Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his belief in equality and empathy, declaring that he would never look down on any Nigerian regardless of their social or economic status.

Obi made the statement on Wednesday on X (formerly Twitter) while responding to remarks that described some of his supporters as ‘street urchins’ and ‘low-class Nigerians.’

The 64-year-old politician and businessman said such comments reveal a troubling disregard for ordinary citizens.

Obi said that his politics has always been rooted in humanity and compassion, not elitism or class segregation, and his political philosophy centres on inclusion and empowerment.

In his statement titled: ‘Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins,’ he said: ‘Lately, I have heard a few people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even gone as far as calling them ‘street urchins’ and people of no value. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner.

‘I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others. My involvement in politics has never been about associating with the so-called high and mighty, but about standing with the ordinary Nigerians whose voices have been silenced and whose resources have been stolen by the same ‘big names’ who now parade themselves with all sorts of titles and names.

‘No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians, are now battered by poverty and hardship, to the point their leaders refer to them as of no value, and urchins.

‘Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. That is why I will continue to do my part to ensure that the ordinary Nigerians enjoy a better life, one built on access to education, quality healthcare, and genuine efforts to lift them out of poverty.

‘True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up.’

American pop icon Taylor Swift has refuted claims she felt envious of her longtime friend, Selena Gomez, for getting married before her.

Reports emerged after Selena Gomez married music producer Benny Blanco in late September, with Taylor Swift among the select guests at the private ceremony.

Following the event, speculation arose that Swift playfully remarked during her speech about Gomez ‘beating her to the altar.’

However, during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the ‘Love Story’ hitmaker clarified the situation.

She explained that her remarks at the wedding focused on their early years of friendship specifically how they used to dress and not on her own engagement.

‘I made sure not to mention anything about my engagement,’ Swift said, adding that she was genuinely thrilled to celebrate Gomez’s big day.

‘I did some light teasing about how we dressed in 2008 the deep V-necks and colourful skinny jeans era,’ she said with a laugh. ‘But mostly, I talked about how happy I am for her and how wonderful it’s been to be part of her journey. I definitely didn’t make it about me.’ She added .

Swift also explained why she hadn’t informed close friend Ed Sheeran about her engagement to Travis Kelce, noting that the singer is difficult to reach as he ‘doesn’t use a phone’ and only communicates via email or FaceTime.

The Chairman of the board, management, and staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the directive to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj.

NAHCON described the development as a thoughtful and timely move that has brought relief to intending pilgrims nationwide.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, reads: ‘The President’s instruction to review Hajj fares downward shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s concerns. It also reflects genuine empathy for the financial strain faced by many Muslims who dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage.

‘NAHCON equally hails the government’s call on pilgrims and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to take advantage of the current appreciation of the Naira by making early remittances. Acting promptly, as mentioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Hadeja, after the meeting at the Villa, would help Nigeria lock in the benefits of the stronger currency.

‘The directive and recommendation for early remittances show a deep understanding of both NAHCON’s operational challenges and the economic realities of our pilgrims. It is another clear example of a responsive and people-focused administration that steps in with practical solutions, especially to the Commission.

‘This directive reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.

‘NAHCON will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the directive and to deliver a smooth and rewarding 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

‘Hence, NAHCON calls upon intending pilgrims to hasten and make payment in sequence to the disclosure of the new fare, which will be announced soon. This will enable their boards to make early remittances that will enable the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the favorable exchange rate for the Hajj services.’

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, yesterday reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every barrel of crude oil produced in the country contributes to meeting both domestic and international obligations.

Lokpobiri gave this assurance yesterday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the Crude Oil Refinery-Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) 2025 summit with the theme: ‘Refinery – Key to Energy Security in Africa.’

He was represented by his Technical Adviser, Ndah Adaba.

He said that as part of deliberate policy and broader strategy, the Naira for crude sale agreement will continue to be a major step to reduce cost of fuel production, mitigate the exposure to the fluctuating exchange rate and to generally support indigenous refining.

The minister said that through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the government has streamlined the licensing regime: from Licence to Establish to Construct and Operate – ensuring that genuine investors are supported, not hindered, by bureaucracy.

According to him, Beyond licensing, government has continued to consolidate on facilitating the access to crude oil supply through the effective implementation of the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation (DSCO) because no nation can claim energy independence if it cannot refine its own crude.

Lokpobiri said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of his President Bola Tinubu, indigenous refining has been identified as a critical pathway to energy independence, job creation, and industrial revitalisation.

‘Today, we have seen indigenous success stories such as Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, Waltersmith Petroman Refinery, Aradel Holdings, etc. which collectively demonstrate that Nigerians have both the capacity and the will to refine Nigeria’s crude oil locally.

‘These projects are more than facilities; they are symbols of confidence in our policy direction, and we are committed to replicating them across all oil-producing states,’ he added

He said in the bid to extending refining obligation beyond the shores of this country, the West African Fuel Reference Market was launched to position Nigeria as a regional refining and product supply hub to other West African sub-region.

He added that with increased local refining capacity, Nigeria will not only meet its domestic demand but will also serve as a dependable supplier of refined products to neighbouring countries, thereby reducing the region’s reliance on distant refineries and maritime imports.

‘This aligns with the African Union’s vision for energy integration and intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

Lokpobiri assured that the government will ensure feedstock security for all licensed refiners and also deepen fiscal incentives to attract more investment. The minister said that the government will also foster collaboration among African nations for product exchange, logistics and shared energy infrastructure, maintain that the path to Africa’s energy security runs through the gates of our refineries and its interrelated institution.

He said that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting indigenous refiners, strengthening regulatory institutions, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable downstream growth.

‘Let this CORAN Summit 2025 serve as a renewed call – to industry players, regulators, investors, and policymakers to unite in achieving an Africa that refines what it produces and powers its future through its own resources,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Authority Chief Executive, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, said the authority has created Nigeria’s most transparent and predictable petroleum regulatory framework.

Ahmed, represented by the South-West Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, Ayo Cadoso, noted that the Authority has developed and gazetted 18 key regulations covering every phase of refinery development, from establishment through to operations.

‘These regulations were not developed in isolation. They were co-created with industry stakeholders to ensure they are practical, bankable, and investor-friendly. This is what we mean by regulatory certainty – clarity of rules, fairness in enforcement, and confidence in outcomes,’ he explained, adding that NMDPRA ensures Naira-denominated crude sales to shield refiners from foreign exchange volatility.

Besides, the Authority’s boss said the organisation is actively facilitating industrial growth.

‘We are working across agencies and the entire value chain to guarantee crude oil supply to all licensed refineries through structured nomination and supply mechanisms.’

He added that the authority ensures efficient evacuation and logistics for refined products to reach markets while promoting transparent practices for fair competition.

He added that NMDPRA has accelerated approvals and permits under clear service-level agreements, providing technical and commercial support throughout project lifecycles.

‘These initiatives form part of our optimisation framework, which converts regulatory stability into investment confidence and boosts domestic refining capacity,’ he said.

Ahmed stressed that investor confidence depends on consistent policy and regulatory integrity.

‘Investors must trust that rules will not change midstream and that their returns are secure within a fair market structure,’ he noted.

He highlighted major reforms achieved in the past four years, including downstream liberalisation and updated transportation codes to support modern infrastructure.

‘These are not mere policy statements – they are actionable goals under our 2025 Refining Acceleration Plan.

‘Nigeria’s energy future will be defined by clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

‘We are not just refining crude oil – we are refining our economic destiny,’ he stated.

Ahmed said that when regulators act with integrity, investors trust the process, and consistent policies can enable Nigeria to power itself and the rest of Africa.

‘At NMDPRA, our promise is simple – to regulate with clarity, facilitate with credibility, and lead with courage.

‘Today, I speak not just as a regulator but as a firm believer in Nigeria’s capacity to redefine her future.

‘For too long, we exported crude and imported refined products – a paradox that weakened our economy. But that story is changing,’ Ahmed said.

He acknowledged the transformative impact of the Dangote Refinery and the growing number of licensed modular and conventional refineries.

‘Nigeria stands at the threshold of a historic transformation – from dependency to dominance, from importer to net exporter of refined petroleum products,’ he said.

According to him, two key pillars will drive this refining revolution – Regulatory Certainty and Investor Confidence.

Ahmed also commended the summit’s engagements, including the Women in Refining session and the keynote dinner on ‘Private Refining as a Catalyst for Energy Security.’

‘We reaffirmed that refining is not just a business – it embodies energy sovereignty, economic resilience, and industrial strength,’ he said.

What started as an informal gathering of colleagues, young artists and studio apprentices over two decades ago at Kunle Adeyemi Studio in Mushin, Lagos, has morphed into a movement of creatives. In like manner, the group consisting of over 40 artists of different generations is making its debut exhibition that is featuring 25 of them at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos from October 4 till 17.

Tagged Testament of legacy, time and space (A story of Kunle Adeyemi and his studio contacts), it features painting, water-colours, paintocast, paintographs, prints and mixed media by artists who drank from the pool of Dr. Kunle Adeyemi’s studio practice.

For Adeyemi, he has in a long time quietly nurtured the idea of keeping the studio contacts while praying for the right time for it to take shape. ‘Now that I am retired from public service, I believe the moment has come to devote some of my time to the professional growth and development of all those who have, at one time or another, passed through the Kunle Adeyemi Studio. ‘It has always been a God-given privilege to serve as your Studio Instructor-whether through SIWES, Industrial Attachment, Master’s or PhD research programmes, Apprenticeship, or any other form of training,’ he said at the preview session of the exhibition.

According to him, the objectives of establishing the practice-based exhibiting group include to rekindle in us the creative spark first ignited during our studio experience; become more visible in the contemporary art space; encourage one another in fulfilling our calling as practicing artists.

Reassuring members that the group is voluntary, he said nobody was compelled to join, but stressed the belief in unity was strength.

‘As a first step, I propose that we begin this year with a two-week art exhibition at the National Museum. We shall all be joint partners and beneficiaries of the project, working under principles of transparency and mutual respect. Let me also emphasise that no one in this group is above another. Though we may be at different stages of life and professional development, as artists we share the same pedestal of calling. This exhibition, if given the chance to breathe, will connect our humble beginnings with our present realities and future aspirations.

‘Let us view life as an opportunity to lift others. Each of us has stories of struggle and growth to tell; this platform is one way to honor that journey and project it into the future,’ he added.

Curator of the exhibition and CEO, Irachy Consult, Dr. Bukola Jaiyesimi said the exhibition weaves together diverse artistic perspectives on how legacy is shaped by dimensions of time and space. She noted that the exhibition ‘encourages contemplation of how art captures, distils, and projects human experiences across temporal and spatial boundaries.’

The participating artists include Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Kolawole K. Olojo-Kosoko, Olumuyiwa Olusola Adeyinka Akingbade, Dr. Kafaru Abiodun, Dr. Doyin Labode, Titi Badmus Ganiy, Asholasa Daniel, Daniel klotoe, Olusegun Oduyele, Olufemi Onagoruwa, Ojo Olaniyi, Dr. Aderinsoye Aladegbongbe, Okemakinde Abiodun, Akingbade Oluwamayowa, Taiwo Emmanuel.

Others are Oyetumoh Yusuf, Dayo Adeyemi, Jimoh Luqman, Kehinde Adenle, Ajose Ayomide, Dr. Stella Awoh, Mofunayan, Olayemi Otuyelu Madu, Lotachukwu Ayogu-Eze and Azeez Razaq.

One of the participants, Olumuyiwa Olusola is a water-colour artist who paints stories of resilience, joy, and tradition. His works transform everyday scenes into timeless reflections on legacy, time, together and space. With a gentle yet powerful touch of watercolor, he celebrates the struggles that lift us upward and the rhythms that bring us together.

Through his art, Olusola shares the beauty of ordinary moments and the strength they carry for generations. His watercolor practice reflects on resilience, tradition, and human connection.

‘The fluidity of the medium allows me to capture fleeting moments while honoring the legacies that endure across time and space,’ he said at the preview.

As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, Lasaco Assurance Plc has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art ‘Lasaco Smart Class’ in Agindigbi Junior Grammar School, Ikeja, Lagos state.

The Smart Class initiative underscores Lasaco Assurance Plc’s drive to enhance digital literacy, bridge educational gaps, and promote technology-driven learning environments in underserved institutions.

Fully equipped with modern digital tools, the facility is designed to empower students with 21st-century skills, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-first world.

In addition to providing digital resources, the Lasaco Smart Class is also strategically positioned to instill the culture of insurance awareness in young learners, fostering early understanding of the role of insurance in financial security, risk management, and sustainable growth.

Speaking at the unveiling, the representative of the Managing Director, Lasaco Assurance plc, Mr Sesan Oki (Head, Internal control and compliance) emphasised that the project represents more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s next generation and the stimulation of insurance right from the grassroot.

He said: ‘At Lasaco Assurance, we recognize that education and technology are the twin pillars of progress. The Lasaco Smart Class is not only a contribution to improved learning outcomes, but also a deliberate effort to nurture young minds with the values of foresight, security, and preparedness which insurance represents,’ he stated.

The launch of the Lasaco Smart Class marks the beginning of a broader CSR agenda focused on education, innovation, and community empowerment.

By integrating digital literacy with insurance consciousness, Lasaco Assurance is reaffirming its leadership as a forward-thinking organization that goes beyond business to positively impact lives and build resilient communities.

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into the whereabouts of the wife of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, Mrs. Ladi Abel, who was allegedly kidnapped on Monday.

Mrs. Abel, according to NIS’ Seme Command’s public relations officer, Isaac Elijah, was kidnapped along the Badagry-Mile 2 Expressway in Lagos.

The 45-year-old wife of CSI Abel Mada was said to have left her Sawmill, Badagry residence around 7am for the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo when the incident occurred.

Elijah who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, said the woman’s husband received a call through her phone that Monday and the kidnappers demanded N7 million ransom.

‘One of the kidnappers used the woman’s phone to contact her husband, CSI Mada, requesting for N7 million in ransom to free his wife.

‘Today (Tuesday) at about 6am, one of the kidnappers called again reducing the ransom to N3 million if the husband wants the woman alive,’ he said.

The PRO said the case had been reported at the Badagry Police Station and Area K Zonal command of the Police.

He appealed to anyone with information that could lead to her safe return to contact the family on 08080883848.

But a police source told The Nation that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated, stressing that the important issue was the woman’s safety.

‘We got a complaint about a woman who was on transit to the market from her home in Badagry and never got home. Right now, we are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure she’s safe. Police operation is ongoing and this is not something we want to discuss publicly for the woman’s safety and security,’ said the source.

Following the resignation of the Minister for Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, President Bola Tinubu’s former campaign spokesman in the south east, Denge Josef Onoh has asked Enugu Governor Peter Mbah to jettison the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and cross over to take leadership of the national ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Onoh extended gratitude to the former Minister for his dedicated service and contributions to the APC during his tenure, expressing confidence that Nnaji will continue to make positive impacts.

Turning his gaze to Governor Mbah, Onoh said that the road ahead for Enugu State now is for renewed unity and strategic leadership within the Enugu APC chapter.

He regretted that the APC in Enugu state has endured needless fractures and disarray since 2015, hindering collective progress and electoral triumphs.

‘It is with this in mind that I urge His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to seize the mantle of leading the APC in Enugu State and uniquely to heal these divides. I implore him to prioritize stability, foster reconciliation among stakeholders-from zonal executives to grassroots mobilizers and unify all ranks into a formidable force,’ Onoh urged.

He stated that under Mbah’s guidance while ensuring to carry all stakeholders along, the APC can reclaim its stature as the true vehicle for Enugu’s renaissance, transcending past shadows to deliver inclusive growth and security for all.

‘Rest assured that as we champion this unity, I pledge my full cooperation and that of my network, not limited to the full meaningful and patriotic support of Mr. President towards our paramount goal in ensuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resounding victory in Enugu State come 2027,’ he pledged.

Onoh said that with Governor Mbah at the helm of a cohesive APC in Enugu state, alongside the enduring legacies of former governors of the state such as Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senator Ken Nnamani -who championed Tinubu’s 2023 campaign in the South East, they can surge forward as one, securing federal patronage, economic dividends, and a brighter tomorrow for the people of state.

‘Let us collaborate unreservedly, for in unity lies our strength and triumph. I remain committed to this vision and look forward to our joint efforts ahead of 2027. As I welcome you to our great party in the coming hours.’

About 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have undergone screening for 2025/2026 admissions.

The screening exercise, designed to ensure that only outstanding and well-prepared candidates below the age of 16 are considered for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session, was conducted by experts put together by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The panel members were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), Vice – Chancellors, the Gifted School, among others.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the Abuja Centre for the screening of under-16 candidates, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, which was also held simultaneously in Owerri and Lagos.

Adedoja explained that candidates first sat for a written examination before proceeding to face-to-face interviews.

‘They did the first paper which took like 20 minutes and after that the papers were marked and they proceeded to the second session and after that the third one and we will have a face to face interaction with them,’ he said.

The former Minister of Sports noted that 22 candidates participated in the Abuja centre making a total of 176 candidates nationwide.

’22 candidates are here in Abuja centre, and nationwide is 176,’ he said.

He added that JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, would determine when the results of the screening would be released.

Also speaking after monitoring the exercise, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, commended JAMB for providing a platform for talented underage candidates to demonstrate their abilities.

‘Now they are giving leverage to the underage so that they can go to the universities based on their ability to pass these exams.

‘It is very important for them (underage) to be assessed because of the maturity of focus, because if you take underage to go to the university and doesn’t perform, it is a useless venture.

‘So it is better that the exam is carried out so that the best talent can be selected and it will pave the way for the development of this country,’ the lawmaker, who represents Katsina South Senatorial District, said.

Dandutse also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s education policies aimed at national development, while commending JAMB for its consistency and transparency.

‘I want to sincerely commend the leadership of JAMB for their milestone to make sure that this exam is written across the country,’ he said.

Also speaking, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Oboku Oforji, who also monitored the exercise in Abuja, lauded the students for their outstanding performance, noting that it reflected Nigeria’s competitiveness in education across Africa.

”Because for the underage, to have performed exceptionally well, it tells how we are doing in education as of today. And we are very proud of the agency-JAMB, and we want to encourage them to do more. Even though we believe that with what we sighted, more is supposed to be encouraged, ‘ Offorji, who was joined by his committee members, said.

Meanwhile, a total of 38 out of 43 shortlisted underage candidates participated in the screening exercise at the Owerri Centre.

Chairman of the Owerri Centre and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise.

He commended the candidates for their orderly behaviour and assured that the screening process would strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by JAMB.

The under-16 candidates at the Owerri Centre, were drawn from the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones.

Recall that in Nigeria, the official age for university admission is 18, though the National Policy allows entry from age 16.

A total of 41,027 candidates applied under the category of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates for the 2025 UTME, but only 599 scored 80 percent and above.

Some were later disqualified for not meeting the same benchmark in their O-Level or Post-UTME results, leaving only 176 confirmed for final assessment.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has condemned what it described as another disturbing act of vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail corridor.

The incident occurred between Agege and Agbado stations, where unidentified persons allegedly tampered with critical signalling components used in coordinating train movements.

According to a statement by the Corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the vandalized items include the removal of signal machine cap protectors and the cutting of connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2. The damage was discovered during a routine inspection on Monday, October 6, 2025.

The Corporation expressed strong disapproval of the act, warning that such sabotage poses grave safety risks to passengers and staff while threatening the efficiency of train operations.

‘NRC strongly condemns these acts of sabotage against national infrastructure. Such actions not only disrupt smooth train operations but also endanger lives,’ the statement read.

Unyimadu, however, assured that train movement on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor was not affected by the incident, as operations have continued without interruption.

He added that security agencies have been notified and tasked with investigating and apprehending those behind the act.

Reiterating its commitment to safe and reliable rail services nationwide, the NRC urged members of the public, especially communities located along railway corridors to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around railway infrastructure.