The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Edo has recorded progress in one year, says deputy governor

    Edo has recorded progress in one year, says deputy governor

    Edo state deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, said the state has recorded remarkable progress across key sectors in the last 365 days.

    Idahosa, who spoke at a colloquium to mark Governor Monday Okpebholo’s one year in office, said the governor embarked on a mission to transform Edo State and restore hope to the people with courage and a deep sense of purpose.

    He said the strategic interventions, intelligence coordination, and strong political will deployed by the governor have yielded results in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, and security.

    Idahosa said the administration has remained steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    “We have taken bold steps to reform our systems, strengthen institutions, and empower our people.

    “In doing so, we have built enduring partnerships with development partners, the private sector, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and knowledge that drive growth and development in our State.

    “While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognise that challenges remain. We are mindful of the issues of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and the deficit in road and other critical infrastructure, many of which had collapsed before we assumed office.

    “We are not deterred. With determination and people-oriented policies, the administration of Okpebholo remains resolute in its mission to build a better Edo State, one where every citizen enjoys access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and security.

    “We are equally committed to enhancing the ease of doing business and creating a transparent, investor-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investments.”

  • Increasing breakdown in family marriages is a ticking time bomb – Alaafin

    Increasing breakdown in family marriages is a ticking time bomb – Alaafin

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has said that a working child protection system is a prerequisite for any nation aspiring for growth and development.

    He stated that planning for development without an enforceable set of laws, policies, regulations and services across social sectors could only amount to a futile exercise.

    He said, “Children represent the future and ensuring their healthy growth and development ought to be a prime concern of all. It is a fact that nations that experience prosperity are where family stability is jealously guarded.

    “To achieve global development goals, Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides for the protection of children in and out of the home. Similarly, Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003 provides for children’s rights.

    “This explains why, in spite of being regarded as precious gifts from God and best hope for the future, children are still subjected to abuses and neglect.”

    Oba Owoade gave the admonition yesterday while addressing pupils from the Federal College of Education (Special) Basic School from Durbar, Oyo town.

    The monarch, accompanied by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi, lamented that today, fundamental rights of children are being encroached upon daily without appropriate sanction.

    “This is so, not because we do not have laws and policies on child protection, but due to a lack of social consensus and political will to successfully implement laws and policies. It could be heartbreaking reading about inhuman and degrading treatment being meted out to Nigerian children both at home and institutional level.

    “In some schools, it is still usual to see children being subjected to all forms of corporal punishment. Child abuse also occurs at home when parents unduly yell, threaten, reject or ignore the child.

    “It could be shocking to see the extent to which some parents rain curses on their children. Some even fail to provide basic needs, adequate food, clothing, hygiene and medical care or support for their children.

    “All these can lead to interference with the child’s normal social or psychological development, leaving the child with lifelong psychological scars.

    “Also, sexual abuses, which include but are not limited to child marriage, are a form of child abuse that has become a scourge in our society. Cases abound where fathers, uncles, guardians, male teachers, clerics, among others, have sexually molested underage girls.

    “Some engage in child abuse for ritual purposes, and most time this leads to mental disorder on the part of the abused child, with perpetrators escaping sanction.

    “Here is an extreme weakness of child protection systems in Nigeria, and more worrisome is that there seems to be no reprieve in sight for the victims, as children’s rights advocates complain of weak child protection structures in the country.”

    Alaafin further explained that the only way citizens can cease to be prisoners of their historical geographical spaces, times, bounded by cultural languages and societies into which they were born, is to completely revolutionise their historiography.

    ‘’The key to national reconstruction lies in accepting the past as a source of generation, as this will enable our present to merge with our past and further into an enlarged future. Only then can we really identify with what constitutes our real local resource base on which to build a virile, healthy future, for ourselves and our descendants”.

    Oba Owoade urged Nigerians to support and be patient with the present administration in its sincere and painstaking efforts at transforming the country.

    Commenting on the diminishing value system, he harped on the role of the family in maintaining a stable and crime-free society, which he said cannot be overemphasised.

