The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Police arrest suspect over bomb threat to Lagos schools, nab ‘one chance’ robbery gang

    Police arrest suspect over bomb threat to Lagos schools, nab ‘one chance’ robbery gang

    The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Kosisochukwu Ogumbo of the Okota area for allegedly sending bomb threat messages to two schools in the Ikeja Government Reserved Area (GRA) last week.

    The Command also confirmed the arrest of eight additional members of a notorious “one chance” robbery syndicate, alongside the recovery of four operational vehicles allegedly used by the gang to rob unsuspecting residents across Lagos.

    Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a briefing with journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

    According to him, at about 4:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, the Human Resources Manager and Chief Security Officer of the affected schools separately reported to the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters that they had received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number.

    The messages claimed that explosive devices had been planted within the school premises.

    Following the reports, security operatives were immediately deployed to the area, including personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and other tactical squads, to secure the schools and assess the threat.

    He said, “After a thorough sweep of the premises, no explosive device was found and the schools were immediately declared safe. Police investigations led to the arrest of Kosiso Chukwuem-Nenyem, a resident of Okota, identified as the sender of the threat messages.”

    The Police boss added that although the suspect claimed he lost his phone in November 2025, police investigations revealed he continued to receive calls from family members during the period the threats were issued. The SIM card was also recovered from him.

    “This individual acted alone and deliberately attempted to cause panic among parents and school authorities. He will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” the CP stated.

    In other developments, the CP said the latest arrests of eight more members of ‘one chance’ bring the total number of suspects apprehended in connection with the syndicate to 21, adding that the gang had been fully dismantled, and that the breakthrough was a result of sustained intelligence-led policing and cooperation from members of the public.

    He described the gang as a “double-edged” criminal network, explaining that victims who complied were robbed and released, while those who resisted were detained and their families contacted for ransom under the guise of kidnapping.

    “They are a double-edged sword criminal gang. If you cooperate with them, they take what you have and let you go. If you resist, they detain you and contact your family to demand ransom,” he said.

    The commissioner added that the suspects also took victims to a shrine in the Idimu area of the state, where they were forced to swear oaths, while some were deceived with promises of dollar investment schemes.

    “All the suspects have confessed to the crime. Some victims have also come forward to identify them. Investigation is ongoing, and they will be prosecuted accordingly,” he added

    Among the 25 recovered vehicles linked to different offenses, including robbery, fraud, and theft, was a Toyota Camry 2007 model with registration number ABJ 582 LB, reportedly stolen in the early hours of January 25, 2026, after the owner left the engine running while entering a supermarket.

    The suspect, Jaffon Godswill, was subsequently arrested, and the vehicle was recovered the following day during a stop-and-search operation in the area.

    Read Also: Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    He added that operatives of the command intercepted three suspected vandals who removed 154 electronic reflective markers from the Third Mainland Bridge during patrol operations.

    In addition, the police boss announced the strengthening of the School Protection Squad, established by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to cover Lagos East, West, and Central districts.

    Headquarters are located at Ikorodu (East), Idimu (West), and Lion Building, Lagos Island (Central).

    The CP also disclosed the deployment of Eko-Strike Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and a newly established Nightlife Patrol Squad to secure entertainment hubs, hotels, and recreational centres across Lagos.

    “The entire Lagos State is safe. Residents, investors, and visitors are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without fear”, he said.

    He commended officers and men of the Command for their dedication and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and investments in Lagos State.

  • Ex-Speaker to lead Tinubu’s campaign organisation in Abia

    Ex-Speaker to lead Tinubu’s campaign organisation in Abia

    The City Boy Movement, a political organisation campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, has unveiled former Abia Speaker Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, FNSE (Ikukuoma Abia), as its State Chairman, marking a significant boost to the Movement’s political mobilisation drive in Abia State.

    The announcement, in Umuahia, signals a strategic alliance between the youth-driven political platform and a seasoned legislator widely regarded for his legislative leadership and grassroots engagement.

    Orji, a two-term lawmaker and the 11th Speaker of the Abia Assembly between 2019 and 2023, is known for championing legislative independence and institutional stability during his tenure.

