Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Chairman Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians as the nation marks her 65 years of in independence.

Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem Ani Ogugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, also felicitated with Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and the good people of Enugu State.

The traditional ruler conveyed his felicitations in a statement to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Asadu, also known as the Ogadagidi of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, extolled the unwavering spirit of Nigerians whose sacrifices and dedication continue to sustain the nation’s unity and progress.

He also hailed the courage of Nigeria’s founding fathers and celebrated the resilience and diversity that characterised the strength of the nation.

Asadu, who is the immediate past Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers, commended the ongoing efforts to reposition the economy, strengthen democratic institutions, and foster national renewal.

He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to remain steadfast in love for the country, united in purpose, and committed to the shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Asadu, who is member Board of Trustee Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter), prayed for God’s wisdom, strength, and protection for President Tinubu, Governor Mbah and others at the corridors of power, as they steer the affairs of the nation and called for continued peace, equity, and development across all parts of Nigeria.

‘On behalf of Enugu State Traditional Rulers and the good people of Edem Ani Ogugwu ancient kingdom, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to His Excellencies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Peter Mbah, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

‘Sixty-five years ago, our beloved country attained the priceless gift of sovereignty, setting us on a journey of unity, peace, and progress.

‘Today, as we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we pay tribute to the resilience, industry, and enduring spirit of the Nigerian people whose sacrifices and hopes continue to drive our nation forward.

‘I commend the dedication to national renewal, economic transformation, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. These efforts reflect a commitment to the Nigeria of our dreams, one where equity, justice, and prosperity are shared by all.”

According to him, the anniversary is a solemn reminder that the task of nation-building belongs to every Nigerian.

‘Let us therefore remain steadfast in love for our country, united in purpose, and unwavering in our collective resolve to overcome current challenges and secure a brighter future for generations yet unborn.

‘May the Almighty God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, guide our leaders, and grant us lasting unity and prosperity.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria!’ Asadu said.

The Abuja Youths Forum has expressed grief over the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, an anchor with Arise TV, who was reportedly killed during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in the early hours of September 29.

In a statement signed by its president, Comrade Ayuba Danladi, the group described her death as a tragic loss and urged authorities to intensify efforts in addressing insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The forum stressed that the incident highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures across Abuja, adding that if such crimes could occur in Katampe, residents in other parts of the city may be at greater risk.

It called on President Bola Tinubu and the FCT administration to prioritize security and ensure that criminal elements are swiftly apprehended.

The group also extended heartfelt condolences to Maduagwu’s family and the Arise News team, urging law enforcement agencies to bring her killers to justice without delay.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and look beyond present challenges as the nation celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his goodwill message on Tuesday, Abbas said Nigeria’s journey through a chequered history points to a brighter future of unity and prosperity.

He noted that the country is richly blessed with human and natural resources and called for collective efforts, regardless of religious, ethnic, or political differences, to build ‘a nation of our dreams.’

The Speaker expressed confidence that with the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria remains on the right path to reclaiming its position as Africa’s biggest economy.

While acknowledging current security and socio-economic challenges, Abbas urged Nigerians to remain steadfast, prayerful, and patriotic.

He assured that the 10th House of Representatives will continue to deliver accountable leadership, good governance, and dividends of democracy, especially to grassroots communities.

Abbas wished all Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary.

Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alh. Amadu Danfulani, on Tuesday joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gobirawa is the largest ward in Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units in the country, it was learnt.

Alh. Danfulani said he was disappointed in the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement and its leader, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He added that he and thousands of his followers were not happy with the anti-people’s policies and programmes of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) that rules the state.

Danfulani’s defection ceremony was held at the Kano State APC Headquarters, located along Hotoro-Maiduguri Road.

State Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, who was represented by the APC Zonal Chairman, Kano Central, Alh Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, and the Managing Director (MD) of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, ‘baptized’ the decampees, while receiving them.

Kano State Youths Leader who doubles as the Northwest Zonal Youths Leader, Alh. Labaran Kura, was also present to welcome the decampee and the youth accompanying him.

APC Chairman of Dala Local Government, Alh Munir Haruna, was also present to welcome Danfulani, after he was received by the Gobirawa Ward Chairman of APC.

Speaking at the occasion, Abbas, who was represented by Alh. Ungoggo, stated that the party’s doors were open to welcome members from all opposition parties willing to join the APC, provided they follow the party’s procedure, rules and regulations.

