The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Oba of Benin bars funeral rites during Igue festival

    Oba of Benin bars funeral rites during Igue festival

    The Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has barred funeral rites in the kingdom during the celebration of Ugie festival.

    Ugie festival, according to Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, will commence on December 14, with the Ugierhoba rite.

    The statement said the barring of funeral rites was in line with the ancient tradition.

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    It said the Otue Igue Oba ceremony would hold on December 16, followed by the Ugie-Emobo traditional rite.

    The statement said the festival would climax with a worship by the Oba of Benin at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral.

  • NAHCON directs airlines to issue hajj tickets ahead of pilgrims’ departure

    NAHCON directs airlines to issue hajj tickets ahead of pilgrims’ departure

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed all hajj carriers for the next year’s airlifts to promptly issue flight tickets to pilgrims. 

    Chairman of NAHCON, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said this yesterday during a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and 2026 Hajj air carriers held in the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. 

    The directive, he said, is aimed at ensuring that every pilgrim is fully aware of his or her exact departure schedule vis-a-vis date, time and place of departure. 

    According to him, the arrangement would drastically reduce incidents of incorrect pre- arrival data sent to Saudi Arabia which affects Nusuk card distribution and other logistics.

    He said, “Beginning with the 2026 Hajj, missing a flight will attract grave consequences. This is because each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card, which will be pre-positioned in their assigned buses in Saudi Arabia. These buses will convey them to their hotels. Hence, after visa issuance, a pilgrim cannot change groups again; pilgrims will thereafter maintain the group under which his or her visa was processed. And each group of 45 will travel together under a leader, be lodged together in same hotel in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir and return to Nigeria together after Hajj.

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    “Additionally, NAHCON must upload pre arrival data on the Nusuk Masar platform 72 hours before departure of any aircraft conveying pilgrims. This data include group numbers, names of group members, accommodation details, building assigned, and bed-space number. Any pilgrim who fails to show up for the scheduled flight will be treated as a no-show and will bear the penalty, which may include paying for the un-utilized seat. Same goes for any defaulting party.”

    The commission chief said Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has introduced a boarding card to be issued to each pilgrim before departure. 

    The card will contain in addition to the above information, other vital details such as names of airline, its capacity, name of state, name and number of pilgrims on board, departure airport, time and destination airport, arrival time and arrival airport.

    Special Assistant (General Matters) to the NAHCON Chairman, Dr Danbaba Haruna, said the commission has concluded its camp booking and other services. 

    He urged State boards to expedite remittance of Hajj fare payments so as not to lose more slots.

    In another development, airline allocation for the Hajj exercise has been communicated to each State Pilgrims’ Board with a recommendation to liaise with one another. 

    The carriers are Air Peace, Fly Nas, Max Air and Umza Air.

  • Ejigbo seeks professionalism in budget preparation

    Ejigbo seeks professionalism in budget preparation

    The Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Aare Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo, has urged the departmental heads to approach next year’s proposed budget with professionalism, sincerity of purpose, and a shared dedication to producing a document that truly reflects the priorities of the people.

    He spoke during a Three-Day Budget Retreat at AM 2 PM Hotel and Suites, Molipa Expressway, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

    The retreat, designed to strengthen fiscal planning and improve administrative efficiency, brought together legislators, management staff, and stakeholders to review the council’s performance, assess ongoing projects, and set priorities for the next fiscal year.

    Taiwo noted that with the doubling the allocation given to local governments nationwide, it has become imperative for councils to design more people-centered projects that will bring relief, restore hope, and deliver the true dividends of democracy to residents.

    He added that Ejigbo will achieve this by making full use of its SHIELD Agenda, which serves as a guide for service delivery, human capital development, infrastructural renewal, economic empowerment, leadership accountability, and sustainable development across all communities in Ejigbo.

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    Aare Taiwo emphasised that the increased allocation places greater responsibility on the council to expand critical infrastructure, strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance security initiatives, and deepen youth empowerment programmes.

    He said that the budget must reflect practical solutions that respond to the daily needs of residents, especially in areas such as road rehabilitation, environmental sanitation, social welfare, and support for residents.

    The council chief also urged all departmental heads to adopt data-driven planning, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration, and uphold transparency throughout the budgeting process. According to him, every project captured in the budget must be realistic, impactful, and capable of contributing to the long-term development of Ejigbo.

