The Nation Newspaper

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  • NAF reactivates Super Puma Helicopter after 3 years 

    NAF reactivates Super Puma Helicopter after 3 years 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated the Super Puma Helicopter after it was grounded for three years due to a main rotor hub challenge.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said that reactivating the helicopter was crucial due to its versatility particularly in handling demanding and complex operations.

    Aneke said this while inaugurating the reactivated Super Puma Helicopter at the 205 Rotary Wing, NAF, in Ikeja, Lagos State.

    He noted that the platform, known for its endurance and reliability, would boost rotary wing capabilities for tasks like troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and logistics support.

    “Having demonstrated its effectiveness as a tactical mobility platform in Operation Hadin Kai, the Super Puma is a workhouse.

    “This occasion is not mainly about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but also a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to my command philosophy.

    “Which is, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated professional mission ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives,” Aneke said.

    Read Also: NAF to deploy unmanned air surveillance in Lagos

    The CAS added that the helicopter would also serve as an asset for close support and instruction of troops, movement of troops and equipment with the Army and Navy, where the need arises in terms of maritime domain.

    Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast dedication to national security, clearly demonstrated by his approval of critical acquisition and support for the activation of legacy platforms.

    He said that the helicopter’s return to service directly strengthens NAF’s ability to support joint operations in the maritime and coastal environment of Lagos State.

    “As well as in our counterinsurgency and anti-binary operations in other theaters and parts of the country.

    “I urge all the personnel of 205 Rotary Wing who will operate and maintain this aircraft to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism and responsibility in operating this platform.

    “Treat this platform with utmost care, ensuring that it remains mission ready whenever required,” the CAS said.

    Aneke acknowledged the role and contributions of retired Air Commodore Taiwo Badru for his support and consultation toward the reactivation of the platform.

    “I also commend the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, AVM Mike Onyebashi, and technicians of 205 Rotary for working tirelessly to restore the helicopter to flying condition,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • We don’t import refined petroleum products – Dangote

    We don’t import refined petroleum products – Dangote

    Dangote Refinery says it does not import refined petroleum products into Nigeria, insisting that all petrol and other fuels sold from its operations are fully refined locally.

    The clarification was made by the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Mr David Bird, during a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos, amid allegations over fuel importation and local refining capacity.

    Bird explained that materials often mistaken for imported fuel were, in fact, intermediate feedstocks used to optimise refinery operations.

    He said these include high catalytic sulphur gasoline and straight-run naphtha, unfinished components that undergo extensive processing at the Lekki-based facility before becoming market-ready products.

    “We do not import refined fuel. Everything sold as petrol, diesel or aviation fuel is refined here in Lekki to Nigerian and international Euro-V standards,” Bird said.

    According to him, the use of intermediate feedstocks is standard practice in complex and merchant refineries across major refining hubs such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore and India.

    Bird noted that the Dangote Refinery, unlike refineries located directly at the end of crude oil pipelines, operates as a merchant refinery, sourcing diverse crude and feedstock grades largely by sea.

    He said this flexibility allows the refinery to maximise utilisation of its advanced conversion units and upgrade every molecule into high-value, clean fuels and petrochemicals.

    Bird accused some oil marketers and regulatory actors of undermining the nation’s local refining drive by importing cheaper, sub-standard fuels while declining to patronise domestically refined products.

    Read Also: Dangote, NNPCL seal gas supply deal

    Such actions, he warned, threaten the country’s energy security and foreign-exchange stability.

    Bird disclosed that the refinery currently supplies about 45 million litres of petrol daily to the domestic market and did not export petrol during the peak Christmas and New Year period.

    He said exports only occur when there is excess supply or limited domestic uptake, particularly during the early operational phase.

    Highlighting public health benefits, Bird said local refining had significantly reduced sulphur and metal content in fuels now consumed in Nigeria, making them comparable to products used in Europe and North America.

    Bird described the Dangote Refinery as one of the most modern and automated facilities globally, producing high-value “white products” such as petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and polypropylene.

    Reaffirming the company’s long-term vision, Bird said the refinery remained committed to meeting domestic demand first while positioning Nigeria as a hub for clean, world-class fuels in Africa.

    “West Africa should no longer be a dumping ground for inferior products.

    “Nigeria deserves and now produces the best,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Fave cries out over alleged disruption of concert during Ramadan

    Fave cries out over alleged disruption of concert during Ramadan

    Afrobeats singer Fave has expressed disappointment and confusion over alleged reports that music shows are not allowed in Nigeria during the Islamic Ramadan period, affecting her plans to hold a birthday concert.

