The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • FG arraigns alleged perpetrators of Benue killings Monday

    FG arraigns alleged perpetrators of Benue killings Monday

    Some suspects arrested in connection with killings in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, will be arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kamarudeen Ogundele, Media aide to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Ogundele said the decision to arraign the suspects followed “a painstaking investigation and collaboration by government agencies.”

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    He added that “the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to assure Nigerians that Justice will be ensured in the matter to send a strong signal to the enemies of the country, acting under any disguise.

    “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of the lives and property of all as enshrined in the constitution.”

  • Interfaith Week: First Lady calls for love, peace, compassion, respect

    Interfaith Week: First Lady calls for love, peace, compassion, respect

    …urges Nigerians to turn prayer into action, seeks dialogue, unity across faiths

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold the shared values of love, peace, compassion, respect, and service to humanity as the country joins the rest of the world to observe World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026.

    In a message to mark the week-long observance, Senator Tinubu said these universal values remain the strongest bonds uniting people across different faiths and beliefs, stressing their importance to national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

    She urged Nigerians to move “from prayer to action,” noting that the nation’s diverse religious traditions should inspire dialogue, mutual understanding, and collective efforts toward building a more peaceful and inclusive society.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    The First Lady spoke in the context of the 2026 World Interfaith Harmony Week, observed from February 1 to 7, with the theme, “Celebrating Peace, Honouring Leaders – From Prayer to Action.”

    According to her, interfaith harmony goes beyond symbolic gestures, requiring deliberate actions that promote tolerance, respect, and cooperation among adherents of different religions.

    She expressed optimism that Nigeria’s diversity, when guided by shared moral values, can serve as a powerful force for unity and national development.

    Senator Tinubu wished Nigerians a happy World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, reaffirming her commitment to promoting peace, inclusion, and understanding across all faiths.

    World Interfaith Harmony Week is observed annually to encourage interreligious dialogue and cooperation as a means of fostering peace and stability within societies.

  • World Hijab Day: First Lady urges mutual respect, peaceful coexistence

    World Hijab Day: First Lady urges mutual respect, peaceful coexistence

    …calls for unity across cultures, beliefs

    …describes diversity as Nigeria’s shared strength

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and solidarity across cultures and beliefs, saying national unity is strengthened by diversity.

    The First Lady made the call in a message to mark World Hijab Day 2026, where she urged citizens to continue building bridges of understanding and tolerance, noting that Nigeria’s plural identity should be a source of cohesion rather than division.

    She said that together, Nigerians are stronger when they respect one another’s choices, faiths, and identities, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential to national harmony and progress.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    Earlier in her message, Senator Tinubu said she was celebrating the beauty of choice, faith, and identity of Muslim women on the occasion of World Hijab Day 2026, which carries the theme “Unity in Hijab.”

    She described the hijab as a symbol of obedience, dignity, strength, and worship for many women, adding that it also serves as a reminder that diversity should unite rather than divide societies.

    The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to promoting inclusion, understanding, and respect among Nigerians of all backgrounds, while wishing Muslim women and the wider public a happy World Hijab Day.

    World Hijab Day is observed annually to promote awareness, tolerance, and freedom of religious expression, particularly for Muslim women around the world.

  • In less than three years, Tinubu has a lot to show for his stewardship — Onanuga

    In less than three years, Tinubu has a lot to show for his stewardship — Onanuga

    …references The Economist’s positive analysis of administration’s progress

    …cites inflation drop, reserve growth, investor return

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has achieved significant economic gains in less than three years in office, citing a recent assessment by The Economist.

    Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, drew attention to the January 29 edition of the magazine, which reviewed the state of Nigeria’s economy before and after President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    According to the magazine, President Tinubu inherited a deeply troubled economy marked by severe fiscal and monetary imbalances.

    It noted that when he took office, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) faced unmet obligations of about $7 billion, equivalent to 1.4 per cent of GDP at the time, a situation that triggered a mass exit of international investors.

    The publication added that the apex bank’s credibility had been undermined by loose monetary policy, mismanagement of foreign exchange reserves, and the maintenance of an unsustainable multi-tier exchange rate regime, while the Federal Government spent about $10 billion, or 2.2 per cent of GDP, on fuel subsidy in 2022 alone.

    It said the Tinubu administration responded with “drastic structural reforms,” including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, allowing the naira to float more freely.

    The magazine further observed that monetary policy was aggressively tightened to curb inflation, while the government also moved to improve security in the Niger Delta and introduced tax incentives to attract investors and boost oil production.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    While acknowledging that Nigerians, particularly the poor and middle class, continue to feel the impact of higher fuel and food prices, the publication said the reforms appear to be yielding results.

