The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Delivering diabetes care to the underserved in Ondo

    Delivering diabetes care to the underserved in Ondo

    World Diabetes Day may have come and gone, but for residents of Bolorunduro, Owena, Fagbo, Kajola, and surrounding villages in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, the memory lingers like a warm glow. On that day, quality healthcare—often an unreachable luxury—arrived at their doorstep through a free medical outreach organised by the youth-led Medical Aid and Advocacy for the Vulnerables Foundation (MAAVF).

    Founded three years ago by Dr. Modesire Akinbogun, then just 18, and her co-founder Mofeoluwa Akinbogun, now a medical student at the University of Wisconsin, MAAVF has quickly grown from a small idea into a force for good. With more than ten medical outreaches and over 3,000 beneficiaries so far, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to expand healthcare access to underserved Nigerian communities.

    Rural healthcare in Ondo faces stark challenges: few facilities, scarce health workers, and unaffordable treatment. Fully aware of these realities, Dr. Modesire and her team left Akure on World Diabetes Day for Bolorunduro, a 35-minute journey. Days earlier, radio jingles had invited villagers, who responded enthusiastically, trooping to the Civic Centre for what many described as a rare opportunity.

    Partnering with medical students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the team screened all participants, dispensed medications, offered consultations, and arranged referrals for critical cases. “We are here to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a free outreach focusing on early detection,” Dr. Modesire explained. “This isn’t just a one-day programme. Patients with dangerously high blood sugar will receive continuous care, including medications and tests for at least six months.”

    Funding for the outreach comes largely from donors, particularly her parents, Prof. Tolulope and Dr. Olubukola Akinbogun, as well as supportive partners and community elders. Past outreaches revealed startling realities: many participants had dangerously high blood sugar without knowing it, while others could not afford treatment. One patient supported last year died before follow-up, a loss that shaped this year’s strategy. “This programme is intentional—carefully planned and driven by passion and purpose,” she said.

    Read Also: Nigerian scientist charts fast-track for herbal diabetes treatment

    The outreach extended beyond medical care. Secondary school students were invited as “change agents”, receiving health education on diabetes, encouraged to share knowledge with their families, and given motivational talks on career aspirations. “Many students here drop out, believing education has no future. We want to challenge that mindset,” Dr. Modesire said. An essay competition with cash prizes—N150,000 for first place, N100,000 for second, and N75,000 for third—was also announced to raise diabetes awareness. This year, MAAVF aims to reach up to 500 people. Bolorunduro was chosen for its central location, surrounded by multiple villages, ensuring broad access. Follow-up programmes in schools and communities are planned to sustain the momentum.

    For Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun, the initiative reflects both charity and cultural grounding. “We are here to give back. Ignorance is a big disease, and many die for lack of knowledge. Detecting diabetes early should be seen as an opportunity, not a death sentence,” he said. The Executive Chairman of Ondo East LGA, Fola Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described the programme as “laudable and humanitarian,” promising government support for patients needing follow-up care. Prof. Sunday Robert Ogunduyile, former Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, commended the turnout and urged communities to embrace such initiatives while calling on government to address the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis exacerbated by the “japa” phenomenon.

  • Free nursing conference elevates leadership, patient care skills

    Free nursing conference elevates leadership, patient care skills

    The Nursing Leadership Conference, themed “Developing the Next Generation of Quality Leaders,” held on 10th November 2025 and hosted by Dr. Malvis Humphrey of the London Professional Training Centre, offered a transformative experience for over 500 nurses nationwide, attending both physically and virtually at no cost. The event was designed to inspire nurses while equipping them with practical leadership skills to enhance patient care and foster professional growth.

    Attendees benefited from the expertise of a distinguished line-up of speakers, including the Director of Nursing Services of Lagos State, the Head of Nursing at the University of Lagos Medical Centre, and other prominent nursing leaders. Presentations provided insights into effective leadership practices, quality care delivery, and the evolving responsibilities of nurses in modern healthcare systems, emphasising how strong leadership can improve patient outcomes and institutional efficiency.

