The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Firm denies wrongdoing, to challenge accounts’ freezing by court

    Firm denies wrongdoing, to challenge accounts’ freezing by court

    Mars Aviation Limited has denied any wrongdoing following reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an ex parte order temporarily freezing its bank accounts. The company has vowed to challenge the decision, insisting it was obtained without its knowledge or opportunity to be heard.

    The court order was secured by a government agency investigating alleged financial irregularities linked to certain aviation contracts and fund transfers involving Mars Aviation. The move, according to reports, forms part of a wider probe into transactions between private firms and some public institutions.

    But in a statement issued on Friday, the management of the airline, which is associated with businessman Bashir Haske, said it became aware of the order after it had already been granted. The company described the development as “procedurally unfair” and assured that its lawyers have been instructed to take all necessary legal steps to set aside the order and ensure that the facts are properly placed before the court.

    The airline emphasized that its operations strictly adhere to Nigerian laws and international aviation standards, noting that all funds received were for legitimate services rendered. It dismissed the circulating allegations as “baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.”

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    Mars Aviation pledged to cooperate fully with relevant authorities by providing documentation to prove the integrity of its transactions, while urging that investigative powers be exercised with fairness and full respect for due process.

    “We reaffirm our respect for the lawful mandate of agencies charged with investigative responsibilities. We trust that these powers will be exercised with fairness and full adherence to due process,” the statement added.

    Reiterating confidence in the Nigerian judicial system, the company expressed optimism that a fair hearing would vindicate its management.

    It described itself as a law-abiding and transparent corporate entity committed to ethical business practices, regulatory compliance, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation and economic growth. It also appealed to the public to avoid premature conclusions until the matter is fully adjudicated.

  • Two siblings arrested for alleged robbery

    Two siblings arrested for alleged robbery

    Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two brothers for alleged robbery during a raid on a mechanic workshop in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The suspects, identified as Monday Akinmusere and Oluwaseun Akinmusere, were apprehended over the weekend following intelligence gathering by the Divisional Police Office in Ore.

    Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said a locally-fabricated pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the suspects after a thorough search of the workshop.

    “Acting on a credible tip-off from a reliable source, on Saturday, at about 5:15 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer, Ore, led his team to raid a mechanic workshop located off Okitipupa Road, Ore.

    “During the operation, two suspects – Monday and Oluwaseun Akinmusere, both males and residents of Ore – were arrested. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally-fabricated pistol with one live cartridge,” Ayanlade said.

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    He added that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the firearm and uncover any links with other criminal elements in the area.

    Ayanlade said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers for their swift and professional action.

    The commissioner also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their timely and useful information, urging continued collaboration with the police to ensure a safer society.

  • Sisters fight, one faints after missing flight at Abuja airport

    Sisters fight, one faints after missing flight at Abuja airport

    Two sisters traveling on NG EAGLE flight were seen fighting yesterday after missing their flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, the sisters scattered luggage and other items.

    He said the airport security intervened by taking the siblings to the interrogation office, but their anger didn’t subside; they were said to be exchanging blows until one of the sisters fainted.

    Achimugu, in a post on his official X handle @mikeachimugu01, noted that despite the severity of the situation, the other sister insisted that the problem was spiritual, refusing medical attention.

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    The post reads: “The strangest thing happened at the Abuja airport. Two sisters, both adults, booked to travel via a NG EAGLE flight. They missed the flight because they were late.

    “Perhaps one of them blamed her sibling for their missing flight (not sure), but these two siblings began to fight each other. They scattered luggage and other items before being dragged to the interrogation office by airport security.

    “Inside, they began to fight again until one of them fainted. Calls were made for an ambulance to take her to the hospital, but her sister said that the problem is more spiritual than medical and, therefore, did not need a hospital. She is presently receiving attention at the FAAN clinic. Hopefully, she makes a recovery. This is not how things should be”.

  • Fire razes building, complex in Ogbomoso, Ibadan

    Fire razes building, complex in Ogbomoso, Ibadan

    Separate fire incidents which occurred in Ibadan and Ogbomoso areas of Oyo state at the weekend have destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

    While a shopping complex was ravaged in Ibadan, a residential building was consumed in Ogbomoso.

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    No fewer than six rooms and three shops were destroyed at the razed residential building located at Oke-Elerin area of Ogbomoso.

    It was gathered that properties and other valuables worth millions of naira were lost to the incident but no casualty was recorded.

  • Abosede Shafe takes over at BaseFM

    Abosede Shafe takes over at BaseFM

     A renowned media and communications strategist, Abosede Shafe, has been appointed Executive Director of BaseFM 101.1. 

    This milestone crowns her decade-long journey of redefining media, culture and corporate communications in Nigeria.

    A multidimensional leader and culture curator, Shafe has spent over ten years transforming narratives across media, business, and creative industries. 

    Her appointment at BaseFM signals a new era for Nigerian radio broadcasting — one that blends strategy, culture, and purpose.

