The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Barau champions Tinubu’s re-election at ex-legislators’ summit

    Barau champions Tinubu’s re-election at ex-legislators’ summit

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has called for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 to ensure full implementation of his comprehensive reform agenda for the positive transformation of the country.

    Barau spoke on Saturday at the 2026 National Summit of Former Legislators with the theme: “National unity and nation building: Beyond 2031,” in Abuja.

    Organised by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the convener, the summit drew former legislators from across political divides, including former Senate Presidents, Pius Anyim and Ken Nnamani, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Patricia Eteh and Yakubu Dogara, among others.

    His call amplified similar calls from the NFFL National Coordinator, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, former Senate Presidents, Speakers, and others, urging support for President Tinubu to complete two full terms in line with the rotation principle that has ensured sanity and equality since the commencement of the Fourth Republic.

    “I appeal that we should abide by the principle of rotation, which has brought sanity and equality since the beginning of the Fourth Republic.

    “Of course, now the president, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is in his first term, and, as noted by other speakers, let’s not reinvent the wheel.

    “We’ve seen that the rotational system is working. We shall allow it to work. And so, as said by the Honourable Tunji Ojo, the president is doing well. He has said a few of the things the President is doing to bring prosperity to our nation. So, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to do two full terms,” Senator Barau was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

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    Responding to requests from the National Coordinator and a former Senate President, Barau pledged to forward the proposal for embedding the rotational system in the Constitution to the National Assembly. “I will certainly do that,” he affirmed.

    Highlighting the summit’s theme, the Deputy President of the Senate stressed the need for national unity, mentorship, and continuity in governance.

    He assured of the collaboration between the National Assembly and NFFL, noting that “The leadership of the National Assembly remains open to collaboration with NFFL and similar bodies. We recognise that governance does not end with tenure, and that patriotism is a lifelong duty.”

    He further commended the NFFL for the timely initiative, emphasising the enduring role of former legislators in Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Former legislators occupy a unique and respected place in our national life. You are men and women who have had the privilege and the burden of lawmaking. Your experience, institutional memory, and statesmanship remain invaluable national assets,” he stated.

    Bbarau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the former members of parliament to generate ideas for a stronger Nigeria.

    In the communique read at the end of the summit, a vote of confidence was passed on President Tinubu, and he was endorsed as the forum’s sole candidate for the 2027 Presidential election.

    A former Senator, Yakubu Oseni (Kogi Central), moved the motion for the adoption of the communique, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa (Cross River) seconded it.

  • Yusuf appoints new political adviser

    Yusuf appoints new political adviser

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf on Saturday named Alhaji Mustapha Buhari Bakwana as his new Political Adviser, praising his political savvy and support for the administration.

    The appointment was announced at Government House during a ceremony where 800 motorcycles were handed out to journalists and social media influencers.

    Bakwana’s appointment comes after the former Political Adviser Sunusi Surajo Kwankwaso was sacked by the Governor.

    It was gathered the loyalty of the sacked political adviser Yusuf was in doubt after the governor resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    “His loyalty is still with the leader of the NNPP Rabiu Kwankwaso, at the detriment of the governor,” a source told The Nation on Saturday.

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    Yusuf said Bakwana’s appointment was based on his commitment, loyalty, and contributions to the administration’s growth.

    He expressed confidence that Bakwana would strengthen government policies and political engagements.

    The Governor said Bakwana’s loyalty and contributions to the government’s growth will be key to strengthening policies and engagement.

    “His experience and commitment earned him the appointment,” Yusuf said.

    The motorcycles, distributed to boost media coverage of government activities, were part of Yusuf’s push to partner with journalists and influencers in promoting governance and democratic values.

    Yusuf noted the media’s critical partnership in governance, informing the public and deepening democratic values.

    He appealed to beneficiaries to support his administration by objectively projecting its achievements and policies, stressing the importance of collaboration for development goals.

    Beneficiaries praised Governor Yusuf’s commitment to supporting media practitioners and social media influencers.

    Abubakar Sanusi from Fagge Local Government Area lauded the Governor for identifying with social media influencers, saying they would mobilise residents to highlight projects executed by the administration.

  • When failure refuses to win: What Koleosho teaches us about success

    When failure refuses to win: What Koleosho teaches us about success

    By Arabinrin Aderonke

    In today’s world, failure is rarely allowed breathing space. Once the numbers dip, the verdict is swift: cancel, mock, move on. Careers are pronounced dead not by time, but by trending charts and online commentary.

