The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • UCL: Madueke double at Brugge helps Arsenal keep 100% record

    UCL: Madueke double at Brugge helps Arsenal keep 100% record

    Noni Madueke scored twice as Arsenal beat Club Brugge to maintain their 100% record in the Champions League and all but secure their place in the knockout phase.

    Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that lost to Aston Villa on Saturday and it was one of those players, Noni Madueke, who opened the scoring with an excellent strike.

    The England winger shrugged off one defender before smashing a shot from 20 yards which went in off the crossbar.

    Club Brugge did threaten Arsenal’s much-changed backline just before the break but David Raya made smart saves from Christos Tzolis and Aleksandar Stankovic to keep the Gunners in the lead.

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    Madueke got his second goal of the evening just two minutes into the second half when he nodded in Martin Zubimendi’s excellent cross, and Gabriel Martinelli ensured it would be a comfortable end to the game when he curled in a superb strike in the 56th minute for Arsenal’s third.

    There were also other positives for the Gunners as Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance for 342 days, after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and 16-year-old Marli Salmon was brought on for his first-team debut.

    And Jesus almost made it the perfect comeback but his strike from the edge of the area late on hit the bar.

    The win leaves Arsenal on 18 points, two more than was required for a top-eight finish last season, meaning they are likely to avoid the play-offs in February and can prepare for the last 16.

    BBC SPORTS

  • UCL: Man City hit back to earn brilliant win at Real

    UCL: Man City hit back to earn brilliant win at Real

    Manchester City recovered from a goal down to collect a magnificent Champions League victory at perennial winners Real Madrid and leave the La Liga side’s manager Xabi Alonso precariously holding on to his job.

    Alonso is under severe pressure following a poor run in the league and a reported clash of culture with his players and the heat will now crank up after failing to hold on to their early advantage.

    The hosts suffered a blow as leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe was deemed only fit enough to be on the bench, but the France captain did not make an appearance as his team-mates fell to a demoralising defeat.

    City almost suffered a nightmare start when Matheus Nunes tripped Vinicius Jr inside the first two minutes and the referee pointed to the spot, but then awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box after consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).

    Federico Valverde almost converted the resulting effort, but his drilled shot deflected narrowly wide, while the sprightly Vinicius dinked wide at the far post shortly after.

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    It seemed like City had weathered the early storm and were controlling the possession before being hit on the break as Rodrygo collected Jude Bellingham’s cross-field pass and rifled in his first goal since January.

    City, though, were behind for just seven minutes as the visitors scored with their first clear opportunity of the contest – academy left-back Nico O’Reilly poking home from close range after Josko Gvardiol’s header was scooped back into the danger zone by Thibaut Courtois.

    The English side turned the game around on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Haaland’s penalty after the striker was bundled over in the box by Antonio Rudiger – they could have extended their advantage further but Courtois made a stunning save to deny the Norwegian.

    Real attempted to draw level in the second half with Bellingham chipping over and substitute Endrick flicking a header which clipped the crossbar, but City held on to a tremendous victory.

    BBC SPORTS

  • Papaya Ex debuts in Nollywood with The night market, salutes fans

    Papaya Ex debuts in Nollywood with The night market, salutes fans

    Digital land influencer, Papaya Ex, has lauded fans for powering her rise and helping her projects attain massive visibility, including her debut Nollywood film, The Night Market, which is now streaming on YouTube.

    Featuring a star-studded cast like Tony Umeh, Tina Mba, Chidi Dike, Sydney Talker, Sexy Steel, Chichi (BBN), MC Lively, Pinki Debbie, James Brown, Hermes, Akeem Ogara, and Rosemary Afuwape, The Night Market marks a watershed moment in the riveting, entertaining and evolving creative odyssey of Papaya Ex.

    Speaking on when she initially realised she had the gift for acting, Papaya Ex said that the desire had been silently growing for years.

    “Honestly, acting has been something I’ve wanted for a long time. I just kept it to myself because I didn’t want to rush it,” she said.

