The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Former APC guber aspirant in Osun alleges threat to life, petitions IGP, DSS

    Former APC guber aspirant in Osun alleges threat to life, petitions IGP, DSS

    • …petitions IGP, DSS, NSCDC

    A Professor of Mathematics from the United States of America (USA), Rafiu Durodoye, who contested for the Osun State governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has raised the alarm over an alleged threat to his life after criticising the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    The Nation recalled that Prof Durodoye had granted an interview with an online platform, where he questioned the quality of education at Atlanta Metropolitan College, Georgia, and the certificate earned by Adeleke in the school.

    Also, he criticised his style of governance, stating that he should be voted out in 2026.

    However, Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement, warned the US University don against disinformation aimed at the governor.

    Meanwhile, Prof Durodoye, while addressing newsmen in Osogbo capital of Osun State, on Friday, raised alarm over alleged death threats from unknown people who were bitter about how he criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke.

    Read Also: Two men arraigned for N11million cable theft in Osun

    He said, “I received a call from Ede, hometown of the governor, the person warned and threatened me over my comments on Adeleke with an unknown number.  After another person told me that they had given him my job to do, to kill me. After that, Adeleke’s spokesperson wrote things against me on social media.

    “Two weeks ago, three armed men were knocking at my gate at 9:30 pm. I was not in, so my neighbour approached them, and they said they wanted that Professor. They were told that I was not in, then they sent him to tell me that they would be back to deliver the message. So they left.

    “On Monday, I went to Ibadan, and my people came back to Osogbo. They were stopped and blocked at the last junction to my house, and they were led to my gate with guns. They came in a Sienna SUV and two Okadas. They told them that I was not home, but they did not believe them, so one of them said maybe they should kill one of my cousins as a message to me, but one of them said no, that they needed me. They left and promised to come back.”

    He stated that Adeleke and his supporters should be held responsible if anything happens to him, adding that the threats have heightened concerns about his personal safety and the shrinking space for dissenting opinions in the state.

    The don disclosed that he had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Department of State Service (DSS), and Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over the matter to seek security. 

  • If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    If you know Tinubu’s background, you’ll know he understands how to fix Nigeria — Olubadan

    …says President’s Lagos record shows he understands governance

    …urges more action on food security, healthcare, insecurity

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying anyone familiar with the President’s political journey would understand that he knows what he is doing.

    Oba Ladoja spoke with journalists on Friday after paying a courtesy visit to President Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, noting that the President’s track record as former governor of Lagos State offers insight into his current approach to national governance.

    “If you know where he is coming from, you’ll know that he knows what he’s doing. That is what is most important. He was able to get Lagos from where it was to where he left it, so I am sure that what he is doing now is in the right direction”, the Olubadan said.

    The traditional ruler explained that his visit was partly to thank the President for making time to attend his coronation in Ibadan in September last year, adding that he took advantage of his presence in Abuja for the Daily Trust Dialogue to convey the happiness of his people with ongoing developments in the country.

    Oba Ladoja acknowledged the complexity of governing Nigeria compared to a single state, pointing out that differing expectations and perspectives across the federation make leadership more challenging.

    Nevertheless, he observed that states now have more financial capacity than during his own time in public office and are better positioned to meet their obligations.

    “By and large, the economy has to be fixed, and it is being fixed,” he said, expressing hope that by the time President Tinubu completes his tenure in 2031, Nigeria would be a country all citizens can be proud of.

    On areas requiring greater attention, Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in food security, healthcare, and, most critically, security.

    He lamented that insecurity has made it difficult for farmers to access their farms and is increasingly affecting the southern parts of the country.

    Despite these concerns, Oba Ladoja said he believes the challenges are not insurmountable, adding that the President is addressing them in the right way.

  • Being visible is easy, but being trusted is not

    Being visible is easy, but being trusted is not

    • By Josephine Michael

    In today’s attention economy, visibility has become the new currency. Everyone wants to be seen. Everyone wants to trend. Everyone wants to “sell.” But somewhere along the line, many professionals, especially in the real estate and service sectors, have confused visibility with credibility.

    Being visible is easy. Being trusted is not.

    We are witnessing a dangerous shift where professionals focus more on aesthetics than substance, more on ‘virality’ than value, and more on appearing successful than being competent. The result is a marketplace filled with loud brands but fragile reputations.

    In real estate, this problem is even more pronounced. Selling properties worth tens or hundreds of millions of naira now happens on platforms where anyone can post anything. Low-quality videos advertise premium assets. Copied captions speak for professionals who have not found their own voice. Artificial intelligence generates testimonials, headshots, and even property visuals that misrepresent reality. All in the name of “marketing.”

