The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Kalu, Nnamani mourn ex PDP chair Ogbulafor

    Kalu, Nnamani mourn ex PDP chair Ogbulafor

    Chief Whip of the Senate Orji Kalu has expressed sadness over the passing of a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor.

    Former Enugu Governor Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani also lamented the incident.

    Kalu and Nnamani expressed their commiserations in separate statements in Abuja.

    On his part, Kalu commiserating with the government and people of Abia State while stressing that the late politician contributed to the growth and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria, having served in various capacities in the political space.

    The former Governor conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Ogbulafor family.

    He noted that the deceased was a notable political figure in the country.

    He prayed for eternal rest for the late politician.

    Kalu said: “I received with pain the news of the demise of former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor.

    ”Having held various positions in the public sector, the deceased played notable roles in the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

    ”Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ogbulafor family at this sorrowful moment.

    “It is my prayer that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss and repose the soul of the late politician.”

    He urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived a purposeful life.

    Also reacting to the death of Ogbulafor, Nnamani noted that the former PDP leader was a good administrator and consummate politician who contributed to the growth of the party .

    Nnamani said “with Ogbulafor’s death, the PDP has lost a strong pillar and a committed party man. His exit has created a huge vacuum.”

    He noted that Ogbulafor died at a time when his wealth of experience in party administration was needed to resolve the seemingly intractable crisis within the party.

    According to him “the PDP would have profited from Ogbulafor’s wise counsel and sagacity as the party moves closer into the 2023 general elections.

    “We shall sorely miss him. He was a true party man who stood to be counted when it mattered. He was a fine gentleman who ensured the peace and unity of the PDP.”

    Read Also: APC to PDP: Rescue yourself first before thinking of saving Nigeria

    He was however consoled that Ogbulafor left a track record of excellent services and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood.

    Nnamani prayed that God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

    Ogbulafor was said to have died in a hospital in Canada.

  • Experts, journalists discuss future of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping in Africa

    Experts, journalists discuss future of preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping in Africa

    A panel of security experts, journalists at a one-day dialogue brainstormed on new responses to the shortcomings of preventive diplomacy and peacekeeping in the management of conflicts crippling the African continent.

    The roundtable discussion is prelude to the eighth edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security scheduled for 24th and 25th of October with the theme as “Africa in the face of exogenous shocks: the challenges of stability and sovereignty”.

    Heads of States and Government, ministers, leaders of international organizations such as AU, EU and UN, over 400 experts on peace and security from civil society will take part in the forum organised by the Senegal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    At the luncheon in Dakar during the week, discussions on the state of play, evaluation and perspectives of peacekeeping missions on the continent; new reforms at the international and African levels; strategic autonomy in the area of security in Africa; role of diplomacy in conflict prevention and management dominated the discourse.

    Read Also: 60 journalists benefit from Plateau health insurance scheme

    The event attracted dignitaries including; Diplomats, international journalists, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, Aissata Tall Sall; former chief of general staff (CGS) and former ambassador of Senegal to Germany, Lieutenant General (CR) Babacar Gaye; former UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, current SRSG and head of MINUSMA, El-Ghassim Wane; Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel Fatau-Musah, others.

    The moderator, former Chief of the General Staff (CGS) and former Ambassador of Senegal to the People’s Republic of China Lieutenant General (CR) Abdoulaye Fall, in his remarks highlighted the nexus between preventive diplomacy and peacekeeping.

    He explained that the two key term deal with diplomatic and operational processes aimed at the peaceful management of conflicts, with the support of stakeholders.

    The Minister, Aissata Tall Sall in her remarks explained that the upcoming Dakar Forum is an international gathering due to the variety of persons, and topics to be discussed.

    She said: “We are living with the consequences of COVID-19, shocks from the war in Ukraine, and other issues. It is therefore imperative for us to discuss classical issues on security, political instability”.

    Sall further spoke on the importance of preventive diplomacy as a talking point and intervention for peace, and as such the forum will bring together actors, top military echelon, security experts, CSOs to discuss issues, ideas aimed at advancing the future of humanity.

    Speaking, Amb. Fatou Musa in his presentation titled: “Rethinking/Reinvigorating Diplomacy for Conflict Prevention and Management” highlighted some of the challenges facing preventive diplomacy in Africa including Governance, strategic Interest, loss of monopoly over the means and use of force and communication.

    He noted that world is going through a traumatic experience, adding that democracy must deliver beyond just conducting elections because many countries are faced with governance deficit.

    At the forum, journalists who made salient contributions to the issues of peace and security in Africa, also proposed the formation of a network covering the forum of African Journalists for peace and security.

