Author: The Nation

  • Our infrastructure ‘ll stand test of time, says Abiodun

    Our infrastructure ‘ll stand test of time, says Abiodun

    • Commissions new ultramodern exco chamber

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

     Speaking during the unveiling of the newly remodelled Executive Council Chambers at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, witnessed by former Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the governor lamented the dilapidated condition of the edifice before its renovation, describing it as “an embarrassment.”

    According to him, the decision to remodel rather than construct a new Governor’s Office was deliberate.

    “This office was in total decay and an embarrassment. We chose not to build another Governor’s Office but to remodel the existing one. Investors will not be in doubt of our seriousness when they see new things in the State,” he said.

    The remodelled chambers are equipped with modern hi-tech facilities, including a state-of-the-art public address system, individual monitors displaying meeting agendas and deliberations, three large television screens for live discussions, modern executive chairs, and enhanced lighting to create the right ambience for serious state business.

    Read Also: Abiodun hails A/Court president for approving Ogun Division

    Abiodun noted that the project was part of the administration’s broader regeneration agenda, which also includes the facelift of major landmarks such as the Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA).

    He added that the regeneration efforts align with the state’s Urban Renewal Programme and the vision to deliver good governance while creating an enabling environment for long-term development.

    The governor highlighted his administration’s strides in infrastructure, security, health, education, and housing—key pillars of the ISEYA mantra—and emphasised that the new Executive Council Chambers would provide a conducive environment for strategic thinking and decision-making for the benefit of the people.

    He commended members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to the administration’s achievements, noting that their ideas and dedication were instrumental to the progress recorded.

    Abiodun also paid glowing tribute to Chief Olusegun Osoba, describing him as an enigma, a foremost politician, astute administrator, and a founding father whose efforts helped open up rural communities for grassroots development. He said his administration continues to benefit from Chief Osoba’s wealth of experience.

    In his remarks, Chief Osoba applauded the governor for the ongoing transformation across the state.

     He expressed delight at the new look of the Ibara GRA—once a slum but now a pride to the state and Egbaland. He also commended the governor for delivering a world-class Executive Council Chambers comparable to any of its kind globally.

    The unveiling adds to the list of major urban renewal achievements under the Abiodun administration. The government previously remodelled the MKO Abiola Stadium into a world-class sports arena, host of the best-rated National Sports Festival and a venue for international events. The Cultural Centre has also undergone a similar transformation.

    Abiodun reiterated his commitment to rebranding Ogun State through sustained urban renewal efforts aimed at birthing a modern, forward-looking state.

  • Agric key to Osun’s growth -Babayemi

    Agric key to Osun’s growth -Babayemi

    One of the leading All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirants in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi has said that massive agricultural programmes with good road networks across the state will transform the state’s economy.

    Babayemi regretted that the bad roads across the state, especially in the rural areas, over 70 per cent of farm produce are being trapped and destroyed yearly in the state.

    Babayemi decried this during the continuation of his statewide ward-to-ward visit to four local governments including Irewole,Ife North, Oriade and Ilesa East local governments.

    The governorship aspirant has visited 262 wards out of the 332 with 70 remaining.

    He assured that an APC administration in the state would focus more on the rural areas without neglecting the urban centers, adding that rural roads would be given due attention so as to allow for abundance of food for the people.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    “The population of rural dwellers in Osun is about 65 to 70 percent, yet all the focus has been on the urban centres.

    “But let me be clear, it’s only agriculture that can save the economy of Osun State, and without good road networks, that dream is impossible,” the aspirant maintained.

    At the ten wards visited, Babayemi stressed that the state was in a better stead in the Southwest, noting that if properly handled, it could become the hub for other states in the region.

    “What could save us in this state is to create economic space and opportunities. We are well situated in the Southwest; there is no state Osun does not share a border with–Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara. We are right in the middle. We ought to be the engine room of the Southwest economy,” he added.

    Babayemi added that this could be achieved through agriculture where good roads exist, pointing out that it could create job opportunities for many.

    “Where there’s a good road network, most farm produce won’t get spoiled. Over 70 percent of what farmers harvest in rural areas perishes because they can’t transport them to the market. If we can move these goods easily from the farms to the cities, the economy will improve greatly. But when roads are bad, everything rots away in the villages,” the Gbongan-born Prince lamented.

    Speaking separately in Ikire, Ipetumodu 1 and 2,Yakoyo and Moro in Ife North; Ipetu Ijesa 1 and 2,Okesa,Iloro,isare,Bolorunduro and Irojo in Ilesa East, the people commended Babayemi for coming to them and pleaded that he should remember their areas for development if given the opportunity to lead the state.

