The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Over 250,000 women register for financial literacy programme

    Over 250,000 women register for financial literacy programme

    • …virtual training begins Friday

    Over 250,000 Nigerian women have so far registered for the newly launched EmpowerHER Financial Literacy Programme.

    It is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs aimed at enhancing women’s financial, digital, and entrepreneurial capacity across the country.

    The programme, launched under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, is a landmark step in the federal government’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and inclusive participation in national development.

    The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Kudimata Nig. Ltd, a leading financial literacy and empowerment organisation providing the digital framework, technical content, and nationwide delivery infrastructure for the programme.

    Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the initiative as a cornerstone of national transformation that places knowledge and financial capability at the centre of empowerment. 

    She said the programme is designed to train and empower millions of Nigerian women through financial and digital literacy, as well as entrepreneurship development, thereby establishing a sustainable and inclusive foundation for women’s economic advancement across the country.

    The minister noted that empowerment must start with understanding, adding that financial literacy gives women the confidence to take control of their resources, opportunities, and future.

    “With EmpowerHER, we are laying the foundation for a financially literate and economically empowered generation of Nigerian women, one that will strengthen families, communities, and our nation,” she stated.

    Read Also: ‘Support for women means support to families’

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim also affirmed that financial and digital literacy will now form the first layer of every empowerment initiative under the Ministry to ensure sustainability, transparency, and measurable impact, aligning with the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions 774 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Kathleen Erhimu, Founder of Kudimata Nig. Ltd, described EmpowerHER as more than a project but a national movement to ensure that every Nigerian woman, whether behind a desk, in a market, on a farm, or leading an enterprise, has the knowledge, access, and confidence to grow wealth, build businesses, and shape her own destiny.

    The EmpowerHER Programme is accessible through the Happy Woman Platform, where women can benefit from Nigeria’s most comprehensive empowerment framework that includes financial and digital literacy, entrepreneurship development, access to finance, mentorship and peer learning, and linkages to empowerment and opportunity networks.

    Anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, the programme targets 10 million Nigerian women by 2030 to become financially literate and economically empowered, reaching both digital and community-based participants nationwide.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that from the classroom to the marketplace, from the civil service to entrepreneurship, every Nigerian woman deserves to be equipped and empowered to move from survival to thriving, as the nation builds a generation of women who are informed, equipped, and unstoppable.

  • 23-year old woman arrested over abduction, robbery of ₦24m, SUV in Anambra 

    23-year old woman arrested over abduction, robbery of ₦24m, SUV in Anambra 

    A 23-year-old woman has been arrested over alleged involvement in abduction and robbery of a businessman of ₦24 million and his Toyota Highlander SUV in Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Umuoji in Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

    Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Wednesday, said Okonkwo Onyinye, was arrested by Police operatives in collaboration with members of Agunechemba Security outfit.

    He said the victim was forced into the boot of his vehicle after his abduction and driven to a bush and dumped after being dispossessed of the ₦24 million.

    Ikenga however revealed that the stolen vehicle with registration number RBC 649 CN was recovered while the suspect was assisting assisting with credible information to arrest her accomplices.

    He said:  “Anambra State Police Command operatives attached to the 3-3 Police Station, in collaboration with Agunechemba Security, Nkwelle-Ezunaka Unit, in the early hours of October 27, 2025, arrested one Okonkwo Onyinye, aged 23 years, a female accomplice in a reported case of armed robbery and kidnap incident. 

    Read Also: Anambra Gov poll: We must resist vote buying, says INEC chairman

    “The team also recovered a snatched Toyota Highlander SUV of the victim in Ogidi.

    “Preliminary information revealed that the victim was double-crossed by five armed men operating in a Toyota Corolla car at Nkwelle GRA Gate. 

    “The suspects forcefully placed the victim in the boot of his vehicle and drove off to a bush in Umuoji Town, where they dispossessed him of his phone and transferred the sum of ₦24,000,000 from his account before abandoning him and escaping with the vehicle.

    “Following the report, the Joint Security Team, acting on technologically driven intelligence, traced the movement of the suspects to Nawfia and subsequently to Ogidi, where the armed hoodlums engaged the operatives in sporadic gunfire before fleeing the scene. 

    “Meanwhile, the Toyota Highlander, white in colour with registration number RBC 649 CN, was recovered and the female accomplice, Okonkwo Onyinye, was later arrested at the scene. 

    “She is currently assisting Police detectives with credible information that will aid in the arrest of other fleeing gang members.

    “Furthermore, the Police have intensified patrols within the State, ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.”

  • NSCDC nabs five suspected illegal security operatives, recover gun

    NSCDC nabs five suspected illegal security operatives, recover gun

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Anambra State Command has arrested five suspected illegal private security operatives in Awka, the state capital.

    State Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde who disclosed this on Tuesday said the suspects were apprehended during series of raids conducted by operatives of the Command.

    Parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters, Maku said a pump action rifle was recovered during the operation targeted at riding the State of individuals masquerading as private security operatives.

    He added that the suspects are currently being interrogated and would be charged after investigation.

    He said: “The raids conducted  in Awka on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at about 11: 00 hrs was based on credible intelligence indicating the presence of individuals dressed in attire resembling that of a security outfit, who may have been hired by political actors with the intention of utilizing them to cause chaos during the election.

    “The arrested suspects include: Mmeka Ekene, male, aged 43; Peter Detuchi Kelvin, male, aged 28; Sunday Akpan Idiong, male, aged 45; Enemuo Ifeanyichukwu, male, aged 26; and Francis Ugochukwu Nwosu, male, aged 28.

    “The operation, carried out by the Private Guard Companies Department, was aimed at curbing security threats, illegal possession of firearms, and preventing any form of violence or intimidation likely to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

    “We are resolute in our commitment to providing a secure environment for the conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for November 8, 2025. 

    “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Anambra State remains peaceful and secure.”

    While reassuring the Command’s readiness not to be swayed by tactics of individuals pretending to be private security operatives in a bid to disrupt electoral process, Maku pledged continued enhancement of the Command’s robust security measures to stay ahead of individuals suspected of being used as political thugs.

    “The Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take all necessary measures within its operational guidelines to counter and suppress any act that could potentially destabilize the peace enjoyed in the state.

    “Strengthened surveillance and enhanced intelligence gathering have been implemented  by the Command to thwart any attempts by disruptive elements or desperate politicians to compromise the electoral process,” he added.

  • COWLSO’s role in women empowerment excites First Lady Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    COWLSO’s role in women empowerment excites First Lady Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

    First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

    They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

    In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

    Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

    According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

    “COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,” she said.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

    He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

    He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

    He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    “Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born — to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,” he said.

    He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

    Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

    She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

    “As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • Drug parties are illegal, NDLEA warns club owners, fun seekers

    Drug parties are illegal, NDLEA warns club owners, fun seekers

    • Agency seizes 384.886kg Loud, others from facility

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned night club operators and fun seekers that organising, hosting and attending drug parties is illegal under Nigerian law.

    The agency’s warning comes on the heels of a raid carried out by its operatives at a drug party, which held last Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday at Proxy Night Club on 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Over 100 attendees were arrested along with the owner of the facility, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu alias Pretty Mike and his manager Joachin Millary.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, said: “Any gathering organised for the purpose of consuming, distributing, or abusing illicit substances is an act of criminality. These ‘drug parties’ contravene the explicit provisions of the NDLEA Act and will be treated as serious narcotic offences. In the case of the drug party at Proxy night club, organisers went above board  and had the audacity to produce and circulate flyers inviting fun seekers to come together to commit crime, an act that not only constitutes an incitement to commit crime but equally an affront to the law enforcement capabilities of the country if condoned.

    “Nigeria is currently grappling with a very high prevalence rate of drug abuse, particularly among our youths. These illicit drug parties do not only fuel the drug scourge but equally serve as hubs for new recruitment into drug addiction and actively undermine our current national efforts to safeguard public health and security.

    “In the recent case, the NDLEA was meticulous and professional throughout the processes leading to the raid and during the operation. Following intelligence on the party, our undercover agents conducted surveillance on the facility, made pre-purchases of illicit drugs from within the club and for four hours between 11pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday during the party, our operatives observed and recorded drug transactions and abuse going on before we eventually disrupted the brazen public display of illegality and made arrests.

