The Nation Newspaper

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  • Ondo at 50: Activists decry dearth of development

    Ondo at 50: Activists decry dearth of development

    Civil society group, Ondo Redemption Front, has decried the dearth of development in Ondo State amid its abundant resources. This is as the state prepares to celebrate 50 on February 3.

    Speaking at a news conference yesterday, Chairman, Ayodeji Ologun, said despite bad governance over the years, the people will still celebrate their resilience, history, unbreakable hope and enduring determination to reclaim their state from failure and misrule.

    Ologun said: “Milestones demand reflection, and reflection demands courage. At 50, the state must not pretend that all is well when evidence shows governance has lost direction.

    “As our state approaches 50 February 3, this moment ought to be one of deep reflection, proud stock-taking, and bold recommitment to progress.

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    “Sadly, what confronts us today is not a state preparing to celebrate achievement, but a state scrambling to decorate failure with empty rhetoric.

    “Fifty years is not a small journey. It is long enough for a serious government to point to enduring legacies, projects that changed lives, strong institutions, and systems that work.

    “Ondo State is blessed with sophisticated, educated, and resourceful people. Our problem has never been a lack of human capital.

    “Our tragedy is a leadership that surrounds itself with stacked mediocres, men and women without capacity for innovation, vision, or courage, who mistake loyalty for competence and proximity to power for performance.”

    He said Ondo deserves leadership that builds, not leadership that manages decline.

  • Tinubu gets kudos for nation’s progress

    Tinubu gets kudos for nation’s progress

    Tinubu Ambo Support Group has hailed  President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to development.

    Speaking at Ojo Federal Constituency Sensitisation Campaign on APC e-Registration, at Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Office in Ojo Local Government, National Director, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, called on Nigerians to unite and support the President’s development agenda for progress.

    Dr. Bamigbade emphasised importance of APC membership registration, describing it as a strategic step to strengthening internal democracy and expanding grassroots participation in the party. He urged youths to participate in nation-building through political engagement.

    Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to re-election of Tinubu in 2027, while also calling for return of Akinwunmi Ambode, citing his purposeful governance and infrastructural advancement.

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    Speakers applauded youth development initiatives of the administration, describing them as laudable and pivotal to Nigeria’s socioeconomic transformation. According to them, empowering young people remains a cornerstone for sustainable development and national stability.

    Bamigbade lauded APC National Chair, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, for his efforts and leadership in driving the party’s registration and revalidation.

    He noted Tinubu’s push for development, saying reforms and projects are laying a foundation for economic recovery.

    At the close of the event, stakeholders resolved to mobilise for re-election of the President, while appealing to loyalists and prospective members to participate in the registration to further strengthen the party’s electoral engagements.

  • Capital City University holds first convocation

    Capital City University holds first convocation

    •Yakasai, Rich and late Sule conferred with honorary doctorate degrees

    Capital City University (CCUK) on Saturday held its inaugural convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its history. Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, a former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a keynote lecture at the event which was presided over by Dr. Shamsudden Usman.

    Vice Chancellor Professor Yusuf Bala Daraja highlighted the university’s unique academic programs not found in other Nigerian universities.

    The 30 standout courses offered by CCUK include: B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Bio-Technology, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Forensic Science, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Statistics and Data Sciences, B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Digital Entrepreneurship and B.Sc. Cyber Security.

    Other courses include: B.Sc. Physics with Electronics, B.Sc. Mathematics, Doctor of Pharmacy, B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Sciences, B.Sc. Radiography, Doctor of Physiotherapy, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Accounting, B.Sc. Banking and Finance, B.Sc. Insurance, B.Sc. Islamic Banking and Finance, B.Sc. Economics, and B.Sc. Film Production.

    Other courses are: B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism, B.Sc. Entrepreneurship, B.Sc. Business Management, B.Sc. Procurement Management, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Political Science, and B.Sc. Criminology and Security.

    The ceremony attracted prominent figures, including the Chancellor Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, who is the Emir of Zazzau, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    The convocation celebrated academic excellence and reaffirmed CCUK’s commitment to shaping future leaders and innovators.

    Honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on three distinguished individuals: the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, Abubakar Salihu Tanko Yakasai, and Chief Jack Rich, in recognition of their contributions to society.

    Professor Yusuf Bala Daraja, the Vice Chancellor of Capital City University, used the occasion to highlight the university’s unique academic offerings. He noted that the institution offers several programs underscoring its commitment to pioneering education.

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    The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Chancellor of Capital City University -the Emir of Zazzau Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Pro-Chancellor Rtd. Gen. Abdurrahman Bello Dambazau, and the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II.

    Vice Chancellors from various universities across the country, along with key stakeholders in the education sector, were also in attendance, highlighting broader support for CCUK’s vision.

    As part of the ceremony, Capital City University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. These honorees included the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, a renowned intellectual from Kano, Abubakar Salihu Tanko Yakasai and Chief Jack Rich, both of whom have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

    The convocation was not only a momentous occasion for the university but a celebration of academic excellence and the shared vision for the future of education in Nigeria. It reaffirmed Capital City University’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.

  • Shettima to launch learning, empowerment fund

    Shettima to launch learning, empowerment fund

    •Nigeria hosts Africa Social Impact Summit

    Vice President Kashim Shettima will tomorrow launch a fresh learning and empowerment fund targeted at unlocking the potential of Nigerian children, women, and youths.

    The Vice President is expected to launch the fund when Nigeria co-hosts a high-level policy engagement under the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) in Abuja.

    The event, scheduled for the State House Conference Centre, is being convened by the Office of the Vice President in collaboration with Sterling One Foundation, the United Nations System, and other ASIS partners.

    The initiative forms part of the outcomes of the ASIS 2026 High-Level Policy Engagement, a continental platform focused on accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovation, financing and strategic partnerships.

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    With the theme: Scaling Action – Driving Inclusive Growth Through Policy and Innovation, the high-level engagement is expected to bring together more than 200 senior leaders from government, the private enterprise, development institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the diplomatic community.

    Key highlights of the engagement include the launch of flagship, policy-backed initiatives, notably the Business Coalition for Education (BCE) and the Nigeria Foundational Learning Fund.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said the initiatives are designed to accelerate foundational literacy and numeracy while tackling Nigeria’s out-of-school children challenge.

    Also to be unveiled is the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) Nigeria platform, described as the country’s flagship framework for advancing women and youth economic empowerment through compact-based delivery, co-investment models and performance accountability.

    With the launch, Nigeria will become the implementation platform for the African Union’s WYFEI programme, ahead of its rollout in other countries.

  • Lagos to clamp down on drainage encroachment in Lekki

    Lagos to clamp down on drainage encroachment in Lekki

    The Lagos State government has announced plans to intensify enforcement against drainage encroachment and other environmental infractions in Lekki axis, as part of efforts to mitigate flooding and protect critical water infrastructure.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this while inspecting ongoing drainage projects and flood-prone areas in Ogombo, Lake Embankment, Ikate, Mobil, Mobil Road, Kusenla and other adjoining communities.

    Wahab said the inspection followed intelligence reports on attempts to tamper with major drainage alignments, particularly System 46, warning that any interference could have far-reaching consequences for the Ikota River corridor.

    “We received whistleblower information that there was encroachment on System 46. We have decided to install signposts to clearly demarcate the alignment and ensure that no one goes back to reduce or tamper with it, because it will eventually affect the Ikota River,” he said.

    At System 44, the commissioner recalled that contraventions had earlier been removed from the drainage alignment two years ago, noting that contractors were still on site. He explained that persistent flooding along Mobil Road was traced to temporary damming of upstream and downstream sections to enable construction works.

    “We have directed the contractor to hasten work, so the damned areas can be removed. About 800 metres remain on both the upstream and downstream sections leading to the Ikota River,” he said.

    The commissioner added the state government had expanded the scope of the project to include not only drainage construction but also the installation of a pump station to improve flood discharge capacity.

    “This is our third visit here. After our earlier inspections, we awarded the job, and due to developments in the area, including the regional road project, we approved additional electro-mechanical works and a pump station to effectively manage flooding,” he added.

