The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

  • 32 teams battle for Obafemi, HID Awolowo memorial youth football  tournament

    32 teams battle for Obafemi, HID Awolowo memorial youth football  tournament

    Thirty-two youth football  teams are expected to participate in the 12th edition of Obafemi & H.I.D Awolowo Memorial Football Tournament organised for children.

    The event which begins this afternoon at Lekki playground, Lagos, will feature 16 teams from both U-10 boys and U-17 girls categories.

    The teams drawn from the South-West are expected to engage in a keen competition in the annual tournament for the top prize.

     Supported by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and sponsored by Value Jet Airline, the tournament is organised to immortalise first Premier of Western Region of Nigeria, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and also mark his 117 years posthumous birthday in southwest.

    Read Also: Obafemi and African indigenous language system

    The opening match would between Young Boys FA from Orile, Lagos and Otta Babes FA from Sango Otta, Ogun State.

     In the girls category United Queens FC from Ibadan and Marry Queens FC from Lagos are expected to slug it out for a place to continue in the competition.

    According to the match coordinator, Mr Aliu Ganiu, all necessary arrangements have been put  in place to ensure the success of the  tournament while  urging the participants to always abide by the rules governing the game.

    Ganiu thanked the Obademi  Awolowo Foundation for supporting the competition since inception and promised that this year’s edition would be better organised.

  • NAHCON concludes hajj accommodation arrangements

    NAHCON concludes hajj accommodation arrangements

    The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman,  said the commission has concluded accommodation arrangements for the 2026 Hajj in Makkah and Madinah, ahead of the deadlines set by Saudi Arabian authorities.

    Usman, in a statement by his Technical Assistant (Media), Ahmad Muazu, said the conclusion of the accommodation uploads and approval/acceptance by the Saudi ministry of Hajj was in line with the directive of the Vice President Kashim Shettima that all critical Hajj arrangements should be finalised within approved Saudi timelines to safeguard Nigeria’s operational interests.

    Read Also: Wike inaugurates, NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

    He acknowledged the guidance and support of the Vice President throughout the process and notes the role played by the high-level delegation sent to Saudi Arabia, the NAHCON Board, the Nusuk Masar team, the leadership of the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, NAHCON staff and relevant stakeholders involved in the accommodation process.

    With the conclusion of these arrangements, he said Nigeria has secured its accommodation for the 2026 Hajj and is positioned among countries that have completed the critical requirement within the prescribed timelines.

  • Wike/Anyanwu PDP faction holds national convention March 28

    Wike/Anyanwu PDP faction holds national convention March 28

    The Nyesom Wike/Sam Anyanwu faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed March 28 and 29 for national convention to elect leaders to pilot the affairs of the party.

    In a communique at the end of its National Executive Committee Meeting by the Acting National Chairman of the faction, Abdulrahman Mohammed and the Acting National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the faction applauded the judgement of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which validated its existence.

    The communique reaffirmed the absolute belief of the faction in the independence of the Judiciary and the sanctity of the rule of law as the cornerstones of democracy and constitutional governance in Nigeria.

    The communique reads: ‘The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its 105th Meeting on MONDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY 2026, in Abuja. 

    “After extensive deliberations on the state of the Party, the political environment, recent judicial developments, and preparations for forthcoming internal processes, NEC unanimously reconfirmed, ratified, and reaffirmed the full content, validity, force, and effect of all resolutions and decisions reached at the Emergency 104th NEC Meeting held on Sunday, 7th December 2025.

    “NEC emphasised that all actions taken pursuant to the 104th NEC resolutions remain binding, lawful, and operative, having been taken in strict compliance with the PDP Constitution (as amended), the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), the Electoral Act, and relevant judicial pronouncements.

    “NEC reaffirmed its absolute belief in the independence of the Judiciary and the sanctity of the rule of law as the cornerstone of democracy and constitutional governance in Nigeria.

    “In this regard, NEC welcomed and affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, which upheld the legality of the Party’s leadership and administrative arrangements and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize the duly constituted National Caretaker Committee of the PDP in line with the law.

    Read Also: Wike inaugurates, NDDC 9.4km road, 1,500-seater hall in Rivers community

    “NEC resolved that all Party organs, members, and stakeholders shall continue to act strictly in obedience to subsisting court judgments and judicial directives, and urged INEC and all relevant institutions to fully comply with the said judgment in the interest of democracy and constitutional order.

