The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nigeria, U.S. reaffirm commitment to protect religious freedom, strengthen security

    Nigeria, U.S. reaffirm commitment to protect religious freedom, strengthen security

    Nigeria and the United States have reaffirmed their resolve to deepen cooperation on religious freedom and national security, pledging sustained joint action to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

    This is contained in a joint statement issued by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the U.S. team lead, Under Secretary of State, Ms. Allison Hooker, at the end of the first session of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group, held in Abuja on Thursday.

    According to the statement, the Working Group was established to address issues arising from Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act.

    It was also to foster practical cooperation aimed at reducing violence, particularly against Christian communities, and ensuring freedom of worship for all Nigerians.

    The joint statement noted that strategic discussions focused on strengthening collaboration to improve religious freedom and enhance security across the country, while recognising the long-standing partnership between both nations, founded on shared values of pluralism, respect for the rule of law and national sovereignty.

    It said the U.S. delegation welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing realignment of security resources, especially in the North Central states, as part of efforts to address insecurity and protect civilians.

    Both sides, the statement said, reaffirmed their “strong and unflinching commitment” to the principles of religious freedom.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Austria pledge to deepen bilateral ties, expand strategic cooperation

    “They also agreed on the need for active and sustained measures to safeguard the rights to freedom of religion, expression and peaceful assembly in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it added.

    The statement further emphasised the importance of protecting civilians, particularly members of vulnerable Christian communities, and ensuring accountability for those responsible for acts of violence.

    It added that both countries agreed to further strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, including through enhanced operational collaboration, access to technology, anti-money laundering efforts, countering the financing of terrorism, and building law enforcement and investigative capacity.

    The U.S. side, according to the statement, commended Nigeria for its prompt actions to enhance security for at-risk Christian communities and Nigerians of all faiths affected by terrorism and criminal violence.

    The joint statement concluded that the next meeting of the U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group would be held in the United States at a mutually convenient date to be arranged through diplomatic channels.

    (NAN)

  • Youth-led dialogue charts path for restoring trust in Nigeria’s elections

    Youth-led dialogue charts path for restoring trust in Nigeria’s elections

    In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections, iLEAD AFRICA has convened the Future for Democracy Policy Dialogue in Abuja, themed “Rebuilding Trust in Nigeria’s Elections through Youth Participation and Civic Innovation.”

    The one-day forum brought together youth leaders, civic actors, policy experts and media practitioners to develop practical strategies for rebuilding public confidence in the country’s electoral institutions.

    Speaking at the opening session, iLEAD AFRICA Chief Executive Officer, Yusuff Liadi Abiodun, emphasised that young Nigerians must move beyond being mere voters to becoming co-owners of democratic governance. 

    He called for deeper youth inclusion in political and decision-making processes.

    A key outcome of the dialogue was the proposal for a 50/50 representation framework between youth and adults in political and governance structures, aimed at addressing long-standing youth marginalisation in Nigerian politics.

    Participants identified major barriers to youth participation, including weak political organisation, financial exclusion, limited civic awareness and voter apathy. 

    To address these challenges, stakeholders recommended strengthening youth political blocs, introducing early civic education, encouraging active party engagement, and simplifying voter registration processes.

    Technology-driven civic engagement featured prominently in the discussions. iLEAD AFRICA’s iMonitor platform was highlighted as a strategic tool for reporting electoral incidents, tracking government projects and supporting youth-led election observation. Recommendations included securing INEC accreditation for the platform, expanding regional observer mapping, deploying USSD and barcode-based reporting for low-connectivity areas, and amplifying advocacy through digital influencers.

    The forum also underscored the importance of election security, stressing the need for observer neutrality, early detection of violence risks, and proactive voter education to reduce electoral tensions. Experts further called for evidence-based mapping of electoral hotspots and closer collaboration with INEC to ensure the safe deployment of sensitive election materials.

    In closing, iLEAD AFRICA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, noting that rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s elections requires more than procedural reforms. 

    The organisation stressed that youth leadership, credible civic innovation and sustained collaboration between institutions and citizens are critical to strengthening democratic accountability and safeguarding the electoral process.

  • Gospel singer Tope Alabi welcomes grandchild

    Gospel singer Tope Alabi welcomes grandchild

    Gospel singer Tope Alabi has announced the birth of her first grandchild from daughter Ayomikun Alabi and husband Oluwole Bantale.