    It noted that annual inflation, which peaked at 34.8 per cent in December 2024, fell sharply to 15.2 per cent by December 2025, while economic growth is returning, with the International Monetary Fund projecting 4.4 per cent growth in 2026.

    According to the assessment, the naira has stabilised after two major devaluations in 2023, and Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $46 billion, their highest level in seven years.

    The publication said improvements in macroeconomic stability are restoring investor confidence, citing plans by Shell to finalise development of a $20 billion offshore oilfield by 2027 and a $1.5 billion deepwater investment commitment by Exxon Mobil.

    It added that local business leaders are also more optimistic, with oil and gas output rising due to improved security and increased participation by indigenous firms in the Niger Delta.

    According to the post, the magazine concluded that the reforms should provide the government with greater fiscal breathing room, particularly as a more competitive naira boosts non-oil exports such as cocoa and cashew nuts.

  • Tinubu hails Fela as global icon after Grammy Lifetime Honour

    Tinubu hails Fela as global icon after Grammy Lifetime Honour

    …says Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy lives on

    …late musician becomes first African recipient of the award

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to legendary Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, following his posthumous recognition with the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Recording Academy, also known as the Grammy Awards.

    In a tribute he personally issued to celebrate Fela’s award on Sunday, President Tinubu described the late musician as a towering figure whose influence transcended music, culture, and generations, saying the world had honoured “a giant.”

    The President said Fela was more than a musician, portraying him as a fearless voice of the people, a philosopher of freedom, and a revolutionary force whose music confronted injustice and reshaped global sound.

    Read Also: 2026: Dissecting Nigeria’s boom year

    “His courage, creativity, and conviction defined a generation and continue to inspire the world,” Tinubu said, adding that in Yoruba mythology, Fela had transcended to a higher spiritual plane and become eternal.

    President Tinubu noted that the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award marked a historic milestone, as Fela became the first African to receive the honour, albeit posthumously.

    According to him, the recognition affirms Fela’s enduring global influence and the foundational role he played in shaping the evolution and global impact of African music.

    The President said the late icon defined Afrobeat as a genre and that his influence remains evident across generations of Nigerian musicians, as well as in contemporary Afrobeats and global music beyond Africa.

    “Fela lives,” Tinubu declared, underscoring that the musician’s ideals, sound, and cultural impact remain alive decades after his passing.

    The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred on performers who, during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording, placing Fela among an elite group of global music legends.

  • Otti reaffirms Labour Party’s strength, unveils timetable for nationwide congresses

    Otti reaffirms Labour Party’s strength, unveils timetable for nationwide congresses

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed that the Labour Party remains a strong and viable political platform in Nigeria, assuring that the party will proceed with its congresses across the country.

    Otti gave the assurance while chairing the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party held in Abuja, alongside members of the Interim National Committee.

    Briefing journalists after the meeting, the governor expressed appreciation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Interim National Committee and for uploading the names of the party’s leadership on its website in compliance with a court order.

    He disclosed that the NEC and the Interim National Committee had agreed to roll out a timetable for congresses at the ward, local government, state and zonal levels, culminating in a national convention.

    According to Otti, the congresses are scheduled to commence in March, beginning with the revalidation of existing members and the registration of new ones. A committee has been constituted to oversee the exercise.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s real problem is indiscipline not corruption- NBA chairman

    The NEC also resolved to establish a reconciliation committee aimed at reuniting aggrieved members willing to return to the party. In this regard, Otti appealed to Barrister Julius Abure and his associates to embrace peace and rejoin the party, while also calling on Nigerians to identify with the Labour Party.

    The governor noted that the party’s leadership regretted the exit of its former leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, describing his departure as unfortunate while wishing him well. He urged party members to close ranks in order to build a stronger and more cohesive political force.

    The NEC acknowledged that the party had lost some members, particularly elected representatives at the National Assembly and certain caretaker committee officials who had since been replaced, but maintained that the party remains resilient.

    The party also expressed regret over its inability to participate in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory election.

    Otti, who is the leader of the party, thanked supporters for their continued loyalty and assured them that the Labour Party would emerge stronger going forward.

  • Army prioritises troop welfare, cautions personnel against substance abuse

    Army prioritises troop welfare, cautions personnel against substance abuse

    The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of its personnel while cautioning officers and soldiers against substance abuse and other negative vices, as the Combat Service Support Corps comprising of Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management (NACOLM) marked the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 at AN Barracks, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

    The event, which drew senior officers, soldiers, families and guests, featured colourful cultural performances by the Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo dance troupe, awards presentation to outstanding soldiers across various corps, an inter corps tug of war competition as well as donations to 20 widows, reinforcing the Army’s focus on inclusiveness and support for families of fallen personnel.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, noted that the year 2025 had been particularly demanding for the Nigerian Army, with troops, especially combat service support and logistics personnel, fully engaged in counter terrorism, counter insurgency and internal security operations across the country and beyond.

