Author: The Nation

  • Tiwa Savage slams X user over ‘repeated’ online harassment, threatens action

    Tiwa Savage slams X user over ‘repeated’ online harassment, threatens action

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has threatened to take actions against an X influencer, Dami Foreign over alleged social media attacks on her and son, Jamil.

    Savage, on Tuesday, slammed Dami Foreign for crossing a line while also accusing him of a long-standing agenda to bring her down and expressed outrage over his comments about her 10-year-old child.

    In a series of posts, Savage called out Dami Foreign for his repeated attacks, including a past comment wishing her harm.

    The singer emphasised that Dami Foreign’s obsession with her is evident, but his relevance is lacking. 

    Read Also: I lost lucrative deal after refusing to travel with company executive – Tiwa Savage

    She wrote: “@TheDamiForeign I dare you to post anything about my child again and THIS WILL MOVE BEYOND TWITTER. @TheDamiForeign you see that I never cared about your paid agenda to bring me down and you’ve been doing it for a long time.

    “You talking about my child is crossing the line. Dami with my FULL CHEST e no go better for you. You even posted that you wanted me to die young…. Back to sender. @TheDamiForeign the obsession with me is loud but your relevance is missing”.

  • America’s Textron, Tantita drone deal set to transform Nigeria’s oil sector

    America’s Textron, Tantita drone deal set to transform Nigeria’s oil sector

    American defence technology firm, Textron Systems, has moved to equip Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) with advanced reconnaissance drones to combat oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta.

    Textron Systems has signed a deal to supply three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones to Tantita, the private firm contracted by the Federal Government to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure.

    Tantita is owned by Niger Delta freedom fighter, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

    The agreement marks a significant upgrade in Nigeria’s oilfield security architecture, coming amid renewed efforts by the government to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining that have cost the country billions of dollars in lost revenue over the years.

    The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

    Its VTOL capability allows it to take off and land in confined spaces without a runway, making it well suited for the creeks, swamps and offshore environments of the Niger Delta.

    Industry experts say the deployment of the drones will significantly boost real-time monitoring of pipelines and oil facilities, enabling faster detection of breaches and coordinated responses to criminal activities. The drones can operate for extended periods and transmit live imagery and data to ground control stations.

    Read Also: Petrobras seeks return to Nigeria’s oil sector, eyes deepwater fields

    Though the development has generated mixed reactions across the country, supporters believe the deal represents a bold and necessary step to protect national assets and sustain recent gains in crude oil production.

    On social media, some users hailed the move as a “welcome development” that could further reduce oil theft.

    Tantita Security Services has played a central role in Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance programme since its engagement by the Federal Government in 2022, with authorities reporting improvements in oil output following intensified security operations across key production corridors.

  • JUST IN: Rosenior agrees to become Chelsea manager

    JUST IN: Rosenior agrees to become Chelsea manager

    Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior says he has “agreed verbally” to take over at Chelsea.

    The 41-year-old Englishman is set to replace Enzo Maresca, who left on New Year’s Day.

    “I cannot turn down this opportunity to join an incredible club, incredible squad who are Club World Cup champions,” Rosenior said.

    Strasbourg are part of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo multi-club ownership group that also controls Chelsea.

    “I haven’t signed yet. Everything is agreed and it will probably go through in the next few hours,” Rosenior added.

    “I’m here because I care about this club [Strasbourg] and I felt it was right to answer your questions physically here today before I move on.”

    Rosenior said Strasbourg first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner will join him at Chelsea.

    Ronseior joined Strasbourg in July 2024 and guided the French club to seventh in Ligue 1 last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years.

    Read Also: EPL: Chelsea score stoppage-time equaliser at Man City

    His final match was a 1-1 draw at Nice on Saturday, their fifth league game without a win.

    They are seventh in Ligue 1 and top of the Conference League.

    “The last 18 months have been a joy and the best of my professional career,” Ronseior said.

    “I will love this club for the rest of my life but I cannot turn down Chelsea.”

    The former Fulham and Hull full-back has never managed in the Premier League but previously coached in the Championship with Derby County and the Tigers.

    “I would not have accepted the Chelsea job if I was not ready,” Rosenior said.

    “There are clubs you just cannot turn down. I hope the Strasbourg fans can see that and be proud of that.”

