The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • FG disburses ₦2.45trn to States, FCT for infrastructure, security – Presidency

    FG disburses ₦2.45trn to States, FCT for infrastructure, security – Presidency

    The Federal Government disbursed a total of ₦2.45 trillion to the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory between March 2024 and August 2025 to support infrastructure development and security interventions nationwide.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, announced this in a post on his verified X handle, @BwalaDaniel.

    According to Bwala, the funds were released to enable States and the FCT to fix roads and bridges, improve schools and health facilities, and strengthen security operations in communities across the country.

    “Between March 2024 and August 2025 the Federal Government released a total of ₦2.45 trillion to the 36 states and the FCT for infrastructure and security projects,” he said.

    He explained that the support is already translating into tangible outcomes across the country, adding that “this support is helping to fix roads and bridges, improve schools and health facilities, and strengthen security operations in communities across the country where Nigerians need results the most.”

    Bwala explained that the practice of federal support to states is consistent with global norms, noting that countries such as the United States routinely provide federal funding to state and local governments to support infrastructure, education, health and public safety. 

    He added that India and several other developed economies also deploy central government grants to help regions deliver major projects and essential services closer to the people.

    “This approach is not new globally. Countries like the United States regularly provide federal funding to state and local governments to support infrastructure, education, health and public safety. India and several other developed economies also use central government grants to help regions deliver major projects and essential services closer to the people,” he said.

    Read Also: How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    The presidential aide linked the interventions to the policy direction of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the 2025 Budget of Restoration, which prioritises securing peace, rebuilding prosperity and strengthening national development.

    Under the budget framework, he said priority remains on security, infrastructure, health and education, with emphasis on transparency, accelerated delivery of energy, transport and public works, job creation and improved living standards.

    Bwala added that sustained cooperation between the Federal Government and the states is critical to achieving a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.

    “Under President Tinubu’s 2025 Budget of Restoration, Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity, priority remains on security, infrastructure, health and education”.

    “The goal is clear to ensure transparent use of funds, accelerate energy, transport and public works, create jobs and improve living standards through strong cooperation between the Federal Government and the states for a safer, more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

  • 20 year-old reportedly kill father’s stepmother in Plateau

    20 year-old reportedly kill father’s stepmother in Plateau

    A 20-year-old, Ibrahim Mutari, has allegedly killed his father’s 70-year-old stepmother, Hauwa Abubakar, in Yanbula community of Jos North local government Area of Plateau State.

    The Nation reports that residents of the community and divisional police personnel from Laranto Division converged on the deceased’s residence, adding the suspect attacked the deceased around 3 pm. 

    Abubakar Shuaibu, husband of the deceased, condemned the killing, describing the incident as cruel and inhumane. 

    Commenting on the incident, the deceased’s husband accused Ibrahim of attacking, strangling and stabbing his wife with a knife before fleeing the scene.

    Ummi Ahmed, a daughter of the deceased, accused Ibrahim of killing their mother. 

    She alleged that before the killing, the suspect had vowed to take revenge for a fight that ensued between him and their elder brother, Musa, after he was stabbed with a knife last year. 

    She said: “Ibrahim and our younger brother, Musa, fought last year and in the process, Musa stabbed him in the stomach. He was rushed to the hospital. While in hospital, Ibrahim vowed to take revenge on either the deceased’s children or their mother, and today he’s actualised his threat. 

    “One of the nurses warned us to be cautious, saying his utterances were dangerous. Ummi further explained that their mother had taken care of Ibrahim while he was hospitalised. 

    She said: “The deceased was his caregiver; she took care of him until he was discharged. Despite her kindness, he went ahead and killed her.”

    The Nation reports the suspect’s father was raised by the deceased, whose mother died when he was a small child.

     The deceased took him in and cared for him like a mother until he reached adulthood. 

    To reciprocate, the father of the suspect took her into his house and cared for her as a mother until the father of the suspect died.

    Spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, SP Alabo Alfred, was yet to respond to inquiry by the Nation on the incident.

  • Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    Presidency blasts ADC as Lagos tops global tech ranking

    The Presidency has taken a swipe at opposition politicians, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following a new global technology ranking that placed Lagos as the world’s fastest-growing emerging tech ecosystem.

    Reacting to the ranking in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said opposition figures who habitually rely on negative statistics about Nigeria would be displeased by the latest international recognition.

    “ADC must not read this,” Onanuga wrote, adding that “desperate politicians, always on the lookout for negative statistics, will be unhappy that Tinubu’s Nigeria has recorded a global tech recognition.”

    His remarks followed the release of a global list by Global Statistics, which ranked Lagos number one among the world’s top 20 fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystems.

