The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Dayo Amusa emerges national vice president of Actors Guild of Nigeria

    Dayo Amusa emerges national vice president of Actors Guild of Nigeria

    Celebrated and talented Nollywood actress, Dayo Amusa, has been elected the National Vice President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

    The election was a remarkable success at the just-concluded AGN national election in Benin City, Edo State.

    Speaking after the announcement, Dayo Amusa said, “My emergence as the AGN National Vice President is a testament to my unwavering dedication, leadership qualities, and longstanding commitment to the growth and integrity of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

    These were contained in a press statement signed on her behalf by her media office dated Monday, December 8, 2025.

    “This achievement reflects the trust and confidence reposed in me by members of the guild, and I am certain that my creativity and administrative excellence will bring renewed strength to the Secretariat and elevate the guild’s operational standards.

    “As I take on this important national role, my tenure will be marked by transparency, innovation, and impactful service that will inspire both current and future members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.”

    Dayo Amusa, who has featured in numerous movies and produced several others, including the popular Yoruba film “Dewunmi Iberu,” stated that she would use her office to promote the interests of Nigerian actors and actresses.

    She emphasised that the time has come for the Nigerian movie industry to take its rightful pride of place in national development.

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    She currently serves as the Vice President of the Ijebu Pride Network.

    The Ijebu Pride Network is an initiative that brings together Ijebu’s brightest stars in the entertainment industry, celebrating the rich culture, pomp, and pageantry of Ijebuland in Ogun State, while promoting the heritage and ancestry of both Ijebuland and Remoland.

    The idea was conceived by Bashorun Femi Branch, who serves as President, with Dayo Amusa as Vice President.

    Widely regarded as a successful actress, Dayo Amusa has consistently used her talent to inspire many Nigerians, including upcoming actors and actresses; one of the reasons she remains a respected household name across the country.

  • CBN grants final licences to 82 Bureaux De Change

    CBN grants final licences to 82 Bureaux De Change

    • …warns against unauthorised operators

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued final operating licences to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs), with effect from November 27, 2025.

    This marks a new phase in the implementation of its regulatory reforms for the foreign exchange market.

    In a statement released on Monday, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs.), said the approval was issued “in exercise of its powers conferred under the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024.”

    She explained that with the effective date now in force, “only Bureaux De Change listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to operate,” adding that the public should rely solely on the official list when dealing with currency exchange operators.

    Sidi Ali said the CBN would “continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on our website,” reiterating the apex bank’s growing concern over the activities of unregulated foreign exchange dealers.

    She cautioned that members of the public should “avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators,” warning that such engagements expose individuals and businesses to significant financial risks.

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    Citing the legal framework governing BDC operations, the CBN reminded the public that operating a Bureau De Change without proper authorisation constitutes a criminal offence. “For the avoidance of doubt, operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid licence is a punishable offence under Section 57(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020,” the statement read.

    The apex bank urged Nigerians to “note and be guided accordingly,” as the updated regulatory regime seeks to strengthen transparency, sanitise the foreign exchange market, and streamline the operations of currency dealers under stricter compliance standards.

  • NUPRC: We have released $185m, N14.9b to NNPC

    NUPRC: We have released $185m, N14.9b to NNPC

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has dismissed reports that it is withholding the Frontier Exploration Fund (FEF) from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL).

    The Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, said $185,123,333 had been approved along with N14.9 billion.

    The NUPRC explained that the Frontier Exploration Fund was not domiciled in the Commission but in an account controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The Commission added that its role was simply to evaluate the Work Programme submitted by NNPCL, after which approval would be given for the release of the fund.

    “We approve funds based on certified activities and contracts awarded. So, if a contract has not been awarded, we cannot approve payments,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, the NUPRC, in a bid to promote transparency, had contracted PwC to evaluate NNPCL’s claims before the final approval of the fund.

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    “So far, there is no outstanding sum. The NUPRC approved the final release on November 27, 2025, to the tune of $140,000,000. We have documents to back this up. Earlier, N14.9 billion and $45 million were released.

    “Anyone interested can also reach out to the NNPCL rather than rely on faceless individuals seeking to tarnish the image of the Commission,” the statement read.

    The Commission noted that the Frontier Fund was solely for the use of the NNPC, and it would be absurd for any operator to make spurious claims.

    The upstream regulator added that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, had earlier issued a statement denying investigating the NUPRC over the handling of the fund.

    “The honourable minister had issued a rebuttal on the so-called investigation on November 17, 2025. It amounts to mischief for anyone to reference a statement which has been denied by the purported author,” the Commission said.

