The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Edo youth parliament speaker urges young people to register in 2025 voter exercise

    Edo youth parliament speaker urges young people to register in 2025 voter exercise

    The Speaker of the Edo State Youth Parliament, Hon. Fawaz Muhammad, has called on young people across the state to play active roles in resetting the nation’s polity by registering as voters in the 2025 Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Hon. Fawaz described voter registration as the gateway to effective participation in democracy and governance, commending INEC for providing both online and in-person registration options.

    He noted that the initiative makes it easier for first-time voters, those seeking to transfer their polling units, and those replacing lost or damaged cards to take part in the exercise.

    The Youth Parliament Speaker also appealed to government institutions, youth leaders, civil society organisations, unions, and community groups to step up sensitisation and mobilisation campaigns across Edo State to ensure massive youth participation.

    Read Also: NLC crisis: Edo chapter rejects Ajaero’s caretaker committee

    “Everything begins with registration. If you don’t register, you cannot vote, and if you don’t vote, your voice is silent when decisions are made about your future. To my fellow young people, especially those just turning 18, this is your moment.

    “Don’t let it pass you by. Go out, register, and be part of the change we all want to see. Our democracy will only be as strong as the voices of its youth.

    “We can’t afford to sit back and watch from the sidelines. The future of Edo and Nigeria is in our hands, and that future starts with simple steps like this. By registering now, we are laying the foundation for the kind of leadership, good governance, and opportunities we want for ourselves and generations after us. It’s our responsibility; together, we can make it count.”

  • NGO launches menstrual poverty campaign, plans 10,000 free pads

    NGO launches menstrual poverty campaign, plans 10,000 free pads

    A non-governmental organisation, Temvert Empowerment Foundation, is set to launch a campaign aimed at combating menstrual poverty and boosting school attendance among girls through the distribution of 10,000 sanitary pads.

    The initiative, themed “Campaign Against Menstrual Poverty Among Schoolgirls,” will begin on August 20, 2025, and will roll out in batches across selected schools. It seeks to address the critical yet often overlooked impact of menstrual poverty on girls’ education in Nigeria.

    In a statement released on Sunday, the Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Temitayo Olatunde, described menstrual poverty as one of the major barriers to education for girls, especially those from low-income households.

    He explained that many schoolgirls miss an average of five school days each month due to a lack of access to sanitary products, with some resorting to unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or cardboard, increasing the risk of infections and emotional distress.

    “Menstrual poverty is not just a health issue—it’s an educational and gender equality issue,” Olatunde said, emphasising the Foundation’s broader mission of tackling systemic barriers to quality education.

    He also disclosed that the organisation is currently developing a policy paper on menstrual poverty and is actively lobbying for the creation of a free menstrual pad scheme at both state and national levels.

    Olatunde urged the Nigerian government to prioritise menstrual health in its education and public health agendas, stressing the need for long-term policies that ensure every schoolgirl has access to safe menstrual hygiene products.

    Through this campaign, the Temvert Empowerment Foundation hopes to reduce school absenteeism, promote dignity for young girls, and contribute to the achievement of gender equality in education.

    The statement reads, “It is our firm’s belief that every child has the right to access quality education. We believe that breaking the barriers that prevent children from accessing education is a yardstick for sustainable development and national prosperity. With our youth-led structure, our advocacy intersects education, gender equality and youth empowerment.

    Read Also: NGO trains 150 Kano women in software devt, cybersecurity, data science

    “We have launched different initiatives such as Equip the Students’ Project, Girls’ Rise Project and Scholarship Schemes that have impacted more than 1000 children. We have distributed thousands of school materials for free and returned out-of-school children to school. Through our campaigns, we have sensitised female students on menstrual hygiene, self-confidence and gender equity.”

    “Menstrual poverty is a major barrier for schoolgirls in accessing quality education because it hinders their academic growth, physical and mental health. Girls who are from poor families are unable to afford sanitary pads, thereby forcing them to miss classes during their menstrual cycle.

    “This occurs every month, which means that school girls who cannot afford sanitary pads will have to miss school at least 5 days a month, which affects their academic performance. In their attempt to seek alternatives to sanitary pads, they use rags, leaves, papers, and cardboard that are unhygienic and make them vulnerable to infections. This also leads to inequality in accessing quality education.

