The Nation Newspaper

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  • Why loan disbursement to LAUTECH is delayed, by NELFUND

    Why loan disbursement to LAUTECH is delayed, by NELFUND

    • …urges LAUTECH to allow 12,733 verified students under the scheme to sit for their exams
    • …UNIBEN confirms receipt of ₦230,599,250

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has explained that the delay in disbursing funds to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) was due to pending institutional processes required to finalise disbursement under the Education Loan Scheme.

    The agency confirmed that engagements are ongoing with the university’s management, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rasak Olatunde Rom Kalilu, to resolve the outstanding issues and ensure that the disbursement process is completed as soon as possible.

    In a statement signed by the Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, the agency explained that disbursements are executed only after the completion of all institution-specific validation and reconciliation requirements.

    “In the case of LAUTECH, these processes were not concluded at the time of the last disbursement cycle. However, the Fund confirms that engagements with the University are ongoing, with a view to resolving the outstanding issues and effecting payment as soon as the required steps are completed,” the statement said.

    NELFUND noted that 12,733 verified LAUTECH students under the scheme should be allowed to sit for their examinations, as it remains fully committed to settling its obligations to the institution once the process is concluded.

    It urged students and parents to remain calm, as no beneficiary will be disadvantaged.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses N1.33bn to UNILAG to cover 6,308 students loans

    In a related development, NELFUND confirmed the successful disbursement of funds to the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for eligible student beneficiaries under the Education Loan Scheme.

    This confirmation follows an official acknowledgement letter issued by the University, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), confirming receipt of two additional tranches of NELFUND disbursements covering 2,673 students, amounting to a total sum of ₦230,599,250.

    NELFUND said the funds were received in January 2026 and have been duly acknowledged by the University.

    The statement said, “The clarification also becomes necessary following the circulation of a purported repayment circular, which the University has formally disowned, confirming that it did not originate from UNIBEN and that no repayment guideline has been issued.

    “NELFUND reiterates that funds have already been paid directly to UNIBEN, and as such, no student is required to make any payment in connection with the loan scheme at this time. Neither NELFUND nor the Federal Government has authorized any individual, group, or institution to request payments from students or beneficiaries.

    “NELFUND remains committed to transparency, accountability, and collaboration with institutions to ensure that eligible Nigerian students fully benefit from the Education Loan Scheme.”

  • Military confirms October coup plot, indicts officers

    Military confirms October coup plot, indicts officers

    Months after 16 officers were arrested for alleged coup plots, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the rumour.

    The confirmation was contained in a press release issued by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba on Monday.

    The military had denied media reports of an attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, describing the claims as baseless.

    In spite of the denial, 16 officers were arrested for alleged indiscipline and breach of service codes.

    Among the officers arrested, The Nation gathered, were Brig.-Gen MA Sadiq, Col Mohammed Magaji, Lt. Col Bayawo Abdullahi, Lt. Col Almakura, Lt Col Baffa, Lt Col Hayatu, Lt. Col Dagnaf, Lt Col Ibrahim, Lt Col Usman, Maj Jidda, and Maj Iliyasu.

    But in a statement yesterday, the DHQ confirmed that the arrest of the officers was connected to attempts to overthrow the government.

    It said investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

    Read Also: Why new counter-terrorism sector established in Adamawa – Military

    “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

    “The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

    “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” the statement said.

    Continuing, the military assured Nigerians that measures being taken were purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline, and operational effectiveness within the ranks.

    “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” it added. 

  • Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    Angry residents protest incessant killings, abduction in Ondo community

    • …as gunmen abduct woman, injure three

    Angry residents of the Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state on Monday protested the incessant killings and abductions allegedly carried out by suspected gunmen in the area.

    The protesters blocked the major Akure-Owo-Benin highway to draw government 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, who identified himself simply as Mr Lawrence, said the protest was triggered by the recent abduction of a community member and attacks on three other residents.

