The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • How to budget for 2026

    How to budget for 2026

    January is that month when we all look at our bank alerts and wonder where the money went. Between the “Detty December” fun and the school fees or rent waiting in January, things can get scary.

    But here is the truth: Budgeting is not about suffering. It is just about telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went. Here is how to handle your finances in 2026 without the headache.

    1. Know your “Why”: If you do not have a reason to save, you will spend everything on shawarma and data. Period. Are you saving for a new phone? A wedding? Or just to make sure “sapa” does not catch you in June? Write that goal down. When you want to buy what you do not need, remember that goal.

    2. Watch the “Small” Spend: It is rarely the big things that make us broke, it is the small ones. The 5k here for a quick snack, the 2k for extra data, the “urgent 2k” for a friend. For just one month, track every single naira you spend. You will be shocked at how much is leaking out of your pocket through things you do not even remember.

    READ ALSO: Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    3. Use the “Survival” Rule Split your money into three simple piles:

    • The Must-Haves (50%): Food, rent, transport, and electricity.
    • The Joy (30%): Going out, clothes, and “chopping life.”
    • The Future (20%): Savings, investments, and your emergency fund.

    Tip: Because prices change fast these days, try to keep a small “Price Hike” buffer in your Must-Haves.

    4. Do Not Trust Yourself (Automate It): Do not say “I will save whatever is left at the end of the month.” There will be nothing left. Use apps like PiggyVest or Cowrywise to take your savings the moment your salary or payment hits your account. If you do not see it, you will not spend it.

    5. Keep a “Black Tax” Folder: In Nigeria, family will always call. If you do not plan for it, your budget will always fail. Set aside a small amount every month for “Family/Emergency.” If nobody calls for help that month, great! That money stays in your savings.

    6. Do Not Kill Yourself: The biggest reason budgets fail is because people try to be too strict. If you love suya, put “suya money” in your budget. If you do not allow yourself some fun, you will eventually get frustrated and blow all your savings in one day. Plan for the fun so you do not feel like you are in a financial prison.

    The Bottom Line:  A budget is not a set of handcuffs; it is a map. It shows you how to get to the life you actually want. Start today, be honest with yourself, and remember that every 1,000 Naira you save today is a gift to your future self.

  • Davido not Anu’s father, I saw DNA test result – Daddy Freeze

    Davido not Anu’s father, I saw DNA test result – Daddy Freeze

    Media personality Daddy Freeze has weighed in on the paternity saga between singer Davido and Anu.

    Anu, who turns 13 in 2026, had requested a DNA test to establish her identity, citing years of bullying and mental anguish from classmates who mocked her claims of being Davido’s daughter.

    Davido denied paternity, stating that he has undergone five DNA tests, all of which were negative.

    READ ALSO: Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    He expressed frustration and disappointment, saying he chose three hospitals for the tests, while Anu’s team chose two, both of which returned the same negative result.

    Daddy Freeze claims to have seen one of the DNA results, which confirms that Davido isn’t Anu’s father.

    “DNA Saga! Davido Is Not Anu’s Father; I Saw The DNA Tests,” Freeze wrote.

  • Ogun govt assures adequate funding, logistics for Measles–Rubella campaign

    Ogun govt assures adequate funding, logistics for Measles–Rubella campaign

    The Ogun State Government has assured residents of adequate funding and logistics support for the forthcoming measles–rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to commence on January 27 and end on February 5, 2026.

    The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who also chairs the State Task Force on Primary Health Care, gave the assurance during a meeting of the task force held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    In her remarks, Engr. Salako-Oyedele commended the Ministry of Health, health sector stakeholders, and development partners—particularly UNICEF—for their continued support, including the provision of ambulance boats to enhance healthcare delivery in riverine communities. 

    She praised their efforts in sustaining a resilient primary healthcare system despite existing challenges and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun’s continued support, to all primary healthcare interventions.

    READ ALSO: Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    She acknowledged challenges highlighted in the report presented at the meeting and assured that they would be escalated to the Governor for urgent attention. 

    The Deputy Governor also called on religious bodies, Community Development Associations, women groups, the National Orientation Agency, and the media to intensify sensitisation efforts, urging them to leverage social media platforms and influencers to effectively reach parents and young people.

    According to her, the state government would do everything necessary to ensure the success of the measles–rubella campaign. “The request for funding has been made, and we are confident it will be approved promptly to enable us to meet our responsibilities in this very intensive exercise,” she said.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, applauded development partners, religious leaders, community-based organisations, and other stakeholders for their consistent collaboration with the state government in strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.

    She noted that the task force meeting provided an opportunity to review progress across the state’s primary healthcare system and align strategies ahead of the statewide immunisation exercise.

    Also presenting at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, delivered a detailed report on the board’s achievements and challenges in 2025. He disclosed that most local governments recorded improvements across key health indicators, although some setbacks persisted, largely due to infrastructure and logistics gaps.

    Dr Ogunsola further revealed that the measles–rubella immunisation campaign would run for 10 days and target children aged nine months to 14 years, describing it as one of the widest age-range vaccination exercises ever undertaken in the state. He added that over 8,000 health workers would be deployed across schools, health facilities, and communities to ensure full coverage.

    Speaking on behalf of development partners, UNICEF representative Mrs Moloku commended the Ogun State Government for its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative aligns with the global goal of ending preventable diseases in Africa. She assured of UNICEF’s continued technical and financial support for the successful implementation of the vaccination campaign.

  • Firm, Enugu agency clash over alleged illegal closure, land claims

    Firm, Enugu agency clash over alleged illegal closure, land claims

    A dispute has broken out between TOSHEL Construction Company and the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) over allegations of unlawful shutdown of business premises, property encroachment and abuse of office.

    The Executive Director of TOSHEL Construction Company, Chief Tochukwu Nzekwe, accused the ECTDA Chairman, Mr. Uche Anya, of sealing off his company’s premises without due process, a situation he said has persisted for more than one year and severely disrupted operations.

    Addressing journalists at the company’s site at Naira Triangle, along Enugu -Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, Nzekwe maintained that he has no grievance with the Enugu State Government or Governor Peter Mbah, whom he described as a leader of integrity.

    He stressed that he does not believe the governor authorised the actions taken against his company.

    According to him, TOSHEL Construction has operated on the site for over 20 years with a valid Certificate of Occupancy, yet its premises were shut in December 2024 without any written notice, court order or official communication from any government agency.

    “For over one year, no letter has been served on me and no offence has been communicated. My gates were sealed and my equipment trapped, leaving my business crippled,” he said.

    Nzekwe further alleged that the ECTDA chairman had earlier approached him with a proposal to alter his perimeter fence to conform with a uniform fencing plan for the New Artisan Market and a proposed hotel project, a request he declined, claiming that relations deteriorated afterwards.

    He said the prolonged closure has taken a heavy toll on his company, which employs about 350 workers, adding that the firm generates an average of ₦6 million to ₦7 million daily when fully operational.

    He also estimated that equipment worth over ₦10 billion remains grounded on the sealed premises.

    Nzekwe argued that the site is located in an approved industrial layout, not a residential area, and questioned claims that the property violates electricity right-of-way regulations.

    He maintained that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of relevant power authorities, not ECTDA.

    Tension reportedly escalated on Tuesday when Nzekwe reopened the gate to his premises after more than a year, prompting ECTDA officials to intervene and later reseal the site.

    Nzekwe insisted that if he has committed any offence, the appropriate authorities should formally notify him.

    Responding to the allegations, ECTDA Chairman Uche Anya denied any personal vendetta and accused Nzekwe of resorting to self-help.

    In a text message to journalists, Anya claimed that the disputed portion of land belongs to the Enugu State Government and alleged that Nzekwe illegally installed a gate after pulling down part of the New Artisan Market fence constructed by the state in 2024.

    He further alleged that ECTDA officials were intimidated during the incident, insisting that the authority would not condone what he described as violent conduct.

    However, Anya did not clarify why the TOSHEL Construction premises had remained sealed for over a year or provide documentation showing that the land is under acquisition or dispute.

    Meanwhile, Nzekwe disclosed that he has formally written to Governor Peter Mbah on the matter and has acknowledgment copies, though he is yet to receive a response.

    Describing himself as a law-abiding citizen, Nzekwe appealed for government intervention to resolve the dispute, warning that the ongoing standoff could negatively affect the state’s image if left unresolved.

  • Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    Ibadan Bodija explosion victims urge Makinde to use N30bn FG support for compensation

    Families of victims, survivors, and property owners affected by the Bodija explosion in Ibadan have appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde not to return the N30 billion released to the state by the Federal Government. 

    They urged the government to channel the funds toward supporting those still suffering losses rather than committing the entire sum to road works or other infrastructure projects.

    The President of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Dr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, made the appeal during an interdenominational service held to mark the second anniversary of the explosion.

    The incident, which occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Dejo Oyelese area of the estate, claimed five lives, injured several others, and destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira.

    The funding issue recently resurfaced after former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose claimed that N50 billion had been released by the Federal Government for victims. 

    The Oyo State Government, however, clarified that only N30 billion had been received and that the amount remains untouched in the bank pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion.

    Speaking at the event, organised in partnership with the Dejo Oyelese Vigilante Group (DOVG), Dr. Bamgbose expressed gratitude to the government for its support so far. He urged authorities to reconsider those whose compensation claims were significantly reduced at the time due to limited funds, noting that the newly available resources should be deployed to address their outstanding needs.

    Bamgnose said, “I have to appeal to our people. There are families who lost loved ones and, as we speak, they have not received anything. There are also people who started rebuilding their houses but have not been able to finish because they do not have access to funds.

    “I appeal that we should not be agitated or rancorous, but that we should have assurance. When we were in the committee meetings reviewing issues and feedback, the information available at the time showed that there was not enough money. As a result, figures were cut down and some things were removed. That is a fact.

    “However, we now hear that there are funds available. Our appeal, therefore, is that the people should be helped and made happy. What happened to them was not by their own doing or volition. They did not want it, and they did not pray for it. Whatever happened to them, we should try as much as possible to assuage their feelings.

    “There is no way anything we do can completely remove the scar; the scar will always be there. But it should not be something that will cause them to continue in sorrow. Seeing people still breaking down in tears shows how serious the situation is.

    “We are appealing to the people to remain calm, and we are also appealing to the government that now that funds are available, they should not be returned or used entirely for roads or other projects. The people who are hurting should be supported.”

    Speaking on behalf of the governor Seyi Makinde at the event, the Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation, Demola Omotoso expressed gratitude and empathy for the victims of the incident that occurred on January 16, 2024. 

    He added that the government acknowledges the incident was unfortunate and unplanned, and it has been working tirelessly to provide support and alleviate the suffering of those affected. 

    Hr noted that from the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum, adding that the government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from. 

    Omotosho said, “I praise God that we are all here today. The incident was very unfortunate and was not planned by anybody; it is one of those things that happen. When such things happen, the Word of God says that in everything we should give thanks. God is still God in spite of all that happened, and there are still reasons to give thanks.

    “As a government, we rose to the occasion immediately after the incident. Support was provided, security was ensured, and people were accommodated over a period of time. Many measures were put in place to help alleviate the pain and suffering of the people at that time. 

    “Even afterward, the government has continued to do a lot to show empathy, especially to the residents of Bodija and those who lost loved ones. We will continue to show empathy, and our prayer is that God will comfort all of us, particularly those who lost loved ones or property. This is also why His Excellency believes our presence here is part of showing empathy to the people.

    “From the very moment the incident happened, there was no vacuum. The government acted out of duty and responsibility, coming to the aid of the people without even knowing where funds would come from. This remains an ongoing process. What has been released, what will still be released, and what is currently ongoing are all part of government efforts. 

    “Roads and infrastructure are being rebuilt, and these actions show that the people affected are our people. The lives lost were citizens and indigenes of Oyo State, and the governor is a father to all.

    “We are not troubled by what people are saying from different directions. The fact remains that the government is fully alive to its responsibilities, and this is an ongoing effort. More support will still come to the people. 

    “The government will continue to do more. Roads have been fixed, many damaged things have been repaired, and the government is working to make life better for the people. This is a government that is alive and responsive. We are not playing politics with the lives of the people, and we will never do so.

    “Where we are now is not where it will stop. The government is still going to do more. We have done more than enough, and even with what we have done, we are determined to do more. Until we see smiles on the faces of the people, we are not done yet.”

    Yinka Adeniran

    08029504448, 07055005564

    freemankabo@yahoo.com

    freemankabo@gmail.com

  • Lagos lawmaker Kehinde Joseph emerges BATFC’s patron

    Lagos lawmaker Kehinde Joseph emerges BATFC’s patron

    …reveals unique move to advance quality education 

    The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Fans Club (BATFC) has inaugurated Hon. Kehinde Joseph, the Lagos State House of Assembly member representing Alimosho Constituency 2, as a Patron in recognition of what the group described as his selfless, inclusive, and people-focused legislative service.

    The ceremony was held at the lawmaker’s office in the Assembly complex and was supervised by the group’s convener and Deputy Director General, Dr. Samson Bilesanmi. 

    He highlighted several instances of Joseph’s consistent commitment to strengthening the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Lagos State.

    Dr. Bilesanmi noted that he received authorisation from BATFC’s Director General, Alhaji (Hon.) A. M. Buhari, to confer the honorary Patron award on Hon. Joseph, accompanied by a commemorative flex banner symbolising his induction.

    Responding to the recognition, Hon. Joseph expressed appreciation and offered insight into his approach to empowerment, noting that conventional distribution of handouts often fails to address the real needs of constituents.

    He disclosed that numerous indigent students in his constituency, many of whom had lost hope of pursuing tertiary education, are currently benefiting from his fully funded scholarship programme at Aries Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

    He added that their transportation costs are also covered to ensure their safety.

    Hon. Joseph further highlighted an ongoing people-focused initiative: the construction of a Comprehensive Secondary School at Abaranje in Alimosho. 

    The project, which began in September 2025 and is fully financed by him, is nearing completion within its six-month timeline. 