    Read Also: How Tinubu has impacted Nigerians, by Presidency

    According to the ranking, Lagos topped the list ahead of major cities such as Istanbul in Türkiye, Pune and Mumbai in India and Belo Horizonte in Brazil, among others across Asia, Africa and South America.

    Onanuga framed the recognition as a rebuttal to what he described as persistent negative narratives about Nigeria’s economic and governance outlook, often advanced by opposition politicians.

    The ADC has been among opposition parties critical of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly on economic reforms and governance issues.

    However, the latest ranking underscores Lagos’ growing prominence in the global technology space, reflecting the strength of its startup ecosystem, innovation capacity and expanding role in the international digital economy.

  • Anti-venom available to tackle snakebite – FCTA 

    Anti-venom available to tackle snakebite – FCTA 

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents that anti-venom is fully stocked and readily accessible across all FCTA-owned hospitals and public health centres.

    This assurance is coming few days after the death of singer and social media influencer, Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, which triggered widespread anger and allegations of medical negligence.

    The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, in a statement asked residents not panic, as the territory maintains adequate supplies of both polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms kept under strict quality control.

    Fasawe said: “Different forms and types of anti-snake venom are widely available across FCTA-owned hospitals and public health facilities.

    “Stocking decisions are guided by collaboration with veterinary doctors, who help identify the most common snake species (venom strains) in the FCT.

    “Accordingly, polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are maintained, centrally stored in FCTA owned Abuja Central Medical Stores, and directly managed by the Secretariat to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity, and availability”.

    The Mandate Secretary’s assurance follows public outrage over the death of the young influencer, Ifunanya Nwangene, who was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi with many alleging that the facility had no antivenom to administer when she arrived for treatment.

    However FMC Jabi, in its official explanation, dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting the late Ifunanya was brought in long after the bite and was already exhibiting advanced neurotoxic symptoms.

    According to the hospital, she presented with respiratory distress and neurological deterioration, conditions that significantly reduce the likelihood of survival even where antivenom is available.

    The facility said its medical team initiated emergency protocols but the severity of her condition left little room for recovery.

    Fasawe, while condoling with the family, said the death must serve as a turning point for emergency preparedness and public awareness.

    She said: “The loss of a promising young life is deeply painful and distressing. I share in the family’s grief and reaffirm that such medically preventable deaths must be taken seriously, with strengthened measures to prevent recurrence”.

    She described snakebites as a preventable public health emergency, warning that venomous species including cobras, vipers and puff adders, are present across the FCT’s expanding urban and peri-urban areas.

    “Snakebites remain a largely preventable public health emergency. Snakes inhabit rainforests, grasslands, farms, and semi-arid areas, and often hide near human dwellings in search of food or shelter—leading to increased human-snake encounters.

    Read Also: Strike: FCTA workers shun NLC, JUAC, resume work

    “In Nigeria, highly venomous species such as cobras, vipers, and puff adders are present. As a rule, all snakebites must be treated as venomous until proven otherwise”, she added. 

    She also issued a step-by-step advisory on what residents must do immediately after a bite.

    “All FCT residents are urged to adopt primary prevention measures, including wearing protective clothing when in farms or tall grass, avoiding dark areas or using flashlights at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.

    “In the event of a bite, immediate first aid includes staying calm, immobilising the affected limb below heart level, removing constrictive items, gently cleaning the wound, and proceeding immediately to a hospital with antivenom,” Fasawe added. 

    While advising that harmful practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies must be avoided, the Mandate Secretary stressed that timely presentation remains the single most critical factor for survival.

  • Russia ban will be lifted – Gianni Infantino

    Russia ban will be lifted – Gianni Infantino

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Russia’s suspension from international football should be lifted, insisting that the country should be allowed to return to the global game.

    Russia has been banned from football competitions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

    However, the debate has resurfaced after the International Olympic Committee recommended that international sports federations allow Russian teams to compete again at youth level, a move Infantino believes should extend to football as well.

    Reacting to the development, Infantino in an interview with Sky News, stated the decision to suspend the Russians from the competition “has achieved nothing” and “has only generated more disappointment and hatred”.

    Read Also: Photos: Saraki receives FIFA President, Gianni Infantino

    “We have to, definitely,’ Infantino said when asked about potentially lifting the ban.

    “Because this ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.

    “Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”

  • No scripture prohibits tattoo – Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo

    No scripture prohibits tattoo – Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo

    Founder of the David Christian Centre, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo, has defended the decision to get a tattoo, saying there’s no scripture that prohibits Christians from having tattoos.

    His tattoo, “3:16”, written in Roman Numerals, sparked controversy with some citing Leviticus 19:28.

    Okonkwo, in an interview on News Central, argued that critics should provide scriptural or scientific proof to back their claims, questioning why tattoos are deemed bad without reason.

    He also pointed out hypocrisy, noting that some critics wear makeup and do eyebrow tattoos, which he considers a form of tattoo.

    The pastor emphasised that Christians should focus on knowing Christ and God’s word rather than imposing personal preferences on others. 

     “There’s no scripture that says a child of God cannot have tattoo. So, people are (just) doing personal preference, or what the Holy Spirit told them, or their church’s preferences. They want to impose this on other people, and that’s not how this works. Everyone needs to know Christ and the word of God.

    “Somebody needs to sit me down and say tattoos are bad because if somebody draws ink on their body, their brain goes bad; if somebody draws ink on their body, their character suddenly goes bad. They must give me scriptural or scientific proof, or something to back this up.

    “Nobody can tell me why tattoo is bad. It’s just bad because… no reason. This kind of thinking is saddening for me because how is Africa going to catch up with development if we are still thinking ‘oh, somebody wore jeans and went to rob, so jeans are now bad. Pastor cannot wear jeans because last week somebody wore jeans and went to rob a bank’. What are we talking about? So, I don’t see the basis.”

    Okonkwo also stated that while tattoos may be associated with bad people, he could name 10 good people with tattoos.

    “It’s the same reason why some people don’t want to go into politics. They say politics is for bad people. So, we have left it for the people we think are dirty. So, who is going to go there? That has been the mindset of the church. We avoid everything that looks bad, and then we complain,” he said.

    In a TikTok video, Okonkwo descended on critics of his decision, reminding them of the questionable things they also do.

    He said: “Today I’m seeing Christian girls buying human hair and wearing it to church, and they are typing on tattoo while wearing another human being’s hair.

    “You don’t know the origin of Christianity in Nigeria. Go and ask the older people who are sincere, they will tell you that even your makeup was a sin just a few years ago… was sacrilege, taboo, evil.

    “Today, I see people do eyebrow. You don’t know that eyebrow is tattoo? Are you not painting? If you are painting eyebrows, it is tattoo. Some people even do microblading. Is it not tattoo? It’s a form of tattoo.

    Read Also: Netizens react as Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo gets tattoo

    “Do you know that there was a time, if you didn’t tie a scarf, you couldn’t go to church. Some of you didn’t know this. Who fought for that liberty you enjoy?

    “There were times you couldn’t wear earrings, such that once you gave your life to Jesus, you threw away your earrings and all your jewellery. Some of you didn’t know these things, but today you are typing. I pity the level of ignorance you are carrying,

    “There were times you couldn’t wear jeans in this body of Christ. I was here when you couldn’t wear jeans. Do you wear jeans? Oh, you are leading many astray.

    “Some people are saying tattoo is leading people astray. I say jeans were leading people astray a few years ago, today we are wearing them. Do you wear jeans? Ungodly garment.”

  • PDP a formidable party, not charity organisation – Wike

    PDP a formidable party, not charity organisation – Wike

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains a formidable political force in the country and not a charity organisation.

    Wike made the remarks at the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja on Monday night.

    While warning members against viewing PDP as a charity organisation, he urged them to return to the grassroots and rebuild the party from the ward and polling unit levels.

    “Forget the idea that PDP is a charity organisation. PDP remains a formidable political force despite its current challenges.

    “PDP is too strong, very strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister spoke extensively on the party’s internal challenges, the ongoing legal disputes and the way forward for rebuilding it ahead of future elections.

    He stressed that his concerns were solely focused on the survival, stability and success of the party nationwide.

    Wike declared his keen interest in all activities of the Oyo chapter of the party, as part of efforts towards ensuring its survival and success.

    While appreciating the calls for peace by the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the National Working Committee (NWC), Wike urged party leaders and members to remain vigilant, noting the ongoing attempts to destabilise PDP.

    He cautioned that adversaries would not relent until the party was finished, but expressed confidence that such efforts would fail.

    “They will not give up until they believe you are destroyed, but I will not be destroyed; you will not be destroyed. Let us move forward,” he said.

    Read Also: Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    The minister expressed confidence that any attempt by those he described as “vampires” to take over the affairs of the party across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT, would fail.

    He further urged PDP to rely on experience and internal capacity, noting the presence of competent legal and organising officers within the party, capable of navigating the current challenges.

    “We have a competent legal adviser. We have a competent national organising secretary. Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” he said.

    Wike thanked NEC members for attending the meeting at short notice and urged them to remain committed to strengthening the party as Nigeria’s leading opposition platform.

    He said that the party was now waiting for the caretaker committee to issue clear directives, particularly on the conduct of the overdue congresses, which he described as “critical steps” towards organising a credible national convention.

    (NAN)

  • Tinubu’s re-election’ ll enable LGs deliver more dividends of democracy — Radda 

    Tinubu’s re-election’ ll enable LGs deliver more dividends of democracy — Radda 

    Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State says Nigerians re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027 will enable the States and Local Government Councils in the country to continue to deliver more dividends of democracy in their respective areas.

    Radda gave the assurance on Monday at a gathering for his endorsement and that of President Bola Tinubu and for a second term organised by the Concerned Katsina APC Stakeholders.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Senators, House of Reps. Members, members of the State House of Assembly, LG Chairmen, former governors of the state, Alhaji Aminu Masari and Alhaji Ibrahim Shema, Katsina elders, among others, announced their endorsement.

    Radda said that since the time president assumed office, he has been releasing funds to the LGs to enable them move their respective areas forward.

    The Governor said that some people have been saying so many things against the previous administrations, including Tinubu, but “our concern is what will bring development to the country.

    “People of Katsina are happy with what we have been doing. But are doing that because of the funds he has been releasing to the states and the LGs.

    “This endorsement will give us more encouragement to continue to do more to the people. I assured you that we will not disappoint you,” he assured.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Concerned APC Stakeholders, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, said their decision was sequel to the leadership quality displayed by Tinubu and Radda.

    He said that their commitment had led to the improved quality of life of the citizens within two-and-a-half years.

    Read Also: Radda orders renovation of NYSC camp facilities

    Ida, therefore, called on the electorate to come out en masse to vote for Tinubu and Radda in 2027 General Elections.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibril, said that he had been to all the states of the federation and to his assessment, Radda was among the hard-working Governors in the country.

    He said that was what qualified him for the re-election, saying that the endorsement was timely.

    Jibril said that currently, 29 states belonged to the APC, pointing out that the party was gaining more recognition because of what Tinubu has been doing to improve the living condition of the citizens and develop the country.

    In his remarks, the APC National Chairman, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda, expressed delight over the way members from other political parties were joining APC.

    He commended Radda for transforming the state and further said that he has seen good roads, schools, health facilities, drinking water, provided to improve the living condition of the citizens.

    The national chairman further urged the governor to keep up the good work for the development of the entire state.

    (NAN)

  • Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    Wike, labour unions reach truce, end FCT workers’ strike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brokered a late-night truce with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), bringing an end to the strike that paralyzed parts of Abuja.

    The development is paving the way for workers to return immediately.

    The agreement was reached around 3:50 am on Tuesday after over three hours of negotiations chaired by the Senate Committee on the FCT, led by Senator Mohammed Bomoi. The meeting started a few minutes before 12:00am.

    In attendance were Wike, the Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo respectively.

    The scribes of both labour centres as well as other key stakeholders, were also present.

    THE NATION reports that organised labour, comprising the two labour centres, on Monday insisted that there would be no going back on the planned massive protest to press home the demands of FCTA workers.

    Police authorities in the FCT cautioned the movement to reschedule its action in the “interest of safety”, adding that there were plots by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN/Shi’ites) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.   

    The Minister had also obtained an interim court order restraining the NLC and the TUC from embarking on the action.

    According to a statement after the meeting and signed by NLC and TUC, it was agreed that, arising from the strike action, no worker shall be victimized in any manner.

    Upah, who was flanked by the General Secretary of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, and other labour leaders, also disclosed that all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.

    He added: “All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

    “At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached: All complaints presented by JUAC members were taken one after the other and fully addressed.


    “The Honourable Minister assured organized labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.”

    He, however, announced that all workers in the FCT had been directed to resume duties immediately.

    “Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

    “All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith”.

  • Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    Ondo at 50: River Basin chief lauds Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to state

    Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Femi Adekanmbi, has lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his leadership as Ondo State marks its 50th anniversary.

    In a statement to mark the Golden Jubilee, he described the governor’s commitment to improving lives of residents as unparalleled, underscoring Aiyedatiwa’s resolve to drive the state toward progress and prosperity.

    He said the achievements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare sectors have enhanced residents’ quality of life and boosted investor confidence in the state.

    Read Also: Police urge NLC to shelve Tuesday’s planned protest

    Dr. Adekanmbi described the governor’s vision and purposeful leadership as a demonstration of his capability, positioning Ondo as a beacon of development and sustained growth.

    The APC stalwart urged the people to rally behind the administration, assuring them that continued support would enable the governor to deliver even more impactful results in the years ahead.

    He hoped that with this track record, Ondo State is on course to become one of Nigeria’s leading states, harnessing its potential for a more prosperous and united future.