The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ohanaeze Ndigbo declares every last Saturday of January as Igbo adoration, thanksgiving Day

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo declares every last Saturday of January as Igbo adoration, thanksgiving Day

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has formally declared the last Saturday of every January as Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day.

    The Igbo socio-cultural organisation took the decision at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday.

    In a statement on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohaneze Ndigbo President General , Senator Azuta Mbata, said the decision followed an appeal by the Igbo College of Bishops at the NEC meeting.

    He said: “This decision followed an appeal by the Igbo College of Bishops, represented at the NEC meeting by Archbishop David Onuoha and Archbishop Sosthenes Eze of the Owerri and Enugu Anglican Provinces respectively, among other clerics.

    He said the NEC sought a revision of the earlier resolution adopted by the Imeobi at the Ohanaeze meeting held on 23rd December, 2025 in Enugu, which had proposed the last Sunday of January for the observance.

    “Consequently, the NEC resolved that the celebration be held on the last Saturday of every January instead. Imeobi would be communicated in Ohanaeze Ndigbo next meeting.

    Senator Mbata, urged Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora to appreciate the deep significance of this symbolic day, describing it as a moment of collective gratitude to God for His enduring mercies and grace upon the Igbo nation, despite the numerous challenges encountered over the decades.
    “Accordingly, all churches in Igbo land are requested to observe with commitment the maiden edition of this solemn event on Saturday, 31st January 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with prayers, adoration, and thanksgiving dedicated to God.”

    He called on all Igbo people to participate wholeheartedly in making this day as a unifying spiritual landmark for the Igbo nation.

  • Tax reforms have wiped out Nigeria’s middle class — UNILAG professor

    Tax reforms have wiped out Nigeria’s middle class — UNILAG professor

    A tax policy expert at the University of Lagos, Prof. Isaac Nwaogwugwu, has said ongoing Federal Government tax reforms have effectively eroded Nigeria’s middle class, blaming the outcome on weak policy design and inconsistent macroeconomic implementation.

    Nwaogwugwu made the assertion on Wednesday while delivering a lecture at the 21st Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, held in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The lecture, titled “Nigeria under the Grip of Tax Reforms: Exploring the Politics, Economics and Geospatial Dimensions of the Act,” examined the broader impact of tax policies on the economy and citizens’ welfare.

    According to the professor, although the reforms were introduced to streamline the tax system, reduce multiple taxation, cut collection costs, and improve revenue generation, their unintended consequence has been prolonged economic hardship for Nigerians.

    He argued that what was initially presented as short-term fiscal pain has become a lasting socio-economic burden, noting that successive reforms have failed to correct deep-rooted structural imbalances.

    “The many reforms of the Federal Government have eradicated the middle class. Macroeconomic policies have not delivered expected outcomes due to poor policy design, inconsistency in implementation, and corruption,” he said.

    Nwaogwugwu listed the stated objectives of the reforms to include economic diversification, job creation, income growth, increased non-oil revenue, and improved welfare, but maintained that most of these targets remain largely unmet.

    He urged the government to inject more liquidity into the economy to stimulate growth, strengthen enterprises across all scales, and rebuild a productive sector capable of restoring the middle class and driving inclusive development.

    Earlier, the Acting Surveyor-General of Lagos State, Olalekan Odupe, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to governance reforms through geospatial infrastructure and data-driven solutions to enhance fiscal sustainability and urban development.

    Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Lagos Branch, Adedeji Olanrewaju, described the lecture theme as timely, saying it addressed critical issues around leadership, governance, integrity, and socio-economic progress.

    The event featured prize presentations to winners of the Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture Essay Competition for secondary and tertiary institutions and was attended by members of the Kukoyi family, surveyors from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, as well as students, women, and young professionals.

  • Okpebholo issues ultimatum to waste mgt board to keep Edo clean

    Okpebholo issues ultimatum to waste mgt board to keep Edo clean

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the management of the Waste Management Board to keep the streets of Benin City and other adjoining local government areas clean.

    Governor Okpebholo said his “Clean Edo” initiative was to have a cleaner and healthier society.

    He said failure for any waste managers to comply with the directive would be met with sanctions.

