The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Oborevwori urges stakeholders on maintenance, protection of infrastructure 

    Oborevwori urges stakeholders on maintenance, protection of infrastructure 

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged citizens to maintain and protect government infrastructures.

    He gave the advice yesterday while inaugurating Model Technical College, Omadino in Warri South council area of Delta state.

    He underscored the importance of technical and vocational education as a solution to youth unemployment, emphasising that such institutions would equip graduates to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and employers, rather than job seekers.

    The governor hailed the institution as a flagship investment in technical education by his administration.

    “In just two years, we’ve delivered landmark projects without borrowing or burdening the people,” he said, describing the college as a prime example of effective resource management, with contractors paid promptly to ensure timely completion.

    Read Also: APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    Oborevwori noted that the college had already begun academic activities before its official opening, signaling its readiness and functionality. 

    He hailed his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating the project, with his administration ensuring its timely completion.

    The state-of-the-art facility includes classrooms, workshops, administrative blocks, laboratories, and an internal road network, all reflecting the administration’s commitment to quality education. 

    The Governor also praised the impressive skills being imparted at the college, citing the articulate student speaker as evidence of effective teaching.

  • LAWMA seizes waste carts, arrests suspect in Lagos Island crackdown

    LAWMA seizes waste carts, arrests suspect in Lagos Island crackdown

    The Lagos Waste Management Authority has seized several waste carts and arrested one person during an early morning enforcement operation on Lagos Island, as part of efforts to curb illegal waste disposal.

    The operation was carried out at dawn following targeted surveillance of unauthorised dumping activities in the area.

    In a statement issued by the Lagos State Government on Tuesday, LAWMA said its enforcement officers intercepted the carts at Isale-Eko during a coordinated exercise aimed at stopping unregulated waste movement and preventing the re-emergence of illegal dump sites in previously cleared locations.

    According to the statement, a suspect identified as Muritala Suleiman, a 42-year-old from Zamfara State, was arrested at about 1:31 a.m. while allegedly dumping refuse illegally at Tinubu Square, Lagos Island.

    LAWMA said early-morning surveillance remains a key component of its enforcement strategy, noting that illegal dumping often occurs under the cover of darkness and reduced visibility.

    Read Also: LAWMA warns against attacks on enforcement officers

    Commenting on the operation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said sustained enforcement was necessary to safeguard areas that have been cleared of waste from renewed abuse.

    “The sustained enforcement activities strengthen deterrence and protect stabilised sites from renewed abuse, as Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement operatives are strategically deployed across the state to eradicate persistent black spots and ensure sustainability along major corridors,” he said.

    The authority urged residents to comply with approved waste disposal channels and support efforts to keep public spaces clean. 

  • APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    APC targeting landslide wins for Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027

    Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central, has declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for overwhelming victories for President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2027 general elections.

    He spoke in Sapele, during the inauguration of the Sapele chapter of the Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie Federal Constituency (OSU), held at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat.

    Addressing party members and supporters, the senator said the APC was aiming for massive votes, not narrow margins, to boost the constituency’s political relevance and attract development.

    He said larger voter turnout in Sapele would determine the level of attention the area would receive.

    He urged party members to maintain unity and show loyalty to the state and federal governments, noting that sustained support for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori was key to delivering dividends of democracy at the grassroots.

    Dafinone congratulated the newly inaugurated OSU executives and assured them of his support, enjoining them to secure clear APC victories across all wards.

    OSU Coordinator, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, said the group was formed on April 4, 2025, to mobilise support for the performing federal and state governments, drawing members across political and ethnic lines.

    Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Delta, Kingsley Esiso, said OSU’s mission was to ensure Governor Oborevwori’s re-election in 2027, urging2 grassroots mobilisation, party registration and voter engagement.

    Delta APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, said the large turnout reflected growing confidence in the party as it consolidated ahead of the next general elections.

  • Fed Govt to digitise fish import licences

    Fed Govt to digitise fish import licences

    The federal government has approved the digitisation of the fish import licensing process in a move aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, improving efficiency, and supporting the growth of local fish production within the maritime economy.

    The approval was granted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, who has directed the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to immediately commence implementation of a digital platform to replace the existing manual licensing system.

    The reform, according to a statement yesterday, signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, is part of broader efforts to modernise marine administration and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on economic diversification, food security, job creation, and institutional reform.

    Oyetola said the policy shift was a strategic intervention designed to reposition Nigeria’s fisheries sector for sustainable growth and improved competitiveness.

    He said, “The digitisation of fish import licensing is a major step towards eliminating administrative bottlenecks, improving transparency, and ensuring that our regulatory processes align with global best practices.

    “This reform will not only simplify procedures for genuine operators but will also strengthen government oversight, promote accountability, and support our broader objective of boosting local fish production,” he added.

    Industry stakeholders say the move represents a significant milestone in the ongoing reform agenda of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has prioritised technology-driven solutions to reduce bureaucracy and improve governance across the fisheries and maritime value chain.

    Under the new framework, fish import licence applications will be processed electronically, a transition expected to streamline procedures, minimise delays, eliminate duplication, and significantly reduce opportunities for human interference and administrative inefficiencies.

    The ministry noted that the automated system will also enhance Nigeria’s alignment with global best practices in maritime and aquatic resource administration, particularly in data-driven regulation and compliance monitoring.

    Once operational, the digital platform will provide real-time data on fish import volumes, enabling the government to accurately assess supply gaps and implement evidence-based policy decisions.

    According to the statement, the data analytics component will support more strategic planning, ensuring that import licences are issued in line with national food security priorities while protecting local producers from unfair competition.

    The system is also expected to strengthen compliance by ensuring that only qualified and duly registered importers receive licences, thereby curbing illegal and unregulated fish importation that has long undermined investments in local aquaculture.

    Oyetola said the reform is closely tied to the ministry’s commitment to revitalising domestic fish production and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.

    “Nigeria has enormous potential to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production, and we must create policies that encourage investment in local aquaculture while responsibly managing importation,” he said.

    “Our goal is to progressively reduce dependence on imported fish by strengthening local capacity, creating jobs, and supporting Nigerian fish farmers to thrive in a more competitive and well-regulated environment,” he added.

    Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest consumers of fish, with demand consistently outstripping local supply. The minister has repeatedly highlighted the need to bridge this gap through targeted investment in aquaculture, improved fisheries management, and policies that encourage private sector participation without stifling indigenous producers.

    The digitisation of fish import licensing, the ministry emphasised, will serve as a critical maritime regulatory tool to ensure that importation supports, rather than suppresses, the growth of domestic fish production.

  • JUST IN: DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son on terrorism charges, illegal possession of firearms

    JUST IN: DSS arraigns ex-AGF Malami, son on terrorism charges, illegal possession of firearms

    • …court remands them in DSS custody

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday arraigned a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession.

    In the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.

    Malami and Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, without lawful authority.

    The DSS, in a court document, said Malami is charge, in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.

    Malami and Abdulaziz pleaded not guilty when the counts in the charge sheet were read to them.

    Shortly after they pleaded to the charge, the prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze, prayed the court to order their remand in the custody of the DSS and fix a date for the commencement of the trial.

    Responding, defense lawyer, Shuaibu Aruwan (SAN) applied orally for bail for the defendants, arguing that the defendants have been in DSS’ custody for over two weeks.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the oral bail application, noting that her court is a court of record, and ordered the defence to file a formal application for bail.

    She ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the DSS and adjourned till February 20 for the commencement of the trial.

    Counts in the charge read:

    *That you, Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, Adult, male, sometime in November 2022 at Federal Ministry of Justice, Maitama, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did knowingly abet terrorism financing by refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose casefiles were brought to your office as the Attorney-General of the Federation, for prosecution, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 (2) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    Read Also: Malami urges court to reverse interim property forfeiture order 

    *Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami of Gesse Phase II, Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your res:dence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in a conduct in preparation to commit act of terrorism by having in your possession and without licence, a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5°20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 Cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without a licence, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act.

    *That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. COUNT FIVE

    That you, Abubakar Malami and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, of Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, adults, males, sometime in December, 2025, in your residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, without licence, did have in your possession twenty-seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(1) of Firearms Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) of the same Act. 

  • Court fixes March 3 to arraign lawyer, others over alleged N300m property’s destruction

    Court fixes March 3 to arraign lawyer, others over alleged N300m property’s destruction

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has scheduled March 3 for the arraignment of a lawyer, Victor Giwa, and two property developers – Cecil Osakwe and Ms. Edith Erhunmuuse – over alleged unlawful eviction and destruction of property worth N300million.

    The court fixed the date on Tuesday when the arraignment, earlier planned for the day, could not go on owing to the absence of the judge, Justice Samira Bature, who is said to be unwell.

    In the charge, marked FCT/HS/CR/222/2023, Giwa, Osakwe, and Ms. Erhunmuuse are, among others, accused of engaging in criminal conduct, including the forceful eviction of occupants and the destruction of property estimated at ₦300 million.

    When the case last came up on November 4, 2025, Justice Bature observed that the case, which had previously been adjourned to enable the third defendant secure legal representation, suffered another delay owing to the absence of a party.

