The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Sooyah Bistro commits to millions in entrepreneurship funding

    Sooyah Bistro commits to millions in entrepreneurship funding

    In a bid to support grassroots entrepreneurship and inspire growth, Sooyah Bistro, Nigeria’s fastest-growing premium food brand, has awarded over N500,000 to deserving winners of the “Sooyah Dreams” campaign.

    The winners, who expressed delight, were celebrated and presented with cheques at a special ceremony held at the Sooyah Bistro outlet in Oniru, Lagos.

    The human-centered campaign, which ran from September 1–15, 2025, invited Nigerians to submit a 60–120 second video sharing their dreams and aspirations.

    The initiative was directly inspired by Sooyah Bistro’s founder, Olamidun Ogundoyin, who began her journey with just ₦20,000 and a single grill, a narrative of grit and growth.

    During the prize presentation ceremony, Victoria Orleans was crowned the Grand Winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦250,000 towards her dream project. Nwokolo Blessing secured the Second-Place prize of ₦150,000. Gifts and other consolation prizes worth N100,000 were also given to other participants.

    Speaking at the presentation, Olamidun Ogundoyin, Founder of Sooyah Bistro, expressed her pride in the initiative and the quality of the submissions, adding that Sooyah Bistro would continue to fund entrepreneurships with millions of naira annually.

    She urged entrepreneurs to be determined, stating that the contest reflected Sooyah Bistro’s commitment to impacting society and believing in collective success.

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    “When I started Sooyah Bistro with barely enough money for a full setup, the only capital I truly had was my belief in the dream and the grit to push it forward. For us, the ‘Sooyah Dreams’ initiative is not just about the money; it’s a permission to dream bigger, louder, and without fear.  It is an investment in the same spirit of hustle that built this company, knowing that financial pressure can crush a brilliant concept before it even gets off the ground.

    “To Victoria and Blessing, your stories were powerful, your passion was undeniable, and we are honoured to be the first investors in your incredible journey. The size of your start-up capital does not matter; what matters is the size of your dream.”

    The grand winner, Victoria Orleans, who is a poultry farmer and runs a charity academy for special needs and underprivileged children who have little or no access to education, said, “Winning the ‘Sooyah Dreams’ campaign is a life-changer. My dream felt so big, and the start-up cost felt even bigger, but this ₦250,000 has immediately made it manageable.

    “Sooyah Bistro’s story of starting small and growing big has always inspired me. Now, with this support, I can finally take the leap and build my own successful venture. This isn’t just cash; it’s a massive vote of confidence.”

    Also, the first runner-up, Nwokolo Blessing, who is a private chef seeking to redefine the culinary space, said, “I am incredibly grateful to Sooyah Bistro. When you’re hustling, sometimes all you need is that one push to get you over the line, and this ₦150,000 is exactly that for me. The ‘Sooyah Dreams’ campaign proves that big brands can genuinely care about the people on the ground trying to build their future. This is the motivation I needed to apply more grit and turn my vision into a reality.”

    The event concluded with a celebratory toast to the winners and a commitment from the brand to continue investing in initiatives that blend commerce with meaningful community impact.

  • Integrate male engagement in GBV prevention frameworks, Center LSD tells govt

    Integrate male engagement in GBV prevention frameworks, Center LSD tells govt

    A human development organisation, the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), has called on governments at all levels to incorporate male engagement into frameworks for preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

    The Centre’s Founding Executive Director, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of an online course on Male Feminism for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and Africa.

    The initiative, tagged Male Feminists Network (MFN), seeks to promote a society where men and women live free from violence, discrimination, and inequality.

    Dr. Igbuzor expressed concern that more than 35 percent of Nigerian women have suffered physical violence, with many others enduring emotional, sexual, or economic abuse. He explained that the MFN was created to challenge patriarchal norms and mobilize men as allies in combating GBV.

    He said the mission is to train, mentor, and mobilize male leaders and grassroots influencers who will promote feminist values, confront harmful stereotypes, and advance gender justice across the country.

    “The fight against gender-based violence is not a woman’s fight; it is a human fight,” Igbuzor said. “It is about creating a Nigeria where everyone—man, woman, or child—can live free from fear and discrimination. Let history record that Nigerian men chose the path of equality and transformed our nation for good.”

    Highlighting the training’s scope, he revealed that at least 1,000 male leaders from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will be trained to build a network of 10,000 certified male feminists in the coming years.

    He added that men and women across Nigeria and Africa can now register, learn, interact, and earn certification as male feminists from anywhere.

    “Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in Nigeria. Reports indicate that over 35% of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence, and many more face emotional, sexual, or economic abuse.

