The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • NBC celebrates youth day

    NBC celebrates youth day

    Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), the official bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria, is marking World Youth Day 2025 by celebrating the resilience, innovation and impact of young Nigerians, who are transforming their communities and driving inclusive growth.

    At the core of this celebration is NBC’s flagship #YouthEmpowered initiative—designed to equip young people with essential life and business skills for the future of work.

    Since its launch in Nigeria in 2017, the programme has empowered over 60,000 youths through hands-on training, digital upskilling, mentorship and entrepreneurial coaching.

    As part of this year’s activities, NBC will premiere a documentary that spotlights inspiring YouthEmpowered alumni, who are building businesses, leading change, and shaping brighter future for themselves and their communities. The documentary will be available to the public on NBC’s official website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.

    Read Also: Amaechi: how Fayemi and I began opposition coalition

    Featured in the film is Esohe Ekunwe, who now leads Alpha Connect, a community initiative focused on financial literacy, wellness, and civic engagement.

    She credits the YouthEmpowered programme with not only influencing her business journey, but also transforming her mindset.

    The documentary also highlights other change makers like Doyin Ogunye, founder of Women and Youth Empowerment, whose environmental work in Lagos is tackling waste and creating jobs; and Kingsley Oguchechukwu, founder of Kingsman Luxury in Enugu, who turned a major business setback into a thriving fashion brand.

    By shining a light on these stories, NBC reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerians and supporting their vital role in national development.

  • Fire guts goods worth millions at Oshodi Arena market

    Fire guts goods worth millions at Oshodi Arena market

    A midnight fire gutted goods worth millions at the Arena market in the Oshodi area of Lagos State.

    The blaze, which began around 9:00pm, tore through the market, destroying stalls stocked with  electronics and other goods. 

    Shop owners and vendors were left counting their losses despite the prompt intervention of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, which deployed firefighters to the scene.

    Eyewitnesses said the fire started suddenly and spread quickly, consuming several shops before it was brought under control.

    One of the traders, Henry Nwankwo, who deals in washing machines and spare parts, lamented: “All my goods were affected—none of them survived. All of them were burned to ashes. I also do repairs for customers, and all my customers’ properties were also destroyed.

    Read Also: Tale of two reforms – Why Nigeria must not blink

    “I just got back from China two months ago because I import washing machine spare parts, and the new goods were also affected.”

    Nwankwo added that other traders were also affected. 

    He said: “There are like four or five other shops that were affected by the fire, but the main damage was to my shop and my neighbor’s shop. My neighbor sells solar panels, and he also said most of his goods were lost in the fire.”

    The cause of the fire remains unknown with eye witnesses suggesting possible electrical faults from the transformer near the shops or an unattended heat source.

    Speaking on the intervention of the Fire service, another bystander said: “As at 10pm yesterday, the fire service were here to help quench the fire, they entered the shops and came with two trucks in different positions and quickly helped to quench the fire from different directions.”

  • Security experts to launch book on tackling fraud at forensic conference

    Security experts to launch book on tackling fraud at forensic conference

    Security experts are set to launch a groundbreaking book titled Fraud Unmasked during the First Joint Security Forensic Conference, scheduled for August 14, 2025, in Abuja.

    The unveiling will be performed by Certified Forensic and Fraud Expert Examiner, Dr. Pearl Chidinma Ogbulu.

    The conference will bring together the nation’s foremost thinkers, practitioners, and policymakers in fraud prevention, forensic science, and national security.

    According to the organisers, the event is being held under the auspices of the Nigerian Police Force, in partnership with key security agencies, forensic institutions, and civic groups.

    A major highlight will be the unveiling of Fraud Unmasked — a timely, in-depth work that examines the anatomy of fraudulent schemes and offers strategic solutions to tackle financial crimes and systemic corruption.

    Read Also: Police arrest 68 over murder, robbery, fraud in Lagos

    The conference aims to foster collaboration between security forces, forensic experts, policymakers, and the public in building a unified, intelligence-driven network against fraud and insecurity.

    Dignitaries expected include top government officials, heads of military and paramilitary institutions, forensic scientists, intelligence officers, traditional leaders, and civil society representatives

    In a historic move, security agencies will also provide panelists from their intelligence and forensic departments, enabling cross-agency dialogue on emerging threats and innovations in fraud detection.

