The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Edo to build 25 CBT centres

    Edo to build 25 CBT centres

    • …Okpebholo partners Google, others

    The Edo State Government said it planned to build 25 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres across the 18 local government areas as part of its plan to deepen technological skills to the grassroots.

    It said it would begin construction of five CBT centres this year.

    Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this at the flagging off of the training of 800 students in Artificial Intelligence.

    Iyamu said the students would be trained in Advanced Data Analysis and Visualisation, Data Science/Machine Learning, Data Architecture and Geospatial Data Science.

    He said the training was in partnership with Google international to certify the 800 students in technological skills.

    Dr. Iyamu said Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the training because he planned to give every child a seat at the table of success.

    Read Also: Edo records huge wins at teachers summit

    He said Governor Okpebholo does not plan to take money to buy houses in Dubai or America but to build schools and tech hubs to help the younger generation innovate.

    According to him, “This government means well for you. The Governor has approved the revamp of the tech hub at Shoprite. Do not let go of this opportunity.

    “The Governor is an IT expert. He has been developing software to provide solutions to challenges across the world. Many people do not know it.

    “He has said every child will be given a seat at the table of success. The things you will learn will put you at the international market. We want you to take advantage of what you are going to learn.

    “We are in discussion with CISCO. Conversation is in top gear. We want to make sure the majority of the youths are data ready. We are doing a serious drive in terms of building CBT centres so that we can train many of our students.”

  • Housing Ministry, ICPC launch nationwide hunt for abandoned, substandard constituency projects

    Housing Ministry, ICPC launch nationwide hunt for abandoned, substandard constituency projects

    ‎Federal Government has launched a nationwide hunt for abandoned, poorly executed and substandard constituency and zonal intervention projects, as the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development partners with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to tighten scrutiny and hold defaulting contractors accountable.

    ‎The joint verification and tracking exercise, which commenced in Kano on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, is being carried out simultaneously across states where the Ministry implemented constituency projects.

    ‎Teams drawn from both institutions have been deployed nationwide to conduct on-the-spot inspections, verify project status and quality, and assess compliance with approved specifications.

    ‎Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the exercise was designed to ensure that public funds translate into tangible socio-economic benefits for Nigerians, while sending a strong warning to contractors who fail to deliver.

    ‎Speaking through the Director of the Special Projects Unit, Olatunde Ajayi, Belgore said the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s zero tolerance for waste and poor execution of public projects.

    ‎According to him, “This joint verification and tracking exercise with the ICPC is aimed at evaluating the impact of constituency projects and ensuring that they are executed to standard for the benefit of the people.”

    ‎He warned that contractors found to have delivered substandard or abandoned projects would be compelled to take corrective action or refund public funds.

    Read Also: JUST IN: AGF takes over Ozekhome’s alleged forgery case from ICPC

    ‎“The Ministry, working with relevant oversight agencies, will not hesitate to invite contractors for corrective action where deficiencies are identified, or demand refunds to government coffers where projects have clearly failed to meet contractual obligations,” Belgore stated.

    ‎He added that reports generated from the exercise will guide evidence-based decision-making, help assess the relevance and level of implementation of projects, and strengthen planning and delivery of future interventions.

    ‎Also speaking, ICPC Head of Constituency Projects Tracking, Bello Idris Bakori, said the Commission’s participation reflects its mandate to prevent corruption through proactive monitoring of government projects.

    ‎He noted that the exercise is intended to deter sharp practices, promote transparency and ensure that funds earmarked for constituency interventions result in visible development for communities.

    ‎Bakori assured that findings from the tracking exercise would be properly documented and followed up in line with extant laws to safeguard public interest.

    ‎Projects inspected during the Kano flag-off include the provision and installation of solar streetlights at GGSS Kwa in Bichi and Rimingado Local Government Areas; construction of a sporting facility comprising an indoor complex, football pitch and pavilion in Gwarzo town; and the construction of the Badume–Kyauta road linking Dawakin Tofa and Bichi Local Government Areas.

    ‎The joint verification and tracking exercise continues nationwide as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to eliminate waste, enforce accountability and restore public confidence in constituency projects.

  • Senate urges FG to fix collapsed Okija Bridge, restore Anambra Spur Road

    Senate urges FG to fix collapsed Okija Bridge, restore Anambra Spur Road

    The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the collapsed old bridge and failing sections of the Okija Spur Road in Anambra State, directing immediate engineering inspection and emergency remedial works to restore safe connectivity to affected communities.

    The resolution followed the consideration of a motion titled “Need for the Rehabilitation of Okija Spur–Ihembosi–Ukpor–Ebenator–Ezinifite Road”, sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA, Anambra South).

    Specifically, the upper legislative chamber called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out an urgent engineering assessment of the collapsed bridge and all failed sections of the road, while initiating emergency measures to ensure at least temporary and safe passage for road users.

    The Senate also mandated its Committee on Works to oversee all intervention activities on the Okija Spur Road, the collapsed old bridge and the completion of the new bridge currently under construction.

    Presenting the motion, Senator Nwachukwu described the Okija Spur–Okija–Afor Ukpor–Ebenator–Ezinifite Road as one of the most critical intra-regional corridors in Anambra South Senatorial District, serving as a vital link for commerce, agriculture, education, healthcare and other socio-economic activities across several communities.

    He told the chamber that the old bridge along the corridor collapsed on March 5, 2025, “completely shutting down movement, endangering lives and severely disrupting economic and social connectivity across the affected communities.”

    Read Also: Senate to pass ₦58.47trn 2026 Budget, Electoral, Constitution Reforms in final 16 months

    According to him, the situation has been worsened by the prolonged delay in completing the new bridge over the Ulasi Stream, which has been under construction for more than a decade.

    “The new bridge is only about 70 per cent completed, with pillars erected and deck components fabricated but not installed. This has left the structure non-operational and the entire corridor effectively impassable,” Nwachukwu said.

    The lawmaker expressed concern that the collapsed bridge, combined with the incomplete status of the new bridge and the deteriorating condition of several sections of the Okija Spur Road—particularly between Ukpor and Ebenator—has heightened safety risks, increased transportation costs and compounded hardship for residents.

    He stressed that the urgent completion of the new bridge, alongside immediate intervention on the collapsed old bridge, represents the most critical step towards restoring movement, pending the full rehabilitation of the remaining failed portions of the road.

    Nwachukwu emphasised that swift federal intervention is required to stabilise the corridor, restore access, support local livelihoods and prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure.

    In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Works to liaise closely with the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to ensure timely completion of the project.

    Akpabio noted that restoring access along the corridor was also important for public safety, particularly in curbing the activities of kidnappers and bandits who exploit poor road conditions and isolated communities.

  • Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, kill four officers

    Bandits ambush police patrol in Katsina, kill four officers

    Suspected bandits on Wednesday launched a deadly daytime ambush on a police patrol van in Katsina State, killing four officers and injuring two others.

    The Police Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Command confirmed the attack, saying it occurred around 12:45 p.m. when operatives of the 27 Police Mobile Force (PMF) from Guga Camp were on routine patrol before being confronted by the assailants.

    Investigations revealed that the attackers opened fire without warning, forcing the patrol vehicle off the road before overpowering the officers.

    A police officer, Corporal Usman Isa, who also confirmed the incident, said the gunmen captured the officers, restrained them and shot them at close range.

    Read Also: Police arrest man for allegedly killing elder brother in Adamawa

    Those killed were identified as ASP Abubakar Abdullahi, Inspector Umar Ahmed and Sergeant Kailani Kabir, while another officer later died from injuries sustained during the attack.

    A security source disclosed that the attackers fled with the officers’ weapons, including an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition, a Tokarev pistol loaded with eight rounds, and a long-range rifle.

    Two officers survived the assault but sustained injuries. Corporal Daniel Japet reportedly suffered a fracture, while Corporal Abdulaziz Sani sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.

    Following the incident, the Area Commander deployed joint police units and troops to the scene to secure the area and track the attackers.

    The bodies of the deceased officers have been evacuated to the General Hospital in Funtua for autopsy, while the injured remain under medical care.

    The Katsina State Police Command has assured residents that investigations are ongoing, as security operations intensify amid renewed concerns over bandit attacks on security personnel.

  • Presidency slams Atiku over ‘inflammatory exaggerated’ claims on Tinubu’s government

    Presidency slams Atiku over ‘inflammatory exaggerated’ claims on Tinubu’s government

    • …says former VP’s comparison of democracy to military rule is a distortion of history
    • …accuses him of exaggeration aimed at delegitimising democratic outcomes

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has sharply criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of resorting to inflammatory exaggeration and historical revisionism in a bid to stir public discontent after repeated electoral failures.

    Dare’s reaction followed comments credited to Atiku at a public event in Abuja on Tuesday, where the former Vice President and multiple-time presidential candidate reportedly described governance under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as worse than military dictatorship.

    Atiku was also quoted as saying that the APC-led administration represents the worst form of governance he has witnessed in nearly four decades of political engagement.

    The remarks were made during the launch of a book authored by the spokesman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi.

    However, in a strongly worded post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, Dare dismissed Atiku’s assertions as reckless, misleading and dangerous to democratic stability.

    Read Also: Atiku’s son hails Tinubu’s economic policies, backs re-election

    “For a man who once occupied the office of Vice President under a constitutional democracy, Atiku Abubakar’s persistent inability, or refusal, to distinguish between democratic governance and military dictatorship is no longer ironic; it is alarming,” Dare wrote.

