The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Tinubu’s student loan is a game-changer, says Senator Imaseun

    Tinubu’s student loan is a game-changer, says Senator Imaseun

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition, Senator Neda Imasuen, has said that President Bola Tinubu’s student loan scheme was the game-changer in the country’s educational development.

    Senator Imasuen said the Student Loan Act remained a vital step to widening access to higher education.

    Imaseun, who represents Edo South, said Nigeria needed ethical leaders, problem solvers, and courageous leaders more than degrees.

    Senator Imaseun said education was not about acquiring certificates but building resilience, character, and responsibility.

    He said the National Assembly remained committed to improving funding for Universities in the country as well as safeguarding academic freedom.

    Imasuen spoke at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Benin, where he was honoured with the Distinguished Legislative Leadership award.

    Represented at the event by a former Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Senator Imasuen said he has contributed to the development of the education sector in Edo South Senatorial district.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s ready, willing to host  Commonwealth Games, says  Tinubu

    Speaking on his contributions to education in Edo South, Senator Imasuen said he has awarded scholarships to over 420 indigent students in the past two years.

    He said he paid the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) fees for over 500 students and sponsored vocational training for parents in skills such as modern farming, fashion design, and traditional event services.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Edosa Bright Omoregie, who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Victor Ighineweka, described the Faculty as “a beacon of intellectual, cultural, and humanistic development” whose alumni have shaped Nigeria’s academic, artistic, and political landscapes.

    Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Francis Egbokhare, who spoke on the theme “The Place of Humanity in an AI Era”, said Artificial Intelligence would not replace human potential.

    Professor Egbokhare said the world’s greatest challenges remained “humanistic, not scientific,” and argued that issues of values, equity, leadership, and purpose could not be resolved by technology but by human-centred thinking.

  • Firm unveils devt charter to address housing, other challenges in Bwari Area Council

    Firm unveils devt charter to address housing, other challenges in Bwari Area Council

    A non-governmental organisation, HipCity Innovation Centre, has unveiled a Development Charter for the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The document, designed by residents of Bwari, seeks to tackle critical social and infrastructural challenges in the council, including housing, urbanisation, transportation, and basic service delivery.

    Executive Director of HipCity Innovation Centre, Bassey Bassey, described the charter as both a manifesto of rights and dignity and a tool to strengthen accountability between residents and government.

    “Bwari is one of Abuja’s fastest-growing councils, yet its people face enormous challenges—unaffordable housing, inadequate transportation, weak service delivery, and exclusion of vulnerable groups,” Bassey said.

     “This Charter is the response of the residents themselves—crafted from months of dialogue with women, youth, and persons with disabilities. It captures their realities and their vision for an inclusive, sustainable Bwari.”

    According to him, the charter, developed through extensive consultations, is expected to serve as both a guide for government policymakers and an advocacy tool for residents.

    Bassey said the charter aligned with Nigeria’s national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), positioning Bwari as a potential model for inclusive city development.

    The HipCity boss called for a stronger collaboration between community members and government authorities, emphasising that cities must be built around people and their rights, not just physical infrastructure.

    Read Also: Firm invests $1.5m in e-waste recycling to boost battery circularity

    “The Charter before us is a roadmap—let us walk it together. Because a city is more than its buildings, it is its people, its rights, and its possibilities,” he said.

    The unveiling brought together government representatives, community leaders, and civil society organisations, all of whom welcomed the Charter as a step toward ensuring no resident of Bwari is left behind.

  • Aladetan emerges as TUC Lagos council chairman, pledges workers’ welfare

    Aladetan emerges as TUC Lagos council chairman, pledges workers’ welfare

    Abiodun Aladetan has emerged as the newly elected chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

    Aladetan, who is an affiliate member of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), was elected alongside seven other executive committee members.

    The election, which took place at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, on Thursday, had Chinatu Iregbeyen from the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) as vice-chairman; Hannah Omeje from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as secretary; and Egbukichi Veronica from Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).

    Others are: Samsondeen Ajala from Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) as treasurer; Salau Oladele from Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) as financial secretary; Kabiawu Gbolahan from Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) as public relations officer, and Martins Adesanoye from Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) as auditor.

