The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ex-lawmaker Daramola hails Tinubu’s Military welfare initiatives, appreciates soldiers in Ekiti

    Ex-lawmaker Daramola hails Tinubu’s Military welfare initiatives, appreciates soldiers in Ekiti

    A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s renewed focus on the welfare of military personnel and veterans across Nigeria.

    Daramola made the remarks on Wednesday while hosting soldiers in Ekiti State through his Citizens Appreciation Foundation during a Christmas-season outreach. 

    He noted that the welfare initiatives of the current administration have given fresh hope to active servicemen and women and significantly boosted morale within the armed forces.

    Stressing the importance of improved conditions of service, the former lawmaker said soldiers who are adequately supported are better motivated to perform their constitutional duties with discipline, professionalism, and integrity. 

    He highlighted welfare packages such as timely remuneration, decent living conditions, healthcare, and support for families as critical to sustaining military morale and loyalty to the nation.

    Daramola also lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, other service chiefs, and the Minister of Defence, Major General Christopher Musa (rtd.), for prioritising the welfare of troops. He observed that enhanced welfare has directly contributed to improved security, safety, and stability for millions of Nigerians.

    Explaining his outreach, Daramola said it was aimed at honouring soldiers who risk their lives daily to protect the nation, often remaining on duty during holidays while others celebrate with their families. 

    “These men and women are true patriots who put duty above personal comfort. Our outreach is to show that Nigerians recognize and deeply appreciate their sacrifices,” he said.

    He urged citizens to acknowledge and support military personnel while they are still in active service rather than waiting until they become veterans. 

    Daramola pledged to continue his non-political advocacy to promote public recognition of the sacrifices of security personnel, noting that such appreciation strengthens military–civil relations and inspires greater patriotism.

  • Jigawa governor signs ₦901.84bn 2026 budget, emphasizes people-oriented development

    Jigawa governor signs ₦901.84bn 2026 budget, emphasizes people-oriented development

    Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has signed into law the 2026 Appropriation Bill totaling over ₦901.84 billion, describing it as a true reflection of the aspirations and needs of the state’s residents.

    The governor assented to the budget on Tuesday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Dutse, noting that the estimates were shaped by inputs gathered through a state-wide citizens’ engagement programme.

    Governor Namadi’s approval followed the Jigawa State House of Assembly’s passage of the appropriation bill in less than 24 hours, alongside the approval of the 27 local government councils’ budgets amounting to ₦288 billion.

    Tagged “Budget of Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa II,” the 2026 fiscal plan was initially presented to the House on November 25, 2025. 

    The budget prioritises capital expenditure, which accounts for about 77 per cent of total spending, with significant allocations to education (over 26 per cent) and agriculture, reflecting the administration’s development agenda.

    Speaking after signing the bill, Governor Namadi said the budget is realistic and people-oriented, capturing the critical needs and priorities of Jigawa residents.

    “The content of this budget is based on inputs gathered during our citizens’ engagement programme across the 27 local government councils of the state,” he stated.

    He also commended the State House of Assembly for its swift and thorough scrutiny of the bill and praised the State Executive Council for coordinating the citizens’ engagement process and ensuring public demands were reflected in the budget.

  • Sokoto unveils strategic policy to boost ease of doing business

    Sokoto unveils strategic policy to boost ease of doing business

    The Sokoto State government has unveiled an approved strategic action plan aimed at strengthening measures to enhance ease of doing business for both prospective and existing investors in the state.

    The announcement was made on Wednesday at the end of the state’s 17th regular Executive Council meeting briefing by the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Nasiru Aliyu Dantsoho. 

    He explained that the policy reform is part of ongoing efforts to promote economic transformation and renewed development in Sokoto.

    Dantsoho said the reforms are designed to provide greater access and opportunities for both indigenes and non-indigene business communities to actively participate and expand their commercial activities across the state.

    “The same framework was approved last year to facilitate business establishment. Today, this boost has been expanded, highlighted, and approved at the Executive Council meeting,” he stated.

    He added that the government has retooled its mechanisms to encourage amicable resolutions of business disputes involving establishment, debt, and land matters, offering a responsive approach that reduces reliance on court interventions. 

    “We are ready to support a smooth process that mediates controversies effectively without resorting to litigation,” Dantsoho emphasised.

  • Reps panel on Tax reform discrepancies pledges swift report submission

    Reps panel on Tax reform discrepancies pledges swift report submission

    The House of Representatives’ ad-hoc committee investigating alleged discrepancies in the gazetted Tax Reform Acts has pledged to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the House as quickly as possible.

    The committee, chaired by Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, to deliberate on a Privilege Matter raised at plenary concerning inconsistencies between the laws passed by the National Assembly and their gazetted versions.

    During the session, members resolved to complete the investigation promptly and report back to the House to uphold legislative integrity, due process, and public confidence in the lawmaking process.

    Reaffirming the committee’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness, Chairman Betara assured on Wednesday that the findings and recommendations would be presented promptly upon conclusion of the investigation.

    The ad-hoc committee was constituted to ensure clarity, accuracy, and full conformity between legislation passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted tax reforms, in line with constitutional provisions and established legislative standards.

  • Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has paid the sum of N7 million to a former chairman of Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Fa’izu Alfindiki, whose entitlements were allegedly withheld by the Kano State Government.

    A statement on Wednesday by Senator Barau’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the cheque was presented to Alfindiki at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Senator Barau, while handing over the cheque, described the withholding of the former council chairman’s entitlements as unjust, stressing that constructive criticism remains central to democratic governance.

    He said it was wrong for any individual to be denied legitimate benefits on account of political affiliation or opinion, noting that such actions undermine freedom of speech and association.

    “Constructive criticism, like that of Fa’izu Alfindiki, is the lubricant of democracy. Without it, this system of government will not flourish,” the Deputy Senate President said.

    Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed concern that Alfindiki’s entitlements were withheld because of his political stance and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after receiving the cheque, Alfindiki thanked the Deputy President of the Senate for what he described as a show of solidarity, saying he had no regrets about speaking out.

    He said the intervention reaffirmed his confidence in the APC, adding that the party stood by its members in difficult times.

    Alfindiki also expressed gratitude to Senator Barau for what he described as a personal and political encouragement, noting that the gesture had restored his faith in the party’s leadership.

    The presentation took place on Tuesday evening at the National Assembly, according to the statement.

  • Youth clash: Army vows to maintain peace in Ugborodo/Ogidigben communities

    Youth clash: Army vows to maintain peace in Ugborodo/Ogidigben communities

    The Headquarters of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has assured residents of Ugborodo and Ogidigben communities in Warri Southwest council area of Delta State, of its resolve to maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    The development followed the clash of Itsekiri youths at the weekend, which left one Emiko Onuwaje dead.

    In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Brigade said it had taken note of allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the crisis, warning that actions aimed at prolonging tensions would no longer be tolerated.

    The statement signed by Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed that troops had been deployed to the area and that the situation had been brought under control.

    “The end-state is to ensure peaceful resolution of the crisis between the parties involved,” the Brigade said, cautioning stakeholders against any attempts to drag troops into communal disputes.

    It added that personnel would continue to operate professionally in line with the rules of engagement and with respect for the fundamental human rights of citizens.

    Meanwhile, the Commander of 63 Brigade and Sector 1 Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, has called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

    He urged members of the public to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of individuals seeking to fuel the crisis, assuring that normalcy would be restored in Warri and its environs.

    Prominent Warri businessman, Chief Ayirimi Emami, and former Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Mofe Pirah, had earlier condemned the killing of Onuwaje, describing the incident as unfortunate and calling for restraint and justice.

  • Okpebholo receives report on MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Okpebholo receives report on MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has received a report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly, which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

    The Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

    Governor Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report, said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

    He said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

    Okpebholo said the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel, having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

    He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

    Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotel despite investing over ₦28bn.

    “Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC

    “Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

    In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

    It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete the renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

    The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert the same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

    “That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

    “The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, the same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

    “That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary steps to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

     Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and the Radisson Blu hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

  • Oborevwori preaches love, unity, Christ-like living at Christmas

    Oborevwori preaches love, unity, Christ-like living at Christmas

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has felicitated with Deltans on the celebration of 2025 Christmas, calling on them to embrace love, unity, and Christ-like living as the foundation for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the state.

    Oborevwori, in his Christmas message, issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, urged Deltans and residents to use the season to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, compassion, and selfless service exemplified by Jesus Christ, while renewing their commitment to building a more harmonious society.

    The governor commended the people of Delta State for their resilience, unity, and steadfast support, noting that their cooperation had been instrumental to the progress recorded so far.

    He said the Yuletide season offers an opportunity for thanksgiving and renewed hope, reassuring Deltans that his administration remains committed to delivering good governance and inclusive development in line with his administration’s MORE Agenda.

    Oborevwori highlighted notable achievements recorded in the last two years, particularly in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and security. 

    He cited the ongoing construction of major roads and flyovers across the state, improvements in primary and secondary healthcare facilities, and sustained investments in human capital development as clear demonstrations of his administration’s resolve to improve the well-being of the people.

    Oborevwori also acknowledged progress made in workers’ welfare, peace-building efforts, and social intervention programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups, including widows, women, and youths, stressing that these initiatives have helped to promote stability and stimulate economic activities across the state.

    Assuring the people of better days ahead, the governor disclosed that robust provisions had been made in the 2026 Delta State budget to further enhance their living conditions. 

    According to him, the budget prioritises infrastructure expansion, job creation, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth empowerment to drive sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

    “The 2026 budget has been carefully designed to consolidate on our gains and address the pressing needs of our people. It reflects our commitment to improving the quality of life of Deltans and ensuring that development reaches every part of the state,” he stated.

    Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his pledge to remain focused on people-oriented policies, programmes, and projects, assuring that no community would be left behind in the State Government’s development efforts.

    He urged Deltans to continue to support his administration and to uphold peace, tolerance, and unity, noting that collective effort remains vital to achieving the state’s long-term development plans.

    While wishing residents a joyful Christmas celebration, the governor prayed for a peaceful and prosperous New Year, expressing confidence that Delta State would witness greater progress and economic opportunities in the years ahead.

    “Christmas reminds us of the power of hope and the triumph of light over darkness. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, let us work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Delta State for present and future generations,” he added.

  • Christmas: CAN urges churches to celebrate with vigilance

    Christmas: CAN urges churches to celebrate with vigilance

    The national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday urged churches to celebrate Christmas with heightened security consciousness. 

    In a Christmas message to Christians and people of goodwill on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said while the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises hope, light, and God’s abiding love for humanity, the safety of worshippers must remain paramount during the festive season.

    He called on church leaders, particularly those in areas prone to CAN security threats, to take practical steps to protect lives, stressing that vigilance and responsibility were essential expressions of Christian stewardship.

    Okoh said, “As churches gather to worship and rejoice during this festive season, Christian leaders and congregations must do so with wisdom, vigilance, and a deep sense of responsibility. The protection of human life is sacred and must remain paramount.”

    The CAN president advised that in locations where security presence was inadequate, church leaders should prayerfully consider holding services in safer venues or organising smaller gatherings that allow for better protection of members.

    He explained that the guidance was motivated by love and care, not fear, adding that Christians were called to be wise stewards of the lives entrusted to them by God.

    He also appealed to security agencies to increase their presence around places of worship during the Christmas season, while urging churches to sustain close collaboration with law enforcement authorities to ensure peaceful and hitch-free celebrations nationwide.

    Beyond security concerns, the CAN President urged Nigerians to reflect on the core message of Christmas: love, peace, patience, sacrifice, and compassion, even in the midst of economic difficulties and social uncertainties.

    He reassured Christians that the celebration of Christ’s birth remained a reminder that God had not abandoned Nigeria and that hope was still alive despite the nation’s challenges.

    Okoh further called on Nigerians to remember those affected by violence, displacement, and hardship, urging citizens to recommit to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and national unity.

    “United by our shared humanity and common destiny, we must renew our commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion, mindful that Nigeria is our only home and its future depends on our collective resolve.”

    While praying for joy, peace, and hope to fill Nigerian homes and churches, the CAN President expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in renewed faith, healing, and lasting peace for the country.

  • Abia CP tours strategic locations ahead of Christmas to boost security

    Abia CP tours strategic locations ahead of Christmas to boost security

    The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has conducted a strategic tour of key locations across the state in preparation for the Christmas celebrations.

    The areas visited by the police chief included Ubakala Junction, Isiala-Ngwa Junction, Ariaria Junction, Osisioma Flyover, Bata Junction, Obikabia Junction, Ngwa Road, Okpara Square, Umudike Junction along Ikot-Ekpene Road, and Uchenna Bus Stop, among others.

    Speaking to journalists after the tour on Wednesday, Isa described the exercise as part of the command’s overt security operational strategy to ensure public safety, maintain order, enhance police visibility, and supervise activities before, during, and after the Yuletide season.

    He explained that the tour allowed him to conduct a first-hand appraisal of security conditions in the critical areas. 

    The commissioner revealed that the state command has strategically deployed personnel to places of worship, event centres, highways, inter-state routes, critical infrastructures, and other high-density public areas to prevent criminal activities, traffic congestion, and road-related incidents.

    Isa added that proactive raids on criminal hideouts are being sustained in collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage, in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police.

    He urged residents to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.