The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

TASFUED to confer honorary doctorates on Oluremi Tinubu, Abiodun, Osoba

The Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, has announced that Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former governor and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, will receive Doctor of Science (D.Sc, Honoris Causa) degrees at its 17th convocation ceremony scheduled for January 29.

In a statement by Dapo Oke, Registrar and Secretary to Council, TASFUED described the honorees as “exceptional individuals” whose remarkable contributions to their fields and societal impact make them deserving of the recognition.

The university said the honorary degrees celebrate their achievements while reinforcing TASFUED’s commitment to excellence. Osoba was specifically acknowledged as a “distinguished media icon, statesman, and administrator of uncommon clarity of purpose.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu was praised for her philanthropic work through the New Era Foundation, which focuses on women and girls’ empowerment, youth development, and public awareness in environmental and women’s health.

During her tenure as Senator for Lagos Central from 2011 to 2023, she served on the Committees on Health and Women’s Affairs, championing education, healthcare accessibility, and community service.

Read Also: Umahi commends MTN Nigeria for Progress on Enugu–Onitsha road reconstruction

As First Lady, she continues to advocate for women’s rights and youth development. She will be conferred with a Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Ed.) Honoris Causa in Childhood Education.

Governor Dapo Abiodun was recognised not only for his leadership of Ogun State since 2019, having been re-elected in 2023, but also for his experience as a successful entrepreneur and former Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission, bringing extensive private and public sector expertise to his role.

It stated, “His administration is defined by the ‘ISEYA’ agenda, focusing on Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth Development, Agriculture, and Governance, which has driven significant projects like the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, affordable housing, and strengthened public systems.

“Governor Abiodun’s transformative leadership has earned Ogun State recognition as a leading industrial and investment destination. His impact is validated by numerous distinguished awards, including Governor of the Year honours from Independent and The Sun Newspapers in 2023, the Silverbird Man of the Year award, and, recently, 2025 accolades for Digital Transformation and as Best Governor in Enterprise and Investment Promotion. These honours reflect the substantive progress and empowerment his governance has achieved for the people of Ogun State.

“This Award is in recognition of his notable strides in governance, Education and humanitarian efforts. The University takes special cognisance of his passion for education and numerous contributions in reviving Ogun State’s legacy and a model of progressive governance. His modest achievements and accomplishments represent the ideals of integrity and selflessness, which our University stands for.

The History of the institution will not be complete without mentioning the fact that his administration kick-started the process that initiated the transition of the University into a federal institution, a transformation that will bring long-term significance to education in Ogun State.

“He is to be awarded Doctor of Science (D.sc. Ed.) Honoris Causa in Education Management.”

For Aremo Olusegun Osoba, the institution described him as a towering figure in Nigeria’s history of public service, journalism, democratic struggle, and nation-building.

“Aremo Osoba stands as one of the most respected voices in Nigeria’s political and civic sphere.

“Aremo Osoba served twice as Executive Governor of Ogun State, first in the Third Republic and again in the Fourth Republic. His tenure was marked by purposeful governance, massive rural and urban development, infrastructural renewal, community empowerment, and policies rooted in compassion and accountability. His legacy in Ogun State remains visible, meaningful, and celebrated.

“A consummate democrat, His Excellency played a pivotal role in the struggle leading to the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria. Aremo Olusegun Osoba is to be awarded a Doctor of Science (D.Sc. Ed.) Honoris Causa in Political Science.

“The history of the University will not be complete without mentioning the fact that his administration kick-started the process that eventually snowballed into the transformation of the old College of Education into the Tai Solarin University of Education through signing into law the bill that first made the College a degree-awarding institution in affiliation with the University of Ibadan.”

January 18, 2026
Tinubu praised for establishing ministry of livestock, appointing northerner as minister

President Bola Tinubu has received commendation for creating a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointing a northerner to lead it.

Hon. Wafarniyi Theman, a prominent Adamawa State politician and National Vice-Chairman (North East) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), praised the initiative during an interaction with newsmen in Yola.

