Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Professor Akan Williams has been announced as the second substantive vice chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

The private university also officially inaugurated a new management team to steer the institution into its next phase of academic and administrative excellence.

At a colourful reception ceremony, the university community welcomed the new VC, who is a professor of Chemistry.

He succeeds Professor Celestine A. Ntuen, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution.

He rose through the academic ranks and was announced a full Professor of Chemistry in December 2017, effective January 1, 2018.

A specialist in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Professor Williams has been an academic in the Nigerian University System for 23 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment to academic excellence.

Also joining the new management team are Deaconess Faith E. Emmanuel, who makes history as the first female and 2nd substantive Registrar, and Dr. Joseph U. Igligli, who assumes office as the 2nd substantive University Librarian.

The ceremony was graced by the Visitor of the University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, alongside staff, students, and guests.

The Visitor commended the outgoing management for its service and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new team to consolidate on the gains recorded and advance the university’s vision.

Williams expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold the ideals of Ritman University in line with its motto: ‘Building Knowledge for Development.’

Students, staff, and invited guests joined in celebrating what many described as a promising era for Ritman University.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a fresh application for bail filed by detained alleged terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mohammed Mamu.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling yesterday, noted the health complaint made by Mamu and held that the detaining authority, the Department of State Services (DSS) should not release him, but take him to an appropriate health facility where he would be adequately attended to.

Justice Umar noted that, by the history of the case so far, the prosecution has exhibited diligence in its handling of the case and has exhibited diligence in prosecuting the case.

The judge said one of the reasons for granting bail is where the prosecution is not diligent, noting that since the prosecution in this case is diligent, the application for bail cannot be granted.

He subsequently ordered that the defence lawyer should choose the health facility comfortable to the defendant, to which he should be promptly taken.

He also asked the DSS to allow the defendant access to members of his family.

The ruling is the third time the court will reject his application for bail since his was arraigned on March 21, 2023 by the Federal Government on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism financing, among others.

Mamu was arrested on September 7, 2022 by Egyptian security officials at the Cairo International Airport, on reasonable suspicion of financing Boko Haram terrorism activities.

He was alleged to have convinced the terrorists to discuss ransom payments with individual families of the hostages of the train attack instead of the Chief of Defense Staff Committee set up by the Federal Government for his personal financial gain.

He was said to have been nominated by the terrorists that attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train sometime in March 2022 which took scores of persons hostage.

Mamu was alleged to have collected ransoms on behalf of the Boko Haram terrorists from families of hostages, confirmed the amount and facilitated the delivery of same to the terrorists.

After the ruling, a witness called by the prosecution, an Investigator with the DSS, whose identity was shielded, told the court how the committee set up by the Federal Government to negotiate the release of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack hostages in 2022 was allegedly betrayed by Mr Tukur Mamu.

The DSS operative, who was led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe, said: ‘In 2022, March 28 to be precised, the Kaduna-bound train was attacked enroute to Kaduna. Several persons were killed and others were injured and over 60 people were taken into the bush as hostages. Thereafter, a committee which was already in existence, handling a similar cases of abduction, with government support was mandated to also explore measures for the release of the hostages. The committee was supervised by then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.). The committee established communication with the terrorists on the possibility of securing the release of the kidnapped hostages. And the terrorists made some demands which include the release of members of their families who were in custody of government detention facilities in exchange for the release of the hostages,’ he said.

The witness said while that was in progress, the terrorists consulted with some of the hostages in their custody and recommended names of persons who they felt could negotiate on their behalf with the government.

‘Names were suggested and the suggested names were forwarded to the people suggested, seeking their willingness to accept in the negotiation on behalf of the terrorist group

‘All those that were contacted declined to take the offer except the defendant who offered himself to negotiate on behalf of the terrorists group with the government.

‘Thereafter, as earlier stated, window of communication was already established between the government recognised committee and the terrorists.

‘So when the defendant came onboard, communication was taken place on multiple fronts at the same time, that is apart from the committee.’

According to him, after sometime, the defendant (Mamu) expressed his dissatisfaction with the arrangement where communication was taking place on multiple fronts.

‘The defendant, having been accepted to negotiate on their behalf with government, suggested or advised the terrorists to appoint a single interlocutor or negotiator,’ he said.

The witness said Mamu then became the only negotiator between the terror group and the government committee.

‘So when the defendant emerged as sole interlocutor between the terrorists group and government, attempts by the committee members to reach out to the terrorists became a challenge, because they do not want to reach out to the committee anymore except through the defendant.

‘Subsequently in order to continue with the government’s assignment, the committee now continues to recognise the defendant,’ he said.

The leadership style of President Bola Tinubu has been crafted into a handbook to help individuals both old and young, especially aspiring leaders to get a better grasp of how to manage men and resources.

The handbook, which is the brainchild of Bamidele Atoyebi, Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Ideological Group, was launched in Lagos recently.

Speaking at the launch of the group’s handbook in Lagos, Atoyebi described Tinubu as an enigma and an institution that should be studied by Nigerians.

According to him, Tinubu’s values of generosity, principle of service, humility, and courage are qualities that should be emulated by all.

Atoyebi highlighted some of the President’s notable achievements, including the removal of fuel subsidy, stabilisation of foreign exchange, road infrastructure development, debt management, and student loans.

He noted that these reforms have put the country on track and exceeded the expectations of many Nigerians.

The Convener emphasised that the group’s goal is not just to support Tinubu’s re-election but to raise a new generation of leaders who embody his spirit of leadership, generosity, and service.

He revealed that the group comprises highly respected individuals, including professors, engineers, and medical doctors, who are committed to spreading Tinubu’s ideologies.

Atoyebi stated that the group has coordinators in most states of the federation and has started sensitising Nigerians on the President’s vision and ideologies.

He emphasised that the group is not just a regular support group but a platform for anyone who claims to be Tinubu’s protégé to have a deep understanding of the President’s values and principles.

The Convener noted that the group’s ultimate goal is to ensure that Tinubu’s legacy continues even after he leaves office.

‘We want to make sure that we raise as many people as we can that will also have his kind of spirit of leadership, spirit of generosity, spirit of humanity, spirit of service,among others.

‘With our handbook launched few days ago, we are not just only working toward his re-election, we are working toward building as many young men and women, youthful Nigerians who will understand who Bola Ahmed Tinubu is.

‘Tinubu is a man who believes in generosity, a man who believes in principle of service, a man who believes in humility, a man who is courageous and a man who is politically rugged.

‘He is a man who can take tough decisions, a man who believes in progressive ideas, a man who wants good governance for all. He has even done so much and he deserves to continue, with his reforms and various interventions and policies, putting the country on track,’ he said.

The Ondo and Kogi State governments have called for calm and vigilance among residents following alert to possible terrorist attacks.

Department of State Services (DSS) issued the alert on Tuesday.

Yesterday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said there was no cause for alarm.

He described the intelligence report as a sign of proactive security work by the DSS and other agencies.

‘The report itself is evidence that our security agencies are alive to their responsibilities.

‘We commend the DSS for their vigilance and for providing early intelligence capable of preventing such evil plans from being executed,’ Fanwo said in a statement.

He assured residents that the state government is working closely with the DSS, the Army, the Police, and other security formations to ensure that any attempt by terrorists is swiftly detected and foiled.

Fanwo urged residents to continue their daily activities without fear but to remain security-conscious and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest security agency.

Ondo State Government urged citizens to remain calm following the circulation of a leaked security memo from the DSS to the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure regarding a possible terrorist threat.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, explained that such intelligence reports are part of routine inter-agency communication and should not cause panic.

‘These reports are normal components of security operations aimed at identifying and preventing potential threats. They are continuously evaluated and acted upon by the government and relevant security agencies,’ Ajanaku said.

He assured that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration is in constant contact with security agencies and has intensified surveillance, particularly in boundary areas, to ensure residents’ safety.

‘We appeal to residents to remain calm, go about their normal activities, and cooperate with security agencies.

‘Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately. The government is taking every necessary step to ensure Ondo remains one of the safest states in the country,’ Ajanaku added.

OPay, Nigeria’s leading financial technology company, has hosted the Grand Finale of its My OPay Security Vote Challenge at its headquarters in Lagos with Nigerian entertainers, creators, and users in attendance.

Attendees included Funke Akindele, Layi Wasabi, Broda Shaggi, and Brain Jotter, who performed the viral track he created for the campaign live on stage.

Over the course of the nationwide campaign, which ran across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter), which a reach of over 200 million across Instagram, TikTok, X and facebook with thousands of creative entries were submitted – from comedy skits, to short educational videos, to animationed scripts, to music- each offering a unique perspective on what digital security means to everyday users.

