The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Enugu arrests parents, groom, matchmaker over illegal underage marriage

    Enugu arrests parents, groom, matchmaker over illegal underage marriage

    The Enugu State Government has confirmed the arrest and detention of the parents of a teenage bride, the groom, his parents and a matchmaker in connection with an underage marriage involving a 13-year-old girl, identified as Amarachi, in Amufie community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.

    Commissioner for Gender, Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ngozi Eni, said the arrests followed the refusal of the parties to honour an invitation from her ministry after videos of the unlawful marriage went viral on social media.

    Eni explained that the government intervened after it became clear that the marriage, already consummated, involved a minor who neither consented nor understood the implications of marriage.

    “We invited them to the ministry to explain why a child was given out in marriage, but they refused to come. Their refusal suggested complicity, so we initiated their arrest,” she stated.

    Those in custody include the groom’s parents and a native doctor, Mrs. Patience, who served as matchmaker. The commissioner said the matchmaker claimed she was unaware that child marriage is a criminal offence.

    Amarachi, now under state protection, told ministry officials that she was forced into the marriage and had never attended school.

    The groom’s mother reportedly defended the act on the basis that her son is an only child but became silent when confronted with the illegality of marrying off a minor.

    Eni said the ministry’s legal team briefed the detained individuals on the Child Rights Law and its penalties, while senior officials educated them on gender-based violence and the severe health risks associated with early marriage, including VVF, cervical cancer and psychological trauma.

    All suspects have been handed over to security agencies for further investigation. 

    Amarachi and a two-year-old baby found during the operation, whose mother is yet to be identified, have been taken into protective custody.

    She assured that the state will rehabilitate and sponsor Amarachi’s education, adding that the marriage will be formally annulled.

    Eni also commended the swift support of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Ogalla; the constituency’s House of Assembly member; and the Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission for facilitating the intervention.

  • JUST IN: ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau, to engage coup leaders

    JUST IN: ECOWAS suspends Guinea-Bissau, to engage coup leaders

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities pending the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country.

    In addition, ECOWAS leaders have established a high-level Mediation Mission led by the Chair of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, to engage with the coup leaders.

    The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, attended by leaders of all member states.

    The regional bloc strongly condemned the coup and expressed deep concern over the unfolding political developments in Guinea-Bissau.

    Read Also: UN chief condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau

    The meeting also called for the immediate release of all civilian leaders detained by the military and urged the military authorities to guarantee the safety and free movement of citizens and international observers.

    The communique reads, “The MSC expressed its deep concern with the unfolding political crisis in Guinea Bissau especially at a time when Bissau Guineans have demonstrated resilience and commitment to democracy by participating actively in the Presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November 2025.

    “The MSC Condemn in the strongest terms the coup d’etat perpetrated on 26 November 2025 and calls for the unconditional restoration of constitutional order without delay. It rejects any arrangements that perpetuate the illegal abortion of the democratic process and the subversion of the will of the people of Guinea Bissau. 

    “The MSC demands that the leaders of the coup respect the will of the people and allow the National Electoral Commission to proceed without delay with the declaration of the results of the elections of 23 November 2025 .

    “The MSC decides, in accordance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance 2001 (A/SP/12/01), to suspend Guinea-Bissau from all ECOWAS decision-making bodies until the restoration of full and effective constitutional order in the country.

    “The MSC mandates the Chair of the Authority to lead a High-Level Mediation Mission to Guinea Bissau to engage the leaders of the coup with a view to ensuring the full restoration of constitutional order. The Mission shall include His Excellency Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Council of 

    Togo, His Excellency Jose Maria Pereira Neves, President of Cabo Verde, and His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal, accompanied by the President of Commission. 

    “The MSC urges the Armed forces of Guinea Bissau to return to barracks and to maintain their constitutional role.

    “The MSC orders the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea Bissau (ESSMGB) to continue to help protect the institutions of Guinea Bissau.