    In an Instagram post, Alabi expressed joy and gratitude to God, describing the moment as a dream come true.

    “I’m eternally grateful to God for this joyful addition to my family. Indeed Ayomiku, ayo si kun inu mi,” Alabi wrote.

    She praised her daughter for the woman and mother she has become, saying she is proud of her.

    “My beautiful, strong girl @the_ayomikualabi_ I am so proud of the woman and mother you have become. Welcome to the world, my darling grandchild, I have dreamt of holding you for so long and now I’m showering you with kisses as I watch you grow”, she wrote.

    The announcement follows Ayomikun’s recent private wedding to Oluwole Bantale, which was attended by several top stars, including Nollywood actress Funke Akindele.

    Alabi described her new role as a grandmother as her favourite, saying, “Being your grandma is my new favourite role.”

  • Police bust kidnapping syndicate, nab 10 suspects in Delta

    Police bust kidnapping syndicate, nab 10 suspects in Delta

    Ten suspected kidnappers and armed robbers were arrested by the Delta State Police Command in the early hours of Tuesday, January 20, along the Jeddo/Ughoton–Warri axis.

    Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS) carried out a coordinated operation, following reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Orerokpe, and neighbouring communities.

    Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement, said operatives trailed a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and one Ibori (surname unknown).

    During the raid, the two principal suspects and three others were arrested, while some gang members escaped through nearby creeks, Edafe stated.

    Read Also: Police arrest man over alleged death of 10-year-old daughter in Calabar

    Recovered exhibits include a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, another locally made pistol, a black Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle, a battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine.

    Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, said the arrests underscored the Command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

    “Our operatives acted with professionalism and precision, leveraging actionable intelligence to achieve this success. We remain unwavering in our commitment to rid Delta State of criminal elements through sustained, proactive, and intelligence-led policing,” the CP said.

  • Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Leaders and elders of Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area, have imposed a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am following a surge in kidnapping incidents in the community.

    The decision also includes a ban on all-night parties, while burial dances are now restricted to between 4 pm and 6 pm.

    The move followed the abduction of the wife of the Chairman of the Akoko Youth Forum, Ubani Okuo, after kidnappers reportedly invaded their residence. Her abduction came just 24 hours after seven residents of the Imoga community regained their freedom after paying ransom.

    A town crier, acting on the directive of the traditional ruler, announced the curfew, noting that a young girl had also been kidnapped in another part of Igarra days earlier.

    Read Also: 11 die in Edo road accident

    Confirming the development, the traditional ruler, Oba Adeche Saiki, said the curfew was jointly agreed upon by the local government leadership, security agencies, and traditional authorities to curb criminal activity across the council area.

    Meanwhile, Edo State government spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said security agencies have launched coordinated efforts to rescue the abducted victim, adding that Divisional Police Officers in the area have been directed to intensify operations.

  • ADC lacks direction, unity, political future – Alawuje

    ADC lacks direction, unity, political future – Alawuje

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has described the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition that lacks direction, unity, and a clear political future, amid growing internal tensions within opposition ranks.

    In a press statement issued on Thursday, Alawuje said the ADC had become a “political gathering going nowhere,” arguing that the party was gripped by panic, suspicion, and internal unrest.

    He said that although members of the party appeared eager for political movement, they lacked a shared destination, ideological compass, or common vision to guide their actions.

    According to him, what exists within the ADC is not genuine unity but what he called a “forced marriage of incompatible interests,” made up of groups fundamentally opposed to one another but pretending to be allies.

    Read Also: ADC coalition built on contradictions, personal ambitions — Alawuje

    He argued that such an arrangement, in his view, could not deliver peace, stability, or progress, describing the party as a collection of unsettled rivals competing against themselves rather than a coherent political family.

    Alawuje further claimed that none of the party’s leading figures enjoyed real political harmony or ideological compatibility, a situation he said had deepened internal contradictions and weakened cohesion.

    He cited recent developments within the ADC as evidence of confusion, alleging that some leaders were scrambling for relevance following the exit or decline of key political figures, while others were now seeking positions and benefits they had previously opposed.

    The statement said this contradiction had defined the ADC’s politics and exposed what he described as its lack of clarity about its real target, whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an individual or the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political institution.

