Category: The Nation – Nigeria

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Dr. Adewale Kareem, has congratulated state party chairman, Alhaji Olayide Moshood Abas, on his birthday.

In a message, Kareem (AKK), said Abas is ‘a pillar of progressive ideologies and a rallying point for members.’

He lauded the chairman’s leadership style, noting it has strengthened party unity and expanded APC’s reach in Oyo.

‘Under your guidance, APC in Oyo State has witnessed a huge drive toward attainment and growth, marked by acceptance and influx of dedicated individuals,’ Kareem said.

The governorship hopeful recalled that Abas’ open-door leadership approach facilitated the admission of more members, including his structure, Aseyori Support Group.

Kareem also hailed the chairman’s ability to balance his political responsibilities with his national assignment as chairman of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna. He said Abas has demonstrated professionalism and discipline in harmonising both roles.

‘Your ability to harmonise these roles has advanced public health and fortified our party’s strength in Oyo State,’ Kareem added.

He prayed for long life, good health and greater wisdom for the celebrator, wishing him success in his endeavours.

‘Your well-being is a blessing to us, and I look forward to years of your inspiring leadership,’ the statement read.

A lawyer, Emmanuel Chinyere Orji, has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for declaring him wanted without a court order.

He is seeking N1billion in exemplary and general damages.

In a fundamental rights suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, he is praying for a declaration that the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person with his name and photo published in The Nation Newspaper on August 20, 2025, Special Police Gazette Bulletin and official website of the police without any prior order or leave of a court of competent jurisdiction is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He is urging the court to hold that the publication amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights to personal liberty, private and family life, freedom of movement and rights not to be subjected to inhuman treatment as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 37, 41(1) and 46 of the 1999 Constitution and Articles 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as ratified and domesticated by the National Assembly.

ýOrji is asking the court to declare that the IG lacks the statutory power to declare him a wanted person without first obtaining an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

Through his legal team led by Edwin Anikwem (SAN), he sought an order quashing the publications.

ýThe applicant also sought an order directing the IG to publish an apology to him for the illegal, unconstitutional and gross violation of his fundamental rights in the publication and hasty declaration of him as a wanted person.

He sought an order awarding him N500million only as exemplary damages for the flagrant violation of his rights, and another N500million only as general damages.

Orji sought an order of injunction restraining the respondent or his agents from further infringing or violating his constitutionally guaranteed rights with respect to the subject matter of the suit.

It is on the ground that he has never been tried or convicted of any criminal offence in any court of law, nor has he ever jumped bail for any offence in Nigeria; therefore, he cannot be declared wanted by administrative fiat without any prior order or leave of court.

ýIn a supporting affidavit, Stephen Adekpe, a litigation officer in the applicant’s counsel’s law firm, stated that Orji is a legal practitioner of over 20 years’ standing.

ýýHe stated that the applicant is presently outside the country to treat a spinal cord issue.

The deponent stated that Orji, as a lawyer, has represented companies and individuals and has always discharged his obligations diligently and dutifully.

He stated that declaring the applicant a wanted person makes him a fugitive from the law.

Adekpe added: ‘Any person who knows about the fact of the applicant being declared wanted has a right to arrest him.

‘Arresting the applicant will lead to his liberty being constrained.

‘The applicant is not aware of any order against him from a court of competent jurisdiction that would warrant the respondent to publish Exhibit A (wanted declaration) against him.

‘The respondent has not followed the provisions of the law with regard to declaring persons wanted.

ý’If the respondent is not restrained by an order of this Honourable Court, the respondent shall continue to circulate the unlawful and illegal publication.

‘The applicant is entitled to be indemnified in both exemplary and general damages, and most importantly, an apology from the respondent.

‘No amount of damages can compensate for the damage the Respondent has done to the Applicant’s reputation personally and in the practice of his profession.’

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has urged Nigerians to have faith in their country.

He said the gains of the last two and a half years should be consolidated.

Idris said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office.

He said: ‘This administration is working for you, listening to you, and committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind. Let us continue to believe in Nigeria, because together, we can make our country greater than ever before.

