The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Aiyedatiwa okays nursing college, unveils major projects in Ilaje

    Aiyedatiwa okays nursing college, unveils major projects in Ilaje

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe in Ilaje Local Government, one of the state’s coastal communities.

    The approval was granted by the State Executive Council, marking a significant boost to health care training and educational infrastructure in the riverine axis of the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa said this during his thank-you-tour of Ilaje, where he was warmly received by residents.

    He said the building of the college would begin next year at its permanent site, adding that land had already been acquired by the state government for the project.

    The governor assured residents that more developmental initiatives were in the pipeline, announcing that the operating licence for Ondo Deep Seaport had just been revalidated.

    He described it as a major economic milestone.

    Aiyedatiwa listed several ongoing and planned projects in Ilaje Local Government, describing the coastal council as a uniquely- endowed part of Nigeria with vast economic opportunities.

    Read Also: APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    He said the seaport was one of several transformative projects lined up for the area, noting that a fertiliser and a petrochemical plant were also underway, with the state government having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the promoters.

    On federal interventions, the governor spoke on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway being executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that building of Ondo State section linking the state to Ogun had begun.

    He said work had started from Ebute-Pare towards Ogun State, adding that the highway would connect Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest market.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Ilaje Local Government, Raphael Adegboye, lauded the governor, saying the pace of development in the state deserved commendation.

  • Edo Assembly asks Okpebholo to take possession of MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Edo Assembly asks Okpebholo to take possession of MOWAA, Radisson Blu Hotel

    Edo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee set up to investigate funding and ownership of Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and Radisson Blu Hotel has recommended that Governor Monday Okpebholo should take possession of both investments.

    This was among recommendations in the report the committee submitted.

    The committee, in its findings, said the land on which MOWAA Institute was built remained in the name of the demolished Central Hospital and was never revoked.

    It said Edo State Government solely provided over N3billion to build and develop MOWAA Institute Pavilion, adding that there was no proof of any other funds donated in respect of same.

    Other findings were that MOWAA did not provide proof of receipt of any donation from any foreign or local donor in respect of the project.

    In its recommendation, the committee urged the state government to immediately take over possession of the entire premises on which MOWAA was built, saying the entire project was funded by Edo State Government.

    It said the title of the property, having never been revoked, remained the property of Central Hospital, Benin City.

    “Edo State Government should immediately take all necessary steps to put the property to good use in the best interest of the people of Edo State.”

    The lawmakers adopted all recommendations of the committee.

    Read Also: Okpebholo pledges support for Auchi tanker fire incident

    Lawyer to MOWAA, Olayiwola Afolabi, said his client would not appear before the committee because the matter was already in court.

    He said any recommendation by the committee would be subjected to the court.

    “The law is clear. MOWAA has been sued by one of the parties also in the Assembly. There is no need to go to the Assembly Committee. There are separations of powers. Whatever they do, it is the court that will still sanction. If a case is in court, the Assembly cannot sit over it.

    ‘’We attach the processes and serve them. House of Assembly is not a court of law. Having been aware that the Federal High Court is hearing the case, can the same Assembly that has lawyers to advise them still say they want to continue with the hearing?

    “My client cannot appear before the Assembly.

    “They can give their verdict. Whatever they give is still subject to the court. They can only give recommendations at best.

    “It is better the matter is resolved amicably. There is no need for war in Edo over MOWAA. It is for the benefit of everybody. It is a multi-dollar project. This is why we should meet and resolve grey areas.”

  • Two impersonators of COAS arrested in Edo

    Two impersonators of COAS arrested in Edo

    Two people have been arrested by troops for allegedly impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi  Shaibu.

    The duo, who were nabbed in  Utesi, Ovia Southwest of Edo State are currently undergoing investigation before they would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

    Their arrest is contained in a statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja.

    In the statement which highlighted the activities by the troops in the past weeks, Onoja also revealed that on December 3, two passengers with N9 million intended for payment of ransom for the release of six of their adopted children nabbed at a checkpoint in Kadage in Igabi council of Kaduna State.