    “The increasing rate of family marriage breakdown and its attendant effect on the children and the society at large has become a ticking time-bomb because it has given rise to an increase in criminal activities by the children of the broken homes.

    “It is important that we recognise the role of marriage in building a strong society, especially if we want to give children the best chance in life. What you learn from a very early age has a great deal to say about the person you will eventually become and the life you lead”, he added.

    The traditional value system of the Nigerian society, like most other African societies, he observed, is characterised by such enduring features as collectivism, loyalty to authority and community, truthfulness, honesty, hard work, tolerance, love for others, mutual harmony, and co-existence and identification of individuals with one another.

    He said further, “Other distinctive features of the Nigerian traditional society are abhorrence for theft, incest and high values for life. Stealing was considered extremely disgraceful, and lives were highly valued. All these values which made society secure and safe have all gradually been discarded or lost.

    “However, new obnoxious values have succeeded the lost ones, as citizens are often acquainted with modernity and civilisation.”

    The monarch asserted that most traditional “Nigerian endearing values and morals have been traded off for western values, which portend a dangerous precedent.”

    While urging the pupils to be serious about their studies in order to be responsible citizens in the future, Oba Owoade also enjoined management of the School not to relent on its oars in imparting adequate knowledge on the special needs pupils.

    The highlight of the occasion was the cultural song performance for the Alaafin.

  • “Gokana people killed my father, not Soldiers” Kobani insists

    “Gokana people killed my father, not Soldiers” Kobani insists

    …says but we chose the part of peace
    …demand release of remains of four Ogoni Martyrs
    …says they deserve dignified burial
    …Lauds Tinubu for genuine efforts for peace, dev. of Ogoniland

    A former Minister of State for Industry, Kenneth Kobani has alleged that his father, Late Edward Kobani and three others (Ogoni four) were killed by the people of Gokana, their own kingsmen.

    Kobani who spoke at an event at Bodo-city, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State Monday, to mark 31 years of the brutal killing of the four Leaders insisted that the killers of the men were known and can be identified, adding that the Leaders were murdered in the daylight.

    He however assured that the affected families have chosen the part of peace and reconciliation over revenge.

    The event was organised by Gokana Unity Forum and other Gokana people. The organisers demanded for the release of remains of the slain chiefs for dignified and proper burial, insisting that the deserve rest.

    Recall that four prominent Ogoni chiefs were gruesomely murdered in a mob action in Giokoo community of Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, after being labelled ‘Vultures’ at the heat of Ogoni agitation for environmental Justice, 31 years ago.

    They are, Edward Kobani Albert Badey, Theopilus Orage, and Samuel Orage.

    Their killing led to the arrest, trial, conviction and execution of the then leader of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni people (MOSOP), Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others(Ogoni nine), by the military junta. They were allegedly found culpable in the murder of Ogoni four.

    However, the Federal Government (FG), led by President Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, granted Presidential Pardon on Late Saro-Wiwa and eight others, and Posthumous National Honours Award on the slain four.

    This is to foster peace and reconciliation among the people of the area, even as it
    is in line with years of MOSOP’s demand to the FG to clear Saro-Wiwa and others’ names from the criminal(murder), insisting that they were innocent of the charges against them.

    MOSOP has consistently claimed that Ogoni four were murdered by Soldiers deployed to Ogoniland by Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC), at the peak of the peoples agitation for environmental justice in their area.

    But addressing the crowd at the event, the former Minister maintained that blaming Shell and Soldiers for the killings are mere cover-up for the mob killers, insisting that they are known persons.

    Participants who later took to a peaceful procession to the homes of some of the victims claded in black attire to depict their mournful mood, and displayed placards with various inscriptions . Some of the writeups read, ” only the truth will set us free, MOSOP accept the truth of the murder of Ogoni four’, ‘MOSOP kills her own leaders, the souls of Ogoni four needs rest’, we must give dignified burial to Ogoni four.” among others.

    Addressing the people, Kobani said, “Distinguished sons of Bodo city and Bomu, you know this is very uncomfortable for some of us, it’s been 31 years since my father(Edward Kobani), Albert Baddey, Samuel Orage and Theopilus Orage were brutally murdered at Giokoo by Gokana people. I want to emphasize that they were murdered by our own people. This event took place in broad day light so the culprits were identifiable they didn’t cover their faces.”

