The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Anxiety mounts over Owa of Igbajo’s health

    Anxiety mounts over Owa of Igbajo’s health

    There is growing tension in the Igbajo community, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of Osun State, following concerns over the health of the embattled Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Famodun.

    Oba Famodun, a former Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was installed as monarch during the administration of Adegboyega Oyetola but was later removed through an executive order issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke, who appointed Oba Ademola Makinde in his place.

    However, in January 2025, the Osun State High Court reinstated Oba Famodun, a decision that is currently being challenged on appeal.

    A source confirmed to The Nation on Saturday that the monarch was rushed to a hospital in Abuja for treatment over an undisclosed ailment.

    Another senior source revealed that his condition reportedly worsened on Friday evening, heightening anxiety in the community.

    When contacted, the Oluomo of Igbajo, Chief Sunday Akere, said family members were with the monarch at the hospital, adding that he had no further details on the situation.

    “The princes are the ones who can give you more information about our king,” he said.

  • Fintech boss pushes for law to regulate AI usage, tackle digital age challenges

    Fintech boss pushes for law to regulate AI usage, tackle digital age challenges

    The co-founder of a United States Financial Technology hub and migration infrastructure company, Vesti, Abimbola Amusan, has advocated for urgent legislative reforms to regulate the use of artificial intelligence and address emerging digital-age challenges.

    Amusan, speaking at a legislative summit tagged ‘Digital Democracy: Youth, Technology, and Modern Legislation’ in three local government areas, including Ayedaade, Irewole, and Isokan of Osun State, at the weekend, warned that Nigeria’s current legal frameworks are outdated and inadequate for today’s technology-driven economy.

    He recalled that Vesti tapped into the digital age opportunities, hence it launched an AI assistant for migrants and provided over N1billion travelling loans.

    According to him, “Modern challenges demand modern laws, there should be urgency to deliver modern legislation. We must rethink legislation around Data privacy, Cybersecurity, Digital identity, AI ethics and governance, online civic rights, Digital inclusion, and Technology-driven economic participation.

    “Lawmakers must now act with the agility of technologists, while still maintaining the prudence of public servants. The future of governance is hybrid, a collaboration between policymakers, technologists, the private sector, and young innovators.”

    He asserted that taking the step will create a blueprint for the future where governance becomes participatory, legislation becomes adaptive, and young people become co-architects of national development.

    He also pushed for a shift from traditional power to digital participation, saying, “For decades, democratic participation was shaped by physical town halls, ballot boxes, and long bureaucratic processes. But today, the digital space has become the new civic arena.

    “Social media is now the largest public square. Algorithms influence public opinion faster than television ever did. Young people participate in governance not through hierarchy, but through networks.”

    He added that “Technology is no longer just a tool; it is a democratic force. So, the question before us is not whether digital democracy is coming. It is how prepared we are to shape it.”

    Amusan tasked youths and the government to take advantage of the immense advantage of the digital space, saying “AI can be used for policy modeling and public service automation; Blockchain for transparent elections and public spending; Data analytics for real-time citizen feedback and Civic tech platforms that enable more direct public participation.”

  • Ubani: No security breakthrough without strong local govts

    Ubani: No security breakthrough without strong local govts

    Legal practitioner and policy analyst, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), has warned that Nigeria’s persistent insecurity will remain unresolved unless the federal government confronts what he calls the most neglected pillar of national safety — a functional and fully empowered local government system.

    Ubani said that despite decades of investment in military operations, counter-terrorism campaigns, recruitment drives, and surveillance technologies, the country continues to witness rising kidnappings, banditry, and violent community attacks because the tier of government constitutionally positioned to act as the first responder remains politically weakened and financially crippled.

    Reacting to Nigeria’s latest security crisis, he noted that the federal government’s recent National Emergency on Insecurity, unveiled by President Bola Tinubu, again omitted the most crucial reform: restoring capacity and autonomy to local governments.

    The package includes recruiting more security personnel and withdrawing police protection from VIPs, but Ubani insists these steps cannot succeed without fixing grassroots governance.

