The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Budget of purpose, security, stability, national renewal’

    ‘Budget of purpose, security, stability, national renewal’

    Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the proposed N5.41 trillion allocation to the security sector.

    The party in a statement by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said: ‘’This deliberate and unprecedented commitment once again underscores a government that is clear-eyed about Nigeria’s present realities and is firmly focused on securing its future.

    ‘’At the core of the 2026 Budget is intentional governance- a budget that speaks not in abstractions, but also in priorities that reflect the lived experience of Nigerians. Security, as the foremost responsibility of government, has been accorded the attention it deserves, not as a reactionary gesture, but also as a strategic investment in national stability, economic confidence and social cohesion.’’

    The statement added: ‘’The primary intent of the 2026 Budget is clear: to consolidate national security gains, protect lives and property, and create a stable environment for economic recovery and sustainable growth. The President’s proposal recognises that no meaningful development can thrive in the absence of peace and safety.

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    ‘’By committing N5.41 trillion to security, the Tinubu administration is addressing: Capacity enhancement for the Armed Forces and security agencies. Improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

    Modernisation of equipment and operational logistics.

    Welfare and motivation of personnel who daily put their lives on the line.

    ‘’This is leadership that understands that security spending is not consumption, but protection of national assets- human and material.

    ‘’Beyond intent, the objectives of the 2026 Budget are practical and measurable: To decisively weaken criminal and terrorist networks that threaten national unity and economic activity. To restore investors’ confidence, knowing that capital flows to stable and secure environments. To deepen economic reforms, ensuring that gains in fiscal discipline are not undermined by insecurity. To reinforce social stability, allowing citizens to pursue livelihoods without fear.

    ‘’The security allocation aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing the understanding that security, economy and development are mutually reinforcing pillars.

    ‘’Lagos APC urges all Nigerians, stakeholders and the National Assembly to view the 2026 Budget through the prism of national interest, rather than partisan cynicism. This is not a budget of rhetoric, but of resolve. It is a statement of purpose from a President who appreciates the weight of history and the urgency of now.

    ‘’We commend President Tinubu for his foresight, courage and clarity of purpose. Nigeria is steadily moving from emergency responses to structured, forward-looking solutions. The 2026 Budget is yet another affirmation that this administration is not governing by chance, but by design.

    ‘’Lagos APC remains unwavering in its support for policies and programmes that secure Nigeria, strengthen its economy and restore hope to its people.’’

  • Makinde to sign N892b 2026 Appropriation Bill today

    Makinde to sign N892b 2026 Appropriation Bill today

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will today sign the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.

    The ceremony, which will be held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, is holding after the House of Assembly passed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law last week after a meticulous consideration.

    Recall that the governor had, on November 24, presented the 2026 Budget proposal tagged: ‘Budget of Economic Expansion’, to the assembly, with a total estimate of N891,985,074,480.79.

    He had said at the event that the 2026 Budget was meant to build on the foundation of stability to drive productivity and inclusive growth.

    Read Also: Tinubu assures Nigerians on security, urges peaceful Eyo celebration

    Expected at the ceremony are Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin; and Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima.

    Others are former deputy governors, Hamid Gbadamosi; Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Amb.  Taofeek Arapaja; Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, as well as the chairman and members of the Assembly’s Appropriation Committee.

    Also billed to attend are the chairman and co-chairman of Oyo State Elders’ Council; chairman of Oyo State Advisory Council; Oyo State chairman of PDP; chairman of Oyo State Local Government Chairmen; labour union leaders; selected religious leaders and monarchs, among others.

  • Akpabio raises hope on Ibadan State creation

    Akpabio raises hope on Ibadan State creation

    There are indications that all hope is not lost on the clamour for the creation of Ibadan State, as the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, yesterday raised the hope of the people on the possibility of its creation.

    He raised the hope of the advocates of Ibadan State creation in a remark at the Bodija home of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, when he paid a courtesy call on the monarch.

