The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • WEF 2026: Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    WEF 2026: Shettima commissions first-ever Nigeria House in Davos

    …says sovereign pavilion signals renewed resolve to shape global economic conversations

    …investment playbooks unveiled for solid minerals, agriculture, creative and digital sectors

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally opened Nigeria House at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, describing the country’s first-ever sovereign pavilion at the annual meeting as a statement of Nigeria’s renewed seriousness and readiness to engage the global economy as an active participant.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Shettima said nations do not prosper in isolation and stressed that Nigeria’s future growth depends on deliberate, structured engagement with the world. 

    “For the first time in our nation’s history, Nigeria stands at Davos with a sovereign pavilion of its own,” he said, adding that Nigeria House “reflects our intention, our seriousness, and above all our resolve to take a front-line seat in the discourse of the global economy, not as observers, but as participants with a clear sense of purpose.”

    The Vice President noted that although Nigeria House was conceived as a whole-of-government platform, bringing together leadership across trade, investment, foreign affairs, energy, infrastructure, technology, climate and culture, its success would ultimately be driven by private enterprise. 

    In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “government can open doors and de-risk environments; only enterprise can animate growth and translate policy into productivity”.

    Shettima said the commissioning coincides with early dividends from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, citing stronger non-oil growth and improved macroeconomic indicators. 

    He added that services, agriculture, finance and technology are expanding, while non-oil revenues now account for a larger share of government collections. 

    Inflationary pressures, he said, eased through 2025, foreign reserves improved, and stability returned to the foreign exchange market.

    Inviting global investors to engage through the new platform, the Vice President said Nigeria House would host forward-looking conversations. 

    “Nigeria is open for business, and more importantly, open for collaboration. Progress is not a monologue; it is a dialogue,” he said.

    Earlier, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, applauded Shettima’s support for the project, describing Nigeria House as a product of strong public-private partnership and a symbol of renewed national pride. 

    She said investment playbooks launched at the event outline opportunities across solid minerals, climate-smart agriculture, creative and digital sectors, aligning with the administration’s drive to rebuild trust and restore credibility.

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yano, said Nigeria House would consolidate gains of ongoing economic transformation by attracting non-oil investments and advocating fairer access to finance for emerging markets. 

    The Lead Execution Partner, Omowunmi Imoukhuede, said the pavilion offers a rare chance to tell Nigeria’s investment story to the world.

    The commissioning followed a Global Business Roundtable on resilient supply chains for the energy transition. 

    Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Ude; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; heads of agencies and captains of industry.

  • Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday held a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, at his uphill residence in Minna.

    Sources at the Ahmed Bola Tinubu International Airport, Minna, confirmed that Obasanjo was accompanied from the airport by officials of the Niger State Government House protocol unit before proceeding to Babangida’s residence.

    The meeting lasted about 30 minutes, after which Obasanjo returned to the airport for his departure.

    No one within the Babangida residence has commented on the visit, and no official statement had been issued as at the time of filing this report.

  • JUST IN: Ogun police arrest suspect over Destiny Boy’s death

    JUST IN: Ogun police arrest suspect over Destiny Boy’s death

    The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of popular Afrofuji singer Destiny Boy, whose real name is Adesina Afeez.

    The 22-year-old artist was known for blending Fuji sounds with modern music.

    News of his death broke on Sunday after distressing videos showing his body being conveyed to a mortuary circulated widely on social media, sparking grief and speculation over the cause of his death.

    In a statement via X, the police said the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for further investigation.

    “The Ogun State Police Command has since commenced investigations into the death of Adesina Afeez, aged 22 years, popularly known as Destiny Boy.

    “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for detailed investigation. One suspect is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing”, the statement reads.

    Destiny Boy rose to fame in 2019 with his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s hit song “If” and went on to release several popular tracks, including “Lamba,” “One Transaction,” and “Gbese.”

    He welcomed his first child with partner Iremide in November 2024.

  • Oyegun welcomes Edo Obidient Movement faction into ADC

    Oyegun welcomes Edo Obidient Movement faction into ADC

    A former governor of Edo state and national leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Oyegun, has expressed joy over defection of a faction of the Obedient Movement in Edo State into the party.

    Last week, a faction of the Edo State Obedient Movement led by Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo collapsed into the All Progressive Congress (APC) to support reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

    “About 95 percent of those here are members of the Obedient Movement and Labour Party stakeholders. We supported Peter Obi in 2023, but we have resolved to support President Tinubu for a second term because we believe his reforms will benefit the common man,” Felix said.

