The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG, UK invest £19m to deliver 84 climate-resilient facilities in Kano, Jigawa

    FG, UK invest £19m to deliver 84 climate-resilient facilities in Kano, Jigawa

    The federal government, in partnership with the UK Government through UNICEF, has invested £19 million under the Climate Resilient for Basic Infrastructure (CRIBS) programme to deliver 84 climate-resilient health and education facilities across Kano and Jigawa states.

    The Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, disclosed this while speaking at a Media and Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in primary healthcare centres and schools in Kano and Jigawa States, held at Tashir Guest Palace.

    Farah said the facilities were inaugurated last year, adding that the success recorded in Kano and Jigawa had prompted the expansion of the initiative to other parts of the country.

    “Based on the successful implementation of the approach in Kano and Jigawa States, the initiative has been expanded this year to include Bauchi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, and Katsina states,” he said.

    He stressed that while setting mutually acceptable service standards was crucial to achieving the social and health benefits that encourage investment, equal attention must be paid to sustainability.

    Read Also: President seeks global support to tackle climate-induced mobility

    According to him, duty bearers, stakeholders, and communities must take responsibility for the proper maintenance of WASH facilities in health facilities and schools to prevent deterioration and loss of impact.

    Farah underscored the critical role of the media in driving change through sustained advocacy, urging journalists to spotlight gaps identified by the WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) in Kano and Jigawa.

    He called on the media to demand transparency in state budgets, track allocations for boreholes, latrines, and soap in health and educational facilities, and hold governments at all levels accountable to their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments.

    “Media stories can amplify children’s voices, put pressure on decision-makers to prioritise WASH funding, and mobilise communities turning data into action for healthier futures,” he said.

    Farah urged stakeholders to work tirelessly to expose neglect and advocate for the provision of WASH facilities in every school and clinic, insisting that Nigerian children deserve nothing less.

  • AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    AGN honours Junior Pope with Nollywood City project in Enugu

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), under the leadership of outgoing President Emeka Rollas, has launched a project to immortalise the late icon Junior Pope, who tragically passed away in April 2024 following a boat accident during a film shoot.

    In the announcement posted on Instagram, Rollas described the project as his “last legacy” before stepping down.

    The guild held the official groundbreaking ceremony for ‘Junior Pope Nollywood City’ in Ako Nike, Enugu State.

    This landmark development spans approximately 150 plots of land and is designed to honor Junior Pope’s memory while delivering real, lasting support to the Nollywood community and his family.

    As a gesture of support, three plots were also allocated to Junior Pope’s three sons (one each), presented to his wife during the event.

    Rollas praised the unity and vision of the AGN Enugu State chapter, the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike community, and development partners for making the initiative possible.

    He stressed that the project transcends mere land and buildings; it’s about dignity, unity, and securing a brighter future for Nigerian actors.

    Rollas wrote: “My last legacy before handover: Yesterday, in Ako Nike, Enugu State, we officially had the ground-breaking ceremony for Junior Pope Nollywoodwood City, a legacy project established in honour of our late colleague and friend, Junior Pope Odowodudu.

    Read Also: Junior Pope’s wife remembers late actor on 11th wedding anniversary

    “This initiative reflects the strong commitment of the Actors Guild of Nigeria to the welfare of its members and to the sustainable growth of Nollywood as a key part of Nigeria’s creative economy.

    “Junior Pope Nollywood City will provide affordable land for Nollywood practitioners and will also host the Junior Pope Creative Hub as well as the AGN Zonal and Enugu State Secretariat, creating a permanent home for creativity, training, and administration in Enugu State.

    “The three sons of our brother already have three plots of land, as you can see in the picture during the presentation to the wife of our late colleague. Also, I presented papers for five plots of land to the AGN Enugu state chapter chairman, Prince Brown Ene, and the vice President state, South East Mr Anigbo Clement AB Cowboy, for the proposed AGN Enugu secretariat and South East zonal offices.

    “I commend the leadership and members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, for this vision, unity, and determination in bringing this project to life. I also appreciate the Enugu State Government, the Ako Nike Community, and our development partners, young minds and cool brains, and real estate management, for their support and cooperation.

    “This project is not just about land and buildings; it is about dignity, unity, and the future of the Nigerian actor.

    “Expression of interest begins on 5th February 2026 and ends on 20th February 2026. Please note that allocation starts on 27th February 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

    “May the memory of Junior Pope Odowodudu continue to inspire us to build lasting legacies.”