    “The MSC decides to remain seized of the situation in Guinea Bissau and 

    reserves the right to use all options provided for by the 2001 ECOWAS 

    Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the 

    2012 Supplementary Act on Sanctions, including sanctions on all entities deemed culpable of disrupting the electoral and democratic process in Guinea-Bissau.

    “The MSC holds the leaders of the coup both individually and collectively 

    responsible for the protection of life and property of all citizens and residents of Guinea Bissau and for the security and safety of all detainees.

    “The MSC calls on the leaders of the coup to guarantee the safety and facilitate the evacuation and safe passage of ECOWAS and all other international election observers.”

    Other decisions taken by the ECOWAS leaders include, “The MSC considered the report of the President of the Commission on the situation in Guinea Bissau. 

    “The MSC further calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained officials, in particular President Umaro Sissoco Embalo as well as the electoral officials and all other political figures.”

  • Detty December: Lagos set for culture week

    Detty December: Lagos set for culture week

    Lagos, a major tourist destination in Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture, lively nightlife, and diverse attractions, is set for Lagos Culture Week. 

    The event is to celebrate rhythms, flavours, fashion, art, and limitless creative spirit of residents of the city.

    Lagos Culture Week, a two-day event scheduled for Sunday, November 30 and Monday, December 1 at Victoria Island is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with Lagos Cultural Mission. 

    ‘Tour and Flavour of Lagos’ will be held on Sunday at Nahous Federal Palace Hotel V/Island, by 9am, while ‘See Lagos, See Culture’ will take place on Monday at NAHOUS in Federal Palace Hotel, by 6pm. 

    Speaking about the Lagos Culture Week, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Culture and Arts, Mr Idris Aregbe, said the event is a vibrant celebration of Lagosians’ roots, rhythms, flavours, fashion, art, and limitless creative spirit.

    He said: “Detty December just got louder, prouder, and more cultural! Lagos is stepping out in full colour as we unveil LAGOS CULTURE WEEK—a vibrant celebration of our roots, rhythms, flavours, fashion, art, and limitless creative spirit.

    “This is where tradition meets the now, and where Lagos shows the world that culture isn’t just preserved—it is lived, remixed, and celebrated with pride.

    Read Also: I’m open to motherhood despite my single status – Mercy Eke

    “Lagos is no longer about music and films alone. The city is also known for culture, arts, food, fashion and many other things. 

    “We want to use Lagos Culture Week to re-echo that as people are preparing for December, they should also plan for some of our best action, music, movies, culture and arts for Detty December.  

    “We want people to come and experience the energy, feel the heritage and taste the soul of the city. This December, Lagos isn’t just vibing—Lagos Means Business.”

  • FG, Ex-UCH CMD, others chart new pathway on musculoskeletal infections, prevention, treatment

    FG, Ex-UCH CMD, others chart new pathway on musculoskeletal infections, prevention, treatment

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiaq Salako, former Chief Medical Director (CMD) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Temitope Alonge and other orthopedic experts have critically examined challenges related with orthopedic care across the nation.

    They lamented that musculoskeletal infections is now becoming harder to detect and complicated to treat, saying effort to diagnosed and treat orthopedic patients is gradually becoming insufficient.

    Speaking in Ibadan at the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Orthopedic Association, with theme “Musculoskeletal Infections: Prevention, Diagnostic, and Treatment”, Salako, who was represented by Prof. Jesse Otegbayo said considering rising trauma cases, limited diagnostic facilities and escalating wave of antimicrobial resistance, Nigeria is at difficult intersection.

    According to him, these infections determine how long people stay in the hospital, how much families spend and in many cases whether a patient returns fully to work or lives with disability.

    He noted that Federal Ministry is strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System to improve early response, expanding infection-control capacity in surgical centres and upgrading trauma units with essential consumables and modern imaging toola.

