The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ASUU, CONUA laud renegotiation deal

    ASUU, CONUA laud renegotiation deal

    • ‘More adjustments needed’

    The President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna, has praised the Federal Government’s presentation of renegotiated agreements between the union and the government.

    This happened as the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) acknowledged the conclusion of the renegotiation process between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2025.

    The new rapport, CONUA noted, arose from the 2009 agreement that had remained unresolved for many years.

    But Piwuna said there were still pending issues, which he described as internal, militating against the progress and survival of the university system.

    The ASUU president listed these as: government persistent encroachment into the Autonomy of the universities.

    Piwuna stressed that university autonomy is universally recognised as a cornerstone of a functional higher education system, adding that in Nigeria, although university autonomy is recognised in principle and partially entrenched in law, its practical implementation remains weak.

    “Finally, we are optimistic that the agreement will be implemented in totality by the Federal Government, but there still exists that pessimistic side, looking at our history with the government and the poverty of sincerity.

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    “It is our belief that the union would not need to issue a strike threat for the full implementation of the 2025 ASUU-FGN Renegotiated Agreement,” he said.

    The ASUU president expressed gratitude that research and development (R&D) funding is a component of the 2025 ASUU-FG renegotiated agreement, adding that Nigerian universities have faced paucity of research funding for a very long time.

    He decried the economic situation in the country, describing it as “hard” for the university system and the citizens.

    Piwuna urged the government to look for ways to make life easy for the masses.

    “Meals are hard to come by, transportation is still a challenge, and families are struggling to keep body and soul together,” he lamented.

    Also, CONUA said negotiations in the tertiary education sector were ongoing and extended beyond a single union.

    It acknowledged that discussions had continued with other unions in the university system, including its members, within the broader framework of sector-wide engagement aimed at improving conditions of service, institutional stability, and educational quality.

    In the interest of comprehensive reform and lasting industrial peace in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, CONUA’s President Niyi Sunmonu, urged the Federal Government to expedite negotiations with all recognised and registered unions, including CONUA.

    Sunmonu also stated that inclusive and timely engagement with all stakeholders would ensure equity, reduce tensions, and promote sustainable stability across the university system.

    “CONUA remains committed to constructive dialogue, responsible unionism, and policies that strengthen Nigeria’s higher education sector for the benefit of staff, students, and the nation at large,” Sunmonu said.

    Clarifying the collective bargaining and union pluralism, the CONUA president stressed that the right of workers to form and belong to unions of their choice is firmly guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Trade Unions Act, and relevant International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions.

    He added that CONUA’s participation in ongoing discussions with the Federal Government is anchored in these settled legal and constitutional provisions.

    “Our approach remains constructive, responsible, and focused on the welfare of university academics and the stability of the university system.

    “CONUA will continue to engage calmly and professionally within the existing negotiation process, in the interest of uninterrupted academic calendars and sustainable reforms in Nigerian universities,” Sunmonu added.

  • APC e-registration: Governor, minister captured

    APC e-registration: Governor, minister captured

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has kicked off the electronic registration (e-registration) of its members across the country.

    In Abia State, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, flagged off the exercise in Umunneochi Local Government Area.

    The registration was formally launched at Uhuolugho Hall in Ezi Ngodo Ward, Isuochi Town.

    Onyejeocha thanked APC members in Umunneochi for their loyalty and steadfast support for the party over the years.

    The minister said the e-registration marked a significant step in strengthening the party’s structure at the grassroots.

    She noted that the nationwide e-registration was designed to establish an accurate membership database, deepen internal party democracy, and bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people.

    “This e-registration is an opportunity for us to truly know our members and to strengthen our party from the ward level upwards.

    “It is also a way of ensuring that governance and party organisation are driven by real data and genuine participation,” she said.

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    Onyejeocha urged new and existing APC members to register in their wards, stressing that the APC remained an inclusive party for all Nigerians who share the vision of national progress.

    “The APC is a big family. It is open to everyone who desires a prosperous nation and believes in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she stated.

    The minister assured APC executives of her commitment to provide all necessary logistics to ensure a smooth and successful registration exercise.

