The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • EU fines Hungary 200m euros for flouting asylum laws

    EU fines Hungary 200m euros for flouting asylum laws

    European Union’s (EU) top court yesterday fined Hungary 200 million euros ($216 million) and imposed a daily one-million-euro penalty for failing to follow the bloc’s asylum laws and illegally deporting migrants, a decision Budapest slammed as “unacceptable”.

    The fine and penalty were because Hungary “is deliberately evading” compliance with the European Union laws despite a 2020 ruling that it must uphold international procedures for asylum seekers, the European Court of Justice said.

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    “Since this failure to fulfill obligations constitutes an unprecedented and exceptionally serious breach of EU law, the Court orders Hungary to pay a lump sum of 200 million euros and a penalty payment of one million euros per day of delay,” it said in a statement.

    Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is frequently at loggerheads with Brussels, immediately voiced outrage.

    “The ECJ’s decision to fine Hungary with 200M euros plus 1M euros daily(!!!) for defending the borders of the European Union is outrageous and unacceptable,” the nationalist premier wrote on X.

    “It seems that illegal migrants are more important to the Brussels bureaucrats than their own European citizens,” he added.

  • Tinubu administration on course, says don

    Tinubu administration on course, says don

    By Emmanuel Oladesu

    An American-based Professor of Medicine and philanthropist, Prof. Emeka Umerah, has said that the Tinubu administration is on course.

    He congratulated President Bola Tinubu for living to expectation in the last one year.

    Umerah, who congratulated Tinubu and Nigerians in the occasion of 25 years of democracy, recalled the sacrifices by the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle.

    He said they will not be forgotten for fighting for the de-annullment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

    Read Also: Cleric begs Tinubu to go tough on perpetrators of religious violence against opposing faiths

    Umerah said in a statement that Nigerians are enjoying the fruits of the titanic battles by the heroes and heroines.

    They include Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Pa Alfred Rewane, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, President Tinubuvand others.

    The don saluted the courage of the eminent 49 persons representing various pro-democracy groups, who were the founding fathers of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

    Umerah commended President Tinubu for his administration’s bold economic reforms, which wilk soon translate to prosperity and abundance.

    He said the planned new minimum wage, would ease workers’ burden and stimulate the economy.

  • Health care firm urges collaboration on menstrual hygiene

    Health care firm urges collaboration on menstrual hygiene

    Clina-Lancet Laboratories has called on private sector and civil society organisations to collaborate in improving access to sanitary pads for girls.

    There are concerns over lack of sanitary products, which forces many to use unhygienic practice leading to absenteeism from school during menstrual periods

    During a visit to Queens College in Yaba, Lagos, on menstrual hygiene, Clina-Lancet donated 3,000 sanitary pads as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, “Pad Up a Girl.”

     Managing Director, Olayemi Dawodu, stressed importance of menstrual hygiene education and the role sectors can play in promoting and empowering girls.

     “We believe by collaborating with non-governmental organisations, civil society, and private companies, we can ensure girls access menstrual hygiene education and essential products,” she said.

    Read Also: Cleric begs Tinubu to go tough on perpetrators of religious violence against opposing faiths

     “Pad Up a Girl” equips girls with knowledge and resources to manage periods confidently and with dignity.

    Dawodu underscored importance of menstrual hygiene, noting proper practice can reduce infections and help girls participate in school and daily activities. The programme covered various menstrual hygiene, including correct pad usage, maintaining hygiene, and dispelling stigmas associated with menstruation.

    Amaka Nwigwe, Wellness Occupational manager, noted the broader implications of menstrual hygiene.

    She said: ”Menstrual hygiene goes beyond personal cleanliness. It ensures girls feel comfortable, not embarrassed, and confident to discuss menstruation openly.”

    Nwigwe hailed the initiative’s impact, saying: “I am confident the impact will resonate for years to come.”

  • Senator gives 8,500 food packs to constituents for Eid-el-Kabir

    Senator gives 8,500 food packs to constituents for Eid-el-Kabir

    Over 8,500 households in Lagos East Senatorial District, today benefited from Ileya’s Food Pack distribution of Senator Mukhail Abiru.

    Beneficiaries from 16 local governments and LCDAs in Lagos East, thronged venues of the distribution in their communities.

    The gesture is coming 90 days after he gave 10,000 foodpacks on turning 60.

    Abiru, who chairs Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, and  Southern Senators’ Forum, in his Sallah message, reiterated his commitment to laws, programmes and interventions to improve quality of life.

    Read Also: Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

    He decried state of the economy, particularly rising cost of food during this festive season, he enjoined the people to exercise patience with President Bola Tinubu, as tpolicy decisions of his administration will soon produce results.

    Abiru hoped his programme will cushion impact of the hardship on residents, amid other interventions of Federal  Government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    This is not the first direct humanitarian assistance for the needy the senator has done. He disbursed N150 million in 24 months to 2,500 under his COVID-19 Financial Relief Scheme. Every month, beneficiaries got N5,000 each for the period the programme lasted.

  • ADR on focus at maiden ICC Arbitration Days

    ADR on focus at maiden ICC Arbitration Days

    International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria, with Nigerian Bar Association, has announced the inaugural ICC Nigeria Arbitration Days to hold July 3 and 4, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    This event will mark a milestone in international arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

    Building on success of ICC Africa conference hosted in Nigeria from 2016 to 2023 and now in Nairobi, Kenya, ICC Nigeria Arbitration Days explore the theme: “HarnessingProspects of Arbitration and ADR in Emerging International Arbitration Hubs.”

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    Participants include company executives, lawyers in private and corporate practice, arbitration and ADR practitioners, judges, accountants, architects, quantity surveyors, expert witnesses, and students.

    Experts will share insight on global developments in arbitration, emphasising its role as the preferred mechanism for resolving business disputes.

    As Nigeria attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the ability to manage and resolve disputes is crucial. The Arbitration Days will equip stakeholders with knowledge and tools to handle disputes, fostering a favourable investment climate.

    “Bright minds in arbitration and ADR will give participants knowledge, connections and inspiration to revolutionise their practice and transform Africa’s arbitration landscape”, Dorothy Ufot (SAN), chair of ICC – Nigeria Arbitration and ADR Commission, said.

  • Youth body plants tree in schools

    Youth body plants tree in schools

    International Award for Young People Nigeria (IAYPN), as part of activities to mark its 10th anniversary, has engaged in tree planting in Lagos schools.

    National Director of IAYPN, Joseph Bello, noted the exercise is crucial to promoting environmental sustainability and  youth empowerment.

    It took place in Okesuna High School, Victoria Island Lagos, and Dolphin Senior High School, Epetedo, among others. Forty pupils on the Bronze Level were divided into five groups for the exercise, which is part of  its award activity.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms will deepen democracy, says Al Mustapha

    Bello thanked  partners,  Alpha Africa Advisory and Africa Cleanup Initiative, adding their collaboration promoted land restoration and environmental sustainability.

    “To our award participants, your dedication is commendable. By taking on the management of these trees as part of your Voluntary Service Section, you are making a lasting impact on our environment and setting a strong example for others.

  • Religious sect to offer prayers on ‘Heart’s Day’

    Religious sect to offer prayers on ‘Heart’s Day’

    Soul Makers Ministry worldwide is set to celebrate this year’s Heart’s Day.

    A statement  by spiritual leader, Chief Owolabi Salis, noted the celebration, which is determined by the lunar calendar and  the moon, will hold between Sunday and next Wednesday.

    He urged  individuals to render prayers to their creator.

    “During the festival, you will offer prayers to The Soul Maker, the Lord, to bless your hearts and other organs of your body and for a good head. You should also thank the Creator for physical and spiritual guidance and stability,” he said.

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    Salis said the ministry abhors genuflecting before stone, woods, idols or man, noting doing so could make one’s soul a victim of what he or she worships.

    He noted one of its objective is to replenish earth through love and power of regeneration enshrined in the Soul Maker alone.

    “This is our planet. Everything on Earth grows. For a tree to bear fruits, you have to water the roots. If you need spiritual wisdom, you need to water your roots and you do so by paying obeisance to your roots. Whoever disregards his roots will not grow,” he said.

  • Igbo leader hails Sanwo-Olu

    Igbo leader hails Sanwo-Olu

    leader of Igbo Community and Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Nwachukwu, has hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unifying effort.

    He said the Igbo community under his leadership, are grateful to the governor for accommodating those non-indigenes.

    Eze Nwachukwu spoke yesterday with reporters at Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota, in reaction to the governor’s counsel to residents on Democracy Day.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates SDGs multi-storey Sickle Cell Centre in LASUTH

    Nwachukwu noted the counsel to protect and sustain democracy was a call on Nigerians to be united and join hands to develop the country.

    “Sanwo-Olu’s advice that all must sustain democracy so the struggle of founding fathers and heroes of democracy will not be in vain is a call for unity, peace and progress…”

    Nwachukwu agreed with Sanwo-Olu that “Democracy Day is a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build the future we want…’’

  • Author inspires readers to break limitations, start something

    Author inspires readers to break limitations, start something

    A book, ‘Start Somewhere and Start Now’, by Peculiar Iyaye, was presented at Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event was a celebration of starting somewhere, bringing together readers, and the author’s family and friends to witness unveiling.

    Chairman of the occasion, Pastor Paul Smith, of Mega Regional Overseer, MFM in Akute, Ogun State, said the author is a practical evidence of ‘start where you are’

     “Some years back, Peculiar came to me as her pastor and said she was resigning from her job in the insurance company to start something practical to impart her generation.

    “We agreed, we prayed  and she left to start, and now, she is rising and rising, going from teaching, coaching and mentoring people to start their business through seminars, workshops, conferences and impacting knowledge.

    “… As you read this book, digest and analyse the information and be determined to start something, somehow, somewhere. You will break limitations to belong to the circle of successful  destinies, he said.

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    First reviewer, Miss Oyindamola Egbeyemi, director of Programmes and Coordination at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), said the book offers wisdom, why you should start a business.

    “This book will show you how you can start with what you have, even without money. It will inspire you with hope, possibility, and assurance that you can build a business from where you are and with what you have.”

    Second reviewer, Susan Adegbohungbe, head of Tiptop clothiers, said the book is  thought-provoking, reminding you that having multiple income is not an option but a necessity.

    According to her, the book is your guide to harnessing digital technology and globalisation to build a thriving business without upfront investment.

    The author read excerpts from the book. She earlier welcomed guests and shared insight into the journey behind her book.

  • Managers to host confab, expo in Abuja

    Managers to host confab, expo in Abuja

    Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has announced its 56th International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) in Abuja.

    This event: “Managing People and Businesses for Resilience,” will be a gathering of global experts, industry leaders and thought pioneers dedicated to exploring and addressing contemporary challenges in human resources and business management.

    CIPM 56th ICE promises to be an extraordinary event, offering insight and in-depth discussions.

    Experts will dissect critical issues and share expertise on fostering resilience in people and businesses.

    Read Also: Don’t lose hope on Tinubu, APC chieftain tells Nigeria

    The conference will feature panel discussions, keynote speeches and interactive sessions to provide strategies and innovative solutions for today’s dynamic business environment.

    President and Chair of CIPM, Ahmed Gobir, while unveiling the theme,  said: “The 56th International Conference and Exhibition is a testament to our commitment to advancing human resource management. It is an opportunity for professionals to share knowledge and develop strategies to drive resilience and growth in people and organisations.”

    Chairman of the planning committee, Kennedy Dike, described the conference as significant for HR thought leaders and business leaders navigating an era marked by change and challenges.