    Troops, according to the   Defence Media Operations director, also killed several terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from them.  

      The troops also arrested criminals and terrorist collaborators,      rescued some kidnap victims during operations in five out of the six geopolitical zones of the country.

       Besides, they seized 652,000 litres of stolen crude, arrested five suspects and destroyed three illegal refining sites.

    In the Northeast,  many Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) fighters were killed, weapons recovered, and three kidnap victims rescued.

    Also,  troops repelled an ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, striking a blow to the group’s capability.

    According to the statement, terrorists tried to breach the base with two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but were detected and neutralised.

    Read Also: APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    “The operation led to multiple terrorist casualties and seized weapons, ammunition, and logistics,” the statement said.

    According to the statement, troops discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Damboa–Komala axis, thereby ensuring the safety of commuters.

     They also intercepted a Lagos-registered vehicle along the Maiduguri–Bama Road conveying suspected logistics supplies for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and arrested two suspects.

    “Also, seven of their collaborators, informants, sympathisers and spies were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued,” it said.

    In the Northwest, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi, Maradun, Maru and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State; Kachia, Kaura and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State; Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; Wasagu and Bagudo LGAs of Kebbi State; Malumfashi and Rafi LGAs of Katsina and Niger States.

    According to the statement, during December 12 to   17operations, troops killed several terrorists, arrested eight others, rescued four kidnap victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other household items.

    The statement said that troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted operations between December 13 and 18 in Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu and Jos East of Plateau State, as well as Kaura, Sanga, Jema’a and Kafanchan LGAs of Kaduna State.   Several terrorists were neutralised, 16 suspects arrested, and 19 kidnap victims rescued.

    It said: “Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States between December 13 and 17, conducted several offensive operations to various kidnappers’ hideouts in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, Awe and Obi LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Apa, Otukpo, Guma, Ukum LGAs of Benue State.

    “They responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Takum, Wukari and Karim Lamido LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Lokoja, Ijumu, Kabba, Kogi, Ifelodun and Eru LGAs of Kogi and Kwara States, respectively. During the operations, troops arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while 43 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered.”

    On operations against oil theft, the statement said that in the Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, covering Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states, troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15,697,975  during the week.

    It stated that during air and land operations conducted between December 13 and 17 in Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opukuma LGAs of Bayelsa State, as well as Okrika and Oyigbo LGAs of Rivers State, troops arrested nine criminal suspects, including three suspected gunrunners found in possession of arms and ammunition. 

    On operations in the Southeast, the statement said troops of Operation UDOKA conducted offensive operations within the region and encountered Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighters.

    “ For instance, between December 12 and 15, troops arrested four suspected criminals in Ihiala, Ogbaru and Onitsha North LGAs of Anambra State,” the statement said.

  • Edo now safe haven for investments, Okpebholo tells investors

    Edo now safe haven for investments, Okpebholo tells investors

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said his administration’s investment in security has boosted economic drive and given confidence to investors to bring their investments to the state. 

    He said his administration had tackled cultism and other criminal acts.

    Okpebholo spoke at a pre-launching of Skyewise Group Tower in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    He told the investors that their multi-billion naira investments in the state were safe and secure.

    He said his administration had reduced insecurity to the barest minimum.

    Represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo said no investor would invest in a place unsafe.

    He said: “The governor has asked me to assure you that your investments in Edo are safe and secure.

    “When we came into office, Edo was faced with insecurity, but as we speak, it has been reduced to the barest minimum. Cultism is being tackled.

    Read Also: Okpebholo targets jobs, infrastructure in 2026 Budget, says Finance commissioner

    “For business to drive in any society, any state, any community, security must be addressed. And as we speak today, by the grace of God, everything about security is the top priority of Mr. Governor.

    “I want to assure you that the government of Edo State will patronise to ensure your business meets the highest desire from Edo and not only from the citizens, but also from the government. And lastly, we are going to be praying for you because we are almost at the same age.’’

    Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, said the demolition of the conglomerate’s business premises in Lagos and Abuja compelled them to relocate to Edo State, which provided a friendlier environment for their businesses to drive.