    “All attendees initially arrested were later profiled, addressed, counselled and released within hours in custody, in line with best global practices while the two principal suspects: Pretty Mike and his manager, Joachin Millary remain in custody following the seizure of 384.882 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis and other substances from the club’s store.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    “While the agency will intensify surveillance and apply the full force of the law against perpetrators, owners of properties, hotels, and event centres found to be knowingly hosting such illegal activities risk the confiscation and forfeiture of their assets to the Federal Government. Those held in custody in the ongoing case will face prosecution while we will file for forfeiture of the property, Proxy Night Club, in which the drugs were found.”

    It urged all patriotic Nigerians, parents, religious and community leaders, as well as concerned citizens to be vigilant, report such activities, and partner with the NDLEA in combating this threat to national well-being.

  • 15 passengers kidnapped in Edo

    15 passengers kidnapped in Edo

    Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin–Akure highway.

    The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

    All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

    But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

    Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

    ASP Ikoedem said: “However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

    “The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

    “Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.”

  • Police arrest herbalist, stepbrother over kidnap, murder of two

    Police arrest herbalist, stepbrother over kidnap, murder of two

    • Officers recover bodies of two victims

    The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old herbalist, Amechi Okwuokenye and his step-brother, Smart Okwuokenye, 26, following their alleged abduction and murder of one Mr. Friday Liberty.

    The incident occurred recently at Owa-Alidima in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Shedding light into the investigation and subsequent arrest of the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said Friday Liberty, 22, had visited his herbalist for an unknown purpose but did not return home hence his family began to search for him, confused about his whereabouts.

    He said Liberty’s girlfriend informed the family about overhearing suspicious conversations involving the herbalist, suggesting they should reach out.

    The spokesman said the family contacted the herbalist who denied having seen Liberty but offered to perform spiritual incantations for his safe return, prompting them to spend money on these services.

    He said the promised incantations yielded no results, which led to the family’s frustration and subsequent action.

    The police spokesman said on October 14, the family filed a petition at the Agbor Area Command, reporting Liberty’s disappearance.

    He said following the report, detectives began a focused investigation, utilising leads and tips for direction.

    He said the detectives uncovered Liberty’s last contact: the herbalist who had denied seeing him, noting that the revelation raised suspicions about the herbalist’s involvement in Liberty’s disappearance.

    Edafe said surveillance was laid around his shrine at Owa-Alidima in Ika North East Local Government, for days, until he was arrested on October 23rd in his shrine while hiding inside a refrigerator.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    The spokesman stated: “Upon arrest of the herbalist, he confessed that both he and his 26-year-old brother, Smart Okwuokenye, kidnapped the victim and the motorcycle rider identified as Isioma Ugbeje, who carried him to the shrine.

    “They further stated that Liberty has been his long-time customer who frequently visited him to hypnotise clients so they could give him money easily (in his words, ‘to tie clients‘).

    “The herbalist said his elder brother approached him that he needed money and advised him to lure any of his clients so they could kidnap him and ask for ransom, and the unlucky person they could lure was Liberty.

    “They kidnapped him and the Okada rider and demanded a ransom of N10 million. When they noticed that the plan was not working, they murdered him and the motorcycle rider and dumped their bodies in a soak away pit by the shrine.”

    The spokesman said the suspects are in custody, and the remains of the victims have been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

    Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured the public that the command would ensure that justice is served in this case.

  • Court plans Andy Uba’s arraignment for Nov 6

    Court plans Andy Uba’s arraignment for Nov 6

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the planned arraignment of Senator Andy Uba and Benjamin Etu in the alleged N400 million fraud case for November 6.

    Uba and Etu were to be arraigned yesterday but for the absence of the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, who was said to be sitting at another division of the court outside Abuja.

    With the agreement of lawyers in the case, officials of the court rescheduled the arrangement for November 6.

    The judge, on September 24, threatened to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Uba, the former Senator representing Anambra South, should he fail to appear in court on October 28.

    The threat to issue bench warrant was informed by an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Aminu Abdullahi, that the court should compel UBA to attend court.

    Uba’s lawyer, C.F. Odiniru pleaded with the judge to reject the prosecution’a request for a bench warrant.

    Odiniru attributed Uba’s continued absence to ill health.

    Read Also: Turkish Super Lig: Ruthless Osimhen keeps scoring streak in Gala comeback win

    In count one of the two-count charge, Uba, Etu and Hajiya Fatima now at large, are alleged to have, sometimes in 2022 conspired amongst themselves to commit the offence.

