The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Furore over ‘rescued’ 13-yr-old girl’s pregnancy in Lagos orphanage

    Furore over ‘rescued’ 13-yr-old girl’s pregnancy in Lagos orphanage

    The controversial pregnancy of a ‘rescued’ 13-year-old girl in the custody of an orphanage belonging to the Lagos State Government is causing ripples in Aboru area of Alimosho Government Area of the state, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE.

    Friday Akor, a native of Benue State, is dismayed that his 13-year-old daughter in the custody of an orphanage belonging to the Lagos State Government is carrying a pregnancy.

    Taken to Lagos in December 2024 to stay with her aunt, Faith Amodu, she was enrolled at Dan Esther Nursery and Primary School situated a stone’s throw from Faith’s residence at No 21, Joseph Onifade Street, Aboru, Lagos.

    A Primary 3 pupil, Blessing’s story took a dramatic turn in June 2025 when she suddenly disappeared from home for four days.

    Findings by neighbours and her guardian later revealed that she was taken away by a young woman described as a neighbour.

    The case was reported at the Oke-Odo Police Station, following which the woman in question was invited to the station to produce the girl, but she was said to have declined.

    In the heat of police insistence on arresting the woman if she did not return the girl, she was said to have taken Blessing to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Alausa, Ikeja, claiming that Blessing was being maltreated by her guardian.

    The matter took a twist after the guardian and a community leader visited the ministry in search of Blessing but were directed to report at Alausa Police Station.

    Initially, the police wanted to detain her guardian, Faith, at the instance of the ministry. She was, however, released after explaining that Blessing was enrolled in a school and was not maltreated.

    It was said that the Ministry refused to release Blessing to Faith and the community leader and demanded family photographs confirming that the Blessing was related to her guardian.

    But despite producing the photographs, the Ministry allegedly remained obstinate, demanding the presence of the girl’s family members. This prompted her father to come to Lagos, but Blessing was still not released to her family members.

    Instead, she was taken to a state-owned orphanage in Isolo part of Lagos.

    Matters became complicated after several fruitless visits and the discovery in December that the 13-year-old girl was pregnant. Her father, who spoke with our correspondent, said Blessing was about five months pregnant.

    READ ALSO: How to budget for 2026

    He said: “I had to come down to Lagos from my base in Benue State when I received the news that my daughter had not been released to her guardian who is also my sister, and one of my older brothers who represented the family.

    “To my surprise, we discovered that she was already pregnant when I saw her.

    “I was told at the Ministry that an unnamed person impregnated my daughter at a government orphanage she was taken to, and I feel bad about the development.

    “I will be going to the orphanage located around Isolo on Tuesday, January 13, because I want to know exactly what happened to my daughter, as she was not pregnant when she was taken to government custody.”

    Blessing’s guardian, Faith Amodu, who works in a human hair production firm at Ikeja, in a brief telephone conversation with our correspondent on Wednesday evening, confirmed the case and promised to call back in to provide further details. She, however, had not fulfilled her promise at press time.

    Speaking on the matter, a community leader and chairman of Ayedade Community Development Association (CDA), Aboru, Pastor Obagbolabo Orefuyi, recalled how the matter started and the turn of events.

    Pastor Orefuyi said: “The girl, Blessing, was brought to Lagos sometime in December 2024 and she stayed with her aunt named Faith Amodu.

    “She is a Primary 3 pupil of a private school in the neighborhood of Aboru.

    “Around June 2025, Blessing disappeared from home for four days without a trace, and everyone in the neighbourhood searched for her until we found out that she was taken away by a lady who lives at nearby Adeshina Bamgboye Street.

    “We went to the Oke-Odo Divsional Police Headquarters to report the case. The lady’s phone was tracked and she was asked to come to the station with the girl she took away from home.

    “But she refused, saying that she had also reported the case at a police station in the Ajah area of Lagos.

    “Later, we got a report that she had taken Blessing to the department handling child maltreatment at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, apparently to escape arrest.

    “She lied to the Ministry that she rescued the girl because she was not in school and that she was being maltreated by her guardian, who she claimed was not Blessing’s relative.

    “We visited the Ministry and were asked to proceed to the Alausa Police Division to document the case.

    “To our shock, the police attempted to detain Faith Amodu at the instance of the Ministry, based on false accusations.

    “Eventually, Faith was released and when we got back to the Ministry, Faith was asked to provide family photographs to confirm her relationship and a prominent member of her family.

