Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) has urged the Lagos House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill.

This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, with the theme: ‘Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community’ at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

She added that the bill when signed into law ‘will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.’

She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

She said: ‘The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources’.

Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

She said: ‘It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

‘This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.’

She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

‘The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,’ she said.

The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would restore public confidence in the electoral process.

The group also described his historic appointment as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

A statement on Thursday in Abuja by the Chairman of NENF, Dr. Dominic Alancha, said the appointment reflects a commitment to meritocracy and national inclusiveness.

The statement reads: ‘As a Forum believes he will steer the Commission with independence, transparency, and excellence at a time when our democracy requires bold, ethical, and visionary leadership.

‘The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum also wishes to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this strategic and commendable choice, as well as to the Council of State for their endorsement and support of Prof. Amupitan’s nomination.

‘This decision demonstrates a clear commitment by the current administration to electoral reform, national unity, and competent leadership across all arms of governance.

‘We believe this appointment will inspire confidence among Nigerians, particularly the youth, and the organised civil society and serve as a catalyst for a more credible, technologically advanced, and peaceful electoral process in the years to come.

‘We are especially proud that this appointment reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the deep well-being of talent and integrity that exists within the North-central region and among its diverse ethnic nationalities. Prof. Amupitan stands as a shining example of the excellence that our region contributes to national development.

‘As stakeholders in the democratic project, we call on all Nigerians-regardless of region, ethnicity, or political affiliation-to support Prof. Amupitan, as he embarks on this crucial national assignment.

‘Once again, we congratulate Prof. Joash Amupitan, and we assure him of our prayers and unwavering support in his quest to reposition INEC as a truly independent and trusted institution.’

Every deadly storm starts with a drizzle. Thus, Nigerians must exercise greater caution in their civic agitation, lest they are slaughtered as sacrificial lambs by rights activists baiting a revolutionary flood.

Let us be guided by the parable of the maleficent rainmaker, who summons the rain from his safe spot at the mountaintop, knowing only the valleys below will get submerged in flood.

Right now, it is pouring slogans and expletives at the summit of Nigeria’s civic space. Leading the proceedings are civic actors luring Nigerians to frolic in their rub-a-dub of rage. Think of them as witch-doctors inciting the populace into a primordial dance with unknown gods; when the beat segues to a bloody tempo of rage, they will disappear without a trace. As the consequences manifest, no magical chant will save us.

Every revolution, in the end, manifests with a torrent of storms: protracted anarchy, maniacal rape of women and children, ethnoreligious conflict, and widespread disillusionment. They will not tell you it’s a trap.

Any patriot inciting you to violent insurrection must be seen and treated as an enemy of the people. There is a reason the ‘woke’ activist affects a dramatic rage tailored for camera lights. His visions of social justice are often conceived, like a blind Homer, fiddling epic arcs of cinematic light. Always camera-ready, his every thought and action seem streamlined for media coverage.

This is their familiar modus operandi: a failed politician, NGO-entrepreneur or crusading journalist likens himself to a rights activist cum revolutionary. His followers call him a truth-sayer and the voice of the youth. Thus, several youths idolise him. He is the romanticised revolutionary, who transfigures by patriotic ecstasy and defeats all odds hurled at him by the predatory ruling class.

To achieve this, he assures them that Nigeria must implode and, through that implosion, welcome him as the messiah who would rescue all from the stranglehold of the incumbent political class. But for a snag, this romanticised revolutionary is also a predator.

His activism is funded, inspired by shady non-profits and diplomatic actors, and supported from the war rooms of intelligence agencies abroad and foreign consulates on Nigerian soil.

Like a situational hero sculpted of spunk and spittle, this self-styled patriot-activist invites the ambling spectator and spiritless wanderer to admire his votive rant against the incumbent political class. No doubt, there is a lot to accuse every incumbent government of. History, by default, absolves him of his righteous rage, as Nigeria wilts to policy failure, unemployment, nepotism, farmer-herdsman conflict, organised crime, ethnoreligious carnage, terrorism – all ushering the country to the precipice. Nonetheless, the ageing leadership hold tenaciously to power, never letting go. When they do let go, they reinsert themselves via stooges, their children and sworn associates.

This is what the revolutionnaire promises to dispel. In his world, citizenry angst and disillusionment with the ruling class are frantically poked into patriotic rage. Thus, he turns disgruntled citizens into pawns. And this is how he creates a cult-following. It’s frantic populism at its finest.