    Akpabio, accompanied by Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abdulahi, Sarafadeen Ali and other high ranking senators, assured people that creation of the state would be looked into on the floor of the Senate.

    He said: ‘’Ibadan is an incoming state. The only state in Nigeria that is needed to be created by popular demand.”

    On the installation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Senate President described him as not only a blessing to Ibadanland, but also the entire Southwest.

    He says Ibadan people have made a rightful decision in their choice of Ladoja as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, noting his wealth of experience as a politician, entrepreneur and seasoned administrator.

    According to him, ‘’Ladoja as a nationalist will bring innovation to the traditional institution in the Southwest.

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    “His reign will witness a lot of progress. Ibadan people will benefit a lot during his reign.

    “Oba Ladoja has served the country as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governor of Oyo State. His wealth of experience will be brought to bear in his new assignment as a monarch.”

    Oba Ladoja thanked the Senate President and his entourage for the visit and restated his call for the creation of Ibadan State.

    “My subjects have given me the mandate to represent their interests on all issues, including the creation of Ibadan State.

    “I placed the request of my people before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during my installation. I am repeating the same thing today. My people want Ibadan state and I want you to use your office to ensure its actualisation.

    “Another request that I want to place before you is the constitutional recognition of the traditional institution. If there is need for the amendment of the constitution, let it be done so that all this idea of removing the traditional ruler by the governor will stop forthwith.”

  • Firm to redefine Yuletide shopping

    Firm to redefine Yuletide shopping

    The Mood Market by Riella Luxé said it is set to redefine shopping for Christmas by treating Lagosians and tourists to experience the season in a softer, more intentional way with its first edition of Christmas Fair.

    Its founder and curator Gabriella P. Okechukwu said the idea was borne out of the desire to change how people experience the season.

    “The Mood Market was born out of a desire to change how people experience Christmas shopping. Instead of overwhelming fairs, we created a curated, rooftop space where people can shop their moods, enjoy good food and music, and find gifts that truly mean something. The Christmas tree light-up represents our vision of building a shared festive moment Lagos can return to every year,” Okechukwu said.

    By blending intentional shopping, festive food, music, atmosphere, and tradition, The Mood Market by Riella Luxé positions itself as a refreshing addition to Lagos’ Christmas calendar; one that prioritizes mood, memory, and meaningful celebration.

    Okechukwu said it will take place on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Maison Fahrenheit VI (Rooftop) between 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m, adding that entry is free and open to the public.

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    The curator explained that designed as a lifestyle-led Christmas fair, The Mood Market is more than a shopping event. “It is a curated rooftop experience built around mood, gifting, festive food, music, and community. The fair brings together intentional brands across candles, beauty, fashion, art, gourmet treats, and festive food offerings, all set against the Lagos skyline.

    “True to its name, The Mood Market allows guests to shop how they feel. The fair is thoughtfully curated into distinct mood zones, making it easier for attendees to navigate, connect with brands, and discover meaningful gifts that reflect emotion and intention rather than excess,” Okechukwu said, adding that the defining moment of the evening will take place at 8 p.m., with The Mood Market Christmas Tree Light-Up Countdown, a first-of-its-kind festive moment aimed at creating a new Lagos Christmas tradition.

    The live countdown and lighting of the Christmas tree will symbolically mark “Lighting Up Lagos Christmas,” bringing guests together in a shared holiday celebration.

    Food plays a central role in the experience, with a variety of festive food vendors offering comfort meals, holiday-inspired bites, and celebratory treats designed to complement the relaxed, lounge-style atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to eat, unwind, and stay, turning the fair into a full-day-to-night Christmas experience rather than a quick shopping stop.

    Beyond shopping and food, the event promises an atmosphere designed for presence and relaxation. With DJ-led music throughout the day and into the evening, a dedicated lounge and chill area, and an open rooftop setting, guests can enjoy good music, festive meals, and conversations under the night sky.

