The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Delta moves to ease traffic gridlock on Effurun–Sapele highway amid motorists’ complaints

    Delta moves to ease traffic gridlock on Effurun–Sapele highway amid motorists’ complaints

    The Delta State Government has initiated measures to ease traffic congestion along the Effurun–Sapele section of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Highway, following rising complaints from motorists and residents over delays caused by the ongoing reconstruction.

    During an inspection of the project site, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, assessed critical points from Effurun Roundabout to Ohore Junction and met with contractors to discuss immediate, temporary solutions to ease movement along the route.

    Izeze noted that the initiative followed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s directive to minimize the hardship faced by commuters as work continues, emphasising that the government’s proactive intervention reflects its commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and addressing public concerns.

    Izeze stated, “This administration, under Governor Oborevwori, is determined to address the pains of our people promptly. Even as we work toward a permanent fix, we’re taking immediate steps to make the road motorable again,” he said.

    He explained that the measure aligned with the governor’s MORE Agenda and the broader Renewed Hope vision of the current administration.

    The Commissioner acknowledged the suffering endured by commuters and transporters over the years, adding that the reconstruction would improve mobility, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth once completed.

    According to him, the 10-kilometre project, spanning five kilometres on each lane, features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway, an upgrade from the standard 7.3 metres.

    He noted that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months, adding that, “When completed, this will be another landmark achievement for the state, enhancing trade, transportation, and community life,” Izeze added.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had, on October 14, 2025, flagged off the reconstruction of the highway, which residents have long described as a nightmare due to its deplorable condition.

    The Commissioner’s visit came as a relief to commuters, signalling the government’s responsiveness to public concerns.

    The Ministry of Works has also pledged to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the temporary measures ease congestion while full reconstruction continues.

  • Delta to establish commercial printing press to boost revenue, efficiency

    Delta to establish commercial printing press to boost revenue, efficiency

    The Delta State Government has announced plans to set up a fully functional and commercially viable printing press to cater to the printing needs of government agencies and the general public.

    The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inter-ministerial budget defence session at the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.

    Aniagwu explained that the initiative, championed by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, aims to enhance the efficiency of government printing operations while generating sustainable revenue for the state.

    He attributed the delay in the project’s progress to the limited number of qualified proposals received so far, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and healthy competition in the procurement process.

     “We want to have multiple submissions from professionals in the field so that we can make a proper comparative assessment, not only in terms of cost but also in the brands and quality of machines to be acquired and installed,” Aniagwu said.

    According to him, the proposed printing press is not intended for The Pointer Newspapers alone, but to serve as a central facility for the state’s broad range of printing needs.

    “The state government has a substantial volume of printing requirements from files and calendars to diaries and other materials currently handled by private contractors,” he noted.

    “For instance, the Ministry of Education’s annual printing budget alone is significant enough to sustain a functional and profitable printing press.”

    “The law allows us to have a government printer who does not necessarily have to be a civil servant,” he explained. “This PPP arrangement will ensure that the press handles both government printing requirements and commercial printing services for the general public.”

    He expressed optimism that once the press becomes operational, it would address many of the challenges currently facing The Pointer Newspapers and other government printing departments, particularly issues relating to revenue generation and operational sustainability.

    Read Also: Oborevwori deepening infrastructure, energy devt in Delta — Aniagwu

    “A self-sustaining printing operation will reduce the agency’s dependence on government subventions,” Aniagwu said.

    “If they were generating sufficient revenue, the General Manager wouldn’t need to rely solely on the ministry for essentials like vehicles or fuel.”

     He commended the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, for his understanding and support, stressing that with the political will of the Oborevwori administration, the project would soon become a reality.

    “With the commitment and focus of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, we are confident that the light at the end of the tunnel is much closer than where we are coming from,” Aniagwu added.

  • JAN to strengthen entrepreneurship teaching in schools

    JAN to strengthen entrepreneurship teaching in schools

    Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping  teachers with practical tools for entrepreneurship education,

    It was during as the 2025 SET4LYF National Convening in Lagos.

    Themed: “Teaching Entrepreneurship with a Focus on Teachers,” the high-level engagement brought together key stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), state ministries of education, and the private sector.

    The event sought to deepen conversations on how teachers can nurture creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking in classrooms nationwide.

    Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Dr. Salisu Shehu, the Council’s Director of Educational Research, Dr. Olakunle Akinsola, described teachers as catalysts in building a new generation of job creators and innovators.

    He noted that empowering teachers remains central to transforming the education system and equipping young people with problem-solving and resilience skills needed for the future world of work.

    “When we empower teachers, we empower an entire generation,” Dr. Shehu said. “There is an urgency for us educators to empower our teachers.”

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    A plenary session titled “Teachers as Catalysts for Entrepreneurship Education” featured robust discussions on the pivotal role of teachers in driving innovation from within the school system. Participants agreed that teachers are the foundation of entrepreneurial education, often serving as the first innovators their students encounter—constantly adapting lessons, creating new ideas, and inspiring curiosity with limited resources.

    Through its SET4LYF (School-to-Work Educational Transition for Long-Term Youth Fulfilment) initiative, JAN continues to equip teachers with the skills and frameworks to link classroom learning with real-world opportunities.

    As part of outcomes from the convening, JAN announced plans to release a communiqué developed by a Technical Working Group. The document will provide actionable strategies for integrating entrepreneurship education into Nigeria’s national curriculum and strengthening collaboration across education and industry sectors.

    JAN reiterated its openness to partnerships with institutions and individuals willing to advance entrepreneurship education across the country, emphasizing that sustainable transformation in the education system depends on empowering teachers to lead innovation.

  • Ex-SUG leader Awode unveils foundation for empowerment

    Ex-SUG leader Awode unveils foundation for empowerment

    Entrepreneur and former Students’ Union leader, Louis Awode, has launched the Louis Awode Foundation (LAF).

    It’s an initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive education, community development, and empowerment across underserved communities.

    Announcing the launch in Lagos, Awode said the foundation was born out of his personal journey from humble beginnings in Ogbere, Ogun State, and his conviction that education remains the greatest tool for transformation.

    Awode, who once served as Secretary of the Obafemi Awolowo University Students’ Union, has a diverse professional background that includes roles at Transsion Holdings, the University of St Andrews, and ClovisCasuals, a fashion startup he founded. Currently pursuing an MBA at Georgia State University, he said his experiences have shaped his vision for the foundation.

    “Education changed the course of my life,” Awode said.

    “The Louis Awode Foundation is about ensuring that more people, regardless of their background, have access to the same opportunities to learn, grow, and lead change in their communities.”

    The foundation’s work is anchored on four key areas, Education, Community Development, Empowerment, and Global Impact, each designed to break down barriers and create opportunities for growth across different communities.

    Under Education, the Louis Awode Foundation (LAF) plans to support underprivileged students, first-generation graduates, and persons with disabilities through scholarships, mentorship, digital literacy, and vocational training programmes. These initiatives, Awode said, will help bridge the gap in access to quality education and empower beneficiaries with the skills needed for the modern economy.

    The Community Development pillar will focus on improving living standards in underserved areas by working closely with grassroots organisations. Projects will include the provision of clean water, healthcare support, and economic empowerment initiatives aimed at strengthening local resilience and promoting inclusive growth.

    Read Also: Police, DSS, others begin patrol operations around churches in Abuja

    Through its Empowerment programmes, LAF seeks to foster financial independence and leadership capacity, particularly among youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Planned activities include entrepreneurship grants, financial literacy sessions, and leadership workshops to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to drive change within their communities.

    The Global Impact component will extend the foundation’s reach beyond Nigeria through strategic partnerships with international organisations. By aligning its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), LAF will contribute to global actions addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability, ensuring its work leaves a lasting impact both locally and globally.

    The foundation’s leadership team mirrors its inclusive ethos. Working with Awode includes Marketing Lead, Bolatito Ajao – Secretary; Event Strategist, Oyelola Olawale Kush, Global Fundraiser and Chiahulamiro Stanley. Together, they bring expertise in communications, strategy, and development to drive the foundation’s mission of creating lasting change in communities.

    A first-generation university graduate, Awode holds degrees from the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, the University of Dundee, and Georgia State University.

    He has built a career at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, technology, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and continues to champion equitable access to education and opportunity globally.

  • Protest as gunmen kill four Okada riders

    Protest as gunmen kill four Okada riders

    • Bandits abduct five nursing mothers in Kano

    Some gunmen yesterday killed four commercial motorcyclists popular known as Okada riders in Gboko town, Benue State and went away with their motorcycles.

     This led to a protest as hundreds of Okada riders took to the streets and grounded commercial activities in the ancient Tiv town.

    Tension flared as parents hurriedly withdrew their children from schools.

    The protesters marched to the office of the Chairman of Gboko Local Government, Torseer Yina, who said he had convened a security meeting and directed security personnel to apprehend the perpetrators.

    Yina sympathised with the Benue Motor Association (BEMOA) and the families of the deceased.

    In another development, bandits kidnapped five nursing mothers in Yan Kwada village of Faruruwa, Shanono Local Government Area of Kano state, leaving their babies.

    The gunmen, who rode on motorcycles, also rustled 50 cows and unspecified number of goats and sheep.

    The attackers invaded the community on Sunday at 9pm, carrying out house-to-house raids, witnesses said.

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    The Chairman of the Community Security Forum (CSF) of Faruruwa, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, expressed dismay that the attack was carried out despite the deployment of armed military personnel and other security agents in the area.

    He said that one of the kidnapped nursing mothers, however, escaped from the bandits and found her way back to Yan Kwada.

    Bagobiri lamented that in the last three weeks, even as the military men and other security personnel were drafted to Yan Kwada, the village had been under daily attacks and rustling of their animals.

    Many of the residents are fleeing the area, he said.

    “We continue to see these attacks almost on daily basis, despite the presence of the military and other securities.

    “Even yesterday (Sunday), we heard that bandits were coming to attack and we alerted the security but nothing was done until they came around 9pm.

    “They raided homes and whisked away five nursing mothers. One of them luckily escaped back to her family, but we don’t know the whereabouts of the remaining four women whose babies have continued to cry.

    “What the bandits did was that, anywhere they saw a nursing mother, they threw away the baby and take away the mother,” the CSF chairman said.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to come to their rescue before the affected community will become a ghost town.

  • Pull Ned down’ syndicate taking advantage of Regina, says Nwoko

    Pull Ned down’ syndicate taking advantage of Regina, says Nwoko

    A senator representing Delta North District, Ned Nwoko, has said that a ”syndicate of pull down Ned’’ are taking advantage of his wife Regina Daniels.

    Nwoko said this amid the ongoing marital challenges between him and his wife, Regina.

    This is contained in a statement by the Communication/Technical Action Team, Office of the senator, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja, yesterday.

    He noted that the manner with which people like Omoyele Sowore and Jebose, who have hunted him for years, were now using the situation to criminalise him in the international community, showed a coordinated gang up against him.

    He said: ‘’Beyond this, the talk about me grabbing lands in my hometown is false and unfortunate. The truth is that I was allocated a piece of land, for which I made a genuine offer of payment to establish the University of Sports, a project that exists today and serves the community.

    ‘’Unfortunately, anyone who seeks progress in our society is often attacked and torn down by their own people. That is the sad difference between us and other ethnic groups. ’What we are seeing is a regrouping of individuals taking advantage of a young woman who is unwell and has admitted to using drugs.

    Read Also: Police, DSS, others begin patrol operations around churches in Abuja

    ‘’The facts are there. Those exploiting her present condition to settle old scores, knowing they have no case against me will eventually face justice. ’They must also be careful with the defamatory statements they continue to make because they will be required to prove them. If by now she has not brought up any credible allegation against me, it means there is nothing illegal about me except that I wants her to seek help for rehabilitation, a condition that existed long before their marriage.’’

    The lawmaker added that it was on record that she started using drugs from an early age, and these facts could be verified by her medical history and in a court of law.

    ‘’The whole world has read her own accounts of substance use, and her former schoolmates have testified online that she and her sister dropped out of school because of drug related issues. Yet some people keep pushing this false narrative to damage my reputation. She openly admitted to using drugs and said she was on bipolar medication. ’Her medical records are verifiable, but the enemies of progress are now manipulating her to achieve their aims. If she had any secrets to reveal, she would have done so. She has nothing. All the current stories being circulated are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind this smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims. ’For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17,’’ he further said.

    Nwoko also said noted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage, and there were witnesses to the fact that her mother personally brought her to me.

    He emphasised that he never went after her.

    ‘’Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honorably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity. Beyond the social media lifestyle, my world revolved around Regina. I pampered her and cared for her deeply, something everyone who has worked with me across Delta, Abuja, and beyond can testify to. ’It is therefore disheartening to read all this filth being spread online. As the saying goes, when a wall cracks, the lizard finds its way in. Regina has become a weak point through which my political and personal enemies are attacking me.

    ‘’My decision to marry her properly according to tradition, is now being twisted into a tool for political blackmail. This is a witch hunt that has been ongoing for years, an attempt to stop my developmental strides and tarnish me now that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

  • ‘Save us from land grabbers, thugs, residents beg Governor Abiodun

    ‘Save us from land grabbers, thugs, residents beg Governor Abiodun

    Residents of Ijere Worugudu in Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State have appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to rescue them from the illegal activities of land grabbers and thugs.

    Members of the community in a Save Our Soul (SOS) message noted that the culprits claimed they are executing a court judgment on behalf of one Akinyemi Ogundimu family.

    According to residents, the alleged land grabbers said the court gave them the necessary documents to act.

    Read Also: Tinubu has what it takes to secure Nigeria, says Information Minister

    They noted that the documents in question trace back to Suit No. AB/44/2009, decided on April 15, 2015, by Justice O.O. Majekodunmi supporting the Ogundimu family’s ownership of land, but only in specific areas including, Ijere Onigbedu, Orile Egun, Agelete and Akiegun.

    “On page 20 of the judgment, the court clearly excluded Ijere Worugudu and Orile Ijere from that ownership. Yet, the men have used the ruling as a license for land grabbing, spreading terror among families who have tilled these lands for generations. It is heartbreaking.  They’ve turned our land into a battlefield. We can’t farm. We can’t sleep. They move around with weapons, acting like government officials,” a youth leader said.

  • Police advisory

    Police advisory

    The Chief Security Officer (Tango City), Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Command, Onikan Lagos, have warned owners of abandoned or forgotten properties at Tango-city MMIA and Police Zone 2 Command to come with the proof of ownership as they may be destroyed or sold through public auctions after 21days.

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    The properties are: 15 laptops, 200 travelling bags, clothes and shoes, different types of wristwatches, different types of travelling bags, different types of kitchen utensils, 15 pieces of IPad, nine pieces of IPhones and seven pieces of Samsung phones .

    Others are four pieces of Itel phones, one piece of Huawei phone, one piece of Tecno phone, two pieces of Nokia phones, four Tablets, one piece of Motorola and Lexus 300 SUV marked KRD 451 ES.

  • TUC, SWAN, others honoured at competition

    TUC, SWAN, others honoured at competition

    Chairman of Oyo State chapter of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bosun Olabiyi, and his counterpart from Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ayomiku Ajibola, were among awardees at the fourth edition of Olawale Ogunbusola School Competition & Awards.

    Speaking at the event held in Ibadan, the convener, Olawale Ogunbusola, said the essence of the project was to deepen competence, confidence and exposure among youths for a competitive future.

    He said the event was also to recognise the awardees for their impact and productivity, as well as to motivate them to do more.

    Former Head of Department (HOD) at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Jacob Ayantayo, urged young learners to remain resilient, focused and determined in their studies and careers.

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    He advised them to jettison religious biases for a united, progressive and healthy society.

    The Chief Executive Director of Buff-I-Limited, Anthony Adeniji, an engineer, who spoke on the menace of fire and flood in Oyo State and Nigeria, advocated obedience of land use and building regulations.

    Assistant Director at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Olagunju Adelayo, called for sincere mentoring, good parenting and re-introduction of moral instruction into the nation’s curriculum against widespread cult practices in elementary and secondary schools.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Kunle Olatunji, hailed the convener for his instincts in building the society within his scope.

    He pledged support for the project annually and called on the government, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to back the project

  • Police, DSS, others begin patrol around churches in Abuja

    Police, DSS, others begin patrol around churches in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Commissioner of Police (CP), Miller Dantawaye, has ordered patrol around worship centers across the nation’s capital during the ember months.

    Dantawaye said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command, has gone into collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.

    In a statement yesterday by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the police boss was quoted as saying: “In a joint operation with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and vigilante groups, we embarked on a special church patrol within forested and border communities linking Bwari–Kaduna State, Bwari–Niger State, and Gwagwalada–Niger State.

    “The operation, which lasted between 6am and 5:30pm, was aimed at strengthening community confidence, deterring criminal elements, and ensuring that worshippers across the FCT can conduct their religious activities without fear of harassment or attacks.

    Read Also: Police, DSS, others begin patrol operations around churches in Abuja

    “During the patrol, church leaders in the affected areas were engaged and reassured of the unwavering commitment of the CP to their safety and that of their congregations. They were also sensitised on proactive security measures, including the need to minimize late-night religious activities, maintain close contact with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious movements or persons”.

    Adeh said: “Furthermore, the CP has directed the blocking of identified access routes often exploited by criminal elements as part of intelligence-led preventive measures. Strategic security posts within the forest areas remain active and under constant supervision.”

    “The FCT Police Command continues to emphasize that safety is a shared responsibility, and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with the police and other security agencies.

    “The Commissioner of Police assures residents that the FCT remains safe, and the Command will continue to adopt dynamic strategies to ensure a crime-free environment for all”.