    Abuyere praised Okpeholo for boosting investors’ confidence towards driving economic growth in the state

    He said: “For those who have known us for over a decade, we are known for excellence, we are known for impact and we are known for results.

    “For those who have been following us lately, you will realise that we have some challenges in Lagos. One of our premises in Lagos was demolished and the one we have in Abuja was also demolished.

    “We had discussion and we thought it wise to begin the journey of Skye wisely. What we believe at the management team is that Benin and Edo State are untapped market for our business.

    “For those who know us, you will realise that we are into investments, loan facilities, automobiles, luxury automobiles, and we believe that you know, when we’re putting this together, people are saying, ‘Ah, you are into luxury.

    “Why you coming to Benin?” People don’t know how to buy new cars.

    “We want to increase that number and ensure we have a lot of percentage of Nigerians drive a new car.

    “And this is one of the reasons we came to Benin. If you look at the showroom downstairs, you will see all the new cars from 2024 to 2025, even 2026”, Abuyere said.

  • Sanwo-Olu hails Adebutu as work begins on LSSTF building

    Sanwo-Olu hails Adebutu as work begins on LSSTF building

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday performed groundbreaking for the new headquarters of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in the Central Business District, Ikeja.

    The over N800million project being built by businessman, Sir Kessington Adebutu, signals a major investment in the state’s security infrastructure.

    The ceremony drew senior government officials, security chiefs, private sector leaders and stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso; LSSTF Board Chairman, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh and other security chiefs.

    When completed, the new headquarters is expected to strengthen security governance in Lagos and will stand as a legacy of sustained private sector support for public safety.

    Sanwo-Olu described the project as a strategic step to strengthen coordination, accountability and efficiency in Lagos’ security architecture, noting that LSSTF had become a national model for public-private collaboration in security funding.

    He praised Adebutu’s contribution, saying it reflected the vision of the Trust Fund, which must endure beyond its founders and serve future generations.

    Durosinmi-Etti said the project marked a turning point for LSSTF, which has operated from rented premises for about 18 years.

    He described the headquarters as evidence of what effective partnership between government and the private sector could achieve.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu promises memorable Eyo festival

    He said the fully furnished building was expected to be completed by next October.

    LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the purpose-built headquarters would enhance the Fund’s capacity to support security agencies with equipment, logistics and strategic interventions.

    He said the facility would be named Sir Kessington Adebutu Security Trust Fund Building, in recognition of the donor’s support.

    Adebutu said the donation was a duty to Lagos, describing the state as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

    He said the project would help safeguard lives, businesses and investments, and reinforce Lagos as a centre of stability and opportunity.

  • Kogi govt, others battle gridlock on Lokoja-Abuja gridlock

    Kogi govt, others battle gridlock on Lokoja-Abuja gridlock

    The Kogi State government and other federal agencies were yesterday evening working hard to clear the gridlock on the Lokoja /Abuja highway.

    The gridlock began on Friday and was on up to yesterday due to accidents involving some articulated vehicles and impatience of many motorists.

    The state government, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant security agencies are tackling the gridlock .

    The state government officials, the FRSC personnel, military, and police manned the road from the Murtala Mohammed Bridge through Koton Karfe to Ozi community near Gegu, controlling  traffic for free flow.

    The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, Tenimu Etuku, said: “We have pulled out four fallen articulated vehicles from the road, yet the traffic persisted  due to impatience by motorists. They hardly listen or wait for clearance of a route.

    Read Also: Abuja-Lokoja road gridlock: FRSC deploys reinforcements

    “The drivers are the problem. Truck drivers can deliberately block the highway on the  slightest provocation, not minding the consequences, particularly on travellers and other motorists.

    “We had two of such incidents on Sunday, even after we opened the gridlock on Saturday night. We are trying our best to ease the built up traffic.”

    Governor Ahmed Ododo’s Special Adviser on Security,  Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara said critical sections of the road requiring immediate attention had been identified and taken care of to ensure smooth vehicular movement.