    He described the comments as “a willful distortion of history and a further slide into senile dementia.”

    According to Dare, comparing a democratically elected government to military rule trivialises the trauma suffered by Nigerians during periods of authoritarianism.

    He noted that under military regimes, citizens were jailed, exiled or killed under decrees, stressing that such experiences should not be casually equated with policy disagreements in a democracy.

    “The absurdity of Atiku’s ‘dictatorship’ narrative collapses under minimal scrutiny,” Dare argued, pointing out that the former Vice President continues to enjoy freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, including unrestricted movement, political meetings and open criticism of the President and government.

    Dare further accused Atiku of turning post-election defeat into a recurring grievance strategy, alleging that the former Vice President seeks to delegitimize democratic outcomes whenever electoral results do not favour him.

    He said likening the economic reforms of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to military repression exposes what he called a desperation driven by unfulfilled ambition.

    “To argue that a ballot-produced government is worse than one imposed by bullets is reckless and corrosive,” Dare said, warning that such rhetoric insults the legacy of June 12 and flirts with democratic sabotage.

    The presidential aide noted that Atiku’s comments reflect not statesmanship but political frustration, adding that Nigeria has moved beyond the era of military authoritarianism and remains firmly committed to democratic governance, regardless of opposition narratives.

  • Customs, NDLEA intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

    Customs, NDLEA intercept 347.5kg of Canadian Loud at Apapa Port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted 347.5 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in an imported Toyota Sienna at the Apapa Port, Lagos.

    The illicit drugs were uncovered during a joint examination of a single import consignment containing four vehicles, the Customs Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Port Command, Isah Sulaiman, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to the command, the drugs were hidden in 13 bags inside one of the vehicles. A breakdown of the seizure showed that 10 bags weighed 25kg each, one bag weighed 29kg, while two others weighed 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, bringing the total to 347.5kg.

    The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Port Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, said the seizure represents the fourth major joint drug interception by the NCS and NDLEA at the port in less than two months.

    Oshoba said the interception reinforces his resolve that no cargo, whether import or export, would be allowed to pass through the port without thorough examination, warning that criminal elements attempting to traffic prohibited goods through Apapa Port would always be detected and stopped.

    Read Also: Court orders final forfeiture of aircraft over N1.04b customs duty violation

    “We remain vigilant and resolute in our duty to protect our society and national security,” he said.

    He added that the operation underscored the strength of inter-agency collaboration, noting that intelligence sharing and joint enforcement by the NCS and NDLEA have consistently outmanoeuvred smuggling networks operating within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

    According to Oshoba, the seizure was a direct result of the strengthened partnership between the two agencies. He also disclosed that plans were underway to deploy a high-capacity drive-through scanner capable of processing up to 200 containers per hour to further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations at the port.

    The CAC explained that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs of both agencies continue to promote zero tolerance, professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.

    He confirmed that, in line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud had been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of suspects.

    Oshoba noted that the interception aligns with the 2026 International Customs Day theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment,” reaffirming the Apapa Port Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to curb illicit activities and safeguard society.

  • FUNAAB produces 104 First Class, 4,141 graduates

    FUNAAB produces 104 First Class, 4,141 graduates

    • …says N840m paid to students by NELFUND

    The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has graduated 4,141 students in the 2024/2025 academic session, with 104 of them earning First Class honours.

    A student of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Osiama Joy Chinyere, emerged as the overall best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.85.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Kehinde, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Senate Building ahead of the institution’s 33rd convocation ceremony scheduled for January 31, 2026.

    According to him, 1,771 graduates earned Second Class Upper Division degrees, 1,896 finished with Second Class Lower Division, 285 obtained Third Class degrees, two graduated with Pass, while 41 earned degrees in Veterinary Medicine.

    Read Also: Tears as slain FUNAAB student is buried in Lagos

    Prof. Kehinde said the university is releasing a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders and change-makers into society, adding that FUNAAB remains committed to academic excellence, moral discipline and institutional growth.

    He noted that the institution continues to produce competent and well-rounded graduates who are excelling across various sectors within Nigeria and internationally.

    The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the reinstatement of previously suspended Management Science programmes, including Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration and Economics.

    He further commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) initiative, revealing that FUNAAB students have so far received a total of N840 million under the scheme.

  • Gunmen abduct expectant woman in Ondo, police begin rescue mission

    Gunmen abduct expectant woman in Ondo, police begin rescue mission

    Suspected gunmen on Tuesday night abducted an expectant woman at Ayedele community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, the Nation has learnt.

    The victim, identified as Mary Jesulayomi, was seized alongside a nonagenarian, Pa Ogunleye Mese, and his wife, Mrs Mese, around 7:40 pm.

