The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Nigerian tech expert unveils AI tool to simplify new tax reforms

    Nigerian tech expert unveils AI tool to simplify new tax reforms

    A Nigerian technology expert, Oluwaferanmi Oladepo, has launched Kaanta, an Artificial Intelligence-driven tool aimed at simplifying the new tax reforms by the administration of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Kaanta, which is Whatsapp based AI tool was designed to provide simplified tax guidance to traders, small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, and individuals to know the implications of the ongoing fiscal reforms with compliance requirements. 

    Speaking on Thursday at the unveiling of the tool in Osogbo, Osun State, Oladepo who is the founder of the tech hub, noted that the AI tool is essential as Nigerians enters a new phase of tax reforms era, hence he locally developed technology platform, Kaanta AI, to help Nigerians to understand their tax obligations.

    He explained that, rather than Nigerians to rely on complex online portals or technical language, Kaanta AI operates entirely on WhatsApp, allowing users to ask tax-related questions, receive explanations, calculate taxes, and understand available reliefs using text, voice or handwritten notes. 

    Oladepo noted, “The assistant also supports local languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Pidgin, expanding access beyond English-speaking users.”

    He stated that the reason for the creation of the app was to tackle increased public confusion and misinformation about the reform, saying the platform is a response to a long-standing gap in tax education.

    “Tax should not feel scary or confusing. Kaanta AI is built to help Nigerians understand what applies to them and make informed decisions, using clear and accessible language.”

    “Nigerians can access the AI platform on https://www.kaantasolutions.com.ng.”

    “The platform provides tax calculations and insights on tax reliefs. The company also plans to introduce professional tax services, including filing support for small businesses and larger organisations. Kaanta AI operates a freemium model, with basic guidance available at no cost and advanced services offered through paid plans.”

    The Product and Growth Lead, Tobiloba Olanipekun, explained that “We wanted Kaanta AI to feel like a conversation, not a lecture. Anyone from a market trader to a young professional—can ask questions freely and get clear answers.”

  • Warri monarch to environment ministry: Abigborodo oil field rightly named

    Warri monarch to environment ministry: Abigborodo oil field rightly named

    The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has asked the Federal Ministry of Environment to discountenance the protests by the Udogun Okpe (Orode-in-Council) over the naming and location of the proposed Abigborodo oil field, insisting that the field rightly belongs to Abigborodo Community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    In a detailed rejoinder addressed to the Minister of Environment and the Permanent Secretary, Uduaghan said claims published by the Okpe leadership in relation to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public display for the proposed Abigborodo Field in PPL 220 by Navante Exploration and Production Limited were riddled with “half-truths and outright falsehoods” and required urgent correction in the interest of history and due process.

    The Warri monarch, who administers Abigborodo, Ugbekoko and Utonyatserre under the overlordship of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, maintained that the Abigborodo oil field, as identified by Navante, was correctly named and located, noting that the field was previously operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, which recognised Abigborodo community as the host and rightful landowners.

    He traced the dispute to colonial-era records, stressing that the Udogun Okpe never administered the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve. 

    According to him, documentary evidence from 1931 shows that Okpe authorities themselves informed colonial administrators that they had no land to contribute to the proposed forest reserve, a position backed by certified records from the National Archives in Ibadan.

    Uduaghan further explained that when the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve was being constituted, representatives of the Olu of Warri wrote to the colonial government in July 1932, asserting that the land in question belonged to the Itsekiri nation and requesting the cancellation of the reserve. 

    Although the request was ignored and the reserve constituted, Abigborodo indigenes continued to farm on the land, leading to arrests and a landmark court case in Sapele in March 1940, where a magistrate discharged and acquitted the farmers after affirming Abigborodo ownership.

    He added that subsequent petitions by the then Alema of Warri, Okenedo, prompted investigations by colonial authorities, which upheld Abigborodo’s claims, produced sketch maps of excised Abigborodo lands, and led to formal recommendations and legal instruments redefining forest reserve boundaries under the Forest Ordinance.