    But here is the uncomfortable truth: You cannot out-market incompetence forever.

    When branding becomes a liability

    Branding was never meant to be cosmetic. At its core, branding is reputation management. It is the alignment between what you promise and what you can deliver. When those two are disconnected, branding becomes a liability rather than an asset.

    Clients today are not just buying land or property; they are buying confidence. Confidence in documentation. Confidence in process. Confidence in integrity. And no amount of filters, trendy audios, or polished graphics can replace that.

    The modern client is more informed, more skeptical, and more emotionally intelligent than ever before. They can sense inconsistency. They can smell exaggeration. They can tell when a brand is trying too hard to sell instead of genuinely trying to serve.

    The illusion of shortcuts

    Technology has given professionals powerful tools, but the tools are neutral. How they are used determines their impact.

    Artificial intelligence, for example, should enhance clarity, not create deception. It should support creativity, not manufacture false credibility. When professionals use AI to fabricate client testimonials, misrepresent property locations, or create identities that do not exist, they are not innovating; they are eroding trust.

    And trust, once broken, is expensive to rebuild.

    Why the future belongs to credible brands

    The professionals who will dominate 2026 and beyond are not necessarily the loudest. They are the clearest. The most consistent. The most intentional.

    They understand that: Premium clients are attracted to clarity, not chaos; serious investors value transparency over hype; long-term success is built on reputation, not shortcuts.

    These professionals invest in their thinking before their sellings. They refine their message. They document real stories. They show their process. They educate before they persuade.

    In other words, they brand before they sell.

    A necessary reset

    This is a call for a reset, not just for realtors but for professionals across industries.

    Before you post, ask: Does this reflect who I truly am? Can I defend this claim offline? Does my brand inspire confidence or confusion?

    The future does not belong to those who are everywhere. It belongs to those who are trusted.

    Because in the end, visibility may open the door, but credibility is what keeps clients inside.

    About the Author

    Josephine Michael is a Chartered Digital Marketer, Brand Communications Strategist, and PR expert with extensive experience working with real estate developers, Realtors, and property brands. She specializes in helping professionals build visibility, authority, and sustainable growth through strategic brand positioning and communication.

  • COAS to troops: translate training to battlefield victory against terrorists

    COAS to troops: translate training to battlefield victory against terrorists

    As the Nigerian Army deploys troops to various theatres of operation across the country to combat terrorists and other non-state actors, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged them to translate their training into tangible operational victories.

    General Shaibu gave the charge when he spoke at the Final Exercise and Graduation Ceremony of participants of Exercise Restore Hope IX held at the Nigerian Army Training Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, on Friday.

    According to a statement by Army spokesperson Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS emphasised that combat excellence, discipline, adaptability, and teamwork are essential requirements for success in modern warfare.

    The Army Chief described Exercise Restore Hope as a “critical component of the Army’s transformation agenda, designed to build a professional, resilient, and mission-oriented force capable of operating effectively within joint and multi-agency environments.”

    He noted that the advanced infantry training had equipped the graduating troops with enhanced marksmanship, physical endurance, combat medical skills, and the mental resilience required for sustained and high-tempo operations.

    The COAS stressed that battlefield success must be anchored on professionalism, respect for human rights, and accountability, noting that ethical conduct remains vital to maintaining public confidence and operational legitimacy.

    He commended the instructors and training establishments for maintaining high standards, adding that graduates of previous editions of Exercise Restore Hope had continued to distinguish themselves across various theatres of operation.

    While congratulating the officers and soldiers, the COAS approved the immediate promotion and decoration of seven soldiers who distinguished themselves as instructors during the exercise.

    The Chief of Training (Army), Major General VU Okoro, said the exercise, which was in its ninth series, remains “one of the Nigerian Army’s most important post-basic training platforms for sharpening combat skills, building resilience and preparing soldiers for contemporary operational realities.”

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu commends Westerfield College ahead of 2026 summer camp

    Gov Sanwo-Olu commends Westerfield College ahead of 2026 summer camp

    The Chief Executive Officer of Westerfield College, Michael Dosunmu, and his team, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor as part of activities to mark the school’s first anniversary as a wholly owned Nigerian school thriving in the UK. 

    Westerfield College is also participating in the International Education Fair (IEF) and the School Leaders and Teachers Conference (SLTC 2026).

