The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Govt calls for volunteers for tree planting

    Govt calls for volunteers for tree planting

    The Lagos State Government has called on residents to volunteer in its ongoing tree planting campaign, saying the scale of the initiative requires collective civic participation to achieve meaningful environmental impact.

    The call was made during a tree planting exercise held at Ibeshe Housing Estate, Ikorodu, as part of activities leading up to the annual Tree Planting Day celebration scheduled for July 14.

    General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Adetoun Popoola, said the Trees for Lagos Initiative is being expanded to more communities but cannot succeed without public support.

    READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

    “Our target is huge and we cannot do it alone. We’re calling on Lagosians to join this campaign. Tree planting may seem simple, but it is one of the most effective ways to take climate action,” she said.

    Popoola, who was represented by the Head of Tree Planting and Maintenance Department, Adebimpe Kuponu, explained that the government is shifting its focus from highways and medians to residential estates in a bid to improve tree survival.

    “Estates are more secure, and residents are more likely to take responsibility for the trees planted in their environment,” she said.

    She noted that similar exercises have been held in Banana Island, Dolphin Estate, Victoria Garden City, and Alaro City, while more are scheduled for Magodo and Igbogbo Housing Estate before the July 14 commemoration.

    According to her, tree planting offers numerous benefits beyond beautification. “Trees provide oxygen, clean the air, increase property value, reduce erosion, and serve as windbreakers. Some are medicinal, others are fruit-bearing. The value is immense,” she said.

    A volunteer, Samson Alao, who participated in the Ibeshe exercise, said he sees planting as a way to give back to nature.

    “Nature has given us so much. Planting a tree is one way to reciprocate. It’s a fulfilling experience. The joy of seeing a new branch grow from something you planted can’t be explained,” he said.

    The Ibeshe event is part of a series of community-based planting exercises to be carried out across the state ahead of Tree Planting Day, which is expected to hold simultaneously across all local government areas.

  • How Bayelsa judge was abducted

    How Bayelsa judge was abducted

    • Kidnapped NDLEA Director regains freedom

    Fresh facts have emerged on how gunmen at the weekend, abducted a State High Court Judge, Justice E.G. Umokoro, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa Capital.

    Eyewitnesses said he was kidnapped in front of popular eatery along Chief Melford Okilo Expressway at about 7pm after a struggle.

    It was learnt the Judge was in company of his two daughters to buy bread from the eatery before the attack.

    The Nation gathered that he usually drives around town without designated security while off duty.

    He was a one-time State Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Justice Umokoro had also had a brush with the men of the Bayelsa Police Command over the release of some notorious kidnappers on alleged technical grounds.

    Eyewitnesses said the abducted judge was trailed to the eatery by armed, dressed in full police combatant regalia with mask covering their faces.

    Two of the men were seen coming down from a Nissan Hilux vehicle and tapping on the car glass of the car who wound down the car window.

    READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

    One eyewitness said he overheard the men telling the Judge that “Our Oga wan to see you”, but the Judge answered them that “Are you aware I’m a judge? And tell your Oga to come and see me here.”

    The two armed men were seen walking away from his vehicle and making some calls to an unknown person.

    Three of the men returned and forcefully dragged him (Judge) out and into their vehicle.

    He was eventually forced into the white Nissan Hilux vehicle with the struggle lasting over 50 minutes.

    A staff of the eatery told reporters that the kidnapped Judge’s mobile phone and a pouch containing his identity cards, ATM cards and National ID cards, including two mobile phones of the kidnappers fell during the struggle.

    Bayelsa State Police Command spokesman, Mohammed Musa, a superintendent, confirmed the incident, adding that investigation into the kidnap has begun.

    In the same vein, the kidnapped Anambra State Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Daniel Onyishi, has been released by his abductors.

    The NDLEA state Director, was kidnapped by some gunmen in Awka on June 12, along the Winner’s Church road, Nnamdi Azikiwe University temporary site in the morning.

    The Nation gathered that before he was freed, some millions of naira exchanged hands.

    However, in a statement Sunday in Awka, the state Police command confirmed his release, adding that he was receiving medical attention.

    The Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said his release was achieved through the collaboration of sister agencies and high powered covert operatives of NDLEA, led by Mrs Florence Ezeonye

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has briefed the Police High Command on the development and activated the IGP’s directive to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.