    Papaya Ex further said audience reactions to her skits encouraged her: “Anytime I played small characters online, people would say, ‘You actually act well o’, and it made me pay attention to that side of me.”

    The turning point, she recalled, came on her first real film set: “The day I stepped on a real set and felt completely at home, I said, ‘Okay, this thing is really in me.’ That was when I knew.”

    Moving from fast-paced content creation to the depth of acting, she said, has reshaped her creativity in unexpected ways.

    “It has stretched me a lot. Content creation is quick — you get an idea, film it, move on. Acting is deeper. You have to understand the character, feel their emotions, and carry their story,” she explained.

    According to her, the process has made her slow down, connect more deeply, and unlock “a new level of creativity.” As she defines her path in Nollywood, Papaya Ex says she is most drawn to emotional and culturally rich stories.

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    “I love roles that have depth. Stories that carry emotion, culture, mystery — something people will watch and say, ‘This one touched me.’ I enjoy characters that challenge me and show a different side of me. Anything that pushes me to grow, I’m excited for it.

    “My online community has helped me a lot. When I post a project, the support is always loud — people share it, talk about it, hype it, and give it life. It brings attention to whatever I’m working on and helps the project grow faster. It’s not just followers; it’s real support, and I don’t take it for granted,” she expressed with gratitude.

    Addressing critics who believe influencers often bypass traditional acting routes, the social media influencer responded:

    “People will always talk. But one thing about me is that I’m putting in the work. I’m learning, training, and taking this career seriously. I didn’t enter acting because of fame — I entered because it’s something I truly love. So instead of arguing or explaining myself everywhere, I prefer to let the work speak for me.

    “Sacrifice. Acting takes time, energy, emotions — sometimes even your peace. You give up comfort, you give up sleep, you push yourself in ways you didn’t expect,” she said. Still, she insists the journey is meaningful: “Starting something new also comes with fear, but I still chose it because the dream means so much to me. And honestly, it’s worth it,” added Papaya Ex.

  • JUST IN: Omisore embraces Oyebamiji as APC consensus candidate for Osun poll

    JUST IN: Omisore embraces Oyebamiji as APC consensus candidate for Osun poll

    Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has declared support for former National Inland Waterways Authority Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), who has emerged as the party’s consensus candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

    Omisore, who was among seven aspirants disqualified by the APC Screening Committee for alleged violations of party guidelines and electoral provisions, said he accepted the decision following President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of Oyebamiji.

    The disqualified aspirants included former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    After agitations from the aspirants over concerns that the process favoured Oyebamiji, President Tinubu convened a meeting where all other aspirants eventually aligned with his choice. Omisore, however, was absent.

    Speaking on TVC News during its programme Politics Tonight, Omisore said the party must follow the direction of its leader, adding that he supported the consensus arrangement.

    He stressed that he has no regrets about his past political decisions and described himself as “an old wine that tastes better,” noting that he has organic supporters behind him. 

    He added that although he advised the party leadership on alternative approaches, he is committed to working with the President’s decision.

    Omisore said he would formally brief his supporters on the new development and emphasised the need for the APC to overhaul its strategy ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election.

  • Sanwo-Olu pledges to upgrade rehab centre

    Sanwo-Olu pledges to upgrade rehab centre

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to upgrade the state’s Rehabilitation and Training Centre in Ikorodu.

    This, she said, is part of the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). 

    Dr Sanwo-Olu who visited the centre was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, alongside other officials who conducted her round the facility. 

    They expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a major morale booster for both staff and residents.

    During the inspection, the management outlined several challenges affecting the centre, including infrastructural gaps and staff welfare concerns. 

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the staff for their dedication and reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions providing care, rehabilitation, and protection for vulnerable residents. 

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    She assured that the centre would soon benefit from targeted improvements aimed at enhancing rehabilitation services, institutional capacity, and overall staff welfare.

    “This administration remains fully committed to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every resident, especially those who rely on specialised support.

