The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Meno Haven champions menopause awareness, wellness for women

    Meno Haven champions menopause awareness, wellness for women

    A wellness and support community for women in midlife, Meno Haven recently organised a health walk to commemorate the annual World Menopause Day.

    World Menopause Day is an annual event held on October 18th to raise awareness of menopause and its impact on women’s health. The day promotes resources, education, and support for midlife women worldwide.

    In Nigeria, women across Lagos, Abuja, Jos, and Port Harcourt under Meno Haven in collaboration with several partners participated in the walk, calling for greater awareness, open conversations, and community support for women experiencing menopause.

    The walk was aimed at breaking the silence around menopause, dismantling stigma, and educating the public on lifestyle medicine. The women also engaged in fitness dance and health check.

    The initiative was supported by several partners, including Carib Health Ltd, Redemption Water, Shea Radiance, Delina Culinary Creations, Travelright Ltd, Chuuse Healthy Label, HerStory International, and STEMAKU Global Limited, among others, whose contributions made the walk across cities possible.

    Founder of Meno Haven, Adeyinka Aderoju in her remarks, recalled how her journey through menopause inspired her to form the wellness community for midlife women, noting that she didn’t have enough guidance while growing up.

    Aderoju said: “Forming Meno Haven is a way to help other women so that they can be educated. My target is women aged 40 to 65. Many of these women do not know the symptoms as they approach the stage of menopause.

    Recalling her own moments, she said: “I had panic attacks, heart palpitations, insomnia. So that’s why Meno Haven was setup to educate women and also sensitize them.

    “Many women have expressed gladness over the establishment of this initiative. I believe education and knowledge about the menopause stage is very important. Many women are suffering in silence. Some feel they are the only one going through their predicaments alone.

    “Together at Meno Haven we learn, educate and walk through the journey together. We usually have webinars where we bring in experts into the community. They teach women on what can be done, especially alleviating the symptoms. We also have clinical nutritionists and counsellors.

    “Exercise, nutrition and others have been identified as ways to overcome the associated challenges facing women in the Menopause stage. Men know what women are going through. Some care, while some others do not. Many women fall into depression. I’ve friends in UK, Canada, U.S who are following the community.

    “Some women are now going to menopause at early age, even especially at the age of 30. Many women of different age and categories need sensitization. It is a sisterhood, more women need to join our community. The platform is touching lives. We’ve an app for the community too.” she added.

    A member of the Meno Haven community, Ayeni Eunice Debola, emphasized on the need for awareness and community support,

    She expressed dismay that many women misconstrue menopausal symptoms for illness or spiritual problems due to lack of information.

    Another participant, Mrs. Iyabo Oloruntoba, shared how awareness and lifestyle changes helped her cope with the transition.

    While drawing attention to the importance of preventing health challenges associated with age-related changes in women, Mrs. Oloruntoba emphasised on the need to promote a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups.

    Also, The founder/CEO of Carib Health Ltd, Sherese Ijewere noted that women have unique nutritional needs at different stages of life.

    Ijewere, a clinical nutrition consultant, said: “My message to women is to speak out and be confident of themselves. Be in your stance of wellness and most importantly, take care of your body.

    “I’m passionate about women’s health as a nutrition consultant, and I help women in alleviating their diseases and also keeping them in check the wellness realm.”

  • Udiandeye will transform Defence Intelligence, says Ex-Rep aspirant Agba

    Udiandeye will transform Defence Intelligence, says Ex-Rep aspirant Agba

    Former House of Representatives aspirant from Obudu Federal Constituency, Martha Agba, has expressed optimism that the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Major General Emmanuel Udiandeye, will transform the agency.

    She noted his sterling leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national service.

    In a goodwill statement, Agba described Major General Udiandeye as a “distinguished officer and patriotic Nigerian whose discipline, integrity, and strategic leadership have continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security intelligence system.”

    She also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the Cross River–born military chief.

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    She noted that the appointment reflects the President’s commitment to merit, excellence, and national unity.

    “Major General Udiandeye represents the best of Nigerian military professionalism, intellect, and dedication to duty have earned him respect both within and outside the security community, the first officer from Cross River North to be so decorated as a 3 -star General” Agba said.

    “We also thank President Tinubu for identifying and entrusting such a capable officer with a crucial national responsibility.”

    Agba assured the Defence Intelligence Chief of the prayers and solidarity of Nigerians, especially the people of Cross River State, who remain proud of his rising profile and contributions to national peace and security.

    “The people of Cross River, particularly from the Northern Senatorial District, are solidly behind him. 

    “We are confident he will continue to make the state and the nation proud through his exceptional service and commitment to Nigeria’s stability,” she said.