    The Edo governor, who spoke through the Chairman, Edo State Environmental Taskforce, and Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the warning at a meeting with accredited waste managers and other stakeholders in Benin City.

    He said his SHINE Agenda was set to impact on the lives of people.

    According to him, “We are going to give one week to all the waste managers across the state, most especially, Edo South, to meet up with responsibilities, or we revoke your accreditation at the state and local government levels.

    Read Also: Okpebholo ends years of neglect at Oredo Girls Secondary School

    “However, we are ready to join you to proffer solutions to raised challenges as we need a cleaner and healthier society.”

    Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Nosa Adams said solid and liquid wastes must not be allowed to litter the streets.

    “Air pollution would not be tolerated, and solid waste must be evacuated as quickly as possible, as soon as it is dropped.

    “Factories should work out acceptable minimum standards to dispose of liquid wastes, which is a critical challenge communities are presently facing.

    “We are taking action against this industrial action, because we don’t want to gamble with the health of our people.”

    Chairman, Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, said the state was on the path of progress and prosperity.

  • Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu to order bye-elections for deceased councillors

    Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu to order bye-elections for deceased councillors

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill vacant councillorship seats in Ibeju-Lekki, Mushin, and Somolu Local Government areas.

    The issue was raised on Thursday during plenary under a personal explanation by Hon. Akinsanya Nureni, representing Mushin I, who noted that the deaths of three councillors had left their wards without representation.

    Nureni appealed to the House to intervene by urging LASIEC to organise fresh elections, warning that the continued vacancies deny affected communities adequate legislative representation.

    Supporting the motion, Hon. Esho Kazeem of Mushin Constituency II confirmed that a councillor in his area had died and that no replacement election had been conducted, adding to calls for immediate action.

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    Hon. Kehinde Joseph further urged the Assembly to formally write to the Governor to mandate LASIEC to commence the electoral process. He also proposed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased councillors and suggested sending condolence letters to their families.

    In his ruling, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directed lawmakers to observe a minute of silence for the late councillors and the late Oba of Badagry. He also instructed the Clerk of the House, Onafeko Olalekan, to transmit the Assembly’s resolution to the Governor.

    Among the deceased are Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor for Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, who died on August 13, 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration; Zainab Shotayo, Chief Whip and Councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, who passed away on August 18, 2025, 22 days into her tenure; and Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor for Ward F in Somolu, who died on September 21, 2025, 56 days after assuming office.

  • Baze University Architecture students engage public sector clients in 2026 live project

    Baze University Architecture students engage public sector clients in 2026 live project

    Architecture students of Baze University, Abuja, have concluded their 2026 Live Project exercise, an academic programme designed to expose students to real-life architectural and urban design challenges through practical engagement.

    The project presentations, which took place on 16 January 2026, involved postgraduate (MSc Architecture) students and 300-level undergraduates. The initiative is part of the Department of Architecture’s experiential learning approach, which combines classroom instruction with site visits, client interaction, and professional practice.

    For the postgraduate segment, the students worked on a design brief involving the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI).

    Read Also: Baze University’s ‘The Revenants’ wins CGMA Nigeria Business Challenge 2025

    The exercise was supervised by Dr Oumar Mohammed, with coordination by the Head of Department, Dr Chinwe Sam-Amobi.

    As part of the project, the MSc students visited a proposed project site in Keffi, Nasarawa State, where they engaged with the Honourable Commissioner of NCFRMI. The visit exposed the students to practical considerations in designing infrastructure for displaced persons, including sustainability, service delivery, and human-centred planning.

    Following the site visit, the students developed conceptual design proposals based on the client’s needs and site conditions, which were subsequently presented and submitted for review. The exercise, according to the department, was aimed at improving students’ professional communication skills and understanding of public-sector project requirements.

    Meanwhile, the undergraduate component involved 300-level students who undertook a studio-based Live Project informed by field studies of Gishiri Model City, located near Abuja’s Maitama District. Their design brief focused on land subdivision, transportation planning, and waste management, with attention to regulatory standards and urban liveability.

    The undergraduate students were supervised by Dr Amina Batagarawa and Arc. Salisu Tyabo Usman, and the exercise included collaborative studio work, design iterations, and physical model production.

