The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • Akwa Ibom traditional rulers endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for 2027

    Akwa Ibom traditional rulers endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for 2027

    Traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State have pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno in 2027.

    The traditional rulers comprising paramount rulers, clan, village, and family heads and their spouses drawn from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District made the declaration at a special rally at Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, citing the developmental strides of the trio as reasons for their collective endorsement.

    Setting the tone at the ceremony, Itai Afe Annang, the paramount traditional ruler and leader of Afe Annang, and Obong Blaise Awakama, who chaired the event, said for the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, traditional rulers gathered together to recognise the good deeds of their distinguished sons.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Obong Awakama to have said: “The traditional rulers are saying they have seen the good deeds of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who, before he became the President, turned around Lagos State.

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    “They have seen the economic reforms of the President, which have made more money available to the states and local government areas to carry out developmental projects.

    “They have gathered together to say they have seen the uncommon deeds of our distinguished son, Senator Godswill Akpabio, right from the time he was Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he turned the State into the heaven that we see today.

    “They have recognised what he had done as a Senate Minority Leader and as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs when he completed the present headquarters complex of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and several other developmental projects across the region.

    “We also note what he has achieved as an uncommon Senate President through enactment of people-oriented legislation like the creation of the development commissions, students loan Act, and others too numerous to mention.

    “The traditional rulers are saying they have seen the God-sent Golden Boy of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who has brought peace to the State and has not concentrated development in the urban centres alone but has taken development to the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State, and they say they cannot see all these things and keep quiet.”

    He said the traditional rulers, having seen acts of good governance of the trio, wanted to publicly register their support and endorse them to return in 2027 to continue with their good works.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and the Paramount Ruler of Abak, His Royal Majesty, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, said their endorsement of Tinubu, Akpabio, and Eno was in recognition of their proven leadership capacity, good governance, and sustained public service at both the Federal and State levels.

    After a unanimous voice vote to adopt the trio, Akuku Udofia said, “This endorsement represents the collective decision of the Traditional Rulers Council in support of their leadership and to promote peace, unity, good governance, and constructive engagements with the traditional rulers.”

    Receiving the memorandum of endorsement, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, said the endorsement by the traditional rulers was unprecedented and thanked them for their continuous support.

    On his part, Senator Akpabio, who accepted the endorsement for himself and on behalf of President Tinubu, said the gesture was uncommon and thanked the traditional institution for the recognition and assured that President Tinubu was working very hard to make life more meaningful for all Nigerians.

    According to Akpabio, Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District would double its votes for President Tinubu, Governor Eno, and himself, and urged the traditional rulers to take the message home and sensitise their subjects to register and get their permanent voters’ card in readiness for the 2027 general elections.

  • New federal tax reform to protect low-income earners, says Ebonyi commissioner

    New federal tax reform to protect low-income earners, says Ebonyi commissioner

    The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Leonard Uguru, has assured Nigerians that the new federal tax reform will ease the financial burden on low-income earners while increasing obligations for high-income individuals.

    Speaking in an interview with reporters in Abakaliki, Uguru described the policy as people-centred and progressive. He explained that under the revised tax regime, individuals earning below ₦1.2 million annually are exempt from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax, emphasising that the reform is designed to protect the common citizen.

    “The new tax reform is so flexible that even if you are not earning up to ₦1.2 million annually, you are exempted from tax. The tax is more on those who have much. The rich will pay more tax than the poor,” Uguru said.

    He acknowledged that the reform may initially reduce states’ revenue from personal income tax but noted that the impact would be mitigated through alternative sources such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and electronic money transfer levies, ultimately benefiting citizens.

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    While urging citizens not to panic as the policy is ultimately designed to improve welfare and economic equity across the country, Mr Uguru revealed that the state government would carry out public awareness campaigns on the new tax reform.

    On Ebonyi State’s revenue performance, the commissioner revealed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has recorded significant improvement under the current administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru.

