The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 100 days: Lagos council chair empowers residents

    100 days: Lagos council chair empowers residents

    • Inaugurates four roads, others

    Chairman, Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Prince Idris Balogun, has marked his first 100 days in office with a series of empowerment programmes for residents of the council.

    The event, attended by thousands in colourful aso-ebi, had many residents going home with work tools and starter packs such as sewing machines, hair dryers, tablets, makeup kit boxes, welding items etc.

    The chairman also seized the opportunity to announce an ongoing cash transfer of N100,000 each to 500 residents, as empowerment to enable them invest in their choice petty business.

    Reflecting on his first one 100 days in office, Balogun said: “It is not about occupying an office, but about uplifting the people.”

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    He classified his areas of achievement into Education, Infrastructure and Environment, Governance and Public Service Delivery and Social welfare and Community Support.

    In Education, he said his administration has distributed 3,00GCE forms to pupils, with an additional pledge of tutorial classes to enhance their performance; he also announced the distribution of exercise books, school uniforms and school bags among others.

    In the area of Infrastructure, he announced the completion of PHIDEL College Street road, Prince Tunde Balogun/Abeokuta Street, Market/Jemi Alade Street and Olisa Street, as inaugurated roads, while Omoboriowo Street is ongoing.

  • Alleged $1.043m fraud: Court declines bail for Ajudua

    Alleged $1.043m fraud: Court declines bail for Ajudua

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday refused bail application filed by Fred Ajudua seeking the order of the court to release him on health grounds.

    Justice Mojisola Dada took the decision while ruling on the bail application filed by Ajudua before her court

    Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly obtaining the sum of $1,043,000 from a Palestinian, Zad Abu Zalaf, in fraudulent circumstances. 

    The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    Justice Dada, while delivering the ruling on his bail application, said there was no new circumstance in the two medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) by the defendant that could have warranted the court to grant him bail.

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    Dada held that the said medical reports did not show that LUTH could not manage the ailment of the defendant.

    The judge said there is nothing alarming in the application to warrant change in the circumstance of the defendant.

     “The application is unmeritorious and the application is hereby struck out,” Justice Dada held .

    Ajudua’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), thereafter, informed the court of an application dated November 17, challenging the competence of the third prosecution witness (pw3) to continue in his evidence.

  • Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary International District 9111 plans to honour the former Health Minister/Doyen of Past District Governors(PAGs), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the 85th birthday of  him with a Dinner and Dance.

     In a statement, Rotary said the event themed, ‘’The Royal Gala’’, is billed for Saturday, November 29, this year at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

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    According to the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, the event, which would also be attended by Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola and The Rotary Foundation Trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, would also witness the launch of The Rotary Foundation Named Gift Endowment in his honour.

     Akinyele added: “This dinner is more than a social gathering; it is an opportunity to make a difference.

  • ‘Mad man’ stabs Civil Defence officer to death

    ‘Mad man’ stabs Civil Defence officer to death

    Tragedy struck yesterday at Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State after a “mentally deranged” man allegedly stabbed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to death.

    The Nation gathered that the incident occurred when the deceased officer, whose identity had yet to be known, attempted to restrain the violent suspect who had been causing unrest in the community.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect’s mother had invited two NSCDC operatives to help manage her son, who had reportedly battled severe mental illness for years.

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    One eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation escalated when one of the officers attempted to chain the man to prevent further disturbances.

    He said during the struggle that ensued, the suspect allegedly overpowered the officer, seized his knife, and stabbed him multiple times.

    “The boy (mentally deranged) suddenly became violent. He struggled with the officer, took his knife, and stabbed him several times. It was shocking because the officer was armed, yet he could not prevent the attack,” the witness said.

  • Tinubu orders Matawalle’s relocation to Kebbi over school abduction

    Tinubu orders Matawalle’s relocation to Kebbi over school abduction

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate and oversee security operations aimed at rescuing the 25 schoolgirls abducted earlier in the week.

