The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Aiyedatiwa okays Nursing college, unveils major projects in Ilaje

    Aiyedatiwa okays Nursing college, unveils major projects in Ilaje

    …applauds revalidation of Deep Port Licence

    …Petrochemical plant, modular refinery sited at Sunshine FTZ

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the establishment of a College of Nursing Sciences at Kofawe in Ilaje Local Government Area, one of the state’s coastal communities.

    The approval was granted by the State Executive Council, marking a significant boost to healthcare training and educational infrastructure in the riverine axis of the state.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed this at the weekend during his thank-you tour of Ilaje, where he was warmly received by residents.

    He said the construction of the college would commence next year at its permanent site, adding that land had already been acquired by the state government for the project.

    The governor assured residents that more developmental initiatives were in the pipeline, announcing that the operating licence for the Ondo Deep Sea Port had just been revalidated, describing it as a major economic milestone for the state.

    He listed several ongoing and planned projects in Ilaje LGA, describing the coastal council as a uniquely endowed part of Nigeria with vast economic opportunities.

    Aiyedatiwa said the deep-sea port was only one of several transformative projects lined up for the area, disclosing that a fertiliser and petrochemical plant was also underway, with the state government having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the promoters.

    He further revealed plans for a 500,000-barrel-per-day modular refinery, expressing optimism that the project would significantly stimulate the local economy.

    According to him, the deep-sea port, petrochemical plant, and modular refinery would all be sited along the same axis within the Sunshine Free Trade Zone in Ilaje Kingdom.

    The governor also announced that the contract for the development of the Araromi seaside corridor for tourism had been signed, describing the project as part of efforts to unlock the tourism potential of the coastal belt.

    “All these projects I have mentioned, aside from other interventions, have been started in Ilaje Local Government,” he said, adding that more contracts would be awarded in the coming year, including the Agerige–Zion Pepe road.

    He urged residents to visit various project sites to see ongoing developments, citing road construction along the corridor and the concrete walkways being built in riverine communities.

    On federal interventions, Aiyedatiwa spoke on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway being executed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that construction of the Ondo State section linking the state to Ogun had commenced.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa donates brand new bus to Ondo NUJ correspondents’ chapel 

    He said work had started from Ebute-Pare towards Ogun State, explaining that the highway would connect Ondo State through Ilaje to Lagos, Nigeria’s largest market.

    According to him, the project would reduce travel time from the area to Lagos to about 35 minutes upon completion.

    The governor lauded the residents and supporters for their contributions to the success of his administration and urged them to take a greater interest in governance.

    He encouraged the people to voice concerns in areas requiring attention, assuring them that the government would listen and intervene where necessary.

    Earlier, the APC Chairman in Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Raphael Adegboye, commended the governor, saying the pace of development in the state deserved commendation.

  • Climate crisis threatens livelihoods as FG steps up environmental action — Lawal

    Climate crisis threatens livelihoods as FG steps up environmental action — Lawal

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already undermining livelihoods across Nigeria, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the challenges.

    Lawal gave the warning at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting held in Katsina State, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

    He noted that the crises are deeply interconnected and demand an integrated, science-driven, and multi-sectoral response.

    According to the minister, the Federal Government has rolled out several national initiatives to confront the challenges, including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, and the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. He added that renewable energy and clean cooking policies are also key components of the country’s environmental response framework.

    “There should be innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets, as well as stronger private sector engagement,” Lawal said. “Corporate actors such as the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Bottling Company, as potential partners in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts, should be included.”

    The minister commended Katsina State for what he described as exemplary leadership in climate governance, noting that the state ranked second in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.

    He highlighted Katsina’s Green Economy Roadmap, which prioritises renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste-to-energy solutions, and climate-smart development.

    Lawal also pointed to the state’s plans to establish a Green Investment Fund and implement a 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan, urging other states to emulate Katsina’s model by transforming environmental challenges such as desertification and soil degradation into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

    In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal Jobe, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He said the governor’s early approval of funding and sustained support ensured the successful hosting of the council meeting.

    Jobe described the National Council on Environment as a critical platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration, and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.

  • Group hails Tinubu over rescue of abducted girls

    Group hails Tinubu over rescue of abducted girls

    The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027, a grassroots support group championing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has commended the President and Nigeria’s security forces for the successful rescue of all abducted students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State.

    In a statement at the conclusion of its end-of-year congress held in Lafia, the group described the release of the final batch of 130 students on Sunday as a “monumental victory” that underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, particularly vulnerable children.

    The congress, which featured exhaustive deliberations among members from across the country, highlighted the President’s decisive actions following the November 21 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers by armed gunmen.

    The statement noted that initial efforts saw about 50 students escape on their own, followed by the rescue of 100 more on December 8 through sustained security operations.

    The final release of the remaining 130 students, as confirmed by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has now accounted for all victims.

    The group praised President Tinubu’s leadership in deploying security agencies and coordinating operations that led to the safe return of the children to Minna, where they were received by Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and reunited with their families after medical examinations.

    Read Also: Group drums support for NTAC

    “The President’s prompt and strategic response to this crisis demonstrates his Renewed Hope vision in action—protecting lives, restoring hope, and ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind,” the statement signed by Ambassador Toby Prince Udo, its national coordinator added.

    “This achievement attests to the effectiveness of his administration’s security architecture and a clear signal that Nigeria is safer under his leadership.

    “We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for his decisive leadership that brought every single child and teacher home safely. This is Renewed Hope in tangible form.”

    The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027 also expressed profound gratitude and admiration for its Grand Patron and Financier, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District and widely celebrated as 313.

    “As the visionary founder, Grand Patron, and Financier of this movement, Senator 313 has tirelessly mobilized millions in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement declared.

     “His strategic leadership, patriotic zeal, and selfless dedication have transformed the Network into a powerful force for positive change.

    “As his devoted followers and disciples, we salute Senator 313 for his exemplary service, loyalty, and remarkable ability to bridge divides while amplifying the voice of the people,” the group said.

    The Network particularly thanked Senator Musa for his immense support to Mr. President, especially in the area of economic development, where his contributions have helped drive key reforms and initiatives yielding tangible benefits for Nigerians.

    The 313 Network for Asiwaju 2027 reiterated its full endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing his successes in security, economic reforms, and infrastructure development as reasons to rally nationwide support.

    “With leaders like President Tinubu and Senator 313 at the helm, Nigeria’s future is brighter than ever,” the statement concluded.

  • Stephen Achema uplifts families with 6,000 bags of rice

    Stephen Achema uplifts families with 6,000 bags of rice

    Christmas 2025 was marked by a landmark act of generosity as Engr. Dr. Stephen Achema Akpa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited and Rehoboth City Estate, distributed more than 6,000 bags of rice to families across Kogi State and Abuja. 

    The initiative, which reached staff, non-staff beneficiaries, and communities in Kogi East, was structured to ensure inclusivity. One thousand 25kg bags of rice were given to staff, another 1,000 to non-staff beneficiaries, while 4,000 bags were shared among households in Kogi East. Beneficiaries described the gesture as a timely intervention that brought relief during the festive season. 

    Dr. Akpa’s philanthropy has been consistent and transformative. Through the Enemona Foundation, he has empowered individuals with direct financial support—N250,000 each to 25 beneficiaries in October and November 2025, and ₦6 million disbursed to another 25 in December.

    His ₦5 million Facebook giveaway further expanded his reach, ensuring 1,000 online beneficiaries received ₦5,000 each. 

    Beyond humanitarian efforts, Dr. Akpa is a strong advocate for Igala culture, sponsoring cultural events that preserve heritage and foster unity.

    His entrepreneurial achievements are equally notable, with real estate projects in prime Abuja districts such as Jahi, Kukwaba, Life Camp, Lugbe, and Gwarinpa, all distinguished by modern infrastructure and sustainable designs. 

    Community leaders have commended his Christmas outreach as a model of selfless leadership. By combining grassroots distribution with digital empowerment, Dr. Akpa continues to set a new benchmark for philanthropy, leaving a legacy of compassion, cultural pride, and transformation across Kogi and Abuja.

  • Yuletide: Consumers salute Tinubu, Dangote for affordable fuel prices  

    Yuletide: Consumers salute Tinubu, Dangote for affordable fuel prices  

    As Nigerians prepare for the festive season, the Forum of Consumers for National Growth (FCNG) has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Dangote Group for their roles in driving down petrol prices across the country, describing the developments as clear evidence that economic reforms are yielding tangible benefits at grassroots levels.

    In a statement signed by Dr. Adekunle Olorunfemi, National Coordinator, and Rev. Moses Alkali, Public Relations Officer, the forum highlighted the recent reduction in petrol gantry prices by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a game-changer for consumers amid rising holiday travel demands.

    “The bold economic transformation initiated by President Tinubu is taking deep roots,” the statement read.

    “By fostering an enabling environment for local refining and competition, his administration has empowered private sector giants like Dangote to deliver affordable fuel, easing the burden on millions of households and businesses during this Yuletide.”

    The Dangote Petroleum Refinery had announced a significant cut in its gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lowering it by N129 per litre to ₦699 effective December 12, 2025.

    This marks the refinery’s 20th price adjustment in 2025, reflecting sustained efforts to keep domestic fuel competitive despite global volatility and smuggling pressures.

    To support wider market access, the refinery introduced a 10-day credit facility for marketers and reduced the minimum order quantity for certain buyers, enabling smaller distributors to participate.

    The forum praised the refinery’s production milestones, including a daily output of 70 million litres of refined products—comprising 45 million litres of petrol and 25 million litres of diesel—surpassing Nigeria’s estimated domestic consumption.

    This surge in local supply has reduced reliance on costly imports and bolstered energy security.

    According to the group, the refinery’s diversification of crude sources, including the recent arrival of its second shipment from Ghana’s Sankofa grade, further underscores its strategic shift toward regional and domestic sourcing, reducing dependence on European imports.

    The statement added: “President Tinubu’s reforms, including the removal of subsidies and promotion of local refining, have created the conditions for such innovations.

    “Consumers are now experiencing direct dividends through lower transport costs, stabilized prices, and increased availability during the festive period.

    “This is not just about fuel—it’s about hope and progress. The Dangote Group’s commitment to reasonable pricing, combined with government support, is transforming lives and proving that Nigeria’s economic vision under President Tinubu is delivering inclusive growth.”

    The forum urged Nigerians to embrace these positive changes while calling for continued collaboration between the government and private sector to sustain affordability and drive further industrialization.

  • Gunmen abduct woman in midnight attack on Niger Community

    Gunmen abduct woman in midnight attack on Niger Community

    •Govt House Police Officer arrested for ‘supplying’ arms to bandits

    Suspected armed gunmen have abducted the wife of a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator identified as Precious Musa during a midnight raid on Ebbo community in Lapai Local Government Area.

    It was learnt that the gunmen who were armed invaded the community around midnight yesterday, firing into the air for nearly an hour and force residents indoors before abducting their victim who just gave birth three months ago leaving her baby behind.

    A resident of the community said the attackers created panic, leaving the community deserted.

    “They came around midnight and kept shooting in the air for about an hour. Nobody could come out. They kidnapped a woman named Precious, the wife of Mr Monday Musa, a popular Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator in Ebbo. She gave birth just three months ago, but her baby was left behind. They also took one Mr Anthony, but he managed to escape and returned this morning,” the resident narrated.

    It was learnt that the residents had been on alert over the presence of unfamiliar faces in the community for about four days prior to the attack.

    The vigilante group, which conducts patrols, was reportedly not on duty at the time of the incident.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.”

    Also, a Police Inspector attached to the Niger State Government House, Minna, has been arrested for allegedly selling arms and ammunition to bandits and other criminals across the state.

    The suspect identified as Inspector John Moses confessed to the crime, but he accused the late Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Abdullahi Isah as a culprit too.

    The development followed an investigation that led to the death of the DSP. Isah was attached to the Police Mobile Force 12 in Minna before his death.

    Read Also: Elizade JAC to make new vehicles affordable to Nigerians

    Moses have been arrested as investigations linked him to the diversion of firearms and ammunition meant for official security operations.

     Wasiu, who confirmed the incident, said Moses had said he sold the items to bandits and hoodlums in Erena community of Shiroro Local Government Area, using his brother as a middleman.

    An audit indicated that 13 AK-47 rifles and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition were missing, with discrepancies identified in the AK-47 inventory.

    It was during the investigation when Isah was escorted to the armoury for verification that he took a pistol and shot himself in the head, dying instantly.

    Everyone linked to the deceased in the sales of the arms have been arrested and under investigation, a source said.

  • Edo demolishes kidnappers’ hideout in Etsako East

    Edo demolishes kidnappers’ hideout in Etsako East

    Edo State government has demolished structures and shanties suspected to be the kidnappers’ hideout in Obu/Oguda/Bua Cement axis of the Okpella-Okene highway.

    The demolished structures, according to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, were discovered through investigations.

    Ebojele said the investigations showed they were used as bases by kidnappers for holding abducted victims before ransoms were demanded and collected.

    According to Ebojele, “The axis has long been dreaded by residents and motorists, having gained notoriety as a haven for hardened criminals who instilled fear in the area. Several past attempts to flush them out reportedly proved abortive, making the location a major security concern for the Okpebholo-led administration.

    “However, on December 20, 2025, about 9:30 a.m., the area fell to the superior strategic planning and resolve of the Edo State Government as the illegal structures were pulled down, restoring a sense of safety to the community.

    The demolition was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, led by Town Planning Officer, Williams Ovenseri.

    Read Also: U.S., Nigeria sign $5.1b health pact to expand faith-based healthcare delivery

    During the operation, the suspects reportedly resisted efforts by blocking the Okpella–Okene Expressway in the Obu/Oguda/Bua cement axis, allegedly using human shields. Despite the resistance, security forces maintained control and ensured the success of the operation.

    The CPS added: “With the demolition completed, the area, once a hotspot for kidnappings and attacks on motorists, has become relatively calm, while security agencies continue to maintain surveillance to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.

    “The successful operation marks a significant breakthrough for the Okpebholo administration, underscoring its firm commitment to winning the war against crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Edo State.”

  • Foundation empowers 300 vulnerable boys in Cross River

    Foundation empowers 300 vulnerable boys in Cross River

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Hogis Foundation, dedicated to the development of the boy-child, has empowered no fewer than 300 vulnerable boys in Cross River State.

    The foundation’s founder, Dr Ikechuku Ukweh, made this known at the Strategic Conference for heads of secondary schools in Calabar, the state capital.

    The conference had the theme, “Meeting strategic partners in the boy-child development: A new era of collaboration.”

    In a statement, Ukweh explained that the foundation was unveiled last September 27, to tackle the society’s “one-sided compassion” in child development discourse. He said: “Hogis Foundation focuses on vulnerable boys aged between 10 and 19, particularly those who are out of school or living on the streets, through structured mentorship, education and rehabilitation programmes.”

    Ukweh said the group’s philosophy is anchored on leadership, empowerment, education and elevation with its periscope focused on scholarships, vocational and technical skills training, entrepreneurship development and health screening.

    In the last five years, the founder said, about 80 per cent of boys mentored under its programmes have demonstrated improved leadership skills, alongside a significant reduction in bullying and aggressive behaviour in targeted schools.

    Read Also: Nigeria deploys electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    He added that 80 per cent of participating communities had adopted child-protection, while the reintegration rate of street-involved boys stands at about 70 per cent.

    Ukweh said the group planned to train 2,000 boys in vocational and technical skills, reach 25,000 boys with masculinity and life-skills education, support 1,000 boys in entrepreneurship, and provide health screening for 10,000 beneficiaries.

    He added that 200 boys were expected to participate yearly in sports leagues, 100 youth-led businesses would be supported to launch, and about 300 street-involved boys are projected to be reintegrated each year.

    He explained that funding for the foundation’s activities is sourced from corporate social responsibility partnerships, grants from international donors, fundraising events and campaigns, and membership contributions.

    He noted that the foundation works in partnership with religious institutions, government agencies, sports clubs, schools and corporate sponsors.

    The state Commissioners for Education, Prof Stephen Odey, was  represented as well as his counterpart in the Social Welfare and Community Development ministry, Prof Margaret Ene-Ita,  secondary schools heads and other key education stakeholders.

  • Yuletide: Rivers CP announces deployment to strategic locations

    Yuletide: Rivers CP announces deployment to strategic locations

    The Rivers State Police Command has initiated proactive measures aimed at guaranteeing peaceful  yuletide.

    In a statement, the spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koo, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the initiative is to be carried out in collaboration with other Federal Government’s security agencies to ensure festivity devoid of insecurity.

    The Command calls on the people to use the season for sober reflection and offer prayers for the peace and progress of the state and the nation.

    “To this end, the Command, under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has implemented a robust security framework, deploying tactical teams to strategic locations, including entry and exit points, waterways, motor parks, hotels, recreation centers, churches, mosques, and identified hotspots.

    “This deployment is designed to provide visibility Policing, enhance surveillance, and facilitate rapid response to potential security breaches.

    “The CP has further directed the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to deploy operational and intelligence assets at their disposal to effectively police their Areas of Responsibilities to ensure a hitch-free celebration.” the statement stated.

    Read Also: The Omole Exposé: Nigeria’s reckoning with institutional failure

    Iringe- Koko further noted that community engagement is being intensified, involving the traditional rulers, youth organizations, and religious leaders to foster a culture of trust, promote public confidence, and encourage early intelligence sharing.

     “This proactive approach aims to nip potential security threats in the bud and prevent incidents during the festive period.

    “In light of the festivities, parents are advised to exercise vigilance and caution their children against engaging in pyrotechnics (fireworks) and knockout shooting, which poses risks. “

    The command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding lives and property of citizens before, during and after the Christmas, urging residents to endure the adoption and observe personal safety rules and endeavour to lock up their doors and windows properly before going to bed at night, while remaining vigilant in the day.

    They released dedicated emergency telephone numbers to be called by the residents when in trouble or report any incidence of concern.

    “Residents can report incidents or concerns to the nearest Police station or utilise the Command’s contact numbers,’’ Iringe-Koko added.

  • Female drug kingpin arrested in Lagos with N5b cocaine stashed in children’s room

    Female drug kingpin arrested in Lagos with N5b cocaine stashed in children’s room

    •NDLEA intercepts Italy-bound opioids, nabs businessman, Beninoise lady, others in nationwide raids

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested another leader of a drug syndicate, Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, 38, who went underground since May, last year, in her Lagos home where additional 23.50 kilograms of cocaine worth N5 billion was recovered from her children’s room.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who broke the news in a statement yesterday, said this is coming 20 months after a cocaine trafficking cartel led by a couple – Bolanle Lookman Dauda and Olayinka Toheebat Dauda – was smashed in Lagos and Ogun states by operatives of the NDLEA with multi-billion-naira worth of the illicit drug recovered from them

    Babafemi said the kingpin Lookman and his queen Toheebat were arrested on May 24, last year by members of the agency’s special operations unit at Ibiye, on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway while attempting to cross the border to deliver the consignment in Ghana.

    He said 42 blocks of cocaine weighing 47.5 kilograms were found on them.

    Babafemi said a follow up in their residence at Plot 24/25 OPIC extension, Petedo Road, Agbara, Ogun State, led to the recovery of additional eight blocks of the same drug weighing 10kg, bringing the drugs seized from the couple to 57.5 kilograms.

    Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives trailed Simbiat to her 31 Onasanya Street, Surulere, Lagos residence on December 9, this year.

    The statement reads: “A thorough search of her home led to the discovery of blocks of cocaine weighing 23.50 kilograms concealed in a black suit case recovered from her children’s room. She admitted ownership of the drug consignment worth over N5 billion in street value.”

    Read Also: Nigeria deploys electronic navigational charts to Calabar, Bakassi channels

    Also, Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives at Terminal II Departure Hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos last Thursday  intercepted a 36-year-old businessman Nwanwene Robinson Destiny with a total of 1,020 pills of  tramadol 225mg and tapentadol 200mg concealed in his luggage while attempting to board a Royal Air-Maroc flight to Milan, Italy where he’s based.

    Babafemi said he claimed the trafficking of the opioids to Italy would have fetched him 200 euros from the person he was to deliver them to.

    The statement reads: “At the Seme border in Badagry, Lagos, a 48-year-old Beninoise Leocardi Josu was on Thursday, December 18 arrested by NDLEA officers while attempting to cross into Nigeria with 3,400 tablets of tramadol 225mg, even as a suspect Abdullahi Adamu, 30, was nabbed along Okene/Lokoja highway with 28.400kg skunk, a strain of cannabis and Colorado, a synthetic cannabis on Friday, December 19.’’

    In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives last Friday recovered 125,000 capsules of tramadol and 1,800 pentazocine injection in a Toyota Hiace bus marked XD 592 AWL on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, while two suspects: Ogunlade Kazeem, 54, and Adeleke Ismail, 30, were arrested with 185.4 kilograms of skunk at Challenge Motor Park, Ibadan, last Wednesday.

    On Friday, December 19, the agency’s operatives raided Owena/Ijesha forest in Osun State and arrested a suspect, Charles James, 45, with 405kg skunk, while another suspect Jamilu Zakari, 42, was nabbed same day with 14,960 pills of tramadol 225mg at tollgate, on Abuja-Kaduna highway. The consignment of opioids was concealed in two kola nut sacks (huhun goro) coming from Abuja to Gusau, Zamfara State.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) commended the officers for their giant strides, urging them to continue in them.