    According to him, since the government assumed office in June 2023, Ebonyi had never crossed ₦2 billion in monthly IGR until December 2025, when it generated about ₦2.1 billion.

    “We have different strategies on the ground to ensure that we continue to improve on the IGR of the state,” Uguru said, adding that revenue generated in the previous year was sufficient to cater for the state’s budgetary needs up to December 25, 2025.

    He also attributed Ebonyi’s strong showing in financial transparency to robust institutional processes, following the state’s achievement of a 100 percent score in the 2025 Budget Fiscal Transparency League.

    “Everything approved by the government is captured in the budget, and whatever the government does is published on the state’s website. Whether you are in Lagos or California, you can see what is happening in Ebonyi as far as financial management is concerned,” he said.

    Uguru emphasized that prudent financial management has enabled the state to deliver visible infrastructure despite receiving one of the lowest allocations from the Federation Account.

    He added that since May 29, 2023, the state has not borrowed any funds until provisions were made in the 2026 budget for a loan targeted at economic development.

    The proposed borrowing, he explained, is intended for the establishment of a cement factory to create jobs and generate revenue.

    He, however, dismissed fears surrounding the plan, arguing that government involvement is necessary given the huge capital required for such projects.

    Addressing concerns about multiple taxation and revenue leakages, the commissioner acknowledged that while no system is perfect, the government is committed to blocking identified loopholes and ensuring fair taxation to attract investors.

    “We are relaxing some tax rules so that investors will not run away. Ebonyi is still a young state that needs investors to grow,” he said. 

  • Sahara Group Foundation commissions 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki

    Sahara Group Foundation commissions 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki

    Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact arm of Sahara Group, has commissioned its 17th Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment across Nigeria.

    The Sahara Go Recycling Initiative promotes a circular economy by diverting recyclable waste from landfills, improving resource recovery, and creating income opportunities for households through waste-to-wealth interventions.

    The newly commissioned hub expands the Foundation’s growing recycling footprint across Lagos, extending access to structured, community-led recycling solutions in emerging urban communities.

    Strategically located within Ibeju-Lekki, the hub is designed to encourage responsible waste disposal while enabling residents to earn value from recyclable materials.

    Notably, it is the second Sahara Go Recycling Hub to feature a solar-powered Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to integrating clean energy and innovation into grassroots sustainability initiatives.

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    The RVM allows residents to conveniently deposit recyclable materials and receive instant rewards, reinforcing positive environmental behaviour.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Chidilim Menakaya, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s focus on practical, people-centred solutions.

    “The Sahara Go Recycling Hub in Ibeju-Lekki is more than a recycling point; it is a platform for dignity, livelihoods, and environmental responsibility. By bringing structured recycling closer to communities, we are empowering residents to participate meaningfully in protecting their environment while creating economic value.”

    The commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives of Sahara Group and Sahara Group Foundation, the Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, community leaders, partners, and residents of Ibeju-Lekki, reflecting strong local engagement and shared ownership of the initiative.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Olowa Abdullahi Sesan, emphasised the significance of the Sahara Go Recycling Hub to residents of Ibeju-Lekki, particularly given its strategic location within the community.

    He described the hub as timely and impactful, noting its alignment with the local government’s sustainability and development priorities. He highlighted the initiative’s role in transforming waste into resources, reducing environmental impact, supporting climate action, and creating livelihood opportunities within the community.

    The Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Isiaka Yusuf Olatunji, encouraged residents to actively participate in the programme, emphasizing the importance of responsible waste practices to ensure long-term community benefits.

    Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 660 tonnes of recyclable waste, facilitated more than ₦93 million in payouts, and positively impacted over 1,700 households by creating alternative income streams across Lagos.

    Also speaking at the event, Rita Idehai, CEO of Ecobarter, said: “Our collaboration with Sahara Group Foundation in Ibeju-Lekki highlights the power of partnerships in delivering scalable, community-focused recycling solutions.

    Together, we are encouraging responsible waste practices while ensuring that communities directly benefit from sustainability initiatives.”

    Reiterating the Foundation’s long-term vision, Menakaya added, “Sahara Go Recycling is creating a ripple effect across Lagos by changing perceptions around waste and demonstrating its economic value. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we are building sustainable ecosystems that will benefit present and future generations.”

    Sahara Group Foundation will continue to expand the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative across Lagos and beyond, in line with its mission of Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship. 

  • NDLEA intercepts Brazilian lady with N3b heroin in coffee packs at Abuja airport

    NDLEA intercepts Brazilian lady with N3b heroin in coffee packs at Abuja airport

    …seizes bags of explosives heading to Kano, Kaduna

    …Edo village head, 72-year-old grandpa, others in custody as Agency recovers tons of illicit drugs in raids across states

    A 30-year-old Brazilian lady, Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for bringing into Nigeria a total of 30.09 kilograms of white heroin concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs worth over N3 billion in street value.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said the suspect, who works as a private security officer in Brazil, was arrested at the Abuja airport on Friday, 23rd January 2026, upon her arrival on a Qatar Airways flight QR1431, following processed intelligence.

    The NDLEA Spokesman said after her arrest, a search was conducted on her two checked-in bags, where 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee were found.

    He said when the coffee bags were opened, rather than containing the beverage, what was found inside were white substances that later tested positive for heroin, weighing a total of 30.09 kilograms, making it the single largest heroin seizure at the Abuja airport.

    Babafemi said during her preliminary interview, the suspect claimed she brought the white heroin consignment under the guise of coming to Nigeria for holidays.

    He also said at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, 20th January, intercepted two passengers: Adediran Adedoyin and Afatakpa Ochuko, who were heading to Istanbul, Turkey, aboard a Turkish Airlines flight with a total of 3,990 pills of tapentadol 250mg and tramadol 225mg concealed in food items packed in their bags.

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    He added that meanwhile, operatives of the Marine Command of the Agency in the early hours of Thursday, 22nd January, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 44 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 1,848 kilograms, at the Jakande beach in Lekki, Lagos.

    Babafemi said the shipment had barely arrived from Ghana when NDLEA officers, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the location around 1 am, recovered the consignment and the boat.

    He said two suspects: Aminu Ali Baba, 20, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar, 28, were on Friday 23rd January arrested by NDLEA operatives in connection with the seizure of two bags containing 140 packets of explosives heading to Kano and Kaduna.

    Babafemi said the bags were intercepted in a commercial bus along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, Zaria, while Aminu Ali Baba was arrested at Karota Park in Kano, and Abdulrasheed Abubakar was nabbed at Mando Park in Kaduna in swift follow-up operations.

    The statement reads, “An intelligence-led raid at Kwangila, Zaria LGA, Kaduna, on Thursday, 22nd January, led to the arrest of Fatima Ibrahim, 42, and Adejimoh Ismaila, 44, with 120 kilograms of skunk recovered from them.

    “As part of efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs to terror groups, NDLEA operatives in Borno state on Wednesday, 21st January, intercepted 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam concealed in sacks of charcoal and animal feeds in a public transport car coming from Potiskum, Yobe. A follow-up operation at Bulabulin, Maiduguri, led to the arrest of the owner, Rabiu Imam, 32.

    “A female suspect, Mrs. Eze Cynthia Chioma, was arrested on Friday, 23rd January, in Mokwa, Niger state, in a follow-up operation by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 78,500 pills of tramadol the same day at Bode Saadu, Kwara state, in a truck coming from Lagos. Her husband, currently remanded in prison and facing trial, was arrested for the same drug trafficking offence last year.

    “In Ekiti, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 24th January arrested 72-year-old Afolalu Joseph at his 15 Aramoko road, Mushin, Ilawe-Ekiti, and Abu Bunmi (alias Go Slow), 45, at New Jerusalem area, Erijinyan road, Ilawe-Ekiti, for illicit drug dealing. A total of 62 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the duo.”