  • Many feared dead as boat capsizes in Anambra

    Many feared dead as boat capsizes in Anambra

    No fewer than 25 persons were feared missing in boat mishap in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state.

    The Nation gathered that the ill-fated boat with about 85 persons on board capsized on Friday at Umunnankwo community.

    Eye witnesses said the boat, which took off from Onukwu bridge, was heading to Nkwo market, Ogbakuba before it capsized.

    “So far, unofficial reports indicate that between 20-30 persons are yet unaccounted for,” the witness who spoke in confidence said.

    Transition Committee Chairman, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Hon. Pascal Aniegbuna revealed that some of the passengers were rescued while several others died.

    Reacting, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene expressed shock and deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

    Ogene, who is the Labour Party House of Representatives candidate for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, in a statement on Saturday, said: “Ogbaru is devastated and in shock over the horrendous boat accident that took the precious lives of some of its sons and daughters.

    “This sad news of this terrible accident is numbing and painful to me as a person and must be very devastating, especially to the immediate families of the victims. This is a collective loss for Ogbaru as a whole and we are united in sorrow.

    “My condolences go to the affected families and also Ogbahu people and communities, who have in recent times found themselves in the jaws of severe flood disaster that has practically submerged all our communities and displaced thousands of people.”

    Ogene had earlier made an appeal to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to come to the rescue of the people of the community over the flood disaster in the area.

    Read Also: Residents, passengers scamper for safety as tanker falls in Anambra

    According to Ogene, houses, farms and other businesses in Ogbaru have been swallowed by the horrendous flood, leaving many people in dire agony, sorrow, tears and hopelessness.

    He listed some of the affected communities as Ogwu Ikpele, Akili Ogidi, Obeagwe, Ossomala, Ogwuaniocha, Umunankwo, Ogbakuba, Ochuche, Umuzu, Akili Ozizor, Atani, Ohita and Odekpe.

    “Other areas devastated by the ravaging flood include Amiyi, Iyiowa, Ogbeukwu, Okoti and parts of Okpoko,” he added.

    Speaking after a visit to the area last weekend, the ex-lawmaker said, “It is pathetic. It is a terrible sight in Ogbaru as a result of the flood disaster.

    “The human and environmental conditions here are absolutely pathetic and requires urgent action from government in order to alleviate the sufferings of the despondent victims, most of whom have lost all their belongings to the flood disaster.

    “These flood victims that cut across several communities, urgently need relief materials and other assistance from government and its agencies, such as NEMA and SEMA.

    “I therefore call on these agencies to rise up to its responsibility and bring urgent succour to the people of Ogbaru, who are currently besieged by flooding, so as to avert the outbreak of health challenges associated with such incident.

    “Most of them urgently need food, clothing materials, beddings, medical supplies and shelter.

    “I also call on the Anambra State Government to liaise with the Transition Committee Chairman, Hon. Paschal Aniegbuna and President Generals of Ogbaru communities to coordinate relief efforts to ensure that there are prudently and transparently distributed in the best interest of the victims.

    “Please, NEMA, SEMA and state government, should consider this as a serious and desperate SOS message and treat it with the urgency, humaneness and responsibility that it requires.

    “Sadly, besides the setting up of four Internally Displaced Persons(IDP) camps and a Flood Committee and provision of 100 foams, no material assistance has come the way of the people, before yesterday’s disaster,” he posited.

  • Eid-el-Maulud: Emulate Prophet Mohammed’s virtues, Lawan tells Muslims

    Eid-el-Maulud: Emulate Prophet Mohammed’s virtues, Lawan tells Muslims

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan has felicitated with Muslims as they join adherents of the faith across the world in marking the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

    Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, in Abuja, enjoined Muslim faithful to use the occasion for deep reflection on the virtuous life of Prophet Mohammed and the message of peace, love, tolerance, humility, fairness and justice which he preached in words and deeds.

    “I felicitate fellow Muslims as we celebrate the birth of Prophet Mohammed and what he stands for.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Maulud: Buhari urges Muslims to imbibe Prophet Muhammad’s virtues

    “As we mark this occasion, we should imbibe the virtues of the Prophet which include peace, love, tolerance, humility, fairness and justice.

    “It is by imbibing these virtues in our personal lives and as a people that the celebration of his birth can have meaning,” Lawan said.

    The Senate President assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to make relevant legislative interventions for a peaceful and more secured country.

  • Davido officially confirms he’ll marry Chioma in 2023

    Davido officially confirms he’ll marry Chioma in 2023

    • Afrobeats super star has confirmed he and his estranged fiancee-cum-baby mama are tying the nuptial knot in 2023.

