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  • NCAN suspends revenue collection, dissolves executive

    NCAN suspends revenue collection, dissolves executive

    The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has suspended all forms of revenue collection in its name with immediate effect, pending institutional reforms and the harmonisation of its governance structures.

    The resolution was part of key decisions unanimously adopted at the NCAN Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja.

    In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the association also condemned what it described as increasing foreign encroachment across Nigeria’s cashew value chain, warning that such practices undermine local farmers, processors, exporters, and the country’s economic interests.

    In a communiqué signed by the NCAN Secretariat, with Mr. Olarotimi Ayeka listed as Secretary and Mr. Ademola Bamidele Adesokan as President, NCAN rejected calls for a ban on cashew nut exports, stressing that it would instead engage government authorities to promote value addition, improved seeding, respect for contract agreements by foreign buyers, and stronger support for cashew farmers.

    On policy direction, the AGM expressly opposed any proposal for an outright ban on the export of Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN), noting that such a move could disrupt livelihoods.

    The association said any policy intervention must strike a balance between value addition, farmer welfare, export competitiveness, and national interest.

    In a major leadership shake-up, the AGM dissolved the Ojo Ajanaku–led administration, citing loss of confidence and legitimacy.

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    Members and stakeholders present at the meeting endorsed and ratified Mr. Ademola Bamidele Adesokan as the new President of NCAN. The association said an official gazetted communiqué reflecting the leadership transition would be issued before the end of the week.

    The AGM further resolved to undertake a comprehensive review and amendment of the NCAN constitution to reflect current industry realities.

    The planned amendments include provisions to ensure that only bona fide cashew stakeholders can become president, prevent any president from exceeding constitutionally defined tenure, and establish a clear, transparent, and enforceable leadership succession framework.

    As part of its immediate directives, NCAN ordered all revenue agents and representatives nationwide to cease revenue collection activities on behalf of the association.

    It warned that any individual or group that defies the directive would be reported and treated as acting illegally.

    The communiqué also disclosed that all state police commands have been formally notified of the resolutions through the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.

  • Police foil kidnapping attempt, rescue victim in Oyo

    Police foil kidnapping attempt, rescue victim in Oyo

    A kidnapped victim, Haruna Lawal, who was abducted at Olorunda village via Oyo, has been rescued by operatives of the Oyo State Command of the Nigerian Police.

    The victim, who was abducted alongside his motorcycle to an unknown location, was rescued after his sister, Alimot, made a distress call to the Police to alert them of the invasion of the residence by suspected kidnappers who were said to be armed with dangerous weapons.

    Confirming the rescue in a statement, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation by the police exerted pressure on the suspects.

    He explained that, as police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realizing that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled, adding that the kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.

    Ayanlade said, “We wish to inform the general public of the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim following the swift and coordinated response of police operatives, reflecting the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

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    “On 24th January, 2026, at about 0210 hours, the Command received a distress call from Alimot (female) of Ojongbodu Area, Oyo State, reporting that suspected kidnappers armed with dangerous weapons had invaded her brother’s residence.

    “During the invasion, the assailants abducted Haruna Lawal (male) of Olorunda Village via Oyo and escaped with his motorcycle to an unknown location.

    “Upon receipt of the report and acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, operatives of the Command immediately swung into action and deployed to the area. The prompt response and aggressive bush-combing operation exerted pressure on the suspects.

    “As police operatives advanced into the area with patrol vans and sirens, the kidnappers, realizing that security forces were closing in on them, abandoned the victim and fled. The kidnapped victim was consequently rescued alive.

    “The victim sustained a head injury during the ordeal and was promptly conveyed to the General Hospital, Oyo, where he is currently receiving appropriate medical attention.

    “The swift rescue, achieved within hours of the abduction, underscores the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the Oyo State Police Command in responding decisively to threats against public safety.”

    He, however, assured that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

  • FUPRE warns new intakes against cultism

    FUPRE warns new intakes against cultism

    …admits 2,390 Students

    The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) has matriculated 2,390 new students, warning them that freedom on campus must be balanced with discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility.

    The students were matriculated on Saturday for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the university reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.

    Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Chiedu Uwabor, said the fresh students earned their places through “a rigorous and merit-based process,” describing their admission as “the beginning of a transformative academic journey.”

    The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be guided by the institution’s motto, “Excellence and Relevance,” while navigating university life.

    Read Also: APC chieftain hails Gov Yusuf’s defection as turning point for Kano politics

    “FUPRE maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime, and all forms of misconduct,” he warned, stressing that such acts could jeopardise students’ academic future.