    He added: “I have had interest from many clubs, including Champions League clubs, which I have always been open with to [our president] Marc [Keller] and our ownership.”

    Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League before their game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday (19:30 GMT).

    Caretaker manager Calum McFarlane was in place for Chelsea‘s 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

    BBC

  • Oyo suspends Chief over alleged illegal mining

    Oyo suspends Chief over alleged illegal mining

    The Oyo State Government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly violating the State’s Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining activities and for encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.

    It noted that the decision was taken to protect the interest of Oyo State and its people.

    Chief Sobaloju, according to a letter by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., was accused of violating the order as well as allegedly issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government’s reserved forest and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.

    The letter indicated that Chief Sobaloju has been suspended from the palace of the Onito of Ito effective from Monday, January 5, 2026, pending the outcome of investigation into the allegations, adding that his suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the integrity of the investigation.

    The letter, entitled “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Exectuive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” reads in part: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating the State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining activities in Oyo State, and of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.

    Read Also: Mining marshals arrest five suspects for illegal mining, impersonation in Abuja

    “The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government Reserves Forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”

    It directed the embattled Chief to refrain from all activities related to mining and issuance of consent letters to miners, refrain from interfering with the investigation into the allegations against him and to make himself available for questioning as required by the investigating team.

  • Keystone Luxent Review 2026: Worth Investing ? Legit or Not?

    Keystone Luxent Review 2026: Worth Investing ? Legit or Not?

    Register On Keystone Luxent

    As financial experts, our team continuously analyzes new automated investment and trading platforms to verify their legitimacy and ensure they adhere to the promised claims. Keystone Luxent is the platform we recently evaluated, and after several weeks of testing its performance across a wide range of markets, it is evident that this system is designed to ensure simpler, faster, more secure, and profitable trading and investing. This review is a comprehensive guide covering the information we gathered through strategy testing, performance evaluation, risk assessment, and user response analysis.

    Visit Official Website

    Keystone Luxent- Initial Understanding and Platform Design

    From our initial analysis, we found that Keystone Luxent is quite different from other platforms due to its technology-based, user-first approach. The account registration and setup process is straightforward. However, what caught our attention is the solid dashboard that presents all major features and allows easy customization.

    As mentioned, the platform has an intuitive design so that even those with no previous investment knowledge can easily navigate and make informed decisions. Using advanced AI technology and algorithms, it scans the market 24/7 rather than operating based on pre-determined rules.

    During the testing stage, we observed that the system adjusted signals based on changing market conditions, which is crucial while functioning across multiple markets. So, unlike various platforms that focus only on one asset, Keystone Luxent supports multiple assets, thereby ensuring effective portfolio diversification.

    Keystone Luxent Assets Supported

    Considering the dynamic nature of various asset classes, features like portfolio diversification are important. Platforms that support investment but allow users to invest only in one asset expose them to huge risks. In this aspect, Keystone Luxent performs well.

    During the testing stage, we found that the platform operates efficiently across different markets, such as cryptocurrencies, traditional stocks, forex pairs, shares, futures, commodities, bonds, derivatives, etc.

    It approaches different markets as per the exact requirements of each. While navigating the crypto market, the system ensures high liquidity, trading volume, and security. In forex, it focuses on trend stability and disciplined trading. So, it is clear that Keystone Luxent applies unique algorithms, which are lacking in many platforms. This multi-asset support feature helps spread risks and achieve long-term financial goals.

    Try Free Demo Now!

    User Experience and Platform Accessibility

    Keystone Luxent makes zero compromise in user experience by offering a clean, intuitive interface with a customizable dashboard. It clearly displays market data, trade history, portfolio, performance metrics, etc., so that even beginners can easily navigate and make informed decisions. From an expert perspective, the platform simplifies complex data and allows users to concentrate on investment activities rather than wasting time on navigation.

    Coming to platform accessibility, the system is responsive on both desktops and mobile phones. This is a huge advantage because people monitor and manage activities across devices. Also, getting started is safe and quick.

    ●     Step 1- Open an Account

    Submit the registration form with your name, email address, contact number, and place of residence. Validate the confirmation email to complete the step.