    Aladetan, in his acceptance speech, promised to enhance the welfare of his members, saying that his administration would focus more on areas, particularly in the private and informal sectors, where workers are being treated unfairly with unfavourable practices happening.

    “We have a lot of challenges presently in the world of work. The world of work is going through a lot of transformation and automation, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

    “We have seen a lot of workers’ rights being trampled upon, particularly when you look at employers from the private sector; workers are literally treated unfairly. It is one area I think this administration is going to focus on, because the practice over the years is that people attribute labour centres basically to public services. I think it is beyond that because most of our affiliates are actually not even in the public sector; they are in the private sector.

    Read Also: TUC rejects 5% petroleum tax

    “So for this administration, we are going to focus more on those areas so that we can help protect and safeguard the rights of Nigerian workers, particularly those in the informal sector,” he said.

    The new Lagos TUC Chairman also said he plans to pursue the mega project on the mass housing scheme for workers and ensure the Council moves away from rented apartments to its own secretariat.

    “Presently, we operate from rented apartments, but it is a goal that we must achieve to have our own secretariat. We have a committee also to ensure that we empower our members in terms of agriculture so that they can become self-sufficient even in retirement.

    “Even our pensioners, there are existing discussions about ensuring that retirees enjoy certain benefits such as free medical treatment and free transportation. We will engage the government so that they can extend it further,” he said.

    He dismissed claims about any faction, saying, “As far as Lagos State is concerned, there is only one TUC. Let me set the record straight. The guidelines of the TUC and the delegates’ list were released by the national secretariat. The first election was suspended. People showed interest in picking up nomination forms, and the nomination process was closed.

    “It was based on the fact that the election we have conducted here today is in line with those who have obtained nomination. The records are there. You can confirm even from the security agencies. They have those reports even before today.

    “The names of those who were declared here today are those who truly vied for those positions. There were attempts by some unions to manipulate the process to favour certain candidates, but when we saw what the people did, they came out and defended their rights. What we have seen here today is the triumph of truth over falsehood.”

  • Afriland Towers fire: AfriSAFE seeks stronger safety measures, accountability

    Afriland Towers fire: AfriSAFE seeks stronger safety measures, accountability

    The Chief Executive Officer of HSENations, organisers of the African Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE), Mr. Femi Da-Silva, has called for systemic reforms and greater accountability following the tragic Afriland Towers fire.

    The inferno at the six-storey commercial building claimed 10 lives, including staff of United Capital and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    Offering condolences to the bereaved families, Da-Silva said the incident was a stark reminder of systemic failure in safety standards and enforcement.

    Da-silva said, “As we sympathise with the families, we must hold someone responsible for what has happened, no matter how highly placed.

    “Fire management in high-rise buildings starts right from the design stage. Was the building designed with safety in mind? Compartmentation helps keep fires contained, and the use of fire-resistant building materials and fire-rated doors slows down the spread. What about the early warning and quick response system?

    “We also need to look at the people managing the facility. It is a failure of multiple systems as just one failure should not have resulted in such a massive loss of lives”, he said.

    He added, “Without prejudice to the outcome of any investigations, I suspect there was an inadequate emergency evacuation plan in place, and it is unlikely that fire drills were conducted regularly, leading to occupants being ignorant of what to do in this kind of instance.

    Da-silva reiterated that incidents like the Afriland Towers fire are preventable with proactive measures, including the installation of advanced fire suppression systems, conducting mandatory evacuation drills, and ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

    Read Also: Afriland Towers fire: Tinubu, First Lady, Sanwo-Olu, others condole with families, FIRS, UBA, United Capital

    Da-silva, who also coordinates the Lagos International Fire Safety Conference, emphasised that the tragedy exposes the need for action beyond mere expressions of sympathy.

    “As expected, prominent Nigerians have been releasing condolence messages in the wake of this tragedy, but we must move beyond rhetoric and begin to collectively take concrete action,” he said.

    The prominent safety advocate highlighted the role of technology and the importance of staff training in preventing similar incidents.

    He said, “At the 2025 Lagos fire conference, we had an expo for advanced fire surveillance and suppression systems that could have stopped this fire.”