    The Department of Architecture described the 2026 Live Project as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen practice-oriented education, providing students with hands-on experience while addressing contemporary urban and social development challenges.

  • Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria taps low-emission farming to unlock climate finance, other opportunities

    Nigeria’s drive to cut short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) from agricultural activities is gaining traction as a potential gateway for climate finance and carbon market investment, the Federal Government has said.

    This was disclosed at the close-out workshop of the Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the Nigerian Agricultural Sector Project held in Abuja.

    Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the initiative has shown how climate-smart agricultural practices can open new funding opportunities for farmers while advancing Nigeria’s climate obligations.

    The project, implemented by Self Help Africa in partnership with the Ministry and funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, targeted reductions in methane and black carbon emissions by promoting alternatives to open-field burning across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    Ogunbiyi explained that although the project benefited from international grant support, its long-term value lies in its ability to deliver measurable, bankable climate outcomes capable of attracting private sector and blended financing.

    “Reducing methane and black carbon delivers fast climate benefits, and these are exactly the kinds of outcomes global climate finance and carbon markets are increasingly looking to support,” he said.

    He noted that emission reductions achieved through practices such as water-efficient rice cultivation, sustainable management of crop residues, and conservation agriculture could be packaged into carbon credit schemes, providing additional income streams for farmers and cooperatives.

    According to the Ministry, the project has demonstrated that smallholder farmers can effectively participate in carbon markets when mitigation measures are practical, verifiable, and tied to productivity improvements.

    In more than 20 demonstration plots across 15 communities—particularly in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State—farmers adopted no-burn farming methods, climate-resilient cropping systems, and residue-to-briquette technologies. These approaches not only cut emissions but also improve crop yields and reduce household energy costs.

    “These results position Nigerian agriculture as a credible candidate for results-based climate finance, where farmers are rewarded not just for producing food, but for delivering climate services,” Ogunbiyi said.

    The SLCP Abatement Project aligns with the Climate Change Act of 2021 and Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which recognise agriculture as a key sector for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services (ALCCMS) said embedding SLCP mitigation into agricultural policy would enhance Nigeria’s access to global climate funds, voluntary carbon markets, and emerging methane-reduction financing mechanisms.

    “Climate-smart agriculture is no longer just an environmental agenda; it is an investment opportunity,” the ALCCMS Director said.

    The Federal Government used the occasion to urge financial institutions to design tailored credit products for farmers adopting low-emission practices, while calling on development partners to support longer-term, results-based financing models that connect emission reductions with rural income growth.

    Ogunbiyi stressed that expanding the gains recorded under the project would require strong coordination among agricultural, environmental, and financial institutions, alongside improvements in rural infrastructure and extension services.

    “As we conclude this project phase, the task before us is to convert pilot success into sustainable finance pipelines. With the right climate finance structures, Nigerian farmers can become active players in carbon markets while strengthening food security and rural livelihoods,” he said.

  • Tinubu approves oil drilling at Tongeji Island, Olokola Deep Seaport take-off — Abiodun

    Tinubu approves oil drilling at Tongeji Island, Olokola Deep Seaport take-off — Abiodun

    • …new seaport to be known as Blue Marine Economic Zone

    Ogun State’s long-standing aspiration to become an oil-producing state is set to materialise following the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.

    Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, alongside senior officers of the command, during a courtesy visit to his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

    Abiodun also revealed that President Tinubu has approved the immediate take-off of the Olokola Deep Seaport project located in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, marking a breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding the multibillion-dollar port development.

    He noted that both projects are of special interest to the President. He noted that while the Olokola Deep Seaport would significantly decongest the Lagos ports, commercial oil drilling at Tongeji Island would promote inclusion and economic empowerment for residents of the coastal communities.

    “Let me share with you that Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Tongeji Island, and going forward, you will begin to see a lot of activities there,” the governor said.

    “Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. I want to sincerely thank Mr President because this is solely his initiative. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality.”

    Governor Abiodun added that President Tinubu specifically directed that construction of the port should be far advanced between now and next year, stressing that the project presents a strong opportunity to decongest the Lagos ports, particularly with the coastal road now providing an alternative logistics corridor.

    He further disclosed that the new seaport would be known as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, reflecting its strategic coastal location and vast economic and commercial potential.