    “We cannot end GBV by focusing on women alone. Men must be part of the solution—not as spectators, but as active champions of justice, equality, and nonviolence.

    “The MFN Digital Course embodies this philosophy. It is designed to transform mindsets, equip men with feminist knowledge, and mobilize them for sustained advocacy and community action.”

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    The Centre, however, called on government at all levels to integrate male engagement into national and state-level GBV prevention frameworks.

    While mobilizing donors, the private sector, and Nigerians for the project, Igbuzor said the movement showed that transformation is possible when knowledge meets purpose, and conviction meets courage.

    “We are demonstrating that men can be partners—not perpetrators—in building a just society. We are proving that technology can be a tool for liberation, not oppression, and that education can dismantle the very structures that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

    “Let this launch ignite a new wave of enlightenment across homes, institutions, and communities. Let every man who logs on to mfn.centrelsd.org find not just information but inspiration—to act, lead, and champion equality.

    Together, we can end the cycle of gender-based violence. Together, we can nurture a culture where masculinity means empathy, strength means respect, and leadership means service.

    “The journey has begun. Let us move forward—with courage, compassion, and commitment—until every woman is safe, every man is accountable, and every child grows in a world defined by equality and love.”

    Director of Development at the Centre LSD, Dr. Margaret Fagboyo, also stressed the need to change the narratives. According to her, “over the years, Gender Based Violence has been driven by women and women’s organizations only”, adding that sustainable change can only happen when men are not passive observers but active allies.

    “Today’s event marks a remarkable step in our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society where men and women stand side by side in the pursuit of gender equality and the prevention of violence in all its forms.”

  • Police arrest notorious robbery suspect, recover stolen Lexus SUV in Cross River

    Police arrest notorious robbery suspect, recover stolen Lexus SUV in Cross River

    The Cross River State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, Mr. Anthony Williams, who had long been on the agency’s watchlist.

    Recovered from the suspect were a snatched Lexus RX300 SUV (ash colour, registration number ETN-683-AA), a locally made pistol, two Android phones, and a black leather bag.

    According to police reports, the arrest was made on October 12, 2025, by a patrol team from the Akamkpa Division following intelligence provided by the Divisional Police Officer.

    Three other members of the gang reportedly escaped into a nearby bush during the operation.

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    In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, said the stolen vehicle was suspected to have been robbed at gunpoint in Akwa Ibom State before it was intercepted in Cross River.

    She added that efforts were ongoing to locate the vehicle’s rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    SP Ugbo also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afeghua, as commending officers of the Akamkpa Division for their swift response and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining public safety across the state.

    The Nation reports that the police have made a series of arrests in recent weeks as part of intensified operations to curb crime and enhance security in Cross River State.

  • Army probes soldier, wife’s death in Wawa barracks

    Army probes soldier, wife’s death in Wawa barracks

    A Lance Corporal attached to the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Wawa Cantonment, Akenleye Femi has killed his wife and killed himself.

    The incident occured on October 11.

    The soldier was said to be on duty but had taken permission from his superior to attend to a personal matter, only for the army to discover the lifeless bodies of both husband and wife in their apartment, Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters in the Wawa Cantonment.

    Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Stephen Nwankwo, confirmed the incident, saying that the incident has left the military community in shock.

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    “Preliminary investigations indicate that the soldier, who was on duty at the time, had sought permission from his superior to attend to a personal matter before the lifeless bodies of both husband and wife were later discovered in their apartment — Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment.

    “The remains of the deceased have since been preserved as a thorough investigation has commenced to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event”, the statement read.

    The Nigerian Army has also appealed for public understanding and cooperation as investigations continue while the Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, in a condolence message, expressed deep regret over the incident and extended sympathy to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

  • Alleged $12m fraud: Court to rule on whether bank MD can question witness

    Alleged $12m fraud: Court to rule on whether bank MD can question witness

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 16 for ruling on whether the Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, Halima Buba, can cross-examine an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness on issues raised while giving his evidence-in-chief.

    Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial on Monday following an objection raised by EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, against a question directed to the witness by Johnson Usman, SAN, who appeared for Buba in the money laundering charge.

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    Usman, while cross-examining Suleiman Ciroma, the owner of Funnacle BDC Ltd and the first prosecution witness (PW-I)  had asked him to confirm to the court the names of those who collected the dollars from Mrs Aisha Achimugu, the MD of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd.

    Earlier, Usman asked Ciroma to confirm that Mr Hassan Dantani is the MD/CEO of Ashrap Energy Oil Ltd and the witness answered in affirmative.

    The PW-II also confirmed that Dantani is the MD/CEO of Ashrap BDC Ltd when he was asked by the lawyer.

    “Confirm that Trimisi Mohammed Usman who you referred to earlier in your evidence-in-chief, that he is the director of Triple A and D Nig Ltd,” Usman asked, and Ciroma answered in affirmative.

    The witness equally con

  • SAN rejects Lagos AG’s bid to halt forgery trial

    SAN rejects Lagos AG’s bid to halt forgery trial

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo, yesterday accused the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), of abusing the court process in the ongoing trial of three defendants — Alex Ochonogor, Ademola Owolabi, and Adebayo Akeju — over alleged forgery and willful property damage.

    The defendants were arraigned before the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square for allegedly forging land documents and demolishing a property in Lekki. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

    At yesterday’s proceedings before Justice Sherifat Sonaike, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, said the trial would not proceed because the Attorney-General had ordered a reinvestigation of the case.

    He requested an adjournment to allow the police to carry out the directive.

    But Oyetibo, representing Ochonogor, opposed the move, calling it “an abuse of court process.”

    He argued: “You cannot file a matter and then ask the police to reinvestigate it. That is oppression.” He added that the case should not have been filed if investigations were incomplete.

    Dr. Martins explained that the decision followed concerns raised by the first defendant’s counsel, Abiodun Layonu (SAN), who had earlier requested further inquiry.

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    Justice Sonaike noted that Layonu had previously written to the court suggesting reinvestigation, though the prosecution claimed it was unaware of the letter.

    Oyetibo maintained that the police had already concluded their inquiry, saying: “If the defence is aware of a letter that the prosecution isn’t, then there’s a problem.”

    Justice Sonaike adjourned the matter to January 12, 2026, for the police to communicate their findings to the prosecution.

    A letter from the Lagos Ministry of Justice dated August 22, 2025, and signed by DPP Director Adeshola Adekunle-Bello, directed the police to reopen the investigation and interrogate new witnesses, including Dr. Obidigwe Eze and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.

    This followed a second police report, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammed Dahiru, which cleared Ochonogor and Owolabi of wrongdoing. The report stated that no documents were forged and that the demolition was authorised by Lagos State officials.

    It further confirmed that the demolition notice was genuine and published in The Punch of September 11, 2009, and that documents attributed to Al-Mustapha were properly signed and registered.

  • Court opens trial in Senator Anyanwu’s N550m defamation suit against Ohakim

    Court opens trial in Senator Anyanwu’s N550m defamation suit against Ohakim

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday opened trial in the N550million defamation suit filed by Senator Chris Anyanwu against a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.

    Anyanwu’s lawyers – Umeh Kalu (SAN) and Adekunle Kosoko – called the claimant’s first witness, who testified to the effect that she read the alleged defamatory publication contained in the January 12 edition of The Nation newspaper.

    The witness, Dr. Joyce Ejukonemu, a Gender Protection Specialist and Senior Researcher said she deposed to a written statement on oath, which she identified and later adopted as her evidence in the case.

    Justice M.I. Sani admitted Dr. Ejukonemu’s statement in evidence. The judge also admitted a copy of the publication and overruled the objection raised to its admissibility by Ohakim’s lawyer, Ken Njemanze (SAN).

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    Kalu proceeded to tender other documents including a January 24 press statement and a copy of a report printed from an online platform, Naija News.

    Njemanze objected to the Naija News document on the grounds that it was electronically generated and not accompanied by a certificate of compliance as required under Section 84 of the Evidence Act. He also objected to the admissibility of the press statement on the grounds that it is a photocopy and that the claimant laid no foundation before tendering it.

    In response, Kalu submitted that the certificate required under Section 84 of the Evidence Act could either be oral or physical.

    He said the witness’ statement on oath contains the oral certification. He however opted to withdraw the press statement release without further submissions.

    Earlier, Justice Sani rejected Njemanze’s objection to the commencement of trial on Monday, arguing that it was mandatory that a pre-trial conference be conducted before trial could begin.

    The judge, in a ruling, agreed with Kalu that a pre-trial conference was not mandatory, noting that it would serve no other purpose than to occasion unnecessary delay.

    Justice Sani equally granted the request by the claimant to discontinue the case against Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspapers, earlier listed as the second defendant.

    Kalu, while applying to discontinue against the media house, said the second defendant has published a retraction and apologised to the claimant.

    He applied that the court should strike out Vintage Press Limited’s name from the suit, a prayer the court granted.

    Justice Sani has however adjourned till December 1, 3, and 5, 2025, for ruling and continuation of the trial.

    Anyanwu sued Ohakim over comments he allegedly made in an interview published in the January 12 edition of The Nation newspapers, which the Senator claims were defamatory.

    Anyanwu is demanding N550 million in damages, alongside a public apology to be published in two national newspapers, including The Nation newspapers.

  • Kidnappers abduct retired head teacher, teenager in Edo

    Kidnappers abduct retired head teacher, teenager in Edo

    A retired head teacher, Mr. Eliaser Olorunloju, has been abducted by suspected herders between Sasaro and Ayetoro along the dilapidated Igarra- Uneme-Nekhua – Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo local government.

    Olorunloiu was returning from Igarra to to Ugboshi-ele when he was kidnapped.

    He was said to have gone to make photocopies of some documents ahead of his son’s resumption at a tertiary institution.

    The kidnappers were said to have demanded ransom payment of N70 million.

    Director of Operations and Strategy, Concerned Minds Initiative of Akoko-Edo (CMIA), Comrade Victor Arogunyo, who confirmed the abduction said the incident occurred around Aiyetoro–Somorika Junction, close to a Fulani settlement on the Ibillo–Uneme–Nekhua–Igarra Road.

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    He said it was another sad reminder that the locality remained under siege.

    Comrade Arogunyo identified factors fueling insecurity in Akoko-Edo to include bad roads, criminal herders, poor funding of security, low morale among vigilantes and hunters, and weak prosecution of arrested suspects.

    “In the last few months, this is about the fight kidnapping that is taking place on the same spot, close to that camp which is less than five minutes trekking away from there. The government must do something about this. I called his traditional ruler and he said they called on Sunday evening demanding N70 million.”

    Also, a teenager kidnapped at Ayogwiri in Etsako West local government area.

     The teenager was among women retuning from their farms.

    Two of the women reportedly sustained injuries.

    A ransom of N5 million has been demanded by the kidnappers to release the teenager.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees of the community, Vincent Ozemoya, called on all relevant security agencies in the area to rise up and rid their farms and forest of evil elements.

    Edo Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, could not be reached for comments.

  • Kidnappers abduct retired head teacher, teenager in Edo

    Kidnappers abduct retired head teacher, teenager in Edo

    A retired head teacher, Eliaser Olorunloju, has been abducted by suspected Fulani herders between Sasaro and Ayetoro, along the dilapidated Igarra–Uneme-Nekhua–Ibillo road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Olorunloju was reportedly returning from Igarra to Ugboshi-Ele after making photocopies of some documents in preparation for his son’s resumption at a tertiary institution when the incident occurred.

    The abductors were said to have contacted his family, demanding a ransom of N70 million for his release.

    Confirming the incident, the Director of Operations and Strategy of the Concerned Minds Initiative of Akoko-Edo (CMIA), Comrade Victor Arogunyo, said the abduction took place around Aiyetoro–Somorika Junction, close to a Fulani settlement along the Ibillo–Uneme–Nekhua–Igarra road.

    He described the attack as another tragic reminder that the area remains under siege, blaming the recurring kidnappings on poor road conditions, criminal herders, inadequate security funding, low morale among local vigilantes, and weak prosecution of suspects.

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    “In the last few months, this is about the fifth kidnapping around the same spot, less than five minutes away from that camp. The government must act fast. I spoke with his traditional ruler, and he confirmed that the kidnappers called on Sunday evening, demanding N70 million,” Arogunyo said.

    In a separate incident, a teenage girl was kidnapped at Ayogwiri in Etsako West Local Government Area while returning from the farm with other women. Two of the women reportedly sustained injuries during the attack, and the kidnappers have demanded N5 million for the girl’s release.

    Chairman of the community’s Board of Trustees, Engr. Vincent Ozemoya condemned the growing insecurity and urged security agencies to intensify operations to clear the forests and farmlands of criminal elements.

    Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

  • Two teen brothers drown while rescuing flood victim in Rivers

    Two teen brothers drown while rescuing flood victim in Rivers

    …speaker donates N2million

    Tragedy struck in Eligbolo, Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, as two teenage brothers, Miracle Peter, 17, and Emma Peter, 16, were swept away by floodwaters while attempting to rescue someone trapped in the flood.

    The victims, identified as sons of 35-year-old Onyinyechi Peter, reportedly lost their lives during the heroic act.

    A source who spoke in confidence said, “On their way back, Emma’s slippers slipped off, and as they tried to retrieve them, the strong currents swept them away.”

    It was gathered that the body of one of the boys was recovered on Sunday morning around the Eliozu Bridge.

    Their mother, Mrs. Peter, whose home was submerged by the flood, was said to be temporarily staying with a neighbour. Witnesses said she lamented that people saw her sons struggling in the water but could not save them due to the force of the current.

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    Residents blamed the tragedy on an overflowing canal along G.U. Ake Road, which has been responsible for repeated flooding in the area.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, describing it as “regrettable and pathetic.”

    “I sympathize with the family of the victims. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” she stated.