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Author: The Nation

  • IK Ogbonna questions CAN’s timing in Ini Edo’s movie controversy

    IK Ogbonna questions CAN’s timing in Ini Edo’s movie controversy

    Actor IK Ogbonna has expressed strong support for his colleague Ini Edo, who is facing backlash from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.

    In a statement on Instagram, Ogbonna said he is deeply disappointed with CAN, saying they had seen the promotions for the movie title for months and chose to remain silent.

    He questioned the timing of CAN’s reaction, pointing out that the movie title had been officially approved by the Censors Board and the film was now showing nationwide and doing well.

    Ogbonna emphasised that the issue was not about conflict, but about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

    He asked how Christian it is to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made, adding that this isn’t about conflict, it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

    “TBH! I am deeply disappointed with CAN. You saw the promotions for this title for months and said nothing. The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith.

    “Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title. How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made? This isn’t about conflict – it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity”, he wrote.

  • Don’t pull down ‘A very dirty Christmas’ from cinemas, Ini Edo begs NFVCB

    Don’t pull down ‘A very dirty Christmas’ from cinemas, Ini Edo begs NFVCB

    Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has made an emotional appeal to regulators and the public not to pull her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity.

    In a video shared on her Instagram page, Edo begged critics to watch the film before judging, saying she would pull it down if it was found to be offensive.

    “Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.

    “If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.

    The controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

    Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith, saying the film highlights family conflicts and secrets unfolding, without ridiculing Christians.

    “We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.

    “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.

    “I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said”, she added.

    The actress, a devout Christian, apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent.

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has requested the producer to modify the title.

    “However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.

    “In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.

    Edo has offered to change it, saying Christians are not the people she wants a problem with.

    “They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film.

    “I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.

    She appealed for understanding, asking that her film be given a fair chance and not be pulled from cinemas.

    “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”

  • Christmas: Embrace love, kindness, hard work, Makinde’s wife urges children

    Christmas: Embrace love, kindness, hard work, Makinde’s wife urges children

    Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has charged children across the state to embrace love, kindness, honesty and hard work, saying these are essential foundations for brighter future.

    The Governor’s wife described Christmas as a season of reflection, love and giving, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

    Speaking in Ibadan at a Christmas party organised for children in the state, Mrs Makinde, who was represented by wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ajibola Lawal stated that Christmas is a special time of coming together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated compassion, sacrifice and love during His time on earth.

    She said, “It is a season of joy, peace and giving, and today, we are here to celebrate that spirit and put smiles on the faces of our children.”

    Mrs Makinde reminded the children of their critical role in shaping the future of Oyo State and the nation at large.

    “You are the leaders of tomorrow. Embrace the values of honesty and hard work, and always strive to be the best version of yourselves.”

    She further encouraged the children to cultivate kindness and empathy, stressing that even small acts of love can make a meaningful difference in society.

    “Be kind to one another. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can change someone’s life. Extend a helping hand where you can and show love, especially to the less privileged among you.”

    Earlier In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said the event was deliberately designed to make children happy during the season’s.

    “Today is all about celebrating our children. They are the pride of Oyo State and the reason we must continue to invest in a better, safer and more inclusive future.”

    She noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, remained committed to policies and programmes that promote child welfare, protection and holistic development.

    Mrs Balogun added that the Christmas party also served as an avenue to spread joy to more families across the state.

    “We are not just celebrating today; we are celebrating hope, innocence and the promise of tomorrow. As the years go by, we will continue to expand this celebration to reach even more children.”

    Highlights of the event include gift presentation to children, prayer for the state and others.

  • Visa restrictions ‘ll address U.S.-Nigeria mutual security concerns – Envoy

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

    The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, says the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are designed to strengthen security procedures, and not actions targeted at Nigerians.

    Mills gave the clarification at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja during the visit of a U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to Nigeria.

    He said the presidential proclamation, which would take effect from Jan. 1, 2026, affecting certain visa categories, was part of broader measures to secure U.S. borders and protect American communities.

    “The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.

    According to him, the proclamation clearly specifies the visa categories that may be affected, while also outlining exemptions for certain groups.

    He listed the exemptions to include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.

    The ambassador urged visa applicants and members of the public to consult the U.S. Embassy’s official website for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories and available exemptions.

    He also urged those with specific enquiries to use the designated communication channels provided by the embassy for further guidance.

    Also speaking, Leader of the U.S. Congressional Delegation,  Rep. Bill Huizenga, said visa reviews and restrictions were routine tools used to encourage compliance and cooperation, rather than punitive actions targeting citizens.

    Huizenga said the focus of such measures was primarily on government systems and processes, not on the Nigerian people, adding that similar reviews were routinely applied in different parts of the world.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. government had reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong people-to-people ties with Nigeria, while announcing the visa reviews and restrictions.

    It described the visa measures as part of a wider engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation while addressing shared security concerns.

    (NAN)

  • Makinde approves conversion of 654 civil servants in Oyo

    Makinde approves conversion of 654 civil servants in Oyo

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the conversion of 654 officers across various cadres in the state’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    In a statement, the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Kamoru Aderibigbe, explained that the beneficiaries are officers in sub-officer cadres, from junior to senior levels, who have improved their qualifications by acquiring relevant and approved courses from recognised tertiary institutions.

    Read Also: Makinde commissions Omololu Olunloyo Relaxation Park in Ibadan

    Aderibigbe noted that the approval would not only enhance the remuneration of the affected officers but also create opportunities for them to attain the peak of their careers within the civil service.

    He urged the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a special privilege and to reciprocate it with greater dedication, diligence, and commitment to their duties.

    The commission chairman also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde, describing the approval as an unprecedented end-of-year goodwill gesture to workers in Oyo State.

  • Put your house in order, INEC tells PDP, wade into lingering crisis

    Put your house in order, INEC tells PDP, wade into lingering crisis

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday asked the Peoples Democratic Party to put its house in order and resolve internal crises ahead of the Area Council as well as the Ekiti and Osun state governorship elections.

    The Commission waded into the crisis rocking the party with a view to addressing the growing concern of Nigerians, summoning the leaders of both factions to a meeting at the Commission headquarters in Abuja.

    The Tanimu Turaki-led faction has the Chairman and members of his working committee, as well as secretariat staff and former Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

    The faction backed by the FCT Minister, Nyelsom Wike, as Acting National Chairman of the faction, Abdulrahman Mohammed, accompanied by members of his National Caretaker Committee including the secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu.

    Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the intervention became necessary following a series of conflicting correspondence received from the party.

    He said, “This meeting has become necessary because we have received several correspondence from various sides requesting one thing or the other. We are aware that INEC is charged statutorily under the Electoral Act and under the Constitution to monitor the activities of political parties.”

    He noted that the intervention was also informed by preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, as well as the governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun states slated for June and July 2026, respectively.

    He said, “As a build-up to these elections, we have issued our own schedule of activities to all the political parties. And we are on course to ensure that we have a very smooth election at the area council of FCT and at Ekiti and Osun states.

    “We have received conflicting correspondence from the PDP, and we felt that rubbing minds together would be a good opportunity for us to forge the way forward concerning the elections.

    “I am happy that this morning, we have the very top officials that are present here so that we can discuss as a family and see how the issues can be resolved and we move forward,” he said.

    Prof Amupitan said the commission’s actions were guided strictly by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its internal regulations, assuring the factions of its neutrality.

    “We are mindful of the need for us to maintain the sanctity of the Constitution of Nigeria. Actually, INEC sits on a tripod, comprising three legal regimes: the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the regulations that have been made. So, we are determined to ensure that we follow the provisions of the various laws, the Constitution and the regulations that we have made.

    “So without much ado, I want to welcome all of you, and I request that we should have very, very frank discussions to ensure that we can achieve the objective of this meeting,” he said.

    Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Turaki said his team reviewed the INEC invitation “only last night,” and assumed that the invitation was based on its previous letters and that the talks would centre on “housekeeping issues” earlier raised with INEC.

    However, he said they were surprised to learn that “some former members of our party who had earlier been expelled were also invited.”

    Read Also: Court stops APC, INEC from enforcing resolution against Cross River chairman

    He said the Commission explained that the presence of all parties was necessary “with a view to looking for possible solutions that will resolve what the chairman described as lingering problems within the PDP.”

    The former Minister said they laid out their position clearly, saying, “We made presentations of what we think the issues are, and INEC has listened to us. Even though these matters are before the Court of Appeal and have not been heard, INEC said they will look into what we submitted very seriously.”

    He added that the Commission worked late into Thursday night assessing the situation of all parties.