    The governor commended the Nigerian Navy for establishing a Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, noting that the naval presence would help prevent infiltration from the neighbouring Benin Republic and discourage any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    He also disclosed that his administration is working to provide basic amenities for residents of the island in line with efforts to improve living conditions and support emerging economic activities.

    Governor Abiodun appreciated the Nigerian Navy for its contribution to the state’s security architecture, noting that collaboration among security agencies has helped sustain the relative peace currently enjoyed in Ogun State.

    Describing Rear Admiral Mustapha as a seasoned and accomplished officer, the governor expressed confidence that Ogun State would experience enhanced security and progress under his leadership.

    “We are happy that someone with your antecedents, background, training, and experience is occupying this position at this time. You are a round peg in a round hole,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha described Ogun State as critical and strategic to Nigeria’s national security, disclosing that the naval outpost at Tongeji Island would be upgraded to a Forward Operations Base due to the area’s significant oil potential.

    He explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigerian Navy and the Ogun State Government, adding that part of his responsibility was to safeguard Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.

  • PDP crisis deepens as ex-spokesman resigns in Ondo

    PDP crisis deepens as ex-spokesman resigns in Ondo

    The leadership crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State deepened on Thursday following the resignation of the party’s former Publicity Secretary, Ayo Fadaka.

    Fadaka, who formerly served as the spokesman of the opposition party in the state, announced his resignation in a letter submitted to the chairman of Ward 8, Oke Aro, in Akure South Local Government Area and obtained by The Nation, in Akure.

    In copies of the letter addressed to the state chairman and the National Vice Chairman (South-West) of the PDP, Fadaka said his decision was not taken lightly but was necessitated by what he described as persistent internal crises threatening the survival of the party.

    “I am writing to notify you of my decision to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party forthwith,” he stated.

    According to him, the PDP had become a victim of individuals who rose to prominence through the party but later turned against it.

    “The PDP is a victim of ill-bred individuals who unfortunately rose to very lofty heights through it and eventually turned around to stab it mercilessly,” he said.

    Fadaka further accused some party leaders in the state of lacking integrity and using the party purely for personal gain.

    Read Also: 2027: North Central PDP chairmen back Gbenga Hashim

    “Another thriving group of rent-seeking and privilege-taking individuals, to whom the party remains a meal ticket, are ever ready, without conscience, to compromise its interests,” he added.

    The former spokesman said he had realised that his commitment to the party was no longer sustainable under the prevailing circumstances.

    “In view of the above, I have since realised that my seemingly irrevocable commitment to the party can, after all, be revoked. Therefore, my membership in the PDP is hereby terminated. I wish the party well,” he stated.

    Fadaka’s resignation is the latest in a series of developments highlighting the deepening internal wrangling within the PDP in the state.

  • New residential development launched in Lagos to address housing demand

    New residential development launched in Lagos to address housing demand

    A new residential development, Fab Luxury Court, has been officially launched in Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos, with construction commencing following a groundbreaking ceremony.

    The project will feature one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, according to the developers.

    The launch drew key stakeholders from the real estate sector, including developers, investors, and representatives of partner organisations.

    Among the attendees were Tony Aspire, Chairman of REDAN Lagos; Adeyemi Adeniyi, Chairman of REDAN Ogun State; Jeffrey Itepu and Damilare Oshokoya, CEO and COO of Abode; Elujoba Daniel, MD/CEO of Assuredway Investment Ltd; Olanipekun John and Awodire Victor, Directors of Trustworth Homes and Properties Ltd; Adeola Ugwuoke, CEO of Deo Equitable Homes; and other industry figures. Some guests were represented by delegates, including Daskabi Siyasoya.

    The project comes amid Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, particularly in urban centres such as Lagos, where rapid population growth, urban migration, and rising construction costs have left demand for well-finished residential apartments on the mainland outpacing supply.

    Speaking at the event, CEO of FAB Realty, Ayomikun Adebayo-Oyetoro, said the decision to site the project in Maryland was informed by client inquiries and demand for residential apartments on the Lagos mainland.

    She noted that while high-end developments are largely concentrated on Lagos Island, mainland locations remain underserved despite rising demand, leaving prospective homeowners with limited options.