    Uba and others were accused of obtaining by false pretence, by making a presentation to Mr George Uboh that they had perfected ways for the appointment of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to any interested persons who could afford N400 million.

    Uboh, in a letter dated April 5, 2023, and addressed to the I-G, said the petition was based on documentary and voice recording.

    According to Uboh, the evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.

    No fewer than six witnesses had been listed to testify against the ex-lawmaker and Etu.

  • Segilola Resources earns second consecutive CIPM HR award, setting standard for excellence in the Mining Sector

    Segilola Resources earns second consecutive CIPM HR award, setting standard for excellence in the Mining Sector

    Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Nigeria’s premier exploration and gold mining company and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine, has once again reaffirmed its leadership in the mining industry by winning the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) HR Oscar Award for Best Practices in the Mining Sector at the 57th CIPM International Conference and Exhibition (ICE), Africa’s largest HR gathering. The award ceremony was held on October 28, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    This marks the second consecutive year that SROL has received this prestigious honour, reinforcing the company’s sustained excellence and the far-reaching impact of its strategic human resource initiatives.

    Presented by the CIPM, the sole regulatory body for HR practices in Nigeria, this award is an acknowledgement for organisations that exemplify excellence in human resource management, employee responsibility, and inclusive workforce strategies. SROL’s consecutive win attests to its steadfast commitment to maintaining HR standards that meet and exceed both national and international benchmarks.

    Speaking on the recognition by the CIPM, Oluwaseun Fagesi, Human Resources Manager at SROL, expressed gratitude and pride in the company’s collective efforts, stating, “This award from the CIPM is an indication that our HR standards are not just strong, but are truly benchmarked against national and international excellence. It reflects the collective effort of every member of the SROL team and our ongoing commitment to embedding world-class HR practices across our operations. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on driving not just mining excellence, but human and community excellence as well.”

    The company’s sustained success stems from its deliberate focus on human capital development, diversity, and comprehensive employee training programmes, which have cemented its reputation as a leading employer in Nigeria’s mining sector. With 99% of the workforce on the Segilola Gold Mine being Nigerian, 37% of whom are from its host communities, SROL continues to surpass the targets outlined in its Community Development Agreements (CDAs). These achievements highlight the company’s deep-rooted commitment to local empowerment, capacity building, and shared prosperity.

    These achievements reflect SROL’s deep commitment to local empowerment, capacity building, and shared prosperity. The company continues to drive inclusive growth through initiatives that empower women in traditionally male-dominated roles and a series of collaborative infrastructure projects that foster transparency, opportunity, and long-term sustainability across its host communities.

    Looking ahead, the company remains committed to advancing industry standards by deepening its investment in people and innovations. Through continuous improvement in HR practices, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and reinforced sustainability efforts, the company aims to not only sustain its leadership in Nigeria’s mining sector but also set new benchmarks for excellence in the mining industry.

  • Family laments as gunmen refuse to release kidnapped Imo businessman weeks after abduction

    Family laments as gunmen refuse to release kidnapped Imo businessman weeks after abduction

    A family member of Mr. John Udodiri Duru, who was abducted weeks ago in Imo State, has raised alarm over the continued silence of his captors, saying all efforts to secure his release have failed.

    Mrs. Chinyere Ezeala, a relative of the victim, told reporters that Duru was kidnapped on Saturday, September 13, 2025, while on his way to church along the Okigwe–Owerri Road. 

    Witnesses said armed men intercepted him, forced him into their vehicle, and fled the scene.

    According to Ezeala, the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million for his release, but negotiations hit a dead end after the kidnappers suddenly cut off communication.

    “Negotiations were ongoing when communication with the kidnappers was abruptly cut off, and all efforts to re-establish contact have since failed. The kidnappers later sent a threatening message warning that any attempt to involve security agencies or delay payment would lead to his death. His whereabouts remain unknown,” she said.

    She said the case was reported at the Divisional Police Station in Orji under the Imo State Police Command, adding that there has been no update on Duru’s condition.

    Security experts have called on the government at all levels to nip in the bud the growing wave of abductions across Imo and other parts of Nigeria.

    In the Southeast, residents also continue to endure a weekly “sit-at-home” lockdown enforced by unidentified armed groups, a situation that has crippled economic, educational, and commercial activities in the region.