    “We have witnessed how menstrual poverty results in absenteeism, poor academic performance, dropouts, stigma, embarrassment, mental health issues, and these problems are prevalent in both rural and urban communities. Also, there is a lack of education on menstrual health in the current curricula, which makes them less informed about it and public health.

    “Several countries like UK, New Zealand, France, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana among others publicly fund menstrual hygiene initiatives, free sanitary pads in schools and these have yielded good results such as reduced absenteeism, boost in self-confidence, reduction in the use of alternatives that are not safe and also improvement in public dialogue on menstruation.”

  • ICPC seeks stronger collaboration with northeast attorneys general to tackle corruption

    ICPC seeks stronger collaboration with northeast attorneys general to tackle corruption

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for enhanced collaboration with Attorneys General in Nigeria’s Northeast region to strengthen the fight against corruption.

    This appeal was made on Monday during a critical engagement session with State Attorneys General at the Amada International Hotel in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The event, themed “Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of Attorneys General in Advancing a Corruption-Free North-East,” convened key stakeholders to strategise on promoting integrity and regional cooperation.

    In his welcome address, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, stressed the need for synergy between Federal and State Governments, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in AG Ondo State v AG Federation, which affirmed that combating corruption is a joint responsibility.

    Dr. Aliyu praised the commitment of the Attorneys General since the inaugural roundtable held in Abuja on September 3, 2024, and acknowledged support from the National Assembly, especially the Senate and House Committees on Anti-Corruption.

    Read Also: ICPC: 92 MDAs operate without active anti-corruption units

    The engagement underscored a multi-pronged approach to the anti-corruption fight, including asset recovery, justice for victims, and institutional reforms. The Chairman highlighted the Borno State Judiciary as a prime example of how reforms can promote integrity.

    He urged participants to take actionable steps toward real institutional change across the region, aiming to shape a corruption-free future for the Northeast.

    Justice Kashim Zannah, Chief Judge of Borno State, represented by Aisha Kumalia, commended the ICPC’s initiative and said the Northeast stands to gain greatly from the outcomes of the engagement.

    Representing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening anti-corruption institutions through legislative support and oversight.

    Yobe State Attorney General, Barrister Saleh Samanja, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the synergy could not have come at a more critical time, urging state governments to use legal instruments to intensify the war on corruption.

    Special Guest of Honour, Professor Auwalu Hamisu Yadudu, reminded Attorneys General to uphold the highest ethical standards as legal professionals, even while holding political office, emphasising the need for integrity despite prevailing challenges.

    The event also featured a goodwill message from Prince Kayode Akiolu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, reinforcing legislative support for the ongoing anti-graft efforts.

  • 1,500 Kaduna women benefit from cash empowerment to boost businesses

    1,500 Kaduna women benefit from cash empowerment to boost businesses

    No fewer than 1,500 women in Kaduna have received cash support under an empowerment initiative designed to grow their businesses and promote economic prosperity.

    The beneficiaries, selected from various wards in Kaduna North Local Government Area and its environs, benefitted through Kowa Namu Ne, a foundation established by the Chairman of the APC Stakeholders Forum in the state, AbdulAzeez Kaka.

    Speaking during the distribution, Kaka said the initiative was motivated by his commitment to complement President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on poverty reduction, as well as Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, which places wealth creation and support for small-scale entrepreneurs—particularly women—at the centre of development efforts.

    He disclosed that more than 5,000 individuals had so far benefitted from the empowerment drive and other programmes under his foundation, all designed to strengthen the socio-economic fabric of citizens across the state.

    According to him, empowering women—who he described as the bedrock of every family—would enable them to cater for the medical, educational, and social needs of their dependents without over-relying on government.

    Kaka praised President Tinubu and Governor Sani for their commitment to increasing agricultural productivity, supporting small businesses, and promoting youth and women empowerment. 

    Read Also: 2023: Kaduna women galvanise support for Ayinke

    He expressed confidence that the reforms being undertaken by the two leaders would soon yield visible benefits for both present and future generations.

    He further urged elected and appointed officials, as well as corporate organisations, to support empowerment initiatives as a way of tackling unemployment and reducing the spread of social vices.

    “When we invest in our youth, we reduce unemployment; when we empower women, we strengthen our homes; and when we create opportunities, we close the doors of crime and open the gates of prosperity,” he said.

  • Viral ‘NO RECEPTION’ couple finally ties knot

    Viral ‘NO RECEPTION’ couple finally ties knot

    The Nigerian couple who sparked online reactions with the viral trend, ‘no reception’ has finally tied the knot.

    The wedding ceremony took place on Sunday, 17th August, 2025 in Anambra State.

    It was the solemnisation of Chukwuebuka Eric Awah and Blessing Chetachi Charles.

    Earlier this month, the couple announced their wedding ceremony via an invitation.

    The card, which contained, ‘No reception’ sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians, especially in a country with economic instability.

    Read Also: 2019 AFCON Bronze: No reception for Super Eagles

    The couple shared their beautiful wedding pictures on Facebook expressing their joy, love and support.

    The ceremony took place during the church after Pastor Arinze Richard of Gracestream Ministries International had given a sermon.

    The ceremony was graced with well wishers and friends who celebrated with the couple in joy.

    True to their viral invitation, the event ended with ‘no reception’ as the couple had urged well wishers to ‘eat before coming’.

  • One dies as SUV rams into commercial bus at Mile 2

    One dies as SUV rams into commercial bus at Mile 2

    A road accident occurred on Monday at Volkswagen bus stop, inward Mile 2, Lagos, claiming the life of a motorist after a Toyota Highlander (APP 150 EY) rammed into a stationary commercial bus.

    The incident, which happened in the early hours of the day, involved a Highlander SUV reportedly traveling at high speed before losing control and colliding with a painted T4 commercial bus (KJA 328 XH)  indiscriminately picking up passengers along the roadside.

    The driver of the SUV died instantly from the impact. Officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and evacuated the victim’s remains from the wreckage. 

    The body was handed over to operatives of the Ojo Police Division, who later deposited it at the C-Niger Mortuary, Abule Ado.

    Traffic along the usually busy corridor was heavily gridlocked, but LASTMA officers coordinated efforts to restore free flow while overseeing the removal of the damaged vehicles, which were towed to the Ojo Police Division for investigation.

    LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, praying for strength to bear the loss. 

    Read Also: Construction of Mile 2 interchange hub: Lagos announces 15-month traffic diversion

    He condemned reckless driving and indiscriminate passenger pickups by commercial bus drivers, urging operators to use only designated bus stops provided by the government.

    He also cautioned motorists against over speeding and stressed the importance of ensuring vehicles, particularly braking systems, are in good condition before embarking on journeys.

    “The sanctity of human life must never be compromised by recklessness on our highways. The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, shall continue to intensify enforcement and sustain public enlightenment campaigns to forestall preventable tragedies of this nature,” Bakare-Oki stated.

  • Abuja Estate: Monitoring team leader accused of flouting IGP’s, Wike’s directives

    Abuja Estate: Monitoring team leader accused of flouting IGP’s, Wike’s directives

    The Commissioner, IGP Monitoring Team in Abuja, Akin Fakorede, has been accused of disregarding directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the ownership dispute at River Park Estate.

    Fakorede allegedly issued a letter asserting ownership claims in favour of Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited, a move seen as preempting the work of the ministerial committee recently inaugurated by Wike to investigate the matter.

    The IGP, in July, ordered a reopening of investigations into the long-standing dispute following a meeting with the parties involved at the Force Headquarters on July 2.

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    During the meeting, the IGP clarified that the police do not have the mandate to adjudicate land disputes or company ownership, which remain under the courts.

    According to findings, the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) had submitted a report providing an evidence for the case, which allegedly contradicted the conclusions earlier reached by Fakorede’s unit.

    In a letter with reference Ref: IGP MONITORING UNIT/ABJ/VOL.79/25, dated August 7, and addressed to the Director of Land Administration, Fakorede directed that dealings on River Park Estate should be channelled to Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited.

    The letter was also copied to the Director of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS),  Director of Development Control, and the company’s owner, Dr. Sampson Uche Odili.

    According to sources, the letter by the CP was written days after the inauguration of the ministerial committee, raising concerns that it could undermine the panel’s work despite warnings from Wike that the committee should insulate itself from vested interests.

    The development also comes amid a review of the dispute by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said to have directed the police to suspend actions on the matter until the review was concluded.

    The ministerial committee is expected to start work soon, with stakeholders monitoring its activities.

  • NDLEA arrests drug kingpin, intercepts N7.8b opioids in Delta, Rivers

    NDLEA arrests drug kingpin, intercepts N7.8b opioids in Delta, Rivers

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said three years after launching a manhunt for a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide, over drug trafficking offences, the suspect has been arrested by operatives in Asaba, Delta State.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement, said he was arrested while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilogrammes with his distribution bus.

    Babafemi said Ibigide came under searchlight on March 19, 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly but, thereafter, went underground.

    However, NDLEA operatives in Delta arrested him along with one of his aides Clement Osuya, 27, while they were trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on August 10.

    The agency also said no fewer than six suspects were arrested last Thursday and Friday when NDLEA operatives, supported by the military and vigilantes, raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu State where a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland.

    e Ugwuanyi Chinaso, 23; James Negedu, 26; Sopuruchukwu Obido, 22; Ebuka Onu, 30; Ukwueze Sunday, 42; and Oguche Friday; while 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for them.

    The statement reads: “While 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect Emmanuel Ayogu, 53, by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka Road, 9th Mile Enugu on Saturday, 16th August, two other suspects Nsubechukwu Achidde, 24, and  Osiaja Simple Frank, 41,  were arrested with 27.6kg skunk same day at the New Market, Enugu.

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    “In Lagos, a woman Muyibat Mumuni, 52, was arrested with her son, Faruk Mumuni, 25, at Ladega Street, Mushin on August 13 for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg while another suspect Emmanuel Samuel was nabbed on August  15 in Ajah, Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis was recovered from their apartment

    “Not less than 128,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from a suspect Sani Mohammed,32, at Jauro Jatau, Gombe, Gombe State on August 11, while a total of 337, 800 capsules of the same pharmaceutical opioid were seized by operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi State from the driver of a commercial bus, Sulaiman Oyedokun, 47, coming from Onitsha, Anambra State and heading to Kotangora, Niger State.”

    Babafemi said a total of 11, 250kg skunk was destroyed on 4.5 hectares of farmland on Tuesday 12th August when NDLEA operatives assisted by Sardauna Emirate Council and Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service raided the Tanmiya forest in Sardauna Local Government Area, Taraba State.

    He said 29, 840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Saleh Babangida, 20, at a checkpoint in Wukari area of the state last Saturday.

    He said: “In Kaduna, two suspects, Mohammed Amdife, 46, and Sulaiman Mohammed, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22, 640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol at Gwargwaje check point, Zaria and Tudun Wada.

    “Two other suspects: Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were nabbed over the seizure of 111.1kg skunk intercepted along Zaria-Kano Road.

    “At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 875,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth over N6.1billion in street value and 3, 500,000 pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7billion were recovered from five containers under NDLEA intelligence tracking and watch-list during joint examination with Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) of the Onne port.

    “In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th August recovered 24 bags of skunk weighing 432kg in a bush along Warake-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA, while 130kg of same substance was seized at a warehouse in Sobe, Owan West LGA the following day.

    “A suspect Tahiru Madu Manga, 25, was nabbed by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Kano road, with 16kg skunk and another suspect Ibrahim Audu, 47, arrested with 76kg of the same psychoactive substance at Gadar Tamburawa along  Zaria-Kano road, Kano state on Wednesday 13th August.

    “No fewer than 4, 320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint on Badagry-Lagos highway on August 11, with a suspect Akeem Adegun arrested.’’

    The agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers for their gallantry efforts. He enjoined them and their colleagues to continue with their good works.

  • How I was assaulted by Ibom Air hostess, by Emmanson

    How I was assaulted by Ibom Air hostess, by Emmanson

    Miss Comfort Emmanson, the young woman who was stripped of dignity, following an incident with the Ibom Air crew, has taken to social media to share her side of the story.

    In an Instagram post shared on her verified account @soft_commy, Emmanson alleged that hostess Julian Edwards forcefully pulled off her installed frontal wig, cut out her gold jewelry and broke her phone.

    She said it was the pain she suffered and seeing how she destroyed her personal items that led to poling her and demanding to know why she did that to her.

    According to Emmanson, the air hostess also called her a prostitute, adding that the issues started when the hostess refused her from alighting the plane.

    The young woman said she was traumatised by the ordeal, lamenting how her nudes have circulated across social media.

