The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • CAN consoles Sanwo-Olu on aide’s death

    CAN consoles Sanwo-Olu on aide’s death

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State has consoled Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the government on the demise of Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyanwo.

    In a statement by Special Adviser to Chairman of CAN in Lagos, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, it described Soyanwo’s death as shocking and a sad.

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    Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite said: ”It is with a heavy heart but one filled with gratitude to God that I write on behalf of myself and my family and Christians to express deep commiserations to you, your wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, State Executive Council and people of Lagos on the shocking demise of Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyanwo.”

     “Having interacted with him since my assumption of office as chair of CAN inLagos State, I can attest that Soyanwo was a man of godly virtues, peaceful disposition, calm demeanour, gentle character and tranquil temperament…”

      “Our prayer is that God will give you the fortitude to bear this loss…’’

  • Coastal road: ‘Save our oba’s palace, homes’

    Coastal road: ‘Save our oba’s palace, homes’

    Okun-Ajah has appealed to federal and Lagos State governments to exclude its oba’s palace and 2,000 homes from Lagos-Calabar coastal highway route, saying they are wrongly earmarked for demolition.

    Through Chief Sikiru  Okanlawon, Balogun Kamorudeen, chiairman and secretary, the community claimed their inclusion was baffling because ’’their homes were not on the original or second road alignments approved for the project.

    It claimed the alignments were varied, and this now put the ruler’s palace and 2000 homes at risk of  demolition.

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    The community urged the President, governor, lawmakers representing Eti-Osa, NBA, inspector-general of Police and National Security adviser, to come to its aid.

    It said: “In 2006, Okun-Ajah was granted a Certificate of Occupancy for their land. The Survey Plan depicted the portion earmarked for the proposed coastal road. Knowing full well that portion had been committed to a federal project, the community avoided building on the right of way…’’

    “Ministry of Works, however, changed the original road alignment because people had illegally built on the right of way. The second road alignment was much more relatively free from building development as only five houses had been erected on that road alignment while the rest of the route is vacant land.”

  • Ode to Soyinka at 90: From Italy to Lagos

    Ode to Soyinka at 90: From Italy to Lagos

     Africa’s rich cultural heritage takes centrestage as Prof Wole Soyinka’s 90th birthday provides an opportunity to launch a groundbreaking creative exhibition, African I-D-E-N-T-I-T-Y (AI). This project, curated under Vision of the Child (VoTC) umbrella, marks a milestone in promoting creativity, education and social transformation across the continent.

    Africa I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y is one of the projects to celebrate the 15th  annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) and to mark the 90th birthday of Soyinka as a global cultural icon.

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    Part of the projects is a painting session in Florence, Italy, from June 7 to 11 and in Lagos in July. Nine award-winning VoTC alumni, under mentorship of Tola Wewe, Nike Okundaye, and Segun Almaroof, will lead the project, infusing their perspectives and talents into each masterpiece. With guidance from Soyinka, assisted by cultural advocate, Jahman Anikulapo, these participants will create masterpieces that reflect Africa’s cultural richness and culture of integrity.

    Co-founder of VoTC and Project Director of WS90/WSICE 15th edition, Foluke Michael, said the initiative is taken from themes of 2013 and 2014 editions: Good Governance and Democracy in Nigeria and One Thousand and One Faces of Corruption. With a focus on good governance and democracy amid corruption, it encapsulates the essence of Africa through diversity, development, nationhood, trade, innovation, talent and youthfulness.

  • Buratai: we’ll solve security challenges

    Buratai: we’ll solve security challenges

    A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), has predicted an end to Nigeria’a security challenges.

    General Buratai spoke at the presentation of books by Director of Academic, Planning and Quality Assurance, Nigerian Army University, Biu in Borno State, Brigadier General Mogbekeloluwa Fakokunde, in Abuja.

    The former Army chief commended the military in the war against insecurity, saying they have given their best, confident in the military woukd nip the challenges in the bud soon.

    ‘‘I want to commend them (the military). They are doing their best in the circumstances they find themselves and what is happening. It (insecurity) is not only in Nigeria, it is global. What is happening in Nigeria is not an exception.

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    “We see what is happening in Sudan, Ukraine, Middle East and so on. They (the military) need to remain resolute, focused and continue the project they are doing and surely they will succeed. For sure it (insecurity) cannot be permanent, there must be a solution and we can get out of it one day,” Buratai said.

    The author said the books were written to solve stress, drug abuse and addiction as well as providing the leeway for teachers to manage stress associated with their profession.

    He said as builders of talents, teachers need the required skills and qualifications to excel and impart knowledge on their students as leaders of tomorrow.

    “If you look at these books, they are not just ordinary books, they are also working instruments addressing the problems of the society like problem of drug addicts, problem of occupational stress and others ravaging the workforce now.

  • Kudos for Ekiti chief

    Kudos for Ekiti chief

    Ekiti State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Karounwi Oladapo, and Chief Whip of House of Assembly, Bose Olowookere, have extolled virtues of the late Obanla of Aaye Quarters in Efon, Chief John Fakorede.

    Fakorede, former civil servant, and head of kingmakers, was buried at the weekend. He reigned for 45 years.

    Fakorede said the chief was an icon of tradition endowed with native intelligence courage, candour and capacity.

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    He urged the family to take solace in the fact that Pa Fakorede led a fulfilled life.

    Olowookere noted Fakorede was a respected, bridge builder and kind elder.

  • Diri,Tunji-Ojo, others get award

    Diri,Tunji-Ojo, others get award

    Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri; Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; General Overseer of Love of Christ Generation, Rev. Esther Ajayi; Cardinal James Odunmbaku and Chief of Staff to Lagos State governor,Tayo Ayinde, were among persons honoured with the Triangle Media Award in London.

    Triangle Face of Africa Leadership Award honours Nigerians and Africans that have impacted lives.

    The event featured a lecture:  “Navigating Security Challenges in Nigeria: A comprehensive approach to solutions”, delivered by Prof. Ojo Emmanuel Ademola and Dr Nathaniel Oyinloye.

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    Publisher, Femi Salako thanked everyone, noting the award celebrates achievements of Nigerians and Africans that have contributed to their communities and the world.

    Salako  described the as thought provoking and timely in view of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

    “This award is not just about recognising individual achievements, but also about creating a platform to inspire others to strive for excellence…’’

  • Anxiety over Iran’s president, others as helicopter ‘crashes’

    Anxiety over Iran’s president, others as helicopter ‘crashes’

    Iran is in turmoil as President Ebrahim Raisi remains missing following a helicopter crash in the East Azerbaijan province.

    The helicopter, which suffered a “hard landing,” was carrying several high-profile officials, including Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, East Azerbaijan Governor, Malik Rahmati, and the imam of Tabriz, Mohammed Ali Ale-Hashem.

    Before the incident occurred near Iran’s border with Azerbaijan, Raisi was seen staring out of the aircraft window, which led to an immediate and extensive rescue operation.

    Iran’s Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, confirmed that multiple rescue teams have been dispatched to the area.

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     He said despite the deployment of at least 40 search teams on foot, including drones, the rescue efforts have been severely hampered by heavy fog and challenging weather conditions.

    Two other helicopters traveling with the convoy managed to land safely, adding to the confusion and hope surrounding the search for the missing helicopter.

    Conflicting reports emerged last night regarding the location and status of the helicopter, with initial sightings near the city of Jolfa and later reports placing the crash near Uzi and the mountainous Dizmar forest area.

     Vahidi said that the difficult terrain and poor visibility are making it challenging to establish contact with the crash site.

    “It’s a complicated area, and making contact is difficult. We are waiting for teams to reach the area for more information,” he said.

     Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on Iranians to pray for the missing leaders.

    “Everyone should pray for the health of these people who are serving the Iranian nation. The nation doesn’t need to be worried or anxious as the administration of the country will not be disrupted at all,” Khamenei reassured in a post on X.