    They expressed their readiness to ensure the emergence of the APC in the state in 2026 as well the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

  • Another 100 Oworonshoki residents receive compensation

    Another 100 Oworonshoki residents receive compensation

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the welfare of residents affected by the ongoing demolition of environmentally unsafe buildings across the state.

    He assured that all displaced persons would be resettled and adequately compensated.

    The assurance was delivered on behalf of the governor by the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Oladimeji Animashaun.

    It was during the second phase of compensation to affected residents of the Oworonshoki community.

    According to Animashaun, the government remains committed to its promise of ensuring that no resident is denied the right to own property in Lagos, even as it continues removing structures that pose environmental threats.

    “The very first time we compensated people, 79 affected persons collected their cheques.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    “Today (yesterday), another 100 people are receiving theirs.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that those affected would be compensated. That is a promise made, promise fulfilled,” he said.

    Animashaun said many more would be compensated over several batches.

    Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the state government.

    The beneficiaries received compensation ranging from N1million to N5million depending on the nature and value of their demolished properties.

    One of the beneficiaries , Nwaoha Rosemary, who received N1 million, described the support as a welcome relief.

    Another beneficiary, Patrick Arinze, who got N3 million, said: “They have done the right thing at the right time.

    “People complained, but what the government has done supersedes our concerns.

    “If we had not received anything, what would we have done?”

  • Mbah hails APC’s renewed commitmentto internal democracy, inclusiveness

    Mbah hails APC’s renewed commitmentto internal democracy, inclusiveness

    Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on Friday applauded the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its renewed commitment to internal democracy, inclusiveness and transparency as the party commenced its Southeast Zonal Public Hearing on the amendment of its constitution.

    The event, hosted by the Enugu State Government at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Enugu, drew stakeholders from across the five states of the Southeast and was moderated by members of the APC Constitution Review Committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

    Declaring the session open on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the exercise marked a defining moment for the party and for democratic development in the region.

    He noted that the ongoing constitutional amendment, being conducted for the first time through zonal public hearings across Nigeria, signaled the APC’s readiness to deepen internal reforms and strengthen its organisational structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Mbah commended the Buni-led committee for its “visionary leadership” and described the hearing as an expression of the party’s resolve to embrace accountability, broaden participation and modernise its governance principles.

    “A strengthened constitution will ensure more efficient party administration, reduce pre-election disputes, enhance conflict-resolution mechanisms, and create an enabling environment for the party to field credible candidates and manage electoral victories responsibly,” he said.

    Read Also: Mbah: Why Tinubu declared emergency on security institutions

    He added that the inclusion of civil society, youth and women groups, professional bodies and support organisations in the process demonstrated the APC’s willingness to align with global best practices in party administration.

    According to the governor, Enugu, “the historic capital of the former Eastern Region”, was delighted to host the milestone event, which reinforces the state’s growing status as a hub for governance dialogue and political engagement.

    To the stakeholders from Enugu, Abia, Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi, who submitted their memoranda on party administration, conflict-resolution processes, zoning, women and youth representation, and clarity of party structures, Governor Mbah urged them to make objective, forward-looking contributions capable of strengthening the party’s internal cohesion and institutional resilience.

    “This is not a forum for personal grievances or factional battles,” he said. “Let us make recommendations that will endure and leave a legacy for future generations.”

    Chairman of the Southeast Zonal Public Hearing and member representing Okigwe/Onuimo/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, said the amendment process was initiated under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “fill existing lacunae, expand party organs and ensure a more inclusive and functional framework.”

    “As you can see, many people are coming into our party and we need to amend the constitution to accommodate them. Political inclusion is what President Tinubu and the APC are driving across all regions,” she said.

  • Journalist hospitalised after assault by Ebonyi vigilante officials

    Journalist hospitalised after assault by Ebonyi vigilante officials

    A member of a vigilante group in Ebonyi State, Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW), on Thursday attacked a journalist, Godwin Aliuna.

    The journalist was attacked while covering an event in old government house Abakaliki, the state capital.

    He had previously worked for Daily Post before establishing his own online Media platform. 

    Aliuna who is currently hospitalized in a private clinic along Nkaliki road, the capital city narrated the incident thus “I was roughly mal-handled today by Neighbourhood Watch.

    ” I didn’t do anything wrong, just that there was a programme today, at the old government house Abakaliki, where the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Awo Nwobasi, was trying to resolve kingship tussle in one of the communities in Ishielu Local Government Area.

    “I went there to cover the event. I was at the entrance, when one of the officials in the ministry told me to come inside. I told her to wait and let me know what was happening first.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    “She said, ” I should come inside. So, by the time I came inside, I went to the back and sat down. I was sitting there for a while, just for a while. “Shortly, they confiscated my phone. The Commissioner ordered one of his aides there to delete everything in my phone.

    “They bundled me out of the hall and threw me away. After throwing me on the ground, they started beating.

    “About five of them descended on me, hitting me hard like a common criminal. What did I do that should warrant this manhandling? So, after beating me up, they ordered me to sit on the ground.

    “They started hitting me hard one after the other, one on the head , another on the eyes, one was busy hitting me at the back, and another was trying to pull my hands behind my back.

    “They told me to remove my clothes. I removed it. They said I was under arrest as directed by the Commissioner.

    “One of them went outside, brought an object. He said, if I moved, they would break my legs. I asked them what did I do? Did I steal anything to warrant this brutal torture? 

    “As you can see, I am right now in this hospital undertaking some tests and treatments. I can’t see clearly with one of my eyes and so, on this note, I call on the state government to intervene.”

  • Glo to power Imo digital drive with landmark deal

    Glo to power Imo digital drive with landmark deal

    Globacom has signed a landmark Internet connectivity agreement with the Imo State Government through its Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance. The partnership is a key step in the State’s plan to build a digital economy, implement e-governance, and establish a Smart City in Owerri.

    Described as the largest single fixed Internet connectivity project in Globacom’s Enterprise Business Group history, the deal highlights the company’s role in delivering advanced telecommunications infrastructure and digital solutions across Nigeria.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    Under the agreement, Globacom will provide high-capacity Internet connectivity to critical locations. These include the Smart City project in Owerri, home to 15 mega buildings, the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance, and the Imo State University for Innovation, Science and Technology, formerly Imo State Polytechnic.

    The Glo 1 submarine cable, which links Nigeria directly to Europe through Globacom’s privately owned fibre optic network, will form the backbone of the project. It provides high bandwidth, minimal latency, and secure connections, supporting the State’s digital transformation and improving public service delivery.

  • I’ve celebrated my last 23 years as Archbishop with correctional centers’ inmates – Okeke

    I’ve celebrated my last 23 years as Archbishop with correctional centers’ inmates – Okeke

    The Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev Valerian Okeke on Friday said he had always celebrated his Christmas, Easter and birthdays with inmates of Correctional Centers since his 23 years of episcopacy.

    He said he was conferred with the honour of Grand Patron of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) as a result of such a gesture.

    Okeke spoke in Onitsha, Anambra State at the 17th National Conference of Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria (APKMN) themed, ‘Hope, Faith and Charity in Contemporary Societies.’

    The Prelate appreciated individual members of the Knights who have remained supportive to the benevolence, urging them not to relent.

    He said, “Since my 23 years as an Archbishop, I’ve spent my Christmas, Easter and birthdays in the correctional facilities with the inmates.

    “I love it, and the inmates love it, celebrate and look forward to it because they know they’ll eat, drink, dance and play soccer.

    “The cells are now tiled and furnished with television sets that are always recharged. We also fixed fans in their rooms.

    “We sank functional boreholes for them to ensure availability of water in the facility. The place is now looking clean and fresh.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    “We’re now building facilities they can use as schools as well as skill acquisition centers with six departments and solar panels.

    “Those not privileged to attend primary and secondary schools or complete their education can now complete it there.

    “All these efforts are to ensure the inmates are treated as humans and to see what being outside looks like and desire to come out. Not to come out, kill and go back. But to come out and live happily with decent lives.

    “When the overall General President of Nigeria Correctional Services, an Alhaji, a Moslem heard of these exploits, he sent his people to confirm.

    “After the investigation, he and his officers decided to give me an award of grand patron of Nigeria Correctional Services which he said has not been given to anyone alive or dead in Nigeria.

    Earlier, National President, APKMN, Comrade Steve Adehi decried the state of the nation’s economy, describing it as worrisome.

  • More Imo communities embrace Uzodimma’s rural transformation initiative

    More Imo communities embrace Uzodimma’s rural transformation initiative

    The novelty initiated by the Imo State Government christened ‘One Kindred One Business Initiative (ÓKÓBÌ’) has continued to gather stronger momentum  as not fewer than 104 communities in the state have embraced the project to establish community-based businesses.

    ÓKÓBÌ, which was established by the Imo State Executive Council in 2024, is aimed at empowering  people and alleviate their poverty through group-based entrepreneurship and enterprise development.

    Speaking to newsmen in Owerri,  the  Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo State Government, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, explained that the programme was designed to generate employment and ensure food security at the local level.

    He expressed satisfaction that 104 communities in the state had responded to the government’s invitation, saying that the group-based entrepreneurship would create sustainable jobs in both rural and urban areas.

