The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

NAF plans structured withdrawal of firearms from retiring officers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it will soon begin a structured and lawful process of withdrawing service firearms from retiring personnel to strengthen weapons accountability, enhance public safety, and align veteran administration with international best practices.

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, revealed this on Saturday during a parley with NAF Veterans, held at the NAF Base in Abuja.

The Air Chief also revealed that the NAF was also exploring a regulated armoury arrangement that would allow eligible retirees to lawfully possess approved firearm calibres for personal protection.

Air Marshal Aneke was represented at the event by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins, who conveyed the Air Force leadership’s position on the initiative.

According to the NAF Chief, efforts are ongoing to retrieve all service-issued weapons from retiring officers and airmen, particularly senior citizens, to prevent risks associated with misuse, diversion, or improper storage.

“The Nigerian Air Force recognises the distinguished service of its veterans, but service weapons remain government property and must be duly accounted for at retirement, in line with extant laws,” he said.

The CAS said the exercise was not punitive, rather an administrative necessity aimed at ensuring compliance with the Firearms Act while safeguarding retired personnel and the wider society.

He explained that modalities were being developed to ensure transparency, regulation and full compliance with national firearms laws before any such framework is implemented.

Aneke noted that the firearm withdrawal policy forms part of broader reforms in veteran administration, including plans to establish Veteran Well-Being Centres nationwide.

He said the centres would serve as one-stop hubs for welfare support, documentation, security-related matters and healthcare coordination for retired personnel.

The CAS added that the Air Force was leveraging technology through digital platforms and help desks to improve communication and service delivery, especially for elderly veterans.

Read Also: NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

He reassured veterans that their safety and dignity remained paramount, stressing that the NAF would balance welfare considerations with national security imperatives.

The CAS also highlighted the importance of health and wellness in post-service life, describing it as a key pillar of veteran welfare and sustainable reintegration.

Dr Ugochukwu Nnamdi, a public health practitioner from the 063 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Abuja, noted that health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being.

He said the transition from military to civilian life often presents emotional and psychological challenges, urging veterans to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek timely medical support.

The parley provided an interactive platform for veterans to share concerns and offer recommendations on welfare, security and post-service integration.

February 7, 2026
Minister empowers 4,064 APC women leaders, others in Kano

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, has distributed various empowerment items to 4,064 All Progressives Congress (APC) women leaders and vulnerable citizens across the 44 local government areas of Kano state.

Speaking at the mega empowerment programme held in Kano, Mahmoud acknowledged that the event was to acknowledge their loyalty, sacrifices, and role as mobilisers, peacemakers, and agents of change.

She described the gathering as a symbol of hope, inclusion, and the pathway to sustainable development through empowering women and vulnerable citizens.

The minister, however, commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, especially its women leaders, for their dedication, resilience, and grassroots mobilisation, which have strengthened the party and deepened democratic participation.

She emphasised that the programme went beyond the mere distribution of empowerment items, aiming to restore dignity, unlock potential, and ensure no one was left behind.

The minister said, “Women formed the backbone of families, communities, and political structures,” adding that empowering a woman empowered an entire household and society at large”.

She said, “Rooted in the APC’s progressive ideals of social justice, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity, the initiative addressed economic challenges by promoting self-reliance over dependency, stimulating local productivity, bolstering household incomes, and enabling beneficiaries to contribute to economic and community development”.

Mahmoud further noted that the distributed items would serve as stepping stones to self-reliance and economic activity.

She, therefore, urged beneficiaries to use the resources wisely as symbols of trust, responsibility, and opportunity, expanding their impact beyond immediate households.

The minister praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for prioritising social investment, women inclusion, youth empowerment, and vulnerable Nigerians’ welfare, aligning the programme with this people-centred vision.

According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant, Media, Austin Elemue, the minister called for building bridges of cooperation, promoting peaceful coexistence, and working collectively for a prosperous Kano State and stronger Nigeria.

In his welcome remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to FCT Minister of State on Administration and Strategy and Chairman of Working Coordination Committee, Abdullahi Kauranmata said that the event was a powerful demonstration of the shared commitment to uplifting lives, strengthening livelihoods, and building a more inclusive and prosperous Kano State.

According to him, “This programme has been carefully designed to provide practical support, skills, and opportunities that will empower our people, especially women and vulnerables, to become self-reliant, productive, and economically resilient.”

He applauded the leadership, vision, and collaboration of all stakeholders whose dedication has made this programme a reality.

February 7, 2026
Ekiti 2026: Senator Arise rallies support for Oyebanji

A former member of the National Assembly, Senator Ayo Arise, has canvassed support for Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Arise said Governor Oyebanji has done well to merit another term in office, having turned around the fortunes of the state in many key sectors.

The former Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatization made the call while on a consultation tour, to political leaders and other stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikole and Oye Local Government Areas.

Senator Arise met with the APC chairmen in Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas which make up the senatorial district in the course of the consultation with party stakeholders.

He charged party members to speed up aggressive mobilization drive to bring more members into the party and ensure their registration with the extension of the e-registration of new members and revalidation of the membership of old members.

The APC chieftain said registration of new members and revalidation of old members would help the re-election aspiration of Governor Oyebanji and make the party more formidable ahead of the governorship polls and future elections in the state.

Senator Arise commended Governor Oyebanji’s investment in the agriculture sector with Ikole Local Government being a huge beneficiary with the attraction of investors like Agbeyewa Farms and the designation of the council area as a Special Agriculture Processing Zone.

He said communities like Ipao, Oke Ako, Irele and Iyemero captured within the Special Agriculture Processing Zone have become hubs for commercial agriculture which has generated employment for thousands of youths.

According to him, projects like Itapa-Ijelu-Omu Road, Ido-Ipere-Iludun Road and many others executed by Governor Oyebanji showed his love for the people of Ekiti North and must be reciprocated with votes to get him re-elected at the forthcoming governorship election.

Read Also: Tinubu, Oyebanji hail Ondo’s developmental strides

Senator Arise urged party leaders and members to work for Governor Oyebanji’s victory and make the governorship election a priority to ensure the continuation of good governance and purposeful leadership in Ekiti State.

According to him, the legacies of the quality and result-oriented representation he delivered when he was in the Senate in the areas of projects, infrastructure and human capital development are unprecedented and would love to do more if given the opportunity again.

Party leaders in Ikole Local Government Area like Chief Ayodele Owoeye, Hon Segun Adelugba and Mrs Oluyinka Awe described Senator Arise’s last tenure in the Senate as “the golden era of representation” which the people of the senatorial district would want to taste again.

They noted that the Federal University, Oye Ekiti which was influenced to Ekiti North by Senator Arise during his time in the Senate has become a legacy project with a huge impact on the educational, economic and social life of the people with towns like Ikole, Itapa, Ilupeju and Ayegbaju benefiting from its multi-campus structure.

Prince Ore Fabunmi and Mrs Beatrice Adeleye who spoke on behalf of the Elders Forum in Oye Local Government Area commended Senator Arise’s contribution to the growth and success of the party in the past describing him as a competent leader that can be trusted.

February 7, 2026
Rivers people don’t need governor to back Tinubu in 2027, says Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday said the people of Rivers State do not need a governor to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

Wike made the remark in Port Harcourt while commissioning the headquarters of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which houses Majority FM 89.5, a situation room, office facilities and buses for the organisation.

He commended the coordinator of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, for his mobilisation drive, adding that the state would work massively for the re-election of the President.

He said: “Desmond Akawor, you have shown enough capacity to mobilize, you have moved to all the nocks and crannies of Rivers to talk about Tinubu for President in 2027.

“I have said before that Rivers State is a no go area, and I want to say again that this State is totally for Tinubu. We have made sure that all the 23 local governments and zonal coordinators were inaugurated, that day Nigerians all over the world watched that Rivers State is a no go area.

“Today, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Coordinator has also invited us to commission some vehicles that the headquarters of the Secretariat will use and to commission the Secretariat itself, this is the first of its kind in this part of the country.

“I challenge anybody, let them come to Rivers State and learn, our commitment is not by mouth, our commitment is not by newspaper, ours is by showing, that yes indeed, we are working for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We don’t need to have a governor to mobilize for Mr President, we don’t need, we have all it takes to be on our own, we have senators, assembly people, council chairman, National Assembly members, party chairmen of APC and PDP, we have mobilized ourselves to make commitment, if you say you are supporting somebody, there is no need for the person to bring his resources, you have to make commitment and this is what our leaders have done.

“Let me once again thank all of you for your commitment, you are the envy of every other state and they are watching you all over the place.

“In 2023, we came out without anybody pressuring us, without anybody influencing us, we took a decision, to the glory of God that decision is what we are enjoying today, and whether anybody likes it or not, 2027 when the President has shown interest that he will run, we have no choice than to continue to support Mr President.

“Mr coordinator, you have to start preparing to inaugurate ward and unit coordinators, it is very important, we must also take it down to the units, to go and talk to our people to continue to support Mr President, go and see the situation room, go and see the radio station, we are battle ready, there is nothing we can not do because unity is strength”.

Earlier, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, while welcoming the FCT Minister and people of Rivers, praised the Minister for offering leadership to the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors.

Akawor, who disclosed that he has placed people to man the Renewed Hope Ambassadors movement in all the 23 local governments of Rivers State, also made clarification on the style of politics of the Minister, calling it AI politics.

February 7, 2026
$1bn integrated poultry project to begin in Enugu, Kaduna, Oyo

The Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, has said the $1 billion National Integrated Poultry Project pilot phase is set to commence.

Tegbe said Enugu, Kaduna and Oyo states have been selected for the pilot phase, noting that the project would be expanded to states in other geopolitical zones next year.

He disclosed this on Saturday while speaking at the Chinese New Year Temple Fair and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China. The 2026 Chinese New Year marks the Year of the Horse.

According to him, when completed, “the project will deliver a combined output of six million eggs daily, house over seven million laying birds and more than two million broilers, and cultivate over 60,000 hectares of maize and soybeans.”

He added that beyond feedstock for the farms, the initiative would also support existing farmers through subsidised feedstock.

“Beyond feedstock for the farms, this initiative will support existing farmers through subsidized feedstock. This project is not merely about food security, it is about jobs, dignity, and opportunity for Nigerians,” he said.

Tegbe who also highlighted China-Nigeria collaboration on steel production said with the revitalization of the Ajaokuta, the country would be expecting an output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum.

According to him, “The revitalization of Ajaokuta Steel Complex marks another inspiring chapter in our partnership. Long a symbol of unrealized potential, Ajaokuta is now poised for renewal through collaboration with China. With an expected output of 10 million metric tonnes per annum, a revitalized Ajaokuta will transform Nigeria’s economic trajectory, powering industries, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria as a leading manufacturing and innovation hub in Africa.”

He stressed that the government is determined to ensure the country recorded tangible progress that signals the dawn of a new industrial era.

In the area of Knowledge Exchange and Educational Partnerships, Tegbe said it has “continued to open doors for Nigerian students to learn from Chinese institutions, while welcoming Chinese scholars to Nigeria. These exchanges are building enduring bridges of knowledge and mutual understanding. In the year ahead, we seek to deepen cooperation through increased scholarships, joint research, and shared innovation, culminating in the development of new industrial parks that will serve as hubs for manufacturing, technology, and shared expertise.”

He noted that for the initiatives to be successful, they must deliver tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

He added, “We welcome Chinese businesses to Nigeria and encourage partnerships that prioritize capacity building, skills transfer, and shared growth. In return, Nigerians will continue to offer a welcoming environment rooted in hospitality, trust, and mutual respect.”

On the celebration, he urged the people to embrace the spirit of the horse-strong, dignified and always moving forward.

In his opening remarks, China Chargé d’Affaires, Zhou Hongyou said the fair provides the opportunity for both countries to carry on forward the traditional friendship between both countries for the purpose to advance modernisation.

He further stated, “We will work together with the Nigerian side to organize a wide range of exchange activities, and we look forward to your continued strong support and active participation.”

Read Also: National integrated poultry project set to take off in Kaduna

Explaining the celebration, Zhou said, “The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes hard work, perseverance, unity and innovation. The horse also features prominently on the Coat of Arms of Nigeria, symbolizing strength, resilience and forward momentum. These qualities are precisely the defining characteristics of China–Nigeria relations over the past 55 years. Standing at this new historical starting point of the 55th anniversary, we look forward to working with friends from all sectors in Nigeria to build a high-level community with a shared future, further deepen political mutual trust and mutual support, further explore the potential for cooperation in trade and investment, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, so that the friendship between our two countries will be passed down from generation to generation and the fruits of cooperation will benefit our two peoples even more.”

Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria said the double celebration stands as an important signals of friendship between both countries.

“I think it is a very important signal of friendship and mutual trust between our two countries,” Yang said.

He said both countries have shown trust and have stood by each other in the past 55 years.

He stressed that the mutually beneficial cooperation “has been benefiting our two countries’ development. And of course, not only Chinese people. We have to do our best to benefit our very friends, most friendly friends, Nigerian people.”

He said like Nigeria, the Chinese value family.

According to him, “I think the value is very similar to the Nigerian people.”

The guests were entertained with high-level martial arts performances presented by the Chinese Wushu Association, as well as singing and dancing by Chinese and Nigerian artists. There was also on display authentic Chinese cuisine, tea ceremony, calligraphy and traditional Chinese medicine.

The guests also visited the photo exhibition on Chinese Spring Festival culture and tourism.

February 7, 2026
World Bank-backed abattoir to create 6,000 jobs in Ekiti

The World Bank has said its ultra-modern abattoir in Ekiti State will generate 6,000 jobs and boost economic growth in the livestock and meat processing sector.

The state Project Coordinator of the World Bank’s Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, Mr. Olayinka Adedipe, said the facility would create 2,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities when completed.

Adedipe disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti during a community engagement and sensitisation programme themed, “Sustainable Abattoir Operations: A Pathway to Improve Meat Quality, Safety, Social Inclusion and Gender-Based Issues.”

He said the abattoir is designed to modernise livestock slaughter processes, strengthen veterinary inspection, improve waste management, and enhance meat quality and food safety for consumers.

Adedipe added that the sustainability of the facility would depend on community ownership, strict compliance with operational standards, and collective responsibility among stakeholders in the livestock and meat value chain.

Read Also: Nigeria, World Bank strengthen partnership to boost economy

He stressed that effective collaboration between government agencies, butchers, veterinary officers, environmental managers and host communities would be critical to maintaining hygiene, efficiency and long-term viability of the abattoir.

The coordinator added that the project deliberately prioritises the inclusion of women and youths in abattoir operations and related services, in line with broader social inclusion and gender equity objectives of the state government.

He noted that this approach would not only create employment opportunities for vulnerable groups but also promote skills development, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within the sector.

The Chairman of the Butchers and Meat Processors Association in Ado-Ekiti, Omotoso Oluborode, commended the state government for providing infrastructure that aligned with modern industry standards.

He said the ultra-modern facility would significantly improve working conditions for operators, enhance professional dignity within the trade, reduce health risks associated with crude slaughter practices and ultimately promote stable and increased income for those engaged in meat processing and distribution.

February 7, 2026
NIS denies report of passport issuance ban in southeast

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed reports alleging that the South East region has been disqualified from passport issuance.

The Service said there is no truth in claims that equipment used for passport processing in the South East had been dismantled and that issuance of the documents had been halted across the region.

“The NIS categorically states that this report is entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the ongoing government reforms to modernise passport administration,” the Service said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Akinsola Akinlabi.

The Service said, “The reality is that NIS has introduced a phased onboarding system to migrate passport offices including those in foreign missions to a centralized production framework.

“This modernization effort, which began in 2024, is designed to enhance the efficiency, integrity and the security of Nigeria’s passport production system and not exclude any citizen.

“The Service has successfully onboarded passport offices in the North East and North Central states of Borno, Yobe, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, along with 35 international stations spread across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

“Furthermore, scheduled migration for the five South East states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo; and five additional international stations (Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland and Austria) is currently ongoing within the first quarter of 2026.

“Consequently, the service has established a strict work-plan calendar to ensure this transition is seamless and does not disrupt delivery timelines as the goal is to drive the process towards greater efficiency.

“The public is therefore advised to disregard speculative narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension, as the Service continues to implement reforms in the overall national interest. Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to equitable service delivery and operational excellence.”

February 7, 2026
Tinubu commiserates with Kwara over Woro killings

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the government and people of Kwara over the recent killings in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaima Local Government Area.

Reports have it that members of an Islamist sect, Lakurawa, allegedly attacked the two communities on Feb. 3, killing many and destroying property.

Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu on Saturday during a condolence visit to the state, described the incident as tragic and shocking, noting that the victims were peaceful residents engaged in legitimate livelihoods.

He said that the affected communities had for centuries practiced peaceful and tolerant forms of Islam, adding that the violence was alien to their history, culture and religious traditions.

“Please accept our heartfelt condolences on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Our prayers are with you, and our empathy is with the affected families and communities,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government had deployed a battalion of the Nigerian Army to the area, assuring that all necessary measures were being taken to restore peace and security.

He also said that the President had directed the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency to mobilise relief materials to provide humanitarian support to the victims.

The Vice-President prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the losses.

In his response, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara thanked the President and Vice President, describing the Federal Government’s response as swift and reassuring.

The governor said that security agencies, including troops from the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, had been deployed to the area, while NEMA officials were already on ground to assess and respond to the humanitarian needs.

Abdulrazaq expressed optimism that sustained prayers and collective efforts would lead to improved security across the country, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting the President and national leadership.

(NAN)

February 7, 2026
Tinubu hails Waltersmith Petroman chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa, at 65

…says entrepreneur’s success affirms Nigeria as fertile ground for investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a business leader with the “Midas touch” whose career reflects Nigeria’s enterprise potential.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Isa, who turns 65, has built a reputation spanning more than three decades as a banker and entrepreneur, and now leads one of Nigeria’s most successful independent oil and gas producers.

Tinubu said Isa’s record of transforming an indigenous company into what he described as a global brand in the oil and gas sector underscores the strength of Nigerian entrepreneurship and the country’s prospects for sustainable investment.

“The efforts of entrepreneurs like the chairman of Waltersmith Petroman affirm Nigeria as a fertile place for investments and reinforce faith in the nation’s business environment,” the President said.

He commended Isa for what he called his resilience and renowned business acumen, acknowledging his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly at a time when the sector is central to the country’s revenue and energy-security objectives.

Tinubu also highlighted Isa’s philanthropic activities, especially in supporting the development of science education, urging him to remain a “lodestar and an inspiration” to younger Nigerians and emerging business leaders.

As the Waltersmith Petroman board chairman marks the milestone, the President joined Isa’s family and friends in wishing him good health and greater success in his endeavours.

February 7, 2026
Insurgency denying children immunisation in North East, says ex-Reps member

Former member of the House of Representatives and medical practitioner, Dr Wale Okediran, has said insurgency in the North East has deprived children and infants of essential immunisation for more than five years.

He made the disclosure while speaking on Guest Platform, a monthly programme of the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

Okediran said the development poses serious risks to the health of affected children and infants, warning that failure to address the situation could lead to higher child mortality rates and possible outbreaks of epidemics.

He also lamented that the Boko Haram insurgency has restricted the movement of people in some northern states, adding that the crisis has disrupted commercial activities and reduced their internally generated revenue (IGR).

He said, “The North of Nigeria has been a very difficult story. When we were young many of us loved going to the North. We have our railway system which at that time unified Nigeria. Many of our parents were railway workers.

“People like late Chief Bola Ige and his generation were all born in the North. If I may recall, Chief Ige told us that his first language was Hausa. Imfact, he came to the Southwest of Nigeria when he was about twelve years old. He couldn’t speak a word of Yoruba because his parents were railway workers who were working in the North.

“In those days, the railway system and many other things were good, you have many Yoruba extraction growing up in the North. They were even born there and the movement was peaceful.

“Unfortunately, in the last decade or so because of the onslaught of insurgency, the North has become a difficult place to visit.

“When I was working on my book, ‘Madagali’ I had the opportunity of working in Yola, Adamawa state. I used that opportunity to tour the areas of the North down to Borno state. I had first hand information of the devastation caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.

“I was totally depressed about what was happening couple with this out of school children. The insurgency has affected so many indices including health.

“Where I am bothered as health practitioner is that because of insurgency, we have not been able to immunize many children in the North for years.

“When you want to look at the indices of Nigeria when it comes to vaccination, the North’s record will always go down.

“Also the rate of out of school children is on increase while farming has also been affected. Many areas of human endeavour has been affected by the insurgency.

“I am hopeful that with this collaboration between Nigeria and some other foreign countries to stem insurgency, the North will be able to regain its glory pf previous years.”

On the military assistance being rendered by the United States government to stem insurgency, Okediran said, “the assertion that the genocide is against the Christians is wrong because we all know that when it comes to terrorism, there is no religious bias. Both Christians and Muslims are affected.

“Also, I know by hindsight that when a country needs external help to tackle some of its problems, there is nothing wrong in calling for help. We remember the ECOMOG military force that was drafted to Liberia and Sierra Leone when they had civil war. It was ECOMOG that helped these countries to clear their mess.

“My own feelings is that if Nigeria has needs for external helps either from the US or the NATO particularly in the area of the Military Intelligence or Technology, there is nothing wrong in asking for help.”

February 7, 2026