    She urged Major General Udiandeye to remain steadfast in his patriotic duty, assuring him that Nigerians appreciate his sacrifices and are rooting for his continued success.

    Agba further lauded President Tinubu for appointing credible and competent leaders across strategic institutions, noting that such decisions reinforce the Renewed Hope Agenda and public confidence in government.

  • Navy dismantles illegal refinery in Ondo, arrests seven suspects

    Navy dismantles illegal refinery in Ondo, arrests seven suspects

    Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, have dismantled an illegal refinery in Obe-Jedo and Obe-Adun communities.

    The Commander of the FOB, Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, who confirmed the operation on Friday, said seven suspects were arrested at the scene, while locally made guns and machetes believed to have been used to resist the Navy’s intervention were recovered.

    Usman explained that the raid followed credible intelligence on economic sabotage and maritime crimes in the area. 

    He revealed that during the operation, about 3,000 litres of refined diesel stored in jerry cans and multiple cooking ovens used for processing stolen crude oil were discovered.

    According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects were secondary actors in the illegal operation and had since been released. 

    He, however, declared the primary suspects wanted to ensure they face prosecution for economic crimes against the nation.

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    The Navy Commander disclosed that the anti-crude oil theft team initially faced violent resistance from a group of hired youths and women who attempted to shield the illegal activity.

    “The team later returned in the early hours of the following day and discovered that the stolen crude oil and refined products had been moved to a nearby bakery and makeshift structures used as storage facilities.

    “The illegal refinery was subsequently deactivated in line with directives from Defence Headquarters and established operational procedures,” he said.

    Captain Usman condemned the violent confrontation as a “dangerous innovation” by criminal elements determined to frustrate legitimate security operations and sabotage national resources.

    He reiterated that the ongoing anti-crude oil theft efforts are in line with the vision and directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff.

    “The Nigerian Navy urges all law-abiding residents of riverine communities in Ondo State to resist being used by oil thieves and illegal bunkerers,” he warned. 

    “These criminal ventures benefit only a few while destroying the livelihoods and ecosystems of the entire community.”

    He further cautioned anyone who obstructs or confronts the Navy’s anti-crude oil theft operations would be treated as an accomplice and prosecuted accordingly.

  • Gunmen kidnap medical doctor in Nnewi

    Gunmen kidnap medical doctor in Nnewi

    Gunmen have abducted a yet-to-be identified medical doctor in Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Friday said the victim was kidnapped by the assailants under yet-to-be-ascertained circumstances.

    He said Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has ordered launch of intensive investigation for safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

    While assuring ongoing efforts to ensure swift resolution of the case, Ikenga said the CP called on residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive, including providing credible information to assist in the investigation.

    According to him: “The Anambra State Police Command has received a report of the abduction of a medical doctor at Uruagu, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State.

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    “According to preliminary information, the incident occurred yesterday 30th October 2025, when the unidentified assailants reportedly abducted the victim under yet-to-be-ascertained circumstances.

    “Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu immediately ordered the launch of an intensive investigation and directed the tactical teams of the Command to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators.

    “The Command assures members of the public that every effort is being made to ensure the swift resolution of the Case. 

    “The CP further calls on residents, especially within Nnewi and its environs, to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of the Police by providing credible information that could assist in the investigation.

    “Anyone with useful information is encouraged to contact the nearest Police Station or reach the Command Control Room via 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) through 08039334002 for prompt response.

    “The Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those behind such criminal acts are brought to justice.”

  • Presidential aide calls for stronger social cohesion to sustain peace, development

    Presidential aide calls for stronger social cohesion to sustain peace, development

    The Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on North Central Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Essiet, has called for urgent action to strengthen social cohesion among Nigeria’s ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, noting that unity remains crucial to lasting peace and national prosperity.

    She said the intervention has become necessary in view of persistent communal tensions and security challenges, especially in parts of the North Central, which continue to impede development and social stability.

    Dr Essiet made the remarks in Benue State at a Community Workshop and the inauguration of Community-Based Peace Structures, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central) in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO) and the North Central Development Commission.

    The event brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, farmers’ groups, representatives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and women and youth groups from all 23 local government areas of Benue State.

    She described the initiative as a major step in advancing peacebuilding, fostering inclusiveness, and strengthening mutual understanding among Nigeria’s diverse communities.

    “A peaceful and prosperous Nigeria is achievable in unity. This event represents a key step toward strengthening collaboration among communities, deepening social cohesion, and sustaining peace through inclusive engagement,” she said.

    Recalling that her office had earlier launched the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative (PCEPI), she stressed that it demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to building safer communities and ensuring citizens play central roles in peacebuilding.

    She explained that the ongoing project, Promoting Community Peace and Strengthening Social Cohesion in North Central Nigeria, is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to implement the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO).

