The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    The Enugu State Government and the European Union (EU) have agreed to scale up their collaboration across key sectors, especially education, energy, health and youth empowerment.

    This emerged at the weekend during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah by a high-level EU delegation at the Government House, Enugu.

    The delegation, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, also included the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, and the Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Paulos Martins dos Santos, among other senior diplomats.

    Mignot said the EU was committed to strengthening cooperation in ways that align with Mbah’s ambitious reform agenda.

    “The purpose of the visit is to meet you and talk about the partnership between the European Union and Enugu State, its potential, and your vision for the future,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    He highlighted ongoing EU-supported projects in the state, particularly in the energy and education sectors.

    “On energy, Enugu is one of seven states benefiting from the Solar for Health Project, under which we will provide technical assistance and funding for 20 solar microgrids that will power 20 primary health centres and 124 SMEs,” he said.

    The envoy also listed the Small Hydro Power for Agro-industrial Sectors Project, implemented by UNIDO, and the Nigeria Energy Support Programme executed by GIZ, which include electrification support, capacity building and funding for three interconnected mini-grids with a combined 1MW capacity for up to 1,000 beneficiaries.

    On education, Mignot announced that Enugu is one of the beneficiary states in the EU-UNESCO programme, Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria, Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS), which will train teachers in Smart Green Schools until June 2028.

    He further noted the EU’s partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival held annually in Enugu, saying the 2025 edition included grants and training for emerging filmmakers.

    Belgian Ambassador Leenknegt underscored Belgium’s longstanding economic ties with Enugu, particularly through Emenite Limited, a Nigeria–Belgium joint venture established in 1961.

    “They are delivering high-quality products and employing more than 300 people from the region. We will continue to foster this relationship,” he said.

    Portugal’s Ambassador, Martins dos Santos, highlighted his country’s interests in energy, infrastructure and agriculture, noting that “the footprint of the European Union in this country is huge and multidimensional.”

    Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the EU for its alignment with his administration’s developmental priorities, particularly in education, health and energy.

    “I have seen a huge alliance between our vision and the aims of the EU, especially regarding your programmes across Africa,” he said, noting that Enugu’s decision to allocate over 33% of its budget to education was to secure the state’s future competitiveness.

    Mbah invited EU member countries to explore new investment opportunities in aviation, gas and energy, disclosing that the state-owned carrier, Enugu Air, had been launched, and that the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport would soon become fully operational.

    “That means more international carriers will fly from Enugu. We encourage you to speak to your home carriers to consider Enugu,” he said.

    He added that the state was working with the Federal Government to extend gas pipelines to Enugu to unlock economic opportunities in the gas subsector.

    “We are open for business and will continue to ensure that investments and businesses thrive in Enugu State,” Mbah assured.

  • IPEF honours distinguished professionals

    IPEF honours distinguished professionals

    The Ijebu Professional Excellence Foundation (IPEF) yesterday honoured distinguished professionals at its 2025 Annual Merit Awards.

    The event held at A5 Events & Hall in Ijebu-Ode was well attended by professionals, community leaders, and supporters of the Foundation’s mission.

     The ceremony, known for celebrating integrity and exceptional service, reaffirmed IPEF’s commitment to promoting educational advancement and ethical leadership across the Ijebu community and beyond.

    Chairman of the Day, Otunba Akin Doherty, FCA, delivered an inspiring charge to the honourees, urging them to uphold the values of the IPEF Governing Council. He stressed that excellence must be paired with responsibility, particularly in a period when the nation requires stronger professional leadership.

    “This recognition is not a destination; it is a call to uphold the ideals of our heritage and to support the younger generation striving for excellence,” he said.

    In his welcome address, Prince Jamiu Adio Saka, Chairman of the Governing Council, expressed gratitude for Otunba Doherty’s long-standing support for the Foundation. He noted that IPEF continues to flourish because of leaders who remain committed to empowering aspiring professionals. He encouraged the newly decorated honourees to invest their expertise and influence in strengthening the Foundation’s scholarship and mentorship programmes.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of IPEF, Mr. Omoniyi Kaka, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to growth and institutional development. He pledged to work towards increasing the representation of women within the Governing Council, emphasising that gender inclusivity remains essential to broadening the organisation’s impact. According to him, ensuring greater female participation will help the Foundation reflect the diversity and potential of the wider community.