  • EU adopts unified position supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara

    EU adopts unified position supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara

    The European Union has adopted a unified position supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara.,Morocco’s foreign ministry announced in a statement on  Thursday.

    The  position was taken during the 15th EU-Morocco Association Council session which  concluded on  Thursday in Brussels.

    The 27 EU member states agreed  that “genuine autonomy could be among the most feasible solutions” for the final resolution of the regional dispute.

    This position of the 27 EU member States was documented in a joint communiqué by Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Mr. Nasser Bourita and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, at the end of the 15th session of the EU-Morocco Association Council.

    “In this joint Communiqué, the EU-27 reiterates the request made by the United Nations Security Council to all parties “to engage in discussions without preconditions and on the basis of the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in order to reach a definitive political solution.

    “In this context, the EU ;praised; Morocco’s willingness “to clarify how autonomy within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty would be implemented,” according to the joint Communiqué,” the statement said.

    The ministry added: “The EU welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which fully supports the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to facilitate and conduct negotiations based on the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco.”

    While many European Union countries have already shown strong support to the Moroccanness of the Sahara and the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, this new position of the EU marks a fundamental step forward.

    Read Also: Morocco to file legal complaint over Cup of Nations final fiasco

    It is part of the international momentum generated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in favor of the Moroccanness of the Sahara and in support of the Autonomy Initiative, which culminated in the adoption of Resolution 2797 by the UN Security Council on October 31, 2025.

    The new European position thus reflects the consensus of the 27 EU member States in favor of a definitive resolution of this regional dispute, based on autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

    This outcome should undoubtedly give new impetus to future bilateral relations and meetings, particularly in view of the upcoming strategic partnership between the two parties.

  • Wellington College launches campus in Lagos

    Wellington College launches campus in Lagos

    Wellington College International has officially launched its Lagos campus, with executives underscoring education as a critical driver of long-term development and human capital growth across Africa.

    The launch, held at the Metropolitan Club on Thursday, brought together senior leaders from Wellington College Education, city developer Rendeavour, Lagos State government officials, business executives, and members of the diplomatic community.

    Managing Director of the College, Paresh Thakrar, said the Lagos campus represents a significant step in extending world-class education to Africa.

    “The partnership with Rendeavour combines international school expertise with large-scale urban development experience, creating a strong foundation for educational excellence and innovation,” he said.

    He explained that the school will offer a holistic learning model designed to develop intellect, character, and leadership, while equipping students with modern skills in technology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship.

    Thakrar noted that the campus will be located in Alaro City, a 2,000-hectare master-planned development within the Lekki Free Zone, created through a public-private partnership between Rendeavour and the Lagos State Government.

    Read Also: College matriculates 688 students

    He added that the College is scheduled to open in September 2027 and will operate as a coeducational day and boarding institution for up to 1,500 students aged three to 18.

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rendeavour, Stephen Jennings, emphasised the importance of investing in human capital to drive Africa’s long-term development.

    “Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in the potential of its people, and education is the foundation on which long-term development is built,” he said.

    Jennings added that new cities should be designed to unlock human potential, rather than merely provide physical infrastructure, describing the Lagos school as a strategic investment in future leadership and economic growth.

    Chairman of Rendeavour West Africa, Yomi Ademola, said the inclusion of an international school was part of Alaro City’s original master plan.

    “Education will play a central role in the city’s long-term social and economic impact,” he added.

    Officials said the launch signals the start of a long-term educational investment aimed at strengthening communities and preparing future generations for leadership in a rapidly changing world.

  • JUST IN: Court nullifies Ibadan convention, sacks Turaki-led NWC

    JUST IN: Court nullifies Ibadan convention, sacks Turaki-led NWC

    Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan on Friday nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15th and 16th 2025.

    The court also barred a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Taminu Turaki, and others who emerged as National Working Committee (NWC) members from parading themselves as national officers of the PDP.

    Also, the court ruled that the caretaker committee led by Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu is the only recognised NWC of the PDP pending the conduct of a valid National Convention.

    The Nation reports that the Kabiru Turaki faction of the PDP had filed Suit Number FHC/IB/CS/121/2025, seeking recognition of the convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025, and validation of the NWC that emerged at the convention

    In a judgment by Justice Agomoh, the court held that the Convention was conducted in flagrant disobedience to two subsisting judgments of the same court, adding that returning to seek judicial approval for actions taken in defiance of court orders was an exercise in futility.

