Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Movement for Tinubu has thrown its weight behind Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as the driving force behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign in Ondo State.

The group, led by its Coordinator, Otunba Agboola Kelly, urged APC members to unite behind Tunji-Ojo’s efforts, which aligned with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s leadership.

In a statement, the elders dismissed speculations about Tunji-Ojo’s initiatives as malicious attempts to undermine his contributions.

They described his support for groups such as Grassroots Movement for Tinubu, Asiwaju Mandate Group and PBAT Continuity Project as a strategic masterstroke.

The group noted that Tunji-Ojo’s leadership delivered an unmatched 81.2 per cent vote share in Akoko North-West during the 2024 governorship election, proving his prowess.

They debunked claims that Tunji-Ojo failed to consult Governor Aiyedatiwa, saying their partnership powered the 2024 victory.

The elders warned detractors to desist from fuelling division, urging APC members to engage Governor Aiyedatiwa directly with any concern.

The movement expressed confidence that Tunji-Ojo’s strategy would deliver over 80 per cent voter turnout, surpassing the 2023 record of 67 per cent.

It affirmed its commitment to working with Tunji-Ojo to deliver a historic mandate for Tinubu in 2027, vowing Ondo would not weaken APC’s national chain.

Lagos State University (LASU) has joined the list of beneficiaries under OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-Year Scholarship Programme.

It followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at the institution.

The partnership, which will see 20 LASU students receive fully funded scholarships annually, forms part of OPay’s long-term Empowering Futures initiative.

It is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda aimed at supporting academically excellent but financially constrained students across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended OPay for its forward-thinking commitment to education and youth development.

‘Today we gather to celebrate a remarkable gesture of goodwill and corporate social responsibility from OPay Digital Services Limited,’ she said.

‘This generous act underscores OPay’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting the dreams of young Nigerians.

‘The scholarship will undoubtedly alleviate financial burdens and motivate our students to strive for excellence.’

She added that the partnership symbolises a shared vision between OPay and LASU to empower young Nigerians through education and innovation.

‘As Nigeria’s leading educational institution, Lagos State University remains committed to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities for our students.

‘We appreciate OPay’s trust in our institution and look forward to a fruitful collaboration,’ she concluded.

Registrar of the University, Mr. Emmanuel Abiodun Fanu, appreciated OPay for extending the scholarship to LASU students, noting that the initiative would have a lasting impact on their lives and academic journeys.

‘We thank OPay for this scholarship opportunity. You may not immediately know the impact this gesture will have, but it will transform lives and motivate these students to become valuable contributors to society,’ he stated.

OPay Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Wang, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to empowering the next generation through sustainable investments in education.

‘Since our establishment in Nigeria in 2018, our mission has been to make financial services more inclusive through technology.

‘Beyond this, we believe education is the foundation of every society – and students represent the future,’ she explained.

‘That’s why OPay is committed to sponsoring 20 students of this university every year for the next 10 years to help them pursue their dreams more easily.’

Ms. Wang added that OPay plans to open Cyberlabs and graduate employment opportunities for students within its growing workforce of over 5,000 employees, further deepening its investment in youth development.

The N1.2B OPay 10-Year Scholarship Programme reflects the company’s long-term vision to nurture young talent, drive educational advancement, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through consistent CSR efforts.

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, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customers’ funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

Coleman Technical Industries Limited, makers of Coleman Wires and Cables, has rewarded employees for their dedication, loyalty, and contribution to the company’s remarkable success story, built on continuous training, retraining, and deliberate capacity building.

The Staff Appreciation Day, held in Lagos, over the weekend, was among the activities organised to commemorate the company’s golden jubilee, officially marked on July 1, 2025.

Long-serving staff were specially recognised for their years of dedicated service. Employees with 15 years and above received N100, 000 each, while those who had served 20 years and above received N200, 000.

The company’s longest-serving staff member, Mrs. Adefemi Grace, who has worked with Coleman for 38 years, received the highest cash prize-close to N1 million.

Other honourees included Aloma Samuel (Production), Atanda Ganiyu (Maintenance), Olanade Adetunji (Accounts), Bamishile Johnson (Production), Ifedayo Olanrewaju, Jubril Ganiyu, Ikini Enahoro, and Mrs. Adefemi Grace.

Winners of the second raffle draw-Ojejinmi Oluwaseyi, Adeleke Folashade, Abah Henry, Okosun Joy, and Aladesesin Henry-each went home with N50,000.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. George Onafowokan, expressed profound gratitude to all staff members, noting that Coleman’s five-decade journey was a collective achievement made possible by the commitment and hard work of its workforce.

