The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • What automation means for responsible gambling in Nigeria

    What automation means for responsible gambling in Nigeria

    As Nigeria’s sports betting sector expands, the conversation around responsible gambling has taken on new urgency. With the rise of digital platforms and a growing user base, local operators are under pressure to provide safeguards that protect players without disrupting the entertainment value of betting. One of the most promising tools in this space is automation.

    Automation is no longer just a feature for speeding up odds updates or processing withdrawals. It’s being used to identify risky behaviour, enforce player limits, and streamline communication around gambling awareness—all without human intervention.

    Real-time monitoring and player protection

    Modern platforms in Nigeria are increasingly relying on automated systems to track user behaviour in real time. These systems use algorithms to flag patterns that may indicate problem gambling, such as excessive time spent betting, rapidly increasing stake amounts, or frequent deposits over short periods.

    When such patterns are detected, the platform can respond immediately with pre-set actions. This might include:

    • Sending automated messages suggesting a break


    • Temporarily freezing the account until the player confirms identity or reviews terms


    • Offering resources and links to responsible gambling support


    These real-time interventions are key in markets like Nigeria, where users often access betting platforms via mobile and expect immediate, uninterrupted functionality.

    Enforcing limits and user controls

    Operators are also using automation to help users set and stick to their own limits. This includes deposit caps, session time restrictions, and loss thresholds. By automating enforcement, platforms remove the emotional element that might lead to poor decisions during intense betting sessions.

    Once a limit is reached, the system automatically blocks further bets or deposits until the next cycle, giving players a built-in pause mechanism.

    Data transparency and user feedback

    Some Nigerian platforms are now experimenting with automated data dashboards that provide players with summaries of their activity. These dashboards show:

    • Total deposits and withdrawals


    • Net winnings or losses


    • Time spent betting per day or week


    This transparency builds trust and encourages self-regulation. According to Focus Gaming News, platforms that prioritise automated responsible gambling tools are gaining user approval and improving retention through ethical practice.

    Challenges and opportunities ahead

    While automation presents a powerful solution, it must be backed by clear policy and local relevance. Algorithms must be calibrated to account for regional betting habits, and automated messages should be culturally sensitive to avoid alienating users.

    Additionally, Nigeria’s regulatory bodies may need to update frameworks to reflect the role of automation in compliance and social responsibility.

    Ultimately, automation is not a replacement for human oversight, but a powerful support tool. In Nigeria’s competitive and fast-growing betting market, operators that adopt smart, automated safeguards will be better positioned to protect their users—and their business—in the long term.

  • BREAKING: Kidnapped Kebbi school girls freed

    BREAKING: Kidnapped Kebbi school girls freed

    The 24 students abducted by bandits from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, have regained freedom.

    The girls regained freedom through a non-kinetic approach adopted by the Federal Government.

    A top government official confirmed this to The Nation. 

    He said the girls were yet to be handed over to their families. 

    The release of all the kidnapped victims was reportedly facilitated through coordinated efforts by officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    READ ALSO; Wike vows timely completion of Kuje road project June

    The abduction of the students, followed by a similar one in Niger State, had drawn concerns at the national and international levels, and prompted a decisive operational order from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-General, Waidi Shaibu, for troops to intensify efforts to rescue the students. 

    The successful release of the students is a major relief for the affected families and the community.

    The use of a non-kinetic approach, which involves dialogue, negotiation, and confidence-building measures, underscores the government’s shift toward resolving mass abduction crises through peaceful means.

  • PDP chairmanship: Lamido breaks silence, accuses govs of blocking his ambition 

    PDP chairmanship: Lamido breaks silence, accuses govs of blocking his ambition 

    Former Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido has opened up on his ongoing legal battle with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressing deep concern over the party’s actions that pushed him to seek redress in court.

    Lamido, one of the few remaining founding fathers of the PDP, described the dispute as a “painful and unfortunate situation,” especially given his decades-long loyalty and sacrifice to the party. 

    He spoke during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Dutse.

    He said he decided to approach the court after he was denied the nomination form to contest for the position of National Chairman during the party’s national convention—an action carried out without any explanation.

    “I went to court because I was denied the form to participate in the contest for National Chairman. There was no reason given. It was simply blocked,” he said.

    Lamido further alleged that some PDP governors deliberately worked against his ambition because they feared he would not be controlled by any individual or interest group if elected.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    He also revealed that Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed personally reached out to him, urging him to step down from pursuing the chairmanship position.