In time, there is a split. There is always a split, as the masses soon find out, as they did during the Arab Spring, that regime change through violent protest is never what it’s cracked up to be.

Revolutions throw up hierarchies, thus new castes are dramatised in the noisy climax of every sloganeer. The castes are scary. Rather than sound off on a fallacy, Nigerian youths will do well to sensitise themselves to a more visionary, peaceful revolution, founded on altruistic ideals. And this brings us to the quality of youth mooting #RevolutionNow, #10DaysofRage, among others.

Federal interventions can play a critical role in state accountability; state access to local and international funds must be tied to certain performance benchmarks in delivering public services and meeting financial obligations. Poor-performing states should see reductions in allocations or a complete loss of aid, with those funds redirected to responsible local governments or projects.

President Tinubu’s bid to decentralise power by strengthening local governments with more control over statutory funds is laudable, but even this measure seems dead on delivery, no thanks to sabotage by state governors.

Yet, while the ruling class has much to answer for, the citizenry, especially the more literate and insightful among us, must display greater tact and caution in our push for social justice. Journalists and rights activists, in particular, must desist from inciting the populace and inflaming the polity with partisan views and fabrications.

They must understand that the dubious demagogues pulling their strings-those who lost at the 2023 elections-have second and third addresses abroad. If Nigeria implodes, they will flee, leaving us to bear the brunt of the chaos they helped incite.

And no foreign intervention is worth our attention if it comes seeded with carnage. Nigerians must wholeheartedly refute and avoid the discursive mechanisms through which they seek public support for the cause – be it #10DaysofRage, #RevolutionNow, #EndSARS or #OurMumuDonDo – their language of revolt often buries the possibility of citizen death and a descent to worse conditions of living.

Of course, Nigerians possess the inalienable right to protest against perceived oppression and governance failure. But whenever and wherever this must be done, it must be done right. The language of civic activism must never be used as a political and cultural tool to validate and make mass atrocities socially acceptable.

A Nigerian, Mr. Francis Adewale, has assumed office as the new President of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).

The WSBA President, elected last month, hails from Ilesa in Osun State.

Adewale will lead the organization which regulates and serves nearly 40,000 legal professionals for the next one year.

A statement by Communications Manager of WSBA, Jennifer Olegario, said: ‘Adewale’s career has been defined by his staunch advocacy for the rights of all, particularly in Eastern Washington, where he has practiced movement lawyering and served with the City of Spokane Public Defender’s Office since 2000. He brings a brand of leadership that is focused on the needs of both the legal community and the public.

‘As president, I want every legal practitioner in Washington to know that I see you-the WSBA sees you-and we’ve got your back,’ Adewale said.

‘Together we will-in the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-continue to bend the arc of justice.’

The statement added that Adewale’s commitment is evidenced by his roles on key organizations, including the Washington State Access to Justice Board, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and the Spokane Homeless Coalition.

Adewale is also a Fellow of the Washington Leadership Institute (WLI) and a two-time former WSBA treasurer.

WSBA Executive Director, Terra Nevitt commended Adewale’s leadership, saying, ‘We are so lucky to have such a committed advocate and salt-of-the-Earth human being like Francis lead our organization over the next year. In this pivotal moment for our profession, I can think of few people better suited to guide the WSBA toward being a more dedicated and responsive organization for our members and the communities in which we live.’

Omniversity Imperial College, Missouri, USA has conferred Doctor of Practice and Professor of Practice degrees, on some multi-talented, highly resourceful, erudite and impact -making innovators .Appointment of the President, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Governing Council was also made by Prof. Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale

The event which was held at the De Rembrandt Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, Lagos, was tagged: ‘2025 African Education Roundtable and Qualifications Conferment’.

It had as its thought-provoking theme: ‘Recognizing Competence: Practice -Based Qualifications, Accreditation of Prior Experimental Learning ( APEL ),Skill Recognition ( SR ) and ISO-Certified Credentials (ICC) as Tools for African and Economic Revamp’.

The event doubled as a gathering of intellectuals and a call to action for educational reform, economic advancement and the recognition of Africa’s unique contribution to global development.

Akeredolu -Ale, highlighted the vision of the university in creating platforms where knowledge, leadership and practical experience converge to inspire excellence.

‘That brings to the public sphere the importance and imperative of the new narrative of what true knowledge should entail, outside the four walls of the citadels of theoretical knowledge so that its practical demonstration and more so, the impact such makes on the human development index or the quality of life of the beneficiaries and eventually the Nigerian nation and the society at large.