    Westerfield College is a leading Sixth Form institution with campuses in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Last year, the school became the first wholly owned African school to offshore into the United Kingdom.

    This remarkable achievement was well celebrated by Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwoolu at the official launch, held at the British High Commissioner’s residence, where he commended the CEO, Michael Dosunmu, who is an indigene of the state.

    The visit formed part of Westerfield College’s ongoing engagement with key education stakeholders as it continues to expand opportunities for Nigerian students and families seeking globally competitive education pathways.

    During the courtesy call, the College reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational linkages between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and to supporting the aspirations of young Nigerians through quality international programmes.

    In his remark, Governor Sanwo-Olu harped on the educational prowess of Nigerian youths who have continued to excel across the world.

    Finding Westerfield College to open up in the United Kingdom is opening vistas of opportunities for selling Nigeria and Lagos positively to the world.

    Read Also: NBA Chairmen laud Sanwo-Olu, NTDA GM Aboyeji on projects

    Westerfield College is currently hosting its School Leaders and Teachers Conference (SLTC 2026) and participating in the International Education Fair, a platform designed to provide students, parents, and schools with direct access to guidance on international education opportunities.

    A major focus of this engagement is the Westerfield College UK Summer Camp Programme, which offers students early exposure to British culture, specialist academic tracks, leadership development, cultural exchange and networking, sports, and personal growth within a safe and structured learning environment. 

    The camp will run in 3 cohorts from 20th July to 1st August, 3rd to 15th August, and 17th to 29th August 2026 at its campus in Worcester, UK.

    Campers enjoy the most holistic offer that a camp can offer with a combination of academic tracks, which include STEM, Pre-medicine, Business and Law, Computing and coding, as well as Arts and Humanities; sports, such as football, basketball, tennis, and athletics; immersive English; tours; leadership and networking opportunities.

    Speaking during the visit, the CEO of Westerfield College highlighted the institution’s vision of education as a tool for global mobility and personal transformation.

    They emphasised that the Summer Camp Programme is tailored to help Nigerian students build confidence, global awareness, and leadership skills, while giving families a meaningful introduction to the British education system.

    The delegation also underscored the significance of Westerfield College UK, which was launched in 2025 and marks a major milestone as the first African-owned and Africa-based school to establish a campus in the United Kingdom.

    The UK campus combines British academic standards with Westerfield’s personalised, student-centred approach, offering Cambridge A Levels, University Foundation Programmes, Pre-Medicine, and enrichment opportunities that support strong university progression outcomes.

    The courtesy visit reflects Westerfield College’s broader mission to collaborate with government and education leaders in advancing access to high-quality, future-focused education for Nigerian students.

  • APC UK exco inspects ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal road

    APC UK exco inspects ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal road

    • …‘Renewed Hope Agenda is alive’

    ‎Three members of the executive of the United Kingdom Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC UK) have inspected part of the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road.

    The inspection formed part of their effort to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as the electronic registration of APC members is ongoing across Nigeria.

    ‎The publicity secretary of the APC UK Chapter, Tunde Ajisola, commended President Tinubu for translating the long-held vision into reality, saying he was impressed with the level of progress recorded so far on the project.

    ‎“This enduring vision reminds me of 1959 when the M1 was constructed in the UK. People from all over the world came to see the beautiful road and expressed delight.

    ‎“This project takes us back to that era because the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is an economic corridor that will run across the southern states of this country, with a planned linkage to the Sokoto–Badagry corridor as well.

    ‎“For me, it is money well spent, and we say a very big thank you to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making us proud with this project,” he said.

    ‎In his remarks, the Deputy Secretary of the APC UK Chapter, Hon. Ayokunle Agunbiade, said he was glad to be part of the team that carried out the inspection.

    ‎He described the road as a testament to the vision of a President who is ready to unify the country.

    According to him, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is a milestone achievement that will enhance economic integration and infrastructural development across the southern coastline.

    ‎“This is a massive project that will bring synergy and closeness among the southern states. It will stimulate economic integration and create investment opportunities for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    ‎“With this achievement, I urge members of the APC to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continuity and the full realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: ‘APC will sweep Kwara elections’

    ‎Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC UK Chapter, Hon. Olumuyiwa Adesua, explained that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road had become a reality because of the courage of President Tinubu.

    ‎He noted that history shows the implementation of the coastal road had remained on paper for years, with successive administrations lacking the political will to execute it until the advent of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    ‎“Going through the road, I see a project that will connect the economy of southern Nigeria to the rest of the West African coast.

