The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Association dissociates self from protest

    Association dissociates self from protest

    Association of Waste Management Vendors and Recyclers in Ogun State yesterday dissociated itself from the protest by its suspended members in Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Its President, Kunle Adesanya, said in a statement that the protest was illegal because the protesters had been suspended since November 20, 2023.

    The statement said: “The group of protesters were suspended indefinitely for exploiting money from members of the association.

    “A fresh petition was written against them on October 20, 2025 when our association realised that this group of protesters opened a bank account, which was improperly registered.

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    “Their conduct today should be disregarded, as they are fraudulent groups trying to tarnish our association.

    “The group of protesters individually registered multiple companies as vendors with Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), which is against the guidelines of our association.

    “The protest was conducted due to the impartial investigation conducted by the management of Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA).

    “The current management of OGWAMA has effectively and adequately implemented transparent policy, which the suspended members are uncomfortable with.

    “We are disassociating ourselves from the false allegations levelled against the S.A./CEO of Ogun State Waste Management Authority.”

  • Sanwo-Olu gifts N100m to Legion

    Sanwo-Olu gifts N100m to Legion

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday donated N100 million to Lagos State Council of Nigerian Legion, to mark 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    Also donated were four sets of two-bedroom apartments, two utility vehicles, four cows, 500 bags of rice, among other food items.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor extended the items to support legionnaires and families of fallen heroes, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to their welfare.

    Sanwo-Olu announced the donations at the State Executive Council meeting during the launch of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal Fund at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    He said the emblem appeal, ahead of the January 15 commemoration, had become a national tradition and constitutional responsibility to honour men and women, who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.

    “Our sovereignty as a nation exists because of these brave men and women.

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    “This emblem appeal is a responsibility we owe to those who laid down their lives for Nigeria and those who returned with life-changing injuries

    “It is customary to accede to the yearly requests of the Nigerian Legion.

    “We will continue to support the Lagos State Council in demonstrating our gratitude for the services rendered to the continued existence and unity of Nigeria,” he added.

    According to him, the donations represent tangible appreciation for sacrifices that enable Nigerians to live in a free and united country.

    “This is our way of saying thank you for the sacrifices that allow all of us to live in peace and freedom,” he said.

    Lagos State Commandant of the Nigerian Legion, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, hailed the governor and the state government for their sustained support over the years.

    He said Lagos State chapter of the Legion had benefitted from government interventions, noting that the support had improved the living conditions of members and their families.

    “Some dependants of our members have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as empowerment initiatives of other MDAs of the Lagos State Government,” he said.

    NAN reports that the event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and the Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro.

    Also in attendance were: the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, members of the State Executive Council, and the Commander, Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja.

    Others are: Air Commodore M. A. Imam; the Commander, 9 Brigade, T. A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Brig.-Gen. A. O. Owolabi; the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh; among senior officers.

  • Ekiti ADC stakeholders demand deputy governor slot for Ado-Ekiti

    Ekiti ADC stakeholders demand deputy governor slot for Ado-Ekiti

    Stakeholders of African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State have called on the party’s national and state leadership to zone the deputy governorship slot for the 2026 election to Ado-Ekiti.

    The stakeholders, comprising five local government chairmen from Ekiti Central Senatorial District, alongside some of their counterparts from Ekiti North, made the demand in a communiqué issued yesterday after their meeting.

    The Chairman of ADC in Ado Local Government,  Abdulahi Awolokun, said zoning the position to Ado-Ekiti would strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming governorship poll and promote a sense of belonging among party members in Ekiti Central Senatorial District.

    He said Ado-Ekiti remained the local government area with the highest voting strength in the state and had historically played a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

    Awolokun said zoning the deputy governorship slot to Ado, particularly to a candidate with strong grassroots support and unalloyed loyalty to the party, would galvanise support and enhance ADC’s prospects in the 2026 governorship race.

    The ADC chieftain said since the party’s governorship candidate emerged from Ekiti South Senatorial District, fairness and political balance demanded that the deputy governorship slot be ceded to Ekiti Central, with Ado-Ekiti specifically favoured.