    He said the state is collaborating with the FRSC, military, police and others to ensure safe and seamless travel for commuters during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

    He said: “Some travellers spent hours, even the night on the Lokoja/Abuja/Lokoja highway before continuing  their journeys to either the Southern or Northern parts of the country.

    “The gridlocks were  also caused by ongoing road constructions across the state.’’

    “There had been repeated assurances by the Federal Ministry of Works that traffic will not be an obstacle to intending road users, yet the situation had worsened.”

    He assured travellers of freeing the highway and other roads within the state to ensure smooth movement.

  • 28 travellers kidnapped in Plateau community

    28 travellers kidnapped in Plateau community

    Gunmen on Sunday night abducted 28 travellers in Zak community, Bashar District, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    A youth leader in Wase, Sapi’i Sambo, confirmed the development in a telephone interview, saying that the victims included men, women, and children.

    Another resident of Bashar, Ibrahim Musa, confirmed the incident, explaining that the whereabouts of the victims were still unknown.

    According to the youth leader, the victims were abducted on their way from Zak village to Sabon Layi community to attend a Maulud event scheduled to be held on Sunday. 

    Sambo explained that two princes and a religious leader led the travellers before the abduction.

    Read Also: APC confirms Plateau Gov Mutfwang’s defection from PDP

    He said: “The incident happened around 8 pm when they were heading to Sabon Layi for the event. When the gunmen ambushed the victims’ vehicle on the outskirts of the community, they took away the travellers, including the children, and abandoned the vehicle.”

    “It was on Monday morning that people travelling on the road saw the vehicle, which belongs to the Zak community leader, abandoned on the road. So, in the course of investigation, the community discovered it was the vehicle that was carrying the travellers that was abandoned.’’

    The youth leader said efforts to locate the victims were unsuccessful, adding that security forces had been informed about the situation.

    The spokesperson for the state police command, Superintendent of Police Alabo Alfred, said they were investigating the incident.

  • Yuletide: Lagos Police deploy 5,000 traffic officers

    Yuletide: Lagos Police deploy 5,000 traffic officers

    To ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in Lagos, the state Police Command has deployed 5,000 traffic officers.

    Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh announced this yesterday at a press conference on security arrangements for the season.

    According to him, the command has intensified security across worship, recreational and public centres in the state to ensure safe usage for legitimate residents and visitors.

    Noting the high patronage of beach resorts and islands during this period, the Police chief said a special marine squad created recently, had been on patrol in Lagos riverines in addition to marine command personnel.

    The command, he said, has deployed 21 gunboats and special units for maritime patrol to secure waterways and the recently opened Coastal Highway.

    Jimoh said Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been placed on red alert, warning that any officer found wanting would be sanctioned.

    Read Also: Police tighten Lagos ports’ security ahead of festivities

    He said black spots and flashpoints had been raided to prevent criminal gangs from regrouping or planning attacks.

    “We have deployed more detectives on the streets, especially at night, to protect residents and visitors. Our security network has been strengthened on land and waterways,” he said.

    Jimoh assured residents that the police were in firm control of the security situation, urging those visiting Lagos for end-of-year activities to go about their business without fear, as adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful yuletide and beyond.

    Also, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Police, Western Command, has rolled out security operations across major port corridors in Lagos to safeguard vessels, cargo and port infrastructure during the Yuletide.

    Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Isaac Hundeyin, said land and marine patrols had been reinforced to deter crime and guarantee uninterrupted maritime operations during the festive period.

    Agbaminoja said the measures were designed to protect port users, maritime stakeholders and critical national assets as human and vehicular traffic peaks around the ports during the holidays.

    The security deployment covers Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, as well as marine patrol routes extending up to 12 nautical miles within Lagos waters.

    The commissioner explained that the strategy is aimed at ensuring seamless port activities despite the seasonal surge in cargo movement, port users and logistics traffic.

     Agbaminoja said the Command has deepened collaboration with sister security agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) to enable swift, real-time response to emerging threats.