    She recalled that the court had, at a previous sitting, warned that it would no longer tolerate delays capable of frustrating the arraignment of the defendants.

    Read Also: Senate okays Justice Oyewole for Supreme Court

    Some counts in the charge read:

    *That you Cecil Osakwe of 1473 Inner Blocks Street, Abuja, Victor Giwa of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja (all male, adults) and Ms. Edith Erhunmwuuse (female, adult) of Garki Police Barracks, Abuja, sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria did conspire and broke into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri, located at Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja with the assistance of some police officers, now at large, without her knowledge or consent and you carted away her entire properties worth N300,000,000.00 (three hundred millions of naira) only including her international passport and cash. You thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under section 97 of the same Law.

    *That you Cecil Osakwe of 1473, Inner Blocks Street, Abuja, Victor Giwa, of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja ail male, adult, sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria did conspire and agreed to take the law into your hands by unlawfully breaking into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri with the assistance of some police officers, now at large, without an enforcement order of the relevant court and you destroyed her door and other properties worth N300,000,000.00 (three hundred millions of maira) only. You thereby committed an offence contrary to 326 of the Penal Code Law and punishable under 327 of the same law.

    *That you Ms. Edith Erhunmwuuse female, adult of Garki Police Station, Abuja,  sometimes in 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria, without lawful orders did conspire and assisted one Mr. Cecil Osakwe of 1473, Inner Blocks Street, Abuja and Victor Giwa, of Sanja Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja (all male, adult) in breaking into the house of one Ms. Asabe Waziri with the assistance of some other police officers, now at large, when you provided the container used to convey Ms. Asabe Waziri’s entire properties worth N300m only, including her international passport and cash to an unknown location. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 326 of the Penal Code law and punishable under Section 327 of the same law.

  • Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles, a blessing to Nigeria, says Yilwatda

    The national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic international engagements, saying the country has recorded measurable economic and diplomatic gains from the shuttles.

    Yilwatda, in a statement signed by his special adviser, media and communications strategy, Abimbola Tooki, in Abuja on Tuesday, said President Tinubu’s foreign trips and meetings with world leaders have strengthened Nigeria’s global partnerships and attracted huge foreign investment into the country, above the ceremonial attachments.

    The statement reads in part, “Mr. President’s engagements with strategic global partners underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. These visits have helped reposition our country on the world stage, yielding tangible benefits that will support long-term prosperity.”

    The APC boss noted that since 2023, President Tinubu has undertaken a series of international visits to key regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, where he engaged leaders and investors in nations including the USA, UK, France, Germany, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Brazil, etc.

    He maintained that with the diplomatic shuttles by the President, the country secured over $50 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments, with major global companies committing to investments that span energy, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and many more.

    “These are not promises on paper. These commitments represent real capital flows, job creation opportunities, and technology transfers that strengthen our economy.”

    Citing the recent diplomatic breakthrough with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, Yilwatda said the initiative was designed to deepen trade, investment, and cooperation across critical sectors, including energy and agriculture.

    The chairman faulted the description of the President’s international travels as “overdone” or unnecessary by the opposition, noting that such perspectives by the critics were a reflection of short-sightedness and a lack of appreciation for the broader reform trajectory the administration has championed.

    “Those who focus on the cost without recognising the returns are missing the bigger picture. Nigeria’s reform programme under President Tinubu is bold, strategic, and necessary.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s foreign travels, meetings strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships – Yilwatda

    “We urge all Nigerians to support these efforts with patience, knowing that the dividends will be felt across the economy,” he said, implicitly countering skeptical commentary by political commentators and opponents.”

    The APC Chairman argued that the President has the capacity to follow through on reforms, from economic policy shifts to institutional strengthening, which demonstrates a deep commitment to transforming the Nigerian economy and making living easier for the citizenry.

    “Mr. President has shown both the vision and the determination to see through the reforms this nation needs. Now is not the time for cynicism, but for unity and constructive support as these diplomatic and economic efforts begin to translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives,” Yilwatda concluded.

  • Tinubu congratulates NNPC board chair, Musa Kida, at 65

    Tinubu congratulates NNPC board chair, Musa Kida, at 65

    • …hails oil industry veteran’s record in public, private sectors
    • …commends role in repositioning NNPC Limited, boosting revenue targets

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the chairman of the Board of NNPC Limited, Ahmadu Musa Kida, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a seasoned professional whose career has helped shape Nigeria’s oil sector.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President celebrated Kida’s “sterling career in the public and private sectors,” as well as his engagement with professional basketball.

    President Tinubu recalled that since joining Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, now Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG), in 1985, Kida “has distinguished himself as an outstanding professional in the Nigerian oil sector and has helped shape its growth.”

    The President also acknowledged Kida’s current contributions as board chairman of NNPC Limited, noting that he has played a key role in repositioning the company and raising revenue targets in line with the Federal Government’s vision for the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Obi Cubana hosts Seyi Tinubu, harps on inclusive development, youth engagement

    According to the statement, President Tinubu urged Kida “to rededicate himself to the service of the country” and wished him “more fulfilling years ahead.”

    Kida, a veteran of Nigeria’s energy industry, was appointed board chairman of NNPC Limited as part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen corporate governance and enhance efficiency in the restructured national oil company.

  • Google, African institutions launch WAXAL to advance African AI

    Google, African institutions launch WAXAL to advance African AI

    Google, in collaboration with a consortium of leading African research institutions, has announced the launch of WAXAL, a large-scale, openly accessible speech dataset aimed at accelerating research and fostering the development of inclusive artificial intelligence technologies across Africa.

    The dataset is designed to bridge a longstanding digital gap affecting more than 100 million people by providing foundational speech data for 21 Sub-Saharan African languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Luganda, and Acholi.

    Despite the widespread adoption of voice-enabled technologies globally, the lack of high-quality speech data has limited their development for most of Africa’s more than 2,000 languages, effectively excluding millions of users from accessing digital tools in their native languages.

    Developed over three years with funding from Google, the WAXAL dataset comprises 1,250 hours of transcribed, natural speech, alongside more than 20 hours of high-quality studio recordings intended for building advanced synthetic voice systems.

    Speaking on the initiative, Head of Google Research Africa, Aisha Walcott-Bryant, said the project is focused on empowering African communities through technology.

    “The ultimate impact of WAXAL is the empowerment of people in Africa,” Walcott-Bryant said. “This dataset provides a critical foundation for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to build technology on their own terms and in their own languages, reaching over 100 million people. We look forward to seeing African innovators develop solutions ranging from educational tools to voice-enabled services that create real economic opportunities.”

    A key feature of the project is its community-led approach. African academic and community organisations, including Makerere University in Uganda, the University of Ghana, and Digital Umuganda in Rwanda, led the data collection process with technical guidance from Google. The partner institutions retain full ownership of the data, establishing a model for equitable, partnership-driven AI development.

    The dataset supports the following languages: Acholi, Akan, Dagaare, Dagbani, Dholuo, Ewe, Fante, Fulani (Fula), Hausa, Igbo, Ikposo (Kposo), Kikuyu, Lingala, Luganda, Malagasy, Masaaba, Nyankole, Rukiga, Shona, Soga (Lusoga), Swahili, and Yoruba.

    Commenting on the project, Joyce Nakatumba-Nabende, Senior Lecturer at Makerere University’s School of Computing and Information Technology, said the dataset is already strengthening local research capacity in Uganda.

    Read Also: Google Search Trends show Nigerians focused on self-improvement, business growth in January 2026

    “For AI to have a real impact in Africa, it must speak our languages and understand our contexts,” she said. “WAXAL gives our researchers the high-quality data needed to build speech technologies that reflect our communities, while supporting new student- and faculty-led projects.”

    Similarly, Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, Prof. Isaac Wiafe, said the initiative has empowered institutions to build their own language resources and train a new generation of AI researchers.

    “Over 7,000 volunteers participated because they wanted their voices and languages represented in the digital future,” Wiafe said. “That collective effort has already sparked innovation in health, education, and agriculture, proving that when data exists, opportunities expand.”

    The WAXAL dataset is now publicly available. More details can be found on the Google Africa blog.

  • Yeni Kuti: ‘Leave Fela alone, compare yourselves to peers’

    Yeni Kuti: ‘Leave Fela alone, compare yourselves to peers’

    Yeni Kuti, daughter of late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has condemned Nigerian singers who compare themselves to her father, saying it diminishes his legacy.

    She made the remarks after receiving Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys.

    In an interview with Arise TV, Yeni Kuti emphasised that Fela’s continued relevance 29 years after his death speaks for itself, and urged contemporary artists to respect his legacy by focusing on their own achievements.

    Read Also: I wished Wizkid, Seun dispute never happened – Femi Kuti

    She advised artists to compare themselves with peers, not legends, saying, “Don’t compare chalk and cheese. Fela is a legend; give him his flowers. He has done his part.

    “If you are still talking about him 29 years after his death and you’re comparing yourself with him, you’re not a dead man walking. So, comparing yourself with him is not a good thing.

    “Compare yourself with your peers and leave our legends alone. We have legends, let’s respect them.”