    Ibrahim Yekini, popularly known as Itele, knows this reality too well.

    When Kesari hit the screens, it failed to meet expectations. The box office numbers were weak. Viewer reactions were unforgiving. Almost instantly, ridicule followed. In a digital culture that treats poor performance as permanent incompetence, many believed the story had ended.

    It had not.

    Rather than retreat, Itele chose persistence, a decision that runs against modern logic. In an industry now governed by analytics and algorithms, failure is often seen not as a lesson, but as disqualification.

    Yet he pressed on.

    Despite the data, despite public dissatisfaction, despite the noise, he returned with Koleosho, a film that arrived quietly, without hype or inflated expectations. I hardly watch television except when absolutely necessary, but I was introduced to the movie by my spouse. What was expected to be simple comedy and everyday storytelling turned into something far more significant.

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    Koleosho is now doing remarkable numbers globally, breaking records for homemade Nigerian movies on YouTube. The same digital space that once amplified ridicule is now broadcasting success.

    The irony is instructive.

    In a society increasingly obsessed with instant validation, we have forgotten that progress is often untidy.

    We worship data but misunderstand its limits. Numbers measure outcomes, not potential. They capture moments, not destinies.

    What Kesari represented was not failure of ability, but a stage in growth. What Koleosho represents is the reward of endurance.

    This comeback is not merely about entertainment. It speaks to a broader Nigerian reality where entrepreneurs fold businesses after one loss, professionals abandon dreams after one rejection, and creators silence themselves after one bad review.

    Yet, history, personal and national rarely belongs to those who quit early. Itele’s resurgence reminds us that resilience remains one of the most underrated currencies of success. Not every stumble is a signal to stop. Sometimes, it is evidence that refinement is underway. Failure, when confronted honestly, becomes education. Persistence turns it into advantage.

    The lesson from Koleosho is simple but profound: yesterday’s disappointment does not have the authority to cancel tomorrow’s breakthrough.

    In a time when society rushes to label, dismiss and move on, this story insists on patience with ourselves and with others.

    Because sometimes, what looks like the end is merely the interval before a stronger second act.

    And for those bold enough to return after failing publicly, the sky is not just the limit, it is the starting point.

    Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is an award-winning investigative journalist, policy analyst, and Finalist, 2016 CNN Africa Journalist Award. She writes from Abuja.

  • Makinde celebrates Ajetomobi, makes case for impactful leadership

    Makinde celebrates Ajetomobi, makes case for impactful leadership

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has emphasised the importance of impactful leadership, stating that for the nation to move forward or achieve success, leaders must ensure that they are making impact on the led.

    The Governor stated this on Saturday while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Oyo Chapter, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, at The Men of Issachar Vision Leadership and Mission Centre, Olororo, Ojoo, Ibadan.

    He described Ajetomobi as a man whose life and ministry are defined by impact, service to God and commitment to humanity.

    According to Makinde, true leadership goes beyond positions and privileges, it should be about service and impact, noting that a lot of lessons could be drawn from the life of Rev Ajetomobi, whose life, he noted, “reflects purposeful service and selflessness.”

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    He said: “Whether in government, faith, or community service, leadership should not be about consumption or accumulation, but about impact.

    “The true measure of leadership is how many lives are touched, how many communities are lifted, and how much hope is restored. This is one principle that has guided our government in the last six years and some months.”

    Makinde extolled the virtues of Rev Ajetomobi, noting that his influence goes beyond the pulpit, as he has consistently demonstrated impactful leadership through prayers, counsel, and commitment to the wellbeing of the people.

    He congratulated the cleric at 60, noting that the new age is the beginning of a renewed phase of service to God and humanity.

    He also appreciated Ajetomobi and other men of God for their support for him and his administration, saying: “Rev Ajetomobi and other men of God stood by me at very uncertain moments. They prayed with me, encouraged me, and strengthened my resolve when the future was unclear. That support reminds us that leadership is never a solo journey.

    “At 60, you are only just beginning. My prayer is that God grants you good health, renewed strength, and many more years of meaningful service to humanity.”

    In his sermon at the event, President of the PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, noted that Rev Ajetomobi is a man of grace, humility, and consistency in faith and a servant-leader who understands kingdom responsibility and lives beyond personal ambition

    Oke said: “Rev Samson Ajetomobi is deeply rooted in God and has remained faithful to the call of unity and service within the body of Christ.

    “He does not seek applause, yet his impact is evident. His faith translates into compassion, integrity, and service to society.”

