The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • TNN plans membership registration

    TNN plans membership registration

    Team New Nigeria (TNN) has said it would commence a nationwide membership registration on December 6, 2025.

    The organisation took the decision during a meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) at the weekend.

    The BoT also approved the establishment of a National Conference Organising Committee to oversee the organisation of a befitting national convention for the emerging political movement.

    The BoT resolved that there is a need to review the association’s membership base and immediately resume registration across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    A statement signed by Prof Morgan Gambo, Secretary, National Communication Bureau, TNN said: “Consequently, the BoT approved that the membership registration exercise will begin simultaneously in all 774 local government areas on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “The registration shall start from the ward level in each of the eight thousand, eight hundred and nine (8,809) council wards in Nigeria. All registration materials will be made available to ward officials by Thursday, December 4, 2025.”

    “TNN leaders at the state, senatorial district, local government, and ward levels have been directed to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible process. The party emphasised that there shall be no registration by proxy, adding that the registration form is free of charge and not for sale.”

    TNN recalled that its online and physical membership registration first commenced on December 15, 2023.

    It added that since then, a total of 43,607,700 registration transactions have been recorded, making TNN “the greatest crowd-pulling platform in Nigeria today.”

    “We enjoin all members to cooperate and encourage others to join us in our common quest to rebuild a Nigeria that works for us all,” the statement added.

  • Police activate school protection mechanism to strengthen security

    Police activate school protection mechanism to strengthen security

    The Katsina State Police Command has activated a comprehensive school protection mechanism to enhance safety and security across educational institutions in the state.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police Bello Shehu said the move aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to prioritise the protection of schools and vulnerable areas.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Shehu directed the Coordinator of the School Protection Squad to fully activate all security measures to ensure that schools across Katsina State are adequately safeguarded.

    During a meeting with tactical commanders to review and strengthen the command’s overall security strategy, the CP also ordered the deployment of additional resources to boost operations.

    He urged residents to continue supporting the command’s efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities through the established emergency lines, noting that public collaboration remains vital to ensuring safer schools and communities.

  • IBEDC secures arrest of one over assault of official, energy theft in Ibadan

    IBEDC secures arrest of one over assault of official, energy theft in Ibadan

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has secured arrest of one Mrs. Adebola Arowona in Ibadan, over alleged assault of its staff and vandalisation of the company’s operational vehicle.

    IBEDC said the arrest followed its intensified crackdown on offenders of energy theft, vandalism, attacks on its personnel, and initiating prosecution against offenders across its franchise.

    A statement by the company confirmed that legal action has commenced against Mrs. Arowona for the act.

    According to the statement: “IBEDC officials were carrying out a routine inspection at Mrs. Arowona’s premises on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when clear evidence of meter tampering and energy theft was discovered.

    “Mrs. Arowona, assisted by a middle-aged man believed to be her husband, allegedly resisted disconnection and turned violent, shoving an IBEDC staff off a ladder and delivering a slap to another official.

    “A viral video of the incident showed part of the confrontation, including the moment Mrs. Arowona picked up a stone and smashed the windscreen of the company’s Hilux vehicle.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “She has since been arrested and is being charged to court, while the man suspected to be her husband is currently wanted by the Police.

    “Efforts are ongoing to ensure the culprit is prosecuted. We intend to pursue this case to its logical conclusion to serve as a deterrent to others.”

    In a related development, IBEDC, in collaboration with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Taskforce on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), has also concluded arrangements to prosecute several cases of energy theft across its network.

    “These cases have been scheduled for hearing in various courts within the IBEDC franchise area.”

    The company expressed deep concerns over the escalating incidents of energy theft, vandalism, and assaults on its workforce, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on all illegal activities targeting its network and personnel.

    IBEDC however emphasised the need for stronger community cooperation in combating the menace.

    The company reiterated its commitment towards working with security agencies and community stakeholders to identify, apprehend, and prosecute offenders, while continuing to invest in initiatives that strengthen its infrastructure and improve service delivery across its coverage area.

  • Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cultists, recover arms, vehicle in Delta

    Police arrest suspected kidnappers, cultists, recover arms, vehicle in Delta

    The Delta State Police Command has arrested a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate terrorising the corridors of Delta State and its environs.

    Police spokesman in the state, SP Bright Edafe, revealed in a statement on Monday that operatives recovered one English-made Beretta pistol, one locally-made pistol, one pump action gun, six live cartridges and a Toyota Sienna vehicle from the suspects.

    Shedding light on the feat, Edafe said on November 23, 2025, acting on a distress call regarding a robbery incident along the Asaba–Benin Expressway by Dustbin/Mango Tree area, the Commander, Eagle Net Special Squad, SP Danyaya Inusa, swiftly mobilised surveillance teams of the squad in a coordinated operation with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, led by DSP Abu Joshua, to the reported scene.

    He said upon arrival, the criminal gang ambushed the operatives with sporadic gunfire, noting that the team, undeterred, responded with controlled precision, overpowering the assailants and forcing them into a disorganised retreat. 

    The spokesman said a fierce chase ensued, which led to the arrest of the following suspects: Oghenemaro Martins, 25, Tarebi Miracle Ogbada, 22, and Okorie James Kalu, 19.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    He revealed, “During the chase, the fleeing suspects abandoned a black bag, which operatives recovered. The contents of the bag directly linked the suspects to the robbery scene and their wider criminal operations. 

    “Recovered items include: one English-made Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, four live 9mm Beretta ammunition, one HP laptop, one iPhone S, one Tecno phone, one Samsung phone, One PS5 game console, two necklaces and one laptop charger.

    “The presence of the firearms and ammunition confirms the gang’s readiness for armed confrontation, while the assorted electronics, jewellery, and PS5 console matched descriptions earlier provided by multiple victims robbed at gunpoint around the Okpanam–Asaba axis.

    “Subsequently, the chain of identification has established a direct nexus between the recovered items, the arrested suspects, and the series of armed robberies under investigation. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.”

    Also, Edafe said in another intelligence-led operation, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by the Commander, ASP Julius Robinson, recorded success in the fight against cult-related violence within Sapele and Oghara. 

    He indicated that acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of a violent cult group, operatives stormed strategic locations at about 0530hrs on 24th November 2025 and arrested Miracle Umukoro, 52, Mudiaga Ukavwe, 31, Solomon Oghoro aka Spartan, 30.

    He noted, “The suspects, who confessed to be members of the Aye Confraternity, were arrested with the following exhibits recovered: One pump-action gun, six live cartridges, one cutlass, one Toyota Sienna vehicle, Reg. No. LSR 621 JW, allegedly used by the syndicate for surveillance and operational logistics. 

    “All suspects are in custody. The recovered arms and the vehicle have been registered as exhibits as investigations continue to unmask other members of the cult network and dismantle their operational structure.”

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has commended the operatives for their resilience, courage, and tactical precision in both operations.

    He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and any form of violent crime, assuring residents that the police would remain unrelenting in delivering a safe and secure Delta State. 

    The CP further urged the public to remain security-conscious and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s Control Room Number: 08036684974

  • Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    Tinubu battling political sabotage, not security failure — Kalu alleges

    Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has blamed Nigeria’s worsening insecurity on what he described as “political sabotage” targeted at undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Sunday, the former Abia State governor dismissed claims that the President is overwhelmed by the security crisis, insisting that powerful interests are deliberately sponsoring violence to discredit the administration.

    Kalu said, “This insecurity is politically instigated. People are sponsoring attacks because they want Tinubu to fail. They did the same to former President Jonathan. It is all about 2027.”

    Kalu maintained that Tinubu is fully engaged with security agencies and receives intelligence reports unavailable to lawmakers.

    “The President is working day and night. Leadership is not a bed of roses,” he said, citing the suspension of the President’s scheduled engagements on Sunday as evidence of his hands-on approach.

