The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Sani: insecurity will be over soon

    Sani: insecurity will be over soon

    Senator Shehu Sani has expressed optimism that insecurity in the country will be over soon ‘because things are looking better’.

    Sani spoke at the weekend during the 40th anniversary of the 1984 set of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State.

    “The security challenges will be over very soon across the whole country because it is better than before. There are evidences that many of the top terrorists have been eliminated, and if you compare the situation today to what we had yesterday, it is still the best.”

    The former lawmaker, while lamenting the continuous closure of the Government Science College, Kagara, after the abduction of students, lamented that ‘terrorism and banditry is pushing the north behind the more as these nefarious activities have destroyed the educational fabrics and basics of northern Nigeria’.

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    He said: “Northern Nigeria must take education seriously. We lack behind in education, we have the highest number of out-of-school children and today, the activities of bandits and terrorissm have destroyed the educational fabrics and basics of northern Nigeria.

    “The schools we call our own have been deserted because bandits have once attacked the schools and took hostages. This was the school that produced many prominent people and best in the history of Nigeria.”

    Sani further blamed the current decaying state of public education to the failure of leaders who cannot ‘maintain the legacies that the fathers of the nation left behind’.

    “Secondary education used to be fun. Unfortunately, the schools we attended today are schools we send our children to. From the President to governors to Senators to Ministers, they were all products of public education and, before our eyes, public education has been destroyed.

  • ‘U.S., South Korea, Japan developing Asian NATO’

    ‘U.S., South Korea, Japan developing Asian NATO’

    North Korea has criticised a joint military exercise by the United States, South Korea and Japan, saying such drills show the relationship among the three countries has developed into “the Asian version of NATO”, state media reported.

    “We strongly denounce… provocative military muscle-flexing against the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea),” Pyongyang’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by the state-run KCNA news agency yesterday.

    “The U.S.-Japan-ROK (South Korea) relations have taken on the full-fledged appearance of an Asian-version NATO,” it said, warning of “fatal consequences”.

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    “The DPRK will never overlook the moves of the US and its followers to strengthen the military bloc.”

    On Thursday, the U.S., Japan and South Korea began large-scale joint military drills called “Freedom Edge” involving navy destroyers, fighter jets and the nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, aimed at boosting defences against missiles, submarines and air attacks.

    The exercise was devised at a three-way summit at Camp David in the U.S. last year to strengthen military cooperation amid tensions on the Korean Peninsula stemming from North Korea’s weapons testing.

  • Heavy offensive continues in Gaza city

    Heavy offensive continues in Gaza city

    Heavy bombardment hit Gaza City’s Shujaiya district for a fourth day yesterday, months after the Israeli army declared Hamas’s command structure dismantled in the northern area.

    Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled the devastated neighbourhood, where the army said it has fought Hamas both “above and below ground” in tunnels.

    There were also reports of clashes in central Gaza and the southern Rafah area, a week after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the “intense phase” of the war raging since October 7 was nearing an end.

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    The United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA estimated that “60,000 to 80,000 people were displaced” from Shujaiya since new fighting broke out there on Thursday and the army issued evacuation orders.

    Months of on-and-off talks towards a Gaza truce and hostage release deal have meanwhile made little progress, with Hamas saying Saturday there was “nothing new” in a revised plan presented by U.S. mediators.

    United States President Joe Biden late last month outlined what he called an Israeli plan for a six-week truce and exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

    Washington last week presented “new language” for parts of the proposed deal, according to U.S. news site Axios.

  • High turnout in French high-stakes elections

    High turnout in French high-stakes elections

    •Support for far-right grows

    Voters across mainland France cast ballots yesterday in the first round of early parliamentary elections that could put the government in the hands of nationalist, far-right parties for the first time since the Nazi era.

    The two-round elections that wrap up July 7 could impact European financial markets, Western support for Ukraine and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal and global military force.

    Many French voters are frustrated about inflation and other economic concerns, as well as President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership, seen as arrogant and out-of-touch with their lives. Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally party has tapped that discontent, notably via online platforms like TikTok, and led in preelection opinion polls.

    A new coalition on the left, the New Popular Front, also poses a challenge to the pro-business Macron and his centrist alliance Together for the Republic. It includes the French Socialists and Communists, the greens and the hard-left France Unbowed party and vows to reverse an unpopular pension reform law that raised the retirement age to 64, among other economic reforms.

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    There are 49.5 million registered voters who will choose the 577 members of the National Assembly, France’s influential lower house of parliament.

    Turnout stood at an unusually high 59 per cent with three hours to go before polls close. That’s 20 percentage points higher than turnout at the same time in the last first-round vote in 2022.