‘We cannot be here without all of you,’ Onafowokan said, adding, ‘The journey to 50 is about every one of us. Though the company is not officially 50 yet, we’re celebrating the people behind the success story.

‘As we step into our next chapter, we look forward to upgrading not just our systems but also our staff welfare, including new salary structures.’

Onafowokan, who described the evening as a rare opportunity for bonding beyond the work environment, encouraged employees to unwind and enjoy the event.

The lively celebration brought together employees from the company’s Sagamu and Arepo plants and featured awards, cash prizes, raffle draws, games, and dance competitions in an atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.

The evening’s activities, which included scavenger hunts, dance competitions, and other engaging games, reflected the company’s enduring culture of unity, appreciation, and teamwork.

The celebration ended on a high note with cheers, laughter, and renewed motivation as Coleman Wires and Cables looks ahead to its golden jubilee milestone with pride and optimism.

With a staff strength of about 800 and still growing, the company remains committed to rewarding excellence and sustaining its legacy of innovation and resilience.

Ademola Lookman earned his first start of the season in the Serie A since the drama surrounding his future in the summer transfer window as Atalanta were held goalless at home by Lazio yesterday at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy.

La Dea were still unbeaten, albeit with a few too many stalemates, and their injury crisis calmed with the return of Charles De Ketelaere, Nicola Zalewski, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, with Raoul Bellanova, Odilon Kossounou, Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker still out.

The Aquile rushed Mattia Zaccagni and Boulaye Dia back from injury, but Taty Castellanos, Nicolò Rovella, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Luca Pellegrini and Samuel Gigot were still sidelined.

The Lazio injury problems intensified after just 22 minutes when Matteo Cancellieri limped off with a muscular issue, replaced by Gustav Isaksen.

Atalanta dominated possession with long spells of fairly ineffective passing moves, whereas the first real save saw Toma Basic’s free kick sting Marco Carnesecchi’s gloves.

Matteo Guendouzi also fired over the bar after a counter-attack sparked by Nuno Tavares and Zaccagni, while Ivan Provedel made his first save on 43 minutes when Davide Zappacosta slipped taking the shot from the edge of the area.

Lookman should have scored on 51 minutes but turned a free header over from six yards on the De Ketelaere cross with only Provedel to beat.

Moments later, Mario Gila made a decisive interception as De Ketelaere pulled back from the by-line for the otherwise unmarked Lookman.

Ederson scuffed the finish straight at Provedel after good work in the build-up from De Ketelaere and Lookman, while Nuno Tavares made a crucial block on the Davide Zappacosta volley.

On the resulting corner, Mario Pasalic flicked it on to the back post only for Honest Ahanor to toe-poke wide from close range.

Atalanta finally introduced a centre-forward in the form of Nikola Krstovic and within two minutes he had forced a save out of Provedel at the near post when springing the offside trap in the centre circle.

Provedel made a sensational fingertip save on the Lookman finish that squirmed through a sea of legs, taking a slight nick off Adam Marusic’s shin. He also had to be alert on Krstovic’s looping header from the resulting corner.

When the Lazio goalkeeper was finally beaten by a Davide Zappacosta angled drive on 80 minutes, he was rescued by the base of the upright, then quick enough to parry the Marten de Roon follow-up.

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has urged Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to immediately withdraw the unsubstantiated claims he made during a plenary session of the National Assembly, alleging that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian hemp and operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs.

The umbrella body of indigenous pilots and aircraft engineers said it is deeply disturbed by such utterance and funds it very concerning .

The body, according to statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Engineer Blessing Ahmadu, described Kalu’s utterance as baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals.

He said the senator’s utterance , besides is not only false but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.

He said the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, considers safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice.

He said :’ Every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements. ‘These standards prohibit the use of any psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessment processes. We also express our confidence in the safety oversight functions of the NCAA and its leadership, whose consistent enforcement of global best practices continues to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation system.

‘ It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or report to duty under the influence of such substances. Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators. The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals.

‘NAAPE further notes that Nigeria’s air transport sector remains one of the safest in Africa, a record sustained through strict adherence to international safety standards and continuous professional development. Any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory action by the relevant authorities.

While NAAPE recognises the distinguished Senator’s right to contribute to discussions on aviation safety, it urges all public figures to avoid making sweeping statements that can cause unwarranted alarm among air travellers, demoralise professionals, and erode public trust. Constructive engagement with facts and institutions remains the most effective path to improving safety oversight.’

Speaking on behalf of the Association, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, President of NAAPE, stated:

‘It is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated claims against a community of professionals. The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology. ‘Everyone appears to speak as an aviation expert in this country except the professionals who are trained and certified to do the job. For too long, individuals outside the industry have attempted to define its operations, and one would have expected a former airline operator to understand this better. Sadly, this is not the case.

‘Our members undergo some of the most rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening anywhere in the world. To broadly generalise and suggest that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to the thousands of disciplined professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring safe skies. We take great pride in our safety record and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.’

NAAPE calls on Senator Kalu to immediately substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence presented to the appropriate statutory government agencies, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology to the nation’s aviators.

NAAPE also appeals on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to issue a public clarification on existing drug and alcohol testing procedures for pilots, to further reassure the flying public and correct any misconceptions arising from this allegation.

He said :’ The Association further invites the distinguished Senator and members of the National Assembly’s Committee on Aviation to engage with NAAPE and other stakeholders to understand the comprehensive safety framework that governs pilot training, certification, and operations in Nigeria.

‘We remain committed to upholding the highest professional standards among our members and will continue to collaborate with regulatory agencies, operators, and international partners to advance safety, discipline, and excellence across all aspects of Nigerian aviation.

‘The travelling public is assured that Nigerian pilots remain among the most competent, disciplined, and safety-conscious professionals globally.’

Minister of France for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, has pledged to deepen ties with Nigeria in the area of technology especially in the areas of innovation and creating local tools to address local challenges.

Barrot, who spoke on the sidelines of CréationAfrica forum in Lagos at the weekend in Lagos, said France and Nigeria will build tools to enhance the countries strategic autonomy.

According to him, the countries will find the right regulation, such a regulation that will not inhibit innovation, but a regulation that will ensure that technology is not misused and threatens the interest of the citizens.

He said the bilateral relationship between the two countries has never been as tight as it is now, adding that visits of the leadership of the two countries attested to this fact.

He said: ‘So the relationship between Nigeria and France has probably never been as intense with a lot of visits. President Macron came in 2018 here in Nigeria. President Tinubu was in France last year, and since then, since they decided to build a partnership of equal serving the strategic autonomy of both countries, there has been a huge amount of interaction between administrations, companies, civil society in France and in Nigeria’.

He noted that technology is one field where France, Nigeria, Europe, Africa, have a lot to achieve together.

He said: ‘We have a common vision of development of the importance of multilateralism, the importance of international law for all topics that spread over borders, over boundaries, over continent, and so we want to work together, both to innovate and create our own tools to build our strategic autonomy, but also to find the right regulation, not a regulation that will inhibit innovation, but a regulation that will prevent that technology is misused and threatens our interests.

‘This is the second edition of the forum cast of Africa. What’s this forum? It’s the largest forum dedicated to creative and cultural industries on the African continent. This is the second edition. The first edition took place in France last year, and when President Macron met President Tinubu, who was visiting France last year, he promised that the second edition would take place in Lagos. And this is it. We are there, and we’re seeing very large participation of creative talents coming from all over Africa, 1000 participants coming from 42 countries.

‘Eighty of these participant creators are from Nigeria, and I’ve seen a lot of talent and energy in video games, XR, webtoons, cinema, digital design, etc and I’m very proud that we have supported and contributed to this success, because France is at the forefront of creative and cultural industries in Europe, when Nigeria is at the forefront of these industries in Africa.’

And so there is a lot we can achieve together by bringing the talents, bringing the energies, bringing the creators, entrepreneurs, together in the same place, the same room, like we’re doing today in Lagos’.

He recalled that he hosted eight Nigerian governors in April at the Foreign Affairs Ministry of France and had recently hosted Nigerian musician, Davido, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when he performed at the end of a day dedicated to African talents that were hosted in Paris.

‘Today in Nigeria, I came to showcase the breadth of the cooperation between our two countries. We’ve just integrated the Omi EKo Project, which is going to deliver decarbonized water transportation to Lagos to reduce transportation time; to reduce transportation budget for Lake oceans with 75 electric boats, 15 new routes, 140 kilometers of service, which will help the city rise against rising sea level and also reduce the carbon footprint with 41,000 tons of CO to suppress with this project that we are supporting with the European Union with 410 million euros. Second example, I’ve inaugurated the renovation of our French Lisa, a French school here in Lagos, serving French citizens, but also Nigerian citizens in a great and beautiful campus. Third example, the first, or the largest ever organized exhibitionFela Kuti that opened its doors four days ago here in Lagos, after I was showcased in Paris, we supported it, and I will finish my visit here in Nigeria, there with the kuti family. So it’s you know, from culture to economy to infrastructure, the cooperation is accelerating and delivered delivering tangible,’ Barrot said.

Mrs Titilayo Olusola has won N9.102 million in Easywin Nigeria, a Ghana betting platform, through an agent in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Titilayo shared her excitement, noting she had been playing for sometime.

‘I still can’t believe it! I was at home when I checked my Easywin account and saw the N9.102 million win. I received my money instantly,’ she said.

The betting site has built a reputation for fast payout, instant withdrawal, and cashbacks. With user-friendly interface and verified games, users in Nigeria enjoy entertainment and reliable winnings.

In addition to instant payouts, Easywin Lotto Limited offers the best cashback, ensuring users get a percentage of their stakes back daily, win or lose. This has attracted many users, who see the platform not only as a betting site but also as a rewarding community.

‘We’re thrilled to celebrate another big win,’ said a spokesperson for Easywin. ‘Our goal is to make sure every user enjoys fair gaming, fast withdrawals, and rewards through our cashback system. Grace’s N9.102 million win is proof EasyWin delivers.’

With players across Nigeria, Easywin stands out as an innovative platform where users can win big, cash out instantly, and enjoy unbeatable bonuses.

Renowned South African DJ and Grammy-winning producer, Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo popularly known as Black Coffee, has declared that he will never remarry.

He stated this on a recent episode of Podcast and Chill, revealing that he’s finally at peace with himself and won’t let societal expectations dictate his life.

According to him, his decision stems from the pressure he faced from parents and society after achieving success.

He explained how they urged him to settle down, but he refused, stating he’s now prioritising his personal growth and artistic journey.

He said: ‘I won’t get married again. I’m clear about that because I am now in a better space in understanding who I am. I also understand the kind of pressure society puts you in without ever backing you up,’ he said.

‘With my career, especially because it wasn’t so obvious, meaning I wasn’t going to get a degree and become a lawyer. It was very unclear, but as soon as it popped, everyone was wowed. I bought my first house and car, and they [my parents] were like, ‘When are you getting a wife?”

His ex-wife, actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa, separated from him in 2019 due to alleged infidelity.

Former West Ham manager Graham Potter has been announced as the new head coach of Sweden.

The 50-year-old has accepted the role on an initial short-term basis in a bid to aid Sweden’s faltering World Cup qualification campaign.

Potter said: ‘I am very humbled by the assignment, but also incredibly inspired. Sweden has fantastic players who deliver in the world’s best leagues during the weeks.

‘My job will be to create the conditions so that we as a team deliver at the highest level to take Sweden to the World Cup next summer.’

Sweden had been seeking a new head coach since the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson following their 1-0 loss to Kosovo on 13 October, a result that made automatic qualification from their group impossible.

However, they could still reach the play-offs even without finishing in the top two of Group B as a result of their success in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they topped their group.

Potter was sacked by West Ham at the end of September after a disappointing start to the season.

Five losses in six games in the 2025-26 campaign had left the Hammers in the Premier League bottom three. Overall, he won just six of 23 matches since joining the east London club in January.

However, Potter retains a positive image in Sweden, having delivered three promotions in four seasons at Ostersund, taking them from the fourth division to the top flight, while also winning a domestic cup in 2017.

Potter also had successful spells managing Brighton and Swansea City before joining Chelsea in 2022 but was dismissed from his role at Stamford Bridge after seven months.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, has disclosed that Africa loses tourist revenue and investment to intra-continental travel barriers.

Achimugu, while decrying the high cost and cumbersome processes involved in travelling within Africa, called on African leaders to come together to agree and implement what the continent needs to open up the skies.

He noted that the desired change in aviation within the continent cannot be achieved by regulatory agencies and organizations like African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) alone.

Achimugu on Monday via his official X handle @mikeachimugu01 posted: ‘I have always loved travelling within Africa. The continent is beautiful and still has a lot of unspoiled places where you can see and taste nature for exactly what it is. The people are also amazing. In countries like Sierra Leone, they adore Nigerian visitors.

‘The problem is, travelling within Africa is expensive. Too expensive. Too cumbersome.

‘Africa is not united in aviation in the way that the EU is. The EU is also harmonised beyond the civil aviation ecosystem.

‘There is need for a political solution here. AFCAC and the regulatory agencies alone cannot change this situation. Heads of States need to come together, agree, and implement what the continent needs to open up the skies of the motherland.

‘Pricing and connectivity remain major concerns. Visa issues too. We need to do better and do so fast. We are losing tourist revenue and investment opportunities because we have refused to remove the barriers of intra-continental travel’.