    Read Also: Gunmen abduct woman, injure three in Ondo community attack

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

    Mr Lawrence explained that the attack occurred between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a period w

  • Sunday Igboho calls for unity to address insecurity in southwest

    Sunday Igboho calls for unity to address insecurity in southwest

    Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for unity in addressing insecurity across Nigeria, with particular focus on the Southwest region.

    He urged residents of the region to work together in the interest of future generations and the overall development of Yorubaland.

    Igboho made the appeal in Ibadan during a thank-you visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

    He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with Yoruba traditional rulers and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland and the country at large.

    Explaining the purpose of his visit, Igboho said he was grateful to God and President Tinubu for heeding Olubadan’s intervention on his behalf.

    “Baba Ladoja called me around 10: 03 on Friday. He said he was currently with President Tinubu on my behalf, and that I should leave exile and come back to Nigeria to unite with my family in peace.

    “So, I’m here to thank Baba Ladoja and President Tinubu. I want all the Yorubas to also thank them for me.”

  • Delta: Omo-Agege calls for inclusion of political followers in governance

    Delta: Omo-Agege calls for inclusion of political followers in governance

    Former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has called for the inclusion of his political followers in governance, declaring that the party’s future success in the state depends on it.

    Omo-Agege spoke at the Delta APC stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba at the weekend, as the party intensified efforts to reposition itself ahead of future electoral battles.

    According to him, excluding loyal party members from governance weakens internal cohesion and undermines the APC’s chances of securing decisive victories at both the state and federal levels.

    The former lawmaker reminded party leaders that he commands a wide, organic political structure across Delta State, stressing that more than 240,000 voters cast their ballots for him during the 2023 governorship election.

    “We have built the APC into a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain fully committed to its continued growth,” Omo-Agege said.

    Striking a balance between loyalty and firmness, he reaffirmed his commitment to the party while insisting that inclusiveness must be treated as a strategic necessity, not a favour.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege urges Oborevwori to embrace inclusive leadership, prioritise good governance

    “As a faithful party man, I will continue to contribute to our collective progress,” he said.

    He acknowledged the governor as the leader of the party in the state, noting that strong, inclusive leadership at the top was essential for party stability and effective governance.

    Omo-Agege also pledged to work with the governor and other party leaders, emphasising that service to the people must remain the APC’s central mission.

    Political watchers said the remarks underlined growing pressure within the Delta APC for recognition, reward for loyalty, and unity — factors likely to shape the party’s internal dynamics and electoral fortunes in the coming years.

    “It is indisputable that as the immediate past governorship candidate of this party, I am privileged to have a huge organic political following in our state, including, as you all know, the over 240,000 delegates who voted for me in the 2023 general elections.

    “I have no doubt that our governor, the party’s leader in the state, will take the initiative to ensure the inclusivity of my hundreds of thousands of faithful Die Hard grassroots supporters in the party who made this possible, and remain ready to mobilize for APC.

    “This will undoubtedly help our party secure resounding victories in future elections at both the state and federal levels.

    “Your Excellency, my philosophy in public governance is simple. Service to the people comes first.

    “I will work with everyone, by God’s grace, to lift Delta.

    “My support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is firm and enduring. And to our Governor, Sheriff Oborewvori, be assured that with my commitment to a legacy of qualitative governance, I am ready to collaborate with you to strengthen our partnership.”

    He appreciated the governor for the decision to personally invite him to the meeting, adding that for the first time in about 18 years, he was setting foot in the government house in Asaba, the venue for the meeting.

    Addressing the meeting, Oborewori urged all to place collective interest above personal considerations, resist division and avoid unnecessary conflicts, noting that unity remains the party’s greatest strength.

    In his welcome remarks, State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, said the party had recorded over 90 per cent realignment since April 2025, describing the gathering as evidence of growing unity and momentum.

    The high-level meeting underscored unity, e-registration, grassroots mobilisation, and preparedness ahead of forthcoming party congresses.

  • FCT Police foil armed robbery attempt in Abuja

    FCT Police foil armed robbery attempt in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has foiled a robbery attempt and arrested a suspect in connection with the attempt in the Kado area of the nation’s capital.