    “Bala Mohammed personally called me and said, my senior brother, you are too strong for us. If you become the national chairman, we cannot own and control you.’ I reminded him that when the PDP was formed in 1999, he was not even around. Many of us laboured to build this party from the ground up,” Lamido stated.

    “I told him that, looking at the PDP’s position, contributions, struggle and foresight of the caliber of its people in side it’s and leaders it’s produced in Nigeria to think of gathering all of them completely and owns them at the same time. You know it is not possible”.

    The former Minister of Foreign Affairs said when he arrived at the PDP national secretariat to buy the nomination form only to meet the offices locked, “We went there and found the office locked. There was no means to obtain the form. That was so went to court seeks redress.”

    Lamido disclosed that the court eventually ruled in his favour, ordering the PDP to make the form available to him and provide adequate time for campaigns before conducting the national convention.

    He insisted that the judgment—which he said has been officially served and acknowledged by both the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—renders the recent PDP national convention “null and void” until the court’s conditions are fully met.

    Reflecting on his decades in politics, Lamido said it pained him deeply to drag the party he helped build to court but stressed that the injustice could not be ignored.

    “I am seriously worried and disturbed that I had to take my own party to court. This is a party that has given me opportunities, and I have served it with loyalty. But the injustice was too much to overlook.”

    Lamido appealed to PDP members and stakeholders across Nigeria to put aside grudges, personal interests, and internal conflicts in order to rebuild the party and restore its national relevance.

    “We must forgive one another and put the party and the country first. Only then can the PDP bounce back stronger and help save Nigeria.”

  • STL named lead trustee as Lagos issues record N230bn bond Issuance

    STL named lead trustee as Lagos issues record N230bn bond Issuance

    STL Trustees Limited has been announced as the Lead Trustee on the Lagos State landmark N230 Billion Bond Issuance, the largest Sub-National Bond ever issued in Nigeria, marking a major milestone for the domestic Capital Market.

    The Issuance, undertaken under the State’s N1 Trillion Bond programme, reinforces the position of Lagos State as a dominant force in long-term infrastructure financing and also reflects sustained investor confidence in the State’s fiscal credibility.

    In yet another historic feat, Lagos State successfully floated a N14.8 Billion Green Bond, becoming the country’s first Sub-National to issue a sustainability-focused financial debt instrument. This pioneering Offer signals the State’s growing commitment to climate-resilient development and innovative funding models.

    STL Trustees stated that, serving as the Lead Trustee on both transactions underscores the Company’s reputation for excellence in trusteeship and leadership within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. The company noted that the milestone Issuances not only strengthen Lagos State’s balance sheet thereby enabling it to undertake critical infrastructure development, but also set an important precedent for sustainable financing across the federation.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Speaking on the sideline at the signing ceremony, the Head of Trust Services at STL, Mrs. Adesola Aje said: “We are proud to celebrate the successful Signing Ceremony of the N230 Billion Lagos State Bond Issuance under the N1Trillion Bond Programme, the largest Sub-National Bond Issuance in Nigeria’s history and also the N14.8 Billion Green Bond.

    “At STL Trustees, we are honored to serve as the Lead Trustee on both Issuances, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, trust, and innovation in nation’s financial ecosystem.

    “These Issuances not only strengthen Lagos State’s financial position but also set a precedent for sustainable finance across Nigeria. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with visionary institutions driving growth and impact.”

  • Nigerian scientist Anagwu makes breakthrough discovery in high-performance polymer research

    Nigerian scientist Anagwu makes breakthrough discovery in high-performance polymer research

    A Nigerian scientist, Dr Festus Ifeanyi Anagwu from Ihembosi in Anambra State, has recorded another major scientific breakthrough in the development of high-performance polymers used across aviation, defence, space, marine, energy and oil-and-gas industries.

    Dr Anagwu conducted the research at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom alongside two other scientists — Daniel Preston from Britain and Alex Skordos from Greece. 

    He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Anambra State University, Uli, and a master’s degree in the same field from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, before proceeding to Cranfield for his doctorate.

    His latest study, published in the journal Polymer, uncovers a previously unknown phenomenon in polymer science, drawing global attention from polymer physicists. 

    Since vitrimers were first discovered in 2011 by Polish-French physicist Ludwik Leibler, researchers have explored them as strong, sustainable materials suitable for repairable and recyclable composite structures — advantages lacking in traditional high-temperature thermosets.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Dr Anagwu’s work, initially supported by the Federal Government’s TETFund Scholarship, later received a significant boost through the European Union–funded PLEIADES Project, which focuses on next-generation aviation materials. The PLEIADES consortium has since celebrated his discovery on LinkedIn.