    The Army Chief who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj Gen Adebayo Babalola, said the Army remained committed to the welfare and well being of its personnel and their families, stressing that while much had been entrusted to officers and soldiers, high standards of discipline, professionalism and loyalty were expected in return.

    He urged personnel to avoid conduct contrary to military professionalism, particularly substance abuse, and encouraged them to sustain their commitment as the Army prepares for another demanding operational year.

    According to him, the WASA tradition, which dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force, provides a platform for officers and soldiers to unwind, celebrate achievements of the year and strengthen bonds with their families and host communities, while preparing mentally and socially for future responsibilities.

    Read Also: Nigeria on ‘healing journey’ to $1trn economy by 2030 – Presidency

    Earlier, the Acting Commander, Corps of Medical, Combat Service Support Corps, Brig Gen Innocent Enwuchola, described WASA as an enduring tradition of the Nigerian Army that reinforces discipline, esprit de corps and unity among personnel, their families and host communities.

    Brig Gen Enwuchola said the WASA celebration provided a rare opportunity for officers and soldiers to unwind, socialise and reflect on the successes recorded during the year, while also rewarding deserving personnel for professionalism and dedication to duty.

    He commended personnel of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, as well as the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management, for their critical roles in sustaining military operations across the country.

    According to him, combat service support formations had continued to provide essential logistics, medical, technical and administrative support to operations in the North East, North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, noting that these efforts had boosted troop confidence and contributed to the protection of lives and property.

    He also highlighted the role of NACOLM in training and developing officers in military logistics, administration and management, saying the institution had enhanced leadership capacity, planning, resource allocation and decision making within the Nigerian Army.

    The celebration ended with goodwill messages and renewed commitment to professionalism as the Nigerian Army prepares for the 2026 operational year.

  • Tinubu congratulates APC Lagos spokesman, Oladejo, at 60

    Tinubu congratulates APC Lagos spokesman, Oladejo, at 60

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mogaji Oluseye Oladejo, on his 60th birthday, which comes up on Sunday, February 2.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Oladejo as a dependable party man whose articulate engagement and clarity of purpose have contributed significantly to strengthening the APC in Lagos State.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigerians with most Grammy awards

    President Tinubu commended Oladejo for his steadfast commitment to progressive politics, party unity and democratic ideals, noting that his years of service as a party spokesman reflect discipline, loyalty and a deep understanding of grassroots mobilisation.

    He acknowledged Oladejo’s long-standing role in advancing the values of good governance and responsible political communication, stressing that his contributions have helped sustain the progressive legacy of Lagos State while nurturing a new generation of party faithful.

    “As you mark the diamond milestone, I wish you good health, renewed strength, and many more years of impactful service to our great party, Lagos State, and the nation at large,” the President said.

  • Lagos enforces okada ban, traffic laws on coastal highway

    Lagos enforces okada ban, traffic laws on coastal highway

    The Lagos State Government has commenced enforcement exercise against banned commercial motorcycle (okada) operations, one-way driving, and illegal structures along the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway corridor.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on his X handles that operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Taskforce carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and improve safety on major roads across the state.

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    According to Wahab, “Over 50 motorcycles were confiscated for riding on the highway in violation of the Lagos State traffic law, while 10 vehicles were apprehended and charged to court for driving against traffic.”

    He noted that the enforcement exercise also included the removal of shanties and makeshift structures illegally erected along the coastal highway corridor.

    He further stated that enforcement will be sustained in order to restore sanity on the road. 

  • Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal Character

    Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal Character

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has charged the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to allow Federal Character reflect in the activities of the Commission.

    According to a statement by the office of the Senate President, Akpabio gave the charge on Thursday when the Chairman and other members of the Sixth National Assembly Service Commission paid him their maiden visit in his office.

    The Senate President congratulated them on their appointment and expressed confidence that, with their experiences and maturity, they would deliver on their mandate.

    Akpabio said: “The leadership of both chambers made very good choices. I have no doubt that with your pedigrees you will deliver on the mandate given to you.

    “The maturity is there. So we should expect the best. I know that with your various other vocations, your experiences will come to bear to ensure that everything about the Commission and the welfare, promotion of staff and even the recruitment, that things are done in a way that reflect joy and national character.”

    Read Also: New book proffers solutions to surmounting Nigeria’s problems

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, expressed gratitude to the Senate President and the entire leadership of the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in them.

    Enyiekere acknowledged the challenges ahead but said the Commission stood committed to meeting the challenges head-on.

    He assured the Senate President that the Commission would not only strive to build on the successes of their predecessors but also restore confidence in the Commission’s ability to fulfill its core mandate.

    The Commission proposed to the leadership of the National Assembly the establishment of a Council of former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and also reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters.