Author: The Nation

  • Enugu tops southeast APC e-registration as leaders rally support in Udi

    Enugu tops southeast APC e-registration as leaders rally support in Udi

    Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have hailed the state’s emergence as the leading hub of the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise in the Southeast, describing the development as a clear product of unity, renewed mobilisation, and growing grassroots confidence in the party.

    The commendations were made at the Umuezeka Kindred Square, Amagu village, Udi, Udi Local Government Area, during a rally that featured the revalidation of party membership by the immediate past chairman of APC in Enugu State, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballa in his Udi/Agbudu Ward.

    Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, said the turnout and enthusiasm witnessed in Udi were strong indicators that the local government would soon rank first in the state in terms of APC registration figures.

    “Udi will take first position in Enugu, and with what is going on here today, that will soon manifest,” Ugwu said. He, however, cautioned that the party must intensify mobilisation efforts, noting that while over 40,000 members had so far registered statewide, the figure remained far below the party’s two-million-member target.

    In his address, the Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, declared that Enugu had officially become number one in the Southeast in terms of APC membership registration.

    “Enugu State is now number one in the entire Southeast. We have gone beyond 40,000 registrations, and this is largely because of the support and unity among our stakeholders. This exercise has gone far beyond expectations,” Nwoye stated.

    He commended Agballa for his sustained commitment to party growth and stressed that the APC in Enugu had moved past internal divisions.

    “APC is now complete. There are no more factions. This is what happens when people unite,” he said, adding that healthy competition among local governments, including Udi’s strong showing on the state chart, was further energising the process.

    The Executive Chairman of Udi Local Government Area, Hyginus Agu, also lauded Agballa’s dedication to the party, urging members to ensure formal registration to fully benefit from party and government programmes.

    He encouraged participants to cascade the mobilisation message to their respective village meetings.

    Agu further noted improvements in security across Udi in recent months, attributing the gains to the responsiveness of both the federal and state governments to the concerns of residents.

    Read Also: APC conflict resolution committee begins work ahead of 2027 polls

    Similarly, the member representing Udi South in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Okey Aneke, praised party stakeholders for their mobilisation drive and described Agballa as a rallying point whose capacity to mobilise had continued to strengthen the APC in the area.

    In his remarks after revalidating his membership, Ugochukwu Agballa expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity from party leaders, government officials, and grassroots supporters.

    He reiterated that politics should be conducted without bitterness and emphasised the supremacy of the party.

    “Anybody who is APC should be APC. You cannot be in APC and be working against the government of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Agballa said, stressing that the focus of the party had shifted from internal struggles over structure to the strategic mobilisation and protection of votes.

    He described the e-registration exercise as a critical innovation, noting that accurate membership data would enhance planning and electoral strategy.

    “If you have 40,000 members, it means you have 40,000 votes. Knowing how many members we have will help the party plan better,” he said.

    Agballa reaffirmed that Governor Peter Mbah remained the party leader in Enugu and called on members to take the exercise seriously, describing it as the pathway to the first truly credible party register in the state.

  • Two men arraigned for N11million cable theft in Osun

    Two men arraigned for N11million cable theft in Osun

    The Osun State Police Command on Tuesday arraigned two men in court for allegedly stealing cables worth N11 million from a company in the state.

    The accused, Toheeb Adebayo (22) and Yusuf Adekunle (48), were charged on two counts.

    The police prosecutor, Inspector Adejola Adesuyi, told the court that Adebayo, on October 13, 2025, at No 3 Dagbolu Street, Ota-Efun, Osogbo, unlawfully stole cables belonging to Agu Company Limited.

    Inspector Adesuyi added that Adekunle later received the stolen cables, fully aware that they had been illegally taken. 

    Read Also: Osun Accord Party member denounces involvement in murder allegation 

    The offences contravene Sections 383 and 427 of the Criminal Code, punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State 2002.

    Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

    Their counsel, Najite Okobe, applied for bail, which the presiding Magistrate, Oyindamola Daramola, granted on liberal terms of N2 million each, with two sureties in the same amount.

    The case has been adjourned to February 27, 2026, for mention.

