The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Christmas: Sanwo-Olu reassures Lagosians of people-centred healthcare

    Christmas: Sanwo-Olu reassures Lagosians of people-centred healthcare

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration places a high premium on the health and wellbeing of every Lagosian, stressing that no resident should feel forgotten, especially during a season associated with love, hope and celebration.

    The governor made the remark on Thursday while addressing patients and staff of Gbagada General Hospital. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Dayo Lajide.

    Sanwo-Olu explained that the decision to hold the Christmas celebration in hospital wards was deliberate, aimed at identifying with patients who are away from their families and reinforcing the administration’s people-centred healthcare policy.

    He urged residents to embrace positive health-seeking behaviour and seek medical attention early, describing health as true wealth.

    The governor also assured patients and healthcare workers of the state government’s continued commitment to providing the necessary resources for quality and compassionate care across public health facilities.

    During the visit, the governor’s delegation toured key wards of the hospital, including the Emergency and Casualty Unit, Paediatric, Male and Female wards, as well as the antenatal and postnatal sections, where Christmas gifts were distributed to patients.

    He commended the hospital’s management and staff for their professionalism, compassion and dedication, particularly those on duty during the festive period, noting that their sacrifice ensured patients felt supported and valued despite being away from home.

    In his response, the Medical Director of Gbagada General Hospital, Dr. Olusegun Babafemi, expressed appreciation to the governor for the annual outreach, describing the gesture as a morale booster for both patients and staff.

    He said the celebration aligns with the state’s vision of giving hope and encouragement to patients while praying for their speedy recovery.

    The Rotary Club of Gbagada, led by its President, Rotarian Tosin Olawoyin, partnered with the state in the distribution of Christmas gifts, highlighting the importance of public-private collaboration in supporting healthcare delivery and patient welfare.

    The high point of the outreach was the presentation of awards and gifts to the Outstanding Staff of the Year 2025 and outstanding wards, in recognition of excellence, teamwork and dedication to service.

    The visit ended on a note of hope and celebration, with prayers for healing and renewed strength for patients, as the Lagos State Government reaffirmed its resolve to put people at the heart of its health system.

  • Awosika builds three games courts in Ondo stadium

    Awosika builds three games courts in Ondo stadium

    …hands over facilities to govt

    A US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Afolami Awosika, has officially handed over three modern games courts built within the Ondo Township Stadium to the Ondo state government.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ondo on Tuesday, Chief Awosika explained that the basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts were conceived as a deliberate intervention to engage young people positively and to support the Osemawe of Ondo’s drive to promote grassroots sports development.

    According to him, “the facilities are designed to harness youthful energy productively, nurture talents and align with the Osemawe’s vision of using sports as a tool to curb cultism, youth restiveness and other social vices, while also creating opportunities to discover athletes with global potential”

    Chief Awosika, who is currently holds the chieftaincy title of Lomafe of Ondo Kingdom, reaffirmed his belief that meaningful youth development begins with the deliberate provision of safe and functional spaces where young people can channel their energy positively.

    He explained that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are essential for building responsible future leaders.

    He further stated that the establishment of the courts and the accompanying tournament was his modest way of giving back to the Ondo community that nurtured him.

    In his remarks, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Omoyofunmi Henry, expressed the state government’s appreciation to Chief Awosika for the laudable gesture.

    He described the donation as a clear demonstration of effective public-private partnership in sports development.

    The governor assured that the state government would ensure the proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the facilities to serve the intended purpose of youth engagement and talent development.

    He added that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, expanding sports infrastructure and creating pathways for youths to excel constructively.

    A former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was present at the event, applauded Chief Afolami Awosika for his enduring commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

    He described the donation of the sports courts as a timely and impactful contribution that reflects a deep understanding of the role sports play in shaping healthy, disciplined and productive youths.

    Mimiko noted that investments of this nature strengthen social development efforts and complement government initiatives aimed at nurturing talents from the grassroots.

    He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital to building sustainable platforms that will empower young people and secure a brighter future for Ondo state.

    The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, who graced the occasion, commended Chief Awosika for his foresight and commitment to youth empowerment through sports. 

    The monarch described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of Ondo youths, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for character building, discipline and social cohesion.

    Oba Kiladejo further emphasized that the facilities would complement traditional and governmental efforts aimed at redirecting the energies of young people towards productive ventures. 

    He reiterated his belief that sustained engagement through sports would help reduce crime, foster unity and position Ondo as a breeding ground for outstanding athletes at national and international levels.

    A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chief Afolami Victor Awosika (CAVA) tournaments, which featured competitive games across different sports, with winners emerging in each category.

    In the lawn tennis event, the Senior Staff Tennis Club, Akure, defeated the Ondo Tennis Club to claim the gold medal in the doubles category, while Olakunle Gbologe of UNIMED triumphed over Olanrewaju Akinnagbe of Ondo Tennis Club to emerge winner in the singles category.