    She promised to extend similar support to other parts of Abia State to guarantee a hitch-free e-registration process across the state.

    Onyejeocha urged all Abians to participate in the exercise and party stakeholders at all levels to mobilise members to register in large numbers.

    The APC Chairman in Umunneochi Local Government Area, Nze Peter Igwe, said the e-registration would help determine the true voting strength of the party in the area and enhance effective planning ahead of future elections.

    In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia yesterday registered as the number one member of the APC in the state.

    The governor was registered at the Mbadede Ward of his hometown, Ihugh, in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

    Addressing party faithful after receiving the printout of his registration by the State Acting Chairman of the party, Benjamin Omale, Governor Alia urged all members of the party to visit their ward headquarters to revalidate their registration.

    Omale said those willing to join the APC should also approach the registration areas to become registered party members.

    Alia said: “In 2023, you demonstrated to the entire world that Benue is APC. You demonstrated through the ballots that you love me and Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have both remained faithful to the promises set out in our policy blueprints.”

    The governro, who hailed President Tinubu and the national chairman of the party, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for the initiative, added: “I, therefore, urge you to come out and use this opportunity to once again demonstrate that you are ready to vote for consolidation.

    “My administration will give priority attention to the most registered areas because this is an APC administration.”

    He urged all council chairmen and party chairmen in the local governments to give the registration agents all the needed support and to mobilise the people to participate in the exercise.

    In Enugu State, the APC membership e-registration programme has gathered momentum.

    Prominent party chieftains and other stakeholders rallied members and supporters to embrace the exercise.

    At Orba Ward 2 in Udenu Local Government Area, former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi formally registered as a member of the APC during the flag-off in Enugu North Senatorial District.

    Speaking after his registration, Ugwuanyi hailed President Tinubu for what he called his administration’s bold economic, social, and security reforms that are yielding positive results across the country.

    The former governor hailed the President for infrastructural interventions in the Southeast and Enugu State in particular.

    He cited the ongoing reconstruction and dualisation of the Ninth Mile–Markurdi highway and other key road projects as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to the region.

    Ugwuanyi endorsed President Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The former governor also expressed appreciation to the President for finding him worthy to serve the nation in a diplomatic capacity, noting that Tinubu’s engagement with the Southeast has helped to strengthen national inclusion.

    He urged the residents of Enugu State to come out en masse to participate in the e-registration exercise.

    Ugwuanyi described it as critical to strengthening the party’s base ahead of future elections.

    On the political leadership of the state, Ugwuanyi described the re-election of Peter Mbah as “non-negotiable,” citing his performance in office and the convention of allowing governors a second term to consolidate their programmes.

    Also, at the Amaechi Awkunanaw community in Enugu South Local Government Area, former Senate President Ken Nnamani led the flag-off of the APC e-registration for the area.

    Nnamani underscored the strategic importance of the exercise, recalling that the APC recorded only 4,776 votes in the state during the 2023 presidential election.

    According to him, a stronger party membership base will naturally translate into improved electoral outcomes.

    He noted that with a robust membership strength, the party would be better positioned to mobilise voters and significantly increase its vote tally in future elections.

    Nnamani also stressed the importance of combining party registration with voter card ownership to maximise political participation.

    The former Senate President applauded President Tinubu’s performance under what he called challenging national circumstances, affirming that this was the basis for the growing support for the President in the Southeast.

    He also expressed confidence in Governor Mbah’s political influence, particularly in Nkanu land.

    He noted that closer collaboration between the Enugu State Government and the federal administration should reflect positively at the polls.

    “What Governor Mbah has achieved in about two and a half years, many past governors could not achieve in eight years,” Nnamani said, adding that the enthusiasm displayed by residents towards the e-registration exceeded expectations.

    The exercise, coordinated in the state by Chief Flavour Eze, also featured goodwill messages from the member representing Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, Paul Nnamchi, and the Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Beloved Dan Anike, both of whom encouraged sustained grassroots mobilisation to ensure the success of the registration drive.

