Author: The Nation

  • ADC coalition built on contradictions, personal ambitions — Alawuje

    ADC coalition built on contradictions, personal ambitions — Alawuje

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Honourable Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has faulted the emerging political activities around the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the much-touted coalition as a political experiment riddled with contradictions and driven by personal ambitions.

    Alawuje, in a statement on Wednesday, said what is being presented to Nigerians as a “coalition” is merely an aggregation of unresolved ambitions, political frustration and historical inconsistencies, rather than a serious platform for national leadership.

    He argued that there is no credible indication that the ADC or its promoters genuinely believe they can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, insisting that the real motive is political positioning ahead of future calculations.

    According to him, Nigerians are politically mature and will not be deceived by attempts to repackage familiar political actors under a new platform, stressing that records, identities and past legacies cannot be erased by convenience.

    Alawuje noted that the ADC is largely populated by dissatisfied elements drawn from the PDP, Labour Party, ANPP and other parties, who, he said, failed to build consensus in their former platforms and are now united more by grievance than vision.

    He maintained that a coalition formed on anger rather than ideology lacks the moral and structural capacity to offer credible national leadership or inspire public confidence.

    The APC stalwart pointed to what he described as conflicting ambitions within the coalition, citing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s long-standing presidential aspiration and contrasting it with the alleged singular focus of other actors to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.

    “These are not complementary ambitions; they are competing agendas,” he said, adding that coalitions without unity of purpose, ideology and destination rarely survive, let alone govern.

    Alawuje also criticised the group for what he called persistent attacks on President Tinubu’s reforms without presenting a clear, coherent and practical alternative policy blueprint for governance.

    He defended the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda as deliberate and necessary, aimed at correcting long-standing structural distortions in the economy and governance system, and positioned toward long-term national stability and institutional renewal.

    Alawuje concluded that Nigeria deserves a responsible, policy-driven opposition, warning that coalitions built on resentment, personal grievances and ideological emptiness cannot successfully challenge what he described as President Tinubu’s disciplined, strategic and reform-oriented leadership.

  • Green Lunar, NTDA set to partner on tourism digitisation drive

    Green Lunar, NTDA set to partner on tourism digitisation drive

    The Chief Executive Officer of Green Lunar Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olaniyi Odina, has disclosed that the company is set to collaborate with the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to reposition Nigeria’s tourism industry through revitalisation and digitisation initiatives.

    Odina made this known after receiving the Director General of NTDA, Dr. Olayiwola Awakan and his management team during a courtesy visit to Green Lunar’s Lagos office.

    Odina said the meeting is a positive signal for the new year. 

    He hinted that the proposed partnership is expected to focus on digital tourism solutions, destination branding, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

    He added that 2026 was already shaping up to be a promising year for Nigeria’s tourism sector as deliberate efforts were being made to unlock the country’s vast but underutilised tourism potentials.

    According to him, Green Lunar, alongside its sister companies and strategic partners, is fully committed to working with NTDA to drive innovation, digital transformation and sustainable growth within the sector.

    “The nation should look forward to the revitalisation and digitisation of our tourism potentials. Green Lunar and our partners are more than determined to work with NTDA to reposition the tourism industry in Nigeria,” he said.

    He expressed optimism that the collaboration would usher in a new era of competitiveness for Nigeria’s tourism industry, while calling for collective support in achieving the envisioned transformation.

    The NTDA Director General, Dr. Awakan, commended Green Lunar’s forward-thinking initiatives and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to partner with credible private sector stakeholders to strengthen tourism development across the country.

  • Oxlade advises artists to prioritise vocal development

    Oxlade advises artists to prioritise vocal development

    Afrobeats singer Oxlade has advised performing artists to invest in vocal coaching to improve their skills.

    In a tweet on X, Oxlade emphasised the importance of being able to deliver strong performances, even without the aid of audio engineers or digital tools.

    According to him, getting a vocal coach can make a huge difference in an artist’s career.

    He added that artists can also watch tutorials online to better their vocals if they can’t afford a coach.

    Read Also: ‘Don’t take your life, reach out for help’ – Oxlade urges netizens

    Oxlade stressed that engineers can’t always be present, and when the spotlight is on, artists need to be able to rely on their own voice. 

