The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Turkiye trip will boost insurgency battle’

    ‘Turkiye trip will boost insurgency battle’

    Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s engagement with his Turkish counterpart, culminating in the signing of nine Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including one on defence, demonstrates the administration’s determination to confront Nigeria’s security challenges head-on.

    He said the outcomes of the President’s strategic visit to Türkiye underscore a deliberate effort to strengthen the Armed Forces through advanced technology, strategic partnerships, and enhanced operational capacity.

    The minister was quoted as saying: “This administration is committed to equipping the Armed Forces with the right capabilities, partnerships, and technologies required to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other threats to our national stability.”

    In a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the minister added: “Our engagements in Türkiye are practical steps toward strengthening operational effectiveness and self-reliance.”

    According to Gen. Musa, the engagements represent concrete measures aimed at boosting institutional capacity and reducing reliance on external support in critical defence areas.

    As part of the visit, the Defence Minister, alongside the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, toured major defence industry firms in Türkiye, including ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), and HAVELSAN.

    The delegation also held several high-level bilateral defence meetings.

    Read Also: Insurgency: Lessons from Russian-Ukraine war

    Ejodame stated the engagements allowed the NAF to review existing procurement arrangements.

    He said discussions focused on optimising procurement programmes, improving sustainment and maintenance support, expanding training opportunities, advancing research and development, and deepening indigenous capacity-building for the Armed Forces.

    Ejodame noted that the visit holds direct operational benefits for the NAF, particularly in ongoing efforts against terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and other asymmetric threats.

    He said: “The engagements are expected to enhance intelligence, surveillance, precision engagement, and close air support capabilities critical to joint operations across theatres.

    “These outcomes align with the CAS’s objective of building a more agile, lethal, and technology-driven air force.”

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations against Boko Haram and its splinter groups in the Northeast, closing in on more terrorist leaders and commanders, a senior military source said.

    They killed more than 12 terrorists during a surprise night raid at Bula Dalo, forcing survivors to flee and abandon four AK-47 rifles, a PKT anti-aircraft gun, a rocket-propelled gun, and a multiple grenade launcher.

    Confirming the operation, the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said six additional terrorists were killed in Gamo, where their logistics and life-support structures were destroyed, and a large cache of PKT anti-aircraft ammunition was recovered.

    Uba, however, said some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed during multiple armed drone attacks by ISWAP in Sabon Gari in the early hours of Thursday.

    He said: “Although the terrorists briefly breached part of the defensive position, gallant troops swiftly repelled the assault, held their ground, and restored full control with timely reinforcements.

    “Regrettably, some courageous troops and CJTF members paid the supreme price, while an excavator and a lowbed were damaged during the drone attack.”

    Nigeria and the Swiss Government have agreed to strengthen their existing defence collaboration, with a renewed focus on non-kinetic partnerships aimed at promoting peace and stability.

    The understanding was reached yesterday when the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Patrick Egloff, paid a visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.

    Egloff reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and defence cooperation with Nigeria, particularly through non-kinetic approaches to security challenges.

    He said Switzerland was keen on supporting humanitarian engagement, peacebuilding initiatives and programmes that address the root causes of insecurity through dialogue, development support and institutional partnerships.

    Gen. Oluyede welcomed the Swiss envoy and expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s sustained interest in Nigeria’s security and stability.

    The defence chief acknowledged Switzerland’s contributions to non-kinetic efforts in the country, noting that such initiatives were critical in complementing ongoing military operations.

  • Senate probes ‘deplorable’, snail-speed train services

    Senate probes ‘deplorable’, snail-speed train services

    • Oshiomhole heads panel
    • NRC unveils expansion plans

    The Senate yesterday raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s rail services, declaring that   Abuja–Kaduna-bound trains now move more slowly than bicycles.

    ‘’If you are using a bicycle, you will get to Kaduna from Abuja faster than the train,’’ said Senate President   Godswill Akpabio.

    He made the remark while inaugurating an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the railway system.

    The Adams Oshiomhole-led committee, which has six weeks to submit its report, will look into rail operations in the country,  equipment quality and management efficiency.

     Other members are  Senators Hussaini Babangida, Enyinnaya Abaribe,   Adamu Aliero,  Wasiu Eshinlokun, Osita Ngwu,   Solomon Adeola,   Ibrahim Dankwambo,   Ireti Kingibe,   Ede Dafinone, Sahabi Yau and Abdul Ningi.  

    The constitution of the committee followed a robust debate by Senators on what they considered a sharp decline in operations along the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano rail corridor, once reputed as a flagship transport project.