    The Davido-Chioma love affair grabbed the attention of the world with the media monitoring every step of the partners.

    The pair became an item on the entertainment scene with Davido putting her on a track in his sophomore album, ‘A Good Time.’

    On Saturday, July 14, 2018, the music star eagerly expressed his desire to tie the nuptial knot with Chioma Rowland.

    The 28-year-old singer joyfully told his followers on Instagram that he can’t wait to be referred to as Chioma’s husband and spend the rest of his life with her.

    He wrote: “The Love of my life !! Can’t wait to spend forever with you,” under a picture of Chioma and himself. In a quick response on the same day in the comment section, the beautiful chef replied saying: “I can’t wait either. Love you.”

    In 2019, exactly ten days after the introduction ceremony between their families, the singer officially proposed marriage to a heavily pregnant Chioma in London. Chioma accepted the proposal expectedly.

    Read also: Marriage with Chioma coming in 2023, Davido confirms

    Months after, the lovebirds welcomed their first child together, Ifeanyi David Adeleke, who became Davido’s first son and third child.

    However, 2020 ended without Davido’s relationship with Chioma culminating on the altar with rumours that there were cracks in their relationship.

    The duo’s relationship experienced a setback after news of him having yet another child with an America model-cum-makeup artiste, Larissa London broke.

    But in September 2022, their relationship set sail again as they’ve been seen together at different events loving up on each.

    And now, they’ve yet travelled to London, where they met with the UK-based celebrity Pastor, Tobi Adeboyegba of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church.

    In a video posted on the clergy’s Instagram page, while still holding Chioma after sharing a hug, he uttered: “Our wife, our real wife.

    Another in the background added: “002.”

    “100% going down, 2023,’ screamed Davido in affirmation.

    The video’s caption read: “002, 2023. That’s my job, good family.”

  • Tunde Jago comes through with ‘Lego’

    Tunde Jago comes through with ‘Lego’

    Rising musical act Oniyide Babatunde aka Tunde Jago has come with yet another banger “Lego” to delight his fans.

    ‘Lego’ is a single off Jago’s new Extended Play- EP.

    For Tunde Jago, though music is a dream, one which he has grown to love, it did not however merely fall onto his lap as he worked hard to see to its actualisation.

    According to him, great music requires perseverance and commitment to succeed, particularly in the global and domestic music markets.

    Read Also:

    “I have been put to the test by someone greater, and I think that if I hadn’t overcome all the challenges, I probably wouldn’t be as excellent a musician as I am now.

    “I doubt I would have been successful because it took a lot of fortitude for me to enter the studio to be a global hitmaker; one needs to be very concentrated, and that is what I have done over the last few years.

    “My four-track EP should do just that for my fans, lighting a fire under their hearts,” he said.

  • Winter Coat Styles that Flatter Pear-Shaped Figures

    With the period leading to winter fast approaching, nothing is as crucial as looking for the right winter coat for a pear-shaped body. Women with pear shapes usually have a smaller trunk and deeper buttocks, so when selecting coats, 

    selecting those that will easily complement the mentioned figure and ensure warmth is necessary. To simplify this process, I have coaxed together this guide on how to look for winter coats that would perfectly suit and compliment the pear-shaped bodies.

    1. A-Line Coats

    Pear-shaped women would also benefit from anything with an A-line type of closure. Their fitted corsets have a slight flare at the hips to achieve a proper form of symmetry. Besides underlining the waist, this style offers much-needed space for the hips, so the outfit is both comfortable and looks great.

    2. Belted Coats

    They are designed to call attention to the waist while simultaneously downplaying the hips. Choose clothes with more shape—I mean, fitted, shapely clothes that will give you a definite waist. When we talk about layering, a belted trench or peacoat can enhance the look and feel of your wardrobe during winter.

    3. Longline Coats

    Longline coats are yet another good choice if one’s wearing pear-shaped bodies. Most of these coats are below the hips to ensure they do not disrupt the body shaping of the people wearing the clothes. Options for models with straight or slightly wider legs will make you look taller and create a favorable proportion. You can see here the best dresses for pear-shaped

    4. Structured Peacoats

    Therefore, fitted pea coats with structured shoulders lead to the optical illusion of wider shoulders, balancing the exercise gear-shaped figure. In addition to the classic style of the double-breasted model, a strict waistline is present, which emphasizes the curves and makes an image stately.