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    Wahab expressed concern over the takeover of wetlands and illegal sand-filling observed along Mobil Road, as well as the emergence of shanties along the Coastal Road corridor.

    He said the government would erect signposts to protect wetland alignments and adopt a coordinated approach with the Federal Ministry of Works to address illegal occupation along the Coastal Road, which is a federal asset.

    According to him, uncontrolled settlements around conservation areas pose environmental and security risks, adding that open burning observed behind a conservation zone could also threaten wildlife habitats.

    On the timeline for completion of projects, Wahab said the drainage works were initially scheduled for 24 months, but the addition of new components could extend the project by about 12 months.

    Speaking on the state’s preparedness for the rainy season, the commissioner stressed the reality of climate change, citing persistent rainfall in recent months.

    “The rain has not stopped. Anyone who says climate change or global warming is not real is simply denying reality. Our responsibility is to continue advocacy, provide resilient infrastructure and ensure residents take ownership of these facilities,” he said.

    He urged residents to refrain from activities that undermine public infrastructure, assuring that the state government would continue to enforce environmental laws to safeguard lives, property and sustainable development.

  • Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC

    Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC

    •Ex-AGF Agabi leads 15 SANs for defence

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken over the prosecution of the criminal case brought against Mike Ozekhome (SAN) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    The development yesterday stalled the planned arraignment of the lawyer at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the three-count charge filed against him by the ICPC, in which he is accused, among others, of forgery.

    When the case was called, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said he was representing the AGF and informed the court of the minister’s decision to take over the case from the ICPC.

    Oyedepo said the AGF was acting within his powers, as provided for in Section 174 of the Constitution, in collaboration with the ICPC.

    The DPPF said the AGF’s decision was informed by the need to ensure that the prosecution complies with the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence, and compliance with due process of law.

    He added that the AGF was guided by public interest to instill confidence, fairness, and competence in the criminal justice.

    Oyedepo told the court that the interagency cooperation in the fight against corruption was also considered by the AGF in taking over the case 

    The lawyer assured the court that the rights of the defendant would be protected, adding that no party would suffer any injustice.

    Oyedepo subsequently asked the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover of the trial by the office of the AGF.

    He sought an adjournment to enable the AGF’s office to retrieve the case file from the ICPC, review the same and decide on what next steps to take.

    ICPC’s lawyer, Osuebeni Akpomisingha (who filed the charge), did not object to the takeover of the case by the AGF.

    Akpomisingha assured that the ICPC, as the agency that investigated the case, would fully cooperate with the AGF’s office in prosecuting the case.

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    A former AGF, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who led a team of lawyers (comprising 15 SANs) for the defence, also did not object to the takeover of the case by Fagbemi.

    Following Oyedepo’s application for an adjournment, which Agabi did not oppose, Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned till February 24 for the arraignment.

    Some counts in the charge read:

    * That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68 years’ of Numberc 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at a place outside Nigeria, that is, London, directly received house 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX purportedly given to you by one Mr. Shani Tali, an act you knew constitutes a felony and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 13 and punishable under section 24 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, Act, 2000.

    * That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (m) ’68 years’ of Number 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria did make a false document, to wit: Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali with intent to use same to support claim of ownership of property known and described as 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX with intent to commit fraud and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 363 and punishable under section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

    * That you Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN (M) ’68 years’ of Number 53, Nile Street, Maitama, Abuja, sometime in August 2021 or thereabout at Abuja, while being a legal practitioner and senior advocate of Nigeria dishonestly used as genuine a false Nigeria passport A07535463 bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali to support claim of ownership of property known and described a s 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX when you had reason to believe that the said document was false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 366 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code CAP 532 laws of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, 2006.

  • Residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo

    Residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo

    •Gunmen abduct woman, injure three

    Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State yesterday protested the killings and abductions allegedly by suspected gunmen in the area.

    The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw the government’s attention to what they described as persistent insecurity and inadequate response from security agencies.

    Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, the residents said they had been traumatised and forced to live in fear, chaos, and uncertainty due to repeated violent attacks in the community.

    One of the protesters, Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents., inxluding hat of a women.