    In his keynote address, Prof. Alonge said today’s injuries are rarely straightforward because some of them now come from high-impact crashes, gunshot wounds, assaults and other unpredictable sources. 

    He lamented that these wounds introduce bacteria that behave differently from what surgeons dealt with decade ago.

    “For years, we behaved as if Staphylococcus aureus was behind everything but that world is gone. The organisms we see now are more diverse, more resistant and sometimes completely undetectable using the older methods.”

    He recalled a time when gram stains and simple cultures could reliably identify an infection, adding that comfort is fading because many organisms have adapted.

    “Some avoid detection, others resist multiple antibiotics and a number of them hide within biofilms. These changes can be push toward molecular imaging, a technology that looks directly at bacterial cells rather than relying on their behavior in a laboratory dish.”

    Alonge also clarified a long-standing concern in trauma practice which is open fractures, saying they remained most common emergency cases, because managing them properly requires strict adherence to an 11-step protocol.

    He explained that where that process breaks down, infections like chronic osteomyelitis become almost inevitable.

    He however blamed delays, unregulated treatments and growing involvement of quacks for many of the preventable complications surgeons now treat.

    Earlier in her remarks, the Secretary to the Government of Oyo state, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo hailed the medical experts for choosing Ibadan to host its 48th AGM.

    She however reaffirmed commitment of governor Seyi Makinde towards providing and sustaining quality healthcare system in the state, expressing optimism that the outcome of the conference would further reshape the medical landscape in the state.

  • Southwestern University secures NUC’s approval for Law Degree programme

    Southwestern University secures NUC’s approval for Law Degree programme

    Southwestern University Nigeria (SWUN), one of Nigeria’s leading private institutions of higher learning, has received accreditation and approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree programme.

    This was contained in a statement by the university.

    This marks a new era in the university’s academic expansion, reinforcing its mission to provide world-class education built on innovation, integrity, and excellence.

      The founder and chancellor of the university, Dr Babatunde Odufuwa, expressed profound joy and gratitude to God for the approval, describing it as the realisation of a long-standing vision to establish a Faculty of Law that produces lawyers of exceptional competence, character, and compassion.

      “This approval reflects our dedication to raising a new generation of transformational leaders. Southwestern University, Nigeria was established to nurture men and women who will stand for justice, equity, and the rule of law in Nigeria and beyond. The Faculty of Law represents a key part of that vision,” Odufuwa said.

      He commended the management, faculty, and staff for their diligence in meeting the NUC’s rigorous accreditation requirements, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to global standards in tertiary education.

     Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. M. A. Amusa, described the NUC’s approval as a testament to the university’s academic resilience, infrastructural development, and pursuit of excellence.

    “The Faculty of Law at Southwestern University will be a model for legal education in Nigeria. We have invested in state-of-the-art facilities, a functional moot court, digital law libraries, and experienced scholars to ensure our students receive world-class training,” Amusa said.

      According to him, the programme’s structure integrates legal theory, research, and practical experience through internships, legal clinics, and partnerships with reputable law firms and judicial institutions.

    The statement reads: “The newly accredited Faculty of Law is designed to prepare students for leadership in the legal profession, governance, and business. Core study areas include: Constitutional and Administrative Law, Jurisprudence and Legal Theory, International Law and Diplomacy Human Rights Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, Information and Cyber Law.

    “Students will gain real-world exposure through courtroom simulations, legal aid outreach, and mentorship programmes, ensuring they graduate as lawyers who combine intellectual depth with ethical conviction.”

    It noted that since its establishment, the university has maintained consistent growth in academic programmes, faculty strength, and infrastructure, adding that with multiple NUC-accredited courses across Pure & Applied Sciences and Social & Management Sciences, the addition of Law solidifies SUN’s position as one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking private universities.

    “Our mission has always been to educate, empower, and elevate. This milestone reinforces our role as a transformative force in Nigeria’s higher-education landscape,” Odufuwa added.