  • Kwankwaso lists conditions to join APC

    Kwankwaso lists conditions to join APC

    National leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, yesterday indicated interest in joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former Kano State governor said he had not rejected the ruling party but was being cautious due to a past experience.

    Kwankwaso stated this while addressing NNPP supporters from Rano and Dawakin Tofa local government areas who visited him at his Kano home.

    He told his guests that his strategic move is to protect them and maintain leverage in negotiations with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership.

    Kwankwaso said his position on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s possible defection had been misunderstood.

    “I didn’t say I won’t join APC, but we must first be clearly assured of the future of the Kano State government before we join the APC.

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    “What will be the fate of our lawmakers and other supporters before we agree to defect?

    “I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of the journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people,” he said.

    Recalling his previous political alignment, Kwankwaso said his camp had played a significant role in forming the Muhammadu Buhari-led government but was later sidelined.

    He emphasised that any defection must be based on clear assurances regarding the protection of his supporters and the Kano State government’s structures.

    According to him, so far, no firm guarantees have been offered to him to safeguard Kwankwasiyya’s interests or ensure fair treatment of its members within any new arrangement.

    “Without written assurances, abandoning the NNPP would be premature and risky,” he added.

  • Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as Council of Obas’ chairman

    Makinde inaugurates Olubadan as Council of Obas’ chairman

    • Alaafin absent

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday inaugurated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    He will head the council for the next two years before it will be rotated to another monarch.

    The first-class traditional ruler dismissed social media reports that he snubbed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, at an inter-faith gathering in Ibadan, describing the allegation as a misunderstanding that had been exaggerated and misrepresented.

    The Nation reports that the council last met in 2011.

    Oba Owoade was absent at the event.

    Over 40 monarchs from across the state were at the inauguration held at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

    Recall that after years of tussle, the house approved the rotation of the chairmanship of the council between the Alaafin, Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomosho.

    Speaking before declaring the council inaugurated, Governor Makinde said he could have exploited the division and crisis in the council by adopting the divide and rule method, but that the absence of a council was not in the best interest of the state.

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    He added that working with the traditional rulers had been key to his achievements as a governor in the last seven years.

    Makinde said: “Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, like the commissioner mentioned, last met like this in 2011. And we’ve been on this for a while. I mean, I’ve been here for close to seven years now. It will be seven years exactly on May 29 that this administration came into office. And the easiest thing for me to do, or for this administration to do, is to encourage a division. You know, when they say divide and rule, this is the easiest thing.

    “But we know that some of the things we have been able to achieve as an administration, they can be traced to our traditional institution. They come to me; we discuss what is happening in our communities.

    “I get most of the information from you. And then we thought, is it not a shame that for 15 years running now,  your state that is supposed to be setting the pace, we don’t have a Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    “And some of the things that we’re supposed to do as an administration for our traditional institution as a state, but as the state also, we are supposed to look after our traditional rulers. But if we don’t have a council, how do we play an active role as a state?

    “At best, what we have will be an ad hoc arrangement, which is what has been happening since 2011. I’ve been here since 2019. So I encouraged the House of Assembly and also I consulted widely among traditional rulers.

    “I mean, if we look at this, this is House of Chiefs. It has not seen any improvement. We only come here for a few events. But our traditional institution must be strengthened. The air conditioner is not working because nobody is in charge. Nobody can. There’s no one telling us, calling the state government on things we should do. We signed the law passed by the House of Assembly. I signed it on August 14, 2025.

    “No matter how hard an issue is, we will definitely resolve it. My three fathers, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan and the Soun had an agreement that they will start the rotation with the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, on that basis, I hereby pronounce Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, to be chaired by the Olubadan of Ibadanland for two years.”

    Fielding questions from reporters, shortly after the inauguration, Oba Ladoja said the inauguration was not an achievement, but the beginning of more work.

    He added: “We want to thank everyone. This inauguration is not an achievement; it is the beginning of work.

    “After our first meeting, people will begin to have confidence in us because they know we are not in competition with one another. We are not coming here to fight or pursue personal interests. So there is nothing to fear.