    “The response marks the first phase of the free programme, which now moves into its second stage.”

    Read Also: Uzodimma suspends ENTRACO operations over alleged harassment, killings

    Continuing, he said: “Participants are refining their business concepts into bankable proposals ahead of formal registration and launch.”

    Amaeshi said, “We are thrilled to see so many communities embrace this opportunity. The next step is to shape these ideas into viable enterprises that can attract funding and generate lasting employment.”

    Furthermore, Amaeshi stressed  that a complete list of the 104 participating communities was available on the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser’s website and social media channels, providing residents an opportunity to verify whether their community was among those already on board.

    According to Amaeshi, the ÓKÓBÌ programme, which was initiated less than 24 months ago, has galvanized over 500 group-owned businesses with 20,000 associates in Imo State within this short period.

  • Cuppy stuns dad Femi Otedola with £70 million birthday wish

    Cuppy stuns dad Femi Otedola with £70 million birthday wish

    Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola has proved her worth in the world of business and entertainment,not just as a silver spoon born, but as one with focus, direction and determination.

    Cuppy, as Ifeoluwa is fondly called, is one of the accomplished daughters of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, and doesn’t shy away from establishing the lovely bond that exists between herself and her father.

    Just like the hardworking Nigerian musician, Davido, who wears the Adeleke badge of wealth with pride and honour, Cuppy consistently wears the Otedola badge of wealth with pride despite consistent attacks.

    The relationship between Cuppy and her father is so strong that she sang about him in her debut album in the song, ‘Gelato.’

    Recently, the spinster stunned her billionaire father with a request that served as a birthday wish.

    Read Also: Femi Otedola recalls emotional moment he walked daughter down the aisle

    In her birthday wish, Cuppy did not ask for jewels or a jet, however, she asked for a mansion: her father’s seventy-million-pound estate situated in St. John’s Wood, London.

    According to those in the know, the request was no idle jest or playful indulgence. It was the elocution of privilege and ambition in response to her father, Femi Otedola, the billionaire industrialist’s lighthearted request about what she desired for her 33rd birthday.

    And Cuppy replied with disarming candour: “Daddy, I would like the St. John’s Wood house. I’ll only turn 33 once.”

    The conversation unfolded like an intergenerational parable of wealth and wonder, of affection and astonishment.

    The wish was so enormous that the billionaire only responded with a stunned look and has yet to respond to Cuppy, who is the first of his three daughters.

  • Frank Papas mourns mum’s passing with emotional farewell

    Frank Papas mourns mum’s passing with emotional farewell

    Franklin Emenike Okamigbo aka Frank Papas, the undisputed ‘King of Night Club Bizness,’ has announced the passing of his beloved mother, Lady Adaeze Asa Black Nnem, in a deeply emotional tribute that captured his gratitude, love, and admiration for her.

    In his moving message, Okamigbo described his late mother as his teacher, confidant, and true wingwoman, thanking her for the life, wisdom, and care she gave him and his sisters.

    “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met—extremely intelligent, cheerful, and an extraordinary grassroots organiser,” he wrote. “Thank you for the sacrifices, the support, the endless care, and the undying love. Daalu Ezinnem O—farewell thee, my sweet mother.”

    He fondly portrayed her as a religious and cultural leader of grace and poise, a bookkeeper, and a problem-solver for everyone regardless of background or status. Okamigbo signed off the tribute with love on behalf of the family, noting that burial details would be communicated soon.

    Frank Papas, a towering figure in Nigeria’s nightlife scene, earned fame in the mid-2000s through his innovative concept, Club Papas—a movable fun experience designed to operate within other entertainment establishments. His breakthrough came with Papas at K’s Place, an upscale nightlife spot in Victoria Island, Lagos, owned by Lebanese businessman Kamal Boustani.

    Read Also: Frank Okamigbo can’t wait to return

    That partnership cemented Okamigbo’s reputation as a creative force in the entertainment industry. He later expanded his legacy through Papas at The Place, in collaboration with the popular restaurant and lounge chain, securing his position as one of the masters of his craft and a living legend of Nigeria’s nightlife.

    A gentleman of refined taste and etiquette, Okamigbo redefined the business of nightlife, giving it respectability and structure.

    His name, Papas, became more than a brand—it symbolised elegance, discipline, and a touch of class in an industry often associated with chaos.

    With his mother’s passing, Okamigbo’s message offered a glimpse into his private world—one rooted in gratitude, culture, and the values she instilled in him. Behind the lights and music, it revealed a son’s heartfelt farewell to the woman who shaped his strength, faith, and humanity.