The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Soldiers ambush Boko Haram logistics convoy, kill 21 in Borno

    Soldiers ambush Boko Haram logistics convoy, kill 21 in Borno

    The Nigerian Army troops, under Operation Hadin Kai, have killed more than 21 terrorists in a fierce encounter in Sojiri and Kayamla villages on the Damboa-Maiduguri Road in Borno State.

    The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

    A credible source at Army Headquarters made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    The source said the encounter, which occurred around 12:15 a.m. yesterday, followed credible intelligence of a large gathering of terrorists along the axis, suspected to be preparing for coordinated attacks.

    He said the troops mobilised and made contact with the terrorists, estimated at 100, at noon on Saturday.

    According to him, in spite of attempts by an additional group to flank our forces, troops held their ground, employing superior firepower.

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    “At least 17 bodies were confirmed at the scene, with more suspected as blood trails were observed leading into nearby bushes.

    “Items recovered included arms, ammunition, and other logistics, as troops continued to apply pressure to deny the terrorists freedom of movement.

    “A tactical withdrawal was carried out to stabilise the situation and allow troops to regroup, with morale reported as high despite the intensity of the encounter,” he said.

    The source reiterated the commitment of the military to sustaining offensive operations to protect Maiduguri, Damboa, and surrounding communities in the Northeast.

  • Mutfwang’s defection will strengthen APC’s prospects for 2027, says Dati

    Mutfwang’s defection will strengthen APC’s prospects for 2027, says Dati

    A stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yakubu Dati, has welcomed the defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang into the ruling party.

    He said the governor’s defection would be another political masterstroke for strengthen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances for another term in office by 2027.

    Dati described the movement of the Plateau State governor into the APC as a plus for the ruling party.

    The APC stalwart said it would consolidate more grounds for the President and his party ahead of the next general election.

    Dati, who said this while addressing reporters at the weekend, noted that the movement of the governor into the APC would enable him to align with the centre, especially with the leadership provided by President Tinubu.

    The APC chieftain said it would also provide political comfort to deepen development, capacity, and strategic negotiation.

    Dati said: “No doubt, alignment with the centre, especially for a leader like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides political comfort to deepen more development buoyed by leadership capacity and strategic negotiation.

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    “Defections also consolidate power as governors rarely move alone. They do so with their legislators, commissioners, and local government officials. This is a plus for the ruling party as this strengthens its position ahead of 2027.”

    The APC stalwart said Governor Mutfwang’s defection is necessary for further development of Plateau State.

    The Plateau State governor officially joined the APC during last week’s 14th National Caucus meeting in Abuja.

    According to Dati, the announcement by APC’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, which confirmed Mutfwang’s movement into the fold of the progressives, ended months of speculations.

    Dati said now that the Plateau State governor has moved to the APC, there is an assurance by political players to eschew politics of sentiments and transit into the mainstream of Nigeria’s politics.

    He described Mutfwang’s defection as a homecoming of sorts, affirming that many other states have since found out that an alignment with the centre presents a renewed hope.

    He said: “This action by Governor Mutfwang while definitely aligning Plateau with the ruling party at the federal level, will also unlock greater access to resources, accelerate development projects, and foster national policy influence.

    “The realignment is also laden with the prospects of reducing partisan friction while enabling smoother governance and faster implementation of infrastructure and security initiatives.”

    Dati said former Governors Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) have keyed into this idea for the greater benefit of their states.

    According to him, Delta and Akwa Ibom states are already enjoying low-hanging fruit.

    Presenting a bigger picture of the development, Dati noted that with the defection of Governor Mutfwang, the Northcentral is now governed by the APC.

    He said: “As an indigene of Plateau State, I cannot but say Eureka to this development, with the epiphany that my state has realigned not just with the centre but with its siblings in the Northcentral zone, giving our dear state a stronger identification and a sense of belonging.

    “The Northcentral occupies a strategic space in Nigeria’s power map. Frequently courted during elections, it, however, struggles to convert relevance into sustained federal attention.

