The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Rivers community decries fresh oil spills

    Rivers community decries fresh oil spills

    The Kpean Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has lamented what it described as unprecedented environmental and humanitarian crisis following a devastating oil spill that occurred in the area.

    The Kpean Council of Chiefs and Elders, who toured the site, said the spill destroyed hectares of farmland, polluted rivers, and rendered the air unsafe for human habitation. 

    Speaking while inspecting the site at the weekend, Chief Anthony Waadah, Gbenemene of Legbo Kingdom and President of the Ogoni Association of Business Owners in America (OABOA) described the disaster as “total and unacceptable.”

    Waadah appealed to the Federal Government to clean up the mess caused by many years of oil exploration before talking about resuming fresh oil production from Ogoniland.

    “For decades, our rivers, farmlands, and communities have suffered in total disregard for international best practices”, he said.

    Waadah said HYPREP was expected to clean up Ogoniland and cushion the effects of continuous pollution 

    Pointing at the spill site, Waadah said: “Even animals are dying here. How can humans survive in these conditions? Yet the federal government, the presidency, and the Minister of Environment appear unconcerned. This is not charity — this is justice we are demanding.” 

    He called on the international community to investigate and hold Shell and NNPCL accountable, saying: “We cannot continue to live in fear every day. The world must see what we are passing through.”

    Paramount Ruler of Kpean, Lucky Gbene-Ewoh, expressed deep frustration over the fresh oil spills in the area.

    He said:  “We cannot go fishing again. We cannot farm. Our people cry every day. The NNPCL confirmed equipment failure and corrosion, yet they failed to act for over two months despite promises from the federal and state governments”.

    Gbene-Ewoh disclosed that their repeated petitions, letters, and visits to Abuja were ignored leaving the community in continued peril.

     “The silence is deafening. We need urgent intervention before more lives are lost,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the youth, Lemii Petaba, Kpean Youth President, said, “We are angry because the federal government continues to blame our people for this disaster. They claim third-party intervention, but they refused to give us a voice. Our rivers, farms, and farmlands have been destroyed. We will not sit idly by while our community is neglected.”

  • Foundation unveils  initiatives to empower youths, entrepreneurs in Kogi

    Foundation unveils  initiatives to empower youths, entrepreneurs in Kogi

    The DAM Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has unveiled three transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening education, community development and economic empowerment in Kogi State, with a strong focus on youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.

    The unveiling, which took place recently in Okene, was marked by a flurry of activities and attracted key stakeholders, including the Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman  Ododo, and the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

    Also unveiled was the DAM Civic Centre, a state-of-the-art facility envisioned as a hub for sports, community engagement, dialogue and cultural activities.

    Beyond infrastructure development, the DAM Foundation launched a comprehensive empowerment programme targeted at equipping youths and small-scale entrepreneurs with practical skills, resources and financial support to enhance their economic prospects.

    Speaking at the event, representatives of the Foundation described the initiatives as more than physical projects, noting that they represent hope, opportunity and a long-term commitment to building a resilient and self-reliant future for Kogi State and its surrounding communities.

    The event also underscored the importance of collaboration between government institutions and private philanthropic organisations in achieving sustainable development goals, with stakeholders calling for stronger partnerships to accelerate inclusive growth and community development in the state.

    It further  highlighted the Foundation’s growing influence in advancing people-centred development and redefining socio-economic progress across the state.

    A major highlight of the occasion was the commissioning of a modern hostel facility designed to promote social welfare and provide dignified living conditions. 

  • Fire guts historic Shitta-Bey, Animashaun homes on Lagos Island

    Fire guts historic Shitta-Bey, Animashaun homes on Lagos Island

    A mysterious fire outbreak on Tuesday destroyed sections of two historic Islamic family homes on Lagos Island, plunging the Muslim community into mourning.

    The inferno, which reportedly erupted in the early hours of the day, severely damaged the Shitta-Bey family house, including its centuries-old mosque recognised by the Lagos State Government as a heritage site.

