The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • APC chieftain gives 1,000 free JAMB forms to admission seekers in Osun West district 

    APC chieftain gives 1,000 free JAMB forms to admission seekers in Osun West district 

    No fewer than 1,000 admission seekers in Osun West Senatorial district have benefited from the free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms from a leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Peter Ogundeji. 

    Ogundeji, who hinged his decision on his effort to ease the financial burden on candidates and boost access to tertiary education among grassroots students. 

    The 2027 Senate hopeful during his visit to his hometown, Ola community, Ward 6 in Ejigbo local government area of Osun State for the continuous house-to-house awareness for the guber candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).  

    Chief Ogundeji, stated, “I am giving out free JAMB forms for 1,000 students in this Senatorial district and I pledge to sponsor qualified students from 100 level to final year in tertiary institutions, covering courses such as Nursing, Geometric Survey and other critical disciplines.

    “This gesture is part of my efforts to complement the Federal government effort to increase enrollment of youths in school. The administration of President Bola Tinubu has introduced several initiative for youths like student loans and we as partymen must also help in our own little way.”

    Speaking about the awareness, tagged ‘Apata for AMBO walk-to-live’  he said “the primary purpose of the exercise was to mobilise massive grassroots support for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the August 8 governorship election.”

    Read Also: Edo APC, Odigie-Oyegun trade words over ‘indebtedness’

    He urged eligible voters without a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to promptly visit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices for registration.

    APC leader in Ola Town, Chief James Oladoye, expressed confidence that if Ogundeji is elected as a senator for the district in 2027, he would do more as he has empowered youths when he was a private citizen. 

    The Olola of Ola, Oba Johnson Oyewale Ajiboye, commended Chief Ogundeji for his positive contributions to community development and assured him of the unwavering support of his subjects, while offering prayers for his success in the upcoming elections.

  • Adeleke, Sultan commission Minaret University in Osun

    Adeleke, Sultan commission Minaret University in Osun

    The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has officially commissioned Minaret University, Ikirun, a tertiary institution founded by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony and the investiture of the university’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdullah Abdur-Rahman, Governor Adeleke emphasized the transformative power of education, noting that a well-informed population is far stronger than one that relies solely on force.

    He highlighted that the establishment of the faith-based university further enhances Osun State’s reputation as a leading centre of learning and scholarship in Nigeria.

    Adeleke added that the inauguration of the private university reflects the intellectual capacity of the Osun people, stressing that an educated society cannot be easily subjugated, coerced, or denied its constitutional rights.

    “Osun will continue to advance in scholarship and good governance. Our sons and daughters will continue to make the state proud locally and internationally. Never shall Osun retrogress; the clock of advancement will continue to tick in our favour.”

    Read Also: Adeleke’s wife distributes N25million Remi Tinubu business grant to traders

    In his address, the Chancellor of Minaret University, Barrister Azeez Alatoye, said the institution came up at a time when Nigeria grapples with profound social, economic, and moral challenges, adding that the university is positioned to respond to the challenges through quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and community engagement.

    Alatoye said the university commences academic activities with programmes in Data Science, Information Technology, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.

    Speaking after his investiture, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Abdullah Abdur-Rahman, said the mission is to turn the university into a world-class tertiary institution, saying, “I envision a university that is entrepreneurial, inclusive, and globally competitive. Our mission is to become a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socio-economic development regionally, nationally and internationally.”

    The representative of the Sultan, Prof Abdullateef Abass joined other dignitaries to inaugurate the varsity.

  • 2Baba: I wish I could correct my past mistakes

    2Baba: I wish I could correct my past mistakes

    Afrobeats singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has admitted that he made some mistakes in his past, both in his career and personal life.

    In a recent interview on the Mic On podcast, the music legend expressed regret over certain decisions, stating, “There are so many things I wish I could rewind and do better. As a human being, there are times when you are overwhelmed.”

    Read Also: Wizkid, Fela comparison ‘ridiculous’ – 2Baba

    2Baba attributed some of his mistakes to being overwhelmed and making poor decisions, adding that his “thick-skin is weaker now.”

