The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ekiti is safe, Oyebanji assures citizens, investors

    Ekiti is safe, Oyebanji assures citizens, investors

    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured residents of the State and investors that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the country, stressing that recent killings in parts of Ado Ekiti, the state capital are being tackled by the security agencies.

    Oyebanji, who spoke with reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday evening, said the killings were perpetrated by some unscrupulous elements in the state, adding that security agencies have swung into action and would bring the masterminds of the killings to justice

    The Governor, who was at the official commissioning of a facility in Ado-Ekiti, restated his administration’s zero tolerance for cultism, violent activities, and other forms of criminalities.

    Assuring that the situation is under control, the Governor said he has directed all security agencies in the state to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the attacks, adding that the government is fully committed to addressing the situation.

     He urged the people of the state to remain calm and go about their daily activities unmolested, adding that all efforts are being made to flush criminal elements out of the state.

    Read Also: Ondo govt to study court judgment scrapping 33 LCDAs

     The Governor who emphasized the need for vigilance and community cooperation, urged the youth to shun unlawful behaviors, emphasizing that leadership opportunities await those who prepare themselves diligently.

    “What happened in the last few days is so unfortunate, we don’t have that history in Ekiti State. This is a new development, we are on top of it and we are monitoring the situation and we have intelligence of those responsible. I have instructed the security agencies to go after them, they cannot turn Ekiti state into a haven of cult activities.

    “I commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones. I also advise our young ones to desist from these nefarious activities.

    “The state is one of the most secure states in the country, even in the most secure countries in the world, we have pockets of criminalities. We have to be on top of the situation. And I can assure you our Government is on top of the situation

    “I urge our citizens and investors not to be discouraged by the development. We are working hard to rid the state of criminal and violent gangs and I covet the support and cooperation of the citizens to achieve this.”, the Governor added.

  • Ondo to study court judgment voiding 33 LCDAs

    Ondo to study court judgment voiding 33 LCDAs

    Ondo State Government said it has requested a Certified True Copy(CTC) of the court judgment which scrapped the 33 Local Council Development Areas created shortly before the demise of late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

    It said a meticulous study and analysis would be undertaken, culminating in a comprehensive legal opinion.

    Ondo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo, in a statement, said all necessary measures, by the laws, would be taken to safeguard the interests of the citizens and foster peaceful coexistence,

    He said he remained steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing the well-being and welfare of Ondo citizens.

    Read Also: Ondo 2024: Oke backs Aiyedatiwa, hands over structure

    An Ondo High Court had on Thursday declared the creation of the 33 LCDAs as unconditional and illegal.

    Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye, who delivered the judgment, said the creation of the LCDAs was inchoate, null and void, unconstitutional, and illegal.

    He said the former administration did not comply with sections seven and eight of the 1999 constitution.

    Justice Adebusoye upheld that there was no equitable distribution of the council areas among the 18 local governments saying that it was illegal for the late former Governor to sign a law outside the state.

  • Reps summon Agip Oil over failure to pay $80m owed Nigeria coy

    Reps summon Agip Oil over failure to pay $80m owed Nigeria coy

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition on Thursday summoned Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to appear before it on June 26, 2024 over allegation of non payment of about 80 million dollars to De Cooon Services Ltd, an indigenous company for service rendered.

    At the resumed hearing of the petition against the NAOC, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Micheal Etaba frowned at the refusal of the management of the oil company to honour the invitation of the committee.

    Read Also: Ruling houses kick against Adeleke’s presentation of staff of office to Osun monarch

    According to the him, the refusal of NAOC to pay the indigenous company for a job well done while choosing to patronise foreign company for the service was unfortunate, adding that the action was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors.

    The Committee said it would not augur well for the economy to drive a Nigerian company out of business while encouraging foreigners, stressing that it was high time Nigerians began to take themselves seriously.

    A member of the committee, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, said that the non-appearance of the multinational oil company was disrespectful of the Nigerian parliament.

  • Lawan condoles Saraki over mum’s death

    Lawan condoles Saraki over mum’s death

    President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with his predecessor, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, over the death of his mother, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki.

    Senator Lawan, in a statement in Abuja, lauded Saraki’s mother for her legacies of love, selflessness and public service.

    He said: “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of Madam Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    Read Also: No bill on return to regional government before House, says Reps Spokesman

    “On behalf of Yobe North Senatorial District, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Sen. Saraki, his family, and the people of Kwara State over her demise.

    “Mama Morenike Saraki was a woman of substance and a pillar of strength for her family.

    “As a mother, she raised a distinguished son who served our nation patriotically as Senate President. Her legacy of love, selflessness and public service will continue to live through him.”