    “In 1983 under the Second Republic, Plateau was the only state that chose to be different in party affiliation with its closest neighbours as Benue, Bauchi, Gongola, and Kaduna all belonged to the ruling party at the centre.

    “But the consequences were glaring as there was no synergy between the state and the centre to complement the drive of our father, Chief Solomon Lar, who would have achieved much more with the support of the party at the centre.

    “Before Thursday, when Mutfwang defected, Plateau was reminiscent of the old order. It was the only odd one out, with Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kogi all belonging to the ruling party.”

    Dati added: “There are definitely going to be challenges occasioned by this action, as some would feel it would dampen their influence on the party. But such considerations are selfish and not forward-looking.

    “Governor Mutfwang will, therefore, face the challenge of uniting other members with those who are moving to the APC with him, as there are entrenched party factions and rival ambitions.

    “Plateau’s APC, long in opposition, carries its own internal tensions, hence success for the party will require discipline, inclusion, and strategic clarity to gain from federal alignment and stabilise governance.

    “The good thing is that with the alignment, the cooperation of notable party leaders in the state, including Idris Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the Ninth Assembly, will be secured to give APC the needed push to navigate the political landmines.

    “In a region long sensitive to political neglect, Governor Mutfwang has done well and taken the right decision to move Plateau State forward.”

  • Sheikh Dahiru was symbol of unity, say Hashim

    Sheikh Dahiru was symbol of unity, say Hashim

    PDP chieftain pays condolence visit to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s family

    A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi in Bauchi State.

    The renowned Islamic scholar passed away on Thursday, November 27.

    Hashim described the revered Islamic scholar as a rare religious leader who was known for learning as well as a deep moral conscience and national commitment.

    The ex-presidential candidate, who shares the same birthday – June 28 – with the late cleric, spoke in Hausa, which he later translated. He noted that the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi stood out in an era where religiosity was often divorced from godliness.

    The presidential hopeful stressed that while many claim religious authority, few truly fear God.

    “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was not just a religious man; he was highly learned, informed and, above all, he genuinely feared God.

    “There are many religious people who do not fear God, but Sheikh Dahiru was different; he was a true man of God,” Hashim said.

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    Beyond the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s scholarly influence, Hashim emphasised his unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s unity and peace, describing him as a national figure whose impact transcended religion, ethnicity, and region.

    “Apart from being an Islamic scholar, he was deeply committed to the unity of Nigeria and worked tirelessly for the peace of the nation. That is why I regard him as my father,” he added.

    Hashim reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to the ideals the late Sheikh Dahiru embodied, stressing that national unity and peace remain non-negotiable values in a deeply diverse country like Nigeria.

    “I am also committed to the unity of Nigeria and to working for peace, irrespective of tribe, region, or religion.”

    Acknowledging the pain of the loss, Hashim noted that the late Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi’s legacy remained alive in the principles he lived for.

    “Yes, he is no longer with us, but what he stood for – peace and unity – remain for every Nigerian to learn from,” Hashim said.

    The ex-presidential candidate was accompanied by a large delegation comprising Sheikh Haliru Abdulahi Maraya (Kaduna), Dr. Ibrshim Umar (Kaduna), Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni (FCT), Hajia Rabi Musa (Nassarawa), Mr. Ezekiel Dinfa (Plateau) and Coordinators of the Hashim Organisation in the three senatorial districts and 20 local government areas of Bauchi State.

  • Council boss empowers women, youths, others

    Council boss empowers women, youths, others

    The Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Ajose Kumayon, has empowered over 700 widows, women and youths with cash gifts, vocational tools, educational support and food items. The economic initiative is to support progress and development of small businesses, foster self-reliance and improve livelihood of all residents.

    The empowerment was held at Mowo Junior Secondary School, Osun Egbado, in Badagry, as part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.

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    The event was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as religious and political figures, who lauded the chairman for his commitment to empowering grassroots people.

    Other side attractions included cultural displays.

    Among the gifts distributed are cash grants, sewing machines, presentation of official and personal cars to the council’s legislative arm of government, 2.5kva generators, POS machines, cars, motorcycles, freezers, barbing kits, grinding machines, hair dryers, sets of make-up kits, automatic wheelchair for the disabled and food items.

    Speaking at the event tagged: “Reshape Agenda”, Kumayon emphasised the importance of supporting vulnerable women, ensuring they feel valued and cared for.

    He reiterated his commitment to continue to support and implement empowerment programmes ranging from financial grants to business skills training and essential equipment to help youths, widows and women to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

  • ‘Sustain mother-tongue education policy’

    ‘Sustain mother-tongue education policy’

    Fafunwa Educational Foundation (FEF) has expressed concern about Federal Government’s decision to reverse the policy mandating the use of mother-tongue as the primary language of instruction in early basic education.

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, attributed the reversal to poor examination performance in regions that implemented the policy, citing results from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    A statement signed by Sheri Fafunwa-Ndibe for the Board of Trustees and Muyiwa Obiyomi, Secretary, Fafunwa Educational Foundation, ‘’regards this conclusion as hasty and unfounded.’’

    The statement said: ‘’While academic performance has declined nationally, decades of research do not support the claim that mother-tongue instruction is to blame. On the contrary, extensive evidence shows children learn best in the language they understand most naturally.

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    ‘’This reality was demonstrated in the landmark Ife Primary Education Research Project (1970–1978), led by the late Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, founder of the foundation. Pupils taught in Yoruba achieved stronger literacy, numeracy and overall comprehension than peers taught initially in English—and later outperformed them in external examinations, including English language.

    Similar findings by scholars like Professor Babatunde Ipaye and international experience from countries including Japan, China, Spain, Portugal and Israel further strengthen this consensus. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) also consistently affirms that children taught in their mother tongues show significantly higher reading comprehension by the end of primary and lower secondary school.’’

    It added: ‘’The challenges Nigeria has faced with the policy stem from weak implementation—particularly inadequate funding, insufficient teacher training and lack of instructional materials—not from flaws in the concept of mother-tongue education itself. A major reform cannot succeed without proper investment and planning. Concerns that Nigeria lacks enough teachers fluent in indigenous languages only highlight the need for capacity building, not policy abandonment. No country becomes ‘ready’ for reform by reversing it.

    ‘’Likewise, the fact that examinations by WAEC and JAMB are conducted in English does not undermine the value of early mother-tongue instruction. Children are taught English as a subject and, as evidence shows, those who start in their first language ultimately perform better in English and other subjects.

    ‘’FEF therefore urges the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to reinstate the mother tongue policy. Reversing it undermines Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic heritage and reinforces harmful assumptions about the inferiority of indigenous languages. Instead of retreating, the government should work with state and local authorities, research institutions, university language departments, Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and other stakeholders to strengthen indigenous languages as effective tools of instruction.

    ‘’Language is not merely a medium of learning; it carries culture, identity and history. Strengthening mother-tongue education is both an educational necessity and a cultural responsibility. Current challenges are reasons to improve implementation—not reasons to abandon a proven policy that supports learning, equity and long-term academic success.’’

  • Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s candidacy makes victory easier, says forum

    Osun 2026: Oyebamiji’s candidacy makes victory easier, says forum

    Ahead of 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Leaders’ Forum in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State has called for unity among party members for the victory of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).

    A statement signed by co-conveners of the forum, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye and Tunji Adesokun, yesterday in Osogbo, noted if members of the party can come together, victory is certain.

    They described Oyebamiji as a loyal, committed and highly experienced politician, saying his victory in the election must be pursued with unity of purpose.

    The group appealed to leaders of the party at the state and national levels to work hard and unite all interests and opinions within the party for success to be achieved.

    “We are approaching a major election, and we must ensure we go to the polls as a united and cohesive group. The choice of Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate has made the task easier, but our leaders at the state and national levels must still work hard and prevent internal sabotage.

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    “We, members of the forum, are in full alignment with the choice of Oyebamiji as our standard-bearer, and we will mobilise for his victory across the grassroots,” the statement said.

    The forum restated agreement earlier reached by leaders of APC in the local government that every member should jettison allegiance to other aspirants, once the party produces a candidate, irrespective of the constitutional mode of choice.

    Commending the leaders of the party for ensuring a peaceful primary election in the state, the forum urged them to bring aggrieved members together for the success of the party.

    It declared that from all indications, the electorate are yearning for the return of APC in the state, but “members of the party must shun divisive tendencies.”

  • Okpebholo targets jobs, infrastructure in 2026 Budget, says Finance commissioner

    Okpebholo targets jobs, infrastructure in 2026 Budget, says Finance commissioner

    Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, has said the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented by Governor Monday Okpebholo was a strategic shift from routine fiscal planning to impact-driven public finance.

    He said the budget was designed to accelerate infrastructure renewal, expand employment opportunities and strengthen social services.

    The commissioner, who spoke yesterday while briefing reporters on details of the budget, said it aligned with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which prioritised security,  health care, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.

    He said sectors capable of unlocking productivity, reducing inequality and integrating underserved communities into the state’s economic framework were captured.

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    Okoebor said: “Infrastructure dominates the budget, with N420.62 billion allocated to the sector. Of this amount, over N305 billion is earmarked for road construction and rehabilitation. Governor Okpebholo believes improved road networks will ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transaction costs and improve access to health care, education and markets, particularly in rural areas.

    ‘’Agriculture received N68 billion in targeted funding. The provision supports livestock development through a dedicated ministry, offering a structured and preventive response to farmer–herder conflicts, while strengthening agricultural value chains.

    “Job creation is another major feature of the 2026 Budget, with N116.46 billion set aside for employment-related programmes. The allocation is expected to generate jobs through infrastructure development, agriculture and expanded government activities.

    “The budget also provides N8.9 billion for social welfare programmes targeting women, youths, children and other vulnerable groups, as part of efforts to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”

  • LASTMA rolls out traffic control plan

    LASTMA rolls out traffic control plan

    Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unveiled an extensive, intelligence-driven traffic control strategy aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and public safety across the state.

    According to a statement issued by LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, the Yuletide typically witnesses a sharp increase in traffic volume, fuelled by concerts, carnivals, end-of-year parties, religious gatherings and other recreational activities.

    To address the expected pressure on the road network, LASTMA has intensified its operational readiness through the deployment of experienced traffic officers, enhanced surveillance systems and round-the-clock monitoring of key traffic corridors.

    vent locations, commercial hubs and major arterial roads.

    Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, advised operators of event centres, clubs, lounges and other entertainment facilities to put in place effective internal traffic and parking arrangements capable of accommodating their patrons within their premises.

    He said any spill-over of vehicles onto public roads that resulted in obstruction or gridlock would attract strict enforcement measures, describing such practices as a violation of the collective right of Lagos residents to safe and unhindered movement.

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    Bakare-Oki also urged market leaders, traders’ associations and other commercial stakeholders to prevent their members from displaying goods on roadways, walkways and pedestrian paths.

    According to him, the encroachment of public spaces forces pedestrians onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents and worsening traffic congestion.

    The traffic authority cautioned motorists to ensure their vehicles were in good mechanical condition before embarking on journeys during the festive period. Drivers were also warned against driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances and reminded to comply with government-approved speed limits.

    LASTMA reassured the public that its enforcement teams would remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing traffic regulations, including those against illegal parking, road obstruction, speeding and impaired driving throughout the Yuletide and beyond.

    The agency appealed to road users to cooperate with traffic officers, obey traffic laws and exercise patience and civic responsibility, to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for residents and visitors.

  • Expert proffers solution to economic problems

    Expert proffers solution to economic problems

    Former Managing Director of Citizens International Bank and Assurance Bank of Nigeria, Mr Chikatara Mbonu, has proffered solution to Nigeria’s economic instability.

