The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • CSP Akerele bags award of Excellence

    CSP Akerele bags award of Excellence

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence for his outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions to public service in Lagos State.

    The award was presented by The Eagle NewsMedia and its broadcast arm, The Eagle Television, in recognition of his professionalism, dedication and impactful stewardship of the Lagos State Taskforce.

    Presenting the award, the Chief Executive Officer of Eagle NewsMedia, Mr. Camil Ezenwa, said the honour was informed by CSP Akerele’s values-driven leadership and visible impact on public safety and orderliness across the state.

    Read Also: Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    “The true worth of a man lies in the values that drive him, and the real measure of a public office holder is the quality of impact his work brings to life and living,” he said, noting that these qualities clearly define Akerele’s public service record.

    He added that under Akerele’s leadership, the Taskforce has recorded notable improvements in restoring order, strengthening public confidence and enhancing operational efficiency across Lagos.

    CSP Akerele described the award as a call to greater responsibility, urging young Nigerians, particularly those in the security sector, to remain disciplined, morally upright and committed to national service.

    “The reward for hard work is more work,” he said, while reaffirming his commitment to excellence, professionalism and the safety of lives and property

  • Police affirms commitment to press freedom and due process, rejects IPI allegations

    Police affirms commitment to press freedom and due process, rejects IPI allegations

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday dismissed allegations linking the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, to the alleged wrongful arrest of a journalist, describing the claims as “unfounded, misleading, and unsupported by facts.”

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the force reaction came in response to the International Press Institute (IPI) announcing the suspension of its engagement with the Force over the incident.

    The police clarified that the IGP neither authorized nor condoned the arrest, harassment, or intimidation of any journalist. 

    Upon notification by the IPI President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, the IGP immediately ordered the journalist’s release and directed the Force Monitoring Unit to investigate the conduct of the officers involved. 

    Hundeyin emphasized that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with extant laws.

    He said, “The IGP has consistently made it clear that misconduct by individual officers cannot and must not be attributed to the leadership of the Force or weaponized to malign the institution”.

    The Police highlighted that with over 300,000 personnel deployed nationwide, isolated cases of misconduct may occur, but they are promptly investigated and addressed. 

    Read Also: Police arraign man for allegedly defrauding Soun of N39.5m

    He noted that the IPI declined multiple invitations to formally engage with the Force Monitoring Unit to adopt and harmonize its statements, a necessary step for concluding the investigation.

    Hundeyin described the IPI’s decision to suspend engagement over a single incident despite immediate corrective measures and ongoing investigations as disproportionate and called for objectivity in assessing the matter.

    The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional policing, media freedom, and professional accountability, stating that no organization has the authority to circumvent due process or pronounce guilt while investigations are ongoing.

    “The Force remains resolute in enforcing discipline within its ranks and upholding the rule of law, but it will also firmly resist attempts to unfairly impugn the integrity of its leadership,” the statement concluded.

    The NPF assured the public that it will continue to uphold professional standards while engaging constructively with stakeholders.

  • Kano mourns as two Assembly lawmakers die on Christmas eve

    Kano mourns as two Assembly lawmakers die on Christmas eve

    Kano State has been thrown into mourning following the sudden deaths of two members of the State House of Assembly, who were reported dead almost at the same time on Wednesday.

    The spokesperson of the Kano State House of Assembly, Kamaludeen Sani Shawai, confirmed the development in a statement to journalists. 

    He disclosed that one of the lawmakers, Aminu Sa’adu, fell ill shortly after arriving at the Assembly complex earlier in the day.

    According to Shawai, Sa’adu was immediately rushed to the hospital, where medical personnel later confirmed his death in the evening. 

    The late lawmaker represented Ungoggo Local Government Area, and his funeral prayers were scheduled to hold by 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Read Also: Barau pays N7m entitlements withheld from Ex-Kano LG chairman

    Moments after news of Sa’adu’s death broke, another lawmaker, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, was also reported dead. Daneji represented Kano Municipal Local Government Area in the State Assembly.

    The tragic incident was also confirmed by the spokesperson to Governor Abba Yusuf, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who announced the deaths on his official Facebook page, describing them as occurring in quick succession.

    Kano State remains in deep shock over the sudden loss of the two legislators on Christmas Eve. Lawmakers, party leaders, government officials, and constituents have continued to express disbelief and profound grief, describing the development as a major setback to legislative activities in the state.

  • Christmas Eve: Motorcyclist dies in Ondo lone crash as police warn against festive violence

    Christmas Eve: Motorcyclist dies in Ondo lone crash as police warn against festive violence

    A yet-to-be-identified motorcyclist has lost his life in a lone road crash that occurred on Christmas Eve at the Gaga axis of Oke Aro in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The incident reportedly happened around 9:20 a.m. on Wednesday when the rider, said to be speeding, lost control of his motorcycle along the route.

    Eyewitnesses said the middle-aged man, who was riding a Hajue Suzuki motorcycle, collided with a concrete structure and fell into a drainage.

    Residents who rushed to the scene discovered that the rider had already died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

    No form of identification was found on the victim, and his identity remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

    Officials of the Nigeria Police Force from the B Division, Oke Aro, later arrived at the scene and evacuated the body for further investigation.

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has cautioned the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to shun violence and maintain peace during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    Read Also: Ondo APC chief predicts victory for Tinubu

    Lawal issued the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting with the leadership of the union in Akure, explaining that the engagement was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

    He urged transport workers to remain law-abiding and to avoid alcohol and other intoxicating substances while driving, stressing that responsible behaviour was crucial to the safety of commuters and other road users during the festive period.

    The police commissioner assured residents that security had been strengthened across the state, with additional personnel deployed for both overt and covert operations at motor parks, highways and other strategic locations.

    Lawal also commended the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps, as well as the support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in sustaining peace and security in the state.

    “All necessary security measures have been reinforced to sustain peace across the state. Area commanders, divisional police officers, and tactical team commanders are to remain vigilant and ensure robust security coverage throughout this period and beyond,” he said. 

  • Barau mourns two Kano Assembly lawmakers 

    Barau mourns two Kano Assembly lawmakers 

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has mourned the passing of two members of the Kano State House of Assembly who passed away today. 

    The deceased lawmakers are: Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo (Ungogo Constituency) and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji( Kano Municipal Constituency).

    In a statement by his media aide, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased lawmakers, their constituents, and the Kano State Government.

    Read Also: Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    “My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the late lawmakers, their constituents and the Kano State Government.

    “May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings, grant them Jannatul Firdaus, and give their loved ones the strength to bear these irreparable losses,” he said.

  • Osun Assembly passes N723billion 2026 appropriation bill

    Osun Assembly passes N723billion 2026 appropriation bill

    The Osun State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill, which totalled ₦723,454,988,670.00. 

    The Nation recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke in November 2025 submitted proposed N705.794 billion 2026 appropriation bill christened ‘The Buget of Economic Transformation’ before the House. 

    A statement by Olamide Tiamiyu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, confirmed that the budget was passed after detailed consideration by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. Contributions from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were also taken into account. 

    He stated that lawmakers engaged in extensive debates to ensure that the proposals align with the developmental priorities and socio-economic needs of the people of Osun State.

    He said that the budget is designed to promote sustainable development, enhance infrastructure, improve social services, and strengthen key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

    “The budget also emphasised fiscal responsibility, transparency, and prudent management of public resources.

    “The revenue estimates for the 2026 budget include an opening balance of ₦16,192,300,490.00, recurrent revenue of ₦421,253,229,320.00, and capital receipts of ₦286,009,458,860.00. This brings the total inflow to ₦723,454,988,670.00.

    Read Also: Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    “On the expenditure side, the budget allocates ₦135,005,722,430.00 for personnel costs and ₦185,768,933,880.00 for other recurrent expenditures.

    The subtotal for recurrent expenditure is therefore ₦320,774,356,310.00. Capital expenditure has been set at ₦402,680,332,360.00, bringing the total outflow to ₦723,454,988,670.00.”

    He added that following the passage of the budget, the Speaker of the House commended members for their dedication and cooperation throughout the budget process.

    He emphasised that the legislature remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the citizens and reaffirmed the Assembly’s resolve to continue exercising effective oversight to ensure proper implementation of the budget.

    The House also urged the Executive to ensure timely and efficient execution of the approved estimates in accordance with the law, for the overall growth and development of the state.

    The 2026 Appropriation Bill, as passed, will now be transmitted to Governor Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke for assent.

  • BREAKING: Two Kano Assembly lawmakers die within minutes

    BREAKING: Two Kano Assembly lawmakers die within minutes

    Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly were on Wednesday reported dead almost simultaneously.

    The lawmaker representing Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Sarki Aliyu Daneji, reportedly passed away just minutes after news emerged of the death of his colleague, Aminu Sa’adu, who represented Ungoggo Local Government Area.

    Read Also: Housing Minister empowers over 100 non-indigenes in Kano

    The near-simultaneous deaths sent shockwaves across Kano State, given the prominence of both legislators and the unusual timing of the incidents.

    The sad development was confirmed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Abba Yusuf, who announced the news on his official Facebook page.

  • Yuletide: FRSC distributes table water, sensitises motorists on road safety in Ondo

    Yuletide: FRSC distributes table water, sensitises motorists on road safety in Ondo

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Command, on Wednesday embarked on a road safety sensitisation exercise for motorists as part of activities to ensure safe travel during the yuletide season.

    The exercise, led by the State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, took place along the Ilesha-Akure-Owo highway, where officers of the corps also distributed table water to motorists.

    Ibitoye said the initiative was an advocacy programme aimed at promoting patience, responsible driving and adherence to traffic regulations, especially during the festive period when traffic volume increases.

    According to him, the gesture reflected the command’s love and care for motorists, noting that the water distribution was intended to help drivers stay refreshed and alert while on long journeys.

    “This is part of an advocacy programme for all motorists. There is a need for patience on the road. The water will help drivers quench their thirst and encourage them to drive with care,” Mr Ibitoye said.

    The sector commander emphasised the importance of avoiding speeding, overloading and road rage, urging motorists to show consideration for other road users.

    Read Also: Two people dead, 14 injured in auto-crash in Kogi – FRSC

    “The gospel is patience, safe driving, not speeding unnecessarily and not overloading vehicles. Motorists should also care for other road users and avoid road rage so that everyone can have a safe trip,” he added.

    Dr Ibitoye advised motorists to give way to aggressive drivers rather than engage them, warning that conflicts on the road could result in avoidable injuries or loss of lives.

    He further called on Nigerians to shun distracted driving and embrace defensive driving techniques, stressing that strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations would reduce road crashes during the festive period.

    While wishing road users a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, he said, “Road Safety cares for Nigerians and shares their experiences on the road. We are appealing to motorists not to speed, not to overload their vehicles and to ensure their vehicles are in good condition. If these are observed, we will have safer roads.”

    One of the motorists, who preferred to remain anonymous, commended the FRSC for the initiative, saying the sensitisation would make drivers more conscious of their actions on the road, particularly the temptation to speed.

  • Tinubu sets up high-powered APC committee to tackle internal crises ahead of 2027

    Tinubu sets up high-powered APC committee to tackle internal crises ahead of 2027

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), tasking it with resolving internal disputes and strengthening party cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The committee was inaugurated on Wednesday in Lagos as part of moves by the party leadership to consolidate unity and avert internal crises that could undermine its electoral fortunes. 

    According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the committee draws its membership from APC governors, members of the Federal Executive Council and other key stakeholders across the party.

    Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, was named chairman of the committee, while former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire, will serve as member and secretary.

    Other members include Senator Adamu Aliero; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; as well as Governors Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

    Also on the committee are Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna) and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers); Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Buni thanked President Tinubu and the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and other members, pledging that the committee would discharge its mandate with diligence and a strong sense of responsibility.

    He said the panel would embark on wide consultations to design a durable strategy for managing internal disagreements. 

    Read Also: Tambuwal seek US support for Nigeria’s security fight

    “The committee will engage in strategic engagements and consultations to develop an all-encompassing, productive and result-oriented strategy that will stand the test of time,” Buni said.

    According to him, special attention would be paid to inclusiveness and reconciliation within the party. 

    “We shall implement a system that gives everyone, especially aggrieved parties, a sense of belonging and inclusion, with a renewed hope,” he added.

    Buni also noted that the committee would adopt a proactive approach in identifying potential flashpoints. 

    “Similarly, the committee will consider proactive measures, solutions, and the potential threats in our conflict resolution approach,” he said, urging members not to allow “personal interest and sentiments to override the general interest and purpose for which this committee is constituted.”

    The inauguration followed President Tinubu’s earlier call for unity at the APC’s 15th National Executive Committee meeting held on December 19 at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he underscored the need for cohesion within the ruling party.

    At that meeting, the President reminded party leaders that the APC was founded on progressive ideals, broad-based participation and respect for diversity of opinion, warning that internal intolerance could weaken the party’s democratic credentials.

    “We must continue to be resolute that this democracy that we take in our hands must not fail. We say we are bigger. We are larger and taller. But it should now be in our hearts to be accommodating. That’s the only way we can be resilient; we must be tolerant”, Tinubu said.

  • Simi shows off baby bump in Adekunle Gold’s new music video

    Simi shows off baby bump in Adekunle Gold’s new music video

    Afrobeats singer Simi has made a heartwarming appearance in her husband Adekunle Gold’s newly released music video, “My Love Is The Same”, revealing a baby bump.

    The pregnant singer shared intimate family moments with Adekunle Gold and their daughter, Deja, in the emotional visuals.

    The video celebrates love, growth, and family, with fans praising Adekunle Gold’s artistry and musical journey.

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    Simi’s baby bump reveal has sparked massive reactions online, with fans describing the video as beautifully put together.

    Simi and Adekunle Gold, who welcomed their first child in 2020, continue to win admiration for blending their personal lives seamlessly into their art.

    The couple is preparing to welcome another addition to their family, with congratulations pouring in from fans and well-wishers.