The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Personnel welfare: Coalition faults alleged media attacks on NSCDC leadership

    Personnel welfare: Coalition faults alleged media attacks on NSCDC leadership

    The Coalition of Civil Societies (CCS) has dismissed online reports alleging non-payment of promotion arrears and diversion of welfare funds under the current leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), describing the claims as false and misleading.

    The coalition said a report published on January 23, 2026, was part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and stir disaffection within the Corps under the leadership of the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Coalition’s National Coordinator, Sunday Attah, said the “coordinated attack” reports were not only inaccurate but deliberately crafted to discredit the NSCDC.

    “The Coalition will not stand by while faceless interests weaponise the media to blackmail a critical national security institution. These repeated, unfounded attacks are not journalism; they are acts of institutional sabotage with dangerous consequences,” he said.

    The Coalition clarified that the payment of salary and promotion arrears for paramilitary agencies does not fall solely within the authority of the NSCDC leadership, noting that such matters are handled through the Presidential Committee on Arrears, chaired by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    According to the statement, records show that when the current Commandant General assumed office in 2021, the Corps had accumulated more than five years of unpaid arrears.

    Read Also: NSCDC Abuja decorates 402 newly promoted officers with new ranks

    It said engagement with relevant government bodies led to the clearance of arrears covering 2015 to 2019, affecting over 37,000 personnel nationwide.

    The Coalition added that arrears for the 2020–2022 period have been processed and approved, pending fund release, while those for 2023–2024 await presidential approval and budgetary provision.

    On promotion arrears, Attah said the 2025 promotion examination results were released only in December 2025, making allegations of diversion unfounded.

    “The media must decide whether it stands for truth or allows itself to be hired as a blunt instrument of character assassination. Ethical journalism demands verification, not vendetta,” Attah said.

    The Coalition urged NSCDC personnel to remain focused, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure payment of all outstanding entitlements, stating, “The truth is stubborn. No amount of manufactured outrage or digital noise can erase the facts.”

  • Ekiti govt targets N8.8trn GDP for 2026

    Ekiti govt targets N8.8trn GDP for 2026

    Ekiti State Government has projected a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N8.8 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year as it unveiled the breakdown of its N415.57bn Budget of Impactful Governance.

    The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, stated this in Ado-Ekiti during a presentation of the 2026 budget analysis to government officials, financial experts, and other stakeholders.

    Ajayi said that the budget was designed to stimulate economic growth through strategic investments in agriculture, education, infrastructure, arts, tourism, and the informal sector.

    He noted that the budget was prepared in line with the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the state’s 30-year Development Plan, saying that the MTEF provided a guide for efficient resource allocation and completion of projects within a medium-term period.

    Ajayi explained that the fiscal framework was based on macroeconomic projections with a spending ceiling of ₦570.05bn, adding that the government adopted a zero-based budgeting approach with emphasis on completing ongoing projects to drive economic growth.

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    He said that funding for the 2026 budget would come from federal allocation (30 per cent), grants from domestic and foreign development partners (29 per cent), Value Added Tax (19 per cent), state independent revenue (11 per cent), and loans (two per cent).

    Ajayi added that recurrent expenditure would be allocated to personnel costs (28 per cent), overheads (28 per cent), grants and subsidies (18 per cent), and debt servicing (0.2 per cent), among others.

    On capital expenditure, Ajayi said that 72 per cent would be spent on economic services, 14 per cent on social services, 13 per cent on administrative services, and one per cent on law and justice.

    He disclosed that capital spending aligned with the administration’s six pillars would focus on infrastructure and industrial development (57 per cent), agriculture and rural development (22 per cent), governance (nine per cent), human capital development (nine per cent), youth development and job creation (two per cent), and arts, culture and tourism (one per cent).

    Ajayi reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Oyebanji administration to fiscal accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth, adding that safety nets would be provided to cushion the impact of reforms on vulnerable groups.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said the success of previous budgets under the administration was driven by inclusive governance, fiscal transparency, and accountability.

    He commended Governor Oyebanji for implementing people-oriented reforms and programmes aimed at accelerating development in the state.

  • Alaafin’s wife installs community head, seeks peace among residents

    Alaafin’s wife installs community head, seeks peace among residents

    Wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, has advised the newly installed Baale of Ona-Aka community in Oyo town, Chief Oyedokun Akinade, to build strong networks based on trust and respect, and nurturing a sense of belonging and community identity.

    Ayaba Owoade gave the advice in the ancient Palace while conferring chieftaincy of Baale Ona-Aka community on Chief Akinade, urging the new community head to bridge gaps between different groups, ensuring inclusivity, and preventing disparities that can lead to internal conflict.

    She said, “You act as an arbitrator in household and community-level disputes, using dialogue and mediation to maintain harmony. You must promote values like tolerance, respect, and compassion, which are essential for a harmonious society.

    Read Also: Alaafin relocates to ancient palace

    “You are the first line of defense in maintaining stability. You must identify early warning signs of conflict and use local mechanisms, such as traditional courts, to resolve disputes. As Baale, you must actively encourage peaceful coexistence, reminding your people that disunity delays development.

    “As a community head, you play a foundational role in fostering unity, maintaining peace, and driving development at the grassroots level. You act as vital intermediaries between the Alaafin and the people, leveraging their moral authority to ensure social cohesion, resolve conflicts, and mobilize resources for community betterment”.

    Ayaba Owoade, who enjoined the new Baale of Ona- Aka community to always let his loyalty be unflinching to the Alaafin, charged the people of the community to cooperate with their new head and refrain from acts that are detrimental to the progress and development of the community.

    Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade
  • Bayelsa holds valedictory court session in honour of late Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo

    Bayelsa holds valedictory court session in honour of late Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo

    A valedictory court session was held on Thursday in honour of the late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at High Court One, High Court Complex in Yenagoa.

    The session drew members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council, judicial officers, members of the Bar and Bench, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.

    Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa-Ayemieye, described the passing of the Deputy Governor as a “sudden and devastating departure.”

    She noted that although his life was cut short in his prime, he lived a fulfilled and impactful life, urging Nigerians to live responsibly and leave meaningful legacies.

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    She emphasised that service to humanity remains the true measure of success.

    Governor Douye Diri said the late Ewhrudjakpo was a strong pillar of support and played a critical role in the administration’s legal and judicial engagements, drawing from his background as a lawyer.

    Highlights of the session included the moving of a motion on notice by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, led by its Chairman, Mr. Clement Kekemeke, a response by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, the service of court orders on relevant parties and the family, and a ruling by the Chief Judge.

    The event concluded with a file-past of the casket by the Chief Judge, visiting Chief Judges, Magistrates, Chairman of Customary Courts, leaders and members of the NBA Yenagoa and Sagbama branches, the bereaved family, and members of the public.

  • Patjeda Group boss urges stronger CSR to stem youth migration

    Patjeda Group boss urges stronger CSR to stem youth migration

    …set to scale up back-to-school initiative’s scope

    Chief Ehiagwina Patrick, Group Managing Director of Patjeda Group, has said effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) by private sector organisations could help reduce the growing migration of Nigerian youths in search of better opportunities abroad.

    Speaking on Wednesday at a policy dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, Patrick called on companies to strengthen their CSR initiatives, particularly in education, security, and skills development.

    The event, organised by PATJEDA Group, focused on how structured social investments can support sustainable national growth.

    Patrick said enhanced CSR efforts could create jobs, build youth confidence, and encourage young Nigerians to pursue opportunities within the country. She stressed that CSR should move beyond philanthropy and be strategically aligned with sustainable development goals to deliver long-term impact.

    She urged corporate organisations to adopt structured and long-term CSR frameworks, align social investments with national priorities, and prioritise measurable impact over publicity.

    Patrick also called for stronger collaboration between the private sector, government, and civil society groups to design programmes that empower youths and restore confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects.

    Many young Nigerians, she noted, leave the country due to limited access to education, employment, skills development, and economic empowerment, adding that deliberate and well-targeted CSR programmes could help address these challenges.

    “There are children who have embraced hooliganism and drug abuse due to a lack of support to attend school or develop skills; therefore, it is necessary for companies to prioritise CSR for national development.

    “This led PATJEDA to develop the back-to-school initiative, which empowered no fewer than 300 pupils in 2025, and we look forward to empowering 500 pupils in 2026.

    “This will be extended to Anifowose Primary School in Ikeja, Ikoyi-Ekiti community in Ekiti State, and other strategic locations.

    “Our educational CSR focuses on scholarships, bursaries, school support initiatives, and assistance from primary to tertiary levels. We will also invest in our “Feed the Widows Initiative in Ikeja,” she said.

    Patrick said it had become imperative to view CSR as a structured, value-driven tool for development and not as charity.

    According to her, this is necessary at a time when Nigeria is grappling with complex socio-economic challenges, ranging from youth unemployment, gaps in access to education, infrastructure deficits, and food insecurity.

    She said, “CSR must evolve from token gestures and isolated donations into strategic, sustainable, and people-centred interventions that align with national development priorities and measurable outcomes.

    “CSR, when properly designed, strengthens communities, de-risks environments, and builds long-term social capital.