    Participants examined sectoral needs across health, works and infrastructure, education, environment, revenue generation, and community development, with a view to improving service delivery and ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated.

    The retreat concluded with a commitment from all participants to work collectively towards delivering a responsive and people-oriented budget that will sustain ongoing achievements and open new avenues for growth and Infrastructural development in Ejigbo LCDA.

  • Agboyi-Ketu marks 100 days in office with Unity Cup

    Agboyi-Ketu marks 100 days in office with Unity Cup

    • We’ll steer Agboyi Ketu with fresh ideas
    • By Anne Agbi and Sherifdeen Amusa

    Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area Lagos State, has hosted the grand finale of the 2025 Chairman’s Unity Cup, in commemoration of the first 100 days in office of the Chairman, Adetola Abubakar.

    The football tournament held at Oba Lamina Mini Stadium Agboyi, was part of the activities held to mark the milestone, reflecting broader achievements recorded by the chairman in her first 100 days in office.

    According to the council boss, the football tournament, was designed to promote grassroots development, youth engagement and create an energetic atmosphere across the community.

    She stressed that the social engagement was also held to keep the residents happy, adding that the administration still has lots of development to bring to the LCDA.

    “This is all about the youth. They are our future and we need to start engaging them and ensuring that we support them socially and otherwise. Youths constitute a very high percentage in our population and for that, we shouldn’t ignore them. We should carry them along and ensure that they are under control. This is also part of it; engaging them socially. We know that sports keeps the youth together and that’s why this tournament was introduced. It’s been on for a while and today’s the grand finale.

    “The last 100 days have been all about my people. We have tried to touch the eight points of our agenda. We have done everything to ensure that our people are happy. And we are able to give them the dividend of democracy,” Abubakar noted.

    The residents of the LCDA lauded the chairman for prioritising youth empowerment and providing platforms that encourage talent discovery.

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    At the end of the competition, Ward G (Ajegunle) emerged winner of the tournament, taking home a N1,000,000 cash prize. Also, ACE Strikers finished as runners-up with N750,000, while Ward F (Agboyi) secured third place with cash prize of N500,000.

    Also in attendance were dignitaries and traditional rulers, including Oba Isiaka Oyero Balogun, the Alaketu of Ketu, and Oba Taiwo Lamina, the Oba of Agboyi II, Oruba, Senior Special Assistants, community leaders, and youth stakeholders.The Chairman of Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Adetola Abubakar, has promised to steer her council with never seen ideas to life easier for the council’s residents.

    Abubakar, who stated this at the “2026 Stakeholders Consultative Forum Sustainable Economic Development”, with the  theme, “Budget of a New Dawn”, promised to build on the “solid foundation” laid by her predecessors.

    “Our administration begs the dawn of a new era in the history of our dear LCDA. We will do greater in great things already done with a fresh zeal and hope to inject brand new innovations, services, and infrastructure never seen before in our great LCDA. During the 2026 budget, the budget of a new dawn is therefore the material required to build the sustainable edifices that we are determined to build upon, the solid foundation handed down to us,” she said.

    She promised that her” budget execution plan shall be replicated upon our eight-point agenda, which are infrastructure and grassroots economic development, youth and women environment, education, accessible and quality health care, food security and social welfare, job creation, digital and inclusive governance, security and civic engagement.”

    She said the event followed a ward stakeholders meeting and would consider the needs identified at the ward level to make life easier for residents.

    Head of Planning, Budget, Research and Statitics, Bukola Agboola, said the event was critical to the well-being of residents in order to improve on economic status and make staying and doing business enjoyable in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

    She added that the event offers a  platform through which residents  can make meaningful contribution that will form the basis for the eventual final draft of the year  2026 Budget Estimates.

    She said: “The essence of this, is to come up with a people oriented budget centered on programs, policies and infrastructural development that will have direct impact and benefit on the entire people of the Agboyi-Ketu community.”

  • Lagos Mainland reconstructs police post, two schools, others

    Lagos Mainland reconstructs police post, two schools, others

    It was a whole day of activities recently, as Lagos Mainland Local Government chairman, Jubril Kolawole Emilagba marked his first 100 days in office.

    First was the unveiling of the U.N.A Primary School and Kadara Primary School both in Oyingbo Ebutte-Metta axis, complete with sporting facilities. This was followed by the unveiling of the newly reconstructed Adaliki Police Station, complete with patrol vehicles.