    He also addressed an alleged altercation with his wife, Natasha Osawaru, in London, taking responsibility for his actions. “I was angry that day. It was an unfortunate incident,” he said.

  • Obi Cubana urges youths to cash on Tinubu’s programmes for future power transfer

    Obi Cubana urges youths to cash on Tinubu’s programmes for future power transfer

    The South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM), Chief Obi Cubana, has urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth-focused programmes and policies as a pathway to future leadership and power transfer.

    He said the president has shown a strong commitment to youth development, expressing confidence that political leadership would, in time, pass to the younger generation after the current administration.

    Cubana spoke in Abuja shortly after he was formally decorated as South-East Coordinator of the City Boy Movement by the group’s Director-General, Mr Francis Oluwatosin Shoga.

    The entrepreneur and socialite called on young Nigerians to engage in issue-based politics that would prepare them for leadership responsibilities at the national level.

    “At some point, power will be handed over, and there is no other group to hand it over to than the youth,” Cubana said, urging young people to begin positioning themselves for higher responsibilities.

    Read Also: Elui praises Seyi Tinubu for appointing Obi Cubana to City Boy Movement role

    He added that under President Tinubu, a “wind of change” was sweeping through Nigeria’s political space, describing it as a positive development that should be embraced with focus and resilience by the youth.

    Cubana further urged young people and his supporters to remain steadfast, avoid distractions and commit themselves to constructive engagement, stressing that discipline and consistency were essential to long-term success.

    Earlier, while formally welcoming Cubana, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Mr Shoga, noted the large turnout of supporters at the event, describing it as evidence of the movement’s growing momentum.

    “We are proud to have you as a leader in the South-East, and we believe a lot of things are going to change,” Shoga said.

    He explained that the movement is focused on reshaping the political consciousness of young Nigerians, stressing that active participation is key to changing the national narrative.

    “If you are not involved, you can’t change the story,” he said.

    Shoga explained that the Movement is working towards grooming young business leaders and professionals for key political positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, including governorship, legislative, and ministerial roles.

    Handing over the South East leadership responsibilities of the group to Cubana, the DG said the new coordinator has a big task ahead of him, stressing that he could not afford to disappoint the Movement. 

    Shoga then called for unity and increased youth participation in politics, as other speakers at the event urged young Ni gerians to organise, engage constructively, and prepare to play decisive roles in shaping the country’s future.

  • Police in Enugu recover truck snatched from Delta

    Police in Enugu recover truck snatched from Delta

    The Police Command in Enugu State has recovered a truck reportedly snatched at gunpoint in Delta, while intensifying manhunt for fleeing suspects.

    This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Friday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that operatives of the Command attached to Awgu Division, in the early hours of Jan. 31, recovered a Sinotruk truck along Ndeagbor Road, Awgu community, in Awgu Local Government Area.

    “The recovery followed the operatives’ swift response to an intelligence report that the truck had been snatched at gunpoint from its driver at Ugwuashi-Uku, Delta State, on Jan. 29.

    “On sighting the operatives, the criminal elements abandoned the truck and fled into a nearby forest.

    Read Also: Police arrest eight suspects in bush combing operation in Kogi

    “A manhunt for the suspects is ongoing, while the owner of the vehicle has been identified and investigations have commenced,” he said.

    Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had encouraged members of the public to promptly report incidents of crime to the police.

    The spokesman also reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to the continued protection of lives and property across the state.

    (NAN) 

  • INEC can’t choose leadership for PDP – Turaki

    INEC can’t choose leadership for PDP – Turaki

     The Taminu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot choose a leadership for the party.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, stated this while reacting to the INEC quarterly consultative meeting with political parties, attended by the Abdulraman Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC).

    “We are aware that the Independent National Electoral Commission invited the leaders of political parties to a meeting today (Thursday).

    “We are also aware that INEC extended the invitation to some former members of our party who are purporting to lead a so-called National Caretaker Committee, to represent our party, whereas there is no such provision in our constitution.

    “This action, though ordinarily vexatious and capable of causing widespread breach of peace, will be met with all possible legal response.

    Read Also: PDP State chairmen back Turaki-led faction

    “Though not unexpected of this current INEC leadership, but it is expected that an impartial umpire would have taken notice of the pendency of the matters in the Court of Appeal.

    “This include the judgment which they are relying upon, which, when decided, will effectively affect the subject under consideration; and exercised restraint, therefrom.

    “We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party,” Ememobong said.

    He urged all PDP members to remain calm and hopeful that soonest, the Court of Appeal would hear and determine all the cases concerning the leadership of the party.

    “We assure that the rebirth movement of our party, under the able leadership of Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is steady and secure.

    “It will ultimately surmount all these challenges, to present a stronger and more united party to Nigerians, as a credible alternative to the ruling party,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Police arrest eight suspects in bush combing operation in Kogi

    Police arrest eight suspects in bush combing operation in Kogi

    The Police Command in Kogi says eight suspected criminals have been arrested in a joint bush combing operation by security operatives in the state.

    A statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, on Friday in Lokoja, said that the operation was a resolve to deny criminal elements any safe haven in Kogi.

    She said that the coordinated bush-combing operations across various parts of the state were carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, local hunters, and vigilante groups.

    Afusat said that in the course of the operation, eight suspects were arrested at different points for questioning in connection with suspected criminal activities.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the suspects are believed to be informants aiding kidnapping syndicates operating within the area.

    “The suspects are currently in custody, and thorough investigations are ongoing, after which appropriate legal action will be taken based on the outcome of investigations,” she said.

    According to her, the operation forms part of continuous, intelligence-led security measures routinely conducted across different locations in Kogi to proactively detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks.

    Read Also: Police arrest seven over cryptocurrency fraud

    She explained that the exercise involved thorough combing of identified forested and remote areas suspected to be vulnerable to criminal exploitation.

    Afusat added, “Ground operations were effectively complemented with aerial surveillance, providing enhanced situational awareness, tracking of suspicious movements, and the identification of concealed criminal hideouts.

    “In line with this strategy, discovered bandit camps and hideouts were neutralised to prevent reuse and deny criminal elements any operational comfort.”

    She quoted the state police commissioner, Mr Naziru Kankarofi, as assuring the good people of Kogi of the command’s firm control of the security situation and its unwavering resolve to protect lives and property.

    Kankarofi urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious activity through the command’s Control Room emergency lines: 07038329084 and 08152195982.

    (NAN)

  • Troops smash kidnappers’ camps, apprehend 13 suspects in Edo

    Troops smash kidnappers’ camps, apprehend 13 suspects in Edo

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo North Senatorial District, apprehended 13 suspects and recovered arms, drugs and other incriminating items.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu.

    Anyanwu said the operation, carried out on Feb. 4 by troops of 4 Brigade in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Edo State Security Corps, targeted Osara, Auchi and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

    He said the clearance exercise, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers.

    “Items recovered included a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol and ice, as well as ₦87,550 cash.

    “In a related operation, the troops also combed Aviele Forest, a known criminal corridor in the area, arresting five additional suspects and recovering two motorcycles, phones and a power bank.

    “The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

    Read Also: DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    Speaking on the operations, the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the synergy among the security agencies, warning that Edo State would remain hostile to kidnappers and other criminal elements.

    Balogun reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support. (NAN)

  • Coalition of northern groups condemns deadly attacks in Kwara, Katsina

    Coalition of northern groups condemns deadly attacks in Kwara, Katsina

    • …calls for urgent security reforms

    The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the deadly terrorist attacks carried out between 3 and 4 February 2026 in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State.

    The Coalition also condemned another grave attack in Katsina State, where over 20 people were killed by suspected bandits in Doma community, Tafoki Ward of Faskari Local Government Area.

    In a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG said credible reports from local authorities and community sources indicate that scores of residents were killed in the Kwara attacks, with casualty figures running into over 100, while many others sustained serious injuries.

    According to the statement, homes, shops and farmlands were destroyed during the attacks, forcing survivors, mostly women, children and the elderly, to flee their communities in fear for their lives.

    Charanchi said: “The attackers reportedly stormed the community in a coordinated assault, unleashing violence on residents, destroying homes, and forcing survivors to flee, once again exposing the persistent vulnerability of rural communities to armed criminal groups.

    “The Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those brutally murdered in this senseless attack. We also express our heartfelt sympathy to the injured and to all residents who have been displaced and traumatised by this act of terror. 

    “The pain, grief and insecurity inflicted on these communities are unacceptable and must not be normalised. The people and communities, like all Nigerians, have the fundamental right to live in safety and dignity. 

    “The scale and brutality of this attack highlight the growing threat of terrorism and banditry spreading, and expose the dangerous gaps in the country’s security architecture, particularly in rural and border communities”.

    The CNG calls on the Federal Government to ensure speedy widespread recruitment and training of the Forest Guards to complement security forces across the frontline areas. 

    Read Also: Terrorists ‘killed Kwara villagers for refusing strange belief’

    The Coalition finally called on Nigerians to remain united, resilient and peaceful in the face of provocation, while urging leaders at all levels to rise to the gravity of the moment.

    He stressed that the protection of citizens remains the primary responsibility of the government.

    Charanchi said: “We welcome the approach as we believe those guards that would be drawn from the communities would be instrumental in combating terrorists and bandits in every nooks and crannies of our communities.

    “While the Coalition acknowledges the sacrifices and efforts of security personnel on the front lines, the persistence of such deadly attacks shows that current responses remain inadequate. 

    “There is an urgent need for a more decisive, intelligence-driven and people-centred security strategy that prioritises the protection of lives over reactive damage control.

    “The CNG therefore renews its call on the Federal Government and the Kwara State Government to take immediate and concrete steps to secure vulnerable communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early warning systems, and ensure visible security presence in high-risk areas”.

    He urge the authorities to provide timely relief, medical care and other support for victims and displaced families, while ensuring that those responsible for this atrocity are swiftly identified and brought to justice.

    “Beyond immediate security measures, this tragedy underscores the need to confront the deeper drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and governance failures that allow violent groups to thrive,“ the added.

  • Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos financial hub blueprint

    Sanwo-Olu unveils Lagos financial hub blueprint

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).

    He urged stakeholders across public and private sectors to sustain collaboration toward positioning Lagos as a global financial hub.

    Speaking at the unveiling of LIFC Phase 1 report held at Lagos State House, Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who chairs the Lagos LIFCC, described the initiative as a strategic economic reform designed to strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness and position Lagos as a leading international financial hub.

    The governor said the project, conceived about two years ago, was designed to attract international capital, deepen financial markets and create sustainable economic opportunities for the country.

    He said the initiative was anchored on long-term vision and strong institutional backing, noting that its success would depend on sustained stakeholder support and policy continuity.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “For me, it is all about leadership and confidence. If you can dream it and envision it, then you can achieve it. The foundation we are laying today is for the future of our economy, our children and generations to come. This is not just about Lagos; it is about building an economic legacy that will transform Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.”

    READ ALSO: President rallies relief materials to affected Kwara communities

    He said substantial groundwork had been completed through policy engagements, technical partnerships and institutional capacity building, noting that the next phase would focus on implementation and structural reforms.

    The governor hailed the United Kingdom government and TheCityUK for providing technical and financial support, stressing that the development of a credible international financial centre required robust institutional framework and strategic investment partnership.

    Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need to insulate the project from political transitions, revealing that key state and federal institutions were already being integrated into the implementation structure.

    “We have designed a model that involves both state and national institutions so that the project becomes institutional rather than personality-driven. It is about building a sustainable structure that will outlive any administration,” he said.

    He urged stronger synergy between the public and private sectors, noting that risk-sharing and joint investment strategies were critical to achieving the project’s objectives.

    British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, described the initiative as a major economic milestone capable of unlocking domestic and international capital flows into infrastructure development, job creation and economic growth.

    He lauded Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR for driving the initiative and strengthening collaboration with federal institutions, saying a well-structured financial centre would benefit the national economy.

    Co-Chairman of LIFCC, Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, underscored the importance of private sector participation, describing LIFC as a collaborative economic ecosystem that required strong partnerships between government and business institutions.

    He said EnterpriseNGR had championed the initiative by drawing lessons from established global financial centres such as London, New York and Kigali.