    She added that more personnel had been deployed to congestion-prone areas, while intelligence gathering and surveillance had been heightened to proactively identify and neutralise risks to port safety and national economic assets.

    Agbaminoja urged port users and stakeholders to remain security-conscious, comply with laid-down guidelines and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Port Police Division or Marine Unit.

    “The Command wishes to reassure port users, maritime stakeholders and the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining safety, security, and order across all port corridors during the Yuletide period. The command also remains committed to ensuring that activities within the nation’s maritime domain continue smoothly and securely throughout the season and beyond,” the commissioner stated.

  • Lagos community gets new police station

    Lagos community gets new police station

    There was jubilation at Elepe in Ikorodu, Lagos yesterday following the donation of a new police station after several decades of request.

    The station, donated by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, was built in line with international standards for detention facilities.

    The residents, who trooped out en masse to the new police station, praised their late traditional ruler for midwiving the construction.

    According to them, their community was plagued by kidnapping and other crimes in recent years, which necessitated their demand for police presence because the closest division to them was Ijede, which is several kilometres away.

    Their plea for a police post was heard by the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, who first sited an Anti-Cultism Squad at Igbogbo, and followed by the construction of a model division with ICT facilities by the Trust Fund.

    Inaugurating the division, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, said it would help in crime prevention and control.

    He said the goal was to bring policing closer to the people, noting that it would improve operational efficiency and reduce response time during distress.

    The IGP, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Akinbiseyin Dayo, assured residents that the police would continue to work to ensure their safety and security.

    Read Also: Police arrest three masquerades over violent attacks in Akwa Ibom

     Egbetokun, who urged residents to take ownership of the station and also collaborate with personnel deployed by providing actionable intelligence, re-echoed that crime fighting requires all hands to be on deck.

    “I want to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to strengthening the internal security of our great nation, and to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for this beautiful edifice. This commissioning is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to improve police infrastructure and enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.

    “This project, executed as a special intervention of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, underscores our mandate to close critical infrastructure gaps and provide our officers with functional, modern and dignified work environments” he said.

    Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Force Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, said: “Inaugurating this divisional police headquarters is not just an investment in physical infrastructure but also a strategic one in public safety, crime prevention, and community confidence in policing. It will indeed boost police visibility, prompt response to distress calls, and foster closer relationships with members of the public. I urge officers and men deployed to these divisions to ensure the quality facilities are used properly, maintained, and protected.

    “Let it stand as a symbol of professionalism, discipline, integrity, and service to the community. I also appeal to the host community to continue supporting the police by providing timely and reliable information as security is a shared responsibility.”

    Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, pledged to facilitate the donation of a Hilux van to the division next year.

    He thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to eradicating insecurity, noting the positive economic fallouts of the government’s decisive steps.

    He described the facility as a smart police station that would help reduce crime rate in Elepe, Igbogbo Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    “So, it’s a step in the right direction. We hope it will serve as a deterrent. We also hope that it will keep the bad boys away,” he added.

  • Blackout: Protest grounds traffic on Benin-Asaba highway

    Blackout: Protest grounds traffic on Benin-Asaba highway

    • I spent over 12 hours, says driver

    Residents of Idokpa Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area grounded vehicular traffic on the Benin-Agbor-Asaba highway as they protested continued blackouts in the area.

    The traffic started from the Benin by-pass to Agbor in Delta State.

    Travellers from various parts of the country were trapped for many hours.

    A driver heading to Ekiti State from Ebonyi State, who gave his name as Idowu, said he spent over 12 hours on the traffic.

    The protesters said they have been without electricity for several weeks.

    One of the protesters who pleaded anonymity said their businesses have been affected due to the power outage.

    Read Also: Blackout looms in Benin over alleged sabotage 

    He said the protest was to draw attention to their sufferings.

    Another protester said they would sustain the protest.

    Management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) could not be reached for comments but an official who refused to be named blamed low gas supply as the reason for poor power supply.

    He said there was no gas to generate electricity.

    “The power outage being experienced in some parts of Edo is not deliberate, it has to do with the shortage of gas that is used to generate power.”