  • Oyo Assembly Majority leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

    Oyo Assembly Majority leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

    The Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Onaolapo Sanjo Adedoyin, on Tuesday, accused a fellow lawmaker, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

    Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor of the House during the first resumed plenary sitting of the House on Tuesday.

    Visibly angered by the development, the Majority Leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

    Addressing the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, and other lawmakers, Adedoyin said the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which was subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube, and several news blogs.

    Adedoyin said, “In that speech, I was falsely accused of offering and receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government to influence or alter the course of an investigation into allegations against him,” Adedoyin said.

    “I categorically and unequivocally state that these allegations are baseless, malicious, and entirely untrue.”

    He explained that he merely acted on the directive of the Speaker to look into petitions submitted against the local government chairman, insisting that due process was strictly followed.

    “For the record, Mr. Speaker directed me to look into the petitions submitted against the Chairman, and I dutifully carried out that responsibility,” he said, adding that claims of bribery involving the House leadership were “mischievously fabricated to mislead the public for political gains.”

    The Majority Leader further alleged that Shittu extended his accusations to the office of the Speaker, alleging that the Speaker was altering the course of justice due to political party considerations.

    “Such insinuations are not only false but dangerous, as they attempt to portray this House as partisan and unjust.

    “Let it be firmly stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly has never been involved in political favouritism,” Adedoyin stated.

    He also accused the Saki West lawmaker of ridiculing the House Special Ad-hoc Committee that carried out oversight functions in Oyo North, noting that Shittu allegedly absented himself from the committee’s assignment.

    “His deliberate absence from critical legislative duties speaks volumes about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by his constituents,” Adedoyin said.

    Describing the comments as calculated attempts to embarrass and discredit the Assembly, the Majority Leader noted that the incident was not an isolated one.

    “This is not the first time Hon. Shittu has embarked on character assassination, spreading falsehoods and calculated lies against the leadership and institution of this Assembly,” he added.

    Adedoyin said the allegations had caused him and his family severe distress.

    “My image has been gravely damaged. I have received several disturbing calls from friends and colleagues, while my entire family is presently suffering psychological and emotional trauma as a result of these false allegations,” he said.

    He therefore appealed to the Speaker to invoke the powers of the House to investigate the matter in line with the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, and Order VII of the Assembly’s rules.

    “This intervention is necessary not only to protect my personal integrity but also to safeguard the dignity of this Honourable House and deter future occurrences of such misconduct,” Adedoyin added.

    Reacting to the personal explanation, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin cautioned lawmakers against making unnecessary, unfounded, and exaggerated comments capable of igniting tension, misleading the public, and undermining the integrity of the legislative institution.

    He stressed that members must exercise restraint, uphold decorum, and remain guided by the rules of the House in all their public engagements, noting that the legislature must always be seen as a responsible and disciplined institution.

    To safeguard the dignity of the House and ensure that due process is followed, the Speaker consequently referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further legislative action.

    He, however, directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and report its findings back to the House within one week.

    Consequently, the House thereafter resolved to await the committee’s report before taking further action on the matter.

  • Weeldrop petroleum opens another branch in Ibadan

    Weeldrop petroleum opens another branch in Ibadan

    Weeldrop Petroleum has  strengthened its presence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, with the commissioning of a new outlet, located in the Jericho area of the city.

    The new station, commissioned on Tuesday, is situated beside the Federal College of Forestry, Jericho, and adds to the company’s growing network of petroleum outlets across Ibadan.

    With this latest addition, Weeldrop Petroleum now operates  branches at Oyo Housing Corporation, Bodija; Orita Challenge; Agodi; Oremeji; Ashi; Akobo; Olaogun; Brewery Junction; Jemibewon Road and now Jericho.

    The newly commissioned outlet is equipped with modern dispensing facilities, an auto-care section for vehicle servicing, and a contemporary supermarket offering beverages, groceries, and household items for customer convenience.

    Read Also: Industrialist hails Dangote for intervening in petroleum sector

    Speaking shortly after the commissioning, the Chairman of Weeldrop Petroleum, Mr. ‘Wale Oladiti, described the Jericho branch as a direct response to growing public demands for affordable and quality fuel within the area.