  • Minister urges investment in real-time emission tracking to tackle methane pollution

    Minister urges investment in real-time emission tracking to tackle methane pollution

    Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called on stakeholders in advanced sensors and satellite technologies to invest in real-time emission tracking systems that will boost Nigeria’s capacity for swift response and accountability.

    Speaking at the African Policy Research Institute (APRI) stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abuja, themed “Clearing the Air on Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas,” the minister said the government’s partnership with APRI focuses on strengthening policy implementation, adopting innovative best practices, fostering collaboration, and building capacity through awareness and training programmes.

    Lawal stressed that methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, fuels climate change, worsens air pollution, and poses serious public health risks—particularly respiratory illnesses in communities near emission sources. He added that gas flaring and leaks waste valuable energy resources that could otherwise power industries, homes, and drive economic development.

    He emphasised that the push for methane mitigation goes beyond technical solutions, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental protection, meeting international obligations, and safeguarding the health and prosperity of Nigerians.

    “Therefore, addressing methane emissions is vital not only for the environment but also for public health and economic growth. Nigeria has shown strong leadership by endorsing the Paris Agreement and embedding a 61% methane reduction target for the oil and gas sector in its 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Our recognition as a Global Methane Pledge Champion reflects this dedication to accelerating methane reduction in line with global climate goals.

    “On the policy front, frameworks like the National Gas Policy and the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) promote the capture and productive use of associated gas to reduce flaring. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) enforces improved guidelines and monitoring protocols for methane leak detection and repair, bolstering regulatory compliance and environmental safeguards.”

    The minister added that mitigating methane emissions is not merely an environmental responsibility; it is a promoter for economic growth, job creation, energy conservation, and attracting investments essential for national development.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment for current and future generations. Through collaboration, dialogue, and decisive action, we can reduce methane emissions and advance sustainable growth within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector”, he said.

  • Airline operators reserve right to ban unruly passengers, says lawyer

    Airline operators reserve right to ban unruly passengers, says lawyer

    A legal practitioner, Mr. Ekemini Udim, has said airline operators in Nigeria reserve the right to refuse carriage to passengers whose conduct is considered unruly, but added that the lifetime ban on the passenger in the Ibom air incident should be reconsidered.

    Speaking on a television programme yesterday, Udim said, “If we look at the National Civil Aviation Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, section 85 makes obvious provisions concerning the behaviour of passengers on board an airline. Section 85(2) says that anyone, while on board an aircraft, if the person interferes with the crew members or becomes unruly, commits an offence and if found guilty, is liable to pay a fine of N200,000 or be sent to prison for two months or both.”

    He added, “Subsection 3 specifically prohibits the use of mobile phones while on board an aircraft where the mobile phone is capable of interfering with the signals of the aircraft. That also attracts a fine of N200,000 or two months’ imprisonment or both.”

    Udim explained that the constitutional right to freedom of movement does not amount to a right to fly. “There is no provision that says there is the right to fly by whatever means. It gives the general right to freedom of movement. Therefore, if the airline operators are saying we are not going to allow you to fly, I find it difficult to see how a citizen whose conduct has been found to be unruly can get justice in the courts to the extent that the courts would compel the owners of the airlines to carry her,” he said.

    He stressed that air travel is based on a contract.

    “When there is an offer in the price, then acceptance and payment, a contract is created. If you pay and the airline operator says, ‘I am not receiving your money because I consider your behaviour to be unruly,’ it therefore means that no contract has been created and no contract can be said to have been breached,” he stated.

    Read Also: NCAA directs airlines to compensate passengers for short-landed luggage

    He, however, appealed for a review of the indefinite sanction imposed on some passengers. “I think that banning her forever is excessive, and I think that should be reviewed. The aviation authority in Nigeria should also look into that,” Udim said.

    In the case involving Fuji musician Kwam 1 and ValueJet, Udim said, “ValueJet can hardly do anything because they do not have the power of prosecution. It is the Attorney General of the Federation that has the power of prosecution as found in the constitution, and every other agency has the power donated to them by that Attorney General.”

    He faulted what he described as unequal treatment in similar incidents.

    “Somebody behaved in a way that was unacceptable yesterday on board and was immediately charged in court. Why did the same office not also charge Kwam 1, who also behaved in an unacceptable way? We must have equal treatment of similar matters in the country,” he said.

    While noting that Kwam 1’s apology was “honourable,” Udim stressed that “the law court is not a religious place of worship where you just apologise and it is gone. Appropriate measures must be taken in line with the provisions of the law.”

    He urged the Ministry of Aviation to “handle both situations equally, ensure justice is attained, and stop citizens from behaving anyhow. The airport is such a sensitive place that we cannot just allow anybody, irrespective of who the person is, to behave in a way that can endanger other people’s lives.”

  • Glow Foundation targets 1,000 children at 2025 annual conference

    Glow Foundation targets 1,000 children at 2025 annual conference

    After a record-breaking year in which it touched the lives of over 7,200 children across 45 underserved communities, The Glow Foundation for Children Empowerment and Development is gearing up for another milestone.

    The non-profit will in September host its 2025 Annual Children’s Conference, themed “Spreading Love to 1,000 Kids 2.0”, in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

    According to the Foundation’s Communications Manager, Chidera Onyekuru, the one-day event will convene no fewer than 1,000 children from low-income and coastal communities, alongside volunteers, medical professionals, educators, and community leaders.

    The programme will feature skill-building sessions, mentorship, free health interventions, and inspirational talks.

    The Founder of The Glow Foundation, Opeyemi Idowu, said this year’s event, “Is more than an event, it’s a seed for the future. We want every child who attends to leave with new skills, fresh confidence, and a renewed belief in their God-given potential. When a child knows their worth, their whole future changes.”

    Read Also: UBA Foundation supports vulnerable people in Lagos

    Idowu stressed that the Foundation’s work is not merely charitable handouts but an intentional strategy to equip young people with tools that can break cycles of poverty.

    “We have seen firsthand how a simple intervention, be it a school bag, a vaccination, or even a word of encouragement, can transform a child’s mindset and future,” she said.

    The conference is expected to build on the success of the Foundation’s 2024 flagship project, Spreading Love to 7,000 Children, which provided educational kits, vaccinations, climate change awareness programmes, and emotional wellness sessions to children in fishing and riverine communities across Lagos State.

    The Glow Foundation is calling on corporate bodies, faith-based organisations, and individuals to partner, donate, or volunteer. “No contribution is too small when it comes to shaping the future of a child,” Onyekuru added.

    Founded with a mission to transform the lives of children in marginalised communities, The Glow Foundation for Children Empowerment and Development focuses on education, skill acquisition, and the intentional love of God.

    Since its inception, it has reached thousands of children across Nigeria and beyond, providing them with the hope and capacity to live purposeful lives.

  • OGS foundation founder hails Pelumi Olajengbesi on 39th birthday

    OGS foundation founder hails Pelumi Olajengbesi on 39th birthday

    The founder of the Ogunwoye Gbemiga Samson (OGS) Foundation has praised legal luminary and human rights activist, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq., in celebration of his 39th birthday.

    In a statement personally signed and released to newsmen on Tuesday, August 12, Samson described Olajengbesi as a dedicated advocate for justice, human capital development, and community upliftment.

    Read Also: Foundation honours philanthropist

    He highlighted Olajengbesi’s remarkable contributions, from his days as Students’ Union Government President at the University of Abuja—where he championed student welfare—to his current work through his firm, Law Corridor, offering crucial legal representation, including pro bono cases.

    According to Samson, Olajengbesi has sponsored over 50 young Nigerians on scholarships abroad, creating life-changing educational opportunities.

    He also revealed he is a direct beneficiary of the celebrant’s generosity.

    Samson said Olajengbesi’s birthday is a reminder of his invaluable role in advancing justice and building a fairer society, adding that his selfless service continues to inspire a generation.

  • NEFGAD urges Ibom Air to release in-flight video footage of Comfort Emmanson

    NEFGAD urges Ibom Air to release in-flight video footage of Comfort Emmanson

    A Civil Society Organisation, Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), has asked Ibom Air to release the in-flight video footage of the incident involving a passenger, Ms Comfort Emmanson, for proper investigation, to determine whether the lady’s actions were a result of sheer provocation.

    This organisation has offered to provide free legal services to Miss Comfort Emmanson over what it described as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable treatment” meted out to her by Ibom Air and other regulatory bodies involved in the matter.

    NEFGAD made this known in a statement released to newsmen in Abuja on Monday through its Head of Office, Omoniyi Akingunola.

    Ms. Comfort Emmanson was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre yesterday after she was arraigned for alleged assault.

    The group stated that it is not convinced the lady received fair treatment, hence the need for a thorough investigation.

    It also criticised the Airline Operators of Nigeria for hastily assuming the role of a court by handing the lady a lifetime ban without a fair hearing and thorough investigation.

    NEFGAD further faulted the Nigeria Police for rushing to court in a matter that should have first undergone proper fact-finding.

    The organisation stressed that the publicly available footage of the incident is incomplete, noting that the matter began on board the aircraft.

    The statement said, “It is wrong to judge the incident based solely on the clip recorded outside the aircraft. It appears something happened inside the plane, and the lady reacted after she was prevented from disembarking, an apparent orchestrated provocation to ensure she was penalised for whatever had transpired in-flight.

    “How do you expect anyone treated in such a manner to behave civilly after being forcibly dragged down? Or how do you explain that a passenger who was ready to disembark at one moment suddenly refused to leave moments later? This suggests the situation was deliberately escalated to fit a certain narrative.”

    Read Also: Mary Njoku condemns Ibom Air’s treatment of Comfort Emmanson

    The organisation maintained that air hostesses or cabin crew cannot assume the role of law enforcement officers in such situations, especially when their actions cause serious physical assault.

    It referenced a video released by Comfort Emmanson, where she was seen appealing to a flight attendant blocking her path to allow her to leave the aircraft.

    According to NEFGAD, her request was ignored until the arrival of other airline and airport staff, who allegedly manhandled and assaulted her to the point of stripping her in public.

    NEFGAD further demanded that those responsible for releasing the video showing the lady naked be investigated and prosecuted, describing the act as a criminal violation of her privacy.

  • Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    Niger govt hails FG’s waterways safety measures

    The Niger State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, has commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for the recent donation of 3,500 life jackets to the State and other initiatives undertaken by NIWA to protect lives in Nigerian inland waterways.

    The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta, addressing journalists who are on a fact-finding mission on the causes of boat mishaps in the country, on Monday in Minna, said the life jackets donated to the State have been distributed to all boat operators in the 17 Local Government Areas connected by water in the State.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Niger State, Engr. Lucky Barau disclosed that passengers were saved during a boat mishap recently in the State, especially those who put on life jackets.

    He said, “In a recent boat mishap, some passengers were saved because they were wearing life jackets. This is the impact the jacket has on boat passengers.”

    The commissioner who applauded the managing director of NIWA, Bola Oyebamiji, said his leadership has transformed inland waterways transport in the country. She also stressed that the Ministry and the authority enjoyed a cordial working relationship that has further promoted safety in the state.

    On measures taken to curb incessant boat mishaps in the state, the Commissioner also stated that the state government has banned night travel and overcrowding of boats. She also said that the government has provided fibre boats for riverine communities to replace wooden boats, even as they are set to employ safety marshals to enforce the usage of life jackets and stop overloading of boats.

    “The state government has shared some life jackets with the operators before the Federal government came. Also, contracts have been awarded to supplement what the Federal government did.

    “The governor has also provided fibre boats to replace the wooden boats. This is to move people away from wooden boats, and they have shared about eight as a start, and we are on the verge of getting water ambulances.

    Read Also: Consultant dies in Niger Govt House

    “We’re setting up a water marshal that will enforce the usage of life jackets, because we understand that most people don’t even want to use a life jacket. So, the State government is considering recruiting water marshals who will enforce the usage of this life jacket.

    “Currently, if you don’t wear the jacket, you will not board the boat, and this is in an attempt to curb the loss of life on the state’s inland waterways,” she said.

    She also noted that the State government strictly controls overloading on the fibre boats donated to the riverine communities.

    On the development of water transportation and infrastructure, the commissioner applauded the governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for providing budgetary allocations in the 2026 budget to further provide infrastructure in waterways transportation. Out of the 27 LGAs in Niger State, she added that 17 are connected through water.

  • Police, others search for ‘’killers’’ in Kwara

    Police, others search for ‘’killers’’ in Kwara

    The Kwara Police Command, along with other security personnel, has started manhunt on suspected attackers of Babanla, Ahileri, Ifelodun Local Government Area last Friday, who invaded the communities killing five persons.