    “The photographs were provided and the girl’s uncle even came from their hometown in Benue State and visited the Ministry, yet, the girl was not released but was instead taken to a state-owned orphanage.”

    It was in the heat of the stalemate that Blessing’s father came to  Lagos and visited the Ministry of Youth and Social Development only to discover his daughter’s controversial pregnancy.

    “Blessing’s father came to Lagos after he was told that the state government was not willing to release her.

    “Surprisingly, when he had access to her daughter, he found her pregnant and the pregnancy as of December 2025 was more than four months old.

    “The Ministry had no tangible explanation about the circumstances surrounding Blessing’s pregnancy.

    “The only explanation offered was that she was an hyperactive girl who moved from one office to another in custody as was caught on camera at the orphanage,” Orefuyi added. 

    When our correspondent visited the house where Blessing resided with her guardian until her disappearance from home, her guardian was not available.

    “However, sources described Blessing as a good girl whose future is being fractured by cirunmstances beyond her understanding.

    “Blessing is a good girl. She does not deserve the kind of situation she has found herself.

    “While the lady who took her away and later dumped her with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development has a blame in this matter, the state government takes a greater blame for mishandling the matter to the extent that the teenage girl is now carrying an unwanted pregnancy while in government’s custody.

    “It’s a big shame,” the source who is a neighbour said.

    Responding to an inquiry sent to his WhatsApp by our correspondent, the Head of Public Affairs Department at the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Gabriel Esiwele  promised to revert to our correspondent. He however did not do so at press time.   

  • Defence Minister to States: Stop negotiating with bandits

    Defence Minister to States: Stop negotiating with bandits

    • Says such actions undermining FG’s counterterrorism efforts

    Earlier in the week, the BBC Hausa Service held an exclusive interview with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), during which he shared his views on key national security issues. The interview was translated by MUSA UMAR BOLOGI. Excerpts:

    You are appointed as Minister of Defence at a critical period the country is facing various security challenges. What do you think you can do differently to curtail insecurity in the country?

    It is not everything I will say here. This is because the terrorists are also watching or listening to everything we say. But what I can say is that the citizens should continue to support us. The President has given us the equipment we will use to work. Even the technology, which will help us very well, since it is technology that we will use to trace the criminals. We can’t deploy soldiers everywhere, but with technology we will be able to know where the terrorists are, and take action.

    We are in collaboration with the Republic of Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Mali. We can fight the terrorists alone, because these terrorists entered Nigeria through those countries, so there is the need for us to work together to defeat them.

    In the past you suggested that Nigeria should fence its borders. Are you still holding this position?

    Yes, I do. This will prevent criminals that will come into our country and commit havoc and return to their country. It is not everywhere that will be fenced, because there are places that are occupied by water. But those areas that need to be fenced, it will help us a lot. Everywhere the criminals enter, we will be able to take them down.

    But the most important thing is that people should report to the appropriate authorities wherever they see those criminals. This is what helped us in Maiduguri.

    Secondly, people should desist from collaborating with the terrorists. Those buying them items – food, water, giving them information – should desist. What I want people to know is that we can only defeat these criminals, if people join hands and work together with government and security forces. What I want people to know is that if you work with criminals and they give them money, that money is blood money. And God will ask you where you get that money, why do you kill people or support people that kill others.

    One of the issues that dominated the airwaves recently was the issue of United States saying terrorists are killing Christians in Nigeria. Do you believe in that?

    I believe that terrorists are killing Nigerians – Not only Christians, but both Muslims and Christians. Everybody. The terrorists don’t discriminate on who to kill. They don’t have a conscience. They don’t care who they kill. We also explain this to the U.S government, that terrorists kill every Nigerian, irrespective of faith. We wanted them to understand this so that they don’t escalate the problem from their statements. We need the help of the U.S to enable us to eliminate these terrorists and have peace in Nigeria.

    Initially, the U.S government didn’t understand the complexity of terrorism in Nigeria, but we went to them and told them. They also came here and saw things for themselves. And recently, the U.S President, Donald Trump concluded that it is not only Christians that are being killed , but also Muslims. Even those that did not have religion.

    The recent airstrikes by America, did it kill the terrorists?

    Yes, they killed many of the terrorists. And those that survived ran to the Niger Republic, where they were before. It is from Niger the Lakurawa terrorists came into Nigeria. Do you know how the Lakurawa came to Nigeria? People invited them to come and help them. I’m warning our people we should allow anybody to come with the guise that they want to come and help them do this or that. That is how the Lakurawa came into our country. And before they realized it, they started killing people.