    According to Oladiti, the company remains committed to delivering high-quality petroleum products at some of the most competitive prices in Ibadan. He noted that while fuel from the Dangote Refinery sells at ₦739 per litre, Weeldrop Petroleum currently retails petrol at ₦734 per litre.

    “We have seen different people from every part of Ibadan clamouring for our services. This location was acquired from the government, and when you check our prices, it is one of the cheapest you can see around. Even Dangote sells at ₦739 per litre and we sell for ₦734 naira per litre with a very good meter system.

    “Coming to this place is like saying yes to people who understand what we stand for. We are across major places in Ibadan, but who are we to say no if you call us to bring our quality to your locality? Our PMS is ₦734, our LPG is ₦1050, and AGO is ₦990 Naira per liter,” he added.

  • Lady apologises to Mercy Johnson, family over false viral claim

    Lady apologises to Mercy Johnson, family over false viral claim

    Content creator Eddie Bliss has apologised to actress Mercy Johnson and her family after a defamation case was dropped, leading to her release from police custody.

    Bliss had shared unverified information from an online blog, causing harm to Mercy Johnson’s family.

    Eddie Bliss expressed her apology and gratitude to Mercy Johnson for dropping the charges.

    “I came across a post from a blog online called Cutie Julls, and I picked the post and posted it on my page without verifying the information, and apparently, that particular video caused a lot of harm and hurt to the family of Mr and Mrs Okojie. I am sincerely sorry for whatever damage I must have caused the family.

    Read Also: Mercy Johnson celebrates god-daughter Regina Daniels on birthday

    “I also want to say thank you very much, ma, for dropping the charges against me. You don’t know what you have done for my family and me,” she said.

    She captioned the video, “Thank you so much, ma, I do appreciate your kindness. I am also very sorry for the inconvenience I caused you and your family. God bless you again.”

    She was arrested after Mercy Johnson reported her to the police for sharing false and damaging claims about her and her husband, Prince Henry Okojie.

    Mercy Johnson had warned that false claims against her family wouldn’t be tolerated, saying she dropped the case out of respect for those who appealed to her.

  • NANS laments non-payment of SIWES allowances to students

    NANS laments non-payment of SIWES allowances to students

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed concerns over the failure of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to resolve the prolonged non-payment of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances owed to students across tertiary institutions nationwide.

    A statement by the Assistant Secretary General, National, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comr. Adejuwon Olatunji Emmanuel noted that for several years, thousands of students who dutifully participated in the SIWES programme have been denied their statutory entitlements.

    NANS said that despite repeated complaints, petitions, and engagements by students’ bodies and stakeholders, the situation has remained unresolved.

    The student body called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by ordering a comprehensive forensic audit of SIWES funds and ensuring that all outstanding allowances are paid without further delay.

    It said, “We express deep outrage over the persistent and unjustifiable failure of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to resolve the prolonged non-payment of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances owed to Nigerian students across tertiary institutions nationwide.

    Read Also: 2026: NANS Southwest endorses APC’s Oyebamiji for Osun governorship

    “This failure has subjected students to severe financial hardship and has undermined the credibility of a programme established to promote skills acquisition, employability, and national workforce development.

    “Also, we hereby issue a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to take decisive action on this matter.

    “Failure to act within this period will be interpreted as institutional indifference to the plight of Nigerian students and will compel us to escalate its response through all democratic means available.

    “Furthermore, we call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately invite the ITF leadership for a thorough investigation and explanation regarding the unpaid SIWES allowances. Nigerian students and the general public deserve a full account of how SIWES funds have been managed over the years.

    “Nigerian students should not continue to pay the price for administrative incompetence or institutional negligence. SIWES is not a privilege; it is a statutory entitlement. Any leadership that consistently fails to honour this obligation has failed its mandate.”

  • Mr Real apologises to D’banj over CREAM platform remark

    Mr Real apologises to D’banj over CREAM platform remark

    Singer Okafor Victor, popularly known as Mr. Real, has apologised to D’banj over comments he made about the singer’s Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts and Music (CREAM) platform.

    His apology followed a petition filed by D’banj’s legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, accusing Mr Real of criminal defamation.

