The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Otti approves employment of 649 new medical health workers in Abia

    Otti approves employment of 649 new medical health workers in Abia

    The Abia state government has employed 649 new medical workers out of the proposed 771 medical personnel for the health sector in the state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this in Umuahia, the state capital, during an interaction with journalists.

    Kanu said that the development is in line with the government’s vision and continuous effort towards repositioning the health sector for better services.

    He stated that out of the newly employed workers, 432 are Nurses who have been posted to work in the state’s primary healthcare centres that are being equipped and functionalized across the state.

    He said that even after the shortfall of 122 medical personnel is filled up to bring the total number to 771, the Ministry of Health would still be open to employing more medical personnel at the state level.

    Prince Kanu noted that among the newly recruited medical personnel is a neurosurgeon who had the opportunity to work in New York City but chose to come back and work in Abia state.

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    “Among the newly recruited medical personnel are those who have access to work overseas, who have chosen to come and work for the state government,

    “Because of the confidence they have in the leadership style of the Governor and the massive reforms being carried out in the state’s health sector.

    “Recently, a neurosurgeon was employed amongst this new set of medical personnel, someone who is an expert in this field and has a very rare speciality in medical practice,” Prince Kanu stated.

    Prince Kanu revealed that Governor Alex Otti has been voted as the best performing Governor of the southeast zone by the Forum of Academic Doctors, following the massive transformation of the state across all sectors.

    “Of course, we are aware that His Excellency does not accept awards, but it is important to note that Nigerians and the entire world are taking notice of what is going on here in the state.

    “I want to inform you also that the state does not in any way participate in all these awards that come the way of the Governor.

    “But because Nigerians are interested in what is happening, various groups are looking up to Abia for leadership,” Prince Kanu noted.

  • Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command, through the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar, The Nation reports.

    Police sources disclose that the operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, January 25.

    Sources said the police successfully intervened and prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar.

    The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The suspect, before the arrival of the police, was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, and was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.

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    The victim, whose personal information is yet to be verified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.

    Three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the operation as “a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law”.

    The police boss reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime. The CP strongly condemned mob action and emphasized that suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

    He further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

    The Command, through its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, reassured the good people of Cross River State of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security throughout the state

  • College governing council appoints Bolusemihi as chairman

    College governing council appoints Bolusemihi as chairman

    By Tunde Adeniyi, BU

    The Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA) of Nigeria has appointed Dr Deji Patricks Bolusemihi as Chairman of the College of Fellows, with effect from January 5, 2026.

    The Council said the appointment is intended to provide strategic leadership for the College of Fellows and ensure the effective administration of its affairs and resources in line with the college’s constitution.

    It commended Dr Bolusemihi’s longstanding commitment to professional excellence and expressed confidence in his ability to provide purposeful and distinguished leadership.

    Bolusemihi brings to the role an extensive and multidisciplinary professional background spanning accounting, insurance, oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, risk management consulting, and diplomacy.

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    His academic journey includes studies at the University of Lagos, the University of Ilorin, and a Doctorate from the Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva.

    He is a distinguished member and fellow of numerous reputable professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK), the Chartered Risk Management Institute, the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and the Certified Management Consultants.

     He also holds fellowships with the Africa Business School, Commonwealth Academy of Leadership & Management (UK), Africa Institute of Information Management, Institute of Fraud Examiners, Nigerian Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (USA), and the Chartered Institute of Administration, among others.

    His appointment stands as a testament to his professional depth, ethical leadership, and unwavering dedication to administrative excellence.

  • Two suspected kidnappers arrested in Adamawa

    Two suspected kidnappers arrested in Adamawa

    Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command operatives who went after the suspects in collaboration with local hunters in Song Local Government Area.

    The Command said its officers, along with the hunters, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated raid on a notorious criminal hideout in a remote area of Balma Village, Song LGA.

    “The operation led to the arrest of two male suspects identified as Shaibu Mohammadu, 30, and Ja’o Bawa, 31, of different addresses,” the command said in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

    Nguroje said the arrest was made the previous day, January 24.

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    The police spokesman listed items recovered from the suspects as including one locally fabricated revolver, an assault rifle, two mobile handsets, charms, and other incriminating materials, all of which have been secured as exhibits.

    According to him, preliminary investigations show that the suspects are actively linked to a series of kidnapping operations within Song and neighbouring communities, by which they were spreading fear among residents.

    “The suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities, while efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who are currently on the run,” Nguroje stated.

    He stated that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, appreciated the strong collaboration between the police and the local community, which should be recognised as a vital pillar in the fight against crime.

