The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • 132KV transmission line delivery: Lagos govt meets with stakeholders

    132KV transmission line delivery: Lagos govt meets with stakeholders

    The Lagos government, on Friday, held a Stakeholders’ Engagement on the delivery of the 132KV transmission line and gas pipeline Right-of-Way (RoW) corridor from Ajah to Ibeju-Lekki (Eleko) Junction, as well as the gas pipeline route from Bonny Camp to Alaro City, Epe.

    The meeting was aimed at keeping the state government’s commitment to informing residents of its developmental activities and building a harmonious relationship in the state.

    The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, was held at the Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

     Addressing the stakeholders from Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki, and Eleko, among others, the Lagos State House of Assembly, House Committee  Chairman on Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Sabur Olowa,  commended the State Executive Council for prioritising infrastructure that directly impacts economic growth and job creation.

    He assured stakeholders of the Legislature’s continued support through enabling laws and oversight to ensure timely and successful project delivery.

    The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, during his interaction with the stakeholders, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to expanding power and gas infrastructure to support industrial hubs, residential developments, and commercial activities across the Lekki-Epe axis.

    Ogunleye stated that the projects aligned with the vision of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to make Lagos a 21st-century economy driven by a reliable energy supply.

    In his address, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, highlighted the Ministry’s role in ensuring proper planning, orderly development, and strict adherence to approved layouts along the project corridors.

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    Oluyinka assured stakeholders that all necessary planning approvals and development controls would be enforced to prevent distortions and safeguard public interest.

    Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Abiola Olowu, gave background insights into the projects, describing them as strategic interventions designed to unlock investment opportunities and enhance energy access across the State.

    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, who is also the supervising Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Abdulhafiz Toriola, emphasised the importance of early and continuous stakeholder engagement in ensuring the smooth execution of critical infrastructure projects.

    He noted that the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration, addressing concerns, and securing community buy-in for projects that are vital to Lagos State’s economic growth, energy security, and industrial development.

    The representatives of the affected communities of the projects expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for engaging them and pledged their cooperation and support for the successful implementation of the projects, while also calling for continuous dialogue throughout the execution phases.

  • World Bank ultra-modern abattoir to create 6,000 jobs in Ekiti

    World Bank ultra-modern abattoir to create 6,000 jobs in Ekiti

    The World Bank has said its ultra-modern abattoir in Ekiti state would generate 6,000 jobs and drive economic growth in the livestock and meat processing sector in the state.

    The Ekiti State Project Coordinator of World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, disclosed that the facility, when completed, would create 2,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities.

    Adedipe spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, during a community engagement and sensitisation programme themed, “Sustainable Abattoir Operations: A Pathway to Improve Meat Quality, Safety, Social Inclusion and Gender-Based Issues.”

    The L-PRES project Coordinator said that the abattoir was designed to modernise the livestock slaughter process, strengthen veterinary inspection, improve waste management, and enhance meat quality and food safety for consumers.

    He said that the sustainability of the ultra-modern abattoir depends on community ownership, strict compliance with the operational standards, and collective responsibility among all stakeholders in the livestock and meat value chain.

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    He stressed that effective collaboration between government agencies, butchers, veterinary officers, environmental managers and host communities would be critical to maintaining hygiene, efficiency and long-term viability of the abattoir.

    The coordinator added that the project deliberately prioritises the inclusion of women and youths in abattoir operations and related services, in line with broader social inclusion and gender equity objectives of the state government.

    He noted that this approach would not only create employment opportunities for vulnerable groups but also promote skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within the sector.

    The Chairman of the Butchers and Meat Processors Association in Ado-Ekiti, Omotoso Oluborode, commended the state government for providing infrastructure that aligned with modern industry standards.

    He said the ultra-modern facility would significantly improve working conditions for operators, enhance professional dignity within the trade, reduce health risks associated with crude slaughter practices, and ultimately promote stable and increased income for those engaged in meat processing and distribution.

  • Commodore Manga takes over as Commander NNS Jubilee

    Commodore Manga takes over as Commander NNS Jubilee

    Commodore Mohammad Abubakar Manga has assumed office as the 14th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Jubilee Ship (NNS) in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom state.

