Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The need for technological deployment in teaching pedagogies in meeting the challenges of 21 century education was the thrust of the maiden international conference by the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

The three-day conference by the University’s College of Languages and Communication Arts Education (COLCAED), was entitled: ‘Language, Literature, Communication and Education in a Changing World: Innovations, Challenges and the Future’.

It was held at the Epe campus of the university, featuring participants from the academia who shared ideas and compared notes. At the conference, scholars all agreed that tertiary institutions particularly in Africa must acknowledge the significance of technology as an indispensable tool for effective learning.

The keynote speaker and a professor of Linguistics at University of Ibadan, Francis Egbokhare, noted that gone were those days when knowledge dissemination was strictly restricted to the classroom. He said that today, there are legions of online learners who only attend virtual classes from many institutions across the world, adding that one could hardly draw a line between such people and those who attend conventional institutions.

While praising COLCAED for the theme, Egbokhare said LASUED as a new institution, could leverage on this opportunity to unleash her great potential.

He said: ‘You (LASUED) need to invest in e-learning in order to broaden the scope of those that can take your courses.

In that way, people will not have to relocate on your campus to learn. And you can as well do micro credentially. What that means basically is that a lot of skill training that compels people to leave their jobs will no longer be there. Moreover, technology reduces training cost because it upscales the number of people who can participate. I enjoin you to operate a university without walls which simply means a tech-based institution. With this, you will have more students that will not only generate revenue (for LASUED), but also broaden the scope of the digital revolution that is taking place globally.’

Egbokhare said with open-source technology, many poorly funded public institutions in Nigeria and beyond may no longer have to bother as they can leverage open-source technology which takes away the financial cost that comes with acquiring technology tools.

‘There is open-source technology and open-source software which is meant for people to develop things freely and access high quality contents online that are in open-source format. Therefore the absence of funding is no longer a big excuse. So I’ll advise that you start with open-source and you can then begin to create your own proprietary materials. For instance, if you go to the Commonwealth of Learning platform, you will find millions of resources that you can not only use but also adapt. The second thing is AI (Artificial Intelligence). There are some free AI tools you can use to create the frames for developing your course materials,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker Jane Setter, a Professor Phonetics at the University of Reading, United Kingdom who spoke on the topic: ‘English Pronunciation for a Global World’, said the importance of pronunciation could not be underestimated

In her virtual lecture, Setter said pronunciation contributes to success in other aspects such as speaking, listening, vocabulary learning and reading.

Setter argued that a learner could be intelligent, yet unable to retain a non-native speaker accent. She therefore advocated that a learner’s inability to retain a native speaker accent should not be a benchmark for appraising his or her intellectual level.

The Vice Chancellor of LASUED Prof Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Morudeen Adeniyi Shittu, stressed the university’s readiness to implement whatever resolutions that evolved from the conference.

He said: ‘Whatever the outcome of this conference, we are going to work towards its realisation. The management will work with the various presentations and I can assure you the communique arising from this conference shall be implemented to the letter.

‘If you look at other universities, they have faculty of Arts, and Humanities. But here in LASUED, Humanities is separate from the Languages. Here, we want to use language to connect to other aspects of knowledge, so we can collaborate and become one.’

Chairman Local Organising Committee of the conference Prof. Kikelomo Adeniyi said: ‘We observe that there has been deployment of technology in language, literature and communication. We therefore feel that as a teacher training institution, we need to keep people abreast of modern trends and ameliorate challenges associated with the use of these technologies.

Dean of COLCAED Prof Ojetunde Cecilia Folasade said teachers should be trained to use technology.

‘Besides, students should be better motivated to use these tools beyond social media. Students should also understand that technologies can help improve learning, as well as advancement in knowledge,’ she added.

A participant Dr Ganiu Bamgbose of the Lagos State University(LASU) noted that the fascinating thing about the conference is the different pedagogical interventions on how language, literature and communication can be better taught especially in the 21st century using technology.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said more governors from the opposition parties were putting finishing touches to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ruling party.

He said Nigerians were already seeing many achievements of the Tinubu administration across all sectors.

Akpabio stated this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, titled: Ten Years of Impactful Leadership of The APC Administration In Nigeria, written by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and the inauguration of projects by President Tinubu in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Senator Akpabio said: ‘Mr. President, with what you have done in the last two years, get ready to receive more governors from the opposition parties. As I speak, there are several governors in Nigeria today who are ready to be received by you.’

The Senate President noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the positive outcomes of President Tinubu’s reforms and were acknowledging them.

He added: ‘The students, farmers, and businessmen are all speaking on the various reforms you have brought into governance, which are now yielding results in the overall interest and benefit of the people.