    Da-silva hailed the announcement of a nationwide Fire Safety Compliance Task Force by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, urging regulators to act with integrity and foresight.

    He called for the launch of an independent probe into the cause of the fire and to hold accountable any parties found responsible for negligence.

    Da-silva disclosed that advancing fire safety will be on the front burner when delegates from various African nations converge in Mombasa, Kenya, in November for the 2025 Africa Safety Conference and Awards (AfriSAFE).

    “As Africa’s leading advocacy organisation for health, safety, and environmental excellence, HSENations stands ready to collaborate with stakeholders to drive these changes”.

    “We cannot afford to wait for another loss of life to spur action. The time for real reform is now,” Da-silva stressed.

  • Busola Dakolo hosts Baobab & Marula book launch on climate solutions

    Busola Dakolo hosts Baobab & Marula book launch on climate solutions

    Communications specialist, Busola Dakolo, has underscored the cultural and economic significance of Africa’s trees during the virtual launch of Baobab & Marula, New Solutions to Global Warming and Food Security, held on September 17, 2025.

    In her opening remarks, Dakolo described the book as “a seed of knowledge and possibility” at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, food insecurity, and the urgent need to preserve indigenous wisdom.

    “Under the shade of a tree, stories are told, children learn, and elders pass down wisdom,” she said. “If the marula tree today can put school fees in a mother’s hand and food on the table, we can only imagine the opportunities that unfold with greater investment.”

    Read Also: Fed Govt, stakeholders to adopt climate friendly technologies 

    She stressed that beyond their nutritional and economic value, baobab and marula also represent heritage, wisdom, and community.

    The event drew scholars, writers, environmental experts, and policymakers from across the world into a wide-ranging dialogue on how baobab and marula can contribute to tackling climate change, food insecurity, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.

    Delivering the keynote address, Finnish writer Risto Isomäki argued that Africa’s indigenous trees could play a decisive role in shaping a greener future, while Professor Arinola Adefila of Buckinghamshire New University described the baobab as a place of learning and inspiration.

    Other contributors, including Professor Ahmad Cheikhyoussef (University of Namibia) and Professor Joyce Lepetu (Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources), highlighted the nutritional, medicinal, and ecological importance of the species.

    Dakolo framed the book as “a seed of knowledge and possibility” planted in response to today’s urgent challenges: climate change, food insecurity, and the preservation of indigenous wisdom. She linked the practical benefits of the marula tree to everyday realities, such as providing school fees and food for families. She grounded the conversation in lived African experience and possibility.

    Published by Into Publishing in collaboration with the Baorula Network, the book showcases perspectives from 35 contributors across academia and practice.

  • Tinubu Media Force hails President as FAAC distributes ₦2.225trn for August

    Tinubu Media Force hails President as FAAC distributes ₦2.225trn for August

    …challenges LG to invest in entrepreneurship support, CNG Transport

    The Tinubu Media Force (TMF) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the historic revenue distribution milestone achieved through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    In August 2025, FAAC disbursed ₦2.225 trillion to the three tiers of government, marking the second consecutive month allocations have exceeded ₦2 trillion.

    TMF described the feat as proof of the President’s economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and decisive actions to block revenue leakages.

    The organisation, regarded as the largest progressive grassroots media structure with presence in all 36 states, 109 senatorial districts, and 774 local government areas, emphasised that the record allocation must be translated into real benefits for ordinary Nigerians.

    The group emphasized that local governments, being the closest arm of government to the people, are uniquely positioned to channel these resources into projects that directly reduce the cost of living.

    In a statement issued by its national coordinator, Abiola Oluwagbenga, TMF urged local governments to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus transportation models as a sustainable solution to rising transport costs. 

    According to Oluwagbenga, CNG buses would provide affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly transport alternatives while aligning with the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda under the Renewed Hope vision.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s ready, willing to host  Commonwealth Games, says  Tinubu

    On food security, TMF advised local councils to establish food hubs and storage facilities across the country’s 774 local government areas. 

    The group noted that such infrastructure would reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize supply chains, and keep food prices affordable for families. 

    “Food hubs and storage systems at the grassroots will enhance preservation, minimize waste, and guarantee fair returns for both farmers and traders,” the statement read.

    The organization further called for the creation of logistics and distribution services that can supply food efficiently into local government markets. 

    By putting structured systems in place, TMF argued, councils would gain a measure of regulatory oversight over food supply and pricing, ensuring consistent access to safe and affordable produce in every community.

    TMF also stressed the importance of entrepreneurship funding and talent discovery for young people, urging local governments to establish programs that nurture innovation and creativity at the grassroots. 

    By creating youth enterprise funds, training hubs, and skill incubation centers, councils can empower the next generation with opportunities for self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

    Concluding, TMF urged local governments to craft policies in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the record FAAC allocation presents an unprecedented opportunity. 

    “Investments in transport, food hubs, logistics, and youth enterprise will not only reduce costs for the average Nigerian but also lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable development,” Oluwagbenga declared.

  • The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie’s burial holds Saturday

    The Nation’s Evelyn Osagie’s burial holds Saturday

    • Osundare to lead others at Night of Tributes

    The burial of The Nation Assistant Editor (Arts), Evelyn Osagie, begins today with a Service of Songs/Night of Tributes at the Meeting Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, at 4 p.m.

    Literary critic and eminent poet, Prof Niyi Osundare, is expected to lead other Nigerians in the media and Arts community at the hybrid event.

    The late Ms. Osagie, also known as Evelyn D’Poet, died on August 17 after a brief illness. She was 49.

    Her journey home will take place tomorrow at Atan Cemetery on University Road in Yaba, Lagos, at noon.

    A graduate of English and Literature from the University of Benin (UniBen) in Edo State, Ms. Osagie’s career at The Nation and her restless foray into performance aesthetics left an enduring imprint in Nigeria’s arts space.

     Beyond journalism and performance, she was also fondly remembered for her love of photography and adire textile art, into which she had begun to make serious inroads.

    READ ALSO: Five smart ways Nigerians in Diaspora grow local ventures

     Fondly self-styled Evelyn D’Poet, the late journalist compressed time and activism into one fistful of immersive artistic adventure that defined her 49 years of existence.

    Shortly after her passing, her colleagues across the country, under the aegis of ACWAN, set up a WhatsApp platform to coordinate activities in her memory and support the family she left behind.

     A memorial site (www.forevermissed.com/evelynosagie/about) was also created for tributes.

    Caretaker Committee Chairman of ACWAN, Tony Okuyeme of New Telegraph, explained that the platform was created to honour the late Ms. Osagie’s life and legacy.

    Okuyeme added: “It will serve as a space to share memories, offer tributes, and coordinate support for the family and memorial arrangements. Let us come together to celebrate a life well lived and extend love to those left behind.”

    In a tribute tagged: In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Member, Evelyn Osagie, ACWAN described her as “a cherished voice and inspiring figure within our community”.

    Okuyeme also said: “Her legacy is one of creativity, kindness, and an enduring love for cultural expression. Throughout her remarkable career, she touched the hearts of many, inspiring countless artists, writers, arts and culture enthusiasts, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts in various forms.”

  • Minister pledges support to hajj exercises in FCT

    Minister pledges support to hajj exercises in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to provide first-class welfare services to its contingents on hajj exercises.

    Mahmoud made the pledge on Thursday when she received the Director of the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (MPWB), Mallam Kadiri Edah, who presented the three certificates of recognition for the 2025 hajj exercise awarded by the Independent Hajj Reporters.

    The Minister stated that the awards by the Non-Governmental Organization that monitors hajj activities was a testimony of the effort by the Administration through the MPWB in the provision of best services to the pilgrims each year in Hajj operation.

    The minister said the present administration has carried out a series of reforms to ensure that Nigerians who choose to partake in the religious exercise through the FCT MPWB gets value for their hard-earned money and get satisfaction for the services rendered.

    She explained that the Administration would continue to support the Board and other departments in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    She disclosed that the FCT Administration is coming up with new strategies to ensure that Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board wins more awards of excellence in future Hajj operations through enhanced services.