He disclosed that even the Leader of Kwankwasiyya and NNPP (Kwankwaso) was free to return to APC, if he follows the party’s due process and obeys the party’s laws, constitution and principles.

He explained that ‘Gobirawa, being the largest ward in the state and Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units, the decamping of Danfulani and thousands of NNPP members to APC is a plus for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election.’

Alh. Amadu Danfulani said he was happy to join the APC, promising to join hands with the MD of HJRBDA, Suleiman Bichi, and the party executives to work assiduously and deliver President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates at the 2027 polls.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and recognition of teachers in the country.

The government gave the assurance ahead of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebrated globally every October 5 to honour teachers and recognise their vital contributions to education and society.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad stated this on Monday during a symposium ahead of the World Teachers Day celebration on Sunday.

The theme for the 2025 celebration is ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’

The day was first proclaimed in 1994 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF, following the 1966 ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of Teachers.

Minister described teachers as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

He lauded teachers as the foundation of every profession, stressing that their sacrifices keep the country alive.

Alausa said, ‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor? Who makes an engineer? Who makes a professor? It is the teacher. That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel.

‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility.’

He further assured teachers that the government was determined to provide the recognition, training, and support they needed to thrive.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, what do you need? A high-quality teacher. And when you want a high-quality teacher, what should you do? Give them the recognition, the support, the training, and the cooperation that they need,’ he added.

The Minister commended teachers for producing world-class graduates who continue to excel globally.

‘Anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. That’s the output of your work. We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ he added.

Lions Clubs International has inaugurated Lagos Autism Community Lions Club, the first in Nigeria.

The event, which doubled as Charter Presentation and Fundraising, took place at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Petrolina Amos was installed charter president. Amos said her leadership would focus on building a supportive environment for autistic children and their families.

‘I will create a community where children with autism are loved, valued, and empowered,’ she said. ‘I want them to know their worth, unlock potential, and thrive despite the challenges.’

She paid tribute to her family for their sacrifices and thanked the Montreal Autism Community Lions Club in Canada for standing by the vision of establishing a similar platform in Nigeria.

Chair of the Charter Presentation and Fundraising Committee, Emeka Obi, said: ‘Today is a milestone not just for Lagos or Nigeria, but for Africa. This club signals an era of inclusion, awareness, and support for individuals living with autism.’ He urged members and guests to sustain the club’s programmes.

Governor of District 404B4, Adebowale Afolayan, congratulated Amos and urged her to serve with compassion.

‘The club is born from vision and resilience. Your installation is a call to champion the cause of the autistic community and amplify the strength of the neurodiverse,’ he said, promsing support.

Experts estimate that at least 600,000 children live with autism spectrum disorder in Nigeria, though the figure could be higher due to under-reporting and poor diagnosis.

Save for the disruptive, needlessly atavistic waves generated in its wake, it is at once tempting to pass-off the latest showdown between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over an alleged disengagement of 800 workers by the management of the refinery as the last kicks of a dying horse.

However, with PENGASSAN not merely stopping at threatening fire and brimstone on a wearied nation, but apparently sworn to bring the roof over the heads of everyone, Nigeria and Nigerians ought to be alarmed at the extent to which our industrial unions, many of whose self-entitlement are as legendary as their resort to union power has become mindlessly destructive, could go to force their will on just any institution and anyone.

Guess it was inevitable that PENGASSAN would again put the country on the war mode so soon after its alter ego, the no-less powerful tanker drivers unit of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG-PTD) sought to disrupt the nation’s peace.

Thanks to their nemesis, Dangote Refinery, it has been a case of each breaking of the dawn forcing new lessons on an unwilling, recalcitrant pupil.

For NUPENG, it came to a challenge of their strange financial orthodoxy: a hefty levy of N50,000 delivered to the union coffers on every single truck loaded at the gantry – an imposition neither sanctioned by the industry regulators nor the tax authorities, but which has been accepted as convention to keep the union fat cats happy but for which business mogul, Aliko Dangote insists on applying its rightful appellation of plain extortion!

Imagine calling out the Dangote behemoth for refusing to play the enabler for that extortion ring whose operative motif is power without responsibility!

It is not exactly that the elements in the PENGASSAN industrial action are not worthy of careful consideration. Starting with the issue of the sack of 800 locals, PENGASSAN says Dangote Refinery has since replaced them with 2000 foreigners – an unpatriotic act, if true. PENGASSAN president, Festus Osifo noted that the problem actually started when close to 1000 workers filled forms to join PENGASSAN in accordance with Section 40 of the constitution. He claimed that the union wrote to Dangote Refinery to inform it of the development and that the company sent teams from unit to unit to verify those names only to issue them sack letters thereafter.

Dangote Refinery has since denied that this was not the case. It frames the entire saga as one of a union overreach; a schism designed to buoy the union’s fading relevance as well as enhance its purse. In fact, its summary of the issues as contained in the four-page advertisement in yesterday’s edition of this newspaper obviously says it all: PENGASSAN, given its antecedents, has long ceased to be a force for good, in terms of enhancing the welfare of its members, but rather as a destructive force in the industry. One example it cited, and which has become an albatross on its neck, is the union’s role in aborting the sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Bluestar Consortium promoted by business mogul, Aliko Dangote. More than a decade and half after, the entities have remained the relics they were, and these after billions of dollars of public funds were sunk into their Turn Around Maintenances (TAMs).

So, to suggest that there is no love-lost between the Dangote and PENGASSAN is merely stating the obvious. Like parallel lines, their interests are as divergent as to be irreconcilable. The point here is that there is nothing new in what PENGASSAN has said of the Dangote Refinery or Dangote’s other business interests that have not been said by Nigerians in one way or the other.

At this point in time, my guess is that the issue is not that those in charge of regulation and fair consumer practices are unaware, but a case of the behemoth being entitled to some forbearance given that the terrain could, for the most part, be described as uncharted. That it continues to find sympathy among Nigerians is essentially because, its promoter, Aliko Dangote, chose to plod on where his peers would rather engage in buying and selling. This, most certainly, could not be said of PENGASSAN whose role has been more of an enabler of the rot for which the industry has long earned notoriety.

Talking of union overreach: calling its members in various offices, companies, institutions, and agencies, including those in the field to cease all services effective Monday, September 29 offers of classic example of mindless use of union power. Just as ominous was the strike instrument as signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa: ‘All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately.All IOC (International Oil Companies) branches must ramp down gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.’

It is akin to a declaration of war, not just on the refinery as an entity, but the citizens of this country; a case of the interest of the 800 workers towering above those of 200 million odd citizens. Perhaps lost to PENGASSAN is the irony of its invocation of the constitutional safeguards regarding the right of the workers to join any association to advance their interests and presenting those rights as so expansive as if to strip the management of its prerogatives to determine how their enterprise is run, while seeking to deny other Nigerians their rights to live in peace and to enjoy those services that they are ordinarily entitled.

Where will all of these end? It seems doubtful that the two unions ever understood the import of the saying about ‘an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object’ else they would have been more restrained in calling for a war they could never hope to win. Between union power and management prerogative, who says the former is fated to win?

Moreover, to the extent that the lessons of the past weeks has proven a revelation of their astounding lack of strategy, I believe that their very survival would depend on their ability to better appreciate the nature of the current time and the imperative of flexibility in the choice of means to fight whatever cause they deem fit. As of the moment, our two foremost unions in the oil industry, have, sadly not even begun the slow march to unlearning their old, destructive ways!

Two weeks ago, I had ended my piece about NUPENG’s sunset and those of its DAPPMAN allies as potentially ‘slow and drawn out’, and that ‘hoping against hope that the ship that had long departed the shores could still be halted midstream would at best be an exercise in futility’; I believe the statement applies as much to PENGASSAN as those two.

Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA in Lagos, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to positioning Onigbongbo as the gateway of tourism and hospitality in Lagos.

Speaking at the Tourism and Hospitality Symposium, the Chairman highlighted Onigbongbo’s unique role as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving in Lagos, with its thriving hospitality sector along Allen, Opebi, Toyin, Kudirat Abiola, and Ikeja GRA.

He emphasised that tourism is not just leisure but a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, aligning with his administration’s F.I.N.E Agenda – Foster economic growth, Invest in people, Nurture enterprise, and Ensure wellbeing.

Adebanjo announced the upcoming Onigbongbo Spark Fest 2025, a landmark yuletide festival designed to light up our cityscape, attract visitors, and transform Onigbongbo into a yuletide destination to rival Victoria Island and Lekki.

He also unveiled plans for a digital hospitality directory powered by QR codes, which will be placed at airports and strategic locations across Lagos, offering visitors access to local hotels, restaurants, and nightlife operators with a 10% discount incentive.

The Chairman assured tourism and hospitality stakeholders of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the private sector in driving visibility, investment, and growth, stating: ‘Together, we will make tourism the heartbeat of development in Onigbongbo LCDA.’

Kwara United’s Head coach Tunde Sanni has lamented his side’s ouster from the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup following their 1-0 loss to Asante Koto of Ghana on Sunday at the MKO Abiola Stadium Arena in Abeokuta.

Kwara United entered the return leg optimistic of overturning their 4-3 first leg defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium penultimate weekend but failed to capitalise on several scoring chances in front of their home fans.

Sunday’s loss , therefore, sent out the Afonja Warriors on a 5-3 aggregate.

Speaking after the loss to the Porcupine Warriors, Sanni showed his displeasure and disappointment over his player’s lackadaisical approach as they lost several scoring opportunities.

‘I’m highly disappointed,’ Sanni said in an interview aired on Brila Fm. ‘Look at the number of chances we created, we scored three goals in Accra but we were unable to convert our chances here at home (Abeokuta).’

Incidentally, the loss to Asante Kotoko means that Kwara United cannot aim to their best showing in previous CAF Confederation Cup appearance having crashed out of the same competition in the Group Stage in 2007.In their last appearance in the same competition in the 2022/23 season , they were eliminated in the Second Round .

‘At times like this, I don’t know if the players were carried away,’ Sanni further lamented.

‘ We tried to score at all costs but were unable and look at the goal we conceded, it’s so painful.’

Aside Kwara United, Nigeria’s other representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Abia Warriors also crashed out of the competition on Sunday following their 2-1 aggregate loss to the Djoliba Athletic Club of Bamako, Mali.

If all Enugu State is getting from the country’s national grid now is a paltry 70MW, then there is nothing wrong in describing the state government’s proposed target of 1,000MW as ambitious. This is 300MW over and above the 700MW that the government had in mind as at last year.

But that was then. The dream is even bigger today, with the state government eyeing about 1,000MW generation capacity.

What is more? The proposed 1,000MW is expected to be powered with coal, a mineral resource that the state has not only in abundance, but also of a high quality.

Governor Peter Mbah disclosed the new plan as guest of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) ‘Meet The Governor Series,’ where he presented a business case for investing in Enugu State. The event held in Lagos on September 25.

‘Our target is to see how we can use our coal to generate at least 1,000 megawatts of power. We do have technology today that makes coal utilisation less adverse to the environment. Essentially, that is the direction for us’, the governor said at the forum.

Enugu State may not be the first state in the country to take advantage of the further liberalisation of the power sector by the immediate past Muhammadu Buhari administration, and consolidated with the Bola Tinubu government’s Electricity Amendment Bill.

But the state, particularly under the Mbah administration, has shown so much enthusiasm in the power sector.

One critical factor that the state government wants to leverage on is its abundant coal deposits. This is significant in two ways: one, it speaks to the diversification of the source of power supply in the country, a thing many power consumers have always craved for.

Second, it puts into use a nearly-forgotten mineral resource that the south eastern part of the country was renowned for: coal. And the governor has rightly noted that they would no longer treat the resource as a ‘stranded asset’ without adequate compensation.

We are happy to note Gov. Mba’s efforts to get his state off the national grid which has become antiquated and inadequate to cope with the demands of a power-starved country like ours.

It was this passion that drove the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to come up with its own template on power tariffs, a thing which led to brickbats between the agency and, by extension, the state government, on one hand, and the generating and distribution companies, on the other.

The two entities disagreed with the EERC tariff template on the basis that the agency could not determine the price of power it does not generate.

This would sound a reasonable argument but it does not wholly explain the situation. Not a few Nigerians see exploitation, incompetence, corruption and bad faith in the modus operandi of the present players in the power sector, all of which Nigerian consumers are fated to pay for.

So, it would not be a bad idea for people who want genuine transformation in the power sector and are indeed desirous of determining the tariff, to go into actual power generation.

This is part of the beauty in the Mbah 1,000MW proposal.

Enugu State government should press on with the proposal. Indeed, power generation should be a major component to consider by any investor who truly wants to be in charge in the power sector.

We have said it several times; and it bears restating that Nigeria cannot go far with its ambitious programmes if things are left entirely in the hands of the present players in the sector. If 13 years after the so-called liberalisation of the sector we are where we are, we need no expert to tell us to change tactics.

We can understand Gov. Mbah’s plight: he has ambitious programmes to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in eight years. Here, power supply is key.

The governor needs all the support and encouragement. Others should emulate him.