The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 2026: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Nigerians to embrace unity, shared responsibility

    2026: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Nigerians to embrace unity, shared responsibility

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, hope and renewed national commitment as the country enters the year 2026.

    In a New Year message released on Thursday, the senator extended warm greetings to her constituents, Kogites, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the New Year as a moment for reflection and renewed determination to build a stronger and more inclusive nation.

    She noted that a new calendar year should serve as more than a symbolic change of date, but an opportunity for collective rebirth and purposeful action.

    “As we step into this New Year, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. A new year offers us not just a change in date, but a renewed opportunity to reflect, rebuild, and rise stronger together as one people,” she said.

    Reflecting on the past year, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the economic challenges, security concerns and social uncertainties confronting many Nigerians, while commending citizens for their resilience and courage in the face of adversity.

    “The year past came with its share of trials, uncertainties, and lessons. Yet, through it all, our people have continued to show remarkable resilience, courage, and hope. These qualities define us and remind us that no challenge is greater than our collective will to overcome,” the senator stated.

    She stressed the need for national unity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect across ethnic, religious and cultural lines, describing Nigeria’s diversity as its greatest strength.

    “As we embrace the New Year, let us renew our commitment to unity, peace, and mutual respect. Our diversity remains our greatest strength, and only through cooperation and understanding can we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams,” she added.

    The lawmaker also charged Nigerian youths to remain focused, innovative and forward-looking, noting that their energy, creativity and drive are vital to national growth and transformation.

    “I encourage our youths to remain steadfast, pursue knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship, and believe in their capacity to shape a better future for themselves and for Nigeria,” she said.

    Expressing optimism about the year ahead, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for improved security, economic stability and governance anchored on integrity, justice and service to the people.

    “May this New Year usher in improved security, economic stability, and meaningful opportunities for all. 

    “Let us choose dialogue over conflict, integrity over corruption, and service over self-interest. Together, we can build a nation founded on justice, equity, and shared prosperity,” she said.

    She concluded with prayers for the nation and goodwill to her constituents, expressing hope for a peaceful and progressive year.

    “I pray that the Almighty grants us good health, wisdom, and peace in the year ahead. May hope guide our steps, and may Nigeria continue to move forward in strength and dignity. Happy New Year, and God bless the good people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Be generous, giving brings abundance — First Lady Tinubu

    Be generous, giving brings abundance — First Lady Tinubu

    …receives five New Year babies at FMC Jabi, says generosity key to prosperity

    …NPC stresses birth registration as foundation for identity, planning

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday challenged Nigerian women to embrace generosity as a pathway to abundance, urging them to give intentionally to the less privileged as the country steps into the New Year.

    Speaking to journalists after receiving the first babies of 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre Jabi, Abuja, the First Lady said giving was a powerful principle that attracts blessings, prosperity and growth.

    “Make sure you are generous. This year, I tell people, if you want money, you have to sow money to the lives of the less privileged. Sow money, whatever you sow, you will receive. If you like to give clothes to people, you’ll be receiving abundant clothes. You can’t sow corn and receive corn. Be generous; it’s a year of generosity. Our giving should be intentional,” she said.

    Mrs Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, said she received a total of five newborns.

    The babies included the first baby of the year, a female infant delivered at exactly midnight by a 26-year-old first-time mother, Patience Adakole; a set of triplets (two boys and a girl) delivered by Blessing Oragwu after 13 years of waiting, and another baby boy.

    “I welcomed five in total; the baby of the year, a girl, and then the triplets, the mother has waited for 13 years, which is wonderful, and another baby boy,” the First Lady said, describing the moment as deeply fulfilling.

    Drawing from cultural symbolism, she expressed optimism for the nation in 2026. 

    “In Yoruba land, when you have girls, they will say they come with ease. So we believe that this year is going to be a great year for us as a nation, peace in abundance, prosperity in abundance,” she said.

    Reflecting on the passage into the New Year, Mrs Tinubu added, “I’m excited because last year was something else. All of us that made it to the New Year should be thankful. There were so many deaths that we shouldn’t even think about. We thank God for His mercy, and we believe that this year will be a blessed year for us.”