    He reiterated that the affected families genuinely decided to let go of all hurts and take to the side of peace and reconciliation, but disappointed that MOSOP rather than comply with the recommendations of the FG investigative panel of inquiry on the killings chaired by Justice Chukwudifo Oputa (aka Oputa Panel ), have continued to celebrate Ogoni nine priding them as their heroes, while ignoring the other four slain leaders.

    They noted that the attitude is contrary to the panel resolutions that were signed by families of Ogoni nine and four, and their Lawyers at the commission.

    “Now you ask me how did I feel, or what was my response, you know we had every reason to seek revenge but we chose forgiveness we had every reason to hate people for what they’ve done to us but we felt that to do so will only play into the hands of the evil men who murdered these great men, we chose to leave our bitterness behind and chose forgiveness over anger; this is so because in the end the families of the Ogoni four felt that our real strength did not depend on our anger or pain or sadness but how we rise above what had happened.

    “This is the reason we agreed to engage those who we felt we were in opposition to, because we felt that Ogoni needed to move forward.”

    Speaking further, Kobani who was also a one time Commissioner in the State regretted that MOSOP ignored the resolutions parties reached and signed to in Oputa Panel and have continued to celebrate the “bravery” of Ogoni nine, year after year.

    ‘Unfortunately apart from the early period when Ladum Meete was president of MOSOP subsequent MOSOP president and those who have held swayed in MOSOP have forgotten about the Oputa panel and the resolutions that were jointly signed by our families and the families of the Ogoni nine and their lawyers.

    “As the result, every year we sit down and they say they were celebrating Ogoni nine and their heroes of Ogoni; we’re even told by some persons that this people didn’t commit the crime.

    “The killing of Ogoni four happened in broad day light it wasn’t hidden, they didn’t hide their faces but because we felt that we needed to move on and leave all these behind us so that Ogoni will move forward some of our brothers have continued to live in denial.

    “You cannot deny what happened I’m sorry, and to pull the wool over our eyes and make the world believe that nothing happened, that the men just evaporated?, their spirits call for restitution their spirits are asking us to tell those who know where their remains are to please give us their remains.

    “Oputa panel clearly said even if Its their skulls, please let them give to us their remains; because we’ve shown enough good faith we’ve made enough sacrifices and humility on Ogoni cause, this has not been reciprocated by the other side, rather what we saw is the marcab and bizarre dance a few days ago when they sent us letters that they want to come and lay reeds

    Lay reeds on what tombs?, you want to lay reeds where the remains of these people are not there? That was an insult taken too far. Ordinarily, you all know me I’m a very pragmatic person I can absorb a lot of punishment but this is one step taken too far and they expected us to accept that nonsense? Yes we want peace.

    I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for the effort he has made to bring us together, president Obasanjo made the same thing but some people are still playing games with us, denying that what happened didn’t happen at the same time they continue to give people the impression that what happened is not true, we’re human beings we have blood in our veins I want ask every person and everybody watching this, how would you feel if you had to bury an empty casket, how would you feel if you had to bury your loved one and it’s an empty casket.?” he queried with a voice laden with sorrow.

    He warned those particularly Lawyers who he said want to use Ogoni to enrich their bank accounts to steer clear and allow the people to heal . Kobani further notes that Ogoni people are gradually coming together to face their common enemies.

    “…I hope one day that they will not have to bury empty casket in the name of burying their family member, they don’t have to endure the pains we had endured, that our four fathers were buried with an empty casket…, enough is enough Ogoni should be allowed to heal, we’ve made a lot of progress in coming together, we’ve talked among ourselves and gradually we’re begining to come together but for the nonsense that’s going on, please those who want to use Ogoni to fatten their bank accounts because they’ll say that Ogoni people are their clients leave us alone, Ogoni wants unity, Ogoni wants to be reconciled and Ogoni wants peace and progress we’ve seen enough pain and we don’t want to go somewhere.” he said.