    ●     Step 2- Deposit Funds

    Next, invest a minimum of €250 in your account that the platform can use to purchase profitable assets when the market conditions are favorable.

    ●     Step 3- Start Trading

    Finally, personalize the strategies, select the assets, etc., as per your trading goals, risk tolerance levels, and market conditions. Based on this, Keystone Luxent will perform live trading.

    Quick Register Free

    Strategy Testing and Performance Analysis

    Short-Term Trading Performance

    In high liquidity markets, like cryptocurrencies and forex pairs, the platform executed trades rapidly. Entry and exit points were based on in-depth analysis rather than emotional responses based on excessive market data. Though risks are involved in this method, the platform tackles them efficiently using advanced risk management features.

    Medium-Term Investment

    For assets, such as stocks and indices, Keystone Luxent showed a measured approach. By offering technical analysis tools, the system helps spot reversals or continuations in trends. In comparison to short-term, the activities are less time-intensive. So, it is suitable for traders who seek an AI-powered approach where constant monitoring isn’t needed.

    Cross-Market Responsiveness

    The platform is cross-market responsive because it integrates diverse asset classes and adapts quickly to different market needs. This is done through data collection and integration from multiple sources.

    Risk Management Features

    One of the key aspects to consider for consistent profitability is managing risks efficiently. Keystone Luxent easily qualifies in this by integrating advanced risk management measures. These include:

    • Stop-loss and take-profit orders, which prevent potential losses by automatically executing trades on reaching predefined price points.
    • Position sizing based on risk tolerance levels and account size.
    • Real-time risk analytics to monitor exposure across different asset classes, regions, etc.
    • Automatic strategy scaling during high volatility conditions.

    During emergencies, like sudden price drops or market manipulations, the platform deploys these strategies to reduce risks and protect investments.

    Strategic Automation Using Artificial Intelligence Technology

    One of the major concerns with automated investment platforms is the lack of control over activities. Keystone Luxent carefully overcomes this by ensuring automation and oversight wherever necessary.

    The platform utilizes artificial intelligence technology to examine global markets 24/7, deliver accurate signals and insights, and execute orders on time. However, it allows traders and investors to adjust various settings, such as risk tolerance levels, strategies, and assets.

    During analysis, Keystone Luxent operated based on the customized parameters to ensure success. In this way, the platform supports both hands-free trading and control over activities.

    Invest For Future

    Transparency of the Platform

    The safety and reliability of a trading platform are visible from its transparent nature. Trade execution logs, live performance tracking, historical analytics, and other data, such as losses, profits, and exposure, are clearly visible. This visibility has been beneficial for us because we could easily analyze various features and functionalities. From the user’s perspective, this contributes to trust and reliability.

    Safety and Security

    In online trading, safety and security are always a concern for people. Keystone Luxent follows stringent safety measures and protocols, such as the latest encryption technology, authentication functions, regular audits, etc., to prevent data leakage and other risks. During the whole testing phase, we did not face any kind of security breaches.

    Who is Keystone Luxent Suitable For?

    Based on our examination, the Keystone Luxent platform best suits users from different backgrounds with different requirements. Investors seeking AI-based experience, traders who want to expand their portfolios without managing multiple platforms, those who wish to overcome emotional decision-making, and people looking for data transparency, easy accessibility, and efficient risk management.

    Keystone Luxent – Final Verdict

    Based on detailed testing and analysis, we conclude that Keystone Luxent is an advanced automated platform catering to traders and investors with varying requirements. The system provides access to a wide range of assets, ensures accurate alerts and insights, and safeguards data and investments.

    The platform integrates several other advanced features, such as an intuitive interface, customizable settings, extra tools and resources, round-the-clock customer support, etc. It is quite affordable with a small investment requirement of €250 and zero extra fees or commissions.

    Accessible on desktops, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices, users can access it from anywhere to manage investment and trading activities. All these facts suggest that Keystone Luxent is a wise option for those seeking simplicity, accessibility, and profitability.

    FAQs

    Are the assets safe in Keystone Luxent?

    Keystone Luxent follows strict safety measures and integrates several risk management tools to safeguard assets and activities.

    Can beginners use Keystone Luxent?

    Yes. Beginners can use Keystone Luxent because it provides many user-friendly features, such as a clean, intuitive interface, a demo account, etc.

