Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect.

The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute.

The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure.

Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads: ‘We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello

The Coca-Cola Company says the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has approved the sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) to UAC of Nigeria PLC (UAC), and the transaction has now been closed.

This follows the July 30, 2025 announcement of an agreement for the sale of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited), a leading Nigerian food and beverage company with market-leading brands in value-added dairy and juice.

‘We are pleased to have received regulatory approval for this transaction,’ said Eelco Weber, Managing Director of Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited). ‘We look forward to a smooth transition and to seeing Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) thrive under UAC’s ownership.’

Group Managing Director of UAC, Fola Aiyesimoju, commented: ‘We are excited to officially welcome the Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) team and brands into the UAC family, and we are eager to work together to build on their strong legacy and market leadership.’

Actress Laide Bakare has addressed the controversy surrounding the recent comments about introducing her 17-year-old daughter to nightlife.

In an interview with content creator Mr. Lilgaga, Laide revealed that she took her daughter to a club for the first time at 17, expressing pride the daughter would remember her as the one who introduced her to such experiences.

She said: ‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing.’

Her remarks triggered widespread criticism, with many online condemning the actress for seemingly endorsing alcohol consumption and clubbing for a minor.

In response, Laide took to Instagram on Saturday to clarify her stance.

She emphasised that she did not introduce her daughter to alcohol, only to the club environment, as a way to give her controlled exposure to nightlife in preparation for adulthood.

She wrote, ‘No pls, I didn’t do Alcohol with @simlineboss only club and it’s just to give her a bit of exposure towards the future. I’m not as bad as you think. Don’t forget she is still a minor. A teenager with robust figure’.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is playing a crucial role in building Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure, DPI

The commission has partnered different government agencies to enhance identity management, payment systems, and data exchange over time to actualize this goal

The DPI framework utilises data from NIMC and the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) to facilitate secure access to public services

President Bola Tinubu has also reaffirmed his commitment to this initiative, emphasizing its importance in driving national development and ensuring access to essential services

According to the president, the government is building digital public infrastructure, DPI to ascertain the basic needs of people across the country

He has acknowledged that without DPI, his focus in the areas of food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation and access to capital, inclusivity, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption which forms the eight point agenda will not be realized

‘That is why we are committed to supporting NIMC to ensure the harmonization of our identity to enable our people have access to basic social amenities that we are providing for the people’ said the president who spoke at a recent event in Abuja

He underscored the importance of data identity protection urging the commission not to relent in its task of harmonizing the nation’s database

The president, represented by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume spoke late last year at NIMC’s 6th National day of Identity Conference in Abuja where the commission also reaffirmed its commitment to providing secure identity services and protecting the citizens’ data, given its mandate as Nigeria’s foundational identity provider.

In pursuit of this goal, the commission has implemented enhanced measures to safeguard the information stored in its National Identity Database.

These actions align with the commitment outlined by the Director General, DG Abisoye Coker Odusote, upon assuming office in August 2023

The DG herself has, on different occasions, underscored the need for the commission to collaborate with relevant security agencies to uphold the utmost data security standards and regulatory compliance.

‘As part of these new security protocols, all Licensed Verification Agents, Front End Partners (FEPs), and Diaspora FEPs will undergo rigorous security vetting to ensure adherence to global best practices in identity management. Any FEPs in violation will face sanctions by established regulations and the nation’s laws. ‘

Furthermore, NIMC affirms that law enforcement authorities have been authorized to crack down on and apprehend individuals involved in online schemes targeting citizens’ data from other sources.

This follows numerous reports regarding fraudulent online platforms compelling Nigerians to submit their personal information for National Identification Number, NIN modification, or enrollment services.

Also of importance to NIMC’s task in accomplishing its role is birth registration, which fosters development to which NIMC and the National Population Commission, NPC are collaborating to actualize

In Engr. Coker’s view, the NPC must be commended for accelerating and digitalizing birth registration, assuring that her office will continue to be a veritable partner in spearheading the country’s social and educational re-engineering

While speaking during one of the partnership meetings, the NIMC boss said, ‘Birth registration is not only important for the individual; it is also crucial for the development of the nation.’ Digital birth and NIN registration will scale up access to government education, health care, and other social benefits not only to the child but to all Nigerians’

She also maintained that birth registration is a fundamental right and a key component of the nation’s developmental plans.

Coker solicited the support of civil society and international partners for the success of the initiative and added that NIMC would continue to provide seamless NIN registration for Nigerians, most especially children below the age of 16 years.

The importance of welfare of workers can not be over emphasized in achieving an organization’s mandate.

It is in this regard that NIMC under the leadership of Eng. Coker has cleared all outstanding payments owed to the Front End Partners, FEPs for all enrolment that successfully hit the database and generated the National Identification Numbers, NINs

The FEPs were contracted in 2021 by the Erstwhile administration through the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to scale up enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN). However, the FEPs were only paid for one year of enrollment activities.

As part of the process of paying the outstanding money, all the FEPs were subjected to a revalidation exercise to ensure they met internationally acceptable standards, adhered to compliance, and followed best ethical practices

After the revaluation exercise, NIMC, with the support of the Identity for Development, ID4D, and the World Bank, began the process for the payment of the outstanding NIN enrolment money owed to the FEPs

The outstanding money was not part of the World Bank-funded NIN Enrolment project.

The NIN Enrolment between 2021 and 2024 by the FEPs was a stop-gap measure approved by the erstwhile Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to scale up NIN enrolment pending the commencement of the World Bank/ID4D project.

NIMC, through the ID4D and the World Bank, subsequently paid all the outstanding money after the thorough evaluation.

‘ I extend our deepest appreciation to the entire leadership of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for your unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare and operational efficiency of enrollment partners, particularly the proactive efforts in addressing and offsetting the backlog of payments for 2022 to date’ said the managing director of one of the partners

The MD of Slogani, Vincent Emiowele further commended the commission saying ”NIMC Management, most especially the DG/CEO, should be commended for the payment of all the outstanding money owed to the FEPs; it is timely and highly appreciated ‘

The DG also expressed her gratitude to the FEPs and the Commission’s stakeholders for their support and dedication in populating the National Identity Database NIDB

NIMC’s importance and critical role in populating the NIDB can not be over emphasized, which is the reason why the National Assembly, NASS has also deemed it fit to strengthen its role

To this end, NASS has commenced a legislative exercise to repeal the 2007 NIMC Establishment Act to enact a new bill to strengthen the regulatory function of the commission.

The new bill is aimed at ensuring the efficacy and inclusivity of the Identity Management System.

According to the head, Corporate Communications Unit of NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, the amendments seek to fortify the foundational framework of the commission and its operations by expanding the scope of registrable persons.

‘This updated and comprehensive bill embodies several proposed amendments designed to improve the effectiveness and inclusivity of the Nigeria ID system.

‘The benefit to the country is a more comprehensive and inclusive identification system, which enhances national security, facilitates efficient service and promotes financial inclusion,’ Adegoke said

‘The bill also aims to streamline the sharing of personal data, incorporating robust data protection measures to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data and foster trust among citizens in the handling of their information. He.added

Other benefits of the bill is to enhance NIMC’s administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely and accurate compliance with ID registration requirements.

‘The NIMC repeal and enactment bill, when passed into law, will lead to a more streamlined registration process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing the reliability of the Nigeria ID System.’

Chelsea captain Reece James makes his long-awaited return to the starting XI and is expected to feature in midfield as the Blues host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo retains his ever-present record in the Premier League this season, while Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, and Alejandro Garnacho also start.

João Pedro leads the line once again for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, while academy defender Landon Emenalo earns a place on the bench alongside Romeo Lavia, who continues his comeback from injury.

Chelsea Starting XI: Robert Sánchez; Malo Gusto, Bashiru Acheampong, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Reece James (c), Moisés Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho; João Pedro.

Substitutes: Lucas Bergström Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina, Jorrel Hato, Landon Emenalo, Romeo Lavia, Facundo Buonanotte, Jamie Gittens, Estevão Willian, Marc Guiu.

For Liverpool, Giorgi Mamardashvili starts in goal behind a backline of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. The midfield trio consists of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Cody Gakpo form the attacking trio.

Liverpool Starting XI: Giorgi Mamardashvili; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo.

Substitutes: Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson, Wataru Endo, Florian Wirtz, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike.

Social media is agog with the promise of actress, Queeneth Agbor, to feed 1,000 inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The event is scheduled for 9, October, 2025

Agbor, who has featured in over 40 movies and collaborated with prominent Nollywood figures, said she decided to celebrate her birthday in a purposeful way by giving hope to the 1,000 inmates.

She said: ‘ Through one meal at a time at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, with the theme; ‘Strength Beyond Walls.’ This theme resonates with resilience and inner fortitude, perfect for marking a special day in a unique setting.’

Expected at the event are top Nollywood stars, family members, associates and well-wishers.

A foremost Ifa oracle priest, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, on Friday, advocated worship of deities and ancestors as a means to preserve the Yoruba culture and traditions.

The priest, during the 2025 Annual Symposium of Ifayemi Elebuibon Annual Symposium (IFEAS) themed, ‘Veneration/Worshipping Of The Ancestors: Its Place In Iseee Religion,’ noted that preservation of the culture would engender development in Yoruba land.

He, however, noted that the symposium was not to condemn or criticise other religions, but to underscore the importance of Yoruba culture.

His words, ‘We should not neglect where we are from, and we should always cherish our heritage. It has contributed a lot to the culture. The symposium is not criticising other religions, it is bringing more understanding about all Yoruba traditional religions.

‘We must not forget our deities and ancestors, we must worship them so that they can continue to bless us, which will go a long way in bringing development into the land.’

He added that the connection of the Yoruba people with their roots was fundamental; hence, it must not be neglected.

One of the speakers, Chief Komolafe Wande, gave his insight, insisting that Yoruba can preserve their culture by making sure their language, naming of children, mode of dressing, and Yoruba names should never derail.

Members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis in Ibadanland, Senators, politicians, were among those who attended the coronation jumat thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The event, held on Friday at Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, was part of the weeklong activities for the coronation of Oba Ladoja.

Recall that Oba Ladoja, a former Senator and former governor of Oyo State, was given Staff and Instrument of Office as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, by Governor Seyi Makinde last Friday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

In his remark at the coronation jumat thanksgiving, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes of Ibadanland to support the new monarch to have a successful reign as Olubadan.

The cleric said people should not distract the monarch so that he can focus on the progress and development of the ancient city.

He described Oba Ladoja as a leader, well respected man, whose pedigree and antecedent speak volumes in and outside Ibadanland.

He said, ‘Individuals must see themselves as a leader, a leader starts from the family, a leader should be accountable for the way he or she leads.’

Highlights of the event include a prayer for the successful reign of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland and the presentation of gifts to Oba Ladoja.

Dignitaries at the event include the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, and Senator Sharafadeen Ali.

Others are: Senator Fatai Buhari; Former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and the Coordinator of Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, among others.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) decision to clear over $7 billion unsettled FX backlogs raised investors’ confidence in the economy, supporting dollar inflows and foreign reserves accretion, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has announced.

He spoke yesterday at the Inaugural Lagos Business School Lecture Theme: ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building’ held in Lagos.

The CBN boss said although he had no idea where the funds for the backlog clearance would come from when he assumed office, he believed it was the right thing to do, and gave investors his word.

He said: ‘Credibility is at the heart of any central bank. If you don’t have credibility, people do not trust you and they do not invest in your economy. When I took office, I made a promise we would pay the backlog, the verifiable backlog of monies that were owed by Nigeria to third parties.’

‘And it was, at the time, estimated at over $7 billion US dollars. And to be honest with you, I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I just felt it was not something to be negotiated.’

Cardoso explained that Nigeria needed to ensure that its integrity is maintained.

He said the apex bank started with a forensic audit to understand the issues better and based on the recommendations, the backlog of foreign exchange transactions was paid, which was a huge sacrifice.

He explained that as a going concern, the CBN knows that if it expected people to continue to trust and invest in our economy, you’ve got to keep your promises.

‘I have no idea in my mind either that that particular action contributed in no small way, and it may not appear to many as such, but it contributed in no small way to the rise in foreign exchange reserves that we have been able to acknowledge,’ he stated.

Cardoso said the increased forex liquidity has supported naira stability and made it easier for many commercial banks to approve use of their naira-debit cards abroad.

He said the use of naira-debit cards abroad is definitely a step in the right direction. It’s transformative. It is here to stay, and you can be sure that going forward, you will continue to see this kind of initiative in the country.

He said ‘the event marks the first edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor’s Lecture, part of our new Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Series.

‘This platform is a deliberate effort to bridge policy and practice, and to nurture a culture of informed, values-driven leadership. It is also the first of what we hope will become a series of engagements with institutions of higher learning across Nigeria,’ he said.

Cardoso disclosed that when he assumed office as Governor in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced formidable headwinds.

‘Inflation was spiraling, external reserves were strained, investor confidence was shaken, and nearly every macroeconomic indicator was under pressure.

It was a moment that demanded not just technical skill, but leadership rooted in courage, credibility, and accountability. We had to act decisively,’ he said.

To rein in inflation, the CBN tightened policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

‘We restored orthodoxy by halting central bank financing of government beyond statutory limits and re-anchoring monetary policy on its core mandate. On foreign exchange, we introduced a willing-buyer, willing-seller framework, unified exchange rate windows, and cleared the backlog of verifiable FX commitments, restoring market confidence,’ he said.

‘We strengthened reserves, now standing above $42 billion, and created new channels for diaspora remittances and investments, including the Non-Resident BVN platform, which allows Nigerians abroad to open accounts seamlessly from anywhere in the world,’ he said.

Continuing, he said the real task is to ensure that these hard-won gains translate into durable prosperity, especially for the next generation. And this is where leadership becomes critical.

‘That said, we cannot also ignore the reality that life remains hard for many Nigerians, nor deny that leadership has sometimes fallen short. Yet reputation matters. When it falters, confidence weakens and opportunities narrow, but when it is rebuilt, confidence returns, capital flows, and stability takes root.

‘I have seen this at the Central Bank, where restoring credibility has opened new possibilities. And it is you, the next generation of Nigerians, who will carry this reputation forward, shaping how our nation is seen, and showing the world a nation that is resilient, creative, and determined to rise,’ he stated.

Singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has stirred reactions after disclosing that she was once a member of the Illuminati.

The revelation came during her appearance on the OffAir Podcast with Gbemi and Toolz, where the ‘Right Now’ crooner openly admitted to joining the controversial group.

‘That’s when I was in the Illuminati. That’s when I joined the Illuminati,’ she said, sparking wide conversations online.

Seyi Shay added that contrary to popular belief, it is not fans who know the most about such affiliations but insiders in the entertainment industry, suggesting that much goes on behind the scenes that the public may not be aware of.

Her comments quickly went viral, drawing mixed responses. While some listeners doubted her claim, others applauded her for speaking candidly about a topic often wrapped in secrecy and conspiracy theories.

Clips of the interview have been widely circulated on social media but the full context of her statements has yet to be released.