The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Uzodimma empowers over 10,000 artisans, SMEs in Imo

    Uzodimma empowers over 10,000 artisans, SMEs in Imo

    Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has empowered over 10,000 artisans and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators, urging them to excel in their various trades and take a leading role in Nigeria’s construction and services sector.

    Uzodimma made the call while addressing beneficiaries at the graduation and empowerment ceremony of the Renewed Hope Empowerment Initiative held in Owerri.

    Expressing satisfaction with the programme, the governor said he was delighted to witness the empowerment exercise, describing it as a fitting way to round off the year.

    “I am truly delighted to perform this important ceremony at such an auspicious time of the year. What a magnificent way to end the year,” he said.

    During the event, the governor presented beneficiaries with work tools and financial support, explaining that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and economic productivity.

     “You are the solution we have been waiting for. We have trained you not just to ‘try,’ but to take over,” he emphasized.

    Uzodimma lamented the dominance of foreign artisans in Nigeria’s construction sector, citing reports from COREN and the Nigerian Institute of Building. “It is a shameful irony that in a country of over 200 million people, builders systematically rely on migrant workers for quality finishing.”

    He urged the graduates to strive for excellence, saying, “The real certificate is the excellence of your work. The market out there is vast and ripe for harvest, but it will only yield its fruit to those who excel.”

    The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for their support, stating that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Shared Prosperity programme.

    The empowerment covers artisans in key sectors, including bakers, electricians, food processors, and woodworkers, among others.

    Uzodimma wished the graduates a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, saying, “Go out there, add value to our economy, and record your own economic breakthrough.”

  • Court strikes out FHT Mega Express suit against Parallex Bank

    Court strikes out FHT Mega Express suit against Parallex Bank

    The Lagos State High Court has struck out the suit filed by FHT Mega Express Limited against Parallex Bank and ordered the company to publish the court’s decision in three national newspapers, according to the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment obtained today.

    Justice A.T. Muyideen of the Ikeja Judicial Division, in the ruling delivered on 18 November 2025, terminated Suit No. LD/ADR/6143/2025, in which FHT Mega Express Limited claimed that Parallex Bank was indebted to it. 

    The company had initially sought ex-parte orders to attach funds belonging to the bank, but the court refused the application and directed that the bank be served.

    The CTC of the judgment shows that Parallex Bank, upon being served, responded through its senior counsel, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro SAN, who filed multiple processes, including a preliminary objection dated 17 November 2025. In the objection, the bank contended that the suit was an abuse of court process.

    The bank’s filings, as captured in the certified judgment record, revealed that Parallex had earlier instituted Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1774/2025 at the Federal High Court on 4 September 2025 against FHT Mega Express Limited, seeking to recover over N4.5 billion allegedly owed by the company. 

    The Federal High Court had reportedly ordered parties to maintain the status quo, a development FHT Mega Express failed to disclose before initiating the Lagos High Court action.

    According to the CTC, Parallex Bank argued that the company attempted to secretly obtain ex-parte orders to freeze the bank’s funds despite being aware of the subsisting Federal High Court proceedings.

    Following its failed ex-parte bid and confronted with the bank’s strong objection, FHT Mega Express applied on 18 November 2025 to discontinue the matter.

  • Kidbaby joins Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke Campaign

    Kidbaby joins Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke Campaign

    Nigerian digital storyteller Aliyat Olamide, known popularly as Kidbaby, has been named as one of the faces of Coca-Cola’s December 2025 #ShareACoke campaign, reinforcing her growing influence in Nigeria’s creative and commercial sectors.

    The campaign, aimed at celebrating connection and shared experiences, features Kidbaby alongside fellow digital creator Trench Boy, her frequent collaborator in on-screen storytelling projects. Their selection highlights Coca-Cola’s strategy of partnering with personalities who resonate with young, digitally engaged audiences while reflecting contemporary Nigerian culture.

    Campaign materials indicate that Kidbaby and Trench Boy’s on-screen collaboration was leveraged to convey themes of friendship and celebration consistent with Coca-Cola’s year-end messaging. While they are frequently seen together in collaborative content, there is no confirmed report of a personal relationship between them as of this publication. Their partnership is strictly professional.

    Kidbaby’s involvement in the campaign complements her recent expansion into mainstream entertainment, including her box-office debut in the Nollywood feature Oversabi Aunty, which is currently screening nationwide and in select Odeon cinemas in the United Kingdom. This combination of brand and cinematic exposure underscores her growing relevance beyond digital platforms.

    Marketing analysts note that Coca-Cola’s decision to feature Kidbaby reflects a broader trend in Nigerian brand strategy: aligning with creators who possess both cultural relevance and measurable audience engagement. Her ability to connect with audiences through narrative-driven content positions her as an effective brand ambassador for campaigns targeting youth and lifestyle markets.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Kidbaby said, “Being part of a brand with such a global legacy is an exciting opportunity. I’m proud to contribute to a campaign that celebrates shared moments and meaningful connections.”

    With both major brand collaborations and mainstream entertainment projects, Kidbaby continues to solidify her status as an emerging public figure influencing Nigeria’s creative economy.

  • Rotary donates 100 nets to expectant mothers

    Rotary donates 100 nets to expectant mothers

    Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, in partnership with Rotarians against Malaria (RAM), has organised a programme aimed at protecting the health of expectant mothers in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State.

    It donated 100 insecticide treated mosquito nets to expectant mothers, underscoring its commitment to maternal and child health care in the community.

    The event, held at Ojokoro Primary Health Centre, was attended by stakeholders, including the President of Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, who delivered a welcome address.

    He said: “Malaria remains a persistent challenge in our region, and it is our responsibility as a community to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.

    “By providing these nets, we hope to empower expectant mothers and contribute to a healthier, more resilient Ojokoro LCDA.”

    The event also featured an insightful overview of the project by the Project Lead, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare, who highlighted the club’s dedication to addressing malaria.

    “Malaria poses a threat to the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn babies.

    “Through this initiative, we aim to equip expectant mothers with tools to protect themselves and their families from the devastating effects of malaria,” said Rotarian Bakare.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Health Education Officer of Ojokoro LCDA Mr. Ridwan Mayegun said: “Insecticide treated mosquito nets are a critical line of defence against malaria. Their consistent use can have a profound impact on the health and safety of our community.”

    Nets were distributed to expectant mothers in attendance.

    The event was a success. Through this collaborative initiative with RAM, Rotary Club of Omole-Golden has once again demonstrated its dedication to making a difference in the lives of those it serves.

  • ‘Badagry-West must choose unity over divisive leadership’

    ‘Badagry-West must choose unity over divisive leadership’

    A prominent youth leader, social activist and development advocate, Prince Omotayo Adeniran, has called for social and political stability in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    He said injustice, imbalance of power and intolerance could threaten peace and effective governance in the council.

    Adeniran, who is based in the United Kingdom and serves as chairman of Kweme Descendant Union, praised leaders and youths across Badagry-West for their contributions to the growth of the LCDA since its creation.

    Acknowledging their sacrifices, he said time had come for honest reflection and decisive corrective action.

    He said the political system in Badagry- West was no longer healthy, with consequences on governance, unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    Adeniran identified denial of fundamental human rights, inequality, marginalisation, abuse of power and corruption as the causes of what he described as a lingering political crisis that had continued to weaken the LCDA.

    He drew attention to the grievances of Ward E, describing it as the most politically-underrated ward in the LCDA, despite its population strength, high number of polling units and significant contributions to the council revenue.

    He lamented that while other wards had produced chairmen, members of House of Representatives and members of Lagos State House of Assembly, Ward E had never been given a fair opportunity to produce an elected public officer.

    Adeniran questioned how the leaders and youths of Ward E could be expected to remain satisfied when they were treated as second-class citizens in their ancestral land, noting that such injustice must end if Badagry-West was to enjoy lasting peace and stability.

    As a way forward, he proposed solutions, including rotation of chairmanship among wards through a written agreement signed by leaders and youths, equitable distribution of amenities and infrastructure across wards, and eradication of political bullying and character assassination.

  • Firm trains Ibadan residents

    Firm trains Ibadan residents

    EnergyPro, in collaboration with Polska Fundacja dla Afryki, has trained and empowered Ibadan residents in installation of solar panels and safety and construction of power banks.

    The firm said its focused was promoting renewable energy across Nigeria and beyond, adding that one of its mandates was using renewable energy to make money, empower people and make life better for Nigerians.

    Speaking at the opening of the company’s office in Ibadan, the Co-founder of ‘EnergyPro’, Akinmolayan Peter, said the rationale behind the event was to give back to the society, ‘’because solving problems and empowering people are the best ways to live in peace.’’

    He urged Nigerians to embrace the use of solar energy, as it remained the future of the country’s economic development.

    He noted that the economy of the nation would remain stagnant without constant power supply.

    Former commissioner in Oyo State, Prof. Raphael Afonja, said no country could have meaningful development without stable and adequate power supply.

    He advised beneficiaries of the training and empowerment to be competitive and leverage on the skills acquired during the workshop.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Prince Abiodun Adeyemi, who lauded ‘Energy Pro’, said the training and empowerment would be of benefit to the beneficiaries, adding that ‘’power is very important to the development of any nation.’’

    Some of the beneficiaries said the training would add value to them ‘’because Nigerians need electricity either at home or for their businesses because power outage is one of the major problems confronting Nigeria.’’

  • Union Bank celebrates employees

    Union Bank celebrates employees

    Union Bank of Nigeria has held its prestigious Union Bank Employee Recognition (UBER) Awards ceremony.

    At the event held at The Stable, Surulere, Lagos, outstanding workers were honoured for their dedication, innovation and customer-centricity, embodying the company’s core values.

    The event, attended by members of the Board of Directors, senior management officials and workers, marked a milestone in the bank’s 108-year legacy of celebrating excellence.

    The ceremony with the theme: ‘The Constellation edition’, showcased three distinct categories of awards: CEO Awards recognising Stellar Efficiency, Aurora for Most Innovative Staff, and Vega for Customer Centricity; alongside Performance Based Awards, including Solis for Business Deal of the Year, Galaxy for Highest Total Income, Optimus for Highest CASA Contributors Non-Sales, and Velox for Highest Incremental CASA Average. These accolades reflect Union Bank’s commitment to acknowledging diverse forms of excellence that drive organisational success.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Yetunde Oni, said recognition served as principle and practice.

    “Tonight is about recognition not as a gesture, but as a principle. Recognition affirms what we value. It reinforces standards. And it reminds us that excellence is noticed,” she said.

    Mrs Oni highlighted the importance of culture in sustaining performance, noting that “what we choose to celebrate is what we sustain.”

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    Highlight of the evening was the premiere of the ‘Endless Possibilities’ thematic campaign, a powerful narrative celebrating the indomitable Nigerian spirit that thrives against all odds. The film captures the essence of resilience, innovation and determination that defines everyday Nigerians who continuously transform challenges into opportunities.

    The campaign reflects how this same spirit of perseverance has characterised institutions like Union Bank, that have stood the test of time, becoming integral threads in the nation’s social and economic fabric.

    Speaking on the campaign, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said: “This film is a celebration of the innate resilience that defines us as a people who consistently rise above circumstances to create something meaningful. What makes this narrative so powerful is that it is not unique to any one institution, but rather a shared heritage that has shaped our collective journey. This is the story we wanted to tell, because it is a story that belongs to all of us.”

    The ceremony concluded with Mrs Oni’s powerful affirmation to all nominees: “Whether you receive an award tonight or not, know that your contribution is valued and your impact recognised. With your dedication and professionalism, Union Bank will continue to grow with confidence, credibility and purpose.”

  • Ekiti government presents N1b cheques to farmers

    Ekiti government presents N1b cheques to farmers

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration will continue to support youth-driven agricultural initiatives through access to land, improved inputs, extension services mechanisation, market linkages and partnership with the private sector.

    He spoke during the presentation of cheques totalling one billion naira as profits made by the young farmers under the Bring Back the Youth in Agriculture programme for the 2025 harvest season.

    About 4,657 youths, who participated in the programme, got cheques ranging from N500,000 to N1,500,000 at the event held at Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

    Oyebanji said the programme aligned with his administration’s shared prosperity agenda because it led to job creation, which contributed to food sufficiency, poverty alleviation and general well-being of Ekiti residents.The governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, noted that the event represented the reward of youths for months of dedication, resilience and adherence to best agricultural practices, adding that it signalled a strong message to every young person in the state and beyond that agriculture was no longer a vocation of last resort, but a business that one could proudly and profitably engage in on sustainable basis.

    Expressing appreciation to the youth for their resilience and cooperation throughout the period of the project, the governor said he was proud of their achievements as it demonstrated that with the right support, training and commitment, young people could drive economic growth and become employers of labour, rather than job seekers.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    He urged them to utilise the proceeds wisely by reinvesting it in their farms by expanding their operations, adopting modern technologies and best practices as well as building sustainable agribusiness that could stand the test of time.

    He stressed the need for them to let their success mark the beginning of bigger achievements rather than the end of their journey.

    “Today’s gathering is not just about the presentation of cheques, it is about celebrating the triumph of our youths, an event that tells a powerful story of hard work, of discipline, of vision, of success. It is also to validate our own, our belief in agriculture as a viable and economic pathway.’’

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, expressed his appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for nurturing the vision, support and commitment to the success of the programme through his intervention in the establishment of 12 farm hubs for the youth, free land clearing that’s up to 5,000 hectares, provision of adequate security, construction of five dormitories in Ikere, Eporo, Ado, Aramoko and Iyemero as well as provision of buses to all the farm clusters among others.

  • Aiyedatiwa: past neglect will soon be forgotten

    Aiyedatiwa: past neglect will soon be forgotten

    • Governor visits Ose Council

    In continuation of his statewide tour, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa yesterday visited Ifon in Ose Local Government.

    He was welcomed by a large crowd. In his address to delegates from the 12 wards, Aiyedatiwa assured them that the neglect experienced in the past would soon be forgotten.

    He said interventions in terms of road infrastructures and investments were already in the pipeline.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    The governor said work would soon begin on the Oba-Ikun-Afo –Idoani Road Phase 2, informing the people of his approval for the establishment of a $42 million Ondo Agricultural City at Iju-Agbonrin/Ori-Ohin in Ose Local Government, by KONIG Agriculture Ltd. This, he said, was a testament that Ondo was an investment-friendly state and that Ose Council would not be left behind in the industrialisation drive of the current administration.

    He hailed the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, describing him as a true son of the soil, who had brought his invaluable experience to bear on the information management of the state.

    Aiyedatiwa said Ifon traditional stool was receiving attention, adding that government would follow laid down order to ensure fairness and justice for the ruling houses.

    Party leaders in the local government and political appointees were on hand to receive the governor at the colourful event that had brought government closer to the grassroots.

  • 15.2m housing units structurally defective

    15.2m housing units structurally defective

    The Federal Government has revealed that about 15.2 million housing units across Nigeria are structurally inadequate, raising fresh concerns about safety, habitability, and access to basic services nationwide.

    The disclosure was made by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, in a statement yesterday.

    According to the minister, the affected homes physically exist but fail to meet minimum standards for safety, durability, decent living conditions, and access to essential infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and electricity.

    Dangiwa explained that the findings were produced under the National Housing Data Initiative and presented by the National Housing Data Technical Committee in Abuja.

    He noted that Nigeria’s housing challenge extends beyond the shortage of new homes and includes widespread structural inadequacy in existing buildings.

    The assessment, he said, applied internationally recognised tools such as the Household Crowding Index, Adequate Housing Index, and Composite Index Methodology, using data from the National Population Commission (NPC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other housing institutions, in line with World Bank standards.

    Dangiwa said the harmonised approach now allows the government to state with confidence the scale of housing inadequacy across the country.

    He stressed that addressing the challenge will require more than constructing new houses, urging a focus on upgrading existing housing stock, regenerating deteriorating neighbourhoods, and improving infrastructure and public services.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    The minister added that housing inadequacy is also linked to affordability gaps, limited access to land, weak housing finance systems, and significant regional disparities.

    From the data made available to The Nation Data, the assessment showed that Kano State recorded the highest level of housing inadequacy, while Bayelsa State recorded the lowest, based on the Adequate Housing Index.

    As part of efforts to address the problem, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has begun steps to establish a National Housing Data Centre, which will support policymaking, housing finance access, investment planning, and large-scale housing delivery.

    The Data Centre is expected to improve planning accuracy, boost investor confidence, and strengthen accountability in the housing market. It is projected to become operational by mid-January 2026.

    The minister noted that the Federal Government is currently implementing housing interventions under the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities Programme, with projects at various stages of completion nationwide.

    Renewed Hope Cities are large-scale developments planned across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, implemented through public-private partnerships.

    Renewed Hope Estates, on the other hand, consist of smaller housing clusters of about 250 units, funded directly by the Federal Government, with state governments providing land and subsidised infrastructure to improve affordability.

    Despite these initiatives, Dangiwa said Nigeria still faces a severe housing deficit, noting that closing the gap would require at least 550,000 new housing units annually, at an estimated cost of ₦5.5 trillion over the next decade.