The campaign was built around seven of OPay’s core security features, including Large Transaction Shield, Scam Alert, Large Transaction Double Check, Emergency Lock, USSD Lock, Night Guard and Online Subscription Control.

The grand finale culminated in the crowning of four winners from Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. These winners were flown into Lagos, alongside other standout and creative participants.

One of the participants, Zarifa Golden-Kalio talked about submitting her entry surrounding her Zobo business.

‘I’m a student, but I also run a small zobo business where I sell to my colleagues. I do my best to create content around what I do, and honestly, there’s no better app than OPay – it’s made receiving payments so easy. I decided to spotlight the Scam Alert feature because it helps me keep my money safe and protected’

Funke Akindele, one of the leading voices behind the campaign, commended the brand for innovation.

She stated: ‘It is not easy to work hard for your money, and at the end of the day, they will just scam you and clear your account. So, I want to thank OPay for being innovative, for thinking fast and inventing the security features.’

Elizabeth Wang, Chief Commercial Officer at OPay, said: ‘OPay’s core value is always customer first, and for our customers, security is the Top 1 priority.

‘So, we built 7 security features, and today announce the 8th, which is location guard and will continue to develop more for our customers so as to protect them in all scenarios where they need protection.’

The cutting-edge Location Guard feature uses smart location tracking to flag and prevent potentially fraudulent activity.

If a transaction attempt is made from an unusual location, Location Guard immediately prompts Face ID verification, adding an intelligent extra layer of protection.

‘Location Guard is a leap forward in digital protection,’ Elizabeth added. ‘It’s intelligent, proactive, and designed around real-life user behavior. Wherever our users go, their OPay account follows them – securely.’

OPay was established in 2018 as a leading financial institution in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology.

The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, airtime and data purchase, card service, and merchant payments, among others.

Renowned for its super-fast experience and reliable network, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

Detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has fired all members of his legal team.

Kanu told the court that he was willing to defend himself.

Based on his position, all the Senior Advocates in the team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), announced withdrawal from participation in the case.

Kanu is addressing the court from the dock, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue to try him.

Details shortly.

In an age where scientific evidence defines how nations respond to disease, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) stands as one of Nigeria’s most consistent bastions of hope – turning questions into data, and data into lifesaving health solutions. Within its quiet laboratories in Yaba, Lagos, researchers are conducting some of the country’s most important medical experiments: randomised clinical trials (RCTs) that determine which drugs, vaccines, and interventions truly work for Nigerians.

At its October media chat themed ‘Randomized Clinical Trials at NIMR: A Cornerstone of Translational Research,’ Dr. David Ayoola Oladele, Deputy Director of Research and Consultant Public Health Physician at NIMR, offered an illuminating look into how RCTs have become central to the institute’s mission. With a strong academic pedigree – spanning the University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Saint Louis University in the U.S. – Dr. Oladele currently leads NIMR’s Centre for Clinical Trials, positioning the institute at the heart of Nigeria’s health research ecosystem. At its core, a randomised clinical trial involves assigning participants to different treatment groups by chance to determine the safety and effectiveness of a medical intervention. For NIMR, RCTs are not merely academic exercises but practical instruments for improving lives – generating data that inform national policies, treatment guidelines, and public health interventions.

Over the last two decades, NIMR has coordinated and implemented several landmark trials in collaboration with both local and international partners. From antiretroviral drug studies for HIV treatment to microbicide trials aimed at preventing transmission, malaria drug efficacy tests, and even COVID-19 therapy evaluations, these studies have consistently placed Nigeria on the global research map. The institute also conducted the SAVVY Vaginal Gel trial for HIV prevention, and a pivotal trial assessing the efficacy of artesunate-mefloquine in malaria treatment across multiple regions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NIMR spearheaded a local clinical evaluation of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine phosphate for coronavirus treatment – a first-of-its-kind Nigerian-led randomized study that underscored the country’s growing research capacity.

Beyond therapeutics, NIMR has also advanced diagnostic validation. Its comparative studies on malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and COVID-19 immunoassays helped improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings nationwide. More recently, the institute completed the SIFCOVAN vaccine trial, a randomized study evaluating fractional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Nigerian adults – a major contribution to vaccine optimization and equity. NIMR’s research portfolio also extends to public health interventions. Through the 4 Youth by Youth (4YBY) project, the institute used crowdsourcing to enhance HIV self-testing uptake among adolescents – proving how behavioural science can complement biomedical innovation. Such work, according to Dr. Oladele, ‘demonstrates that science must touch lives, not just publish papers.’

