The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Shell’s planned $20b investment driven by Tinubu’s policies

    Shell’s planned $20b investment driven by Tinubu’s policies

    Global energy giant, Shell Plc has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership and reforms for its latest decision to invest additional $20 billion in Nigeria.

    Shell is also committing to more long-term investments in Nigeria in what the corporation described as a “sea change” from where it was several years ago, when it was pulling back on investments in the country.

    Global Chief Executive, Shell Plc, Mr Wael Sawan, at a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said the bold and visionary leadership of President Tinubu was the major reason Shell is deepening its investments in Nigeria.

    According to him, President Tinubu’s leadership has created a healthy and stable climate that is restoring investors’ confidence and stimulating new investment decisions.

    Shell’s new project, Bonga Southwest, will see the corporation investing about $20 billion in foreign direct investment. The new investment, which is expected to reach Final Investment Decision (FID) soon, comes on the heels of a string of recent investments by Shell including $5 billion in Bonga North, $2 billion in HI conventional gas project and the gas project with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.  

    Sawan said: “We have really been in a space where we are very keen to invest in Nigeria. But I would say this has not always been the case. Your leadership and your vision have created an investment climate over the last few years that, I will be very honest with you, propelled us to invest, in particular, also as we compare to other investments around the world.

    “Stability in today’s environment will honestly have a premium for corporates because we are investing not for one administration or five or 10 years, we want to invest for 20, 30, 40 years and in the case of Nigeria, for many, many decades”.

    READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria has not recovered from military rule’

    He pointed out that Nigeria, under the Tinubu administration, is one of the countries attracting significant investment from global oil companies.

    He said Shell sees further opportunities for additional investments in Nigeria given President Tinubu’s transformative leadership, his team and investors-friendly policies.

    He noted that Shell has recently expanded its investments in Nigeria by deepening its interest in Block OML 118, the Bonga Block.

    “Total Energies was selling, so we bought it because we want to deepen further. But that, we think, is not enough. We think there is more to invest here, and we understand the vision that you have for the country. And so we are indeed working on a project, Bonga Southwest, that could, if we reach an FID stage, see us, with our partners, invest around $20 billion in foreign direct investment, half of which will be capital. The other half will be the operating expenses and the like that will come into the country.

    “This will be one of the biggest, I would say, energy projects in the world,” Sawan said.

    He added that the corporation still sees “opportunities like Bonga South, which is further in the funnel, to be able to continue to invest”.

    He said: “Your Excellency, to Bonga Southwest, that huge project, I would like to thank you. I want to thank you for the leadership you have shown there to be able to provide the incremental incentives that are now getting us line of sight to an investment in this project with our partners”.

    He also commended the President’s team, describing them as outstanding professionals.

    “And that leadership, I would also say, has put many of the people that we are working with, your team, are amongst the best that we are dealing with anywhere in the world, and that professionalism allows us to be able to have the confidence, and I would say our partners as well, to have the confidence to continue to invest,” Sawan said.

    Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, stated that at the meeting, President Tinubu approved the gazetting of targeted, investment-linked incentives to support the proposed Bonga South West deep offshore oil project by Shell and its partners.

    The President also directed his Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, to facilitate the gazette of the incentives in line with Nigeria’s existing legal and fiscal frameworks.

     The President made it clear that the incentives were not blanket concessions but linked to verifiable investments.

    “They are ring-fenced and investment-linked, focused on new capital and incremental production, strong local content delivery, and in-country value addition.

    “My expectation is clear: Bonga South West must reach a Final Investment Decision within the first term of this administration,” President Tinubu said.

  • Kano quakes with governor, lawmakers defection to APC

    Kano quakes with governor, lawmakers defection to APC

    • Barau excited by movement into party

    • Kwankwaso’s son quits exco

    A major realignment of political forces ahead of next year’s polls occurred in Kano State yesterday.