    She said the outreach was coordinated across multiple hospitals in Abuja, with members of the delegation visiting different facilities to welcome newborns and distribute gifts. 

    “Her Excellency, the wife of the Vice President, is going to another hospital to welcome the baby of the year there. We have boxes and gifts for them. The Minister of Women Affairs is going to the National Hospital, and the Minister of State for the FCT is going to another hospital. Our hands are full with babies, and we pray that these babies will be blessings to this nation,” she said.

    Addressing Nigerian women, the First Lady described them as resilient and industrious, urging them not to be constrained by limited resources. 

    “Nigerian women are blessed and very hardworking. Whatever you feel God has laid in your heart to do, do it. Never feel that you don’t have money to do business. Start small, and you will be amazed,” she advised.

    She added, “Whatever I’ve done in my life, this government has not given me a dime. But you can see the great things God is using people to do. When people see me doing things, they gift me, and I become generous with it.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Aminu Yusuf, underscored the importance of birth registration, describing it as a critical legal identity for every child.

    “It becomes a legal document that the child will be proud of by the time he grows. It gives the child access to education, health, and whatever you can think of,” Yusuf said.

    He disclosed plans to decentralise the New Year birth registration exercise across the country. 

    “By next year, similar activities should be replicated in all the states. We want people to be aware of the importance of registration. First ladies visit hospitals, but we want them to carry along our staff so the process is institutionalised,” he said.

    Yusuf added that the exercise was also aimed at strengthening transparency and accuracy in national data. 

    “The message is that we want accurate data so that whether we are doing census or any other exercise, it will be transparent and acceptable. There are reforms now, and we want Nigerians to trust the process,” he said.

    On population management, the Director-General of the NPC, Telson Osifo Ojogun, said the commission’s role was primarily data-driven.

    “The National Population Commission does not directly manage population; we manage the data that informs how other ministries and stakeholders manage population,” Ojogun explained, noting that sectors such as health and education play decisive roles.

    He said educating girls significantly reduces total fertility rates. 

    “For a young lady who goes to school from about seven to 25 years, the number of children she is likely to give birth to will be reduced. Education has a role to play. What we do is provide the necessary data and coordinate evaluation over the years,” he said.

  • Ekiti 2026: PDP governorship candidate alleges APC plot over INEC omission

    Ekiti 2026: PDP governorship candidate alleges APC plot over INEC omission

    …blame your crisis not us, ruling party tells Oluyede

    The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Dr Wole Oluyede, has alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is responsible for his exclusion from the provisional list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the June 20, 2026 governorship election.

    Speaking with journalists on Thursday at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, Oluyede described his omission as surprising, insisting that his emergence as the PDP candidate was duly monitored and supervised by INEC.

    The governorship aspirant explained that although legal suits were filed challenging the party’s primary election, INEC officials had deposed to affidavits in court confirming that he was the duly elected candidate of the party.

    “In actual fact, there have been suits against the election and INEC came to swear affidavit that I was the candidate of the party. I am not aware of any reason that should preclude me from the election,” he said.

    Oluyede maintained that there was no court injunction or order restraining him or the PDP from participating in the election, arguing that INEC does not have the constitutional power to determine who emerges as a party’s nominee.

    “As far as I know, there is no court injunction, there is no court order that should preclude me from the election. I don’t think INEC is in a position to determine who should be the nominee of a party. They haven’t been doing that before and I don’t know why this is happening,” he said.

    He disclosed that he had commenced consultations with party stakeholders and would also engage the electoral body formally to demand explanations for the action.

    Reassuring his supporters across the state, the PDP candidate urged them not to panic, expressing confidence that he would participate in the governorship poll and feature on the final ballot.

    “I want to reassure my supporters that I am going to be the next governor of Ekiti State, which means I am going to be on the next ballot. This is a normal process of elections. People will play games, but it is a game of futility that will not go anywhere,” he said.

    He warned against attempts to exclude candidates through what he described as political manoeuvres, noting that elections should be based on the will of the people.