    The incident reportedly occurred a few metres from the Federal Secretariat, Igbatoro, on the outskirts of Akure.

    It was gathered that the armed men, said to be about four in number, later released Pa Mese and his wife – a stone’s throw from the scene of the abduction.

    Speaking in a four-minute video interview, obtained by the Nation in Akure, the 90-year-old Pa Mese said he was beaten and sustained injuries during the attack.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    “I was sitting there when the armed men suddenly arrived and started shooting into the air to scare people away. I was confused at first before they came to where I was seated and grabbed the three of us.

    “They dragged me, my wife and the pregnant woman towards the bush. I managed to escape while we were being marched and ran in a different direction.”

    Also speaking in the footage, Mrs Mese said she collapsed while the gunmen were leading them into the bush, describing the incident as shocking.

    “I fell down and could not continue. They left me behind and took the pregnant woman away. Later, policemen arrived for a rescue mission, but the woman had already been taken away,” she said,

    Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said the tactical teams of the command had been deployed to the area.

    “Upon receipt of the report, the command deployed tactical teams to the scene. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.

    The incident came barely a week after gunmen abducted seven persons at Eleyewo community, also in Akure North LGA, where two of the victims were later rescued by the police.

  • Rights group demands halt to demolitions in Lagos State

    Rights group demands halt to demolitions in Lagos State

    A coalition of human rights, environmental and social justice organisations has called for the immediate halt to ongoing demolition in several communities across the state.

    The coalition also called on the state government to comply with court orders and provide emergency shelter, compensation for affected residents.

    The coalition staged a protest at the Lagos House of Assembly, Ikeja where they made their requests known. However, there was no lawmaker available to address them.

    The police took charge and dispersed them to avoid breakdown of law and order.

    In a joint statement, the groups accused the government of carrying out demolitions and displacements in communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Otumara and Baba-Ijora, without adequate notice, consultation, compensation or resettlement plans.

    The statement was jointly signed by Israel Idowu, Student Coordinator of the Makoko Waterfront Community; Comrade Abiodun Ahmed, Chairman of Owode Motor Spare Parts Market; Comrade Tunde Yusuf, Secretary of the Ajegunle Peoples Movement (APM); Olanrewaju Olusegun, Secretary of the Coalition of Oworonshoki Demolition Victims; Betty Abah, Founder of the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE); Comrade Alex Omotehinse, President of the Center for Human and Social Economic Rights (CHSR); Zikora Ibeh, Assistant Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Prince Iwamitighi R. Irowainu, President of Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide; Opeyemi Adamolekun, an active citizen; and Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, a member of the #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State.

    The organisations alleged that the demolitions disproportionately affected low-income residents such as fishermen, traders, women, and children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and accused the state of prioritising private development interests over the welfare of vulnerable citizens.

    Read Also: Rights groups condemn demolitions, demand justice for residents of Makoko, others

    According to the statement, the forced evictions are part of a long-standing pattern, citing previous demolitions in Otodo Gbame (2016–2017), Oworonshoki (2023), Orisunmibare (February 2024), Otto (March 2024) and Oko-Baba (September 2024).

    The groups recalled that in March 2025, demolitions in Ilaje-Otumara and Baba-Ijora reportedly displaced over 10,000 residents, destroying homes, businesses and places of worship, and leaving many without shelter or livelihoods.

    They also alleged that demolitions in Oworonshoki in October 2025 were carried out at night despite a subsisting court injunction restraining the Lagos State Government and its agencies from proceeding with the exercise, resulting in the displacement of more than 10,000 people.

    On Makoko, the organisations said demolitions began on December 23, 2025, affecting over 3,000 homes and displacing more than 10,000 residents, with schools, clinics and places of worship also destroyed.

    The Lagos State Government, according to the statement, justified the demolitions on safety grounds related to proximity to power lines, a claim the groups disputed.

  • Strike: Normalcy returns as FCTA workers resume after court order

    Strike: Normalcy returns as FCTA workers resume after court order

    Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have begun to pick up as workers resumed after the ruling of the National Industrial Court on Tuesday, ordering suspension of the workers’ strike.

    Recall that the National Industrial Court presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, ordered that the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) be suspended forthwith to allow dialogue continue.

    Following the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urged workers to immediately resume duty, stressing that while the right to protest is recognised in a democracy, court orders must be respected.

    Read Also: FCTA workers urged to comply with court order, maintain peace

    To this end, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) to open and strictly maintain staff attendance registers to ensure compliance with the court order.

    The circular, dated January 27, 2026, instructed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals and Agencies to enforce immediate resumption of duties by workers, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.

    A visit to the FCTA offices and its affiliate MDAs on Wednesday, showed reasonable compliance by the workers as they were seen within the premises and their officers carrying out their normal official duties.