‘If we say it, they will accuse us of rubber-stamping your achievements, but the beneficiaries are the ones talking about what you have done.

‘I believe strongly in development and progress. I thank Governor Uzodimma for deciding to put history in writing, in his 10 years of impactful leadership of the APC administration in Nigeria.

‘If you don’t tell your story, others will tell it for you. Progressiveness is not in words; it is in action. The quality of works done by the governor is of high quality and the people of Imo State must be very, very excited.’

Akpabio recalled that when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom State 18 years ago, he was already a progressive, based on the projects he executed.

The Senate President congratulated his host and the national leadership of the party for achievements of the party in the last 10 years.

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has officially announced the new kick-off date, venue, and fixtures for the 2025 NWFL Nationwide.

The championship is now scheduled to take place from October 10 to 17, 2025, at the Bwari Township Stadium in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi confirmed in a statement released on Independence Day, that the competition will feature ten teams divided into two groups of five. She described the tournament as a critical platform for emerging clubs seeking to advance through the league structure.

‘The Nationwide competition remains a vital platform for clubs across the country to showcase their potential and progress through the league system. We are committed to ensuring it is competitive, transparent, and successful,’ Shabi said.

The schedule will begin with the arrival of teams and a pre-match technical meeting on October 10, followed by the start of matches on October 11. Fixtures will continue on October 13, 14, 16, and 17, with October 12 and 15 designated as rest days.

Stressing the tournament’s importance for women’s football development in Nigeria, Shabi added: ‘At the end of the tournament, the two best teams from each group will be promoted to the NWFL Championship, which is a huge motivation for all the participating clubs.’

‘We wish all the clubs the very best of luck and look forward to an exciting week of women’s football in the Federal Capital Territory.’

The groups include Osklean FC (Rivers State), Rangers Women FC (Enugu State), Plateau Queens FC (Plateau State), DreamStars Ladies FC (Lagos State), and C2E Sports Academy (Abia State) in Group A.

Group B consists of Sporting Angels FC (Rivers State), Alexander Queens FC (Enugu State), Rosaria Victrix FC (Imo State), NAF Queens FC (Abuja), and Solo Wonders FC (Akwa Ibom State).

Just as well, some breakthrough: in the crunch between the gutsy suicidal and the ruthless executioner, as the Yoruba would call it.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), plucky union, just faced down Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, biggest single-tranche crude oil refinery in the world and employers that take no prisoners! It wasn’t pretty!

Who blinked first? At what cost to the delicate economy? Even with the truce, what impact on inflation, which trend-down, for months now, has signified a cool-off of the economy, pending a healthier re-take-off, following very painful reforms?

Will soaring energy costs return the economy to higher inflation, since petrol and diesel remain core to fuelling and powering the economy?

Has the shock been arrested before real harm was done? Kudos to the Federal Government for moving in fast, appealing to the good sense of both combatants!

Still, the fundamentals are awry. Local refining couldn’t have drawn a stormier re-entry. The old is giving way to the new. But the new not yet able to kick out stock, old practices! That’s the ugly lacuna playing out.

PENGASSAN and NUPENG, beyond their unionist do-gooding, stand accused of strong-arm tactics. That suggests many of their screeches are fired more by illicit cream-offs, than by members’ protection and welfare.

That intera-union cabal, PENGASSAN foes love to allege, is so powerful that even their members are unsure which is worse: the parasitic union or the overarching employer. It’s the classic choice between the red devil and the blue sea!

On Dangote. Lovers of its refinery, touting it a nationalistic downstream rescue, fend off the budding monopolist charge, which its foes hang on its neck. Fair enough.

Still, like Microsoft’s Bill Gates, not even the most fanatical of Dangote’s fans would deny it rather loves to compete – and win! Without robust anti-trust checks – the same tools the US government used to checkmate Microsoft – petroleum downstream monopoly might just blight the market. That’s hardly desirable.

In other words, aside tackling this immediate clash, the Federal Government must put in place doughty anti-trust regulations, for the strategic wellness of that oil sub-sector. But robust anti-trust checks begin with diversifying the local supply of refined products. So, as many refineries as possible should be aided to fight for market share against Dangote Refinery.

But back to the present huff. Both PENGASSAN and Dangote should learn to always tow the middle line. Inasmuch as PENGASSAN blockage of crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery was extreme – indeed, near-anarchic – the refinery’s sack of 800 workers, under the guise of ‘reorganization’, is both suspect and the height of corporate sophistry.

While PENGASSAN should resist the urge to always go for broke, Dangote should be wary of throwing around its weight as the dominant – nay, near-sole – local crude refiner.