    According to him, Southwestern University Nigeria is a private institution licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). 

    “Located in Okun-Owa, Ogun State, the university is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, while fostering graduates who are morally upright, intellectually vibrant, and globally competitive,” he added.

  • RED|For Africa secures two major wins at the 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards

    RED|For Africa secures two major wins at the 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards

    RED|For Africa has reaffirmed its position as one of the continent’s most influential communications and storytelling agencies, securing two major wins at the 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards NMA), held on Saturday, 15th November, at the Jewel Aeida Events Centre, Lagos.

    Red Media Africa, the public relations arm of RED|For Africa, received the award for Best Sustainability Marketing for its work with Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL).

    The recognition underscores the agency’s leadership in delivering purpose-driven, socially responsible campaigns that influence public perception and advance sustainable development.

    The agency also emerged as Second Runner-up for PR Agency of the Year, further demonstrating the organisation’s steady performance and commitment to elevating industry standards.

    Subsidiary company CREO was also named PR Agency of the Year 2025, highlighting its creative excellence, strategic innovation, and consistent impact across the marketing and communications landscape.

    Established to celebrate outstanding achievement in marketing and communications, the Nigerian Marketing Awards remains one of the sector’s most respected platforms. It honours organisations and practitioners who demonstrate exceptional creativity, strategic insight, measurable results, and professional excellence.

    This year’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment for RED|For Africa, as the organisation marks 20 years of shaping narratives, driving social impact, and building some of the continent’s most influential brands.

    Since its inception, RED|For Africa has evolved from a youth-focused media brand into a full-service communications powerhouse transforming culture, governance, corporate strategy, and sustainability across Africa.

    Speaking on these recognitions, Ayodeji Razaq, Group CEO, RED|For Africa, expressed gratitude to the NMA and reaffirmed RED|For Africa’s commitment to excellence.

    “These awards are an affirmation of the work we have done for two decades; work rooted in passion, innovation, and the belief that African stories deserve to be told with clarity and creativity. As RED|For Africa marks 20 years, we remain committed to pushing boundaries and shaping narratives that move industries and inspire transformation.”

    With these latest achievements, the agency has become instrumental in shaping the future of marketing and storytelling in Nigeria and across the continent.

  • I’m open to motherhood despite my single status – Mercy Eke

    I’m open to motherhood despite my single status – Mercy Eke

    Winner of Big Brother Naija Season 4, Mercy Eke has expressed her views on having children, stating she wouldn’t mind if it happened outside marriage.

    In a podcast interview, Eke said she would keep the baby and not be affected by societal stigma.

    Speaking on her plans, Eke revealed she desires three children, preferably two girls and one boy, and isn’t so keen on marriage.

    “I won’t go the extra miles to get pregnant out of wedlock. But if it just happens, I would leave it and I would have my baby. I want three kids; two girls and one boy or three girls. I love female children.

    “Even if don’t get married, I would still have kids. What most people don’t know is that the stigma of being a single mother only applies to women who don’t have things going well for them”, she said.

    According to her, single mothers who are successful aren’t judged harshly, saying, “The women [single mothers] that are shattering glasses, men are begging them for marriage.”

    Eke expressed confidence in her own life, stating, “I can get married tomorrow if I want to. But what I want in a man, I have not seen it. It’s not like there is no suitor. There are plenty… So, even if I have a baby, I would still see a man”.

  • Bauchi declares Friday work-free to honour late Dahiru Bauchi

    Bauchi declares Friday work-free to honour late Dahiru Bauchi

    The Bauchi state government has declared Friday, Nov, 28, work-free day to honour the revered Islamic scholar, Dahiru Usman-Bauchi., who died on Thursday.

    This is contained in a statement by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Gov. Bala  Mohammed, on Thursday in Bauchi.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Atiku, Akpabio, Barau mourn renowned Muslim leader Dahiru Bauchi

    He said the gesture would enable public and private sector workers, students and residents of the state, to participate in the funeral prayer and pay their last respect to the late scholar.