    “INEC is an umpire and will always want to conduct an election that is transparent and acceptable. Where major participants are unable to participate, it casts a dark shadow on the outcome,” he noted.

    Responding to questions about whether the meeting recognized the authenticity of his faction, Turaki said: “When elders sit to settle a land dispute, they know who the legitimate owner is, but both sides must be heard so that no one claims they were denied fair hearing.”

    While asking the commission to probe the cause of crises within opposition parties, he said, “I wish INEC were in a position to make an inquiry into the sources of these conflicts being created in some leading opposition parties.”

    Turaki insisted that his faction remained committed to holding the ruling APC “accountable to best practices, the rule of law, security, infrastructure decay, injustice, and other issues affecting Nigerians.”

    On his part, former National Secretary and one of the leaders of the Wike group, Senator Sam Anyanwu, insisted that the leadership of the PDP properly expired on December 9, 2025, creating a vacuum that justified the appointment of a caretaker committee by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees BoT.

    “The life span of the leadership expired on December 9. A caretaker committee was appointed with Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed as Chairman and me as Secretary.

    “The court nullified the convention in Oyo State, so there was no valid convention. Nature abhors a vacuum,” he said.

    He commended INEC’s approach, saying, “The INEC chairman is a man blessed with wisdom. The way they spoke to us showed that they really wanted us to continue to exist as the major opposition party.”

  • JUST IN: Senate confirms Mohammed, Eyesan as new CEOs for NMDPRA, NUPRC

    JUST IN: Senate confirms Mohammed, Eyesan as new CEOs for NMDPRA, NUPRC

    The Senate on Friday confirmed the appointments of new chief executives for Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory agencies, paving the way for a leadership reset in the upstream as well as the midstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry following the exit of their predecessors.

    The confirmations came after the Senate considered and adopted the report of the joint committees that screened the nominees.

    The report was presented at plenary by the Chairman of the committees, Senator Kawu Sumaila, during a session presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

    Those confirmed are Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Mohammed as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    Presenting the report, Sumaila recalled that at its sitting of December 18, 2025, the Senate received a request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking legislative confirmation of the two nominees in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021. The request was subsequently referred to the relevant joint committees on petroleum for screening.

    He noted that Sections 4 and 29 of the PIA establish the NUPRC and the NMDPRA, while Sections 11(3) and 34(3) empower the President to appoint their chief executives for a renewable five-year term, subject to Senate confirmation.

    According to him, the joint committees engaged the nominees in what he described as a rigorous and transparent screening exercise, during which lawmakers examined their qualifications, experience, and understanding of the statutory mandates of the two agencies.

    “The Joint Committee, having screened the nominees and being satisfied with their qualifications, expertise, and responses to questions, recommends that the Senate confirm the nomination of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Engineer Saidu Mohammed as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority,” Sumaila said.

    The Deputy Senate President thereafter put the recommendations to a voice vote, which was unanimously affirmed by lawmakers.

    Announcing the outcome, Barau commended the joint committees for what he described as uncommon diligence and speed, noting that the screening exercise was concluded within an unusually short period.

    Read Also: Senate screens Tinubu’s mominees for NUPRC, NMDPRA

    “The confirmation was referred to the committee just yesterday. They worked through the night and did in one day what ordinarily should take one or two weeks,” he said, describing the effort as a demonstration of commitment to the Senate and the nation.

    Barau congratulated the newly confirmed chief executives and reminded them that their appointments were a call to national service, urging them to discharge their duties in the overall interest of the country.

    With the confirmation, the Senate has formally completed the process of installing new leadership in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory architecture, a development seen as critical to sustaining reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act and strengthening stability in the oil and gas sector.

  • MOC approves ₦32.9 billion disbursement from BHCPF

    MOC approves ₦32.9 billion disbursement from BHCPF

    The 13th Expanded Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) has approved the disbursement of ₦32.9 billion under a revised funding framework for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the fourth quarter of 2025.

    The BHCPF is funded by 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CFR), donor grants, and other sources to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities, ensuring access to medicines, and covering emergency treatments towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    The Fund is implemented by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), National Emergency Medical Treatment (NEMT), and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Gateways.

    The 4th quarter approval, according to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, was aimed at expanding access to quality primary healthcare services and reducing out-of-pocket spending by Nigerians, while strengthening transparency and accountability in the use of public health resources.

    The approval was given at the meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and chaired by the Coordinating Minister, Prof Ali Pate and attended by the Minister of State, Dr. Adekunle Salako, the Permanent Secretary, Kachollom, State Commissioners for Health led by their chairman and Ekiti State Health Commissioner, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, heads of health agencies as well as representatives of international partner agencies, civil society organisations and, for the first time, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), where officials reviewed funding performance for 2025 and outlined priorities for accelerated impact in 2026.

    Kachollom, however, explained that disbursement would be made in January 2026, explaining that the proposed timing was deliberate and to ensure that funds were properly deployed and that health facilities could receive support in a more predictable manner.

     “This will be done in January so that the process is safely completed and so that we can support patients on a more regular basis.”

    She added that the long-term objective was to reduce disruptions in funding flows that often undermine service delivery at the primary healthcare level.

    “If we begin to see the same drive that pushed this disbursement, we will start getting monthly allocations and try to reduce and prevent collapse in terms of disbursements,” she said.

    Kachollom also stressed that accountability and transparency were central to the current reform agenda, describing them as commitments owed to Nigerians and development partners.

    She said the health sector reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration were already producing results, even if those gains were not always physically visible.

    “Health is intangible; they are not things you can touch, but you can feel them,” she said, assuring that future generations would remember the administration for fundamentally changing the national health system.

    She added that the reforms were being driven by a coordinated leadership structure involving the Coordinating Minister of Health, the Minister of State, heads of agencies and directors, all working under a compact framework signed in twenty twenty three and reinforced in subsequent agreements.

    The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, said, “The fourth disbursement showed that we are beginning to stabilise and regularise state-level funding.”

    He said presentations at the meeting showed consistent improvements in service utilisation across the country, including increased attendance at primary health centres, rising immunisation coverage, and higher uptake of other essential services.

    Aina said a major shift approved at the meeting was the first implementation of the BHCPF 2.0 guidelines, which introduce differential funding based on facility workload.

    He explained that under the new framework, low-volume facilities would receive N600,000 per quarter, while high-volume facilities would receive N800,000, replacing the previous system where all facilities received the same fixed amount.

    “This is to better correlate resources with patient demand and to ensure facilities are better prepared to meet the needs of the people they serve,” he said, adding that the approach was expected to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.

    Aina also referenced a preliminary presentation on the National Health Accounts, which suggested that out-of-pocket health spending in Nigeria may be declining.

    “That analysis still needs to be interrogated further, but we are encouraged by the direction it is showing,” he said.

    Looking ahead, he acknowledged that while progress had been made, the pace of change remained a major concern.

    “Our biggest challenge is speed. In 2026, our priority is to accelerate how quickly we reach more Nigerians through primary healthcare revitalisation, immunisation, maternal and child health, nutrition, and reproductive health services,” he said.

    On his part, the Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, said the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund process had strengthened transparency by clearly publishing how funds from the one percent consolidated revenue were transferred to states and local governments.

    “This allows Nigerians to see what the Federal government is doing and how resources are flowing through the system,” he said.

    Ohiri added that the framework had also reinforced accountability, with each gateway required to demonstrate what had been achieved with available resources, not only to government and partners but also to citizens.

    He said the oversight process had become a tool for self-assessment and course correction as the sector prepared for higher expectations in the coming year.

    “2025 has been a year of progress, but Nigerians expect us to move faster in 2026,” he said.

    On insurance coverage, Ohiri disclosed that enrolment under the national health insurance system had continued to grow, rising from about 20 million people as of June to 21 million at the time of the latest review.

    He assured that the authority would continue to support other agencies and sector gateways to ensure that expanded financing translated into tangible improvements in access, affordability and quality of care across the country.

  • NBA misleading public on vehicle-tinted glass permit policy – Police insist

    NBA misleading public on vehicle-tinted glass permit policy – Police insist

    • …knocks NBA over comment that policy is a revenue-driven initiative

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Friday insisted that the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy is lawful and meant to safeguard the public.

    NPF described moves by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy as misleading.

    The police authority said the regulation of vehicle-tinted glass is not a discretionary or arbitrary policy, as erroneously put by the President of the NBA.

    NPF said it is firmly grounded in law, adding that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree as misrepresented by the President of NBA.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Section 2(3)(a) of the Act vests the Inspector-General of Police with statutory authority to issue permits, while Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to establish legitimate security or health-related justification.

