The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • NBMA moves to regulate GMOs for environmental safety 

    NBMA moves to regulate GMOs for environmental safety 

    The Director-General and CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Bello Bawa Bwari, has reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to regulating modern biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and emerging biotechnologies in Nigeria to safeguard human and animal health, as well as the environment.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Bwari emphasized that NBMA was established to provide a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the management and oversight of biotechnology in the country. He noted that biotechnology is a rapidly evolving scientific field that demands rigorous, science-based regulation to ensure that innovation does not compromise safety.

    He said, “The NBMA is not a research institution but a regulatory agency,  the Agency’s role is to assess risks, enforce compliance, and ensure that all biotechnology-related activities are conducted in line with national legislation and internationally recognised standards. 

    “The agency is to also comply with  relevant international protocols and conventions guiding biosafety and biotechnology, particularly in relation to the movement, handling, storage, and use of regulated biological materials. These are critical to supporting safe food production, food security, and food sovereignty, while protecting the environment and public health”.

    The idea behind this briefing is to address 

    misconceptions, misinformation, and misleading narratives surrounding biotechnology and GMOs. He stressed that the media plays a crucial role in public enlightenment and must be adequately informed to report accurately, responsibly, and based on facts and scientific evidence.

    “Nigeria comes first before any interest. Our responsibility is to act in the public interest at all times. We are committed to doing our work diligently, transparently, and in accordance with the law. NBMA operates an open-door policy, and any information required by the public will be made available within the ambit of the law”. 

    He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, noting that public trust remains central to effective biosafety regulation in Nigeria.

  • Customs–NDLEA foil N4.7b drug shipment at Lagos seaport

    Customs–NDLEA foil N4.7b drug shipment at Lagos seaport

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled a N4.7 billion drug shipment at Lagos’ Tin Can Island Port, intercepting a 40-foot container used to smuggle 2,366 packs of cannabis indica through the nation’s busiest maritime trade corridor.

    The consignment, concealed inside three used vehicles, the Customs command said yesterday in a statement by its spokesperson, Oscar Ivara, was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), following a joint, intelligence-led examination that also uncovered a Colt MK IV .45 calibre pistol with an empty magazine.

    The seizure, he said, highlights how criminal networks attempt to exploit legitimate import channels, raising costs for compliant shippers and reinforcing the need for tighter port surveillance.

    The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said the interception followed coordinated profiling and examination carried out on January 28 with NDLEA and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

    “Today, we inform you of developments in securing our borders, aligning with the 2026 International Customs Day theme of vigilance and commitment,” Onyeka said.

    According to him, officers discovered the drugs packed in 55 jumbo bags inside the container, which had been deliberately masked with used vehicles—a Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Matrix, to evade detection.

    Read Also: Navy raids Apapa drug hideout, hands seized substances to NDLEA

    “A 40-foot container was found to contain 2,366 packs in 55 jumbo bags of cannabis indica,” he said.

    Onyeka added that the operation reflects a shift toward risk-based enforcement at the ports, where intelligence and inter-agency collaboration are increasingly central to safeguarding trade flows and public safety.

    “Interestingly, we apprehended one suspect in connection with the seizure,” he said, warning the Service would not tolerate drug smuggling or any form of transnational crime that threatens national security and public health.

    Receiving the consignment, NDLEA Commander, Tin Can Island, Solomon Omotoso, praised the collaboration, noting its importance to maintaining the credibility of Nigeria’s seaports.

    He assured that the agency would pursue comprehensive investigations and diligently prosecute all those involved in line with the provisions of the law.

  • Entourage deepens SME support as demand for accessible finance rises

    Entourage deepens SME support as demand for accessible finance rises

    Entourage Integrated Trust Limited has strengthened its support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the country, as demand for flexible and accessible financing continues to rise within Nigeria’s evolving economic environment.

    The financial institution said it recorded a notable surge in engagement over the past year from entrepreneurs, traders, and business owners seeking practical funding solutions tailored to the realities of local business operations.

    According to the company, this trend reflects a growing preference for credit models aligned with daily, weekly, and seasonal business cycles rather than rigid lending structures.

    Entourage disclosed that it currently supports over 300,000 entrepreneurs and business operators nationwide, a reach largely driven by increasing SME demand for accessible credit, repeat patronage, and referrals within local markets.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Seyi Asagun, said the organisation’s priority remains expanding its impact rather than merely increasing its size.

    “Our focus has never been on size for its own sake. What matters is reach, how many businesses we can support, how many livelihoods we can stabilise and how many entrepreneurs can continue operating with confidence,” he said.

    With operations now spanning 29 states, the institution has expanded its field network, branch activities and internal systems to improve access to finance in both urban centres and grassroots communities.

    The company noted that its model combines on-ground relationship management with structured credit processes, enabling it to serve traders, SMEs and professionals across diverse sectors.

    The firm also reported increased repeat engagement from clients, describing it as a sign that business owners are deriving long-term value from its financing solutions rather than relying on one-off borrowing.

    Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Philip Nkafuonye, said the company’s expansion has been intentional and supported by capacity development.

    “As demand has grown, we have strengthened our internal systems, trained our teams, and improved service delivery across regions.

    Growth is only meaningful when service quality keeps pace,” he said.

    Entourage’s expansion comes amid persistent concerns over limited access to finance for Nigerian SMEs, widely regarded as a major constraint to business growth.

    The institution said its focus on flexible repayment structures, customer engagement, and ethical lending aligns with efforts to bridge the country’s SME funding gap.

    Looking ahead, the company plans to consolidate its presence in existing markets while extending support to underserved business communities, in line with its commitment to inclusive economic growth.

    Entourage Integrated Trust Limited is a Nigerian financial institution providing flexible financial services to individuals and SMEs. Operating across 29 states, the company focuses on promoting sustainable business growth through ethical lending, strong customer relationships, and practical financial solutions tailored to business needs.

  • League of Imams announces date for start of Ramadan

    League of Imams announces date for start of Ramadan

    Prominent Islamic leaders and scholars under the platform of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland have announced February 18 as the commencement date for this year’s Ramadan fast.

    The declaration was contained in a communiqué read to journalists by the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola, at the end of the league’s meeting held on Thursday in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

    The meeting was attended by the President General of the league, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere; the Chief Imam of Ogun State, Sheikh Saadulah Bamgbola; the Chief Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Rabiu Animasahun; and the Grand Chief Imam of Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede.

    Also present were the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in Lagos State, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Olowooribi; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the league, Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory; the Secretary General, Sheikh Mustapha Adewale Hossein Doak; Professor Kamil Oloso; Dr Abdul-Barri Adetunji; and other prominent Islamic leaders and scholars from the six states in southwestern Nigeria.

    In the communiqué, the league stated that Ramadan would begin on Wednesday, February 18, based on its findings and calculations.

    It explained that the decision was guided by resolutions of the first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee held in Istanbul between November 27 and 30, 1978, and later affirmed by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. 18 at its third conference in 1986. The league also cited the outcomes of a scientific symposium held in Paris in February 2012.

    According to the league, the announcement is further supported by resolutions of the International Conference on the Confirmation of Lunar Months and decisions of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy.

    Read Also: Yari to distribute 746 trucks of food for Ramadan

    Based on these considerations, the league reaffirmed that the Ramadan fast will commence on Wednesday, February 18.

    “Communique from the office of the Grand Mufti of the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland regarding the determination of the beginning and termination of the blessed month of Ramadan for the Year 1447AH – 2026 CE. The first day of Ramadan 1447 AH, Insha Allah, will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026

    “The league also takes this opportunity to announce the beginning of the month of Ramadan in the year 1447 AH (2026 CE), in accordance with the resolutions of the first session of the Unified Hijri Calendar Committee held in Istanbul from 26-29 Dhul-Hijjah 1389 AH (November 27-30, 1978 CE).

    “This is also based on the confirmation by the International Fiqh Council in its Resolution No. (18) during its third conference in 1986, as well as the outcomes of the scientific symposium held in Paris on 12-13 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 4-5, 2012 CE), which was titled “The Beginning of Hijrah Months and the Hijrah Calendar.”

    “Additionally, this announcement is based on the outcomes of the International Conference on the Confirmation of Lunar Months, attended by scholars of Sharia and astronomical calculations, as well as the resolutions of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 19-21 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1433 AH (February 11-13, 2012 CE), which was attended by a large number of jurists and Muslims astronomers.

