Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved a 50 per cent reduction in fees for processing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and other land documents.

Managing Director, Enugu State Geographic Information System (ENGIS), Chiwetalu Nwatu, said the move aims to empower landowners, attract investment, and ensure all properties in the state are properly documented.

The discount, he said, started October 15 and will last for 45 days. According to him this will allow landowners to process titles at half the usual cost, Nwatu added that the initiative targets low-income earners and unregistered landowners who previously could not afford documentation.

He noted that C of O’s are now processed within 48 to 72 hours, thanks to full digitisation of land services, which has improved transparency and eliminated delays.

In a related development a Don from the University of Ilorin, Professor Emmanuel Ojo called for the repeal of the Land Use Act, to achieve true federalism.

He lamented that the Act centralizes control of natural wealth.

The Land Use Act is a 1978 law in Nigeria that vests all land in each state in the governor, who holds it in trust for the people. It aims to simplify land ownership, ensure equitable distribution, and centralize administration, with the government granting individuals and corporations a ‘right of occupancy’ rather than full ownership.

Individuals are issued a Certificate of Occupancy for their right to occupy land, and the government can revoke these rights for public purposes, though compensation for improvements is required.

The Act gives governors control over land allocation in urban areas and local governments control over non-urban areas. A governor can revoke land rights for public purposes, but must provide compensation for the value of improvements made to the land which they hardly do.

He suggested that while royalties from solid minerals should go to the federal purse, states should manage the resources within their boundaries. According to him, a restructured federal system is essential for national growth, efficiency, and unity.

Ojo also advocated the revival of local governments, a fairer revenue allocation formula, and citizenship rights for residents who have lived in any state for at least ten years.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen the federal character principle, extend it to infrastructure distribution, and begin work on a new constitution that truly reflects the people’s will.

‘The present constitution,’ he said, ‘is a legacy of military rule and cannot deliver genuine federalism.’

The Rights Monitoring Group (RMG) has lauded Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noting that his administration had become synonymous with peace, inclusive governance and infrastructure-driven progress.

RMG, a coalition of 55 civil society organisations focused on electoral reform and sustainable development, said the prevailing peace and harmony in Ekiti were not coincidental, but the outcome of sustained dialogue, lawful consultation, and adherence to constitutional principles.

‘Governor Oyebanji’s administration stands today as a textbook illustration of how peace, law and inclusive politics can coexist within a democratic framework,’ the group said.

It observed that in a federation where political contestation often degenerated into acrimony, the prevailing unanimity of purpose among Ekiti’s political actors, including opposition leaders, was both legally and politically unprecedented.

According to the RMG, ”this consensus reaffirms the constitutional principle that governance is a continuum and underscores the duty of every elected government to promote peace, order and good governance as envisaged under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In a statement by its Acting National Coordinator, Dr. Leke Alao, the group said Oyebanji’s government had judiciously fulfilled the constitutional obligation.

‘Through proactive conflict-management mechanisms, traditional institutions have been re-empowered to mediate disputes, significantly reducing incidence of farmers-herders clashes and rural banditry.

‘Kidnapping, once endemic, has been curtailed through strategic coordination between local vigilance groups and state security apparatuses,’ the statement read.

The RMG commended the state’s monumental infrastructure projects, from road networks to health care facilities, describing them as lawful appropriations of public funds under the Fiscal Responsibility Act and models of sound budgetary governance.

Such prudence, the group noted, reinforced the public trust doctrine and strengthened the legitimacy of governmental actions.

‘It is the considered view of the Rights Monitoring Group that Ekiti’s experience offers a legal and governance model for intergovernmental cooperation and subnational stability within the Nigerian federation,’ it added.

Ondo poly to graduate 25,000 as Aiyedatiwa breaks 12-year convocation jin

Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) will graduate about 25,000 students during its 12th to 23rd combined convocations scheduled for Saturday.

Acting Rector, Mr. Olorunwa Adegun, made this known yesterday at a news briefing to herald the week-long convocation.

He described the event as a ‘jinx-breaking convocation’ after 12 years of inactivity.

Adegun said the last convocation was held in 2013. He hailed the visitor to the polytechnic, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for his decisive intervention that made the event possible.

He described the long absence of convocations as unacceptable, noting that Aiyedatiwa’s administration had shown uncommon commitment to restoring the institution’s lost glory.