    In basketball, the UNIMED team outplayed the Don Bosco Youths with a scoreline of 73–55 to win the gold medal, while the Ondo City Spikers Club defeated Akure Dynamite Spikers Club in two straight sets to clinch the gold medal in the volleyball category.

  • Christmas: Labour Party faction urges Tinubu to use APC ‘Broom’ to sweep out corruption

    Christmas: Labour Party faction urges Tinubu to use APC ‘Broom’ to sweep out corruption

    The Labour Party faction led by its National Chairman, Julius Abure, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use the broom—symbol of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—to sweep corruption out of Nigeria.

    Abure made the call in a Christmas message contained in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the faction, Obiora Ifoh.

    He noted that no government could endure or succeed unless corruption is decisively tackled and brought to a standstill.

    According to him, Jesus Christ exemplified corruption-free leadership, as reflected in the scriptures where He exposed a disciple found to be corrupt.

    Abure also urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season to pray fervently for the country, particularly over the prevailing security challenges.

    He commended the gallantry of the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services and other paramilitary agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace during the festive period.

    The Labour Party chieftain further charged President Tinubu to ensure that the military and security agencies are adequately motivated and supported to enable them to continue delivering on their responsibilities.

    Abure added that Nigeria would continue to struggle unless today’s leaders imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness exemplified by the nation’s founding fathers, including Malam Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Malam Aminu Kano, among others.

  • Pope Leo decries Gaza hardship, urges peace in Christmas message

    Pope Leo decries Gaza hardship, urges peace in Christmas message

    Pope Leo on Thursday used his Christmas sermon to decry the dire humanitarian conditions facing Palestinians in Gaza, departing from the largely spiritual tone that usually defines the solemn service marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Addressing worshippers during his first Christmas celebration as pontiff, Leo said the nativity story of Jesus born in a stable, was a reminder that God chose to dwell among humanity in vulnerability and suffering.

    “How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” the pope asked, drawing a direct parallel between the fragile shelter at Bethlehem and the makeshift camps now housing displaced Palestinians.

    Leo, the first pope from the United States, was elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis. Known for his quieter and more diplomatic style, he has generally avoided explicit political references in sermons, making his comments on Gaza unusually pointed.

    During a subsequent Christmas blessing, the pope also lamented the plight of migrants and refugees, particularly those “traversing the American continent,” reinforcing migration as a central theme of his early papacy. 

    Although he has previously criticised former U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, Leo made no direct reference to him.

    In his Christmas Eve homily a day earlier, the pontiff warned that turning away the poor and strangers was tantamount to rejecting God.

    Pope Leo has repeatedly spoken out in recent weeks about the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, telling journalists last month that any lasting solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict must include the establishment of a Palestinian state.

    Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire in October after two years of intense Israeli bombardment and military operations that followed a deadly Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities in October 2023. 

    Despite the truce, humanitarian agencies say aid deliveries into Gaza remain grossly inadequate, with nearly the entire population rendered homeless.

    Speaking before thousands of worshippers inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope broadened his lament to include the global homeless population and civilians trapped in conflict zones.

    “Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” Leo said.

    He also spoke of the psychological toll of war on young people conscripted into violence. 

    “Fragile are the minds and lives of young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths,” he added.

    Appeal for peace across conflict zones

    In his traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo called for an end to wars and violent conflicts worldwide.

    He cited ongoing political, social and military crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, as well as Thailand and Cambodia, among others. On Ukraine, where Russian forces are threatening key eastern cities, the pope said the population had been “tormented” by prolonged violence.

    “May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue,” he said.

    Turning to Southeast Asia, where border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have entered their third week with at least 80 fatalities reported, Leo appealed for restraint and reconciliation.

    “May their ancient friendship be restored, so they can work towards reconciliation and peace,” the pope said.

    The Christmas message, marked by repeated calls for compassion, dialogue and solidarity with the vulnerable, underscored Pope Leo’s growing willingness to confront global injustices from the Vatican’s most prominent pulpit. 

  • Tinubu felicitates Odu’a Investment chairman, Ashiru, on birthday

    Tinubu felicitates Odu’a Investment chairman, Ashiru, on birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his contributions to economic development and nation-building.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, President Tinubu described Ashiru as a “quintessential gentleman, bridge builder, and advocate of economic development,” whose career spans impactful service in both the private and public sectors.

    The President noted that Ashiru, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, has distinguished himself as a professional marketing and strategic management expert with a track record of excellence.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Budget Minister, Bagudu, on birthday

    Recalling his service in government, Tinubu highlighted Ashiru’s tenure as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, where his tenacity and innovative approach earned him the Commissioner of the Year award.

    The President also acknowledged Ashiru’s experience in the banking sector as a former director of Stanbic IBTC Bank, noting that the blend of private-sector insight and public-service experience has continued to shape his leadership.

    According to the statement, Ashiru has remained outstanding in his current role as Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, where his leadership has contributed to the growth and development of businesses and strengthened the wider business community in Nigeria.

    President Tinubu prayed for “tremendous joy, continued peace, and excellent health” for Ashiru and his family in the years ahead.

  • Christmas: Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony, protection of faiths 

    Christmas: Tuggar reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony, protection of faiths 

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence, national unity and protection of all faith.

    Yusuf made the reaffirmation in his Christmas message to the Christian faithful in the country on the celebration of the 2025 Christmas celebration. 

    The minister stressed that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its institutions to protect all religious adherents, ensure social cohesion, and promote harmonious coexistence across the country. 

    He said that the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerians of all faiths, both at home and in the diaspora remain a priority of government policy and diplomatic engagement.

    “The Nigerian state is founded on the principle of freedom of worship and mutual respect among its people.

     “We are resolute in reinforcing our institutions to uphold these values, deepen interfaith understanding, and ensure that no citizen is excluded or marginalized on account of belief.”

    He described the Christmas session as a time of reflection, compassion, and renewal, underscoring values that resonate deeply with Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural heritage. 

    He noted that Christmas offers an opportunity to recommit to dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in safeguarding peace and stability within communities.

    As Nigerians mark the Christmas season, Ambassador Tuggar called on citizens to embrace unity, patience, and hope, stressing that the country’s strength lies in its diversity and shared destiny.

    He concluded by wishing Christians in Nigeria and around the world a peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with good health, renewed purpose, and collective progress for the nation.

  • Tinubu felicitates Budget Minister, Bagudu, on birthday

    Tinubu felicitates Budget Minister, Bagudu, on birthday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, on the occasion of his birthday, commending his years of dedication to public service and nation-building.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Bagudu’s long record in public office, noting his contributions to governance at the legislative, executive and ministerial levels.

    The President recalled that as senator representing Kebbi Central between 2009 and 2015, Bagudu played a key role in policy formulation, particularly in the areas of budgeting and economic planning.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Odu’a Investment chairman, Ashiru, on birthday

    Tinubu also highlighted Bagudu’s tenure as a two-term governor of Kebbi State, during which he oversaw wide-ranging reforms in agriculture, industrialisation and revenue mobilisation, initiatives that helped position the state as a model of economic growth and development in the North-West.

    Describing the minister as a trusted ally, the President said: “Senator Bagudu is a worthy associate who proved his mettle as governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.”

    He added that Bagudu’s performance in the current administration had remained noteworthy. 

    “His hard work, dedication and invaluable contributions as a member of our Renewed Hope Agenda Team, where he serves as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, are remarkable,” Tinubu said.

    The President wished the minister many more years of good health and sustained impact in national service.

  • Osun 2026: Akande, Oyetola boast of Oyebamiji’s victory as APC collapses groups into party structure 

    Osun 2026: Akande, Oyetola boast of Oyebamiji’s victory as APC collapses groups into party structure 

    The pioneer interim national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, have expressed confidence in the party’s victory, declaring that its 2026 Osun state guber candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji(AMBO), will emerge victorious. 

    This is just as the leadersof the party reaffirmed their commitments to return APC to government next year and directed that all groups and slogans of gubernatorial aspirants within the party should collapse into the party’s unified structure. 

    The party’s leader gave the directives at the stakeholders’ meeting, held at the residence of the party’s national leader and former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, in Ila-Orangun. 

    Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, Chief Akande acknowledged the spirit of unity and oneness that defined the party’s organs which culminated into the seamless and rancour-free governorship primary of the party held few days ago.

    Akande expressed confidence in the party’s chances to unseat the incumbent government and return the progressive party to the government come 2026.

    He commended the national and state leaderships of the party for their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts in building a virile and formidable bulwark saying the party has demonstrated clearly its readiness, capacity and wherewithal to administer the affairs of the state.

    According to him, sequel to the successful primary and emergence of the party’s flag bearer, it is incumbent on all the groups to identify with the party’s name as their slogan instead of the slogans of the various governorship aspirants and that of the party’s candidate.

    In his remarks, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, extolled the party’s leaderships both at the state and national levels just as he commended all the governorship aspirants for their unprecedented sportsmanship spirit.

    He enjoined all and sundry to work assiduously in order to ensure the victory of the party saying: “it is more beneficial for the APC to be in government.”

    Oyetola who is the former Osun State Governor called on the Local Government Executives to be up and doing in the areas of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and environmental affairs.

    In his short remarks, Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, implored all the governorship aspirants to go home and inform their supporters that they should all work for Oyebamiji as the candidate of the party in line with the party’s consensus agreement.