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    He hinged their position on the voting strength of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area and the performance of Adegbite, who recorded significant votes during the party’s primary election in the area.

    “It is a fact that the people of Ado-Ekiti are solidly behind Adegbite. If selected as running mate, he will add immense value to the candidacy of Dare Bejide in the 2026 governorship election”, he added.

    Former member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Musa Arogundade, described the demand as justifiable and politically strategic, saying zoning the deputy governorship slot to Ado-Ekiti would strengthen the party’s internal cohesion.

    He noted that Ado-Ekiti had consistently delivered the highest number of votes in governorship poll in the state, stressing that no serious political party could afford to overlook such a critical electoral bloc.

    The ADC said beyond its voting strength, Ado-Ekiti was adequately endowed with qualified, experienced and capable hands, who possesed the political depth, administrative prowess as well as grassroots connection required to support effective governance.

  • Uneasy calm in Osun State councils as workers resume 11 months after

    Uneasy calm in Osun State councils as workers resume 11 months after

    • ALGON, APC cry out over fresh plot to stall governance
    • APC alleges plan to procure court order to stop autonomy

    Osun State Local Government workers yesterday day resumed at their duty posts after 11-month strike, amid heavy security deployment across council secretariats.

    Members of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, embarked on strike on February 16, 2025 after All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) excos laid claim to the control of the local governments.

    Our correspondent, who toured some secretariats, observed that there was heavy security presence at the councils, with the patrol vans of police stationed in front of the secretariats.

    The reinstated chairmen of APC welcomed workers to their duty posts, as they promised to work with them to strengthen good governance at the grassroots.

    Among the councils visited are Olorunda, Osogbo, Orolu, Irepodun, Boluwaduro, Boripe and Obokun.

    In Osogbo, the Vice Chairman, Rasak Latona, welcomed back the workers, urging them to work with him to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He berated the 11 months strike by NULGE.

    Latona confirmed that over 300 workers resumed at the councils, saying: “So far so good, it has been peaceful and well-coordinated. While coming in, we can see security apparatus at the entrance checking who is supposed to be in, so there won’t be any trouble.”

    The President of NULGE in Osun State, Dr Kehinde Ogungbangbe, expressed happiness about resumption of his members across the state.

    However, he alleged that police were biased because they allowed the APC council chairmen into the secretariats, contrary to their earlier warning that they would not tolerate the presence of any.

    He said: “To my utmost dismay today, I discovered that the police were opening gates for the politicians to enter the local government secretariats. The control crisis still lingers and the case is in court, so politicians ought to stay away from the local governments.”

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    Speaking on behalf of the APC council executives, Chief Adegoke Ogunsola denied police bias, but noted that security operatives only backed legality.

    “We have been at the councils since February last year. The keys of the secretariats have been with us. We opened the door for the returning workers today and police checked all those that went inside the councils.

    “The NULGE executives were at the gate to identify their colleagues without identity cards. Some of our supporters that went to the secretariats with us were sent back because they have no business there. We are at the councils and we are operating autonomously.”

    Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State branch and APC yesterday raised the alarm over plot to stall governance at local governments.

    APC alleged that despite Supreme and Appeal Court verdicts, which backed the reinstated executives, Osun State Government had concluded plans to procure order from Federal High Court and Magistrates’ Court to stall governance at the grassroots level.

    Amid the control crisis between council executives of APC and PDP, several court verdicts and cases set room for confusion to decide who is legally backed by the law to be in-charge of the councils.

    Executives of APC have been at the councils since last February and council workers who backed PDP excos resumed duties yesterday.

    Addressing reporters at the APC state secretariat, ALGON Chairman, Abiodun Idowu, blamed Osun State Government for defiance of apex court verdicts on the legitimate excos of the council.

    Also, APC, through its Director of Media, Chief Kola Olabisi, urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to treat the petition filed against some judges over their conducts in granting orders.