     A graduate of Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), he brings a blend of professional expertise and political experience to the Movement.

    The City Boy Movement cited Orji’s signature “Direct Touch” Initiative which focused on direct empowerment of youths and women through livelihood support as a key factor in his selection. The group also noted his recent transition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a move that has further strengthened the party’s structure and expanded its grassroots reach in the state.

    Speaking at the unveiling, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu), Director of the City Boy Movement in Abia State, described the development as a turning point for the organization in the South East.

    “Today, we haven’t just added a name to our roster; we have gained a General. Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji is a builder by profession and a builder of men by calling. His acceptance to serve as our Chairman signals a new dawn for the City Boy Movement in the South East. With Ikukuoma, the wind of progress is now at our backs,” Igbokwe said.

    He added that the Movement remains committed to mobilizing citizens in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that Orji’s leadership would help deepen political participation and organizational growth across Abia State.

    The City Boy Movement welcomed Orji into the fold, expressing confidence that his leadership would help shape the political future of the state and strengthen the Movement’s presence across the region.

  • Nigerians in UK to converge on London for property wealth creation session

    Nigerians in UK to converge on London for property wealth creation session

    Nigerians and other African diaspora professionals living in the United Kingdom are set to gather in London on Saturday, 31 January, for a high-level Property Wealth Creation Q&A aimed at promoting strategic property ownership and long-term wealth building.

    The in-person session, scheduled to hold from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm in Bromley, London, is being organised by Property Wealth Corporation through its flagship platform, Property Wealth.

    The event will be hosted by the Founder of Property Wealth Corporation, Dr Daniel Moses, a UK-based property strategist and diaspora investment advocate, who has spent close to a decade operating within the British property market.

    According to the organisers, the session is designed to address growing concerns among Nigerians abroad on how to protect their earnings, navigate economic uncertainty, and build sustainable wealth across borders amid rising living costs and currency volatility.

    Moses, in a statement, emphasised the need for structured international investment by the diaspora, noting that earnings in stronger currencies such as the British pound present a unique opportunity for long-term asset creation.

    “Naira can fail you but pounds will not fail. The opportunity of the diaspora is to build wealth internationally, then deploy it back into Africa with structure, strategy, and long-term vision,” he said.

    The Property Wealth Creation Q&A will focus on practical strategies for Nigerians in the UK to start or scale property ownership with realistic capital, understand smart investment approaches in the current UK market, and avoid common mistakes often made by diaspora investors, the organisers said. 

    Read Also: NiDCOM boss hails election of four Nigerians in UK

    Other key areas to be discussed include income-generating property structures in pounds, long-term portfolio building, cross-border investment planning, and real-life case studies from individuals who have successfully begun their property investment journeys.

    Organisers stressed that the event is not a sales seminar but an interactive, education-driven forum where participants can ask questions and receive practical guidance directly from industry experts.

    Moses, through Property Wealth and the wider Property Wealth Corporation ecosystem advises professionals, entrepreneurs, and diaspora investors on strategic property acquisition, joint venture models, and sustainable wealth creation frameworks aimed at generational impact.

    With increasing interest in international asset ownership among Nigerians abroad, the organisers noted that the event comes at a critical time when informed positioning can significantly outperform years of unstructured investment efforts.

    Attendance at the session, they say, is limited to ensure meaningful engagement and quality discussions.

  • Fed govt’s ₦501bn power sector bond records full subscription

    Fed govt’s ₦501bn power sector bond records full subscription

    …Investors back Tinubu-led power reforms as pension funds, banks subscribe fully to ₦501bn bond

    …Inaugural PPSDRP issuance targets legacy GenCo debts, liquidity restoration and sector revival

    The Federal Government has successfully raised ₦501 billion through the inaugural bond issuance under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme (PPSDRP), achieving 100 per cent subscription from pension funds, banks, asset managers and other investors.

    The landmark issuance marks a major step towards clearing long-standing debts in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), restoring liquidity across the power value chain and strengthening investor confidence in the sector.