  • Mandate genotype test for couples, sickle cell survivor tasks FG

    Mandate genotype test for couples, sickle cell survivor tasks FG

    As the world observed the World Sickle Cell Day, SCD survivor Tawo Obassi-Onor, who lost her brother to the disease, has urged the Federal Government to urgently mandate genotype counselling and testing during marriage registration.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence rate of SCD in Nigeria is between 20% to 30% of the global burden and 2% to 3% of the population suffers from sickle cell disease. The mortality rate for children reportedly ranges from 50% to 80%, and Nigeria is considered the sickle cell capital of the world, with 150,000 sickle cell births annually

    In an open letter to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, Onor, the Nguvu Change Leader said: “There is an urgent need to empower couples with vital information, enable them to make informed decisions and potentially prevent the birth of children predisposed to Sickle Cell Disease. Mandating genotype counselling and testing for all intending couples during the marriage registration process will not only educate couples about their genotypes but also alleviate the economic strain on families and the healthcare system.”

    Read Also: AKK gas pipeline project crucial component of Nigeria’s industrialization, economic prosperity – Minister

    She said: “I was born with sickle cell anaemia and so was my immediate younger brother. I didn’t understand it was a problem until I understood we had to take certain precautions and medicines more than others to reduce frequent breakdowns. I was certain we would always overcome any crisis until my brother died. This had a huge impact on my life and my health because I was afraid I would die too. In the years that followed, I learnt more about this health condition so I could live better.”

    The lawyer and author said many people, including adults, are ignorant and indifferent of sickle cell disorders, hence the need for FG to act quickly.

  • Nigerians must stick together, keep hope alive – Tinubu-Ojo

    Nigerians must stick together, keep hope alive – Tinubu-Ojo

    •PAACC celebrates president’s daughter on birthday

    Nigerians must keep hope alive, stick together in unity, and take advantage of available opportunities and things will be better.

    This were the words of the president’s daughter and Iyaloja-General, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo recently, while reacting at a private birthday party held in her honour by the Pan-African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC)) at the GolfView Hotels and Suites, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    She expressed her appreciation to the PAACC for the honour, even as she noted that the current hardship being experienced in the country is the reality of the nation’s currency but she is aware that the President Bola Tinubu government is working hard at making things better for all.

    Speaking on why PAACC seized the initiative to celebrate her, PAACC West Africa Ambassador, Otunba Niyi Dada said the president’s daughter more than deserved it.

    Read Also: Tinubu celebrates ‘dedicated adviser’ Onanuga on birthday

    “She is also a member of the Pan African American Chamber of Commerce and I can tell you categorically that she’s going to lead the contingent from Nigeria and Africa to the Pan-African American Conference in Atlanta Georgia, coming up from the 9th to 13th of September this year. She will be playing a major role at that conference. It is for this reasons and more that we think she deserves to be honoured; and that’s why we came together to celebrate with her on this occasion of her birthday.”

    Otunba Dada is also the secretary of Chief Mrs Tinubu-Ojo’s soon to be unveiled Folashade Mojeed Tinubu Foundation, which already has programmes lined up in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America to commemorate the nation’s forthcoming independence anniversary.

  • 200 Chinese firms show interest in Nigeria

    200 Chinese firms show interest in Nigeria

    No fewer than 200 Chinese companies have shown interest in the Nigerian economy.

    China and Nigeria recently held a business forum in Beijing, where over 200 Chinese companies indicated a strong interest in the Nigerian economy.

    The forum, which held on Friday in the Chinese capital, was part of activities to welcome Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar to the Asian country.

    Tuggar, according to a statement by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, is on an official working visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Mr. Wang Yi.

    He stated that the Minister who arrived in China on June 19 delivered a keynote address at the China-Nigeria Business Exchange event. The event, jointly organised by the Nigerian Embassy and Yingke Law Firm, was designed to ease increased bilateral trade and investment, and foster business matchmaking to deepen economic ties between Nigeria and China.

    “Amb. Tuggar emphasised the importance of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, highlighting mutual respect and shared developmental goals.

    “He pointed out the critical role of such business exchanges in driving economic growth and diversification, stating: “This event is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations. By fostering direct business engagements, we are paving the way for increased bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and innovative collaborations that will benefit both nations.

    Read Also: Bago condemns ill-treatment of Nigerian pilgrims in Hajj

    “Over 200 Chinese companies took part in the event, showing a strong interest in fostering economic collaboration between the two nations.”

    As part of his working visit, Amb. Tuggar will take part in several high-level meetings and events, including the inaugural Plenary Session of the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee in Beijing and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian.

    “These engagements are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China. He is also expected to meet with ECOWAS Ambassadors as well as launch the 4D Cultural Diplomacy Programme of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Embassy of Nigeria.

  • Coalition of lawyers hails court ruling on Kano emirates

    Coalition of lawyers hails court ruling on Kano emirates

    •Asks Kano Gov to apologise to Emir Bayero

    The National Coalition of Northern Lawyers and Public Interest Activists (NCNLPIA) has lauded the ruling annulling the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.

    The group said the judgment vindicated the popular stance on the illegality of the Kano State Government’s action in dissolving the Kano Emirates and dethroning Emir Ado Bayero.

    Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano overturned the decisions taken by Governor Abba Yusuf after the Kano Emirate law was amended by the State House of Assembly on May 23, 2024.

    Justice Liman faulted the governor’s assent to the bill and the presentation of an appointment letter to Sanusi on May 24, 2024 despite an order of court directing all parties to maintain status quo.

    Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Convener of the coalition, Napoleon Otache commended the court for upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of traditional institutions, adding that the ruling was a victory for justice, truth, and the people of Kano State.

    Otache, therefore, urged Governor Yusuf to apologise to Emir Ado Bayero for the humiliation and hardship inflicted upon him due to the unlawful dissolution of the Kano Emirates.

    Read Also: Court dismisses suit seeking Olukoyede’s removal as EFCC chair

    He advised the Governor to respect the court’s decision and work towards peace and reconciliation in Kano State.

    He said: “In nullifying the illegality embarked upon by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his associates, the court has again proven that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

    “We have been reminded that might is not right and that the will of the people matters in addition to the demonstration that those who are in the right need not resort to violence to defend their rights.

    “The court’s ruling has demonstrated that the rule of law must be obeyed since the defect that led to the nullification of the re-appointment of the 16th Emir resulted from the governor rushing to implement a law that the court had ruled to be placed on hold.

    “It is now also clear that rushing to a slew of actions based on illegitimate premises would not make such illegal actions endure. The governor and Muhammadu Sanusi II must have realised by now that all they achieved with the drama they acted amounted to a nullity and a tragic waste of public resources to massage their egos.”

     “…We consequently call on the Kano State Government not to waste the taxpayers’ resources on frivolous appeals but to continue to work with Emir Ado Bayero as the duly recognised Emir of Kano Emirate Council with his full official paraphernalia of office in the interest of peace and in accordance with the order of the court.”

  • Reps spokesman raises the alarm over disinformation targeting lawmakers

    Reps spokesman raises the alarm over disinformation targeting lawmakers

    Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi on Friday raised an alarm over what he called disinformation targeted at members of the House by mischief makers.

    He was reacting to a viral video on social media quoting the Lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Leke Abejide as reeling out what is supposed to be his monthly earning as a federal lawmaker.

    Rotimi said salaries and allowances of legislators, like all public officers are fixed by the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and asked those interested to contact the commission.

    It would be recalled that while at plenary on Tuesday June 11, Hon. Abejide raised a point of order saying his privilege has been breached by one Adeola Fayehun who spread false information on the social media about his monthly take home as a lawmaker.

    Read Also: Yomi Faparusi: U.S.-based Nigerian to contest for House of Reps

    Abejide, who read out the figures being paraded on the social media by the said Adeola Fayehun, said it was the second time she was inciting his constituents against him without concrete fact, asking the leadership of the House to do something about it or he will be forced to personally take legal action.

    In the original video of the plenary, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had promised that the leadership of the House will look into the matter.

    However, in an edited viral video trending on social media, Abejide allegedly claimed that he earns N2.5m as a basic salary, N5m for accommodation, N7.5m for furniture, N1.2m for newspapers, N621,000 for wardrobe, and N248,000 for recess among others.

    The House Spokesman however said in a statement that the viral video was distorted, saying “a fact check shows that the video was distorted to suit the purpose of fake news purveyors. So what really happened?

    “Rep. Abejide Leke was only raising a point of order on privilege concerning claims by one Adeola Fayehun. In the original video, Rep. Abejide lamented that his privilege had been breached.

    “The lawmaker brought the attention of the House to the social media commentator who made bogus claims about lawmakers’ earnings.

    “Rep. Abejide further lamented that Fayehun, who is based in the United States, has made it a duty to misinform Nigerians, particularly his constituents, about happenings in the National Assembly.

    “The lawmaker said Fayehun has continually instigated the people and urged the House leadership to take decisive action”.

  • Afrobeats singers turn models at Paris Fashion Week

    Afrobeats singers turn models at Paris Fashion Week

    Rammy Award winner, Burna Boy, Tems, Wizkid, his partner Jada Pollock, Adekunle Gold, Rema,  and Tobe Nwigwe presented themselves as fashion models at this year’s Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer.

    The artistes flocked to the streets of France, flaunting different designs from Louis Vuitton’s collection.

    Read Also: Burna Boy sets record for highest-grossing tour by African artist

    Rather than casting professional models to showcase his newest designs, the American rapper Pharrell Williams, who is the menswear creative director of the brand, decided to promote Afrobeats by hosting Nigerian stars on the evening. The artistes were seen sitting in the front row alongside other celebrities at the UNESCO courtyard in Paris, where the show was held. 

    Other African celebs in attendance were Didier Drogba, Stormzy, Uncle Waffles, Baloji, and Omar Sy.

    Here are some the musicians who have touched down in Paris for Men’s Fashion Week.