    In her new role, Shafe is spearheading the station’s transformation into a platform that amplifies authentic voices, celebrates culture, and connects with diverse audiences through innovative programming and audience-focused storytelling.

     She brings to BaseFM her trademark blend of editorial insight, strategic communication, and creative leadership to deliver content that inspires and informs.

    Beyond her work at BaseFM, Shafe is the founder of the Oliviarose Group, a diversified enterprise that continues to redefine communications and luxury experiences in Africa. 

    The group houses: Oliviarose Media, a top-tier communications and PR agency delivering strategic storytelling, media relations, and brand positioning for leading organisations.

    Oliviarose, a luxury corporate gifting brand offering bespoke experiences that enhance client relationships and strengthen brand visibility.

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    Her impressive portfolio includes major campaigns for Bet9ja, Balmoral Group, Fidelity Bank, George Residence, Waltersmith, Renaissance, and several state governments. 

    She has also championed cultural showcases such as Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and An Evening of Indigo Elu in partnership with the British High Commission, cementing her influence in shaping Nigeria’s creative and cultural identity.

    A passionate humanitarian, Shafe leads the Oliviarose Initiative’s Adopt A Child Educational Programme, which provides learning resources and support for underprivileged children.

     She is also the author of Amazing Me, Yes I Can!, a children’s book that promotes confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

    Guided by her personal mantra, “You cannot be ordinary and expect extraordinary results,” Shafe continues to embody visionary leadership, purposeful storytelling and cultural innovation. 

    Her rise to Executive Director at BaseFM reflects not just professional achievement, but a commitment to inspiring excellence and driving transformation across Africa’s media landscape.

  • Ondo police arrest two siblings for alleged robbery

    Ondo police arrest two siblings for alleged robbery

    …raid mechanic workshop, recovers illegal firearm

    Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested two brothers for alleged robbery during a raid on a mechanic workshop in Ore, headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

    The suspects, identified as Monday Akinmusere and Oluwaseun Akinmusere, were apprehended over the weekend following intelligence gathering by the Divisional Police Office in Ore.

    Their arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, in Akure.

    According to Ayanlade, a locally fabricated pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the suspects after a thorough search of the workshop.

    “Acting on a credible tip-off from a reliable source, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at about 5:15 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer, Ore, led his team to raid a mechanic workshop located off Okitipupa Road, Ore.

    “During the operation, two suspects – one Monday Akinmusere and Oluwaseun Akinmusere, both males and residents of Ore – were arrested. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol with one live cartridge,” the statement read in part.

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    He added that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the firearm and uncover any links with other criminal elements in the area.

    Ayanlade further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the officers for their swift and professional action.

    The commissioner also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their timely and useful information, urging continued collaboration with the police to ensure a safer society.

  • Group urges bold action to empower girls driving change amid crisis

    Group urges bold action to empower girls driving change amid crisis

    As the world marked this year’s United Nations International Day of the Girl Child, the Gender Priority Strategy (GPS) has called for urgent, practical measures to support and protect girls leading to change in conflict and climate-affected regions.

    GPS made the call in a statement titled “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” appealing to governments at all levels, international bodies and civil society to move beyond symbolic recognition and take coordinated action to prioritize girls’ safety, education, and participation in decision-making.

    The group noted that girls were among the most affected by crises, with risks such as child marriage, sexual violence, and exclusion from education, affecting them. In spite of the challenges, it noted that many are emerging as leaders in justice movements, climate action, and peacebuilding.

    “Girls are not victims of circumstance; they are agents of change. When girls lead, communities thrive, societies grow stronger and the world becomes more just,” it said.

    GPS called for increased investment in girl-led initiatives, protection of girls facing displacement, discrimination, or disability, and inclusion of girls’ perspectives in humanitarian and development planning.

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    Linking its advocacy to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UNGA80), the organisation urged member states to reaffirm their commitments to gender equality and ensure that multilateral systems deliver tangible results for girls in all settings.

    The Gender Priority Strategy, launched by the Africana Women Working Group at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, serves as a framework to advance gender equality through Policy, Education, Advocacy, Research, and Solutions (PEARS) in alignment with the Beijing Declaration, Generation Equality, and the UN’s Leave No One Behind mandate.

    The group concluded by calling on all stakeholders to “listen to girls, fund their visions, and follow their lead,” emphasizing that empowering girls is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building inclusive, resilient societies.

  • COEASU gives N4m scholarship to six NCE students

    COEASU gives N4m scholarship to six NCE students

    Six outstanding Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) students have received N4 million scholarship from the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

    The NCE students are drawn from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    The scholarship is part of COEASU’s 2025 World Teachers’ Day, which took place in Abuja.

    An ex-president of COEASU, Dr Smart Odunayo Olugbeko, gave the details at the celebration, which also featured the inauguration of the new National Officers’ Council of the union and an award ceremony.

    The event was organised under the theme “Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future.”

    Dr Olugbeko, in his final address as COEASU president titled “Legacy of a Collective Progress,” said the scholarship formed part of COEASU’s National Scholarship Award for Outstanding NCE Students, introduced in 2024 to promote merit and academic excellence in teacher education.

