The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • UPDATED: Appeal Court affirms judgment barring VIO from stopping, impounding vehicles

    UPDATED: Appeal Court affirms judgment barring VIO from stopping, impounding vehicles

    …cost against VIO rises to N3.5m

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed the October 2, 2024 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as VIO, from further stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on the road and imposing fines on motorists.

    In a judgment on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court resolved the three issues identified for determination against the appellant, DRTS.

    Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1243/2024, was without merit.

    Justice Oyewumi awarded a cost of N1million against the appellant and in favour of the respondent, an Abuja-based rights activist and public interest lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.

    The N1million cost awarded by the Court of Appeal is in addition to the N2.5million cost earlier awarded by the Federal High Court against the DRTS and its officials.

    Abubakar had sued before the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming that some DRTS officials had confiscated his Honda car without affording him a fair hearing.

    Sued along with the DRTS are the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander, Jabi, the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    In the October 2, 2024 judgment, Justice Evelyn Maha upheld Abubakar’s case and granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiff.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Appeal Court affirms judgment barring VIO from stopping, impounding vehicles

    Justice Maha agreed with the plaintiff that no law empowers the respondents to stop, impound, confiscate, and seize vehicles or impose a fine on motorists.

    The judge held that the first to the fourth respondents, who are under the control of the fifth respondent (FCT minister), are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles and/or impose fines on motorists.

    She issued an order restraining the first to the fifth respondents, either through their agents, servants, and or assigns, from impounding, confiscating the vehicles of motorists, and or imposing fines on any motorist.

    Justice Maha held that doing so is wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

    The judge also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies, or anybody acting on behalf of the first respondent, from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.

    She proceeded to award a cost of N2.5million against the defendants.

  • Seyi Tinubu, others hounoured at 9th African Giants Award, Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant

    Seyi Tinubu, others hounoured at 9th African Giants Award, Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant

    The 9th edition of the African Giants Award and Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant took place on 30th November 2025 in Abuja, drawing prominent personalities, industry leaders, and entertainment figures from across the country. The annual event was organized by Black Giant Signature and hosted by its CEO, Mr. Okpe Lawrence Okpe.

    This year’s ceremony attracted distinguished guests, including the son of the President, Seyi Tinubu, who was represented by his personal assistant. 

    The event, anchored by Sugar Sugar of AOP Love FM Abuja, kicked off with guests arriving in large numbers. Nollywood actors, politicians, business leaders, and media executives were among the attendees.

    Several high-profile individuals were honoured during the awards segment. Chief Uzochukwu Akinedozi, CEO of Blake Resort Abuja, received the Entertainment Personality of the Year Award. The Humanitarian Award went to Oba Barr. Chukwudi Oli.

    The APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, was honoured as Political Man of the Year, while Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South) received the Political Icon of the Year Award.

    Dr. Hajia Ramatu Ibrahim was named Arewa Woman of the Year, while other awardees included Mr. Ali Adoyi Abah (Media Personality of the Year), Chief David Daser, Engr. Tony Nakale (GM, Bingham TV), among others.

    The event also featured the grand finale of the Face of Art Nigeria Beauty Pageant. Out of 30 contestants, seven finalists took to the stage, with 19-year-old Precious Mawah from Edo State emerging as the 9th Face of Art Nigeria.

    Read Also: Seyi Tinubu gets kudos for initiative

    Other titles awarded include: 1st Runner-Up / Face of Art Charity Nigeria – Miss Philomina Enenu John (Benue State), Face of Art Entertainment Nigeria – Miss Patience Danadebe, Face of Black Giant – Miss Ruth Danjuma

    In his remarks, the organiser, Mr. Okpe Lawrence Okpe, expressed gratitude to all guests for their overwhelming turnout, noting that the 10th edition will coincide with the 10th anniversary of Black Giant Signature.

