Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Thousands of women from various local government areas and communities around Warri, Delta State, converged on Urhobo College, Warri, to receive packs of food items from Glo Foundation in its ‘Giving Back Together’ initiative.

The event was in continuation of the special intervention programme by Globacom to support the most vulnerable segment of society with essential food items to cushion the effects of the economic situation.

At the programme, women, including the aged and widows from far and near communities such as Warri North, Warri South, Aladja, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie local government areas, gathered immediately after the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise to benefit from the scheme.

Speaking at the event, Globacom’s head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs Jumobi Mofe-Damijo, stated that having successfully held similar food donation programmes in some other states, it was the turn of women in Delta to also be part of the programme.

She explained that the food drive had become a quick, go-to route for the company to reach out to the largely female population, who constitute the bulk of the disadvantaged in every society.

‘Our Food Drive is not just for anyone. It is targeted at the most vulnerable segment of the Nigerian society, that is women and children. When we help them, we are helping the society at large,’ she enthused.

Each food pack distributed had 5 kilograms of rice, 5 kilograms of Gaari, semovita, spaghetti, vegetable oil, sachets of tomato paste, sardines, seasoning cubes, noodles, and other essential items that the women would find useful at home.

The beneficiaries sang and danced in gratitude to Globacom for the initiative. Princess Omo-Udoyo, from Ughelli North, felt so joyful being a beneficiary. ‘I have not seen this before. I thank God and the Glo Foundation for this gift’, she said.

For Mrs Esther Okoro who hails from Otu Jeremi, Ughelli South, it was just prayers that she kept offering when asked about the package she received. Said she: ‘God will lift the company and people who have done this. He will lift them higher and higher. They will never lack anything. For doing this for us today, I say may God protect them. You will always go higher.’

The Globacom Food Drive initiative is also planned to berth in other key cities across the country in the months ahead where more women will also benefit.

The striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Chapter in Ondo State have decried what they described as the deplorable state of infrastructure and gross underfunding of the state-owned institution under the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration.

The union members, currently on strike over alleged non-payment of salaries and arrears, said the continued neglect of the university had severely affected the welfare of academic staff and crippled the institution’s growth

Addressing journalists in Akure, the AAUA-ASUU Chairperson, Comrade Boluwaji Oshodi, lamented that the university had suffered ‘serious neglect’ from successive governments in the past six years, especially, in terms of funding, which has resulted in a huge backlog of salary arrears and allowances running into billions of naira.

Oshodi explained that several meetings were held with the university management to resolve the issues until it became clear that the root problem was ‘inadequate funding,’ citing low monthly subventions and the non-release of capital grants by the state government.

He noted that ASUU had written several letters dated May 3 and June 10, 2025, requesting a meeting with Governor Aiyedatiwa but received no positive response.

According to Oshodi, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and lecturers’ offices have become inhabitable, with leaking roofs and collapsed structures worsening the learning environment.

‘The neglect of the university has greatly affected the welfare of the academic staff of this great university. The following are currently being experienced by the University: Bad access road to the university – There are two roads linking the University to the Owo-Ikare major highway. The two roads are in deplorable conditions such that it is difficult to believe that they actually lead to a university.

‘Poor infrastructure in the university: Lecture rooms, laboratories, and library need some urgent face lift. Lecturers’ offices are the worst hit. The faculty of Arts, a two-storey building, for example, has been abandoned by staff accommodated on the second floor because the inner roofs of most offices have collapsed and are usually flooded anytime it rains. The same thing is happening to the Faculty of Education. The roof is leaking, making the offices on the last floor become inhabitable anytime it rains,’ he said.

He further revealed that the state government had not released any capital grants to the university in the past seven years, despite yearly budgetary appropriations by the State House of Assembly.

The ASUU chair also revealed that since the withdrawal of TETfund intervention by the immediate past administration, the institution had witnessed a severe infrastructural decline.

He noted that the current monthly subvention of N223,125,000 was far below the N555-N600 million required for salaries and overheads.

Oshodi added that although the government once invited the university management led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olugbenga Ige for a meeting where it was agreed that a verification team from the Ministry of Finance would visit the school by July 2025.

However, he noted that no such visit had taken place.

‘After over two months of waiting, the state government has neither sent the verification team nor invited the union for any further talks. As of today, October 3, 2025, our members are being owed two months’ salary (August and September 2025), in addition to huge outstanding arrears,’ he said.

He listed the outstanding liabilities as Excess workload arrears (2009-2013: 70%, 2014-2020: 100%) – Over ?4.5bn, promotion/annual increment arrears (2021/2022)- N65m, promotion/annual increment arrears (2022/2023)-N200m outstanding minimum wage arrears (2014)-N276,664,779.96, Outstanding minimum wage arrears (2019)- N1,939,346,017.32, third-party deductions (March-August 2025)- over N24m, cooperative deductions-NOver N102,142,742.10

Oshodi, therefore, called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and salvage the institution from what he described as ‘looming total collapse.’

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, told The Nation that the issues raised by the striking lecturers were being addressed.

Ajibefun, who pleaded with the ASUU members to exercise patience with the government, added that the Governor Aiyedatiwa led administration has been investing much in education in the state.

‘We shall be meeting the lecturers and union leaders soon to address these issues. One thing is that the governor is a lover of education and he is not relenting in investing in the sector. So, all their grievances would be resolved soon,’ he said.

The ancient city of Ile-Ife welcomed the world to the grand finale of the 2025 Olojo Festival on Saturday, September 27.

Recognised as one of the most sacred celebrations in Yoruba land, this year’s edition was elevated by the presence of Seaman’s Schnapps – Nigeria’s number one original prayer drink – which proudly served as the official prayer drink used for libation and prayers.

Earlier, His Imperial Majesty, Oonirisa Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), received the Seaman’s Schnapps team ahead of his sacred seclusion and expressed gratitude for the brand’s consistent support of the festival and its role in promoting Yoruba heritage.

‘Seaman’s Schnapps has stood with us year after year, showing dedication to this festival and the upliftment of our culture. Such loyalty is worthy of honour, and it strengthens our resolve to preserve these traditions for generations to come. We deeply appreciate this commitment.’

The festival reached its spiritual peak as the Oonirisa emerged from seclusion in a symbolic procession. With chants echoing through the city, Seaman’s Schnapps was poured in prayers and blessings, reinforcing its place in Yoruba spirituality and tradition.

At the Seaman’s experience stands, elegantly branded hostesses welcomed guests, while traditional chanters and ewi performers filled the air with rhythm and reverence. Visitors enjoyed Seaman’s Schnapps, creating a rich fusion of flavour, culture, and celebration.

Mr. Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager, Nigeria Distilleries Limited, said: ‘Olojo Festival is a timeless celebration of Yoruba identity and heritage. Seaman’s Schnapps is proud to serve as the prayer drink at its centre. Our role is to honour tradition and strengthen the link between the past and present.’

Mrs. Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, Senior Brand Manager, Seaman’s Schnapps, added: ‘Seaman’s Schnapps is more than a drink – it is a cultural icon. Seeing people connect with our brand during this sacred festival reinforces our responsibility to protect heritage while creating significant experiences.’

The 2025 Olojo Festival brought together Yoruba monarchs, dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts, and visitors from around the world. Through every libation, chant, and raised glass, Seaman’s Schnapps reaffirmed its role as the drink of honour, prayer, and blessings – a true bridge between the ancestors and today’s generation.

Several travellers were killed and abducted on Friday evening when heavily armed bandits attacked commuters along the Mayanchi-Anka Road in Zamfara State.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen laid siege to the busy highway, halting vehicles and forcing passengers into the surrounding bushes.

One of the survivors, Malam Muhammad Ahmad, who narrowly escaped, recounted the horrifying encounter.

‘The bandits blocked us on the road and kidnapped many people,’ he said. ‘Some of us scattered and ran into the bushes. Those who managed to escape did so by hiding in farmlands covered with tall crops.’

Ahmad added that his colleague, Abubakar Lawali Sardauna, was shot dead after resisting abduction.

‘He refused to go with them, saying he would not follow the bandits to the bush. They killed him on the spot,’ Ahmad said.

As of press time, the number of abducted victims could not be confirmed as efforts to reach the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful.

The Mayanchi-Anka axis has long been a hotspot for bandit attacks, with residents and motorists repeatedly urging security agencies to intensify patrols and restore safety to the volatile route.

Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying eight illegal refineries and seizing over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a series of coordinated operations across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the operations – carried out in collaboration with other security agencies – also led to the arrest of several suspects.

According to him, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Other items destroyed included receivers, ovens, drums, and connecting pipes used for illicit refining.

‘Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck with registration number AHD 925 XA loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops,’ Danjuma said.

He added that clearance operations conducted along the fringes of the Imo River also resulted in the deactivation of another illegal refining site, where troops recovered three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in sacks. Further seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ, conveying 120 nylon bags containing more than 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

Similarly, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, troops discovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products hidden in an abandoned building at No. 70, Yenagoa LGA.

Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah commended the troops for their commitment and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum.

He also warned criminal elements to desist from acts of economic sabotage and embrace legitimate means of livelihood, affirming that the division would continue to ensure that ‘the forests remain green and the waters blue’ through zero tolerance for oil theft and related crimes.

Stakeholders in the maritime industry have urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to exercise caution in its reported plan to review Cargo Survey (CS) contracts awarded in 2019 for a 10-year duration.

The contracts, which have been in operation for over five years, are scheduled to expire in 2029.

In a letter dated September 2025, NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the planned review was aimed at enhancing operational needs and efficiency.

Representatives of the industry, under the aegis of the Maritime Integrity Movement, appealed for broader consultation with affected companies before any major changes are implemented.

Convener of the group, Lucky Abegunde, said the NPA should ensure that all actions related to the contracts align with due process and the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

He noted that maintaining transparency and fairness in procurement procedures would help strengthen investor confidence and prevent disruptions in port operations.

The group further advised that any review of the contracts should be handled in a way that protects government interests while sustaining efficiency within the maritime sector.

Bruno Guimaraes and Nick Woltemade inspired Newcastle United to a crucial victory over Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park, intensifying the pressure on Forest manager Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou’s wait for a first win with Nottingham Forest continued as his side suffered another setback, following Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Midtjylland.

Guimaraes broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with a superb curling strike from outside the box. Forest players protested to referee Peter Bankes, claiming the Brazilian had fouled Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.

Before the opener, Newcastle – previously the Premier League’s lowest scorers – had struggled to break through Forest’s defence.

However, momentum shifted as the hosts pressed for more goals. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels pulled off impressive saves to deny Sandro Tonali, Malick Thiaw, and Harvey Barnes, while Woltemade’s thunderous effort struck the underside of the bar.

Woltemade eventually doubled Newcastle’s lead from the penalty spot after Guimaraes was brought down in the box by Elliot Anderson, sealing the Magpies’ second league win of the season.

As the final whistle blew, frustrated Newcastle fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ toward Postecoglou, with Forest now sitting 17th in the Premier League table.

The director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has said that Nigeria’s transition to market valuation of assets in the fixed income segment of the capital market is a critical step towards fair value reporting, transparency, and restoring investor confidence.

Speaking at the weekend, Dr. Agama explained that the reform aligns with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS 9) and was shaped through extensive engagement with market participants to ensure a smooth transition.

According to a statement issued by the SEC on Sunday, the Director-General said timelines were carefully structured to reflect both market realities and industry feedback. ‘Timelines have been carefully considered, especially with the concerns being raised by market participants,’ he said.

‘For us at the SEC, it is important that while we try to introduce new rules and regulations, we also listen to the market and say, okay, how do we meet at the junction where we can all agree to move forward?’

He disclosed that the Commission has set October 2, 2025, as the deadline for the submission of implementation plans by capital market operators. These plans, he said, will help the SEC evaluate the preparedness and capacity of each institution ahead of the September 2027 target for full transition to IFRS 9.

‘Requesting implementation plans is not a bureaucratic exercise-it’s to gauge capacity, identify challenges, and meet operators at the point where we can all achieve compliance with one purpose and one goal,’ Agama stated.

The SEC boss explained that while equity funds in Nigeria are already reported at fair value, the reform will align the fixed income funds segment with global practice. ‘Equity funds are already reported at fair value. The aspect of the fund management that was not aligned with international best practice was in the fixed income funds space, and that is what this policy alignment covers,’ he noted.

He said the transition would ensure that Nigeria’s capital market operates in accordance with international standards, enabling investors to accurately assess asset values in real time.

‘Nigeria has come of age, and we must be seen to be doing things according to global standards. IFRS 9 requires market-to-market valuation of assets, and we cannot be left behind among the committee of nations,’ Agama said.

According to him, the reform will make Nigerian assets comparable on the global stage, improving investor assessment and competitiveness. ‘Our goal is to create a market that is internationally competitive,’ he stated. ‘Adopting IFRS 9 enables ease and compatibility among assets from different nations, clearly positioning Nigeria within the global market space.’

Responding to concerns that market valuation could introduce short-term volatility, Dr. Agama assured that the reform is designed to strengthen the system rather than destabilize it. ‘Some have expressed concerns about volatility, but our intention is not to disadvantage Nigerian investors,’ he said.

‘It is to expose them to global standards and transparency. Over time, as the market adjusts, these concerns will ease off and everyone will benefit from a more transparent and credible system.’

Beyond the IFRS 9 transition, Dr. Agama disclosed that the SEC is leading Africa in adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, which focuses on climate and sustainability disclosures. He said Nigeria was among the first countries to embrace the ISSB standards, while tailoring implementation to local realities.

‘We pride ourselves as performers-first among nations to accept and adopt the ISSB standards. But we are not oblivious to our contextual issues. We are taking a gradual approach so that our companies are not unduly burdened,’ he said.

He clarified that the Commission’s broader objective is to introduce standards that attract, not restrict, capital flows. ‘We will not implement standards that will shut companies out of capital. Instead, we are implementing those that will help bring in capital and promote sustainable growth,’ he stated.

Looking ahead, the SEC Director-General expressed optimism about the Nigerian capital market’s performance in the last quarter of the year, citing the government’s macroeconomic reforms and new legislative frameworks such as the Nigerian Investment and Industry Regulatory Act (NIIRA) 2025 and Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as key catalysts for stability and growth.

‘Markets do not operate in a vacuum; they thrive on stability. With the micro- and macro-economic stability being championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the market is positioned for significant growth. The NIIRA 2025 is a game changer that provides the framework for sustainable expansion,’ he said.

Dr. Agama gave assurances of the SEC’s commitment to promoting transparency, investor confidence, and adherence to international best practices in financial reporting.

He concluded that the SEC’s ongoing reforms, particularly the IFRS 9 transition and the adoption of sustainability standards, form part of a broader agenda to globalize Nigeria’s capital market and ensure wealth creation through a resilient and transparent financial system.

‘We are on a path of progress and growth. The President’s reform agenda is already taking shape, ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market becomes a global reference point for transparency, regulation, and investor confidence,’ he said.

Health and wellness retail giant Medplus has partnered with Mobihealth International to launch nationwide telehealth hubs aimed at providing Nigerians with convenient and affordable access to licensed doctors.

Announcing the collaboration in Lagos, both partners described the initiative as a visionary step toward bringing quality healthcare closer to millions through Medplus outlets across the country.

According to the partners, the Medplus-Mobihealth Telehealth partnership bridges the gap between pharmacy visits and doctor consultations, enhancing patient care and convenience.

‘Through this strategic alliance, customers across more than 140 Medplus stores in 19 states can now walk in to consult doctors virtually, access genuine medications, and receive prompt primary healthcare,’ they said.

Founder and CEO of Medplus, Mrs. Joke Bakare, said the partnership represents a transformative step in healthcare delivery.

‘Our collaboration with Mobihealth ensures every Medplus store becomes more than a pharmacy – it’s now a gateway to timely, affordable, and trusted healthcare services,’ she stated.

Similarly, Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, described the initiative as a major milestone in expanding healthcare access across Nigeria.

‘By embedding telehealth hubs in Medplus stores, we’re empowering people to consult doctors anytime, anywhere, at an affordable rate – with guaranteed access to genuine medications,’ Adewara said.

The partnership will feature in-store telehealth booths equipped with diagnostic tools for virtual consultations, e-prescriptions filled on-site or delivered to patients’ homes, and seamless access to medical care.

Designed to serve both busy urban dwellers and underserved populations, the initiative aims to reduce wait times, lower costs, and make quality healthcare accessible nationwide.

Obviously, food is important to terrorists because it energises them. Therefore, it makes sense to arrest people who supply food items to them, and also seize food items being transported to them.

The Chief of Military Public Information Office, Lt. Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, said in a statement that personnel of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), on October 11, intercepted 466 bags of food items, comprising 364 bags of beans and 102 bags of corn. They also arrested ’40 terrorist logistics suppliers’ on a suspected supply route in an operation against terrorist activities in the Lake Chad region, he stated.

He added that troops of 68 Battalion on a joint patrol with the Civilian Joint Task Force in the Mallam Fatori- Bandamari- Bari – Korarawon area, discovered and confiscated 12 bags of fish and nine donkeys allegedly used to carry supplies to terrorists in the Lake Chad basin region.

There are questions that demand answers. For how long have the arrested alleged suppliers been transporting food items to terrorists using the suspected routes? Why were they not caught before now? What will happen to them after their arrest?

Notably, the police, last year, had accused some arrested terrorism-related suppliers of criminal conspiracy. There is no doubt that such suppliers help terrorists to sustain their criminal activities. The fight against terrorism should be not only against terrorists but also those who aid them.

Such arrests should be a means of gathering intelligence that would advance the country’s fight against terrorism. It is not enough to arrest suppliers. Such arrests should lead to the capture of terrorists.

In a case that grabbed the headlines last year, the Force Intelligence Bureau -Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT) arrested members of a group that allegedly supplied drugs, bread and other food items to bandits operating in Zaria, Kaduna State and its environs.

They were apprehended at the Rigachikun base following a tip-off, and revealed that they usually supplied bread to bandits at Galadimawa, Damari, Kidandan and Awala camps in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, Kaduna State. One of them said they also supplied information to bandits which helped their kidnapping and cattle rustling operations.

Bakery owner Hassan Magaji, who was arrested, said: ‘The boom in my business began when I started supplying bread to bandits.’ He had an agreement with them that they would pay upfront for their bread supplies, and he made good profit doing business with them. ‘They started with bread worth N20, 000 and gradually increased it to N50, 000 a day,’ he said, adding that he made as much as N150,000 a week ‘after removing the cost of the ingredients.’

Nothing was heard about the food suppliers and their criminal customers after the report. There have also been reported arrests of suppliers of arms to bandits. Even, in one striking case, a housewife identified as Maryam Abubakar, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested for allegedly supplying women, including her daughters and nieces, to bandits in Galadimawa forest to satisfy their sexual needs. Lamentably, these arrests led nowhere.

The point bears repeating: It is pointless announcing the arrest of terrorism enablers, whether they are suppliers of drugs, food items, weapons or sex, if such arrests lead nowhere. Arresting suppliers should not be an end in itself, but should be a means to an end, which is the arrest of those who receive the supplies.

The large number of bags of beans, maize and fish seized from suspected suppliers recently can be said to suggest a great number of terrorists. Fighting terrorism must go beyond arresting suppliers. They should be tried and penalised. But ultimately, terrorists should be caught, prosecuted and punished.