    Governor Abba Yusuf, 22 members of the House of Assembly, eight members of the House of Representatives, 44 local government chairmen and several political appointees defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Also defecting with the governor were eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors.

    Explaining their decision, the lawmakers said the move was driven by the need for political stability and sustainable development.

    The development triggered ripples within the state’s political space, particularly among members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

    Kwankwaso’s son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, subsequently resigned his appointment as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, citing a conflict of loyalty.

    At a separate event elsewhere in the sprawling Kano metropolis, Kwankwaso met with members of his political group and others who declined to follow Governor Yusuf into the APC.

    Today in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is expected to be formally received into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

    Exuding confidence, Yusuf was warmly received into the APC by former APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril Barau; Senator Kawu Sumaila; Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Atah; members of the House of Representatives; and other party chieftains.

    They commended him for what they described as courage and political foresight at the defection ceremony held at the Coronation Hall of Government House, Kano, where he received the party’s flag and membership card.

    The governor pledged to work closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate development and deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Kano State.

    READ ALSO: Accord, APC, ADC ready for battle

    He described his defection as a choice for progress over pride and emphasised the significance of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Yusuf also announced plans to establish a Kano Elders Council aimed at promoting stability, unity and good governance in the state.

    He commended Ganduje and Barau Jibrin for their support, assuring them that he would not let them down.

    The governor recalled that he first joined the APC in 2014, when he won the party’s primary election for the Kano Central Senatorial seat, which he later relinquished to Senator Kwankwaso.

    He cited governance realities, national cohesion and development needs as reasons for returning to the APC, which he described as “familiar and structured for progressive governance.”

    According to him, his return would strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government, fast-track development, improve security and enhance service delivery in Kano State.

    Yusuf said: “I am entering the APC together with 22 state lawmakers, eight federal legislators, 44 local government chairmen and 484 councillors.

    “We will work collectively to advance the party’s noble ideals for the overall political development of Kano State.

    “Our mission is to advance the Kano agenda, which remains our primary concern, not personal interest.”

    Ganduje urges governorship aspirants to step aside

    Ganduje urged all governorship aspirants in Kano State to shelve their ambitions, declaring that the APC ticket for 2027 would be ceded to Yusuf.

    He called on party members to rally behind the governor, whom he described as the leader of the party in the state.

    Ganduje said: “Anyone seeking to govern Kano State in 2027 should put their ambition on hold to enable Governor Yusuf complete his two-term tenure.”

    The former governor of Kano State praised Yusuf for defecting to what he called the progressive camp and for placing the interest of the state above personal considerations.

    He added: “I can categorically tell you that you are going to win in 2027 by a landslide because those contesting for the same seat have agreed to step aside.

    “To us, the leaders of the APC, this is a memorable occasion. I strongly welcome Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf back to his home.”

    Ganduje recalled that Yusuf was part of the APC at its formation but left due to political differences.

    “Now, we are thankful that you are back to your party and your home,” he said.

    Describing Yusuf as a progressive politician, Ganduje cited his policies, utterances and implementation style as evidence.

    He formally declared Yusuf as the leader of the APC in Kano State, saying: “As the leader of the APC in Kano today, you embody the party’s policies.”

    Putting to rest speculation about party leadership, he added: “Governor Yusuf today stands as the leader of the party in the state.”

    Ganduje also described President Tinubu as a nationalist who treats citizens equally, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, himself a governorship aspirant, joined Ganduje in raising Yusuf’s hands during the reception.

    He commended Yusuf for what he called a bold and decisive return to the APC, describing the move as lasting.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Barau said he would work with Yusuf and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing Kano State.

    Barau recalled that his entry into politics over three decades ago was driven by a desire to serve the people of Kano and Nigeria.

    He said he has remained committed to that mission and would continue to work for unity, progress and development.

    Barau said: “I welcome His Excellency, the Governor of our beloved state, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to our great party, the APC, the largest political party in Africa.

    “I also want to reassure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of my unalloyed commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, as we work together to take Nigeria to the next level.”

    The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi, said in a statement that Yusuf does not require Kwankwaso’s support to secure a second term.

    Kwankwaso’s son resigns as commissioner

    Mustapha Kwankwaso, in his resignation letter, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state.

    He said: “As I resign, I pray that the youth of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve.”

    He expressed confidence that sports development programmes in the state would continue to flourish and wished the Yusuf administration success.

    Atiku’s son Abba registers for APC

    In Adamawa State, Northeast, Abba Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, formalised his defection to the APC.

    He received his APC membership card at his Gwadabawa Ward in Yola, the state capital, and was formally welcomed by party leaders at the state secretariat.

    Addressing party executives and members, Abba said he was motivated by the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He described the President as the best option for Nigeria under the current circumstances and pledged to support his re-election in 2027.

    Abba’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) comes six months after his father left the PDP for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Observers note that while Atiku is positioning himself within the ADC ahead of 2027, his son is now in the ruling APC, campaigning for President Tinubu’s re-election.

    Receiving Abba, Adamawa APC Chairman, Idris Shuaibu, said the party appreciated his conviction and decision.

    Shuaibu added that the party was pleased that Abba was bringing his experience and influence into the APC.

    Tinubu to receive Mutfwang into APC today

    All arrangements have been concluded for today’s formal reception of Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, into the APC.

    Mutfwang, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, defected alongside members of the state cabinet, National Assembly members, the entire State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councillors.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to represent President Tinubu, who is on an official visit to Turkey.

    He will be joined by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda; members of the National Working Committee; and governors elected on the platform of the APC.

    Also expected at the event are Plateau traditional rulers and federal and state lawmakers.

    Co-chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Ahmed Wase, said the reception marks a defining moment in Plateau State politics.

    “This event has ignited excitement across the state and beyond,” Wase said, adding that it reflects a growing consensus for unity and inclusive governance.

    He recalled that Governor Mutfwang formally resigned from the PDP on December 29, 2025, citing commitment to purposeful leadership and effective service delivery.

    According to Wase, the governor’s subsequent alignment with the APC signalled support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and a desire to position Plateau State for accelerated development, improved security and better living standards.

  • NAFDAC’s ban of sachet drinks will cripple local investments, says DIBAN

    NAFDAC’s ban of sachet drinks will cripple local investments, says DIBAN

    Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), yesterday, urged National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reconsider its stand on the implementation of ban on the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets in the interest of the economy and local investments.

    The association, which led a coalition of civil societies of Nigeria,  including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and workers from various companies to the day-2 protest at Lagos office of the regulatory agency, said the decision to ban the products would cripple  investments and lead to job loss.

    The protesters, who converged on the agency’s office as early as 8.30am , carried placards with various inscriptions as they appealed to Federal Government to call the NAFDAC Chief to order in the interest of the nation’s economy and the likely consequence of the decision on millions of Nigerians, whose means of livelihoods are connected with the sector.

    Some of the inscriptions on the placards read; ‘Local manufacturers deserve protection, not frustration’, ‘Stop destroying local manufacturers’, ‘N2 trillion investment deserves protection’, ‘5.5 million Nigerians cannot be pushed to the streets’, and ‘The Renewed Hope Agenda must work for all Nigerians’.

    The Executive Secretary, Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association, a union under TUC, Comrade Solomon Adebosin, who spoke to Journalists said the protest became necessary following the decision of  NAFDAC to commence the enforcement on the ban of production and sale of alcohol in sachets and pet bottle below 200ml, despite the directive of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that all actions and measures related to the proposed ban, should be suspended, pending the outcome of consultations and final directive.

    Last week, NAFDAC announced that it had begun enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethene terephthalate (PET) bottles across the country.