     This year’s awardees included Otunba Segun Timi; Prof. Oluwaseun Omotayo; Prof. Lanre Banjo; Hon. Lanre Odubote; Otunba Yomi Odunowo; Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru; Comrade Niyi Osoba; Prince Kayode Alakija; Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju Kazeem (Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA); Otunba Fatai Olukoga; Lt. Col. Owolabi Balogun (Rtd.), and Kakanfo Adeniyi Oduwole—all recognised for their exceptional professional contributions and community leadership.

  • Winners emerge at NMA 2025

    Winners emerge at NMA 2025

    Winners have emerged for the 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards (NMA). Some of the award winners include: Insight Publicis, Advertising Agency of The Year 2025; Lafarge Africa (Ecoplanet), Brand Innovation of The Year 2025; Dufil Prima, Best Use of AI in Marketing 2025; Carex -PZ Cussons, Best Rebrand of The Year; and X3M Ideas, Best Use of Social Media 2025.

     The brains behind the awards, Tony Agenmonmen, said the decision to introduce the annual award, four years ago, stemmed from the need to truly make a difference, in the nation’s marketing space, as winners emerged in different categories of this year’s edition of the award in Lagos.

    Agenmonmen, who stated this, in his welcome address, at the award presentation, added that besides recognising outstanding works in marketing, the aim of the organisers was to create a movement, a standard, a symbol of marketing excellence and credibility in order to enhance the fortunes of the industry.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    “We decided from the very beginning that the Nigerian Marketing Awards would not just be another marketing awards, but a movement, a standard, a symbol of marketing excellence and credibility, ” he said.

    Agenmonmen added that despite being challenging, the organisers had clung to that principle of integrity, which the award had continued to apply to its competitive and honorary categories.

    He explained that the winners, from different categories of the award, were selected purely on merit, by the Award Decision Council (ADC), comprising eminent marketing professionals.

    In her remarks, the Chairperson, Award Decision Council, Iquo Ukoh, expressed the Council’s delight at the industry’s growing acceptance of the recognition event, aimed at celebrating excellence in the nation’s marketing ecosystem.

  • Zone 4 Rotary Clubs hold summit on quality leadership

    Zone 4 Rotary Clubs hold summit on quality leadership

    Zone 4 of Rotary International District 9111 on Friday hosted Multi-Clubs’ leadership summit at Business Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The Zone 4 comprises: Club of Ojodu, Omole Golden, Ogba, Alakuko, Beckley Estate, Ijoko, Ijoko Premier, Iyana Iyesi Ota, Iju Spring and Abule-Egba Metro.

    Others were: New Oko-Oba Metro,  Newtown Oko-Oba. Ota, Ikeja Golden Impact, Connect Ijoko, E-Club of Omole Golden and Alagbado Urban.

    The event was part of efforts to strengthen leadership quality and expand humanitarian services across all communities.

    The summit was presided over by District 9111 Governor, Rtn Prince Henry Akinyele.

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    Akinleye, in his opening remarks said the summit was so important for the humanitarian service group ”because it provides a platform for collaboration more knowledge, planning, strategizing for leadership development, fostering international goodwill and peace among members united by the “Service Above Self and Unite For Good”

     He enjoined members to recruit more members and address community needs, emphasizing these as key to Rotary’s growth and community impact.

     His message encourages clubs to invite new people, retain existing members, and conduct service projects to serve their communities.

     The first speaker, PDG Omotunde Lawson, who is District Leaning Facilitator, presented a paper presentation on “Healthy Club experience – Principles and Rule of Law”

     She emphasised the importance of collaboration, mutual success, and operate within the ambit of the guilding rules of Rotary Clubs International.

     PDG Bola Oyebade gave lecture on Membership – “100% membership retention and sustainable growth is achievable: exciting club experience is the panacea,” urging members to embrace discipline, peace and unity.