  • Ghana confirms ECOWAS petition over Jonah Capital dispute

    Ghana confirms ECOWAS petition over Jonah Capital dispute

    A diplomatic and legal dimension has erupted in the River Park Estate dispute in Abuja.

    This followed the confirmation that Ghana has petitioned the ECOWAS Court over concerns surrounding the treatment of the Ghanaian investment firm, Jonah Capital, in Nigeria.

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal, confirmed that the country has formally escalated the matter to ECOWAS after earlier efforts to resolve the dispute proved unsuccessful.

    Jamal said the issue predated his tenure but that he had participated in meetings where both parties presented their positions.

    “We did not want to escalate this matter because we did not want it to affect the cordial relationship between Ghana and Nigeria,” he said, describing the matter as a commercial dispute that had become prolonged.

    He confirmed that following briefings to authorities in Accra, Ghana, he submitted a formal petition to ECOWAS.

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    “When I assumed office, we briefed Accra, and that led to an official petition to ECOWAS,” Jamal said.

    He announced that ECOWAS requested comprehensive documentation, which Ghana is now forwarding.

    “I have signed the letter transmitting the official documents and details, which should reach ECOWAS shortly,” he said.

    Jamal expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved without further escalation, noting that the matter is now before the ECOWAS Court for adjudication.

    Speaking in an interview with Joy TV, Jonah Capital Chief Executive Officer, Kojo Mensah, said the company was surprised by actions taken by Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), disputing claims that it failed to attend scheduled meetings.

    “It came to us as a surprise. The CAC never wrote to us,” Mensah said, adding that his company disputes assertions that it was absent from engagements.

    He said the company relied on records, including publicly available video footage, to support its position that its legal representatives were present at the meeting in question.

    Mensah also stated that Jonah Capital maintains that its interest in River Park Estate is supported by documentation dating back to 2012.

    According to him, these include share certificates, executed transfer forms and correspondence exchanged at the time.

    “The share certificates were prepared, and the transfer forms were signed and held by our lawyers in Abuja,” he said, referring to emails and records from 2012 that, he noted, were also submitted to the Nigerian Police during investigations.

    He added that the company also has courier records relating to the transmission of the documents.

    On whether legal action would be taken against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mensah said no final decision had been made.

    He stated that discussions were ongoing following an exchange of correspondence from the authorities requesting that existing agreements be preserved.

    “We have raised concerns regarding the termination clause of the agreement and requested further engagement,” he said.

  • Nigeria deploys electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    Nigeria deploys electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    Nigeria has deployed three newly produced Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) validated by the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC).

    This is meant to ensure the safety of mariners using the Calabar-Bakassi channel.

    The charts, NG455150 (Jamestown), NG525190 (Queenstown to Ikot Abasi), and NG542550 (Ports of Calabar), will boost marine transportation and safety as more vessel influx is expected with the planned Bakassi Deep Seaport.

    This development means that Nigeria will no longer seek and await clearance from Cameroon for vessels navigating inward and outside the channels.

    Announcing the development, the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) stated that all vessels traversing Nigeria’s coastal approaches through the eastern channel up to the inner port limits would rely on the Nigerian-produced ENCs.

    The charts, it said, provide modern digital coverage and present mariners with an integrated and up-to-date picture of water depths, seabed features, navigational hazards, aids to navigation and harbour infrastructure essential for safe passage to Calabar and the future Bakassi Deep Seaport.

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    According to the Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, NHA, Rear Admiral Ayo Olugbode, the charts were produced from a recent high-resolution survey of the Calabar-Bakassi axis conducted to international standards and comparable to IHO S-44 Order 1 for busy approaches and harbour entrances.

    “The survey process formally commenced on December 21, 2024, with intensive data acquisition beginning on 6 January 2025. The work combined hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical measurements using advanced NHA survey and processing capabilities.

    “The sea is our largest unexplored resource, and if we don’t map it, we can’t manage it,” said Olugbode.

    He stressed that the production of critical navigational charts not only enhances safety in Nigerian waters but also assures the productive exploitation and development of the nation’s blue economy.