    “NEC once again reaffirmed the legitimacy, authority, and mandate of the Abdulrahman Muhammed-led National Caretaker Committee, with Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu as Secretary, as earlier constituted and endorsed.

    “NEC reiterated that the National Caretaker Committee remains the only lawful national administrative organ of the Party, fully empowered to act as the National Working Committee (NWC) pending the conduct of the

    National Convention.

    “Pursuant to its constitutional responsibilities and in line with preparations for a smooth transition to an elected leadership, NEC approved and confirmed the  schedule for Party Congresses nationwide.

    “NEC directed the National Caretaker Committee, in collaboration with the National Organizing Secretary and relevant organs of the Party, to issue detailed quidelines, notices, and modalities for the conduct of the congresses in strict compliance with the PDP Constitution, INEC Regulations, and judicial directives.

    “NEC further approved and confirmed MARCH 28th and 29th, 2026, as the date for the PDP National Convention, to be held at ABUJA, for the purpose of electing members of the National Working Committee and other statutory organs of the Party.

    “NEC affirmed the extention of the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), and others affected Caretaker Committees  of the State and Zonal Chapters pending the conduct of the National Convention, State and Zonal Congresses respectively. 

    “NEC mandated the National Caretaker Committee to immediately activate Convention Sub-Committees and Commence full logistical, all administrative, and consultative preparations to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and credible Convention.

    “NEC called on all members of the Party at all levels to remain united, disciplined, and loyal to the PDP, eschew actions capable of undermining Party cohesion, and place the collective interest of the Party above personal considerations.

    “NEC reaffirmed that the PDP remains committed to rebuilding a strong, disciplined, democratic, and electorally competitive Party capable of providing credible leadership and governance to Nigerians.

    “NEC expressed confidence that the resolutions of the 105th NEC Meeting will strengthen internal democracy, restore stability, and reposition the Party for future electoral success.

    “The Committee urged all stakeholders, supporters, and members of the PDP across the country and in the diaspora to remain steadfast, law-abiding, and committed to the ideals of the Party.”

  • Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta

    Ademola Lookman bids farewell to Atalanta


    Ademola Lookman has penned an emotional farewell message to Atalanta after completing his transfer to Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, bringing an end to a memorable near four-year spell in Bergamo.

    The Nigeria international confirmed his departure in a heartfelt message posted on his official X handle, where he reflected on the defining moments of his time with the Serie A club and expressed gratitude to the fans, teammates, and staff who shaped his journey.

    “After nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye,” Lookman wrote. “From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.”

    Lookman leaves Atalanta as one of the most iconic figures in the club’s recent history. 

    His crowning moment came during the 2023/24 season when he produced a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, firing Atalanta to their first-ever European title and ending a 61-year wait for a major trophy. The performance not only etched his name into Atalanta folklore but also placed him among the elite performers in European finals.

    Reflecting on that achievement, Lookman described the triumph as unforgettable, noting that the memories from that night will remain with him forever. He also highlighted his personal milestone of winning the 2024 African Player of the Year award while still an Atalanta player, describing it as an honour he will always cherish.

    Read Also: Galatasaray table massive bid for Ademola Lookman

    “Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights, they’re engraved in my heart,” he added.

    The forward went on to thank his teammates, coaching staff, and club officials for their support throughout his stay, while reserving special praise for the Atalanta supporters, whose passion and unwavering belief, he said, played a crucial role in the team’s success.

    “Every cheer, every banner, every away trip meant something. Thank you for making Bergamo feel like home and for giving me memories I’ll carry forever,” Lookman wrote, signing off with the words, “Grazie di tutto, ciao.”

    Lookman officially completed his transfer to Atlético Madrid today, marking a new chapter in his career as he prepares for the challenge of La Liga under Diego Simeone. The move sees the Super Eagles star take his experience, flair, and big-game pedigree to Spain, following a spell in Italy that will be remembered as one of the most successful periods in Atalanta’s history.