    In a series of posts on X, Fave stated that promoters are rejecting her proposed show, citing Ramadan, despite her being a Christian.

    According to her, she had intended to host the event on her birthday, March 13.

    Fave emphasised her respect for Ramadan practices but questioned its impact on her business, stating she’s never heard of such restrictions growing up in southern Nigeria.

    Read Also: Fave recounts collaboration with Davido on hit song ‘Kante’

    She wrote, “I started this year wanting to do my first show in Nigeria on my birthday as an independent artiste, and back to back, promoters kept sending word to my team saying the same thing.

    “I grew up in the south and never heard of Ramadan practices till I was in my late teens. I respect all religions. But I’m Christian, and I really want to do this on my birthday, so if you’re reading this and are open to organizing, I’d be so happy.”

  • You’re a generational award, Odumeje tells Davido after Grammy loss

    You’re a generational award, Odumeje tells Davido after Grammy loss

    Popular Anambra-based cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has encouraged Davido to focus on his music and not let the recent Grammy Award loss get him down.

    He described Davido as a great musician and emphasised that his life and achievements are already an award, saying, “Your life is an award. Your step is an award.”

    He said, “There is one of our brothers that I love so much. That is a very great musician, and that is Davido. You are already a generational award, awarded a lot of awards.”

    “There is no award that you will receive now that means anything. You have already been awarded any award you need. Your life is an award. Your step is an award,” he added.

    Odumeje urged Davido not to let anyone demoralise him, adding that he’s already on top of the world and should keep inspiring his fans with new music.

    He also reminded Davido that he’s already received generational awards and that no other award can add to his legacy.

    Read Also: Flavour, Odumeje hail Davido’s new album ‘5ive’ as classic

    Odumeje said, “Don’t allow ordinary somebody to come and begin to use it to quench the fire of your joy. So go out and get more inspiration to shock the world with another new song. Don’t go where you are not accepted.

    “Be careful. You are already on top of the world. The world is the one that will come into you. Don’t allow people to demoralise you, demoralise your quality, and decentralise you, and make you weak.”

    Davido had been nominated for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammy Awards but lost to South African singer Tyla.

    Despite the loss, Davido’s fans and supporters, including his wife Chioma, have rallied behind him, praising his talent and impact on the music industry.

  • Dafinone to Uduaghan: Stop false Sapele land claims, don’t stoke crisis

    Dafinone to Uduaghan: Stop false Sapele land claims, don’t stoke crisis

    Delta Central lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, has warned that renewed claims of ownership of Sapele land by Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, were false, provocative, and a threat to public peace.

    He urged Itsekiri leaders and the Uduaghan family to rein him in.

    Reacting to a caveat issued by Chief Uduaghan against the January 24, 2026, foundation-laying of the Orodje of Okpe’s Sub-Palace in Sapele, Dafinone said the claims questioned settled law and established traditional authority.

    Read Also: 2026 holds new hope for Delta Central, Dafinone assures

    The senator, who chairs the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, stated that all land in Sapele is owned by the Okpe people, stressing that Sapele is an indigenous Okpe town despite its cosmopolitan make-up.

    He cited the Delta State Traditional Rulers Law, which recognises only the Orodje of Okpe as the traditional ruler of Sapele Local Government Area, saying “there is no indigenous Itsekiri community in Sapele and no statutory role for the Olu of Warri there”.

    Dafinone said Chief Uduaghan had no standing to challenge the Okpe monarch, noting that the Alema title is not indigenous to Sapele and that the Orodje has maintained a sub-palace in the town for decades without objection.

  • Fans, colleagues celebrate Nollywood veteran Desmond Elliot @ 51

    Fans, colleagues celebrate Nollywood veteran Desmond Elliot @ 51

    Fans and colleagues of veteran Nollywood actor and lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, have celebrated him as he marks his 51st birthday on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ace actor had earlier made a post on Instagram announcing his birthday.

    He said: “Today, I celebrate my 51st birthday with a heart full of gratitude and reflection.

    “As I embrace this new year of life, I want to take a moment to honor the memories of those we recently lost: Bukky Coker, Gbenga Adenowo, and Omolara Obatolu.

    “In their memory, I dedicate this special day to them, praying for comfort and strength for their families during this difficult time.

    “I am truly grateful for the gift of life and the love of my family and friends.

    “Here’s to cherishing every moment and holding our loved ones even closer.

    “Thank you, God, for the blessings in my life and for the memories that will always remain in our hearts. #BirthdayReflections #InMemory Gratitude #51AndThriving #Blessed #Joyinoverdrive.”

    Following the post, his fans, well-wishers and industry colleagues have flooded social media with goodwill messages and prayers for the ace thespian.

    Iam_osayandeogiemwonyi posted: “Happy birthday papa. May this new chapter be a new beginning of God’s innumerable blessings in your life.”

    25billiondollars said: “This is so amazing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SIR. God bless you. We believe you wella. Our future president.”

    Olori_Folaademi offered prayers for him,”Happy birthday Hon. DOE. Age with God’s unending grace and increase in all that you do.”

    Odamttencharlotte said  “Happy birthday my big boss. May God continue to bless you n give you more years. Enjoy to the day to max sir.”

    Frankysage wrote “Happy Birthday Sir, Long Life and Prosperity, Good Health, More answers to your secret prayers, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding of God, More Light of God Shine Upon Your Life in Jesus Mighty Name I Pray, AMEN.”

    Also, some of the veteran actor’s colleagues in the motion picture industry offered glowing birthday wishes to him.

    Ufuoma Mcdermott(ufuomamcdermott), said, “Happy birthday dearest. Blessings unending.”

    Chioma Akpotha (chiomakpotha) wrote “Happy birthday Dessy.”

    Iniedo  said “Happiest birthday Des.”

    Read Also: Yuletide: Desmond Elliott spreads love, joy to constituents with ‘Santa on the Street’ initiative

    Nancy Isime(nancyisimeofficial)  “Happy Birthday Uncle Des.”

    Ace comedian and actor (aycomedian) wrote,”Happy birthday brotherly.”

    NAN reports that Desmond Elliot, born Feb. 4, 1974, in Lagos, began his career in television soap operas such as Everyday People, One Too Much and Saints and Sinners.

    He later became one of Nollywood’s leading actors, appearing in over 200 films, including Men Who Cheat, Yahoo Millionaire and 30 Days in Atlanta.

    The actor has received several major nominations, including African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 2006 and multiple Best Actor nominations at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.

    Beyond filmmaking, Elliot ventured into politics in 2014 where he contested under the All-Progressives Congress and won the Surulere Constituency in the April 2015 Nigerian General Elections.

    He is also known for his advocacy work, including involvement in initiatives aimed at addressing child illiteracy in Nigeria and across Africa.

    (NAN)

  • Kante joins Fenerbahce after deal revival

    Kante joins Fenerbahce after deal revival

    Fenerbahce have confirmed the signing of France midfielder N’Golo Kante from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

    The Frenchman’s hopes of joining the Turkish club appeared to be over on Tuesday, when Fenerbahce released a statement blaming Al-Ittihad for the collapse of the the move.

    Fenerbahce claimed Al-Ittihad failed to file the necessary paperwork to complete the transfer, which involves Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri moving in the opposite direction.

    However, Fenerbahce confirmed on Wednesday that the issue had been resolved and that former Chelsea player Kante had joined the club after two and a half years in Saudi Arabia.

    Read Also: Fave recounts collaboration with Davido on hit song ‘Kante’

    Kante, 34, joined Al-Ittihad from Chelsea in 2023, having won the Champions League, Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup with the London side.

    He joined the Blues from Leicester City in 2016, having guided the Foxes to the Premier League trophy the previous season.

    En-Nesyri, 28, is a replacement for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who left the club earlier this week to join Saudi Pro rivals Al-Hilal.

    BBC

  • NAFDAC disowns purported recruitment press release

    NAFDAC disowns purported recruitment press release

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disowned a purported press release circulating on social media announcing a planned recruitment exercise, describing it as fake and not issued by the agency.

    The Director General (DG) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, in a statement on Wednesday, warned members of the public against falling victim to fraudulent schemes linked to the false information.

    Speaking about the fake press release circulating on social media regarding the planned NAFDAC recruitment exercise, Adeyeye said while NAFDAC periodically conducts recruitment exercises to engage qualified Nigerians, the press release in circulation and its content are fake and did not originate from the agency.

    Read Also: Underage drinking: NAFDAC pushes tighter sachet alcohol regulation

    She urged the public to ignore the circulating information and rely only on verified platforms for updates from the agency.

    Clarifying the official position of the agency, the DG warned, “Fake press releases are being circulated to mislead the public, often with the intent of extorting money from unsuspecting applicants.

    “NAFDAC, therefore, urges the members of the public to disregard such fraudulent information and always verify official updates directly from NAFDAC’s website or recognized media channels,” she said.

    The DG advised Nigerians to exercise caution when engaging with recruitment-related information attributed to the agency.

  • FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbor, has said that the meters released by the Federal Government for free distribution to electricity consumers have yet to reach Edo State.

    Usenbor said the state government would not allow any irregularities in the distribution of the metres.

    Speaking in a telephone chat, Usenbor said investors who have shown interest in investing in the power sector appeared not to be serious-minded.

    He said some of the investors were hawking for letters from the state government with which they would seek loans from the bank.

    The Edo Commissioner for Power said Governor Monday Okpebholo tasked his Ministry to follow due standard and technicality to ensure those who have the requisite capacity got the license to generate and distribute power in the state.

    Usenbor noted that the electricity business was no joking matter.

    He said an investor who showed interest in hydro power was currently at the Ojirami dam to do a feasibility study on how to generate power from the dam due to an industrial cluster within that region.

    Usenbor said some investors have shown interest in generating power from gas.

    We enacted the Electricity law in February 2025, and I have taken deliberate steps to develop an Edo State Power market.

    A lot of investors have approached the state, but they are not very serious-minded. Power business is not a joking matter. It is very expensive. Some of them are hawking for letters from the Edo State government to go and use to solicit funds. We want those who have the capacity after we have done due diligence, before we can engage them.”

    Usenbor dismissed allegations that power investors were scared of coming to Edo State due to the current challenges being faced by Ossiomo Power.

    He said challenges at Ossiom Power were an internal tussle within the structure of their business.

    “We are not chasing investors away. Okpebholo did not stop anybody from doing business in the power sector. Ossiomo had issues with their technical partners, the Chinese, and these issues are tied to finances. Okpebholo has mandated that we dive into these issues and give them the needed support to ensure the problem is resolved amicably.”

    Speaking on the free metering policy of the federal government, Usenbor said the free metres were yet to arrive in Edo State.

    “As we speak, the free metres have not arrived, Edo. We will not accept irregularities in the distribution of free metres.”

  • Police recover N2.3m ransom, burst kidnapping ring in Rivers

    Police recover N2.3m ransom, burst kidnapping ring in Rivers

    The Rivers State Police command has recovered N2.3m ransom and arrested two suspects involved in the kidnapping of a female and three others.

    According to the police, the victims were abducted on January 19th, 2026, at Elele Waterside, Etche Local Government Area of the state.

    The police public relations officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the feat as a significant breakthrough in sustained efforts of the police to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in Rivers.

    Acting on credible intelligence, Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, intercepted and arrested the suspects along Ozuzu/Apara Link Road, Etche LGA, on January 22, 2026, at about 2049hrs.

    The statement identified the suspects as Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 23, ‘m’ of Avara LGA, Nasarawa State, and Mohammed Hashim, aged 27, ‘m’ of Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State.

    “Upon conducting a search of the suspects, they were found in possession of the sum of N2,383,000.00 as part of the ransom paid by the victims’ families”, the statement said.

    During preliminary interrogation, the suspects were said to have confessed to the crime and further highlighted their involvement in a series of kidnappings, including the abduction of two other female victims from Akpoku Community, Etche LGA, on January 8, 2026.

    The gang’s criminal activities were said to have led to the tragic killing of a youth member of the community, who attempted to pay a ransom of N3,800,000 to the kidnappers on January 13, 2026.

    The statement added, “In spanning the scope of investigation, the arrested suspects led police operatives to their criminal hideouts, but the operatives were met with a strong resistance from other members of the gang and a fierce gun battle ensued between the operatives and the kidnappers, during which the suspects were fatally wounded, others escaped into the nearby bushes with varying degrees of bullet wounds”.

    Exhibits recovered from the suspects were listed as one pump-action gun and the ransom money.

    The statement said, “The Rivers State Police Command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who are currently at large with their operational weapons.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has commended the bravery and dedication of the Operatives involved in this daring operation and urged citizens to continue supporting the Police in the fight against crime.

    “He further reiterated his unwavering commitment to ensuring that Rivers State remains a hostile environment for criminal elements, emphasizing that the police will leave no stone unturned in going after perpetrators of crime, and they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The command is appealing to the public to report to the Police, anyone receiving treatment for gunshot injuries in a suspicious manner”.