    “The only thing we stand for is that our domains should be safe and peaceful, and that Oyo State should continue to make progress. We want Oyo State to be a good place for everyone. This is what this council is about. This is not about any individual; it is about bringing people together and working together for the good of all.”

  • ‘I never met governor to endorse rotational chairmanship’

    ‘I never met governor to endorse rotational chairmanship’

    There are indications that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, yesterday deliberately shunned the inauguration of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the chairman of Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

    This is because the monarch, after the event, said he was not at any time consulted by Governor Seyi Makinde to discuss rotational chairmanship with him.

    The Alaafin, in a statement last night by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, said he did not tell the governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among himself, the Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomosho

    The statement read: “The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to Governor Makinde that he consulted with three traditional rulers in the state, the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso, on the rotational chairmanship of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs.

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    “The Palace hereby wants to state clearly that there was no time His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, held any meeting with either the governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above.

    “Also, the Alaafin did not tell the Governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers.

    “The position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the general issue of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs has been enunciated in a memo delivered to His Excellency by the Oyo Council of Elders.”

  • Ex-Ondo deputy governor quits PDP

    Ex-Ondo deputy governor quits PDP

    • Set to join APC

    A former deputy governor of Ondo State, Amb. Omolade Oluwateru, has resigned from the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor to the late Dr Olusegun Agagu, announced his resignation yesterday during the celebration of his 79th birthday organised by the Asiwaju Mandate Group in Akure.

    The former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda said his decision to quit the opposition party was informed by the “lingering leadership crisis” rocking PDP at the national and state levels, which he described as lack of direction, foresight and internal cohesion.

    Oluwateru, who served as deputy governor between 2003 and 2007 and was a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of worsening internal crisis in the party.

    “I am not leaving politics completely; I am only leaving the PDP. In another one or two weeks, I will let Nigerians know where I am heading politically.

    “The problem in the PDP has become so serious that it is no longer manageable. Nyesom Wike has reduced the PDP to nothing, and as a responsible person, I cannot continue in the party.

    “I have been in the PDP since 1998. I have never left before, but when the roof of a house is completely blown off, only a few people will remain inside. I have written my resignation letter and submitted it to my ward chairman,” he said.

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    Reacting, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, described Oluwateru as a man of integrity and a valuable addition to the progressive family and party in the state.

    Although the former deputy governor did not formally announce his defection to the APC, Adetimehin, an engineer, expressed confidence that he would join the ruling party.

    “Oluwateru is a man of principles and integrity. He is an ‘Omoluabi’ in the true sense of the word and will add great value to the APC in Ondo State.

    “He was the only deputy governor who never rocked the boat. His loyalty to the late Dr Agagu speaks volumes. For him to take this decision today shows he believes in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the direction the country is heading,” Adetimehin said.

    The Director-General of Asiwaju Mandate Group, Mr Muyiwa Asagunla, congratulated Oluwateru on behalf of the group and the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as humble, loyal and diligent.

  • Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Okpebholo sacks Edo Line MD

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Edo Line Transport Services Ltd, Ms. Tinyan Otuomagie, has been sacked.

    A statement by Commissioner for Transport, Saturday Uwulekhue Idehen, said the company’s General Manager, Maintenance, Mr. Smart Aigbodion, has been appointed as Acting Managing Director/CEO pending appointment of a substantive Managing Director.

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    It said Governor Monday Okpebholo directed the sacked MD to be deployed to the Ministry of Information for other assignments as may be determined by him.

  • ‘Don’t embarrass Nigeria in Israel’

    ‘Don’t embarrass Nigeria in Israel’

    Concerned by the need to boost Nigeria’s image globally, Lagos State Government has warned hundreds of intending Christian pilgrims to refrain from acts that could jeopardise the nation’s interest and corporate image.

    It said going on pilgrimage was not a jamboree, but rather a spiritual birth for the citizens, adding: ‘’Your stay in the country is strategic to the development of any nation.’’

    Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSPWB) Secretary, Gbolabo Okuderu, cautioned the intending pilgrims ahead of their airlifting yesterday during medical and administrative screening in Ikeja.