    The directive, on Thursday, comes as government intensified efforts to rescue the schoolgirls kidnapped around 4 am on Monday from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, a community in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    Matawalle, a former Governor of neighbouring Zamfara State, is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday and remain to monitor rescue efforts and provide direct updates to President Tinubu.

    According to a statement on Thursday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Matwalle’s deployment aligns with his experience managing banditry and mass kidnapping incidents during his tenure as governor between 2019 and 2023.

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    One of the most notorious attacks under Matawalle’s watch as Governor occurred on 26 February 2021 when 279 female students were abducted from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe. 

    All victims were released on March 2 after days of negotiations and intense security pressure.

    President Tinubu earlier postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg for the G20 Summit and to Luanda for the AU-EU Summit, waiting back in the country to receive further security briefings on the Kebbi abductions and Tuesday’s violent attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.

    The President, according to a previous statement, is deeply concerned by the resurgence of criminal attacks targeting schools and religious institutions and has ordered heightened security operations across vulnerable communities.

    The relocation of the Minister of State for Defence underscores the administration’s resolve to treat the issue as a national emergency requiring hands-on, high-level coordination.

    Gunmen have intensified attacks in parts of the Northwest and North-Central in recent years, with schools often targeted for mass abductions aimed at extortion. 

    Security agencies have launched search-and-rescue operations in the forests bordering Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger states.

  • Ibadan APC members insist on reinstating elected chairman, oppose tenure extension

    Ibadan APC members insist on reinstating elected chairman, oppose tenure extension

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State have opposed the continued tenure of the party’s acting chairman, Olusola Tokunbo Adekanbi, insisting he must step aside for the duly elected chairman, Alhaji Jelili Asukuna.

    The demand was made on Thursday during an emergency meeting held at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Omitowoju, where hundreds of party members gathered to address what they described as lingering issues within the local chapter.

    A party chieftain, Adekunle Abass Akande, who moved the motion, said the decision was necessary to restore order and ensure that only the recognised executives steer the party’s affairs.

    “We are here to find solutions to the problems affecting us. Those currently ruling are not the authentic executives. We want the recognised chairman and other elected officers to take their rightful positions,” he said.

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    “We resolve that the acting chairman should step aside. We elected the authentic executives, and they are the ones recognised at the national level. There is no crisis here.”

    Also speaking, former leader of the Ibadan North West legislative arm, Hon. Remi Ajanaku, said the move was aimed at bringing sanity back to the party.

    “Our resolution is that the acting chairman should step aside for the authentic chairman to take over. This decision is to correct the illegalities we have observed and restore order in the party,” he stated.

  • COAS praises troops’ synergy in North West counter-terrorism efforts

    COAS praises troops’ synergy in North West counter-terrorism efforts

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said that effective synergy between all the services of the Armed Forces was responsible for the successes recorded  against terrorists and bandits in the North West.

    The COAS said during his maiden operational visit to the theater command of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara State, a joint military operation against terrorists and bandits in the North West.

    According to him, despite the daunting security challenges the troops had remained committed and resilient to ensuring peace and security across the region.

    “These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, remain determined, and continue to do your job with professionalism. The Nigerian people appreciate your service,” the COAS said.

    Gen. Shaibu assured that the Army hierarchy is committed to tackling all their operational and welfare concerns.

    He said he had received a comprehensive briefing from the Theatre Commander on the current security situation.

    The COAS added the issues raised by personnel from both the land and air components, alongside inputs from the representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, were being addressed with urgency.

    Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to enhancing troops’ welfare, noting that motivation, equipment, and overall support systems remain top priorities for the service.

    The COAS urged the personnel to continue to conduct themselves professionally and to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that their efforts have enabled citizens in affected communities to go about their daily activities.

  • NOA condemns abduction of Kebbi school girls, attack on worshippers in Kwara

    NOA condemns abduction of Kebbi school girls, attack on worshippers in Kwara

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned the recent abduction of 25  students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, and the violent attacks and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State.