  • A’Ibom council chair reaffirms peace deal with Ukwa East in Abia state

    A’Ibom council chair reaffirms peace deal with Ukwa East in Abia state

    …sues for harmony, shared development

    The chairman of Ika local government area in Akwa Ibom State, Utibe Nwoko, has pledged to consolidate on the inter-community harmony and cordial relations with Ukwa East local government area of Abia State.

    Nwoko said the Ika council under his watch will sustain dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and collaborative development with other neighbouring local government areas, especially Abia State.

    He stated this while delivering his remarks at a peace meeting between his people and Ukwa East in Abia State, which is in the Ika local government area.

    Describing the meeting as both epochal and increasingly familiar, the Council Chairman stated that the engagement has continued to yield social and political benefits by providing a consistent platform for dialogue and peace-building.

    According to him, the gathering marked the beginning of a renewed phase in relations between the people of Ikot Udo in Ika L.G.A and their neighbours from Ukwa East and adjoining communities in Abia State.

    Nwoko recalled that a similar peace meeting held on March 17, 2025, produced resolutions that have sustained peace between the communities up to the present time.

    He expressed gratitude to the Governors and Deputy Governors of Akwa Ibom and Abia States for approving and supporting the continued convening of the peace meetings, and described their interventions as a clear demonstration of commitment to peace-building and inter-state cooperation.

    The Council Chairman further explained that Ikot Udo Village in Ika Local Government Area shares a boundary with Abiaka Village in Ibeme, Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

    He recalled that resolutions reached at the 2025 meeting was that both states would commence road construction from their respective natural boundaries, with Obingwa communities constructing towards their boundary, while Ika communities undertake construction from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang, covering a distance of about 3.7 kilometres.

    He further emphasized that there is no genuine boundary dispute between the communities, stressing that no party is laying claim to land, houses, forests, cultural artefacts or economic trees.

    Rather, the core issue centres on identity, with the Akirika Obu people seeking recognition as indigenes of Abia State, while the Ikot Udo people maintain their identity as indigenes of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    He added that identity-related differences should not be allowed to degenerate into hostility or disrupt development efforts, particularly the ongoing road construction project intended to benefit all the affected communities.

    According to him, disagreements over identity should never punctuate peace or truncate infrastructure projects designed to improve livelihoods and connectivity.

     Nwoko equally clarified that Ika Local Government Area does not have any boundary dispute with Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, noting that while the Akirika Obu people claim customary tenancy under Obingwa LGA and trace their ancestral roots to Ukwa East near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, such narratives should not undermine peaceful coexistence or inter-community cooperation.

    Appealing for continuity of the road project, the Council Chairman urged the Abia State Government to continue construction from Ntinwouzo through Obete Ibeme to Abiaka Ibeme, the last village in Obingwa L.G.A, while the Akwa Ibom State Government completes its section from Ikot Udo through Nto Mfong and Ikot Akata to Urua Inyang in Ika L.G.A.

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    He said completion of the road would further promote harmonious relations between Ika L.G.A of Akwa Ibom State and Obingwa LGA of Abia State, while strengthening ties with Ukwa East indigenes residing peacefully in the area.

    Nwoko also appealed for adequate security for contractors handling the project to ensure uninterrupted work and timely completion, reiterating that the people of Ika, Akwa Ibom State, and Abia State are peace-loving and committed to unity and development.

    He concluded by appreciating the sacrifices, goodwill, and interventions of leaders from both states, praying for peace in their homes and administrations, and expressing confidence that the meeting would yield fruitful outcomes.

    In their separate remarks, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator ( Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, and her Abia State Counterpart, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu pleaded with the people of Ikot Udo in Ika Local Government Area and Ukwa East in Abia State to embrace peace for lasting development.

    They both urged youths from the two communities to get involved in productive ventures to improve their families rather than engage in senseless feuds, to encourage governments of the two States to do more for them.

    The peace parley was attended by relevant stakeholders from the two States.

  • Bible Society of Nigeria unveils activities to mark 60th anniversary

    Bible Society of Nigeria unveils activities to mark 60th anniversary

    The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has announced a lineup of programmes to commemorate its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of expanding access to the Scriptures in multiple Nigerian languages and formats.

    The announcement was made on Saturday, January 24, 2026, by BSN General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, during a press briefing in Lagos.

    Sanusi expressed appreciation to media organisations and key stakeholders for their sustained support, reiterating that the Society’s mandate remains focused on Bible translation, publication, distribution, and promotion, alongside programmes designed to deepen engagement with the Word of God.