The Federal Government should commit all local crude oil refining players to healthy compromises. Otherwise, energy security, a critical gain of its painful reforms, would go up in smoke!

Carloha Nigeria has unveiled Chery Tiggo 9 SUV and CarlohaCare brand in Lagos.

The firm said its goal is to ease access to modern mobility while improving after-sales.

Managing Director, Mr. Sola Adigun, said CarlohaCare 6-6-7 initiative offers six years warranty, six years free scheduled maintenance, and a seven-day repair with a courtesy car guarantee.

Speaking on Chery’s global success and technology, Adigun said Chinese innovation is redefining the auto sector.

He said Chery, China’s largest vehicle exporter, has five million exports underscoring global confidence and acceptance of the brand.

He stressed that Nigerian customers can experience the same quality recognised in over 80 countries.

Adigun reiterated Carloha’s investment in human capital, highlighting efforts to train Nigerian technicians.

He explained that this will ensure every Chery vehicle sold in Nigeria is backed by local expertise and parts availability.

General Manager of Marketing, Mr. Taiwo Akinpelu, said Tiggo 9 is a landmark addition to the SUV market.

He said it combines cutting-edge technology, comfort, and safety standards, making it the most reliable choice in its category.

He added that Carloha’s advanced driver-assist features, robust safety architecture, and luxury design were crafted for families and businesses.

‘Every journey in Tiggo 9 is backed by engineering excellence and CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package, which guarantees value,’ Taiwo said.

Carloha noted that its ambition is to make car ownership more affordable and sustainable.

It announced plans to begin local assembly in 2026 to reduce costs, create jobs, and expand Nigeria’s automotive capacity.

Filmmaker Funke Akindele has responded to a social media troll who mocked her for packing food in the popular ‘yellow and black’ nylon bag.

The critic took to Snapchat to shade the movie star, writing: ‘Aunty Funke you are not posh at all. Why yellow and black nylon?’

Akindele clapped back with sarcasm, saying:

‘Oh maybe I need to go and get plastic bags from Macy’s or Nordstrom. Elenu shipoti, you can come and buy nylon for me. I already blocked you. It’s a privilege for you to be seeing my snap. At least you can see I am an elderly person even if I am not old enough to be your mum. Wide mouth.’

Her response quickly stirred reactions online. Many fans applauded the actress for putting the troll in check.

Others praised her humility, pointing out that even celebrities use regular items like everyone else.

The incident reflects the scrutiny public figures often face on social media, where even simple, everyday choices can attract criticism.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs) to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden National State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheralton Hotel, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme, ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,’ underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents, and the growing threat of climate change.

He stressed that resilience at the national level depends largely on how prepared state-level agencies are to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration has significantly upgraded the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines, and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, the expansion of the Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks, synchronization of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and the closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination, and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

In her remark, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, commended Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units, and building resilient communities. She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive, and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management, and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners, and communities.

She emphasised the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

In his welcome address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of all the SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners, and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery, and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘The Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society, and international partners for their support, stressing that disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with journalists, said the agency has concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute on Saturday, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

On Saturday, we are going to have our Institute of Emergency Management, which will ensure they build capacity, not only in Lagos State, but in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We’ll be sharing capacity, information, and knowledge with international communities. We are collaborating with the International Organization of Migration (IOM).

‘Moreover, we won’t need other people from other countries to come and teach us what we need to do. We will have that institute. We will build the capacity of all our responders.

‘By Saturday, it will be launched, and I am sure they are going to have their first intake by December.’ he said.

He commended the governor for taking ownership of emergency management and providing clear political will to ensure the safety of life and property.

‘We are now looking holistically, we are building the resilience to all the local governments and encouraging all the states to do the same.

‘We did a simulation here today to show the good people of Lagos State that we are capable, that we have the personnel and ability to manage any form of emergency or disaster in the state. We also did it to showcase the kind of sophisticated equipment that we have, like the light-duty and heavy equipment.

‘We want our people to know that we have the biceps to work 24 hours, to manage the golden hour very well. We want our people to have confidence in us and develop the right positive attitude towards emergency management. Disaster is everyone’s business.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, are among the dignitaries expected at the launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor’s book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ in Abuja tomorrow.’

According to a statement by Jonah Ejenavi, Chairman of the Book Launch Organizing Committee, President Tinubu is expected as the special guest, while former President Obasanjo will serve as chairman of the occasion, and Bishop Kukah will act as book reviewer.

The 330-page book, divided into 14 chapters and three parts, explores Nigeria’s historical past, unravels the roots of the country’s security challenges, and examines the Boko Haram conundrum, proposing a paradigm shift to establish peace in Nigerian society despite the threat of insurgency.