    He argued that security threats do not begin in Abuja or state capitals but in communities, rural settlements, and neglected neighbourhoods.

    Since these areas fall under local government jurisdiction, Ubani said councils are constitutionally designed to detect early threats, mobilise community responses, and support policing efforts.

    Yet, they have been systematically stripped of this capacity.

    According to him, the State Joint Local Government Account and other political controls have allowed state governments to seize council funds, impose loyalists, and undermine independent administration.

    Many local councils, he said, now function as extensions of state executives rather than as frontline governance institutions.

    Ubani warned that a local government unable to maintain rural roads for patrols, provide street lighting, support vigilante structures, empower traditional authorities, or fund surveillance tools is a council rendered ineffective in protecting its population.

    This vacuum, he added, has created ungoverned spaces where bandits flourish, and kidnappers operate freely.

    He noted that national debates consistently centre on state police, youth employment, military expansion, rural education reforms, and economic interventions, while the foundational need for effective local government administration is repeatedly ignored.

    “No matter how many security personnel are recruited, or how advanced our surveillance equipment becomes, no national strategy can succeed when communities remain abandoned and disconnected from governance,” he said.

    Ubani described full constitutional and financial autonomy for local governments as the most urgent reform needed to stem insecurity at its roots.

    He commended the attempt by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to seek Supreme Court clarity on the issue, but lamented that political interference frustrated the initiative.

    Calling on President Tinubu to act decisively, he said direct funding and unrestricted autonomy for local councils must now be treated as a national priority.

    “The path to a safer Nigeria begins with strengthening the tier of government closest to the people,” Ubani stated. “Non-functional local government administration breeds insecurity.

    “The sooner we confront this truth, the sooner Nigeria can make real progress.”

  • Tinubu reaffirms security, unity, community resilience as core priorities

    Tinubu reaffirms security, unity, community resilience as core priorities

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated that national security, unity, and community resilience remain central to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    This was revealed by the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, in a goodwill message delivered at the North-West Zonal Security Summit, organised by the Senate ad hoc Committee on National Security, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna.

    Badaru said the President remains steadfast in his commitment to building a safer and more united country, noting that the administration is pursuing a strong and adaptive national security architecture anchored on improved synergy among security institutions.

    He acknowledged the progress achieved through enhanced collaboration among security stakeholders but stressed that national security must be a shared responsibility involving citizens, communities, and subnational governments.

    The Minister reaffirmed the President’s directive to the Armed Forces and other security agencies to sustain operational momentum, deepen interagency cooperation, strengthen intelligence sharing, and improve protection for schools and rural areas.

    Highlighting Tinubu’s vision of a nation founded on shared prosperity, tolerance, and mutual respect, Badaru said such values are essential for lasting peace.

    He commended state governors for their vital role as Chief Security Officers through logistics support, early-warning efforts, and community engagement.

    He also praised traditional rulers, women and youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society organisations for their contributions to conflict mediation, community mobilisation, and the fight against misinformation.

    Badaru further lauded the Senate for convening the summit, describing it as an important platform for dialogue, reflection, and accountability within the security sector.

    He assured stakeholders that the Ministry of Defence is fully committed to partnering with all relevant institutions to strengthen stability, rebuild community confidence, and advance the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda across the North-West region.

  • NOA pledges to drive public support for new tax laws

    NOA pledges to drive public support for new tax laws

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising public support for the effective implementation of the federal government’s tax reforms, set to take effect in January 2026.

    The Tax Reforms Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, aims to simplify and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework.

    In a statement, the agency highlighted the need to sensitise citizens to the benefits of the new tax laws to counter misinformation being circulated by individuals who are either unaware of the provisions or deliberately spreading falsehoods to undermine government efforts.

    According to the statement signed by Mr. Bala Musa, Director of Communication and Media, NOA Director General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the commitment during a courtesy visit by members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

    Issa-Onilu noted that the rise of digital technology has made it easier for misleading narratives and fake news to spread.

    He stressed that the new Tax Law offers significant benefits, including addressing the long-standing issue of double taxation faced by companies, business owners, workers, individuals, and investors.