    Mr Real had claimed that CREAM couldn’t afford to offer him a N20 million ambassadorial deal, sparking backlash online.

    A magistrate had ordered Mr Real to appear in court and restrained him from making further statements about D’banj pending the case’s determination.

    In an Instagram post, Mr Real expressed remorse, acknowledging D’banj’s influence on his life and career, and describing him as a “father figure and mentor”.

    He pledged to cooperate with the legal process and reaffirmed his loyalty and respect for D’banj.

    Read Also: Mo’Hits’ split initiated by Don Jazzy – D’banj

    “This video is an apology to my boss, D’banj. I want to use this opportunity to apologise to the Koko Master. I know most of you are aware of the incident involving myself, D’banj, and the CREAM platform. I misunderstood and misinterpreted some things concerning the CREAM platform, and I want to sincerely say I am very sorry,” he said.

    “D’banj, you have played a big role in my life and career, and I would never deny that. I want you to know that I still have love and respect for you.

    “You are like a father and mentor to me. I am truly sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness.

    “I promise to comply with the legal process and give my full support and cooperation. D’banj, I am very sorry, and I remain loyal to you.”

    In an accompanying caption, the rapper said he had withdrawn his earlier comments and expressed his commitment to resolving the matter privately while maintaining respect within the music industry.

    “I want to address my recent comments involving Dbanj. I regret the tone and public manner of my recent comments relating to Bangalee,” he wrote.

    “I hold Dbanj in the highest regard, and I apologise for how the situation was handled. I have withdrawn my comments, and I will not make further public statements on this matter while cooperating to resolve this matter amicably.

    “This statement is made in good faith and without prejudice to foster resolution. I am committed to doing better moving forward and to upholding respect within our music community.”

  • Man disrupts church vigil with cutlass in Abia over noise pollution

    Man disrupts church vigil with cutlass in Abia over noise pollution

    A man armed with a cutlass disrupted a church vigil in Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, in protest against noise pollution from the church’s loud services.

    The incident, which was captured on video, has ignited debate on social media over the impact of excessive noise from churches and other establishments in residential areas.

    While some observers sympathised with the man’s frustration, others condemned his use of violence as a means of protest.

    A user, #mrboboskie wrote, “Noise pollution isn’t a good thing, but the church members do not do well, dem suppose give the man correct beating for showing up with a cutlass.”

    Read Also: Research uncovers toxic pollution in community

    Another user #dahtgirl_ajex wrote, “I wanted to say this is not the right approach, but what if he has approached the right sources and nothing was done, and he couldn’t bear it again. You can tell he has endured enough. Please stop building churches in residential areas.”

    “They will all see him as a devil, neglecting the fact that they don’t have sound proof. He can equally sue them and win the case,” #Joe_Bassey wrote.

    Another user, #felixherbt, said, “You will understand his frustration if your house is near one of these Pentecostal churches. Their noise pollution is annoying.”

    The Lagos State Government has previously sealed establishments, including churches, over noise pollution, highlighting the need for compliance with environmental regulations.

  • 2026 Aurora Tech award: Top 30 finalists emerge

    2026 Aurora Tech award: Top 30 finalists emerge

    The Aurora Tech Award, the global award dedicated to backing outstanding female tech founders from emerging markets, has unveiled its top 30 finalists for this year.

    The Top 30 semi-finalists were selected following rigorous evaluation of the Top 100 that emerged from 3,400 applications submitted from 127 countries.

    The list reflected the rapid growth of female entrepreneurship across emerging economies.

    The 30 women-led start-ups selected are drawn from different regions across the globe, with Latin America (46.7%) leading the distribution, while EMEA, APAC, CIS, and others account for 23.3%, 6.7%, 10%, and 13.3%, respectively.

    While Latin America comprises countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Panama, the Middle East & Africa comprises Nigeria, Kenya, Tunisia, South Africa, and Egypt. Asia and the Pacific, and CIS comprise only India and Kazakhstan.

    In contrast, others include North America and Europe, including Ukraine.

    The Top 30 reflects a strong balance between early-stage founders, with 16 start-ups at the pre-seed stage and 14 at the seed stage.