    Read Also: Nursing, expectant mums get supplement to boost wellness

    A blend of training sessions and interactive panel discussions allowed participants to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, and tackle real-world challenges. Nurses reported that these sessions helped them reflect on their leadership styles, identify areas for growth, and learn strategies for team and resource management. Peer-to-peer interactions fostered knowledge exchange and expanded professional networks beyond the conference. All participants received Certificates of Participation, with three additional days of follow-up training providing actionable tools for leadership, decision-making, and team management. Many nurses highlighted networking and mentorship opportunities as key benefits, noting that learning directly from seasoned leaders would enhance their immediate practice.

  • Papiri: From peaceful haven to den of banditry

    Papiri: From peaceful haven to den of banditry

    Agwara Local Government Area is a border district located in the northwestern part of Niger State. It serves as a critical frontier zone, sharing boundaries with Kebbi State to the North/Northwest, Borgu local government area to the South and the Republic of Benin to the West.

    Agwara lies near the River Niger and Kaduna River, featuring floodplains and a tropical savanna climate. The council headquarters is in Agwara town, with coordinates approximately 10°42’N, 4°35’E.

    Minna, the capital of Niger State, is approximately 340 km east of Agwara by road, a journey that can take between eaight and 10 hours, depending on conditions. The road travel follows routes through Bida, Borgu and Kontagora.

    The easiest primary access is via the road network linking Minna to Kontagora, and then, proceeding towards the Yauri/Kebbi axis before branching off to Agwara by boarding a ferry to cross the river.

    Papiri is a community in Agwara LGA. It is the hosts St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools.

    The area is characterized by dense forest. It is a riverine terrain, situated near the banks of the River Niger (specifically the Kainji Lake basin area). Its proximity to the border and vast ungoverned forest spaces has historically made it a strategic corridor.

    Agwara before the attack:

    Prior to the November 21abduction of over 200 students and 12 teachers from the Papiri schools, Agwara LGA was relatively safer than  other parts of Niger State. There was no incident of abduction or banditry in the area before 2024.

    However, being a border community with a difficult terrain and limited security presence, it was vulnerable to threats like banditry spilling over from neighboring regions.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    Before the incident, security analysts had described Agwara as a “vulnerable frontier.”

    Intelligence reports indicated that armed groups (often linked to Sahelian extremists and bandits) were using the forest corridors connecting Benin Republic, Borgu, and Agwara as transit routes.

    Prior to the school abduction, the convoy of the member of the House of Representatives from Borgu/Agwara Constituency, Jafaru Mohammed Ali, was ambushed by bandits along Borgu.

    The attack, which resulted in fatalities, was a major red flag indicating that armed groups had established a strong foothold in the area.

    Papiri was once a peaceful agrarian and fishing community, but by late 2024 and particularly this year,  it has become a high-risk zone due to the encroachment of armed groups, utilising the porous borders and forest cover for cover.

    Based on available records, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri are young institutions, established in phases between 2008 and 2010.

    As at November, the primary school was 17 years it started operations in May 2008 while the secondary school was 15 years, having admitted its first set of students in September 2010.

    The schools were built through a collaborative efforts of the Catholic Diocese, the Society of African Missions (SMA), and international sponsors (specifically from Ireland).

    They were established to provide education to the Kamberi people and other local communities in Agwara, an area where educational infrastructure was previously very scarce. Before these permanent structures were built, some local children were learning under trees.

  • Reps seek comprehensive solution to insecurity

    Reps seek comprehensive solution to insecurity

    Members of the House of Representatives yesterday sought for a comprehensive action by governments at all levels to address the rising cases of insecurity in the country.

    They emphasised their earlier position against negotiating with bandits.

    Zonal caucus leaders and members took turn on the second day of the House debate on the security situation in the country to vent their anger and frustrations as Nigerians across the country are subjected to attack daily.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara set the tone for the day when she said that the reality confronting the nation was not a distant episode in our national conversation.

    She said: “It is a deep and bleeding wound in the lives of our children, our families and our communities. And I termed the Papiri and Kamba abductions as a national tragedy.

    “We are facing severe insecurity crises with widespread kidnapping and banditry. When people come to communities to kill them, to traumatise them, this is nothing but terror. Let me be clear, these are not mere security failures. They are breaches of the most fundamental duties of the state, which is the security of lives and properties.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    “When we have security issues, we need our governors to do more because the president cannot be everywhere. He cannot be in Sokoto, he cannot be in Zamfara, he cannot be in Ogun State. He cannot even be in Lagos State at the same time, his own state. We need our governors to do more and this is the right time for us as a house to legislate on the right legal framework of our state’s policy.