    The Alema disclosed that the Delta State Government later released additional land to Abigborodo community in 1996, while security investigations, judicial panels and state-led probes, including one ordered by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, confirmed cases of encroachment and upheld Abigborodo’s ownership of the disputed land.

    He also dismissed arguments that natural features such as “Hole in the Creek” separate Abigborodo from the area, insisting that Abigborodo land extends into parts of Sapele Local Government Area and that historical records affirm Sapele as Itsekiri territory. Court decisions, he added, have equally rejected claims of a “Sapele Okpe Community land.”

    Uduaghan stressed that the EIA public display by the Federal Ministry of Environment was strictly an environmental assessment exercise and not a platform to reopen settled land ownership issues, noting that the naming of Abigborodo Field PPL 220 followed established industry and historical practice.

    He concluded that all demands and objections raised by the Udogun Okpe were unfounded, reiterating that the land belongs to Abigborodo community and assuring the Federal Government and stakeholders that the community would guarantee a peaceful and seamless operational environment for Navante Exploration and Production Limited.

  • GNI building fire: LASEMA asks family members to register missing persons

    GNI building fire: LASEMA asks family members to register missing persons

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has responded to concerns expressed in certain quarters regarding persons reported missing following the recent fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance building on Martins Street, Lagos Island.

    In a terse e-statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency advised the family members to register their concerns at the Complaints Unit of the agency, where details would be carefully received and a consolidated list of reported missing persons compiled.

    Despite reports in certain quarters that the search had ended, Oke-Osanyintolu assured that “Search and recovery operation is ongoing.”

  • DJ Spinall, Davido, King Promise, Wande Coal, others light up Detty Rave 7 in Ghana

    DJ Spinall, Davido, King Promise, Wande Coal, others light up Detty Rave 7 in Ghana

    Detty Rave 7 returned to Accra with high energy, big moments, and one of its most striking stage designs yet as Mr Eazi hosted the annual festival.

    DJs Kelvin DJ, Spinall, Gingerboy, Priyanka set the tone, while surprise performances from Davido, Medikal, J Hus, Shallipopi, King Promise, and Wande Coal took the night to another level on the ChopLife Soundsystem set.

    Beyond the performances, the griot mask stage design and light show stood out as a visual centrepiece. 

    Conceptualized by Dennis Osadebe studio and executed by Dotun Popoola, the stage merged tradition and modern spectacle, becoming a defining backdrop for the night’s biggest moments.

    Mr Eazi also used the platform to announce a $2 million investment plan to build new indoor and outdoor event venues in Accra, requesting support from the Ghana Tourism Authority.

    Detty Rave 7 once again proved that it is not just about music, but about experience, culture, and scale.

  • Reps minority caucus urges Nigerians to uphold unity, cohesion in 2026

    Reps minority caucus urges Nigerians to uphold unity, cohesion in 2026

    The Minority caucus in the House of Representatives has emphasised that the future of Nigeria depends on the ability of its citizens to remain united, despite challenges that may hinder the fulfillment of shared goals and aspirations.

    In a New Year message, the caucus called on Nigerians to recommit to the values of peaceful coexistence, national cohesion, and togetherness as the nation moves into 2026.

    The statement was signed by the leader of the caucus, Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Ali Isa J.C.; Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki; and Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi.

    The lawmakers also congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the start of a new year, acknowledging the resilience shown amid the various challenges faced by the country and its citizens in 2025.

    The statement reads: “today, been the first day of Year 2026, gives us the opportunity to have sincere introspection and frank reflections about the journey of our dear country, thus far. No doubt, Nigeria’s progress has been marked by significant challenges that, in many ways has affected national development. 

    “The situation of our country, particularly in 2025, was worrisome and fearful. The rising trend of insecurity across the country remains disturbing. Spiralling inflation, debilitating hunger, and corrosive poverty was evident in the lives of many people. How about accentuating unemployment, and other palpable situations that are disturbing indices of under-development?

    “In Year 2026, it is necessary to reiterate that there is an urgent need to comprehensively  tackle insecurity, because true and meaningful development of a nation and people can only be achieved through peace, and safety of lives and properties. 