    The statement further reads, “The DG underscored NOA’s ability to reach wide audiences across the country with its advocacy and national enlightenment campaigns, noting that the Agency had a widespread spread of offices across the country with competent staff who regularly embark on community mobilisation and sensitisation to promote government policies and national values.

    “He also highlighted the ability of the NOA to work intelligently, identifying the different demographics across the country and applying the communication models appropriate to reach and appeal to each demographic.

    “We have done mapping across the country for engagements with all Nigerians; that is why we can engage groups such as associations, CSOs, traders’ unions, leaders, women groups, youths, and many others.

    “We do engagements with different groups across the country, and our staff are usually chosen from among the people, so the people trust them; that is part of the advantage we have.”

    Malam Issa-Onilu also highlighted the extensive partnerships with media houses, which the NOA enjoyed across the country as part of its strength to communicate policies to every nook and cranny in the country. “We work with over 200 radio stations across the country, and partner with 36 television stations, all put together broadcasting in about 72 local languages,” he revealed.

    In addition, Issa-Onilu pointed out that the NOA was leveraging modern technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, to disseminate government information. “We launched our own version of ChatGPT called CLHEEAN, a special Voice/Chat Assistant where Nigerians can engage and get authentic information on all government policies,” he told the NOA guests.

    Concluding, the NOA DG declared that “these are tools we have to assist and support the committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws.”

    Earlier, Mr. Oyedele of the Tax Reforms Committee had revealed that his team was at the NOA to seek support for the committee in pushing out the right information about the new tax laws and countering the wrong narrative that was pervasive in the media and other public spaces.

    He said, “We believe that working together with NOA will ensure the passage of accurate information to Nigerians, even to those at the grassroots, to know the benefits of the new tax laws.

    “We observed that there is a lot of misinformation to people, especially those at the grassroots, including farmers, concerning the law. And the aim of such is to make them hate the government ignorantly,” he noted.

    He continued, “Though we are engaging multinationals, Nigerians at different levels and from the different tribes and languages need to know the benefits they will get from the said law and support it.

    “We may need to create scenarios and have farmers, students, CEOs, and others, to say what the reform can do for them. These can counter the wrong narratives by some content providers that are against the law,” he stated.

    Oyedele is convinced that when people are sensitised and become aware of the benefits they would derive from the new tax law, they will not protest against it since it is in their best interest.

    At the end of the interaction, it was agreed that a joint committee of the NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms be formed to pursue the agenda of communicating the tax reforms properly and effectively. 

    The highlight of the visit of the Tax Reforms Committee was the presentation of the new tax laws to the DG NOA Malam Issa-Onilu by the Tax Reforms team and the presentation of the National Value Charter plaque to the Committee Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, by the NOA leadership.

  • LP faction petitions INEC over leadership dispute

    LP faction petitions INEC over leadership dispute

    A new internal dispute has arisen within the Labour Party (LP) as Senator Nenadi Usman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who lead the Caretaker National Working Committee, have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop recognizing Julius Abure and Umar Farouk as the party’s leaders.

    In a statement issued on Friday, the faction said it had written to INEC requesting the removal of both names from the commission’s portal, insisting that their tenure ended in June 2024. The group argued that recent court judgments had affirmed its position and urged the electoral body to comply.

    According to the statement, the group referenced the Supreme Court judgment of April 4, 2025, and a Federal High Court ruling delivered on August 15, 2025, claiming both decisions invalidated the LP national convention held in March 2024 and recognised Usman and Nwokocha as acting national chairman and secretary, respectively.

    While urging party members to disregard the congress guidelines recently circulated by Abure, the Usman-led group said preparations had begun for fresh congresses and a national convention expected to be held within 90 days, in line with the party’s constitution.

    It further announced that new interim national and state working committee lists had been forwarded to INEC for acknowledgement, while membership registration and nationwide congresses would commence shortly.

    The statement added that the group’s petition to the electoral commission included a demand for a public clarification on the leadership question, stressing the need for what it called “full compliance” with existing court rulings.