    A key highlight of the study is that this class of polymers does not undergo the sudden thickening typically observed when thermosetting materials reach the “gel point.” Instead, it enters a stable viscosity plateau, allowing the material to flow more predictably during curing. Dr Anagwu attributes this unusual behaviour — which he describes as the suppression of gelation — to rapid internal bond rearrangements within the polymer network.

    The finding is significant because it provides clearer guidance on processing these advanced materials, enabling engineers to design lighter, stronger and potentially recyclable components for aircraft, defence technologies, spacecraft, marine vessels, energy systems and oil-and-gas infrastructure.

    The publication also introduces new models for predicting curing behaviour, viscosity evolution and glass-transition development — essential tools for industries and research bodies developing next-generation composite structures.

    Dr Anagwu’s achievement underscores the rising global influence of Nigerian scientists and serves as an inspiration to young Nigerians pursuing careers in science, engineering and technology.

  • JUST IN: Veteran journalist Bayo Osiyemi dies at 75

    JUST IN: Veteran journalist Bayo Osiyemi dies at 75

    Prince Bayo Osiyemi, former Chief Press Secretary to the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande is dead. 

    Nicknamed “Charming Prince”, he was aged 75. 

    The Nation learnt Osiyemi died on Monday, November 24. 

    The family in a statement signed by Seyi Osiyemi on Monday said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and esteemed community leader, Prince Bayo Osiyemi. 

    “He departed this life early this morning, November 24.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “While we mourn his loss deeply, we also celebrate his well-lived life and the countless individuals he touched.

    “Further details regarding the memorial service and arrangements will be announced shortly. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

    Osiyemi was a former Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    He was also a former Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area. He also served as Editor of Lagos News, Chief Executive of Penby Communications. He was also a weekly columnist for The Nation Newspaper. 

    Prince Osiyemi was born on February 4, 1950, to the families of Sisu and Arowosugbo of Ijebu Igbo, the largest town in Ogun State, he took his blue blood from his mother’s lineage; the Arowosugbo Dynasty.

    He was born into a Muslim family and was named Abdul – Lateef. His traditional name, Omopeninu (child stayed long in the womb), speaks of delayed pregnancy which reportedly lasted three years, four months.

  • VFS Global expands smart visa services for Nigerian group travellers

    VFS Global expands smart visa services for Nigerian group travellers

    Visa service provider VFS Global has introduced a wider range of technology-driven solutions designed to ease application processes for group and individual travellers across the country.

    The company, which manages visa and consular operations for several governments, says the rising number of sports teams, corporate groups, families and leisure travellers seeking more flexible and convenient services has prompted the expansion.

    “Our mission is to ensure that every traveller’s journey begins smoothly, supported by technology, security and trust,” said Siddharth Mehra, Chief Operating Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa. He noted that the firm had strengthened its offerings in Nigeria to provide what he described as flexible and reliable visa submission experiences.

    One of the increasingly popular options is the Visa At Your Doorstep service — referred to as On-Demand Mobile Visa for UK applications — which allows applicants to complete their documentation and biometrics from any preferred location. The service has been used by corporate teams, students and families seeking coordinated submissions.

    A spokesperson for Remo Stars FC, who recently used the service for a group booking, commended the process, describing it as “seamless and efficiently managed,” with staff providing adequate support for players during the submission.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    VFS Global has also expanded its Premium Application Centres in Enugu, Kano, Ibadan and Port Harcourt, complementing its main centres in Lagos and Abuja. 

    The centres provide a quieter, more private environment for applicants and offer optional services such as document-scanning support, real-time notifications and courier return of passports.

    For travellers who require more flexibility, the firm offers Prime Time Appointments, enabling submissions outside regular working hours, including evenings and weekends. Its Premium Lounge service also provides a dedicated, personalised submission experience.

    According to the company, the solutions are supported by its Live Identity Processing technology, designed to ensure biometric accuracy and secure handling of applicants’ data.

  • Akinyemi to Tinubu: suspend Armed Forces Act 2004

    Akinyemi to Tinubu: suspend Armed Forces Act 2004

    ‘Retired soldiers should be recalled for action’

    Former Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the Armed Forces Act 2004 mandating soldiers to retire at 60 or after 35 years in service.

    He described the law as a colonial policy that should be discarded in the facd of the current security challenges.

    The eminent scholar urged Nigeria to emulate the British style of setting aside similar policy during the Second World War, recallibg that the retirement provisions were also set aside in Nigeria during the civil war.