    “My advice to those trying to preclude others from contesting is that it is not the right way. Elections are meant to give people the opportunity to choose their government. If you are confident in your performance or capacity to govern, then you should have the confidence to face the electorate,” Oluyede said.

    However, the Ekiti state Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe dismissed the allegations, describing the claim as baseless and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering internal crises within the PDP.

    Dipe said that APC had no control over INEC and could not interfere with its constitutional responsibilities, arguing that the PDP’s omission was a result of internal leadership crises and ongoing court cases within the opposition party.

    The APC Spokesman advised the PDP governorship  candidate to seek redress through legal means rather than making what it described as “wild allegations” against political opponents.

  • APC chieftain urges unity, resilience, calls for functional LG councils in Abia

    APC chieftain urges unity, resilience, calls for functional LG councils in Abia

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has appealed to residents to remain united and resilient in their collective efforts to build and develop the state.

    Ikonne, the immediate past Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), also charged the Labour Party (LP)-led state government to entrench good governance that would guarantee free, effective, and functional local government administration.

    He made the call in his New Year message issued on Thursday to journalists in Abuja.

    The APC chieftain urged Abians to enter the new year with a shared sense of purpose, noting that the state could unlock its full potential when citizens persevere and work together.

    Expressing optimism about Abia’s future, Ikonne called for collective commitment to building a society where development and opportunities are equitably shared across communities.

    “Together, we will build a state where hope is not just a dream, but a reality lived by every family,” he said.

    “As the dawn of this new year breaks, I stand with every Abian, filled with hope and determination. Abia is a land blessed with industrious people, rich culture, and boundless potential. However, progress is achieved through action, accountability, and leadership that puts the people first.”

    He encouraged residents to remain active participants in governance by demanding transparency and accountability from those in authority.

    “In 2026, I encourage every Abian to rise with courage and ask the right questions of those in power. Let us demand transparency, accountability, fairness, and a government that listens to its citizens,” Ikonne added.

    In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, he advised Governor Alex Otti to ensure the effective and independent functioning of local government councils, stressing that strong grassroots institutions would enable citizens to feel the direct impact of governance.

    “One critical step toward progress is allowing our local government authorities to function freely and effectively. When they are empowered, communities develop, and livelihoods improve,” he said.

    Ikonne stressed that effective grassroots governance is vital to development and service delivery, noting that local governments are closest to the people and play a crucial role in addressing basic needs such as road infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation, particularly in rural areas.

  • Singer Crayon cuts dread in traditional tribute on mother’s first posthumous birthday

    Singer Crayon cuts dread in traditional tribute on mother’s first posthumous birthday

    Afrobeats artist Charles Chibueze Chukwu, popularly known as Crayon, shared a tribute on social media to commemorate what would have been his mother Evelyn Chukwu’s birthday, since her sudden death in July 2025.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Mavin Records signee revealed that, as the firstborn son, he cut his hair in accordance with family tradition as a gesture of love, respect, and adoration.

    Accompanied by before-and-after photos showing his freshly shorn head, Crayon wrote, “Happy heavenly birthday mum. Today as your first son and as tradition requires I cut my hair. I hope it shows how much I love, respect and adore you mum. I miss you everyday – my everything. Words can’t explain how hard today is, it hasn’t been easy navigating this world without you. I promise to make you proud mum. Till we meet again. I love you mum, EVELYN CHUKWU”.

    Evelyn Chukwu passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2025, just four days before Crayon’s own birthday, prompting the musician to describe it as “the darkest day of my life.”

    In an emotional statement following her death, he called her his “soldier, my backbone, my angel and my pillar,” reflecting on her sacrifices during years of family hardship before his rise to fame.

    She was laid to rest in October 2025, with Crayon delivering a tearful farewell at her funeral, vowing to honor her memory by staying strong and caring for his siblings.

  • Fire razes four electronics shops worth millons in Ikotun

    Fire razes four electronics shops worth millons in Ikotun

    Four electronics shops were destroyed by fire in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Ikotun, Lagos State, leading to the loss of all goods within the affected outlets.

    The incident occurred at an electronics plaza in a commercial building located beside the GUO Transport Company terminal in Ikotun. 

    Items consumed by the blaze included television sets, washing machines, power generators and other household appliances.

    A resident, who shared details of the incident on social media, said the fire started shortly after midnight. 

    In a post on X, user @Benking443 described the affected complex as a major electronics hub and said many shop owners were away for the Christmas and New Year holidays when the fire broke out.

    “At about 12:05 a.m. today, January 1, 2026, the place was burned to ashes. No presence to salvage anything. Just loss. Total loss.

    “This isn’t just a fire incident — it’s the erasure of years of sweat, capital, and dreams.” the post read, adding that the traders were unaware their shops had been destroyed.

    The cause of the fire has not been officially established, although the resident speculated that an electrical fault may have triggered the incident.

    The resident commended the firefighters for their swift response, noting that their intervention prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the building and nearby structures. 

  • Tinubu felicitates Prof. Adeniyi at 60

    Tinubu felicitates Prof. Adeniyi at 60

    …hails university don’s contributions to academia, media

    …describes him as public intellectual of note 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Abiodun Adeniyi, a renowned academic and veteran journalist, on his 60th birthday, commending his enduring impact on scholarship, public discourse and media practice in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described Professor Adeniyi as an accomplished scholar whose career has successfully bridged academia and professional journalism.

    Professor Adeniyi is a professor of communication and the current registrar of Baze University, Abuja. 

    His professional experience, according to the President, spans journalism, media strategy and public relations, alongside teaching, research and academic administration.

    President Tinubu acknowledged the breadth of Adeniyi’s intellectual engagements, noting that he has distinguished himself over the years as a journalist, author, essayist, public analyst and commentator whose interventions have enriched national conversations.

    “Professor Adeniyi is a public intellectual of note. He has made important interventions in public policy and facilitated numerous capacity-building initiatives,” the President said.

    He added that the professor’s contributions to both academia and the media have helped shape professional standards and nurture new generations of communicators and journalists.

    President Tinubu wished Professor Adeniyi many more years of good health, success and continued impact, joining his family, colleagues and admirers in celebrating the milestone of a life devoted to learning, service and ideas.

  • Mbah promises accelerated consolidation in 2026

    Mbah promises accelerated consolidation in 2026

    As the nation welcomes the year 2026, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, said there will be no room for complacency on the part of his administration, promising accelerated consolidation of the gains made in the past two and a half years.

    Mbah also described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State, maintaining that “our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done.”

    The governor gave the assurances in his New Year broadcast to the people of Enugu State, urging optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.

    While recalling his administration’s successes in the revival of moribund assets, transformation of the transport system as well as the water sector, security, road and tourism infrastructure, educational and agricultural sectors, and the surge of investment and visitors to Enugu, Mbah acknowledged that “it is far easier to rise than it is to remain standing.”

    “That is why this year demands more of us than the years before. 2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished.

    “What we have begun is not fleeting – it must now be secured for generations. We have to build well, not quickly for applause, but carefully for posterity.

    “And above all, we must resist complacency. Success can seduce us into comfort. Comfort slows our steps. And when steps slow, progress slips away,” he emphasised.

    On specific projects and programmes to expect in the New Year, Mbah said, “In 2026, life in Enugu will change in ever more visible and practical ways.

    “Every urban road across our cities will be paved and upgraded with proper drainage and walkways, with many also receiving new streetlights to improve safety.

    “Projects like the 9th Mile 24/7 water scheme, the planned Ajali Scheme revamp and Oji River will continue to push clean water directly into more homes across Enugu.

    “All 260 Smart Schools will open fully, offering digital learning, science labs, renewable power and a free daily meal to more than 300,000 children.

    “In every one of our 260 wards, a fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centre will open, staffed and powered to deliver real care when it is needed most.

    “Enugu’s airport operations will expand, with plans to grow Enugu Air’s fleet to 20 aircraft this year, accelerating trade, tourism and investment.

    “Strengthened security infrastructure, ongoing industrial revival efforts, growing support for small and medium enterprises, and expanded connectivity will ensure that more families feel economic opportunity through rising incomes, safer streets and a clearer path to a better life.”

    The governor promised hell to criminals who still had the appetite to test his administration’s resolve to keep the state safe and secure.

    “Let me be clear: no crime committed will go undetected and unresolved. We will track and prosecute everyone who has committed a crime. We will never drop our guard.

    “We must protect what we have built, finish what we have started, and refuse complacency in any form.”

    He reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusive development and called for the continued support of the citizenry, while also holding government accountable.

    “This year calls for focus and commitment. It calls for every one of us to stay engaged, to stay informed, to hold ourselves and our institutions to high standards.

    “Our promise remains firm: we are still determined to leave no one out in the cold. Public funds will continue to be channelled solely into projects that uplift lives,” he said.

    He wished Ndi Enugu and Nigerians a happy New Year, urging optimism and unity, insisting that “the strength of our state and nation comes from working together.”

  • NJC faults reports on appointment of judges for Federal High Court

    NJC faults reports on appointment of judges for Federal High Court

    The National Judicial Council, (NJC) has faulted some media reports on the ongoing process for the appointment of judges for the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

    NJC said all the screening and selection processes referred to in the media reports on the issue took place entirely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, (FJSC).

    NJC’s Secretary, Ahmed Saleh, in a statement on Thursday, said no decision or action has been taken yet on the issue by the NJC.

    Saleh confirmed that a number of applicants were dropped during the screening process at the FJSC level.

    The statement read, “The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disowned a news report currently circulating on social and conventional media which alleged that 34 lawyers failed an integrity test and were consequently dropped from consideration for appointment as Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

    “The council states categorically that the report is inaccurate and unauthorized, and therefore does 

    not reflect the true position of events as they transpired at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the FJSC level, and no decision or action has yet been taken by the National Judicial Council in respect of the candidates concerned.

    “The council further clarifies that while a few candidates were indeed discontinued from the process at the FJSC level based on adverse findings arising from petitions received by the commission, a number of others did not progress further simply because they failed to meet the 

    required qualifying score to advance to the interview stage before the NJC.

    “Contrary to the impression conveyed by the media reports, the council emphasizes that there is no stand-alone or newly introduced “integrity test” whose failure automatically disqualified candidates en masse, as widely suggested. 

    “The judicial appointment process remains structured, merit-driven, and multi-layered, encompassing written examinations, performance benchmarks, 

    background verification, petition review where applicable, and interviews conducted strictly in accordance with established guidelines.

    “The council notes with concern that the publication of inaccurate and speculative details has the potential to mislead the public and unjustly impugn the reputation of candidates who participated in the selection process in good faith.

    “In view of the foregoing, the NJC has commenced internal investigations to ascertain the source of the unauthorized press statement and will take appropriate steps to protect the integrity and credibility of its processes.

    “Council reassures Nigerians that it remains firmly committed to transparency, fairness, due process, and the highest standards of judicial integrity, and urges media practitioners to always seek clarification through authorized channels before publishing reports on sensitive institutional matters.”

  • Tinubu congratulates Ododo on birthday

    Tinubu congratulates Ododo on birthday

    …lauds Kogi governor’s people-centred agenda

    …urges deeper reach of development initiatives 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi state, on his birthday, January 1, commending his leadership style and commitment to inclusive governance.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Governor Ododo as one of the youngest state chief executives in the country, noting his background as an accountant who transitioned into public service and politics.

    The President recalled that Ododo served as Auditor-General for Local Governments in Kogi State before his election as governor in 2023, a trajectory he said has shaped the governor’s approach to prudent management and people-focused administration.

    President Tinubu praised the governor’s policies and programmes, urging him to expand their impact across the state. He encouraged Ododo to “deepen the reach of his initiatives” to ensure broader benefits for the people of Kogi.

    The President joined the people and government of the state in celebrating the governor, wishing him a happy birthday and a prosperous New Year, while expressing confidence that his administration would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to residents of the Confluence State.