    Police said a suspect was arrested following a distress call to the Mabushi Police Divisional Headquarters on 13 January at about 6:15 a.m.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the caller had reported that armed robbers, numbering about three, were attacking motorists near the MRS Filling Station in Kado.

    Adeh said, “Upon receipt of the report, a police response team from Mabushi Division swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “On sighting the police team, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a hot pursuit and an exchange of gunfire.

    “In the process, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, while the remaining suspects fled into nearby bushes”.

    Adeh said the suspects’ operational vehicle, a black-coloured Volkswagen Golf 2 with registration number JJJ 112 DW, one Beretta pistol, one locally made pistol, and one Firman generator were recovered from the suspects.

    Read Also: Suspected gunmen ambush police patrol, kill officer in Oyo

    She said one Tecno Spark 4 Android phone, one Tecno T353 mobile phone, one Access Bank ATM card, one catapult, one pair of pliers, and one pair of canvas shoes were also recovered.

    Adeh said other items recovered were two pairs of slippers, one singlet, one cap, one jacket, one T-shirt, and one handkerchief.

    The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.

    She said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Miller Dantawaye, had pledged the commitment of the command to safeguarding lives and property in the territory.

    She said the CP had enjoined the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the command through its emergency lines on 08032003913 or 08028940883.

  • N10m grants: NYSC, BATNF renew three-year youth agribusiness pact

    N10m grants: NYSC, BATNF renew three-year youth agribusiness pact

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the BAT Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) have renewed their agribusiness empowerment partnership, committing up to N10 million in grants to support young Nigerian graduates with viable agricultural business ideas over the next three years.

    The renewed collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 22, 2026, in Abuja, extending a programme first launched in 2019 under BATNF’s Farmers for the Future (F4F) initiative.

    Speaking on the renewed partnership, the BATNF’s General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, said the agreement reflects the value of continuity in youth-focused development efforts.

    “This MoU is a reaffirmation of a collaboration that began in 2019 and has continued to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can unlock youth potential in agriculture,” Odusanya said.

    “Through Farmers for the Future, we are not only providing grants but also building a system of mentorship, structure, and support that enables corps members to see agribusiness as a serious enterprise pathway,” he added.

    According to Odusanya, under the new agreement, six outstanding NYSC corps members will be selected through a competitive process to benefit from a mix of cash and non-cash support aimed at building sustainable agribusiness ventures. The prize structure, he said, provides N3 million for the first-place winner, N2 million each for two second-place winners, and N1 million each for three third-place winners.

    He noted the partnership leverages NYSC’s nationwide reach to expose young graduates to agribusiness as a viable enterprise option, while BATNF provides funding, mentorship, and structured capacity-building support. Rather than launching a new programme, the MoU deepens an existing initiative that both organisations say has already delivered measurable outcomes for youth entrepreneurship and food security.

    Beyond funding, Odusanya said selected beneficiaries will undergo an intensive development process, including a boot camp, mentorship sessions with agribusiness experts, and ongoing project evaluation. To ensure transparency and accountability, grant disbursement and oversight, he said, will be managed by an independent implementing partner.

    “The renewed agreement will run for another three-year cycle, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to youth economic inclusion and sustainable agriculture. The programme also aims to reposition agriculture in the minds of young Nigerians—from subsistence activity to a modern, scalable business capable of driving economic resilience,” he stated.

    Read Also: Otti promises automatic employment for outstanding NYSC members in Abia

    The MoU was signed on behalf of BATNF by Odusanya and the foundation’s Project Manager, Adetola Oniyelu. Representing NYSC were the Director of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Department, Kehinde Aremu-Cole, and Barr. Christopher Ogar of the NYSC Legal Unit.

    “As part of the renewed collaboration, NYSC will continue to deploy its national platforms, including orientation camps and digital communication channels, to drive awareness and participation among corps members. The Scheme will also formally endorse the F4F project, collaborate on programme monitoring and evaluation, and participate in key milestones such as launch and closing ceremonies. BATNF will continue to lead overall project implementation and provide comprehensive reporting at the end of each project cycle,” Odusanya added.