    Insecurity has been on the rise in Anambra state despite the inauguration of Operation UDP Ga Achi and Agunechemba by the state government.

  • Last batch of Lagos 1,315 pilgrims return

    Last batch of Lagos 1,315 pilgrims return

    The last batch of 1,315 pilgrims from Lagos State, who participated in this year’s Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, returned home yesterday.

    The flight landed at Muritala International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja around 2pm.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs and Amrul Hajj, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, congratulated the pilgrims on completing a successful Hajj, commending them for their good behaviour and exemplary conduct in the Holy Land.

    Layode noted that the medical screenings conducted on the pilgrims before their journey helped manage their health while in the holy land.

    He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for their support in ensuring the success of the Hajj exercise.

    READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

    The Commissioner reiterated that preparations for next year’s Hajj operations would begin soon, assuring that more innovations would be introduced, including early payment for Hajj fees to prevent visa delays, strictly enforced by Saudi authorities.

    Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, mentioned that the pilgrims from Lagos were airlifted promptly in accordance with the schedule set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to minimise their time spent in the holy land.

     Ajomagberin expressed gratitude to God for protecting the pilgrims to perform all rites without serious incidents.

    While praising the peaceful conduct of the pilgrims, Mr. Ajomagberin encouraged them to reflect on the lessons learned during the spiritual journey and to incorporate those lessons into their lives, businesses, and relationships with others.

    Some of the pilgrims, who spoke with reporters, hailed Lagos State officials for providing adequate care during their time in the holy land. They praised the accommodations, meals, transportation, and other logistics, expressing that the state went above and beyond to ensure their journey was fulfilling.

  • Container crushes Korope driver, injures three

    Container crushes Korope driver, injures three

    A fatal road mishap occurred yesterday, along Old Ipaja Road by Agbotikuyo, leaving one person dead and three others rescued after a 40-foot containerized truck fell on a commercial minibus.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the tragedy unfolded when the articulated Mack truck, marked MUS 729 XY, reportedly suffered a brake failure and crushed the minibus, commonly known as ‘Korope’.

    The minibus driver was killed instantly in the impact, while three passengers — two women and a man — were rescued by LASTMA officials.

    The survivors were handed over to medical personnel for further evaluation and care.

    The accident caused significant gridlock, with the overturned truck obstructing more than half of the road.

    In a related development, the truck driver was caught attempting to flee the scene but was intercepted by LASTMA officers and handed over to the Nigeria Police, with personnel from both Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions present at the scene.

    READ ALSO: A President and a comrade

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the bereaved family.

    Giwa emphasized the importance of roadworthiness among operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

    He said: “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection — especially the braking systems — before hitting the road. Preventable tragedies like this must end.”

    Giwa also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enforce road safety regulations, enhance emergency response systems, and ensure strict compliance with vehicle inspection protocols.

  • Tinubu, Akpabio, Saraki, others for award

    Tinubu, Akpabio, Saraki, others for award

    Politicians, current and former officials, have been pre-selected as nominees for the premier edition of the Book of Records, to be unveiled at a high-profile event in August. 

    Speaking on the initiative, Oke Epia, chief executive officer of OrderPaper Nigeria and convener of ICONS programme, said: “The ICONS of the Fourth Republic honours the best of the best—leaders whose work deepened our democratic experience and strengthened national development. These are individuals whose service must not only be celebrated but preserved.”

    He explained that each nominee has been pre-selected through a rigorous, non-partisan, evidence-based vetting process, rooted in OrderPaper’s decade-long commitment to legislative accountability and civic engagement.

    “ICONS of Fourth Republic is more than a celebration—it is a national chronicle of excellence, service, and leadership,” he said.

    READ ALSO: States seek $500m World Bank’s facility to tackle poverty

    On the list is President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and First Lady, Remi Tinubu, Eleven governors; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo.

    Twenty-one incumbent senators have also been listed, including Orji Kalu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Yahaya Abdullahi, Simon Lalong, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Seriake Dickson, Aliyu Wamakko, Mohammed Goje, Adamu Aliero, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdulaziz Yari, Gbenga Daniel, Haruna Manu, Idiat Adebule, Ikra Bilbis, Abdulhamid Madori, Abubakar Bello, Abba Moro, and Ipalibo Harry. Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere joins the list from the 10th National Assembly.