    While responding, Ajetomobi expressed gratitude to God and the guests for the overwhelming show of love, noting that his 60th birthday offers an opportunity for a renewed commitment to humanitarian service.

    “The greatest gift I desire is not material. I want us to reach rural communities around Ibadan—building schools, providing boreholes, and bringing hope to places that are often forgotten.

    “At 60, my prayer is that God will continue to use us as instruments of hope. If we can touch one life and lift one community, then our service has meaning.”

    The event was attended by a former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Wilson-Jack; Oyo State Head of Service, (HoS) Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. William Akin-Funmilayo and other government officials.

    Also in attendance were Christian leaders from across the country.

  • Tiwa Savage hails content creator Kie Kie as “GOAT”

    Tiwa Savage hails content creator Kie Kie as “GOAT”

    Award-winning Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has lauded popular content creator Kie Kie, describing her as the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT) for her creative and impactful work.

    In an Instagram post, Savage praised Kie Kie’s originality and effortless delivery, stating that her content consistently lifts her mood.

    Savage emphasised that Kie Kie’s influence extends beyond gender, attributing her excellence to the quality of her craft.

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    The singer revealed that she frequently visits Kie Kie’s page for entertainment and joy, referring to her as a source of consistent happiness.

    She wrote: “Ok so let me just say this @kie_kie_ is truly the GOAT. Whether male or female, she is the GOAT.

    “Her content is unmatched. Effortless delivery. Take your flowers Queen. Anytime I need to smile I go to her page. She is so great we call her twice Kie Kie … Omo ologo”.

  • IGP, US officials meet, reviews security strategy

    IGP, US officials meet, reviews security strategy

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has held a crucial meeting with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Washington, Ms Maggie Nardi on internal security development.

    The meeting was held during a courtesy visit by the US delegation to the Force headquarters, Abuja.

    The delegation, which comprised of Mr. Jacob Wright, Senior Advisor, INL, and Mr. Grane Douglas, Acting Director, INL Abuja, reviewed with the Nigeria Police Force ongoing areas of cooperation and explored avenues for strengthening institutional engagement in policing and internal security development.

    During the meeting, Nardi reaffirmed the INL’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force through expanded specialized training programmes and the provision of modern operational equipment.

    She emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in building institutional capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.

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    In his remarks, the Inspector-General of Police expressed appreciation for the continued partnership and support of the INL, particularly in the area of tactical capacity development.

    According to a statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP, highlighted the positive impact of INL-supported training initiatives on the operational performance of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), noting the professionalism and discipline displayed by its officers in recent operations.

    Egbetokun further reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening cooperation with the INL and other international partners, while adopting global best practices aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring a safer and more Nigeria.

  • Nigeria earns $400m from cashew exports as stakeholders push for better data, $1bn target

    Nigeria earns $400m from cashew exports as stakeholders push for better data, $1bn target

    Stakeholders in Nigeria’s cashew sector have renewed calls for improved export data collection and tracking systems to fully harness the industry’s economic potential, as the country currently earns about $400 million annually from cashew exports.

    The call was made at the 4th National Cashew Day organised by the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), where industry players assessed sector performance and outlined strategies ahead of the forthcoming trading season.

    Speaking at the event, NCAN National President, Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, said Nigeria possesses the natural resources needed to reclaim its status as a leading global cashew producer but is constrained by weak production and export data systems.

    “Nigeria has the land, the weather and the population advantage to be number one in the world again. What we are doing now is to energise stakeholders to push production capacity higher and grow the industry”, Ajanaku said.

    He noted that the cashew industry has experienced significant growth, expanding from minimal export levels in the early 2000s to nearly 600,000 metric tonnes exported annually.

    However, Ajanaku said official figures do not capture the sector’s full value, as some exporters operate outside formal channels and fail to properly document exports or repatriate proceeds.

    “The $400 million you are seeing is what came back to Nigeria. We would have earned more if we had the right structure to track what is produced and what leaves the country,” he said.

    To close the data gap, Ajanaku disclosed that the current administration is rolling out an income farmers’ mapper aimed at mapping cashew farms nationwide, monitoring production volumes and tracking export movements.

    According to him, the initiative will provide the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with accurate and verifiable industry data.

    Beyond data issues, NCAN expressed concern over Nigeria’s low level of cashew processing, warning that limited value addition is depriving the economy of billions of dollars in revenue and employment opportunities.

    Ajanaku called on the Federal Government to support Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZs) with dedicated agro-processing loans at single-digit interest rates to help local processors remain competitive.