    Other demands of the Forum are, that MOSOP should put a motion in place for a process to recover the remains of the slain four Leaders, and also tender unreserved apologies to the families of the slain Ogoni four by MOSOP for the failure of successive MOSOP Leadership to comply with Oputa Panel recommendations on the issues under review, among others.

    Speaking through Dr. Chris Barigbon, the Forum said, ‘leadership of MOSOP should close rank with relevant stakeholders and immediately recover and release of the remains of the bodies of Mr. A.T. Badey, CON, Chief E.N. Kobani, CON, Chief T.B. Orage, CON and Chief S.N. Orage, CON to their families for dignified burial;

    “MOSOP should render an unreserved public apology to the families of the Ogoni 4 for the Giokoo massacre.

    “The above demands are re-echoed following the grandstanding, shenanigans, hypocritical dispositions and theatrical silence of successive and present leadership of MOSOP to breathe life into the letters of the TOR to heal the wounds of the past and give final closure to this matter.”

    They called on Tinubu to appeal to MOSOP to comply with the demands in the interest of peace and reconciliation of Ogonis.

    “We beacon on the Federal Government of Nigeria to appeal to conscience of MOSOP to accede to the above in the interest peace and for the overall good of Ogoni”.

  • FRC boss Olowo ends tenure as UNCTAD-ISAR chair

    FRC boss Olowo ends tenure as UNCTAD-ISAR chair

    The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Dr. Rabiu Olowo, on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, formally concluded his tenure as chair of the 41st Session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

    Olowo left a legacy of global impact at the UN body as Nigeria once again affirmed its leadership in advancing global financial and sustainability reporting standards.

    The ceremony, which was marked by the conduct of the elections and formal handover of the ISAR chairmanship, constituted the conclusion of a record milestone of remarkable achievements by the FRC boss.

    Olowo was in November 2024, elected as the Chair of the 41st session of the UNCTAD-ISAR. 

    The prestigious appointment was a testament to Olowo’s exceptional leadership and expertise in corporate reporting, which he had used in transforming and repositioning the FRC.

    His emergence and successful tenure as Chair of UNCTAD-ISAR was a historic milestone of leadership at that level of global corporate reporting discourse.

    In his speech at the opening of the 42nd Session of ISAR in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday, Olowo, expressed appreciation to the Secretary-General of UNCTAD, Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, the ISAR Secretariat, and all Member States for their continued commitment to advancing high-quality, transparent, and decision-useful financial and sustainability reporting across jurisdictions, highlighted the achievements of the global body under his leadership.

    He said his tenure as chair of ISAR-41, was a privilege.

    Olowo explained, “Over the past one year, our collective efforts were guided by two central priorities: Advancing the harmonization and practical implementation of sustainability reporting, assurance, and ethical standards; and Supporting the integration of financial and sustainability reporting through digitalization.

    “These priorities reflect our shared commitment to strengthening market trust, enhancing accountability, and supporting sustainable development. The past year has demonstrated what is possible when countries, institutions, and experts work together with a unified sense of purpose.”

    Listing his key achievements, he stated: “Advancing Harmonization of Sustainability Reporting Frameworks: ISAR-41 significantly deepened the global dialogue on interoperability among sustainability reporting frameworks, including the ISSB Standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

    “Strengthened collaboration with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants also reinforced the ethical foundations that underpin credible sustainability assurance. Together, these efforts reduced fragmentation and improved consistency in global reporting practice. 

    “Strengthening Assurance and Ethical Standards: Regional and global consultative engagements, including the Africa Regional Partnership–IESBA dialogue in May 2025 and the IPSASB consultative meeting on climate-related disclosures, supported the development of high-quality, independent sustainability assurance practices.

    “These initiatives enhanced user confidence and promoted integrity in sustainability information.

    “Promoting Digital Integration in Reporting: ISAR-41 further recognized digitalization as a vital enabler of integrated reporting. The expanded use of the UNCTAD Sustainability Reporting Taxonomy and structured, machine-readable formats is improving the accessibility, comparability, and analytical value of reported information—strengthening evidence-based decision-making across public and private sectors.”

    Others include Strengthening Linkages with the United Nations System through ECOSOC:

    “I also had the distinct honour of representing ISAR at the February 2025 Coordination Segment of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In addition to contributing to the policy dialogue, I engaged with the UN Financing for Sustainable Development Office and held consultations with diplomats from various Member States.

    “The discussions focused on advancing coordinated, inclusive, science-based and evidence-driven solutions to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda; promoting coherence in sustainability reporting within broader UN development frameworks; and supporting integrated approaches to financing, partnerships, and capacity-building.

    “These engagements reinforced ISAR’s role in informing high-level policy guidance across the UN system.”

    In the aspect of Expanding and Institutionalizing Regional Partnerships, Olowo stated that, “During 2025, ISAR’s Regional Partnerships continued to mature into coordinated platforms that support peer learning, knowledge sharing, and sustained capacity-building across regions.

    “Across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, and the Gulf, countries advanced the practical implementation of sustainability and corporate reporting practices through technical workshops, capacity-building initiatives, and efforts to align with global standards.

    Commendation of the ISAR Secretariat

    “I wish to acknowledge the professionalism and strategic leadership of the ISAR Secretariat. Their analytical rigor, coordination, and technical expertise continue to ensure that ISAR remains a credible, respected, and globally relevant forum.

    “The Continuing Relevance of ISAR

    At a time of global environmental stress, economic uncertainty, and heightening stakeholder expectations, the relevance of ISAR’s work is more essential than ever. Robust reporting is not merely a compliance obligation—it is a foundation for trust, fair markets, responsible investment, and sustainable development.”

    Dr. Olowo pointed out that as part of the agenda before the 42nd session, building on the extensive deliberations and outcomes of the 41st Session, the 42nd Session has been structured to advance two key thematic priorities that emerged from those engagements, which include, “review of developments in the harmonization of sustainability reporting requirements and their practical implementation – to review progress, enhance comparability, and support effective application across jurisdictions.

    “Integrating biodiversity and human capital considerations into sustainability reporting – recognising their importance to long-term value creation and the need for clearer reflection in reporting frameworks.

    “These discussions reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing coherent, high-quality, and decision-useful sustainability reporting.”

    In conclusion, Olowo noted that, “ the achievements of the past year were made possible through partnership, shared purpose, and collective resolve.

    “I am grateful for the trust placed in me to serve as Chair, and I remain confident that the work undertaken here will continue to shape a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable global economy.

    “As we begin this Session, let us move forward with clarity, unity, and commitment—knowing that the decisions we shape here contribute to the integrity of global financial systems and to the well-being of societies everywhere.”

    Indeed, Olowo’s exemplary performance not only elevated Nigeria’s visibility within the United Nations system but also demonstrated the country’s capacity for thought leadership in financial and sustainability reporting.

    By delivering excellent results and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, younger professionals can aspire to and excel in similar international roles, reinforcing the message that competence, integrity, and dedication can position Nigeria prominently on the global stage.

  • Drama as Taye Arimoro, Peggy Ovire clash on movie set

    Drama as Taye Arimoro, Peggy Ovire clash on movie set

    Actors Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire are embroiled in controversy following a reported physical altercation on a movie set.

    Arimoro, who captured the incident via Instagram live video, said the trouble began when he attempted to leave the set after his contract time had elapsed, but was allegedly prevented from doing so by Peggy Ovire and her team.

    He claimed that his car was blocked, and was assaulted by Peggy Ovire’s team, resulting in visible injuries to his gum and lips. 

    However, Peggy Ovire disputed Arimoro’s account, alleging that the actor became aggressive and physically assaulted two crew members when they asked him to complete a few scenes.

    “Taye, you beat up two crew members simply because you felt they had no voice – no social media presence, no one to speak for them. They were only begging you to please complete two short scenes so we could wrap the night. Moments later, you went live to record their reaction – leaving out the part where the violence began”.

    She claimed that Taye reacted sharply when she approached him to discuss the shoot and later punched the production manager multiple times.

    “You reacted sharply when I tried to talk to you, so I decided to give you space. Later, when the Production manager approached you to appeal for more time, you got physical with him. You had punched the Production manager three times, and he was on the floor before the driver came out”, she added.

