The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Network impacts over 1000 key industry players at confab

    Network impacts over 1000 key industry players at confab

    Learning and Development Network has impacted over 1000 chief executives, human resources directors, policymakers and EdTech leaders in Africa, by exploring strategies for building future-ready workforces.

    This was championed at its 11th Champions of Talent Development (CTD) Conference.

    Speaking on the theme: “Future-Fit Talent: Learning, Leading, and Thriving,” President, Olumide Ajomale, said it is about making people ready for the future, adding it is a wake up call for organisations to make them pay attention to things that would make them strive for the future.

    “The theme is helping us to the fore, the skills and competence people have had in the work place over the years will not stand the test of time.

    “We must learn and re-learn and make sure that in the work place, we collaborate with people. The most important thing is, paying attention to other aspects of life,”he said.

    Read Also:Abia frowns at pregnant women patronising traditional birth attendance centres

    Conference Chair, Habiba Balogun reiterated importance of making talents future-fit, by learning, thriving, leading and changing the world.

    She said: “The key point is we have to make sure our people, our talents, are fit for whatever the future has for them. They should know how to learn, so if what they are doing is irrelevant, they can learn a new skill to earn a living and contribute to society.

    “The world is changing so fast that we need people who know how to analyze critical thinking and make sound decisions and inspire confidence in other people to follow them.”

    She also urged Nigerians to learn how to be team players and to learn how to care about their physical and mental well-being.

    Representing the Keynoted speaker, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana , who spoke on the topic, “ Future fit talent, building capacity for organizational and national development, urged civil servants to explore every available knowledge to perform better.

    The Special Assistance to the Governor on Establishment and Training, emphasized that talent development is not just professional growth, but also on building a nation’s capacity.

    “Learning and Development aside, civil service is very important, it prepares them for not just the future, but also for today,” she said.

  • SERAS Awards closes with 325 entries

    SERAS Awards closes with 325 entries

    The SERAS Africa CSR & Sustainability Awards, the continent’s longest-running and most prestigious sustainability recognition platform, has officially closed entries for its 19th edition, attracting a record 325 applications from organizations across Africa.

    This milestone underscores the growing relevance of sustainability as a driver of innovation, responsible business, and inclusive growth across the continent. Since its inception in 2007, The SERAS has consistently set the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence in Africa, and the 2025 cycle promises to be the most competitive yet.

    Themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, this year’s edition will spotlight organizations and leaders who are pushing the boundaries of creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver measurable impact in their communities and industries.

    Read Also: Uadiale receives United Nations, Georgia prestigious awards

    The Awards Ceremony will hold on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The night will bring together Africa’s leading businesses, policy influencers, thought leaders, and changemakers to celebrate excellence and inspire the next wave of responsible business leadership.

    Ahead of the ceremony, field verification exercises are set to commence on 8th -30th of October in East, West, and Southern Africa, where independent assessors will visit project sites and engage stakeholders to validate claims made in the entries. This rigorous process ensures the credibility and integrity that has made The SERAS the gold standard of sustainability awards in Africa.

    “This year’s record-breaking entry level is a testament to how far the sustainability movement has come in Africa. It shows that businesses, governments, and non-profits are no longer seeing sustainability as a side initiative, but as a central pillar of growth, competitiveness, and legacy,” said Ken Egbas, Founder, The SERAS CSR Awards Africa.

    The 19th edition also marks the countdown to TheSERAS’ 20th anniversary in 2026, when the Hall of Fame will be unveiled to recognize: Africa’s 100 Most Sustainable Organizations, Africa’s 50 Top Sustainability Professionals, Africa’s Top 100 Not-for-Profits (SDG 100), and Africa’s 50 Sustainability Changemakers (Institutional Leaders and CEOs).

  • Don: private, public varsities need to collaborate

    Don: private, public varsities need to collaborate

    Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Governing Council of Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Jide Owoeye, has called for strategic collaboration between universities, industry, donors, and international institutions for development of Africa.

    He said governments, private sectors, and regional bodies should continue to implement and refine frameworks (such as those under Addis Convention and HAQAA) that ensure comparability, accountability, and transparency in higher education.

    Owoeye, in a lecture: “Quality of Education in Developing Countries: Collaboration in Africa and Role of Private Universities” at the 13th Convocation of Protestant University, Rwanda, said Africa’s journey to transformation, through quality education is not just a goal, but one dependent on the mechanism by which development becomes sustainable, inclusive and dynamic.

    Read Also:Abia frowns at pregnant women patronising traditional birth attendance centres

    On policies and frameworks, he said: “Today, universities play a pivotal role in the development of nations.

    “Africa possesses robust policy frameworks that underscore quality education as central to development.

    “Under Agenda 2063, African Union defines one of its key goals as ‘Well-Educated Citizens and Skills Revolution underpinned by Science, Technology and Innovation’.

    “This goal envisions universal access to quality early childhood, basic, secondary, and tertiary education, alongside a substantial increase in qualified teachers and technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship skills.

