The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • APC NWC, State Chairmen meet over NEC

    APC NWC, State Chairmen meet over NEC

    Ahead of National Caucus and Tuesday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and State chairmen are to meet on Monday.

    The meeting is slated to hold at 1 pm at the NWC Hall in the National Secretariat of the party while the National Caucus meeting is billed for 6 pm at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Notice for the meeting was signed by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, was sent out over the weekend to all the NWC members and the 36 States party Chairmen.

    The agenda of the meeting was not contained in the four-line notice of the meeting sent out by the National Secretary.

    A source in the party however said the scheduled meeting was part of efforts of the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC to intimate the state leaders of the agenda of the party’s National Caucus and NEC meetings.

    Read Also: APC NWC yet to take decision on zoning 10th NASS principal officers

    It was also learnt that the meeting will afford the NWC to present to the State Chairmen names of party members proposed from various States to serve in statutory and ad-hoc committees of the party before it is presented for NEC approval at its Tuesday meeting.

    The agenda of tomorrow’s NEC meeting is yet to be made public but The Nation gathered the leadership of the party’s NWC last Wednesday presented and secured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the agenda for the two crucial meetings.

    An impeccable source in Muhammadu Buhari House, the party’s headquarters, who spoke in confidence, said the National chairman and Secretary had presented the agenda to the President.

    He further said that Adamu and Omisore also presented to the President the names of party members nominated by the NWC to serve on various standing and ad-hoc committees of the party ahead of the NEC meeting where such committees will be approved.

    Top on the lists presented to President Tinubu, who is the National Leader of the party, was the names of nominees for the National Advisory Council (NAC) in line with Article 13.2 of the party’s constitution.

  • Rotary club installs new District Governor in Delta

    Rotary club installs new District Governor in Delta

    A member of the Rotary Club of District 9141, Mr Emeke Utebor, has emerged District Governor for four States in the Southsouth geo-political zone for the Rotary Year 2023/2024.

    Utebor, who was installed, at an elaborate ceremony in Asaba, Delta Capital, weekend, said he would prioritise membership drive through promotion of the focal areas of the charity organisation.

    He listed Rotary club’s mandate areas to include Peace and Conflict Resolution, Maternal and Child healthcare, Disease Prevention, Education and Literacy and Environmental/Infrastructure Development.

    The event, which had in attendance Delta Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by an aide, Johnson Erijo, featured award presentation to deserving Rotary Clubs in District 9141.

    Utebor urged Nigerians to identify with the activities of Rotary organisation to build hope and peace in communities through enhancement of quality of life for the needy.

    According to him, acquisition of great wealth is not a significant factor in the task putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged. He said Rotarians were kindhearted rather than wealthy people.

    He said, “Rotarians are not necessarily rich people, but kind-hearted people; we join forces with others to provide better life for others as our civic responsibility.”

    Read Also: Governor’s wife hails Rotary Club for equipping hospital

    He went on, “Partnership, therefore, is crucial in giving hope to the less privileged; for example, partnership with government and good-spirited individuals as well as groups will go a long way to significantly bridge the needs gap of the less privileged in our communities”.

    He said District 9141 recently donated a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for children with respiratory problems.

    He said, although Rotary International does not participate actively in politics, the Nigerian chapter played an unprecedented role as independent observers in the 2023 General Election due to its passion for peace and hope in Nigeria.

    Utebor noted that the number of clubs under District 9141, which spans Delta, Edo, Bayelsa and Rivers states, has grown from 51 at its creation in 2017 to 137.

    He charged rotarians to create hope in the world as reflected in the theme for the year ‘Create Hope In The World’, urging good-spirited individuals and corporate organizations to join forces with Rotary International to render help and improve the lives of vulnerable persons and communities.

    Utebor, while giving a brief history of the organisation’s interventions, noted that all projects executed by the club are done only after a needs assessment.

  • Kwara police insist on commercial tricycle, motorbike ban operation

    Kwara police insist on commercial tricycle, motorbike ban operation

    Kwara Police Command has insisted the ban of commercial tricycle and motorbike operations between 9pm and 6am in the State still subsists.

    The Command added it is ready for full enforcement of the law.

    Commissioner of police Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi said during a meeting with the associations of the tricycle and motorbike operators.

    Adelesi said: Let me remind motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state of the ban on your operations between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. throughout the State.