    Peggy further alleged that the situation escalated when Taye’s driver got involved, and her driver was left bleeding from the ear.

    She, however, denied blocking Taye’s car or instructing her driver to do so, instead claiming that Taye drove off while she was still beside the vehicle

  • Most Comprehensive Guide to the Best Australian Online Casino Sites

    Most Comprehensive Guide to the Best Australian Online Casino Sites

    Australian punters continue to prioritise flexible formats, broad gameplay, and active bonuses when using online sites. As noted on Online Casino Australia, several trusted Aussie-friendly online casino platforms listed at Online-Casinosaustralia.com have gained momentum, with leading options offering over 9,000 game entries and structured rewards. Licensed casinos are browser-compatible and include diverse categories, mobile access, and integrated card or crypto support. These features connect with high player volumes and consistent visibility across local listings. Enhanced UI elements and responsive dashboards are also being incorporated, aligning interface design with mobile-first standards.</p>

    Game Variety and Software Categories

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  • NBSA moves to harmonize blood cost nationwide

    NBSA moves to harmonize blood cost nationwide

    …as experts call for ethical practice and fair pricing in blood services

    The federal government, through the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), has initiated moves to harmonise the cost of blood across hospitals in Nigeria as part of efforts to ensure fairness, transparency, and accessibility for patients in need of transfusion.

    The Director General of the Agency, Professor Saleh Yuguda, disclosed this in Abuja during a workshop organized for Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC) members. 

    He said the harmonisation effort became necessary following public outcry over the high and inconsistent charges placed on blood by hospitals across the country.

    According to him, many patients have complained of being subjected to what they describe as an “undue financial burden,” with some reportedly paying for blood that is not eventually used—without refunds.

    “Blood is a public good. What we are doing is to ensure that the system works in a fair and transparent manner, so that Nigerians can have access to safe blood when they need it, without being exploited,” Professor Yuguda said.

    He explained that although some stakeholders have called for the introduction of full government subsidy on blood, a partial subsidy already exists. 

    “The government currently bears the major cost involved in the collection, screening, and processing of blood,” he said.

    The NBSA boss noted that the Agency’s next step is to engage with hospital administrators and state health authorities to align their pricing systems with national guidelines once the harmonization framework is finalized.

    In the interim, Professor Yuguda hinted that the Agency has opened discussions with manufacturers and suppliers of blood consumables—particularly producers of blood bags—to address the issue of high operating costs. The talks, he said, are aimed at “centralizing and stabilizing the prices of these essential items to reflect Nigeria’s economic realities.”

    He emphasised that a more affordable and predictable pricing regime for consumables would help hospitals deliver transfusion services more efficiently and ethically, thereby reducing the burden on patients.

    Adding his voice to the debate, Professor Philip Olatunji, a professor of haematology and transfusion medicine, decried what he described as the growing commercialization of blood services in some facilities. 

    He warned that prioritising profit over humanity defeats the essence of medical practice.

    “There must be a sense of good conscience in practice,” he stated. “You cannot claim to exist to save lives and then end up losing lives because of your revenue drive. The blood service should not be a profit-making venture; it should be a life-saving responsibility.”

    Professor Olatunji called on healthcare providers to strike a balance between sustainability and compassion, adding that “moderation is a virtue the system must rediscover.”

    Despite the positive outlook, some health policy experts at the workshop cautioned that implementing a uniform price structure may prove challenging within Nigeria’s deregulated healthcare system, where hospitals operate under diverse administrative and financial frameworks.

    They, however, agreed that the NBSA’s harmonization plan represents a step in the right direction toward building a more transparent and equitable blood transfusion service nationwide.

    The workshop, attended by hospital transfusion officers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, also discussed the importance of establishing active Hospital Transfusion Committees to ensure compliance with national policies, improve blood utilization, and promote patient safety.

    For the NBSA, harmonizing the cost of blood is not just an administrative reform—it is a moral imperative to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s transfusion system and uphold the sanctity of human life.