    The PPSDRP, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to address legacy payment arrears owed to power generation companies (GenCos), which for more than a decade constrained liquidity, weakened balance sheets and discouraged fresh investment.

    Speaking at the bond issuance signing ceremony in Lagos on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, described the programme as “a decisive reset of the electricity market,” combining debt resolution with broader financial and structural reforms.

    According to a statement made available to journalists at the State House, by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, the signing followed the successful completion of Series 1 Power Sector Bond Issuance by NBET Finance Company Plc, which closed at ₦501 billion. 

    Of this amount, ₦300 billion was raised from the capital markets, while ₦201 billion in bonds was allotted to participating power generation companies, reflecting strong investor confidence in the reform agenda.

    Under the programme, verified receivables for electricity supplied between February 2015 and March 2025 are being settled through negotiated agreements with GenCos. 

    Five companies; First Independent Power Limited, Geregu Power Plc, Ibom Power Company Limited, Mabon Limited and Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, representing 14 power plants nationwide, have so far executed settlement agreements with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

    The total negotiated settlement for the five companies stands at ₦827.16 billion, to be paid in four phased instalments. 

    Proceeds from the Series 1 bond will fund the first and second instalments, estimated at ₦421.42 billion, representing about 50 per cent of the total settlement amount, to be paid through a mix of cash and notes.

    Reacting to the development, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, said the programme had restored confidence in the sector and unlocked fresh investment.

    “Capital formation can only come when there is confidence, when you can truly see a line of sight in recovering investments previously made. 

    “Because we were being owed so much, it was a bit of a problem for us to put in more money. But last year we took the bull by the horns, based on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment in resolving the legacy issues, and I can say that once this process is over, construction will commence immediately on the second phase of our Egbin Power Plant”, Adesina said.

    Read Also: Fed govt honours 12 teachers with N350m

    He added, “on behalf of the Generation Companies, I’d like to thank the President for this resolution.”

    By clearing historic arrears, the PPSDRP is expected to improve liquidity for GenCos, strengthen their capacity to meet operating and debt obligations, unlock new investment and support more reliable electricity supply to households and businesses. 

    The programme also reinforces fiscal discipline through validated claims, negotiated settlements and transparent capital market financing.

    When fully completed, the programme is projected to impact 4,483.60MWh/h of electricity generation capacity and finalise settlement for 290,644.84GWh of electricity billed since February 2015, laying a foundation for capacity expansion by companies serving over 12 million registered electricity customers nationwide.

    Verheijen acknowledged the support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, as well as key institutions including the Debt Management Office, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Pensions Commission.

    “The Federal Government reaffirms its commitment to disciplined implementation of the programme. We look forward to the participation of other power generation companies as part of our broader reforms aimed at building a financially sustainable electricity market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth”, Verheijen said.

  • ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    ‘Why we charged Sowore over false claim against Tinubu,’ by DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has said its decision to file a charge against online publisher and politician, Omoyele Sowore, was because of the security implications of the post he made on social media calling President Bola Tinubu a criminal.

    The DSS is prosecuting Sowore before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly making false claim against the person of Present Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.

    An official of the DSS,  Cyril Nosike explained the rationale behind Sowore’s prosecution while being cross-examined on Tuesday by the defendant’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar.

    Abubakar, who played a video in court showing President Tinubu promising to protect the rights of all Nigerians, including those abusing him and calling him names, asked the witness to explain why the DSS decided to file the charge against his client despite the President’s promise.

    In response, the witness said his organisation filed the charge because of the security implications of the post made by Sowore.

    The witness said the video of President Tinubu, posted by Sowore on his social media platforms, was made in Brazil when the President went there on state visit.

    Nosike said he was not in Brazil with the President and did not personally record the video, which was also played in court again on Tuesday at Abubakar’s request.

    The witness said he downloaded the video when it was posted by the defendant, adding that he neither knew when the video was uploaded nor when it was made.

    The witness also said he neither knew who recorded the video nor 

    where the video was made in Brazil.

    Nosike said he did not interview the President regarding this video and that he did not also take any statement from the President to confirm if he was the person in the video.