    Like we used to say, we should work together and protect our country. Nobody loves our country more than us, and nobody can protect it more than us. We should all work together with the government, the sexy agencies and the citizens for us to secure and maintain peace in our country.

    Government is involving a non-kinetic approaches to solve terrorism. Is a peace deal one of the ways?

    No. Peace deal with terrorists is never one of our non-kinetic means. The terrorists don’t respect pecan deals. It is a camouflage. It is only when they are looking for something, and if you trust them they will renegade and later attack you.

    Like we told them in Katsina State not to go to peace deal with bandits. The bandits don’t believe in a peace deal, they are lying.

    We are urging people to stop negotiating or going into a peace deal with terrorists. Even the State Governments that are into it should stop. They are not supposed to go into a peace deal with bandits. There is no truth in peace deal with bandits, because the bandits won’t honour it. Bandits are not people that have the fear of God.

    The peace deal the people and some state government are going into with bandits is spoiling our work at the federal level. They are doing that and people are saying they should not touch the bandits because they are in a peace deal with them, but the bandits continue to kill people.

    We have told all the local or state Governments that are into peace deals with bandits to stop. You know this is a democracy not a military rule where we can take unilateral decisions. But we continue to take to the local and state governments on this.

    What about ransom payment to free kidnap victims?

    General Musa: That is a capital no. When people continue to pay ransom to terrorists or bandits, the situation will continue to escalate because criminals will not stop. This is why we warn against paying ransom to terrorists, but allow the security forces to do their job.

    What about allegations that the federal government is also paying ransom to terrorists to secure release of kidnap victims?

    The federal government does not pay ransom to terrorists or bandits. As far as our position is concerned on fighting terrorism, we don’t pay ransom to terrorists.

    What about the allegations that ransom was paid to secure the release of pupils that were kidnapped by bandits in Niger State, recently?

    General Musa: These are mere allegations. In most cases when the bandits kidnap students, they keep them in their camps, but when the heat becomes too much due to operations by troops looking for the kidnap victims, in most cases the troops will see the students and the kidnappers or bandits had run away leaving the children behind. So, the troop will have the opportunities of rescuing the students. But we never paid ransom.

    Till now terrorists and bandits have continued to wreak havoc in the country. Have they overwhelmed the security forces?

    Never. Like we said earlier, the country is very large. So if the security forces are pursuing the terrorists here, the terrorists will move to another place where there are no security forces and wreak their havoc. That is why we urge people to always report movements of suspicious people to security agencies. We also urge the state government to also help by ensuring engagement of youth into gainful ventures. They should provide schools, hospitals and other social amenities. All these will help in combating criminality. Because it will prevent youth recruitment into bandits or terrorists.

    If there is hunger and poverty, all these invite criminality – people will join bandit groups. That is why even as security forces are eliminating the terrorists and bandits, they are increasing in number because more people are joining them.

    What do you say about terrorists collaborators within the security agencies?

    Those people don’t love their country. They are lies. Our troops are working day and night to protect and restore peace to this country.

    What is your advice to Nigerians?

    Nigerians should know that God is with us and we will be victorious. My advice is that people should stop associating with terrorists and bandits. Wherever they see them, people should report to security agencies, they will take action. We should all work together to restore peace in our country.

    There is no country without security challenges. No country. What is important is for them to use technology and people to solve the problem.

  • Paternity row: Mother, daughter accuse Davido of bullying

    Paternity row: Mother, daughter accuse Davido of bullying

    The paternity row involving Afrobeat superstar David Adeleke a.k.a. Davido has taken a new dimension with his alleged ‘baby mama’, Ayo Labinjoh, accusing him of bullying her and Mitchele Anuoluwapo, her 12-year-old daughter at the centre of the dispute.

    Anuoluwapo had reignited the smouldering dispute on Thursday with a public demand for a DNA test to determine whether the singer is her biological father. 

    Davido had previously denied being Anuoluwapo’s father, saying he had already undergone multiple DNA tests in that respect.

    He also said he had never met with Anuoluwapo’s mother, Ayo Labinjoh, describing the latter as an obsessed fan lying to her daughter while Labinjoh insisted she met Davido at GQ Club in Ibadan and accused the singer of abandoning her because he thought she was a prostitute.

    In a new post on her Instagram page, she accused Davido of bullying her and her daughter, threatening to lock her up and cursing Anuoluwapo.

    Noting that Davido is a US citizen, she threatened to request the US State Department to contact the embassy in Lagos or Abuja to help supervise and witness a clean, independent DNA test.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    She wrote: “My name is Ayo Labinjoh. I’m NOT Davido’s baby mama or a bitch.