    “Dear Performing artist, Get yourself a vocal coach .  And if you cant , Watch tutorials on how to better your vocals It will go a long way. I know engineers are life savers. But when the DAWs are not present and the spotlight is on you , you no really get choice than to use your natural God given voice. Invest in thyself. As long as that thing dey make you money”, he said.

  • Police nab three suspects over kidnapping, rescue 76 children

    Police nab three suspects over kidnapping, rescue 76 children

    The Nigeria Police Force said its operatives had arrested three suspects and rescued 76 victims following an attempted attack and planned kidnap of children in Kaduna State.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said the arrest and rescue of the victims in Kasuwan Magani area of Kaduna State on Jan. 5, followed credible intelligence.

    Hundeyin said the Police Command in Kaduna State had received credible intelligence that some suspected bandits were planning to attack and kidnap motorists conveying children through the area.

    “Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Kasuwan Magani Division, was promptly mobilised with a team of police personnel to the area.

    “On arrival, the police team engaged and successfully repelled the suspected attackers, leading to the rescue of 76 children, comprising both males and females, aged between seven and 20 years.

    “All the rescued children were unharmed,” he said.

    He said preliminary investigations had revealed that the suspects were conveying the children to some parts of the country for the purpose of child labour and other domestic work.

    Hundeyin said the suspects were currently in police custody.

    He said the rescued children were being kept safely at the Police Command Headquarters in Kaduna, pending the arrival and proper identification of their parents or guardians.

    The police spokesman said investigations to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest of other possible collaborators involved had commenced.

    He said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

    (NAN)

  • Independent marketers partnering Dangote may crash pump prices below N739

    Independent marketers partnering Dangote may crash pump prices below N739

    Some of the independent marketers partnering with Dangote Refinery may vend the pump prices of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) below N739 per litre very soon, The Nation learnt on Wednesday.

    It was also learnt that the refinery commenced the virtual training of the affiliate retail outlets staff on Tuesday.

    Soon after the training, the refinery will commence the free direct delivery of products to the filling stations affiliated to it.

    Some of the partnering companies are MRS, Ardova Petroleum (AP), Garima, Heyden and Optimal.

    The Nation reported in December that the partners aside from MRS were yet to vend petrol at the refinery’s rate because they were yet to receive the product from the direct delivery.

    Read Also: IPMAN urges Dangote franchise stations to comply with pump price

    Speaking with The Nation on phone, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), National President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi revealed that owing to the profit margin between the N699 per litre gantry rate and the N739/l, it is possible for some of the independent partners of the refinery to sell the product below N739/ litre.

    His words: “Some of the independent marketers that are will take the free delivery from Dangote may sell it lower than N739/l.

    ” If you check the gantry rate of N699/l, there is over N25/l profit that makes the adjustment easy in a competitive market.”

    The Nation observed that the petrol market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hovered around N739 to N930 per litre.

    While MRS vended the product at N739/l with relative queues, A.A. Rano sold it at N840/litre as Total maintained N920/litre and other independent marketers sold it for N930/ litre and so on.

    The product was accessible hitch-free from the other retail outlets in accordance with the market fundamentals.

  • Actors featured in movies but sabotaging promotion ‘wicked’ – Biodun Okeowo

    Actors featured in movies but sabotaging promotion ‘wicked’ – Biodun Okeowo

    Actress Biodun Okeowo has addressed two categories of people in the industry, expressing frustration with unsupportive actors and colleagues consumed by envy.

    In a post on Instagram, Okeowo slammed actors who feature in movies but fail to support producers during promotions, calling them wicked and unsupportive.

    She also criticised colleagues who are stingy with support, noting that she has willingly promoted many movies she didn’t feature in.

    Okeowo emphasised that support costs nothing and encouraged others to be inspired by others’ progress rather than feeling threatened.

    “I want to address two categories of people in my industry. First, actors who feature in movies make it difficult to support the producer when it is time for promotion. You, people, are not God. All you are showing is how wicked and unsupportive you can be.

    Rea Also: Comparison of weddings childish – Actress Biodun Okeowo

    “Second, some colleagues are extremely stingy with support for my full chest.
    I can confidently say I have promoted many movies I didn’t even feature in.
    I did it willingly because support costs nothing.

    “But some of you are so full of hate, envy, and Iwa Oshi that supporting others feels like a burden to you. You see another person’s progress as a threat instead of inspiration”, she wrote.