    The witness also said he did not take statement from the President on the effect or otherwise of the video on him and that he did not know whether or not the President is aware of the post made by Sowore.

    He said he did not have before the court any defamation complaint from the President.

    The DSS officer, who said the President is the victim of the alleged post made by Sowore, said he is not aware that the DSS put Sowore on trial in 2019  for calling for a revolution in the country.

    The witness also said that is not aware that 2019 trial of the defendant is on the website of the DSS and is equally unaware that the defendant’s phone has been with the DSS since 2019.

    He said he did not know anything about a judgment of the court asking the DSS to release Sowore’s three phones to him.

    Read Also: Trial of Sowore over alleged cyber bullying of Tinubu resumes Jan 22

    At that point Abubakar tendered a certified true copy (CTC) order  made on February 19, 2024 by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which the defence lawyer claimed directed the DSS to release his client’s phones.

    Justice Mohammed Umar admitted the document in evidence.

    Abubakar also tendered a flash drive containing some videos, including one where President Tinubu, dressed in Igbo traditional attire, promised to protect the rights of all, and another one showing now Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, vowing not to accept any appointment under President Tinubu and calling him a drug lord during the last electioneering campaign.

    The video clips were later played in open court at Abubakar’s request.

    The witness said he did not know whether or not his agency carry out checks and screening of government’a appointees like judges, ministers and ambassadors.

    Nosike said he could not say why the DSS cleared Omokri, who called the President a drug lord, for ambassadorial appointment.

    Further hearing in the case resumes on February 4.

  • UPDATED: Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison 

    UPDATED: Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison 

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out the motion ex-parte filed by convicted self acclaimed leader the proscribed separatist group the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu seeking to be relocated from the Sokoto prison where he is currently being held.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Tuesday, held that not only was the motion incompetent, Kanu failed to comply with the order made by the court on December 8, 2025 that he should convert motion ex-parte to a motion on notice and serve it on those to by affected by the order to be made by the court.

    Justice Omotosho said: “In respect of the application before this court, it has to do with an application that was brought incompetently as par seeking for the movements of the convict from where he is presently kept. 

    “The application is not competent. However in the interest of justice, when it came up, the court gave hint and urged that, that same be converted, in other words, telling the applicant to go and file motion on notice. 

    “The applicant, having not filed the motion on notice today, the 27th day of January, 2026, there is no any application for determination before this court. 

    “It is based on this that the motion ex-parte is struck out as there is nothing to be determined,” Justice Omotosho said.

    Earlier, when the case was called, the judge asked the registrar to confirm the service of the process and hearing notice on the respondents (FG and NCos).

    The registrar told the court that there was no proof of service of the motion on notice and hearing notice on the respondents.

    A lawyer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), Demdoo Asan, who appeared for Kanu, said that although the court had on the last adjourned date directed that the motion be served on the respondents, he has been unable to do so.

    Read Also: Court strikes out Nnamdi Kanu’s motion seeking relocation from Sokoto prison

    Asan said he has not seen Kanu’s relatives since they last attended court, adding that efforts to get them to come to his office so that they could sign court papers failed

    He said: “They kept saying they will get back to me and that wasn’t done. 

    “My lord, that has been the reason counsel could not filed the motion on notice because counsel cannot depose to that affidavit personally.” 

    The lawyer said the second reason  why he could not file and serve the respondents was that Kanu had sought to dictate to him how to handle the case.

    Asan cited Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules, therefore and applied to the court to be allowed to withdraw from further representing Kanu, an application the judge granted.

  • Police uncover baby factory in Ekiti, arrest suspects

    Police uncover baby factory in Ekiti, arrest suspects

    The Ekiti State Police Command has uncovered an illegal baby factory in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Council Area of Ekiti state, arresting five suspects and rescuing six children.

    The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, where he highlighted operational breakthroughs recorded by the police across the state.

    Eribo disclosed that the baby factory was uncovered on January 24, 2026, following a credible tip-off that a 43-year-old woman, identified as Oluwadare Onyechi, was running an illegal baby factory behind Inisa Hotel and Suites along Ise-Ekiti Road.