    “For me, I may not be a security expert, but I know that every security is local. We need a security situation where our security operators will be communicado, where Nigerians can call any security operative at any hour of the day and they are sure to get the right response.

    She praised the President for the empathy he has shown and for the release of the Kebbi girls, saying: “The brief relief felt by the families of those that escaped is overshadowed by the agony of those still waiting, waiting for a knock on the door, for a phone call, for any sign of hope.”

    She asked: “We have seen the children where are the kidnappers? Nigerians are asking. We have seen the children, where are the kidnappers? We need to know.

    “This crisis demands our urgent attention because children are used as deliberate targets. Schools that are once safe havens have become tragic targets.

    “Mothers and female educators bear emotional and economic burdens. Community disruption. And I must say that this trauma lasts a lifetime sometimes. We have to avoid this. Children who escape captivity or witness violence often experience long-time trauma, insomnia, anxiety, nightmare and withdrawal.

    She recommended the establishment of a national safe schools protection framework, mandatory deployment of security teams to high-risk boarding schools and also to reinforce dormitories, night surveillance, panic alert systems, invest in early warning infrastructure, cameras, sensors and secure communication links with law enforcement agencies.

    Leader of the Northwest, Sada Soli said the current challenges are not just criminal, but structural, rooted in environmental stress, with governance and economic marginalisation, adding that tackling these threats demands a holistic strategy that combines security operations with social, economic and environmental interventions.

    Soli said a purely military or kinetic response won’t be sufficient to address the issues in the Northwest, adding that long-term stability will require building trust in state institutions. We must build trust in our institutions, while making efforts to reform land and livestock governance, addressing climate response and pressure, and ensuring that affected communities are meaningfully taken care of in providing solution to our security threats.

    Leader of the Northeast Caucus, Mukthar Betara said  Borno State and the Northeast has remained the epicentre of insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping and communal violence.

    Betara advocated adequate funding for the security agencies and the provision of adequate welfare package as a way of encouraging them.

    He said:”’Nigerian security challenges may be vast, but can be addressed with strategic planning, coordinated action, awareness and political commitment. We c” stop the spread of violence and restore public confidence.

    “This special session provides us with not just opportunity, but a responsibility to charge a bold new direction. The Nigerian people are waiting. Communities across the Northeast and the nations are watching.

    “History will remember us today. What we have chosen to do today in this chamber, let us rise for a moment together and help and secure the nation. That is our solution.”

  • Two parents of abducted St. Mary’s school children die

    Two parents of abducted St. Mary’s school children die

    Two of the parents of some of the abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwara local government area have died.

    One of the parents, identified as Anthony Musa, was said to have died from a heart attack while the cause of death for the second parent was yet to be ascertained.

    Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the parents’ demise yesterday.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    Yohanna said: “The man, Anthony Musa died of heart attack but the female we don’t have the details yet because we couldn’t get the family.”

    Over 300 people were kidnapped by armed terrorists who invaded the primary and secondary schools in Agwara. So far, 50 of the pupils have returned.

    The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora on Monday released the names of the abducted children and teachers.

  • Security advice behind closure of all Bauchi schools, says governor

    Security advice behind closure of all Bauchi schools, says governor

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has said that the closure of all schools in the state was based on security advice.

    He spoke yesterday before chairing the State’s Executive Council (SEC) meeting, explaining that intelligence reports indicated a potential threat of school invasions and student abductions in the state.

    Mohammed said the closure of both public and private schools from primary to tertiary levels was to avert such attacks.

    “Yes, we closed our schools because the security agencies advised us to do so. They have more information than us, and even though I am the Chief Security Officer, I don’t have the personnel to act alone. They warned of possible abductions of our students, similar to incidents that have occurred in other states,” the governor said.

    According to Mohammed, the decision was proactive, not to instill fear, adding that measures were being taken to secure schools, particularly those more vulnerable to terrorists’ incursions.

    “We have closed the schools, and we will ensure that such schools are fenced, possibly before the end of this year,” he said.

    Read Also: Five police officers killed, two injured in Bauchi bandit ambush

    Aside from fencing, Mohammed said all schools in the state would be equipped with lights, adding that recruitment of vigilantes would run alongside the Safe School Programme outlined by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    On the killing of five policemen in Darazo Local Government Area, Mohammed clarified that it was not a banditry attack, as reported by some media outlets, but a community-related issue.