    5. Double-Breasted Coats

    Double-breasted coats can also be worn when you have a pear woman body-shaped figure. They afford a neat appearance that assists in determining the waist in consideration of the wider hips. Avoid horizontal stripes or patterns that will reduce the children’s height when selecting coats.

    6. Asymmetrical Hemlines

    Peep-toe shoes are a fashion-forward idea that can jazz up your winter coat and jacket collection. These coats elongate the limbs and give an upward direction, which also helps prevent the focus on the hips. If you want something more eye-catching, choose those with longer length at the front and shorter at the rear.

    7. Puffer Coats with the Well-Direction Defined Waist

    Yes, puffer coats are very heavy. However, those that cinch at the waist aren’t half bad in the figure department. When choosing puffer jackets, look for designs with a cinched waist or belts so that they do not widen the hips but help you stay comfy and warm.

    8. Trench Coats with Flare

    Trench coats are a good winter item, and those that have a flare at the bottom are a real bonus for the pear body shape. The conventional belted style makes the figure around the waist look slimmer, and the flared cut offers a stylish figure. Look for simple-cut trench coats in bright colors or leather, suede, or some other eye-catching material.

    Conclusion and Recommendation

    When choosing a winter coat, pay attention to colors and materials that help accentuate the figure. Some colors are believed to be affecting the slim ideal; for instance, darker colors are slimming, 

    while other fabrics are said to have the quality of adding form without volume. Steer clear from those elements that may over-power your frame, meaning no additions that can cause crowding. Choose some garments with lining or pads at the shoulders, stiff collars, or something else to make the upper part of the body look more defined.

    Accessorizing for Balance

    Don’t forget the power of accessories! Skirts, jackets, and tops can elongate the legs, neck, and face, respectively; scarves, hats, and statement jewelry can also help direct attention upwards, counteracting the effect of short-limbed proportions. If done correctly, accessories are a great way to add interest just under the face and can make a big difference to the whole appearance.

    Final Thoughts

    Shopping for a winter coat for a pear-shaped body doesn’t sound like a hustle anymore. Identifying styles of apparel that accentuate your waist, provide balance, and make you comfortable will allow you to look good even in the cold winter. Do not be afraid or ashamed of the shape God has given you; walk out proudly in a coat that highlights it.

    With these tips in mind, you are now ready to choose winter coats that will warm you and give your pear-shaped body the best look you can share. To recall, the true power coat can smoothly cover one’s natural personality while preserving that personality in the cold winter months.

  • What to know about suspected notorious kidnap kingpin John Lyon

    What to know about suspected notorious kidnap kingpin John Lyon

    Bayelsa Police Command Yenagoa on Monday paraded an Abuja socialite, John Eka Ewa aka John Lyon, alleged to have colluded with others to terrorise the State for years through the kidnap of top bankers, businessmen and prominent persons.

    The flamboyant suspected kidnapper was paraded with some of his gang members and other criminals by Commissioner of Police Ben Okolo at a briefing in Yenagoa.

    Below is a summary of John Lyon, the suspected kidnap kingpin:

     

    *John Eka Ewa, popularly known as John Lyon aka Kpai-kpai was born on December 22, 1986.

    * He hails from Boki Local Government Area, Cross-River State.

    * He is allegedly a graduate of the University of Calabar.

    * John Lyon is an ex-staff of a new generation bank.

    * He recently welcomed a child with his wife, according to him while pleading for pardon for the sake of his baby.

     

    Read Also: ‘How suspected notorious kidnap kingpin John Lyon terrorised Bayelsa for seven years’

    * Though he portrayed himself as a motivational speaker on social media, he is alleged to be responsible for a number of high-profile kidnappings in Bayelsa State.

    * He owns a brand name Lyon Interior which repportedly serves as ‘cover-up’ for his nefarious activities.

    * He is well-known for flaunting his wealth online and advising young people to ‘hustle hard’ attempting to invalidate legitimate hard workers.

    * Contrary to speculation that John Lyon, alleged to have kidnapped prominent persons in Bayelsa State, was arrested yesterday in Abuja, it was learnt that he was apprehended on September 15.

    * His arrest was kept under the radar because the police did not want to jeopardise the investigation as police authorities in the state were on the trail of his accomplices who fled on hearing of the arrest of their suspected arrowhead.

    * The suspected notorious kingpin isn’t related to Chief David Lyon, the All Progressives Congress governorship (APC) candidate in the 2019 election in Bayelsa State but adopted ‘Lyon’ as a makeshift name to conceal his track.

  • Buhari assures UNGA 77 on digital learning

    Buhari assures UNGA 77 on digital learning

    President Muhammadu Buhari has told stakeholders in the education sector at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77) he was worried about the low adoption of digital learning in Nigeria.