    The Police boss said that the operatives stormed the premises and arrested Onyechi alongside four accomplices: Onuoha Gloria (28), Victoria Linus (25), Ihegbogu Mercy (21), and a heavily pregnant woman, Emmanuel Esther (23).

    Eribo added that six children between the ages of two and nine, suspected to be held under bondage, were rescued from the premises.

    He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other accomplices connected to the illegal operation.

    The police commissioner also revealed the command arrested five suspects for armed robbery, 17 suspects for cattle rustling, and several others for burglary and related offences.

    He said that a total of 558 rustled cattle, seven stolen vehicles, 10 fabricated master keys, different vehicle plate numbers, and other items were recovered during various operations.

    Read Also: Police inaugurate RRT to enhance operations in Jigawa

    Eribo further disclosed that operatives arrested a notorious cattle rustler and kidnapping kingpin, Ibrahim Abubakar, who allegedly rustled cattle across Ekiti, Kwara, and Kogi states, with 255 cattle recovered from him.

    He said 16 other suspected cattle rustlers were also arrested in Isan-Ekiti with 303 cattle, while investigations revealed they were members of the same criminal network.

    Reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in the state, the police boss said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    He commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their support, while urging residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

  • Tonto Dikeh attributes reconciliation with ex-husband to son’s prayer

    Tonto Dikeh attributes reconciliation with ex-husband to son’s prayer

    Actress Tonto Dikeh has credited her 10-year-old son King André’s prayer for ending her bitter feud with ex-husband Olakunle Churchill.

    Speaking at Streams of Joy International, Dikeh revealed in her testimony that her son had prayed for the release of his passport, held by Churchill, amidst their public battle.

    Shortly after, Dikeh said Churchill contacted her, offering to release the documents.

    Dikeh’s son’s forgiveness and maturity prompted her to forgive Churchill, marking a significant transformation.

    The actress praised God for ending a decade of war, shame, and lack of love, attributing the miracle to her son’s sincere prayer.

    She said, “I’m giving this testimony on behalf of a 10-year-old boy because I am a beneficiary of a sincere prayer of a 10-year-old. At the beginning of the 21-day fast, Papa asked us to write seven things that we wanted and seven things that we didn’t want, and I told him, ‘Yes, write it.’ One of the evenings when I came to church to pray, I stayed behind to pray, and I was advantaged to have brought mine and his; I brought the prayer request to the altar.

    “As a mother, I saw his prayer points. I read them, and they were just different things. Then I got to number six, and my son wrote: ‘God, I want the embassy to release my passport.’ And that’s where the story comes. You see, I have always told my son that his passport was held by the embassy. I never even told him the truth at all, and the truth was that the passport was with his father. And his father and I have been in long, toxic, demonic battles; it’s been public, it is worldwide.

    “So I saw it, and I just sighed, and I said, ‘Oh God.’ I didn’t think much about it. Church, exactly two days later, now this testimony is from the first week of the 21-day prayer. His father reached out to me and said, ‘I want to give every document this boy needs; every document that you left with me.’ And for some reason, the Holy Spirit just told me, ‘He’s real. He’s serious. Believe him.’ And I just stood there, and I believed him. He asked me a series of questions, and those questions made me realize that it was time for me to talk to my son about who his father is.” She stated.

    Read Also: Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    She further explained, “So, I sat him down, and I asked, ‘Have you ever wondered who your dad is?’ I said, ‘I’m very sorry, what I’m about to say might hurt you.’ And then he said, ‘Mommy, talk.’ So I told him, ‘A man and a woman got married and gave birth to you, and then it became war.’ And then he said, ‘Really?’ I said, ‘Yeah. We were so bitter, we were toxic, and in the midst of all of this, we affected you. I’m sorry.’

    “And then he looked at me and said, ‘So, have you forgiven him?’ I didn’t answer. He said, ‘Mommy, have you forgiven him?’ And then I looked at my son because he’s very authoritative, and he said, ‘If you’ve forgiven him, I have forgiven you. But I’m upset with you for not telling me. But it’s okay, I can understand better now.’