    He said they were ambassadors of the country, particularly Lagos State, whose conduct would be measured not by their personality, but by the nation.

    “Going on pilgrimage is not a jamboree. Pilgrims must be good ambassadors of the country because you do not represent yourself, but Nigeria,” he added.

    Okuderu said after returning from the pilgrimage to Nigeria, they should sustain the attitudinal change and character rebranding.

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    He urged the pilgrims to engage in pocket-friendly shopping, to avoid extravagant spending while in the holy land.

    He said: “I implore you to travel light and do not get to the holy land and start buying items that will later become burdens to you, because when the luggage is too heavy, you may end up dropping them at the airport while leaving for Nigeria.

    “Also, ensure that they remain with the group they left from the country to Israel.”

    On the screening exercise, the board secretary said the process assisted the government in preparing the intending pilgrims for the journey.

    “The administrative and medical screening is one of the key requirements needed for every pilgrim to participate in ahead of their travel to Israel.

    “It will definitely help the government to ascertain the administrative and medical status of the intending pilgrims from the state. Without this screening, one can be assured that there will be hitches that can prevent the pilgrimage.

    “This is because we need to know the health status of the intending pilgrims, to know which area we need to address with respect to their health, while the administrative screening will help us to address the documentation aspect of the journey. We know that without this screening, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) will not approve the journey.”

  • Sanwo-Olu seeks public-private partnerships

    Sanwo-Olu seeks public-private partnerships

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger public-private partnerships, streamlined regulatory processes and deployment of modern solutions to support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), attract global investors and empower young professionals across the Central Business Districts (CBDs).

    He made the call at the Central Business Districts Stakeholders Summit with the theme: ‘Rebranding and Revitalising Lagos CBDs: Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Development’, held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

    Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said the state government was prioritising modernisation of infrastructure, improved mobility, strengthened public safety systems and efficient service delivery to make business districts attractive places to work, live and invest.

    He said the government was deepening public-private partnerships to finance and execute critical projects, streamlining regulatory processes and deploying contemporary solutions that supported SMEs, thus attracting global investors and empowering young professionals and informal sector participants, who contribute to the vibrancy of Lagos CBDs.

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    The governor said the involvement of government, investors, professional bodies, academia, civil society and community stakeholders was essential to the sustainable development of the state’s Central Business Districts.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mrs. Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, said the future of the state’s CBDs must be inspirational, instilling confidence in investors, pride in residents and belief in young entrepreneurs, who see Lagos as a city of opportunity.

    Delivering keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wemabod Nigeria Limited, Bashir Oladunni, described the state’s CBDs as the commercial heartbeat of Lagos and a convergence point for finance, trade, governance and history.

    The Chairman of House Committee on Special Duties, Intergovernmental Relations and Central Business Districts, Rauf Age-Sulaiman, described CBDs as critical to Lagos State’s economic and business growth. He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Assembly to supporting policies that would enable CBDs to thrive across the state.

  • Osun 2026: Monarch prays for Oyebamiji

    Osun 2026: Monarch prays for Oyebamiji

    The Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola, yesterday offered prayers for the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

    He received no fewer than 5,000 supporters in his palace.

    The event, which featured a unity walk by members of the party led by the Executive Director, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Kayode Sowade and other leaders, was part of efforts to strengthen party cohesion ahead of the planned house-to-house sensitisation campaign in the build-up to the 2026 governorship election.

    The APC supporters converged on Iraye junction of Modakeke around 11am, marched through Oke-Amala and ended the walk at the palace.

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    Addressing APC members after the walk, Oba Toriola urged Oyebamiji’s supporters to embrace unity and eschew politics of bitterness, strife and violence in Modaleke and beyond.

    The Chairman of APC in Ife East, Modakeke, Goke Adebowale, said: “Oyebamiji has promised us inclusive governance, which is what we are going about to tell our people in Modakeke.

    “For this door-to-door sensitisation, we are targeting 60,000 votes in Modakeke. I advise youths to embrace the inclusive governance Oyebamiji is bringing. They should vote for him on August 8.”