    “We realised that a lot of our clients are constantly asking for good apartments on the mainland. Most times, when they find apartments on the mainland, the quality is not the same as what they see on the Island. That gap is what informed this project.

    “The idea was not to abandon the mainland or keep concentrating developments on the Island alone. We want to respond to what our clients are asking for by providing apartments that meet modern standards, but are located on the mainland,” Adebayo-Oyetoro said.

    She also highlighted Maryland’s strategic location, citing its accessibility to key parts of Lagos and beyond.

    “Maryland is about ten minutes to the airport, about fifteen to twenty minutes to Ikoyi, and it gives easy access to routes leading out of Lagos, including Ibadan. Location was a major factor in choosing this site,” she said.

    Industry observers noted that Adebayo-Oyetoro’s role in driving the project reflects the growing participation of women in Nigeria’s real estate sector, a space traditionally dominated by men. In recent years, more women-led firms have emerged, championing residential developments aimed at addressing housing gaps and expanding access to quality homes.

    Adebayo-Oyetoro said the project was conceived to respond to housing demand while contributing to urban development in Ikeja and its surrounding areas.

    “What we are trying to do is respond to demand by adding quality housing stock to the mainland. It is about meeting the needs of people who want comfortable and well-finished apartments without necessarily having to move to the Island,” she said.

    Fab Luxury Court is expected to add to the supply of apartment housing in the area as construction progresses.

  • Lagos police step up surveillance as schools receive threat messages

    Lagos police step up surveillance as schools receive threat messages

    Threats of attack by unknown persons have forced two popular secondary schools in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, to send pupils home temporarily.

    The threats were received by both schools on Tuesday, prompting a report to the Lagos State Police Command.

    To ensure the safety of pupils and teachers, The Nation gathered that both schools contacted parents and told them to keep their wards at home over an alleged fire scare.

    A parent whose children attend one of the schools confirmed that they have been at home, adding that the school told them there was an issue that needed resolution to prevent a fire outbreak.

    “Yes, my kids have been home. We were told there is a fire scare or something that needs to be resolved, and so the children should stay home until it is solved.”

    During a visit to the schools on Thursday, it was observed that specialised operatives from the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), other specialised units, and soldiers from the 9Brigade Nigerian Army were on the ground.

    Residents confirmed that the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh was at the schools on Wednesday, adding that anti-bomb experts swept the entire premises to ensure there was no threat.

    They also confirmed that the Brigade Commander and his soldiers visited the schools on Wednesday, adding that surveillance had continued since the threat was reported to the police.

    Confirming the threat, the Lagos Police Command said an investigation was underway to fish out those behind the messages.

    A statement by the spokesperson for the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that anti-bomb experts swept the schools and no threats were discovered.

    Read Also: Police smash kidnapping syndicate, arrest 10 suspects, recover ammunition, others

    “The Lagos State Police Command has once again demonstrated its commitment to the protection of lives and property following a swift, intelligence-led response to a security threat directed at some prominent private schools in Ikeja.

    “On Tuesday, 21st January, 2026, at about 16:00 hrs, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of both schools, situated within Ikeja, independently reported to Ikeja Divisional Headquarters that they received distress WhatsApp messages from the same unknown number.

    “Upon receipt of the reports, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised and personally led a team of police operatives, including experts from the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical teams, to the school premises for on-the-spot assessment and security reinforcement.

    “A painstaking and comprehensive sweep of the entire school environment, including classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding premises, was conducted by the EOD-CBRN experts to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or any other dangerous or suspicious materials. The operation yielded no explosive or hazardous device, and the schools were consequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities.

    “The Commissioner of Police has directed that the investigation be intensified to trace, identify, and apprehend the sender(s) of the threat message with a view to bringing them to justice, while combined teams of police personnel have been strategically deployed on a permanent basis to the affected schools to ensure round-the-clock safety of students, staff, and school facilities.

    “The Lagos State Police Command assures parents, guardians, school authorities, and the general public that the command remains proactive, responsive, and fully committed to maintaining peace, safety, and public order across the state.

    “Members of the public are enjoined to remain calm, vigilant, and continue with their lawful activities, while promptly reporting any suspicious activity or security concern to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870 and 09168630929,” said the police command.