Category: The Nation – Nigeria

National APC Women Advocacy Organisation (NAWA-ORG) has appointed Dr. Adejare Adegbenro as Southwest zonal patron, recognising his contributions to humanitarian service, cultural diplomacy, and national development.

The appointment, contained in a letter signed by National Executive Council, was described as a reflection of Adegbenro’s leadership and commitment to public service.

Adegbenro, through Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation, has championed life-changing initiatives, including free medical outreach, eye-care programmes, clean water projects, feeding schemes, and educational scholarships. These projects, the organisation noted, have brought hope and relief to thousands, demonstrating that ‘true leadership is measured by the lives touched rather than titles or possessions.’

Beyond philanthropy, Adegbenro has distinguished himself as a global diplomat and cultural advocate, promoting peace, cooperation, and African excellence. As a Country director to UK for the International Society of Diplomats, he has amplified Nigeria’s voice abroad. His work with Ceci Educare Oy in Finland further bridges education, culture, and business on continents.

NAWA-ORG, a female-led political and humanitarian thinktank affiliated with All Progressives Congress, commits to advancing socio-economic development, empowering communities, and strengthening gender inclusion.

With members drawn from all 36 states and the FCT, the organisation plays a key role in grassroots mobilisation, promoting democracy, and supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the organisation, Adegbenro’s appointment marks a new chapter in its drive to deepen grassroots engagement and inspire women leaders across the Southwest. His extensive networks and leadership experience are expected to play a vital role in the execution of NAWA-ORG’s strategic initiatives – including Women United for Tinubu (WUT) and the Hope Forward Network (HFN) – aimed at consolidating policy gains and positioning the APC for victory in the 2027 elections.

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has presented N415.57 billion budgetary estimates for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

The 2026 Budget Estimate of Ekiti State, which was christened ‘Budget of Impactful Governance,’ is made up of a Recurrent Expenditure of N221.87 billion, representing 53 percent of the total size of the budget, and a Capital Expenditure of N193.70 billion, which translates to 46 percent of the total size.

The Ekiti budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year is about 11 percent higher than the approved 2025 budget, which stood at N375.79 billion and which had N252.15 billion as its Recurrent Expenditure and N104.51 billion as Capital Expenditure.

Presenting the budget proposal in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, Governor Oyebanji said that the 2026 Budget would be tailored towards the completion of all ongoing infrastructural development projects in the state.

The Budget, according to the governor, would also focus on investing massively in agriculture and the related value chain and address wealth creation as well as the welfare of the people to further ensure the fulfillment of the Shared Prosperity agenda of his administration.

He noted that the planned investment in agriculture and wealth creation was targeted at stabilizing the prices of food and generating employment, as well as enhancing food security and boosting the contribution of agriculture to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

Governor Oyebanji explained that the revenue sources expected to fund the budget size of N415.57 billion include Federal Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Independent Revenue (from MDAs and Tertiary Institutions), International Donor Agencies, and other sundry income sources.

Oyebanji stated that the 2026 Budget estimate was a product of statewide consultations with the representatives of various towns and communities, various interest groups, revered traditional rulers, and Civil Society Organizations at Town Hall Meetings held across the three senatorial districts, which enabled the people to articulate the needs of their towns, communities, and groups for consideration in the budget.

He further explained that the 2026 Budget stemmed from the State Development Plan, 2021-2050, Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), 2026-2028, and the Six Pillars of his Administration, and was prepared in compliance with the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) Template as unanimously agreed by the sub-nationals through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He pledged the government’s commitment to ensure fiscal responsibility towards the implementation of the proposed 2026 Budget, which he described as an embodiment of the policy thrust of his administration and direction of the Ekiti State Government in the coming year.

The governor noted that probity, transparency, and accountability have been the hallmark of governance in Ekiti State under his watch, which he described as necessary in upholding good governance and improving the standard of living of the people.

Oyebanji also expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘for his very strong support to the government and the good people of Ekiti State’, noting that this support has translated to several interventions and has been very helpful in the quest to alleviate poverty in the State and in the delivery of his campaign promises to Ekiti people.

Reviewing the performance of the 2025 budget, Governor Oyebanji, who expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the budget performance, said his government has ensured good implementation of the 2025 Budget with several projects and programmes being executed in 2025, which include the construction and rehabilitation of several roads, renovation of eight general hospitals, among others.

In his remarks, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye assured that the lawmakers would deliberate on the budget with diligence, patriotism, and impartiality to ensure that the 2026 Appropriation Bill reflects the aspirations of the generality of Ekiti people.

The Speaker urged his colleagues to act as stewards and work on the budget proposal with integrity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose, noting that ‘with united effort, we can sustain the momentum of reforms, catalyze inclusive growth, and build an Ekiti State where opportunity is within reach for all. He also urged heads of MDAs to be prepared to shed light on their respective aspects of the budget when invited.

The Speaker also reaffirmed the pledge of the State legislature ‘that every naira will be accounted for and directed to priority sectors that yield maximum public benefit.’

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated for the clean-up of oil spillage in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee set up by the House to carry out the investigation, the chairman of the committee, Okpolupm Etteh, said the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills.

He said the establishment of the Committee by this House underscores the shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

According to him, the Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills, while various government agencies have been created or assigned the responsibility of conducting environmental remediation and clean-up operations.

He said, ‘Unfortunately, troubling reports of alleged mismanagement, inefficiency, and poor coordination have overshadowed these initiatives.

‘Similarly, this House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.

‘Our Committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

‘Our objectives are clear. We will investigate the utilization of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society. Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust.’

He emphasised that the Committee is not on a quest for a witch-hunt, but will not hesitate to ask tough questions to unravel the truth for posterity and to uphold the integrity of our mission.

He said, ‘We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation first-hand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions.

‘Our aim is to illuminate the truth and ensure that the Niger Delta receives the justice it rightfully deserves. We will conduct our work with professionalism, patriotism, and a strong respect for the rule of law.

‘The task ahead is both urgent and essential. The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholders-government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media-to help us effectively achieve our mandate.’

Leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and decisive action to address the growing insecurity in Yorubaland, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry, and violent attacks on rural communities.

The call was made during a peaceful protest held in Lagos on Friday, where members of the group gathered to express their frustration and demand stronger federal intervention.

Speaking at the protest, Arc. Opeoluwa George Akinola, a prominent leader of the movement, described the security situation as ‘unbearable,’ lamenting the continued killings, abductions, and harassment of residents in farming communities.

‘Our people are being killed by armed Fulani groups. Farmers can no longer go to their farms, and our women are being raped daily,’ Akinola said. ‘This crisis has lingered for too long, and we are saying it must end now. No fewer than 24 communities have been affected.’

Akinola also called on the Federal Government to reinstate Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, describing him as a ‘son of the soil’ who could play a vital role in coordinating community-based security initiatives if given institutional backing.

Mrs. Funmilayo Oguniyi, a women leader of the Ifelodun Apapo Omo Yoruba group, acknowledged ongoing efforts by security agencies but stressed that more needed to be done to protect lives and property.

‘Many kidnappings occur around the Yorubaland borders. Our people are abducted while traveling, and many never return. Parents invest so much in their children, only for them to be kidnapped and killed for no reason,’ she lamented.

Also speaking, Prophet Ologun Loluwa, a youth leader and spiritual figure in the movement, described the situation as a ‘national emergency’ and urged leaders to rise above politics to confront the escalating crisis.

‘Insecurity has grown into a monster. From North to South, East to West, we hear daily reports of killings, kidnappings, and terrorism. This is not the heritage our forebears left us,’ he said. ‘We refuse to accept a Nigeria where Yoruba sons and daughters live as strangers in their own land.’

The group vowed to sustain peaceful protests and advocacy until the government takes decisive action to secure the Southwest and protect citizens across the region.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its zero tolerance for illegal and unapproved developments within the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, pending full compliance with planning regulations and the attainment of a safe, orderly, and sustainable physical environment.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Oluyinka Olumide

Said over time, the Trade Fair Complex has degenerated into an enclave of haphazard and unsafe structures, posing grave risks to public safety and emergency response.

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 – ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ – and the State’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, the Lagos State Government is acting strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate, as derived from the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992, as domesticated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, and reinforced by the Supreme Court Judgment of 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation).

These legal instruments, Olumide said, empower states to regulate physical development within their territories, including federal lands, except for areas under exclusive federal use such as military formations.

He said: ‘For clarity, land ownership and title are not in contention at the Trade Fair Complex. The ongoing enforcement focuses solely on the approval status of physical developments, as every structure in Lagos State must obtain a valid planning permit from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in accordance with the law. The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to attempts by certain political actors, particularly of South-East extraction, to misrepresent facts and discredit the ongoing enforcement at the complex. Such actions are populist, ill-motivated, and aimed at scoring cheap political points, rather than advancing the cause of public safety and sustainable development.

‘The administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu remains firmly committed to promoting an orderly, inclusive, liveable, and sustainable physical environment. This commitment underpins urban renewal and redevelopment efforts across the state, which have necessitated the removal of illegal structures in several locations, including:

Pelewura and Bombata markets on Lagos Island, LSDPC Low-Cost Housing Estate, Ilasan in Eti-Osa, Otumara market in Ebute Metta and Oluwole Market, Lagos Island (predominantly occupied by Yoruba) and Alaba Rago, occupied by Hausa traders.

‘Furthermore, it is on record that several states in the East such as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo have also embarked on demolition of identified illegal structures for the purposes of flood control mitigation efforts, urban renewal or master plan enforcements. All carried out by the respective governors without taints of ethnic coloration attached. Why should that of Lagos State be different?

‘It is, therefore, disingenuous and divisive for anyone to resort to ethnic sensationalism whenever enforcement actions involve structures owned or occupied by individuals of Igbo extraction.’

Olumide said Lagos State Government will not be drawn into political grandstanding and urged those fanning ethnic sentiments to desist and instead focus on addressing the pressing socio-economic issues within their constituencies.

‘The actions of the Lagos State government are always guided by the Law. All developers and occupants of structures within the Trade Fair Complex are hereby given a two-week ultimatum to approach the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to regularise the approval status of their buildings in line with extant regulations,’ he said.

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of four soldiers during the recent insurgent attack on the Military Super Camp at Ngamdu, located along the Damaturu-Maiduguri highway.

In a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, and made available to journalists in Maiduguri, the Army said the troops successfully repelled the attackers despite intense gunfire.

While earlier reports suggested that eight soldiers lost their lives in the encounter, the Army officially confirmed only four fatalities.

According to the statement, the insurgents launched a coordinated assault on the camp using sporadic rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and armed drones but were ultimately subdued by the superior firepower of the Nigerian troops.

The statement read, ‘Troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in the Ngamdu general area, following a swift response by forces on ground and reinforcement elements from 29 Task Force Brigade.

‘The terrorists employed Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), armed drones, and command-initiated Improvised Explosive Devices, targeting troops and own platforms. Despite the intensity of the attack, troops held their ground and responded with superior firepower, inflicting significant losses on the terrorists.

‘Unfortunately, own troops recorded 4 x Killed in Action (KIA) and 5 x Wounded in Action (WIA). Additionally, some Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and Gun Trucks (GTs) sustained varying degrees of damage during the encounter.

‘The terrorists attempted to prevent reinforcements and inflict further casualties by planting multiple IEDs along the Ngamdu-Damaturu Main Supply Route (MSR). This necessitated a temporary closure of the MSR, as engineers swiftly responded to clear 3 IED-laden spots. Following successful clearance, the MSR has now been reopened to both military and civilian movement.

‘In response to the attack, troops were immediately resupplied with critical logistics, including MRAP tyres and ammunition, to sustain operations and restore full mobility.

‘Credible intelligence confirms heavy terrorist casualties, with reports indicating mass burials of about 15 bodies conveyed in pushcarts by the terrorists for burial around Bula Wura, near Wasaram.

‘As part of continued efforts to dominate the area, 29 Task Force Brigade has launched fighting patrols and exploitation operations aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of action and consolidating operational gains.

‘The gallantry and resilience of the troops have been commended and the public assured that normalcy would be sustained with operations ongoing to maintain peace and security in the area.’

Meanwhile, travellers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano highway faced severe hardship on Thursday after the Nigerian Army blocked the road for more than seven hours following an insurgent attack on the Military Super Camp at Ngamdu.

Hundreds of commuters were stranded on both ends of the highway, unable to proceed to their destinations. Many long-distance travellers heading to Bauchi, Jos, Abuja, and Kano were forced to turn back after realizing they could not continue their journeys in good time.

Those who chose to wait were held up until about 1:00 p.m., when the road was finally reopened, though with heightened security checks that caused heavy gridlock at multiple checkpoints along the route.

One of the stranded passengers, Mustapha Yaya, a master’s degree student at the University of Maiduguri who was traveling from Damaturu, lamented missing his 2:00 p.m. lecture due to the prolonged road closure.

‘It’s almost 1 p.m. now, and we are still stuck at Benishik, about 80 kilometers from Maiduguri. I doubt we’ll get moving in the next hour because the road is still blocked. I’ve already missed my lectures today,’ he said.

A commercial driver, Abdullahi from Kano, who was en route to Abuja, said he had to suspend his journey after all his passengers decided to cancel their travel plans.

Findings by The Nation revealed that the Maiduguri-Damaturu-Kano highway had remained free from insurgent attacks for more than three years until the latest incident.

Several travelers expressed fear over the renewed attack and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the route remains secure.

‘This is the only safe road we have to Maiduguri. We’ve enjoyed relative peace for years, but this attack has made us anxious again. We’re calling on President Tinubu to secure this highway for travelers,’ said Abubakar, one of the passengers.

Greenwich Merchant Bank has attained the new minimum capital base of N50 billion for its business category in a major achievement that placed the wholesale bank as one of the most proactive banks.

By virtue of a letter dated September 22, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) affirmed its approval of Greenwich Merchant Bank’s N22.6 billion new capital injections, putting the bank’s regulatory capital above N50 billion mandated for merchant banks.

Greenwich had raised new equity capital through highly successful rights issue and private placement. The bank’s offers were oversubscribed.

Chairman, Greenwich Group, Mr. Kayode Falowo, said the successful recapitalisation of the bank has set it apart as one of the most forward-looking banks, describing the achievement as a milestone.

He explained that the additional capital has significantly enhanced Greenwich’s financial strength, enabling the bank to underwrite larger transactions, offer more competitive financing terms, and improve overall service delivery.

According to him, in the years ahead, customers will benefit from increased access to bespoke banking and financing solutions, while investors can expect improved returns driven by expanded deal flow, enhanced market positioning, and long-term value creation.

He said: ‘This is a significant milestone in our growth journey and a strong testament to the resilience and commitment of everyone across the organization. It positions us strategically for the next phase of our expansion and service delivery.

‘We would like to thank our shareholders for their trust in us and applaud the outstanding contributions of our Board and Management in attaining this milestone. We are committed to driving even greater achievements in the future’.

Managing Director, Greenwich Merchant Bank, Mr. Benson Ogundeji, said the successful capital raise was not just a regulatory compliance milestone; but also a proof of the confidence shareholders place in the bank’s vision.

He added that the recapitalisation also reflected the trust that clients and partners have built with the bank over the years.

‘At Greenwich, we see this achievement as a springboard for strengthening our capacity to deliver innovative financial solutions while contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability,’ Ogundeji said.

He noted that the milestone comes at a critical time for the Nigerian financial system as banks across the country step up capitalisation efforts to enhance stability, protect stakeholders, and deepen the resilience of the sector.

He said: ‘Greenwich’s achievement reinforces its position as a trusted financial partner capable of supporting clients through evolving market dynamics and creating long-term value for stakeholders.

‘Greenwich will deploy the enhanced capital strategically to drive technological innovation, broaden product offerings, and enhance its brand positioning. Plans are underway to launch a suite of innovative financial products tailored to evolving client needs, including digital investment platforms, SME-focused lending solutions, sustainable finance instruments, enhanced wealth management services, and strategic partnerships that would unlock new growth frontiers’.

President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Faruk Umar, said the successful recapitalisation underscored the calibre of the board and management of the bank.

Umar pointed out the financial strength of Greenwich, noting that alongside its robust loan portfolios, the bank has zero non-performing loan.

He said the group has secured a holding company license with plans underway to scale up its operations as a regional bank.

Greenwich Merchant Bank, formerly Greenwich Trust Limited, was established in February 1992, it converted to a Merchant Bank in September 2020.

The management of the bank stated that building relationships is at the core of its business approach.

‘As a full-service merchant bank, we provide integrated solutions across corporate banking, private banking, investment banking, treasury, asset management, and securities. Combining deep industry expertise with advanced technology, we deliver tailored services in capital raising, advisory, trading, portfolio management, and risk management, supporting clients with strategic, efficient, and enduring financial solutions,’ the bank stated.

Daystar Christian Centre is set to hold its 30th anniversary in November with thanksgiving, testimonies, and special events in Lagos and on its online platforms.

Senior Pastor, Sam Adeyemi reflected on how the church has evolved. He noted that ‘In 1994, God gave me a revelation to teach biblical success principles to transform lives. Since then, Daystar has been a platform where individuals have discovered their potential and become positive examples to the world.’

The anniversary celebrations will be held on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, featuring worship services, global testimonies of transformation, and a special thanksgiving event. Deputy Senior Pastor, Nike Adeyemi, noted: ‘This anniversary is not just about our history, it is about celebrating God’s faithfulness and preparing for the next 30 years of impact.’

The senior pastors enjoined members and partners to share their personal stories of how Daystar has influenced their lives through platforms as Daystar Academy, Daystar Leadership Academy, Daystar Skill Acquisition Programme, Daystar Business Academy, small groups, and service ministries.

Founded in 1995 by pastors Sam and Nike Adeyemi, Daystar Christian Centre has grown into a global faith community, guided by its vision to ‘raise role models,’ people transformed by God to become examples in their families, workplaces, and societies.

In the past three decades, Daystar has expanded beyond its Lagos headquarters with members connecting online from Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Its influence spans leadership training, youth empowerment, business development, and community transformation.

‘Our role models are everywhere, churches, organizations, nations, shining the light of Christ,’ Pastor Adeyemi added. ‘This celebration is about glorifying God for every life transformed and recommitting ourselves to the work ahead.’

The anniversary weekend is expected to draw thousands in physical attendance and millions more online.

Canadian rapper Drake has suffered a legal setback after a U.S. judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit over Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss track ‘Not Like Us.’

Drake had filed the case in January 2025, accusing Universal Music Group (UMG) of promoting and profiting from the track, which he argued falsely portrayed him as a pedophile and damaged his reputation.

However, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that the lyrics amounted to ‘nonactionable opinion,’ stressing that the heated nature of rap battles often includes hyperbole, insults, and figurative language that reasonable listeners would not take as literal truth.

UMG welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for creative expression and warning against attempts to use the courts to censor artists.

The case stems from the long-running feud between Drake and Lamar, which escalated in 2024 when both rappers exchanged diss tracks, culminating in Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us,’ a hit that dominated charts and conversations worldwide.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has called on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to produce the fleeing Commandant of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele, in connection with the alleged killings carried out by his operatives in Akinlalu community.

In a statement issued by the party’s Osun State Chairman, Hon. Adewale Adebayo, the APM warned that the governor must not obstruct the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure justice for the slain victims.

He described it as disturbing that Governor Adeleke has remained silent while members of a state security outfit under his administration are allegedly involved in acts of violence against the very residents he swore to protect.

‘Omoyele had been invited by the police after his corps killed about 10 people in Osun community market square and tagged them bandits. Instead of honoring the police invite, the police claimed that he staged his assassination attempt to escape Justice.’

‘We learnt that since his script of staged assassination has been known, he has relocated to Government House to evade arrest and prosecution.

‘As a party, we urge Governor Ademola Adeleke to produce Omoyele for arrest and prosecution. This is the oath of office the governor sworn to protect.’