    The Senator expressed confidence that recently abducted schoolchildren would be rescued, assuring that “service chiefs have gone fully on duty” and that security agencies are tracking down the perpetrators.

    Kalu argued that tackling insecurity cannot rest solely on the Federal Government, insisting that many state governments have failed to deploy the powers already available to them.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    He recalled his own experience in Abia State, saying he established the Bakassi Vigilante outfit which, according to him, “drove criminals away” and restored safety in Aba.

    “If most of these states want to declare a state of emergency and send me there for six months, I will keep it peaceful. I know what to do,” he said.

    Pressed to name those allegedly sponsoring insecurity, Kalu declined.

    “I can’t mention names. The intelligence community is on it. If they feel it’s necessary to identify them, they will,” he said.

    On calls for state police, the Senator reminded Nigerians that constitutional amendments require the concurrence of two-thirds of state assemblies.

    “In the 9th Senate, we tried but the states did not approve it. You can’t blame the National Assembly,” he said.

    Kalu also addressed the conviction and sentencing of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, saying while the separatist leader must answer for alleged incitement that led to deaths and destruction, the matter ultimately requires a political resolution.

    “Kanu incited people and people died. But emotions will not solve this. The Igbo nation should move from confrontation to negotiation,” he said.

    He disclosed ongoing engagements with federal authorities to explore a non-judicial resolution, adding that he had previously pushed for Kanu’s bail in 2017 during the Buhari administration.

    Kalu condemned attacks on Justice James Omotosho, saying aggrieved parties should follow the appellate process.

    “Justice Omotosho is just a messenger of the court. If you are not satisfied, you appeal. Insulting a judge is unacceptable,” he warned.

    He confirmed that Kanu’s legal team has already filed an appeal and said his own intervention would remain strictly political.

    Kalu disclosed that the National Assembly is holding continuous consultations on the security situation.

    “I just left the Senate President’s office. We are working, even on Sundays. We will hand our resolutions to the security agencies,” he said.

  • Fed govt, US officials deepen security ties, agree on new cooperation framework

    Fed govt, US officials deepen security ties, agree on new cooperation framework

    A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has secured renewed commitments from senior United States officials to strengthen security cooperation between both countries following a series of engagements in Washington, D.C., last week.

    According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, the delegation met with officials across the US Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the White House Faith Office, and the US Department of War. 

    The talks focused on improving joint efforts against terrorism, violent extremism, and other security threats facing Nigeria.

    During the engagements, the Nigerian team firmly rejected allegations of genocide in the country, stressing that violence in affected areas cuts across ethnic and religious lines. 

    It warned that mischaracterising the situation would further polarise communities and undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Following the discussions, the US Government affirmed its readiness to deepen cooperation through enhanced intelligence sharing, faster processing of defence equipment requests, and potential supply of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster Nigeria’s ongoing operations.

    Washington also indicated willingness to expand humanitarian support to communities affected by violence, particularly in the Middle Belt, and to provide technical assistance to strengthen early-warning and response mechanisms.

    Both sides agreed to immediately activate a non-binding cooperation framework and establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate implementation of agreed priorities. 

    The Nigerian government, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

    The statement noted that the week-long discussions helped clarify misconceptions about Nigeria, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a solution-driven partnership aimed at protecting citizens.

    The delegation included the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye; Special Adviser to the NSA, Ms. Idayat Hassan; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the NSA.

  • We’ve confidence in Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, group replies Zagzaga 

    We’ve confidence in Yilwatda as APC National Chairman, group replies Zagzaga 

    The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) has applauded the progress made by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, describing it as phenomenal.

    National Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Dominic Alancha in a statement in Abuja on Monday, said this when he punctured an alleged claim by the leadership of the North Central APC Forum that the region regretted the emergence of Yiltwada as APC national chairman, arguing that the reforms he introduced are yielding positive and progressive results.