    READ ALSO: Accord, APC, ADC ready for battle

     “At this period of our economy, throwing over five million people out of their jobs and putting at least  3 trillion investment at risk will not augur well for our country. We appreciate our president for his various proactive measures to strengthen the economy, killing local investments, and throwing people out of jobs will definitely frustrate President’s commitment to boost the economy,” Adebosin said.

    He pointed out that the policy to ban the sachet drinks seemed targeted at the indigenous producers as they are the most affected by this policy.

    “With the trend and the target of the ban, it is clear that it meant to frustrate local manufacturers out of the market. Unfortunately, this will have multiple negative effects on the economy as all the people engaged in the value chain of sales and production would be affected.” he stated.

    To this end, Adebosin affirmed that proper regulation through access control and advocacy are globally accepted as a sustainable approach in resolving the imbroglio. To this end, he appealed to the regulatory agency to follow the global trend by deepening regulation rather than embarking on an unpopular route that would create economic havoc for Nigerians.

    Comrade Declan Ihekaire, who represented the coalition of civil societies of Nigeria protecting consumer rights, said that the initiative is in solidarity with members of the distillers’ association, under the aegis of the Food, Beverages and Tobacco Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employees, who have been shut out of work following the regulatory action by NAFDAC.

    He argued that the ban would worsen economic hardship, noting that millions of Nigerians are employed across the value chain of sachet alcohol production, distribution, and sales.

    While accusing the government of using regulatory agencies to impose policies that affect low-income earners, who are the consumers of the products, he noted that the ban can only be justified when there is serious health challenges.

    He said: “Millions of Nigerians have decided to go on low-key by consuming those products because of the income level. It’s not everybody that is so rich to afford Hennessy and other big drinks. So when you now say we shouldn’t take such a drink, it’s as good as saying don’t take sachet water but only take bottled water.”

    He, however, insisted that regulation rather than banning the products should have been adopted if there were issues the regulatory agency wanted to address.

    Branch Chairman of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) in Lagos, Comrade Somefun Olamiye, accused the Director-General NAFDAC of misrepresenting facts to justify the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, stressing that the claim that sachet alcohol contains excessively high alcohol content were false.

  • Military set to court-martial suspects for alleged coup

    Military set to court-martial suspects for alleged coup

    For months, the whispers refused to die down as questions about what truly happened behind the barracks walls persisted.

    Yesterday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed what it once dismissed as mere rumour.

    It said investigations into alleged coup plotting within the military have been concluded, with a report submitted on 16 officers arrested for serious service violations, including attempts to overthrow the government.

    The DHQ said the report was forwarded to the appropriate superior authority, in line with extant military regulations.

    The confirmation was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Sumaila Uba.

    According to the statement, the investigation, conducted strictly in accordance with established military procedures, examined all circumstances surrounding the actions of the affected personnel.

    “The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN),” the statement said.

    Major General Uba explained that officers found to have cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels.

    READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria has not recovered from military rule’

    “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

    This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process,” he added.

    How the coup story broke

    The controversy dates back to October 2025, when reports surfaced alleging that some military officers were involved in a plot to destabilise and possibly overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    At the time, the reports triggered widespread public concern, coming against the backdrop of coups and attempted coups in several West African countries, including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.

    The military high command swiftly moved to douse tensions.

    In an initial response, the Defence Headquarters categorically denied that there was any coup plot, describing media reports of an attempt to overthrow the Federal Government as “baseless” and “misleading.”

    However, shortly after the denial, the military announced that 16 officers had been arrested and were facing military justice, not for coup plotting, but for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

    What the military said then

    In its October 2025 statement, the DHQ explained that the grievances of the arrested officers stemmed largely from internal issues, particularly perceived career stagnation resulting from repeated failures in promotion examinations, among other service-related complaints.

    The military further stated that some of the officers were already under military jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting trial or currently undergoing trial, before their latest arrest.

    At the time, the high command was emphatic that the actions taken were purely disciplinary.

    “The measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks,” the DHQ said.

    It also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, loyalty and constitutional authority, insisting that there was no threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.

    A shift from denial to confirmation

    Yesterday’s statement by the DHQ marks a significant shift, from outright denial of coup-related allegations to a confirmation that investigations uncovered claims of plotting to overthrow the government among some of the arrested officers.

    Despite this, the military maintained that the process remains strictly within the bounds of military law and discipline, not political vendetta.

    “The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the DHQ assured Nigerians.

  • Akwa Ibom APC expands frontier as SAN joins party

    Akwa Ibom APC expands frontier as SAN joins party

    Eno, Akpabio: Enoidem’s entry signifies peace, unity, growth

    Following the call by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to advance his administration’s ARISE Agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has recorded a political realignment with the reception of Emmanuel Enoidem (SAN), former national legal adviser of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) into the party.

    Present to receive Enoidem at Etim Ekpo Stadium, Utu Etim Ekpo, were the governor, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, top government officials, party faithful, political leaders, and supporters.

    Eno thanked Enoidem for the ‘‘courageous and enlightened decision’’ in the interest of the state. The governor noted Enoidem’s role in his political journey, particularly his election as governor in 2023, and hoped the move would further strengthen peace and unity in the state.

    The governor noted that his administration had executed about 25 projects in Etim Ekpo coincil, adding with leaders like Enoidem, Senator Akpabio, and otherrs, Etim Ekpo would continue to witness accelerated development.

    Akpabio described the occasion as a personal reconnection with one of his political mentees. He said Enoidem’s entry into APC would usher in peace in Etim Ekpo, Abak Federal Constituency, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, signalling an end to opposition politics in the area. Akpabio added that the development would make governance easier and more effective.

    Read Also: ‘Nigeria opposition politicians incoherent, lack imagination, alternative vision’

    Earlier, council chair lauded Eno for his leadership and thanked Akpabio for being a beacon of hope to people. He lauded the governor’s development initiatives and praised Enoidem’s decision.

    Speakers described the ceremony as a testament to the purposeful and unifying leadership of Eno and Akpabio.

    They lauded Enoidem for joining APC in advancing the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Federal Government and ARISE Agenda of government. Highpoint of the ceremony was the induction of Enoidem,, his wife, and thousands of supporters into APC—a process conducted by the state party Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo.

    Enoidem said the occasion is historic, saying while the decision was not easy, it was taken in the best interest of the state. Emphasising that politics is local, he said his move was driven by his love for Etim Ekpo and his desire for progress. The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; lawmakers, etc.

    including Senator Ita Enang, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and Senator Dr. Aloysius Etok; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; and other top government dignitaries

  • Abandoned road sparks outrage in community

    Abandoned road sparks outrage in community

    Residents of Alaja/Olayemi Road in Ayobo-Ipaja in Lagos State have deplored abandonment of their road, which has been under construction for more than two decades, lamenting its impact on their health, livelihoods and daily activities.

    They protested to  the LCDA Chair, Lukman Agbaje, urging him to complete the project.

    According to the protesters, the deplorable state of the road has made homes inaccessible, damaged vehicles, disrupted businesses and posed challenges for the elderly, pupils and the physically challenged.

    Speaking for the community, a former Chairperson of a CDA, said residents had exhausted all options.

    She said: “I have been here for over 20 years. This road has been like this

    “Because of the condition of the road, we had to form a forum of about seven CDAs. We have been fighting for completion of this road since work stopped at Alaja.”

    She explained that the road was part of the 114 roads initiated during the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in 2016, but construction stopped midway about 10 years ago.

    “When we didn’t see any intervention, we maintained the road ourselves, spending millions every year,” she added. “But now we are fed up and frustrated. People pay taxes, students cannot move when it rains, cars get damaged, the elderly cannot walk and the physically challenged struggle to get into their houses.”

    She noted that residents had written petitions to state agencies, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and their representatives at the House of Assembly, without success.

