The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Residents flee Kogi community after attack on church

    Residents flee Kogi community after attack on church

    Residents of the Aaaazkiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State are fleeing the community, following last Sunday’s incident where gunmen attacked ECWA Church and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers while one was reportedly killed.

    Church members, who spoke under condition of anonymity, yesterday claimed that the gunmen could have abducted over 20 worshippers in the incident.

    Gunmen reportedly struck at the church during service.

     Some church members said it was not clear how many were killed.

    Residents said: “Many of our  people in the community have relocated following the Sunday incident. Many  have fled to their kinsmen and friends residing at safer communities and council headquarters.”

    The spokesman for the state police command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Aya William, was yet to react to the incident as at the time of filing this report.

    The  Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi, however, condemned the incident, urging security operatives to put on more efforts .

    He declared: “We are concerned  over reports of killing and kidnapping of an unspecified number of worshipers at ECWA Church in Àaaaz-Kiri community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area in the early hours of December 14, 2025.

    READ ALSO: The death of local government

    “Today, similar incidents have occurred in Oke-Agi and Ilai communities in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, where people were kidnapped and killed in one of the Tiv communities.

    “The worsening security situation in the entire district calls for urgent intervention, from both federal and state governments, as well as all stakeholders, to tackle the issue head-on, and rescue the people from the bandits’ attack”, he said .

    The state Commissioner of Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, sympathised with the people over the attack.

    His words: “Our thoughts are with the people of Illai and Okeagi at this trying moment. I am aware that efforts are ongoing to restore security to the area. I have also spoken with the Council Chairman of Mopamuro and other people concerned. We will triumph by the grace of God.”

  • Lawmaker mobilises youths for Tinubu’s re-election

    Lawmaker mobilises youths for Tinubu’s re-election

    The lawmaker representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, Ganiyu Ayuba, has urged youths not to relent in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to seek re-election in 2027.

    He gave the advice yesterday while declaring open a five-day basic computer skill, literacy and empowerment programme in Ikotun, Lagos.

    The lawmaker said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritised youth empowerment, employment and innovation.

    He said it was unfortunate that youths were unaware of the meaning of his logo and the symbol on his caps.

    Ayuba said: “The broken chain symbolises someone working to build a country where no one is enslaved and a society where no one is oppressed.

    “Many of you don’t know that Tinubu has been struggling to build a nation where no one is in chains and where citizens can live meaningful lives. The progress we enjoy in Lagos today is traceable to his diligence and hard work.

    READ ALSO: Insecurity: Why are we defeated?

    “As a product of that political school and the representative of this constituency, no one should expect me to do less. That was why, during the preparation of this year’s budget, I ensured the inclusion of training for Alimosho youths in basic computer skills and information and communication technology (ICT).

    “There are many opportunities online that can turn our youths into entrepreneurs who can work from their homes and earn millions of naira. This is what this training is all about. After the programme, participants will be able to do many things, using their Android phones.”

    He advised youths to key into President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as historic. He recalled that there was hope in 1993, but it was dashed.

    “They have no choice. As the future leaders of this country, it is in the interest of youths to support Tinubu’s progressive agenda,” he said.

    He claimed that many youths were misled into supporting Peter Obi’s presidential bid during the last general election.

    “They were deceived, misdirected and disoriented. But with the benefit of hindsight, they now have no choice but to embrace the Renewed Hope Agenda. Many of them have taken advantage of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise to ensure they vote for Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027,” Ayuba said.

    He said the current training was one of several empowerment programmes designed for the people of Alimosho Federal Constituency.

    Addressing the participants, he said: “This is your turning point. Embrace this ICT training with focus, discipline and creativity. Learn, innovate and transform your skills into businesses, jobs and meaningful contributions to the society.”

    One of the organisers of the programme, Bola Afolabi, the Women’s President of Alimosho Federal Constituency, said she was impressed by Ayuba’s efforts in poverty alleviation among youths, women and other vulnerable groups in the society.

    She noted that today’s youths are more privileged than their counterparts in previous generations.

    Afolabi disclosed that 200 beneficiaries had already registered for the programme, saying more participants were expected on the second day.

    “Federal Government sponsored this programme in conjunction with the Centre for Management Development (CMD). After the training, beneficiaries will be provided with start-up kits to enable them put into practice the skills acquired during the programme,” she said.

  • Okpebholo vows to pay AAU salary arrears, gratuities

    Okpebholo vows to pay AAU salary arrears, gratuities

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has promised to pay salary arrears and gratuities of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma workers.

    He said comments from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, indicated that the institution was on life support.

    The governor spoke in Benin City when the VC and members of her management team visited him at the Government House.

    He said the institution’s challenges were inherited from past administrations.

    Okpebholo described the non-payment of salary for years as unfair and unacceptable.

    He hoped the needs of AAU would be captured in the budget proposal.

    The governor said: “From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming office.

    “I’m impressed by your efforts, and I want to assure you that in any way possible, this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory.

    READ ALSO: The death of local government

    “It is not right for people to work and not be paid. The issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira is something I will take as a project.

    “These are issues inherited from the past government and we will address them.”

    The Vice Chancellor said she inherited a moribund AAU facing infrastructural problems, unpaid salaries, accreditation, among others.

    She thanked Governor Okpebholo for the “life-saving interventions” since his assumption of office.

    Prof. Omonzejie said the governor’s approval of increased monthly subvention, restoration of affected workers to the payroll, support for graduating backlog medical students, improved security logistics and facilitation of road construction through Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had revived the university.

  • Stakeholders urge FG to domicile constituency projects in special duties ministry

    Stakeholders urge FG to domicile constituency projects in special duties ministry

    Stakeholders have called on the federal government to domicile the implementation and execution of all Zonal Intervention and Constituency Projects (ZIP/CP) in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (FMSDIGA).

    The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2025 Stakeholders’ Interactive Forum organised by FMSDIGA in Abuja. 

    It was signed by the Head of Information and Media Unit of the ministry, Hajiya Maryam Mohammed.

    They said the projects, which account for over N4 trillion in the Federal Government’s annual budget, should no longer be scattered across various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), but returned to FMSDIGA to enable the ministry assume its statutory role as the anchor and implementing body for such interventions nationwide.

    According to the communiqué, stakeholders expressed concern that the current practice has contributed to poor project quality, slow execution and lack of technical expertise, stressing that FMSDIGA was originally established by the Federal Government to implement zonal intervention and constituency projects.

    They argued that centralising the projects under one ministry would improve coordination, enhance accountability and ensure better value for public funds.

    READ ALSO: We’ll mobilise all military assets against insecurity, says Tinubu

    The communiqué also reflected the views of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who said the selection of constituency projects must be driven by genuine community needs and socio-economic benefits, rather than the personal interests of community leaders.

    Kalu, who was represented at the forum by Hon. Stanley Ukuku, reiterated the support of the National Assembly for the successful implementation of constituency projects in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Stakeholders further called on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), to act decisively against public officers found to have diverted or misappropriated constituency project funds.

    The forum commended assurances by the Chairman of the CCB, Dr Abdullahi Bello; the Head of the ICPC Constituency Projects Unit, Mr Bello Idris; and the representative of the EFCC Chairman, Mrs Nwanyinma Okeanu, on the readiness of their agencies to prosecute offenders.

    Representatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army, including Brig.-Gen. N. N. Gambo, also pledged to provide security for all zonal intervention and constituency projects to guard against theft and vandalism.

  • Carloha, FRSC urge motorists to end distracted driving

    Carloha, FRSC urge motorists to end distracted driving

    Carloha Nigeria, the assembler and franchise holder of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, has partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to drive awareness during the 2025 Ember-Months Safety Campaign.

    The FRSC has consistently championed road safety advocacy across Nigeria, especially during the Ember Months when accident rates tend to rise, mostly due to human factors.

    This year’s campaign theme, “Take Responsibility for Your Driving: Stop Distracted Driving,” emphasises the importance of driver behaviour as the first line of defence against crashes.

    As part of the collaboration, Carloha Nigeria is supporting the FRSC RS2 Headquarters, Lagos, with the donation of reflective jackets for improved officer visibility and information-packed flyers for public sensitisation throughout the campaign period.

    Speaking on the initiative, Carloha General Manager, Marketing, Felix Mahan, said, “Our partnership with the FRSC underscores Carloha and Chery’s commitment to promoting safer roads and encouraging responsible driving habits, especially during the high-traffic end-of-year period.”

    He added that although many Chery vehicles feature advanced safety technologies – including driver-assist systems, anti-collision and emergency brake assist, lane departure and distraction warnings, and multiple airbags – the company considers it essential to reinforce a culture of alertness, discipline, and personal responsibility among motorists.

    Zonal Commanding Officer, RS2 Headquarters, Lagos, ACM Ann Oladayo, expressed appreciation for Carloha’s support.

    “We are delighted to have Carloha and Chery partner with us on this year’s Ember-Months campaign. The reflective jackets and flyers will significantly enhance the visibility of our officers during public enlightenment activities and support our efforts to reduce road traffic crashes,” she said.

    Oladayo encouraged other corporate organisations to emulate Carloha and Chery in backing initiatives that promote safer road use across Nigeria.

  • Lagos agog as 13h GAHAWARDS and Business Summit ends in grand style

    Lagos agog as 13h GAHAWARDS and Business Summit ends in grand style

    Lagos was agog on December 12 as  Eko Hotels & Suites hosted the 13th GAH Awards & Business Summit, merging style, influence, and critical discussions amid pomp and pageantry

    This year’s theme, “Africa Reimagined: Innovation, Inclusion & Sustainable Growth,” set the tone for an event attended by political leaders, business executives, investors, and creatives. The summit has evolved from an awards ceremony into a vital platform for recognition and networking.

    Key dignitaries included Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (represented), Minister Festus Keyamo, and Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema, all underscoring the summit’s significance.

    Founder of GMYT Group Limited and the event’s convener, Dr Princess O. Oghene, emphasised that the summit represents more than just an awards ceremony, but a platform for influence and leadership development.

    She showered encomium on Governors, ministers, partners, sponsors and her team for their role in making the 13th edition a huge success, describing it as a sign of greater things to come

    ” It feels so good, and I’m happy the media are here because you always give us the right coverage. To all my team, friends and families who have been cheering me on and giving me the right advice. Kudos to my partners, sponsors and my amiable team. Oh Jesus! What can I do without my team? I am excited because I can welcome my guest simply because my team is working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the big vision turns out successful

    ” I feel so excited and honoured. The Governor honoured me with his Chief of Staff, and we had many prominent figures in attendance. I feel blessed and encouraged, but what all of these mean is that the journey has just started. It means that the standard just keeps getting higher every year.”

    Asked about the difficulties of staging an event of such magnitude in Nigeria at a time the country is battling insecurity and economic challenges, Princess Oghene maintained that Nigeria provides the right and enabling environment to excel compared to other places in the world.

    ” Nigeria is home for me. In my 22 years of being in this business, I have ventured into many businesses, but not all of them have survived. I can confidently say that no country is better than Nigeria. This is the country where you feel at home, and this is my fatherland. We are born to hustle, and at the end of the day, we survive.

    The GAH ecosystem was showcased through GAH Media, GAH Elite Magazine, GAH Sports, and the new GAH Experience Zone, which highlighted innovations in various fields. 

    A standout moment was the presentation of the GAH Human Capital Development Award 2025 to Zamfara State, recognizing its commitment to people-focused governance. The award was presented by Dr. Allen Onyema and drew enthusiastic applause.

    The evening celebrated African fashion, with designers and creatives showcasing their work, adding vibrancy to the event. Emotional moments arose during the awards segment as honorees received recognition.

    As the night wrapped up, conversations continued, fostering connections and collaborations. 

    For Dr. Oghene, this event marked a significant milestone in a 13-year journey. “We are creating a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and African excellence,” she stated. 

    The 13th GAH Awards & Business Summit reaffirmed its role as a key gathering for business and leadership in Africa, where ideas meet ambition.

  • Govt functionaries, others celebrate “The unity project Nigeria” at 6, laud convener

    Govt functionaries, others celebrate “The unity project Nigeria” at 6, laud convener

    Stakeholders, including government functionaries, have  celebrated “The Unity Project Nigeria” (TUPN), an initiative  that promotes national peace and unity as it marks its 6th anniversary, commending the organiser’s  commitment towads sustaining the initiative.

    They gave the commendation  at the just concluded 2025 Nigeria First Unity Summit, organised by  TUPN in Abuja.

    This year’s Unity Summit was held under the theme: “Peace, Unity and Security: A Collective Responsibility.”

     The event  brought together key stakeholders across government institutions, security agencies, traditional leadership structures, youth groups, and civil society to engage in  dialogue for sustainable peace and security in Nigeria.

    The stakeholders include Dr Musa Babayo, Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mohammed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), Yusuf Tuggar, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr Joseph Ochogwu  the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR)m among others.

    The leaders in their goodwill messages congratulated the founder and convener of TUPN, Jennifer Serrano,for her love for Nigeria and  consistent dedication to promoting peace and unity through the initiative.

    Also, key speakers and resource persons at the event lauded  the convener for her   inclusive leadership style and her ability to convene diverse actors across sectors for constructive engagement on issues critical to Nigeria’s stability.

    They noted her work aligns strongly with  collective national efforts towards strengthening  unity, social cohesion, and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

    Speaking on the vision of The Unity Project Nigeria, the convener said the summit reaffirmed her stance  that peace and security cannot be achieved by government alone, but require collective responsibility of  citizens, institutions, and communities.

    As The Unity Project Nigeria marks six years of impact, stakeholders expressed optimism that the initiative will continue to play a strategic role in shaping national conversations around unity, peacebuilding, and shared responsibility for security.

    Through platforms such as the Unity Summit, TUPN continues to provide a credible space for dialogue, policy reflection, youth engagement, and stakeholders collaboration aimed at ensuring that Nigeria remains peaceful, united and secured.

  • 10 interesting things to do in Lagos this Christmas

    10 interesting things to do in Lagos this Christmas

    There is a reason December in Lagos has a name of its own. Once the month starts, staying indoors feels like missing out.

    The city becomes louder, brighter, and busier, and Christmas turns into a full experience, not just a date on the calendar.

    Here are 10 interesting things to do in Lagos this Christmas:

    1. Attend a Christmas-themed beach hangout

    Lagos beaches come alive in December. From private beach houses to open beach parties, Christmas by the water hits differently. There’s music, games, food, and that calm moment when the sun sets, and everything feels slower. Perfect for friends, couples, or even solo reflection with a drink in hand.

    2. Explore Detty December concerts and live shows

    December is concert season in Lagos. From Afrobeats stars to live bands and comedy nights, there is always something happening. Even if you do not attend the biggest shows, smaller pop-up events across the city offer just as much fun without the crowd pressure.

    3. Visit a resort or short stay for a night or two

    You do not need to leave Lagos to feel like you travelled. Resorts and short stays across Lekki, Ajah, and the mainland offer a quick reset. One night away from your usual space can make Christmas feel intentional and special.

    4. Take a food crawl across the city

    December is the perfect excuse to eat without guilt. Create a simple food list and spend a day hopping between spots. From street suya to rooftop restaurants, Lagos food culture shines brightest during the festive season.

    5. Go sightseeing and take new pictures

    Lagos looks different in December. Decorations, pop-up markets, outdoor lounges, and city lights give the city a fresh feel. Visit places you usually pass without stopping and capture moments you will actually want to remember.

    6. Host or attend a house party

    House parties are a Lagos December classic. Whether you are hosting something small or attending one, something is comforting about music in a living room, familiar faces, and laughter that does not feel forced.

    7. Attend a church Christmas event or carol service

    For many people, Christmas is not complete without a moment of reflection. Carol services, concerts, and end of year thanksgiving services bring a sense of grounding and meaning to the season, especially after a long year.

    8. Visit art spaces and creative hubs

    December is when galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and creative spaces showcase their best work. If you want something calm but inspiring, spend an afternoon engaging with art, music, and culture in a more relaxed environment.

    9. Take a day trip within Lagos or nearby towns

    Badagry, Epe, and other nearby locations offer history, nature, and quiet. A short day trip can be refreshing if you want to escape the chaos without planning a full vacation.

    10. Do absolutely nothing and enjoy it

    Sometimes the best Christmas plan is rest. Sleep late. Stay offline. Watch movies. Reconnect with yourself. Lagos will always be loud, but choosing stillness can be its own kind of celebration.

    Christmas in Lagos is what you make of it. Whether you are outside every night or indoors protecting your peace, the goal is simple. End the year feeling fulfilled, not pressured.

    If you choose joy, even in small ways, Lagos will meet you halfway.

  • Osun mourns as MICOM Golf owner Tunde Ponnle dies at 94

    Osun mourns as MICOM Golf owner Tunde Ponnle dies at 94

    Osun State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Prince Tunde Ponnle, a prominent son of Ada town, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday, December 14.

    He was 94.

    The sad news of his death was announced on Sunday by a Facebook user, Babalola Sunday Emmanuel.

    Prince Ponnle, a respected elder statesman and philanthropist, served as a member of the Governing Council of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) until May 2023.

    He was widely celebrated for his enduring commitment to education, healthcare, and community development across the state.

    A major benefactor of UNIOSUN, the late prince donated several high-value assets to the institution, including a multi-million-naira mansion and the MicCom Cancer Centre.

    The cancer facility has since become an integral part of the university’s medical training, hosting regular rural postings for students in the MBBS programme.

    Tributes have continued to pour in from Ada town and across Osun State, with many describing Prince Ponnle as a rare gem whose life was defined by service, generosity, and humility.

    The university community and residents of Ada town have expressed deep condolences to his family, praying that God grants them the strength to bear the loss and that the soul of the departed rests in perfect peace.

    The family is yet to release details of his burial programme.

  • Six killed, 17 injured in Lagos, Kogi road crashes

    Six killed, 17 injured in Lagos, Kogi road crashes

    Six persons died and 17 others were injured in two accidents in Lagos and Kogi states at the weekend.

    While two female passengers, including an eight-month-old infant, lost their lives on Ikorodu Road yesterday in a crash involving two commercial buses, four died and seven others sustained injuries in an accident on the Lokoja/Ajaokuta highway, Kogi State.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident occurred opposite Olabode House, between Anthony and Obanikoro, when a red long Tata commercial bus lost control while travelling at high speed from Palmgroove toward Anthony.

    According to LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, preliminary investigations indicated that the bus suffered mechanical and directional failure, causing it to veer off its lane, crashing through the median barrier and ramming into an oncoming Volkswagen commercial bus conveying passengers from Anthony toward Palmgroove.

    The impact resulted in the death of an adult female passenger, while an eight-month-old baby later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

    LASTMA operatives rescued 10 victims, including the drivers, who had injuries. Six passengers were extricated from the bus, while four others were evacuated from the Tata bus.

    The  Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Kogi, Tenimu Etuku, said the accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Bus with Registration number: ABC 232 XA, heading for Abuja from Enugu.

    He further said the accident occurred in the early hours of yesterday at Jimgbe Community on Ajaokuta-Lokoja highway.

    Read Also: Handbook of rebranding Nigeria launched in Lagos

    Etuku said the injured, who were rescued by the FRSC personnel, were rushed to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

    The Sector Commander said the driver of the bus was allegedly trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming truck when he rammed into a faulty stationary truck

    Etuku described the accident as unfortunate, imploring  motorists to be cautious.

    His words: “This is because there is a big difference between a free motoring environment and a safe motoring environment. Therefore, drivers must always be alert while driving on the highways.”

    Etuku said efforts were being made by his personnel to tow the faulty truck off the road to ensure free flow of traffic.