    Olugbode further affirmed that chart production for Lagos, Calabar and the Bonny axis forms part of the phased mapping strategy of the NHA, underscoring the priority accorded to those areas.

    He disclosed that over 85,325 square kilometres of Nigeria’s maritime domain has been mapped to date, with the Calabar sector identified as a critical link in a wider network of ENCs designed to lower navigational risk for ships heading to Nigerian ports.

    The newly released ENCs replaced legacy products with modern digital charts integrated into global ENC networks, providing up-to-date depth, seabed and navigation information.

    “The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, strengthens Nigeria’s status as a regional hydrographic leader and directly supports the Bakassi Deep Seaport project and Calabar Port operations,” he added.

  • My records visible for all to see, Adeleke tells critics

    My records visible for all to see, Adeleke tells critics

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday affirmed that his administration has delivered good governance in all sections of the state, challenging his critics to judge him by his records.

    “Leadership is not and should not be a master–servant relationship”, Adeleke said.

    A statement by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, noted that the governor made it known at Iwude Ijesa carnival at Ilesa yesterday, who fired back at critics who questioned his style of governance asserted that governance is not about stern looking leaders parading corridors of power.

    His words: “Governance is about making a direct positive impact on the lives of the people. Your delivery as a governor is the best judge of your performance and capacity to lead.

    “Judge me on my records, outputs and agenda as a governor. That is the best globally accepted parameters to measure leadership.

    “My people, I have delivered across sectors in the last three years. I positively touched all sectors and federal constituencies. My records affirm and validate my capacity and competence to continue to lead our dear state.”

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    He added that the governor who felicitated with the Ijesa people on the occassion of the Iwude Day said his team conducted due diligence on the basic developmental challenges facing Ijesaland in 2022.

    Adeleke said: “When we came on board in late 2022, Ijesaland was being plundered without accountability. There was an inglorious rape of the land actively aided by the government of the time.

    “Environmental degradation caused by illegal mining was so pervasive that the underground water across Ijesaland was declared polluted. Illegal mining was not just the challenge; the revenue flow from the mining sector was then to private pockets rather than the state treasury.

    “Our administration launched a mining sector reform. Today, Osun shareholding within the Segilola Gold Project is secured. Concerted war is being waged on illegal mining.

    “Environmental clean-up is now a continuous exercise. We launched a river clean-up project manned by tested professionals.”

    Adeleke went on: “The Ilesa Water project, which was a center of corruption under the previous government, was reviewed and anti-corruption measures yielded positive results.

    “A project meant to provide water supply to Ijesa people was turned into a channel of self-enrichment by some people from this land. Today, the contract for the water project has been cleaned up and the project is set to continue after processing by the Islamic Development Bank (IDA).

    “Beyond several infrastructure projects already executed across this great land, the late Adimula made two requests from me when I was campaigning for the governorship. By the grace of God, we have delivered and even exceeded the demands of our late father.”

    He highlighted several interventions his government delivered for the Ijesa including the University of Ilesa, roads among others.

    “I call on you all to renew your dedication to our joint mission of taking our dear state to a new, greater height. We must not allow political and developmental setbacks to afflict us again”, the governor said.

  • U.S., Russian officials continue Ukraine peace talks in Miami

    U.S., Russian officials continue Ukraine peace talks in Miami

    Washington has proposed the first face-to-face negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in six months, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he expressed skepticism about the matter.

    Meanwhile, U.S. and Russian special envoys are holding talks over the weekend in Miami on ending the war in Ukraine, which U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he might join.

    These meetings are part of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s push for a lasting ceasefire, which also includes talks with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin earlier this week.

    Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev told reporters in Miami on Saturday that the talks on the U.S. 20-point proposed peace plan to bring the war to an end “are proceeding constructively. They began earlier and will continue today.”