    NOA, in a statement by Mr. Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director, Communication & Media, expressed concerns, saying the dastardly act undermines national efforts to promote access to education, particularly for the girl-child.

    The statement reads: “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of 25  students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, and the violent attacks and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State.

    “Expressing concern over the abduction in Kebbi State, the Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the incident as a reprehensible act that violates the fundamental rights of children to safety and education, emphasising that such actions undermine national efforts to promote access to education, particularly for the girl-child.

    “Issa-Onilu emphasised that no child seeking education should ever be put at risk, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow and aspire without fear.

    “On the attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku Town of Kwara State, the DG, who expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, also described it as a senseless and unacceptable act that threatens the peace, unity, and religious harmony that Nigerians have worked hard to build.

    “He reiterated that freedom of worship is a fundamental right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and any act that seeks to intimidate or harm citizens based on their faith is not only unlawful but deeply unpatriotic. 

    “He assured the public that in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security agencies are  making concerted efforts, through coordinated security operations and intelligence gathering, to ensure the safe and swift return of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the worshippers in Kwara.

    “Speaking on the Agency’s efforts to address insecurity, he noted that the NOA’s monthly National Security Briefing is to keep the public informed about progress and achievements recorded by security and regulatory agencies across the country. 

    “The DG further urged Nigerians to actively support the security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could aid in protecting lives and preventing further harm.”

  • Police deny alleged bandit attack in Osun

    Police deny alleged bandit attack in Osun

    The Osun State Police Command on Thursday denied the claim on social media that suspected bandit attacked motorists along Osogbo/Iwo road on Wednesday night. 

    The command through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi in a statement asserted there was no herdsmen attack or any form of criminal assault along the road on the date in question.

    He explained the incident insinuated as attack was accident involving two vehicles that hit each other along the route. 

    According to him: “On 18th November, 2025, at about 12:30 PM a Toyota Sienna vehicle hit the rear of a bungle bus with registration number EPE 449 YLY around the Gbongan axis. The bus was en route from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo, with male occupants as the driver and co-driver, respectively. 

    “The collision damaged the Toyota Sienna’s bumper, but the occupants of the bus, believing nothing was wrong with their own vehicle, refused to stop and continued their journey. The Toyota Sienna driver, aggrieved by the refusal of the bus to stop and the visible damage to the bumper of his vehicle, raised an alarm and mobilized people along the road, accusing the two brothers in the bus of being kidnappers and thieves.”

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    He stated that the false alarm triggered angry mob that pursued and eventually blocked the bus, confirming “The mob attacked the two occupants and vandalized the vehicle while attempting to lynch them.”

    ‎
    “Fortunately, a good Samaritan who is also a local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola-Oluwa LGA, intervened, rescued the victims, and conveyed them along with their damaged bus to Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters for safety. 

    “The mob trailed them to the station, creating serious tension. The Divisional Police Officer immediately called for reinforcement from Osogbo, and tactical teams were swiftly deployed to restore calm.
    ‎
     “The victims are presently safe and in protective custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest members of the mob involved in the vandalism and attempted jungle justice.”

    Ojelabi condemned the false alarms and spread of unverified information capable of causing panic and endangering lives.

  • JUST IN: Awolowo’s grandson Olusegun dies at 62

    JUST IN: Awolowo’s grandson Olusegun dies at 62

    Former Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Olusegun Awolowo, is dead. He was 62. 

    The family, in a statement, confirmed the incident. 

    It said: “With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband,  father and grandfather- Olusegun Awolowo.

    “He was the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family. A painfully loyal servant to Nigeria, he dedicated his life to the service of his country with vision,  integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment. He was a true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being.

    “He loved his family. 

    He loved his work. 

    He loved his country.

    And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

    “We are shattered by this loss, but forever grateful for his life, his legacy, and the love he poured into all of us. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”