    According to him, the latest incident occurred at Liberty Community, a peaceful settlement on the Akure Expressway in Ilu-Abo, and was part of a long pattern of insecurity that has plagued the area for nearly three years.

    Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., when many residents were returning from work or  settled in their homes.

    He said the calm of the community was suddenly shattered when suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded the area, unleashing terror on innocent and defenceless residents.

    “Ilu-Abo has suffered repeated violent attacks for almost three years, and our appeals to the authorities have yielded little improvement in security,” Lawrence said.

    Another resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, accused security operatives, particularly the police, of insufficient commitment and delayed response to distress calls.

    He alleged that these perceived lapses had emboldened criminals operating in and around the community.

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    The residents called on the government to implement a permanent solution to the crisis, urging security agencies to flush out suspected bandits hiding in nearby forests to restore safety and confidence among residents.

    The state Commissioner of Police (CP) Adebowale Lawal, denied allegations of complicity, insisting that police officers were actively carrying out their duties to secure the area.

    Also, the Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Justin Ifeanyi, appealed for calm and assured residents that security agencies were working to address the situation and bring those responsible to justice.

    Recall that suspected gunmen abducted a woman identified as Oladeinde Tomilola and injured three other persons during a violent attack on Ilu Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

    The incident occurred about 8pm last Sunday on Liberty Avenue in the Ilu Abo when about six armed men reportedly stormed the neighbourhood and opened fire on residents.

    Lawal, who visited the community, condemned the attack and said additional tactical and intelligence-driven measures had been deployed to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence.

    The police commissioner also visited the palace of the Olu Abo of Iluabo, Oba Samuel Oluyemi Falae, who condemned the incident and pledged the support of the palace in assisting security agencies.

  • Terrorists now live in cannabis-growing communities, says Marwa

    Terrorists now live in cannabis-growing communities, says Marwa

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Maj.-Gen. Buba Marwa, yesterday said terrorists and kidnappers live in cannabis growing communities.

    Marwa said this in Akure, the Ondo State capital during a visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead of the Alternative Development Project campaign targeted at engaging illicit drug growers in the state.

    He said the agency created the Alternative Development Project unit to discourage the peasant farmers growing the illicit drug, especially cannabis sativa.

    He said the programme, which will not stop the enforcement role of the agency, was another way to combat terrorists and other criminals who stay closer to where illicit drugs are being produced.

    According to him, the drug use prevalence is unacceptably high with about 15 million Nigerians using drugs between15 and 64 years, based on the last United Nations drug use survey of 2018.

    Marwa said with the figure, it meant that one in seven Nigerians use drugs in the age bracket and the campaign would start in Ondo.

    The NDLEA chairman, who said the agency had convicted 128 drug barons in the last five years, added that of the 15,000 tonnes of illicit substances that the agency seized during the same period, over 75 per cent was cannabis sativa.

    According to him, 70 to 75 per cent of those using drugs in Nigeria actually use cannabis sativa.

    “The Boko Haram, the terrorists, the kidnappers, in fact the kidnappers now, through our intelligence sources have been shown to live among the cannabis cultivating communities in the deep forests.

    “And that makes sense to them, why not establish a base where the drugs are readily available?

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    “In Ondo State, the drug use prevalence is 17 per cent, which is approximately 400,000.

    “In 2025, the NDLEA in Ondo State made 336 arrests with seizures of 22,316 kilogrammes of illicit substances, convicted 62, seized and destroyed 207,000 kilogrammes worth of cannabis in the plantations and farms.

    “We have a counselling and rehab centre here; we’ve treated 243, but more significantly, your excellency, Ondo State is the highest producer of cannabis in Nigeria for several reasons; including the climate and the nature of the soil. It encourages this type of trade,” he said.

    Marwa, who appreciated the governor for the efforts in the fight against illicit drugs, said the agency was carefully reviewing its law- enforcement effort and had decided to choose an alternative path instead of constant raids and arrests.

     Aiyedatiwa applauded Marwa for leading the initiative which was under his office.

    Aiyedatiwa praised the NDLEA boss for his efforts and commitment towards ensuring that the society is rid of illicit drugs.