    “We had an incident in Darazo. While some reported it as banditry, it is actually a community issue. We are on ground and will handle it with the police and DSS,” he assured.

  • Okpebholo declares war on criminals

    Okpebholo declares war on criminals

    With a charge to ensure that criminals do not turn Edo to a safe haven, Governor Monday Okpebholo, yesterday met with heads of security services in the state.

    The meeting followed a viral video in which a self-acclaimed terrorist threatened to attack Edo Central Senatorial district.

    In the video, the individual claimed presence around Ekpoma and adjoining communities, issuing threats.

    Confirming the meeting in a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Fred Itua, said the security chiefs briefed the governor on the issue.

    Itua assured Edo residents that security was top-tier priority for the Governor, adding that emerging threats were being confronted.

    He said the security architecture was designed to ensure early detection, swift response, and sustained pressure against criminal networks.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    “Following the Governor’s latest directive, the Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante formations, and the Edo State Special Security Squad, have commenced intensified operations across forests, boundary communities, and known flashpoints.

    “Search-and-comb missions are ongoing, backed by enhanced intelligence gathering and coordinated patrols to deny criminal elements safe haven anywhere within the State.

    “Already, significant breakthroughs have been recorded. Arrests have been made in connection with recent security breaches, and several leads are currently being pursued.

    “The Government reiterates that these operations are continuous and will not cease until every inch of Edo land, urban centres, rural communities, and transit corridors are fully secured and safe for residents, commuters, and investors,” he stated.

    Itua urged the people to shun misinformation, panic-driven narratives, and unverified videos.

  • CAN to Fed Govt: strengthen security structures

    CAN to Fed Govt: strengthen security structures

    The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

    Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN),  at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

    Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

    Read Also: CAN to FG: Nigerians need protection

    He said: “The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses”.

    The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

  • ADC welcomes return of abducted children, warns against negotiating with bandits

    ADC welcomes return of abducted children, warns against negotiating with bandits

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday welcomed the return of abducted Nigerians from captivity.

    The released abductees are 38 worshippers from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, in Kwara State, 51 missionary school children in Niger State and 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga in Kebbi State.

    ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters in Abuja yesterday that the party rejoiced with the families whose loved ones had regained freedom, but insisted that the incidents should never have occurred if the government was fully alive to its responsibilities.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    Abdullahi however alleged that the Federal Government was “making deals with insurgents” in a bid to free abducted victims.

    “Perhaps because there may be different considerations, but perhaps because they want a quick win, they want something to celebrate, then they will not hesitate to make the kind of negotiation or deals that they are doing,” the ADC spokesman said.

  • Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Energy access: Zamfara holds stakeholders meeting to review electricity policy bill

    Zamfara Ministry of Works and Infrastructure says its one-day stakeholders’ engagement will improve energy access and strengthen the power sector in the state.

    The programme was organised in collaboration with the Zamfara State Electrification Agency (ZEA) and S2R Consulting.

    It brought together key players in the electricity sector such as government officials, individuals, community leaders, legal experts, and technical specialists.

    The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Lawal Barau, in his address at the event in Gusau on Tuesday, said that the engagement would help review and validate the state electricity policy and bill.

    He said it was also to appreciate stakeholders for their commitment to strengthening the electricity sector in Zamfara.

    The commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Mechanical in the ministry, Mr Sanusi Mande, said the engagement marked a significant milestone in the state government’s efforts to develop a unified and progressive electricity framework.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    He emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing gaps within the power value chain.

    Barau reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with all relevant actors toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Zamfara State Electrification Agency, Mr Muzammil Muhammad, noted the importance of developing a strong and forward-looking policy framework that would guide the state toward a sustainable and reliable electricity system.

    He said the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that would attract investment and promote efficient electricity generation, distribution, and management.

    He highlighted the new opportunities created by the Electricity Act 2023, the expanded regulatory powers granted to states, and the strategic pathways Zamfara could adopt to strengthen electricity governance, improve market efficiency, and accelerate access to power across communities.

    Muhammad said that the new electricity policy and bill were designed to align Zamfara with ongoing national power sector reforms.