He described the ministry as particularly beneficial to the North, which produces the bulk of Nigeria’s livestock.

Read Also: Umahi commends MTN Nigeria for Progress on Enugu–Onitsha road reconstruction

“The Ministry of Livestock is a worthwhile initiative that northern presidents and previous heads of government should have implemented but did not,” Theman said.

He added, “Look at it today, Tinubu, a Yoruba man from Lagos, is the one who became president and has established the Ministry of Livestock Development and made an Adamawa citizen the Minister of Livestock.”

Theman, a former legislator representing Hong constituency in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, and a trained pharmacist-turned-politician, noted that his focus remains on human capital development and economic prosperity for Adamawa State.

“My concern is how to make people better versions of themselves and how to make Adamawa work,” he stated.

January 18, 2026
Umahi commends MTN Nigeria for Progress on Enugu–Onitsha road reconstruction

The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of reconstruction work being executed by MTN Nigeria and its contractors on the Enugu–Onitsha Road.

Umahi gave the assessment on Saturday in Enugu during a press briefing after inspecting ongoing federal road projects across the Southeast, including the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha corridor.

He attributed the renewed focus on the highway to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to address long-neglected infrastructure in the region. Umahi described the road as a decades-long nightmare, noting that successive administrations failed to undertake meaningful rehabilitation.

“The Enugu–Onitsha Road has been a nightmare for decades. Previous governments, up to eight of them, never worked on this road. What we are seeing today is due to the audacity, determination, and love President Tinubu has for the people of the Southeast,” he said.

Read Also: Police arrest three suspects over killing of housewife, six children in Kano

The minister explained that the 107-kilometre project was initially awarded to MTN Nigeria under the tax credit scheme for N202 billion, with about N50 billion worth of work completed before the current administration assumed office.

He added that naira depreciation and the removal of fuel subsidy triggered cost escalations, prompting a rescoping of the project to align with available resources. MTN, in collaboration with subcontractors Nigercat and RCC, is presently executing the revised scope of work.

“We are satisfied with what they have done so far. Where we have objections, we have pointed them out, and they have agreed to make corrections,” the minister stated.

He disclosed that April 28 has been set as the target completion date for the ongoing phase, adding that the remaining works cover about 72 kilometres spread across four sections.

According to him, two of the most critical sections—measuring 15 kilometres and 18 kilometres—are being constructed with reinforced concrete.

“In the next two weeks, the first 15 kilometres of the carriageway will be completed, with only the shoulders remaining. We have also directed that solar streetlights should be completed on the first five kilometres by next week,” Umahi said.

The minister further revealed that the Federal Ministry of Works is considering assigning SKC the responsibility of installing solar streetlights along the entire 107-kilometre stretch, excluding sections where the Anambra State Government has already provided lighting.

He described the Enugu–Onitsha Road project as one that would be “a sight to behold” upon completion, stressing that all credit would go to President Tinubu for his commitment to ending decades of hardship faced by road users.

“All the nightmares on that road will come to an end under President Tinubu. The Southeast should be grateful because what we have long expected has come to pass,” Umahi said.

He commended the performance of all contractors on site, including Nigercat, RCC, and SKC, noting that while asphalt will be used on less damaged sections, priority is being given to the most severely damaged portions of the road.

“We count one before we count two. The most terrible sections must be fixed first before moving to the relatively better areas,” the minister added.

January 18, 2026
AFCON: Akpabio celebrates Super Eagles for winning bronze

…says victory will inspire other Nigerians

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles for securing bronze at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

Akpabio sent his congratulations in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Super Eagles on their outstanding achievement in securing the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance.

“Your victory is a reflection of the talent and resilience that Nigeria is known for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.

Read Also: Police arrest three suspects over killing of housewife, six children in Kano

“I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours.

“Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.

“Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.”

January 18, 2026
Police arrest three suspects over killing of housewife, six children in Kano

…one of the killers is a nephew to the slain housewife

The Kano State Police Command has arrested three principal suspects in connection with the killing of a housewife, 35-year-old Fatima Abubakar, and her six children.

The victims were attacked in their home at Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters on Saturday, January 17, at about 12:10 pm, after the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Haruna Bashir and inflicted fatal injuries using dangerous weapons.

According to the police, Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu Bakori immediately deployed a specialised team of operatives in a coordinated sting operation, which led to the apprehension of the suspects.

“And from 10 p.m Saturday to 4 a.m (Sunday morning) the culprits were apprehended,” police said.

Read Also: Suspected ritualists remanded over attempt to kill teenager, harvest organ in Osun

The names of the arrested suspects were given as: Umar Auwalu, 23, of Sabuwar Gandu Quarters, Isyaku Yakubu, 40, known as “Chebe”, of Sagagi Quarters, and Yakubu Abdulaziz, 21, known as “Wawo”, of Sabon Gida Sharada Quarters, all in Kano.

One of the killers who confess to the crime, Umar Auwalu, is a nephew of the slain housewife.

Auwalu revealed that the same syndicate has been responsible for a series killings in the past, including the murder and burning of two housewives at Tudun Yola Quarters, Kano.

The police detectives said they recovered four blood-stained garments, two mobile phones belonging to the victims, a cutlass, a club (Gora), a sum of money stolen from the scene, and other dangerous weapons.

The police commissioner (Bakori) hailed the officers for the timely arrest of the killers, and commended members of the public for their support.

Police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa disclosed that the command acted on the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and deployed intelligence-led policing to track down the killers.

Kiyawa said the suspects will still be investigated and charged to court, assuring that all perpetrators of crimes must be punished by the law.

January 18, 2026
LCCI highlights discipline, policy clarity as pillars for 2026 economic survival

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has projected that 2026 will require disciplined policymaking, clarity of direction, and heightened private sector resilience as Nigeria continues to navigate persistent macroeconomic pressures.

These insights emerged at the Chamber’s 2026 Economic Review and Outlook Conference, which convened business leaders, economic analysts, policymakers, and industry executives to assess the country’s 2025 financial performance and examine the prospects, risks, and policy pathways for the New Year.

Across the sessions, participants agreed that the period of easy adjustments had come to an end, stressing that economic recovery would hinge on making difficult decisions, sustaining reforms, and ensuring predictable governance.

Speakers noted that 2025 was characterised by significant adjustment shocks driven by monetary tightening, exchange rate liberalisation, and the removal of the petrol subsidy. While these measures were broadly considered essential for long-term stability, stakeholders acknowledged that they imposed substantial short-term strain on businesses and households. Rising operating costs eroded consumer demand, and heightened uncertainty continued to constrain investment planning.

Read Also: LCCI warns over influx of livestock products

Inflation dominated discussions as the most pressing economic challenge. Rising food prices, transport costs, and energy expenses continued to erode purchasing power and squeeze profit margins, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises. Speakers warned that without a clear pathway to price stability, economic confidence would remain fragile well into 2026.

On the foreign exchange market, participants noted modest improvements in transparency but stressed that volatility remained a major concern. Business leaders argued that sustainable stability would only come from increased dollar inflows driven by exports, remittances, and foreign direct investment rather than short-term interventions. Persistent exchange rate uncertainty, they said, complicated pricing procurement and long-term contracts.

Growth projections for 2026 were described as modest. The economy is expected to expand gradually, supported by services, agriculture, and pockets of manufacturing that have adjusted through local sourcing and efficiency gains. However, speakers cautioned that growth was unlikely to outpace population expansion, meaning income pressures would persist for many Nigerians.

Infrastructure gaps were identified as a structural constraint on competitiveness. Participants emphasised the need for clearer frameworks to attract private capital into transport, power and logistics infrastructure. Poor roads, congested ports, and unreliable power supply were said to continue inflating production costs and undermining Nigeria’s export potential.

Fiscal sustainability also came under scrutiny. With government revenue still constrained and debt servicing absorbing a large share of earnings, speakers urged Nigerian economic managers to focus on broadening the tax base rather than raising rates. They warned that excessive taxation without visible service delivery risked discouraging investment and expanding informality.

Employment creation emerged as a critical test for economic reforms. Despite pockets of sectoral growth, participants noted job creation remained weak, especially for young people. Participants stressed that reforms would only gain public support if they translated into productive employment and improved living standards.

Throughout the conference, the private sector was repeatedly positioned as central to recovery. LCCI leaders stressed that businesses were prepared to support reforms, provided policies remained consistent and consultative. Sudden reversals and regulatory uncertainty, they warned, had in the past undermined confidence and driven capital outflows.

January 18, 2026
Ndoma-Egba urges Cross River APC members to embrace e-registration

Former Senate Leader and senior All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from Cross River State, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has called on party members across the state and the country to actively participate in the APC’s ongoing nationwide electronic registration exercise.

Ndoma-Egba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), said in a statement that the e-registration initiative offers existing members the opportunity to update and revalidate their membership status, while also providing a platform for new members to join the party.

“I call on the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole, to take full advantage of the party’s ongoing nationwide e-registration exercise to revalidate their membership.

“Let us come out massively to participate in the digital registration, which equally allows new members to register and join the party,” Ndoma-Egba said.

Read Also: APC, Accord, ADC, and permutations ahead of Osun 2026 race

The APC stalwart applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by the National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, for their steadfast commitment to the digital registration initiative.

He said the e-registration exercise will not only guarantee a credible and transparent membership system, but also go a long way in positioning the APC for electoral victories across the country in 2027 and beyond.

The FUOYE Pro-Chancellor noted that the digital registration which runs till the end of January, 2026, will help deepen grassroots engagement, drive mobilisation, and shape campaign strategy for the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

The erstwhile Board Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) urged Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of President Tinubu to reposition the country for a better future.

He also implored Cross Riverians not to cease encouraging the Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Bassey Edet Otu, for the wonderful job he is doing to improve the lives of residents in the state.

January 18, 2026
Nwabali stops Salah, Marmoush as Nigeria claim AFCON bronze

In one of the defining performances of AFCON 2025, Stanley Nwabali emerged as Nigeria’s match winner, denying both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as the Super Eagles beat Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

The result extended Nigeria’s perfect Africa Cup of Nations third place play off record and cemented the Chippa United goalkeeper as one of the standout figures of the tournament.

In a hard-fought encounter at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, January 17, both sides battled intensely but failed to break the deadlock after 90 minutes.

Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

The match went straight to penalties, where Nigeria held their nerve to triumph 4-2.

Ademola Lookman sealed the victory with a composed spot-kick, capping a dramatic shootout that saw the Super Eagles convert their chances decisively.

This win extends Nigeria’s perfect record in AFCON third-place matches, marking their record ninth bronze medal.

Despite the disappointment of their semi-final penalty defeat to hosts Morocco, the Super Eagles bounced back with resilience and determination, ending the tournament on a high note and delivering pride to millions of Nigerians.

January 18, 2026
Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, on their bronze medal victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.

The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.

Read Also: Shina Peller commends Super Eagles AFCON 2025 run despite semi-final loss

Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.

President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.

“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.

The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.

January 18, 2026
Man Utd pull off stunning win over Man City under Carrick

Manchester United have defeated Manchester City 2-0 in Saturday’s early kick-off.

It was the Red Devils’ first fixture after the Premier League club appointed Michael Carrick as their new head coach.

The hosts began the match in impressive fashion and saw two goals ruled out for offside in the first half.

Read Also: Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ fighting spirit after AFCON bronze triumph

However, they eventually took the lead after the break, with Bryan Mbeumo finishing off a swift counter-attack.

Patrick Dorgu then got on the end of Matheus Cunha’s cross to double their advantage.

It is the first win in five matches for United, with City now at risk of going nine points behind Arsenal at the top.

January 18, 2026