  • Youths urged to turn bold ideas into economic value at NGM conference

    Youths urged to turn bold ideas into economic value at NGM conference

    In furtherance of its commitment to connecting students and early- to mid-stage professionals with experienced mentors for career and personal development guidance, the Nasir Giwa Mentorship (NGM) platform has hosted its fourth annual youth conference.

    Themed “Bold Ideas, Fearless Execution,” the conference, which was held in Lagos, brought together thousands of students, young and experienced professionals from different parts of the country to exchange insights on innovation, leadership, and career growth.

    Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group and Chairman of Ikeja Electric, Mr. Kola Adeshina, urged young Nigerians to dream big, develop bold ideas, and push boundaries in business and leadership.

    He, however, noted that ideas must have practical and economic value to drive sustainable impact, stressing that “an idea that cannot be monetised is a useless idea.”

    Managing Partner at Verraki, a business solutions company, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, charged the attendees to move from a scarcity mindset to a growth mindset, urging them to embrace continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation as pathways to unlocking opportunities and achieving excellence in their chosen fields.

    Among the industry leaders who also spoke at the conference are Bashir Koledoye, Founder/Managing Director, Dharmattan Nigeria Limited, Sarwi Rahaman, Head of Public Sector Sales, Airtel Nigeria, Fiyin Ogunlesi, Founder, RegalStone Capital, and Idris Ayodeji Bello, Founder, LoftyInc Capital.

    Others are Mohammed Bashir-Yunusa, Director of Innovation and Digital Business Solutions at Alternative Bank, Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard, Deepankar Rustagi, Founder/CEO, OmniRetail Technologies, and Temitope Yusuff, Director, Internal Audit and Risk Management, IHS Tower.

    They all emphasised the importance of quality education, continuous training, mentorship, resilience, and collaboration in achieving success in today’s competitive environment.

    Grand Mentor and Convener of the NGM Platform, Engr. Nasir Giwa, said the initiative would continue to empower young people with the skills and platforms to excel in their careers and drive meaningful change in their respective domains. “At NGM Platform, empowerment is not a theory; it is a practice,” he noted.

    The highlight of the conference was the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the SME Pitch Competition, Case Study contest, and Ideas Fair, where secondary students showcased their different innovative ideas and solutions.

    Students from Al-Raheem International School won the Idea Fair contest for secondary school students with their Food Bank idea. The winner of the SME Pitch competition was rewarded with N1 million, while the first and second runners-up got N750,000 and N500,000, respectively. The cash prizes were sponsored by Alternative Bank, and each cash prize was doubled by LoftyInc Capital.

    Adil Gbadegesin and Hameedat Imran won the Case Study contest with their project titled ‘The Rite Approach: Conquering African Markets.’

    The conference ended with networking sessions and mentorship sign-ups aimed at fostering long-term professional relationships between mentors and young participants.

  • Eneduwa unveils Nigeria/Canada legal exchange centre to boost cross-border cooperation

    Eneduwa unveils Nigeria/Canada legal exchange centre to boost cross-border cooperation

    The Convener of the Nigeria/Canada Legal Exchange, Ken Eneduwa, has explained the rationale behind the establishment of the Nigeria/Canada Legal Exchange Centre (NCLEC), aimed at deepening cooperation and understanding between the two countries’ legal systems.

    Eneduwa made this known during the inauguration of the Nigeria-Canada Legal Exchange Forum, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

    In his address, he said the initiative became necessary to build a sustainable framework that would foster stronger bilateral legal ties and promote a deeper appreciation of the evolving legal environments in both nations.

    “It has become imperative to create a long-term architecture that forges mutual understanding and strengthens legal collaboration between Nigeria and Canada,” he said.

    Eneduwa emphasized the vital role of law in maintaining stability across societies, describing it as the tool through which nations safeguard their interests.

    “Law is how nations protect themselves when microphones get loud. Law is how we insulate citizens when politics goes volatile. Law is the only thing that still gives small states leverage in a world where the largest actors can change direction in a tweet,” he stated.

    He noted that the newly launched forum is designed to serve as a platform for building a corridor where Nigeria’s legal expertise becomes an exportable asset, while Canada’s legal infrastructure is shared for mutual growth rather than used as a barrier.