    Hear her: “…I want to first appreciate God Almighty and everyone that stood by me and fought for me when I was in prison. When I saw the love and support I saw, I was not expecting it for a commoner like me. I say God bless you all.

    “On August 10, I boarded a flight from Uyo to Lagos and the normal procedure was on. The lady Juliana was telling everyone to switch off their phones. When she came to me, I was struggling with my phone and she said I should put it off.

    “I showed her that one of the phones was bad. The button was bad and she said I can turn it off without the power button. I had two phones and so the man sitting beside me helped me to turn off the other one.

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    “While she was talking, she said I should go to my settings and to general…I pleaded with her to take the phone off it but she refused saying “children nowadays…”

    “I asked her to spell general for me but the way she looked at me and the pressure from her, so, I turned to the man who switched off the first one and begged him to help. The man spelt general and I went back to her but she looked at me with bad eye.

    “So, I turned to the man again and he helped me switch the second one off. I put both phones where they are supposed to be.’’

    “But before she left, she said “you will see”. I didn’t take it to heart since I have already switched my phones off.

    “So, when we arrived in Lagos, I rushed to the bathroom to pee. My seat was at the back. There was someone inside already and so I had to wait for the person to come out.

    “After the person left, I got in, peed and when I was done, I went out of the bathroom. I didn’t stay that long inside because it’s a small place and very discomforting. So, I went out and carried my things to leave but she blocked my way.

    “I kept telling her to leave the road for me to go as everyone had left the aircraft but she stood there looking at me with a bad eye (condescendingly).

    “That’s when I brought out my phone and did that short video to show how she was blocking my exit. When I brought out my phone, she then turned around showing me her back.

    “Then, she noticed I was recording her and she pushed me inside, dragged my frontal out, cut my gold chain in the process of tearing my cloth and also made my phones fall to the ground and break.

    “I was in pain, she inflicted so much pain on me. Anyone who has fixed a frontal knows how painful it is then imagine someone dragging it out forcefully. It was all these pains she caused me that made me poke her in the face, asking her why she did that to me?

    “God knows I wouldn’t poke an elderly woman, old enough to be my mother, for nothing. It’s the pain she inflicted on me and calling me a prostitute that’s why I was asking her why she did that.

    “Before I knew it, all those guys had come in and surrounded me. They were dragging me and the lady Juliana was the one who dragged my pin under (bodycon top). The way she dragged the pin under also wounded me inside. I was the only one there surrounded by all of them and I was struggling to help myself.

    “They were dragging me and some of them wanted to touch me. So, I was trying to cover myself and also defending myself. That was what they recorded and put out there.

    “I was surprised, I never expected that. It was so much for one person to bear. I was very angry and kept asking them why they would do that to me? Still they made video of me and put it out there.

    “The trauma is just too much. I cannot even go out there again. My body is out there. Some people have even used it to make stickers.

    “Right now, I don’t know how I will be going for work interview. I am into real estate. Imagine going to sell or advertise a property to a client and they will be looking at my breast. “Imagine what my unborn kids or the man that will marry will  say about my reputation. I haven’t come out to say my part of the story because I was still on treatment.

    “I never expected that the phone situation will come out this way. People are now making mockery of me, sending me messages that my body is outside.

    “Those who know me can attest that I am not really a social media person. I am happy I am strong enough to talk now. I am not a troublesome person; I am not a nuisance. I never refused to switch off my phone,” she lamented.

  • 40 missing, 10 rescued in Sokoto boat mishap

    40 missing, 10 rescued in Sokoto boat mishap

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said over 40 passengers are missing, 10 rescued after a boat capsized in Sokoto State yesterday.

    The Sokoto Operations office of the agency also stated that it had deployed its response team to support ongoing rescue.

    According to a statement by the agency, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, activated the response after receiving reports that a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.

    The statement reads: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto Operations Office (SOO), has deployed its response team to support ongoing rescue operations following a tragic boat mishap in Sokoto State today.

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    “The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, activated the Agency’s response immediately after receiving reports that a boat conveying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market had capsized.

    “As of the time of this report, about 10 persons have been rescued, while more than 40 passengers remain missing.

    “NEMA SOO, in collaboration with local authorities and emergency responders, is intensifying search and rescue operations to locate the missing persons”.

    The agency reassured the public of its commitment to saving lives, providing timely updates, and coordinating all necessary support for the affected families.