    He lamented that duplicated policies, inconsistent reforms and unstable national development plan were some of the factors responsible for the country’s economic instability.

    Speaking in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, while delivering a lecture titled: ‘Blueprint of Progress: What Nigeria Can Learn from Global Systems and Leadership’, Mbonu says stability will remain elusive until the nation begins to respect continuity, same way engineers respect load calculation.

    The economic expert said the culture of ‘man know man’ and the belief that government resource was a national cake would continue to be an obstacle to Nigeria’s growth and development.

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    The lecture was part of activities lined up for the 10th Rev. Ette I. I. Etteh Annual Distinguished Lecture Series and the launch of a book, ‘Christ the Greatest Connector’, written by Etteh, also an engineer.

    The lecture was organised in collaboration with Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), a division of Nigerian Society of Engineers.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Yusuf Sagaya, an engineer, described the celebrant as a father of many successful engineers locally and internationally.

    He said Etteh with his friend, Lawrence Arokodare, had built a global standard of engineering practice in Nigeria.

    Rev. Etteh expressed gratitude to the association, UI community, well-wishers and all who had worked to make the event a reality.

  • Businessman advises Adebayo to run for president

    Businessman advises Adebayo to run for president

    A politician and businessman based in Daura area of Katsina State, Nalado Yusuf, has called on the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, to re-contest in 2027.

    Adebayo, an Ondo State-born lawyer, businessman and public affairs commentator, has remained loyal to the SDP after the 2023 elections despite reported overtures from other parties.

    Describing him as a politician to watch ahead of the 2027 polls, Yusuf said his experience and background were enough reasons for him to present himself again to voters in 2027.

    He said Adebayo’s continued allegiance to the SDP underscored his reputation as a principled politician rather than a roving aspirant in search of an electoral ticket.

    He noted that his consistency and personal wealth suggested he was driven more by a desire to reform the country than by personal gain.

    He said during the 2023 campaign, Adebayo ran under the slogan “Hope Again 2023,” which he said could be reworked into a 2027 message focused on national “rescue,” particularly in response to Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.

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    “Beyond politics, Adebayo is the founder of King Adebayo Film and Theatre Arts Network (KAFTAN-TV), a television station and has been involved in business and philanthropy. This mix of private-sector experience and public engagement positions him well to address Nigeria’s complex governance issues,” he stated.

    On economic reform features, he said: “Adebayo should ensure turning around Nigeria’s economy as a matter of priority. He should give it the attention it deserves and the transformation it needs. The value of the Naira should be raised, revenue generation should be commensurate with the earnings of any payer, budgets should be implemented fully, foreign investments should be encouraged and debts should be managed sincerely while attempts should be made to offset it gradually, but unfailingly.”

    On the security front, he said it was another central concern, stressing that insecurity, particularly in northern Nigeria, had disrupted economic and social life and required decisive action, including better deployment of security forces and greater use of modern technology such as surveillance and intelligence-gathering tools.

    He highlighted education, agriculture and social welfare as areas that need urgent attention. “Proposals include increased budgetary allocations to education, improved welfare for teachers, the introduction of modern agricultural technology to boost food production, and expanded access to health care, clean water and housing. Skills acquisition programmes and social support for vulnerable citizens are also seen as critical,” he said.

    Speaking on industrialisation, he called on Adebayo to consider the revival of the moribund industries, encouragement of new manufacturing ventures and incentives for investors.

    He stressed the need to revitalise the civil service, ensure timely payment of salaries and pensions, clear debts owed to contractors and promote transparency in governance.

    Encouraging Adebayo not to give but to draw inspiration from the late Muhammadu Buhari, who tried several times before becoming president, he said: “Your Excellency, you have seen it all. Apart from being a lawyer and a businessman of international repute, you are equally a philanthropist who also has been familiar with the art of governance. It is, therefore, a duty on you to present yourself again for election in 2027.  After all, the late President Buhari gave a shot at the presidency about three times before he could finally tear the net in 2015.”