‘When I assumed office in October 2023, the polytechnic was in an intensive care unit – workers morale was at its lowest, salaries were unpaid for 14 months, and payments were made irregularly, sometimes as low as five per cent,’ he said.

The rector said the institution was enmeshed in industrial crises, legal disputes and loss of accreditation for several academic programmes.

He added that the polytechnic’s business enterprises and staff school were non-functional, while it had lost its status as a JAMB UTME centre.

Adegun, however, said with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s support, the institution had witnessed a remarkable turnaround.

He said the governor approved special intervention funds that reduced the backlog of 40 months of unpaid salaries to just three, and financed the re-accreditation of 68 programmes by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The rector added that the governor also released funds for the convocation, noting that without such support, the event would not have been possible due to financial constraints.

He said the ”polytechnic has now regained stability in its academic calendar and industrial relations,” adding that 2024 was the first year in over a decade without any industrial crisis.

Adegun disclosed that the institution’s business units – including its water factory, bakery and guesthouse – had been fully revitalised, while its staff school reopened last month.

He said the polytechnic had also been designated as a hub for entrepreneurship development in the Southwest by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and as a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle conversion centre -a project expected to commence before the convocation.

Highlighting other achievements, he said a chief lecturer led Nigeria to a gold medal victory at the 2023/2024 Global ICT Competition in Shenzhen, China, while a lecturer and a student from the Faculty of Engineering won the Best Engineer Awards in Ondo State.

Adegun hailed the cordial relationship between the polytechnic and its host community, Owo, and expressed appreciation to the Olowo of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Oba (Dr.) Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, for his consistent support.

He said following Governor Aiyedatiwa’s approval to upgrade Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to a university, the management had begun necessary administrative processes to complement the government’s efforts.

The rector lauded the governing council, academic board, staff unions, and alumni for their cooperation, noting the alumni’s contributions – including solar-powered streetlights, a solar portal, and an ongoing alumni building project to be inaugurated during the convocation.

He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Aiyedatiwa for his ‘sustained retrieval efforts,’ saying the convocation would not only celebrate the graduating students but also symbolise the rebirth of the polytechnic.

No fewer than 136 medical doctors and dental surgeons were yesterday inducted into the medical and dental profession from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan.

The new entrants comprise 111 medical doctors who bagged Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and 25 dentists who bagged Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees.

The induction was carried out by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) at an event held at Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate, Ibadan.

The event was witnessed by the Pro-Chancellor, UI and an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande, the Provost of the College, Professor Temitope Ogundiran, professional elders, parents, well- wishers, family and friends of the inductees.

The Registrar/CEO of MDCN, Dr. Fatima Kyari, congratulating the inductees on their remarkable achievement, reminded them of the importance of upholding the ethics of the medical profession.

She urged the inductees to be aware of the challenges they would face in the health care sector, noting that they should also see the challenges as opportunities to grow, innovate, and contribute to the advancement of their field.

She emphasised the need for doctors to be advocates for their patients, champions of public health, and leaders in their communities.

The MDCN Registrar/CEO reminded the inductees that their profession was a calling that required complete dedication and a commitment to patient-centred care, urging them to treat patients with respect, kindness, and compassion, and to always act with integrity.

Dr. Kyari encouraged the inductees to stay in Nigeria and contribute to the development of the medical profession, advising them to take ownership of their profession and work together to build a better health care system for the country.

The Chairman of occasion, Vice Chancellor, UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale, urged the graduands to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and compassion in their practice, noting that the induction marked the culmination of years of intense intellectual labour, sleepless nights and countless hours in lecture halls, laboratories and clinical postings for the 2025 MBBS/BDS graduating set.

Professor Adebowale reminded the graduands that their profession was a sacred trust, and they would be confronted with situations that would test their knowledge, patience and empathy.

He urged them to always remember the words of Sir William Osler, ‘The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease,’ and to see the human being behind every illness.

The vice chancellor advised the graduands to be ambassadors of excellence, not just of the University of Ibadan, but also of the entire medical profession, and to uphold the ‘Ibadan brand’ with competence, empathy and ethical practice.

The VC commended the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for their steadfast role in regulating the profession and upholding its standards, pledging the continued collaboration of the University of Ibadan ”in this noble cause.”

The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has warned the national leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) led by Comrade Muhammad Haruna Ibrahim, to desist from what it described as ‘political blackmail and malicious propaganda’ against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Fasina.