    “To ensure sustainability, accountability, and focus, Patjeda Group’s CSR initiatives are driven through two dedicated foundations: Patrick Ejedawe Empowerment Foundation and Heart of Gold Support & Care Initiative.

    “These foundations operate as non-commercial, impact-focused platforms, allowing CSR activities to be community-responsive rather than publicity-driven.

    “In December, Patjeda Group intervened in making the Uromi axis of the Agbor–Auchi expressway, a federal road in dire need of palliative measures, motorable. This improved economic activity along the corridor.”

    Mr John Ighodalo, Executive Director of Corporate Services and Finance, Patjeda Group, in his opening remarks, urged corporate organisations to focus on policy alignment, scalability, and transparency to ensure that CSR initiatives become truly impactful.

    “In Patjeda Group, we view and treat CSR as a social capital expenditure and not as an administrative expense.”

    Also, the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mr Akeem Dauda, appreciated the company for its lasting impact on the community, describing it as the top contributor to local development.

    Dauda acknowledged Patjeda’s contributions, particularly in the areas of security and education.

    He noted that, given the significant challenges facing the council, he hopes for further support from the group to extend its assistance.

    Meanwhile, Oba Ogundana Akinwande, Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ekiti, lauded the significant impact of Patjeda’s CSR initiatives, noting that he had personally benefited from them both as a retired police officer and as a traditional ruler.

    Patjeda Group is a Nigerian-owned conglomerate with diversified interests spanning: Transportation and Logistics, Hospitality and Tourism, Oil and Gas, Security Support Services, Courier and Integrated Services, Retail, Agriculture, Education, and Business Solutions.

    Since its incorporation in 2007, the group has expanded operations across Lagos, Aba, Abuja, Benin, Uromi, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, and Kaduna, contributing to employment generation, service delivery, and regional economic inclusion.

  • Firm appoints UB of Lagos as brand ambassador

    Firm appoints UB of Lagos as brand ambassador

    One of Nigeria’s leading fashion brands, Okechi Stores, has officially unveiled popular actor, model, influencer, and content creator Ubong Frank, widely known as UB of Lagos, as its brand ambassador.

    The endorsement agreement was formally signed today at the company’s corporate office in Ajah, Lagos, marking a significant milestone in Okechi Stores’ strategic brand expansion.

    Describing the partnership as a defining moment for the company, the management of Okechi Stores noted that the endorsement signals the beginning of a new era of growth, increased visibility, and excellence for the brand.

    Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Okechi Stores, Chijioke Ifeanyi Nnanna, expressed excitement over the collaboration, describing it as a long-awaited vision brought to life.

    “This is a huge dream come true for us. We have closely monitored Ubong Frank, popularly known as UB of Lagos, for six months. What stands out most is his genuine passion for the fashion industry, his consistency, and his strong influence. These values align perfectly with our brand philosophy, which informed our decision to endorse him. We are confident that he will help take Okechi Stores to the next level,” he said.

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    In his response, UB of Lagos praised Okechi Stores for its commitment to quality, durability, and excellence, noting that the brand possesses the attributes required to compete on a global scale.

    The endorsement deal, valued at 15 million naira, covers a six-month ambassadorial engagement.

    “Okechi Stores is a brand with immense quality and potential. It focuses on beauty and quality, not just quantity, and its products are durable. These are the reasons I am proud to be associated with the brand. I strongly believe that within the next six months, Okechi Stores will become a household name, not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” he stated.

    He further emphasized the brand’s consistency and readiness to expand its market presence, adding that such dedication positions Okechi Stores for long-term success across the continent.

    The endorsement is expected to significantly strengthen Okechi Stores’ market presence while reinforcing its reputation as a fashion brand committed to innovation, quality, and excellence.

  • Police reform group urges compliance with court orders on officers’ reinstatement

    Police reform group urges compliance with court orders on officers’ reinstatement

    The Civil Society Forum for Police Reform, led by Comrade Ibrahim Ilyasu, has called on the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to comply with existing court judgments directing the reinstatement of retired police officers.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Forum referenced recent rulings by the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordering the reinstatement of senior officers from Courses 18, 19, and 20, as contained in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/28/2025, presided over by Justice R. B. Hasstrup.

    According to the Forum, the court ruled in favour of the affected officers—ACP Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, CSP Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie, and CSP Adetu Omoteso—after determining that their retirement did not align with applicable legal provisions on due process and retirement age.

    In its judgment, the NIC nullified circulars issued on January 31, 2025, and subsequent administrative actions related to the officers’ retirement. The court directed that the officers be recalled and reinstated to continue their service.