    “We, as the government, will support you in any way that we can to ensure that we achieve the needed success. We will look into that direction of having our own alternative development programme like yours,” he added.

  • CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security

    CDS reaffirms military’s commitment to human security

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to a people-centred, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military, stressing that modern security operations must prioritise the protection of civilians and human dignity.

    Gen. Oluyede stated this at the opening of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course yesterday at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Asokoro, Abuja, where he was represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Maj.-Gen Ibrahim Lassa.

    He said Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, marked by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly affect civilian populations. According to him, these challenges require a shift from a purely territorial defence approach to one focused on human security.

    The Defence Chief noted that the AFN is being repositioned as a force that is not only capable but also responsive to socio-cultural realities in its areas of operation, with the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and strengthening of societal resilience now central to military effectiveness.

    Gen. Oluyede said the course aligns with his strategic focus on strengthening AFN capacities through enhanced joint operations, improved welfare, sound administration and a reinforced operational posture, within a whole-of-government framework to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.

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    He emphasised that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians are now integral to military success, describing human security and gender advisory roles as force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, expand operational reach and support mission sustainability.

    The CDS commended the British Defence Staff for their continued support, describing the partnership as a reflection of enduring defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, based on shared values and people-oriented security approaches.

    He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to operational planning, deployments and engagement with civilian communities.

    Earlier, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, said the course was designed to strengthen professional competence across Nigeria’s security institutions. He said participants were selected to serve in advisory roles within the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

    Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the training would improve professionalism, enhance civil-military cooperation and build public trust in security agencies, urging participants to approach the programme with dedication and professionalism.

    He added that the AFN would continue to collaborate with partners to strengthen capacity building and professional development.a

  • Bandits hold 13 villagers, after Kaduna community paid N40m ransom

    Bandits hold 13 villagers, after Kaduna community paid N40m ransom

    Elders of Gidan Waya community in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have said they sold more than 3,000 bags of maize to raise the N40 million ransom demanded by kidnappers, yet 13 abducted villagers remain in captivity weeks after the payment.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, Chairman of the Gidan Waya Elders Forum, Mallam Rabo Sambo, said gunmen invaded the community on November 11, last year, killing four residents and abducting 13 others—five men and eight women.

    Sambo said the attack occurred between 11 p.m. and midnight, when most residents were asleep.

    “We suddenly heard gunshots, and before we could understand what was happening, the bandits had surrounded the settlement. Our community is a closed area, so they easily ambushed us,” he said.

    He added that four people were killed during the raid, while five others sustained gunshot injuries.

    “This is the first time we are experiencing such an attack. We have always lived peacefully here. There has never been any crisis among us,” Sambo said.

    According to him, the attackers could not be identified as they operated with face masks throughout the operation.

    Sambo said this month, the kidnappers contacted the community and demanded N40 million for the release of the abducted villagers.

    “To raise the ransom, we sold over 3,000 bags of maize. When trailers came to load the maize, the entire community was in tears. As soon as we gathered the money, it was taken straight to the kidnappers,” he said.

    Despite paying the ransom, Sambo lamented that none of the abducted villagers had been released.

    “It has been three weeks since the ransom was paid. None of our people has returned,” he said.

    The elders, he explained, decided to go public after realising that the Kaduna State government and the Lere Local Government Council might not be fully aware of their plight.

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    “We don’t know whetherGovernor Uba Sani, or even our local government chairman has been properly briefed about what happened to us. That is why we are appealing through the media,” he said.

    While acknowledging the efforts of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Lere, who reportedly visited the community several times after the attack, Sambo called for urgent intervention by the state and federal governments.

    “We are appealing to the state government, the local government, and Governor Uba Sani to help us secure the release of our people. We also urge the governor to reach out to the Federal Government for assistance,” he said.

    Beyond the abduction, Sambo said the community is battling hunger after selling off its grain reserves to pay the ransom.

    “After selling our food to free our people, we are going hungry. We can no longer adequately feed our families,” he said, appealing for food assistance.

    He described the situation as heartbreaking, saying the community has been plunged into mourning, fear, and uncertainty.

    “Everybody shed tears. We are suffering, and our people are still in captivity,” he said.