In a statement on Tuesday by Special Adviser on Media to the VC, Dr. Wole Balogun , the University condemned what it called SSANU’s ‘desperate and unrelenting smear campaign’, alleging it has resorted to spreading rumours the VC was involved in political manoeuvring ahead of the forthcoming Ekiti Governorship poll.

‘Such claims are indeed laughable, unfortunate, and utterly false,’ the statement reads.

‘Professor Fasina is an academic and administrator of high repute, not a politician. His record of integrity and professionalism is unquestionable.’

The University described the accusations as ‘lies from the pit of hell’, alleging several members of SSANU’s leadership in FUOYE have been involved in acts of gross misconduct, violence and indiscipline on campus.

The statement accused some FUOYE SSANU leaders of attempting to disrupt a peaceful meeting of staff on October 14, 2025, convened by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Ndoma Egba (SAN).

The University alleged violent conduct of these individuals was witnessed by other union leaders, staff members and security operatives, who even recorded video evidence of their actions

it said it was on the basis of this that security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps, invited the SSANU officials for questioning.

‘However, reports indicate that even at the Office of the Commissioner of Police, the individuals displayed further unruly and disrespectful behaviour.

‘The same characters who now parade themselves as defenders of justice have a well-documented record of insubordination and violence,’ the statement continued.

‘If anyone should be investigated for plans to disrupt the peace or the forthcoming elections, it should be these local SSANU leaders, not Professor Fasina.’

The University further reiterated Fasina’s record in public service remains unblemished, particularly in matters related to elections.

It cited his role as the INEC Returning Officer for the Imo State Governorship Election, it said was widely acknowledged as one of the most peaceful and transparent polls.

‘Professor Fasina has always been a law-abiding, peace-loving academic. Since assuming office on 11 February 2021, several elections have been held in Ekiti State without any controversy involving him. The allegations being circulated are baseless, mischievous, and politically motivated,’ the statement concluded.

The University called on the national leadership of SSANU to caution its members and put an end to further acts of political blackmail or attempts to malign the reputation of Fasina and the institution.

Fermín López netted a hat-trick and Marcus Rashford scored twice as Barcelona stormed to a 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos.

Lopez struck twice in the first half before completing his treble late on, while Rashford took his group-stage tally to four goals in three games. Lamine Yamal also scored from the spot on a night he became the youngest player to reach 25 Champions League appearances (18 years, 100 days).

Olympiacos briefly threatened a comeback after Ayoub El Kaabi converted a penalty following a handball by Eric Garcia, but their hopes faded when Santiago Hezze was sent off minutes later.

Barcelona now sit on six points from three matches, while Olympiacos remain bottom with one.

The Nigerian Navy (NN) has appointed Commodore A. O. Odejobi as the new Director of Naval Information (DINFO).

Odejobi, a naval pilot and seasoned seaman, will take over from the current DINFO, Commodore Aiwiyor Adams-Aliu.

A signal sighted by The Nation showed that Commodore Adams-Aliu has been redeployed to NNS LUGARD in Lokoja, Kogi State, as the Commanding and is expected to resume there on or before November 1.

,Commodore Odejobi, presently the Commander NNS Madueke, Enugu, will assume office as DINFO on November 7, it was gathered.

Arsenal struck four times in a blistering 14-minute spell to thrash Atletico Madrid and maintain their perfect Champions League start.

After a tense first half, Gabriel Magalhães broke the deadlock with a header from Declan Rice’s free-kick in the 57th minute. Gabriel Martinelli added a second before Viktor Gyökeres ended his goal drought with two quickfire strikes.

The Gunners have now won all three of their group games without conceding a goal.

Kogi Governor Usman Ododo said his counterpart in Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has demonstrated capacity, which indicates that he was well prepared to govern the State.

This, he said, continues to reflect in Oyebanji’s excellent performance across all sectors in the last three years.

Ododo posited there are verifiable and convincing evidence that Governor Oyebanji has fulfilled the social contract he signed with the people of the Ekiti State.

He spoke in Ilawe Ekiti on Tuesday while commissioning the 21- kilometre Ikere-Ilawe road and the renovated General Hospital, projects of the Governor Oyebanji administration.

Addressing the large crowd of residents that thronged the venue of the ceremony, Ododo, who was the Special Guest of Honour, applauded Oyebanji for hiring the services of local contractors to execute some of the road projects.

The Kogi Governor stated that such extreme display of leadership speaks volume of Oyebanji’s unflagging belief in the development of human resources that are available to the country.