    The residence of the Animashaun family, another prominent Islamic lineage on Lagos Island, was also affected by the blaze.

    The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of other historic Islamic structures in the area, particularly the over 100-year-old Alli-Balogun Wasinmi Mosque located at 38, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street.

    President of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan, warned that the mosque is currently under serious threat due to a building constructed dangerously close to it.

    “The Alli-Balogun Wasinmi Mosque is over 100 years old and now under threat. A building has been constructed beside it in clear violation of government regulations, especially the statutory six feet air space required for security and safety between buildings,” he said.

    According to him, should a fire outbreak occur, the historic mosque would be highly vulnerable, just as seen in the recent incidents involving the Shitta-Bey and Animashaun families.

    “May Allah not allow the calamity that affected the Shitta-Bey and Animashaun families to befall the Alli-Balogun family. These are three centuries-old Islamic families whose heritage must be protected,” he added.

    Ojora-Adejiyan further questioned the approval process for the controversial building, asking, “Does this building have government approval? And if yes, who approved it?”

    He disclosed that since the foundation of the building was laid in July 2024, the managers of the mosque have repeatedly drawn the attention of relevant government agencies, including the Lagos State Safety Commission, to the alleged regulatory infractions, but without any response.

    Vice Chairman of the Alli-Balogun Descendants Union, Dr. G.T. Alli-Balogun, had described the fire incident as a painful loss to the Islamic community in Lagos and called for prayers and collective support for the affected families.

    “This unfortunate incident represents a significant loss to our Islamic community. We pray Allah grants the Shitta-Bey and Animashaun families the strength to bear this hardship and the resources to rebuild and preserve their heritage,” he said.

    As of press time, the cause of the fire remained unknown, while calls have intensified for urgent government intervention to prevent further loss of Lagos’ historic and religious landmarks.

  • 2027: Why Tinubu deserves southeast, Nigerians’ votes – Group

    2027: Why Tinubu deserves southeast, Nigerians’ votes – Group

    The South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA) has reaffirmed its total support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The group cited Tinubu’s administration’s inclusive governance, developmental strides, and people-oriented policies as reasons Nigerians, particularly those in the Southeast, should renew his mandate.

    The group’s position was made known during the distribution of Christmas food items to residents of Ebonyi State, an event organized by SERHA to spread goodwill during the festive season.

    Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the South East Renewed Hope Agenda, Belusochukwu Enwere, described the exercise as a practical demonstration of compassion and the true spirit of Christmas. 

    He said the initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on inclusiveness, welfare, and restoring hope to Nigerians at the grassroots.

    According to Enwere, Ebonyi State and the entire Southeast have benefited significantly from the Tinubu administration.

    He stressed that the President has consistently shown concern for the wellbeing of the people through empowerment programmes, infrastructure development, and social interventions.

    “Last Christmas, we had a similar distribution. Six months ago, there was empowerment for our people, and today again, we are here to ensure that families have something to eat this festive period,” he said.

    He noted that the President remains committed to seeing Nigerians flourish.

    Also speaking, the Deputy National Coordinator of SERHA, Chukwudi Anyanwu Ocha, said the Renewed Hope Agenda has repositioned the Southeast from the margins to the center of national development. 

    He pointed to the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission and its investment-driven company, describing it as a landmark achievement.

    Ocha further highlighted ongoing and revived infrastructure projects such as the Eastern Rail Line, key federal appointments held by Southeast indigenes, and the student loan scheme, which he said has given thousands of young Nigerians access to education without financial stress.

    “As ambassadors of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is our responsibility to take these achievements to the grassroots,” he said, urging members to actively campaign and mobilize support for the President ahead of 2027.

    He emphasised that the only way to reciprocate the President’s goodwill and developmental efforts is to work tirelessly to ensure his return for a second term.

