The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Naval Dockyard provides free medical services to Iru residents

    Naval Dockyard provides free medical services to Iru residents

    The Nigerian Navy, through the Naval Dockyard Limited, has extended free medical services to residents of Iru land, Lagos, as part of its corporate social responsibility to host communities.

    The medical outreach, tagged 2025 Medical Rhapsody, held at the palace of the Oniru of Iru-Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, was aimed at providing healthcare support to residents who lack regular access to medical services.

    The end-of-the-year medical Rhapsody featured free medical consultation, free medication, eye check-up, dental check-up, blood sugar test, blood pressure check, malaria test, and free HIV/AIDS screening.

    Speaking at the event, the Admiral Superintendent of the Nigerian Navy Dockyard Limited, Lagos, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, said the programme was designed to ease the burden of prevailing economic challenges by offering medical consultations, screening, and treatment at no cost.

    The Rear Admiral, who was represented by Commodore Igbani Agwu, the initiative reflected the Navy’s commitment to compassion, solidarity, and good neighbourliness, especially towards communities hosting its facilities.

    According to him, the relationship between the Naval Dockyard and Iru-Land dates back several decades, noting that the Navy has continued to contribute to the development and security of the community.

    “The Dockyard engages traders and artisans within this area and also provides security, potable water, and responds to fire emergencies within Iru-Land and beyond. Our medical centre is also open to residents of this community and others in Lagos for quality and affordable healthcare services,” he said.

    He added that the core objective of the outreach was to provide medical care to individuals who might not be able to afford standard healthcare due to economic or social challenges.

    “The primary aim of this noble exercise, therefore, is to provide vital healthcare services to individuals who may not have regular access to medical care due to economic or social barriers. This may have caused them to seek alternative treatments or care that would not have addressed the root causes of the illness and may have resulted in worsening conditions or negative repercussions. Indeed, through this outreach, our capable and experienced team of medical personnel would address the immediate healthcare needs of our deserving community members by offering medical consultations, screenings, and essential treatments at zero cost to the beneficiaries.

    “Additionally, the Naval Dockyard Limited aims to raise awareness about preventive healthcare practices to promote overall well-being among the members of the community who need but do not have access to such medical screening and treatment by qualified practitioners. I am therefore most delighted to be in a position to facilitate this noble outreach as part of the Navy’s and the Yard’s contributions to improving community health, building trust and friendship, as well as supporting the efforts of Lagos State and the Federal Government of Nigeria. This will, in no small measure, foster better cooperation among the Navy, the Yard, and our dear Iru-Land.

    “Most importantly, our ultimate objective goes beyond the provision of immediate medical care. Indeed, we aspire to foster a lasting impact by empowering individuals to take charge of their health and encouraging more proactive approaches to wellness. By offering education on disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and access to available facilities, we are using this avenue to reach out and give back to the peace-loving and progressive people of Iru-Land”, he said.

    Commending the Naval Dockyard Limited, the Oniru of Iru-Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, described the medical outreach as timely and impactful.

    He said the Navy had remained consistent in supporting the community through medical interventions and security collaboration, adding that the initiative had become an annual event.

    “We had this programme last year around this period, and I am happy that they have returned this year. This medical outreach will benefit my people, and I am encouraged by the level of commitment of the Nigerian Naval Dockyard Limited,” the monarch said.

    The traditional ruler lauded the Navy’s role in securing the community, noting that peace was critical to development.

    He expressed hope for further collaboration in the area of youth empowerment, particularly through skills acquisition.

    “We also want to see our youths benefit from the Dockyard’s skills acquisition programmes. We are already discussing logistics that will enable our young people to be empowered in areas the Dockyard is known for,” he added.

  • 51-year-old man allegedly murders cousin over alleged abuse

    51-year-old man allegedly murders cousin over alleged abuse

    A tragic incident on Monday sent shockwaves across Nsukka, Enugu State, after a 51-year-old neighbourhood security operative, Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, allegedly murdered his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, inside a pharmacy at Total Roundabout, Nsukka.

    The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as a “gruesome and heartbreaking crime.”

    According to the police, operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division, supported by the Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested the suspect at the scene shortly after he violently attacked the teenager.

    Witnesses said panic erupted when Nwangwu stormed Bekay Pharmacy, where the victim was receiving treatment, and began assaulting her.

    He reportedly smashed her head on the floor multiple times, leading to her collapse, and she was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

    Before the police clarified the circumstances, social media rumours linked the incident to a love triangle involving the suspect, the deceased, and a senior police officer.

    Investigations, however, revealed that the victim was his cousin and that the killing was tied to a history of alleged sexual abuse.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the deceased had reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threats to life against Nwangwu at the Umabor Police Division on November 28.

    She told police she had been living with the suspect since 2019, at age 13, following his wife’s death, during which she was allegedly subjected to years of abuse and isolated from her family.

    Attempts to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, were reportedly thwarted by the suspect, who allegedly used a firearm to force her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA. After another escape, she reported to the police and was issued a medical examination form.

    When questioned at the station, Nwangwu allegedly confessed and pleaded for forgiveness, prompting the family to initially consider a non-prosecutorial approach for personal and cultural reasons, opting instead for spiritual cleansing.

    The situation turned deadly on Monday when the suspect, reportedly acting in rage, attacked the girl at the pharmacy.

    He was restrained by a crowd and subsequently taken into custody and transferred to the Nsukka Area Command.

    Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killing and assured the public that justice would be served. He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conclude investigations and charge the suspect to court without delay.

    The deceased’s body has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy, and police urged residents to remain calm, assuring that the culprit would face the full weight of the law.

  • CSOs laud BPP for blocking financial leakages

    CSOs laud BPP for blocking financial leakages

    The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO), a platform of over seventeen has commended the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for blocking financial leakages through rigorous due process enforcement.

    The coalition gave the commendation at a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja where it lauded the director-general of BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, for implementing far – reaching reforms in the agency.

    According to the coalition, the BPP has advanced a contractor classification and rating system set for full rollout by January 2026, describing it as “a game-changer that will end the era of awarding multibillion-naira projects to incompetent contractors.”

    The organisations also commended Adedokun for establishing the intelligence unit, procurement surveillance and audit unit, and monitoring and evaluation unit.

    It added that faulted allegations of corruption against the DG, saying, it was “entirely false, baseless, and deliberately fabricated by interests opposed to the far-reaching reforms currently underway at the BPP.”

    While withdrawing their earlier plans to protest against the management of BPP over alleged mismanagement of the agency’s funds, the coalition tendered an apology to the director – general and the minister of finance and coordinating minister for the economy.

    “On behalf of the entire Coalition and its over seventeen member organizations, we hereby unreservedly withdraw every statement, press release, social media post, or public comment issued by CCSO or any of its affiliates that implicated Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and Mr. Olanrewaju Obasa in any wrongdoing,” the statement read in part.

    The coalition said, “The CCSO remains irrevocably committed to the fight against corruption wherever it exists. But we are equally committed to truth, fairness, and justice. When evidence shows that a public official is not the problem but part of the solution, it is our duty to acknowledge it publicly and without hesitation. That is what we have done today.

    “We urge the media, online platforms, and all Nigerians who helped amplify the false narrative to demonstrate the same courage by retracting their reports and issuing corrections.

    “We commend Dr. Adebowale Adedokun and the BPP for their transparency and willingness to be held accountable – qualities that true reformers embody.”

    The press statement was signed by Comrade Ibrahim Bello – National Coordinator, Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI); Hajiya Fatima Sani – Executive Director, Citizens Watch for Good Governance (CWGG); Barr. Chukwudi Eze – Chairman, Accountability and Democratic Values Initiative (ADVI); Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okeke – President, Nigerian Coalition Against Corruption and Waste (NCACW); Pastor Emmanuel Adebayo – General Secretary, Voice of Conscience Foundation (VOCF); Mr. Tunde Ogunleye – National Convener, Integrity Monitors Network (IMN); Ms. Chioma Nwosu – Chairperson, Patriots for Transparent Procurement (PTP); Comrade Aisha Yusuf – National Secretary, Civil Liberties and Anti-Corruption Movement (CLACOM); Engr. Musa Abdullahi – Director of Programmes, Due Process Advocacy Network (DPAN) and Prof. Grace Adeyemi – Board Chair, National Alliance for Ethical Leadership (NAEL).

    Others are: Mr. Segun Olawale – Spokesperson, Citizens Coalition for Open Governance (CCOG); Barr. (Mrs.) Funmi Adewole – Legal Adviser, Justice and Accountability Project (JAP); Alhaji Usman Danladi – Northern Coordinator, Nigerian Integrity and Development Forum (NIDF); Rev. Fr. Joseph Okon – South-South Zonal Chairman, Public Funds Protection Movement (PFPM); Ms. Bolanle Adeoti – Women Leader, Transparency and Responsibility Advocates (TRA); Elder Peter Okonkwo – South-East Coordinator, Good Governance Monitors Assembly (GGMA), and Mallam Bello Yakubu – North-West Chairman, Anti-Corruption Crusaders Network (ACCN).

  • Insecurity: KYGG tasks northern governors, seeks special anti-terror squad

    Insecurity: KYGG tasks northern governors, seeks special anti-terror squad

    The Kaduna Youths for Good Governance (KYGG) has urged the federal government and the 19 northern governors to take urgent and coordinated action to end the worsening insecurity plaguing the region. The group said the situation had become a national embarrassment that must no longer be tolerated.

    KYGG, in a statement by its chairman, Comrade Aliyu Modibbo, described the persistent attacks, killings, and kidnappings as a “colossal failure” of the government in its constitutional duty to protect citizens. It warned that the continued instability threatens the corporate existence of the North and undermines national cohesion.

    The group expressed concern that recent developments, including the involvement of the American government in discussions around Nigeria’s security challenges, should serve as a wake-up call. It urged the Federal Government and affected state governors to confront the crisis with renewed seriousness.

    While backing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on insecurity in the North, KYGG said corruption within the security architecture could derail efforts, unless addressed decisively. It called on authorities to ensure transparency, vigilance, and sincerity in the ongoing operations.

    The organisation proposed the creation of a special anti-terror squad, similar to the National Guard conceived under the late General Sani Abacha. It said the team should draw personnel from the military, police, and paramilitary agencies, undergo specialized counter-terrorism training, and report directly to the National Security Adviser for effective oversight.

    According to KYGG, only a well-equipped and professionally trained special force can confront terrorists and bandits with the consistency required to end the violence. It insisted that Northern governors must close ranks with the Federal Government to bring the crisis to an end “once and for all.”

    The group also urged the governors to give priority to reforming the Almajiri/Tsangaya system, describing it as a long-standing social challenge that fuels vulnerabilities across the region. It said meaningful reform is necessary for long-term stability and social development.

    With the revival of the Almajiri Education Commission by President Tinubu, KYGG called on Northern governors to collaborate fully with the Commission to modernize the system, reduce its risks, and integrate it into mainstream education for the benefit of the region and the country.

  • Troops rescue six kidnap victims in joint operation in Kogi

    Troops rescue six kidnap victims in joint operation in Kogi

    Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, have  rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi.

    This is contained in a statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Lokoja.

    Abdullahi said that the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to to curb banditry and kidnapping in the region.

    He explained that the operation, involving coordinated air and ground offensives with support from the Nigeria Police helicopter, led to the interception of the victims.

    According to him, the victims were confirmed to have been abandoned by the bandits due to the sustained pressure from the military.

    “Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said.

    Read Also: Troops foil FCT kidnap plot, sustain nationwide offensive — Army

    The Brigade reassured the public and the people of Kogi that the Army remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    “Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” he said.

    Rescued victims by Troops of 12 Bde at Ejiba Forest

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bandits had on Sunday, attacked a Cherubim and Seraphin church during service in Ejiba Community,  kidnapped the pastor and several worshipers.

    (NAN)

  • Kosofe disburses N25m in second phase of N100m empowerment scheme 

    Kosofe disburses N25m in second phase of N100m empowerment scheme 

    In continuation of the ongoing Kosofe Local Government under the #Kosofe Cares and the Renewed Hope Agenda 100 Million Naira Empowerment Scheme, the local government has successfully organised the second phase of the impactful initiative aimed at uplifting artisans, strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhancing economic self-reliance across communities within the Local Government Area.

    The event drew beneficiaries, community leaders, youth groups, artisans, market associations, and stakeholders who gathered to witness the continuation of this people-centered programme.

    The programme kicked off with a warm and insightful Welcome Address by the Council Manager, Mosunmola Otaiku-Okoka, who expressed delight at hosting Artisans and Tradesmen in the second phase of the empowerment scheme. She appreciated the Executive Chairman for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to grassroots development. 

    She noted that the empowerment initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes economic inclusion and support for citizens at all levels. 

    Read Also: OPC seeks empowerment of local security outfits in fight against insecurity

    She further encouraged all beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and assured them that the Barr. Ogunlewe led administration remains committed to sustaining such initiatives for broader community growth.

    In his Keynote Address, the Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Barr. Moyosore Adedoyin Ogunlewe, ably represented by the Former Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Fatai Gbedebo, described the scheme as a deliberate step towards strengthening the socio-economic landscape of the Local Government. 

    He highlighted that the ₦100 million intervention, now in its second phase, continues to support traders, artisans, who require financial assistance to enhance their livelihoods and businesses.

    The Council Mayor further announced that beneficiaries will receive instant credit alerts, ensuring immediate access to funds and eliminating unnecessary delays. 

    He emphasised that the sustainability of the empowerment scheme demonstrates the administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of residents. 

    He further reiterated that transparency and accountability remain central to the programme, and that the selection process was fair, inclusive, and guided by community needs.

    In the same vein, major stakeholders at the occasion commended the Executive Chairman for sustaining the empowerment scheme beyond its initial stage, while urging beneficiaries to expand their businesses with the financial support received and put it to good use.

    The second phase concluded with heartfelt expressions of appreciation from the beneficiaries.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s wife seeks support for justice, others for GBV survivors

    Sanwo-Olu’s wife seeks support for justice, others for GBV survivors

    • Remodelled GBV unit inaugurated

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has inaugurated the remodelled Police Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Family Support Unit at Police Gender Unit, Ikeja.

    The initiative, she said, would help provide justice and support services for survivors across the state.

    At the handover of the facility, Mrs Sanwo-Olu stated that the intervention further affirmed the government’s efforts to tackle gender-based violence.

    She noted that the facility is repositioned to give hope, healing, and timely response to survivors of domestic and GBV across Lagos.

    Mrs Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the opening of the centre coincidentally, falls within the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, set aside to raise awareness, mobilise action, and call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

    Read Also: What Otti told Kanu during Sokoto visit, by governor’s aide

    According to her, the theme for the yearly global campaign highlights the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and calls for action from governments, tech companies, donors, and individuals to combat Gender-Based Violence in the society.

    She said: “Gender-based violence is not just a crime; it is a violation of humanity, a breach of dignity and remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time, affecting nearly one in three women globally.”

    While soliciting the support of stakeholders in tackling this menace across the state, Mrs Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed commitment of the government through the THEMES+ agenda in addressing this challenge of GBV, pointing out that the newly remodelled centre is a testament to the government’s intervention.

    Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, applauded the governor’s wife’s commitment towards advocating against GBV, safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls, particularly actualising the project, stressing that the centre will be named after her as a validation of her tireless efforts.

    Jimoh reiterated the facility is an achievement aimed at strengthening justice and safeguarding vulnerable persons, highlighting that the rapid reports of cases of GBV spurred urgent need to revamp the facility for the benefits of the state.

    Also at the event were the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro(SAN), Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, Permanent Secretaries, chairmen of local governments, top government functionaries, members of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), and their Police Officers Wives Association counterparts and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

  • IG orders arrest of officers escorting VIPs

    IG orders arrest of officers escorting VIPs

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered arrest of any policeman found escorting VIPs, The Nation has confirmed.

    The directive, contained in a signal issued on November 30, ordered the IGP Monitoring Unit and Commissioners of Police X-Squads to ensure strict monitoring and compliance.

    The Nation reports that the order came amid reports that some of the personnel attached to non-entitled VIPs who were asked to return to base following the pronouncement by President Bola Tinubu were yet to do so.

    Worried by escalating insecurity and the need for more police officers to protect the populace, President Tinubu on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of officers on VIP protection, directing that those seeking personal security should request the service from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Read Also: What Otti told Kanu during Sokoto visit, by governor’s aide

    Although the IGP announced last Thursday that over 11,000 personnel have been withdrawn from VIPs, images and footage of cops still serving non-public officials flooded the social media.

    To ensure strict compliance, the IGP on Sunday issued the directive on arrest, instructing specialised units to comply fully.

    The wireless message, addressed to Department of Operations, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Zones; Mobile Police Force, VIP Protection Unit, Counter-Terrorism Force, Federal Operations Unit and state and area commands, emphasised that any police officer caught escorting a VIP outside official duty areas would be arrested.

    It also warned that disciplinary actions would be taken against any erring supervising officer.

    Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development, adding that only those lawfully entitled to police protection would retain their escorts.

  • PSC warns against fake police recruitment portals

    PSC warns against fake police recruitment portals

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has raised the alarm over what it described as false information circulating on various social media platforms and unofficial websites, claiming that the Commission has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    In a statement, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, said: “The public is hereby alerted that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

    “They are the handiwork of fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting citizens.

    “The Police Service Commission wishes to state that no recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force is currently ongoing, and no such portal has been opened by the Commission.

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    “When recruitment officially commences, it will be announced through official channels only. These include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, official announcements on the commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and official press releases from the commission.

    “The public is strongly advised to disregard and ignore any such fake news and to only rely on information from the aforementioned official sources to avoid falling victim to scams.

    “Any purported recruitment portal not published on the Commission’s official website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police accordingly.”

  • FRSC orders provision of road signs at construction sites

    FRSC orders provision of road signs at construction sites

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has ordered construction companies operating on roads to ensure adequate placement of road signs at all construction sites.

    The agency announced this in a statement by the Corps spokesperson, Assistant Corps Marshal, Olusegun Ogungbemide.

    Ogungbemide said the directive issued by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mohamed Shehu, was aimed at ensuring the safety of the public around construction sites.

    “The Corps Marshal also ordered the companies to install, maintain, and continuously update proper road signage at every active or inactive construction area without exception,” he said.

    Read Also: What Otti told Kanu during Sokoto visit, by governor’s aide

    “To ensure full compliance, he directed Commanding Officers to commence effective enforcement of this directive nationwide.”

    According to Ogungbemide, the Corps Marshal emphasised that “this directive is final and enforceable,”noting that FRSC field Commands would intensify supervision, and any contractor found violating approved safety standards would face decisive regulatory actions.

    “The Corps Marshal condemned the recurring failure by some construction firms to provide adequate warning, information, and diversion signs around project zones, an omission that places motorists and other road users at serious risk.

    “Accordingly, the Corps Marshal reaffirmed the determination of the Corps to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the Federal Government’s investment in road infrastructure results in safer, more secure journeys for all road users,” Ogungbemide said.