  • I have been transformed by God’s grace, says Akpabio

    I have been transformed by God’s grace, says Akpabio

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that he has “been transformed” by the special grace of God almighty, just as he called on Nigerians to be more committed to working for God in any position they found themselves in life.

    Akpabio stated this on Saturday in his brief remarks, at the blessing and official commissioning of the Regina Coeli Parish Rectory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    According to him, “As the most ranked Christian in government, God has specially and graciously transformed and prepared me for the task ahead.

    “I belong to all denominations, but I am lucky and happy to be a Catholic. Most people are in the church without knowing the power of the church.

    “If God can raise me from a nobody to be the President of the Senate and by extension, the number three citizen of this great country, He can do it for us all, just position and prepare yourself for his blessings,” he admonished.

    Akpabio noted that, the only way to remain blessed and transformed by God is to be committed to His work.

    “Anytime you contribute as little as 10 kobo to the construction of a church building project and it is completed and put to use, know that God has accepted your contributions.

    “I am always excited to be part of the development of the church because nothing is too big for our God.

    “In the next few weeks, I will happily invite Nigerians from all walks of life, to join us in commisioning a befitting place of worship for our God, situated inside the premises of the National Assembly in Abuja.”

    In his speech at the commisioning ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, His Lordship, Most Rev John Ayah, thanked the Senate President and his wife, Dr Unoma Godswill Akpabio for hosting Catholic Bishops all over the country in Ikot Ekpene last September and also honouring their invitation to commision the Rectory.

    He admonished Akpabio to pay less attention to criticisms, saying “you are important and that is why they talk about you. It is expected because of your position in today’s Nigeria.”

  • JUST IN: Jonathan briefs Tinubu on Guinea-Bissau political tension

    JUST IN: Jonathan briefs Tinubu on Guinea-Bissau political tension

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau, warning that the situation remains fragile and in urgent need of regional attention.

    Dr. Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observer Mission to the country, met President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, where he provided a detailed, first-hand account of the turmoil that followed the military takeover, which halted the electoral process.

    The former president had emphasised that Guinea-Bissau’s political situation was fragile and required urgent intervention to restore constitutional order.

  • Wike moves to partner private sector for smooth operation of Abuja bus terminals

    Wike moves to partner private sector for smooth operation of Abuja bus terminals

    …minister faults slow pace of work on 15km Pai-Gomani road project in Kwali 

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will collaborate with the private sector to ensure the smooth operation of bus terminals across the territory.

    Wike made the disclosure on Saturday while briefing reporters after a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects within the Abuja city centre and the Area Councils.

    He explained that the Administration plans to partner with private individuals who will provide buses and taxis painted in Abuja colours. 

    However, he noted that the government will commence operations with its own fleet to ensure orderliness and enhance commuter safety, particularly by eliminating the “one chance” menace through easy vehicle identification.

    “Eventually, the government will have to partner with private individuals, but for now, government has to put in their own contribution so we can start off the operation of the bus terminals with vehicles that will be painted in the Abuja colour. That again will help as we try to eliminate the one chance syndrome. You know you are entering a vehicle and you can identify it. So private people are also going to be part of it, but this is our own contribution before that starts,” he said.

    Giving an update on the Central Business District (CBD) Bus Terminal, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and uniqueness of the project compared to the recently commissioned Kugbo and Mabushi terminals. 

    He commended the contractor and said he was confident the project would be completed by year-end, by which time the vehicles procured for the terminal operations would have arrived.

    On the Pai/Gomani road project, Wike voiced strong dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the 15-kilometre road linking remote communities in Kwali Area Council to the Abuja/Lokoja Expressway.

    He criticised the contractor for poor performance despite the project being awarded before the A2–Pai section, which has already been completed and commissioned. 

    He further decried the issue of an unauthorised cost variation, noting that the revised amount was nearly equal to the original project cost and exceeded his approval limit.

    According to the minister, “Frankly speaking, I’m not too impressed. That road was awarded before the A2 to Pai, and we have commissioned that. It appears there isn’t much communication between the STDD and the contractor.