    “Also, the caucus urges the Federal Government to ingeniously address infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, and brazen corruption. To achieve all these, the government must be sincere, deliberate, and intentional. 

    “Conscious of the fact that true nationhood is a continuous task, we enjoin Nigerians to collectively contribute towards surmounting these challenges in 2026. We call on Leaders; at all levels to commit themselves wholeheartedly, and truthfully towards achieving meaningful and realistic development in all sectors.

    Read Also: Reps leadership declares 2026 year of hope, calls on Nigerians to stay united

    “Indeed, Nigeria is a blessed nation with enormous potentials, and our diversity remains one of our greatest assets. In the New Year, the caucus urges all Nigerians to harness the strengths imbedded in our differences to build a nation that will work for all citizens. 

    “Since no tribe, ethnicity, and group, no matter how powerful can do it alone, we solicit for the sincere collaboration and synergy of all and sundry. Through these, and other imperatives including believability, inclusivity, and mutual trust, Nigeria can overcome every difficulty, and achieve sustainable and enduring milestones. 

    “As we forge ahead as a nation in 2026, we also encourage Nigerians to recommit and reconnect to the values of peaceful coexistence, national cohesion, and togetherness, with the realization that the future of Nigeria rests on our ability to stay united; regardless of the negative situations towards the fulfillment of common goals, desire and aspirations.

    “As a responsible and responsive caucus, we assure Nigerians that further to our commitment to the general well-being of citizens, we will in 2026  remain resolute and focussed on every national issue that requires legislative inquisition and actions.”

  • ECN DG commends Tinubu’s energy reforms, calls for public support

    ECN DG commends Tinubu’s energy reforms, calls for public support

    The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as well-conceived energy reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging Nigerians to support the President to ensure their full implementation.

    Dr Abdullahi said the initiatives have continued to positively impact Nigerians and reposition the country on the path of sustainable development.

    In his New Year message to Nigerians, the ECN boss stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary Renewed Hope Agenda aims to reposition Nigeria and restore its glory and bring it back to its enviable position as a country of destination to both local and international investors and the investment community.

    He added that the agenda is gradually becoming the driving point for Nigerians seeking a better country and society.

    Dr Abdullahi noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring access to renewable and sustainable energy across the country has led to the revival of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, which he said had previously been neglected.

    According to him, “President Tinubu’s well thought-out plans to ensure that all Nigerians get access to renewable energy and sustainable energy supply to their homes and offices birthed the reawakening of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, which had been pushed to a near comatose state.”

    He further said the President’s strong belief in his policies is driving wide-ranging reforms in the energy sector. 

    “His ambitious and unshaken belief in his policies is spearheading transformative reforms and innovative initiatives to advance the nation’s energy transition,” he said.

    He added that the reforms are aimed at unlocking economic growth, promoting sustainable development and improving energy access nationwide.

    Dr Abdullahi also highlighted President Tinubu’s role as Chairman of the ECN, noting that President Tinubu remains deeply committed to driving the Energy Transition Plan, a core component of his Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    He explained that the President’s leadership underscores the importance of clean energy and strategic reforms in building a resilient energy sector.

    Describing the reforms as a clear signal of Nigeria’s global ambitions, he said, “This commitment is a firm exposition of Nigeria’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable energy solutions while fostering economic progress and environmental stewardship.”

    He however called on Nigerians to rally behind the President.

    He said, “For this enviable and laudable project to be fully realised, Nigerians need to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys their total support to see it actualised.”

  • Akpabio ends legal battles, withdraws all defamation suits after New Year sermon

    Akpabio ends legal battles, withdraws all defamation suits after New Year sermon

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed his legal team to discontinue all pending defamation suits he instituted against various individuals, saying the decision was inspired by spiritual counsel received during a New Year Mass in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    Akpabio made the disclosure on Thursday at the Sacred Heart Parish, Uyo, where he attended the New Year service.

    He explained that the move followed a moment of personal reflection prompted by the priest’s homily, which focused on peace, forgiveness and the importance of letting go of past grievances.