    He explained that rising criminal tendencies among youths aged 11 to 15 in the Ikotun axis motivated the project, as many of them had been drawn into delinquency due to the long distance to available schools. 

    The new facility, which will host both junior and senior secondary classes, is expected to close that gap and provide a safer, structured environment for young learners.

    “I get moved to tears when I visit the area as elderly women troupe out to welcome me laying their scarves for me to walk on as a mark of honour, one of them said for the past 38 years they have yearned for such a huge development in the area.

    “They said their children have resorted to NURTW work due to the absence of good school in their neighbourhood.

    “With this singular move, I have the plan to take at least 1000 youngsters off the streets and ensure a secured environment in my constituency.”

    The BATFC delegation also included the group’s national ICT Director  Amb. Dr . Adeyemo Adebayo, UN Amb. Charles Ajebori and  Akindele Felicia Oluwatoyin South West coordinator.

  • Umahi’s son picks APC chairmanship form in Ebonyi

    Umahi’s son picks APC chairmanship form in Ebonyi

    Osbourne Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship nomination and expression of interest form for Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    Osbourne, the first son of the Minister, was escorted to the party’s state secretariat in Abakaliki by a crowd of supporters.

    At the secretariat, he was received by members of the party’s state executive council led by the chairman, Stanley Okoro-Emegha.

    Okoro-Emegha hailed Umahi, describing him as an intelligent and capable young politician and businessman with the capacity to take the local government area to greater heights.

    Speaking to reporters, Osbourne Umahi thanked the people of Ohaozara for nominating him to contest for the position and promised not to disappoint the confidence they have reposed in him.

    On what to expect from his administration if elected, Umahi said his main focus would be youth empowerment, noting that young people remain the backbone of development.

    He also pledged to sustain the legacy of his father in infrastructure development across the local government area.

    The party’s local government primaries comes up on January 25 and if the younger Umahi wins, he will be stand for the local government election against other parties’ candidates in August this year. 

  • Okpebholo sacks SA on Youth Mobilisation

    Okpebholo sacks SA on Youth Mobilisation

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has sacked his Special Adviser on Youth Mobilisation, Collins Aigbogun.

    Aigbogun was a former Chairman of Esan West local government area.

    He was arrested and questioned over the violent protest that rocked Ekpoma.

    Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, in a statement, said the Governor approved appointment of Christopher Udobor Iyase as Aigbogun’s replacement.

    “Iyase is a dedicated youth mobilizer with a strong passion for the wellbeing and welfare of youths across Edo State. He holds a degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin.

    “The appointment takes effect from 16th January, 2026.”

  • Quality education will end insecurity —Akande 

    Quality education will end insecurity —Akande 

    …’institutions lowering cut-off marks will make Nigeria students less competitive globally’

    The pioneer chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi 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, a former governor of Osun State, proffering solutions to challenges of insecurity, he 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 deep, 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 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, a former governor of the state, said, “Good education will make you competitive with the global world if you offer 25% as pass mark in the University, you can’t compete with China that 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, thats power of knowledge which we are trying to cheat by saying things call them 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.”

    Meanwhile, 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.

    The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, said,“This is a privilege to honour and celebrate the live that have been dedicated to the service of our nation, the live filled with humility and unwavering Commitment to democracy.

    “The history of our Nations progress towards democracy is incomplete without the special place preserved for you.”

  • FG bans sand mining on River Niger

    FG bans sand mining on River Niger

    The Federal Government has announced ban on mining of sand, 10 kilometer radius in River Niger, to protect the first and second Niger bridges.

    The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi disclosed this on Friday in Asaba,  during the commissioning of the Second Niger Bridge Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras Monitoring Centre.

    He said  the decision was taken by the Federal Executive Council as part of efforts to protect critical federal infrastructure across the country.

    According to him, tolling on the second Niger bridge will not begin  until all access roads at Anambra and Delta  sections are completed.

    He added that the CCTV monitoring centre was to ensure adequate security along the federal highway.

    “The tollgate is ready but we won’t start tolling on the road until we complete the access roads and bypass roads that lead to bridge.

    “The idea is that there will be no security checkpoints on the road, police and other security agencies will be at the CCTV monitoring centre and provide rapid response to emergencies within five minutes,” he added.

    Umahi directed the Police command in Delta to ensure implementation of the ban as well as arresting offenders.

    Read Also: Illegal mining fuels insecurity in Niger – Commissioner tells Police

    In his remarks,the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for effectively completing the second Niger bridge and enumerated the socio-economic benefits of the project.

    On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Igwe of Obosi, Chidubem Iweka said that  opening of the bridge has reduced traffic on the first bridge and eased movement during and after the yuletide.

    Iweka expressed optimism that  installation of the security camera would boost confidence of commuters plying the road.

    He called for speedy completion of the access roads to the second Niger bridge.

    (NAN)