    Babafemi said a village head, Chief James Abamu, and another suspect, Aboy Egah Abamu, have been taken into custody by the Edo state Command of NDLEA following their arrest and prompt transfer to the Agency by soldiers of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade, Benin city, after a raid operation at Lagos camp Ilushi in Esan South East LGA, where 681kg skunk and 181kg cannabis seeds were recovered from them on Wednesday, 21st January.

    He said while the trio of Abba Hassan, Anas Moh’d Auwal and Sadik Ismail were arrested in Sabon Gari area of Kano on Tuesday 20th January with 1,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection, the duo of Olajumoke Ridwan and Baruwa Ibukun were nabbed at Paris lounge, Ring road, Ibadan, Oyo state on Thursday 22nd January with 181.5 litres of skuchies, a mixture skunk and other illicit substances recovered from them.

    “In Benue state, a female suspect, Janet Iornongu, was arrested at Yes Ikyuan village, Guma LGA, with 210kg skunk, while a total of 254.5kg of the same psychoactive substance was seized from Anita Job along Abaji -Toto road, FCT, on Thursday, 22nd January. A total of 39,800 pills of tramadol 225mg were recovered from two suspects: Hamisu Misbahu and Chima Obi at Alaba Rago, Mile 2 area of Lagos on Monday, 19th January.

    “No fewer than 30,003 pills of tramadol, molly and other opioids as well as 20 litres of codeine syrup were seized from a suspect Chinyecherem Cyprian Ugwu by NDLEA officers along Sapele road Warri, Delta state on Thursday 22nd January, while Kayode Obameye, 57, was nabbed at Mobil roundabout, Akure, Ondo state with 1,500 kilograms of skunk recovered from him on Friday 23rd January.

    “Across all Commands and formations of the Agency nationwide, NDLEA officers continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Taraba state command of NDLEA, conducts WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Government Science Secondary School, Jalingo, Osun state command of NDLEA delivers WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Beloved Montessori Group of Schools, Ede, Osun state; Owerri City Junior Secondary School, Owerri, Imo; Government Day Secondary School, Otukpo, Benue; and Darawa Primary School, Dutsinma, Katsina, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, Marine, Borno, Jigawa, Kwara, Kaduna, Ekiti, Edo, Kano, Delta, Oyo, FCT, Benue, Lagos, and Ondo Commands for the arrests, seizures, and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to maintain the current standard of professionalism in all their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities,” the statement reads.

  • Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    Police thwart robbery attack, arrest mob forinassaulting suspect In Calabar

    The Cross River State Police Command, through the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar, The Nation reports.

    Police sources disclose that the operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday, January 25.

    Sources said the police successfully intervened and prevented a mob action against a suspected armed robber who was allegedly attempting to rob a lady in Calabar.

    The operation led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with three live 9mm rounds of ammunition and the arrest of individuals involved in the mob attack.

    The suspect, before the arrival of the police, was beaten unconscious by an angry mob at Abangasang area, Mbora Street, Calabar, and was rushed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for medical attention.

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    The victim, whose personal information is yet to be verified, was pronounced dead at the hospital in the early hours of this morning.

    Three suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body has been evacuated and deposited at the UCTH mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident continues.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid Afegbua, described the operation as “a clear demonstration of the Command’s commitment to crime prevention, protection of lives, and strict adherence to the rule of law”.

    The police boss reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for violent crime. The CP strongly condemned mob action and emphasized that suspects apprehended by private individuals must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

    He further appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and useful information, and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

    The Command, through its spokesman, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, reassured the good people of Cross River State of its unwavering resolve to ensure safety and security throughout the state

  • Two suspected kidnappers arrested in Adamawa

    Two suspected kidnappers arrested in Adamawa

    Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command operatives who went after the suspects in collaboration with local hunters in Song Local Government Area.

    The Command said its officers, along with the hunters, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated raid on a notorious criminal hideout in a remote area of Balma Village, Song LGA.

    “The operation led to the arrest of two male suspects identified as Shaibu Mohammadu, 30, and Ja’o Bawa, 31, of different addresses,” the command said in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

    Nguroje said the arrest was made the previous day, January 24.

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    The police spokesman listed items recovered from the suspects as including one locally fabricated revolver, an assault rifle, two mobile handsets, charms, and other incriminating materials, all of which have been secured as exhibits.

    According to him, preliminary investigations show that the suspects are actively linked to a series of kidnapping operations within Song and neighbouring communities, by which they were spreading fear among residents.

    “The suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities, while efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who are currently on the run,” Nguroje stated.

    He stated that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, appreciated the strong collaboration between the police and the local community, which should be recognised as a vital pillar in the fight against crime.

  • Ndume lauds Tinubu, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorists attacks

    Ndume lauds Tinubu, Zulum for resettlement of victims of terrorists attacks

    Former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, on Sunday, lauded President Bola Tinubu and the  Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum over recent relocation and resettlement of victims of Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province, (ISWAP) terrorists’ attacks  who were hitherto displaced and living in Cameroon.

    Investigation revealed that there exists a tripartite agreement between the Borno state government, the Federal government and its Cameroonian counterpart in conjunction with the United Nations Humanitarian High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees living in Cameroon, many of whom are from Borno State dated back to 2017.

    It was signed in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroun with the then Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau leading a high-level Nigerian delegation which included then the Governor of Borno State  and now Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

    The agreement ensured the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Nigerian refugees who fled from terror attacks to Cameroon’s Minawao camp and other areas back to Nigeria.

    It was further learnt that Governor Zulum, had actively partnered with the Federal Government and the UNHCR to speed up the repatriation process, especially for the thousands of Borno citizens in Cameroon.

    Ndume who represents Borno South in a statement in Abuja commended President Tinubu’s administration and the Borno State Government for keeping faith with the programme which has enabled many citizens of Borno State to be relocated back to the Northeast state.

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    He said, “I want to commend the Federal Government because the tripartite agreement between it, the Borno State Government, the Government of Cameroon and the UNHCR has ensured the repatriation, resettlement and relocation of Nigerian refugees in Minawao in Cameroon, back to Gwoza Local Government.

    “I commend the FG for the initiative of resettling the people and the active participation of the Borno State Government for the resettlement after over 10 years in Cameroon.

    “I also want to commend the resettling of the people of Wala village in Gwoza Local Government.”

    The former Senate Chief Whip also thanked Governor Zulum for redeeming his promise to restore electricity to Gwoza local government which he noted had been in total blackout for over 10 years as a result of destruction of power facilities by the Boko Haram terror group.

    “The efforts of Governor Zulum in restoring electricity in Gwoza is commendable. We have been without light for over 10 years.

    “The Borno State Governor made a promise last year during the installation of the Emir of Bama and he has kept the promise.”

  • Eno flags-off construction of CNG terminal in A’Ibom

    Eno flags-off construction of CNG terminal in A’Ibom

    …announces purchase of CNG 50 buses 

    Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno has flagged off the construction of Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal at Ikot Ekpe Offot, Uyo.

    Eno also announced that his administration has ordered 50 CNG buses with payment routed through the Central Bank of Nigeria(CNG).

    He said that the buses expected to arrive from April this year would be distributed to the 31 local government areas of the state.

    The governor, who performed the flag-off ceremony at the terminal premises, added that his administration plans to provide a world class transport facility to ease movement within the State, improve the State’s economy and boost tourism.

    He underscored his determination to link all the 31 local government Areas of the State to Uyo, the capital city, and boost the economy and tourism potentials of the State.

    He said, “I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Transport for the work they have done here. Some of you remember when we first visited this site, it was not a good sight. Like the Commissioner has said, it was abandoned and became a living abode for touts and criminals. But today, it has been well cleared and prepared to receive a world class bus terminal. 

    “From here our people are going to be driven through our very well paved and constructed roads to the 31 local government areas.

    “All the 50 CNG buses have already been ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria; and they will start arriving in April this year. 

    “These are luxurious CNG buses that would be deployed to service all Local Government Areas through and fro” he said.

    Eno also commended the Minister of Petroleum – Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo for his collaboration and support for the vision as the project will incorporate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and engage about 500 drivers. 

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    “We are trying to bring down the cost of living for all Akwa Ibomites. If transportation is brought down, everything comes down and the economy will be stable. 

    “We want to make sure that our people travel with ease. We will work with the mass transit people, we will work with the transport sector to realize this dream.

    “This is not just a bus terminal like the Commissioner for Transport has said. Other facilities will be here to make it comfortable. The management will be topnotch. 

    “We are working on our transportation system in this state, whether it is marine transportation or aviation. We are building a marine terminal in Oron, and work is at its advance stage. We are building a warehouse there too, we have ordered two marine boats, one is done by the Nigerian Navy, and another by a company in Lagos,” he said. 

    Ekpo commended Governor Eno for his pragmatic leadership, describing him as a man of peace and vision who understands the needs of his people.

    He noted that the project was a clear interpretation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision to ameliorate the effect of subsidy removal. 

  • First Lady urges investment in inclusive education 

    First Lady urges investment in inclusive education 

    …as world marks International Day of Education

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for sustained investment in quality and inclusive education to equip children and young people with the skills and values needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

    In a message to mark the 2026 International Day of Education on January 24, Mrs Tinubu said Nigeria’s priority must be to empower its youth to think critically, act responsibly and embrace the future with confidence and compassion.

    She noted that education remains the most powerful tool for acquiring knowledge, values, creativity and ethical judgment required in a rapidly evolving global environment shaped by innovation and automation.

    Reflecting on this year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” the First Lady stressed that while artificial intelligence and technological innovation offer vast opportunities, they must be deployed in ways that serve humanity.

    “As we embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, we must ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around,” she said, adding that humans must remain the drivers of AI by harnessing innovation while safeguarding the values that define society and sustain development.

    The First Lady reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies and initiatives that promote inclusive education, stressing that investing in education is central to building a resilient, ethical and forward-looking nation.

  • JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

    JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

    Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is set to return home from self-exile following the moves by some monarchs backing his full freedom and re-integration, The Nation has learnt.

    His spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, disclosed that the efforts of some traditional rulers in South West, especially the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, were instrumental to Igboho’s clearance to return home. 

    In 2025, Igboho had lamented that he was tired of staying in exile. He made the appeal during his visit to the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, at his palace at Orile-Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.

    He pleaded with President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to remove his name from wanted list, saying he is not a criminal and should not be treated as such.

    Igboho lamented that he was declared wanted by the Late Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for an unknown offence, and it has made it difficult for him to use the Nigerian Passport as well as denied him access to his bank accounts despite court judgments in his favour.

    While no specific date has yet been announced for his arrival, Koiki confirmed that arrangements are underway and that more details will be made public in the coming days.

    He said, “This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities. 

    “With the support of our royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan.” 

    Concluding, the statement also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs across the region; Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide for their support during Igboho’s years away from home.

    The Nation reports Igboho lurched to national fame after he issued a seven-day eviction notice to herders in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State in January 2021. 

    Igboho is a prominent Yoruba activist who has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and security of the Yoruba people in Nigeria.

    His activism gained momentum in January 2021 after he issued a seven-day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen in Ibarapa, Oyo State, to vacate the land following the killing of a prominent individual, Fatai Aborode.

    On 1 July 2021, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) stormed his Ibadan residence in an attempt to arrest him, leading to a violent confrontation that left two of his associates dead.

    Sunday Igboho subsequently fled to Benin Republic, from where he planned to connect a flight to Germany. 

    He was arrested on 19 July 2021, at the Cotonou airport while attempting to travel to Germany. He was detained for nearly two years before being released in March 2022.

    Igboho’s arrest and detention sparked widespread outrage and protests in Nigeria, with many calling for his release.