    Hundeyin said this framework exists primarily to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in the commission of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent crimes.

    He said, “It is therefore incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as a revenue-driven initiative. The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organization. Nonetheless, the Force is empowered by law to receive funds that accrue incidentally in the discharge of its statutory functions. Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended) expressly recognizes this authority. This legal position is neither novel nor controversial.

    “The Nigeria Police Force has observed recent public commentary attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy. In the overriding interest of public order, institutional clarity, and national security, the Force finds it necessary to place the facts on record, correct material misrepresentations, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and judicial authority.

    “At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes, and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction. Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Force has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court. Respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain non-negotiable pillars of police governance and command responsibility.

    “In balancing accessibility for legitimate applicants with the imperatives of national security and operational sustainability, the Federal Government approved the Police Specialized Services Automation Project, which received due approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in July 2022. The project is implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Act, with the Nigeria Police Force partnering a licensed Information Technology infrastructure provider.

    Read Also: Court bars police from enforcing tinted glass permit policy

    “Under this automated framework, applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, subjected to security vetting, and approved strictly in accordance with the law. Administrative fees paid by applicants are applied solely towards sustaining the technology infrastructure, data security systems, and workflow architecture supporting the process. They do not constitute revenue generation by the Nigeria Police Force.”

    Hundeyin said the allegation by Osigwe, that payments are made into a “private account” operated by Parkway Projects, is entirely false and betrays either a lack of understanding of payment processing systems or outright mischief calculated to mislead members of the public.

    “Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Services Provider, engaged by the Federal Government as a payment collection channel for the Vehicle Tint Permit Project, in the same manner as platforms such as Remita. The reference number cited as the bank account number of Parkway Projects by the President of NBA is not a bank account but a unique transaction identifier, used for reconciliation and settlement into designated government channels.

    “While some motorists may desire tinted glass for privacy, aesthetics, or protection from sunlight, the indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles has demonstrably undermined traffic surveillance, facilitated criminal concealment, and impeded intelligence-led policing. The enhanced Tint Permit System was therefore introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting, and integrate security innovations, previously absent from the process, while eliminating bottlenecks and tendencies for extortion associated with the previous process. This is part of a series of innovations recently introduced to modernise policing in Nigeria under the current Inspector-General of Police.

    “The Nigeria Police Force recalls that enforcement of the policy was earlier voluntarily suspended following engagements with the NBA leadership and in response to public appeals. This decision was an exercise of institutional restraint and goodwill, not the result of any judicial restraint. The Force remains fully cognisant of pending matters before the courts, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved, and will not take any step capable of pre-empting or undermining judicial outcomes.

    “The recent communication regarding enforcement was intended to provide advance public notice on operational planning, subject always to compliance with subsisting court directives and further guidance from the courts. Where any aspect of such communication is capable of misinterpretation, the Nigeria Police Force is open to constructive engagement to ensure clarity, harmony, and strict adherence to the law. That notwithstanding, the Nigeria Police Force will not expend valuable time responding to ignorant and mischievous claims, especially by persons who have chosen to use malicious attacks on the Police as a launch pad to limelight and fame under the guise of being a defender of the masses,” he added.

    The police said, for the avoidance of doubt, no court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force on the matter.

    He said the application for interim injunction was outrightly refused by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri and that the earlier suspension of enforcement was a voluntary act of courtesy to stakeholder engagement.

    Hundeyin said in the face of Nigeria’s current security realities, many of which are exacerbated by the abuse of tinted vehicles, the Force cannot abdicate its constitutional responsibility.

    He said, “It must also be noted that only a small percentage of motorists utilise tinted glass. No responsible police institution will allow the security of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians to be jeopardised in order to protect the narrow interests of a few, whether elitist or criminal, under the guise of public advocacy.

    “Notwithstanding the foregoing, enforcement, where lawfully undertaken, will be professional, measured, and rights-compliant. The Inspector-General of Police reiterates that extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by any police officer will not be tolerated. Officers found culpable will face severe disciplinary sanctions. However, Individual misconduct must not be weaponised to malign the Nigeria Police Force as an institution.

    “While the Nigeria Police Force recognises the Nigerian Bar Association as a vital stakeholder in Nigeria’s justice system, public narratives that suggest institutional lawlessness or bad faith are neither accurate nor helpful. The Force will not continue to engage publicly with individuals who misuse respected platforms like the Nigerian Bar Association to pursue personal agendas or erode public confidence in lawful authority.