    “The unions of the existential law promulgated by the state government banning their operations at the said time.”

    Read Also: Okada operators still in Lagos restricted areas

    She advised the union leaders to warn their members of the command’s readiness to start enforcing the laws and prosecuting any member caught violating the law.

    She warned criminal elements in the State to change their evil ways or risk grave consequences.

    She advised law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of intimidation, either from criminals or law enforcement agencies.

    She vowed that no stone would be left unturned to ensure crimes and criminality were reduced to then barest minimum in the State.

  • Boladale wins British Council’s Country Best Award for Cambridge A’ Level

    Boladale wins British Council’s Country Best Award for Cambridge A’ Level

    A student of Erudite Millennium Miss Aisha Boladale has won the British Council’s Country Best Award for Cambridge A’ Level Biology.

    Boladale scored 91% to beat all other Cambridge A’ Level scholars in Nigeria.

    She was announced as the winner at an event at Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos on Thursday.

    Boladale, who recently scored 8/9 in IELTS Academic Writing, talks about her experience at the co-educational institution which has its headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo state.

    She said: “I want to specially thank Erudite Millennium Limited for what it has made out of me during my one-year stay.”

    “The educational institution is one-of-a-kind in Africa, known for its exemplary performance in different foreign programmes such as Cambridge, the Scholastic Aptitude Test(SAT), IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, and lots more.”

    “I personally joined Erudite in January 2022. I took part in the one-month training for the American College Test (ACT) and got 35 out of 36 in ACT English. Then I joined the Cambridge October November class. I was quite taken aback when I realised it was only going to be an 8-month long programme.”

    “However, Erudite Millennium made it happen, and I came out with 16/16 points (A*AA: 91% in biology, 89% in chemistry and 83% in physics). Then, I proceeded to sit for the SAT after one month of training and scored 1410 out of 1600. I also wrote the IELTS, and I got an overall band score of 8 out of 9, with a band 9 in listening and band 8 in academic writing.”

    “The experience I gathered during my stay in Erudite was also immeasurable. I got to share ideas with other students from different educational backgrounds, including people from different parts of the world(America, Qatar, Malaysia, Liberia, and so on)

    “What makes Erudite different from other institutions is the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) Programme, aimed at teaching students the most sought-after skills of the 21st Century, which will not only give them an edge over their peers when getting considered for foreign scholarships, but also provide a money-making opportunity for the young generation.”

    “Perhaps what is most notable about Erudite is the utmost professionalism and diligence of the staff members, coupled with the determination to give excellent results in a short period of time and make unimaginable progress. Imagine going from a 60% success rate in the 2022 May/June Cambridge examination to an incredible 80% success rate in the October/November series of the same year!!! This is truly what only Erudite can deliver.”

    Read Also: Grace School wins British council award

    “For parents who seek both academic and social excellence for their children, Erudite Millennium Limited is the best bet. There is literally nowhere else in the entire Africa where such amazing results are delivered in such little time. As the CEO and founder, Mr Saheed Oladele would say,” We don’t celebrate mediocrity.” Erudite Millenium Limited in itself is an epitome of excellence, and so is its founder”.

    Boladale’s father, Dr. Abiodun Boladale noted that he was surprised to be told that his daughter recorded such achievement.

    According to him: “My Aisha Scoring 16 points in Cambridge A levels, that’s incredible. She has just been offered admission by University of Ibadan, effortlessly, into 200 level to study medicine and surgery. That is aside offers from universities abroad. Thank you for navigating this journey.”

    Erudite Millennium Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Saheed Oladele, while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, noted that Boladale is a representative of October/November 2022 set where the co-educational institution recorded 80% success rate.

    He said:”We won British Council’s Country Best Award for Cambridge A’ Level biology on Thursday. Kudos to Aisha Boladale for making Erudite Millennium Ltd proud. She scored 91% to beat every other Cambridge A’ Level scholar in Nigeria. Aisha is a representative of our Oct/Nov 2022 set where we recorded 80% success rate”.

  • We did not arrest Yari because he refused Tinubu’s phone call- DSS

    We did not arrest Yari because he refused Tinubu’s phone call- DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Sunday denied that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested because he refused to pick President Bola Tinubu’s phone call.

    Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, in a statement described it as laughable.

    He however confirmed Yari was invited by the Service but did not disclose why.