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    “The circular is hereby set aside. All the claimants are entitled to the reliefs sought. The Defendants are directed to recall the claimants to continue their service accordingly,” the court ruled.

    The Forum noted that the judgment aligns with earlier NIC rulings, including a 2022 decision ordering the reinstatement of disengaged officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy.

    The group emphasized the importance of adherence to court judgments for maintaining institutional order, public trust in the justice system, and progress in police reform. 

    It also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the full implementation of all subsisting court rulings on the matter.

    The Forum expressed optimism that prompt action would reinforce respect for the rule of law, enhance police morale, and support ongoing efforts toward accountability and reform within the security sector.

  • Police uncover N7.7b cyber fraud

    Police uncover N7.7b cyber fraud

    The Nigeria Police Force, through the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF–NCCC), have dismantled a sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud syndicate.

     The syndicate, NPF said, was responsible for the illegal diversion of a telecoms company’s airtime and data resources, resulting in an estimated financial loss of over N7.7 billion.

     The breakthrough followed a petition by a Nigerian telecom company, which reported suspicious and unauthorised activities within its billing and payments infrastructure.

     According to a statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, investigations showed that internal staff login credentials had been compromised, granting threat actors unlawful access to core systems.

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     Hundeyin said: “Following weeks of planning, coordinated enforcement operations were executed in October 2025 in Kano and Katsina states, with a follow-up arrest in the Federal Capital Territory. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects: Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad.’’

     He said the items recovered items include two houses in Kano, two mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets containing over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle – proceeds of the crime. Huge sums traced to the suspects’ account were also recovered.

    The suspects would be charged to court on the completion of the investigation.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the investigators for their professionalism. He reiterated the resolve of the Nigeria Police, through the NPF–NCCC, to safeguard Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystems, dismantle cyber-criminal networks, and ensure that offenders were held accountable regardless of their position or affiliation.

  • Lagos govt introduces measles-rubella vaccine for immunisation

    Lagos govt introduces measles-rubella vaccine for immunisation

    The Lagos State government has introduced the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine into the state’s Routine Immunisation Programme in lbeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat.

     The wife of Lagos State governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Oluremi Hamzat, described the introduction of the vaccine as the vision of the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

     In a statement, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Adetayo Akitoye Asagba, said Sanwo-Olu’s wife noted that health, human capital development, social inclusion, and governance remain critical pillars for building an inclusive state.

    Also, Mrs Sanwo-Olu stated that the administration had invested a lot in the sector, leading to improvements in maternal and child health, especially primary healthcare.

    According to her, Asagba said the introduction was timely and aimed at eliminating the disease and prevent disabilities among children.

    The Special adviser to the governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, according to Asagba, noted that the use of the vaccine was vital to securing children.

    “No child in Lagos should suffer or die from diseases that are preventable. This initiative underscores our administration’s commitment to child health, family well-being, and the strengthening of primary health care as the bedrock of a healthy society.” Mrs. Ogunyemi stated.

     On the importance of the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, explained that the use of the vaccine marked a shift from reactive response to an outbreak to sustained prevention.

    He said over 10.4 million children aged nine months to 14 years would be reached during the initial mass vaccination phase, after which the vaccine would be fully integrated into routine immunisation at nine months (MR1) and 15 months (MR2).

    Read Also: Nigerian artists dominate United States auction

    He urged parents to ensure that eligible children were vaccinated, stressing that the initiative aligns with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda of the administration and the goal of building a healthier, safer, and more resilient Lagos.

     Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, commended the state government for prioritising grassroots healthcare delivery and bringing life-saving interventions closer to communities.

    Dignitaries at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Permanent Secretary Health District V, Dr Asiyanbi; Onibeju of Ibeju Land, Oba Wahili Olashunkami Rasaki; chiefs; political leaders from Ibeju-Lekki and communities, as well as representatives of development partner organisations, including World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children Funds (UNICEF), CHAI, GAVI and AFENET.

    ‎Others were the Chairman, Lekki Local Council Development Area, Rasaq Kasali, and his wife; Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and LSPHCB directors.

  • My alleged arrest over banditry was fabricated, says Miyetti Allah chair

    My alleged arrest over banditry was fabricated, says Miyetti Allah chair

    Kwara State Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Garba, has described his arrest for alleged involvement in terrorism and sponsorship of banditry as false, misleading and malicious. Garba in a statement said: “The allegation is entirely false, baseless, and fabricated by the enemies of peace.”

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    According to him, there was no time he was arrested, invited, interrogated, or investigated by any security agency in the state or elsewhere in relation to kidnapping, terrorism, or the sponsorship of banditry.