    He said the funeral prayer is billed to hold on Friday by 3:00 p.m. at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

    (NAN) 

  • UN chief condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau

    UN chief condemns coup in Guinea-Bissau

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the coup d’état perpetrated by elements of the military in Guinea-Bissau.

    In a statement issued on Thursday by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Guterres condemned any attempt to violate constitutional order.

    Umaro Sissoco Embalo was deposed on Wednesday as President after military officers announced they had seized “total control” of Guinea-Bissau ahead of the expected release of presidential election results in the West African nation.

    Embalo had been vying for re-election against his main challenger, Fernando Dias and both had declared victory ahead of the release of the provisional results.

    The UN chief stressed that any disregard of the will of the people who peacefully cast their vote during the Nov. 23 general elections constitutes an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.

    The Secretary-General called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, as well as the release of all detained officials.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu, West African leaders hold emergency virtual meeting on Guinea-Bissau coup

    Guterres specifically demanded the release of those responsible for the electoral process, opposition leaders and other political actors.

    He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, uphold democratic institutions and the rule of law.

    The UN chief called on the military junta to respect the will of the people while acting in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law.

    He emphasised that disputes must be resolved through peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.

    The Secretary-General reaffirmed the full support of the United Nations to the efforts of ECOWAS and the West African Elders Forum to restore normalcy in the country.

    According to him, he supports ECOWAS and the Elders Forum to safeguard democracy, promote stability and assist Guinea-Bissau in concluding the electoral process peacefully and swiftly returning to its democratic path.

    (NAN)

  • CREO wins PR Agency of the Year at 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards

    CREO wins PR Agency of the Year at 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards

    CREO, a subsidiary of RED|For Africa, has been named PR Agency of the Year at the 2025 Nigerian Marketing Awards, held on Saturday, the 15th of November at the Jewel Aeida Events Centre, Lagos.

    This prestigious recognition highlighted the firm’s influential role in shaping modern communications and storytelling in Nigeria. It also crowned a milestone season at RED|For Africa, which just turned 20 and continues to cement its reputation as a pioneer in purpose-led communications.

    The Nigerian Marketing Awards, a prestigious platform dedicated to spotlighting outstanding creativity, innovation, and excellence in marketing, recognised CREO for its strategic, bold, and impactful campaign delivery, particularly for the #OwnTheSweat campaign created for Reckitt’s Dettol Cool. This campaign stood out as an immersive, consumer-centred, and influential storytelling effort, reaching millions of Nigerians and reshaping perceptions around hygiene, confidence, and active living.

    Read Also: Solomon Ayodele bags double awards at 2025 Future Awards Africa

    This recognition reinforces CREO’s commitment to delivering culturally relevant communications rooted in insight and human connection. It also reflects the broader success of RED|For Africa’s two-decade journey in building brands, shaping narratives, and influencing culture across Nigeria and the continent. With a commitment to data-driven insights and culturally grounded creativity, RED|For Africa meets client campaign objectives while also making meaningful contributions to public conversation.

    Speaking on this recognition, Ayodeji Razaq, Group CEO of RED|For Africa, shared his pride in the team’s consistent delivery and enduring impact.

    “This is a remarkable moment for us as an organisation. CREO being named PR Agency of the Year is a powerful affirmation of our purpose, passion, and pursuit of excellence. For 20 years, we have committed ourselves to telling stories that shift culture and create meaningful impact, and it is great to see that impact recognised,” he said.

    With a growing portfolio spanning multinational partnerships, social impact interventions, and youth-focused cultural campaigns, RED|For Africa continues to nurture the next generation of storytellers, strategists, and communication leaders across the continent.

    As CREO looks ahead, the team remains committed to pushing creative boundaries, shaping public narratives, and delivering work that inspires lasting change.