The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • How a new youth reform agenda is rewriting the Nigerian story

    How a new youth reform agenda is rewriting the Nigerian story

    • By Segun Adeyemi

    For too long, Nigerian youths have been told to “be patient” in a country that rarely rewards patience. We grew up hearing that we are the leaders of tomorrow, even as tomorrow kept moving further away. But something is shifting, not in slogans, not in hashtags, but in policy design, execution, and intent.

    Under the leadership of Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, youth policy is undergoing a quiet but deliberate transformation. What we are witnessing today is not a cosmetic rebranding of old ideas, but a structured reform agenda that positions young Nigerians as economic actors, not passive beneficiaries, and protects them from the vulnerabilities that come with exclusion.

    At the centre of this reform is the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP), a flagship initiative built on a simple truth: economic inclusion is the strongest form of youth protection. When young people have skills, capital, and opportunity, insecurity loses its appeal, crime loses its recruits, and hopelessness loses its grip.

    YEIDEP is ambitious by design, aiming to reach 20 million beneficiaries nationwide. The programme recognises that youth unemployment is not a marginal issue; it is a national emergency. Rather than spreading thin, symbolic interventions, YEIDEP goes big, focusing on scale, structure, and sustainability. Each beneficiary is being prepared not just to survive, but to participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s economy.

    What makes YEIDEP different is its refusal to trap young people in debt. The programme’s grant-based start-up support, with beneficiaries receiving up to ₦500,000, removes one of the biggest barriers Nigerian youths face: access to risk-free capital.

    In a country where credit is expensive and failure is unforgiving, this approach offers young entrepreneurs a rare chance to build without being buried before they begin.

    But money alone does not build futures; that is why YEIDEP is anchored in skills acquisition and enterprise training, with structured onboarding and training phases scheduled to commence in February 2026. This sequencing matters; it ensures that empowerment is not rushed and that young people are equipped before they are unleashed into the market.

    Beyond economics, YEIDEP also speaks directly to Nigeria’s security challenge. Idle hands, after all, are not born dangerous; they are made vulnerable. By creating pathways to dignity and income, the programme strikes at the root causes of youth involvement in crime, violence, and social unrest. Job creation, in this context, becomes nation-building.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms restoring global confidence in Nigeria – Shettima

    Yet the Minister’s reform vision extends beyond programmes and payments. One of the most consequential interventions underway is the revitalisation of Youth Development Centres nationwide, following a strategic partnership with the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC).

    These centres, many of which had fallen into disrepair, are being reimagined as modern hubs for digital skills, vocational training, innovation, and enterprise incubation.

    For Nigerian youths, this means access, access to spaces where ideas can be tested, skills refined, and networks built. It means community-based development that does not require relocation to Lagos, Abuja, or abroad before an opportunity can be found. It means meeting young people where they are.

    The reform agenda also understands that empowerment must be inclusive. Initiatives such as the deployment of solar-powered electric tricycles for women entrepreneurs recognise the intersecting challenges young women face, particularly in mobility, access to capital, and participation in emerging green economies. Empowering women, especially young women, strengthens families, communities, and local economies.

    Of course, reforms of this scale come with challenges. Managing expectations, combating misinformation, and ensuring transparency are ongoing priorities. Trust is currency, and the government must earn it daily. That is why clear communication, credible timelines, and accountability remain central to the Ministry’s approach.

    What is different today is intentionality. These reforms are not about optics; they are about outcomes. They are not about one-off empowerment events; they are about systems that outlive administrations. And most importantly, they are not about speaking for youths; they are about investing in them.

    Nigeria’s young people are no longer asking for miracles. They are asking for fair chances, functional systems, and faith in their capacity to build. Through YEIDEP, revitalised youth infrastructure, and inclusive economic policies, that faith is being restored.

    This is not the end of the journey, but it is a decisive step forward. And for millions of Nigerian youths who have waited too long to be seen, heard, and supported, that step matters.

    ·         Segun Adeyemi, the special assistant on print media to the minister of youth development, writes from Abuja.

  • TASFUED defends honorary degree awards, says process follows longstanding tradition

    TASFUED defends honorary degree awards, says process follows longstanding tradition

    The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED) has clarified its position on the conferment of honorary degrees, affirming that the practice aligns with the institution’s established tradition.

    In a statement issued on Friday titled “Award of Honouraria Causa by the Tai Solarin Federal University of Education: Putting the Records Straight,” the university’s Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, said recent honorary awards were granted in line with long-standing institutional norms.