    “I am very protective of my daughter’s mental health after the level of bullying she went through for years.

    “My daughter cried for days, fainted in school and went through psychotherapy.

    “I realise this story has now gone global again and we have largely moved on.

    “David Adeleke (Davido) has largely ignored me for years because he thought he picked up a prostitute from GQClub in Ibadan.

    “I was a waitress and not picked up on the streets.

    “I come from a good home. My late father was a good man who worked for the betterment of Nigeria before he was poisoned.

    “My daughter is a very tech savvy intelligent achiever.

    “I have no friends, I keep no friends and nobody in school is allowed to discuss her family with her.

    “To my shock, she was trending on X because her dad needed to call me a bitch that he’s never met yet he subjected himself to a DNA test 5X?

    “Last time it was his lawyer who brainwashed Nigerians that there were two tests done and I chose the hospital.”

    She accused a member of the Adeleke family of taking her and Anuoluwapo to a lab and not a hospital, where the latter’s blood was drawn in 2014 and discarded behind their backs.

    “We wasted our time, disrupted Anu’s mental health, then they lied that we did two tests, now 5, and then he’s never met me.

    “I’m not fighting for my daughter. My daughter is fighting for her identity.

    “David chatted my daughter tonight, threatening to lock me up, cursing Anu (Anuoluwapo) and repeatedly bullying her.

    “David is a US citizen. I will request the US State Department to contact the Embassy in Lagos or Abuja to help us supervise and witness a clean independent DNA test.

    “I will not say much for now. The language used was awful.

    “My daughter did not beg to be here. Saying you’ve never met me or telling your family that I was a prostitute is wrong.

    “Bullying my daughter is WRONG.”

  • 1,246 students in public schools benefit from free NECO registration

    1,246 students in public schools benefit from free NECO registration

    A foreign-based indigene of Okeagbe in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Dr Sunday Olalere Oloruntobi, has paid the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fees for all the 1,246 registered students in the 20 public schools across the local government area.

    Oloruntobi, according to his representative, Olumide Victor Aliu, made the payment as part of his contributions to the development of the grassroots.

    “The gesture was meant to put smiles on the faces of our  people and give back to the community where he was raised.

    “The programmes as designed by Dr Oloruntobi are in three different phases. The first is the payment of the registration fees for NECO for all the registered students in all the 20 public secondary schools in the local government,” Aliu explained.

    The other two phases are the payment of N1m each to 105 people to support and promote the local businesses in Okeagbe-Akoko, totaling over N105m and a monthly stipend of ⁠N10,000 for more than 100 elderly people and widows in Okeagbe-Akoko, totalling N1m every month.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    Speaking on the impact of the gesture, Aliu said the program has taken a huge burden off the parents of the students, most of who are subsistence farmers are traders surviving on the meagre earnings.

    He described Oloruntobi as a kind-hearted and an illustrious son who has refused to forget his background.

    “Dr Oloruntobi is an illustrious son of the local government. He is very much allied to the welfare of our people and decided to help ease the pains of our people. By embarking on this huge empowerment programme  in our local government, he has proved that we can develop the local communities by contributing our quota.”

    He added that Dr. Sunday Olalere Oloruntobi  remains committed to contributing his quota to community development and supporting humanitarian initiatives in the local Govt.

  • Shettima arrives Guinea for Doumbouya’s inauguration, heads to Davos

    Shettima arrives Guinea for Doumbouya’s inauguration, heads to Davos

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Conakry, the Guinean capital, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of President-elect Mamady Doumbouya.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima was received on arrival by senior Guinean government officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic corps ahead of the official ceremony scheduled for Saturday, January 17, at the GLC Stadium.

    Doumbouya’s inauguration follows his victory in the December 2025 general elections, formally bringing to a close a four-year military transition and restoring constitutional governance in Guinea.

    Shettima’s presence at the ceremony underscores Nigeria’s leadership role within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its sustained commitment to democratic rule and political stability across the sub-region.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Nigeria has continued to position itself as a stabilising force in West Africa, advocating democratic governance as a foundation for regional peace, security and shared prosperity.

    The visit is also expected to serve as a strategic engagement to deepen bilateral ties and expand the economic corridor between Nigeria and Guinea, reinforcing cooperation in trade, investment and regional integration.

     From Guinea, Vice President Shettima will proceed to Davos to participate in WEF 2026, scheduled to hold from January 19 to January 23, 2026.