     The issues raised today are receiving priority attention, and a renewed intervention is on the way,” she said.

    Furthermore, Dr. Sanwo-Olu visited two frontline organisations working in the areas of gender equality, women’s rights advocacy, and social justice—Vision Spring Initiative and the Community Women’s Rights Foundation, both located in the Igbogbo–Ikorodu axis of Lagos.

    She also visited the Juvenile Welfare Center, Alakara in Mushin, a transit abode where displaced young children are kept until they reunite with their families, and inspected the facility to identify areas of intervention to keep the children safe from abuse. 

    Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that the visits were part of her sustained advocacy to deepen collaboration between government and civil society groups in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, strengthening survivor support systems, and reinforcing community-level engagement. 

  • Analyst tackles Adeleke over defection to Accord Party

    Analyst tackles Adeleke over defection to Accord Party

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent decision to join the Accord Party has sparked debate, with analysts raising concerns over the faction he aligned with.

    The Accord Party has been deeply divided for months, with Bar. Maxwell Ndubem and Prof. Chris Imumolen both claiming the national chairmanship. In October 2024, the FCT High Court ruled that Prof. Chris Imumolen is the authentic National Chairman. 

    Despite this ruling, INEC has yet to fully implement the court’s order, allowing both factions to operate simultaneously.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Adeleke defects to Accord Party ahead of Osun 2026 guber primary

    Governor Adeleke reportedly joined the faction led by Bar. Maxwell Ndubem, a group considered by some as recognised by INEC, but legally inferior to the court-backed leadership of Prof. Imumolen. 

    Analysts warned that Adeleke’s alignment could carry serious political consequences.

    “If the discrepancy between the court-recognised leadership and the INEC-acknowledged faction is not resolved, it may affect Governor Adeleke’s legitimacy within the Accord Party and threaten his re-election prospects in 2027,” one political analyst said.

    Experts noted that for a governor seeking a stable platform for re-election, joining a faction in defiance of a court ruling could be a costly strategic error unless the matter is addressed promptly.

  • Reports on Seyi Tinubu’s security overblown – Balami

    Reports on Seyi Tinubu’s security overblown – Balami

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Issac Balami, has dismissed the ongoing debates over the security details of Seyi Tinubu, describing the claims by Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka whom he referred to as a father and mentol, as exaggerated and not a true reflection of reality.

    Soyinka, in a now-viral video, expressed shock after encountering Seyi Tinubu in a Lagos hotel surrounded by what he described as a “battalion” of security personnel enough, in his words, “to end an insurrection.”

    But in a statement on Wednesday, Balami referred to Soyinka’s description as hyperbolic, arguing that the media failed to identify this in their publications. 

    “With what appears like a literary piece or comment, Soyinka, a father who I have high regard for, succeeded in exaggerating the security details of Seyi Tinubu; something the media should have identified before rushing to publish,” Balami said.

    He noted that hyperbole and figurative expression are common tools used by literary icons when attempting to pass a message, insisting that Soyinka’s remarks should be interpreted in that context.

    Balami argued that Seyi Tinubu deserves reasonable security protection, not because he is the son of the President but due to his philanthropic work and growing political profile, with many Lagos residents projecting him as a potential next governor of the state.

    “ Even though Seyi Tinubu has not declared or confirmed his interest to run for any public office, his endorsement by Lagos youths and others is enough security threat. 

    “The few security personnel you see around Seyi Tinubu are justified, as Lagosians have put him in the eye 

    “This puts him at serious security risk considering how strategic Lagos is and the number of persons eyeing the governorship seat, whether he is running or not,” he said.

    Balami further stated that based on his personal observations, Seyi Tinubu is “too humble” to move around with the level of security Soyinka described. 

    He said that many of the individuals seen around him are supporters and volunteer guards  such as Man-O’-War members who accompany him due to his philanthropy.

    He added that other groups often seen with Seyi include the Community Auxiliary Development for Effective Transformation Network (CADETN), a youth-focused voluntary outfit.