     IPDG Wole Kukoyi, lectured on Rotary Foundation:  “Writing successful global grant application – overcoming the obstacles. While Rtn Dr Bolaji Femi taught the participants on “career switch as the new norm,”

     They encouraged participants to become self-aware, be hungry to learn and embrace resilience.

     The programme was put together by the Zonal Coordinator PAG Adesina Abiola and Chaired by the District Governor. According to PAG Adesina, it was serious engagement to drive transformation and progress to renewing members commitment for Rotary organizational vision and goals.

  • Ganduje, Barau clash with Kano gov over arrest call

    Ganduje, Barau clash with Kano gov over arrest call

    • Yusuf politicising security issues – Deputy Senate President

    Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin have berated Kano state government for calling  for the immediate arrest of   the immediate past governor of the state (Ganduje) over alleged inflammatory remarks “capable of undermining” the state’s security efforts.

    Ganduje in a statement yesterday described the call for his arrest as baseless, reckless and a clear reflection of the incumbent governor’s desperation and incompetence.

    In a separate statement yesterday, Jibrin, took a swipe at Governor Abba Yusuf, urging him to tackle the insecurity in the state instead of politicising it.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Wayya, had after the state executive council meeting on Friday,  told journalists that cabinet members discussed Ganduje’s alleged provocative statement on the vulnerability of the state to banditry.

    “Council deliberated extensively over the recent inflammatory statements made by a former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who alleged that the state is vulnerable to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 individuals under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas,” the commissioner said.

    “Council noted that the utterances were inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts of the Kano state government and the President Tinubu-led administration, which demonstrated genuine concern for the plight of its citizens and had continued to work tirelessly to safeguard their lives and properties across the nation.”

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    The commissioner said in less than 48 hours after the statements, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state, raising concerns that the remarks might have been premeditated or linked to the assault.

    He said the council reaffirmed its appreciation of the federal government and security agencies for their ongoing support in the fight against the insecurity.

    Wayya called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.

    He urged public figures to avoid statements that could incite unrest, assuring citizens of the state government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order across the state.

    Reacting to the call for his arrest, Ganduje, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu,

    noted that such an unfounded declaration by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf amounts to an abdication of responsibility by a leader who has consistently failed to secure the lives and property of the people of Kano State.

    “It is deeply unfortunate that rather than addressing the escalating insecurity ravaging the state, Governor Yusuf has chosen to chase shadows while searching for scapegoats to conceal his glaring failures.

    “At a time when communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, and other affected areas are living in fear, the governor has neither visited nor shown empathy toward the victims.

    “His continued absence in moments that require leadership speaks volumes of his disconnect from the people he claims to serve,” he said.

    The statement added that Ganduje has never been associated with violence nor linked to any act that undermines the peace and stability of Kano State.

    The statement also stressed that as governor, Ganduje  ensured the state remained secure for eight years, earning national commendation for maintaining peace and safeguarding lives and property, stating that his record stands in stark contrast to the current administration’s ineptitude and lack of direction.

    Ganduje called on Governor Yusuf  to focus on his constitutional duty of protecting Kano residents, through purposeful actions, “instead of engaging in political theatrics and unfounded allegations.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, said, besides security challenges, there were numerous other problems bedevilling Kano State that require the governor ‘s serious attention.

    Barau, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, challenged the state government to produce the clip in which he made a statement that tends to aggravate insecurity in Kano.

    “The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, is drawn to false, reckless and malicious claims by the Kano State Government through the State Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, that the Deputy President of the Senate, made a statement capable of undermining the security efforts in the state.

    “It is unfortunate that the state government has relegated governance to this low by concocting and fabricating lies to tarnish the growing reputation of the Deputy President of the Senate.

    “There was no time when Senator Barau uttered any statement capable of undermining security efforts; instead, he has been at the forefront, collaborating with all stakeholders to address the insecurity challenges in Kano and other areas of the country.

    “We challenge them to produce the clip in which Barau made any statement that could undermine security efforts,” he said.

    Barau, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Kano State Governor to “wake up from slumber and take charge of the affairs of the state” to return Kano to the path of prosperity.

    He added: “Until governance was relegated to the background, our beloved state, Kano, used to be second to Lagos in terms of prosperity, but unfortunately, misgovernance has eroded that.