  • FG signs MoU with six professional bodies to train 10m Nigerians on financial inclusion

    FG signs MoU with six professional bodies to train 10m Nigerians on financial inclusion

    The Federal Government on Monday flagged off a free nationwide training programme targeting 10 million Nigerians on financial inclusion and financial literacy, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six professional bodies.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria would only reap bountifully from its demographic dividend if young people and women were deliberately equipped with relevant skills and strong ethical grounding to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

    The programme, being implemented by the Office of the Vice President through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), is designed to empower Nigerians, particularly youths and women, with essential financial skills, investment knowledge and digital competencies for sustainable wealth creation.

    Under the MoU, the Federal Government will collaborate with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), the Chartered Risk Management Institute (CRMI) and the Nigeria Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NIIE) to jointly design training programmes, certification pathways, digital skills initiatives and mentorship platforms.

    Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President described the agreement as more than a formal document.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “it is a strategic national investment in capacity as infrastructure—the human, institutional and ethical foundations upon which inclusive growth must rest”.

    He explained that the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, which PreCEFI is mandated to implement, recognises that financial inclusion goes beyond access.

    “Financial inclusion is not achieved by access alone, but by competence, trust and capability. We cannot build a one-trillion-dollar economy on weak skills, fragmented standards or disconnected professional ecosystems,” he said.

    According to him, the framework created by the MoU would harness the collective expertise of the professional bodies to advance inclusion through capacity building, advocacy, digital transformation, youth empowerment and support for small and medium practitioners.

    Shettima stressed that inclusion would remain a slogan without professionals who understand MSME formalisation, credit risk beyond collateral, consumer protection, digital risk management and innovation-driven enterprise development.

    Read Also:Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    He charged PreCEFI and the partner institutions to treat the MoU as a “living platform for execution” rather than a ceremonial agreement.

    “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby flag off the free training of 10 million Nigerians, with priority for women and youth across the country,” the Vice President declared.

    In his remarks, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, said exclusion was often driven by limited skills and weak institutional capacity rather than lack of access alone.

    “Financial inclusion is achieved when people and institutions are equipped to use infrastructure responsibly, productively and sustainably,” he said.

    Earlier, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, saying visible improvements in the economy informed the decision to support the initiative.

    He assured of the professional bodies’ commitment to the success of the programme, describing their participation as an institutional honour.

    Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of WAWU Africa, the technical partner for the programme, Mr Emmanuel Lennox, pledged the organisation’s readiness to deliver the digital platform and enabling environment required for the project.

    The highlight of the event was the formal signing of the MoU between the Federal Government and the six professional bodies for the nationwide capacity-building programme.

  • Okpebholo okays Assembly’s investigation into allegations against council boss

    Okpebholo okays Assembly’s investigation into allegations against council boss

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has okayed investigation by the Edo State House of Assembly’s into alleged corrupt practices by Acting Chairman of Akoko-Edo local government area, Bliss Oshionogue.

    Oshionogue was impeached last week by seven Councillors.

    But Governor Okpebholo ordered Oshionogue return to office pending the outcome of the Assembly’s investigation.

    Okpebholo, however, vowed to handover anyone found culpable in the allegations to security agencies for prosecution.

    Government sources said Governor Okpebholo intervened in the Akoko-Edo APC crisis at a stakeholders meeting in Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central local government area.

    Read Also:Okpebholo orders grassroots Mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

    The source said Governor Okpebholo called for status quo before the impeachment be maintained while the House of Assembly be allowed to do its investigation.

     Edo North Senatorial Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Anslem Agbabi, confirmed that the Governor said anyone found wanting would be punished.

  • Ondo must reform tax system, end illegal levies to drive growth, says Oyedele

    Ondo must reform tax system, end illegal levies to drive growth, says Oyedele

    …announces N500k scholarship for best graduating student of every public secondary school in Ondo State 

    …50 years a milestone to shape Ondo’s future – Gov Aiyedatiwa

    Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has called on the Ondo state government to overhaul its tax administration, abolish multiple and illegal levies, and strengthen fiscal institutions to unlock sustainable economic growth.

    Mr Oyedele, who was the guest lecturer at the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” spoke on Monday in Akure. 

    He said a modern, transparent, and predictable tax system remains fundamental to building a strong economy, warning that inconsistent policies and burdensome taxation discourage investment and weaken government revenue.

    According to him, nuisance taxes and overlapping levies shrink businesses and push investors away.

    Oyedele recommended that Ondo host the National Tax Ombud office for the South-West to provide an independent platform for resolving tax disputes and protecting taxpayers’ rights.

    He also advised the state to urgently implement the new national tax reform acts and enact a State Tax Harmonisation Law to streamline revenue collection across ministries, departments and agencies.

    “Implement the new tax reform acts, enact the State Tax Harmonisation law to curb nuisance and illegal taxes. The state can even host the national Tax Ombud office for the South-West region to lead in taxpayer rights and protection,” he said.

    The tax cyzar further proposed the introduction of an annual Tax Accountability Report to every taxpayer and the development of a comprehensive State Tax and Fiscal Policy Framework to guide revenue mobilisation, spending and debt management.

    To promote transparency at the grassroots, Oyedele urged each local government council to prepare economic development plans and publish budgets and audited statements on a dedicated online portal.

    He also called for improved tax registration, simplified regulatory charges and harmonised public services to reduce bureaucracy and make compliance easier for residents and businesses.

    Beyond taxation, Oyedele stressed the need to strengthen the Ministry of Finance to properly manage state assets and investments through a comprehensive assets register to track and optimise public wealth.

    He noted that strong fiscal management, policy consistency and institutional stability are key to long-term prosperity.

    “Better revenue administration must translate to improved public services such as stable electricity, poverty reduction and job creation,” he added.

    He also emphasised the need for structured platforms to help young people transition from job seekers to entrepreneurs.

    Oyedele, however, announced a Golden Jubilee scholarship of N500,000 for the top graduating student in every public secondary school this year.

    In her keynote address, the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs Olu Awolowo Verheijen, lauded the contributions of farmers, teachers, civil servants, artisans and entrepreneurs to the state’s development.

    She highlighted gas infrastructure, the revival of the Odigbo power plants and modular LNG projects as catalysts for industrial growth.

    Verheijen also cited major projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, road expansions in Akure, teaching hospital upgrades and the proposed Ondo Deep Sea Port as investments that would create jobs and boost revenue.

    Read Also: Individuals must file tax returns by March 31, employers, January 31 – Oyedele

    “Value addition is the foundation for job creation, revenue generation and the dignity of our people,” she said.

    Declaring the lecture open, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa outlined a vision for the next 50 years centred on industrialisation, innovation and youth-driven growth.

    “Fifty years is not just a number. It is a milestone that challenges us to shape the next era with wisdom, courage and innovation,” the governor said.

    He listed key projects such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, Ore Ethanol Plant and the Ondo Deep Sea Port as initiatives aimed at expanding industrial processing and export capacity.

    Aiyedatiwa also highlighted investments in roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure, alongside scholarships, vocational training, and digital literacy programmes targeted at empowering youths.

    In his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government and anniversary committee chairman, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, described the celebration as nostalgic and emotional, noting that distinguished citizens, including elder statesmen, would be honoured during the golden jubilee.

  • Ohaneze warns against excluding Igbo from Rivers politics

    Ohaneze warns against excluding Igbo from Rivers politics

    The Rivers State chapter of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide has warned against excluding Igbo people from the politics of the state.

    The chapter president of the group, Livingstone Wechie, in a statement to commemorate the World Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day boasted that the Igbos had the largest voting bloc in the state.

    Wechie said, “The Rivers State chapter President cautioned against any orientation that will isolate Ndi-Igbo from the politics or economy of Rivers State. It is not in dispute that Igbos have the largest voting block in Rivers state as well as dominate the economic lifeline of the state.

    “We maintain that one of the most strategic ways to honour our fallen heroes and survivors of the civil war is to leverage on our entrepreneurial mastery and use our population to influence the politics of the state positively”.

    He appealed to Igbo people to rethink their approach to politics saying the ethnic group possessed the potential to attain any political height of interest in the country. 

    Wechie called on Igbos in Rivers State to see the current trend and business space in the state as a golden opportunity to reposition themselves in the Nigerian project.

    Read Also: Ohaneze Ndigbo condemns children’s torture in Rivers 

    He said: “It is no doubt that the Igbo question is still unanswered by the Nigerian state and remains the main unresolved question in contemporary black Africa today. 

    “We seize this medium to thank God for making Igbos great. Igbos are arguably the largest black stock on Earth. The slave trade escalated our global spread. 

    “Calabar was the largest slave port in Africa and Igbos were the highest victims exported to various countries which is why we have indigenous Igbos in many countries of the world. This to us is a strength and not a disadvantage. We urge government at all levels to engage Ndi-Igbo for a purposeful future”.

    Wechie sued for peace in Rivers saying the state remained the safest haven for Igbo investment.

    “As we invite Ndi-Igbo from all over the world to pour in their highest investment into Rivers State because the Atlantic is open to us, we assure the government of Rivers State of the greatest support of Igbos for the development of the State”, he said. 

  • Navy raids Apapa drug hideout, hands seized substances to NDLEA

    Navy raids Apapa drug hideout, hands seized substances to NDLEA

    The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has raided and dislodged a suspected criminals’ hideout at Gidan Drama, Agbo Malu area of Apapa, recovering illicit drugs including Marijuana and Codeine. 

    The drugs, it said, were recovered on January 24, following credible intelligence on the presence of suspected drug peddlers in the area.

    A statement on Monday said the seized illicit substances have been  handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), by the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel. 

    Represented by the Base’ Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, Nimmyel said no arrests were made as the suspects fled on sighting naval personnel.

    Read Also: Navy Hospital threatens mass burial of unclaimed bodies

    He said the recovery reflects the Navy’s resolve to curb the spread and abuse of illicit drugs among youths, noting the attendant health risks and security implications.

    The Commander added that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, for the Navy to rid the maritime environment of criminal activities, working independently or in collaboration with other agencies.

  • PDP BoT, caretaker factional chairman moves to end crisis

    PDP BoT, caretaker factional chairman moves to end crisis

    …holds NEC meeting in Abuja

    Following the outcome of a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, last Friday, which nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention held in the city between15 and 16 November, 2025, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified moves to overcome its internal crisis.

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Caretaker Committee reaffirmed commitment to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of a national convention.

    BOT chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who spoke on Monday at the 85th meeting of the PDP BoT in Abuja urged party members to embrace peace and put collective interest above personal ambition.

    Ohuabunwa said the PDP had weathered months of turbulence marked by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to its strong institutions and adherence to constitutional order.

    According to him, the delay in conducting party congresses was a deliberate and cautious decision taken out of respect for pending judicial processes, not an abdication of responsibility.

    He said, “The PDP chose legality over expediency and patience over provocation. History would judge the party kindly for upholding the rule of law.”

    The Bot chairman hailed the judicial pronouncements, particularly the Federal High Court judgment in Ibadan, which affirmed the legitimacy of the Abdulrahman-led National Caretaker Committee, and called on party members to respect the judiciary and comply with lawful decisions.

    Ohuabunwa warned against divisive rhetoric and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions, stressing that the moral authority of the BoT lies in fairness, balance and due process.

    “With the legal fog lifting, the focus must now shift to reconciliation, rebuilding trust and laying the groundwork for orderly congresses and a credible national convention,” he said, noting that unity was a strategic imperative for the survival of the party.

    In his remarks, National Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked members of the BoT for their steadfast support, describing it as crucial to the stability of the party at a defining moment.

    Mohammed also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for standing by the Caretaker Committee, saying the support had strengthened its resolve to reposition the party.

    He said the Christmas and New Year holidays were over and that it was time for decisive action to deliver on the mandate given to the Caretaker Committee to put the PDP back on track.

    The caretaker chairman confirmed that the Ibadan High Court had delivered a declaratory judgment in favour of the committee, stressing that the law was clear and that justice would continue to be pursued for the party.

    Read Also: Zamfara former council chairman dump PDP to APC

    “Any moment from now, we shall roll out a timetable for activities relating to outstanding congresses in some states, which will usher in a seamless national convention,” he disclosed.

    Mohammed described the PDP as the only political party built around the people, with nationwide structures, coherence and verifiable legacies, warning that the party could not afford to “sleep in our hands.”

    He also commended party stakeholders across the country for their unwavering support during what he described as defining times for the opposition party.

    Both leaders expressed optimism that ongoing engagements, reconciliation efforts and planned congresses would reposition the PDP as a strong and credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.

    The party members are currently in a closed door National Executive Council (NEC) meeting with a large turnout of members across the country.