    “Furthermore, it is based on the outcomes of the International Conference on the Unification of the Hijrah Calendar held in Istanbul from 21-23 Sha’ban 1437 AH (May 28-30, 2016 CE), which was attended by representatives from over ninety countries, including ministries of endowments, fatwa councils, scholars, jurists, and astronomers, as well as representatives from most Islamic jurisprudential councils worldwide.

    “These conferences established a set of fundamental principles and standards, the most important of which are: The basis for the beginning of a month is its confirmation through definitive means. Scientific astronomical calculations inform us in advance and definitively about the possibility of sighting the crescent moon, and there can be no contradiction to its confirmation. Differences in moon sighting locations are not considered, based on the general ruling:

    “Based on the above facts, the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland hereby announces the following: Precise astronomical calculations for the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447AH confirm that the conjunction (Astronomical New Moon) will occur at (12:01 PM) Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to 29 Sha’ban 1447AH, which is 1:01 (1:01 PM) local time in Nigeria.

    “The commencement of Ramadan is confirmed based on the following three key astronomical and Sharia criteria: The conjunction of the Ramadan moon shall occur on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, 29th Shaaban 1447 A.H. at 1:01 PM (Nigeria Local Time), which is before sunset across Nigeria.

    “On the evening of 17th February 2026, the moon shall set after the sun throughout Nigeria, remaining above the horizon for approximately 12 minutes. With these conditions fulfilled, the crescent shall be visible on the evening of Wednesday, 18th February 2026, across Nigeria, in shāʾ Allāh. Consequently, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, is confirmed as the 1st day of Ramadan.

    “Furthermore, the League wishes to clarify that Wednesday, 18th March 2026, shall mark the 29th day of Ramadan. There shall be no possibility of crescent sighting on the evening of 18th March 2026, as the astronomical conjunction will not yet have occurred, meaning there will be no moon at all in existence for sighting on that evening.

    “The conjunction for the month of Shawwāl shall occur on Thursday, 19th March 2026 at 2:23 PM (Nigeria Local Time). Consequently, Ramadan this year shall be completed in 30 days, and fasting shall not end at 29 days.

    “Any claim of crescent sighting before conjunction is therefore astronomically, Islamically, and scientifically erroneous and should be disregarded. The League reiterates that astronomical calculation, alongside visual sighting and completion of 30 days, constitutes one of the three valid Islamic methods for determining the commencement of Islamic months. This methodology has been consistently adopted by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba Land for nearly five decades, as established by our founding fathers.

    “This approach has remained a pillar of unity, consistency, and religious harmony among Muslims in Southwest Nigeria, and the League remains committed to it. We pray that Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and acts of worship, and grants the Ummah peace, unity, and spiritual elevation throughout this blessed month. This declaration is based on established astronomical and Sharʿīah criteria, in line with the long-standing methodology adopted by the League (Rabitah), which is rooted in scholarship, precision, and communal unity. We ask Allah Almighty to unite our ranks, bring us together in harmony, and accept our righteous deeds.

  • Okada rider, friends sentenced to death by hanging for murder of Osun widow

    Okada rider, friends sentenced to death by hanging for murder of Osun widow

    A 47-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Muyideen Tunji, his friends, Yusuf Muslim (48yrs), and Rabiu Fatai (55 years) have been sentenced to death by hanging by an Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo, over the murder of a 53-year-old widow for money ritual.

    The Nation recalled that the trio were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Fatimah Sodamade on January 31, 2022, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of human parts, contrary to Sections 324, 319(a), and 329A(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

    Meanwhile, the convicts pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against them by the Osun State Government.

    At the trial, the prosecutor from the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Dele Akintayo, informed the court that Tunji invited the deceased, Asiata Yekeen (a widow), to his residence in Ile-Ogbo under the pretext of paying her money he owed.

    Akintayo stated that, upon Asiata’s arrival, she met Yusuf Muslim and Rabiu Fatai in the house. They strangled her shortly after she arrived at the house, dismembered her body, and buried the remains in a shallow grave behind Tunji’s house after severing vital body parts.

    He continued, “The case was reported to the police and the Amotekun Corps in Ile-Ogbo by Mr. Suleiman Akorede and Yekini Suleiman when efforts to reach the deceased failed. Witnesses who saw the deceased enter Tunji’s house, who is an Okada rider, also alerted security operatives.

    “Subsequently, Tunji fled upon learning that security operatives were searching for him and hid at the residence of Yusuf Muslim and Rabiu Fatai, allegedly taking some human body parts of the deceased along with him.”

    Meanwhile, the defence counsel to the three convicts, Barrister J.D. Olaniyan, Adesina Olaniyan, and Bayo Alade, argued that the prosecution’s evidence was hearsay and urged the court to dismiss the charge against their clients.

    But, State Counsel, Akintayo called six witnesses and tendered 13 exhibits, including the convicts’ confessional statements.

    In her judgment, Justice Sodamade held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and found the defendants guilty on all counts.

    The convicts were sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder, death by hanging for murder, and five years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of human parts.

  • EFCC chairman is genuinely committed to fighting corruption, says influencer Ogudu

    EFCC chairman is genuinely committed to fighting corruption, says influencer Ogudu

    Social media influencer Peter Omokiniovo Ogudu has shared his assessment of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, following a recent encounter.

    Ogudu, an actor and broadcaster-turned-influencer, had earlier taken a swipe at the anti-graft agency, accusing some EFCC operatives of corruption. He had cited an alleged incident during a sting operation at a hotel in Abuja to support his claims.

    However, in a recent video shared on his social media platforms and now circulating online, Ogudu said his perception changed after meeting Olukoyede.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests estate agent over N67m ‘fraud’

    According to him, the interaction left him with the impression that the EFCC chairman is genuinely committed to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

    “He (EFCC Chairman) didn’t owe me anything. But after I posted the previous video where I lambasted EFCC officials at an Abuja hotel, which drew his attention, he invited me and took his time to set the record straight.

    “I deduced from his voice and feelings that he has the same passion I have for Nigeria in terms of having a new Nigeria where there is no corruption,” he said.

  • Edo APC, Oyegun trade words over N150m indebtedness

    Edo APC, Oyegun trade words over N150m indebtedness

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has advised a former national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to pay the outstanding debt owed to the party.

    It said the debts arose from alleged loans and accumulated membership dues spanning several years when Oyegun was National Chairman of the party.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    In the statement, the Edo APC chairman said Chief Oyegun failed to respond to several official demands for repayment, with the total liability of over ₦150m.

    According to the statement, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State wishes to inform the general public that, as a law-abiding, people-centred political organisation, we have formally demanded the settlement of debts owed by the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    “The debts include loans allegedly advanced to Oyegun during his tenure as National Chairman of the APC, as well as accumulated membership dues which he allegedly failed to remit throughout his period of membership.

    “Our records also reveal accumulated membership dues which the ADC National Leader refused to pay into the party’s coffers all through the period of his membership of the APC.

    “This open demand has become necessary due to the refusal by Chief Oyegun to settle his commitments to the APC, the party that gave him the platform to tower politically.”

    Read Also: Edo APC kicks off e-registration of members

    Oyegun, who is National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the claims were baseless, and a sign of panic within the ruling APC.

    He said the allegations were driven by growing unease within the APC following the emergence of the ADC as a strong political force.

    “People will have a good laugh at that. All I can say is that, negative as what they are doing, it finally shows that they now know they have problems with the advent of the ADC.

    “They now know they are in trouble. We are ready for them. Whatever they do, we are ready. They are finally acknowledging that there is a threat to them in Nigeria.

    “They have dragged Edo State down into the mud. The only thing they can do is violence and unnecessary attacks. Instead of thinking, planning, and strategising, they resort to violence and abusive, stupid statements.

    “We are on the ground, and whatever way they want to choose, we are waiting for them,” he added.

  • 3 die in road crash on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway – Official

    3 die in road crash on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway – Official

    The Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) says three persons lost their lives in a road accident at the Toll Gate area along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    Mr Salau Hammed, the Ota Divisional Commander of TRACE, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota.

    Hammed said the accident occurred on Wednesday night when a Scania truck loaded with plywood, bearing registration number GGE 681 XD, reportedly suffered brake failure.

    He said an eyewitness explained that the truck, which was coming from Sango, rammed into a vehicle and some commuters who were waiting to board a bus to their destinations.

    Read Also: Three injured in Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway crash

    According to him, four persons were involved in the accident, three of whom – two males and one female – died on the spot.

    “The corpses of the victims have been deposited at the General Hospital morgue in Ifo,” he said.

    The divisional commander warned motorists against speeding and advised them to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy.

    He added that the crashed vehicle had been towed away to ease traffic congestion in the area.

    (NAN)

  • Overloading: LASTMA impounds 27 commercial buses in Lagos

    Overloading: LASTMA impounds 27 commercial buses in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a statewide enforcement initiative aimed at tackling hazardous practice of vehicular overloading.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    He noted that the impounding of vehicles was part of the authority’s sustained commitment to enhancing road safety and enforcing uncompromising compliance with extant traffic regulations across the state.

    According to him, 27 commercial and private vehicles impounded during an early-morning enforcement exercise, was after repeated warnings issued through multiple public sensitisation platforms.

    “The operation was executed following heightened concerns over the escalating risks posed by overloaded vehicles on major arterial corridors and densely trafficked inner-city routes.

    “LASTMA enforcement officers field assessment exposed a deeply disconcerting pattern wherein motorists particularly operators of commercial vehicles indiscriminately burden their vehicles with assorted goods, stored indiscriminately within luggage compartments and precariously mounted atop vehicle roofs.

    Read Also: Fallen heroes: LASTMA families get 40m from LASG

    “Such unsafe practices grossly obstruct rearward visibility, destabilise vehicular balance and critically impair a driver’s situational awareness of approaching traffic, especially during overtaking, thereby substantially increasing the probability of avoidable road traffic collisions,” he said.

    The general manager emphasised that vehicular overloading constitute a serious contravention of the state’s traffic laws, posing grave dangers not only to the occupants of the offending vehicles but also to other road users.

    He consequently, reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against all traffic infractions that imperil lives and property, warning that enforcement actions against defaulters would remain sustained, intensified and  uncompromising.

    “LASTMA urges all motorists to adhere strictly to stipulated loading capacities, maintain unobstructed visibility at all times and prioritise roadworthiness and safety in their daily operations.

    “The agency remains resolute in the execution of its statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws professionally, equitably and without prejudice in furtherance of the Lagos state government’s unwavering commitment to a safe, orderly and efficient transportation system across the state,” he said

    LASTMA urged members of the public to promptly report any commercial or private vehicles found to be in violation of prescribed loading limits, through its toll-free line on 0800-005-27862, to enable swift enforcement.

    (NAN)

  • Mikano donates 10 patrol vehicles to LSSTF as security support

    Mikano donates 10 patrol vehicles to LSSTF as security support

    Power solutions giant, Mikano International Limited yesterday donated 10 patrol vehicles to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to boost public safety.

    The vehicles were handed over by the company’s Chairman, Mofid Karameh, to the Executive Secretary LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, at a brief ceremony in Victoria Island.

    According to Mikano, the donation was in line with the private sector’s commitment to public safety, adding that it was fully aligned with the state’s safety and development agenda.

    Karameh was one of the select CEOs who attended the recent LSSTF-organised Private Sector Breakfast Meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which sought to deepen corporate participation in improving security across Lagos. He was elated at the giant investments the state government was making in security and safety for the prosperity of Lagosians.

    Read Also: LSSTF presents three operational vehicles to RRS

    Karameh praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s proactive engagement with private-sector leaders, stressing that effective security is essential for business growth, investor confidence and the well-being of residents.

    According to him, Mikano’s contribution reflects the company’s long-standing philosophy of strengthening the communities where it operates.

    Receiving the vehicles, Ogunsan commended Mikano for the impactful intervention, describing it as a proof of private sector participation in public solutions. He noted that operational vehicles remain one of the critical enablers of effective policing, rapid response, and street surveillance.

    He added that the LSSTF will. continue to rely on responsible corporate organisations to complement government efforts, especially as the state’s population and economic activities expand. “This donation will shore up our capacity to support our various security agencies. It is proof that we do not only receive cash as donations, we also seek organizations that will give direct in-kind support to us. Mikano’s gesture is a clear demonstration that securing Lagos is a collective responsibility,” Ogunsan stated.

    The Ten pickup vehicles, built for durability and high mobility, are expected to be deployed immediately to support patrol and emergency response across key locations in the state.