    The DSS spokesman said Yari knows why he was invited.

    He also denied accusations that the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

    Afunanya also denied reports that Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Pratices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them.

    He debunked reports that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism.

    Afunanya in an unusually long statement on Sunday, said: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to false reports by sections of the online media particularly SaharaReporters, Peoples Gazette and Jackson Ude.

    “The so called news platforms variously and wrongly fed the public with misleading narratives and accusations against the Service.

    “For instance, SaharaReporters wrote that the Service stormed the Independent Corrupt Pratices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and carted away certain files from them.

    “Jackson Ude falsely claimed that there is a rumble in the DSS due to nepotism. He further accused the Service of snooping on Judges on the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

    “On its part, Peoples Gazette reported that Senator Abdulaziz Yari was arrested for alleged refusal to pick the President’s phone call (whatever that meant).

    “There are other variants of unsubstantiated and anonymous petitions flying around against the DGSS, his family and some officials.

    “The Service ordinarily would not have responded to these inaccuracies but for the fickle minded and vulnerable persons as well as the unsuspecting public that may take the lies for facts.

    “To set the records straight, the DSS did not execute operations of any kind at the ICPC and CCB or remove files from their offices.

    Read Also: Why DSS arrested Senator Yari

    “Instructively, the two agencies have, on their own, refuted the news in widely circulated press statements. It is petty, if not laughable, to report that Yari was invited for refusing to pick the President’s call. This is the height of junk journalism. Yari knows why he was invited.

    “In fact, the Service denies all the allegations as they lack any factual basis or credibility. They are only figments of the creators’ imaginations.This is more so that the publishers in question have been noted in and outside the country for their notoriety for peddling fake news, sensational and gutter journalism.

    “Without a modicum of proper and civilised behaviour, they indulge in character assassinations and sundry blackmail as business.

    “It is not in doubt that their reports under reference are hatchet jobs designed to smear or impeach the integrity of the Service and its leadership.

    “Notably, the Service proactively alerted the public about this development earlier in June, 2023. While it is aware of the sponsors of these campaigns of calumny, it will simply allow them to exhaust themselves knowing too well that they would someday be brought to justice.

    “Many days, it is said, are sure for the thief but there will be that one day for the owner of the house. It is clear that the writers and their sponsors are oblivious of the accolades the Service has continued to receive from majority of stakeholders for excellent performance and its professional demeanour in handling many critical issues of national importance.

    “Rather, they have chosen to use their platforms to subvert the Agency and undermine its capabilities.

    “Restating its respect for the rule of law, independence and autonomy of other agencies including the Judiciary and Legislature, it will not shirk its responsibilities or allow some detractors to prevent it from undertaking its statutory duties or carrying out lawful orders by constituted authorities.

    “If Yari or anyone else is to be invited or taken into custody, the Service will not hesitate to do so as far as that is procedurally done within the confines of the law.

    “The Service will remain focused, resilient, patriotic and professional in the conduct of its affairs. Members of the public are enjoined to disregard the misleading stories which are aimed at causing disaffection in the country and disparaging the Service’ leadership.

    “The Service will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address security challenges in the country in line with its mandate and the directives of the President. It does not matter how many times naysayers and hostile agents will plan to distract it.”

  • A steely resolve to impact humanity

    A steely resolve to impact humanity

    Dolapo Oludakpo is passionate towards helping the needy, indigent and less privileged to achieve their dreams. Through her humanitarian foundation, Noble Women Help Centre, she is poised to give a better life to those who come her way. DAMOLA KOLA-DARE reports.

    When Mrs.Dolapo Oludakpo decided to establish a non governmental organisation, she had purpose in her heart to put a gloss on humanity.

    In an interview, the Visioner and Coordinator of Noble Women Help Centre(NWHC), Ibadan, Oyo State, noted that she is passionate  about supporting others, empowering and encouraging women and children to be a better version of themselves. Hence, it is not coincidental that the centre had reached out to over 800 children and women.

    Highlighting what the fledgling centre had done within a very short time, Oludakpo said:” In 2022, over 100 less privileged families were fed during the Christmas celebration. This year,  hospital bills of over five pregnant women were paid, and school meal was provided for a motherless child whose father absconded, street outreach were done where  we fed two hundred of people on the street. We also distributed baby essentials to new moms and babies during hospital visitations. In addition, 1,200 exercise books, school uniforms and sanitary pads were provided to special needs children during school visitations. 

    “We also helped register a boy with cerebral palsy for physiotherapy sessions, we also organised educative sessions for teenage girls on body hygiene. We donated food, sanitary pad, exercise books to orphanage homes. We also paid school and examination fees for children whose parents cannot afford it. Overall, we have reached out to over 800 children and women.”

    The graduate of Dublin Business School noted that NWHC is committed to the welfare of everyone in need of various forms of help.

    “At Noble Women Help Centre, we support the less privileged children, orphans, widow, single mothers in the society to have and live a better life. Our mission is to support and care for women and children irrespective of their background and race.

    Specifically, we focus on provision of financial assistance, monthly foodstuff provision for widows, less privileged children and single mothers and provision of school lunch. We also provide support in training women who wish to start their own business and how they can effectively manage it,” she said.

    Read Also: Abortion a sin against God, humanity – Uche Ogbodo

    Giving an insight to her background,she said:”I was born in Ibadan; Oyo State and I grew up in London. I studied Healthcare Support, this allowed me to work with special needs families. I graduated from  Dublin Business School where I studied Big Data for Business. I have supported homeless people in Ireland by sharing the necessity they need. I am passionate about supporting others, empowering and encouraging women and children to be a better version of themselves.”

    On what inspired the  coming of the centre, Oludakpo said: “By the special grace of God, I am privileged to be an instrument in God’s hand to pray with people most especially women and children. The name of the prayer group is Noble Women and when I got the leading from God to launch an NGO, I wanted the name to portray the vision God gave me and that’s how Noble Women Help Centre was formed. The meaning of the name Noble Women Help Centre, is a woman who builds (Proverbs 31, story of a wise woman who builds her house),  Help Centre (there’s no one who runs to God that does not receive help); a place where those that need help can run to and receive help. 

    “When I was a little girl, I met some brilliant children, but they were limited because their parents could not afford to pay their school fees. A lot of women have lost their lives or their babies during pregnancy and childbirth. I remember the promise I made with God as a child, that I would love to establish a centre that will cater to women and children. I am grateful to God today because he made the vision come to reality.”

    She said the centre is determined to reach out to 5000 children and pregnant women by the end of this year, adding that  by 2028 it would  have provided shelter for homeless children, testing centre for pregnant women and training centre to educate teenagers.  

    Concerning upcoming programmes of the centre, she said:”This year we are organising end of the  year Christmas party for children on the 19 December and next year February we have an event to educate parents who have special needs children. We will also be conducting free health checks and training to empower women and teenage girls who want to further their education or start a business.”

  • Benue lawmaker drums support for Tinubu, Abbas

    Benue lawmaker drums support for Tinubu, Abbas

    APC lawmaker Hon. Philip Agbese representing Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has reassured Nigerians of a renewed hope under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Agbese also reiterated confidence in the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives under Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas.

    Agbese spoke to a cross-section of Nigerians at a meeting by the Political Parties Supporters Network held in Abuja on Saturday.

    When asked to evaluate President Tinubu’s first month in office, he responded: “I will give him distinction or excellent depending on the metric. The way the President has gone about some of his breathtaking policies and reform earned him the nickname President ‘Baba Go-fast.’

    “I said this because the President has made drastic decisions in just 30 days that successive governments couldn’t in years. The immediate consequences are indeed painful, but the long-term benefits abound.

    “Specifically, in the areas of economy and security, our President seems to have a perfect template. Nigeria is now attracting more foreign investors due to favourable financial policies and the return of relative peace across the nation.

    “Most notably, the removal of the humongous fuel subsidy through which some greedy oil merchants were cashing out at the expense of the poor the subsidy was meant to help, the unification of the multiple exchange rates where arbitrage walked on all fours and the signing into laws of landmark bills like the new electricity and student loans legislation.

    Read Also: APC chieftain calls on Benue youths to support Tinubu, Akume

    “With the new electricity law, states, companies, and individuals can now generate, transmit and distribute electricity, meaning this important power has been devolved down the ladder. Under the Student Loans law, indigent students will no longer drop out of universities on account of their inability to pay school fees. They will now be offered loans to pay their fees and repay the government later.

    “I say this with every sense of sincerity that President Tinubu is a blessing to Nigeria and the best leader for this country at this time.”.