    Moved by the revelations, Akpabio said: “At a time, the train used to take about one and a half hours from Abuja to Kaduna, but passengers now spend more than three hours. ‘’We even gathered that Keke NAPEP from Abuja  will arrive in Kaduna  earlier.”

     The state of the rail corridor was raised at the plenary by  Senator  Ningi, who, after citing order 42 of the Senate Standing Orders,  narrated his recent ordeal on the route.  

    Ningi recalled that when operations commenced in 2015, the rail line ran 10 daily trips – five each way – conveying about 10,000 passengers every day. He said those figures have plummeted sharply.

    “Two weeks ago, I travelled to Kaduna by train as I usually do, and what I discovered was disturbing,” he said. “The manager told me that from about 10,000 passengers daily, the number had dropped to between 800 and 900.”He added that daily shuttles had been reduced to just two – one from Abuja to Kaduna at 7 am and another from Kaduna to Abuja at 1.30 pm.

    According to the Senator, when the railway operated at full capacity, it generated about N1.8 billion monthly. He warned that the current situation had eroded revenue and public confidence.

    Read Also:Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    Ningi said passengers spent more than three and a half hours on a journey that once took 90 minutes, with the train crawling for long stretches.

    “When the railway started, it was one and a half hours to Kaduna. Last week, we spent three and a half hours,” he said. “People had no alternative. This situation is deeply disturbing and should worry the Senate and Nigerians.”

    The lawmaker also alleged that some equipment installed during the execution of the rail contract was second-hand, suggesting the country may have been short-changed.

    The route recorded two tragic  incidents in less than three years.

    On 28 March 2022, a Kaduna-bound train with was attacked in Katari, with approximately 970 passengers on board was attacked by terrorists who arrived on motorbikes.  

    The second was on August 26, 2025, when another train derailed following the vandalisation of some tracks.

    The 186.5-kilometre Abuja–Kaduna standard gauge rail line was inaugurated in 2016, after being initiated under the late President Umar Yar’Adua and completed by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Former President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated it.

    The $1.64 billion project was executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), with $500 million financed through a loan from China’s Exim Bank and the balance provided by the Federal Government.

    *NRC targets 10,000km rail network in five years

    While the Senate ordered a probe of the deplorable train services, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its rail network from about 4,000 kilometres to 10,000 kilometres within the next five years and another  10,000 kilometres in 20 years.

    The corporation’s  Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, made this known while outlining the direction of the rail sector and the scale of investment required to reposition it as a major driver of national growth.

    Opeifa said Nigeria currently operates about 4,000 kilometres of rail lines, a figure he described as inadequate for a country of its size and economic ambition.

    “In the next five years, we hope to increase the length of tracks to about 10,000 kilometres. By another 10 years after that, we want to move Nigeria to about 20,000 kilometres of rail lines,” he said.

    Opeifa stated that achieving the target would depend largely on private sector participation.

    According to him, the Federal Government remains open to concessioning arrangements and other partnership models.

    He assured that sovereign guarantees would be provided to investors in line with global best practices.

    “Our doors are open to the private sector for concessioning and partnerships. Government budgets alone cannot fund rail expansion at this scale, which is why we are encouraging private investment,” the NRC boss said.

    He added that the expansion plan is part of a larger national rail roadmap that would soon be unveiled.

    Opeifa noted that the corporation was working towards completing key rail corridors, including the Lagos-Kano, the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri and the Ajaokuta-Abuja routes to enable seamless movement of people and goods between the South and the North.

    He added that both narrow gauge and standard gauge rail lines were operational, with the corporation embarking on aggressive recovery of locomotives, wagons and other rolling stock to improve efficiency and capacity utilisation.

      Opeifa said that despite security challenges,  rail services have continued nationwide. He attributed that to the commitment of railway engineers and artisans. 

    He called for community ownership of railway assets as a critical response to vandalism, particularly along the Warri-Itakpe corridor, where he said repeated attacks had forced the corporation to replace almost every section of track.

    The NRC boss also said the corporation was collaborating with    Lagos, Zamfara, Plateau, Niger and Ogun governments to increase rail usage and maximise existing assets.

    Opeifa revealed that private operators were already participating in rail operations, with about 28 logistics companies licensed to move goods from Apapa Port to locations, including Oyingbo, Papalanto, Kajola, Omi Adio, Moniya and Osogbo.

    “If you have the resources to bring in locomotives and rolling stock, we will give you access to our tracks because once the tracks are in use, the economy benefits,” he said.

  • Witness: how Emefiele withdrew $6.23m from CBN with forged documents

    Witness: how Emefiele withdrew $6.23m from CBN with forged documents

    The 11th prosecution witness (PW11), Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, yesterday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents during Godwin Emefiele’s tenure.

    Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN, said the cash was withdrawn from the Garki branch of the apex bank on February 8, 2023, purportedly to fund election observers and logistics.

    Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness said he became acquainted with Emefiele in 2015 through one Eric, identified as the former governor’s personal assistant.

    Maishanu told the court that in early January 2023, he was approached by one Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to be working with a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    Ahmed, he said, informed him that they were processing a payment from the CBN based on presidential approval.

    “I demanded his identification and also asked him to call Mr Eric to confirm his claim.

    “When Mr Eric confirmed knowing him, Ahmed explained that once presidential approval was obtained, payment would be processed through the CBN,” the witness said.

    About a week later, Ahmed allegedly returned with what he claimed was presidential approval and informed Maishanu that they would seek Emefiele’s consent for a cash withdrawal.

    He said Ahmed requested his assistance or a recommendation of someone who could accompany them for the cash transaction.

    Maishanu told the court he declined to participate but introduced a friend.

    Read Also: Emefiele urges court to foreclose prosecution in alleged procurement fraud trial

    According to him, on February 8, 2023, the friend and his driver withdrew $6.23 million from the Garki CBN branch.

    “After the withdrawal, my friend told me that Ahmed left with $2.5 million in cash alongside others,” he said.

    The witness said the remaining cash was brought to his friend’s residence at Ibrahim Coomasie Crescent, Abuja, where he described the amount left behind as “outrageous.”

    “I told my friends that we should keep the money because we never negotiated for any payment with Ahmed,” he said.

    Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Mathew Burkar (SAN), Maishanu said he was certain the approval was fraudulent.

    “I am sure because the CBN has rigorous procedures for payments, especially for cash transactions of that magnitude,” he said.

    He admitted receiving part of the $2.5 million left behind but insisted it was not his personal share and that he did not initially know the transaction was fraudulent.

    The witness further stated that he later saw forged documents shown to him by one Mr Obazi, adding that he accepted responsibility because of his involvement.

    Maishanu further explained CBN’s disciplinary process, noting that sanctions for erring officials range from warnings to dismissal, following investigations by a disciplinary committee.

    He added that he was not sanctioned by the CBN Board over the matter.

    He told the court that while he did not personally witness the approval signature, the withdrawal was traceable through internal documentation bearing signatures of all officials involved.

    He also stated that approvals for such transactions rest with the CBN Governor or the Committee of Governors.

    Trial continues today.

  • Zulum okays direct payment of local govt allocations

    Zulum okays direct payment of local govt allocations

    Borno State Governor  Babagana  Zulum okayed the immediate commencement of direct payments of monthly statutory allocations to the accounts of the state’s 27 local government areas.

    This was announced by  Acing Governor Umar   Kadafur after presiding over the inauguration of the new council chairmen in Maiduguri yesterday.  

    Kadafur, who underscored   Zulum’s administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level, explained that the approval complied with   Supreme Court’s judgment and   President Bola  Tinubu’s December 2025 call to all governors.

    The acting governor said:‘’ Borno is the only state where local governments will now receive their allocations directly.

    “This is a credit to His Excellency and is out of transparency to ensure that governance requires collective hands on the deck. He (Zulum) believes in the local government administrative process, which is why he approved giving you the money directly so you can go and work. The era of local government complaining about bureaucracy in approving funds to you is gone.

    “We will continue to publish whatever is given to local government areas as part of our transparency in the state, so that you should be held accountable for every resource you have collected on behalf of the people.”

    Read Also: Ndume lauds Tinubu, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorists attacks

     “You should be accessible to your people. You know our governor is dedicated to developing our state.

    “We are looking up to you at the grassroots to make sure whatever goes to the chairman of a local government, it should be transparent and accountable for every naira and kobo you receive. Borno State.’’

    The acting governor charged the new chairmen to ensure prompt payment of salaries, council workers, their welfare and the development of their areas.

    He said: “You must be guardians of every naira, running every project and programme with the pillars of our 10-year strategy. Focus on essentials that directly improve lives.

    “Furthermore, I implore you to focus on the security and dignity of our people; there will be no more vanity projects. I direct your immediate attention to the welfare of local government staff. Timely payment of salary and entitlements is non-negotiable. In the same vein, ensure that all workers must report to their duty posts promptly, productivity and discipline must be restored.”

  • Kano govt to resolve emir tussle between Bayero, Sanusi II

    Kano govt to resolve emir tussle between Bayero, Sanusi II

    The  tussle over the  Kano  Emirate  will  soon be resolved, the state government declared yesterday.

    Information and Internal Affairs Commissioner  Ibrahim Waiya broke the news in Kano while addressing reporters on the  defection of Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     Muhammadu Sanusi II was appointed Emir of Kano when Rabiu Kwankwaso was governor, but he was  dethroned by the administration of  Abdullahi Ganduje, who appointed Aminu Ado Bayero.

    Ganduje  thereafter  created four additional first class emirates.

     Yusuf’s administration  dethroned Bayero in May 2024 and reinstated Sanusi II as emir, citing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which dissolved the five emirate councils created by Ganduje, including Kano emirate.

     Bayero refused to vacate the palace, claiming he was the rightful Emir, leading to a standoff between his supporters and those of Sanusi II.

    Read Also: Kano moves to resolve kingship impasse between Bayero, Sanusi II

    The courts have issued conflicting orders, with some ruling in favour of Sanusi II and others in favour of Bayero.

    The situation has sparked tensions and protests in Kano, with both sides claiming legitimacy.  Bayero  is said to have the backing of an official of  the Federal Government, while Sanusi II has the support of Governor Yusuf.

    Fielding a question on the situation, Comrade Waiya assured residents that concrete measures have already been put in place to restore lasting peace and stability in the ancient city.

    He said the Kano State government is committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement with all stakeholders, stressing that the administration is determined to ensure that the Emirate matter does not continue to generate tension or distract governance.

    According to him, the government’s approach is guided by respect for the rule of law, traditional institutions, and the collective interest of the people of Kano State.

    Speaking on the governor’s switch to APC, Waiya said the movement was a development that would bring significant benefits to the state.

    He said Kano residents should expect increased dividends of democracy, noting that closer alignment with the Federal Government would attract more interventions, projects, and development initiatives to the state.

    “The defection opens more doors for Kano. With stronger collaboration with the Federal Government, we expect more support in critical sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare,” Waiya said.

    Comrade Waiya emphasised that the state government remains focused on governance, unity, and development, urging Kano residents to remain calm and supportive as efforts were being put in place to resolve outstanding issues and move the state forward.

    He reaffirmed the Yusuf administration’s commitment to transparency, peace, and inclusive governance, assuring that the interests of Kano people would always remain paramount above personal interests.

  • Bunmi’s giant strides in entrepreneurship, philanthropy

    Bunmi’s giant strides in entrepreneurship, philanthropy

    She threw her hat in the entrepreneurial ring while still an undergraduate at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Since then, seasoned entrepreneur, politician and business executive, Dr. Bunmi Obakoya, has never looked back. She has continued to pull her weight in the highly competitive entrepreneurial space, while empowering the needy and the vulnerable, through her Non-Governmental Organisation, Bunmi Obakoya Foundation (BOF), which, at the moment, she single-handedly funds from profit generated from her numerous thriving businesses. She shares her inspiring story with DAMOLA KOLA-DARE

    She started out in business early in life, when she was in Primary Six, and has, by dint of hard work, tenacity and focus, gradually built a hugely successful business empire that spans lucrative sectors such as travel and tours, fashion, interior decoration and logistics.

     Diffuser Nigeria (often referred to as Diffuser Lut Nigeria), which specialises in high-quality home fragrances, is one of the products of the resourceful and innovative brain of seasoned entrepreneur, politician, philanthropist and business executive, Dr. Bunmi Obakoya.

    The popular Diffuser brand, which operates online and through physical stores, with locations in Lagos (Ikeja, Yaba) and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, earned Bunmi her highly coveted spot in the entrepreneurial space, where she supplies luxury brands such as Dr. Vranjes and Max Benjamin.

    Under her charge as founder and CEO, Diffuser Lut Nigeria has stamped its feet as a top-tier fragrance provider in Nigeria. The company has also grown astronomically, becoming a household name in the country and beyond.

    With options ranging from budget-friendly to luxury brands, the company supplies home fragrances, including Italian original Millefiori Milano room sprays, scented candles, and diffusers to enhance mood, ambience, and well-being of its growing clientele.

    A multifaceted businesswoman, Bunmi is also EO of multiple companies, including Bukay Travel Agency, a professional travel and logistics services; Bukay Lounge, a popular entertainment venue located in Yaba, Lagos.

    That’s not all. she also runs Bukay Media, a media and communications firm; Bukay Logistics Limited, a logistics and supply chain company; Shirt Plus, Hair Planet, Club Tipsy, among others, demonstrating beyond doubt her capacity to transform these businesses into a flourishing empire.

    “I have about 10 companies,” the entrepreneur confirmed to The Nation, noting that with Bukay Travel Agency and Bukay Logistics Limited, she has been making lives and movement easier for her clients. Both firms take the burden of booking tickets and hotel rooms off her customers’ shoulders while making life easier for travellers.