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    According to Balami, it is normal for children of sitting or former Presidents to have substantial security, adding that the difference in Seyi’s case is his active involvement in politics and his visible role in projecting President Tinubu’s administration.

    He said: “It is clear that some politicians have seized on Prof. Soyinka’s comments and are now sponsoring narratives across social media to smear Seyi Tinubu. This is expected, given Seyi’s visibility in his father’s administration. Seyi is everywhere mobilizing for his father and for the APC, so the issue is no longer about what Prof. Soyinka said — it is about people politicizing it for their own advantage.

    “But I have always advised Seyi Tinubu to stay focused and not be discouraged. He should continue his humanitarian work and keep mobilizing the youths. No campaign of calumny should be allowed to weaken his commitment or his passion for a better Nigeria,” he said.

    Balami emphasised that he maintains great respect for Prof. Soyinka but insisted that the acclaimed writer’s descriptions fit into his well-known use of imagery.

    “Comparing Seyi Tinubu’s security to that of a battalion, and saying that his security details alone can end an insurrection, speaks to the same hyperbole I have continued to reiterate,” he said.

    He further argued that critics would be the first to blame the presidency if any security breach occurred around Seyi Tinubu.

    “Withdrawing security from Seyi Tinubu is as good as telling him not to appear anywhere or to become inactive politically,” Balami stated.

    He added that security needs vary for everyone including Soyinka himself, depending on their activities and destinations.

    “As for Seyi Tinubu, he travels far into the North, South and East in an effort to preach peace and unite youths across different states. So it remains unfair to say the few supporters and some security personnel that work with him should be removed. It will do more harm to the nation than good,” Balami said.

  • Customs FOU intercepts goods worth over N10b in eight months

    Customs FOU intercepts goods worth over N10b in eight months

    The outgoing Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Mohammed Shuaibu, said in Lagos yesterday, that the Unit intercepted prohibited goods worth over N10billion between 23rd of April and December 10, this year.

    Shuaibu disclosed this during a brief handing over ceremony held at the Unit.

    At the ceremony, Shuaibu, who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG Headquarters), handed over the mantle of leadership of the Unit to the newly appointed Area Controller , Aliyu Gambo.

    At the colourful event, Shuaibu was showered with encomium and gift presentations by officers and men of the unit.

    In his address, Shuaibu said, it was an honour for him to serve in the Unit.

    According to him: “Today marks another significant milestone in my journey as a customs officer, as I formerly handover the leadership of the Controller of FOU Zone A to my successor this day 10th December 2025.

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    “It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, I remain grateful to the Almighty God and to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the confidence reposed in me.

    Upon his resumption of office on 23rd of April this year, Shuaibu said, “I pledged to deploy my wealth of experience through intelligence driven operation, we have remained faithful to that commitment. I have witness tremendous dedication, resilience and team work from our officers.”

    These collective efforts, Shuaibu added, “resulted in huge successes in our anti-smuggling operations, together, we confronted high profile challenges and we tackled emerging issues, we successfully thwarted the activities of smugglers to a minimal level.

    During this period, he said, ” the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions including 761 seizures and items valued at N10.1billion, these include; 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 exotic tokunbo vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 Jerrycans of PMS.

    Others, he said, ” included; 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25kg of crystal metaphitamine, 4 cylinders of explosives each weighing 50kg, 20,000USD and 110CFA amounting to N31million which was handed over to the EFCC.

    “A total of 38 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, additionally 8 containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.1billion were intercepted.

    “Through its activities, the unit recovered a total sum of N419million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.

    “As I pass the baton to my successor, I am confident that the foundation we have built would continue to flourish. I urge all officers to extend the same spirit of cooperation, dedication and professionalism to the new Controller to strengthen the fight against smuggling” he said

    On his part, Gambo Aliyu appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the new capacity.

    He also commended Shuaibu for his commitment to service and for adding great value to the service mandate.

    Compt Gambo assured that the FOU Zone A under his watch would consolidate on the achievements of ACG Shuaibu for even greater successes.

    “I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that comes with this position, especially within the zone as strategic and dynamic as Lagos and it’s environs. However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant men and officers of this unit, we would continue to fulfil these mandate diligently.”

    As we move forward together, he said, “our key focus areas would include among others; enhanced enforcement operations. We shall intensify intelligence driven operations to combat smuggling and all forms of illicit trade that threatens national security and economic growth.

    “Secondly, high standards of integrity and discipline, as well as accountability would be non negotiable. Thirdly, we shall deepen collaboration with the stakeholders, sister agencies and community leaders to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.

    “On the aspect of capacity building and welfare, the motivation and welfare of officers would be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.

    Their operations, Gambo said, ” would be underpinned by reputation management, change management and compliance management,” he assured.

  • FG launches Nigeria’s first dual active-insect LLIN plant

    FG launches Nigeria’s first dual active-insect LLIN plant

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting malaria with the launch of Nigeria’s first dual active-ingredient Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) manufacturing plant in Ogun State.

    Scheduled for completion in 2026, the facility is set to produce around 10 million LLINs each year, covering approximately 30 percent of the country’s national demand.

    The government said the move is imperative as malaria remains a severe public health challenge in Nigeria, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives, mostly children and accounting for a quarter of global cases and deaths.

    According to the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), the project is critical in reversing this trend, underscoring its significance in Nigeria’s fight against the disease.

    The venture, facilitated by PVAC, is a partnership between Swiss-based Vestergaard Sàrl and Nigeria’s Harvestfield Industries Limited.

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    Speaking on the project, PVAC National Coordinator Dr Abdu Mukhtar said, “This project marks a transformative step towards strengthening local production of essential commodities. 

    “The investment will not only reduce reliance on imports but also create an estimated 600 skilled jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for health product manufacturing.”

    He added that malaria remains a major health challenge, “accounting for roughly a quarter of global cases and deaths, mostly among children,” and that the presidential initiative is determined to reverse the trend.

    Dr Mukhtar also stated that leaders of the joint venture, heads of relevant agencies, and development partners, including the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Malaria Elimination Programme are confident that the new plant will make a significant contribution to reducing, and potentially eradicating, malaria in Nigeria and across Africa.

  • Army Chief commends troop for quelling Benin Republic coup

    Army Chief commends troop for quelling Benin Republic coup

    …Waidi unveils projects in Lagos

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Shaibu Waidi on Wednesday, commended troops of 81 Division, Lagos for their swift intervention in Benin Republic that helped foil an attempted coup in the neighbouring country on Sunday. 

    Waidi praised the troop while addressing them during his maiden visit to the division’s headquarters in Victoria Island, noting that they protected democracy in Benin Republic by their action. 

    He said, “Particularly, I want to commend all the officers and men of this division for the rapid response to restore democracy in the Republic of Benin. That is the hallmark of soldiering.

    Immediately the instruction was given, the officers mobilized and ensured that task was carried out effectively. So I say congratulations to all of you. That is the spirit.”

    The COAS also charged the troops to remain discipline and focused, assuring them that their welfare was priority. 

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    “I am here with all my staff and we are putting you first. Everything that concerns your well-being, welfare in terms of accommodation, allowances, the education of your children, healthcare…we will ensure we give that top priority and ensure you have a top-notch education for your children. 

    “I am also happy to note that illegal duties have reduced tremendously. Do your best to stay out of trouble. Maintain the soldier core values and that will keep you on the right path,” he added. 

    Waidi earlier inaugurated projects at the Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, aimed at enhancing the welfare of personnel and operational readiness of the Army.

    The projects included a refurbished basketball court sponsored by First Bank, a remodeled Quarter Guard at the 9 Brigade Headquarters funded by Airpeace Airlines, and the newly completed 9 Brigade Headquarters Complex, executed under the leadership of the immediate past Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Mathew Oyekola.

    During the visit, General Shaibu also planted a tree within the barracks, symbolising the Army’s commitment to environmental sustainability.