    “In that spirit, this forum is not just a gathering—it is a strategic initiative,” Eneduwa said.

    According to him, the NCLEC will serve as the institutional backbone of the exchange, focusing on learning, networking, and partnership-building rather than profit-making.

    He further explained that the Centre will address challenges faced by Nigerian lawyers seeking licensing in Canada, as well as legal and trade barriers affecting businesses operating between both countries.

    Among the NCLEC’s key responsibilities are: facilitating structured exchanges of ideas, research, and programs; creating short-term training opportunities for Nigerian law graduates within Canadian law firms (where permitted by provincial bar rules); and fostering agreements with partner institutions, including bar associations, universities, and firms.

    The Centre will also promote ongoing forums as diplomatic tools and work to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks in cross-border legal and trade matters.

    In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who inaugurated the Nigeria Canada Legal Exchange Forum, congratulated Oceanwaves Strategies Inc. and the Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers for the laudable initiative. 

    Fagbemi commended the idea of a Nigeria-Canada Legal Exchange Forum that seeks to enable a platform for cooperation and exchange of legal expertise between Nigerian and Canadian lawyers.

    The AGF noted that the Nigeria- Canada Legal Exchange initiative came at a very auspicious time the Federal Government of Nigeria is undertaking fundamental reforms in the country’s administration of the justice system.

    “Indeed, all aspects of our justice system are now being reviewed – important areas of concern such as outdated laws of the Federation including the legal framework guiding the legal profession, strenthning the judiciary in a manner that enhances judicial independence, access to justice, human rights, policing, corrections, ease of doing business are all presently subject of government attention” Fagbemi stated.

    He assured that the Federal Ministry of Justice will participate in the focussed meeting being planned during the first quarter of 2026 in Nigeria to further articulate the immediate to long-term activities of the forum. 

    The AGF expressed optimism that the legal exchange forum will strengthen the existing relationship between Nigeria and Canada and members of the legal profession who practice in both countries.

    Speaking at the event as Special Guest, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede called for vigilance between the two nations in the area of fight against corruption

    Olukoyede posited that the diaspora community, especially members of the bar, have crucial roles to play in helping Nigeria overcome the corruption challenge.

    “For those of you in Canada, I recommend vigilance. The increasing number of Nigerians migrating to this country point ominously to Canada emerging as another axis for the laundering of ill-gotten wealth from Nigeria. 

    “You will help us prevent this by providing information to law enforcement agencies” the EFCC stated.

    He appealed to the Canadian authorities to ensure that the good reputation which Nigeria “currently enjoys in the country is not tarnished by the actions of a thieving few”. 

    Olukoyede took time to reel out some of the commission’s achievements under his watch as the Chairman of the EFCC while restating the country’s commitment to fight corruption head-on.

  • Yoruba youths seek proper monitoring of Tinubu’s empowerment scheme

    Yoruba youths seek proper monitoring of Tinubu’s empowerment scheme

    Youths under the auspices of Yoruba Youths Assembly have called for proper monitoring and supervision of various empowerment schemes initiated by President Bola Tinubu to better the lives of Nigeria youths.

    They said investigation showed Tinubu has released more money for youth empowerment since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    President of the YYA, Hon Olarinde Thomas, spoke when the body conferred the Leadership Award of Integrity, on renowned philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer of Dayclar Global Services, Dr. Ernest Abhulimen.

    Abhulimen was also recognised as the Humanitarian Icon of the Year 2025.

    Read Also: Nigeria safe under Tinubu, say supporters

    The YYA President said Abhulimen has shown commitment to ethical leadership, innovation, and community service.

    He said Abhulimen has empowered numerous youths, inspired excellence in corporate governance, and contributed meaningfully to national development.

    According to him: “The Yoruba Youth Leadership Award of Integrity is reserved for individuals who exemplify honesty, accountability, and a selfless commitment to societal growth.

    “Dr. Abhulimen has built a company rooted in professionalism, innovation, and ethical values. His visionary leadership has positioned Dayclar Global Services as a symbol of reliability, efficiency, and integrity in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.”