    “Church, I’m telling you that this is 10 years of war. 10 years of public shame. 10 years. 10 years without a boy knowing his father. 10 years of bitterness, 10 years of lack of love, and everything just dissolved in front of my child. My child just held my hands, and I was crying. Then I started praying for that man. I prayed for that man.”

    She emphasised, “You don’t understand. Ex-presidents have intervened, but I said no. I said no because of how bitter I was. When I said I would burn the bridge, if you’re coming, I’ll burn you, it was not a lie. That was who I was. I had so much bitterness and anger.”

    “Church, I see myself addressing my ex-husband as he should be addressed. If it were before, I would have used a derogatory sentence or something added to his name. I see myself forgiving. You see, the biggest testimony in this life is the testimony of a changed person, because I have peace that doesn’t even make sense. It doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t. But God gave me 10 years in one day. I just want to give glory to God”, she said.

  • Teachers Summit ’26: Teachers are ‘quiet architects’ of Nigeria’s future – First Lady

    Teachers Summit ’26: Teachers are ‘quiet architects’ of Nigeria’s future – First Lady

    … Urges innovation, better welfare as education reform takes centre stage under Renewed Hope Agenda

    … As best teacher emerges big winner, goes home with N50m, house, car

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday described Nigerian teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations,” urging them to embrace innovation as the Federal Government and state governors unveiled fresh measures to revive the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the First Lady stressed that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”

    Drawing from her background as a former classroom teacher, the First Lady underscored the profession’s enduring influence.

    “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand first-hand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies”, she said.

    She commended the Federal Ministry of Education for launching the EduRevamp Portal, a new platform for continuous professional development.

    “I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal’, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done,” she stated.

    Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, noting: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development… The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”

    Addressing teachers directly, the First Lady said “to my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future.

    “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers”, Professor Zulum said, noting that teachers serve more than 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine and nomadic communities.

    He outlined steps taken by governors, including mass recruitment, professional development in literacy, numeracy, STEM and inclusive education, improved wages, rural incentives, promotion reforms and performance rewards.

    “These efforts reflect a shared understanding that meaningful education reform begins with placing qualified and motivated teachers in our classrooms,” he said.

    Earlier, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced substantial cash rewards for outstanding teachers and formally unveiled the EduRevamp portal.

    Read Also: Taraba teachers’ summit to improve education

    “No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected,” he said.

    Alausa explained that after a rigorous, merit-based process, 12 finalists emerged nationwide, each to receive ₦25 million, while the overall Best Teacher of the Year would earn ₦50 million.

    “This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, pledged to “restore pride in the teaching profession,” urging educators to seize new opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The summit’s highlight was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026, winning ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and a car donated by Governor Zulum.

    The 12 finalists, representing the six geopolitical zones across basic and secondary education, each received ₦25 million, with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris adding ₦5 million to their rewards.

  • ADC regroups, seeks united front as Aregbesola downplays defection momentum

    ADC regroups, seeks united front as Aregbesola downplays defection momentum

    Leaders and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have renewed calls for unity and collective action ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal divisions within the opposition are weakening the effort to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The appeal was made in Abuja on Tuesday during the public presentation of The Loyalist, a book authored by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi.

    The event drew a cross-section of political heavyweights and became a rallying point for opposition figures seeking to reposition the ADC as a unifying platform.

    Among those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former governors Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Peter Obi, Lyel Imoke, and Abdulfatah Ahmed, as well as former Speaker of the House of Representatives and his deputy, Aminu Tambuwal and Emeka Ihedioha.

    Also present were former APC National Chairman John Oyegun, former NBA President Tayo Akpata, and other political leaders.

    Speaking after the formal presentation, Abdullahi warned that while Nigerians were ready for change, the political class had not yet demonstrated the unity required to deliver it.

    “For 2027, Nigerians are ready. But I don’t think we are ready. We are not coming together enough. We are not holding hands enough. Nigerians look at us; they see different enclaves and different entities. They see competition rather than cooperation.”