    Alawuje said the uncertainty had weakened the opposition’s messaging, strategy, and credibility, while portraying President Tinubu as a resilient and strategic democratic figure and the APC as the most organized and prepared political party in the country.

    He concluded by urging opposition elements, in the interest of national unity and stability, to allow President Tinubu complete his constitutional second term, arguing that internal confusion within the ADC reflected a deeper fear of the APC’s growing dominance.

  • Six drowned as boat capsizes in Benue River

    Six drowned as boat capsizes in Benue River

    Six people, mostly students, have drowned after a boat capsized at the Buruku River crossing point in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

    The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, prompting an emergency response from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to strengthen safety measures across riverine communities dependent on water transport.

    During a sympathy visit and on-the-spot assessment on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, officials outlined plans to improve the protection of lives and property at the Buruku crossing point and similar locations across the state.

    Speaking on behalf of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba, said the visit was aimed at consoling the families of the victims and assessing the situation firsthand. He described the incident as deeply tragic and assured residents that concrete steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

    Read Also: FG warns of imminent Niger, Benue River flooding, urges states to prepare

    According to him, the joint intervention by BSEMA and the Ministry followed the governor’s directive to conduct a fact-finding mission and submit a comprehensive report for immediate action.

    He added that safety protocols would be fully enforced, including strict adherence to ferry operation regulations and the compulsory use of safety equipment.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, represented by the Programme Manager for IDPs Operations, Mr. Orseer Gaius Zege, described the incident as unfortunate and pledged stronger regulatory and institutional oversight to ensure ferry operators and passengers comply with safety standards, particularly the mandatory use of life jackets.

    In his remarks, the District Head of Binev, Chief Dennis Nyitse Hagh, commended Governor Alia for demonstrating solidarity with the affected families and taking proactive steps to safeguard residents who rely on water transportation.

    A minute of silence was observed in honour of the six victims. The delegation included the Director General of the Bureau for Homeland Security, Retired Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan; the Special Adviser on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe; and other government officials.

  • Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    The legal dispute arising from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has moved to the Supreme Court, following an application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his official capacity.

    Court documents indicate that Akpabio has approached the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against decisions connected to the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker. The application was filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

    In the suit, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents are Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen.

    The dispute followed events at a Senate plenary in February 2025, during which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues relating to parliamentary privilege and procedure.

    The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, and subsequently led to her suspension from legislative activities.

    Challenging the disciplinary action, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan instituted a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, alleging breaches of her right to a fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.

    In a judgment delivered on July 4, 2025, the court considered issues relating to parliamentary procedure and judicial intervention in legislative affairs.

    Following proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.

    The application, brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act, and provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), argues that the appeal raises constitutional and procedural questions.

    Akpabio contends that the Senate acted under Section 60 of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures.

    He also argues that the presiding officer of the Senate is not required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary, and that the Senate’s internal disciplinary processes were invoked in line with its rules.

    Read Also: Akpabio: Electoral Act amendment will be ready ahead of 2027 polls

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her response, maintains that her suspension breached her right to a fair hearing and that the Senate did not comply with its Standing Orders before referring her to the ethics committee and imposing sanctions.

    It was confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that her legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes, bringing all parties before the apex court.

    The matter also includes a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan while the suit was pending.

    The Federal High Court held that the post violated a subsisting order, imposed a fine, and directed a public apology.

    The senator has appealed the decision, arguing that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and required compliance with statutory procedures.

    The case is now before the Supreme Court for further adjudication.

  • Shettima in Davos: Nigeria reframes food security as macro-stability strategy

    Shettima in Davos: Nigeria reframes food security as macro-stability strategy

    …says ‘Back to the Farm’ initiative will tame inflation, cut FX on imports

    Nigeria has unveiled a sweeping macro-strategy that places food security at the heart of national stability, inflation control, and regional cohesion, with Vice President Kashim Shettima declaring that the country no longer views the issue through a narrow agricultural lens.

    Speaking at a high-level panel, “When Food Becomes Security,” at the Congress Centre during the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vice President Shettima said the Federal Government has begun a multi-dimensional agricultural drive, designed to insulate Nigeria from global shocks while restoring productivity across its food-basket regions.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “In Nigeria, we don’t look at food security purely as an agricultural issue. It is a macroeconomic, security, and governance issue. Our focus is to use food security as a pillar for national security, regional cohesion, and stability.”