    Consequently, all decisions taken at the convention were set aside by the court.

    The suit: FHC/IB/CS/121/2025: is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Versus Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and six others, came up for judgment on Friday.

    All the parties to the suit were present in court on Friday.

    Mr E. Y. Ajayi appears for the Applicant, holding brief for Musibau Adetumbi SAN.

    For the first respondent, O. A. Adeyemi appears for the 1st Respondent (INEC) with F. O. Ajiboye Esq.

    Also, Chief. Ferdinand O. Orbih, SAN, Dr. J.Y. Musa, SAN, and Dike Udenna represented the 2nd to 4th Respondents, while 5th Mr A. P. Igbayilola appeared for the 5th to 7th Respondents.

    Delivering the judgment in the open court, the court described the suit as a brazen attempt by the Applicant to legitimize its illegalities done in violation of subsisting court orders, stressing that it cannot allow that or sit on appeal over those judgments.

    Read Also: Court awards N30m to ex-NIMASA chief over link to soldiers’ killings

    The court said the application failed and thereby dismissed.

    “I hold that the caretaker committee is the only lawful governing body of PDP that INEC should recognize and relate with.

    “This suit is a brazen attempt by the Applicant to legitimize its illegalities done in violation of subsisting court orders. I cannot allow that or sit on appeal over those judgments.

    “The Application fails and is dismissed”, the Judge said.

    Reacting to the judgment, counsel to the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chief Ferdinand Oshioke Orbih, SAN, described the ruling as a boost for Nigeria’s democracy.

    According to him, the claimants had sought judicial endorsement of what he described as an illegal convention, but the court firmly rejected the move.

    He said the judgment affirmed that the rule of law must prevail over political expediency, stressing that all actions and structures arising from the convention had been completely nullified.

    Orbih added that the court’s decision underscored the inevitability of the caretaker committee taking charge of the party’s affairs until a valid convention is conducted in line with the law.

    He noted that the ruling sends a strong message to political actors on the importance of obeying court judgments, warning that disregard for the rule of law could lead to chaos.

    The judgment follows a protracted crisis within the PDP, which held a contentious national elective convention in Ibadan in November 2025 despite existing court orders.

    Earlier, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, had ordered the suspension of the PDP convention in a suit filed by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.

    Lamido had challenged the process, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to purchase a nomination form to contest for the party’s chairmanship, in violation of the PDP constitution and guidelines.

  • Police rescue suspected ‘one chance’ robbers from mob attack

    Police rescue suspected ‘one chance’ robbers from mob attack

    • …frowns at jungle justice
    • …urge residents to promptly report suspicious incidents

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued two male suspects, identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere, from a mob attack.

    Preliminary investigations, the police said, revealed that the rescued suspects are members of a four-man gang involved in “one chance” robbery operations within the FCT.

    Further investigations revealed that they come into the FCT from Uke, Nasarawa State, to perpetrate their criminal activities.

    Two other members of the gang, identified simply as Mary and Aisha (surnames yet to be confirmed), the police said, had escaped the scene during the commotion.

    A statement issued on Friday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said, “On 29th January 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM, Utako Police Division received a distress call reporting that an irate mob had apprehended and was assaulting two suspected criminals.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Afenifere asks Tinubu to fast-track state police, strengthen Amotekun in south-west

    “Acting swiftly on the report, police operatives from Utako Division immediately dispatched to the scene, where two male suspects identified as Kefas Akaye and Uya Ugwowere were rescued from the crowd.

    “While investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members, the FCT Police Command strongly condemns all acts of jungle justice and mob violence. The Command emphasizes that the assault or lynching of suspects not only endangers innocent lives but also compromises investigations by destroying critical evidence and hindering the identification and arrest of accomplices. Such unlawful actions ultimately undermine the justice process and deny victims and society the benefits of lawful prosecution and possible restitution of stolen property.

    “Members of the public are enjoined to exercise restraint and promptly report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police formation or contact the FCT Police Command through the following emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883”.

  • Buni commissions multi-billion naira research centre to tackle rising kidney disease in Yobe

    Buni commissions multi-billion naira research centre to tackle rising kidney disease in Yobe

    • …award scholarship and cash gifts to teen girls

    Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commissioned the permanent site of the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) at Yobe State University, Damaturu, describing the facility as a strategic response to the rising burden of chronic kidney disease across the state.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Buni said the centre was established to develop sustainable, science-based solutions to the high incidence of kidney disease, particularly among communities located along the River Yobe.

    He noted that the disease has, over the years, claimed many lives, imposed heavy financial pressure on families, and placed significant strain on the state’s healthcare system.

    “This centre represents our resolve to confront kidney disease through evidence-based research rather than assumptions,” the governor said, adding that BioRTC will generate locally relevant data to uncover the root causes of the condition and guide effective policy decisions.

    Buni disclosed that the state government invested more than ₦800 million in constructing the permanent facility as part of a broader effort to strengthen health research capacity and enhance disease surveillance.

    He revealed that preliminary findings from ongoing research at the centre are already indicating a possible remote cause of kidney disease in the state, raising optimism for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.

    The governor commended Professor Mahmoud Bukar Maina for leading the centre’s kidney disease research initiatives, noting that the professor donated laboratory equipment valued at over ₦10 billion to support advanced scientific investigations.

    Read Also: Buni heads APC panel to tackle internal crises ahead 2027 polls

    Buni explained that BioRTC’s research framework is tailored to Yobe State’s specific environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors, stressing that dependence on foreign medical research has often failed to adequately address Africa’s unique health challenges.

    He recalled that in 2023, the state government engaged international partners in the United Kingdom to strengthen the centre’s nephrology research capacity, attracting support from global experts in epidemiology and kidney medicine.

    According to the governor, BioRTC has since gained international recognition, with scientists from the Janelia Research Campus in the United States describing the centre as a model for building research capacity in underserved regions.

    To complement research efforts, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to treatment for kidney disease patients, disclosing that the state currently provides free dialysis support and will establish an additional dialysis centre in Gashua this year to reduce travel-related hardship for patients.

    He also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Federal Kidney Disease Centre in Yobe State, citing the scale and persistence of the health challenge.

    Beyond research and treatment, Governor Buni said BioRTC is also developing low-cost diagnostic tools that can support early detection of kidney-related complications at the community level, particularly in rural areas.

    He urged the Federal Ministry of Health to partner with the centre to scale up open, low-cost diagnostic innovations, noting that early diagnosis remains a major gap in the management of kidney disease in northern Nigeria.

    The governor further disclosed that over 1,000 health professionals, researchers, and students from Yobe State and across Africa have been trained through BioRTC’s capacity-building programmes, strengthening the local workforce needed to sustain kidney disease research and care.

    Governor Buni also called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to recognise BioRTC as a national research and training centre, which would enable expanded funding for kidney disease studies and specialist training.

    He stressed that tackling kidney disease requires long-term investment in research, policy, and human capital, noting that BioRTC provides a platform to integrate all three.

    The commissioning ceremony also featured the celebration of three Yobe State students: Nafisa Abdullahi, Hadiza Kashim Kalli, and Rukayya Mohammed Fema who won the 2025 TeenEagle World Championship in London. Governor Buni described their achievement as evidence that sustained investment in education and science can produce global results.

    He announced full government scholarships up to tertiary level and a cash award of ₦10 million each for the students, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to human capital development as a foundation for addressing health challenges.

    Governor Buni concluded by reiterating that the fight against kidney disease in Yobe State will remain a top priority of his administration, pledging continued support for BioRTC as a hub for research, innovation, and life-saving interventions.

  • Maternal health stakeholders advocate transition to multiple micronutrient supplementation

    Maternal health stakeholders advocate transition to multiple micronutrient supplementation

    The Projects Director of the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), Dr. Stanley Ukpai, has called on key healthcare stakeholders to show the political will needed to transition from Iron Folic Acid (IFA) to Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for pregnant women in Nigeria.

    Ukpai made the call during a high-level panel discussion titled “Moving Research to Market: Scaling Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) for Maternal Health Impact in Nigeria,” organised by dRPC in partnership with Sight and Life in Abuja.

    He described the transition from IFA to MMS as a critical intervention in addressing the high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women, stressing that MMS provides a broader range of essential micronutrients required during pregnancy, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality.

    “Women are still anemic in pregnancy, and MMS is critical to tackling these challenges. Nigeria still faces a substantial maternal nutrition burden, with millions of women experiencing anemia in pregnancy despite the availability of an effective solution,” Ukpai said.

    Read Also: WHO urges healthy eating in schools to shape lifelong habits

    He noted that global best practice supports a gradual transition from IFA to MMS, adding that many countries have already adopted the shift, while Nigeria has made notable progress in that direction.