    Oke noted that the university was concerned about what it described as malicious and misleading media reports aimed at creating discord and misinforming the public over the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

    “The management of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, notes with utmost concern recent, malicious, and deliberately misleading publications circulating in the media aimed at sowing discord and misinforming the public regarding the institution’s conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees,” the statement read.

    He stressed that the process for awarding honorary degrees follows due procedure and reflects the university’s commitment to recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to national development.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, and to set the record unequivocally straight, the University affirms that its longstanding tradition has been to confer an Honorary Doctorate Degree on   Civilian Governors of Ogun State, in recognition of their Executive stewardship and support for public Education.

    “This tradition is a matter of verifiable public record.

    “His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the visionary founder of this University, was rightly honoured as the first serving Governor to receive the award in 2010.

    “His successor, His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was similarly honoured.

    Read Also: TASFUED to confer honorary doctorate on Oluremi Tinubu for educational advocacy

    “Furthermore, the scope of this honour extends beyond State governance to celebrate exemplary national and global contributions.

    “During the University’s 10th Anniversary in 2015, distinguished figures, including former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CON, were duly honoured. Others are Sir Kensington Adebutu, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa,Dr Tunde Lemo, among others,” he said.

    Oke added that in the established context, the recent conferment upon Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Governor of Ogun State, is neither anomalous nor extraordinary.

    He said that it is a continuation of a consistent institutional practice applied to all Civilian Governors of the State.

    Oke added, “Regarding Aremo Olusegun Osoba, CFR, his historic and indelible contribution is separately and highly esteemed.

    “His signature, as Governor during the Third Republic, enacted the legislative bill that transformed the former Tai Solarin College of Education into a Degree-awarding institution—a pivotal act in our institutional metamorphosis.

    “It must also be clarified that this recognition is not exclusive to Governors. The University has, over time, honoured all Paramount Rulers in Ogun State, alongside other preeminent Nigerians whose transformative contributions have significantly advanced national development.

    “The Management, therefore, condemns in strong terms this attempt to distort facts and stir unnecessary disaffection. We urge the public to disregard this misinformation and affirm our unwavering commitment to recognising excellence and distinguished service in accordance with our established traditions and institutional prerogative.”

  • MonarchK rebrands, signals new creative era with unreleased music, visuals

    MonarchK rebrands, signals new creative era with unreleased music, visuals

    Nigerian singer, poet, and creative artist Ogunbiyi Bolaji Kingsley, now professionally known as MonarchK, is entering what industry observers describe as a pivotal phase in his artistic evolution.

    Previously known as Monark IsHere, the artist recently explained that persistent misinterpretations of his former name drove his rebranding.

    “People kept reading IsHere as one word, not as a statement,” MonarchK said in an interview. “That distortion took the identity out of context. MonarchK represents royalty, clarity, and authorship. It’s about being intentional — the royal architect of African music.”

    MonarchK officially debuted as a recording artist in 2021 with the single Pick Up. In 2024, he signed with OASIS24 Entertainment, releasing tracks including Jay Joycie, Chinedu, and his latest single, Liquor Rose.

    According to the artist, his recent releases represent only a fraction of a much larger body of work developed behind the scenes. “There’s an archive of songs we’ve been building quietly — records that speak to growth, love, pain, and becoming,” he said.

    Speaking during the artist’s recent music video shoot, his management team at Distrigency Brand and Business Solutions LTD, through his manager bigTEE, described the current phase as the result of years of intensive groundwork.

    “This phase is not just about manifestation,” bigTEE said. “The volume of work is heavy. People are only seeing releases now, but there’s a catalogue of life-changing music ready to be released. MonarchK is not playing — he’s executing.”

    Label representative Horesh confirmed that visuals are in production, particularly for Liquor Rose. “The visuals for Liquor Rose are coming to your screens as much as MonarchK will appear on your social media timelines,” he said.

    As attention builds around his transition, MonarchK’s shift from Monark IsHere to a more defined artistic identity is being viewed as more than a name change — it signals the emergence of a carefully structured creative era. With an extensive catalogue awaiting release and new visuals on the way, the coming months are expected to showcase the depth of work already completed.

    Born Ogunbiyi Bolaji Kingsley on January 20, MonarchK is a Nigerian Afrobeats artist, poet, and actor known for his genre-blending sound, lyrical depth, and expressive storytelling. A graduate of the University of Ibadan and first runner-up at the 2011 Glo Rock and Rule competition, he also works as an immigration officer, crafting music rooted in identity, love, and self-definition.