    How much does Keystone Luxent cost?

    This investment platform is affordable, with only a small deposit requirement of €250 to begin real-time trading.

    What about the customer service on Keystone Luxent?

    The system guarantees 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, and other channels.

    Is Keystone Luxent available globally?

    Keystone Luxent is currently available in almost all countries across the globe.

  • Four Osun council workers arrested for allegedly stealing documents, others

    Four Osun council workers arrested for allegedly stealing documents, others

    …NLC kicks, tags arrest harassment  

    Four yet-to-be-named Osun State Local Government workers were arrested for allegedly carting away documents and stealing property of council during resumption of duties. 

    The Nation recalled that members of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) resumed duties after an 11-month strike action following control crisis between executives of All Progressives Congress(APC) and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) since 2025. 

    Upon resumption, two workers in Boluwaduro council were arrested by the APC-reinstated chairmen who welcomed the members of NULGE to their duty posts. 

    It was gathered the top civil servants at the council allegedly smuggled into the premises and packed stationery with some vital documents inside a sack. 

    A source disclosed that that when they were about to put the loots inside a car when caught and handed over to the police at the premises of the secretariat. 

    Also, in Egbedore LGA, one council worker was arrested in Egbedore for allegedly stealing documents of the local government area.

    Similarly, a worker was arrested in Ayeedaade Local Government Area for stealing a stamp used for local government identification and other vital documents of the council. 

    Read Also: Factional Osun council workers warn against HLA takeover amid LG crisis

    Speaking on behalf of APC Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Chief Adegoke Ogunsola disclosed that the resumption of workers was seamless but four workers were arrested for stealing. 

    “We have a situation in Egbedore, Ayedaade and Boluwaduro councils. Four workers were arrested, they were not harrassed but handed over to police for further investigation.” 

    Efforts to get reaction from Police Command were abortive as the Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi promised to get back but failed to do so as of the time of filing this report. He refused to pick subsequent calls. 

    The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Osun chapter led by Comrade Chris Arapasopo and the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) kicked tagging the arrest as harassment of the workers.

    Arapasopo in a statement warned against arrest tagging it as harassment of Osun local government workers across Osun state, vowing to take labour action if the situation does not stop forthwith.

  • Diplomats hail Tinubu’s security push

    Diplomats hail Tinubu’s security push

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deft strategic policies at addressing the country’s security challenges have been applauded by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) and the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration (IIEPEA).

    The two influential international bodies gave the commendation at a press conference in Abuja while presenting an assessment of the “Report on the Ongoing War Against Terrorism in Nigeria.” 

    Presenting the report, UN-WCD Secretary-General, Amb. Prof. Tunji John Asaolu commended President Tinubu for displaying uncommon political will in tackling insecurity in the country 

    “Our findings show clearly that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has gone beyond expectations in confronting terrorism. What remains is to remove internal bottlenecks that could undermine his efforts,” he said.

    The two group also praised the recent collaboration between the country’s and the United States military commands, describing the recent joint operations in the North West region of the country as “precise, disciplined, and effective.”

    Hailing the professionalism displayed by the recent joint military operation, Asaolu said the assessment revealed that despite the scale of  engagements, no civilian casualties were recorded, a development they said underscores the strict adherence to international rules of engagement.

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation for Abe, Adeniji as NUPRC, NMDPRA board chairmen

    “We commend the United States military and the Nigerian Ministry of Defense for the progress recorded so far in degrading terrorist networks,” adding that the collaboration has weakened insurgent strongholds across several regions.

    They, however, observed that the unprovoked persistent attacks on various communities by the insurgents showed that terrorism has not been fully eradicated. 

    He cited the recent bandit attack at Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State, where over 30 people were reportedly killed, as evidence that Nigeria’s security architecture still requires urgent recalibration.

    The UN-WCD Secretary-General said the incident reinforces the need for a “surgical cleansing” of the defence system, particularly of officials whose continued presence raises public suspicion or operational concerns.

  • Trump not planning to occupy or nation-build in Venezuela – Republican U.S. lawmakers

    Trump not planning to occupy or nation-build in Venezuela – Republican U.S. lawmakers

    President Donald Trump does not plan to occupy or nation-build in Venezuela, Republican U.S. lawmakers said on Monday after attending a briefing by top officials on the administration’s policy toward the South American nation.