     The 2026 World Economic Forum, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue,” will convene leaders from government, business, civil society, and the scientific and cultural communities to promote trusted dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and future-oriented solutions to shared global challenges.

     Key discussions at the forum will centre on the transformative changes driven by frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, next-generation biotechnology and advanced energy systems.

     The forum aims to examine how these innovations can be responsibly deployed to unlock new engines of growth, expand access across emerging markets, invest in skills for a rapidly changing workforce, and promote sustainable and equitable development.

     While in Davos, the Vice President is expected to engage global leaders and investors on Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, emerging investment opportunities and Africa’s role in shaping a resilient and inclusive global future.

  • Operation Hadin Kai foils terrorist attacks, neutralise scores in follow-up operations

    Operation Hadin Kai foils terrorist attacks, neutralise scores in follow-up operations

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have once again demonstrated resilience, professionalism and superior combat capability by decisively foiling coordinated terrorist attacks across parts of Adamawa and Borno States, while inflicting heavy losses on fleeing terrorists during follow-up operations.

    According to a statement signed the Acting Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant  SA Atokolo.

    In the early hours of 16 January 2026, terrorists attempted to overrun a patrol base at Sabon Gari in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State under Sector 4 OPHK. Alert troops swiftly engaged the attackers, supported by reinforcements from Gulak and the Battalion Quick Reaction Force. The terrorists were successfully repelled without any casualties to our troops and equipment, forcing them to abandon the attack. The general area was subsequently cleared and scanned for Improvised Explosive Devices and booby traps to ensure civilian and troop safety.

    READ ALSO: How to budget for 2026

    In a related development on the same day, terrorists launched a large-scale, multi-directional attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Borno State. The attackers initially attempted to breach part of the defensive perimeter but were met with overwhelming and sustained firepower from gallant troops with support from the Air Component and other Nigerian Army aerial platforms. After a prolonged firefight lasting over an hour, the terrorists were decisively overpowered and forced to withdraw.

    During the engagement, terrorists’ Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) fire affected Troop Carrying Vehicles and the CCTV control room which were partially gutted by fire. Despite this, troops maintained firm control of the situation. Several terrorist weapons and ammunition, including a 60mm mortar tube, mortar bombs, locally fabricated explosives, heavy machine gun rounds and hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, were recovered from the terrorists.

    Crucially, this engagement did not end at the FOB. Persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms immediately tracked the fleeing terrorists, enabling follow-up operations along identified withdrawal routes by the Air Component of OPHK. The precision strikes by the Nigerian Airforce platforms resulted in the neutralisation of additional scores of the terrorists, dealing a severe blow to the group’s fighting strength and morale. Evidence from the exploitation confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties.

     The sacrifices of personnel underscores the overall commitment of troops in securing lives and the troops of OPHK remain resolute and unwavering in their mandate to deny terrorists freedom of action, dismantle their networks and protect the integrity of the North East region. Operations continue until all threats are eliminated.

  • NEC moves to boost non-oil revenue, sets up panel on legacy projects

    NEC moves to boost non-oil revenue, sets up panel on legacy projects

    • Agriculture, services now drive nearly three-quarters of government revenue – Shettima

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to deepen engagement with stakeholders to boost non-oil revenues in line with the economic blueprint of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    This is just as the Chairman of the Council, Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for an accelerated transition from oil to a non-oil economy through competitive manufacturing, export diversification and private sector investment.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Council also approved the constitution of a committee on the implementation of the President’s directive on the actualisation of legacy projects.

    The committee is to be chaired by the Governor of Cross River State, with one governor from each sub-region as members: North West (Sokoto), North East (Gombe), North Central (Niger), South East (Abia) and South West (Lagos).

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Deborah Odoh, will serve as secretary to the committee, while the Ministers of Works and Transportation will also be members.

    NEC’s decisions were taken on Thursday during its 156th meeting and first of the year, held virtually, following a presentation on the economic priorities for 2026 by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    The presentation highlighted key reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration, including targeted programmes that have removed distortions in the system, stabilised the economy and placed Nigeria on the path of sustained recovery and prosperity.

    It also reflected the country’s current global recognition, which is reinforcing investor confidence in an economy projected to grow at 4.68 per cent in 2026.

    According to the minister, key priorities include maintaining Nigeria’s economic competitiveness through sound governance, improving the availability and affordability of food, ensuring human capital development with improved social protection, and the timely payment of debt service, salaries and pensions.