    He explained that Nigeria’s food security strategy rests on three pillars: increased food production, environmental sustainability, and deeper regional integration within West Africa.

    According to him, changing global trends and supply-chain disruptions have compelled the country to rebuild resilient food systems tailored to diverse ecological zones.

    “Nigeria is a very large country, and there is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology. In the Sahelian North, we are dealing with desertification, deforestation, and drought. In the riverine South and parts of the North Central, flooding is our major challenge,” he noted.

    To confront these realities, the Vice President said the government is promoting drought-resistant, flood-tolerant and early-maturing varieties of staples such as rice, sorghum and millet, while redesigning food systems in flood-prone southern regions to withstand climate shocks.

    Security, he added, remains a binding constraint because many conflict-affected areas double as major food-producing zones.

    “Most of the food baskets of our nation are security-challenged. That is why we are creating food security corridors and strengthening community-based security engagements so farmers can return safely to their land,” he said.

    Shettima disclosed the launch of the Back to the Farm Initiative, aimed at resettling displaced farmers with inputs, insurance, and access to capital to restart production.

    On macroeconomic vulnerabilities, he identified import dependence and foreign-exchange volatility as key drivers of food inflation.

    Read Also: Shettima backs AFAN, reiterates FG’s commitment to farmers

    “We largely import wheat, sugar, and dairy products, and this has a direct impact on inflation. Our strategy is to accelerate local production and promote substitutes such as sorghum, millet, and cassava flour to correct these structural imbalances,” he said.

    Positioning agriculture as a frontline response to economic and security threats, the Vice President said Nigeria’s approach aligns food security with national stability, inflation control, and regional cooperation.

    He further stated that the country, dubbed “the African giant”, has “woken up from its slumber” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that within 12 months the government would make “it possible for smallholders and fishers to become investable at scale.”

    Highlighting continental dynamics, Shettima said intra-African trade has “almost become a necessity,” adding that “there have been some alignments.”

    He urged African leaders to intensify cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area, expressing optimism that ongoing Renewed Hope Agenda reforms would soon translate into climate adaptation moving from pilot to reality, and a boom in intra-African trade far beyond 10.7 per cent.

  • UNILAG graduate dies day after convocation

    UNILAG graduate dies day after convocation

    A University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate, Maryam Agoro, has died a day after her convocation ceremony.

    Agoro, a law graduate, reportedly passed away shortly after celebrating the milestone she had worked years to achieve.

    The demise of the young graduate was shared on X on January 21, 2026, by a user identified as Confidence Ufuoma (@plantcodesss).

    “You did your convocation yesterday, and today you’re no more. You deserve to be celebrated, and you will be.

    “My sister, evidence was always rooting for you, and after seeing you in that miserable condition the last time, I hoped you’d get better. I know you’re smiling from where you are because ‘UNILAG didn’t end you.’ You ended UNILAG, in joy,” Confidence Ufoma wrote.

    The emotional tribute has since drawn reactions from students, alumni, and social media users who expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss.

    An X user, @Coachchair007, while expressing shock, prayed for her soul to rest in peace.

    “May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss. Can’t believe I’m mourning Maryam when I’m supposed to be celebrating her. Allah knows best,” he said.

    @Sharon2Eniola reflected on the vanity of life, questioning how a moment meant for celebration could so quickly turn into tragedy.

    “Life really is meaningless. Few people posted her when she convocated yesterday, but today she’s no more, and about 30% of the school is posting her picture. May we not be celebrated in death. I can’t imagine the sorrow her family is in. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.

    UNILAG held its 2024/2025 convocation ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the institution’s main campus. The event marked the university’s 55th convocation ceremony.

    Read Also: 500 UNILAG graduates inducted into Lagos NSE

    During the ceremony, UNILAG awarded degrees to a total of 16,506 graduates, including 272 students who earned first-class honours.

    The Faculty of Engineering recorded the highest number of first-class graduates, with 89 students graduating with the top honour.

    In total, 2,097 students graduated from the Faculties of Engineering, Law, and Management Sciences. Of the 613 engineering graduates, 89 earned first-class honours, while the Faculty of Law produced 321 graduates, including three first-class degree holders.

    The Faculty of Management Sciences graduated 1,163 students, with 180 attaining first-class honours.