    “We have intervention funds from the Central Bank, NEXIM, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and others. With loans below 10 per cent, processors can compete and add value locally,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s proximity gives it a logistics advantage in supplying European and United States markets faster than Asian competitors.

    Also speaking, President of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), Sheriff Balogun, said the event would help align stakeholders across the cashew value chain and set the pace for a stronger 2026/2027 trading season.

    Balogun noted that NBS data shows Nigeria’s non-oil exports increased from about $5 billion to $6.1 billion, with cashew contributing over $400 million from more than 300,000 tonnes exported.

    “That is huge for one commodity. With proper planning, we can push cashew export earnings to $1 billion in the coming years”, he said.

    He added that Nigeria currently processes only 20–30 per cent of its cashew production locally, stressing that increased value addition could raise earnings more than fivefold while creating substantial employment.

    Stakeholders agreed that strengthening export data integrity, expanding local processing capacity and improving access to affordable finance are key to transforming cashew into a billion-dollar agribusiness.

    “With coordination across farmers, processors, marketers and exporters, the entire value chain stands to benefit,” Balogun said, expressing optimism for improved outcomes in the new trading season.

  • Nigeria unveils two GM cotton varieties with higher yield potential

    Nigeria unveils two GM cotton varieties with higher yield potential

    Nigeria has advanced efforts to revitalise its cotton and textile industry with the introduction of two genetically modified cotton varieties designed to deliver higher yields, reduce pesticide application and improve fibre quality.

    The new varieties—Mahyco C567 BGII and Mahyco C571 BGII, were officially unveiled on Friday during a Mini Cotton Field Day organised by the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in partnership with Mahyco Nigeria PTE Ltd at NASC’s headquarters in Sheda, Federal Capital Territory.

    Addressing participants at the event, the Director of Seed Industry Development, Technical Support and Commercial Services at NASC, Mr Kunle Adeseko, said the field day underscored the country’s renewed drive to rebuild cotton production through the deployment of quality seeds, improved farming practices and effective institutional partnerships.

    “Cotton remains a strategic crop for Nigeria, supporting millions of smallholder farmers and serving as the backbone of the textile and garment industry. These improved varieties show what is possible when farmers have access to certified, high-performing seeds developed and tested under local conditions”, Adeseko said.

    He explained that prolonged challenges such as low yields, limited access to quality seeds and weak value-chain linkages had undermined farmer confidence over the years. However, he noted that NASC’s Highway Seed Demonstration Programme was helping to reverse the decline by promoting certified seeds and restoring trust among cotton farmers across producing states.

    In a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General of NASC, Mr Kalu Okwa said the Bt cotton varieties were developed by Mahyco in collaboration with the Institute for Agricultural Research and approved for commercial use after undergoing regulatory review.

    According to him, the varieties are capable of producing between 3.5 and 4.4 tonnes per hectare, compared with the 900 kilograms to 1.5 tonnes per hectare commonly obtained from conventional cotton.

    He added that the built-in Bt technology provides resistance to bollworm, leading to lower pesticide use, reduced production costs and improved profitability for farmers.

    “These characteristics also align with industrial requirements, including better fibre length and strength, which are critical for ginneries and textile mills,” Okwa said, describing the initiative as a strong example of an effective public–private partnership.

    Also speaking, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, represented by the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at the agency, Dr Rose Gidado, said Bt cotton demonstrates how the responsible application of science can enhance yields, reduce crop losses and improve rural livelihoods.

    “Bt cotton helps minimise bollworm damage, lowers pesticide use and enhances productivity. That means safer fields, healthier communities and more competitive cotton for Nigeria’s textile value chain,” he said, while assuring stakeholders of strong biosafety regulation and continued support for locally adapted biotechnology.

    At the event, farmers, researchers and other value-chain stakeholders toured demonstration plots and exchanged insights on agronomic practices, pest control and post-harvest management.

    Stakeholders noted that widespread adoption of the new varieties could stimulate the revival of ginneries and textile mills, create employment opportunities for youths and women, cut textile imports and strengthen the national economy.

    They called for expanded distribution of certified seeds and supportive policies, as NASC reiterated its commitment to enforcing seed quality standards and collaborating with partners to reposition Nigeria as a leading cotton producer in Africa.

  • Foundation unveils initiative to promote data-driven seed selection for farmers

    Foundation unveils initiative to promote data-driven seed selection for farmers

    The Foundation for Sustainable Smallholder Solutions (FSSS) has rolled out a nationwide project designed to enhance seed choices and boost farm productivity through the use of reliable performance data.