  • Globacom redefines new standard for telecoms In 2026

    Globacom redefines new standard for telecoms In 2026

    • By Michael Abimboye 

    As always, Globacom is at the heart of telecoms transformation in Nigeria.  The acquisition of additional spectrum, is a decisive move that has expanded network capacity and fundamentally improved customer experience. 

    With the ability to carry significantly higher data volumes at greater speeds, users are seeing faster downloads, stronger uploads, seamless video streaming, and clearer voice calls even at peak periods. Crucially, this expansion has driven down latency. Independent performance testing has ranked Glo as the network with the lowest latency in Nigeria, meaning faster response times whenever data commands are initiated.

    This spectrum advantage is being matched on the ground by the rollout of thousands of new LTE sites nationwide. Network capacity has increased pan-Nigeria, with noticeably higher download speeds across regions. At the same time, the installation of thousands of additional towers is easing congestion and closing coverage gaps, particularly in high-density locations such as markets and tertiary institutions, where demand for fast, reliable internet is highest.

    Read Also: Globacom dismantling fetters to Nigeria’s digital future

    Power reliability, often the silent determinant of network quality, is also being reengineered. Globacom has deployed hybrid battery power systems across numerous sites, reducing dependence on diesel while improving sustainability. Beyond cost efficiency, this greener model delivers stronger uptime ensuring uninterrupted power supply and optimal performance for base stations and switching centres.

    Behind the scenes, Glo has upgraded its switching systems and data centres to accommodate rising traffic volumes nationwide. These upgrades are designed not only for today’s demand but to ensure the network consistently meets performance KPIs well into the future, even as data consumption continues to grow.

    Equally significant is the massive reconstruction and expansion of Globacom’s optic fibre cable (OFC) network. Along highways and metro routes affected by road construction, fibre routes are being reconstructed and relocated to safeguard service continuity. Thousands of kilometres of new fibre have also been rolled out nationwide, fortifying the OFC backbone, improving redundancy, reducing network glitches, and enabling the network to handle increasingly heavy data loads with resilience.

    These investments collectively address long-standing coverage gaps while driving densification and capacity enhancement in already active areas, ensuring a more balanced and reliable national footprint.

    At the core layer, Globacom is modernising its network elements through new platforms and applications, upgraded enterprise and interconnect billing systems, and an expanding roster of roaming partners for both in-roaming and out-roaming services strengthening its integration into the global telecoms ecosystem.

    Taken together, these are not incremental upgrades. They represent a deliberate, system-wide repositioning. 

    In 2026, Globacom is not just improving its network; it is asserting itself as an emerging technical leader in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

    • Michael Abimboye, a communications specialist wrote in from Lagos
  • Four beheaded in renewed Ebonyi boundary clash

    Four beheaded in renewed Ebonyi boundary clash

    Four persons have been killed in Okporojo-Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area in a renewed boundary dispute between the community and neighboring Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    Several houses were also razed by the assailants in the attack which took place on Thursday night.

    The two communities have been at war since decades over land with many lives lost and property worth billions destroyed.

    Efforts have been made by previous administrations in the State and the present government to end the war to no avail.

    Sources in the area alleged that the assailants in the latest attack came from the Amasiri axis.

    A video recording of the aftermath of the attack showing the bodies of the  dead victims without their heads lying in the pool of their own blood have since gone viral on social media.

    In the video, many houses set ablaze by the assailants were still burning.

    Sources in the community alleged that the heads of the victims were taken away while two persons remain missing.

    The incident has thrown the community into mourning and renewed concerns over the persistent failure to permanently resolve the decades-old land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

    Ebonyi Commissioner for Internal Security, Etta Uka Ude, confirmed the incident in an interview in Abakaliki, the State capital on Friday.

    Read Also: Ebonyi community, mining company sign ₦2bn five-year agreement

    He said he received reports of the killings by the evening of the incident, describing the act as “barbaric, unlawful and totally unacceptable.”

    According to the commissioner, the location where the killings occurred is not even the exact area under land dispute, making the attack more disturbing.

    “By 5 p.m. yesterday, I was informed that some hoodlums went into one of the villages and massacred almost four persons to death. I was trying to understand the actual problem because the land dispute area is far away from the town,” he said.

    Ude explained that upon receiving the report, the State Government moved swiftly to prevent escalation.

    He said he immediately contacted the chairmen of the affected local government areas, the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Governor, and the Army, including the Women Battalion Commander, who had just resumed duty.

    “Everybody was on hand to make sure the situation did not escalate further. Unfortunately, before the arrival of security agencies, the damage had already been done,” he stated.