  • DG urges TAC volunteers to uphold discipline, patriotism in S’Leone

    DG urges TAC volunteers to uphold discipline, patriotism in S’Leone

    The Director-General, Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), Dr. Yusuf Yakub, has urged the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers deployed to Sierra Leone to uphold discipline and behave as patriotic citizens.

    Yakub gave the advice in Abuja at the weekend at a deployment exercise for 18 TAC volunteers to be sent to Sierra Leone.

    He said the deployment was in line with the mandate of the directorate to bridge the educational gap in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries.

    The D-G lauded the TAC volunteers for deciding to serve humanity and their country by volunteering to give their professional service to other African countries.

    According to him, the volunteers are to serve humanity and their fellow African country that is in need of professionals to bridge the educational gap.

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    “We also send volunteers to ACP countries to bridge the educational gaps in these countries as soft power diplomacy.

     “Nigeria has been deploying TAC volunteers for the past 37 years. So, as you go there, we expect you to conduct yourselves and be good ambassadors of this great country Nigeria.

     “That is why you are wearing the Nigerian colours as symbols of respect and honour. So, be of good behaviour, uphold our integrity by bringing us a good name to our country.

    “This is a very strong foreign policy of the Nigeria government which we use to deploy soft power diplomacy through technical aid to our brothers in the ACP countries.

    “So, Nigeria as one of the super powers among the community of nations has introduced this very important foreign policy for the past 37 years and has been sustaining it.

    “Through foreign policy instrument, we have developed friendship with so many countries of the world which is of great importance to our dear country Nigeria,’’ he said.

  • Over 71,000 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship within 19 years

    Over 71,000 Nigerians obtained Canadian citizenship within 19 years

     Canadian Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) has claimed that over 71,459 Nigerians obtained the country’s citizenship between 2005 and 2024.

     IRCC is a department of the government of Canada responsible for matters relating to immigration to the North American country, refugees and Canadian citizenship.

     The number places Nigeria in the 10th position on the list of new Canadian citizens by country of birth.

     The data released by the immigration office shows that while new Canadians come from at least 196 countries and territories, the top 10 places account for nearly half of all new citizens.

    IRCC said the data highlights the diversity of Canada’s new citizen population.

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     Irene Bloemraad, political sociologist and migration expert, told CTVNews that high levels of citizenship are good.

    Bloemraad said research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes.

    “Canada stands out among other immigrant-receiving countries in the very high level of citizenship among immigrants in the country,” Bloemraad said.

    “High levels of citizenship are a good thing: research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada and, of course, the ability to participate in elections and have a say in policy.”

    The IRCC data reveals India as the leading source of new Canadians since 2005, with 536,279 individuals obtaining citizenship.

  • ‘Solar energy manufacturers can provide adequate power’

    ‘Solar energy manufacturers can provide adequate power’

    Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperative, Ademola Ojo, has urged manufacturers and distributors of solar energy products to provide effective, adequate and qualitative electricity for Nigerians.

    He spoke in his office at Ibadan,  the state capital, on the proposed  Southwest Mega Solar Energy Exhibition,  in conjunction with Foresight Corporate Consult (subsidiary of Foresight Africa Development Foundation).

    The exhibition, with theme: ‘Solar Energy Contributing to Advancing Economic Development,’ will hold at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    The commissioner said the two-day exhibition, will assist Nigerians achieve success in using electricity, which is critical to industry, economic, and domestic activities.

    He  said solar energy is the panacea for challenges of electricity supply in the country.

    Ojo said: “The availability and use of solar energy products, have served as succour to Nigerians, considering challenges associated with supply of electricity in the country.

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    “Over the years, various segments of the economy have benefited from use of solar products, as they complement the electricity supply needed for industry and domestic use.

    “The availability of solar energy is contributing to success, as more commercial organisations and government bodies rely on use of electricity for production of goods and service delivery.                                              

    “Solar energy in Nigeria will obviously go a long way to reduce number of companies that may consider relocating abroad because of challenges in electricity supply.”

    He added: “There is also the issue of environmental pollution, caused by generators needed to get electricity, but creates unavoidable noise and air contamination. However, the use of solar energy is contributing to reducing such problems.  No doubt, adopting solar would amount to cost-saving, on fuel needed for powering generators.

    This positive phenomenon will encourage big companies to base their investments in Nigeria – a country that is renowned for having human capital required for production as well as being endowed with huge population that gives readily-available markets, which translates into worthwhile revenues for companies that are based in the country.