    “We have everything necessary to restore the glorious days of our state, but the governor is not taking steps in that direction.

  • Osun 2026: APC has no consensus candidate – Elders’ Caucus member

    Osun 2026: APC has no consensus candidate – Elders’ Caucus member

    A prominent member of the Elders’ Caucus otherwise known as Igbimo Agba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Professor Mojeed Alabi, has said that no aspirant has been endorsed as candidate of the party.

    Alibi explained that the party’s elders are awaiting final decisions on the matter from higher authorities of the APC.

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    “The Igbimo Agba, through its Chairman, Chief Sola Akinwumi, would not take a decision without conveying it to the generality of its members. We are desirous of winning the next year’s gubernatorial election, and our leaders would not be stampeded into taking any hasty decision,” he said.

    The Ejigbo-born politician admonished the governorship aspirants and their handlers to be wary of the narratives they would be pushing out to the public, urging the generality of the party members to remain calm and have faith in the party.

  • Diversifying economy through culture, festivals will boost foreign exchange earnings – Abiodun

    Diversifying economy through culture, festivals will boost foreign exchange earnings – Abiodun

    Culture, when properly harnessed, has the potential to become a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, has said.

    Speaking at the 39th Akesan Day Celebration held at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state, the governor noted that many countries across the world have diversified their economies through culture and tourism.

    According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit immensely if its numerous cultural festivals are fully developed and promoted.

    “Festivals like this bring thousands of visitors who patronize local businesses, artisans, entertainers, food vendors, hotels and of course, our transport operators,” Abiodun said.

    “When properly harnessed, cultural celebrations become platforms for tourism; like Lisabi Day, Oronna Day, Ojude Oba and many more. They create jobs and attract investments.

    “Communities across the world, from Brazil to Kenya, have used culture as a driver of economic expansion. In many countries, tourism contributes significantly to national GDP. Dubai is a clear example.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    “Nigeria can achieve the same by consistently developing and promoting its cultural identities. Festivals like this serve as catalysts, turning attention and positive visibility to our communities.”

    The governor added that culture not only promotes shared identity and social harmony, but also instills values such as unity, honesty and communal responsibility, key ingredients for societal development.

    Also speaking, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sesan Fagbemi, described Akesan Day as a rallying point for cultural promotion and a platform for charting the future of the community. He assured that the state government would continue to preserve its cultural heritage.

    The Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, lauded the people of Iperu for sustaining their traditions and congratulated the organizers for a befitting event.

    Chairman of the occasion and Asiwaju of Remoland, Chief Solomon Onafowokan, applauded the state government for its infrastructural strides, particularly the Gateway International Airport located in Iperu. He said the annual celebration enhances cultural engagement and economic progress, urging residents to preserve their heritage for future generations.

    In his remarks, Chairman, Iperu Akesan Community Development Association, Chief Taiwo Oyebanji, said the town has recorded significant progress in the past year in the areas of road projects, physical development and erosion control.

  • Rotarians pay tributes to Raymond Zard in Ibadan

    Rotarians pay tributes to Raymond Zard in Ibadan

    Eminent members Rotary club and Zontal International have paid a glowing tributes on late industrialist, Chief Raymond Zard in Ibadan, Oyo State. They praised Zard for his unwavering commitment to service of humanity.

    Among the eminent personalities were leaders of the clubs including the Chairman of  Bovas Group of Companies,  Past District Governor ( PDG) Dele Samson,  and the Managing Director,  Wemabod Estate,  Mr. Bashir Oladunni .

    Zard, died in the Netherlands a year ago at 86.

    The night of tributes was organised by the Rotary Club of Ibadan, where Chief Zard once presided as District Governor,. The event was held at Jogor Centre,  off Liberty Road,  Ibadan at the weekend.

    Zard was described as a compassionate humanitarian, a man milk of human kindness and silent philanthropist, with enduring virtues of   humility, legacy of service, and dignity.

    Speaking glowingly of the deceased,  Samson said he met Chief Zard some 50 years ago , adding that he was attracted to the late Ibadan chief because of his honesty, love for humanity,  humility and industry.