  • Group recommends 6-point agenda as Tinubu marks midterm

    Group recommends 6-point agenda as Tinubu marks midterm

    As President Bola Tinubu’s administration reaches the halfway mark of its first term, the FixPolitics Initiative has unveiled a six-point agenda for national recovery, calling on the President to implement bold reforms that will rebuild public trust and strengthen democratic governance.

    In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, the non-partisan reform group described the remaining two years of Tinubu’s tenure as a critical window for course correction. 

    It urged the federal government to take decisive action across key sectors including governance, the economy, security, civic freedoms, and human capital development.

    At the forefront of the group’s agenda is a demand for electoral and governance reforms. 

    This includes amending the Electoral Act to make the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC’s Result Viewing Portal mandatory. 

    It also advocated for the introduction of early and diaspora voting, and called for the removal of the President’s sole authority in appointing INEC leadership—recommending instead an independent selection body composed of representatives from civil society, the legal and judicial sectors, the legislature, and political parties.

    The second pillar of the agenda emphasized strengthening anti-corruption institutions by ensuring their independence, enforcing compulsory asset declarations by public officials, and promoting transparency in public procurement processes.

    FixPolitics stressed that without urgent and far-reaching reforms, the administration risks squandering a pivotal opportunity to reverse the country’s current trajectory and deliver meaningful change.

    The group also sought an “economic overhaul”, urging a recalibration of fiscal and monetary policies to prioritise industrialisation, food security, and the development of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). It proposed replacing politically motivated subsidies with targeted investments in infrastructure and social development.

    FixPolitics also recommended a “community-centred security strategy”, including state policing, local peace-building initiatives, and accelerated judicial processes for detainees—arguing that military efforts alone cannot address the country’s deep-rooted insecurity.

    The fifth recommendation centered on “protecting civic space”, with the group calling for an end to the repression of dissent, the guarantee of press freedom, and the institutionalisation of inclusive and sustained dialogue between citizens and government.

    It finally urged the government to “prioritise human capital development” by expanding access to quality education and healthcare, updating curricula to include digital and vocational skills, and removing structural barriers to the participation of youth, women and marginalised groups in national development.

    Ubani stressed the urgency of bold leadership at this juncture. 

    “As we nurture a new generation of public leaders defined by character, competence, and capacity, we urge President Tinubu to listen, act decisively on these recommendations, and lead boldly; so that, when he marks four years in office, Nigerians may look back not with regret, but with hope restored,” he said.

    Beyond the recommendations, FixPolitics painted a stark picture of the nation’s current state, warning that failure to act could further erode public trust and democratic gains. 

    It lamented the widespread insecurity, noting that banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence have persisted across many regions. 

    “In Benue and Plateau states, the situation can correctly be described as genocide,” the group declared.

    It also flagged the mass emigration of young professionals, popularly called the “japa syndrome,” as a troubling sign of dwindling faith in the country’s future.”

  • One dead, three rescued as 40ft container crushes minibus in Lagos

    One dead, three rescued as 40ft container crushes minibus in Lagos

    A tragic accident occurred early Sunday along Old Ipaja road by Agbotikuyo, where a 40-foot container-laden truck crushed a commercial minibus, killing the driver and injuring three others.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the articulated Mack truck, with registration number MUS 729 XY, reportedly suffered a brake failure before crashing onto the minibus, popularly known as ‘Korope’.

    The minibus driver died instantly, while three passengers, two women and a man, were rescued alive by LASTMA officials and handed over to medical personnel for immediate evaluation, although they sustained no visible injuries.

    The crash caused major traffic congestion, blocking more than half of the roadway and spilling gridlock into adjoining streets such as Shofunde and Olufunlayo. 

    LASTMA operatives quickly implemented traffic diversion measures to ease the flow.

    In a related development, the truck driver, who attempted to flee the scene, was apprehended by LASTMA officers and handed over to the Nigeria Police.

    Officers from both Elere and Area ‘G’ Police Divisions were present at the scene.

    Personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), and the Nigeria Police joined efforts to recover the deceased, secure the area, and restore order.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, expressed condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the urgent need for roadworthiness compliance among heavy-duty vehicle operators.

    he said, “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection, especially the braking systems, before hitting the road. Preventable tragedies like this must end.”

    Hon. Giwa also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enforce road safety regulations, enhance emergency response systems, and ensure strict compliance with vehicle inspection protocols.