‘Incidentally, these defined the core values and prime objectives of the Omniversity which includes to promote the recognition of competence and experiential learning. Others encapsulate the advancement of ISO-certified educational practices across Africa, fostering discussions on leadership, certification and of course, innovation in education. Not left out are that of creating opportunities for professional recognition through honorary awards and practice based titles, as was brilliantly done today. And the larger picture is to contribute to Africa’s economic and educational revamp through competence validation,’ he stated.

Akeredolu -Ale noted that all the awardees successfully went through a rigorous evaluation process as conducted by the Accreditation Committee that verified the educational quality and equivalency, through the required framework for quality evaluation and assessment assurance and they were able to defend their new qualifications with brilliant submissions and empirical evidence.

In a similar vein, others who bagged Professor of Practice include, Dr Anthony Abiola Allen in Forensic Criminology and Investigation, Dr Happiness Ndidi Obioha in Cybersecurity, Dr Priscilla Ndu in Management Finance, and Ladi Akeredolu-Ale in Broadcast Journalism.

Others include Celestine Achi, who bagged Doctor of Practice in AI-powered Public Relations; Samson Sokoya in Integrated Marketing Communications; Oginaike Adedayo in Security Administration and Management; Adedamola Olubode in Environmental Management and Water Innovation Jerome Obada in AI, Data Science, Enterprise Systems and Strategic IT Management and Daisy Ibalafa Jaja in Global Business Leadership and Decision Making.

The Police have suspended the enforcement of the tinted glass permit after being served a court order.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, stated this during an interview on a national television.

She said: ‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict.’

Adeh said some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

The Police have suspended the enforcement of the tinted glass permit after being served a court order.

Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh, stated this during an interview on a national television.

She said: ‘Information reaching me from the office of the PRO is that the order has been received and the enforcement of the tinted permit is now on hold pending the court’s verdict.

‘We are waiting for the verdict. We are not against the courts, and we will continue to wait until we get a verdict.’

Adeh said some criminal activities had been carried out using vehicles with darkened windows.

Adeh also dismissed claims that the enforcement of the old law was designed for revenue generation, especially as payments are directed into a private account belonging to Parkway Projects rather than into a government account.

There has been outcry among Nigerians following the police decision to enforce the 1992 Decree, which became an Act in 2004.

A car owner with tinted glass is expected to pay N14,200 for the permit, which must be renewed annually.

Thousands of Nigerians have been complying while thousands of vehicles have been impounded on the roads by the police for failing to register.

However, a High Court in Delta State last week issued an ex-parte order stopping the enforcement.

The Police initially said they were not aware of the order until the new development.

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has entered into a strategic corporate partnership with the Nigeria Police Force through a new initiative tagged: Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) as part of efforts to build secure communities for young people.

According to NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating safer communities, empowering young people, and addressing the root causes of social vices through preventive and non-kinetic approaches.

Oyerinde said that, as part of the collaboration, NECA will support the police in its forthcoming International Day of the Girl Child Summit 2025, which is billed to hold on Saturday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

The summit, convened by POCACOV under the global theme: ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’ and the Nigerian sub-theme: ‘My Identity, My Power: Creating Safer Spaces for the Nigerian Girl Child’, will bring together over 500 secondary school girls, educators, parents, law enforcement officers, civil society organisations, and media partners.

Oyerinde stated that NECA would, among other things, provide facilitators for mentorship sessions across all requested panels and workshops and grant all participants access to NECA’s AI Fluency Course, delivered in collaboration with Microsoft through the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), enabling them to learn, onboard, and be certified in digital skills.

‘We will also award a one-session scholarship to two outstanding girls, one from the junior class and one from the senior class, to encourage academic excellence and leadership potential; and provide 50 school bags for participating students as part of our contribution to their learning support,’ he added.

He stressed that the summit’s core objectives include equipping girls with leadership and digital skills, providing mentorship from credible female role models, encouraging creative expression by reinforcing the creed ‘My Identity, My Power,’ and strengthening collaboration among schools, families, communities, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Through this partnership, NECA reaffirms its commitment to youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and promoting a safe and enabling environment where every girl can thrive and realise her potential.

Nigeria Union of Tailors (NUT) and Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association (ACCOMORAN) have declared their commitment to ensure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

They said they were spurred by the exemplary leadership of Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The pledge was made during a meeting with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement for Tinubu in Ondo State, led by Coordinator Otunba Agboola Kelly, in Akure.

