The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 2027: Ondo APC leaders seek unity, inaugurate grassroots committees for Tinubu’s re-election

    2027: Ondo APC leaders seek unity, inaugurate grassroots committees for Tinubu’s re-election

    Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the banner of the Ondo APC Aborigines, have stressed the need for unity among party stakeholders as a critical factor for delivering overwhelming victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

    The leaders made the call on Friday during the inauguration of the local government and ward coordinating committees for Tinubu 2027 in Akure South and Akure North council areas.

    Speaking at the well-attended event, the convener of the group and ambassador-designate, Sola Iji, underscored the importance of harmony among party leaders and members as preparations intensify ahead of the next general election.

    Iji lauded President Tinubu for his economic reforms, adding that the Ondo APC Aborigines have already commenced grassroots mobilisation for his re-election bid.

    He explained that the leaders within the group have resolved to work collectively to deliver “maximum votes” for the president in 2027, describing it as a gesture of appreciation for his various intervention programmes for party members.

    Read Also: Osun APC primary: Omisore, Oyebamiji, Alabi, six others know fate today

    “As we go out to ensure maximum mobilisation for President Tinubu’s re-election, we must recognise that unity among party leaders and members is a preliminary condition for enhanced delivery at the polls. 

    “Hence, this must be pursued by all well-meaning stakeholders who are desirous of a decent outing for the party in 2027,” Iji said.

    He disclosed that the Aborigines’ structure – comprising ten coordinating committee members in every ward and five canvassers at each polling unit -is strategically positioned to deliver significant votes for Tinubu in the forthcoming presidential election.

    Also speaking, a prominent APC leader in Akure South Local Government Area, Dr. S. B. Akerele urged members to fully commit themselves to President Tinubu’s second-term project. 

    He commended the leaders of the APC Aborigines for their longstanding loyalty to the party, assuring them that their dedication would not go unrewarded.

    On his part, Prof. Folorunso Davies charged party supporters to prepare for the demanding task of mobilising voters across communities. 

    He noted that some of the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration were already yielding positive outcomes, expressing optimism that more gains would become evident in the years ahead.

  • Judges, magistrates urged to drive justice sector reforms

    Judges, magistrates urged to drive justice sector reforms

    • …Wike tasked on growing street children menace in Abuja

    Judges and magistrates in the country have been urged not to see themselves as just players in the justice delivery system, but as agents of change need to drive reforms required to ensure effective service delivery.

    The President of the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN) said this while speaking during the opening session of a workshop on “the Model Practice Direction on the implementation of the National Minimum Standards (NMS) for the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Administration of Criminal Justice Laws (ACJLs).”

    The two-day capacity-building workshop is organised by the CSLS, with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC).

    Prof. Akinseye-George said, “As we engage in today’s sessions, I urge each of you (the judges and magistrates in attendance) to see yourselves, not merely as interpreters of orders, but as architects of justice reform. 

    “Your leadership, discipline, empathy, and willingness to innovate will determine how far these reforms travel into the daily lives of Nigerians,” he said.

    The CSLS’ President explained workshop is intended to afford participants the opportunity to take a closer look at the proposed Model Practice Direction, which was developed through the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the federation with the goal of filling gaps in the ACJA & ACJLs of the various states. 

    He noted that the Model Practice Direction equips judges and magistrates with powerful tools such as active case management, time-bound remand review, virtual hearings where appropriate, technology-driven record keeping, clearer standards for bail, and periodic audit of awaiting-trial cases, among others. 

    Prof. Akinseye-George expressed concern about the surge in the number of street children in Abuja and urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to quickly address the issue.

    He said, “The phenomenon of street children which appears to be rising in Abuja must be addressed with urgency. 

    “We appeal to the Minister of the FCT to apply his proactive approach to project improvement to address the problem of street children in the FCT.”

    Prof. Akinseye-George hailed the renewed efforts of the Federal Government to address the nation’s security challenge, which he noted, has began to yield results.

    He commended the recent appointments recently made in the security sector by President Bola Tinubu and his directive for recruitment of security personnel as part of efforts to end insecurity.

    Prof. Akinseye-George said such efforts should be supported with capacity building for law enforcement personnel to enable them device ways preventing attacks rather than responding or reacting after attacks have taken place.

    He said, “I cannot conclude without expressing support for some of the concrete actions of the government aimed at improving the security situation in the country. 

    “The appointment of more competent professionals to man the security sector is notable. We also note with delight the planned recruitment of more personnel for the police and proactive actions being taken by the military to address rising cases of banditry and violent extremism. 

    “However, it is important to build the capacity of the law enforcement personnel and the military to prevent attacks rather than merely responding or reacting after attacks have happened. 

    “The capacity of the personnel must be strengthened so that they are able to go after the subversive elements who are hiding in the forests and other places only to come out and launch deadly attacks,” he said.

    Prof. Akinseye-George added beyond military operations, governments at all levels must ensure the provision of economic opportunities for militants, bandits and insurgents, who are willing to abandon the lives of criminality. 

    Such efforts, he said, must involve the provision of free and compulsory secondary education for all children and young people from all over the country.

  • Kogi stakeholders warn against Cashew export ban 

    Kogi stakeholders warn against Cashew export ban 

    Stakeholders in the cashew value chain have warned that Nigeria may face massive unemployment, collapsed farms and a crippled agro-export economy if the Federal Government heeds recent calls by the Cashew Processors and Packers Association of Nigeria, to ban the export of raw cashew nuts.

    CAPPAN, in a recent advert signed by Air Vice Marshal Tunde Awoyoola (rtd.), Managing Director of Nutslink Limited, had claimed that foreign buyers were dominating the farm gates and starving local processors of raw materials, thereby justifying a proposed ban.

    Similarly, Alhaji Makama Ademu warned that the country lacked the processing capacity to handle more than five percent of its annual production.

    He said, “If the government bans raw cashew export, 95 per cent of what we produce will be left to rot. We don’t have the processing capacity to handle even a fraction of Nigeria’s output. This will destroy the farmers, destroy the value chain and eliminate three major segments — sub-buyers, licensed buying agents and merchants.”

    Ademu added that such a ban would immediately trigger massive unemployment, especially in rural communities.

    “This value chain employs farmers, women, rural youth and thousands of workers who dry, bag and prepare h cashew. Once exports stop, these jobs disappear overnight. A lot of businesses will be destroyed and many farms will fold up because it will no longer be economical to farm cashew.”

    Vice Chairman of the Kogi Cashew Dealers and Stakeholders Association, Dr. Idrisu Yakubu, said the implications of the proposed ban are “enormous and dangerous.”

    He stated, “All the cashew processing factories in Nigeria combined cannot process what Kogi State produces in just one day of cashew season. If they cannot handle one day’s output in a whole year, what happens to the remaining 364 days? Should farmers burn their harvest?”

    Read Also: 10 die, 21 injured in Lagos, Kogi, Enugu crashes

    Yakubu dismissed the claim that processors were ready to absorb local production.

    He also warned that the policy could aggravate insecurity.

    “In the current security situation, discouraging farmers from going to their farms can trigger new unrest. A ban on export will have serious social and economic consequences.”

    Board of Trustees Chairman of the Kogi Cashew Dealers Stakeholders Association, Alhaji. Mohammed Demo, said the processors’ demand threatens livelihoods.

    He said, “Because of their lateness or inability to establish viable factories, they now want to suffocate the entire industry. Farmers will suffer. We cannot allow people who don’t have functioning processing plants to dictate policies that will destroy a major economic hub.”

    Mohammed insisted stakeholders from major producing states would resist the move.

    “We will disassociate ourselves publicly. If anything goes contrary, it could lead to tension, and with the security challenges in the country, this is not the time to provoke farmers.”