    ‎“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is not just about Nigeria because from here one can travel to the Republic of Benin or Togo, which is massive.

    ‎“The economic front of the Nigerian economy is being opened through this road, and I believe many Nigerians will begin to think ahead about how to create businesses along this corridor and how to engage Nigerian youth.

    ‎“We are using Nigeria’s money to execute this project, and Nigerians are actively engaged in the work.

    ‎“I have worked in the transport sector in the UK for years, and I know that the transport sector is one of the biggest employers of labour, and this is also evident here.

    ‎“There is a need for the National Assembly to enact legislation for the maintenance of projects like this, as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road is not only for our generation but also for generations yet unborn,” he stated.

  • Fusengbuwa Ruling House, traditionalists protest alleged plot to impose next Awujale

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House, traditionalists protest alleged plot to impose next Awujale

    Traditionalists and hundreds of members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebuland on Friday staged a protest over an alleged attempt by powerful interests to impose the next Awujale on the kingmakers, the Fusengbuwa family, and the broader Ijebu nation.

    The protesters converged at the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona Archway before marching to the Ijebu Ode Local Government Headquarters in Itooro, displaying placards with various inscriptions condemning what they described as undue interference in the traditional selection process.

    The Awujale stool became vacant on July 13, 2025, following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who passed away at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign.

    Fusengbuwa is next in line to produce the new Awujale.

    However, The Nation reports that the Ogun State Government, in a circular dated January 20, 2026, directed kingmakers to suspend further steps in selecting a candidate from the 95 nominees earlier submitted by leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Otunba Lateef Owoyemi (Olori Ebi), Prince Adedokun Ajidagba (Deputy Olori Ebi), and Professor Fassy Yusuf (Vice Chairman).

    The directive, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, has heightened allegations that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun is attempting to influence the succession process.

    The state government has, however, denied any intention to impose a candidate.

    Unconvinced by the government’s explanation for halting the process, members of the Fusengbuwa royal family and supporting traditionalists marched through Odo-Egbo, Itale, and Palace Road before ending the peaceful protest at the Itooro Local Government Headquarters, where they were received by the council chairman, Dare Alebiosu.

    Some of their placards read, “Fusengbuwa say no to imposition. Let Ifa oracle determine the next Awujale,” and “Let the kingmakers do their job, we say no to imposition.”

    Mrs Adejugba Obileye, who led the protest, said that they elected to storm the local government and register their displeasure over the alleged plot by the state government to hijack the process and impose a candidate on the kingmakers.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, she called for the opening of the palace and urged the government to steer away from any imposition plot.

    Obileye, who is also the Aremobinrin Jadiara, a unit of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, said that the Fusengbuwa is the next in line to fill the vacant Awujale’s stool, wondering why the selection process was put in abeyance for the second time within a month when the kingmakers were already doing what was expected of them traditionally and in line with the extant laws.

    She cautioned that the stool of Awujale is sacred and not to be sacrificed on the altar of politics or any pecuniary gains.

    Obileye said, “We are at the Ijebu Ode Local Government secretariat to register our displeasure over the closure of the palace and the alleged plan to impose on us the next Awujale of Ijebu land.

    “We are here to say that the Fusengbuwa ruling house is saying no and rejects any plan of imposition for the ongoing selection process of Awujale. The Awujale stool is sacred; it is not to be filled as a result of one political consideration or another.

    “We don’t want political Awujale. The Ijebu kingdom has a rich cultural heritage that should not be bastardized by anyone. We have an Ifa oracle in our family, so the government should allow the Ifa oracle to pick the right candidate for us and not just impose anyone; they should not impose any foreigner on us.

    “The government should desist from any planned imposition. They should allow the kingmakers to do their job; we are not fighting with the government, but they should not interfere unnecessarily in the ongoing selection process of the new Awujale.”

    Also speaking, Olubunmi Adesanya, another member of the ruling house, also called on the government not to impose the next Awujale on the family, but rather allow Ifa oracle and the kingmakers do their job.

    Adesanya said, “We are here to plead with the government not to impose the next Awujale on us. The government should allow the kingmakers to do their job; they should allow the Ifa oracle to pick the next Awujale for us. We reject imposition in all ways, and we plead with our chairman to help us convey our request to the government.”

    Also speaking on behalf of the traditionalists, High Chief Adekunle Talabi, the Obajelu, Olumoko of Imoko, a priest of the Agemo masquerade, also urged the government to distance itself from the alleged imposition plan.