    The commissioner noted that although calm has been largely restored with the deployment of tactical police teams and military personnel, the government has ordered for investigation and possible arrest of the perpetrators for prosecution.

    > “Nobody is greater than the government. Thosw involved must be fished out and prosecuted so we can know the root cause of this problem. Whoever is involved must be brought to book. We are not encouraging violence in any form,” he stressed.

    Ude also condemned the beheading of victims, describing it as alien to the culture of Ebonyi people.

    “To behead someone and carry the head away is barbaric. Even our customs do not agree with that. It is very bad and very unlawful,” he said.

    While sympathizing with the families of the victims, the commissioner urged residents of both communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to do their work, warning against blocking major roads and disrupting public movement.

    Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu said he was with a police team heading to the affected area.

    “I will issue a statement after we have assessed the situation”, he said. 

    The Chairman Edda Local Government Area, Chima Ekumamkama also confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Friday.

    He described it as barbaric, act of wickedness and man inhumanity to man

    He noted  that security personnel has been mobilized to the area following the quick intervention of the Governor.

    “This is sad and disheartening. This is barbaric, how can human beings behave like animals. How can people invade a community, behead people and take the heads away.

    “Are they using it for rituals or what? The perpetrators must be fished out and prosecuted.”The situation is unthinkable. 

    “In a modern world when we are meant to live together as brothers, people will have the mind to invade and attack a community beheading them. Again, it’s quite painful. My prayer is for God’s quick intervention, so that this thing will stop,” Ekumankama said. 

  • Police Kill four bandits in shootout in Benue

    Police Kill four bandits in shootout in Benue

     The Police Command in Benue on Friday confirmed the killing of four armed bandits by operatives of the Operation Zenda Joint Task Force (JTF).

    The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed  the development  in a statement in Makurdi.
    Udeme said the bandits were neutralised in a gun duel with the Police at a checkpoint in Orakam, Ogbadibo Local Area of the state.

    She said the officers while on duty on Thursday stopped a black Golf  vehicle but occupants of the vehicle tried to stop them from performing their job.

    “In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, two of the suspects removed AK-47 rifles and opened fire on the personnel.
    “As a result of the engagement, four armed bandits were neutralised, while one armed suspect fled into a nearby bush,” she said.

    Read Also: Comedian Dee One invited by police for routine interview

    Udeme also said they recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 15 rounds of live ammunition, the vehicle and assorted charms.

    She said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing armed suspect.

    She said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, has commended the bravery and operational efficiency of the officers and reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to safeguard lives and property across the state.

    (NAN) 

  • Public school enrolment hits 300,000 in 1 year – Otti

    Public school enrolment hits 300,000 in 1 year – Otti

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says enrolment in public primary and secondary schools in the state has increased by more than 100 per cent, from about 117,000 to over 300,000 within one year.

    Otti disclosed this during his monthly media parley with newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia on Thursday night.

    He attributed the growth to reforms by his administration that were aimed at making education accessible and affordable.

    “We will continue with our push to make education available and affordable to every Nigerian living here.

    “The positive results coming out from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education show that enrolment has moved from about 117,000 people a year ago, to over 300,000 as at the end of last month.

    “That is exactly the kind of result we expect. It is good news,” the governor said.

    He further said that the government had intensified reconstruction and renovation works in Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu; Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu; and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and other state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Otti said that hostels, offices and academic facilities were being renovated and rebuilt in the institutions, with construction ongoing at both the temporary and permanent sites of the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba and Osisioma, respectively.

    According to him, some renovated hostels at ABSU are already in use.

    He also said that the ongoing recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers by the government formed part of its efforts to strengthen the education sector.

    On infrastructure, Otti said that over 30 road projects were presently undergoing construction or rehabilitation, with many nearing completion.

    He said that the legendary Omenuko Bridge and the Abam–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road would be inaugurated on Feb. 13.

    He said that the Uratta Road and the Old Express Road would soon be commissioned for reconstruction, as part of the government’s efforts to fully restore Aba.

    In the housing sector, the governor said the state had moved beyond the planning stage and that the Pocket Layout Housing Scheme for civil servants would soon be launched.

    Read Also: Otti approves employment of 649 new medical health workers in Abia

    He said that other housing projects in Mbaisii, Mgbarakuma and Ubakala would soon take off.

    On tourism and hospitality, he said that the state had entered into partnership with Amena Tourism and Hospitality Ltd., to digitally grade and rate hotels and hospitality facilities across Abia, using GPS and globally accepted standards.

    The governor also announced the launch of a pilot biogas project at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, aimed at converting waste to renewable energy.