    He noted that the ceremony formally inducted the students into “a scholarly community committed to knowledge, integrity, and purposeful excellence,” positioning them to innovate, lead and contribute meaningfully to society.

    Highlighting the institution’s niche, the Vice-Chancellor said FUPRE remained Nigeria’s first and only specialised Petroleum University, the first in Africa and the sixth globally, established to provide world-class education, research, and practical training for the petroleum, energy, and allied sectors.

    “As a purpose-built institution, FUPRE is committed to producing leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who can address real industry and societal challenges,” he said.

    He cited the university’s growing profile, referencing the first-place victory of FUPRE’s Chemical Engineering Hackathon team, The Alchemists, at the 2025 Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers National Student Convention, the ranking of three FUPRE scholars among the top two per cent scientists worldwide in the Stanford University–Elsevier Global Ranking, as well as the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists Golden Jubilee Award received by the institution.

    According to him, the matriculating students comprised 1,980 males and 410 females admitted into the Colleges of Science, Engineering and Technology, Maritime and Offshore Studies, Computing, and Petroleum Administration and Management.

    He expressed delight at the admission of pioneer students into new programmes such as Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Procurement Management, Petroleum Information Management, and Entrepreneurship, as well as first intakes into Petroleum Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.

    Senior University officials, including principal officers, deans, directors, and heads of departments, were in attendance.

  • Niger Govt reopens additional 2,451 schools in 24 LGAs

    Niger Govt reopens additional 2,451 schools in 24 LGAs

    The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of 2,451 public and private primary and secondary schools for the second phase of academic resumption, effective Monday, January 26, 2026.

    This is coming two weeks after the state government reopened schools in some local government areas after closing down the schools in November following the abduction of students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Agwara local government area of the state.

    This directive follows a comprehensive security assessment by relevant agencies and was announced in a statement released Saturday, January 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

    The reopening approval covers schools across 24 of the state’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as the Ministry noted that schools in Paikoro Local Government Area remain closed, as security assessments in the area are still ongoing.

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    A list of cleared schools for Paikoro will be released at a later date.

    According to the circular signed by the Director of Schools and Educational Services, Hassan Mohammed, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the resumption applies strictly to the schools listed in the “Phase Two” schedule.

    The approved list details a total of 2,451 schools cleared for resumption.

    The breakdown of the schools includes 478 schools in Chanchaga, Suleja has 363 schools, Bida has 226 schools, Bosso has 215 schools, Kontagora has 172 schools, Borgu has 124 schools, Mokwa has 101 schools, Lapai has 87 schools, Lavun has 84 schools, Shiroro has 77 schools, Agaie has 71 schools, and Gurara has 71 schools.

    Others include 56 schools in Katcha, 52 schools in Tafa, 49 schools in Gbako, 45 schools in Rafi, 37 schools in Munya, 31 schools in Mashegu, 24 schools in Wushishi, 23 schools in Edati, 19 schools in Agwara, 19 schools in Magama, 14 schools in Mariga, and 13 schools in Rijau.

    The Ministry advised parents and guardians to check the approved list to confirm their children’s schools are among those cleared, emphasizing that the decision prioritizes the safety of students and staff, as security agencies have been directed to ensure a safe learning environment as academic activities resume.

  • DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    DSS nabs suspected sea pirates, foils hijack of crude oil vessel, abduction of crew members

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Saturday arrested two suspected members of a band of sea pirates in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, as they were fine-tuning plans to hijack a crude oil-laden vessel in the Gulf of Guinea, The Nation gathered on Sunday.

    The men, identified as Geoffrey Atizara, 38, from Aleibiri in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and Divine Kelechi Unueze, 42, from Nekede in Owerri, Imo State, were nabbed at a hotel on Tenacious Street in the Edepie area of Yenagoa, according to security sources.

    According to a reliable security source, preliminary intelligence, corroborated by the suspects’ confessional statements, revealed that the men, along with other band members, were plotting to seize a vessel, abduct its crew, and steal its cargo.

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    According to the source, Unueze was the financier of the operation, while Atizara was tasked with recruiting additional pirates.

    “The duo have admitted to being part of a high-profile criminal network operating in the South East and South South parts of Nigeria, mainly profiting from sea piracy and kidnapping,” the source offered.

    “Given the sophistication and the resources at the disposal of this pirate band, this arrest has disrupted what could have been a major threat to maritime security in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea region,” one of the sources declared.

    Another source disclosed that the DSS, in concert with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven operations to curb maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “Recent successes,” the source disclosed, “include the interception of several pirate speedboats and the rescue of crew members from hijacked vessels off the coasts of Bayelsa and Delta States.”

    The arrest of the two suspected sea pirates in Bayelsa state marks additional successes by security agencies in the region, he added.

    Recall that barely a week ago, the DSS, in separate joint operations with sister security agencies and forest guards, rescued some abducted pastors and other individuals in Kaduna and Borno States.

  • Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Tonto Dikeh shares testimony on faith, forgiveness after reconciliation with ex-husband

    Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has taken to social media to share a personal testimony on her spiritual journey, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness.

    Her reflection follows a recent reconciliation with her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, ending a decade-long public feud.

    Dikeh credited God for healing their relationship and restoring peace between them.

    Describing herself as a vessel for God’s love and mercy, the actress expressed gratitude for the inner peace and joy she now experiences.

    She also spoke on the process of spiritual growth, noting that God often breaks and rebuilds individuals, removing negative traits and reshaping their character for a higher purpose.

    Dikeh wrote, “I am that woman the Lord has shown mercy. I am that woman who stands as living proof that God never fails. I am that woman who knows who she is and whose she is.

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    “I am a living, breathing incubated prophecy of God. I am that woman who carries a peace that defies logic and understanding. I’ve got joy that makes no sense. I am that woman who has tasted the weight of God’s love; nothing compares to it. His power, His beauty, His anointing.

    “I am that woman called and fashioned as an Esther-mandated vessel, set apart for such a time as this. I am that woman whose greatest pursuit is to know her God more and more.

    “I have learned that there is no true salvation without God first breaking you, then rebuilding you in His image. In the process, He cleanses you, purges you, and strips away hate, bitterness, pride, and unforgiveness until only His nature remains.

    “And if my life speaks at all, it is a canvas of God’s unending love, mercy, and faithfulness”.

    Dikeh encouraged those struggling to forgive to seek God’s help, emphasising forgiveness as a path to freedom and healing.

    “To anyone seeking a forgiving spirit: Be encouraged. Forgiveness is not weakness. It is freedom. It is God’s gift to heal your heart before He heals your story. What you release, God restores. What you surrender, He redeems”.

    The mother of one concluded with a prayer for the restoration of broken relationships and the reignition of love in hearts.

    “Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every heart longing to forgive but struggling to let go. Pour Your grace where wounds still ache. Soften hardened places and replace bitterness with healing.

    “I pray for the restoration of broken family relationships where love was lost, breathe life again; where communication died, restore understanding; where division took root, plant peace and unity.

    “Rebuild homes, restore trust, and let Your love reign in every heart. Do what only You can do, Lord, because when You rebuild, it is always better than before. Amen,” she added.

  • Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Niger Delta games critical for youth development, says Enabulele

    Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has described the Niger Delta Games as a critical platform for grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, and regional integration.

    Enabulele spoke when he played host to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie.

    Ebie was in the state to review the level of preparedness, strengthen collaboration, and reaffirmed commitment of all stakeholders toward delivering a successful and impactful festival.

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     Enabulele said the games were more than a competition and a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth.

    He said the discovery of talents could serve the region and the nation for many years.

    The ESSC boss thanked the NDDC for sustaining the vision of using sports as a tool for unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta.

    Enabulele noted that the consistency of the Commission in supporting the festival reflected a deep understanding of sports as a catalyst for social and economic growth.

    He said Edo State was ready to host the festival, even as he assured that all necessary facilities, logistics, and institutional support were being put in place to ensure a hitch-free event.

    “This initiative has continued to give hope and opportunity to young athletes across the region, particularly at the grassroots level.

    “Edo State is fully prepared to host the Niger Delta Sports Festival. Our facilities are ready, our technical teams are on the ground, and we are working closely with the NDDC and the organisers to ensure that this edition sets a new benchmark in organisation, athlete welfare, and competitive excellence.

    “Our priority is talent discovery and development. By focusing on young athletes, we are deliberately building a pipeline that will feed state, national, and even international sports platforms in the future,” Enabulele noted.

    The NDDC Chairman commended Edo State for its proactive role and continued leadership in sports development, expressing confidence that the second edition of the festival would surpass expectations. 

  • Driver injured as two vehicles crash in Lagos

    Driver injured as two vehicles crash in Lagos

    A driver was injured and hospitalised on Sunday morning following a collision involving two vehicles on the Eko Bridge, Lagos, causing heavy traffic congestion along the corridor.

    The accident, which occurred around 6 a.m. on the inward lane of the bridge towards NEPA, involved a truck and a white car. The impact of the collision caused the car to overturn, leaving its driver injured.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the incident on its official X handle, saying emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene. The injured driver was promptly evacuated and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

    Read Also: Gunmen ambush, abduct Ondo residents at worksite, police rescue two

    LASTMA stated, “An accident involving two vehicles occurred on Eko Bridge inward NEPA, prompting the deployment of tow trucks. LASTMA personnel and officers from the Ebute Ero Divisional Police Station are currently managing the situation. The driver has been swiftly rushed to the hospital for treatment.”

    The agency added that traffic was temporarily reduced to a single lane, resulting in slow movement and a backlog extending to the Offin Canal axis.

    In a later update, LASTMA confirmed that the affected vehicles have been successfully evacuated from the location.

    Normalcy is expected along the corridor.

  • APC chieftain celebrates Ondo at 50

    APC chieftain celebrates Ondo at 50

    …says future of Sunshine state is promising

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa, has congratulated the government and people of Ondo State as the state marks its historic 50th anniversary.

    In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the state created in 1976, and commended their visionary contributions to building a solid foundation for economic growth, infrastructure development, and social progress.

    He emphasized the remarkable achievements recorded since the state’s inception, spanning military and democratic eras, particularly from 1999 to the present day.

    “From its creation in 1976 through to the current democratic dispensation, Ondo State has recorded tremendous progress in both physical and human development achievements that fill every indigene with pride and deep gratitude to Almighty God,” he stated.

    The APC stalwart pointed to key milestones, including the construction of roads linking communities across the state, the establishment of essential social infrastructure to meet citizens’ needs, and the steadfast preservation of unity amid diversity.

    “Through these decades, we have built roads to connect our communities, established vital social infrastructure to serve our people, and most importantly, upheld our rich diversity with pride while safeguarding our unity against all challenges,” he added.

    Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa underlined the collective role played by every segment of society in the state’s journey

    “I congratulate all indigenes of Ondo State men and women, young and old, rural and urban for the individual and collective contributions each has made to this remarkable progress.

    ”He recognized the efforts of past and present leaders, including all former governors and the incumbent, Governor Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for their dedication to advancing the state’s development agenda.

    Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa says a brighter future awaits the state.

    “As we look ahead to this next stage of our march of progress, i urge the good people of Ondo State to uphold the ideals of mutual love, peace, tolerance, and determination, which are preconditions for a modernised state”, the statement reads

  • Chemical materials trigger fire at Lagos industrial facility

    Chemical materials trigger fire at Lagos industrial facility

    Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has revealed in a preliminary assessment that chemical materials stored at an industrial facility were responsible for a major fire at a warehouse in Badagry, Lagos.

    The fire, which broke out at about 7:25 p.m., on Saturday evening, occurred at a warehouse used for chemical blending and storage within a larger industrial cluster.

    LASEMA said the inferno spread rapidly, engulfing an estimated 15,000 square metres of the facility.

    In a statement issued by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, LASEMA disclosed that the intensity of the fire was heightened by the nature of the materials stored at the site.

    “The affected facility is a warehouse and chemical blending and storage site. The fire rapidly spread across an estimated 15,000sqm, involving stored chemical materials. The intensity of the incident led to intermittent explosions for several hours,” the statement said.

    The explosions, according to the agency, caused widespread panic and posed a significant threat to nearby facilities and residents in the surrounding community.

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    LASEMA said the fire was eventually contained through a coordinated emergency response involving its Response Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, and private fire assets provided by Veepee.

    Damping-down operations have since commenced, with emergency responders maintaining a presence at the scene to prevent re-ignition and protect adjoining facilities.

    The agency explained that firefighting operations were carried out from multiple access points. While the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service led suppression efforts from the main entrance, LASEMA Fire teams provided support from the rear of the facility.

    LASEMA also acknowledged the assistance of beverage company Lacasera, which supplied water to sustain firefighting operations.

    Preliminary assessments by emergency responders identified several risk factors that may have contributed to the scale and severity of the fire.

    “These include a high volume of volatile chemical storage within a confined space, inadequate ventilation within the warehouse facility, and insufficient emergency preparedness measures to manage a fire of this magnitude,” LASEMA said.

    The agency noted that investigations were ongoing to determine the immediate cause of the fire outbreak.