     In addition, it creates an advantage for the country, looking at the prospects of revenues to the Nigerian government and the employment opportunities that such companies will provide for Nigerians, which otherwise would go to the other countries, if the companies are forced to relocate”

      The commissioner, however, appreciates the benefits and contributions which the exhibition will make to the economy.                                                                       

      He said: “The mega, specialist exhibition will act as effective channel for the various manufacturers and distributors of solar products, to communicate the values which their  products contribute to success of economic activities, particularly with use of products that  inevitably include solar panel, inverters, batteries, lighting  materials, DC pumps, solar air-conditioners, fans, solar water heaters, portable solar lights and solar freezers.”  

  • Multichoice alumni for New York internship

    Multichoice alumni for New York internship

    MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni, Abisola Aboaba, has been given admission to a four-week programme at New York Film Academy. Aboaba will join others for the filmmaking programme in  Florence, Italy.

    According to the admission letter signed by Academy President, Michael Young, Aboaba will take on projects and receive hands-on training in filmmaking from experts.

    “I am delighted to inform you that you have have been granted admission to the New York Film Academy’s four-week filmmaking programme in Florence, Italy.

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    “In 25 years, New York Film Academy (NYFA) has worked with aspiring artists to help them realise their goals. While at NYFA, you will be immersed in a highly creative environment… We look forward to watching you develop, contribute, and grow as an artist and individual,” it said.

    MultiChoice West Africa Academy Director, Atinuke Babatunde, expressed delight that another MTF graduate will be having the career-boosting experience at NYFA.

    Since 2018, MTF has produced 300 alumni in its academies in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. The programme is revolutionising storytelling in Africa by training young filmmakers, creating paths to careers in film and TV.

  • Celebrity game show Episode Seven winner carts away N10m

    Celebrity game show Episode Seven winner carts away N10m

    Kenechukwu Aliozoranigbo has won the seventh episode of  “The Pyramid Game Show Nigeria.” The entertainer went home with N10 million. The show began airing on May 18 and has continued to run every Saturday.

    A Sony Pictures Television franchise, it is a fast-moving, 30-minute game show featuring two teams, each composed of a celebrity and a contestant. The celebrities assist their partners in navigating through the challenging word puzzles to win the coveted prize.

    In the latest episode, Aliozoranigbo was paired with actor, Chidi Mokeme, during the second round after pairing actress, Chioma Chukwuka Apkotha, during the first round. Both teams showcased their quick thinking and word association skills.

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    This win marks one of the high points of a series of exciting episodes that have featured celebrities. The show kicked off with Liquorose and Kidwaya in Episode 1, followed by Ireti Doyle versus Bimbo Akintola in Episode 2. Subsequent episodes saw Susan Pwajok competing against Olumide Oworu, Baaj Adebule against TrikyTee, Linda Ejiofor Suleiman against Ibrahim Suleiman, and Real Warri Pikin against Aproko Doctor.

    Aliozoranigbo’s win is a testament to the unpredictable nature of “The Pyramid Game.” His partnership with Mokeme at the “Winner’s Circle” was a perfect blend of synergy and strategy.

  • Lawyer stresses agric to fight high cost

    Lawyer stresses agric to fight high cost

    United States-based lawyer, Owolabi Salis, has advised President Bola Tinubu to concentrate on bringing down the cost of food.

     In a statement, he urged the Federal Government to address the issue, noting over a year since the administration, rising cost of food had been of great concern.

     He said: “… the situation is now intolerable, to say the least, in view of the increasing cost of foodstuff now out of the reach of the poor. Certainly things should not continue this way to avert disaster.

     “Any government unable to provide food and medical care for its citizens, is failing…”

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    The lawyer and social reformer, who in 2019 contested for governorship on platform of Alliance for Democracy, argued the citizens expect to to be able to access food and health. 

     He noted that the President, worried by this, had urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture.

    “But one is surprised poor Nigerians are driven to the farm but ironically, government had not been proactive in fulfilling its side of the bargain.

     “Ravaging herdsmen had driven farmers from their land; killing and kidnapping have continued without let. Soaring inflation had sky-rocketed cost of pesticides and fertilisers with no intervention.

     “The     President should focus on security, electricity and agriculture…” he said.

     He urged the President to emulate China and Israel, which were surmounted odds to transform their land into an agricultural paradise.

     “Tinubu should borrow a leaf from President Franklin Roosevelt in U.S. during 1930s  depression, how he by-passed party and chose those capable to assist him in winning.

     “Our President should go beyond his party to fetch competent technocrats to team up with him in lifting Nigeria from the doldrums,” he noted.