    She appreciated those who have shown genuine support, urging others to stop the hate and work together.

    She wrote: “To the ones who show up when asked, and those who showed up without even being asked and genuinely supported, God bless you. The sky is big enough for all of us to fly. Stop the hate. Mtcheew!!!”

  • FULL LIST: Countries affected by US visa bond requirement

    FULL LIST: Countries affected by US visa bond requirement

    The United States has introduced new visa restrictions that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to post a bond of up to $15,000, as Washington expands measures aimed at curbing visa overstays.

    According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy applies to nationals of 38 countries, 24 of which are in Africa, including Nigeria. The bond requirement, which takes effect on different dates depending on the country, applies to applicants who are otherwise found eligible for B1/B2 visas but are assessed as requiring additional assurances.

    For Nigeria, the visa bond requirement will take effect on January 21, 2026. The State Department stressed that the bond does not guarantee visa issuance and that payments made without the instruction of a consular officer will not be refunded.

    Read Also: Visa restrictions ‘ll address U.S.-Nigeria mutual security concerns – Envoy

    Here is the full list of countries affected by the U.S. visa bond requirement and their respective implementation dates.

    Countries affected from January 21, 2026

    1. Algeria

    2. Angola

    3. Antigua and Barbuda

    4. Bangladesh

    5. Benin

    6. Burundi

    7. Cabo Verde

    8. Côte d’Ivoire

    9. Cuba

    10. Djibouti

    11. Dominica

    12. Fiji

    13. Gabon

    14. Kyrgyzstan

    15. Nepal

    16. Nigeria

    17. Senegal

    18. Tajikistan

    19. Togo

    20. Tonga

    21. Tuvalu

    22. Uganda

    23. Vanuatu

    24. Venezuela

    25. Zimbabwe

    Countries affected from January 21, 2026

    26. Bhutan

    27. Botswana

    28. Central African Republic

    29. Guinea

    30. Guinea-Bissau

    31. Namibia

    32. Turkmenistan

    Countries affected from October 23, 2025

    33. Mauritania

    34. São Tomé and Príncipe

    35. Tanzania

    Countries affected from October 11, 2025

    36. The Gambia

    Countries affected from August 20, 2025

    37. Malawi

    38. Zambia

  • US introduces $15,000 visa bond requirement for Nigerians, others

    US introduces $15,000 visa bond requirement for Nigerians, others

    The United States has introduced new visa restrictions that may require Nigerians applying for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas to post a bond of up to $15,000.

    According to information published on the U.S. Department of State’s website, Travel.State.Gov, the bond is a financial guarantee and does not guarantee visa approval. The State Department also warned that any bond paid without the explicit direction of a consular officer will not be refunded.

    The updated list released by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday shows that 24 of the 38 affected countries are in Africa, including Nigeria.

    Visa bonds are required for certain foreign nationals from countries classified by the U.S. as high-risk. The bond serves as a guarantee that visa holders will comply with the terms of their stay and depart the United States before their authorised period expires.

    Implementation dates vary by country. For Nigeria, the visa bond requirement will take effect on January 21, 2026.

    The Department of State explained that nationals of the listed countries who are otherwise eligible for B1/B2 visas will be required to post bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, with the exact amount determined during the visa interview.

    Applicants will also be required to submit the Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-352 and agree to the bond terms through the U.S. Treasury’s online payment platform, Pay.gov, regardless of where the visa application is submitted.

    Countries affected by the directive include Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe with implementation dates ranging between August 2025 and January 2026.

    Read Also: U.S. Embassy to put visa issuance on hold in Nigeria, 18 other countries from Jan 1

    The directive further states that visa holders who post bonds must enter the United States through designated airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York), Boston Logan International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport (Virginia).

    Refunds will only be issued if the Department of Homeland Security confirms that the visa holder departed the U.S. on or before the expiration of their authorised stay, if the visa expires without travel, or if the traveller is denied entry at a U.S. port of entry.

    The development comes barely a week after the U.S. imposed partial travel restrictions on Nigeria and 14 other mostly African countries. In Nigeria’s case, U.S. authorities cited the activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, which they said pose significant screening and vetting challenges.