  • DHQ confirms submission of probe report on 16 officers arrested for service violations

    DHQ confirms submission of probe report on 16 officers arrested for service violations

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it has concluded investigations into the arrest of 16 officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

    It said that the report on the matter has also been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

    The Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba, announced this in a statement on Monday.

    The statement said, “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

    “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”

    “In October 2025, the military high command announced in a statement that 16 officers were facing military justice for alleged indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

    It stated that investigations had revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation due to repeated failures in promotion examinations, among other issues.

    It further explained that some of the apprehended officers were under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting trial or currently undergoing trial.

    The military high command, however, reiterated that “measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.”

    It reaffirmed its resolute commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty, and respect for constitutional authority.

  • UPDATED: Sunday Igboho arrives Nigeria, appreciates Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, others

    UPDATED: Sunday Igboho arrives Nigeria, appreciates Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, others

    • …visits Olubadan

    Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has arrived in Nigeria after the removal of his name from the list of wanted persons.

    Igboho returned home from self-exile in neighbouring Cotonou, Benin Republic.

    Upon arrival, Igboho was welcomed by supporters, Muslim clerics, and others at his Soka, Ibadan residence.

    They offered prayers over Igboho’s smooth return, and also prayed for President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers who intervened in his case.

    While recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who shed tears, lamented that under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings.

    His return could be termed as another homecoming after he fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

    In 2024, Igboho was in the country briefly for his late mother’s burial ceremony.

    Igboho then proceeded to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly received by supporters.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

    The visibly happy Oba Ladoja welcomed Igboho and prayed for his success.

    In his speech, Igboho said: I’m grateful to God Almighty for this day. I’m also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom. Since the day I was in Cotonou, he has been checking up on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja helped me by speaking with elders in Yoruba Land.

    “He spoke with me last Friday while I was in Cotonou. He told me to pack my load, that he was with the President, and he had spoken with him. Baba Ladoja said he begged him, and he has authorised that I am cleared. I’m grateful to God Almighty because I never thought I would come back home.

    “I’m very happy, that’s why I have to come and pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.

    “My advice to Yoruba people is for us to unite, so that we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident that President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”

  • First Lady: I work hard because my husband is a hard-working man

    First Lady: I work hard because my husband is a hard-working man

    • …selected as Leadership Newspaper’s ‘Person of the Year’s
    • …says award fires her up to do more

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said her work ethic is inspired by the example of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a hard-working leader whose commitment to duty pushes her to do more.

    Mrs Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Monday while formally receiving the notification of her selection as Person of the Year by Leadership Newspapers during a courtesy visit by the organisation’s management.

    “I like to work hard because my husband is a hard-working man,” the First Lady said, adding that the recognition had further motivated her to deepen her service to Nigerians.

    According to a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady said, “with this, I am fired up for the year. I am guided by the scripture which says I can do all things… there is still more for me to do—what I am doing for the common man”.

    She thanked the newspaper for the honour, describing it as a call to greater responsibility, and expressed appreciation that her efforts as a woman were being acknowledged.

    While noting that society often describes the world as male-dominated, Mrs Tinubu said this reality only challenges women to work harder and remain focused.

    “I have never seen men as a challenge, but that makes me know that I have to work three times as hard to get ahead,” she said, urging young women to be confident, focused, and hardworking.

    The First Lady also paid tribute to the late founder of the Leadership Group, Sam Nda-Isaiah, whom she described as a man of integrity, and commended the current management for sustaining his legacy.

    Earlier, the Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, said the decision to honour Mrs Tinubu as Person of the Year 2025 was unanimous, citing the impact of her interventions nationwide through the Renewed Hope Initiative since 2023.

    Senior Vice Chairman of the Group, Azu Ishiekwene, said the First Lady had redefined the Office, turning it into a platform for compassionate leadership that impacts lives beyond ethnic, religious, or political lines.

    The award ceremony is scheduled for February 12, 2026, marking the 18th edition of the honour, which President Tinubu has received three times in the past.