    “The entire judiciary of the country is further humbly notified that the judgments in Appeal No: CA/AK/15/2025 and the Supreme Court Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025 have jointly put to rest any purported claim of the Osun State Government over the local government council allocations and subsistence of office of the APC chairmen and councillors.

    “This is against the background of the latest self-deceit of Osun State Government, which has returned again to the Federal High Court and the Magistrates’ Court in Suit No. FHC/OS/CS/291/2025 and Charge No. MOS/601C/2025 respectively over the same subject matter already settled by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”

    Efforts to get reaction from Osun State Government was abortive, as the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his phone at press time.

  • Ondo Justice ministry, three others lead in performance review

    Ondo Justice ministry, three others lead in performance review

    The Institute for Governance and Leadership Accountability (IGLA) has released its comprehensive 2025 end-of-year assessment of the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    It described the administration as focused, purposeful and steadily redefining governance through competence, accountability and people-centred service delivery.

    The assessment was carried out across three states from each of the six geopolitical zones, with Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states sampled in the Southwest.

    Unveiling the report in Abuja, the institute noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has, within a challenging national economic climate, recorded commendable progress in infrastructure renewal, fiscal discipline, justice administration, human capital development and social inclusion. The report credited the governor’s calm but decisive leadership style, strategic planning and insistence on performance as key drivers of the results recorded across ministries.

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    According to the assessment, the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON, emerged as the overall best-performing member of the executive council (exco). The institute described his stewardship of the justice sector as exemplary, citing his firm defence of the rule of law, proactive legal reforms, institutional discipline and uncommon accessibility to both the public and professional stakeholders. His performance, the report stated, reflects intellectual depth, administrative efficiency and an unwavering commitment to justice as a foundation for good governance.

    Beyond his primary assignment at the Justice Ministry, Dr. Ajulo’s contributions include chairing several committees and agencies within the government, including Anti-Human Trafficking, Anti-Land-Grabbing and serving as Special Adviser to the government on World Bank and related matters.

    Beyond his primary assignment at the Justice Ministry, Dr. Ajulo’s contributions include chairing several critical statutory bodies and committees within the government, notably the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, the Anti-Land-Grabbing Task Force, and the Office of the Public Defender. He also serves as the State Security Adviser on World Bank supported projects and related matters.

    Ranking second was the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, whose strategic coordination of the state’s planning architecture and budgeting process was praised as central to the administration’s stability and fiscal coherence. The institute noted that his work has provided the economic compass guiding government priorities, aligning policy objectives with realistic revenue frameworks and development outcomes.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, placed third in the overall rankings. The report highlighted his steady leadership in strengthening health care delivery, improving responsiveness within the health system and prioritising the welfare of citizens through improved medical infrastructure and service coordination across the state.

    In fourth position was the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, whose tenure was described as reform-driven and forward-looking. The institute commended his focus on improving learning environments, restoring confidence in public education and laying a sustainable foundation for human capital development through policy clarity and sectoral engagement.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure,  Ayorinde Olawoye, ranked fifth, earning recognition for visible progress in road construction, urban renewal and infrastructure maintenance across the state. His performance was noted for technical competence, project execution and alignment with the governor’s infrastructural vision.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Abosede Osamaye, placed sixth, with the report lauding her passionate advocacy for women, children and vulnerable groups, as well as her consistent grassroots engagement and social intervention initiatives.

    Other commissioners were rated fairly across their respective portfolios, with performance scores reflecting varying degrees of achievement, responsiveness, accessibility and public engagement.

    The institute said unlike perception-based polls, the assessment was conducted using measurable indicators including achievement, appearance, responsiveness, understanding of responsibility, accessibility, comportment, time management, communication ability, cordiality with workers, and cordiality with the public. Each commissioner was graded on a scale of 1 to 100 across these parameters.

    The assessment exercise was conducted through a structured, evidence-based evaluation process carried out over several months. The exercise involved independent field observations, structured interviews, media performance reviews, stakeholder feedback, and desk analysis of policy outputs and service delivery records across ministries. To ensure balance and objectivity, the assessment drew inputs from civil servants, professionals, community leaders, media practitioners, and policy analysts, while also comparing performance benchmarks across three states selected from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This comparative approach allowed Ondo State’s cabinet performance to be measured against peer administrations operating under similar national economic conditions.