    He said, “Following a rigorous national examination conducted by the Union, we are pleased to honour the best NCE students from each of the six geopolitical zones with a scholarship of N500,000 each. And to the overall best student in Nigeria, we present a scholarship of B1 million, a symbol of national pride and academic distinction.”

    He also announced the renaming of the national best student prize in honour of late Khalid Yunusa, a student of Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel, who tragically lost his life en route to the zonal stage of the scholarship examination in September.

    “In honour of his memory and the ideals he represented, the Union has resolved to rename the National Best NCE Student Award as the Khalid Yunusa Best NCE Student Award in Nigeria,” Olugbeko stated.

    He added that COEASU’s development partner, AFFIT, had also pledged to immortalise the deceased student through a scholarship for learners in his community.

    Dr Olugbeko, who served as COEASU President from 2021 to 2025, used the occasion to recount key milestones of his administration.

    Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, commended COEASU for maintaining constructive engagement with the government and contributing to reforms in the teacher education sub-sector.

    “Teachers are the custodians of stability and the architects of change. At the Ministry, we are driving a clear agenda to reposition the teaching profession, professionalising, empowering and rewarding teachers,” Alausa said.

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    Represented by Dr Iyabo Ali, a Director from the Ministry, the Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the Dual Mandate Policy, which enables Colleges of Education to run degree programmes alongside NCE programmes.

    The Minister lauded Dr Olugbeko’s leadership for fostering industrial harmony within the system and urged the incoming executive to build on the achievements recorded between 2021 and 2025.

    The new President of COEASU, Dr Ahmed Bazza, said the mandate given to him was clear to protect the welfare of members, advance the cause of teacher education, and build a stronger, more united COEASU.

    He said, “We shall, therefore, continue to engage the government and relevant agencies to ensure the full implementation of the basic instrument with which these aspirations of ours can be achieved, the FGN-COEASU 2010 Agreement.

    “We shall also ensure that the rights and privileges of our members are honoured as appropriate. We shall strengthen our advocacy for the repositioning of Colleges of Education, ensuring adequate funding, infrastructural development, and improved conditions for teaching practice and demonstration schools.”

  • CCF inspires girls on International Day of the Girl Child

    CCF inspires girls on International Day of the Girl Child

    As the world celebrated the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the Clare Cares Foundation (CCF) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young girls through an impactful outreach held at Girls High School, Agege.

    The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis,” brought together hundreds of excited students who engaged in sessions on leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness.

    Guest speakers included Grecelda Hobson, who spoke on “Awake Your Giants”; Victoria Testimony, who discussed “Emotional Intelligence”; and Ngozi Ugochukwu, who delivered a session titled “Empowered to Live.”

    The programme, anchored by Eyinjuoluwa and Glowreesmiles, inspired the students to embrace confidence and take charge of their futures.

    “Every girl has a voice that can transform her world,” said Grecelda Hobson. “Leadership isn’t just about position; it’s about courage, empathy, and the determination to make things better.”

    One of the key highlights was a session on menstrual hygiene, where participants learned about maintaining personal hygiene and managing their health with dignity. As part of CCF’s ongoing Pad a Girl initiative, the foundation distributed sanitary pads to all students and members of the school management.

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    “Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental part of girls’ health and dignity,” noted Ngozi Ugochukwu. “By educating and equipping them, we’re breaking the silence around menstruation and helping girls stay in school.”

    The event ended on a joyful note, with students dancing and singing along to “I Am Unstoppable” by Sis, reflecting the spirit of confidence and resilience shared throughout the programme.

    A representative of the Clare Cares Foundation thanked the speakers, school management, and students for their participation, saying, “Empowering girls is key to building stronger communities. When girls are confident, informed, and supported, they don’t just change their stories — they change the world.”

    The Clare Cares Foundation continues to promote education, health, and empowerment among women and children through initiatives such as Feed 1000, Pad a Girl, Skills Acquisition, and Orphanage Partnership.

  • Reps member organises free medical outreach for Cross River constituents

    Reps member organises free medical outreach for Cross River constituents

    The member representing Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey has collaborated with the Cross River State Government to offer free medical services to thousands of his constituents across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South.

    The free medical outreach, which took place from October 8-10, 2025, at the headquarters of each council, provided essential healthcare services to the constituents.

    Speaking at the end of the outreach, Hon. Bassey emphasized that healthcare provision for his constituents is a priority of his representation.

    According to him, the free medical outreach targeted thousands of constituent members in Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South, offering services such as free surgeries, eye checkups, malaria and typhoid testing, and distribution of medication.

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    Hon. Bassey assured his constituents of his commitment to their healthcare and socio-economic well-being.

    Chairman of Calabar South LGA, Hon. Patrick Archibong, commended Hon. Bassey for always reaching out to members of his constituency at the grassroots level, adding that the free medical outreach has brought succour to the people of the Federal constituency.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for prioritizing their health and well-being, assuring him of their support in his future endeavours.