    Also, the Chairman, Osun APC Elders’ Forum, Engr. Sola Akinwumi advocated collective efforts to lead the party to victory come August 8th, 2026.

    “APC is the vehicle through which Oyebamiji would be voted into the office through the August 8th, 2026 governorship election.

    “The campaign committee will be all inclusive and all the aspirants should give unconditional support for Oyebamiji to ensure his victory”, Akinwumi said.

    Also, the APC chieftain, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the party for their unwavering commitment to lead the party to victory.

    He urged the party leaders to see the next gubernatorial election as a collective project.

    In their separate remarks, APC governorship aspirant, Senator Babajide Omoworare, the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, former Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Ambassador Adejare Bello and former member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa called for all inclusive campaign to lead the party to victory.

    In Omoworare’s words: “We have accepted the choice of the party and the rest is for all to work for the party. Let the campaign committee be all inclusive. I am in support of the choice of the party and Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji is the candidate. We shall work assiduously and win. I am 100 per cent party man”, Omoworare reaffirmed.

    “Let me inform you that Senator Iyiola Omisore wanted to be here in person but was attending to a domestic engagement outside the country, and as a party man, he has accepted the choice of the party. The campaign activities will be all inclusive”, Famurewa stated.

    In his remarks, the APC gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji lauded all the governorship aspirants for their unflinching support all along.

    Oyebamiji promised all inclusiveness of all and sundry in the campaign efforts to return to the government.

    He used the occasion to dispell the insinuation of appointments sharing stating and assuring that it is the responsibility of the party to do so when the time ripes.

  • ICPC integrity ranking reflects Komolafe’s leadership, transparency drive at NUPRC – Oil sector group

    ICPC integrity ranking reflects Komolafe’s leadership, transparency drive at NUPRC – Oil sector group

    The Energy Accountability and Governance Network (EAGN) has commended Gbenga Komolafe, the former chief executive officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for the agency’s top ranking in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) 2025 integrity report, describing the outcome as a vindication of his leadership and commitment to transparency.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the oil sector accountability group said the NUPRC’s emergence as the highest-ranked agency among 357 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) assessed underscored the strength of the internal governance framework established under Komolafe’s stewardship.

    The ICPC, in its ethics and integrity compliance scorecard (EICS) report, listed 13 MDAs as “high corruption risk” after evaluating organisational policies, internal controls, and compliance with statutory requirements. 

    The NUPRC ranked first with a score of 91.83, ahead of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

    EAGN said the performance reflected years of deliberate reforms aimed at strengthening institutional discipline, improving transparency, and aligning upstream petroleum regulation with global best practices.

    “The ICPC ranking is not accidental. It is the product of a leadership that prioritised accountability, process integrity and compliance with the law,” the statement, signed by its executive director, Dr Abdulrahman Sadiq, reads.

    According to the group, Komolafe’s tenure was marked by the introduction of robust compliance systems, strengthened internal audit mechanisms, and clear separation between regulatory authority and discretionary influence.

    “This result effectively validates Engr. Komolafe’s leadership ethos and rebuts claims that sought to portray the NUPRC as lacking transparency. Independent assessments such as the ICPC’s provide objective evidence of how institutions are run,” Sadiq said.

    The group noted that the integrity ranking also enhances Nigeria’s credibility with international investors, particularly in the upstream oil and gas sector where regulatory certainty and ethical governance are critical to long-term investment decisions.

    EAGN urged the current leadership of the NUPRC to sustain the governance standards that earned the commission its top position, warning that institutional backsliding could erode investor confidence and weaken regulatory effectiveness.

    “It is important that the current management preserves the integrity systems already in place. The upstream petroleum sector requires a strong, transparent regulator to support revenue optimisation and long-term sector stability,” Sodiq said.

    The ICPC said the EICS, complemented by the anti-corruption and transparency units effectiveness index, was designed to promote ethical conduct across MDAs, strengthen oversight, and provide a benchmark for public sector accountability.

  • Presidency debunks reports of Gbajabiamila’s replacement as Chief of Staff

    Presidency debunks reports of Gbajabiamila’s replacement as Chief of Staff

    The Presidency on Thursday dismissed as false the widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had removed his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and replaced him with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

    In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the reports, which circulated widely on social media on Thursday, as a “viral falsehood” with no basis in fact, urging Nigerians to disregard them entirely.

    “The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola,” the statement said.

    It stressed that there was “absolutely no truth to this story,” clarifying that both officials remain firmly in their respective positions.

    “The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff,” the Presidency stated.

    According to the statement, the claim was a deliberate fabrication aimed at sowing discord within the government, describing those behind it as “mischievous purveyors of fake news” bent on creating disharmony.

    The Presidency also used the opportunity to caution the media and social media users on the dangers of spreading unverified information, urging journalists and platforms to uphold professional standards of verification before publishing or sharing reports.