    The first phase, held in Abuja on September 9, brought together stakeholders from across the North Central region to analyse security challenges, conduct SWOT analyses, and identify community-driven solutions. 

    The outcome, she said informed the creation of new community-based peace structures inaugurated in Benue State, adding that the structures will complement security agencies and support the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation through intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and dialogue mechanisms.

    Urging all Nigerians to unite behind the goal of national peace and shared progress, she said, “Building social cohesion is not a one-off event; it demands patience, inclusiveness, and collective commitment. 

    “Let us seize this moment to work together, not as separate communities, but as one united people determined to build a peaceful and prosperous Benue State, and by extension, a stronger Nigeria,” she said.

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, commended the initiative as a timely step toward consolidating peace and security in the state.

    He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the president’s peace agenda through collaboration and community participation, noting that peace remains central to good governance and development.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue Chapter, Mr. Vitalis Neji, described peace as key to achieving sustainable development and pledged the support of local government chairmen to ensure the success of the programme.

    The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Pastor Ernest Atoji, also lauded the organisers, saying that enduring peace is crucial for farmers to return safely to their fields and sustain food production.

    Traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the event pledged their commitment to work together in promoting harmony and inclusive development across communities in Benue and beyond.

  • Benin-Asaba Highway will be delivered on schedule, says firm

    Benin-Asaba Highway will be delivered on schedule, says firm

    The Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) has said it would complete construction of the 10-lane Benin-Asaba Highway on schedule.

    It said it remained committed to delivering a world-class expressway that would redefine travel, connectivity and commerce along the Benin–Asaba corridor.

    Chief Executive Officer of BAECC, Edafe Shingle, who spoke at a news briefing in Benin City, presented updates on construction progress and ongoing measures to ease commuter challenges.

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    Edafe, who restated the company’s commitment to complete the project in line with international standards and within set timelines, said palliative work on the road had begun.

    “Our mission remains clear. We want to deliver a road that meets global benchmarks of safety, quality and durability. We appreciate the patience of road users and host communities as we make steady progress. The collaboration from state authorities, partner agencies, and locals has been invaluable to driving this shared vision.

    “We are not leaving any stone unturned. We are not leaving the people to suffer on this road. We are going to be on the road. By December, this December, at least from where we are in now to the bypass, we are going to see, if not 100 per or 90 per cent completion on both sides of the road. We will ensure that the portion is open for the public to use and their sufferings are ameliorated. Thereafter, we move on. We are moving all the way to Summit Junction in Asaga. So, I’m reassuring everybody again, that we are a partner in progress with the people.”

  • Court remands lawyer, others for ‘cyber-bullying’ senator

    Court remands lawyer, others for ‘cyber-bullying’ senator

     A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a legal practitioner, Ahmed Abdulrahman and four others, be remanded at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10 Abuja till November 10 after their arraignment for allegedly cyber-bullying a serving Senator, Shehu Baba Umar.

    Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia issued the order yesterday shortly after the five were arraigned on an eleven-count, bordering on cyber bullying, advance fee fraud and extortion, brought against them by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    The other defendants are Daure David, Ishaq Abubakar Muhammed, Abdulrashid Abdullahi Musa and Nasiru Usman Abubakar.

    The five were accused of blackmailing Senator Umar, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    They pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye requested the court for a date the commencement of trial and asked that the defendants be remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja.

    Lawyer to Abulrahman, Afeez Matanmi subsequently moved the bail application he filed for his client, who he described as a lawyer, who will not interfere with police’s investigation and prosecution’s witnesses if granted bail.

    He reminded the court that police, on their own, granted the first defendant administrative bail which he did not jump because, as a lawyer, he knows the consequences of jumping bail.

    Okoye, however, objected to the bail request, staying that shortly after the lawyer was admitted to bail, he engaged in two other cyber-bullying activities and featured prominently in five out of the eleven counts contained in the charge sheet.

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    Okoye argued that, although, the first defendant is confirmed to be a lawyer, he does not deserve any preferential or special treatment because there is no provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Constitution that confers any special treatment on any legal practitioner involved in criminality.

    After taking arguments for and against the bail application, Justice Ajumogobia ordered that, the defendants be remanded at the Force CID till November 10 for the lawyer to the first defendant to file further affidavit and reply on point of law to the weighty allegations contained in the counter affidavit of the prosecution.

    The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter till November 10.

    The suspect was alleged to have stated that Senator Umar is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation.

    David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from Senator Umar under false pretense that the money will be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

  • Police investigate ‘threatening calls’ from unknown individuals

    Police investigate ‘threatening calls’ from unknown individuals

    •Security beefed up across Lagos

    The Lagos State Command said it was investigating reports of threatening calls to residents especially those residing in highbrow areas by unknown persons.