    According to Russian state media, Dmitriev met with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

    However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, told state-run media that changes to the peace plan being made by Ukraine and Europe are causing delays in reaching an agreement. “I am more than sure that the provisions that the Europeans have introduced or are trying to introduce with Ukrainians do not improve the documents and do not improve the possibility of achieving long-term peace,” he said.

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    Despite negotiations which Zelenskyy on Sunday called “constructive” and said they mattered, he shared his worries in a post on X, stating: “Much depends on whether Russia feels the need to end the war for real – it must not be a rhetorical or political game on Russia’s part.”

    He warned that the signals from Russia so far remain negative, citing assaults along the frontline, war crimes in border areas, and continued strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.

    On Saturday President Zelenskyy said an agreement can only happen depending on how much pressure the US puts on Russia, he said “America must clearly say: if not diplomacy, then there will be full pressure…Putin does not yet feel the kind of pressure that should exist,”.

    Ukrainian, EU and American partners met on Friday

    This followed Ukraine’s chief negotiator Rustem Umerov saying his delegation had held separate meetings on Friday with American and European partners in the United States and that they agreed to keep on working together “in the near future”.

    On Friday, Putin said he was confident Russia could achieve its goals by force if Kyiv refuses to accept Moscow’s terms in peace talks

    Although Trump has deployed a big diplomatic push to end the war, he has been met with conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin is sticking to his biggest demands on Ukraine, even as Russian troops make slow progress and suffer heavy losses

  • Dozens of Epstein files have disappeared from govt website

    Dozens of Epstein files have disappeared from govt website

    One of the files that no longer appears on the United States Department of Justice’s website includes a photograph of United States President Donald Trump.

    About 16 files have disappeared from the Justice Department’s public webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein less than a day after they were posted, with no explanation from the government and no notice to the public.

    The missing files, which were available Friday and no longer accessible by Saturday, included images of paintings depicting nude women, and one showing a series of photographs along a credenza and in drawers. In that image, inside a drawer among other photos, was a photograph of Trump, alongside Epstein, Melania Trump and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.

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    The Justice Department didn’t answer questions Saturday about why the files disappeared but said in a post on X that “photos and other materials will continue being reviewed and redacted consistent with the law in an abundance of caution as we receive additional information.”

    Online, the unexplained missing files fuelled speculation about what was taken down and why the public was not notified, compounding long-standing intrigue about Epstein and the powerful figures who surrounded him. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee pointed to the missing image featuring a Trump photo in a post on X, writing: “What else is being covered up? We need transparency for the American public.”

    The episode deepened concerns that had already emerged from the Justice Department’s much-anticipated document release. The tens of thousands of pages made public offered little new insight into Epstein’s crimes or the prosecutorial decisions that allowed him to avoid serious federal charges for years, while omitting some of the most closely watched materials, including FBI interviews with victims and internal Justice Department memos on charging decisions

  • Manhunt underway in South Africa after gunmen kill nine, injure 10 at tavern

    Manhunt underway in South Africa after gunmen kill nine, injure 10 at tavern

    Nine people were killed and at least 10 others wounded when gunmen opened fire inside a South African pub early yesterday, sparking a manhunt for the attackers in the country’s second mass shooting in less than a month.

    The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. at KwaNoxolo tavern in Bekkersdal, a township located 28 miles west of Johannesburg.

    Police said about 12 unknown suspects in a white mini-bus and a silver sedan opened fire at pub patrons and continued to shoot randomly as they sped away from the scene.

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    “Some victims were randomly shot in the streets by unknown gunmen,” police said.

    Maj. Gen. Fred Kekana, Gauteng’s acting provincial commissioner, told The Associated Press that the gunmen, some of whom covered their faces with balaclavas, were armed with an AK-47 rifle and several 9mm pistols.

    Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, led by Gauteng’s Serious and Violent Crime Investigations unit in coordination with the Crime Detection Tracing Unit.

    The attack follows a string of mass shootings at bars — often called shebeens or taverns in South Africa.

    Earlier this month, multiple gunmen opened fire at an unlicensed bar near the capital, killing at least 12 people and injuring 13 others.