    High Chief Talabi explained that “I just want to urge our governor to allow the right thing to be done, there should be nothing like imposition, it is not acceptable. The government should allow the ruling house, the Fusengbuwa, and the kingmakers to pick the next Awujale.

    “The traditionalists are also not happy with the rumoured plan by the government to impose a candidate; we beg the government to shelve this plan and let things be done as it is laid down from time immemorial.”

    However, addressing the protesters, the Chairman of the local government, Dare Alebiosu, refuted the alleged plan by the government to foist a candidate on the kingmakers or the Fusengbuwa family.

    “The palace has since been opened, I am aware of what. However, on the alleged imposition plan by the government, I want to assure you that there is nothing like that, but I will certainly convey your request to the seat of authority in Abeokuta.

    “The government is not interested in interfering with the selection of the next Awujale; that is the job for the kingmakers to do, and the government will certainly not hinder them from doing their jobs.

    “However, I want to urge you to go back home and not allow your peaceful protest to be hijacked by the hoodlums. I have heard your request, and I will certainly ensure that the governor gets to hear of your concerns,” he said.

  • Agbelebu Foundation activates free health insurance for elderly, persons with disabilities

    Agbelebu Foundation activates free health insurance for elderly, persons with disabilities

    The Agbelebu Foundation has activated a free health insurance scheme for elderly citizens and people living with disabilities, expanding access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable members of society.

    The rollout fulfils a prior commitment by the foundation, enabling registered beneficiaries to begin using their insurance coverage for already-paid months at their preferred hospitals.

    The initiative officially took effect in January and is designed to eliminate financial barriers to medical care for selected participants.

    Speaking on the development, the foundation’s founder, Gbenga Abiola (Agbelebu), described the programme as a targeted intervention aimed at restoring dignity and guaranteeing consistent healthcare access for underserved populations.

    Read Also: Murtala Muhammed Foundation set to mark 50th anniversary

    He reaffirmed that healthcare is a fundamental right and pledged the foundation’s continued support for individuals facing economic and physical challenges.

    Hon. Abiola explained that all beneficiaries were enrolled during the scheme’s unveiling in December, adding that the complete list is available for verification at the Agbelebu Foundation Secretariat.

    He noted that beneficiaries, comprising elderly persons and people living with disabilities, were selected through a transparent and inclusive process.

    Community leaders and beneficiaries have commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

    They said the programme not only addresses urgent healthcare needs but also reinforces the foundation’s track record of people-focused interventions in healthcare, social welfare, education, and empowerment.

  • Sokoto police dismantle criminal network, arrest key members, recover charms, fake currency

    Sokoto police dismantle criminal network, arrest key members, recover charms, fake currency

    The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough against the criminal network known as the “Sai Malam,” with the arrest of two suspected key members of the group.

    The command also confirmed the arrest of kidnapping and banditry suspects in separate operations across Yabo and Silame local government areas of the state.

    Items recovered from the two “Sai Malam” suspects include a large scorpion, two bags of suspected counterfeit currency (naira, dollars, and CFA francs) in various denominations, a POS machine, assorted white papers, perfumes, fetish materials and charms, a red scarf believed to be an identifier of the group, five animal horns, a sharp cutlass, and other ritual-related objects.

    The suspects, Abdulrazak Salihu (alias Monosa) of Polytechnic Quarters and Habibu Sahabi (alias Habibi) of Rugar Woro area, both in their twenties, were arrested at a hideout traced through actionable intelligence.

    The “Sai Malam” group is described as an emerging criminal network in the region, largely made up of youths involved in fetish practices linked to financial fraud, intimidation, and other organised crimes, often relying on superstition to instil fear during operations.

    “The arrest of these individuals and the recovery of these exhibits have significantly weakened the operational and logistical capacity of the ‘Sai Malam’ group. We believe this will disrupt planned criminal activities and lead to further arrests,” the command stated.

    Briefing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Rufa’i, said the command remains committed to dismantling the network’s activities across the state.

    Rufa’i recalled earlier briefings on November 29 and December 19, 2025, highlighting sustained efforts to degrade the group’s capacity.

    He disclosed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit tracked the suspects to a hideout in the Rugar Wauru area of Wamakko Local Government Area, where they were apprehended.

    In separate operations, the command also disrupted a banditry network in Yabo and Silame LGAs, arresting three key suspects linked to terror, kidnapping, and extortion.

    Those arrested include Bello Sahabi, Abubakar Juli of Tudun Bakale, and Aliyu Abubakar of Tudun Jidda, all in Yabo LGA. Police said efforts are ongoing to track additional suspects who fled.