    Speaking on the report, the Director of the institute, Dr. George Olayiwola Aladesuru, described Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exco as “a carefully assembled team of professionals whose collective output underscores the governor’s eye for capacity, character, and competence.” He added that the overall performance “speaks to leadership that values result over noise and service over spectacle.”

    The institute further commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for building an exco that reflects balance, experience and dedication to public service, noting that the administration’s progress is a testament to purposeful leadership and teamwork.

    It urged exco members to see the assessment as both an affirmation of effort and a roadmap for deeper engagement, improved accessibility, and even greater service to the people of Ondo State as the year draws to a close.

  • Ogun government plans 3,000 affordable housing units for low-income earners

    Ogun government plans 3,000 affordable housing units for low-income earners

    Ogun State Government yesterday unveiled plans to build and deliver 3,000 low cost housing facilities for civil servants, with a resolve to complete the first phase comprising 579 housing units on or before June 30.

    It said the initiative formed part of a comprehensive plan to complete over 10,000 affordable homes promised by the end of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun on May 29, 2027.

    Housing Commissioner Jamiu Omoniyi, who disclosed this while addressing a news conference in Abeokuta, said the ministry was collaborating with Housing Corporation and Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) to deliver the project according to schedule.

    He said last year, the ministry witnessed the activities of naysayers and purveyors of misinformation, who made the housing sector the butt of their unfounded criticisms.

    Omoniyi, however, said the ministry remained undeterred, stressing that being a resilient, focused and progressive sector, it had decided to choose facts over fiction, delivery over distraction and results over rhetoric.  He said the transformation across communities and estates in the state represented the unquestionable evidence of the genuine developmental strides of Governor Abiodun’s administration.

    He said the ministry closed 2025 on a strong note with the delivery of an additional 30 units of duplexes at Ibara GRA Cluster 1 Extension and another 100 duplexes at President Muhammadu Buhari Estate, adding that the achievement reflected the consistency, planning integrity and institutional capacity of the housing sector.

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    The commissioner said: “As we step into 2026 Fiscal Year, Ministry of Housing and Housing Corporation are positioned to scale up delivery across multiple fronts. Key legacy projects slated for execution include building of an International Conference Centre (GIA) at Iperu, a modern 2,500 seater-capacity Banquet Hall/Centre, Appeal Court headquarters and residences, Ibara GRA Phase II comprising 50 duplexes, as well as Commissioners’ Quarters, Appointees’ Quarters and Assembly Quarters. These projects were conceived to align with the development blueprint of the state, ensuring growth in governance, justice delivery, hospitality and residential infrastructure progresses in a coordinated, sustainable and people-centred manner.

    “Beyond these, we will advance flagship housing developments across strategic locations, including Prince Courts Estate at Siun along Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway; ISEYA Court, Oke-Mosan; Havila Court, Ibara; and Havens Court, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, alongside the continued Regeneration Scheme of Ibara GRA through Phase II.

    These initiatives are aligned with the Year 2026 Budget of Sustainable Legacy, as articulated by His Excellency during the budget presentation.

    “He reaffirmed that our robust housing investment continues to meet the rising demand for affordable, quality homes, while driving slum regeneration and sustainable urban development across our state; having delivered more housing units than all previous administrations combined, our state remains on track to complete over 10,000 affordable homes by the end of this administration.”

  • Wike hails Tinubu overnomination of Abe, Kobani as NUPRC, NMDPRA chairmen

    Wike hails Tinubu overnomination of Abe, Kobani as NUPRC, NMDPRA chairmen

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nominating Senator Magnus Abe (from Rivers State) as the board chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    Wike expressed appreciation to the President for the appointment during his “thank you” visit to Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area of the state.

    The minister also lauded the nomination of Kenneth Kobani, another son of Rivers State, as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    Abe represented Rivers Southeast in the Senate for two terms; he is a former NNPC board member and current Chairman of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall.