    He further said that the State Electricity Regulation Authority took over regulatory control of electricity distribution from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission on Dec. 24.

    He described the development as part of government’s efforts to achieve energy sufficiency, particularly through the planned acquisition of the Umuahia Ringed Fence Area.

    Otti spoke on government’s health programmes, saying that the Project Ekwueme Phase One, covering 200 Primary Healthcare Centres, had been completed, with many already functional.

    He also said that over 600 healthcare professionals had been recruited and were being deployed across the facilities.

    The governor said that a new General Hospital was under construction in Ndoki, Ukwa East LGA, following the donation of land by the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries.

    He said that the hospital would be completed before the end of the year.

    He said that reconstruction works were ongoing at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba; Abia Specialist Hospital, Amachara; and the tertiary health facility at Umunneato.

    On water supply, he said that the CKC Water Project in Aba was nearing completion, alongside similar projects in Ariaria and parts of Umuahia.

    Otti said that the water project at Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, had reached over 90 per cent completion and would serve the surrounding communities.

    He expressed gratitude to Abia residents and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful festive period in the state.

    He said that feedbacks from visitors and residents had been largely positive.

    (NAN)

  • College matriculates 688 students

    College matriculates 688 students

    Delta State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ofuoma-Ughelli has matriculated 688 students for the 2025/2026 academic session. 

    Speaking at the event which marked the institution’s 30th matriculation, the Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Eravweroso Odiete, advised the new students to embrace discipline, integrity, and compassion, reminding them that admission into the college is a privilege that must be sustained through hard work and obedience to rules.

    “From today, you are no longer applicants or hopeful candidates you are bonafide students of this institution.

    “You are training not just for jobs, but for professions that touch human lives directly. Your certificate may qualify you, but your conduct will define you,” she told the students.

    Mrs. Odiete described the ceremony as historic, being the first matriculation held under her leadership since her appointment last August. 

    The Provost expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for its continued support for education, health and manpower development.

    She appreciated the Governing Council, management, staff, parents, and guardians for their contributions to the institution.

  • Call for transparency in Poly rector’s appointment

    Call for transparency in Poly rector’s appointment

    A group under the aegis of Cross River Leaders of Thought has called for transparency in the appointment of a new rector for Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State.

    The group, in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Francis Ewa warned that the “integrity of the process must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.”

    ​The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to finalise the appointment of a new rector for the institution soon.

    Stakeholders remain firm that upholding the interview results is the only way to affirm that excellence remains the governing principle for academic leadership in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Alausa urges innovation, governance reforms in polys

    The group criticised what it described as external political pressure, allegedly involving high-profile figures, over the appointment of a new Rector for the polytechnic.

    The statement noted that the polytechnic’s Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian were all appointed based on top scores.

    It warned that departing from the merit-based results would contradict President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, which emphasises competence and transparency in public institutions.

  • Tompolo Foundation, others train 100 youths in ICT

    Tompolo Foundation, others train 100 youths in ICT

    To enhance the skills of young Niger Deltans for global competitiveness in the digital world, Tompolo foundation in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and PEB ICT Services have given laptops to 100 participants in a six-month Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) training organised in Delta state.

    The programme drew particpants from five ethnic nationalities, namely, Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ndokwa.

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government, Managing Director of TSSNL and Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Kestin Pondi, said the programme was conceived to boost the capacity of Niger Deltans in digital skill.

    “The programme was designed with one clear objective: to empower our people, especially young Nigerians, with practical digital skills that are relevant in today’s world. Digital skills are no longer optional; they are essential for employment, entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.

    “Each participant is being provided with a laptop today. This is not merely a reward; it is a tool – a tool to practice, to work and to earn. By removing the barrier of access to basic ICT equipment, we are ensuring that the knowledge acquired here can be put to immediate and productive use.

    “This programme reflects the power of collaboration. I commend PEB ICT Services for their professionalism and quality delivery, and I acknowledge the Tompolo Foundation for its lasting commitment to human capital development. At Tantita, we remain firmly committed to initiatives that empower our teeming youth,” he said.

    On his part, Executive Secretary of the foundation, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, noted that equipping young Nigerians in digital knowledge would save our nation from employment jeopardy.

    “The world is evolving and the main thing now is digital knowledge, that has to do with Information, Communication and Technology, which without it, the issue of employment is in jeopardy. 

    “We decided to bring these youths together to equip them with knowledge so that either they use it for employment purposes or entrepreneurship. It is our desire to continue to equip youths with this digital knowledge because of its global relevance now,” Bebenimibo stated.