    Zagzaga, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said the North-Central APC Forum, through its chairman, Saleh Zagzaga, expressed disappointment with Yilwatda’s performance, noting that he has not demonstrated the capacity to lead the party. 

    The Forum equally accused him of promoting a religious agenda and using the office to advance his selfish political interests in Plateau State.

    But Alancha argued that Zagzaga and his group are not in any position to speak for the region, alleging that they are threatened by stability, unity, and the ongoing reforms within the party.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    The statement reads, “The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum condemns in strong terms the deliberately sponsored and poorly scripted publication circulating in the media, claiming to speak for the North-Central over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress. We categorically state that the story is the handiwork of political scavengers and individuals threatened by stability, unity, and ongoing reforms within the party.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the so-called statement by the acclaimed, unregistered North-Central APC Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zagzaga does not represent the opinion, position or sentiment of legitimate APC stakeholders across the North or the North-Central. It is a desperate attempt to manufacture discontent where none exists.”

    Faulting Zagzaga, the NENF leader noted that since his emergence, “Yilwatda has brought intellectual depth, strategic organization, humility, inclusiveness and modern party administration to the APC,” adding that “under his leadership, the party has regained grassroots energy, strengthened internal cohesion, repositioned structures nationwide and renewed public confidence ahead of future elections.”

    Alancha emphasized that attempts by Zagzaga and his group to weaponize religion, ethnicity, or internal political disagreements have exposed their bankrupt agenda. 

    According to him, “The APC remains a national, secular, progressive platform and Prof. Yilwatda has exemplified that principle through fairness, bridge-building, and respect for all tendencies within the party.

    “As the Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum, we reaffirm our total confidence in the capacity of Prof. Yilwatda led the APC to an electoral Eldorado, victory, expansion, and historic democratic consolidation. 

    “We stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Working Committee, and all patriots committed to unity and good governance.”

    NENF then urged party members, the media, and the public “to disregard this politically motivated fiction. The APC is stable. The North is united. The future is brighter under purposeful leadership.”

  • Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Seasoned artistes often get sidelined in Nigeria – DJ Neptune

    Renowned DJ and producer, DJ Neptune, has expressed concern over the growing trend of sidelining veteran artistes in Nigeria’s music industry.

    He attributed the trend to a structural problem, where creatives are pushed aside once they reach certain milestones.

    Speaking on Hip TV, DJ Neptune stated that Western music industries allow veterans to thrive alongside newcomers, highlighting the need for change in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    “In Nigeria, once you reach a certain level they push you aside like, ‘Oya go to that corner, we’re done with you.’ It’s a structural problem. Abroad, the OGs are still as relevant as the newbies. We need to address the structural issues,” he said in a recent interview with Hip TV”, he said.

    He emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself to stay relevant, citing his own approach to adapting to industry changes.

    DJ Neptune said, “Although I don’t plan to do this all my life -when it’s time to take a bow, I will. But what I have just done over the years is that I know when it’s time to re-invent. That’s life. Things are changing so you need to move with the time.”

  • Oyebanji names Prof. Omojola new BOUESTI VC

    Oyebanji names Prof. Omojola new BOUESTI VC

    Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of Professor Andrew Babatunde Omojola as the new Vice Chancellor of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI).

    Omojola, a Professor of Animal Science with specialization in Animal Products and Processing/ Food Safety, is until the appointment, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

    The appointment was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Olayinka Oyebode, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor

    Prof Omojola’s appointment as Vice Chancellor takes immediate effect.

    He takes over from Prof Olufemi Victor Adeoluwa, whose tenure as Vice Chancellor of the University ends on January 6, 2026.

    Prof Andrew Babatunde Omojola was born in Usi-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State on August 14, 1962. He attended Notre Dame College, Usi-Ekiti for his secondary school education between 1976 and 1980.

    He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan in 1984 where he graduated with a Second Class (Upper division) in Animal Science in 1988. He bagged a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science from the same University in 1997.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    Prof Omojola started his lecturing career as a Lecturer II at the University of Ibadan in 1997, and rose through the ranks to the position of a Professor in 2011.