  • UPDATED: 100 abducted Niger state students rescued, handed over to govt

    UPDATED: 100 abducted Niger state students rescued, handed over to govt

    • …we will keep praying for the release of others – Bago

    One hundred students abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, have been rescued and formally handed over to the state government.

    The handover took place at the Government House in Minna around 5:30 pm on Monday.

    Security sources told The Nation that the children were rescued from Wawa Forest in Borgu by security agencies on Sunday night at approximately 7 pm.

    Abdullahi Idi Hong, representing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said the rescue followed a two-week intensive operation coordinated by the NSA.

    He highlighted the critical role played by the Department of State Services (DSS), the armed forces, and other security agencies in ensuring the success of the operation.

    “In the past two weeks, an intense operation coordinated by the office of the NSA, DSS, armed forces, and security agencies has resulted in the rescue of 100 children taken by criminals. The DSS played a crucial role in the success of this mission,” Hong stated.

    He added that the government would continue to implement measures to protect communities and institutions nationwide, including protective shutdowns in high-risk areas and collaboration with state governments, traditional leaders, and religious authorities.

    Hong emphasised that education “must not be a casualty of violence” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian children’s rights.

    Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago thanked President Bola Tinubu for mobilising the rescue teams and expressed gratitude to the NSA and all involved. He called for prayers for the remaining children yet to be rescued.

    Governor Bago described the emotional impact of seeing the rescued children, saying, “I am emotionally broken down because I saw their sizes and their ages. I never imagined the abducted children were so young.”

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    “For those who have been praying, continue praying so that we recover the remaining children in captivity. In the short time from now, we will recover them”, Bago urged, assuring parents that the rest of the children would be safely rescued soon.

    He said that medical and health workers have been called to examine the children thoroughly before reuniting them with families, noting close coordination with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for their safe return.

    Due to the late information about the movement of the rescued children and the reluctance in several quarters to confirm the rescue, only a few parents could not make it to the handover ceremony.

    Among the parents, reactions were mixed. Elizabeth Samuel, whose daughter was among the rescued, expressed overwhelming joy: “I had lost all hope, and I thank God that the government intervened and rescued them. I pray that the others are rescued as this one was.”

    In contrast, Marcus Philip Abuka, who was optimistic that his daughter was among those rescued, was sad that his daughter remains captive. Sharing his distress, Abuka said, “I wasn’t happy since the incident happened because my daughter is among the abductees. I am still unhappy because she is not among those rescued, but I pray the government will do something to rescue the others.”

    He appreciated the efforts made to rescue the children by the federal and state governments, expressing optimism that others will be rescued soon.

  • Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    Sparklight News holds 2025 lecture, awards Friday in Ogun

    As part of effort to celebrate people of excellence and outstanding contributions across various professional fields, Sparklight News has unveiled the recipients of its 2025 Awards with prominent figures such as Professor Oyedunni Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, Arc. Dr Babatunde  Jolaoso (Rector, Mapoly), Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Comrade Kayode Sowunmi (ACOMORAN Chairman, Ogun State) among the honourees.

    The event, which will also feature a media lecture, is scheduled to hold on Friday, 12th December 2025 at 3 pm at Basic Trust International, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    According to a statement by the Publisher, Dr. Tosin Adesile, the theme of this year’s lecture is: “From Journalists to Data Boys: The Thin Line Between Professionalism and Unethical Practices in the Digital Media Era.”

    The keynote lecture will be delivered by Mr. Ademola Oni, former General Manager, Digital and Publications at The Punch Newspaper.

    Adesile noted that the annual event aims to spotlight ongoing challenges in media ethics and professionalism while celebrating Nigerians who are making impactful strides in their fields.

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    The event will be chaired by Alhaji Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun Commissioner for Sports. Other distinguished guests expected include Dr. Wasiu Tejuosho, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic; Barrister Samuel Abu, and others.

    Awardees for 2025 include: Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele – Deputy Governor, Ogun State ; Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoya Jolaoso – Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta; Comrade Hammed-Benco Ademola – Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (Ogun State Chapter), Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu – National Vice President 1, Nigerian Medical Association; Professor Oyedunni Arulogun – Vice Chancellor, Chrisland University, Providus Bank, oke-ilewo branch, Temilola Aderonke Onalaja,  Tejumade Olukemi Adetola, among others.

    The Sparklight News Media Lecture and Awards continues to serve as a platform to drive conversations on responsible media practice and to honour individuals making a difference in nation-building.

  • Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability at Ouattara’s inauguration

    Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability at Ouattara’s inauguration

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday joined world leaders in Abidjan for the inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and promoting peace and stability across West Africa.

    Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, conveyed the President’s congratulations to his Ivorian counterpart and expressed confidence in Ouattara’s ability to sustain economic growth and reconciliation as he begins a new term.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the event drew several African leaders and international dignitaries, including Presidents of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola and Ghana, as well as former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. 

    The United States delegation was led by the Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg, alongside high-level representatives from ECOWAS and other nations.

    In his remarks, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral relations with Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in security cooperation, agriculture and trade, while jointly advancing peace and stability across the sub-region.

    President Ouattara, in his inaugural address, thanked visiting leaders for their solidarity and pledged to consolidate national unity, economic reforms and diplomacy for the benefit of Ivoirians and regional neighbours.

    Meanwhile, the World Bank has commended the reform trajectory of the Tinubu administration and pledged stronger collaboration with Nigeria in the areas of energy, job creation and gender empowerment.

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    The commendation came during a meeting between the Vice President and the Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, on the sidelines of the inauguration.

    Shettima told the visiting executive that the administration confronted the negative economic impact of the fuel subsidy regime from its first day in office, insisting that ongoing reforms, including tax changes, are already yielding positive results.

    “We have crossed the Rubicon,” the Vice President said, emphasising that despite initial pains, the reforms are beginning to show dividends. 

    He added that the government is prioritising digital economy investments, agriculture and gender-focused programmes to convert Nigeria’s demographic realities into economic advantage.

    Commending the Bank for its continued support, Shettima noted that the administration is determined to expand opportunities for women, young people and small businesses.

    Ms. Bjerde said the World Bank is stepping up support to ensure energy access for millions of Nigerians and will scale up programmes aimed at girl-child education and empowerment. 

    “We’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected,” she said.

    She further hailed Nigeria for taking “pragmatic steps” to reposition the economy, adding that the Bank stands ready to broaden engagement in key development sectors.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu welcomes release of 100 Niger Catholic students

    JUST IN: Tinubu welcomes release of 100 Niger Catholic students

    • … Orders security to rescue remaining hostages

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday expressed joy over the return of 100 students abducted from Papiri Catholic School in Niger State, praising security agencies for what he described as their “steadfast efforts” since the November 21 incident.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President charged security operatives to intensify operations to secure the release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still being held by bandits.

    “I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families,” the President said.

    He assured affected families that both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government are working closely to bring home every abducted child. 

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    “My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims,” Tinubu declared.

    The President also said his administration is taking further actions to secure schools across the country, stressing that learning institutions must never again become soft targets for terrorists.

    “From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma,” he said.

    Tinubu reaffirmed that the safety of students and the protection of schools remain a top priority of his administration as part of broader national security reforms.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu opens Bodo-Bonny Road, ends decades of river, helicopter transport travails

    BREAKING: Tinubu opens Bodo-Bonny Road, ends decades of river, helicopter transport travails

    President Bola Tinubu in his Renewed Hope Agenda has inaugurated the temporary use of the 37.9km Bodo-Bonny Road, ending many decades of travails caused by river transport and costly helicopter service for residents of the historic Bonny Kingdom and Ogoni communities.

    The multi-billion naira project, awarded and abandoned on December 11, 2014, but later revived on October 20, 2017, by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was inaugurated after it reached 90.98 per cent completion.

    Speaking through the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, during the colourful ceremony at Bodo and Bonny axis of the road, President Tinubu described the infrastructure as a flagship achievement of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said, “The dream of the Bonny Kingdom has come true; the dream of the Bodo Kingdom has come true. No more risky journeys through the busy Bonny River, no more expensive helicopters, no more untold hardships to reach this blessed island.”

    “For now, the road is open only for light vehicles from 7am to 7pm daily. Heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles are barred until final completion targeted for March 2026.”

    Tinubu applauded the efforts of Julius Berger especially the Project Manager, who he said ensured that no obstacle stood in the way of the project.

    “I have made a commendation to Julius Berger especially Engineer Tim, I think if Engineer Tim was the Managing Director of Julius Berger we wouldn’t have had all the fights we had in so many places”, he said.

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    He urged Rivers State Government to provide 20 plots of land each at the Bodo and Bonny ends for the construction of trailer parks.

    He warned that indiscriminate parking by trucks would not be acceptable as it would accelerate the road’s deterioration.

    The Senate Committee on Works Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi poured encomiums on President Tinubu love for Ogoni people and pledged continued support for the administration.