    “The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), has made it clear that equity, inclusion, and quality must go hand in hand.”

    He encouraged private universities to invest beyond enrolment growth, because growth in numbers matched by investments in faculty development, infrastructure, learning technologies, research capacity, and curricular relevance is critical.

    Owoeye identified strengthening of regulatory oversight in the education sector, quality assurance and collaboration between private and public universities as parameters for transformation of Africa.

    He wants an alignment of funding with quality imperatives because both private and public higher education will require more funding—”not just for access, but to deliver quality: for research, for infrastructure, for teacher training, for quality assurance systems. Innovative financing (grants, endowments, industry-sponsored programmes) should be explored.”

    In the area of monitoring of outcomes and ensuring accountability, he said robust metrics of graduate employability, research output, student satisfaction, and learning gains should be tracked and published, while feedback loops must exist so institutions can adjust policies and practices in light of what works and what does not.

    Stressing the powers of collaboration, he said private universities have demonstrated their potential to supplement public institutions, to innovate, and to meet growing demand, but their full promise will be realised only when they do not act alone.

    Underscoring the importance of inclusion and equity, he advised private universities to be mindful of access for less privileged or rural students; scholarships or financial assistance programmes can counterbalance high tuition fees and reduce inequality.

    As a way of kicking off the suggested partnerships, Lead City University is offering full tuition scholarships to graduates of the Protestant University of Rwanda who might wish to undertake their postgraduate programmes in Nigeria.

    Chancellor of the University and President of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda, Dr Pascal Bataringaya, appreciated Prof Owoeye for the convocation lecture and the promised scholarship.

  • NUJ hails DSS for releasing Journalists

    NUJ hails DSS for releasing Journalists

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.

    The journalists were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

    The two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.

    The NUJ said their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, as “it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties”.

    In a statement yesterday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union said it was encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.

    Read Also: DSS apologises, releases wrongfully arrested Journalists

    The statement added: “This gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions. The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.

    “The NUJ urges the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.

    Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.

    “While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated.

    “On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security.

    “We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.”

  • Tinubu to ex-CDS Irabor: you’re a true war commander

    Tinubu to ex-CDS Irabor: you’re a true war commander

    • President eulogises retired Defence chief at 60

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Eluonye Irabor, on his 60th birthday.

    The President described him as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable soldiers and a true war commander.

    In a congratulatory message yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the retired Army general for his patriotic service and outstanding leadership during his years in uniform.

    General Irabor, who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, was the CDS at the height of Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, leading strategic operations that helped to reclaim occupied territories and restore confidence in the nation’s armed forces.

    The President said Irabor’s courage and dedication have earned him a distinguished place among the nation’s military heroes.

    Read Also: Tinubu, PDP hail Okpebholo’s road infrastructural revolution

    “He was courageous. General Irabor remains one of the most remarkable soldiers this country has ever produced,” President Tinubu stated.

    He also praised the former defence chief for his recently launched book on Boko Haram, noting that the work would enrich public understanding of the insurgency and guide future counterterrorism strategies.

    The President described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s security literature, adding that it would help the country to deal not only with Boko Haram but also with similar security challenges that may arise.

    At the book presentation in Abuja last Friday, General Irabor explained that the publication was intended for national reflection rather than as an indictment of any individual or institution.

    President Tinubu wished the retired CDS continued good health, peace of mind, and many more years of invaluable service to the nation.

  • Ishiekwene releases book on content creation

    Ishiekwene releases book on content creation

    Journalist, columnist and author, azu ishiekwene, has released a new book, titled: A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

    The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

    In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said: “The book shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.”

    The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to “Writing for Media and Monetising It,” published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Content creation, solar works, others in Nigeria’s new curriculum for students

    In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities, Toyin Falola, said: “The book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.”

    The Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said: “It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.”

    As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, titled: Light in A Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria, published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

    His new book, A Midlfer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

  • Fed Govt moves to fund homegrown brain cancer cure research

    Fed Govt moves to fund homegrown brain cancer cure research

    The Federal Government has instructed its health research institutes to support and provide financial commitments to ongoing studies into a potential treatment for brain cancer.

    The government listed, among others, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to take the lead in the initiative

    The directive followed reports of a promising compound believed to be effective against several types of cancer, particularly glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive brain cancers.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, issued the directive during a virtual meeting with the leadership of the institutes and the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET), a research unit at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

    The minister described the discovery as a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s health system and a major step towards realising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector transformation goals.

    Salako noted that the development reinforced the need to strengthen Nigeria’s phytomedicine industry as part of efforts to unlock the healthcare value chain.

    Read Also: Nigerian scientist Akomolafe claims discovery of remedy for brain cancer

    The minister said a ministerial committee was already in place to bring together researchers, investors, and industry partners to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation.

    “The phytomedicine sector must be prioritised in unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain. A committee has already been established to bring together investors, research institutions, and stakeholders to accelerate development in the pharmaceutical sector,” he said.

    Salako urged the CAMRET team to present a detailed proposal to the ministry by outlining its requirements.

