and stability returned to the foreign exchange market.

    Inviting global investors to engage through the new platform, the Vice President said Nigeria House would host forward-looking conversations. 

    “Nigeria is open for business, and more importantly, open for collaboration. Progress is not a monologue; it is a dialogue,” he said.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, applauded Shettima’s support for the project, describing Nigeria House as a product of strong public-private partnership and a symbol of renewed national pride. 

    She said investment playbooks launched at the event outline opportunities across solid minerals, climate-smart agriculture, creative and digital sectors, aligning with the administration’s drive to rebuild trust and restore credibility.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yano, said Nigeria House would consolidate gains of ongoing economic transformation by attracting non-oil investments and advocating fairer access to finance for emerging markets. 

    The Lead Execution Partner, Omowunmi Imoukhuede, said the pavilion offers a rare chance to tell Nigeria’s investment story to the world.

    The commissioning followed a Global Business Roundtable on resilient supply chains for the energy transition. 

    Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Ude; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; heads of agencies and captains of industry.

  • ‘Reported abduction of over 100 Kaduna villagers false’

    ‘Reported abduction of over 100 Kaduna villagers false’

    Kaduna Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu has described the reported Kidnap of over 100 worshippers at Kajuru as mere falsehood peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who want to cause chaos in Kaduna State.

    Addressing reporters after the Sate Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the police Commissioner challenged anyone to list the names of the kidnapped victims and other particulars.

    Rabiu warned rumour mongers to desist from trying to derail the prevailing peace in Kaduna State, threatening that full wrath of the law will be visited on such merchants of falsehood.

    Speaking also, the Chairman of Kajuru local government, Dauda Madaki, said that when he heard rumour of the attack, he mobilised the police and other security forces to the area, Kurmin Wali, but found out that there was no attack.

    ‘’We visited the church where the so called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of the attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack.

    ‘’I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona who was interviewed by the press men that accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened.

    ‘’So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped and I have been waiting for this list and no one has come forward with a name.

    ‘’I believe that the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration,’’ he added.

    He advised the people of the area to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses, adding that they should report any suspicious movements and rumour mongers to security agents.

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    Commissioner of Internal Security and Home, Sule Shauibu(SAN) said the CAN chairman and other religious leaders have interacted with the people of the area where the so-called kidnap occurred.

    ‘’They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,’’ he said, assuring that ‘’Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality.’’

    Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. John Joseph Hayab had confirmed abduction of 163 worshippers by terrorists in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Hayab, when contacted on Monday said he received a distress call from the CAN chairman in the affected area, informing him that worshippers were abducted from Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 during Sunday services.

    According to Hayab, the attackers stormed the churches while worship was ongoing, shut the gates and forcefully marched the congregants into the surrounding bush.

    He said eight of the abducted persons later escaped, but as of Monday, 163 worshippers remain in the custody of the terrorists.

    “Security officers are already on top of the matter. We commend their efforts and urge them to do everything possible to rescue our brothers and sisters safely and unhurt in good time,” Hayab said.

  • Adamawa APC Elders close ranks, back Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Adamawa APC Elders close ranks, back Tinubu’s re-election bid

    Leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Adamawa State under the aegis of Adamawa Progressive Elders Council have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for second term.

    The endorsement was contained in a communiqué by Vice Chairman of the council, Senator Abubakar Girei, and the Secretary, Mrs. Olvadi Madayi after the council meeting at the Muna Hotel, Yola. 

    The Elders said the decision followed extensive consultations aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party while positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 general elections

    They noted the council, constituted in line with the recommendations of the APC Reconciliation  Committee, was set up with the mandate to address internal  disagreements and forge a united front among party stakeholders in the state. 

    They pledged to work towards resolving all lingering disputes within the party and mobilise support for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the general polls. 

    According to them, supporting President Tinubu’s second-term ambition aligns with their mandate to build a strong and united APC capable of delivering electoral success at all levels.

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    They expressed gratitude to President for appointing Adamawa indigenes into strategic positions in his administration, including the appointment of the party’s state leader to sensitive national office.

    The elders announced plan to organise a grand rally and reception in honour of all the federal appointees from the state to demonstrate their gratitude to President Tinubu. 

    To deepen its impact at the grassroots, the APC elders also resolved to take it’s reconciliation and mobilisation activities  to the local government and ward levels with the aim of resolving disputes and preventing divisions. 

    They further reaffirmed their stance that any member aspiring to elective office must step aside from the  council to preserve its neutrality and impartiality.

    The elders announced the constitution of four committees with Chief Joel Madaki named as Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee; Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, appointed to head the Conflict Resolution Committee while Mrs. Olvadi Bema Madayi was appointed as Chairman of the Finance and General Purpose Committee, and Ahmad Sajoh, named Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee.

    The meeting was attended by key party figures, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Governors, serving and former ministers, as well as experienced legislators.

    The gathering also received a goodwill message from the party’s leader in Adamawa State, delivered by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.

  • Edo APC kicks off e-registration of members

    Edo APC kicks off e-registration of members

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State has begun its e-registration of members across the 18 local government areas.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo flagged off the exercise at his Irrua hometown, Esan Central local government area.

    The Edo Governor was officially registered as a bona fide member of the APC and received his registration card as the first member of the party in the State.

    Expressing satisfaction at the exercise, Governor Okpebholo called on members of the APC and others to freely join the party in its membership drive ahead of next year’s general elections.

    Governor Okpebholo appealed to members to come out en masse and register to become members of the party in the State.

    “I want to appreciate the APC e-registration team for the exercise. I am delighted with this e-registration exercise, which is so easy and simple.

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    “It’s easy for members who have all the required criteria to register. These criteria include your NIN, Voter’s cards, amongst others. I urged every Edo citizen and those who are interested in joining the party to register to become members. It can also be done online without having to go to their community and wards.

    “I want to thank the e-registration team, and also thank our Senatorial leader of APC, Major General Cecil Esekhaigbe, for being present to monitor the process.

    “I am a fully registered member of APC now with my registration card. Every APC member should go and register to become a full member of the party,” he concluded.

    Coordinator e-registration exercise in Esan Central, Otoanyenlen Eugene Osedebamen, said the e-registration exercise would give equal opportunity and right to members of the party, urging them to register in their polling units.

    “We are in Irrua to kick start the All Progressive Congress (APC) e-registration exercise. This exercise will give equal opportunity to all party members, and we urge all party members to go to their polling units to register.

    “We are here today at the hometown of the first citizen of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to register him and use the opportunity to thank him for what he is doing for Edo people, assuring him that we are right behind him to support his administration.”