    The initiative, titled “Using Performance Data to Promote Better Seed Varieties”—also known as ProSeV—is supported by the Gates Foundation and will run for 36 months, from November 2025 to November 2028.

    ProSeV aims to generate credible, location-specific performance data for key staple crops including rice, maize and cowpea, providing practical guidance for farmers, seed companies, extension agents and policymakers.

    Speaking at the project’s unveiling and stakeholders’ engagement workshop held in Abuja, the Executive Director of FSSS, Dr. Isaiah Gabriel, said the initiative was developed to close a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s seed system, where farmers frequently rely on availability or tradition rather than proven field performance when selecting seed varieties.

    He explained that although many improved seed varieties have been released over the years, there is still a shortage of accessible, post-release data showing how these varieties perform on farmers’ fields across different agroecological zones. 

    This, he said, has hindered adoption, constrained productivity and weakened competitiveness, especially in rice production.

    Under the project, ProSeV will carry out side-by-side performance trials of released and selected unreleased seed varieties across Nigeria’s six agroecological zones, spanning at least 12 states. 

    Beyond yield, the trials will evaluate traits such as resilience, taste and adaptability, with the goal of better aligning seed supply with farmers’ preferences and market needs.

    “This project, Using Performance Data to Promote Better Seed Varieties in Nigeria, is our collective attempt to change that story. It is about replacing guesswork with evidence, replacing assumptions with data, and ensuring that when a farmer asks, ‘Which variety works best for me?’ there is a clear and trustworthy answer.

    Across Nigeria, farmers are planting seeds every season, often based on hearsay, habit, or availability, not because those seeds are the best-performing options for their soil, climate, or market. When farmers are unsure, adoption slows, productivity suffers, and the entire value chain feels the impact,” Gabriel said.

    Also speaking, FSSS Partnership and Grants Manager, Eric Nyikwagh, disclosed that the project will commence with rice trials in its first year before scaling up to include maize and cowpea.

    He added that ProSeV will collaborate closely with national research institutions, regulators and seed companies, while leveraging the national variety database to promote transparency and ensure the credibility of its findings.

  • The Nation’s Alao shortlisted for Global Journalism Award

    The Nation’s Alao shortlisted for Global Journalism Award

    A senior reporter with The Nation Newspaper, Alao Abiodun has been shortlisted for this year’s edition of global journalism prize, 2026 True Story Award.

    Alao’s story, titled: “How mothers induce obesity in their babies with ‘organic weight gain foods — https://thenationonlineng.net/how-mothers-induce-obesity-in-their-babies-with-organic-weight-gain-foods/‘” was shortlisted in the World 1 category of the award.

    His report exposes a stark practice by mothers exposing their babies, infants to excessive fat accumulation at their growing stage, thereby raising the risk of obesity.

    While examining the dietary habit and the danger it poses for infants, Alao’s report revealed that some mothers’ obsession for rolls of fat on the legs, arms and chins of babies is fueling a fast-growing organic weight gain industry with medical practitioners warning that this could lead to a surge in cases of obesity in no distant future.

    Organised by The True Story Foundation, the True Story Award is a prestigious international journalism prize established to promote transparency and media freedom worldwide.

    The competition celebrates in-depth, narrative journalism and accepts articles ranging from 3,000 to 17,000 words that meet rigorous reporting and ethical standards.

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    The award recognises outstanding journalistic work in research, storytelling, and impact, with each category winner receiving a $20,000 cash prize.

    Announcing the longlist, Curator of True Story Award, Daniel Puntas Bernet, said the 2026 edition of the award attracted 959 submissions from 103 countries, written in 22 languages.

    “Now in its sixth year, the award received 959 texts from 103 countries, written in 22 different languages,” Bernet said.

    The entries were assessed by 36 international jury members using criteria centred on storytelling excellence, impact and relevance, and research intensity.

    “After a rigorous evaluation process, a total of 108 texts made it onto the longlist. Congratulations to the authors,” Bernet added.

    Bernet also said that three finalists from each of the twelve world regions and language areas will be announced soon.

    “Their authors will be invited to the Award Ceremony on 5 June, followed by the True Story Festival on 6 and 7 June in Bern, Switzerland,” the award Curator said.

    In 2025, Alao Abiodun, was also a finalist in the Notore Chemical Prize for Environment Reporter of the Year category at the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA).

    He was also runner-up in the Keystone Bank Prize for CSR Reporter of the Year category for the same award.