    “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name,” Akpabio told the congregation. “But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me. So I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all the lawsuits against them.”

    Read Also: New year: Be hopeful, Akpabio, Abass, Bamidele advise Nigerians

    During the sermon, the priest urged worshippers to embrace peace as a pathway to progress, noting that personal healing often begins with forgiveness. He stressed the need to let go of past hurts in order to move forward.

    Akpabio’s decision ended a series of high-profile defamation cases that attracted national attention in 2025.

    Among them was a N200 billion suit filed against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following allegations of sexual harassment which Akpabio denied and asked her to prove in court. 

    His wife had also instituted defamation actions over claims she said damaged the family’s reputation.

    The relationship between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan worsened after her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, which she publicly linked to her allegations against the Senate President. Akpoti-Uduaghan also challenged some of the actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit over remarks she said harmed her reputation.

    With Thursday’s announcement, Akpabio has brought closure to all defamation-related litigations involving him, signalling a conciliatory start to the year and a shift from courtroom battles to reconciliation.

  • Police clamp down on hoodlums, arrest 43 suspects in Delta

    Police clamp down on hoodlums, arrest 43 suspects in Delta

    ‎The Delta State Police Command has decisively quelled violent disturbances orchestrated by hoodlums and criminal elements who attempted to hijack the New Year Eve celebrations in parts of Asaba metropolis.

    ‎Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Thursday that about 12.00am on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Command operatives led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations engaged in a robust township patrol comprising Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and their men to guarantee the safety of law-abiding residents and commuters during the festivities.

    ‎He said during the operation, miscreants, touts and hoodlums, emboldened by the large crowd during the celebrations, engaged in acts of lawlessness by blocking major roads, illegal car races, reckless and dangerous driving, knocking down some commuters in the melee, throwing fireworks at innocent members of the public and causing widespread public disturbance. 

    He said the situation degenerated further as those hoodlums resorted to violent attacks on police patrol teams, hurling stones and other dangerous projectiles, while also burning tyres at key junctions, thereby deliberately obstructing free and safe movement, especially for worshippers returning from New Year church services.

    ‎Edafe stated that the police, acting swiftly and professionally, deployed lawful crowd control measures to disperse the violent mob, restore order and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    ‎He said as a result of the operation, forty-three (43) suspects were arrested and items recovered from them include twenty-five (25) motor vehicles, eight (8) tricycles, fireworks, various hard drugs, and other dangerous offensive weapons. 

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police arrest Anthony Joshua’s driver

    The spokesman said, “The suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement, after which they will be charged to court accordingly.

    ‎”The Delta State Police Command unequivocally condemns these criminal, reckless and unruly acts and wishes to issue a clear warning that any attempt to exploit festive periods to foment violence, obstruct public roads or attack security personnel will be met with firm and lawful resistance.

    ‎”‎Normalcy has since been fully restored, and the Command remains calm and under effective police control. Continuous monitoring and intensified patrols are ongoing to forestall any further breach of the peace.”

    Edafe assured the residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged the public to celebrate responsibly, obey the law and promptly report suspicious activities.

  • 2027: You have no party to produce your successor, Wike blasts Bala

    2027: You have no party to produce your successor, Wike blasts Bala

    …blames Bauchi governor’s woes on weak leadership

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday fired back at Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, over what he described as false allegations made against him.

    Governor Mohammed had earlier, during a national television interview, accused Wike of plotting to damage his integrity, alleging that the FCT minister had threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi State.

    Reacting during a visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he met with supporters and political stakeholders, Wike dismissed the claim and openly mocked the Bauchi governor, saying he lacked the political structure and party cohesion required to produce a successor.

    According to Wike, the situation confronting Mohammed is a product of weak leadership and internal party contradictions.

    “Bala Mohammed came to my state and wanted to impose party leadership. I warned him to be careful and to leave my state alone. I told him there would be consequences, and today he does not even have a party to produce his successor,” Wike said.

    Responding directly to the allegation that he was responsible for crises in Bauchi State, Wike described the accusation as baseless.