    Commodore Manga, who took over on Friday from Commodore AA Umar, pledged to ensure strict compliance with the operational directives aimed at addressing prevailing security challenges.

    In his assumption remarks, he thanked the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal), for the confidence reposed in him.

    The new commander reaffirmed his commitment to the CNS’s vision, mission, and Command philosophy and commended the achievements of his predecessor.

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    Manga also pledged to consolidate on existing gains while maintaining a high level of operational readiness in line with the directives of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral CD Okehie.

    He further solicited the cooperation and support of all personnel towards the effective discharge of the Command’s mandate.

    In his valedictory address, the outgoing Commander, Commodore AA Umar, expressed gratitude to officers, ratings, and civilian staff for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure.

  • Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, others

    Stakeholders urge youths to take advantage of student loan, others

    Stakeholders have called on Nigerian youths and small business owners to actively take advantage of government initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship, education, and national development.

    The stakeholders, who cut across government agencies, private sector leadership, and youth development platforms, made the call during the People’s Roundtable (TPR) Dialogue in Abuja.

    During the workshop, participants emphasised the need to bridge the gap between policymakers and citizens, particularly young Nigerians seeking opportunities for growth.

    A representative of the Convener, Emmanuel Ayantayo, Ms. Adeola Ademokoya stated that the conference was designed to strengthen collaboration between government institutions and the public while improving awareness of available empowerment programmes.

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    She highlighted the role of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), under the leadership of Charles Odey, noting that the agency has remained proactive in providing training, business support services, and partnerships aimed at supporting small and medium-scale enterprises.

    According to Ademokoya, many entrepreneurs remain unaware of the numerous government portals, grants, scholarships, and funding opportunities available to support business expansion and innovation.

    “If you are a small business owner, take advantage of available platforms and visit relevant offices to ask questions. There are opportunities for scholarships, grants, and funding support,” she said.

  • Biosafety moves to regulate GMOs for environmental safety

    Biosafety moves to regulate GMOs for environmental safety

    The Director-General, CEO National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Bello Bawa Bwari has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to regulate modern biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) including emerging biotechnologies in Nigeria  to safeguard human health, animal health, and the environment.

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    The NBMA boss made this commitment during a press briefing in Abuja, explaining that the agency was established to provide a robust legal and institutional framework for the regulation and management of biotechnology in Nigeria, stating that biotechnology is an advanced and rapidly evolving field of science, which requires strong, science-based oversight to ensure that innovation does not compromise safety.

    He said, “The NBMA is not a research institution but a regulatory agency, the Agency’s role is to assess risks, enforce compliance, and ensure that all biotechnology-related activities are conducted in line with national legislation and internationally recognised standards.

  • Organisation to empower widows, others

    Organisation to empower widows, others

    HRVD Finance and Investment (HFIS) Charity Network has hinted of plans to assist the aged, widows and the downtrodden as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

    In a statement signed by the facilitator of the initiative, Prof. Abraham Adetunji Haastrup, this is the first of its kind investment package, specifically designed for vulnerable widows and downtrodden public primary school pupils within Lagos.

    According to him who also doubles as the CEO of CPI, a charity, philanthropic and human development organisation), this is a Love Empowerment Aid Program (LEAP).

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    “The gesture is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative. LEAP kicks off on February 14, 2026 with a free N1million donation for 50 beneficiaries. The donation will increase next year beyond N1million by God’s grace as a divine seed. ”

    Prof. Haastrup further stressed that the programme is an annual event which kicks off every Valentine period to practice love through charity in line with the biblical admonition that in 1 John 3:18 that ,

    “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

  • Delta govt prioritising PHC, not just flyovers — Commissioner

    Delta govt prioritising PHC, not just flyovers — Commissioner

    The Delta State Government has dismissed claims that it is concentrating on flashy infrastructure at the expense of grassroots healthcare, insisting that primary healthcare remains a central pillar of the Sheriff Oborevwori administration’s development agenda.

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    Reacting to recent comments by popular health influencer, Aproko Doctor, who suggested on social media that politicians focus on flyovers and ultra-modern hospitals while neglecting primary healthcare centres, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the assertion did not reflect the situation in Delta State.

  • Group develops mechanism for tracking taxpayers’ complaints in Anambra

    Group develops mechanism for tracking taxpayers’ complaints in Anambra

    Civil Rights Concern (CRC) has developed a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) dashboard targeted at addressing taxpayers’ complaints arising from revenue collection in Anambra state.

    Executive Director, Okey Onyeka disclosed this in an engagement with stakeholders themed, “Strengthening fiscal justice for gender equality and tax accountability: ensuring that public resources are raised and spent responsibly, transparently and equitably in Anambra.”

    He said the meeting centered on the GRM in tax justice administration would discuss the existing framework in revenue generation and taxpayers’ challenges.

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    Expressing concerns over abusive, aggressive and violent approaches of revenue collectors towards taxpayers, Onyeka said such practices were part of issues the dashboard is expected to address.  “There was an assessment of how revenue collection and interest mechanisms work in the state.”

    While discussing that report, Anambra scored over 60 percent.

    “Although that is not a bad score, but there are so many gaps to address in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, timing, how citizens’ complaints are addressed and other parameters.

    “At the end of each quarter, the government is expected to look at the dashboard and see if the issues raised have been properly responded to in terms of timing and efficiency.”

  • Don seeks reduction of breast cancer in women

    Don seeks reduction of breast cancer in women

    •Says it’s not death sentence

    A Professor of Medicine (Surgical Oncology), Stanley Anyanwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, says early check-up by women can help to avert risks of breast cancer

    The university don, therefore, called on women especially in Africa to present themselves early enough for breast cancer examination, which, according to him, is the surest way to survive it.   

    He made the call in a paper presentation during the Second Jubilee Academic Lecture (JAL) of UNIZIK, under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof Stanley Bond Anyaehie.

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    JAL is an academic lecture presented by academics who have been Professors for over 25 years and still in active service.                            

    The theme of the paper was: “Silver Reflections, Golden Horizons: One Surgeon’s Lifesaving Legacy in Pioneering Breast Cancer Research and Care in Nigeria.”

    According to Prof Anyanwu, “If you present yourself early, we will treat you because it reduces the risk, but if you present late, there is nothing we can do about it.”

  • NUPRC to enforce PIA 2021 for Host community development

    NUPRC to enforce PIA 2021 for Host community development

    The Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyeso, has said the commission will ensure oil companies comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to promote sustainable development in host communities.

    Mrs. Eyeso made the statement at a sensitization programme in Owerri, Imo State, where she explained that the PIA 2021 mandates oil companies to contribute 3% of their annual operating costs to Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) for community development projects.

    “The funds will be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment,” she said.

    Eyeso, who was represented by Atama Daniel, said the commission would facilitate a smooth implementation process and ensure compliance by oil companies.

    She, however, urged oil-producing communities to protect oil facilities in their areas and stop all illegal oil exploration activities within their communities.

    The chief executive also disclosed that NUPRC has established Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres to resolve disputes between oil companies and host communities.

    The National President of the HOSTCOM, Dr. Benjamin Tamarenebi in his remarks at the occasion earlier advised the host communities to always embark on sustainable development projects rather than frivolous projects.

    He warned traditional rulers against bidding for contracts for execution of projects approved for their communities in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

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    He stated that monarchs as heads of Host Communities Board of Trustees have the responsibility of supervising the awarding and execution of projects approved for the communities and ensuring accountability, adding that awarding contracts to themselves will lead to compromise.

    The HOSTCOM president said funds disbursed to the communities are now higher than before and urged the communities to take good advantage of it.

    “They can build schools and other sustainable projects and think of something that will always be a more economical variable in the community; if this is done there would be economic activities and development. In order not to waste the funds, manpower, train your children with the funds, give them scholarships instead of buying vehicles or renting apartments in the city.”

    In his remarks, the Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Johnson Abiye said regulators should ensure smooth implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act as it relates to the oil producing communities.

    Abiye noted that many communities that were supposed to be part of HOSTCOM were omitted and called for the situation to be redressed.