    “We do not have U.S. armed forces in Venezuela, and we are not occupying that country,” Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana told reporters after the classified session with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other senior officials.

    “If anybody wants to use the term nation-building, or anything like that, it doesn’t look like anything anybody has seen under President Trump,” said Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

    “They are not the protracted war administration,” Mast told reporters after the briefing, which lasted more than 2-1/2 hours, when asked how he would reassure Americans they did not face another ‘endless war,’ like the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan.

    Trump sent U.S. troops into Caracas early on Saturday to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who pleaded not guilty earlier on Monday to narcotics charges.

    Maduro’s capture rattled world leaders, left officials in Caracas scrambling to regroup and angered some U.S. Democrats, who said Rubio and other Trump administration officials had lied to them by insisting they were not planning regime change in Venezuela.

    Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Senate’s Democratic leader, told reporters Monday’s briefing had been extensive but posed more questions than it answered.

    “Their plan for the U.S. running Venezuela is vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying,” he said.

    Schumer said he had not received assurances that Trump would not do the same thing in other countries.

    Republicans also left open that possibility. “There’s absolutely a continual plan to use the United States military to protect the homeland of the United States of America,” Mast said.

    The Senate is due to vote as soon as this week on whether to block further military action against Venezuela without congressional approval, a resolution co-sponsored by Schumer.

    Republicans insist the weekend operation did not require congressional approval because it was very short and involved “law enforcement” to bring Maduro to court in New York.

    Read Also: Thank God for Donald Trump

    Members of Congress, including some Republicans as well as Democrats, have long accused presidents of seeking to sidestep the Constitution’s requirement that Congress, not the president, approve anything other than brief and limited military action needed to defend the United States.

    Republicans have defeated repeated attempts to pass similar war powers resolutions since Trump four months ago sent U.S. forces to the Caribbean, where they have been firing missiles at vessels Washington says are carrying drugs.

    Trump’s administration accuses Maduro of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network that partnered with violent groups including Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.

    Maduro has long denied the allegations, saying they were a mask for imperialist designs on Venezuela’s rich oil reserves.

    Trump has made no secret of wanting to share in Venezuela’s oil riches. U.S. oil companies’ shares jumped on Monday, fueled by the prospect of access to those vast reserves.

    (Reuters/NAN)

  • HIGHWAYS OF LIFE, NOT DEATH

    HIGHWAYS OF LIFE, NOT DEATH

    By Tunde Akanni

    By far impacting the most devastating effect on Nigerians home and abroad as 2025 began to wind down was the fatal accident involving the UK based Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, fondly hailed, AJ. The tragedy instantly claimed the lives of two of AJ’s associates, Sina Ghami and Lateef Ayodele, otherwise, Latz. Inalilai wa inailei rajiun. May their precious souls rest in eternal peace, amen 

    From a video recording of the tragedy, the hyper media consuming street boys and others readily recognized AJ even as trapped within the badly mangled remains of the SUV they were all travelling in. The car bore no marks to reveal anything yet they shouted ”na AJ ooo!”. Thus commenced rescue operations. But his two friends had breathed their last. Dead.

    Governments of both Lagos and Ogun States responded promptly and marshalled all available facilities to support AJ, ensuring his immediate evacuation to Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja GRA. Duly discharged, he managed to fly out to go pay his last respect to the departed lofty souls of his late associates eventually interned Sunday January 4, 2025. What a huge and painful loss, at once, to our dear AJ.

    AJ’s accident provoked boundless reactions oozing assorted perspectives including those laced with political colouration with the simplistic thesis that Nigeria happened to Team AJ. But the simpletons were immediately countered. The more sober voices dismissed the unfounded sentiments and also ensured their own voices counted as much as those of the nation’s relentless disparagers. 

    Notably, Ambassador Designate Reno Omokri cited similar previous incidents around the world including that of Princess Diana of the UK in which the son of the Egyptian born British billionaire, Dodi Fayed died. According to Reno, taking AJ to hospital in government ambulance took far fewer minutes than it took victims of similar accidents around the world. He went further to challenge whoever had contrary information to volunteer such. None since!  

    This does not amount to an absolutely perfect official attention to such incidents. There are probably countless others compelling some pleasantly revisionist intervention from responsible government agencies like the Tunji Bello-led Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. This Commission is, for instance, doing its best with its campaign slogan of Demand and Insist to alert Nigerians to their statutory entitlement in emergency situations to treatment in public health facilities before being asked to make any payment.If only the rule of law as being advocated by FCCPC, accompanied by compassion had always prevailed…

    Tragic trajectories all the way. In April 2010, Nigerians suddenly woke up to the tragic news of the shocking death of that fast rising rapper, Dagrin. He rammed his car into a stationary truck in Mushin, apparently while returning from an all-night show. Dagrin held so much promise, according to his fans making his death send ripples to far and near. Barely one year later, yet another star, of the comedy genre, CD John, died in a similar manner. As recently as October 7, 2025, still in the showbiz world, Chris Jeyibo a music producer, had a collision with a truck park.

    Similar contexts for all, as obvious. No mechanical dysfunction in any of their vehicles. Misuse of road spaces sticks out in all but there is also a peculiar angle especially in AJ’s case. Reinforcing an earlier claim by a Facebook user, a renowned broadcaster, Anike-Ade Funke Treasure who claims to live in Nigeria by choice cautions against heaping all the blames on the bad road conditions. Ironically, according to her, the good condition of some roads tempt into tragedies. “ Overspeeding kills. I ply that road often, it’s a recently reconstructed road. Such a ghastly accident has no other explanation than overspeeding”. Apparently also endorsing Omokri, She continues: “I feel for men of the FRSC who beat the traffic build-up by running to the scene…”. The earlier commenter, a Sayo Aluko, argues: I mean this was a multi-lane expressway with a shoulder…A stationary trailer parked on the shoulder does not , by itself cause a catastrophic collision: such outcomes are shaped by speed, control and judgement on the point of impact. Roads do not create speed, drivers do…this accident could have occurred in (sic) anywhere under the same conditions of speed and recklessness, and the trailer in that could have been a fat oak”.

    Incidentally, highway remains the flagship physical accomplishment of the President Tinubu’s administration amply signposted by the innovative duo of the Lagos-Calabar highway and the Sokoto-Badagry highway. Add that to the ingenuity of  the enhanced use of local content of cement for the roads most popularized by a tested engineer himself, the incumbent Works Minister, David Umahi, when he was Ebonyi State Governor.

    But the human factor holds sway always, head or tail, with the possibility of harvesting negative results even when positive outcomes are glaringly low hanging fruits. Soyinka’s play, The Road, offers a most convincing, unnecessary mystification of Ogun as killer on the road even as its susceptibility to manipulation by human beings is limitless. Drivers are quick to accuse Ogun, being the Yoruba god of iron embodying vehicles, of being murderous when accidents happen on the road. Forever, they want to wash their hands clean from automobile accidents, in spite of the total control of automobile technology that humans have. The debates could have been endless and in fact globally so with the (dis)advantage of the global spread of the naïve nitwits, if only to be exhibitionist about their fandom for AJ or sheer gullible criticism of the government they loath without limit.

    With this global dimension added to the series of the road tragedies in Nigeria in this internet age will probably come some succor to unfounded faultfinding with the nation’s road condition. There are bad roads but there are probably as many bad road users. It is inconceivable for instance how, unlike Lagos, drivers in Abuja relish defying traffic lights in the nation’s capital with impunity. Even in Lagos where it is public knowledge that there are CCTV cameras overlooking highways, unpleasant situations such as had claimed the lives of some of the music producer, Chris Jeyibo, still happen.

    Notwithstanding the predictable, largely online criticism of it, the Lagos-Calabar Highway has turned out to be a most precocious or rather ambitious project. Even as it remains far from being fully completed, it now helps to relieve the pre-existing roads on Lagos Island connecting outward, inter-state roads for vehicles heading for southernly Western and Eastern regions of the country. That road project has clearly earned Nigeria a lofty ranking on the world road rating scale with all resultant positive projections of economic benefits beyond what were earlier anticipated thus recommending it easily for robust international funding support

    But we cannot continue to sit back without accompanying our civilizational advancement with required or appropriate knowledge democratization efforts. And we can never have enough of these. From the relevant state actors at the national level like the FRSC to those at the subnational level like the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, efforts must be stepped up to be more proactive in the discharge of duties. While public education campaigns, especially during festive periods must not be deployed as sheer cosmetic interventions, they must not be seen as yet another opportunity to extort innocent road users either.