The two groups resolved to mobilise their members to secure a decisive victory for Tinubu, driven by their admiration for Tunji-Ojo’s transformative contributions to national governance.

Comrade Akinlolu Olumorin, representing ACCOMORAN, decried the group’s marginalisation by Ondo State Government.

‘Ondo is the only state where ACCOMORAN is denied operational recognition. The government employs thugs to sell tickets to Okada riders, sidelining our members,’ he said.

”When Otunba Agboola Kelly called for our support for President Tinubu’s re-election, we were initially sceptical, but we were inspired by the remarkable achievements of our esteemed son, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

”His innovative reforms as Minister of Interior have motivated us to dedicate our efforts to ensuring Tinubu’s success in 2027.”

Similarly, Nigeria Union of Tailors has affirmed its determination to rally its members across Ondo State to deliver overwhelming support to Tinubu.

Representing thousands of tailors and motorcycle riders, NUT and ACCOMORAN are leveraging their extensive grassroots networks to drive voter engagement.

‘We have implicit confidence in Tunji-Ojo’s leadership, and this has cemented our resolve to make Tinubu’s re-election a done deal.

‘Our efforts signal a formidable boost to the APC’s campaign, ensuring a strong foundation for victory in 2027.’

Two lawmakers from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo – Hon. Oladiji Oguntudo and Hon. Raymond Oluwatoyin Daodu – have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oguntudo, who represents Akure South Constituency I, and Daodu, the Deputy Minority Leader representing Akoko South West Constituency I, announced their defection during Thursday’s plenary session of the Ondo State House of Assembly in Akure.

The Nation report that the defection of the two lawmakers from the PDP to the APC makes it a total of 26 legislators dominating the House of Assembly with no opposition.

Speaker Olamide Oladiji presided over the plenary.

Their defection came a month after the duo resigned from the PDP, citing leadership tussles and deepening internal crises within the opposition party.

In their separate resignation letters, the lawmakers explained that their decision to join the ruling APC followed extensive consultations with family members, constituents, and political leaders, who advised them to align with the state’s governing party.

Before their defection, Oguntudo and Daodu were the last remaining PDP members.

Welcoming the new members, Speaker Oladiji commended their decision, expressing optimism that their defection would further strengthen the APC’s numerical advantage in the House.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and described the development as a welcome boost for the ruling party in the state.

The Speaker also praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his progressive governance, urging the defectors to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth and collective success.

The House of Representatives has called for strict enforcement of compliance with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, particularly as it concerns the participation of private companies in the mandatory health insurance scheme for employees.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Need to Enforce the Compliance of the Provision of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) in Private Companies,’ sponsored by Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke during Thursday’s plenary.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Nwaeke expressed concern over the widespread refusal of many private companies across the country to comply with the law mandating them to enroll their staff in accredited Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).

He noted that the National Health Insurance Act, 2022, makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerian employees in private establishments with more than five staff members, in addition to those in the public sector.

According to him, the NHIA is empowered to grant accreditation and regulate the operations of HMOs in the country to ensure that both employers and employees have access to suitable and sustainable healthcare plans.

Nwaeke further explained that under the Act, private companies and employers are required to contribute 10 percent of an employee’s basic salary, while the employee contributes 5 percent, making a total of 15 percent, meant to guarantee access to healthcare services.

However, he lamented that ‘most private companies have totally refused to enroll their staff or make the mandatory contributions to the scheme,’ thereby exposing employees to severe health risks and financial hardship during medical emergencies.

He warned that the non-compliance by private companies not only undermines the intent of the NHIA Act but also deprives workers of the health benefits and protections guaranteed by law.

‘The refusal of employers to enroll staff into any healthcare plan leaves many workers to their fate in times of sickness, with no form of institutional support,’ he said. ‘This defeats the essence of the health insurance reform, which was designed to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.’

Adopting the motion, the House urged the National Health Insurance Authority to immediately begin compiling data on defaulting private companies and to sanction those found to be violating the law.

It also mandated the House Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Act and to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Lawmakers emphasized that enforcing compliance would not only promote the health and well-being of Nigerian workers but also strengthen the country’s health insurance system and reduce the burden on public hospitals.

The motion was widely supported by members who described it as timely and necessary to ensure accountability in the private sector’s role in national healthcare delivery.

With the House resolution, attention is now on the NHIA to act decisively against erring companies and ensure that every eligible employee in the private sector is enrolled in a certified health insurance scheme as stipulated by law.