‘In Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Gen Irabor dissects the Boko Haram conundrum, while proposing solutions to a challenge that threatens the future of Nigeria and other West African states.

‘The bird’s-eye view of Gen Irabor, who led Nigerian forces against one of the biggest threats to his country, offers a deeper understanding of Boko Haram and the insurgency challenge,’ the statement said.

Since emerging in 2002, Boko Haram has unleashed unprecedented violence, destruction, and economic devastation across West Africa, with far-reaching consequences for the region, continent, and globe.

As Nigeria marks its 65th birthday, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, has praised Nigerians for their resilience, urging them to sustain their trust for the government of President Bola Tinubu to continue to meet the yearnings of the people.

In a statement by his media office on Wednesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, said Nigeria was going into its 66th year better than most of the years since Independence.

According to him, the administration at the centre has successfully put the country on the right footing as the citizens would soon begin to see the results of the positive changes that have been brought to the economy.

‘The President has further rekindled our spirits with the Independence Day address in which he reeled out the achievements of his administration in just two years and a few months.

‘Globally-respected economic analysts and experts have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.

‘We have left the most challenging face of economic growth. We are seeing steady improvements in the GDP of the country while inflation continues to drop. These are beautiful signals that our country is on the right path,’ Adewale said.

While urging Nigerians to keep supporting the Federal Government, he tasked the state governors to engage more in people-oriented programmes and policies as well as improve on infrastructure.

‘This is one of the best ways they can justify the allocations to the states which have increased tremendously under President Tinubu’s administration,’ he added.

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEAF) – Phases 1, 2 and 3 – has reiterated total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The ex-agitators made the pledge during a rally to celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and the giant strides by the Tinubu administration to revamp the country in all sectors.

Speaking during the rally in Warri, Delta State, the Forum’s Convener, ‘General’ Emma Satu, said despite the fact that there are some challenges confronting the nation, the last two years under the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had indeed been momentous for Nigeria.

He asserted that the Niger Delta region, in particular, had received immense attention in terms of infrastructure development, road construction, federal appointments, and so many more.

Satu stated that Nigeria had thrived democratically since President Tinubu was elected two years ago, noting that under his watch, Nigeria had taken giant steps through policies targeted at the economy, education, health, infrastructure, power and other key sectors.

Satu stated: ‘You will agree with us that the various policies implemented by Mr President including the subsidy removal on petrol, are all aimed towards making Nigeria a united, progressive, developed, egalitarian and virile nation as well as pride in the comity of African nations and globally.

‘Our support for Mr President stems from the love and concern and sense of belonging that the Niger Delta region enjoys in his administration. The Niger Delta has never had it so good, as we are enjoying a period of peace, stability and development across our region.

‘And that is why we are gathered here on this special occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary to re-echo our total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

‘Despite the fact that there are some challenges confronting us as a nation, the last two years under President Tinubu have indeed been momentous for Nigeria and the Niger Delta region has received immense attention in terms of infrastructural development, road construction, federal appointments, and so much more

‘Ladies and gentlemen, our support for Mr President is borne out of the belief in his impactful leadership and giant strides in every sector since he was elected by the majority of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones of the country in 2023 and we make bold to say that Nigerians, especially the Niger Deltans will rally behind him once again come 2027.

‘For those who are wondering why there have been gales of endorsement of President Tinubu, we wish to state it clearly that our support for Mr President is because he embodies good governance culture, and respect for the rule of law and the Nigerian constitution.

‘In the past two years of his administration, Mr President has manoeuvred turbulent waters to enrich the democratic practice in Nigeria and expanded the frontiers of development across the length and breadth of our great country.

‘We are excited to say that Mr President through his Renewed Hope Agenda, has not only strengthened the unity of Nigeria but promoted peaceful co-existence, stability and development across the nation. His leadership has truly ushered in a new lease of life for all Nigerians, including the people of the Niger Delta.’

The Convener also said Mr President won their hearts, support and love when he entrusted several Niger Delta sons and daughters into key government portfolios in his administration.

He noted: ‘These Niger Deltans are contributing their quota towards achieving the administration’s eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda and the development and growth of this nation. ‘Indeed we are proud of all of them because they are representing us very well as worthy ambassadors.

‘Mr President, of all your appointments, one particular one stands out and that is the appointment of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP. ‘Through this appointment, you have given us a huge sense of belonging and we are happy and grateful to you because giant strides have been recorded by the PAP Administrator.

‘We also applaud the President for the support so far given to Dr. Otuaro, especially in the area of prompt release of funds for smooth-running of the Amnesty Office which we believe is the catalyst for the remarkable success of the programme.’