The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Gunmen kill Police inspector, seize rifle in Plateau

    Gunmen kill Police inspector, seize rifle in Plateau

    Gunmen suspected to be herders have killed a police inspector, Yakubu Dauda, and seized his rifle in the Chwelnyap Rim community of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.

    Confirming the incident to journalists in Riyom during a visit by the fact-finding committee set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the causes of violence plaguing the state, David Tsado, the DPO of Riyom LGA, said the incident occurred on Monday while officers were on an operation in the area.

    DPO Tsado narrated that the gunmen, who arrived in large numbers, ambushed the officers, resulting in the death of one officer during the operation.

    He explained that the gunmen terrorizing the area were well-armed, adding that despite mobilizing their men after the attack, they were unable to overcome the gunmen’s resistance because they were well armed.

    READ ALSO: Step-by-Step guide to apply for 2025 civil defence, immigration, correctional and fire service recruitment

    “Yesterday, my men were on ground in the community following a report of security threats in the area not knowing that some gunmen laid an ambush.

    “In the process of tracing the gunmen, they opened fire on our men and one of us, inspector Yakubu Dauda, unfortunately lost his life. His copse has been deposited in the hospital.

    “Today, the commissioner of police deployed more men to take the fight to their den, but it was another heavy encounter. It got to a stage that we have to retrieve,“ the DPO said.

    The chairman of the fact finding committee, Major General Nicholas Rogers, while speaking on the committee’s visit to the area, said they were at the LG to find out what went wrong resulting to the incessant killing and attacks in the area, adding that “it is a very bad situation. We are here to identify the problems and gathered suggestions from stakeholders on who to would relevant find lasting solutions.

    Youth and community leaders informed the committee that many villages were attacked, adding that in the last one month, about 9 persons were killed and 33 houses burnt, hoping that the establishment of the community would bring an end of the attacks.

  • Origin Tech boss hails Sanwo-Olu at 60, applauds governor’s leadership, development legacy

    Origin Tech boss hails Sanwo-Olu at 60, applauds governor’s leadership, development legacy

    The Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel, has extended warm birthday wishes to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the occasion of his 60th birthday celebrated on June 25, 2025.

    In a tribute issued on Tuesday, Prince Samuel praised the governor’s exceptional leadership, describing his six-year tenure as a blueprint for progressive governance and sustainable development.

    He noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu has remained steadfast in delivering people-centred programmes and driving the THEMES+ agenda with remarkable results.

    Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Prince Samuel commended Sanwo-Olu’s focus on infrastructure, education, environment, youth empowerment, entertainment, agriculture, and food security, all of which have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for Lagosians.

    “The THEMES+ agenda has become a symbol of disciplined and visionary governance,” he stated. “Governor Sanwo-Olu’s efforts have transformed Lagos into a 21st-century economy, making it a model state for others to emulate.”

    In his goodwill message, he said: ‘’Today, we specially celebrate your vibrant leadership, your people-oriented programmes and disciplined adherence to the progressive principles of the THEMES+ agenda. Without a doubt, the centre of excellence is being propelled to a greater and more prosperous height under your watch. 

    “Your massive impact within the agricultural and food systems sector, particularly the Logistics Food Hub Projects and the Middle Level Markets (MLM), is already setting standards, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, a clear testament to your vibrancy!  We at Origin Tech Group are happy to have been supportive all the way, deploying our expertise in food systems to ensure we deliver on your people-oriented agenda in food production.”

    Read Also: Celebrating six decades of Governor Sanwo-Olu

    Samuel noted that through transparent and inclusive governance, Lagos State, under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s watch, has emerged as a beacon of stability and innovation, a leading destination for investment, and a state with steadily growing internal revenue.

    “Your unwavering commitment to public service and the advancement of our great nation remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity,” the Origin Boss said in his tribute while also praising the Governor’s impactful leadership at the regional and national level, highlighting his contributions to fostering unity, dialogue, and regional as well as national development.

    “As you mark this Diamond milestone, I join your family, associates, and the good people of Lagos State and Nigeria in honouring your achievements and legacy of service. May the years ahead bring continued health, joy, and enduring peace,” the Chairman further stated.