    Kobani is a former Minister of State for Trade under President Goodluck Jonathan administration and served as Secretary to the Rivers Government (SSG) under Wike.

    Read Also: Wike praises nominations of Abe, Kobani into NUPRC, NMDPRA by Tinubu 

    The FCT minister described their nominations as a demonstration of President Tinubu’s true love for the people of Rivers.

    According to him, Rivers has never had it this good since the creation of the state.

    He said the number of appointments given to Rivers’ sons and daughters under the Tinubu administration is unprecedented.

    Wike said: “Just as we are coming, we have two nominations for appointment by President Tinubu – Abe and Kobani.

    “This shows that Mr. President keeps his promises and keeps his agreements.

    “We are standing by the truth and the truth will set us free.”

    The minister urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support President Tinubu, particularly his reelection bid in 2027.

    The Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Nemieoboka, described Wike as a “major propeller of development” in the area.

    Nemieoboka also thanked the minister for facilitating numerous appointments for the sons and daughters of the land, both at the federal and state levels.

    He assured the minister that the people would deliver the local government for him in 2027.

    Also, the General Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited, Ambassador Mourine Tamumo, who held from the area, equally thanked the minister l for the opportunities given to sons and daughters of the local government area.

    Tamuno assured the minister that the people of the area, including women and youths, would continue to support him.

  • Akwashiki’s death devastating loss to Nigeria, says Adebayo

    Akwashiki’s death devastating loss to Nigeria, says Adebayo

    • •Party leaders pay tributes to Nasarawa North senator

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has described the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a devastating loss to the nation, Nasarawa State, the opposition.

    Adebayo spoke yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while receiving the remains of the late lawmaker along with other party chieftains across the party lines and family members.

    Fifty-two-year-old Akwashiki was the senator representing Nasarawa North of Nasarawa State. He died in an Indian hospital on December 31, last year.

    Speaking at a solemn ceremony for the late senator, Adebayo expressed sadness that the death of Senator Akwashiki was not only a setback for the party but also a loss to the quality legislation he represented and national politics.

    The SDP flag bearer described the late senator as one of the strongest voices within the party and the National Assembly.

    Adebayo, who applauded the presence of leaders across party lines, including former governors and senior legislators, said the calibre of attendees underscored the late senator’s far-reaching impact beyond partisan politics.

    He prayed for the repose of Senator Akwashiki’s soul and asked God to grant the family, the Eggon Nation, Nasarawa State, and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.

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    Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker Danladi Jatau  noted that Akwashiki’s demise was a great loss to the state and Nigeria, adding that the outstanding contributions of the late senator to good governance and development were remarkable.

    The Speaker recalled serving with Akwashiki in the state legislature between 2011 and 2015, stressing that the late senator later returned to the House as Deputy Speaker.

    He also recalled that Akwashiki made history as the first person from the Nasarawa North Senatorial District to be elected twice to the Senate, describing him as a dedicated and performing legislator. According to him, the loss was particularly painful to young people who looked up to him as a mentor and leader.

    Eulogising the late lawmaker, SDP’s acting National Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Gombe, said the painful death of Akwashiki has created irreparable loss to the party, Nasarawa State, and the nation.

    He said the party was deeply saddened by the passing of the Senator, whom he described as a committed party man and a strong pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Gombe noted that the presence of leaders from different political parties at the event showed that Senator Akwashiki’s contributions cut across party lines, stressing that his death was a national loss.

    Notable political leaders at the ceremony include the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi-Gaza, federal and state lawmakers, SDP leaders in the state, and community and traditional leaders from Eggon Nation were in attendance at the brief ceremony at the airport in honour of the late Senator.

    The remains of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki were later deposited at the National Hospital, Abuja.

  • Cancer control: Fed Govt strengthens registry, trains data experts

    Cancer control: Fed Govt strengthens registry, trains data experts

    The Federal government has taken a major step towards strengthening its cancer control framework

    The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in collaboration with the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), has trained 24 cancer registrars and data managers.