    In its resolution, NEC noted and commended the Federal Government’s plans to unlock rapid and sustained job-rich growth, high-quality jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.

    The Council also resolved to dedicate a special session to address salient issues in the country’s food security efforts, particularly those affecting agricultural productivity.

    In his opening remarks, Vice President Shettima observed that while “global powers assert their interests with renewed confidence, commodity markets will remain volatile,” with oil prices, exchange rates and capital flows continuing to frustrate national policies.

    He noted that the current economic reality has reinforced the urgency of fiscal risk management and the need to reduce Nigeria’s economic and revenue exposure to oil.

    According to him, the non-oil economy has emerged as the backbone of Nigeria’s growth story, accounting for about 96 per cent of the country’s GDP and expanding at about four per cent.

    “Services, agriculture, and other non-oil sectors are increasingly carrying the weight of the economy. More importantly, non-oil revenues now contribute nearly three-quarters of total government collections.

    “This marks a significant, if gradual, departure from our historic dependence on volatile oil receipts. The task before us is to deepen this transition through competitive manufacturing, export diversification, and private sector investment,” he said.

    The Vice President, who chairs NEC, acknowledged that although it was the Council’s first meeting for 2026, the consequences of the choices made in the previous year demand coherence, courage and consistency in the New Year.

    “This moment in our journey calls for neither triumphalism nor despair. What it calls for is perspective. The Nigerian economy has travelled a difficult road over the past year, but it has not travelled it without progress,” he pointed out.

    Noting that the economy recorded significant growth in 2025, Senator Shettima attributed the performance to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu.

    “In 2025, our economy expanded by 3.9 per cent, the fastest rate of growth in over a decade. Quarter by quarter, this momentum was evident: growth strengthened from 3.13 per cent in the first quarter to 4.23 per cent in the second, before settling at 3.98 per cent in the third.

    “This is the outcome of hard decisions taken in difficult circumstances, and this is not a surprise with a visionary like His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the charge,” he said.

    He cautioned, however, that acceleration of growth must not be confused with adequacy, stressing that “a growth rate of 3.9 per cent, while encouraging, is not sufficient to decisively reduce poverty, generate jobs at the scale our population demands, or lift per capita incomes in a way that ordinary Nigerians can feel.

    “With population growth at about 2.6 per cent annually, this rate of expansion leaves us with little room to absorb inflationary pressures or external shocks. Our ambition, therefore, must be higher,” he added.

    As part of other deliberations, the Accountant-General of the Federation briefed the Council on account balances as at January 14, 2026, showing the Excess Crude Account at $535,823.39, the Stabilisation Account at N64.65 billion and the Natural Resources Account at N97.37 billion.

    Council was also briefed on the implementation of President Tinubu’s directives on the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry Super Highways.

    It was recalled that the President addressed NEC at its 150th meeting on July 31, 2025, underscoring the need to properly manage setbacks along the corridors to create investments and economic activities.

    The NEC Secretariat, interfacing with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was informed that the process had commenced and is being overseen by the SGF’s office, while the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation has been moved to the Presidency in compliance with the directive.

    On the new World Bank-Nigeria Country Partnership Framework, the World Bank Group outlined its support for Nigeria’s development goals, emphasising a shift to national programmes implemented at the state level and result-based financing to achieve impact at scale.

    The presentation highlighted the “First 2,000 days” agenda, focusing on early childhood development, stunting reduction and human capital investment, and set out actions for 2026, including the development of a national, state-driven Early Years programme and alignment of budgets with emerging priorities.

    Council lauded the proposed framework and resolved to work closely with the World Bank in implementing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, committing institutional support to the initiative.

    An update on Nigeria’s tax reform laws was also presented by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, outlining efforts to address inequity, fix a fragmented and regressive tax system, and promote shared prosperity.

    Council directed the committee to prepare a comprehensive brief for NEC’s conference in February to prepare sub-national governments for robust implementation and resolved to deepen engagement on the new tax regime.

  • Reps Minority Caucus pledges legislative support for Armed Forces

    Reps Minority Caucus pledges legislative support for Armed Forces

    The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has pledged legislative support to government efforts at enhancing the welfare of the Armed Forces, while providing them the necessary measures at enhancing their professionalism.

    In a message to members of the Armed Forces on the occasion of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Caucus said as a caucus, it would support the government in ensuring that the armed forces have all what is needed to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians.

    The statement was signed by Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, Minority Whip,  Ali Isa J.C, Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki and Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi.

    The statement reads: “On the occasion of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives salutes the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers who paid the ultimate prize; at various epochs for the sovereignty, and defence of our country.

    “We also note that January 15th; which is marked yearly, to remember the exploits and contributions of past and present military officers and men to national security, gives every citizen the opportunity to have introspection and canvass for harmonious relationships, peaceful coexistence, and national cohesion of all, amid the growing security challenges.

    READ ALSO: How to budget for 2026

    “Given the rising trend of insecurity across the country, and cognisant of the courageous efforts of the armed forces in tackling, and addressing the menace, the Caucus wishes to admonish our officers and men not to rest on their oars. We like to reiterate that, they are assured of the prayers and good wishes of all Nigerians at all times, and in all situations.

    “Conscious of the effects of insecurity on economic growth and national development, the Caucus urges the Federal Government to evolve necessary measures towards improving the welfare schemes of the armed forces, and the provision of enhanced security equipment, arms and ammunition that will enable the military to effectively and efficiently curtail, and possibly wipe out the purveyors of varied insecurity in the country.

    “As a responsible and responsive group of lawmakers, the Caucus pledges to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards ensuring that the armed forces have all that is needed to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of Nigerians.”

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

    • Quality education will end insecurity — Ex-Osun governor

    Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday paid glowing tributes to former Osun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande.

    Chief Akande, who clocked 87 on Friday, received birthday greetings from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ife Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rotimi Makinde, among others.

    President Tinubu and Akume described Akande as a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    They spoke at the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Akande held in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, where they praised his lifelong commitment to democratic ideals, principled leadership and selfless service to the nation, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s political development remain enduring and invaluable.

    Tinubu’s goodwill message was delivered by Senator Akume at the ceremony.

    In the message, the President described Akande as a mentor whose wisdom and counsel have guided generations of political leaders through difficult moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, he said the nation owes the elder statesman a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices and steadfast belief in democratic governance, praying for continued good health, strength and peace for him.

    President Tinubu also expressed confidence that Akande’s legacy of integrity and patriotism would continue to illuminate Nigeria’s path towards unity, stability and progress.

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    In his personal goodwill message, Akume described Chief Akande as an embodiment of courage, humility and unwavering commitment to democratic values, noting that his service to the nation has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.

    Recalling their political collaboration, Akume said they jointly launched a deliberate strategy aimed at dismantling the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West.

    He explained that the effort was driven by a shared belief in progressive governance, discipline and grassroots mobilisation.

    According to him, the strategy reshaped the region’s political landscape and laid the foundation for the emergence of a formidable opposition that later evolved into the All Progressives Congress.

    Akume also commended Akande’s tenure as Governor of Osun State and his role as the interim National Chairman of the APC, noting that his leadership helped shape Nigeria’s political landscape and strengthened democratic governance.

    He added that Akande’s vision, integrity and wisdom continue to inspire leaders across generations, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic journey would be incomplete without recognising his immense contributions to national development.

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates Akande 

    The Lagos State and the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Akande.

     He described the former Osun State Governor as an advocate of good governance, an epitome of true federalism, a true democrat and a respected political icon who has impacted many lives positively in Nigeria through politics and governance.

     According to a statement signed by the Lagos governor’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Gboyega  Akosile, Akande, popularly known as ‘Baba Omo kekeke’, is a role model to many people for his courage and dedication to the public interest.

     The governor also commended Chief Akande for his commitment to public service, especially during his tenure as the first Governor of Osun State in the current Fourth Republic, adding that he remains a beacon of hope for younger generations in a country where many believe that politics is a means for personal acquisition.

     The Governor further praised Chief Akande for the significant role he played in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress as the first interim National Chairman of the party. He also commended him for the elderly role he has been playing to sustain APC in Osun State, the South-West and Nigeria at large. 

     He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, as well as the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, I congratulate our father, Chief Bisi Akande, on his 87th birthday.

     “Chief Bisi Akande is a true democrat and a respected political icon who has remained in the progressive camp and contributed immensely to political development and governance in Nigeria for over five decades. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.”

    Marine and Blue Economy Minister eulogises first Osun governor

    Adegboyega Oyetola, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, also congratulated Akande.

    The Minister stated this in a press statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, his Special Adviser on Media, on Thursday.

    In the statement, the Minister described Akande as a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and a principled leader whose life of service, integrity, and courage has left an indelible mark on governance and party politics in the country.

    “Chief Bisi Akande remains one of the finest examples of purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to public service,” Dr Oyetola said.

    “His contributions to the development of Osun State, his role in strengthening progressive politics in Nigeria, and his mentorship of generations of political leaders stand as enduring legacies worthy of celebration.”

    He added that Akande’s wisdom and steadfast guidance have continued to shape the direction of progressive politics at both state and national levels.

    “Even at 87, Baba remains a voice of reason, courage, and clarity in our political space. His counsel is invaluable, and his life continues to inspire those of us privileged to follow in his footsteps,” the Minister stated.

    The Minister prayed for God’s continued grace upon Akande, wishing him good health, renewed strength, and many more years of purposeful living in service to humanity and the nation.

    Quality education will end insecurity

    Meanwhile, Chief Akande has said that investing in quality education remains a lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria.

    This is just as he warned institutions that lowering cut-off marks in tertiary institutions would weaken academic standards and leave Nigerian students ill-prepared to compete with their counterparts globally.

    Speaking on Friday in his hometown, Ila-Orangun, at an event to mark his 87th birthday, added that merit-based admission and rigorous assessment are essential for producing graduates who can thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

    Akande, proffering solutions to challenges of insecurity, said the menace cannot be eradicated overnight or by cutting corners, but can be gradually eliminated through quality education.

    Now, look at Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, let people study very deeply, and all of this insecurity will become a thing of the past.

    ”Although your generation cannot eradicate it, it can be eradicated gradually if you adopt deep education.”

    He cautioned that lowering the cut-off marks of institutions will not improve educational standards in Nigeria, adding that the practice will make the country less competitive globally.

    Akande said, “Good education will make you competitive with the global world if you offer 25% as a pass mark in the University, you can’t compete with China, which will expect you to score 80%, where they do absolute meritocracy.

    “When you cut corners, pass 25%, admit 20%, you cannot compare with people like China, who, if you have never achieved, you can’t become a member of the Communist party, and only members of the Communist party can vote and be voted for, this is absolute merit.

    “Here in Nigeria, it’s cut corners, Americans threatened the other time, went to Venezuela to pick the president, and take him away, that’s the power of knowledge, which we are trying to cheat by saying things called 25% 20%. You won’t have that knowledge, you won’t be able to compete with the advanced world, and you will be enslaved, your land will be taken over by the strangers.”

    President Bola Tinubu described the event as a rare privilege to celebrate a life wholly dedicated to the service of the nation, marked by integrity, courage and devotion to democratic ideals.

  • Akwashiki plans to step down in 2027 says SDP National Chairman

    Akwashiki plans to step down in 2027 says SDP National Chairman

    The Acting National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Sadiq Gombe has disclosed that the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died penultimate week, had signified intention not to seek re-election in 2027 following his failing health.

    He made this revelation on Thursday night in Lafia, Nasarawa State, capital during a special night of tributes organised by the party in honour of the former Senate Committee Chairman on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs.

    Addressing the solemn occasion which attracted political leaders across the party lines, the SDP National Chairman recalled that shortly before his death, Akwashiki had expressed concern that his failing health might affect his ability to serve effectively and had even contemplated stepping aside.

    This, Gombe said, was to ensure quality representation for his people—an action he described as a rare demonstration of responsibility and patriotism.

    The federal lawmaker died penultimate week at an Indian hospital at the age of 52.

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    Gombe described Akwashiki as a rare example of integrity, selfless service, and principled leadership whose impact would remain deeply rooted in the political history of Nasarawa State.

    The Chairman noted that the late lawmaker lived a life defined by honour, compassion, and the fear of God, which earned him respect across political, ethnic and religious lines, adding that his leadership style was anchored on service, accountability, and deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    Eulogising Akwashiki,  the SDP leader said, “While we mourn his departure, we are grateful to Almighty Allah for a life well spent. True leadership is measured not by years or titles but by the legacy one leaves behind. Senator Akwashiki’s legacy speaks for itself,” Gombe stated.

    Then, he prayed for the emergence of leaders who are God-fearing, accountable, and genuinely committed to public service.

    At the tribute night, other speakers, including Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, SDP leaders at national and state levels, elected officials, traditional rulers, and members of other political parties, highlighted the late senator’s dedication to dialogue, integrity, and grassroots development.

    They recalled his role in executing impactful constituency projects across communities in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, noting that he was widely regarded as one of the most effective lawmakers the state has produced since 1999.

    Special prayers were offered for the repose of his soul.

    Born in Angba Iggah, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the late senator was first elected into the Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2023. He earlier served as a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, where he rose to become Majority Leader and later Deputy Speaker.

    He also served in several key capacities in the National Assembly, including Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force.