    Akinyemi also called for mass recruitment of military personnel to mitigate and shortage and ensure the availability of soldiers to tackle the security challenge.

    The former minister said in a statement that President Tinubu should declare a state of emergency nationwide and set up a military tribunal for the trial of insurgents and their collaborators.

    The statement reads, “I respectfully call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to suspend the enforcement of the Armed Forces Act 2004 provision—an inherited British-era policy—that mandates the retirement of military personnel after 35 years of service or upon attaining 60 years of age.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “History provides clear precedents for such a step. During the Second World War, when the British required additional boots on the ground, the same law was temporarily set aside. Similarly, during Nigeria’s Civil War, these retirement provisions were relaxed to meet urgent national security needs. Today, our nation again finds itself in a situation that requires exceptional measures.

    Nigeria urgently needs a strengthened military presence to confront escalating insecurity and safeguard our sovereignty.

    “Accordingly, I urge President Tinubu to suspend the current retirement requirements and to recall, without delay, all officers and soldiers who have retired within the past six months. This recall should form part of a broader, strategic effort to reinforce our armed forces.

    “In addition, I call on the President to authorize a nationwide, large-scale recruitment drive into the Nigerian Armed Forces, ensuring that every state and region is properly garrisoned and adequately secured. This is essential to restoring confidence, stability, and territorial control across the federation.

    “I further recommend that the President declare a nationwide state of emergency. During this period, constitutional immunity for Governors should be suspended so that any Governor under whose jurisdiction terrorist groups operate freely and with impunity can be held accountable. Where necessary, such a state may be temporarily placed under military administration to restore order and protect citizens.

    “Finally, I call on President Tinubu to establish a military tribunal to try terrorists and their confirmed collaborators. Where guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt, the tribunal should be empowered to impose the maximum penalty under the law – the death penalty.

    “Nigeria must not tolerate a situation in which members of terrorist organizations freely appear at social gatherings armed and unchallenged. Our nation’s security demands decisive, coordinated, and courageous action.”

  • Nigeria prays Katsina chapter holds prayer vigil

    Nigeria prays Katsina chapter holds prayer vigil

    The Katsina chapter of Nigeria Prays has held a one-day interdenominational prayer vigil at Living Faith Church, Kofar Kaura Katsina. 

    The Christian faithful sought divine intervention for rescue of kidnapped Nigerians by bandits, peace, unity and restoration of lasting security in the country. 

    ‎The prayer programme also featured powerful worship sessions, biblical exhortations and collective intercessions for Nigeria and Katsina State.

    ‎‎Guest speaker, Pastor Caleb O. Anifowose, encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast in prayers, stating that it is the foundation for personal and national transformation. 

    He further quoted several Bible verses, stressing the need for Nigerians to continually seek God’s help in tackling all our challenges 

    ‎He said: ”We must pray without ceasing. Nigeria and Katsina will rise again if we call upon God with sincerity.”

    ‎The Programme coordinator at the event, Yohanna Luka, also urged participants to maintain unity of purpose and pray with one mind. 

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    ‎Evangelist Emeka Francis also led the congregation in vibrant praise, lifting the atmosphere with thanksgiving songs.

    ‎The Secretary of Nigeria Prays, Katsina Chapter, Praise Illeoma Isiah JP, emphasised that prayer remains essential in every aspect of human life, noting that Nigeria will thrive when her people seek divine direction.

    Rev. Ishaku rendered hymns of adoration and prayed for God’s mercy upon communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Niger States and other areas affected by banditry attacks. 

    ‎The Matan Zumunta women’s fellowship presented a special musical rendition titled “Zaman Lafiya Muke So” (We desire peace), reflecting the deep longing for harmony in Nigeria.

  • BREAKING: Atiku officially joins ADC

    BREAKING: Atiku officially joins ADC

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    He formally registered as a member at Jada Ward 1 in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    Recall Atiku in July, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which had been mired in a prolonged internal crisis.

    Atiku’s formal entrance follows the prior announcement of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on November 19 officially commencing registration and membership validation.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “As a demonstration of my commitment, I completed my own symbolic registration at Ward 8, Unit 1, Ifofin, in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State,” Aregbesola had said via his social media handles, urging existing members to validate their membership and new entrants to register.

    In an announcement on Monday through his official X handle, Atiku posted a photo of himself holding his ADC membership card with the brief caption, “It’s official.”  

    Atiku in July had led the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform for opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.