    According to investigators, the suspects confessed to collaborating with one Ayuba Usman of Kilgori Village in an alleged plot to extort residents of the Tudun Bakale community by issuing a threat letter demanding ransom under the risk of violent attack.

    Meanwhile, in Silame LGA, police arrested Bello Digi of Talaji Village, identified as a high-value target and a key member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the area.

    “Digi is among the syndicates responsible for multiple kidnappings and for imposing illegal levies on communities in Silame and Yabo LGAs.

    “He also confessed to his active involvement in kidnapping operations and admitted to receiving Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) as his share of a ransom payment.”

    Hitherto, the command disclosed that an Army camouflage uniform was recovered from his residence, highlighting the syndicate’s methods of operation.

    In the same vein, while the command said investigations were actively ongoing to apprehend remaining accomplices, Rufa’i added, “Let this be a clear message to all criminal elements in Sokoto State that the police command is relentless, resilient, and more than ever, committed to rooting out crime in all its forms.

    “Our intelligence network is robust, and our operatives are on high alert. To those still at large, know that our net is closing in.

    “Surrender yourselves or face the full consequences of the law”, urging the public to continue their vital support by reporting any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency.

    It stressed that the partnership between the police and the community remains the most potent weapon against crime, as it emphasised “If you see something, say something, and the police will definitely do something.”

  • FG expanding domestic gas use for industrialisation, says NMDPRA

    FG expanding domestic gas use for industrialisation, says NMDPRA

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is accelerating gas distribution to drive industrialisation and lower production costs nationwide.

    Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, Mr Saidu Mohammed, spoke on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an inspection of petroleum and gas facilities in Rivers.

    Mohammed had chosen a Spanish firm, CACCHD, as one of the gas distributors in the Southsouth, adding that the company was actively operating in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He said the authority was interested in engaging operators across the midstream and downstream segments while providing the necessary regulatory support to achieve desired outcomes.

    He said the inspection of facilities formed part of the Federal Government’s commitment to the Decade of Gas initiative, designed to maximise the country’s vast gas resources.

    Mohammed said expanding domestic utilisation required robust distribution networks capable of delivering energy efficiently to industries and consumers.

    He said, “Distribution networks are critical to industrialisation because industries thrive when gas is available.

    “Gas provides a cleaner and more efficient energy source that lowers production costs and ultimately reduces consumer prices,” Mohammed said.

    He noted that the Federal Government’s goal was to deploy activities across the oil and gas value chain to drive industrial growth.

    The NMDPRA boss said government priority was to deepen domestic gas utilisation alongside exports to strengthen the national economy.

    He said the regulator would continue to support gas distributors and other midstream operators to ensure orderly expansion within transparent and clearly defined technical and commercial frameworks.

    He said, “Inspecting these facilities underscores the government’s resolve to reposition the gas sector as a catalyst for industrial growth and national prosperity. Transparency remains central to our mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”.

    Mohammed disclosed that the authority was in the process of mapping the entire country for the allocation of Gas Distribution Licences.

    He said licensed gas distribution companies would operate within defined franchise areas to expand gas penetration nationwide.

    According to him, where transmission pipelines are unavailable, the authority would deploy virtual gas distribution through Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    He said, “These operators may appear small, but they are vital to the government’s aspiration of delivering gas to every corner of the country, particularly industrial hubs”.

    Mohammed noted that industrialisation remained key to national development and economic recovery, adding that the government was working to enhance gas penetration through increased access to appliances.

    He explained that while the authority did not provide appliances such as gas cylinders, it ensured that facilities met required standards from production to final consumption.

    Mohammed warned that scarcity would inevitably drive higher prices, stressing that increased supply was essential to achieving affordable energy costs.

    According to him, the authority would deploy all regulatory powers granted under the PIA to support operators and ensure gas availability nationwide.

    “Our goal is to deliver petroleum gas at the lowest possible cost, from production through transportation to distribution,” he concluded.

    The delegation inspected facilities operated by Stockgap Fuels Limited, Matrix Petrochemical Limited, and Central Horizon Gas Company Limited to assess their operational standards.

    In his remarks, Dr Stanley Ohamarije, Chairman of Stockgap Limited, said the company planned to inject 5 million gas cylinders into the market over the next five years.

    Ohamarije said the investment would support the government’s 10-million-cylinder target and deepen gas penetration, noting that Stockgap’s plant has a production capacity of 2,500 cylinders per hour.

    He added that the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to improving access to gas for Nigerians and supporting national industrial growth.