    “There appears to be issues of variation, and I am not too comfortable with that, and when we go back, we will look at that, and those who did not do what they are supposed to do will have to be sanctioned because people believe that you can go ahead without certain approvals. I don’t have the power to give that kind of approval when it comes to that kind of amount of money”.

    The minister warned that any official within the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD) found culpable for carrying out work or recommending variations without following the required approval process will be sanctioned.

    He said, “The Satellite Town Development did not seek approval because the amount I was told is almost the same amount that the original cost was awarded and you know I don’t have such power. That contract was awarded by the Federal Executive Council, so it is beyond my power, and for you to get that, you have to write to the President to get approval for variation, and then you go back to Department of Public Procurement to approve the cost, and then you go back to the Federal Executive Council for the final approval. That’s why I said those who carried it out without seeking for approval, will have to be sanctioned.”

    Despite the setback on the Pai-Gomani road, the Minister revealed the award of a new contract for 13 kilometres Gomani to Yangoji road to be carried out by Zeberced Construction Company which also executed the A2-Pai road project. He expressed confidence in the capacity of the contractor to deliver a good job in time for the third anniversary celebration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The FCT Minister used the occasion to also emphasize the commitment of the FCT Administration to the provision of rural infrastructure in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the unprecedented developmental projects across the FCT Area Councils, including the newly re-awarded Apo-Karshi road and the Kubwa to Bwari road projects, among others, as examples.

    He said, “This is the first time that satellite towns have been given priority. As I speak to you, you know we have cancelled the abandoned Apo-Karshi road project, which has now been given to Salini Construction Company (SCC), and as you go there now, work has started seriously. We have also started the one of Kubwa to Bwari, being handled by the same SCC. We also have the road to Kubwa where the quarries are. I am very happy with the kind of development that this administration has brought to the satellite towns.

    “So, people should appreciate the job this administration is doing, and I am happy that I am part of it, and I have seen the kind of development that has been taking place, not only in the city, but also in the satellite towns,” Wike stated.

  • Maritime firm celebrates Nigeria’s Return to IMO Council, urges bold maritime reforms

    Maritime firm celebrates Nigeria’s Return to IMO Council, urges bold maritime reforms

    The Managing Director of SeaExpress Transit Limited, Mr. Thompson Eja,  has applauded Nigeria’s successful return to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C Council, describing the victory as a “historic restoration of national relevance” in global maritime governance after a 14-year absence.

    Eja, in a statement in Calabar, Cross River State, said the achievement represents a major diplomatic and strategic milestone, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player capable of shaping international maritime policies that affect trade, safety, and global shipping routes.

    The Managing Director praised the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, saying he “led Nigeria’s return to the global maritime decision-making table,” and added that the outcome “strengthens the nation’s marine and blue economy goals as detailed in the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.”

    The SeaExpress boss further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the diplomatic efforts that secured the seat, declaring that his decisive backing “reflects his commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda” and his determination to make the blue economy “a key driver toward achieving the $1 trillion economy target for Nigeria by 2030.”

    He emphasised that the victory should serve as a catalyst for transformation within Nigeria’s maritime sector, calling on regulatory agencies to rise to the moment. It highlighted the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and NIMASA as institutions that must take advantage of this renewed global relevance.

    According to Eja, these agencies should “improve efficiency in service delivery, modernize our ports, solidify gains in coastal and inland waterways security, and accelerate collaboration with the private sector” to fully harness the opportunities provided by the IMO council seat.

    The statement also stressed the need to “accelerate the growth of maritime economic activities,” noting that Nigeria must increase indigenous participation in the maritime transport sector, particularly in cargo vessel ownership and in expanding coastal and inland passenger ferry operations.

    Reaffirming his company’s commitment to the sector, theManaging Director declared that the management “remains dedicated to making the company a critical stakeholder and partner” in the emerging blue economy landscape through innovation, investment, and collaboration.

    Eja concluded by pledging that SeaExpress will continue to pioneer “safe, reliable, and affordable waterways travel” across Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and neighboring Gulf of Guinea countries as part of its mission to support national maritime growth.