    One of the awardees, Madam Aisha Kwalmi, founder of Nana Berry Orphanage, appreciated the recognition, saying, “I have received many national and international awards, but this means more to me.”

    The colourful ceremony concluded with the official crowning of the beauty queens, setting the stage for an even bigger celebration in the coming year.

  • Pilots training gets major boost as IBUAM partners Auxano Aviation to purchase 30 Jabiru aircraft

    Pilots training gets major boost as IBUAM partners Auxano Aviation to purchase 30 Jabiru aircraft

    The Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) has taken a bold step to further strengthen pilot training in Nigeria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Auxano Consulting Nigeria Limited, operating as Auxano Aviation, for the purchase of 30 Jabiru J430 training aircraft. The agreement is designed to expand the university’s aviation training capacity and support the development of skilled aeronautical professionals in the country.  

    The signing ceremony took place on Thursday during the Nigeria International Airshow event at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.  

    At the signing ceremony was the Founder and CEO of IBUAM, Isaac Balami and the Vice Chancellor who is a seasoned professor, AVM (Rtd) P.O Jemitola. 

    The MoU signing was also witnessed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Kayamo, who said that with the signing of the MoU and other activities, the airshow is considered to be the best ever held on African soil.  

    Under the terms of the MoU, Auxano Aviation, an authorized distributor of Jabiru Aircraft in Nigeria will deliver the aircraft in structured phases, supplying 10 aircraft every year and completing the full delivery of all 30 units within three years. The partnership is also expected to advance research, flight operations training, and general aviation development nationwide.

    The MoU outlines Auxano Aviation’s responsibilities, which include providing aircraft registration support, airworthiness documentation, initial spares, tools, and handbooks. The company will also offer familiarization training for IBUAM instructors and maintenance personnel, alongside periodic technical oversight and access to Jabiru-approved parts and services.  

    Speaking during the signing, IBUAM VC, Prof. Jemitola, said the acquisition represents a bold and strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s aviation workforce.

    According to him, “This partnership marks a significant boost to our training capacity. With 30 modern training aircraft coming in phases, IBUAM is positioning itself as a leading centre for world-class pilot training in Africa.”  

    He emphasized that the phased delivery model provides stability and ensures the institution can expand its training operations sustainably.

    Also speaking, the university founder, Isaac Balami said, “Receiving 10 aircraft every year allows us to scale progressively and maintain high safety and operational standards. It ensures that our students have consistent access to functional, and reliable training aircraft.”

    Balami also expressed confidence in Auxano Aviation’s technical depth and long-term support commitments.

    “Auxano Aviation is not only supplying aircraft; they are supplying expertise. Their technical support will help us maintain NCAA-compliant training and aircraft management practices,”he said. 

    In line with the MoU, IBUAM will deploy the aircraft strictly for student pilot training, aeronautical research, and flight operations programs. The university is required to maintain NCAA standards, ensure only qualified instructors and engineers operate the aircraft, and provide adequate hangarage, security, and operational infrastructure.  

    The MoU is effective immediately.

    Meanwhile, in part fulfillment of the agreement, two aircraft would be delivered to IBUAM in December this year while 10 would be received in 2026. Another set would be delivered in 2027 to complete the deal. 

    While some of the aircraft would be delivered in whole, others will be delivered in pieces and assembled by IBUAM and 7star GLobal Airlines, to form an additional training opportunity for students and other trainees. 

    The partnership is considered one of the largest aviation training aircraft acquisitions by a higher institution in Nigeria, an indication of a renewed drive to modernize pilot training and raise the bar in aviation education.

  • Otuaro applauds Tinubu as nine PAP foreign scholarship beneficiaries graduate in UK varsities

    Otuaro applauds Tinubu as nine PAP foreign scholarship beneficiaries graduate in UK varsities

    The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s love for the Niger Delta following the graduation of nine foreign postgraduate scholarship students of PAP from their various universities in the United Kingdom.

     A statement signed on Thursday by Otuaro’s Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, said the nine students successfully graduated from their master’s degree programs.

    The successful scholars were described as the first graduates in the offshore postgraduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by Otuaro for the 2024-2025 academic session.

    They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Dundee, and the University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.

    The statement said 711 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship beneficiaries were expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.

    Otuaro, during a graduation reception for the scholars in London, congratulated them, saying they completed their programmes in record time to demonstrate their seriousness.

    He said they justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.

    He said, “We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level”.

    Otuaro reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of the Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.

    Otuaro said it was for this reason that he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session, with 200 for foreign scholarships.

    Read Also: Otuaro gets plaudits on PAP reforms

    Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.

    Within the period, he also deployed 162 students from the region for postgraduate programmes in targeted disciplines in UK universities.

    Otuaro said, “This is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.

    “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.

    “We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”

  • UPDATED: Tinubu swears in Musa as Defence Minister hours after Senate confirmation

    UPDATED: Tinubu swears in Musa as Defence Minister hours after Senate confirmation

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd), as the new Minister of Defence, in a swift transition aimed at stabilising leadership within the nation’s security architecture.

    The brief ceremony, held at the State House, Abuja, came almost 24 hours after the Senate screened and confirmed the retired military chief.

    President Tinubu had sent Musa’s nomination to the Senate on Tuesday, following the resignation of former Minister of Defense, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.

    General Musa’s assumption of office comes at a time of heightened security challenges across the country, with the administration counting on his extensive military background to reinforce ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

  • Troops arrest 74 terrorists, rescue 318 kidnap victims In November

    Troops arrest 74 terrorists, rescue 318 kidnap victims In November

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops on internal security operations across the country arrested 74 terrorists and their collaborators, and rescued 318 kidnap victims.  

    It said troops also arrested 25 oil thieves in the South-South region, while 69 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in the North East in the past month.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday. 

    General Onoja said troops destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products worth N217,664,618.00

    He said troops also recovered 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of diesel within the month.

    Onoja said, “For the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued.

    “Troops foiled oil theft worth Two Hundred and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen Naira (N217,664,618.00) representing quantity 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated,”

    The Defence spokesperson said the military high command had commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum.

    Onoja emphasised the media’s role to educate the citizens on military successes in the battle against terrorists and other non-state actors, and other activities. He solicited continued sharing of credible information to enhance military operations.

    He said: “We continue to solicit the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem that was launched by Mr President on the 2 December 25 at the Presidential Villa. 

    ‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continuing to operate within the ambit of the law.’ 

    He assured Nigerians that the military high command was enhancing operational tempo in the light of the renewed security threats until peace is returned to all troubled areas of the country.

    “The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are employing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,” Onoja said. 

  • Lagos advances economic planning transition at 2025 Roundtable

    Lagos advances economic planning transition at 2025 Roundtable

    The Lagos state government has further strengthened its long-term economic strategy with the hosting of the 3rd economic roundtable, convened to refine policy direction, accelerate sectoral growth, and support a more inclusive and sustainable Lagos economy.

    Held in Lagos, the forum with the theme: “Building Forward: Unlocking Emerging Sectors for an Inclusive, Resilient, and Prosperous Lagos Economy,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and development stakeholders to examine Lagos’ economic priorities for 2026 and beyond.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, said the initiative reflects the State’s commitment to evidence-based planning, responsible governance, and shared prosperity.

    She noted that Lagos’ resilience as Nigeria’s commercial backbone is the result of planning and structured partnerships, not coincidence.

    According to her, insights generated from the forum will directly influence the State’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), shape the 2026 appropriation, and support key reforms under the THEMES+ development agenda.

    Ojo emphasised that economic transformation cannot be state-driven alone, calling for expanded collaboration with private investors, researchers, civil society institutions, and global partners.

    Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Ope George, described Lagos as being at a crucial stage in its economic evolution.

    He stressed the need for smarter, innovative, and adaptive planning models to navigate demographic growth, climate-related pressures, and global market shifts.