    The event ended with goodwill messages, as SERHA leaders wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, while reaffirming their commitment to a stronger Southeast and a more prosperous Nigeria under President Tinubu’s leadership.

  • Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Expert raises concerns over coordination gap, as Kaduna’s population hits 11m

    Kaduna state’s population has climbed to about 11 million, with projections showing it will rise to 12.9 million by 2030, raising concerns over how the state plans to harness its fast-growing and youthful population for economic growth.

    In a statement issued at the weekend, civil society actor and policy analyst, Yusuf Ishaku Goje said data from the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) showed that the population rose from 3.9 million in 1990 to 6.1 million in 2006, jumped to 10.4 million by 2023 and has now reached about 11 million.

    He noted that the most striking feature of the growth is the state’s youthful profile, with about 83.8 per cent of residents under the age of 40, estimated at over 9.2 million people—more than the entire population of several African and European countries.

    Goje warned that the demographic surge comes with a heavy dependency burden, as only 48 per cent of residents fall within the working-age bracket of 15–64 years, while 52 per cent are dependants, mainly children aged 0–14.

    He added that available data shows those aged 0–17 make up 53.5 per cent of the population, with children under five accounting for 16.5 per cent, placing enormous pressure on education, health and social services.

    According to him, economic indicators further worsen the outlook, as about 8.04 million Kaduna residents live in multidimensional poverty, while unemployment and underemployment were put at 44 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

    Goje said the state government deserves credit for developing an updated Demographic Dividend Roadmap (2024) aimed at turning the youth bulge into an economic asset.

    He explained that the roadmap is built on five pillars; governance, economic empowerment, education and skills development, health and well-being, and security, equity and justice, with 26 investment areas and 110 key activities.

    However, he stressed that implementation remains difficult to track due to the absence of a formal coordination mechanism, which the roadmap recommends should be domiciled in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

    Goje urged the immediate establishment of the proposed coordination structures, warning that without dedicated funding, monitoring and accountability, Kaduna risks losing the opportunity to convert its demographic advantage into sustainable growth.

  • Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Niger Delta ex-agitators withdraw marginalisation claims, reconcile with PAP leadership

    Aggrieved first-phase Niger Delta ex-agitators have formally withdrawn their earlier allegations of marginalisation against the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reconciling with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum in a move aimed at strengthening peace in the region.

    The reconciliation follows weeks of tension triggered by claims that some ex-agitators who surrendered their arms in 2009 were being sidelined in the implementation of the amnesty programme under the leadership of Dr Dennis Otuaro. 

    The ex-agitators have now attributed the claims to misinformation and communication gaps.

    In a joint statement, leaders of the aggrieved group, including Obekuma Jacob, Don Alex Watchman, Patrick Tebegha, Tallest Gilbert Isobo and Douglas Otokolo, publicly recanted their earlier stance and pledged loyalty to the existing forum leadership led by its National President, Chief Aroni Oputu.

    The statement said consensus was reached after engagements with the leadership of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum and the Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, paving the way for renewed cooperation.

    “We, on behalf of the leaders that made the publication against Chief Dennis Otuaro, have come to declare that it was a misunderstanding. We have now resolved our differences and agreed to collaborate for the good of the Niger Delta,” the statement said.

    The ex-agitators admitted that their previous allegations of marginalisation of genuine first-phase beneficiaries were not based on facts but stemmed from personal misunderstandings and a breakdown in communication.

    They also warned against attempts by individuals or groups to exploit the earlier disagreement to create fresh divisions, stressing that such actions would be self-serving and against the collective interest of the Niger Delta struggle.

    Describing the development as the beginning of a new chapter, the ex-agitators cautioned that anyone seeking to undermine the renewed unity would be held personally responsible for their actions.

  • Immigration gives foreign nationals deadline to regularise stay before amnesty ends

    Immigration gives foreign nationals deadline to regularise stay before amnesty ends

    The Niger State Comptroller of Immigration, Maduka Hope, has directed all foreign nationals residing in the state to come forward and regularise their stay before the general amnesty window closes at the end of the month.

    Hope gave the directive after a meeting with leaders of Nigerien nationals in the state, explaining that the engagement forms part of a broader initiative by the Comptroller-General of Immigration to strengthen border security and improve migration management.

    “We are going all out in the New Year to know who is where. We are going to document them,” he said.

    He warned that foreign nationals who fail to present valid travel or identity documents risk being repatriated to their countries of origin. 

    “Those who don’t have documents to show why they are here or what they are doing will be returned to Niger Republic,” he told reporters.

    The comptroller clarified that the documentation exercise is not limited to Nigerien nationals alone but targets all ECOWAS citizens resident in the state.

    However, the exercise will be implemented in phases, beginning with the dominant Nigerien community before extending to other national groups.

    Hope added that the command has commenced sensitisation meetings with community leaders to encourage voluntary compliance, describing the current phase of the exercise as non-coercive.

    “Nobody is making arrests. Nobody is holding them back. Just encouraging them to do the needful.”

    However, the comptroller warned that irregular migrants who try to evade the process will face lawful measures.

    “Those who are irregular migrants will tend to put up resistance but they will be taken with some measures that the law permits,” he said.

    On how irregular migrants can become regular, Hope explained that most will need to return to their countries to obtain proper identity papers before re-entering Nigeria legally adding that for those willing to comply, the command will offer guidance and documentation once requirements are met.

    Hope also outlined plans to tighten border safety, saying immigration will work closely with the military, police and other agencies to secure border roads. 

    The command has urged all foreign nationals in Niger State to contact their community leaders or the Niger State Immigration Command to complete documentation before the amnesty period ends at month’s close.

  • Shallow religious knowledge responsible for violent extremism in Nigeria –East London Mosque Imam

    Shallow religious knowledge responsible for violent extremism in Nigeria –East London Mosque Imam

    The Imam of the East London Mosque, Shaykh Mohammed Mahmoud, has attributed insurgency and violent extremism in northern Nigeria to shallow religious understanding, insisting that Islam does not sanction violence detached from sound scholarship.

    The UK-based cleric made the remarks at a press conference in Kaduna during his visit to Nigeria.

    Responding to questions on killings and acts of terror carried out in the name of Islam, Shaykh Mahmoud said the misinterpretation of religious texts remains a major factor fuelling insecurity in parts of the region.

    He explained that reading Qur’anic verses or isolated prophetic traditions without proper guidance does not confer religious authority, warning that self-styled preachers often elevate limited knowledge into unquestionable truth.

    According to him, Islam has historically been transmitted through qualified teachers, beginning with the prophets and continuing through generations of scholars, a system meant to preserve both the text and its correct interpretation.

    Shaykh Mahmoud likened extremists who justify violence through selective readings of scripture to individuals who study fragments of professional manuals and falsely claim expertise.

    He also recalled prophetic warnings against groups that exhibit outward religiosity without sound understanding, noting that such tendencies have, throughout history, led to serious harm and deep divisions within societies.

    The cleric stressed that combating extremism requires more than force, arguing that education, enlightenment and the revival of authentic Islamic scholarship remain the most effective antidotes.

    Shaykh Mahmoud urged Islamic institutions in Nigeria to strengthen their foundations in classical learning while maintaining active links with reputable centres of scholarship across the Muslim world.

    He warned that intellectual isolation breeds insular thinking, where individuals hear only their own interpretations and gradually lose balance and compassion.

    The Imam said part of his Nigeria visit was aimed at building enduring scholarly relationships, encouraging exchange of ideas, knowledge and resources to promote unity within the Muslim community.

    He added that Islam’s ultimate objective is peace, beginning with peace within the individual and extending to peaceful coexistence with others, regardless of religion.

    “You cannot claim to seek paradise while making life unbearable for people on earth,” he said, insisting that terror and oppression have no place in Islam.

    Shaykh Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of engaging young people, noting that early exposure to balanced religious education can prevent radicalisation and social breakdown.

    He called on religious leaders to prioritise mentorship, dialogue and cooperation as tools for countering extremism and restoring Islam’s message of mercy and balance.

    The cleric expressed optimism that sustained education and interfaith engagement would contribute to healing divisions and strengthening peace in Nigeria.

  • Eko Hotels & Suites bakes Africa’s largest Christmas Cake, sets new record at tropical Christmas Wonderland

    Eko Hotels & Suites bakes Africa’s largest Christmas Cake, sets new record at tropical Christmas Wonderland

    Eko Hotels & Suites raised the bar for festive celebrations with the unveiling of its largest-ever Christmas cake at the 2025 edition of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland.

    The spectacular cake, measuring an astonishing 10 meters long and four meters wide, officially broke last year’s record for the longest Christmas cake, reaffirming the hotel’s reputation for grandeur and innovation. The record-breaking cake was part of the annual Christmas spectacle, drawing admiration from guests, families, industry stakeholders, and the media. What began as a bold festive idea has now evolved into a yearly ritual, eagerly anticipated as part of Eko Hotels’ end-of-year celebrations. The ambitious project was led by Chef Nawras, who coordinated a dedicated team of pastry chefs and culinary professionals to bring the monumental creation to life. “This cake represents teamwork, creativity, and the spirit of Christmas,” Chef Nawras said. “Breaking our own record shows that we are constantly challenging ourselves to do better each year. I’m incredibly proud of the team for their dedication and precision in delivering something truly extraordinary.” Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels & Suites, highlighted the significance of the tradition beyond the record itself. “The Tropical Christmas Wonderland is about creating unforgettable experiences,” Dr. Gbadebo noted. “This annual cake has become a symbol of joy, hospitality, and excellence. Breaking last year’s record is not just a win for Eko Hotels, but for Lagos as a destination that celebrates creativity, culture, and festive magic at a global standard.”

  • FCE Yola begins independent degree programmes, admits students into 14 courses

    FCE Yola begins independent degree programmes, admits students into 14 courses

    The Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola, has commenced the process of running degree programmes independently, without affiliation to any university.

    The college has begun admitting students into 14 degree programmes out of the 38 approved for it by the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

    This marked a departure from its previous arrangement, under which it ran degree programmes in affiliation with the University of Maiduguri.

    The 14 active programmes, for which admission is ongoing for the 2025/2026 academic session, represent the initial phase of implementing a Federal Government directive that allows FCE Yola and 14 other federal colleges of education to run degree programmes without university affiliation.

    Addressing a press briefing, the Provost of the college, Dr Mohammed Degereji, listed the programmes to include BA Ed Arabic Education, BA Ed English and Literary Studies, BA Ed Islamic Education, BSc Ed Biology Education, BSc Ed Chemistry Education, BSc Ed Health Education, BSc Ed Mathematics, and BSc Ed Human Kinetics.

    Others are BSc Ed Agricultural Science Education, BSc Ed Physics Education, BA Ed Hausa Language Education, B.Ed Early Childhood Education, BSc Ed Economics Education, and BSc Ed Business Education.

    Dr Degereji explained that the new degree programmes would run alongside the regular Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in the current academic year. He appealed to the Federal Government to harmonise the NCE and degree pathways into a single, continuous programme rather than separate admissions.

    “I urge the Federal Government to expedite action to bridge the gap, so that students can progress from NCE to degree as one continuous programme,” he said, warning that running the programmes separately could discourage students from enrolling for the NCE.

    Other federal colleges of education approved to run independent degree programmes alongside FCE Yola include those in Obudu, Katsina, Eha-Amufu, Abeokuta, Okene; Federal Colleges of Education (Technical) in Bichi, Potiskum, Akoka, Omoku, Asaba, Umunze, Gombe and Gusa; as well as the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.