    But Chief Oyegun said the defection was a sign that the people were ready to join the struggle for a leadership change in the country.

    He said, “A new Nigeria is truly possible. A few days ago, I was in the hall when a colourful and important personality, Dele Momodu joined us.

    “Today is the first time I saw youths that were committed to the nation building. It is my first time meeting members of the Obedient Movement in this number. We are convinced that the youth of this country are ready.

    “You have decided to take up the struggle yourself by joining the ADC. I am happy. I want to say that from the day the coalition came together, I was convinced that we are on the right path. 

    “I am sure you are not happy with what is happening in Nigeria and Edo State. Remember that the chairman said that we have one target is that we have a country to save. We must start to make sure that through the ADC, we make a new Nigeria possible.

    Edo coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Asemota Idiogbe, said the ADC remained the only party that could battle the APC at the polls. 

  • CBN pensioners hail FG on ASUU, seek similar gesture

    CBN pensioners hail FG on ASUU, seek similar gesture

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Pensioners have commended the Federal Government for demonstrating political will through the signing of the landmark agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    According to the pensioners, the resolution of a dispute dating back to 2009 clearly shows that the Government can successfully address long-standing industrial and welfare disputes through sincerity, dialogue and faithful commitment to agreements.

    Encouraged by this milestone in the education sector, the CBN Pensioners urged the President to direct the CBN to adopt similar measures toward resolving the 26-year-old pension dispute involving retired CBN staff..

    In a statement by Messrs. David Edogiawerie and Samuel Ehigie Isokpunwu, the pensioners explained that the dispute originated in 1997 following the Federal Government’s introduction of the Policy on Harmonisation of Pensions, which was designed to eliminate disparities among employees who retired on the same grade level and with the same length of service but on different date, which led to the Federal High Court judgment of 22nd May 2000 and culminated in the Supreme Court judgment of 21st May 2010.

    They regretted the CBN has engaged its pensioners in protracted litigation, extending even to enforcement proceedings and alleged acts of intimidation and self-help, despite the matter pending before a competent court.

    “The pensioners appealed to the humane and labour-friendly Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to extend to CBN pensioners the same “ASUU spirit” of constructive engagement, fairness, and timely resolution,” the statement pleaded. 

  • Tinubu mourns Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Saliu

    Tinubu mourns Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Saliu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, who died at the age of 75.

    In a condolence message issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late cleric as a revered Islamic scholar whose life was devoted to faith, service, and the promotion of unity within society.

    The President extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the deceased, the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ilorin Emirate Council, and the Muslim community in Kwara State over what he described as a profound loss.

    “Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu was a devoted servant of Allah, a bridge-builder, and a voice of moderation whose wisdom, humility, and commitment to unity endeared him to people of all backgrounds,” the President said.

    According to Tinubu, the late Chief Imam played a significant role in fostering religious harmony and community development, while also dedicating himself to the education and moral upbringing of younger generations.

    “The Muslim Ummah will never forget the Sheikh’s invaluable contributions to religious harmony, community development, and the nurturing of future generations through learning and exemplary leadership,” the President noted.

    President Tinubu also offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed cleric, asking Almighty Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus and to comfort his family, followers, and the wider Muslim community at this moment of grief.

  • Oyetola inaugurates Shema, ten others into board of Nigerian Shippers’ Council 

    Oyetola inaugurates Shema, ten others into board of Nigerian Shippers’ Council 

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday inaugurated the governing board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

    The Chairman of the board is the former Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema.

    Other members of the Board include: Dr. Pius Akutah, Chief Emi Membere-Otaji, Chief John Aluya, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, Hon. Funmilayo Olasehinde, Engr. (Dr) Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti, Mele Kolo Giadem, Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi, and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke.

    The Minister said the inauguration of the board represents the activation of institutional governance, the entrenchment of accountability, and the commencement of a renewed phase of purposeful oversight within our marine and blue economy sector.

    Oyetola said, “This decisive action underscores the administration’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy as a driver of national transformation.”

    Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is undertaking comprehensive reforms to reposition the sector as a vital pillar of economic growth and national development, with a focus on improving port efficiency and competitiveness, strengthening trade facilitation, and enhancing marine transportation.

    He said, “The Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is expected to align fully with these priorities and provide the strategic oversight required to translate policy into measurable outcomes.