    Speaking on Rt Hon Abbas, Agbese added: “The Speaker is another God-sent to the nation. The manner he emerged shows my colleagues, and I have absolute faith in him. He hasn’t failed.

    “His Excellency has brought a new dimension to legislation. He epitomizes unity, friendship, and trust. He always has that serious demeanor, yet a big grin comes with it all the time.

    “We didn’t expect less, though. For a man with such experience, intellect, and patriotism, it was easily going to be a smooth transition. He has sponsored over 15 bills in less than one month so far despite his busy schedule.

    “The signs are positive. With Abbas as Speaker, ready to help the nation move forward, one can tell that our journey to the promised land indeed commenced on May 29th.”

    Agbese, therefore, charged Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu and Abbas as they both mean well for the nation.

    He said their performances so far are a pointer that this administration would bring relief to Nigerians in the current hard situation.

    According to him, the pair have demonstrated a sound understanding of solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria as well as the will to tackle them.

  • Kaffy warns promiscuous male friends

    Kaffy warns promiscuous male friends

    Award-winning dancer Kafayat Shafau aka Kaffy, has warned her male friends into philandering lifestyle not to her.

    The one time Guiness World Record breaker in a post via Threads today called out male colleagues who cheat on their wives, using her presence to cover up during the act.

    According to the mother of two, it was disrespectful to herself and the wife of the said friend/colleague.

    Having clarified over time that she frowns at cheating in a relationship.

    Read Also: I’m withdrawing my child from Chrisland – Kaffy

    She said: “Please I don’t know if women do this too, but my experience has been with my male friends, colleagues or family member. If you want to cheat on your partner, please do it without involving me, It is total disrespect to me and your wife whom I am most likely close to or have been fed by for you to want to use me to do cover up.

    “It’s the audacity for me! You already know my stand against such as much as I may not tell you, you are at risk of me entering you that very instant. Don’t be calling your wife while you carry babe come dey tell her ” Kaffy is here” ( as per the event or gathering) abeg so as I dey there I hold your third leg. Giving your partner false confidence that you not where you can misbehave”.

  • Davido appreciates South African artiste for album feature

    Davido appreciates South African artiste for album feature

    Talented singer David Adeleke aka Davido has expressed deep gratitude after fast-rising South African ‘Amapiano’ crooner, Musa Keys publicly appreciated him for the exposure he gave him by featuring him on his ‘Timeless’ album.

    The South African artist featured on ‘Unavailable’ which is one of the most listened to tracks on Davido’s fourth studio album.

    Read Also: Hip Hop icon Boosie signs two Afrobeats artistes, seeks Davido’s support

    Taking to Twitter on Friday, Keys described Davido as a “legend” and “big bro” as he appreciated him for boosting his career with the iconic feature.

    He tweeted: “Thank you @davido.
    “You a legend and I appreciate you, big bro! Love you.”
    Quoting Musa Keys’ tweet, Davido appreciated the South African for “blessing” his song.
    “Thank you, too for blessing my record!” the DMW boss said.

  • Mum approved my role in ‘Ijakumo’ – Lolade Okusanya

    Mum approved my role in ‘Ijakumo’ – Lolade Okusanya

    Fast rising actress, Lolade Okusanya, has said she got the consent of her mum before accepting to play an erotical role in Toyin Abraham’s new movie ‘Ijakumo’

    Okusanya played the role of Sharon, an undercover stripper and also Mary, the born again church choir, in the crime thriller.

    Featuring recently on ‘Your View’ on TVC, the thespian explained that she sent her mother and siblings strippers’ pictures and told them to expect her to play the same role in her upcoming movie.

    She said her family was prepared as regards seeing her playing the role.

    Read Also: I’m half human full screen god, Kunle Remi brags

    She said: “I was not me. I was the character.
    “I was in that phase. I was not thinking of me. So, before playing the role I had already… Most important people in my life would be my family members, who I know would break me.

    “So, while I was sending strippers’ videos to aunty Toyin Abraham, I was also sending them to my mum, my sister, my brother, and other important people in my life. I said, ‘These are the kind of things you will see on Netflix, hope it’s fine?’ My mum said, ‘Hmm’.

    “But they had prepared their minds. They had prepared their own extended families’ minds. The people that mattered the most to me, were prepared. Social media can do its thing. But the people that mattered most to me were holding my hand”.