    He outlined key focus areas of the State’s growth plan—urban regeneration, creative industry expansion, water-based transportation, and institutional reforms to consolidate Lagos’ standing as Africa’s most economically advanced sub-national entity.

    George reaffirmed the government’s pledge to data-driven planning and equitable economic development, ensuring that “the dividends of progress are enjoyed by every Lagosian.”

    Speaking on Lagos’ maritime economic agenda, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Mr. Emmanuel Damilola, highlighted the major strides being made through the Omi-Eko water transport modernization programme.

    He explained that the goal is not necessarily to abolish road congestion, but to significantly ease it by offering reliable alternatives via waterways and rail systems.

    According to him, the Omi-Eko initiative is anchored on clean mobility, climate resilience, and economic connectivity, with plans for more than 75 hybrid or electric ferries, 15 operational routes, and 25 upgraded terminals.

    The project, he added, benefits from a €110 million EU-funded grant, the largest of its kind in the world, supported by state investment and private sector participation through the Intelligent Ticketing System.

    He projected that the initiative will transport 20–30 million passengers annually, cut carbon emissions by over 41,000 tonnes, create thousands of jobs, boost coastal commerce, and open access for riverine populations.

    He further assured that informal operators who currently account for around 90% of the sector will not be displaced but integrated through support programmes and community-driven engagement.

    A panel discussion featuring the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Oluyinka Olumide; Prof. Olufemi Shuaib of UNILAG; the CEO of Chocolate City, Mr. Abuchi Peter Ugwu; UNILAG transportation and spatial planning specialist, Prof. Samuel Oni; and Dr. Amina Olohunlana of UNILAG, reiterated commitments from stakeholders to accelerate Lagos’ economic renewal through innovation, infrastructure scaling, sustainability, and social inclusivity.

    Conclusions drawn at the Roundtable are expected to shape policy outcomes that will strengthen economic resilience and equity, guiding Lagos toward a more competitive and prosperous future in the coming decade.

  • BREAKING: Ex-CDS Musa takes oath of office as defence minister

    BREAKING: Ex-CDS Musa takes oath of office as defence minister

    Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) has taken oath of office as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence. 

    Recall the Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Musa (retd.), as new Minister of Defence following a rigorous five-hour screening by lawmakers.

    Musa, nominated on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu following the resignation of Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed, on health grounds, pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and national territory.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga in an update on his verified X handle said: “General Christopher Musa takes oath of office as Nigeria’s new Defence minister.”

    Details shortly…

  • Insecurity: Tinubu needs our prayers to end banditry, says APC chieftain

    Insecurity: Tinubu needs our prayers to end banditry, says APC chieftain

    A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Olabode Omoyele, has called on Nigerians to pray and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as his administration intensifies efforts to curb the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges bedevilling the country.

    Omoyele said President Tinubu had shown enormous commitment through various security reforms but stressed that the battle against violent crimes required both governmental action and collective spiritual support.

    He made the appeal on Wednesday at the empowerment organised for the residents of the 13 wards at Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

    The APC chieftain expressed optimism that the insecurity bedevilling the country would soon be surmounted following the ongoing efforts of President Tinubu-led administration at tackling the escalating activities of the bandits ravaging the Northeast and Northcentral.

    “At this moment in our country, Mr President (Tinubu) deserves our support and prayers as he is making efforts to end the ongoing insecurity challenges in some parts of the country.

    “I will also urge our people to be security-conscious in their environments. Security matter should be a business of everyone, and I believe very soon this challenging time will be over,” Omoyele said.

    He observed that insecurity remained a nationwide issue that could not be resolved overnight, stressing that the government of President Tinubu had continued to invest in modern equipment, recruit more security personnel and restructure command systems to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response.

    praising the President for his various reforms at addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Omoyele asked Nigerians to be very vigilant in the environment.

    He explained that the empowerment initiative, with the disbursement of items worth N100 million to the beneficiaries was born out of his utmost passion for community development and desire to create meaningful impact in the lives of people across Okitipupa Local Government Area.

    Omoyele, who is also the founder of Olabode Humanitarian Foundation, added that the empowerment initiative was a strategic move to support the good work and laudable performance of President Tinubu and the Minister for Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    Read Also: Ondo APC endorses Tinubu for 2027, moves to digitise membership register

    According to him, Tunji-Ojo has continued to work relentlessly via various platforms such as the Asiwaju Mandate Group and PBAT Continuity Project in Ondo State to ensure that the good works of the Mr President continue beyond 2027.

    “This initiative is driven by my commitment to making life better for our people, particularly the vulnerable. We must continue to support one another to build a stronger and more prosperous community, This is my personal project sponsored by myself to give back to the society,” he said.

    The major highlight of the event was the official launch of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Continuity Project in Ondo State, led by its Director-General, Pastor Femi Agagu, former Commissioner for Education and former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Olusegun Agagu.

    Some of the items distributed include 1000 10kg bags of rice and N10,000 cash presentation to 1000 widows, 1000 spraying pumps to farmers, 1000 bottles of herbicides to farmers, N50,000 cash presentation to 200 youths, N50,000 cash presentation to 50 men and another N50,000 cash to 100 women. Over 1000 cutlasses were also shared to farmers among others.

  • FG: We’ll defeat terrorism, banditry

    FG: We’ll defeat terrorism, banditry

    …urges citizens cooperation 

    The federal government has assured Nigerians that it will defeat terrorism, banditry and other security challenges confronting the country.

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, gave the assurance on Thursday during a national dialogue on “A Whole-of-Society Approach to the Prevention of Violence and Conflict in Northern Nigeria,” organised by the National Peace Committee, The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in Abuja.

    Ribadu warned that any individual or group who attempts to exploit communities, spread terror or undermine national security will face decisive action. 

    He emphasised the significance of citizens’ participation in ending insecurity, urging them to cooperate collectively with the government to defeat the enemies of the state.

    The NSA said Nigeria has gone through difficult periods, perhaps more than many other nations, but still standing.

    He noted that Nigeria has recorded 775 convictions in terrorism related prosecution “each one representing not just a statistic, but a life restored and a community stabilised,

    According to Ribadu, these achievements reflect what becomes possible when government institutions, the judiciary, security agencies, and communities work together in good faith.

    “But we must not be complacent. Sustainable peace requires that dialogues like this do not end with speeches. 

    “We must translate discussions into concrete, measurable actions that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust, and improve security across northern Nigeria and beyond,” he said. 

    According to him, Nigeria is the only country in the Sahel region with a functioning democracy, and would remain fully committed to law, order, and the protection of citizens. 

    “Anyone, individual or group, who exploits communities, spreads terror or attempts to undermine national unity will face coordinated and decisive action, in line with our obligations to protect human rights and safeguard lives,” Ribadu said.

    The NSA assured that the nation’s security forces will continue to make sacrifices daily, adding that our security personnel work tirelessly in extremely challenging circumstances to keep the country safe 

    He said, “We are going through painful times, but this phase will pass. Nations across our region—from the Sahel to East Africa and South Asia—face similar or even more protracted challenges. 

    Read Also: Stakeholders advocate improved interagency collaboration to curb terrorism, others

    “Nigeria remains the only functioning democracy in the entire Sahel, and we must protect that achievement. We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender,

    “I ask for continued prayers, understanding and patience from our religious and traditional leaders. Your moral leadership is essential and deeply appreciated.”

    Ribadu stressed that national security does not begin at the federal level, adding that most of the problems we face are rooted in local dynamics.

    He emphasized that communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local government authorities and state governments have critical roles to play in ensuring security. 

    “When communities are empowered to resolve their own disputes and prevent violence, the need for deployment of armed forces reduces significantly,” he said.