    “The Nigerian Shippers’ Council occupies a critical position as the designated Port Economic Regulator, entrusted with promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery. The effective discharge of this mandate is essential to reducing the cost of doing business at our ports, facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.

    “As members of this Board, you bear a solemn public trust. You are charged with providing policy guidance, strategic direction, and vigilant oversight in accordance with the law. Let me emphasise that while Management is responsible for day-to-day operations, the Board’s duty is to ensure that the Council remains faithful to its mandate, complies with government policies, and consistently delivers value to Nigerian shippers and to the national economy.” 

    He also charged members of the board to ensure that their meetings are purposeful.

    “Every meeting must be purposeful, every deliberation must lead to clear and actionable decisions, and every decision must advance efficiency, fairness, and competitiveness in the maritime sector. 

    “Your effectiveness will be measured not by the frequency of meetings held, but by the tangible impact of your decisions on trade facilitation, cost reduction, and national competitiveness.

    “As we inaugurate this Board today, we do so with confidence in your collective experience, professionalism, and dedication to national service. I urge you to justify the trust reposed in you by Mr. President and the Nigerian people through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.”

    The Minister while urging members of thr board to work in close harmony with the Management of the Council, stated, “You must be guided by professionalism, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence in service delivery. There must be no distractions or conflicts that could hinder institutional performance. All deliberations, decisions, and actions of the Board must strictly conform with extant laws, government policies, rules, guidelines, and circulars.”

    Speaking on behalf of the members, Shema pledged that the board would discharge its responsibilities with diligence and integrity.

    He said the board would focus on strengthening regulatory oversight, embracing best practices, enhancing the use of technology, and supporting reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and revenue generation in the maritime sector.

    “We assure you that this board will remain faithful to the mandate of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and work to enhance efficiency, fairness and competitiveness in the sector, in line with existing laws and government policies.”

  • Tinubu is a blessing to Akure kingdom, says Deji of Akure

    Tinubu is a blessing to Akure kingdom, says Deji of Akure

    …As FUTA Teaching Hospital outlines progress work 

    The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Teaching Hospital and a College of Aviation in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The Akure traditional ruler gave the commendation when the management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olusegun Ojo paid him a courtesy visit at the palace in Akure on Monday.

    Oba Aladelusi said the Tinubu administration had brought immense benefits to Akure, noting that residents of the town had clamoured for a federal teaching hospital since the creation of Ondo State in 1976.

    According to him, what other state capitals took for granted had remained elusive to Akure until the emergence of President Tinubu.

    “With the establishment of the FUTA Teaching Hospital, the people of Akure and Ondo State will no longer need to travel to Osun, Oyo, and Lagos states for medical attention,” the monarch said.

    He also listed the College of Aviation and the appointment of a substantive minister from Akure as part of the gains recorded under the present administration, recalling that the last time the town produced a minister was when Chief Olu Falae served as Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

    Oba Aladelusi said access to quality healthcare was a major reason people in developed countries lived longer, stressing that the new teaching hospital would significantly improve healthcare delivery in the state.

    He applauded President Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for ceding the Specialist Hospital in Akure to the Federal Government for the establishment of the teaching hospital.

    “President Tinubu loves Akure very much. He promised us a teaching hospital, and he has fulfilled his promise. He also gave us a substantive minister and the College of Aviation. We will always support him,” the monarch said.

    He, however, charged the management of the hospital to work towards reducing the death rate and making the institution one of the best in the country and globally, pledging to encourage Akure indigenes to donate buildings and facilities to support the hospital

    Earlier, Prof. Ojo said the management of the FUTA Teaching Hospital held the Deji of Akure and the traditional institution in high esteem, describing the host community as critical to the success of the hospital.

    He explained that the visit was to formally present the newly constituted management team to the palace and seek the royal father’s goodwill and support.

    Ojo said no meaningful institution could thrive within a community without the cooperation and support of its traditional ruler and chiefs, adding that the visit was deliberate and symbolic.

    According to him, the palace and the people of Akure had stood by the hospital at every critical stage of its development, describing the support as a show of love, ownership and partnership that would remain indelible in the institution’s history.

    He noted that although the FUTA Teaching Hospital was a federal institution, it remained a pride of Akure Kingdom.

    “Kabiyesi, FUTA Teaching Hospital is not only a federal institution; it is a pride of Akure Kingdom. It is our responsibility to ensure quality healthcare delivery, contribute to medical education, advance research, create jobs, and positively impact the wellbeing of our host community,” he said.