    “The Force is also aware, through media reports, that Mr. Olukunle Edun, SAN, whose earlier actions were unsuccessful, has allegedly instituted a fresh suit at the High Court of Delta State, Orerokpe Division, despite the pendency of Suit Nos: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 and FHC/WR/CS/103/2025. The Nigeria Police Force has not been served with any processes in respect of this alleged action. Upon service, the Force will review the same with its legal advisers and take all lawful steps available to it.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, reassures Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s unyielding commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights. The Force remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property and will continue to act lawfully, decisively, and independently in the best interest of the Nigerian people.

    “The Nigeria Police Force calls for calm, responsible public discourse and sustained respect for judicial processes as the courts pronounce on the issues before them.”

  • St. Finbarr’s old boys mark 40 years, renew support for school

    St. Finbarr’s old boys mark 40 years, renew support for school

    The Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA), 1985 Set, has celebrated its end-of-year party alongside its 40th anniversary at the SFCOBA hall within the school premises in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, attracting alumni, school administrators, and guests from across the globe.

    Speaking at the event, the Assistant Administrator of St. Finbarr’s College, Rev. Fr. Michael Akintayo, commended the unity, love, and enduring bond among the old boys, describing the gathering as a testament to the values instilled by the school over the decades.

    “I am intrigued by the way this school has shaped you all,” Fr. Akintayo said, noting that the atmosphere of togetherness, laughter, and shared memories reflected the legacy of the institution’s founder and late principal, Mr. Oputi.

    He praised the alumni for sustaining long-standing traditions of camaraderie, humour, and nicknaming, adding that such customs predated even his own time in the school system.

    On academic performance, Fr. Akintayo assured the old boys that St. Finbarr’s College continues to excel academically, morally, and disciplinarily.

    He disclosed that 353 students sat for JAMB last year, with the majority of the SS3 students scoring above 300. He added that the school has consistently recorded outstanding results in Junior WAEC and WAEC examinations, with multiple A grades and record-breaking performances.

    He stressed that discipline remains a core strength of the institution, noting that students are well-cultured and grounded in strong academic routines.

    He also highlighted the continued emphasis on technical education, including technical drawing and related subjects that enhance practical skills.

    Fr. Akintayo conveyed the appreciation of the school management to the alumni for their unwavering support, wished them a Merry Christmas, and expressed confidence in the school’s football dominance ahead of the next Principals’ Cup.

    Several old students took turns to reminisce about their school days, recalling how strict discipline and strong moral values shaped their adult lives.

    They also celebrated notable alumni such as Stephen Keshi, Samson Siasia, and Ojagbena, who brought honour to the school nationally and internationally in academics and sports.

    Earlier, SFCOBA Global President, Mr. Patrick Doyle, announced key developments within the alumni secretariat. He revealed that the event venue had been named the SFCOBA Arena, funded by an old boy from the 1984 set.

    He also disclosed ongoing projects, including a gazebo in memory of the late Mr. Kote and plans for additional facilities such as modern toilet amenities.

    Doyle further announced proposed collaborations with the Irish Embassy to host workshops and seminars for sports masters and physical education teachers using the school’s facilities.

    He urged the 1985 set and other alumni to scale up their contributions ahead of the school’s 70th anniversary next year.

    “Over the years, old boys have invested well over one billion naira in infrastructure here,” he said, adding that plans are underway to build a three-floor workshop and computer centre for robotics, technical drawing, and other modern skills.

    Chairman of the Planning Committee for the 40th anniversary of the 1985 set, Mr. Kayode Adesinyo, expressed gratitude to God for the reunion and the enduring unity among his classmates.

    “Forty years is not a joke,” he said, noting that the set has over 100 members connected globally, including Nigeria, the UK, Canada, and the United States. He said the reunion was meant to inspire current students and showcase the enduring greatness of the school.

    Adesinyo identified discipline as the most lasting value imparted by St. Finbarr’s College, crediting it for shaping his academic and professional journey in the IT sector.

    He also called for renewed emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities as tools for character building and student attraction.

    The celebration ended on a high note with music, dancing, and renewed commitments by the 1985 set and other alumni to continue supporting St. Finbarr’s College as it approaches its 70th anniversary, reaffirming their dedication to the school’s legacy of excellence in academics, discipline, and sportsmanship.