    He said: ” I  met Chief Zard some 50 years ago , while handling a project . He introduced me to his brother in Steel Works . He made his contributions. The project is the Head office of Union Bank when there was a fire incident.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    ” Steel Works did all the works diligently.  Ever since then , we became friends. Chief Raymond Zard was to some of us in Rotary , Baba Rotary.  He was extra ordinary in giving. He served the community with all his heart. He gave so extravagantly without looking back. We call him Ray of Hope.  What a man that Raymond Zard was to us in rotary. He truly imparted lives, and today he lives on …”

     In her tribute, Mrs. Motunrayo Ige, who has spent decades working in one of Chief Zard’s companies, noted that late Ibadan business guru was a man whose name remained synonymous with excellence, integrity and generosity.

    “A man with few words, yet profound deeds. A man whose legacy remained woven into the fabric of the community he served, Chief Raymond Zard emboldened a label of cultural heritage and natural loyalty.

    “He was every inch a son of Nigeria, deeply a Nigerian in soul ,service and conviction,  his chieftaincy titles , Babalaje of Ibadanland,  and Baaloro of Ife were not just ceremonial honours, they were earned through decades of commitment, humility  and unshakable sense of duty to his community.

     ” Chief Zard was a titan of industries,  a man who build empires , through Zard Holdings, he nurtured businesses and helped shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape, but more importantly,  he was a builder of people’s,  a builder of communities and deeply held values .”

    In his remarks, the scion of Chief Raymond Zard,  Camile who was elated by the outpouring of tributes on his father, expressed deepest appreciation to the Rotary family for the love and honour.

  • Multimillion naira solar project inaugurated in Ondo

    Multimillion naira solar project inaugurated in Ondo

    A multimillion-naira 6KVA solar inverter project has been inaugurated in Osooro community, Ondo State, by the Managing Director of Welbeck Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Mr. Afolabi Aiyela.

    The project marked a major step toward improving energy access in the area, which has reportedly been without electricity for nearly 20 years.

    The commissioning of the project held at the palace of the monarch of Osooroland, Oba S.G. Bajowa (Lubokun IV), also featured the distribution of branded raincoats and reflective jackets to security personnel, including officers of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and local security operatives.

    Aiyela said the project reflects his commitment to developing his home community. He noted that beyond the installation of the solar power project, he was also exploring long-term initiatives related to food security, agricultural preservation and economic empowerment.

    “This is my home, my community. I’ve seen the potentials here,” he said. “There are many projects ahead—food security, agricultural processing, community cooperatives and partnerships with the Bank of Industry. This community is close to the sea and can become a major hub for food production. With electricity and the right support, people can create sustainable sources of income,” he said.

    He added that Welbeck Electricity Distribution Company was already engaging the Rural Electrification Agency to ensure the community gains access to a stable power supply after decades of neglect.

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    Oba Bajowa expressed profound gratitude to Aiyela, describing the donation as a landmark gesture and an affirmation of his commitment to the growth of Osooro Kingdom.

    “This gesture marks a giant entry and integration into the community where he rightly belongs,” the monarch said. “Your generosity is appreciated, and we look forward to more contributions toward the prosperity of our kingdom.”

    The monarch also praised Aiyela for providing branded protective wear to security agencies, acknowledging it as a thoughtful recognition of their sacrifices in maintaining peace across the land.

    Representatives of the security agencies also expressed delight, noting that the items would enhance their operations “come rain or shine.”

    In recognition of his contributions, Aiyela and his wife were conferred with the chieftaincy titles of Bobagunwa and Yeye Bobagunwa of Osooro community.

  • Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered two female decomposed bodies suspected to be among three Cameroonian women kidnapped in the state.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the bodies were recovered in Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area by operatives in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers.

    He said both bodies had been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    He said, “We wish to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the State.

    “Recall that Police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh ‘M’, 37 years old, and Kingsley Akpeh ‘M’, 44 years old, who are currently assisting operatives with vital information.

    “In continuation of these efforts, on the evening of 28th November 2025, Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    “During the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident.

    “The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife, Mrs Bognou Alice and his niece, Miss Sandra.

    “Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    “To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    “He has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

    “The Commissioner further reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice.”