  • PPP Summit 2025: Under Tinubu’s administration, PPP agreements remain sacrosanct – DG ICRC

    PPP Summit 2025: Under Tinubu’s administration, PPP agreements remain sacrosanct – DG ICRC

    The Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu has not cancelled any Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project since assumption of office in May 2023.

    He stated this to dispel insinuations that PPP projects are being cancelled by the present administration.

    Speaking at the Nigeria Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Summit 2025, Dr Ewalefoh acknowledged that government is a continuum, adding that the present administration has rather revitalised and renegotiated PPP contracts to adapt to current realities.

    The Director General underscored the need for ‘partnership spirit of PPPs’, which he emphasised, requires flexibility and continuous negotiation.

    He said: “PPP contract is a living document that requires continuous negotiation and adaptation. When somebody said PPP contracts are being cancelled, as the DG of ICRC, President Bola Tinubu has not cancelled any PPP contracts since he became President of this country.

    “What we have been doing is to renegotiate some of the contracts in view of the present realities. Even the ones that attempts were made to cancel, he has directed them back to us that we should find a way to make them work. And that is the spirit of PPP. It’s a partnership”.

    With the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the two-day event, organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), brought together top policymakers, investors, international and local investors as well as prominent private sector leaders in infrastructure development within and outside Nigeria.

    Speaking at a panel session titled, ‘Maximazing Nigeria’s economic potentials in the transport sector using PPPs: Focus on rail and road infrastructure’, the ICRC boss called for paradigm shift in seeking perfection in PPP concession agreements, recognizing that the underlying dynamics are constantly evolving.

    He, therefore, called for flexibility, stressing that there can never be a ‘perfect concession on PPP agreements’.

    “Having a good road network will attract businesses, factories, and investments, making it an economic enabler. Nigeria needs to take this more seriously.

    Read Also: Ministry endorses West African summit on industrialisation, manufacturing, trade

    “Let’s move away from trying to have a perfect concession on PPP agreements. It can never be perfect because the dynamics are not static; they evolve as time goes on.

    “When projects fail, we often attribute it to poor feasibility studies or political interference. However, I believe we need to have in-depth research into how we categorise these studies, considering the changing economic landscape,” Ewalefoh said.

    Other panellists, including the Managing Director, Bethlehem Rail Infrastructure Limited, Rowland Ocholi; Past President, Permanent International Association of Road Congress, Nasir Alli; Senior Partner, Africa 50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, Opuiyo Oforiokuma; Managing Director, Catamaran Nigeria Limited, Lai Are;  Managing Director, Africa Plus Limited, Adeniran Ajakaiye, as well as the Managing Director/CEO, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi underscored the significance of PPPs in Nigeria’s economic planning.

    The session also explored ways to maximise Nigeria’s economic potential through strategic partnerships.

    Also, at another session titled ‘Case Studies on PPP projects’, panellists shared experiences and lessons learned from various Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, highlighting successes, challenges, and best practices in implementing them.

    PPP projects analysed included the Wind Power Project, Cape Verde; Sene-Gambia Bridge Project Senegal as well as the Lekki Deep Sea Port Project, Nigeria.

    In their separate interventions, the Chief Executive Officer, Fourcore Integrated Services, David Ibhawoh; Associate Vice President, Africa Finance Corporation, Sulaiman Cisse and Director PPP Gambia, Lamin Fatty, analysed the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches, and offered insights on how to improve future PPP projects.

    Specifically, they dissected successful PPP models and their key features, common challenges and obstacles in PPP implementation, strategies for effective risk management and allocation, the importance of stakeholder engagement and community participation and lessons learned from past projects and how to apply them to future initiatives.

    They noted that effective PPPs require careful planning, robust risk assessment, and strong stakeholder engagement to ensure successful project delivery and sustainable benefits.

    Fatty stated: “99.9% of all assets that generate income are not being managed effectively by the government. Governments have limitations in controlling assets efficiently. It’s better to hand them over to the private sector, which can manage them more effectively.”

  • One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One dies, three injured as police foil robbery attack in Abuja 

    One person have been killed while three injured during a clash between the police and armed robbers in Abuja. 

    Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday foiled the robbery attempt in the Zone E Extension area of Apo Resettlement, Abuja. 

    The incident occurred around 10:30pm 

    The police got the hint following a distress call received from a commercial motorcycle rider in Apo Resettlement, reporting heavy gunfire in the area. 

    During the operation, the police said three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers. 

    A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.

    According to a statement on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: “the Divisional Police Officer of Apo Division, CSP Uchenna Igwebuike, immediately mobilized his Ambush and Surveillance Teams to the scene.

    “The attackers engaged the police team in a fierce gun battle. In a swift tactical response, a reinforcement team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, arrived at the scene. The operatives responded with superior firepower, forcing the assailants to flee into the surrounding hills.

    “A joint manhunt operation involving Police operatives and local vigilantes is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

    Read Also: Police clear lawyer, developer of alleged forgery

    “All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care. Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.

    “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao S. Adewale, extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assures residents that the Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the Territory.

    “The CP also appeals to members of the public, especially residents of communities around Apo Resettlement and its environs, to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or via any of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883”.

    He urged the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue supporting the Police in their fight against crime and criminality.

  • Group concerned over surge in domestic violence

    Group concerned over surge in domestic violence

    The Society Safety Network (SSN) has raised concerns over rise in domestic violence cases across Nigeria. 

    The organisation called on government, traditional and religious institutions, civil society groups, and the public to unite in addressing what it describes as deepening threat to families and national well-being.

    A statement by SSN Deputy Publicity Secretary, Olalere Benedict expressed concerns over the growing normalisation of domestic abuse, particularly targeted at women, children, and other vulnerable members of the society. 

    He emphasised that urgent and coordinated actions were needed to combat the trend.

    SSN cited shocking case of Mrs. Hasanat Taiwo whose husband allegedly turned to a punching bag and  narrowly escaped what is believed to be a ritual attempt allegedly orchestrated by her husband.

    “We can no longer afford to treat domestic violence as a private matter. It is a criminal act, and its increasing frequency is a national emergency.

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    “From physical and emotional abuse to economic and sexual violence, the pattern is deeply disturbing and justice is often delayed or denied, there is need for adequate protection for those victims,” it stated. 

    The organisation called for strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, expansion of victim support infrastructure such as safe shelters, and sustained community-based education campaigns. 

    SSN also advocated for inclusion of domestic violence education in school curriculums and the regular training of law enforcement officers to handle cases with sensitivity and urgency.

    SSN urged domestic violence survivors to speak out, assuring them of support.

    SSN called on the media to elevate real-life stories, challenge harmful cultural narratives, and champion preventative advocacy.

    He however said SSN remained unwavering in its mission to build a safe, just, and humane society one, where every Nigerian, regardless of gender or status, can live free from fear, intimidation and violence.

  • LASWA, MOWCA partner to strengthen waterways safety

    LASWA, MOWCA partner to strengthen waterways safety

    The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has partnered with the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) and the global ferry association, Interferry, in a renewed drive to enhance safety across the state’s inland waterways.

    The partnership, formalised during a facility tour of key jetties and terminals in Lagos on Monday, is aimed at assessing existing safety levels and identifying areas for improvement through knowledge sharing, training, and international collaboration.

    General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, who hosted the delegation, said the collaboration was part of efforts by the state government to sustain and deepen safety reforms on water routes.

    Speaking on the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve safety on Lagos’ inland waterways, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, outlined a series of targeted interventions.

    “Safety begins with the basics,” he said. “We have made the use of life jackets mandatory, and our water guards are stationed at jetties to enforce compliance among all passengers and crew.”

    He explained that LASWA conducts biannual inspections of all registered boats to ensure they meet operational and safety standards. “This regular check not only keeps vessels in shape but also helps us identify and correct potential hazards before they escalate,” he said.

    To modernise oversight and respond swiftly to incidents, the agency has integrated technology into its operations. “We now monitor several of our jetties in real time and maintain direct communication with boat operators during their journeys,” Emmanuel stated. “This allows for quicker response in emergencies and better coordination overall.”

    Read Also: LASWA, Foundation celebrate World Oceans Day with Makoko community

    In addition to infrastructure and monitoring, the agency has intensified its public sensitisation and training programmes. “We consistently engage passengers on safety protocols and run workshops for boat captains and deckhands, many of which are organised in partnership with firms like Yamaha,” he noted.

    Interferry, which is engaging with West Africa for the first time, is a global safety organisation with members across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mike Corrigan, disclosed that 12 maritime safety experts had joined the Lagos tour to assist LASWA in identifying and addressing safety gaps.

    “We’re here to share what we’ve learned globally and offer LASWA our guidance and technical support,” Corrigan stated. “LASWA is now a member of Interferry, and Lagos is currently the only African city with which we have this level of engagement.”

    He added that the association views Africa as a critical frontier for expanding ferry safety standards and intends to increase its presence on the continent.

  • LASEMA flags off 2025 flood-free Lagos campaign, assures residents of statewide preparedness

    LASEMA flags off 2025 flood-free Lagos campaign, assures residents of statewide preparedness

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has assured residents of its readiness to tackle potential flood threats as it officially launched the Y2025 Flood-Free Lagos Campaign in Ikeja on Monday.

    Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, while speaking at the event, disclosed that the state has conducted extensive risk mapping and resource planning to effectively prevent and manage any flood-related emergencies during the rainy season.

    “We have done the risk mapping, Lagos is prepared. We have trained our primary responders, identified vulnerable areas, and equipped our teams with the right infrastructure, personnel, and machinery to act swiftly and efficiently,” he said.

    Read Also: LASEMA confirms two deaths, six injuries in Otedola bridge tanker explosion

    The campaign, themed “Y2025 Flood-Free Lagos: Developing Resilience in Flood-Prone Areas”, comes shortly after the federal government listed Lagos among states at high risk of flooding.

    In response, LASEMA, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and other key agencies, has intensified flood mitigation efforts across all local government areas. This includes the clearance of obstructive structures in drainage systems and heightened public awareness initiatives.

    Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu affirmed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, noting that substantial investments have been made in emergency preparedness across the state.

    “We are not just reacting to disasters, we are working to prevent them. Local emergency committees have been activated, fire service coverage expanded, and pre-hospital care systems strengthened,” he added.

    On recent rainfall incidents, he noted that only minor flash floods were recorded, all of which were promptly managed due to proactive measures already in place.

    Also speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Yomi Mayungbe, expressed full support for the campaign, assuring residents of continuity.

    “The next chairman is one of us, an engineer, and he will continue this good work. Ikeja is ready, and so is Lagos,” he said.

  • Environmentalist urges governors to tackle flooding with ecological funds

    Environmentalist urges governors to tackle flooding with ecological funds

    Renowned environmentalist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has called on governors of the Niger Delta states to take decisive action against persistent flooding and erosion by ensuring transparent and effective use of ecological funds.

    Mulade expressed concern that despite receiving a significant share of the over N600 billion ecological and erosion control funds disbursed by the federal government over the past decade, the region has seen little to no improvement.

    “We commend the federal government for its efforts in supporting flood-prone and erosion-affected states. However, in the Niger Delta, there has been no visible progress in the past 10 years,” he said.

    He decried the continued loss of lives, destruction of livelihoods, and food shortages caused by recurring floods, adding that widespread unemployment persists due to the washing away of farmland and crops.

    Mulade also criticized the Flood Management Committees established by the state governments, describing them as “political” and ineffective in addressing the disaster. 

    He urged leaders in the region to prioritize meaningful action and accountability.

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    “It is imperative to State that failure of government at all levels is one of the greatest reason for the occurrence of the continuous flooding, loss of lives and destruction of properties in the Niger Delta States. Despite the huge investment of ecological funds in the region, the funds are diverted and swallowed up by political elites or gladiators of the region

    “Political overbearing coupled with corruption have made the Niger Delta governors not to properly put in place measures to tackle and address this critical issues. 

    “Rather, in order to cover their failure and mismanagement of the funds, they set up a political Flood Management Committee in some states to oversee the impact of the flood with the means to siphon millions of naira at the erection of temporal IDP Camps without regard for modern facilities, portable water, sanitation and hygienic environmental measures. There is no proper drainage system, natural waterways were blocked by building houses on water courses and defore

    station by community members,” he added.

    Mulade therefore called on the Niger Delta States to instead establish an agency that will be tasked with oversight functions on the issue of perennial flooding in the region.

    “The Niger Delta States need to create agencies saddled with specific responsibilities to manage the funds, and respond to the construction of storm water dam systems, open existing drainage systems, and natural waterways,” he proffered.

  • Hasetins to construct $400m rare earth, critical metal plant 

    Hasetins to construct $400m rare earth, critical metal plant 

    …FG hails initiative 

    Hasetins Commodities, a leader in mineral processing and exploration, has announced plans for the construction of a 12,000 tons per annum state-of-the-art rare earth and critical metal processing plant in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

    Hasetins, which currently has 6,000 tons per annum processing capacity across its facilities that adheres to OECD standards, said this new plant will increase its production capacity to an impressive 18,000 tpa, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for critical metals in various industries.

    Rare earth metals play a pivotal role in modern technology, powering a variety of applications including electronics, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and defense technologies. 

    The increased production capacity of Hasetins will not only help meet the escalating global demand for these essential materials, but also contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s resources.

    “We are thrilled to embark on this new journey, which marks a significant milestone for Hasetins and underscores our commitment to sustainable resource management,” said Prince Jidayi, the Managing Director (MD) of Hasetins Commodities. 

    “This facility will not only increase our processing capacity but will also accommodate the rising demand for feedstock from our mining sites and provide additional opportunities for artisanal miners in the area,” he added.

    According to Hasetins’ MD, the new processing plant will create numerous job opportunities in the region, supporting local communities and promoting social and economic growth. 

    He added that by empowering artisanal miners, Hasetins will enable these individuals to bring in additional feedstock, thereby fostering a more inclusive mining industry that benefits all stakeholders.

    The MD stressed that the construction of this additional plant signifies a decisive step towards a more sustainable future, enhancing Nigeria’s position in the global market and contributing to advanced technologies that benefits the society.

    Read Also: Alake plans Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA)

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by a team from Hasetins, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake assured of the Federal Government’s full institutional support for the project, underscoring its alignment with the Ministry’s vision of transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals into a cornerstone of industrial growth and economic diversification. 

    Dr. Alake applauded the company for its strategic foresight and patriotic investment in a $400 million rare earth metals plant and hailed it for aligning its operations with the Federal Government’s drive for in-country processing and beneficiation of minerals. 

    He added: “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria.”

    Dr. Alake noted that the project represents a significant milestone in efforts to spur investor confidence in the mining sector, adding that the construction of the plant would promote skills transfer and boost the contributions of the solid minerals sector to the economy. 

    Also speaking, Hasetins’ Director of Corporate Affairs, Peter Butt, commended Dr. Alake for bringing renewed purpose and structure to the mining sector. 

    Butt emphasised that the Minister’s strong emphasis on local value addition reinforced the company’s decision to invest in sustainable, community-driven development. 

    Hasetins specialises in producing critical metals essential for high-tech applications and defence systems, including rare earth metals and platinum group metals (PGMs). 

  • UNAN urges Tinubu to rejig security architecture

    UNAN urges Tinubu to rejig security architecture

    The United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN), Abuja Branch has called on President Bola Tinubu to undertake a comprehensive overhaul and total rejig of the country’s security architecture to address insecurity.

    The association said it was “deeply worried by the escalating insecurity across parts of the country.”

    In a statement on Saturday by the Coordinator, Abuja Branch, United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNA-N), Dr Desmond Okocha, the association said: “We are greatly saddened by the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 200 innocent Nigerians, including women, children, and the elderly, were brutally killed. Such inhumane acts represent not only a grave violation of human rights but also a direct assault on our shared humanity and national unity.

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    “We condemn, in clear terms, this heinous violence and all forms of terrorism and banditry plaguing our nation and extend our sincere condolences to the government and people of Benue State, particularly, the affected families. These recurring attacks erode public trust, weaken the rule of law, and endanger the socio-economic fabric of our society.

    “We acknowledge and commend President Tinubu for his condolence visit to Benue State and for issuing firm orders to security agencies. However, we urge that these words be swiftly translated into measurable and sustained action. Haphazard responses are no longer sufficient.

    “Furthermore, we call on the Governments of Benue and Nasarawa States to establish joint security task forces and maintain consistent patrols around identified flashpoints.

    “Most importantly, we urge the Federal Government to go beyond providing relief materials for the victims and ensure full compensation for their losses and make deliberate efforts to address the root causes of the crises.

    “As an affiliate of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), UNA-NIGERIA, Abuja Branch stands committed to the principles of peace, justice, and human dignity. We appeal to all tiers of government, civil society, and the international community to prioritise the protection of civilians and work together to address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, marginalisation, and impunity.

    “Nigeria cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. It is time to act with urgency, resolve, and compassion.”