    The trainees were drawn from the 19 northern states to improve the quality, accuracy and completeness of cancer data used for national and global decision making.

    The capacity-building programme, held over the weekend in Bauchi State, brought together cancer registrars, data managers, and coders from across Northern Nigeria. It underscored the growing national concern over the reliability of cancer surveillance data amid rising cancer incidence.

    The training focused on standardising cancer registration processes, coding, staging, and data management, in line with national and international best practices, as Nigeria works to strengthen evidence-based planning, policy formulation and resource allocation in cancer care.

    Declaring the training open, the Director General of NICRAT, Prof. Usman Aliyu, said the initiative was deliberately designed to close critical gaps in cancer data generation and reporting across the northern states.

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    Represented by the Head of the Nigerian Cancer Registry, Prof. Sani Malami, the NICRAT boss said the training was aimed at enhancing the capacity of cancer registrars and data managers to improve the quality, accuracy and completeness of cancer registration.

    He urged the participants to maximise the opportunity to deepen their technical skills and improve their understanding of how reliable cancer data supports effective decision-making in Nigeria’s health sector.

    According to him, strengthening cancer registries remains central to improving cancer outcomes nationwide.

    Aliyu noted that quality data is the foundation for prevention strategies, early detection, treatment planning and policy interventions.

    The NICRAT boss also stated that similar capacity-building programmes have been conducted for cancer registrars and data managers from other geopolitical zones of the country as part of a coordinated national strategy to strengthen cancer surveillance.

    He stressed that NICRAT remains committed to improving the cancer situation in Nigeria through continuous training and retraining of experts across the full spectrum of medical and health professions.

    Aliyu said the institute has so far trained more than 1,600 medical and health professionals across the six geopolitical zones in various aspects of cancer care, reflecting a sustained investment in human capacity development.

    The Coordinator of the AFCRN, Oxford, United Kingdom, Prof. Max Parkin, emphasised the urgent need to strengthen cancer registration in Nigeria, particularly in the area of data quality.

    He said improved data quality was essential for Nigeria’s cancer burden to be accurately represented in global publications and international research outputs.

    Praising NICRAT for its collaboration with AFCRN, Parkin urged cancer registrars nationwide to further strengthen their capacity through continuous learning.

    He advised all cancer registrars in the country “to go through the GICR e-learning course on cancer registration so as to be equipped with the needed information, knowledge and capacity to strengthen cancer registration in Nigeria.”

    The Acting Director of Cancer Surveillance and Monitoring at NICRAT, Dr. Joy Iya Benson, described the training as a critical intervention targeted at improving cancer data quality.

    She noted that cancer has become a growing public health concern in Nigeria, making it imperative to strengthen surveillance systems through robust population-based cancer registries.

    According to her, building the capacity of registrars remains a key pillar of effective cancer surveillance and control.

    Iya Benson explained that the training was carefully structured to improve participants’ skills in data abstraction, coding, staging and analysis in line with National Cancer Registry standards.

    She said: “Additionally, the training was aimed at improving their proficiency in the use of relevant software, standard operating manual and building survival analysis.

    “All these were geared towards achieving high-quality, complete and timely cancer registry records that support research and policy for decision making.”

    Stakeholders said the training signals renewed urgency by health authorities to address longstanding weaknesses in cancer data systems, particularly in underserved regions, as Nigeria seeks to align with global standards in cancer surveillance and response.

  • Wike, Basiru clash over Rivers politics

    Wike, Basiru clash over Rivers politics

    • Minister: leave state alone
    • Party chief: resign, face politics

    A crisis has broken out between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru.

    The party chief and the minister are at daggers drawn over allegation of meddlesomeness in the affairs of the ruling party.

    The national secretary chided Wike, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for making an uncomplimentary remarks about Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who last month joined the APC.

    He also accused Wike of making unfounded allegations on financial gratification.

    He went ahead to advise him to quit as minister to face Rivers politics.

    Although, Wike remains in PDP as leader of one of the factions. He has repeatedly emphasized his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

    Wike has been on a thank you visit to council secretariats in the state where he has made comments about Governor Fubara’s fitness to retain his seat.