    Equally strategic in this context are the unmistakably well resourced non-state actors who only need to be properly inspired by relevant state actors to reinforce relevant official activities. The likes of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, and some others with membership encompassing grassroots operators like drivers of tricycles as well as commercial bikers will do well to ensure due percolation of the new consciousness that must accompany the renewal agenda of the Tinubu administration. The doability is pretty real especially with the readiness of the Federal Government to be demonstrative with attention to even affairs at the very base ward level. Non state actors must also seek out allies in the corporate operators of the emerging car rental service companies such as often patronized by the likes of the unfortunate Team AJ.

    With the acknowledged, unprecedented road development now, even in the regions, perhaps most exemplified in Imo and Osun States, obviously deriving from substantially improved funding allocation from the revenue mindful Federal Government, safety concerns deserve urgent attention. Indeed, offering a commendable example from Osun State is the Ede ThinkTank, a cell of Ede Descendants Union. Populated by intellectuals with diverse academic and professional leanings, it is currently led by the Obafemi Awolowo University Professor of Medicine, Abubakar Abefe Sanusi. As proactive as ever, the model group formulated a dedicated campaign for enhanced road safety for the community following massive road development. Ede is better for it now even as Ede Think Tank, while monitoring that, has moved on to engage with tech-driven multi-sectoral produuctivity taking advantage of its social clout. For the group, no national or international official is unreachable. Fundamentally however, for the group led by a medical veteran, the right to life is supreme.

    Highways therefore must support better lives, not snuff them.

    Professor Tunde Akanni is a LASU based Development Communications expert currently on sabbatical tenure at FCCPC, Abuja. Follow him further online on medium.com

  • 2026 budget to solidify gains, says Information Minister

    2026 budget to solidify gains, says Information Minister

    • Idris: Tinubu’s reforms yielding results

    Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has said this year’s budget was planned to solidify the gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.

    Idris maintained that the various reforms are already yielding positive results.

    The minister stated this yesterday in an op-ed published in newspapers, titled: “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”

    Idris said: “Our ‘Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity’ is critical. It is a commitment to double down on what is working, to solidify gains, and to ensure that the shared prosperity we speak of becomes a lived reality for more Nigerians, faster.” 

    The minister noted that the last 31 months have been difficult but necessary for a positive change, beginning with key economic decisions taken to end long-standing stagnation and build a more stable future.

    He said signs of progress were beginning to emerge, with business activity expanding, investor confidence improving, inflation easing, and Nigeria’s external reserves strengthening. “These are not just numbers,” the Minister said. “They are the foundation for lasting improvement in the daily lives of Nigerians,” Idris said.

    Beyond economic indicators, the minister emphasised the importance of trust and clear communication between the government and its citizens.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Nigerians are kept informed about government actions, challenges, and progress.

    Idris highlighted several government interventions designed to directly impact lives, including the student loan programme (NELFUND), the presidential CNG initiative to reduce transport costs, and youth-focused programmes, such as LEEP, the Jubilee Fellows Programme, and the 3MTT initiative.

    The minister noted ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity through the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture and expanded mechanisation.

    Examining the state of infrastructure, he highlighted major projects, such as the Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Expressway, the AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments aimed at reducing costs and enhancing national connectivity.

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    Idris announced the government was strengthening recruitment, equipment, and international cooperation. He cited the recent rescue of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States as evidence of renewed focus and commitment.

    The minister acknowledged the fatigue many Nigerians feel and assured them that the government remained committed to accelerating the delivery of relief through ongoing reforms. He urged Nigerians to see nation-building as a shared responsibility, appealing to the citizens to engage constructively, protect public assets, and reject misinformation.

    He praised President Tinubu for his calm and decisive leadership, stressing that recent engagements with the United States helped strengthen bilateral relations and Nigeria’s anti-insurgency efforts.

    As the new year begins, the minister urged Nigerians to stay focused on the future. “We have laid a new foundation,” he said. “Now, we must build the house together.”