    In his speech while presenting the three medals to the Minister, the Director of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah disclosed that the awards were as a result of the support enjoyed by the entire workforce of the Board from the Minister of FCT and the Minister of State throughout the 2025 Hajj exercise.

    Read Also: FCT board begins registration for 2026 Hajj pilgrims

    Edah stated that with the support of the administration, the Board was able to record the best hajj exercise in 2025 despite all challenges that are peculiar to hajj operations.

    The director presented the three medals and the certificates of excellence to the FCT Minister of state, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud through the Chairman of the 2025 Hajj Ministerial Committee, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauranmanta.

    Meanwhile, three members of staff of the MPWB were recognized for their outstanding performance during the last exercise.

    The director of FCT MPWB, Kadiri Edah clinched the award of the best Service Oriented Pilgrims’ Board Executive during the 2025 Hajj exercise, the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Mohammed Lawal Aliyu and Head of ICT unit of the Board, Na’Allah Ado were honoured for their meritorious service to FCT Pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise in their various fields. 

  • Late journalist, Evelyn Osagie, for burial September 20

    Late journalist, Evelyn Osagie, for burial September 20

    The Nigerian media community will on Saturday, September 20, bid farewell to one of its brightest voices, Evelyn Eseoghene Osagie, fondly known as Evelyn D’Poet, Assistant Editor, Arts, at The Nation newspaper.

    Her family, in collaboration with the Arts & Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) and a committee of friends, has unveiled a two-day funeral programme.

    Proceedings will begin on Friday, September 19, with a Night of Tribute and Service of Songs tagged “Celebration of Life” at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, by 4:00 p.m. 

    The hybrid event will feature a special presentation by renowned poet Prof. Niyi Osundare, who will deliver his tribute via webinar.

    The interment will follow on Saturday, September 20, at Atan Cemetery, University Road, Yaba, Lagos, starting at 12 noon.

    Osagie, aged 49, passed away on Sunday, August 17, after a brief illness, leaving a significant void in Nigeria’s arts and culture reporting landscape.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described her death as “sad and heartbreaking,” praising her creativity, commitment, and outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and advocacy for women.

    Read Also: Evelyn Osagie: The passing of a star

    The Lagos State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also expressed shock, hailing her as a cultural advocate and poet whose passion earned recognition from Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

    Her award-winning reporting on social justice issues, including her celebrated story of 13-year-old Indian Ayuba, who cared for her mentally challenged mother, won her the 2015 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Beatrice Bassey Prize for Female Reporter.

    Warm, cheerful, and deeply passionate, Osagie is remembered by colleagues at The Nation as a rare blend of artistry and dedication. Her passing is mourned as a profound loss to journalism, culture, and the nation at large.

  • LASG orders immediate suspension of all reclamation projects

    LASG orders immediate suspension of all reclamation projects

    The Lagos state government has ordered the immediate suspension of all reclamation projects across the state, regardless of whether they have Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval or drainage clearance.

    In a public notice issued by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab raised alarm over the unchecked reclamation of wetlands, floodplains, and lagoons in areas including Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island Extension, Lekki, Ajah, Oworonshoki, Lagos Mainland, Ikorodu, Ojo, and Badagry.

    The ministry disclosed that several projects are ongoing without the requisite approvals, violating environmental regulations.

    Read Also: LASG kicks off Y2026 budget stakeholders’ consultative forum

    While noting that reclamation can create land for housing and infrastructure, the ministry warned that the practice poses grave environmental and social risks, including flooding, coastal erosion, loss of wetlands and biodiversity, reduced lagoon capacity, impaired water quality, and disruption of fishing livelihoods.

    “With the low-lying topography of the State and its fragile ecosystem, the State Government cannot afford to allow this indiscriminate reclamation of the lagoons, wetlands, and floodplains to continue unabated,” the notice stated.

    All ongoing and proposed reclamation projects are now required to undergo the full EIA process and secure approval and clearance from the ministry.

    The government also mandated that within seven days of the announcement, project operators must comply or face enforcement actions, which may include the use of heavy machinery to decommission illegal sites, excavation and removal of fill materials, reconnection of blocked waterways, and prosecution of offenders.

     The commissioner emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations.