The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Lagos enjoins business owners to embrace technology

    Lagos enjoins business owners to embrace technology

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Bolaji Dada, said businesses must now combine entrepreneurship with digital competence to remain competitive.

     She said this at the “Graduation of the Beneficiaries of The 3-Day Digital Business Skills and Android Phone Empowerment Programme”, held at the Women Development Centre, Agege, Lagos.

    “As the business environment evolves, driven by technology, digital platforms and artificial intelligence, it has become clear that traditional skills alone are no longer sufficient. Businesses must now combine entrepreneurship with digital competence to remain competitive,” she said.

     She added that the initiative reflects the core mandate of WAPA to uplift indigent and vulnerable residents of Lagos State, particularly women and youths, through practical skills and tools for sustainable livelihoods, noting that over 1,100 Lagos residents have benefitted from the initiative.

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    She said the beneficiaries were trained in digital marketing, online visibility and customer engagement, and were supported with Android smartphones as business tools to help grow and scale their enterprises.

    She added that the programme which aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda of the Lagos State Government was part of strengthening grassroots businesses and expanding economic opportunities and building a 21st Century Economy in Lagos State.

    She further urged the beneficiaries to use the skills and tools responsibly, apply what they learnt with discipline and integrity, and translate it into sustainable business growth and improved livelihoods.

    She appreciated Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his “continued support for women empowerment, development and poverty alleviation” in Lagos State.

    Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Rianat Onigbajo, said the skills acquired can be applied instantly and was aimed at strengthening the business operations of market women, small businesses, young adults and artisans across Lagos State.

    She lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for WAPA, Bolaji Dada, and the Director, Poverty Alleviation Department, Toyin Salami, alongside her team, for their “commitment to the successful delivery of the programme.”

    She urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills acquired responsibly, maximize the tools provided and use digital platforms to grow their businesses.

  • ‘Africa is new frontier for energy renaissance’

    ‘Africa is new frontier for energy renaissance’

    Sahara Group Executive Director, Wale Ajibade yesterday described Africa as the frontier for energy renaissance.

    The group joined policymakers, regulators, operators, and global partners at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

    Sahara Energy reinforced its commitment to shaping a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive energy sector across Africa.

    Speaking to journalists at the event,  Ajibade said, “the new frontier for an energy renaissance poised to redefine global energy balance.” Ajibade emphasized that the continent’s potential can only be fully unlocked through bold investments, strategic collaboration, and regulatory harmony.

    He noted that Sahara Group’s successes as a foremost African energy and infrastructure conglomerate with over three decades of operations have been anchored on driving competitiveness, innovation and sustainability on the continent.

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    According to him, “Africa must seize this moment. Our continent holds immense resources, a growing market, and an increasingly skilled population. Operators need to deepen collaboration, innovate across their value chains, and make the long-term investments required to expand capacity sustainably. At the same time, regulators across Africa must accelerate policy harmonization to create a predictable, integrated, and investor-friendly environment.”

    Ajibade noted that Africa’s energy transition must be responsible, inclusive, and anchored on its developmental context.

    He stressed the need for the continent to maximize the use of its resources, especially transition fuels, in a manner that supports accelerated economic growth, industrial expansion, and improved living standards.

    “Our transition journey must reflect Africa’s realities. We must use our resources responsibly to drive growth while investing in technologies, talent, and systems that will ensure we transition sustainably. The world is watching Africa, and we must rise to the occasion,” he said.

    Ajibade also commended the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria for its continuing transformation programs within the energy sector, describing them as necessary catalysts for long-term sectoral reform.

    He further applauded the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and other regulators and stakeholders for their tireless work in repositioning Nigeria’s energy landscape.

    He reiterated Sahara Group’s unwavering commitment to investing in new technologies, developing human capital, and forging strategic partnerships that will strengthen Africa’s energy security and competitiveness.

    He stressed that Sahara Group would continue to champion initiatives that support sustainable development, energy transition, and inclusive growth across the continent, reaffirming its role as a leading partner in Africa’s energy evolution.

  • Farming: Nigeria’s path to $1tr economy

    Farming: Nigeria’s path to $1tr economy

    The Federal Government is aiming to build a $1 trillion economy under its long-term development plan by boosting income per person to $33,000 and attracting at least $100 billion in yearly investments, largely from the private sector.

    This will happen under the country’s Agenda 2050, a national plan that looks into the future, while a faster target under the Renewed Hope Agenda is aiming to reach the $1 trillion economic mark by 2030.

    Both plans, according to government officials, are now being brought together in the 2026–2030 medium-term development framework.

    Speaking at the Nigeria Agribusiness Group 2026 Presidential Agricultural Policy Dialogue in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said agribusiness holds a key place in Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy, grow the private sector, and create opportunities that benefit people across the country.

    He said the government is ready to work closely with investors and producers to open up lasting opportunities across the entire agricultural value chain, from farming to processing and marketing.

    Bagudu admitted that the country is still far from reaching its ambitious targets but stressed that the administration is focused on putting in place the right environment to attract the level of investment needed to move the economy forward.

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    “This Government has demonstrated its willingness through policy support, strategic financing, and partnerships aimed at modernising agriculture, livestock development, fisheries, and agro-processing,” he said while delivering his address as the guest of honour at the event.

    The minister explained that Agenda 2050 is not just a government document but a national framework developed with the input of the private sector, public institutions, state governments, and civil society groups, all working towards a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.

    He assured policy experts, business leaders, and civil society organisations at the dialogue that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will use its Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as based on practical thinking and shared responsibility, to drive the goals of Agenda 2050 and move the country closer to its long-term economic dreams.

  • Lighting up Benue and the depth of Alia’s infrastructure transformation

    Lighting up Benue and the depth of Alia’s infrastructure transformation

    By Bridget Tikyaa

    On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Benue State Government signed a life changing Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) as part of the government’s strategy to accelerate private investment in the state’s Renewable Energy Ecosystem.

    This initiative is being followed by the establishment of a high-powered task force to develop the state energy master plan that will clearly define the state’s priority projects and develop bankable investment plans.

    To drive this life-changing initiative, the Benue State Government is setting up the state energy commission to coordinate investments in the energy sector.

    The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who gave detailed explanations on the state’s energy strategy during the Abuja roundtable with REA officials which culminated into the signing of the MoU, added that the energy commission would operate as a special independent vehicle responsible for coordinating projects, mobilising capital, streamlining approvals, and ensuring the efficient deployment of investors funds.

    ”It will serve as the one stock platform for energy investment in the state. The impact of these strategies will be transformative. Industrial zones and commercial enterprises will gain reliable electricity, reduce operational costs, and attract further investments,” he said.

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    It is an initiative that will guarantee uninterrupted electricity for businesses, schools, hospitals, government offices, and homes, as well as renewable energy for the transport sector. The state is well set to access electricity that drives inclusive productivity and improved quality of life.

    According to the governor, the high-powered task force to develop the state energy master plan is also expected to create a robust regulatory framework to guarantee transparency, predictability, and investor confidence.

    It’s activities will serve as a blueprint for renewable energy deployment and industrial energy solution in the state that will lead to expansion of electric vehicles, electric bikes, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) power for transportation, thereby reducing emissions, foster green mobility ecosystem and create new economic opportunities.

    In developing the state’s energy strategy, Benue has carefully studied Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms, particularly the decentralisation of electricity generation and distribution enabled by the Electricity Act, 2023.

    Rather than replicate existing national structures, the government deliberately adapted the parts that suit Benue’s unique economic profile, industrial ambitions, and energy demand patterns.

    While the national grid remains important, the strategy acknowledges its limitations in meeting sub-national and industrial energy needs. Benue, therefore, is designing a complementary decentralised energy model. One that reduces dependence on the national grid and supports embedded and captive power solutions.

    This decentralised energy will enable private investors to efficiently serve industrial clusters , agro-processing zones, and off-grid communities. Just as the state will gain access to electricity that creates green jobs, deepen energy access, enhance climate resilience, and position the state as a benchmark for energy-led industrial development in Nigeria.

    Under the MoU, according to Mr Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of REA, Benue State Government would woo private investors to achieve 100 percent electrification in the state, while the REA will provide funds for the projects.

    He explained that said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the REA has received up to 750 million dollars for projects, which states could access.

    Specifically, 750 million dollars is meant to develop 1,350 mini-grids the capacity to provide electricity for 17.5 million Nigerians. It is also to develop 250 interconnected mini-grids and deploy over 10 million solar home systems.

    These are the deliverables, which governor Alia has set the stage to provide. An energy efficient solution that will power homes, schools, hospitals, utilities, and create millions of new jobs across the state.

    It is another unambiguous testament of the governor’s transformational leadership, a leadership that taps opportunities, opens roads of progress, and offers hope and direction to the vulnerable in the society.

    It is just like the 55.09 km of road networks in Gboko and its environs. The project, expected to be completed in five months, includes reconstruction and dualization of roads in the area, which will cost up to N62.135 billion.

    In fact, the Gboko road network will be the second-longest road network in the state, apart from other ongoing roads construction, including the 57-kilometre road network in the Benue South Senatorial District, and the the Awajir–Oju road.

    The Gboko reconstruction and dualization prohect covers Yandev Roundabout–Lubona Junction; reconstruction and dualization of Captain Dawns Road; reconstruction of NKST Anzua Link Road; reconstruction of Bristow Roundabout–Tor Tiv Palace (Akaahar Adi) Road; reconstruction of J.S. Tarka–Mkar Roundabout (a dual carriageway); reconstruction and dualization of Tor Tiv Roundabout–Lessel Road; and reconstruction of a dual carriagethe Tor Tiv Roundabout (Gondo Aluor) to Mkar, and Ameladu Road.

    • Bridget Tikyaa is Principal  Special Assistant to the Governor on Media,Publicity and Communications Strategy

  • Ikeja Council distributes food items to widows, elders

    Ikeja Council distributes food items to widows, elders

    By Kowiyat Dada

    The Ikeja Local Government has distributed food items to widows and elders in the council to “ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.”

     Wife of the council Chairman, Fausat Dauda, said the programme was designed to recognise and appreciate senior citizens and widows for their contributions to the community.

     “The empowerment programme we are holding today is aimed at recognising our aged citizens and widows in our society. We are here to appreciate them for their continuous support and contributions to the growth of our community,” she said.

     She said 100 beneficiaries were selected for the programme, stating that the event will be organised once every three months to help ease economic hardship among vulnerable residents.

     She added that caring for elders remains a priority of her administration, stressing that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tínubu, which promotes economic empowerment, inclusiveness, and improved welfare for all citizens.

     “Our widows and elders deserve dignity, respect, and continuous support. We will continue to stand by them and ensure their wellbeing,” she said.

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     The Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Abisola Omishore, described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it would go a long way in supporting vulnerable women and elders across the local government’s six wards.

     “This is a commendable initiative. It is targeted at widows and elderly women who have given so much to society. We intend to sustain this programme regularly monthly if possible, or at least quarterly depending on available resources,” he said.

     Council Manager, Mrs Taiwo Odubeko, said the programme was organised within a short period following the Chairperson’s personal initiative.

     “She called me just a few days ago and expressed her desire to do something for the widows and the elderly, even offering to personally support the programme if funds were not readily available. Within two days, we were able to put everything together,” she said.

     She listed the items distributed to the beneficiaries which include rice, beans, semolina, seasoning cubes, and salt, noting that a small transportation allowance was also provided to ease movement for beneficiaries.

     A beneficiary, Maureen Motson, expressed gratitude, stating that the support as unprecedented in her experience.

     “I have never experienced anything like this before. This support will go a very long way for my family, especially now that the children have resumed school,” she said.

  • Epe water works considered for rehabilitation

    Epe water works considered for rehabilitation

    The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO), Mrs Oluwabukola Khadijat Adeyemo, said the Epe water works serving the Epe axis, including facilities at Agric T-Junction with installed capacity of two million gallon per day and Jakande with installed capacity of three million gallons per day, are under consideration for rehabilitation.

     She said this at a Community Leaders’ Sensitisation and Public Engagement Stakeholders’ Forum on safe drinking water for community leaders, borehole drillers, sachet and bottled water producers held recently at Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) hall, Epe.

     According to Adeyemo, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has just commissioned the Akilo Water Works in Ogba, with a production capacity of one million gallons per day, ongoing rehabilitation of Adiyan Phase 1, and the nearing completion of Adiyan Phase 2, expected to produce 70 million gallons daily”.

     The Executive Secretary explained that the State Government is making significant investments to expand access to pipe-borne water across the state.

     She described water as life, but cautioned that untreated or poorly handled water could become a “silent threat” capable of triggering waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and diarrhea.

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     She warned residents and water service providers against the dangers of consuming untreated water and engaging in indiscriminate groundwater abstraction, stressing that unsafe water practices pose serious public health and environmental risks.

     The commission’s activities, she said, align with the state government’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly the ‘Health and Environment’ pillar, as well as the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation and the Lagos State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy.

     The LASWARCO boss also raised concerns over the environmental impact of unregulated groundwater abstraction, warning that excessive drilling could lead to land subsidence, soil instability, infrastructure damage and increased flooding risks.

     “Every sachet or bottle of water produced, every borehole drilled and every tanker delivery made has a direct impact on public health. Quality is not a luxury; it is a duty,” she said.

     She called for collective responsibility while urging communities to collaborate with government in achieving sustainable water supply targets and safeguarding the health of present and future generations.

     Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Monsuru Akiloye, said the sensitisation was to raise awareness, share best practices, and encourage collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to promote safe water handling, ensure quality water production, and support the sustainable use and protection of groundwater resources for both present and future generations.

    Akiloye, represented by the Vice Chairman Lateef Adesanya, said: “Water is life. It is essential to our health, our economy, our environment, and our overall well-being. Yet, despite its importance, unsafe water handling, poor production practices, and unsustainable exploitation of groundwater continue to pose serious risks.

     “Through this sensitisation, we aim to increase awareness of the critical role each stakeholder plays in the water value chain. From regulators and producers to distributors, community leaders, and consumers, everyone has a responsibility to ensure that water is handled safely and produced according to approved quality standards.”

    He said effective water management requires strong partnerships among government agencies, private sector operators, communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.

     Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Water Regulatory Commission, Bode Olaniyan, said: “For us at LASWARCO, we are trying to contribute our own quota in ensuring the agenda of Mr Governor is being followed to the later. That is while we are moving from one Local Government to the other, engages stakeholders in the water sector on safe drinking water. We all know that not all water is safe for consumption. We are trying to educate our people  on the need to ensure that our people have quality water in their home.”

  • Tinubu, Oyebanji hail Ondo’s developmental strides

    Tinubu, Oyebanji hail Ondo’s developmental strides

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed Ondo State for its remarkable and consistent development over the past 50 years, describing the state as a shining example of steady growth and purposeful leadership.

    Speaking yesterday at a colourful ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State in Akure, President Tinubu said Ondo had demonstrated strong dedication to the advancement of democracy and progress, especially in education, infrastructure and human capital development, adding that the state’s growth trajectory remained a source of pride to the country.

    The President, represented by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, and former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, praised the resilience, unity and commitment of the people of the state, noting that the state had recoded significant achievements across sectors since its creation in 1976.

    The President said: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, I hold the people of Ondo State with very high regards. I recognise the resilience, industrial and civic responsibility of Ondo people.

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    “During the last national election, the people of Ondo State demonstrated remarkable participation, discipline and commitment to democratic ideals. Your engagements strengthen the nation’s democracy and reinforce our belief in purposeful leadership. I deeply appreciate your support and I assure all citizens of Ondo State that my administration remains commuted to serving Nigerians equitably”.

    Governor Oyebanji, who congratulated the government and people of Ondo State for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, acknowledged the state’s consistency in delivering meaningful development, stressing that Ondo had continued to play a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.

    The governor noted that the progress recorded by Ondo State served as motivation for other states to remain committed to policies and programmes that enhanced the welfare and well-being of their citizens.

    “I bring greetings from your brothers and sisters in Ekiti State. We started this journey together 50 years ago, but 29 years ago we left and we are so grateful to God that Ondo is going up and up and good things are happening in Ondo State. We are so proud of the development strides Ondo State has achieved.” the governor said.

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and other dignitaries for joining the state in celebrating its golden jubilee, described the 50th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the sacrifices, vision and collective efforts of the founding fathers and successive administrations that have contributed to the growth and transformation of the state.

    He also commended the people of Ondo State for their enduring unity, resilience and support for government initiatives over the years and urged them to continue to work together in peace and harmony, assuring the citizens that his administration remained focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the state.

    Noting that Ondo State has made remarkable progress in critical sectors such as education, health care, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that would further improve the standard of living of residents, attract investments and create opportunities for economic prosperity across the state.