‘As we celebrate 65 years of independence, let us steadfastly hold on to hope, unity, and patriotism. Let us never lose sight of the fact that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan – it is a reality that is already touching lives and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

‘Once again, this is our message to you: we need all hands on deck to consolidate on the gains of the last two and a half years, even as we march boldly towards the Nigeria of our dreams.’

He added: ‘Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced and inclusive development since assuming office. The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is taking a back seat.’

The minister said the government was fully aware of the sacrifices the people had been making in the last two years.

Idris said: ‘We fully acknowledge your sacrifices and your understanding in the last 28 months, as President Tinubu has worked tirelessly to steady the ship. It is now time for the entire country to reap the fruit of the seeds of reform that have been painstakingly planted.’

He added: ‘Local Government Areas are being fiscally reintegrated as catalysts for growth and development, with the financial autonomy that the President is determined to fully operationalise.

‘Today, all state governments now receive, from the Federation Account, multiples of the revenue they used to get, thanks to the increased headroom from the oil subsidy removal. Subnational governments are now able to do a lot more, and with less debt.’

The minister pointed out that with the reforms in place, no state should be owing workers salaries, stressing that any state that does ‘is doing so by choice’.

He added: ‘This is the more reason why the ‘All Hands-on Deck’ message is apt and timely-henceforth no tier of government has any excuse not to fully pull its weight in this collective task of comprehensive economic growth and development.’

He also unveiled plans by the Federal Government to support state and local government infrastructural development.

Idris said: ‘Beyond these, the Federal Government is actively going further to support various subnational infrastructure projects, like the light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States, for which funding to the tune of ?150 billion and ?100 billion has been secured.’

Highlighting other achievements of the administration, Idris said: ‘The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is meant to harness our underutilised potential and transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a sustainable and globally competitive industry.

‘In addition, to spur agricultural production, the Bank of Agriculture has been recapitalised to the tune of N1.5 trillion and is regarded as the most significant boost to agricultural financing in Nigeria.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centred, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and its Eight (8) Priority Areas, President Tinubu is laying the building blocks for a national renewal anchored on prosperity, peace and unity. At this point, our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made.

‘That is why the theme of this 65th Anniversary is ‘All Hands On Deck’ – a direct and heartfelt call to all Nigerians and our friends and partners around the world to show understanding and to commit to supporting these landmark reforms.

‘Our trade surplus continues to grow, with an increasing share of contributions from the non-oil sector. Declining inflation, a strengthening currency, falling food prices, growing external reserves-all of these are more eloquent testament that we are on the right track.

‘From January 2026, we will commence implementation of the Tax Acts quartet, which will expand our nation’s revenue base while simultaneously simplifying tax collection and lessening the burden on our people. These new tax laws represent a huge leap forward for the Nigerian economy and for business, entrepreneurship and investment.

‘With more revenue at its disposal, on account of the reforms, the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in the key components that will catalyse our collective growth and development: health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, energy security, regional and grassroot development, small business, youth, and national security.

‘As we speak, more than 500,000 students of tertiary institutions – universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, are already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), in which tuition and upkeep fees are paid for by the Federal Government. This is unprecedented in our history.

‘Under President Tinubu, our nation is gradually recapturing the spirit of people-centered, grassroots development, through the establishment of five new regional development commissions and a supervising federal ministry for regional development.

‘We are in the middle of a road and transport infrastructure revolution, of which the flagship initiative is the one comprising the Presidential legacy highways, designed to connect Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, enhance national integration and unlock new economic corridors.

‘These landmark road projects are the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway; the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; the 477-kilometre Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Cross River, Ebonyi, Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa states, and the FCT; and the 422-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Expressway.’

Also, there will be no anniversary parade to mark the 65th Independence celebration tomorrow in Abuja, the Federal Government said yesterday.

However, other programmes already slated for the anniversary will take place, according to a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Senator George Akume .

The Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, who signed the statement, explained that the decision does not in any way diminish the significance of the milestone celebration, stressing that other programmes lined up for the anniversary will proceed as planned.

He said: ‘The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm’.

He said government regrets any inconvenience caused by the cancellation and assured that activities marking the anniversary would reflect the spirit of national pride.

Imohiosen added that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He urged Nigerians to always support the reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as essential to the collective goal of building a greater Nigeria.

The Director of Alliance Française in Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs Olaide Turner-Moyet, has called for more friendly immigration policies across Africa, to strengthen international trade, foster cultural and linguistic exchange, and advance continental prosperity.

She urged Africans to learn foreign languages, multilingual skills, particularly in international business, diplomacy, tourism and academia; build global friendships and professional relationships that would remain out of reach.

Speaking at the 2025 Ghana FESTAC Festival held at the International Conference Centre in Accra, Ghana, Turner-Moyet said Africa remained blessed with creativity, resources and human potential, adding that friendlier policies, particularly on immigration, would enhance inter-country collaboration, productivity and cultural exchange.

The award-winning artist and Fellow of the Eccolerite Institute for Peace Advancement, expressed delight about the growing ‘Back to Africa’ movement, describing it as a modern ‘Japada’ trend that was bringing Afro-descendants in the diaspora home to reconnect with their roots, especially in Ghana and Republic of Benin.

She noted that ”this reconnection strengthens cultural bonds, deeps spiritual significance and affirms Africa’s relevance worldwide.”

Reflecting on African identity, Turner-Moyet said Africans were deeply spiritual at their core, noting that reparations and restitutions should go beyond the return of artefacts to include acknowledgment of Africa’s spiritual heritage as part of its global contribution, as Africans continued to honour their ancestors through libations and ceremonies.

In her advocacy for cultural diplomacy through food, she introduced her idea to transform ‘Jollof Wars’ into ‘Jollof Friendship’ at the Jollof competition between Ghana and Nigeria during the FESTAC Festival.

Turner-Moyet said food must be a unifying force, binding friendship, fun and flavour across Africa.

Citing the legacy of leaders like Leopold Senghor, Kwame Nkrumah, Obafemi Awolowo and Nelson Mandela, she told Africans that unity in diversity should inspire common trade, cultural integration and stronger bilateral ties.

Other distinguished voices, including Zimbabwean Ambassador Ruth Hungwe, Nigerian Professor of Literature and History Benjamin Okaba and Tourism Expert, Yinka Abioye, emphasised the importance of policies such as a continental currency and streamlined immigration protocols, to support deeper African integration.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the closure of the application portal for the 2024/2025 academic session from today.

The agency said the closure would enable it to conclude the processing of pending applications and upkeep payments.

It said the loan portal will reopen in the second week of October for fresh applications and remain open until January 2026.

NELFUND’s Managing Director Akintunde Sawyerr announced this while addressing rporters yesterday in Abuja.

The agency boss also announced the timelines for the 2025/2026 academic cycle, in line with NELFUNDs mandate to expand access to higher education through interest-free student loans.

Sawyerr said: ‘NELFUND remains committed to removing financial barriers for students and working with institutions to ensure that no eligible student is left behind.

‘These timelines provide clarity for students, parents, and institutions to plan ahead and participate fully in the process.’

The managing director directed institutions to update their students’ records on the Student Verification System (SVS) to enable applicants to access the scheme.

He said all unverified applications for 2024/2025 would be automatically cancelled after October 8, adding that affected students would be required to reapply under the new session.

Sawyerr warned that institutions that failed to verify students’ records risk being publicly listed for non-compliance.

Commenting on the upkeep stipends for students, the NELFUND boss explained that payment for the 2024/2025 session would continue until November.

According to him, students are expected to reapply for the 2025/2026 to continue receiving payments.

Sawyerr stressed that the scheme remained interest-free, with repayment to begin two years after the students would have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while employers would deduct 10 per cent of beneficiaries’ salaries.

The NELFUND managing director expressed concern over arbitrary hikes in tuition and ancillary fees by some institutions.

He said a committee set up by the Minister of Education was working with regulators to harmonise and standardise fee structures nationwide.

Responding to concerns about upkeep stipends, the NELFUND boss said the current N20,000 monthly allowance would not be increased immediately.

Sawyerr announced that an ongoing review of cost-of-living indices across regions could lead to weighted adjustments in the future.

Kwara United have promised to bounce back stronger after their elimination in the preliminary stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Nigerian club slumped 0-1 at home to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State to bow out on a 3-5 aggregate scoreline.

While apologising to their teeming supporters, fans, and other critical stakeholders for the continental ouster, the Harmony Boys pleaded for understanding as they plot their way back to reckoning.

Kwara needed an outright win to secure a place in the next round, but a lone strike by Hubert Gyalu in the 53rd minute sealed a 1-0 victory for the Porcupine Warriors in the return leg played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

In a statement yesterday , Kwara chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, described the early exit as painful and regrettable, pleading with fans to forgive the team for they are determined to bounce back stronger.

Kwara United will now focus solely on the ongoing Nigeria top-flight for a chance to return to the continent with a home tie against Plateau United on Thursday.

The Senate Committee on North Central Development Commission (NCDC) has okayed the sum of N140billion 2025 budgetary provision for the commission.

The lawmakers charged it to utilise the allocation judiciously when approved by the Senate.

The Committee, chaired by Senator Titus Zam, gave the approval when the Managing Director of the NCDC, Tsenyil Yiltsen, appeared before it to defend the proposal.

Zam said: ‘After a careful look at the issues contained in the budget and the eloquent presentation by the Managing Director and his team, the committee has approved the budget of N140 billion as presented by the Commission.’

Committee however urged the commission to ensure judicious utilisation of the N140billion when finally approved by the Senate, particularly the N100billion, earmarked for capital expenditure.

It also urged governments of the benefiting six states in the zone and the FCT to provide office accommodations for branches of the commission in their respective states.

Yiltsen, had in his presentation, said the N140billion was the envelope given to the Commission for the 2025 fiscal year by the federal government.

He said out of the amount, N100billion for capital expenditure across the six states in the North Central zone and the Federal Capital Territory while the remaining N40billion is for recurrent expenditure covering overhead and personnel cost.

He explained that the N100billion is tied to numerous projects across the six states.

He said: ‘We have eight thematic areas in terms of infrastructure deployment which are security, agriculture, mining, environmental degradation, education, health, road construction, etc.’

He assured the committee that the commission under his leadership would ensure even execution of projects across the all the states in the zone and the FCT.

‘We will go out for proper needs assessment in all the states and will be fair in the distribution of these projects in all the six states and FCT,’he said.

He added that the bulk of the N40billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure, will be used to pay salaries of proposed 200 staff to be recruited after approval by the office of Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Elders from the Niger South Senatorial District, under the auspices of Niger-South Senior Stakeholders’ Forum (NSSF), have called for the completion of the Baro port and the exploration of hydrocarbon potential in the Bida Basin, along with other federal government infrastructure projects in the zone.

The elders claimed that completing these projects would unlock economic opportunities, boost trade competitiveness, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby addressing unemployment and stimulating regional development.

At an expanded meeting where the forum engaged with experts and political officeholders from the zone, the lawmaker representing Bida-Katcha-Gbako Federal Constituency, Saidu Musa Abdul, identified a lack of political will from past administrations, an inadequate funding framework, and insufficient cooperation among critical stakeholders as factors impeding the revitalization of Baro port.

Abdul, who is the chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Rehabilitation and Operationalisation of Baro Port, expressed disappointment that six years after its inauguration, the port remained non-operational.

Abdul said, ‘We are still where we are; nothing is happening at the level of the port. The access roads have not been provided. The rail corridor is not working. The capital region has not been done.

‘For a journey that is not supposed to last more than 30 minutes, we spent close to four hours.’

The lawmaker said his committee has devised ways to bring all critical stakeholders and sectors related to the Baro port together to work in harmony, ensuring its full operationalization.

‘Our major challenge was that in the past, people were not working together. But as we are progressing as a committee, even before we do our final report, we already have the buy-in of critical stakeholders. We are working with the Ministry of Blue Economy, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Transport, the National Inland Waterways (NIWA), and the National Hydrographic Agency.

‘So we were moving at the same pace with all critical stakeholders. This is what you didn’t get in the past. NIWA and, by implication, the Ministry of Transport were then busy doing the procurement and installation of equipment without carrying along all the critical stakeholders.

‘But what we have today is different. We have virtually everybody under the same umbrella today. And we are sure this is what will propel Baro port into reality.

‘On the issue of capital, we are putting all things together. We are coming up with a funding framework that will not be too burdensome for the government.

The lawmaker described the meeting with members of the NSSF as a welcome development, which provided a platform for him to engage with constituents and elders, and receive valuable guidance, information, and advice.