    He added that the new management team was committed to consolidating existing achievements, upholding professionalism, integrity and excellence, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the host community.

  • Ruger confirms Destiny Boy’s death

    Ruger confirms Destiny Boy’s death

    Afrobeats singer Ruger has confirmed the death of 22-year-old singer Destiny Boy.

    A viral video showed Destiny Boy motionless in a car, sparking intense speculation about his death.

    Conflicting reports surround his passing, with some claiming he died at a herbalist’s residence and others saying he fell ill earlier that day.

    However, no official cause of death has been given.

    On X, Ruger expressed frustration over the lack of information, saying, “Bruh people will just post that someone has died and everyone will move on. Wtf caused his death, who was he with, what was the boy eating or drinking. No autopsy, NOTHING!!!! We just have to accept that he’s dead. My God RIP Destiny Boy. ”

    Destiny Boy, known for his street-influenced sound, announced his first child’s birth in 2024.

    His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and concern.

  • JUST IN: PDP, SDP missing as INEC unveils final list for Ekiti guber election

    JUST IN: PDP, SDP missing as INEC unveils final list for Ekiti guber election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday unveiled the final list of candidates for the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, leaving out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    The document obtained by our correspondent showed that the names of PDP’s candidate, Dr. Wole Oluyede, and his SDP counterpart, David Bankole, were not included. Sources disclosed that both parties were excluded due to unresolved court cases concerning their leadership structures.

    With the disqualification of the PDP and SDP candidates, 12 political parties were cleared to contest the election.

    According to the list, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is fielding the incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, 58, with Monisade Afuye, 67, as running mate.

    Other contenders include Opeyemi Falegan, 41, of the Accord Party, running alongside Omoyeni Bayode, 48; Akande Oluwasegun, 36, of the African Action Congress, paired with Oluwasanmi Fajuyigbe; and Ayodeji Ojo, 42, of the Action Democratic Party, with Itunu Ibitoye, 35.

    The African Democratic Congress is represented by Oluwadare Bejide, 66, and Babatola Ayodeji, 65. Also cleared are Bidemi Awogbemi, 36, and Akinyemi Adewumi, 53, of the Action People’s Party; as well as Joseph Anifowose, 65, and Margaret Ilesanmi, 68, of the Allied People’s Movement.

    The Labour Party is presenting Oyebanji Olajuyin (67) and Ayokunle Okumade (45), while the New Nigeria People’s Party has Blessing Abegunde (35) as its governorship candidate, with Francis Ajayi (65) as running mate. 

    The People’s Redemption Party is fielding Olaniyi Ayodele (49) and Modupe Adebiyi (35), while the Young Progressive Party is presenting Osinkolu Olusegun and Arowolo Olusesan, the Zenith Labour Party’s candidates are Victor Adetunji (38) and Adesina Oyeniyi (35).

    According to the documents, there are no female candidates contesting the governorship position, while four women are listed as deputy governorship candidates across the political parties. Persons living with disabilities were not represented among the candidates cleared for the election.

    The commission further displayed the academic qualifications of all candidates and their deputies.The APC governorship candidate, Oyebanji, submitted a First School Leaving Certificate, West African School Certificate, Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, while his running mate, Afuye, presented a First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate.

    However, the PDP has rejected the final list of governorship candidates released by INEC, insisting that the party would participate in June 20 governorship poll.

    In a statement signed by the  Special Adviser on Media to Oluyede, Gani Salau, the said the omission of its governorship candidate was already before the court and should not be interpreted as the end of its participation in the June 20 poll.

    The opposition PDP disclosed that its candidate had instituted a suit at Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking an order of mandamus to compel INEC to publish his name which it said would be heard this week.

    It further stated that it had appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state capital that ordered a fresh governorship primary, insisting that it had filed a stay of execution.

    The party expressed confidence that the courts would rule in its favour, urging its members and supporters across the 16 council areas of the state to remain calm while maintaining that Oluyede remains its candidate and a strong contender in the 2026 governorship election.

    Also, the Ekiti SDP Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele expressed shock over the non-inclusion of its governorship candidate from the INEC final list, describing the development as unexpected. 

    Ayodele who insisted that SDP complied with all extant electoral guidelines and procedures ahead of the poll, said that the party was consulting its legal team with a view to exploring all lawful options to address the omission.

    He added that the party would not relent in defending mandate of its candidate and urged its members and supporters to remain calm while the matter is being pursued through legal channels.