    It also foiled an assassination attempt on a student hostel in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The suspects, Ishola Adeyemi and Ismail Rafiu, are from Ibadan, Oyo state.

    The suspects on Sunday allegedly attacked Opeyewa Hostel, Eleko area of the metropolis.

    Items recovered include 11 iPhones, N30,500, one WiFi device, two new long cutlasses, two pairs of slippers and other personal effects, Command Spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi has said

    The criminals allegedly rode on motorcycles into Babanla attacked the Divisional Police Headquarters and raided the market.

    The assailants fired sporadically, killing five people, including a police officer, Adejumo Wasiu.

    Many residents fled for fears of the attackers.

    Also, the Police Command, along with other security personnel, has started manhunt on suspected attackers of Babanla, Ahileri, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the incident.

    Read Also: Police: Sowore not tortured in custody, detention lawful

    Mr Ojo said: “Some bandits invaded Babanla about 12:20pm today, shot dead a police man and four others.

    “They also stormed the market and looted foodstuffs before they were repelled by a combined team of security agencies, including vigilantes and local hunters.”

    Spokesperson of the command Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said in swift and coordinated response by police operatives, Army personnel, vigilantes, and local hunters repelled the attack, restored order, and initiated a full-scale manhunt for the perpetrators.

    She added that Mr Ojo accompanied by the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) had paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Babanla to evaluate the security situation.

    “They met with Oba Yusuf Aliyu Alabi Arojojoye II, the traditional ruler of Babanla. They held high-level discussions aimed at consolidating peace and strengthening inter-agency and community-security collaboration.

    The joint security delegation toured key locations in the community — including the market, the Divisional Police Headquarters, and surrounding areas to ensure that stability has been fully restored.

    Kwara State Police Command along with local vigilante members have foiled assassination attempt on a student hostel in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The suspects, Ishola Adeyemi and Ismail Rafiu, are from Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The suspects on Sunday allegedly attacked Opeyewa Hostel, Eleko.

    Items recovered from the suspects include 11 iPhones, ₦30,500, one WiFi device, two new long cutlasses, and two pairs of slippers, the Command spokesperson Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said

    Ejire-Adeyemi added: “During preliminary interrogation, the suspects admitted they were invited to Ilorin by one Qudus, alias “Tiny”, a member of the Eye Cult Fraternity, to eliminate a rival cultist. When the targeted killing failed, they resorted to robbing student hostels.

    ‎”The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the Anti-Robbery Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), State Headquarters, for further discreet investigation and prosecution.”

    “The commissioner of police ordered sustained armed patrols, continuous intelligence gathering, and the deployment of specialised tracking teams. “At the same time, the DSS pledged continuous intelligence support to apprehend all those involved in the attack.

    ‎”The command reiterates its commitment, in synergy with sister security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property in all parts of Kwara state.”

    The command urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies by providing credible information.

    In a statement, Media Aide to Governor Abdulraman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye said that government “has established immediate security cordon around Babanla, a community following a security breach by some armed criminals.

    “The criminals on Friday targeted a police station, attempted to loot a few grocery shops, and a hotel in the community before they were repelled by the security forces and bold members of the community.

    “The government commended the Nigerian army, gallant policemen, and community folks for the swift response to the situation.

    “Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who has been in constant touch with the security commanders and local vigilante, has directed sustained security lockdown of the axis to neutralise the threat and ensure public safety.

    “While further briefings are awaited, the governor reassures the public that concerted efforts are being made in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser, to cleanse the area of the criminals,” according to a statement.

    “He also urges maximum support and asks the people not to panic as security forces conduct their operations in the area.”

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bemoaned the insecurity across the state.

    PDP described Governor AbdulRazaq’s recent ‘strategic security meeting’ in Kwara South “as a mockery of the traumatized people of Babanla, Gamu Ahileri, and other communities affected by the unchecked escalating insecurity across the state.”

    The PDP in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Olusola Adewara, said: “What has been happening in communities within Ifelodun Local Government in recent weeks, particularly the tragic incident in Babanla on Friday, where over 100 armed bandits invaded the community market to loot foodstuffs, kill, and abduct residents, including security officers, is unfortunate and deeply disturbing.”