    “We contacted the new chairman and he promised to fix the road. He said he would do a palliative within two to three weeks, but it has been almost four months. All that was done was the dumping of hardcore and sand, which made the road worse,” she said.

    Read Also: Oyetola’s wife rescues stranded Nigerian in Egypt

    Also speaking, 70-year-old Reverend Nat Atanda Olajide described the situation as inhumane.

    “I came here about 19 years ago. It was bad then, but far better than what we are experiencing now,” he said. “Many of us have cars but cannot use them. I am not supposed to be standing here under this sun.”

    Another resident, Babatunde Abraham, said the protest was not aimed at embarrassing the government but to seek urgent intervention.

    “We were happy when the local government started the road, but they stopped after the first phase and never returned,” he said.

    “The former governor even came to inaugurate the uncompleted road. We are calling on the state government to take over this project because it may be beyond the capacity of the LCDA.”

    He noted that the road serves as a major link to Igando and could help ease traffic on adjoining routes.

    “We are Lagosians. We pay our taxes and we vote. All we ask is for this road to be fixed,” he said.

    The residents appealed to the state and local governments to urgently intervene and bring an end to what they described as over 20 years of neglect.

  • Foundation Food Outreach supports vulnerable households

    Foundation Food Outreach supports vulnerable households

    Margaret Modinat Foundation has given food relief to more than 1,000 households in Ogun and Lagos states.

    The initiative, led by Founder, Olanrewaju Osibote, was carried out simultaneously in Ijebu Ife, Ogun, and communities in Lagos, including Akowonjo, Egbeda, Igando Road, Abaranje Road in Ikotun, Olowo Ira, and Ojodu Berger.

    According to Osibote, the exercise was designed to ease pressure of rising costs on low-income families and petty traders. Each state recorded almost 500 beneficiaries.

    Read Also: First Lady tasks Nigerians on environmental protection

    Residents received rice, tomato paste, spaghetti, and semovita, distributed in at the designated locations.

    Osibote explained that the foundation’s choice of communities was guided by the need to reach groups most affected by  hardship. She emphasised that the organisation is committed to sustaining such interventions, particularly during festive periods.

    “This outreach is part of our effort to support families,” she said, saying the foundation was established in memory of her late mother, whose compassion for humanity continues to inspire its work.

    Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful amid current economic challenges.

  • Ondo at 50: Activists decry dearth of development

    Ondo at 50: Activists decry dearth of development

    Civil society group, Ondo Redemption Front, has decried the dearth of development in Ondo State amid its abundant resources. This is as the state prepares to celebrate 50 on February 3.

    Speaking at a news conference yesterday, Chairman, Ayodeji Ologun, said despite bad governance over the years, the people will still celebrate their resilience, history, unbreakable hope and enduring determination to reclaim their state from failure and misrule.

    Ologun said: “Milestones demand reflection, and reflection demands courage. At 50, the state must not pretend that all is well when evidence shows governance has lost direction.

    “As our state approaches 50 February 3, this moment ought to be one of deep reflection, proud stock-taking, and bold recommitment to progress.

    Read Also: Tinubu opened political space for young Nigerians – City Boy Movement DG

    “Sadly, what confronts us today is not a state preparing to celebrate achievement, but a state scrambling to decorate failure with empty rhetoric.

    “Fifty years is not a small journey. It is long enough for a serious government to point to enduring legacies, projects that changed lives, strong institutions, and systems that work.

    “Ondo State is blessed with sophisticated, educated, and resourceful people. Our problem has never been a lack of human capital.

    “Our tragedy is a leadership that surrounds itself with stacked mediocres, men and women without capacity for innovation, vision, or courage, who mistake loyalty for competence and proximity to power for performance.”

    He said Ondo deserves leadership that builds, not leadership that manages decline.

  • Tinubu gets kudos for nation’s progress

    Tinubu gets kudos for nation’s progress

    Tinubu Ambo Support Group has hailed  President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to development.

    Speaking at Ojo Federal Constituency Sensitisation Campaign on APC e-Registration, at Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Office in Ojo Local Government, National Director, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, called on Nigerians to unite and support the President’s development agenda for progress.

    Dr. Bamigbade emphasised importance of APC membership registration, describing it as a strategic step to strengthening internal democracy and expanding grassroots participation in the party. He urged youths to participate in nation-building through political engagement.

    Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to re-election of Tinubu in 2027, while also calling for return of Akinwunmi Ambode, citing his purposeful governance and infrastructural advancement.

    Read Also: Oyetola’s wife rescues stranded Nigerian in Egypt

    Speakers applauded youth development initiatives of the administration, describing them as laudable and pivotal to Nigeria’s socioeconomic transformation. According to them, empowering young people remains a cornerstone for sustainable development and national stability.

    Bamigbade lauded APC National Chair, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, for his efforts and leadership in driving the party’s registration and revalidation.

    He noted Tinubu’s push for development, saying reforms and projects are laying a foundation for economic recovery.

    At the close of the event, stakeholders resolved to mobilise for re-election of the President, while appealing to loyalists and prospective members to participate in the registration to further strengthen the party’s electoral engagements.

  • Capital City University holds first convocation

    Capital City University holds first convocation

    •Yakasai, Rich and late Sule conferred with honorary doctorate degrees

    Capital City University (CCUK) on Saturday held its inaugural convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its history. Professor Tijjani Muhammad Bande, a former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a keynote lecture at the event which was presided over by Dr. Shamsudden Usman.

    Vice Chancellor Professor Yusuf Bala Daraja highlighted the university’s unique academic programs not found in other Nigerian universities.

    The 30 standout courses offered by CCUK include: B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry, B.Sc. Bio-Technology, B.Sc. Microbiology, B.Sc. Forensic Science, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.Sc. Statistics and Data Sciences, B.Sc. Software Engineering, B.Sc. Digital Entrepreneurship and B.Sc. Cyber Security.

    Other courses include: B.Sc. Physics with Electronics, B.Sc. Mathematics, Doctor of Pharmacy, B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Sciences, B.Sc. Radiography, Doctor of Physiotherapy, B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. Accounting, B.Sc. Banking and Finance, B.Sc. Insurance, B.Sc. Islamic Banking and Finance, B.Sc. Economics, and B.Sc. Film Production.

    Other courses are: B.Sc. Hospitality and Tourism, B.Sc. Entrepreneurship, B.Sc. Business Management, B.Sc. Procurement Management, B.Sc. International Relations, B.Sc. Political Science, and B.Sc. Criminology and Security.

    The ceremony attracted prominent figures, including the Chancellor Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, who is the Emir of Zazzau, and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

    The convocation celebrated academic excellence and reaffirmed CCUK’s commitment to shaping future leaders and innovators.

    Honorary doctorate degrees were conferred on three distinguished individuals: the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, Abubakar Salihu Tanko Yakasai, and Chief Jack Rich, in recognition of their contributions to society.

    Professor Yusuf Bala Daraja, the Vice Chancellor of Capital City University, used the occasion to highlight the university’s unique academic offerings. He noted that the institution offers several programs underscoring its commitment to pioneering education.

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    The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Chancellor of Capital City University -the Emir of Zazzau Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Pro-Chancellor Rtd. Gen. Abdurrahman Bello Dambazau, and the Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II.

    Vice Chancellors from various universities across the country, along with key stakeholders in the education sector, were also in attendance, highlighting broader support for CCUK’s vision.

    As part of the ceremony, Capital City University conferred honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to society. These honorees included the late Yusuf Maitama Sule, a renowned intellectual from Kano, Abubakar Salihu Tanko Yakasai and Chief Jack Rich, both of whom have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

    The convocation was not only a momentous occasion for the university but a celebration of academic excellence and the shared vision for the future of education in Nigeria. It reaffirmed Capital City University’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals.