Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Comedian Alibaba has explained he believes in polygamy because it offers practical and cultural benefits.

In an interview with Nedu, he stated that having multiple wives can stabilise relationships by fostering cooperation among them as the presence of another wife discourages misbehaviour.

He said: ‘Some people feel if it’s only one wife, you may not be able to control the wife. But if the wife knows that you have more than one, she will calm down. She will calm down because she knows that if she misbehaves, another person is available’.

Drawing from historical practices, Alibaba cited examples from Ibadan where women encouraged their husbands to marry additional wives to prevent infidelity and maintain family unity.

‘So there are different reasons for polygamy. I actually know of a woman in Ibadan who encouraged her husband to be polygamist. Most of them back then, I don’t know who wants to doubt this, the women marry a young girl and gift it to the husband. And they do that because they don’t want the man to have concubines,’ he added.

He also described traditional customs where widows with young children were married to a brother-in-law to ensure care, presenting this as a form of polygamy rooted in familial responsibility.

‘You have families where when the brother that married the woman dies, and she’s either just a new wife or she has just two children, and they need the children to be taken care of and you don’t want her to go to another family.

‘They call all the brothers and say, which of you can take over this girl and take care of her? So if the man already had a wife, that’s the cause of polygamy. And as much as people try to say it is not right, like in your introduction, there are people who say no, it’s not right. The same person would have about like three, four, five children,’ he said.

While acknowledging differing views, Alibaba stood firm in his support for polygamy, emphasising its role in certain social contexts.

Nigeria’s fintech unicorn, Moniepoint, has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda by setting aside a special funding program to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across Nigeria.

Its Founder, Tosin Eniolorunda, through the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation said he has launched the Future Builders Fund, to support high-potential but under-resourced students across the country.

Moniepoint, formerly known as TeamApt, is a prominent Nigerian fintech company that achieved unicorn status (a valuation over $1 billion) after raising $110 million in a Series C funding round in October 2024. Key investors include Development Partners International, Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Verod Capital, and Lightrock.

Eniolorunda said the vision behind the Future Builders Fund is premised in the belief that education is a powerful equalizer capable of turning raw potential into real solutions.

He said: ‘Every child deserves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, and socioeconomic barriers should not be a roadblock to mastery and brilliance, We are launching the Future Builders Fund to find and nurture the innovators who will shape Nigeria’s future. This is a way of creating financial happiness leveraging the power of education to help students from low-income and under-resourced backgrounds gain mastery, giving them a fighting chance at being innovative change makers, who will develop life-changing solutions.’

The Future Builders Fund is a scholarship scheme to ensure that no child with potential to excel is left behind as the world races to catch up with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning and many others redefining every facet of human endeavours.

This pilot program is designed to remove financial and structural barriers that prevent promising students from reaching their full potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across Nigeria.

In recognition of the fact that nations need to strategically invest in preparing their youth to take advantage of the global digital economy,, the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation had donated a CAD/CAM laboratory worth over N100million to the Obafemi Awolowo University last year while supporting other initiatives that include Management Students Association of the University of Lagos Entrepreneurship Challenge, Nigenius Inter-School Robotics Competition, and NextGen Connect Interschool Oratory Competition valued at 50m naira.

The Future Builders Fund addresses a challenge facing Nigerian universities: while STEM programs have expanded and enrollment in fields such as computer science and engineering has increased, many students face financial constraints that force them to abandon their studies. This scholarship program targets under-resourced students who possess the drive, intelligence, and builder’s mindset necessary to become Nigeria’s future innovators.

The Future Builders Fund will sponsor 14 outstanding students-two per university-across seven federal universities, providing tuition support, hostel accommodation, a laptop, and a monthly stipend. In addition, scholars will benefit from ongoing mentorship and development programs designed to cultivate a solutions-oriented mindset throughout their academic journey.

For the pioneer cohort, the participating federal universities were selected across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Lagos. They are: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; University of Calabar; University of Abuja; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; University of Maiduguri and University of Lagos.

The scholarship is open to STEM students entering 200 level (i.e., those who have completed 100 level) in the listed universities. Interested applicants are required to submit: Basic bio-data, Academic record (100 level transcript or statement of result) and a personal essay or statement of need

Applicants will be screened based on academic merit, clarity of purpose, and demonstrated need. From each university, the top 10 shortlisted candidates will sit for a standardized test assessing academic ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The best two candidates per university will be awarded the Tosin Eniolorunda STEM Foundation Scholarship.

The Future Builders Fund is demonstrating a commitment to nurturing talent that can drive national development. Scholarship recipients will be assessed annually and renewal will be based on satisfactory academic performance and demonstrated growth in technical or leadership skills outside the classroom. This ensures the program supports students who are actively applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

This pilot edition of the initiative will lay the groundwork for a sustainable five-year, scalable scholarship program that exudes an innovative approach – financial support with mentorship, leadership development, and practical STEM skill application in a manner that can accelerate Nigeria’s cultivation of world-class STEM innovators.

A total of 1.3 million Nigerians were displaced in 2024 due to flooding out of 7.5 million displaced persons across 16 West African countries, the Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Olusegun Omosehin has said.

He spoke yesterday at the ongoing 2025 WAICA Conference holding at the Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos. The theme of this year’s conference is, ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change’.

Omosehin disclosed that in 2025, over 33,000 Nigerians were displaced, 3,800 homes destroyed, and 5,300 hectares of farmland submerged-threatening food security and economic stability.

Describing the evidence as sobering, he stated that the figures are not just statistics; they are stories of disruption, loss, and delayed development across the continent.

Yet, he said, within this crisis lies an opportunity to redefine the role of insurance as a force for resilience and sustainable development.

He however said that the Federal Government of Nigeria has responded decisively through the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

This landmark legislation according to him, modernizes their regulatory framework, enhances consumer protection, and reinforces the financial resilience of insurers.

Emphasising on the key provisions of NIIRA 2025 include, he said it provides a stronger capital base for operators; expands compulsory insurance classes, including agriculture and environmental risks; deeper integration of insurance into public-private partnerships for infrastructure and climate resilience; and strengthens public confidence in the insurance industry.

The commissioner called on West African Insurers across WAICA member states, reinsurers, and industry leaders to innovate boldly, developing parametric and microinsurance products tailored to our region’s climate realities; Invest in data and technology to improve climate modelling, risk assessment, and product delivery; Collaborate across borders, pooling risks and resources to build regional resilience; Expand inclusion, ensuring insurance reaches farmers, market women, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs-the backbone of our economies; and Prioritize capacity building, investing in the next generation of insurance professionals

As a regulator, NAICOM is committed to enabling policies that foster collaboration between operators, regulators, and development partners, he said.

He stressed that strengthening climate resilience across West Africa demands a unified approach, one that blends sound regulation, market innovation, and strategic partnerships.

He urged the West African operators to ensure the conference mark as a turning point where insurance becomes central to their climate response and a driver of inclusive, sustainable development.

In a keynote address by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite the theme, ‘The West African Insurer in the Face of Climate Change,’ highlights a critical truth, noting that climate risk is now a financial and developmental risk.

The Minister who was represented by the Director, Home Finance, Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ali Mohammed added that for insurers and governments alike, it directly influences fiscal policy, national budgets, and the stability of our financial systems.

She said: ‘Across West Africa, floods, droughts, and coastal erosion are already destroying livelihoods, straining public finances, and threatening food security. Each disaster brings not only human tragedy but also heavy fiscal burdens. This reality makes climate risk a macroeconomic concern requiring proactive financial planning. Insurance therefore becomes indispensable, a mechanism to share and absorb shocks that governments alone cannot shoulder.

‘The Federal Government recognizes insurance as a pillar of our financial architecture – alongside banking, capital markets, and pensions. The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025) represents a bold step toward modernization. We must treat climate change not only as an environmental challenge but also as a financial imperative. Africa already loses billions annually to climate-related disasters. Traditional budgets can no longer cope.

‘Hence, Nigeria is advancing frameworks that combine sovereign risk insurance, regional disaster-risk pools, and public-private climate-finance mechanisms to ensure rapid response and fiscal stability. These tools strengthen preparedness and prevent disruptions to essential development programme’, she posited.

Afrobeats sensation Charles Chibueze Chukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has bid a tearful farewell to his mother, Evelyn Chukwu, who was laid to rest following her passing on July 4.

Describing her death as ‘the darkest day of my life,’ Crayon paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, whom he fondly called his ‘soldier, backbone, and pillar.’

The Ngozi crooner recalled his mother’s selfless sacrifices, including selling fruits for 21 years to provide for their family.

He pledged to honour her memory by upholding her values and pursuing his music career – a dream she had always supported.

‘Iya Carrot, number one fruit seller. For 21 years, you sold fruits to take care of Peace, me, your sister, and everybody. You didn’t mind giving your last card – that’s who you are,’ he said.

‘I promise you one thing, Mummy. I, Chibueze, will not change. I will make sure I keep everything. I love you, Mum. See you later.’

Crayon also expressed gratitude to fans, friends, and colleagues for their support during his time of grief, noting that his mother’s passing had left an indelible mark on his heart.

A tipper driver, Tobi Abdulmalik Oluwatuyi, who was abducted along the Akure-Owo Expressway in Ondo State, has regained his freedom after spending several days in captivity.

The Nation earlier reported that Oluwatuyi was kidnapped last Friday, around 6 a.m. at Ilu Abo while attempting to repair his faulty vehicle by the roadside.

His motor boy narrowly escaped and raised the alarm, prompting residents to launch a search for the victim.

Confirming the development, the owner of the tipper, Monday Ayesoro, said Oluwatuyi was released on Monday night and brought back to the same location where he had been abducted.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has officially emerged as the consensus candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the June 20, 2026, governorship election in the state.

This development followed the voluntary withdrawal of the only other aspirant, Hon. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, from the party’s primary election earlier scheduled for October 27, 2025.

In a letter jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its decision to adopt Oyebanji as the consensus candidate.

Dated October 13, 2025, and received the same day by INEC, the letter titled ‘Re: 2025 Ekiti State Governorship Election: Notification of Change of Mode for Primary Election and Details of Nomination of Consensus Candidate’ confirmed the party’s switch from the direct primary mode to the consensus arrangement.

The two-page correspondence, sighted by our reporter, referenced earlier communications with INEC dated July 30, August 6, and October 9, 2025, indicating the party’s compliance with all relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and APC Constitution regarding the consensus process.

‘Sequel to the above-quoted correspondence, we wish to formally inform the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of recent developments relating to the conduct of the Party’s Governorship Primary Election in Exit State.

‘Two aspirants were cleared to contest the primary election scheduled to be held on 27th October 2025 through the Direct Primary mode. The cleared aspirants are Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji and (2) Mrs. Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo.

‘The party has, however, received a letter from Mrs Atinuke Oluremi Omolayo, one of the two cleared aspirants, conveying her voluntary decision to withdraw from the contest.

‘In her letter, Mrs. Omolayo expressed her endorsement of Governor Biodun Abeyomi Oyebanji as the consensus Candidate and affirmed her support for any consensus arrangement adopted by the party in nominating as flag bearer, in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022 and the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A copy of the letter is attached herewith.

The party further stated that the development leaves Governor Oyebanji as the sole aspirant and consensus candidate for the Governorship Primary Election.

‘Consequently, in view of Mrs. Omolayo’s voluntary withdrawal and the endorsement of a consensus arrangement, the party is compelled by law, with Section 84 (11) of the Electoral Act, to change the mode of the Primary Election from Direct Primary to Consensus.

‘By virtue of Section 84(9) and (11) of the Electoral Act 2022, where a political party adopts a consensus candidate, it is required to:

(I) Obtain the written consent of a cleared aspirant for the position, signifying their voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of the consensus candidate, and

(ii) Conduct a nomination congress at the designated venue to ratify the choice of the consensus candidate.

‘In compliance with the above provisions, find attached the written consent of the only other cleared aspirant, signifying her voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of Governor Oyebanyi as the consensus candidate.’

The party then said that in pursuant to Section 84(11) of the Electoral Act, the nomination congress has been scheduled to hold by 10 am on Monday, 27th October 2026, at Ekiti State Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, to ratify the only remaining cleared aspirant.

The party in the letter also announced an amended schedule of activities and a timetable for ratification of the consensus candidate and invited the electoral body to monitor the relevant activities as required by law.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted another 59 foreign hackers, ordered each to either serve one year prison term or pay N1million fine.

Justice Ekerete Akpan, in a judgment on Tuesday, ordered the convicts’ deportation from Nigeria.

He also directed that all the gadgets used in the commission of the crimes should be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The judge noted that ‘all the convicts, being first time offenders, expressed remorse for their actions.’

Justice Akpan said the judgment resulted from a plea bargain deal between the Nigerian Police Force (the prosecuting agency) and the convicts.

He adjourned till October 22 to determine the fate of the remaining 25.

Justice Akpan’s latest judgment is coming about two months after 21 of the 109 suspected foreign hackers were convicted for the same offence after they opted for a plea bargain agreement.

The 59 convicts were part of the 84 defendants remaining from the total of 109 facing trial after about 21 were recently convicted and deported from the country.

The police had, following their arrest in Abuja, filed a six-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 against the 109 foreigners.

They were arreated in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting ‘a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.’

The defendants, who include citizens of China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were remanded in correctional centres.

In the six-count charge, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria, etc.

In one of the counts in the charge sheet, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves ‘to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.’

They were alleged to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

They were also alleged to have accessed a computer network and input with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

Again, they were alleged to have removed ‘from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

‘These platforms are 9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’

The defendants were also accused of entering ‘the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit.

The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Uche Angela Ogwu, at 79.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late diplomat as a ‘trailblazer who rose to the highest level of her vocation through excellence and hard work.’

Ambassador Ogwu, who served as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Nations from May 2008 to May 2017, was a distinguished scholar and seasoned diplomat.

She also served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) where she played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s foreign policy and advancing international relations scholarship.

A two-time President of the UN Security Council-first in July 2010 and later in October 2011-Ambassador Ogwu was widely respected for her clarity of purpose, advocacy for disarmament, and commitment to global peace, international security, and the advancement of women’s rights.

President Tinubu praised her legacy of service and dedication, noting that she ‘projected Nigeria’s voice with clarity and purpose and worked tirelessly for the good of humanity.’

The President extended his condolences to Ambassador Ogwu’s family, including her five children, grandchildren, siblings, as well as members of the diplomatic and academic communities mourning her loss.

He prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for all who grieve the passing of the accomplished diplomat.

Noella Foundation, co-founded by Mr. Seyi Tinubu, has announced initiatives to improve access to healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship opportunities in celebration of Seyi’s 40th birthday.

A statement signed by Programme Manager, Nnanna Kalu, said the foundation, supported by friends, conceived the projects to ‘turn celebration into service and goodwill into progress.’

The initiatives include free health insurance coverage for over 1,000 Nigerians-particularly expectant mothers and individuals living with sickle cell disorder-donations of medication to sickle cell patients through partnerships with Crimson Bow and Genotype Foundation, and distribution of 200 laptops to public secondary schools.

A representative of Noella Foundation said the initiatives reflect values Seyi Tinubu represents.

‘Marking Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday through projects that empower communities reflects his values-empathy, service, and shared responsibility,’ he said.

In the health sector, the foundation seeks to enhance access to affordable healthcare through insurance coverage and distribution of essential medication to patients in need, ensuring transparency and effective delivery through trusted NGOs.

On education, the donation of 200 laptops to public junior and senior secondary schools is expected to boost digital literacy and learning outcomes among students. The Foundation is also launching a digital skills training programme for 40 young Nigerians in software engineering, data analytics, cloud computing, and product design-preparing them for global job opportunities in the tech-driven economy.

Similarly, in a bid to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic independence, the Foundation will distribute 40 SME empowerment kiosks to small business owners across different regions. The move, according to the organisation, is aimed at stimulating local economies and fostering self-reliance among young Nigerians.

‘This milestone is a reminder that leadership is best measured by the lives we touch,’ the Foundation added. ‘Through collaboration, we can transform celebration into service and goodwill into progress.’

The Noella Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable development through collaborative partnerships that uplift individuals and communities.

Founded on the belief that transformative change requires collective effort, the Foundation operates on four core pillars-Education, Employability, Healthcare, and Hunger Eradication-all strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It continues to focus on initiatives that empower the youth, support vulnerable populations, and promote equitable access to essential resources across Nigeria..

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called for stronger institutional policies and collaboration to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the workplace.

The agency made the call during a symposium with the theme: ‘The Impact of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Labour and Organisational Productivity in the Workplace,’ held at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The event brought together over 130 professionals from the banking, oil and gas, hospitality, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and trade union sectors.

Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said sexual and gender-based violence was not only a human rights violation but also a major economic challenge.

She said: ‘SGBV is not just a social or moral issue; it has economic consequences. According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Nigeria loses an estimated $3 billion annually, about one per cent of its economic output, due to gender-based violence.’

Vivour-Adeniyi noted that a recent DSVA survey involving 549 professionals revealed that over 70 per cent had experienced workplace harassment, 89.3 per cent knew someone affected, while only 4.5 per cent had never encountered such misconduct.

‘These numbers show that SGBV is not a distant issue. It is happening in workplaces across Lagos State, affecting productivity, mental health, and economic growth,’ she said.

She emphasised that preventing and addressing workplace harassment required the collective effort of government, employers, and employees to create safe, inclusive environments where workers can thrive.

Also speaking, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to advocacy and awareness on workplace harassment.

She said: ‘We must continue to educate and empower employees to speak up and ensure organisations upheld zero-tolerance policies against harassment.’

Chairman, Lagos State House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, described SGBV as both an economic and societal challenge.

She said the House would continue to strengthen existing legal frameworks to protect vulnerable workers and promote dignity in the workplace.

Keynote speaker and founder of the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. Kemi Ibru, stressed the negative impact of harassment on workplace productivity.

She said: ‘Workplace harassment affects not only the victims but also the entire organisation. We must ensure survivor support systems and accountability mechanisms are in place.’

A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Anuli Aniebo featured contributions from Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, Dr. Nkechinyere (Nikky) Duru, Dr. Iyadunni Atinuke Gbadebo, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun and Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, who shared practical strategies for prevention and response.

The symposium also witnessed the launch of the Lagos State Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, which was described as a pioneering framework for promoting safer and more inclusive organisations across the state.

Consultant Psychiatrist and Chief Executive Officer of Redimed Consulting Services, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, gave the vote of thanks, appreciating partners and participants for their commitment to advancing the fight against SGBV.

She said: ‘Sexual and gender-based violence concerns everyone. Together, we can create workplaces that are safe, respectful and productive.’