    An Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed grave concern over the situation, stating that the lives of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian were “in danger.”

    .

  • DR Congo army thwarts attempted coup

    DR Congo army thwarts attempted coup

    The Democratic Republic of Congo army says it has quashed an attempted coup against President Felix Tshisekedi in the capital Kinshasa involving Congolese and foreign fighters.

    DR Congo army spokesperson, Brig Gen Sylavin Ekenge said on the state-run broadcaster RTNC TV that several suspects have been detained and the “situation is now under control”.

    His statement comes hours after armed men attacked the house of Vital Kamerhe, the former Chief of Staff and close ally to President Tshisekedi early yesterday morning.

    Witnesses say a group of about 20 assailants in army uniform attacked the residence and an exchange of gunfire followed.

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    Two guards and an assailant were killed in the attack on Kamerhe’s house, his spokesman and the Japanese ambassador said in posts on X.

     The men also occupied the Palais de la Nation, the office of the President of the Republic which is located in the city centre, a place highly secured by the Republican Guard.

     Japan’s ambassador in the Congolese capital has warned nationals not to go out.

    President Tshisekedi has not made any public comment on the situation so far.

     Local media reports said the assailants were members of the New Zaire Movement linked to formerly-exiled politician Christian Malanga.

     President Tshisekedi was re-elected for a second term in the disputed elections last year in December. He won about 78% of the vote.

    Nearly 20 people were killed in election-related violence in the run-up to the vote.

    Congo is a country with vast mineral wealth and a huge population, but despite this life has not improved for most people, with conflict, corruption and poor governance persisting.

  • Israeli minister vows to quit war cabinet if PM fails to agree new Gaza plan

    Israeli minister vows to quit war cabinet if PM fails to agree new Gaza plan

     The Israeli war cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz has threatened to resign if Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu fails to adopt an agreed plan for Gaza, calling into question the future of the Israeli government.

    During a press conference over the weekend, Gantz announced that if a plan for postwar governance of the territory is not consolidated and approved by 8 June, his opposition National Unity party will withdraw from the coalition government.

    The press conference came just hours after the Israel Defense Forces said it had recovered the body of another hostage, Ron Benjamin, 53, who had been taking part in a cycle ride near the border with Gaza when Hamas launched its bloody attack on 7 October.

     His body was found along with three other hostages Itzik Gelernter, Shani Louk, and Amit Buskila whose remains were recovered on Friday.

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    “Personal and political considerations have begun to enter the most sacred parts of Israel’s defence.

     “Prime Minister Netanyahu, I look you in the eye tonight and tell you: the choice is in your hands,” Gantz said.

     He added: “The Netanyahu of a decade ago would have done the right thing. Are you willing to do the right and patriotic thing today?

    “The people of Israel are watching you,” he added. “You must choose between Zionism and cynicism, between unity and factionalism, between responsibility and lawlessness, and between victory and disaster.”

     His departure would leave Netanyahu, even more beholden to far-right allies who have taken a hardline on negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage release.

  • An Obidient lawmaker and I

    An Obidient lawmaker and I

     At the College Hall of  the Yaba College of Technology, I received a lifetime award for journalism but a federal lawmaker tried to mar it for me. He walked up to me before the event started and rather than the usual hello, his first words were, “I want to know if you believe in a Nigerian rebirth?” He belongs to the Labour Party, and he reflected the Obidient lack of finesse and savoir faire, a hallmark of their political culture. I lashed back at the lawmaker by educating him that he lacked politeness and he was insulting.

    He was echoing the main lecture of the day about the quest for a national rebirth delivered with rigour and eloquence by Prof. Hope Eghagha. Prof. Eghagha showed the stumbles towards a born again nation. He believed in the capacity of President Bola Tinubu to do it but we have to watch.

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    Senator Anthony Adefuye gave a remark of optimism with humour, saying the young generation is already doing it. My take? All our attempts have been a long series of travails. The new baby has yet to cry out of the womb. Nigerians are expecting this time for baby to triumph over travail.