    Key technology trends that dominated the shortlist include Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning – 7 start-ups, Fintech – 7 start-ups (4 from Latin America), HealthTech & MedTech – 6 start-ups, EdTech – 3 start-ups, and Enterprise Software – 2 start-ups.

    Single-representation sectors include AdTech & MarTech, AgriTech & FoodTech, Wellbeing, Longevity & Life Sciences, Energy & Sustainability, and Construction Tech, demonstrating both diversity and depth of innovation.

    Each year, thousands of companies are assessed through a multi-layered process that combines independent investor evaluation with Aurora’s own execution benchmarks.

    Aurora works with a curated network of over 40 venture capital partners across Latin America, MENA, Africa, and South Asia.

    Start-ups are reviewed by investors with direct experience in their region, sector, and stage, ensuring informed judgment rather than generic scoring.

    Every company is evaluated independently by multiple VC partners using a structured assessment framework developed with experienced operators and investors.

    Beyond scores, investors signal which founders they would want to engage with, because absolute investor conviction is a critical signal of market readiness.

    To arrive at the Top 30 selection, three factors are considered: independent VC evaluations, demonstrated investor conviction, and performance in Aurora’s initial Top 100 assessment.

    Speaking on the selection, Head of the Aurora Tech Award, Isabella Ghassemi-Smith, said, “Aurora’s selection process is deliberately designed to address one of the biggest barriers female founders face: access to investors and capital. By involving our global network of VCs directly in the evaluation process, Aurora ensures that relevant investors see founders as they are being assessed, not after a list is published.

     As a result, the Top 30 is not only a vetted shortlist, but a group of founders who have already been exposed to capital and investor attention, creating momentum on both sides before funding conversations formally begin.”

    Finalists gain access to non-dilutive capital of up to US$50,000, alongside strategic engagement designed to move companies forward, including early exposure to relevant investors, fundraising readiness, and informed market insight. The result is not just attention, but leverage: capital, credibility, and positioning that meaningfully improve a founder’s path to the next stage.

    Finalists will be announced next month, with winners being celebrated at a global ceremony later in the year.

  • Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Ondo APC Aborigines intensify grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    Leaders and elders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, under the platform of Ondo APC Aborigines, have stepped up grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The mobilisation follows the registration of over 100,000 digitally verified members across the state, barely two weeks after the commencement of the party’s nationwide membership e-registration exercise.

    The group made its position known on Tuesday during the inauguration of local government and ward coordinating committees for the Tinubu 2027 campaign in Odigbo and Ese Odo Local Government Areas.

    Speaking at the event, the convener of Ondo APC Aborigines, Mr Sola Iji, said the group was ready to harness the ongoing e-registration exercise to secure electoral victories for President Tinubu and other candidates of the APC in the 2027 polls.

    Iji, an ambassador-designate, urged party members to work closely with other APC leaders and stakeholders in their respective communities to ensure extensive voter mobilisation for the party

    “We respect the existing structures of the party and appreciate the efforts of other support groups canvassing for the re-election of President Tinubu.

    “We shall cooperate and collaborate with all stakeholders, not only to win Ondo State for the President but to maximise our returns at the polls,” he said.

    He also emphasised that the numerical strength and extensive grassroots network of the Aborigines would be deployed to reach voters across the length and breadth of the state.

    “Our numerical strength and network of canvassers at the polling unit level should work to our advantage in reaching out to voters in the nooks and crannies of Ondo State,” Iji added.

    Read Also: APC conflict resolution committee begins work ahead of 2027 polls

    The convener also urged members of the group to continually pray for leaders at all levels of government, seeking divine guidance and wisdom in governance.

    Cautioning members against engaging in activities capable of polarising the APC in the state, Iji urged them to embrace the ongoing e-registration exercise aimed at strengthening and consolidating the APC.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Taiwo Adegoroye, described Ondo APC Aborigines as critical stakeholders in the party, noting that their role was pivotal to strengthening the APC and mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election.

    Similarly, at the inauguration in Ese Odo Local Government Area, Famous Guntei commended members of the Aborigines for their resilience and commitment to the party.

    He, however, advised them to remain steadfast, unite with other APC stakeholders, and work tirelessly to secure a convincing victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.