    The stakeholders questioned why CAPPAN singled out cashew when Nigeria also exports cocoa, sesame seed, ginger, soybean and other agro-products.

    Ademu asked, “Have they banned the export of cocoa? Have they banned sesame or coffee? Why cashew? It shows their agenda is not in the national interest.”

    Yakubu added, “Before exporters came into the market, cashew had no value. Farmers were burning it in their farms. Export revived the industry. Killing that market now will reverse all progress made.”

    “We support industrialisation. “But not by destroying farmers and traders. You don’t build factories by killing the market,” Yakubu said.

    Kogi Cashew Farmers Association, spokesperson, Nuhu Adaji, said the organisation is committed to transparency and accountability, noting that every decision taken is aimed at improving public trust. 

    He explained that ongoing reforms are designed to strengthen internal processes, enhance service delivery, and ensure that stakeholders receive timely and accurate information. 

    Adaji urged the public to remain calm and assured them that further updates would be provided as developments unfold.

    The group urged the Federal Government to ignore the recommendation and instead invest in power, infrastructure and incentives that can help processors build real capacity over time.

  • Carl DIB launches Canadian Wines in Nigeria

    Carl DIB launches Canadian Wines in Nigeria

    Carl DIB Merchandising Limited, a leading company in the importation of high-quality wines, spirits and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), has launched Canadian wines into the Nigerian market. 

    The move is to bring a new level of elegance and sophistication to the Nigerian wine scene.

    According to Mr. Charles Onyedibe, Export Manager, West Africa, the decision to introduce Canadian wines to the Nigerian market was inspired by the growing Nigerian community in Canada. 

    He said the company wants to ensure that Nigerians living in Canada can still enjoy their favourite wines when they visit or return home. 

    With the Canadian government backing Nigerian businesses through the Nigerian-Canadian Business Association, this partnership is set to flourish.

    Read Also: PIND Foundation launches ₦113m TVET facilities, upgrade grants for Niger Delta youths

     Onyedibe expressed excitement about the market reception, which has been very encouraging in the different locations where they are operating in the country. 

    To meet the growing demand, Carl DIB plans to open more branches in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and other parts of the country during the festive period.

    The launch event, themed “Taste the elegance of Canadian wine making,” was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Abulu. In his remarks, he highlighted the deep ties between Nigeria and Canada, rooted in shared values, growing trade relations, educational exchange, and people-to-people connections.

    A senior executive of Wema Bank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, also spoke at the event. He drew parallels between great banking and great wine, saying the importance of patience, consistency and a dedication to quality. 

    He expressed the bank’s commitment to empowering SMEs and providing tailored financial advisory services to its high-value.

  • Wizkid, Asake to release, ‘REAL (Vol. 1)’ December

    Wizkid, Asake to release, ‘REAL (Vol. 1)’ December

    Music sensations Wizkid and Asake have announced their highly anticipated collaboration, a joint EP titled “REAL (Vol. 1)”, set to drop this December.

    The duo previewed a snippet of their upcoming track, “Jogodo”, during an appearance on Apple Music 1 with DJ Tunez.

    Read Also: Wizkid featured in Showmax’s exciting festive season watchlist

    Asake revealed that their relationship extends beyond music, describing it as “real” and deeply rooted.

    This collaboration is not new, as Asake previously featured Wizkid on his track “MMS” from his 2024 album “Lungu Boy”.

    The EP is expected to showcase the artists’ unique blend of styles, combining Wizkid’s signature Afropop sound with Asake’s energetic and choir-driven approach.

  • APC invites Rivers chair over alleged removal

    APC invites Rivers chair over alleged removal

    The National Legal Adviser  of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has invited embattled Cross River chairman of the party, Alphonsus Ogar Eba..

    The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party passed a vote of no confidence on the chairman, leading to his alleged removal. 

    The APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, in a letter dated December 4, 2025, invited Eba to appear before the national leadership on Monday, December 8, to respond to the vote of no confidence. 

    The NWC said the meeting would enable it to hear directly from the chairman and ensure that due process is followed.

     The invite came amid growing factional tension after a majority of SEC members reportedly claimed that “The System” no longer wanted Eba and announced his removal, an action Eba dismissed as illegal and “a joke taken too far.”

     The embattled chairman last month rejected similar calls for his resignation by the Forum of Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries, who accused him of high-handedness, diversion of party funds, and failure to remit stipends to ward and chapter officers.

     Eba fired back, accusing the same officials of financial misconduct involving more than N60m.

     He said the party had adopted a direct payment method to curb diversion of funds and ensure that stipends went into the accounts of the 5,778 ward and chapter officials statewide.

     He added that some chapter chairmen allegedly receive millions monthly from political appointees and withhold funds released by the government for party administration at the local level.

    According to him, no chapter chairman has the constitutional authority to demand the resignation of a state chairman, insisting that disciplinary powers over him lie with the South-South Zonal Executive Committee as provided by Article 21(3)(vi)(d) of the APC constitution.

     The move by the NWC is seen as an attempt to halt the escalating crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections.

      With the national leadership now stepping in, party stakeholders are hoping for a truce as efforts intensify to restore calm and reposition the Cross River APC.

  • UPU election: Urhobo group demands publication of branch, delegate lists

    UPU election: Urhobo group demands publication of branch, delegate lists

    Following perceived constitutional breaches threatening the credibility of today’s Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) national elections, at Uvwiamughe, Delta state, a group, Project Rescue Urhobo (PRU), has demanded the release of delegate list, eligible branches among others.

    In a statement signed by Prince Noble Otadaferua (Convener), Comrade Daniel Etaga (Secretary), and Comrade Peter Darah (Publicity Secretary), the group insisted that the election cannot proceed unless the National Executive Council and Electoral Committee published the full list of branches, released the delegate list, verified eligible branches under the 12-month rule, and clearly communicated accreditation procedures.

    PRU warned that the process had been “gravely compromised” by “systematic and repeated violations” of the UPU constitution. In particular, is the refusal to publish the official list of branches, which according to the group, violates Article 21.2(h) of the constitution.

    “The constitution mandates full publication of all registered branches and sub-branches before elections. Instead, the NEC and Electoral Committee failed to publish the official list, secretly created or altered branches, and manipulated membership to exclude legitimate branches,” the statement claimed.

  • JDPC Ibadan plans free medical outreach, others in Agodi Correctional Centre

    JDPC Ibadan plans free medical outreach, others in Agodi Correctional Centre

    Inmates in Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan on 24th December 2025 will enjoy free comprehensive Christmas medical outreach by Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) Ibadan.

    The event is aimed at promoting health and well-being of inmates, which is part of JDPC’s long-standing commitment to human dignity and social justice.

    Aside free medical outreach, the inmates will also get cooked meals, spiritual encouragement, music and gift items, while fines and restitution for some inmates will also be paid. 

    A statement by the Director, JDPC Ibadan, Rev. Fr Charles Ajibaye said JDPC Ibadan for two decades has been celebrating Christmas with inmates at the Agodi facility, offering a rare moment of joy, inclusion, and hope to individuals often forgotten by society.

    He said the 2025 edition of the event marked significant expansion with inclusion of free medical screening, basic treatments, health counselling, and the distribution of essential medications.

    Ajibaye stated that the Christmas party is not merely charity event, but an expression of compassion, restoration, and solidarity with individuals in custodial environments.

    He said that the event will also host stakeholders from partner organisations, social workers, volunteers, and relevant agencies who work on justice reform, inmate welfare and rehabilitation.

  • Jiwa Emirate to confer traditional title on Lois Andrew Ihwo December 7

    Jiwa Emirate to confer traditional title on Lois Andrew Ihwo December 7

    • …to celebrates her leadership and service in FCT

    The Jiwa Emirate Council will on Sunday, December 7, 2025, confer the traditional title of Tauraruwan Matan Kasar Jiwa (Shining Star Woman of Jiwa Land) on Lois Andrew Ihwo.