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurances in a chat with The Nation, describing the callers as fraudsters.

    Some A-list businessmen resident in Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki had expressed concerns that strange numbers were calling them claiming to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other northern terror groups, making financial demands from them.

    They alleged that the calls have been too frequent, adding that almost everyone in their circle of friends had received similar calls.

    “When the person called me and said I have been reported to them and I should come and pay certain amount of money, I told him to get off my phone. But I didn’t stop there. I contacted some people I know in the security services to track the number.

    “That’s where we have been. It seems the person threw the SIM card or probably knows he will be tracked. This has happened to many of my friends. It is alarming. Cybercrimes and threats are too many these days,” one of them said.

    The Nation gathered that some of those contacted by these cyber criminals had reported to the Department of State Services (DSS) and provided the numbers of the callers.

    Two of the victims alleged their own callers claimed to be members of a northern sect and threatened them to pay a certain amount of money or risk being harmed.

    “I do not know why it is taking so long to track and get these individuals. They should be fished out and used as examples,” said another.

    Reacting to this, CP Jimoh appealed to those who have received such calls to report to the police station nearest to them to assist with investigation.

    “Although they have not reported to us, we have heard about such complaints and have commenced imvestigation. People should not be afraid to come forward with such complaint. The police are here for the citizens.

    “I believe those making such calls are fraudsters who probably got their numbers from common social media groups. People should not be panicked. We have no such terror groups in Lagos,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the command has intensified security across the state to prevent any planned hijack of critical infrastructure.

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    The security beef-up commenced on Monday following plans by aggrieved Oworonshoki residents to block the Third Mainland Bridge to protest the demolition of their homes by the government.

    Aside from the residents, activist, Owoyele Sowore and his Take It Back followers had vowed to lay siege on the bridge in solidarity with the protesters.

    Considering the critical role the bridge plans in the commute of people to and fro the Island and Mainland, the police command said it would not tolerate any form of disruption on the bridge.

    “Our officers are fully deployed to ensure the safety of all road users and to prevent any form of obstruction or breach of the peace. Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear and to cooperate with security personnel carrying out their duties.

    “The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property, and to ensuring the free flow of traffic across Lagos State,” spokesperson for the command, SP Abimbola Adebisi said in a statement.

  • Fire razes store in Abuja popular mall

    Fire razes store in Abuja popular mall

    A store at the popular Jabi Lake Mall in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been razed by fire.

    The incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday, causing panic among responders and security personnel at the shopping complex.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 3am with the Adidas sports store in the mall razed by the inferno.

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    It was further learnt that firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, the Berger Fire Department, and the FCT Fire Service, as well as police officers, were deployed to the scene.

    When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, and said police officers were deployed to the location to secure the area and prevent looting.

    “We received a distress call at about 3:40 a.m. We immediately deployed our men there to secure the place and prevent any breach of public order,” Adeh said.

    The situation has since been brought under control.

  • Wike builds new police stations to curb kidnappings, killings

    Wike builds new police stations to curb kidnappings, killings

    To curb the menace of kidnappings and killings among other vices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike is building police stations in rural areas and border communities.

    The development is in fulfillment of Wike’s pledge to decentralise policing and bring safety closer to the grassroots.

    This initiative follows months of sustained insecurity that plagued several parts of the FCT between late 2023 and early 2024, when communities in Abaji, Kwali, and Bwari suffered repeated abductions, bandit incursions, and activities of kidnappers.

    The situation which led to the kidnapping, maiming and killings of scores of victims, especially those along border communities, prompted the FCT Minister to order the immediate provision of two additional divisional police stations across the six area councils.

    A visit to some of the new divisional police stations yesterday at Tukashare and Saburi both in AMAC, Bako in Kwali, Yaba in Abaji, Giri in Gwagwalada, Ushafa in Bwari Area councils, show significant progress in the ongoing construction.

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    At Saburi, in Abuja Municipal Area Council, the project is nearing completion with visible finishing works going on at the station block and adjoining residential quarters.

    The Director of Security Services at the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, who was seen at one of the project sites, told journalists that the projects were part of a comprehensive grassroots security plan initiated by the minister to extend policing to underserved areas.

    According to him; “When the Honourable Minister assumed office, he directed that all abandoned or underused town halls in the area councils should be converted into functional police stations. The idea is to take policing closer to the people, especially in vulnerable and remote communities where response time is slow.”

    The concept, he said “is to end the era where officers live far away from their posts. Now, there will always be personnel on ground to respond to emergencies at any hour.”

    He said the prototype of the building was gotten from the Inspector – General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.