    He has served as Visiting Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana between 2013-2019; External Examiner at the University of Calabar between 2012 and 2016; and at Osun State University, Osogbo between 2015 and 2018.

    Prof Omojola also served as Head, Animal Products and Processing Unit, Animal Science Department, University of Ibadan (2000-2023); Director, UI Teaching and Research Farm (2016-2018), Member University of Ibadan Senate (2011-date) and Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, (2023-date). He has also served as Chairman, Committee of Dean, Heads of Departments and Directors.

    Governor Oyebanji, who is the Visitor to the University, urges the new Vice Chancellor to bring his wealth of experience as an academic and a seasoned administrator to bear in the bid to further reposition the University as a world class institution of learning, even as he wishes him a successful tenure.

    The Governor thanks the outgoing BOUESTI Vice Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, for his meritorious service to the University and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

  • Taxtech marks decade of innovation, launches 2025 data security conclave

    Taxtech marks decade of innovation, launches 2025 data security conclave

    Taxaide Technologies Limited (Taxtech), a leading developer of tax administration and data security technologies in Nigeria, has announced two major milestones: its 10th Anniversary Celebration and the upcoming 2025 Africa Data Security Conclave (ADSC).

    The announcement was made in Lagos during a briefing that attracted technology partners, industry leaders and members of the media.

    Speaking at the briefing, Taxtech’s Chief Executive Officer, Bidemi Olumide, recounted the company’s evolution from a modest digital solutions provider to one of Africa’s most influential players in tax automation and data security.

    “Taxtech has been building quietly. Now is the time to let the world know us, like us, and project us appropriately,” Olumide said. “Our story is simple: we automate processes and we secure data.”

    Olumide explained that the upcoming Africa Data Security Conclave was conceived as a uniquely African platform to address the continent’s growing exposure to cyber threats and its reliance on foreign security models.

    “ADSC is where we call Africa together to discuss data security issues and design solutions tailored to our context. We cannot continue to adopt Western approaches wholesale,” he added.

    Scheduled for 26–27 November 2025, the Conclave will gather regulators, cybersecurity professionals, public sector leaders, innovators, finance experts, and development partners for two days of strategic dialogue on Africa’s digital future.

    READ ALSO; Let’s rethink schools’ closure

    The event will adopt a hybrid format, allowing for both physical and virtual participation. Registration has already opened via the official portal. 

    Taxtech’s Executive Director and Partner, Olugbenga Sile, underscored the urgency of widespread involvement in conversations about digital security:

    “The ADSC is a conversation everyone needs to join. You don’t need to be a digital security expert. AI is now part of everything we do.”

    Further highlighting the company’s achievements, Joshua Oladunjoye, Chief Technology Officer, and Oyeyemi Oke, Executive Director/Partner for Data Security Services, described Taxtech’s role in strengthening compliance, fiscal transparency, and digital trust across Nigeria and the continent.

    Over the past decade, Taxtech has built a robust suite of indigenous technologies designed to simplify operations for governments, businesses, and individuals. 

    These include: TSuite® — Integrated Business Tools, featuring: TPay®: Payment aggregation (salaries, pensions, bills, transfers); THR®: Payroll, recruitment, and performance management; TVisit®: Visitor and event management; TLearn®: Training and certification modules; TBook®: Personal finance and tax computation; TServe®: Government and public service automation

    ACRE Framework (Assessment, Collections, Receipting, Enforcement)–powered solutions, including: TRev®: Revenue management– A government-grade version of TPay® for multi-channel collections

    TPay® – Secure Payment Aggregator, supporting tax payments, utilities, pensions, payroll, wallet transfers and invoice generation.

    These platforms reinforce the company’s mission to deliver African-built digital tools that enhance compliance, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard data.

    Founded ten years ago, Taxtech has grown into a central player in Nigeria’s digital transformation ecosystem, contributing significantly to improved tax governance, secure automation, and indigenous technological capacity across Africa.