    The President said his government would reach all learners wherever they are with quality, inclusive learning and skills development opportunities.

    At thematic session four tagged ‘Digital transformation of Education,” the President admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the adoption of digital learning options across Nigeria and that going forward, his administration would further promote this with the National Digital Learning Policy as a guide.

    “The National Digital Learning Policy focuses on the long-term vision of inclusive digital transformation by increasing public provisioning for digital learning”. President Buhari said

    Speaking to the concerned stakeholders, the President stated that he was worried about the low adoption of digital learning in the country because apart from private schools and states like Lagos and Edo working with international ed-tech platforms, public schools have been slow in adopting it, despite the benefits.

    “Traditional methods of using blackboards and making teachers the focus remain the prevalent learning methods across large swathes of the country” Buhari said.

    “Add the dilapidated structures to the mix, and the emergent picture of teaching/learning is ugly. However, empirical studies have highlighted the importance and benefits of digital learning; hence President Buhari’s declaration at UNGA 77 merely trumpets what the concerned stakeholders had been crying about. Unlike the traditional method of using blackboards and the classroom setting being teacher-centred, digital, as the name implies, means the use of digital boards; it is student-centred and encourages the use of computers, mobile devices and social media for learning”.

    He further said social media has become an essential element of the e-learning experience and Digital learning has been shown to, among others, create a more dynamic environment by turning traditionally dull subjects into interactive and fun activities, incorporating different learning styles to benefit all the students, improving collaboration, connecting students better and preparing children for the future.

    Read also: Buhari returns to Abuja after UNGA77

    “Besides, which child would prefer carrying a stack of notebooks and textbooks instead of a light iPad or device? Or who would want a weighty text instead of surfing an e-book? In a scholarly article entitled ‘Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review’, the quartet of Abid Haleem, Mohd Javaid, Mohd Asim Qadri and Rajiv Suman further highlighted the need for digital technologies in education,” Buhari said

    Buhari said the Lagos State Government had been proactive in Preparing pupils for a digital future by introducing technology to them at an early age and meeting the United Nations’ sustainable development 2030 agenda on quality education which made Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to inaugurate EKOEXCEL, an educational intervention to transform Lagos public primary schools through technology deployment in 2009.

    The initiative he said: “was most helpful in Lagos State during the COVID-19 era, helping prepare pupils in terminal classes for their final examination while keeping others fresh. Commendably, the impacts have been felt among pupils and teachers, with empirical studies affirming the gains. Some EKOEXCEL teachers, including Fausat Adegeye, have also taken to social media to assist their pupils.Interestingly, the Edo State Government under Governor Obaseki had seen the benefits and adopted the same a year before Lagos did with EDOBEST, still with NewGlobe. This ed-tech platform supports visionary governments by creating robust technology-enabled education systems as the technical partner”.

  • Police rescue kidnap victim, raid criminal hideout

    Police rescue kidnap victim, raid criminal hideout

    The police in Ogun State have rescued a kidnapped victim, Sheu Anafi, and arrested one suspect, Ibraheem Abubakar, during a raid of criminal hideout.

    Operatives carried out raid on kidnappers’ den at Warewa on Saturday following complaint by a commercial driver whose passenger, Anafi, was kidnapped in the community.

    It was gathered that the driver had conveyed seven passengers in his Ford vehicle with registration number LRN596ZY from Ilorin, Kwara State en route Lagos when they encountered traffic on the long bridge.

    To escape the gridlock, the driver was said to have diverted into an untarred road beside the bridge only to be attacked by armed men midway into their journey.

    All occupants of the vehicle were said to have fled into nearby bushes but when they eventually regrouped, Anafi was missing and feared kidnapped.

    Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, police spokesman, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Warewa, CSP Abdul Fatai Ogunsanya, led a joint operation consisting men of the command’s tactical teams, local vigilantes, So Safe Corps and OPC men for bush combing in search of the abducted man.

    Read Also: Police arrest 84-year-old in Ogun for raping eight-year-old girl

    “Their efforts yielded positive result when the hideout of the kidnappers was located and the security operatives engaged them in gun battle.

    “At the end of the encounter, one of the kidnappers Ibraheem Abubakar who claimed to have come from Sabonganmu-Bompai road, Kano State, was arrested while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
    “The victim, 62 years old Sheu Anafi was rescued unhurt.
    “The suspect has confessed being a member of seven-man gang terrorising the strech of the long bridge in recent time.
    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation. The CP also appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals to inform the police if anybody with gunshot injury is seen in their area,” he said.