    Also speaking at the event, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Professor Salisu Abubakar, said MMS enjoys high acceptability among pregnant women and projected that by 2029, about 70 per cent of expectant mothers could access MMS through antenatal care.

    Abubakar explained that while iron folic acid contains only two micronutrients, MMS offers broader nutritional benefits, with evidence showing improved outcomes for both anemia management and childbirth.

  • 2027: Group intensifies grassroots mobilisation in Ondo

    2027: Group intensifies grassroots mobilisation in Ondo

    A political support group, BTO4PBAT27 Ward Tour, has stepped up grassroots mobilisation across Ondo state, recording strong turnout in Ese-Odo and Irele Local Government Areas as it canvassed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The group, which is championing the re-election of President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, is being coordinated under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

    During its visit to Igbotu in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, the state committee of the group was received by party leaders, ward coordinators, and supporters who turned out in large numbers to pledge loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking at the event, the Ese-Odo Local Government Coordinator, Mr Akinyemi Adewale, expressed confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that mobilisation efforts would be sustained across all wards in the council.

    Read Also: Tinubu condoles Chukwueze on mother’s passing

    The delegation later proceeded to Irele Town, the headquarters of Irele Local Government Area, where party stakeholders and supporters also welcomed the team.

    Addressing members, the Irele Coordinator, Mr Lebi Temidayo, commended the consistency of the group and pledged continuous engagement with party faithful at the ward level.

    Director-General of BTO4PBAT27, Ogbeni Adesuyi Adojutelegan, urged members to remain united and politically active ahead of future elections.

    He also encouraged supporters to formally register as members of the APC to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure.

    According to him, the ongoing electronic registration exercise makes it necessary for members to actively participate in the process.

    As part of efforts to support party activities, Adojutelegan announced donations of N1 million to the APC in Ese-Odo and N500,000 to the party in Irele to facilitate membership registration and other operations.

    He described members of the group in both councils as critical pillars of support for the minister and the president, noting that their loyalty and engagement would be vital to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Also speaking, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Folajimi Adewumi Gbenga, urged members to go beyond symbolic participation by holding regular ward meetings and completing their APC registration.

    The ward tour attracted large crowds of party leaders and supporters in both local governments, with many expressing optimism about the APC’s chances in future elections.

  • NIS delegation tours EIB Group facilities to strengthen security, technology partnership

    NIS delegation tours EIB Group facilities to strengthen security, technology partnership

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, on Tuesday led a high-level delegation of the Service on an inspection tour of facilities operated by EIB Group in Kuje and Idu, Abuja, as part of efforts to explore operational collaboration.

    Mrs Nandap was represented on the tour by a Deputy Comptroller General, Mrs Augusta Obiageli.

    The delegation was received by the Chairman of EIB Group, Dr Bright Echefu, and senior management staff, who took the visitors through the Group’s key operational units and subsidiaries.

    During the tour, the immigration officials were briefed on EIB Stratoc’s security operations and advanced surveillance services, as well as forensic analysis and data-gathering solutions provided by Giga Forensics to support intelligence-led and evidence-based investigations.

    At Briech UAS, the delegation inspected facilities for the manufacturing and deployment of surveillance and payload drones designed for security operations, monitoring and reconnaissance. The visitors also toured Poctova, a Nigerian fashion and protective-wear brand under the Group, which produces ballistic protective gear alongside ready-to-wear clothing.

    The tour further covered Luft TV, EIB Group’s Pay TV platform, where the delegation was introduced to its broadcast infrastructure and premium high-definition content.

    Read Also: Immigration Service rolls out enhanced passport tracking feature 

    Overall, the visit offered the Immigration Service insight into how EIB Group integrates technology, security, manufacturing, and media in support of national development and Nigeria’s security architecture.

    Speaking during the visit, Dr Echefu said the Group remained committed to supporting government institutions through innovation, professionalism, and strategic partnerships, stressing that private sector participation was critical to strengthening institutional capacity and improving service delivery.

    In her remarks, Mrs Nandap commended EIB Group’s investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, describing the facilities as impressive and reflective of a forward-looking organisation.

    She said the tour demonstrated how private sector initiatives could complement government efforts, particularly in security, technology, and efficient service delivery.

    The visit concluded with interactive sessions between the NIS delegation and EIB Group management, during which both sides discussed potential areas of collaboration and sustained engagement.