    “He said all the problems he is facing are because of me, that I claimed I would put fire there. If you have such power, go ahead and use it. Face your problems,” he added.

    Wike maintained that political leaders must understand their limitations and avoid unnecessary confrontations, stressing that leadership failures should not be blamed on external forces.

    “If you know you do not have the strength to fight, why don’t you retreat? Why create problems you cannot manage?” he asked.

    He said; “That was why I warned them. If you don’t have the strength to fight, why not go and rest? Now EFCC is chasing them, he said it’s me. What’s my business? If your state is clean, go there and enjoy yourself.

    “So this is just to tell Nigerians, tell them to leave me alone; go and face your problems. I’m only fighting with you as party leadership. I’m not interested in what you spend.

    “You said I’m spending bad. You were minister of FCT from 2010 to 2015. Why not tell the people what you did in FCT? The whole land, you sold it. You did not do the roads, you awarded contracts, they collected money upfront, and now I’m the one completing the projects.

    “Nigerians are singing our names everyday that we have done well. And we will continue to do well. Anybody that has stroke, it’s Wike. Anybody that has headache, Wike. Those who are in Sokoto, Wike, they are in Taraba, Wike. They are in Lagos, Wike, they are in Bauchi, Wike. So it means this Wike is too strong”. 

    The Minister also reacted to criticisms and personal attacks against him, including remarks describing him as “semi-illiterate” and a former motor washer, saying such insults do not diminish his political achievements.

    “I have no problem with that. At least I am semi-literate and not completely illiterate. Someone who washed cars became chairman of a local government, governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria, and a two-time minister,” he said.

    Wike challenged his critics, particularly former lawmakers, to give account of their stewardship while in office.

    “If you were a senator for eight years, tell your people what you did. That is not abuse; that is accountability,” he said.

    He defended his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying Rivers State has benefitted significantly under the current administration.

    Read Also: FCTA to mark Tinubu’s third anniversary with massive projects – Wike 

    “The appointments Rivers State has received under President Tinubu have never happened in the history of this state. That is why I can boldly tell Rivers people to support him,” Wike declared.

    Wike maintained that political decisions must be guided by conscience and results rather than convenience.

    “Yes, we need money, but we cannot sell our conscience. We will always do the right thing,” he said.

    He further criticised politicians who align with every government that comes into power without principles, describing them as poor role models.

    “You cannot be in every government and never see anything wrong. That is not leadership,” he added.

    Wike reaffirmed his confidence in his political choices and record in public office, insisting that Nigerians are increasingly judging leaders based on performance.

    “When you tell people the truth, people get angry. But the truth remains the truth.”

  • Okpebholo vows more crackdown on cultists, kidnappers in 2026

    Okpebholo vows more crackdown on cultists, kidnappers in 2026

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said his administration is deploying stronger security strategies and technology to keep the people safe in 2026 and beyond.

    Governor Okpebholo, in his New Year Message, said 2026 would be a year of “Hope and Growth” for the state.

    The Edo Governor who thanked God for sustaining the state through 2025, said the journey has been of steady progress despite inherited challenges.

    Governor Okpebholo said the story of the state has been changing for the better despite inheriting insecurity, bad roads, weak institutions and low public confidence.

    He said his administration, under the SHINE Agenda, has made progress in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, economic development, and job creation.

    He said, “The challenges we inherited have not disappeared overnight. Our roads still need massive attention, food security and job creation require more effort, and remnants of violent touts and cult groups still exist in some areas. But we are confronting them decisively.

    Read Also: Okpebholo pays 13th month salary for Edo civil servants

    “We will not allow kidnapping or cult-related violence to thrive in Edo State. In 2026, we are deploying stronger security strategies and technology to keep our people safe.

    “Our security agencies have been fully briefed and are ready to respond swiftly to any threat to peace and order in our communities.

    “2026 is the Year of Hope and Growth — hope because we must never give up on Edo’s future, and growth because progress must be felt in every sector and in every part of the state,” he said.

    He pledged that no community would be left behind and no citizen ignored as his administration builds on the gains of the past year.