In his presentation, a consultant on Baro Inland Port, Prof. Mustafa Zubairu, noted that the port has, at present had a capital asset of N66 billion and is capable of creating 800,000 jobs and 300,000 smart homes.

He highlighted business opportunities at Baro port, including ferry services, barge operations for bulk commodities and containers, aggregation centers for agricultural produce and solid minerals, commodity processing facilities, tank farms, modular refineries for PMS and biodiesel, and boat courses.

NIWA Area Manager (Niger-Kwara), Akapo Adeboye, noted that Baro port should be viewed as a business opportunity, and encouraged indigenes of the area to start investing in the various opportunities available, even before full operationalization.

He identified areas such as the sand business, which he said would help harness the water resources and generate income for investors.

Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman of NSSF, Alhaji Ibrahim Liman, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, stated that the organization was formed to protect and advance the developmental and political interests of the Niger-South Senatorial District, highlighting the challenges faced by the zone.

They noted that the meeting was convened to synergize with professionals on the issues surrounding Baro Inland Port and Bida Hydrocarbon exploration, to ensure they become a reality soon.

On the Bida Inland Oil Basin, the Forum acknowledged the various investments made by the Niger State Government, especially the current government, but fears that all this will come to nothing if the state does not fully secure the interest and commitment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), its frontier service division, and the federal government.

This, according to the forum, is because all matters relating to oil exploration and development are exclusive to the Federal government.

Ademola Lookman made his first start of the season for Atalanta as the Italians came from behind to beat Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The England-born Nigeria winger was left out of the Italians’ squad for the first three Serie A games of the season after handing in a transfer request at the start of August.

Lookman was reported to have been a target for Inter Milan but a move failed to materialise.

He looked sharp on his return to the first-team fold and had an early shot blocked, but it was Belgium’s Club Brugge who took the lead against the run of play when Christos Tzolis curled in a fine effort just before half time.

Atalanta dominated the second half and substitute Davide Zappacosta went close with a low drive that flew just wide of the target.

They got the equaliser their dominance deserved when Nordin Jackers was adjudged to have brought down Mario Pasalic inside the box, and Lazar Samardzic stepped up to convert the penalty.

That prompted an open end to the game as both sides had chances to snatch a winner, but it was Atalanta who got it as Pasalic headed home with three minutes left.

The result secured Atalanta their first win in this season’s Champions League while it was Club Brugge’s first loss after thrashing Monaco 4-1 in their opener.

Five operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were knocked down by motorists while performing their duties on various roads across the country.

The Corps Marshal of FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, who announced this on Monday, September 30, directed immediate prosecution of the culprits to serve as a deterrent against future occurrences.

According to the Corps Marshal, the incidents occurred across five sector commands: Ekiti Sector Command on September 6, Ogun Sector Command on September 8, Taraba Sector Command on September 15, Jos By-Pass Unit Command on September 19, and Obollo Afor Unit Command on September 24.

‘Their deaths are not mere statistics, they represent human lives of dedicated fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and breadwinners, cut short in the line of duty while safeguarding Nigerian roads,’ Mohammed said in a statement issued through the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide.

The Corps Marshal noted with great concern the increasing hazards faced by FRSC operatives, whom he said beyond being exposed to speeding vehicles, now contend with kidnapping, violent attacks, and targeted assaults.

He stressed that the FRSC would no longer tolerate acts of recklessness that endanger its staff, warning that offenders would be made to face the full weight of the law.

The Corps Marshal urged personnel across formations nationwide to exercise more level of alertness and ensure their safety is highly prioritised, noting that they need to be safe and alive to save others.

Mohammed also directed stronger engagements with relevant authorities on the protection of its personnel and installations, emphasizing that the measure was not intended for aggression but as a ‘safeguard to deter assaults and ensure that officers can perform their duties without fear of attack.’

While commiserating with the families of the deceased officers and saluting their courage and sacrifice, the Corps Marshal urged Nigerians to ‘honour their memory by respecting traffic laws, showing regard for FRSC operatives on duty, and supporting the Corps in its mandate to end avoidable deaths on the nation’s highways.’

He warned that disregard for traffic laws and the safety of FRSC personnel would attract serious sanctions and legal consequences going forward.