‘With what I have been briefed, this road started in 2022 through self-financing under the last administration, but could not go far due to some difficulties. Once a leader is focused and forward looking, his vision will outlive transitions.

‘With your governance and leadership in Ekiti, you have demonstrated that government is about vision and performance. With what I have seen and the solid support you are getting from Ekiti people, it is evident that you came solidly prepared for governance.

‘Even your opponent knew that you have performed well and they knew that BAO has bowed their heads with great performance. Ekiti and Kogi States do not just share common boundaries, we share a history and close ties of brotherhood and the development of our people.

‘Let me assure you that all the progressive governors are behind you and I hope that you will continue with this tempo till 2030. We have the same vision, which is to serve the people and nothing more.

‘I want you to remain focused and don’t be distracted by the confusion being caused by the members of the opposition. You are a quiet person, but your actions speak louder in your performance. I am proud of your achievements,’ Ododo said.

Oyebanji described the completion of the road as a jinx-breaking expedition, saying whatever he has achieved in Ekiti could be hinged on the enigmatic economic reformations being carried out at the federal level by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oyebanii stated further that his administration has not borrowed a dime to fund any of the capital projects being undertaken for the benefit of the masses. He thanked the president for making more resources available to the subnational.

‘I have not borrowed a dime to fund any of the capital projects going on in Ekiti State and this is because of the audacious reforms being carried out by President Tinubu that has made more monies available to states’.

Comedian Otaghware Otas Onodjayeke popularly known as IGoSave, has slammed social media users reacting to the ongoing marital crisis between actress Regina Daniels and her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.

In a post on his Instagram story, the funnyman accused netizens of hypocrisy and envy, claiming they masquerade as unsolicited advisors while harboring resentment toward Daniels’ affluent lifestyle.

‘Many of you just turned marriage counsellors because of Regina. Most of y’all were never happy for her but wanted her lifestyle so bad. This social media space is full of bitter people with sugar faces,’ I Go Save wrote.

The controversy erupted over the weekend following a viral video in which Daniels tearfully alleged domestic violence at the hands of Nwoko outside their home.

The footage, which quickly amassed millions of views, showed the actress in distress, prompting widespread sympathy from fans and condemnation of the billionaire politician.

Nwoko swiftly countered the claims, accusing Daniels of substance abuse and describing her outburst as an ‘unprovoked rampage’ fueled by drugs and alcohol.

He revealed that she had relocated to a place with easy access to narcotics and urged her to resume rehabilitation, insisting that none of his other wives had ever leveled similar accusations against him.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Federal Government in promoting population management, reproductive health, and gender equality.

The newly appointed UNFPA Resident Representative, Ms Muriel Mafico, made the promises when she visited the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, at the Ministry’s headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

Ms. Mafico hailed the ministry for its enduring partnership with the global agency.

She described it as a relationship that has remained strong for over five decades.

Ms. Mafico lauded Bagudu’s leadership and promised the agency’s willingness to keep supporting Nigeria’s population and development agenda.

‘Context matters,’ she noted. ‘We must design programmes that are culturally sensitive and community-owned. Our focus is to ensure that women, girls, and young people are not left behind.’

The UNFPA chief assured the Federal Government that the global agency remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s reform objectives and the national census exercise.

She described it as a vital tool for evidence-based planning.

Bagudu praised UNFPA for its ongoing support to Nigeria’s development priorities.

The minister said Nigeria’s ongoing reforms concentrate on ensuring that resources are directly connected to tangible results.

‘Our focus is not just on spending more, but on spending better. The ongoing reforms are challenging but essential steps towards sustainable growth.

‘Development partners like UNFPA play a vital role in helping us strengthen that link between investment and impact,’ he said.

Bagudu stressed the need for designing interventions that align with Nigeria’s cultural and faith-based values.

He said: ‘Nigeria is a faith-driven society. Both the Bible and the Qur’an encourage responsible parenting and family life. When we reflect these values in our approaches, our results are stronger and more sustainable.’

Bagudu invited UNFPA to contribute to the ongoing development of Nigeria’s 2026-2030 National Development Plan, saying it aligns with the long-term ‘Agenda 2050’ framework aimed at creating a more inclusive and empowered economy.

‘We are finalising our next five-year plan, and we welcome UNFPA’s input to ensure that human capital development remains at the centre of our national priorities,’ he said.