  • PRNigeria Fellows express solidarity with publisher over NIPSS ordeal

    PRNigeria Fellows express solidarity with publisher over NIPSS ordeal

    PRNigeria Fellows, led by communication strategist Salim Yunusa, has paid a solidarity visit to the Abuja office of PRNigeria founder, Yushau A. Shuaib, over his controversial withdrawal from the Senior Executive Course (SEC 47) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

    The delegation also congratulated Shuaib for the multiple awards recently won by Image Merchants Promotion Limited—publishers of PRNigeria—from the African Public Relations Association (APRA) and the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) for its fellowship programme and PR innovations.

    Comprising young communication professionals mentored by Shuaib, the PRNigeria Fellows described his ordeal as “unjust and regrettable,” applauding his enduring contributions to strategic communication, youth development, and public policy discourse in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the session, Yunusa pledged unwavering support to the public relations expert and voiced concern about the institute’s actions he reckoned were “more than disciplinary—it is intimidation.”

    “How can NIPSS sanction a publisher over a harmless report he neither authored nor approved? The positive economic article made no mention of the institute. To then allegedly access private email communications without consent is an abuse of power,” he asserted.

    Responding, Shuaib reaffirmed his utmost respect for NIPSS as a premier African think tank and praised the professionalism of many staff and the brilliance of fellow participants, describing them as “intelligent, respectful, and resilient.”

    “The ‘mni’ badge earned by many graduates I have met before coming to NIPSS is more than a ceremonial title; it signifies strategic leadership readiness and national commitment,” he stated while recounting his “painful and disappointing” personal experience.

    The media owner said despite being suspended for nearly two months, NIPSS never formally informed of the reasons nor the duration. Instead, he was shocked to learn—two weeks after the fact—that the Institute had expelled him since June 2, 2025, without any official notification to date.

    Shuaib faulted the claim that his withdrawal was due to misconduct and a breach of confidentiality, saying the controversy began with queries over an article published without his input and escalated after he authored an opinion piece on Nigeria’s blue economy with no reference to NIPSS.

    Lamenting the timing of his suspension, shortly after paying ₦18 million in fees, he said: “They ensured my removal would prevent my participation in key milestones of the programme, such as submission of institutional study reports, African and intercontinental tours, and presentation of strategic policy papers.”

    Shuaib also protested the “unauthorised access” to his company’s email, vowing to pursue legal and regulatory redress to protect his integrity and PRNigeria’s systems. “That intrusion into the digital communication of a registered private entity constitutes cyber harassment and violates data privacy rights,” he declared.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economic potential rising under Tinubu – Minister

    He alleged that a “small group” within NIPSS Directing Staff orchestrated a campaign of hostility against him, citing a ban on identifying himself as a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (mnipr) during plenary, even though others freely referenced professional affiliations.

    Shuaib further recounted an episode at a federal ministry during the Abuja leg of his team’s Institutional Study Tour in April, led by Barrister Nima Salman Mann and Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha. “During the engagement, a Directing Staff interrupted the diplomat, stating, “We don’t allow our hosts to fraternize with participants!”

    “Another Directing Staff chastised the group for “not asking enough questions,” despite the participants’ evident efforts to engage constructively. When a participant expressed concern about the tone of the rebuke, in a respectful manner, a Directing Staff reportedly responded with vulgar and unprofessional language.

    “These experiences contradict everything NIPSS stands for—strategic thinking, leadership, and mutual respect. While some military officials are undoubtedly intellectually capable, their conduct in certain instances reflected a disturbing lack of wisdom, empathy, discretion, and ethical leadership.

    “I share these experiences not to damage the Institute’s image but to encourage reform and internal reflection. NIPSS must not allow the unethical conduct of a few individuals who are not permanent staff to undermine its legacy through bullying of innocent participants,” Shuaib concluded.

  • Suit against airline over loss of luggage for hearing Oct. 22

    Suit against airline over loss of luggage for hearing Oct. 22

    The Federal High Court in Lagos will on October 22 hear a suit by security expert, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu, against Virgin Atlantic Airways over alleged breach of contract and the loss of his luggage.

    The hearing was adjourned yesterday because the airline failed to file its defence within time.

    Rabiu is seeking $4,000 to cover the value of items lost in his luggage, N20 million in damages for distress, inconvenience, and legal fees incurred while trying to recover his luggage, which allegedly disappeared on a Virgin Atlantic Airways flight from London to Lagos on September 24, 2024.