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, thanked President Tinubu for rescuing the project from abandonment and pleaded for more federal interventions.

    He said, “This is the temporary opening of the Bonny-Bodo Road but Mr President it is a permanent joy for the people of Bonny, Bodo and Rivers State. Like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more.”

    Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Mr. Tim Nippert, confirmed 35km of the dual carriageway were fully motorable, assuring delivery of the remaining sections in the first quarter of 2026.

    The Bodo-Bonny Road with 11 bridges, is the first federal road linking the mainland directly to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and other multi-billion dollar oil and gas investments.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    Sanwo-Olu’s aide on students’ affairs bags award

    • By Thank God Wekpa, LASUSTECH

    The Association of Nigerian Software Testers (ANST) has honoured Kappo Samuel Olawale, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Student Union Affairs – Tertiary Education, with the Quality Advocate of the Year Award.

    The recognition came during ANST’s 8th Annual National Software Testing Conference held in Lagos.

    The award acknowledged Olawale’s role in facilitating the training of 600 students from Lagos State tertiary institutions in software quality assurance and basic testing skills, through a strategic partnership with KorrectTech, a technology company founded by Ridwan Abdulazeez.

    Presenting the award, ANST President Demola Adesina noted that Olawale’s efforts have strengthened collaboration between government and the technology ecosystem, while expanding access to practical digital skills and creating new career pathways for young Nigerians.

    Also recognised at the event was Ridwan Abdulazeez, who received the Outstanding Mentor and Trainer Award for his contributions to youth capacity development and hands-on technology training nationwide.

    Other recipients at the conference included: The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who received the National Digital Trust Champion Award, represented by Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions; Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, CEO, Oceanwave Group, who was honoured with the ANST Impact Philanthropy and Tech Empowerment Award, represented by Hon. Abibat Yakubu, Commissioner, Edo State Lottery Board, and Mr. Okoro Chukwudi; MTN Nigeria, awarded as Employer of Excellence in Quality; and Temitope Onakoya, who received the Excellence in Quality Assurance Leadership Award.

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    This year’s conference featured notable keynote speakers, including, Olayinka Oni, ED/COO, Sterling Financial Holdings Company; Soji Ononuga, Director, Testing Academy Nigeria; Demola Adesina, President, ANST; Oladipo Olasemo, CTO, Synkron Solutions; and Kailash Pathak, Senior QA Lead Manager, 3Pillar Global (India).

    The conference, held in Lagos on December 6, 2025, attracted software testers, developers, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the country, with panel sessions led by industry experts including Godspower Osayomwanbor (ANST Vice President, Partnerships & Funding), Chibuzor Obilom, Opeyemi Gbadamosi, Adenike Olapetan, and Temitope Adekunle.

    The event was supported by major sponsors, including MTN Nigeria, Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank, Scandium, Moniepoint, etc.

  • Don, experts to address medical tourism

    Don, experts to address medical tourism

    • By Temitayo Seidu, UNILAG

    As part of activities marking its 25th anniversary, the ‘YBC Y2K’, the 2000 graduation class of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), will hold a symposium on Tuesday, December 16.

    The event will take place at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, under the theme: “Reversing Medical Tourism.”

    The symposium will be chaired by Prof. Janet Ajuluchukwu, while the keynote address will be delivered by the Director General/CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority.

    Other speakers include Dr. Uzoma Gbulie, Dr. Nana Habeeb Adeyemi, and Dr. AbdulWarith Akinshipo, who will present on “Discovery Science and Clinical Translation.”

    Distinguished health professionals will also address the topic: “Impact of Diaspora Doctors on the Nigerian Healthcare System.”

    ‎Dr Temitope Mariam Masha and Dr Simisola Alabi will speak on “Public health and Public service”.

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    ‎There will be short talks on “Health and Safety” by Dr Adeola Eko, “Mental health and quality of life will be tackled by Dr Olumide Gbajabiamila, “Perinatal care” by Dr Jumoke Ogunro, and “The mouth and general health” by Dr Funmi Sijuwade.

    ‎Speaking at the symposium, Prof. Azeez Butali noted that it is essential to reverse medical tourism as this will save the flight of dollars and reduce demand for forex, thus boosting the economy.

    ‎”It will also increase income for the medical ecosystem with a direct impact on the welfare of health professionals.

    ‎”It is part of our 25th anniversary since leaving Medical school. We have a meet and greet on Sunday, December 14, 2025,

    ‎sports day on Monday, December 15, beach getaway on Wednesday, December 17, Jumat and Gala on Friday, December 18, 2025.”