    The ceremony, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Government Senior Secondary School, Jiwa, FCT, is expected to be attended by traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and other invited guests. 

    The title will be conferred under the authority of the Emir of Jiwa, Alh. Dr. Idris Musa.

    According to the Emirate Council, the honour recognises Ihwo’s contributions to business, philanthropy and community development. 

    Ihwo, founder and CEO of Deeutensils and Deescent Global, has built a presence in the kitchenware and lifestyle sectors, with operations in Abuja and customers across parts of Africa.

    Her philanthropic initiatives through the Dee Ihwo Foundation include women’s empowerment programmes, support for widows, educational scholarships for underprivileged children and health-related community projects in Plateau State and the North-Central region.

    Ihwo has also received several recognitions in 2025, including an Honorary Doctorate Degree from American Management University, California, and the “Most Inspiring Entrepreneur of the Year” award at the 15th Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards. 

    She was recently honoured at the Business Day Newspaper Awards 2025.

    The Emirate Council said the forthcoming ceremony aims to highlight the role of traditional institutions in acknowledging contributions to community development and social welfare.

  • Anyanwu-led PDP inaugurates Enugu caretaker executive 

    Anyanwu-led PDP inaugurates Enugu caretaker executive 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State has inaugurated its newly constituted caretaker committee approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) led by the Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abdulraham Mohameed, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

    The inauguration, held at Okechi Estate Events Centre, opposite ANAMCO, Emene, Enugu, drew a mammoth turnout of party faithful from the state’s 17 local government areas. 

    The ceremony, marked by colour and celebration, signaled what many described as a fresh dawn for the party following months of inactivity and internal lull.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the new caretaker secretary of the state chapter, Hon. Chukwunonye Okereke.

    According to the statement, Barr. Kenneth Igwesi, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the national legal adviser and as directed by Senator Anyanwu, said the new leadership became necessary following the collapse of the former state leadership under Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, who defected to the APC.

    He charged members to adhere strictly to the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The caretaker committee is chaired by former Igboeze South Local Government chairman, Hon. Vitus Okechi, while Hon. Okereke serves as the State Secretary.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Okechi emphasized unity, inclusion, and the rebirth of the PDP’s winning spirit, expressing confidence that the party was firmly on track to reclaiming its dominance in the state.

    “Enugu State is PDP, and PDP is Enugu State,” he declared, applauding members who remained committed despite recent political turbulence. 

    He assured them that their loyalty would be rewarded when the party returns to the Lion Building in 2027, describing the expected victory as fait accompli. 

    He added that the party’s mobilisation strategy would be “efficient, smart and relentless.”

    Read Also: PDP’s late expulsions deepen crisis, jeopardise electoral future — Aborisade

    The State Secretary, Hon. Okereke, highlighted the need for inclusivity and the deployment of administrative competence in steering the rejuvenated party to victory. 

    He said the repositioned PDP would be driven by the values of integrity, honesty, and appreciation of members.

    Also speaking, the immediate past State Vice Chairman of the party, Ozo Okey Ozoani, commended the NWC for reposing confidence in the new leadership. 

    He traced the party’s current challenges to what he described as an “alien leadership disconnected from the true PDP family,” noting that 2027 offered a chance to restore the party’s legacy in Enugu.

    Similarly, Dr. Nnamdi Onyia urged members to remain steadfast, stressing that loyalty and consistency remain key to political reward and collective progress.

    Other dignitaries at the event included Prof. (Mrs.) Iloh, Barr. Celine Ugwu, Barr. Chizoba Ezeagor, Chief Ken Obiora, Chief Chukwujekwu Nebo, and Chief Obiora Ugwu, a former prominent youth leader and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ugwuanyi. 

    They extolled the virtues of the new leadership and encouraged members to remain steadfast in the ongoing effort to stabilize the party.