    The minister pledged the Federal Government’s support for further research and development.

    He lauded the scientists’ dedication, urging them to sustain the momentum until the discovery yielded a product that would benefit Nigerians.

    Presenting the research outcome, CAMRET team lead, Dr. Amina Jega, said the active compound was derived from a plant native to the North.

    Laboratory tests, she explained, showed that the extract destroyed brain cancer cell lines within 48 hours at a specific dosage.

    According to her, the substance is also being tested against other cancers, such as breast, liver, colon, cervical, leukemia, and lung and early results have been encouraging.

    Jega stressed that glioblastoma remained one of the most fatal brain cancers, with patients surviving an average of only 15 months due to poor drug response, underscoring the urgency of continued research.

    NICRAT’s Director General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, welcomed the minister’s intervention and affirmed the institute’s readiness to collaborate fully, disclosed that NICRAT had already reached out to the researchers and would provide necessary institutional support.

  • Residents urge Makinde, Ladoja to save them from land grabbers

    Residents urge Makinde, Ladoja to save them from land grabbers

    Residents of about 50 villages under Lafiku Dynasty in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State have urged Governor Seyi Makinde, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and other stakeholders to save them from land grabbers.

    The residents, who lamented injuries, tension and unrest the land grabbers had caused them, said they would be forced to resort to self-defence if Governor Makinde, Oba Ladoja and other stakeholders failed to do the needful.

    They said as law-abiding citizens, they called on the governor and the first-class monarch to assist them, ‘’because we don’t want to take the law into our hands.’’

    Addressing reporters in Ibadan at the weekend, one of the affected people, Akogun Saheed Olawoyin from Onifade Ogunkanmi, Lafiku Dynasty, said: “We appeal to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, who does not tolerate corruption and land grabbing, to assist us through legal means, to chase these people away so that residents can have peace of mind.

    Read Also: Governor Makinde: we’ll do more to attract investors, make Ibadan Airport Nigeria’s best

    “We want the government to give us a police station because we are too far from Sanyo Police Station. Alternatively, the government can give us an Amotekun division so that residents will enjoy peace and security.”

    Narrating their ordeal, Olawoyin alleged: “About six years ago, a deposed Baale started disturbing over 50 villages under Lafiku Dynasty. These villages have been there for over 400 years. The land is located at Olojuoro, Olomi, Oluyole Local Government.”

    Baale Lafiku, Chief Yusuf Alimi, Baale Okeseyin, Chief Moruf Olaigbe and the Chairman of Landlord Association at Onifade Ogunkanmi Village, Lafiku, said: “There was peace and we were living in harmony until the deposed Baale came in 2019.

    “He caused chaos everywhere and started grabbing land belonging to residents. He attacked some, took some to the police station and lied against others.

    “This is why we are appealing to Governor Makinde and Oba Ladoja to rescue us. We don’t want problem. We don’t have thugs to fight for us, except government.”

  • Lagos agency shuts factories over safety infractions

    Lagos agency shuts factories over safety infractions

    Lagos State Safety Commission at the weekend sealed off chemical factories and shops in Ojota area of the state, for violating safety and environmental regulations.

    The exercise followed contraventions of the commission’s Law of 2011. Officials of the agency led by its Director-General, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said the facilities were shut after operators failed to comply with agreed safety measures, despite warnings and a grace period.

    He said officials of the commission had inspected the factories and held meetings with executives of the chemical dealers, during which a letter of undertaking was signed on May 9.

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    At the meeting, the operators agreed to implement safety measures, including: conducting a comprehensive safety audit of the market; organising workshops on hazard identification and risk evaluation; providing serviced and accessible fire extinguishers in all shops; maintaining an up-to-date inventory of chemicals, including expiry dates; ensuring full compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) use; installing clear safety signage, chemical labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); developing a disaster management and business continuity plan.

    “Despite the expiration of the ultimatum, the chemical dealers failed to act on the agreement reached with the commission,” Mojola said.

    He added: “This left the commission with no option but to seal off the facilities in order to safeguard lives and property.”

    He said the facilities would remain under lock until full compliance was achieved, warning that the commission would not compromise on enforcing safety standards.

    Mojola advised manufacturers and business operators across Lagos to adopt proactive safety measures, to avoid similar sanctions.

  • Summit postponed till October 29 to 30

    Summit postponed till October 29 to 30

    The Steering Committee of the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit has announced the postponement of the summit originally scheduled for October 9-10, to October 29-30.

    Invited participants are expected to attend on the new dates, with arrival scheduled for October 28.

    The summit with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will still be held at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, Ondo State, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as chief host.

    Dr. Akin Onigbinde, SAN, the chairman of the Steering Committee, says the decision reflects the committee’s commitment to ensuring the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and the government.

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    “The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with participating ministries, agencies and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with the six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,” he said.

    Onigbinde apologised for any inconvenience the postponement might  cause and assured stakeholders and the public of commitment to deliver an impactful, inclusive and productive summit that would serve as a landmark platform for citizen-government engagement in the Southwest.