    It is recalled that Ondo State, like Ogun and Oyo states, was created from the old Western State, when the country embraced the 19-state structure in 1976. Ekiti State was carved out of the old Ondo State on October 1, 1996.

  • Lekki warns residents against dumping waste on highways, roadside

    Lekki warns residents against dumping waste on highways, roadside

    Chairman of the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Bamidele Kasali, has warned residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste on highways, roadsides, and other public spaces.

    Kasali urged residents to adopt proper waste management practices, as illegal waste disposal was unhealthy and dangerous to both residents and road users.

    The chairman frowned at the increased habit of residents littering the highway with waste, including the street.

    According to him, such habit is uncalled for and unhealthy to dwellers and road users.

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    “Indiscriminate waste disposal contributes significantly to environmental degradation, flooding, and the spread of diseases, especially during the rainy season,” he said.

    Kasali said that the council had intensified efforts to ensure a cleaner environment through regular sanitation exercises, collaboration with waste management operators, and enforcement of environmental laws within the LCDA.

    He said that the council would no longer tolerate acts capable of undermining public health and safety, as defaulters would be sanctioned in accordance with existing environmental regulations.

    The council chairman appealed to community leaders, residents’ associations and market leaders to sensitise their members on the importance of proper waste disposal and collective responsibility in keeping the environment clean.

     He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to providing an enabling environment, through improved waste collection services, while urging residents to support government efforts by disposing of their waste at designated points only.

     Kasali said that the effort was to ensure a cleaner and safer Lagos for residents to live peacefully and comfortably.

  • Conference 57 chair bags Man-of-the-Year

    Conference 57 chair bags Man-of-the-Year

    The Chairman of Conference of 57 Local Council Chairmen in Lagos State (Conference 57), Sesan Olowa, has been named Man-of-the-Year and Council Chairman of the Year at the forthcoming Ibeju-Lekki/Epe Outstanding Personalities Award.

    Olowa, who is the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chairman, will received the award on Sunday at the JATA Event Center & Resort, Ibeju-Lekki.

    Publisher, Starlight Newspaper, Damola Aderibigbe said that Olowa was selected for the honours in recognition of his leadership excellence, commitment to grassroots development and impactful governance within Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and the Epe Division.

    He said that the award, structured into four categories: Leadership Excellence, Agent of Change and Development, Community Builder and Year Awards, is aimed at celebrating individuals who have distinguished themselves in public service, community development and nation-building.

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    He noted that other prominent personalities to be honoured at the event include the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ibeju-Lekki II, Oladele Ajayi; and a former Lagos State Commissioner and one-time APC Lagos East Vice Chairman, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye.

    In addition, Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasak Bamidele Kasali, will receive a Special Recognition Award for his outstanding role as an agent of change and community development.

    “The annual award ceremony is designed to promote excellence in leadership, encourage community-driven development initiatives and celebrate individuals whose contributions continue to drive socio-economic growth across Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and the Lagos East axis,” he said.

  • Ikorodu West seals shops over indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Ikorodu West seals shops over indiscriminate dumping of refuse

    Ikorodu West Local Council Developmental Area (LCDA), has directed the council’s Environmental Department to seal shops for 20 days over indiscriminate dumping of refuse on roads.

     The council Chairman, Sulaimon Kazeem, gave the directive to seal shops along the NBC Road Corridor, Ebute Police Post Junction, Ipakodo, Ikorodu.

     The order came after Olarenwaju-led efforts to clear trash illegally dumped on the road median by residents.

     He said his administration is committed to safeguarding public health and upholding environmental standards, ensuring continued public awareness of the hazards and health implications of indiscriminate refuse dumping.

     “I met with the shop owners daily for one week, passionately pleading for compliance to prevent disease outbreaks and environmental pollution.

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     “This decisive action follows a repeated, flagrant, and unacceptable defiance of environmental laws by some business operators despite my multiple interventions and personal appeals.

     “This administration is fundamentally committed to the health and sustainable development of Ikorodu West.

     “We will not plead endlessly, while public health is jeopardised,” he said.

     According to him, the council has intensified efforts to address waste disposal challenges and ensure a cleaner environment.

     The chairman urged residents and business owners to partner with the council to maintain proper waste disposal practices.

     “Utilise the assigned Lagos State Waste Management Authority private sector partnership operators.

     “Together, let us build a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Ikorodu West,” he said.