Today, NIMR is running an expanding portfolio of trials that include non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and chronic kidney disorders. Trials like the TASSH cluster randomized study are designed to test new approaches to blood pressure control in community settings – an important step as Nigeria faces rising NCD-related mortality.

Supporting these initiatives is a network of advanced infrastructure that rivals global research institutions. The institute houses a purpose-built 10-bed clinical trial facility for phase I and II pharmacokinetic studies, an ISO 15189-certified Central Research Laboratory, and a state-of-the-art Biorepository and Data Centre equipped for real-time digital data capture. Oversight is provided by an accredited Institutional Review Board (IRB) under the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC), ensuring strict ethical compliance.

With a pool of trained investigators and partnerships across Africa, NIMR is also a recognised training hub for clinical trialists, nurturing the next generation of researchers across West Africa. However, the journey has not been without hurdles. Dr. Oladele identified persistent challenges that slow down clinical research in Nigeria – low research literacy among the public, inadequate funding for investigator-led trials, prolonged ethical approval timelines, and weak linkages between academia, industry, and government. The dominance of donor-funded studies, he said, underscores the urgent need for sustainable local financing and stronger pharmaceutical industry engagement. ‘We need to move from dependency to self-determination in research,’ he noted.

Yet, despite these challenges, NIMR is charting a bold course for the future. The institute is aligning its research agenda with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) – a federal government framework aimed at localizing health innovation. Through this alignment, NIMR intends to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for local drug and vaccine manufacturing, generate the clinical evidence needed for regulatory approvals, and enhance collaboration with regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC and NHREC.

In addition, the newly established Centre for Clinical Trials at NIMR will harmonize multi-site RCTs across the country, providing coordination, oversight, and technical support to research teams nationwide. Plans are also underway to create regional research clusters linking universities, teaching hospitals, and private clinical research organisations (CROs) under NIMR’s umbrella. For Dr. Oladele, the vision is clear: to transform NIMR into a continental leader in translational medicine – where discoveries in the lab are rapidly translated into real-world health solutions. ‘Randomized clinical trials are not just about testing drugs,’ he said. ‘They are about building systems of trust, ethics, and excellence that ensure Nigerians have access to safe and effective innovations.’

Former Big Brother Naija winner and rapper Olamilekan Agbeleshe popularly known as Laycon has announced his musical comeback with the release of his first single in two years, titled ‘Everyday Anthem.’

The announcement marks a significant moment for the artist, who has been absent from the music scene during a period he tagged deep personal reflection.

In a statement on X, Laycon revealed that the past few months have been a transformative journey, as he grappled with questions about his purpose and life choices.

‘The past few months for me have been about the ‘why’ – why I do what I do and why I’ve made the choices I’ve made. Trust me, the search for these answers took me into the craziest phase of my life,’ he wrote.

The rapper promised to share more details of this introspective experience with his audience, but not before unveiling the results through his new music.

‘I will share this experience with you. I promise you I will. But not before I show you the result of what that experience brings’, he added.

‘Everyday Anthem’ is poised to offer listeners a glimpse into the personal evolution that has reshaped his sound and perspective.

Laycon described the track as his ‘Everyday Anthem,’ hinting at its universal appeal and personal significance.

While teasing additional projects in the pipeline, Laycon urged fans to focus on the present moment, saying, ‘Let’s take it one day at a time.’

‘My first single in two years is Everyday Anthem, and Everyday Anthem is a glimpse of what that experience gave me. There’s more to come, but for now let’s not worry about that, let’s take it one day at a time. this is my Everyday Anthem’, he concluded.

The single’s release signals the start of what could be a revitalised era in his career, following his rise to fame after winning Big Brother Naija in 2020 and the success of his debut album, Shall We Begin, in 2021.

Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has canvassed a succession model that encourages continuity in Ogun State as against the recurring political hostility that trails transitions of power in the State.

The diplomat decried the hostility witnessed in the State every eight years, especially when the tenure of an administration is winding off, lamenting that the development has stagnated the State from making formidable progress compared to her vast resources and location.

Isola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, who spoke during a Twitter Space session monitored in Abuja on Wednesday, expressed concerns that the State risks perpetual stagnation if the pattern continues in 2027.

The Abeokuta born ex-envoy noted that since 1999, each transition season in the State is marred by bitterness and political vendetta, preventing successive administrations from building on the achievements of their predecessors.

The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) lamented that no chief executive of the State has witnessed a smooth and cordial transfer of power from a predecessor.

Ogun State has witnessed a series of turbulent transitions since 1999. From the rift between Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel to the strained relations between Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun as well as the fallout between Amosun and Dapo Abiodun

Calling for a break in the pattern ahead of the 2027 general elections, Isola said: ‘What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and to put an end to hostile succession. So that wherever one government ends, another one can continue, building on the foundation that has been laid. That is the only way we are going to build our state. But, this issue of hostility every 8 years is really taking us backward.

‘So, let us join our hands. What we need in Ogun state is continuity of policy and an end to hostile succession. The issue is having good governance where every local, state person will be happy about.’

The former Diplomat lamented that the absence of continuity had prevented long-term planning and hindered sustainable development across key sectors in the state.

He prayed for a rancour-free transition and peaceful handover in 2027 when Governor Dapo Abiodun ends his tenure.

He predicted that should Abiodun succeed in ensuring a rancour-free transition, it would mark ‘a new chapter in Ogun’s political history’ and help entrench stability and trust in the state’s leadership process.

‘There is a good plan in Ogun State but what is truncating the plan is hostile transition, and that is why I want everyone, Muslims and Christians, to pray that Governor Abiodun becomes the first governor to hand over to his successor peacefully at the stadium.

‘Since 1999, no Governor has done that because transitions have always been hostile. No matter how beautiful a development plan is, you can’t complete it in eight years. So the bane of our problem today is this hostile succession. And if we don’t put a stop to it, we will not be able to move at the pace that we are supposed to.

‘Development must be sustainable. But when every government starts afresh and disowns the work of its predecessor, we lose time, resources, and progress

‘Any ongoing project in the state is financed with Ogun’s state revenue, hence the need for continuation and completion of ongoing projects of the preceding administration.

‘What we need is harmony. Let’s bring all our leaders together for the sake of orderly development. Even if you rule for eight years, can you fully develop a village in eight years to talk less of a state ?’ he asked.

No fewer than 15 top leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) from Zamfara have defected to opposition All Progressives Congress(APC) in the State.

Zamfara APC chairman, Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani, Senator Tijjani Yahaya and Hon.Lawal M Liman presented the defectors to the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Mohammed Matawalle in Abuja.

The Minister welcomed and assured them of equal treatment and opportunities with all other party members.

Matawalle also described their decision to join the APC as bold and timely, considering the popularity and acceptance of the party in the state and the nation at large.

Matawalle further commended the state party leadership for its consultation and mobilisation within the state.

‘The party is more acceptable and popular in the all nooks and crannies of the state. The minister said.

‘APC will continue to be more united and strong with the current strategy mapped out and its welfare packages being delivered to the people of the state,’ Matawalle said.

A statement by Zamfara APC Publicity Secretary Malan Yusuf Idris said, among those who joined party include PDP Youth Leader, Isiyaka M. Dabo; Zonal Treasurer of Zamfara West, Nasiru Mohammed Anka; PDP Organising Secretary, Zamfara North Junaidu Magaji Kiyawa, Assistant Organising Secretary Zamfara West, Hon. Musa Halilu Faru.

Others were Alh Lawali Aliyu Shinkafi PDP Zonal Secretary Zamfara North, Hajiya Rabi Bakura; ex officio and Hajiya Amina Duniya state ex-officio

Danfulani assured the newcomers of full integration, noting that the APC ‘remains open and fair to all those committed to its progress.’

In their separate speeches while handing over their PDP membership cards, Isiyaka M. Dabo. said he left the PDP because the party favours only the rich, stressing that he was inspired by Senator Yari and Matawalle’s leadership to join the winning party.

Amina Duniya, who said she spent 25 years in the PDP, called on APC leaders to ensure fairness and justice, pledging to mobilise more supporters.

Other defectors included Bashar Mohammed Dogon Kade, a former PDP aspirant for the Kaura Namoda South constituency, and Rilwanu Bello, an ex-councillorship aspirant.