The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • ‘Badagry-West must choose unity over divisive leadership’

    ‘Badagry-West must choose unity over divisive leadership’

    A prominent youth leader, social activist and development advocate, Prince Omotayo Adeniran, has called for social and political stability in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    He said injustice, imbalance of power and intolerance could threaten peace and effective governance in the council.

    Adeniran, who is based in the United Kingdom and serves as chairman of Kweme Descendant Union, praised leaders and youths across Badagry-West for their contributions to the growth of the LCDA since its creation.

    Acknowledging their sacrifices, he said time had come for honest reflection and decisive corrective action.

    He said the political system in Badagry- West was no longer healthy, with consequences on governance, unity and peaceful coexistence among residents.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    Adeniran identified denial of fundamental human rights, inequality, marginalisation, abuse of power and corruption as the causes of what he described as a lingering political crisis that had continued to weaken the LCDA.

    He drew attention to the grievances of Ward E, describing it as the most politically-underrated ward in the LCDA, despite its population strength, high number of polling units and significant contributions to the council revenue.

    He lamented that while other wards had produced chairmen, members of House of Representatives and members of Lagos State House of Assembly, Ward E had never been given a fair opportunity to produce an elected public officer.

    Adeniran questioned how the leaders and youths of Ward E could be expected to remain satisfied when they were treated as second-class citizens in their ancestral land, noting that such injustice must end if Badagry-West was to enjoy lasting peace and stability.

    As a way forward, he proposed solutions, including rotation of chairmanship among wards through a written agreement signed by leaders and youths, equitable distribution of amenities and infrastructure across wards, and eradication of political bullying and character assassination.

  • Two killed, three injured as truck crashes into vehicles in Lagos

    Two killed, three injured as truck crashes into vehicles in Lagos

    The Lagos State traffic management authority (LASTMA) has confirmed an road accident yesterday at Iyana Meiran, inward Meiran Road, Lagos, which claimed two persons and left three others critically injured

    According to the LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, the incident occurred near the Primary Health Centre (PHC), Meiran, when a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck lost control after suffering brake failure while on top speed.

    The truck rammed into a commercial mini-bus (Korope), with registration number EPP 541 YF, and four commercial tricycles (Marwa) with registration numbers KTU 360 QN, LND 444 QL, LSR 444 QN and EKY 122 QP.

    The impact caused extensive damage, leaving commuters trapped in crushed vehicles and twisted metal.

    LASTMA operatives, with the assistance of some members of the public, rescued the three injured victims and sent them for medical attention.

    Also, the Meiran Divisional Police Officer led a team to the scene to provide security during rescue and recovery operations.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    However, the driver of the Dangote Silo Mixer Truck fled the scene after the crash.

    The injured victims were taken to Mobonke Hospital on Meiran Road for urgent medical care, while the bodies of the two persons were handed over to the Nigeria Police, who conveyed them away in an ambulance.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

    Bakare-Oki reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property on Lagos roads, warning motorists—especially operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles—to ensure their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on any journey.

    He urged drivers to comply strictly with regulated speed limits, noting that excessive speeding and poor vehicle maintenance remain leading causes of road accidents.

    LASTMA appealed to road users to exercise caution, prioritise vehicle roadworthiness and obey traffic regulations in the interest of public safety across Lagos State.

  • 12 miners shot dead, others missing in Plateau

    12 miners shot dead, others missing in Plateau

    No fewer than 12 miners were shot dead while many others are missing when gunmen attacked Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, according to the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO).

    BECO Chairman,  Dagallang Davott, said the miners were attacked at work on Tuesday night.

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    Dallang, who is also the Secretary, Mining Committee in Barkin Ladi council, said: “The number of those missing are yet to be ascertained because the incident happened in the night.’’

    The BECO chair explained: “There was an attack at Fan yesterday. It happened in the night but I cannot give you the exact time. The gunmen stormed the mining site and opened fire on the miners. So many of them fled for their lives during the incident. But, so far, 12 persons have been confirmed killed.”

     Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Nigeria Army, Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, told The Nation that the Army would ensure that  the perpetrators were dealt with.

  • EFCC arrests herbalists with fake $3.4m, 280,000 euros in Osun, Lagos

    EFCC arrests herbalists with fake $3.4m, 280,000 euros in Osun, Lagos

    Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) have uncovered huge counterfeit $3, 430, 000 and 280, 000 euros in possession of a five-member syndicate arrested for allegedly swindling one Halima Sanni of N26, 550, 000.

    The herbalists – Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female) and Familola Sunday Olaitan – were arrested on December 7 and 8, this year at their shrines in Osun and Lagos states, following a surveillance and intelligence on their fraudulent activities

    READ ALSO: Turaki-led PDP begs Nigerians for another chance

    According to the agency’s Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement yesterday, investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals of their legitimate earnings under the pretence of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments.

    They also allegedly assured their victims of their powers to conjure several currency notes which must be cleaned up by a genie through spiritual sacrifice before spending the money. They did these by hypnotising their victims to provide money for the sacrifice.

    Other items recovered from them include two exotic cars and mobile phones.

    Oyewale said the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • Customs intercepts 651,505 euros, $800,575 from Dubai-bound Austrian

    Customs intercepts 651,505 euros, $800,575 from Dubai-bound Austrian

    The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 651,505 euros and $800,575 (about N2.28 billion), from an Austrian national.

    The suspect, identified as Kavlak Onal, an Austrian, was aboard Emirates Airlines en route Dubai last Saturday, when he was arrested by the Anti-Money Laundering Unit of the command.

    The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, told reporters that the suspect and the seized huge foreign currencies would be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.

    He urged passengers to declare currencies, whether foreign or naira, on them to Customs officers, stressing that such funds are not subject to seizure.

    “As part of our ongoing efforts to enforce Customs regulations and collaborate with law enforcement agencies, we are handing over the following seized undeclared foreign currencies—€651,505 and $800,575, amounting to about N2,281,891,575 when converted to naira—to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    ‘‘This is also a demonstration of the synergy that has existed between the two agencies, knowing that nothing gives energy to strategy like synergy.’’ he added.

     “This interception was made about 1445 hours on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Departure Terminal 2, when Mr. Kavlak Onal, an Austrian national with passport number AP0084116, who was scheduled to travel on Emirates Airline to Dubai, was asked if he had any currency to declare and he said he did not.

    READ ALSO; Farouk Ahmed: A challenge for EFCC

    “However, after a search was conducted, the amount mentioned above was discovered in his travelling bag. This contravenes extant laws which mandate travellers, inbound and outbound, to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding the $10,000 threshold or its equivalent,” he said.

    Nwokorie noted that the interception was in line with the laws empowering the Customs Service to curb illicit financial flows.

    “It is worthy of note that this interception aligns with the laws and Acts which empower and confer on the Nigeria Customs Service the authority to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure strict implementation of Anti-Money Laundering obligations at all borders. These include Section 12 of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995; Section 3 (3–5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; and Section 55 (1) of the NCS Act, 2023.”

    The Customs boss further said officers of the command resisted attempts at compromise and intercepted the funds, which were about to be smuggled.

    He warned that anyone who fails to declare foreign currency above the $10,000 threshold risks prosecution and forfeiture of the money to the Federal Government.

    “The public is hereby advised that carrying currency exceeding the legally approved threshold of $10,000 or its equivalent is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration, or under-declaration of the prescribed amount constitutes an offence under the law.

     “Therefore, I urge anyone who has nothing to hide and is engaged in legitimate business and trade to make an honest and full declaration of currency and other negotiable instruments above the $10,000 threshold at the Currency Declaration Desks in the Arrival and Departure Halls of the airport, or risk prosecution and forfeiture of the funds to the Federal Government.”

    He subsequently handed over the suspect to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

     “On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service, and with the kind permission of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the said passenger, Mr. Kavlak Onal, his international passport, and the undeclared currencies (€651,505 and $800,575) found on him are hereby duly handed over to the operatives of the EFCC for further necessary action.”

     The Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Adejumo Richard, commended the level of inter-agency collaboration between the Customs Service and the Commission.

    According to him, the EFCC would continue the investigation from where Customs stopped.

    “We will pick up the investigation from where the Nigeria Customs Service stopped. We will do justice to the case and ensure a thorough investigation. I appreciate the Customs Service for the synergy that led to the interception of this huge sum of undeclared foreign currencies,”he added.

  • LSSTF gets monitoring team to oversight equipment donated to security agencies

    LSSTF gets monitoring team to oversight equipment donated to security agencies

    To ensure effective oversight on equipment interventions to security agencies, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund has constituted a monitoring team.

    The team’s constitution followed discussions between LSSTF’s Executive Secretary, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, and select journalists last week in Alausa, where suggestions on better ways to ensure accountability were made.

    The team’s mandate includes monitoring and tracking of vehicles and other security assets belonging to RRS; conducting routine field inspections to determine the state of fund’s assets; maintaining accurate records of assets deployed by the LSSTF to the RRS, and providing operational reports.

    Others include accessing the application of assets provided to security agencies as a prerequisite for further allocation; monitoring repairs and refurbishments embarked upon by the Fund; and any other duty as may be assigned from time to time.

    Ogunsan had earlier assured that the era of misuse of public resources was over, pledging to ensure the agency performed its roles creditably.

    “Public confidence in the Fund is essential. Under my leadership, transparency will be the standard, not the exception. We will maintain strict oversight on contractor performance, monitor all funded projects closely, publish updates on the utilization of donations, strengthen internal governance and reporting, and deepen stakeholder communication and feedback mechanisms,” pledged Ogunsan during the meeting.

    The inauguration and public presentation of a vehicle to facilitate the efforts of the LSSTF Monitoring Team will be held very soon

  • Corruption fuelling insecurity in Nigeria, CISLAC warns

    Corruption fuelling insecurity in Nigeria, CISLAC warns

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned that corruption remains a major driver of insecurity across Nigeria.

    In a statement to mark the United Nations (UN) Anti-Corruption Day, CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said corruption was weakening the country’s security system despite years of heavy spending on defence and internal security.

    The organisation said Nigeria’s struggles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, and organised crime have been worsened by corruption embedded across the security sector.

    It noted that defence procurement, recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing, and operations were all affected.

    CISLAC said security funds were often lost to inflated contracts, poor procurement practices, and diversion of resources, leaving security personnel under-equipped and poorly motivated.

    It added that families of officers killed in service were frequently denied their entitlements, further damaging morale.

    The group also raised concerns over corrupt recruitment practices that place unqualified individuals in sensitive positions, as well as nepotism and unlawful tenure extensions by senior officials.

    It said the misuse of security privileges, where some individuals receive excessive protection while citizens remain exposed, reflected deep inequality and mismanagement.

    CISLAC criticised weak oversight by the National Assembly and poor accountability within the security sector. It said the lack of coordination and intelligence sharing among agencies was creating gaps exploited by criminal groups. The group further condemned routine corruption in law enforcement, including illegal payments at roadblocks.

    It warned that the spread of small arms and light weapons remained a serious threat, noting that Nigeria was estimated to hold about 70 per cent of illicit weapons in West Africa in 2021.

    CISLAC linked this to concerns over terrorist financing, which contributed to Nigeria’s ranking as eighth among the world’s most terrorism-affected countries in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.

    The organisation called for urgent security sector and anti-corruption reforms, urging the Federal Government, National Assembly, and security agencies to ensure transparency in defence spending. It demanded stronger legislative oversight, independent audits of defence procurement, and strict punishment for officers involved in corruption.

    CISLAC also called for improved welfare and equipment for security personnel, better intelligence sharing, and protection for whistle-blowers.

    It said Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity without tackling corruption in the security sector, adding that increased spending will not deliver results without accountability.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and citizens to promote reforms that strengthen security and rebuild public trust.

  • US missions, Lagos host leadership dialogue to empower young entrepreneurs

    US missions, Lagos host leadership dialogue to empower young entrepreneurs

    The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria, in partnership with Lagos-based Pelse Consulting, recently organized a business and leadership dialogue aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and nurturing emerging business leaders nationwide.

    The event, themed “Dialogue that Matters: Building Businesses that Strengthen Communities,” drew participants from across Lagos State, including members of the Mandela Washington Fellows Network and selected entrepreneurs from the Amplifier Business Clinic—an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in collaboration with Pelse Consulting.

    At the dialogue, Ms. Raisa Dukas, Public Diplomacy Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, emphasized the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises in driving Nigeria’s economic growth. She described entrepreneurship as a key engine for innovation, job creation, and improving livelihoods.

    Ms. Dukas reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to fostering partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and U.S. businesses to promote sustainable economic development. 

    She also highlighted the Mandela Washington Fellowship Programme, a six-week leadership initiative that gives young African leaders the opportunity to study at leading U.S. universities and engage with top business and policy experts.

    “Our hope is that this dialogue marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the fellows, as we continue to track the growth and impact of their businesses and initiatives,” she said.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, represented by the Deputy Director, Youth Engagement and Education, Mrs. Rasheedat Umar, said the dialogue was designed to stimulate conversations around building sustainable businesses, strengthening communities and preparing young people for future leadership roles.

    Ogunlende noted that the theme of the event emphasised the need for businesses to look beyond profit and focus on people, job creation and value addition to society, adding that such an approach leads to stronger communities and more resilient economies.

    He commended the U.S. Consulate for its continued support for youth development and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, while also acknowledging the contribution of Mandela Washington Fellows to the local business ecosystem through their global exposure.

    Highlighting the impact of the Amplifier Business Clinic and Accelerator, Ogunlende said the programme, which began with five beneficiaries receiving ₦5 million, has grown into one of Lagos State’s most impactful youth enterprise initiatives. He disclosed that seven entrepreneurs received ₦15 million in 2024, while ₦20 million was disbursed to 10 business owners this year.

    In his lead presentation, the Managing Partner of Pelse Consulting, Mr. Adeniji Boboye, emphasised the central role of businesses in job creation, economic growth and social development. Quoting World Bank data, he said Small and Medium Enterprises contribute about 48 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and account for 70 per cent of employment.

    Boboye stressed the need for sustainability in business operations, noting that long-term success must balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility. 

    He added that data-driven Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives could help address key community challenges such as unemployment, limited access to services and infrastructure deficits.

    Speaking on the impact of the fellowship, a Mandela Washington Fellow, Mr. Seyi Akinsanmi, said the programme had reinforced the importance of innovation, collaboration and community-focused leadership. 

    Entrepreneur and Amplifier Business Clinic participant, Mr. Opeoluwa Shobowale, said the training had sharpened his strategic thinking and improved his ability to scale his business sustainably.

  • First Lady’s RHI lifts 250 Delta elderly persons with N50m, medicare, rice

    First Lady’s RHI lifts 250 Delta elderly persons with N50m, medicare, rice

    No fewer than 250 elderly persons in Delta State have benefited from the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), receiving ₦200,000 each, alongside a 50kg bag of rice and free medical care provided by the Delta State Government through the Office of the Wife of the Governor.

    The beneficiaries were supported during the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme, held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba. The event was themed, “Finding Joy in Old Age.”

    The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was represented at the event by the Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, while Mrs. Josephine Emu spoke on behalf of the Delta First Lady.

    In a speech delivered at the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme as a vital social investment programme designed to ensure that elderly Nigerians live with dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging.

    “This social investment programme embodies our ongoing effort to ensure that our elderly citizens live with dignity and joy, in a nation that genuinely cares for its own,” the First Lady said.

    She explained that since the inception of the current administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate senior citizens every December in recognition of their immense contributions to nation-building.

    According to her, the scheme supports 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA)—amounting to 9,500 beneficiaries nationwide.

    Each beneficiary receives ₦200,000, with a total of ₦1.9 billion approved for disbursement by the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative. 

    She added that ₦50 million was allocated to each state, including the FCT and DEPOWA.

    The First Lady emphasized that prioritising elderly citizens, especially during the festive season, is both a moral duty and a source of collective joy.

    “They have walked difficult paths so that younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is our duty to ensure they live their twilight years in comfort, good health, and dignity,” she stated.

    She also encouraged senior citizens to remain active, healthy, and engaged in community and charitable activities, stressing that aging gracefully goes beyond longevity to include love, care, and respect.

    Speaking through her representative, Mrs. Josephine Emu, the Wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, expressed deep appreciation to the First Lady of Nigeria for the compassionate intervention.

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Oborevwori administration to the welfare of senior citizens, noting that the Delta State Government has approved ₦50 billion to offset outstanding pension liabilities at both state and local government levels.

    Mrs. Emu announced additional support for Delta beneficiaries through the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the You Matter Charity Foundation, including free medical care, free medications, and a 50kg bag of rice for each elderly person.

    Several beneficiaries who spoke with journalists described the intervention as timely and impactful, thanking the First Lady of Nigeria, the Delta State Government, and the Office of the Wife of the Governor for remembering the elderly.

    They offered prayers for continued peace, good governance, and development in Delta State and Nigeria at large.

  • Vcare for development foundations reform 360, Sterling Oil offer women in custody lifelines

    Vcare for development foundations reform 360, Sterling Oil offer women in custody lifelines

    The late afternoon sun’s slant across the high walls of Lagos’s female custodial facility cast long shadows over the courtyard where women observe bleak routines amidst silent struggles.

    Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) launched the Reform360 Programme covering mental health, education, vocational and entrepreneurship training in partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Centre for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR) to stitch hope into the women’s daily lives.

    The programme is supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO).

    It is designed to help incarcerated people restore hope, reconnect with self, and reintegrate with society by equipping them with practical skills for life beyond the custodial facility.

    Reform360 delivers holistic empowerment through mental health first-aid training, legal literacy on gender-based violence, enterprise development, vocational skills, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

    Through intensive mental health sessions, participants gained competencies in emotional regulation, anxiety management, and adversity intelligence.

    Many women expressed immediate relief from anxiety and isolation. A woman said: “I used to sleep 3 to 4 hours. Now I sleep better. I practise breathing exercises, and I do not panic about hearing dates or my family. The anger management session healed me. I learnt to stop reacting to every little thing.”

    The entrepreneurship training marked a turning point for 200 women who moved from passive beneficiaries to active contributors as they shared key learning points in bookkeeping, customer relations, e-commerce, low-cost start-ups and business management.

    Read Also: Tunji-Ojo: Nigeria’s future depends on unity, national renewal

    Some of them are learning vocational skills such as tailoring, plant-based food wraps, Adire textiles and bakery.

    A woman said: “I used to think you need a lot of money to start a business. Now I know I can begin with little capital.’’ Another woman added, “When I first got here, I felt lost. Now I feel like a light. I do self-care with what is available, and I plan a small business for when I leave.”

    A cell elder said: “Indeed, healing begins with mental health because I now see a clear path… I can help a fellow woman who is struggling, and I can run a small trade when I go home and sustain myself.”

    The women are also supported to continue formal education.

    VCDF also funded the General Certificate Examination for 200 participants in custodial centres across Nigeria through the ASPIRE scholarship initiative.

    Beatrice Onyemachi, Deputy Controller of Corrections, said: “The women showed energy and focus. They are learning to plan for a fulfilling life. The group counselling and peer support sessions reduced stigma and encouraged them to seek help. This is all thanks to VCDF and CELSIR’s approach.”

    The programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals. It is opening doors to reinvention, reconnection, and reintegration for the women. Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO) remains committed to continuously supporting such endeavours in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    VCDF will consistently leverage SEEPCO’s support to ensure people are dignified despite challenging situations for the best socio-economic outcomes in Nigeria.