    The U.S. government also pointed to Nigeria’s visa overstay rates of 5.56 per cent for B1/B2 visas and 11.90 per cent for F, M and J visas as justification. As a result, the restrictions cover both immigrant visas and non-immigrant categories, including B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas.

  • Four must-attend 2026 events in Nigeria

    Four must-attend 2026 events in Nigeria

    As Nigeria strides into 2026, the year promises a vibrant mix of sports triumphs, cultural spectacles, political milestones and entertainment showcasing the nation’s diversity and energy.

    From athletic feats to festive parades and high-stakes elections, here are five key events to mark on your calendar.

    1. Access Bank Lagos City Marathon (February)

    The iconic Lagos City Marathon returns, drawing thousands of elite and amateur runners to the bustling streets of Nigeria’s commercial hub.

    This World Athletics-labeled event not only promotes fitness but also boosts tourism with participants from across Africa and beyond competing for glory and prizes amid cheering crowds.

    2. National Sports Festival (September, Enugu)

    Dubbed Nigeria’s “Olympics,” the 23rd National Sports Festival heads to Enugu State, uniting athletes from all 36 states in a multi-sport extravaganza.  Expect fierce inter-state rivalries, talent scouting for international competitions, and a celebration of grassroots sports development.

    Read Also: With Traces of time, Calabar carnival excites connoisseurs

    3. Lagos Fashion Week (October/November)

    Africa’s premier fashion showcase returns to Lagos, spotlighting innovative designers, sustainable trends, and global influences.  This platform elevates Nigerian creativity on the world stage, attracting industry leaders, models, and enthusiasts for runway shows and networking.

    4. Calabar Carnival (December)

    Africa’s biggest street party closes the year in Cross River State with the month-long Calabar Carnival—vibrant parades, colorful costumes, music, and dance competitions.

    It is a cultural explosion promoting unity and tourism, drawing international visitors to experience Nigeria’s joyous festive spirit.

    2026 offers something for everyone—whether you’re a sports fan, culture enthusiast or politics watcher, Nigeria’s calendar is packed with unmissable moments.

  • Regina Daniels undergoes drug test, threatens to sue amid marital drama

    Regina Daniels undergoes drug test, threatens to sue amid marital drama

    Actress Regina Daniels has undergone drug tests, addressing rumors and speculation with estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.

    In a statement on her Instagram page, Daniels revealed that the past few months have been a challenging period, describing it as a major turning point in her life.

    According to Daniels, she decided to take the test to demonstrate commitment to accountability, integrity, and peace of mind, citing the overwhelming love and support she has received from her family, friends and the public.

    The actress emphasised the decision to create her own narrative, rather than being defined by others’ opinions, amidst claims that she is a drug addict.

    She wrote: “The past few months of my life have been nothing short of heavy. one of those seasons that tries to sit on your chest and ask, “So, what are we doing next?” It has been a major turning point, one that shook me to my core. Everything I had ever known was drowning right in front of me. But here’s the plot twist…

    “I didn’t drown with it. Why? Because I was carried by overwhelming love, support, patience, and understanding from my family, my friends, members of the general public. And for that, I am forever grateful. After much reflection (and a few very long conversations with myself), I decided to take this test because I owe it to the people who stood by me, the people who love me, and the people who look up to me. Integrity matters. Accountability matters. Peace of mind especially matters.

    Read Also: Drug rehab mandatory for Regina Daniels’ access to children – Ned Nwoko

    “One thing that echoed loudly across the media was, “Regina is a drug addict.” And honestly? I paused, then I checked again. I looked at myself in the mirror repeatedly, searching for this so-called addict. I searched so hard it almost felt like I was going psychic…because surely, I must be missing something. That’s when it hit me! people often project their fears, insecurities, and negativity onto you. But projection is not reality, and noise is not truth.

    “Here’s the choice we all have to make: Do you allow yourself to be defined by other people’s opinions, or do you create your own narrative? As for me, I choose the latter every single time. The same mouth that was used to spoil my name is the same mouth that will build it back up.

    “This chapter of my life is now about self discovery, self growth, and becoming even more intentional about who I am and where I’m going. I thank God endlessly for His grace, His strength, and His excellence in my life..because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that He has carried me through it all. I’m still standing, still growing and just getting started”.

    This development comes amidst reports of Daniels’ alleged divorce from Nwoko.