    Emilagba said the schools’ renovation had become imperative, considering its deplorable state. He also noted that it was a memorable day for him as he himself was a product of the school, and therefore urged the teachers and pupils to take advantage of the reconstructed facility and protect it for future generations.

    He announced that his administration had organised free summer coaching for pupils, distributed 500 GCE forms to indigent students, and given out over 100,000 exercise books amongst others.

    He announced financial empowerment for SMEs in the community with a cumulative sum of N75 million.

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    According to him, the reconstructed police post was to support the security architecture of the community and ensure effective policing.

    A visibly impressed Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Olohundare Jimoh thanked the chairman for the renovation. He announced the upgrade of the police post to a police station, which he said is subject to the approval of the Inspector-General of Police.

    The chairman also announced ongoing reconstruction of Oroku Street, and pledged to construct a palace for the Oloto of Oto, Oba Muh’Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, pending the provision of a plot of land and survey document. Oba Odesanya commended the chairman for his good works and pledged his support for the administration.

    Other dignitaries at the event include the Vice Chairman, Moshood Olawale Momoh; Fuji Star, General Kollington Ayinla; APC Apex Leader (Lagos Mainland) Olawale Oshun; a member of the Federal Capital Civil Service Commission and former Member House of Representatives, Jide Jimoh amongst others.

  • Association celebrates girl-child

    Association celebrates girl-child

    • By Aishat Ahmed, Faith Ajiboye, Bolatito Akande and Kaothar Abdulateef

    The Nigerian Girl Guides Association (NGGA) has joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child in Bariga, Lagos.

    The event was aimed at promoting empowerment, education, and leadership among girls while advocating for their inclusion in national development.

    The celebration, themed around inspiring confidence and self-reliance, underscored the need to give girls equal opportunities to learn, lead, and influence change within their communities.

    Chief Commissioner of the NGGA, Deaconess Rhoda Thomas, described the celebration as a reminder that girls are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to social transformation.

    “Empowering the girl child strengthens society, enhances inclusion, and ensures a more equitable future,” she said.

    International Commissioner, Mrs. Tejuri Okirigbe, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to nurturing young girls through structured programmes centred on leadership, discipline, and self-protection.

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    She called on the government and relevant stakeholders to reinforce child-protection policies and integrate guiding activities into school curricula, noting that such initiatives would foster civic responsibility and community engagement among girls.

    Senior Manager at IHS, Mrs. Peace Ugoala, shared her journey of resilience and determination, reflecting the theme of empowerment in action. She recounted her early career struggles and the challenges of gaining experience without mentorship, explaining how she overcame them through persistence, continuous learning, and self-belief.

    Her story, she said, was driven by the determination to rise above poverty, achieve financial independence, and prove that women can excel in technical and leadership roles.

    Ugoala urged the girls to stay focused, keep learning, and never give up on their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.

    A final-year student of Excel College, Victoria Esenwa, shared her excitement and lessons from the day.

    “I feel overjoyed because this day is one where girls are motivated to come out of their shade, to be open and to lead,” she said.

    Victoria noted that some girls lose hope due to challenges such as molestation and stigmatisation, often rooted in family or societal constraints.

    She advised girls facing such difficulties to seek support through mentorship and positive associations, saying it motivates them to break free from fear and limitation.

  • NACCIMA: Oyetola’s leadership pivotal to IMO Council seat

    NACCIMA: Oyetola’s leadership pivotal to IMO Council seat

    Nigeria’s election into the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, Category C, marks a significant milestone for the nation and reaffirms her growing leadership within the sub-Saharan Africa and the global maritime community.

    The National President of NACCIMA, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, who in his reaction, congratulated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, whose visionary leadership, strategic reforms and sustained international engagement, he said, played a pivotal role in securing this national success.

    The NACCIMA President, in a statement, said under Oyetola’s leadership, Nigeria’s maritime administration has gained renewed global credibility and strengthened its position as a major voice in African and international shipping.

    NACCIMA also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration’s renewed hope Agenda continues to support and champion the growth of the blue economy, maritime and security by strengthening the institutional framework across the nation’s maritime sector.

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    “Nigeria’s election reflects the collective efforts of the Federal Government, the Minister, industry regulators, and maritime stakeholders who are committed to elevating Nigeria’s maritime profile.

    “This victory underscores the nation’s commitment to global maritime safety, environmental stewardship, capacity building and sustainable blue economy growth,” Ibrahim stated.

    He pledged that NACCIMA will continue to work in synergy with the Minister, the maritime parastatals and industry stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria sustains this achievement and continues to maintain its pride of place in the comity of maritime nations.

  • Transafam Power launches CSR for senior citizens

    Transafam Power launches CSR for senior citizens

    Transafam Power Limited, a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc, has launched the maiden edition of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for senior citizens of its host community, Okoloma-Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area, Rivers State.

    The initiative covers provisions of comprehensive medical screenings, wellness education, food, and essential items for the elderly, as well as long-term health monitoring tools to over 30 elderly residents made up of 24 women and six men.

    Every participating senior citizen received a digital blood pressure monitor each; a three- month supply of multivitamins and a carefully curated package containing food items, toiletries, bedding and other essential household provisions.

    The Managing Director/CEO of Transafam Power Limited, Vincent Ozoude, an engineer, while speaking at the event, noted that the initiative reinforces Transafam’s position as a socially responsible corporate citizen deeply invested in the well-being of the communities that host its operations.

    “Today marks the beginning of what will become an annual tradition. As a company that powers nearly one-fifth of Nigeria’s electricity needs alongside our sister company Transcorp Power Plc, we recognise that true progress is measured not only in megawatts but in the lives we touch.

    “Caring for the elders who have built the foundation of this community is both a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously. This initiative is one of many sustained CSR programmes through which Transafam Power continues to give back to its host communities,” he asserted.

    The programme commenced with an interactive health talk by specialist doctors from Avon Medical Practice, focusing on healthy ageing, hypertension management, diabetes prevention and general preventive care. This was followed by free vital signs checks, physician consultations, laboratory investigations where required, and on-the-spot medication dispensing.

    The Elderly Wellness Day forms part of Transafam Power’s broader healthcare-focused CSR pillar and portfolio of other ongoing community development initiatives such as Waste Management Initiatives, Medical Consultation and job opportunities for the youth.

    Guests at the event, include community leaders and beneficiaries, praised the initiative for its depth, compassion and meticulous organisation, describing it as “very impactful to the elderly people in Okoloma-Afam.”

    Transafam Power Limited announced its commitment to making the Elderly Wellness Day an annual flagship event while continuing to expand its portfolio of sustainable impact programmes that improve health outcomes, education, economic empowerment and quality of life for its host communities.

  • MTN wins four awards at consumers’ awards

    MTN wins four awards at consumers’ awards

    MTN Nigeria has won four awards at the Consumers Value Awards (CVA) 2025 at the Ijakadi Hall, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, solidifying its position as a consumer favourite and an industry leader.

    Following an open and transparent consumer voting process, the tech company secured the major awards across critical operational and social responsibility areas. This quadruple win is a powerful testament to the deep trust and satisfaction the Nigerian public holds for the MTN brand.

    The awards, with “Beyond Prices: Consumer Trust, Digital Experience & Brand Accountability,” as theme was organised by BrandXchange.

    The telco won Best Green Energy Adoption by a Company (winner with 53per cent of nationwide consumer votes); Best Customer Service Telecoms Brand (winner with 54per cent of nationwide consumer votes); Most Reliable Internet Service Provider (winner with 66per cent of nationwide consumer votes); and Best CSR Initiative by a Corporate Brand (MTN Foundation) (Winner with 73per cent of nationwide consumer votes).

    Reflecting on the achievement, Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, MTN Nigeria, Ugonwa Nwoye, said: “These awards stand as proof of our customers’ trust and loyalty, which remain at the core of all that we do. We are committed to delivering exceptional service, sustainable practices, and meaningful social impact. This recognition motivates us to continue innovating and ensuring that every interaction with MTN meets the highest standards of quality and responsibility.”

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    The sheer volume of consumer votes – 53per cent for Green Energy Adoption and 54per cent for Customer Service – validates MTN’s strategic focus on the Nigerian consumer. These awards reflect the company’s unwavering dedication to consumer-centric innovation, service excellence, and sustainable business practices. Winning the Most Reliable Internet Service Provider award further confirms that the heavy investment in network infrastructure and technology is translating directly into stable, high-quality connectivity for millions of subscribers, which is paramount in today’s digital economy.

    The award for Best Green Energy Adoption by a Company highlights the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This recognition comes from a consumer base that is increasingly conscious of corporate accountability and the imperative of a sustainable future. MTN’s initiative to power its extensive network with cleaner energy sources demonstrates a strategic, long-term approach to minimising its carbon footprint, an effort that clearly resonates with its customers and positions the company as a leader in responsible business in Nigeria.

    Beyond its commercial triumphs, MTN Nigeria was also recognised for the impactful work of its philanthropic arm, the MTN Foundation, which won the award for Best CSR Initiative by a Corporate Brand. This honour reflects MTN’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that the company’s success is intrinsically linked to the well-being and development of the communities it serves.

  • Nigeria loses $363m yearly to EU beans export ban

    Nigeria loses $363m yearly to EU beans export ban

    Nigeria’s agricultural sector is losing an estimated $362.5 million to $363 million annually in foreign exchange due to the protracted international ban on its dried beans exports, primarily by the European Union (EU). The significant financial toll underscores the profound consequences of neglecting food safety standards and proper agricultural practices on the nation’s drive for economic diversification. The figure was one of the highlights of the communiqué issued yesterday at the National Summit on Agroecology and Public-Private Partnerships on Agroecology in Lagos.

    The initial EU ban, instituted in 2015 and repeatedly extended, was triggered by the discovery of alarmingly high levels of the pesticide Dichlorvos (DDVP) in exported beans, far exceeding the acceptable Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). The chemical, often used by local farmers and merchants to preserve beans against weevils and other pests, has been banned in the EU since 2006 due to its known toxic effects on human health.

    Addressing reporters at the end of the programme, stakeholders, including the General Manager, the Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA), Muhammad Rili warned that the continuous use of highly hazardous pesticides, many of which are banned in developed nations, exposes Nigerian farmers and consumers to acute and chronic health issues.

    The summit noted the disproportionate impact of pesticide use on developing countries.

     “Although countries such as Nigeria use only 25 per cent of the chemical pesticides produced worldwide, their farmers experience 99 per cent of pesticide deaths due to poisoning. Research cited by the summit shows that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated 385 million farmers fell victim to acute poisoning in 2019, with most of these cases occurring in Asia and Africa.

     Furthermore, 75 per cent of smallholder women farmers surveyed in 2022 on the impact of highly hazardous pesticides reported experiencing health challenges attributed to pesticide use, with common symptoms including difficulty in breathing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, eye problems, skin rashes, catarrh, diarrhoea, and respiratory problems.”

    Other observations made by the summit in its communiqué included a critique of the 2025 budgetary allocations for agroecology, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The summit noted that major allocations were domiciled in the Presidency (State House – HQTRS) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Stakeholders argued that these allocations should instead be under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Environment for proper coordination and effective implementation. While the total budget for States and key MDAs in agroecology has increased over the 2020 to 2024 period, the summit cautioned that the activities detailed in these budgets have not been commensurate with the financial commitment.

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    To help the industry and reverse these trends, stakeholders urged the federal and state executives, and their respective Houses of Assembly, to scale up the yearly budget for agroecology and extension services. They stressed the importance of ensuring the timely consideration, passage, and total release of these budgets as a strategic approach to increase food production, reduce hunger and poverty, and achieve food and nutrition security.

    The summit further called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently start the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s Indigenous Seeds, Seedlings, and Livestock for Agro Biodiversity. They recommended establishing and strengthening Community Seed Banks across all states. The summit urged the banks to ensure the preservation, safekeeping, regeneration, and accessibility of Nigeria’s indigenous seeds/animal breeds, while also serving as hubs for participatory and innovative breeding programmes that improve quality, enhance resilience to climate stress, and support the long-term conservation of agro-biodiversity.

    The  summit urged Federal and State governments to allocate more public investments in agriculture to address strategic areas that would increase the agricultural GDP to at least six per cent  The crucial investment areas,the summit  include: Extension Services, Access to Credit, Women in Agriculture, Youth in Agriculture, Appropriate Labour-Saving Technologies, Inputs, Post-Harvest Losses Reduction Supports (processing facilities, storage facilities, trainings, market access, etc.), Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture (CRSA)/Agroecology, Irrigation, Research and Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Coordination.