    Founded on February 8, 1966, BSN is a member of the United Bible Societies, a global network of 155 national Bible societies operating across more than 200 countries and territories. 

    Sanusi disclosed that the organisation is currently executing 11 Bible translation and revision projects at different stages of completion.

    He announced the theme of the anniversary as “Celebrating Impact and Building a Legacy of Hope,” with week-long activities scheduled to begin on Monday, February 2, 2026.

    The celebrations will commence with a Bible exhibition at the Lagos Bible Guest House, Palmgrove Estate, Ilupeju, showcasing rare and historic materials, including handwritten Bible manuscripts, editions in various Nigerian languages, and the Legacy Bible—a five-language edition weighing 15.4kg.

    On February 3, BSN will organise a Bible Walk from the National Stadium, Surulere, to Obanikoro. 

    The following day, February 4, the Society will host partners to an appreciation dinner, which will also feature the dedication of a second studio in Ibadan for the Deaf Bible Translation Project.

    Foreign delegates are expected to arrive on February 5 for a CEOs’ Conference aligned with the anniversary programme. 

    The Founder’s Day Lecture and Awards will hold on February 6, chaired by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, with Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nations, as guest speaker. 

    The anniversary celebrations will conclude with a thanksgiving service at The Covenant Nations on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

    Sanusi also revealed that BSN has produced a 13-episode documentary chronicling its six-decade journey, set to air on Dove TV from the last weekend of January or early February. 

    A commemorative publication titled “Six Decades of Impact: Transmitting the WORD, Transforming Lives” will also be launched during the anniversary period.

    Highlighting key milestones, Sanusi described the Nigerian Sign Language Bible Project as a landmark initiative aimed at improving Scripture access for the deaf community. 

    He noted that Nigeria became the first African country to establish a dedicated centre for Sign Language Bible translation in 2017.

    Between 2014 and 2023, BSN translated and produced 222 Chronological Bible Stories in Nigerian Sign Language. 

    The full New Testament translation began in October 2023 with the Book of Matthew, which has since been completed. Sanusi disclosed that more than ₦105.3 million was spent on the project between 2023 and 2024, adding that the Society hopes to complete the full Nigerian Sign Language Bible within 20 years, depending on funding availability.

    On Bible distribution, he revealed that BSN distributed over 7.87 million copies of assorted Bibles nationwide in the last five years. He said the organisation has remained Africa’s leading Bible distributor for over two decades, accounting for 21.1 per cent of all full Bibles distributed across the continent in 2024. 

    He added that BSN also leads globally in English Bible distribution and spends an average of ₦10 million annually on free Bible distribution to underserved communities.

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    Sanusi further highlighted several outreach and impact programmes run by the Society, including Marathon Bible Reading, school Bible competitions, competitions for the deaf and visually impaired, NYSC Essay Competitions, Trauma Healing initiatives, and the Macedonian Call project. 

    He said the Macedonian Call programme has supported more than 50,000 internally displaced persons and vulnerable individuals since 2018, with plans to invest over ₦306 million in the project in 2026, subject to funding.

    In a segment titled “State of the Nation,” Sanusi urged the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to phase out indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in schools. 

    He warned that sidelining local languages in favour of English could threaten Nigeria’s cultural identity, stressing that the extinction of a language equates to the erosion of a people’s heritage.

    “We should be proud of our languages. Language is part of our identity,” he said, urging parents and schools to continue teaching children their mother tongues.

    He concluded by inviting Nigerians to join BSN in celebrating 60 years of God’s faithfulness, describing the Society’s survival and growth amid a challenging operating environment as a privilege worthy of gratitude.

    “Long live BSN, long live Nigeria,” Pastor Sanusi said, reaffirming BSN’s mission of *“making the WORD available.”*

  • Ndume lauds Tinubu, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorists attacks

    Ndume lauds Tinubu, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorists attacks

    Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, on Sunday, lauded President Bola Tinubu and the  Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum over recent relocation and resettlement of victims of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province, (ISWAP) terrorists’ attacks  who were hitherto displaced and living in Cameroon.

    Investigation revealed that there exists a tripartite agreement between the Borno state government, the Federal government and its Cameroonian counterpart in conjunction with the United Nations Humanitarian High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon, many of whom are from Borno State dated back to 2017.

    It was signed in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroun with the then Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau leading a high-level Nigerian delegation which included then the Governor of Borno State  and now Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

    The agreement ensured the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Nigerian refugees who fled from terror attacks to Cameroon’s Minawao camp and other areas back to Nigeria.