    He said the visible divisions among opposition actors were eroding public confidence and weakening the prospects of collective success. Abdullahi admitted his blunt comments had drawn backlash online but insisted he would not be silenced.

    “I know I am talking myself into trouble again. I have been under fire in the last three days by some of the passionate supporters on Twitter. But I will keep saying this, because Nigeria, this country, has no substitute, has no alternative.”

    Describing Nigeria as irreplaceable, he urged political leaders to rise above factional rivalries and focus on national renewal, citing personal encounters with ordinary citizens as evidence of growing public expectations.

    “I beg you, our leaders, Nigerians are waiting, they know you, what they are saying is ‘You people must not fail.’ That’s what I get everywhere I have gone. I’m sure you also get it.”

    According to him, such encounters reflect the hope many Nigerians have invested in emerging coalitions and the ADC platform, appealing to party members to direct their energy toward unity rather than internal rivalry.

    “I am making this appeal, please, come together more. Let our followers direct their passion into the ADC. Let them know there is only one party, and our mission is bigger than anything, any individual or individual ambition. This is what I’m begging.”

    Understanding the need for cohesion within the party, he stressed the significance of the book launch to the large gathering of members, noting that even if the event achieved nothing beyond fostering unity, it would still be worthwhile.

    “So it is my hope that if this is the only thing that this gathering this afternoon is able to achieve, Alhamdulillah.”

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Special Guest of Honour, said the book challenges Nigerians to rethink loyalty in public life.

    Noting that loyalty in politics differs from the rigid obedience demanded in military service, he said, “I want to commend the author for gifting us a work that dares to question loyalties, illuminate conscience, and broaden our public imagination.

    “So I ask, why does this book matter to all of us? The Loyalist invites us to examine loyalty, to country, community, institutions, and to our own moral compass vis-à-vis personal loyalty, especially in a time of rapid change and competing narratives.”

    Atiku disclosed that loyalty had come at great personal cost, stressing, “Many of us here, particularly Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, and myself have suffered because of loyalty. I have personally faced exile as a result of loyalty. I have survived assassination attempts as a result of loyalty.”

    He warned that loyalty must never become a tool of exclusion: “Loyalty should strengthen the common goal, not narrow the circle of belonging, he noted.”

    ADC Secretary and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola dismissed claims that defections to the APC signalled its growing dominance.

    “Something is going on that is worrisome… The fact that certain governors are defecting to the APC shows that our unity is weakened. I laugh because recent statistics in Nigeria, based on the last election, do not support this belief.”

    Arguing that governors do not determine electoral outcomes, he said, “The results of these two zones clearly show that governors do not win elections, the people do. What we require from the government in charge of the election is a commitment to a free and fair process.”

    ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, described the mission to rescue Nigeria as collective and praised Abdullahi’s patriotism.

    Read Also: Accord, APC, ADC ready for battle

    “Mission to rescue Nigeria is collective. Bolaji is a straightforward person; he is a committed Nigerian, very patriotic,” he said, while also clearing misconceptions surrounding the Doctrine of Necessity that enabled Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to assume office as Acting President after the crisis that followed the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

    According to him, the decision was taken solely by the Senate under his leadership and had no connection whatsoever to any interests or influence from Kwara State.

    “The doctrine of necessity is the sole responsibility of the Senate and has nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State,” he affirmed.

    Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, said the book exposes the hidden realities and compromises of politics and urged leaders to abandon what he called “pleasant fiction” about power and values.

    Fayemi stressed that the book should not be read merely as an exposé of Abdullahi’s relationship with former Senate President Bukola Saraki, but as a broader reflection on power, mentorship, loyalty, and ambition.

    He said the work offers hope for a better Nigeria, noting that “Abdullahi’s political vision reflects a belief that ‘another Nigeria is possible.

    “For anyone interested in Nigeria, its politics, and the myths around godfatherism and power, this book recommends itself”.

    Reviewer of the book, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, described it as a rare and compelling account of power, loyalty, and courage in Nigeria’s political life, urging Nigerians to reflect deeply on its lessons.