    Read Also: Wike to APC national secretary: steer clear of Rivers politics

    He has used the visit to rally support for President Tinubu in what observers see as a popularity test by the minister, who controls all the levers of power in the state.

    However, some of his comments he made have drawn the ire of Basiru who took exception to them.

    Wike fired back at him and the party chief responded all within hours yesterday.

    Basiru, who also attacked National Vice Chairman, South of the APC, Victor Giadom for “disrespecting” Fubara, said in a statement: “I take exception to Wike’s reference to a certain N600 billion largesse in the state for which I and other APC leaders are scrambling. This is nothing but cheap blackmail, which has become his stock-in-trade.

    “My background, track record is that of unquestionable integrity, and I challenge him to prove his allegations, or we may meet in court.

    “As to his veiled threat against me, let me remind Wike that he is not God and may be overplaying his political card. My faith is in God and will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from Wike.

    “I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military rule, fighting for democracy, when the likes of Wike were nowhere in sight.”

    Basiru said Wike’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not automatically make him a member of the APC.

    He stressed: “Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support Mr. President and his own is no different. His attempt to destabilise our party in Rivers State will not be tolerated, and he cannot bring the spirit of PDP into the APC. “

    On Giadom, the former Osun Central Senator said: “I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so-called governor of Rivers State.’

    “The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever is occupying it must be respected, irrespective of whatever political differences you have.”

    But Basiru said Wike’s reaction to his earlier warning was uncalled for, stressing that he was only carrying out the responsibility of protecting the interests of the APC, its members and structures.

    He wondered why a minister, who is not a member of the party, should challenge his person and office.

    Basiru said: “For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party (APC). So,  he lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs our party.”

    He said Wike cannot be in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of an APC government and at the same time be causing confusion within any organ or structure of the party at any level, using the leverage of that same office.

    Basiru added: “As National Secretary of the APC, I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the party and all its members and structures. Hence, my comments regarding the affairs of the APC in Rivers State cannot be an undue interference in the affairs of Rivers State. As National Secretary, my activities cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State.”

    Basiru said Wike should resign and face Rivers politics because he is interested in the resources of the state.

    Wike to Basiru: Stay clear of Rivers politics

    Wike said the national secretary should “leave Rivers State alone” and be careful about the statements he makes.

    He gave the warning during his “thank-you” visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area, where he alleged that some  APC members had received some funds from the N600 billion left in the state’s coffers.

     Wike said Rivers is a “no-go area,” urging Basiru  to learn from those who previously tried to meddle in politics and got their hands burnt.

    He said: “Let me warn those who come to Rivers State. Because you have heard that we have N600 billion, you come here, you collect, and you open your mouth to talk anyhow.

    “I say it here, take this message to your National Secretary. Leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have done it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with statements you make.

    “Today, you are enjoying in Osun

     You don’t know those who did the work. You are opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State. Anything you see, take it.

    “Go and ask other people what had happened to them before. If your hand burns, no be me burn am o. This state is a no-go area. Take the one you have taken, stop making unnecessary comments.”

    The Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State,  Desmond Akawor, said development had been stalled in the local government since the inauguration of Fubara as governor

    He said the area must get its fair share of the N600 billion left in the state’s account.

    Akawor said: “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara with the expectation that Oyigbo would benefit meaningfully from development.

    “Your Excellency, development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward. The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner’s slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.

    “There is talk about N600 billion. Let us be clear: we are not here to argue figures. But Oyigbo people must not be excluded. If N40 billion was allocated across groups, Oyigbo must not be shortchanged. We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness.”

    Akawor said things would get better in 2027 after the legitimate change of government in Rivers.

    The Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Okechukwu Agara, expressed his gratitude to the minister for what he had done for the area.

    Also, Felix Nweke, who represents Tai, Oyigbo and Eleme Federal Constituency, assured Wike that the council will continue to support him.

    He said the development in that area had stagnated since Wike left office as governor in 2023.