    The plaintiff had also told the court that, contrary to the airline’s claims, he was neither compensated for his lost luggage nor was it replaced.

    He also argued that his lawsuit is valid and well-founded, as the defendant has not denied that he lost his luggage while using their airline.

    In its defence, the airline blamed its inability to trace and locate the plaintiff’s luggage on his failure to provide adequate information on the Property Irregularity Form given to him after he reported the loss. 

    The defendant also stated in its statement of defence that the plaintiff’s allegations of fraud, recklessness, and negligence against the airline, its staff, and its agents are false. 

    In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the passenger averred that he boarded flight No. CNY3JV from London-Heathrow, United Kingdom, to Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos after undergoing rigorous security checks; he was properly checked in, along with his tagged prime luggage, by the Defendant’s operational staff.

    But after the plane landed in Lagos, he waited at the conveyor belt from the moment the baggage carousel was activated until it was switched off, and every other passenger on the Defendant’s flight picked up their luggage and left except him.

    The plaintiff also maintained that he immediately informed the defendant’s staff on the ground and was given the Loss of Baggage Form to fill out and submit, which he did immediately, but that the airline neither gave him his luggage nor replaced the same or better still, pay for the value of the contents of his luggage. 

    Rabiu also claimed he caused his lawyers to write the defendant a demand letter requesting the luggage or payment for its contents. 

    Read Also: $1.3b airlines’ funds trapped in Angola, Algeria others, says IATA

    He further stated that the defendant’s failure to deliver his luggage to him upon arrival in Lagos after straining his finances to purchase the flight ticket was a massive breach of contract. 

    The plaintiff stated that the defendant’s statement of defence is dilatory, vexatious and a deliberate attempt to escape liability despite the Defendant’s negligence and or recklessness. 

    The defendant, in its statement of defence, submitted that the plaintiff is not entitled to N20 million as damages, and in the unlikely event that it is found liable in this suit, its liability, if any, shall be as provided in the Montreal Convention 1999, which has been entrenched in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, 2023.

    Justice Alexander Owoeye has fixed October 22 for the hearing of the suit.

  • 99% of Nigerian exports to UK now duty-free

    99% of Nigerian exports to UK now duty-free

    Amid growing tensions in global trade, the United Kingdom on Friday granted Nigeria duty-free access on 99 percent of goods it exports to the UK under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

    The British High Commission in Nigeria made the announcement in a statement released on Friday.

    The statement explained that the UK wants to build stronger trade ties with Nigeria, support Nigerian exports, and help both countries grow their economies in a sustainable way.

    DCTS was launched in June 2023 as part of the UK’s trade policy to support growing economies.

    With the recent update, Nigeria can now export over 3,000 products to the UK either without paying duties or at lower tax rates. These products include both farm produce and processed goods.

    British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, described Nigeria as a central partner in the UK’s global trade strategy, stating that the DCTS is not only a tool for increasing market access but also a pathway to unlocking sustainable economic development.

    “A major advantage of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme is the reduction or complete elimination of duty tariffs on everyday goods such as cashew nuts, cocoa, cotton, plantain, tomatoes, prawns, and sesame. This isn’t just about improved access into the UK market, it’s about building a fairer, freer global trading system that supports economic growth and job creation, both in developing countries and in the UK.” Montgomery said.

    The scheme simplifies export rules, lowers import costs for UK businesses, and expands consumer access to affordable goods, creating mutual economic benefits. 

    For Nigerian businesses, it provides a competitive edge, especially for key exports such as cocoa paste and butter, shrimp, sesame oil, palm oil, and cotton clothing.

    Beyond raw commodities, the DCTS also promotes Nigeria’s shift toward processed and value-added exports, an important step in moving the country up the global value chain and away from dependence on primary goods.

    Read Also: ‘How to safeguard agric exports amid global uncertainties’

    Montgomery further revealed that the UK is actively working with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) to address export challenges and ensure the scheme’s full benefits reach Nigerian businesses.

    The DCTS includes 37 African countries, but Nigeria’s strategic importance and trade potential make it a priority partner. The scheme is part of the UK’s broader efforts to expand economic partnerships globally, alongside recent trade deals with countries like India and the United States.

    Trade experts say the DCTS could be a game-changer for Nigerian SMEs, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, by creating new opportunities for export earnings, job creation, and industrial growth.