    It was further learnt that Governor Zulum, had actively partnered with the Federal Government and the UNHCR to speed up the repatriation process, especially for the thousands of Borno citizens in Cameroon.

    Ndume who represents Borno South in a statement in Abuja commended President Tinubu’s administration and the Borno State Government for keeping faith with the programme which has enabled many citizens of Borno State to be relocated back to the Northeast state.

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    He said, “I want to commend the Federal Government because the tripartite agreement between it, the Borno State Government, the Government of Cameroon and the UNHCR has ensured the repatriation, resettlement and relocation of Nigerian refugees in Minawao in Cameroon, back to Gwoza Local Government.

    “I commend the FG for the initiative of resettling the people and the active participation of the Borno State Government for the resettlement after over 10 years in Cameroon.

    “I also want to commend the resettling of the people of Wala village in Gwoza Local Government.”

    The former Senate Chief Whip also thanked Governor Zulum for redeeming his promise to restore electricity to Gwoza local government which he noted had been in total blackout for over 10 years as a result of destruction of power facilities by the Boko Haram terror group.

    “The efforts of Governor Zulum in restoring electricity in Gwoza is commendable. We have been without light for over 10 years.

    “The Borno State Governor made a promise last year during the installation of the Emir of Bama and he has kept the promise.”

  • Eno flags-off construction of CNG terminal in A’Ibom

    Eno flags-off construction of CNG terminal in A’Ibom

    …announces purchase of CNG 50 buses 

    Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno has flagged off the construction of Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot, Uyo.

    Eno also announced that his administration has ordered 50 CNG buses with payment routed through the Central Bank of Nigeria(CNG).

    He said that the buses expected to arrive from April this year would be distributed to the 31 local government areas of the state.

    The governor, who performed the flag-off ceremony at the terminal premises, added that his administration plans to provide a world class transport facility to ease movement within the State, improve the State’s economy and boost tourism.

    He underscored his determination to link all the 31 local government Areas of the State to Uyo, the capital city, and boost the economy and tourism potentials of the State.

    He said, “I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Transport for the work they have done here. Some of you remember when we first visited this site, it was not a good sight. Like the Commissioner has said, it was abandoned and became a living abode for touts and criminals. But today, it has been well cleared and prepared to receive a world class bus terminal. 

    “From here our people are going to be driven through our very well paved and constructed roads to the 31 local government areas.

    “All the 50 CNG buses have already been ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria; and they will start arriving in April this year. 

    “These are luxurious CNG buses that would be deployed to service all Local Government Areas through and fro” he said.

    Eno also commended the Minister of Petroleum – Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo for his collaboration and support for the vision as the project will incorporate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and engage about 500 drivers. 

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    “We are trying to bring down the cost of living for all Akwa Ibomites. If transportation is brought down, everything comes down and the economy will be stable. 

    “We want to make sure that our people travel with ease. We will work with the mass transit people, we will work with the transport sector to realize this dream.

    “This is not just a bus terminal like the Commissioner for Transport has said. Other facilities will be here to make it comfortable. The management will be topnotch. 

    “We are working on our transportation system in this state, whether it is marine transportation or aviation. We are building a marine terminal in Oron, and work is at its advance stage. We are building a warehouse there too, we have ordered two marine boats, one is done by the Nigerian Navy, and another by a company in Lagos,” he said. 

    Ekpo commended Governor Eno for his pragmatic leadership, describing him as a man of peace and vision who understands the needs of his people.

    He noted that the project was a clear interpretation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision to ameliorate the effect of subsidy removal. 

  • CAF Champions League: Rivers United hold Power Dynamos, secure first point

    CAF Champions League: Rivers United hold Power Dynamos, secure first point

    Rivers United held their hosts Power Dynamos of Zambia to a 0-0 draw at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.

    It was the Finidi George side’s first point in the group stage of this season’s CAF Champions League.

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    Rivers United lost their previous two group games to holders Pyramids FC of Egypt and RS Berkane of Morocco. Goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya made a number of key saves to deny Power Dynamos in the first half.

    The visitors failed to carve out any real goal scoring opportunity in the matchday three encounter.

    Rivers United remain in third position with one point from three games.

  • Victor Moses signs for Kazakh side

    Victor Moses signs for Kazakh side

    Former Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses, has joined Kazakhstan Premier League club, FC Kaysar Kyzylorda.

    Moses signed a one-year contract with the Wolves.

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    The 35-year-old last played for English League One club Luton Town.The former Chelsea winger will wear jersey number 11 at his new club. Kaysar Kyzylorda are two-time Kazakh Cup champions.