     Expectedly, Bunmi, who earned a doctorate in humanitarian services, has been able to bring her exceptional organisational and leadership skills to bear in running her businesses and turning them into a hub for job creation. Thousands of Nigerians, both women and youth, directly and indirectly earn their livelihoods by working in her companies.

    However, her successes, like any other entrepreneurs, are not without surmountable challenges. “We have been through a lot of challenges,” she told The Nation, pointing out, for instance, the prevailing dollar rate affected her businesses, including those trying to sell fake products. “They mess up our business,” she complained.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Bola Shagaya’s vision, philanthropy at 66

    But Bunmi refused to be slowed down by challenges. She continues to charge on, spurred by her desire to add value to the society and people luck to come her way. “As long as I have the capacity, I will continue to transform lives because the government alone cannot do everything.

    “I just believe that I am supporting the government because the government cannot do everything. I tell people don’t deceive yourself, except you don’t love your country. I love my country. I love Nigeria. Nothing can make me stay abroad. If you love your country, impact. You don’t need to be a politician. You don’t need to be under the government,” she declared.

    Beyond the fields of travel and tours, fashion, interior decoration and logistics, where Bunmi latched on to impact the society and also meet the government half way in transforming lives, her remarkable exploits in the field of philanthropy, using her humanitarian foundation, The  Bunmi Obakoya Foundation (BOF) as vehicle, have also been  quite telling.

     The BOF, which she administers with the profit from her companies, has proved to be a source of joy to everyone she has come across. From students to young girls to the aged, the Foundation has given people reasons to smile again after despair.

     “I’ve been in my foundation since 2012. I’ve supported people. I’ve supported students abroad. I’ve supported payments of school fees in Nigeria. I’ve done a lot of palliatives. I’ve done medical outreach. I’ve impacted. Because I keep telling people, you can’t wait for the government to do everything for us. I love my people. I’m human,” she stated.

     A humanitarian to the core, Bunmi shared a particular experience she had while growing up that inspired her for a deeply rewarding service to humanity through her Foundation. Her story: “When we were growing up, my dad said to our chef, Kojo, a Ghanaian: “Kojo, you have to go and get plantain.

     “What’s on the timetable today is plantain and beans.” And I told Kojo:  “Bring the money. Let me go and buy it. I will go and buy it.” Kojo said: “Your daddy will be angry.” “Let him be angry. Let me be useful. Let me go and get the plantain,” I replied.

     “So, I collected the money from Kojo. And I saw this lady selling plantain. And she wasn’t looking happy. And I bought the plantains from her. The plantains were not good. But because I wanted the lady to be happy, I just bought all the plantain, both the one that was good and the one that was bad. So, I just brought the plantain home.

     “And Kojo said: “See, you have put me into trouble. Your daddy will fight me because your daddy did not send you to go and buy plantain.” As Kojo was coming out, talking, my dad was coming out from his room. My father just said:  “Kojo, don’t worry. Manage the plantain like that.”

     “And that’s it. I love to give. Giving has been my forte.  From when I was small, if you come to me to solve your problem, if you cry to me, I know you will not cry back. That has been me for ages and that’s okay.”

     Bunmi said her foundation remained committed to assisting the needy, empowering people and businesses, pointing out, interestingly, that she funds the foundation from profit generated from her businesses.

     “I have about 10 companies. So, all the companies, we must bring 30 per cent of the profits and use it to fund our Foundation,” she divulged, expressing hope that “one day someone will support us. But right now, no one is supporting me. I’m supporting myself.”

     She emphasized, “I’ve spent a lot. I don’t want to think about what I’ve spent. Let me just keep doing it.  I don’t have anyone that supports my Foundation.  Thirty per cent of my profits in all my companies, I use for my Foundation.

     Explaining the BOF’s modus operandi, the accomplished entrepreneur cum philanthropist   said: “If you come with your problems, if my foundation does diligent findings, we will support you.”

     She cited a particular encounter with a girl she met at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Her words: “I was driving to school and I saw this pretty lady. I asked her why she was selling puff puff. She said she got admission to study at the University of Ilorin, but her family doesn’t have the capacity to fund her education.

     “I gave her my number and told her to send her admission letter to me and tell me the cost of her school fees. The Bunmi Obakoya Foundation will support you till you graduate. And to God be the glory, we have started. We have paid the first school fees. We have sent her feeding money.”

    Bunmi explained that her Foundation decided to offer the girl a helping hand “because we don’t want her to go and mess up her body. Because I always tell people, I never messed up my body. I didn’t mess up myself. So, I didn’t want that to happen to the lady. So, we support her with feeding every month.”

     Interestingly, the girl is not the only one benefiting from the foundation’s kind gesture. “I’m paying school fees for students across tertiary institutions, 18 in Nigeria, two abroad, making 20,” Bunmi informed The Nation.

     A woman of many parts, Bunmi is also a grassroots politician. “I wear so many caps. I am an entrepreneur and a politician. I’ve been in politics.  My mother is a politician,” she said. According to her, her foray into politics started while she and her siblings were growing up.

     Her words: “We’re four girls and two boys. And my mom kept saying, please, I want one of you to join me in politics.  I wanted my mom to be happy, so I joined her.  That led to my being a politician today. I have got a passion for politics. My own brand of politics is to support people.”

     She said she realised that some politicians are not doing the right thing hence, she needed to teach and to rewrite the narrative of the type of politics people engage in Nigeria. She observed, for instance, that when many get to power, it intoxicates them.

     Bunmi, however, said “When I get to power, they will know that this lady is ready for business and is ready to serve. I don’t look down on people. When you are there to serve, if you can’t show them 100 per cent love, show them at least 70 per cent love, then they know this is a leader.”

     She emphasised the imperative of youth empowerment for nation-building, especially with youth forming the core of the nation’s population. Justifying her prioritization of youth empowerment, Bunmi said: “Youth are very important in anything we do. They are part of my foundation. There’s nothing I do that I don’t involve youth. I have a passion for youths.

     “So, it’s very, very important for us to empower youth. They must be there. So, you have to involve them and I have so much belief in supporting youths. It’s good for us to empower youths. Some are depressed; some of their parents don’t have time for them. I don’t joke with youths well-being.”

     A staunch advocate of women rights and emancipation, Bunmi has never stopped seeking equal representation for women in leadership positions. “I love women.  I fight for women a lot. And we thank our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She’s really fighting for women,” she said.

     Continuing, she said: “We are soliciting, we are advocating that women and men must be equal in leadership positions 50-50, instead of being 80-20. So, at least things will be better for people around you. We cannot wait for Asiwaju to come and do it. He cannot do everything. That’s why he’s putting people in position.”

     On BOF projects for the year, Bunmi said: “I have a good number of projects for this year. I’m planning a medical outreach. You see, we talk about death. There are preventable deaths. I just lost someone very close to me, because there was no money, she died.

     “So after the medical outreach, I want to carry out an educational outreach. After that, I want to do a food bank and empower small business owners. I have empowered small business owners before. The people should expect more. As long as I have the capacity, I will continue to transform lives because the government alone cannot do everything.”

     Unsurprisingly, Bunmi’s exploits in business and philanthropy have not gone unrewarded.  For instance, she was recently awarded the Woman of The Year from an international organisation, African International Women Pacesetters (AFRIWP).

     The organiser of the award, Champion Family International, recognized Bunmi for her outstanding contribution in the field of entrepreneurship, politics and philanthropy courtesy of her NGO, Bunmi Obakoya Foundation. She was consequently named as the Champion Family International Brand Ambassador for 2021.

     At the last count, Dr. Bunmi has 62 awards under her belt. And guess what! She has never paid a dime for any of the awards. Her numerous awards and recognition from Nigeria and around Africa are in recognition of her efforts to serve and impact humanity.

  • First Lady establishes N50m endowment fund at TASFUED

    First Lady establishes N50m endowment fund at TASFUED

    • OAU gets RHI’s 50 CNG buses, 30 tricycles
    • Senator Tinubu bags honorary PhD in Childhood Education
    • Ogun govt hands over education varsity to Fed Govt

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has established a N50-million endowment at the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State.

    Mrs. Tinubu’s gesture took place during the university’s transfer from the Ogun State government to the Federal Government and the institution’s 17th convocation ceremony.

    The First Lady also donated 50 CNG buses and 30 tricycles yesterday to students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the transfer of TASFUED in March last year.

    During the convocation ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the formal handover of the nation’s premier education varsity.

    The First Lady, who was represented by the Vice President’s wife, Hajia Hana Shettima, was decorated with the award of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) in Childhood Education.

    Former Governor Olusegun Osoba was also bestowed with the award of Doctor of Science in Political Science(honoris causa).

    Mrs. Tinubu endowed the TASFUED’s Department of Childhood Education with N10 million for the best graduating female students for 10 years.

    The First Lady promised to continue encouraging any noble cause that promotes education, children, and Nigerian youths as well as to bestow the overall best graduate with N1.5 million.

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    She urged the graduates to be “worthy ambassadors” of their great alma mater and Nigeria.

    Governor Abiodun described the transfer as a “historic transition” and an epoch in the annals of the state and the TASFUED.

    During the convocation, 4,785 graduates from the 2024/2025 set of regular students were rolled out.

    A breakdown of the number showed that 40 obtained First Class Honours; 1,466 obtained Second Class Upper Division; 2,768 made Second Class Lower Division, while 492 and 19 obtained Third Class and Pass degrees.

    Nineteen-year-old Gbolahan Edward Awofala of the Department of Computer Science was the overall best graduate with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.92.

    The state government gifted Awofala N2 million for his feat, while each of the 40 First-Class graduates got N500,000.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) transferring TASUED from the state to the Federal Government was signed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of the state government and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, signed on behalf of the Federal Government.

    The session was witnessed by the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello; Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu.

    Abiodun, who was decorated with the award of Doctor of Science (honotis causa) in Education at the occasion, acknowledged the vital role of the new Visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, towards Federal Government’s adoption of TASFUED.

    The governor hailed the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for “indeed working very hard and facilitating it” to a successful end.

    He said the adoption and subsequent transfer helped in balancing and equity.

    Abiodun noted that Ogun East now has a federal university, as was the case in the Ogun Central and Ogun West.

    He said the university was established to address gaps in pedagogy identified in conventional universities, particularly in teacher education, emphasising that the institution focuses on academic education alongside practical skills for self-reliance.

    Abiodun said TASFUED has grown from about 3,800 students and four colleges to six colleges, adding that the expansion reflected depth, intellectual ambition, and a clear affirmation of quality, discipline, and institutional integrity.

    He congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their studies in flying colours and charged them to bear a unique responsibility to shape minds as nation-builders.

    Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Noimot Oyedele-Salako; the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Rasaq Adenugba; the Gbegande of Ososa-Ijebu, Oba (Dr.) Toye Alatishe; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola; the Limeri of Awa-Ijebu, Oba Amos Awobajo; and the Akporu of Ilaporu, Oba Jimoh Quadri.

    During her donation to the OAU, Mrs. Tinubu was joined by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wife of Osun State governor, Mrs. Titilayo Adeleke; wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, and other wives of Nigerian governors.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole; the Osun APC governorship candidate, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and other party bigwigs.

    The First Lady said she inaugurated the buses and tricycles for use at the sport arena of the institution.

    The OAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, hailed Senator Tinubu for the gesture.

    He said: “We thank the First Lady for her generosity to the school. She is one of the most shining stars of the school. We are very happy for her donations to the development of the school.“We are happy for the donation of 50 buses and 40 tricycles for students and staff of OAU. These will ease the burden of transportation of staff and students and members of the community as well as enhance the quality of their lives as well.”

    Also, the OAU Students’ Union President, Oluwatodimu David, eulogised Mrs. Tinubu for the donation, noting that it will go a long way to ease the transportation challenges that they are facing.

    He said: “We are happy for the donation of 50 buses and 30 tricycles for students and staff of OAU. It will ease the burden of transformation of staff and students and members of the community and enhance the quality of their lives as well. This is in line with our administration’s ambition; now it is a reality.”

    “We also commend her for the campus beautification project and the renovation of the Amphitheatre, which has enhanced the growth of our school. We thank her a lot. She is not just a mother of the nation but that of the OAU community specially.”

  • Fed Govt projects N5.06tr annual savings from defence import cuts

    Fed Govt projects N5.06tr annual savings from defence import cuts

    • Defence imports to stop in five years

    The Federal Government will save about N5.06 trillion annually from cutting down on the importation of defence equipment.

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohamed Matawalle, announced this yesterday in Abuja while unveiling “X-Shield Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle” produced by X-Shield, a defence and security solutions provider.

    Mattawale hinted that the government would end the importation of defence equipment in the next five years.

    Represented by the Director General of the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, the minister said the unveiling represented more than a product launch but signified the successful convergence of security needs, indigenous capabilities, industrial expertise, and commercial opportunity.

    He noted that DICON’s joint venture led to the unveiling of an indigenously conceptualised, built light tactical vehicle and other indigenous solutions to executive vehicles by armouring them.

    Matawalle said: “This is just the beginning. We do more so that we can ensure that all required defence and security equipment are produced locally/ In two or five years, there will be no more importation (of defence equipment).

    “It conserves foreign exchange by localising production, and importantly, it opens the pathways for export and regional leadership in defence manufacturing.”

    The minister said the partnership between DICON and the private sector has delivered multiple dividends by strengthening Nigeria’s defence industrial base, creating skilled jobs and transferring technical knowledge.

    He said the vehicles are designed for the realities of modern operations, which include mobility, protection, adaptability, and survivability, while remaining cost-effective and suitable for local production and sustainment.

    Matawalle hailed X-Shield for proving itself to be such a worthy partner.

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    “Let me conclude by reaffirming that the future of Nigeria’s defence and security capability will be built at home by Nigerian hands through trusted partnerships such as the one we celebrate today,” he said.

    X-Shield’s Chief Executive Officer Charles Ibanga said the company believes that Nigeria can design, build, and sustain world-class armoured mobility and defence solutions locally, professionally, and competitively.

    Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ibanga said in the last quarter of 2023, Nigeria’s spending on armoured vehicles far exceeded its spending on fuel.

    “The country imported over ₦5.06 trillion worth of armoured vehicles, compared to ₦1.81 trillion spent on petrol—a difference of ₦3.25 trillion, with armoured vehicles accounting for 35.87% of total imports,” Ibanga said.

    The company chief said the figures clearly underscore the urgent need for local manufacturing, sustainment, and MRO capabilities.

    Ibanga said the Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle and civilian armoured platforms were tangible proof of the belief in action.

    He added that the demand for armoured mobility continues to rise, across defence and security agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the private sector.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur supported DSS’ probe, says witness

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Victims’ complaints against Tukur supported DSS’ probe, says witness

    An investigator with the Department of State Services (DSS) has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the complaints lodged by rescued victims of the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack against alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, supported the agency’s investigations.

    The DSS official stated this yesterday during a cross-examination by Mamu’s lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), at the resumed hearing in the terrorism case filed against the alleged terrorist negotiator.

    The revelation by the witness, who is the sixth prosecution witness (PW6), was in response to a question by Usman, who had asked the witness to “confirm to the court if any of the rescued victims, including the wife of the Commandant, Jaji, made any complaint against the defendant to the DSS”.

    Responding, the witness, who wore a mask and testified behind a screen, said some of the victims filed complaints, including one in writing.

    At that point, the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe of the Federal Ministry of Justice, interjected and complained about the mode of questioning adopted by the defence lawyer.

    Kaswe said that despite an earlier order of the court that the identity of actors in the case, including victims and witnesses, should be protected, Usman was framing his questions in a manner capable of exposing the identity of the categories of people in which the court’s order was made.

    But Usman argued that none of the names he called was a witness before the court.

    The lawyer averred that although the court actually made an order for trial in camera and for the protection of the identity of the witnesses, the trial should not be conducted in a manner that prejudiced the defendant.

    When he resumed his testimony, the witness said investigators interviewed six victims of the attack in the course of the probe.

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    On whether or not the six victims were interviewed in the presence of the defendant, the witness said no.

    He said the audio exhibit tendered by the prosecution was an extract of the transcribed WhatsApp conversation between Mamu and the terrorists.

    On whether or not his team interviewed a former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.); Major General Idris Garba, and Hannafi of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), the witness said no.

    The witness confirmed that Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, Gen. Abdulkadir and General Jalingo were also interviewed, but not in the presence of the defendant.

    He said members of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) committee were not brought to the DSS facility and interviewed in the presence of the defendant.

    The witness gave Exhibit R8 (a statement made by the defendant) and had it read a portion where Mamu described himself as a publisher of a newspaper and a magazine.

    In another portion, the defendant also said he is a publisher, a media consultant and a journalist, from which he earned his income.

    The witness said investigators, including himself, investigated the defendant’s claims of being a publisher, media consultant and journalist.

    The PW6 said they also investigated the defendant’s claim that he was acting with the permission of the authority.

    He confirmed that the defendant’s request that every actor in the negotiation be brought together to be interviewed in his presence was not granted.

    The witness said he was not part of the search party and did not know if the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the defendant’s office was among others valuables recovered from him.

    The PW6 said he was not among those who reviewed or watched the CCTV.

    At the conclusion of the cross-examination, Kaswe told the court that the prosecution would be closing its case with the sixth prosecution witness.

    Usman said his client was willing to reveal all that transpired and would elect to enter his defence straight away rather than first making a no-case submission.

    He said: “We want to put everything on the table. Let the whole world see. Let God also see.”

    Justice Mohammed Umar then adjourned till April 23 for the defendant to open his defence.

  • Plateau North Senator Dachungyang umps ADP for APC

    Plateau North Senator Dachungyang umps ADP for APC

    Plateau North Senator Pam Mwadkon Dachungyang yesterday dumped the Action Democratic Party (ADP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Dachungyang’s letter of defection was read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

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    In his letter, Dachungyang said he decided to jettison the ADP following irreconcilable differences.

    The senator also said he found the APC as a worthy party and platform to continue to serve his people.