Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The recent arrest of notorious armed robbery kingpin, John Samuel, in Epe, Lagos State, underscores the crucial role of surveillance in modern policing. Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage showed Samuel shooting at victims before robbing them, proving once again how technology can make the difference between impunity and justice.

This is not an isolated case. On January 14, 2021, CCTV cameras in Lekki captured a thief breaking into a home and carting away valuables from electronics to a car. Yet, in many parts of the country, crimes go unrecorded, unreported, and unanswered.

Precisely, on September 23, gunmen riding 50 motorcycles attacked villages in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. They killed a pregnant woman, abducted six others, and operated freely for four hours without resistance. Such incidents highlight the consequences of ungoverned spaces and delayed responses by security forces.

Across the nation, criminals have become emboldened, ambushing security personnel and inflicting heavy losses. According to Daily Trust, at least 50 security operatives were killed in the last two weeks alone. Citizens cannot continue to live at the mercy of these attacks. Protection must extend to every Nigerian life, not just the elite.

Why CCTV and drones matter

Globally, CCTV installations and surveillance drones have proven vital in combating terrorism and organized crime. These technologies can deter crime by making offenders think twice when they know they are being watched. They identify suspects through recorded evidence and prevent attacks by enabling pre-emptive surveillance and swift response.

A surveillance drone retrieves vital information from criminals hibernating in the forest, mountain, and savannah areas, and further analysis would enable seamless arrest.

The Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV) can fulfil a variety of roles, offering superior safety and blast protection for the occupants against direct and indirect weapons, mines, and improvised explosive devices to protect personnel.

Unfortunately, Nigeria still lags. Only a handful of states-Lagos, Edo, Oyo, and Akwa Ibom-have functional Command and Control centres, and coverage is far from state-wide. Drone deployment remains inadequate, leaving criminals free to exploit unmonitored areas.

In the present digital age, criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in organized crime or cyber threats and rely on false identities to operate undetected. However, identity tracking is one of the most powerful tools at the disposal of the country that can monitor and verify individuals and reduce opportunities for crime.

To be fair, government interventions have strengthened the Nigeria Police Force in recent years. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has provided over 200 Buffalo patrol vehicles, protective vests, helmets, and renovated police stations and barracks. Between 2021 and 2025, the NPF also received 328 operational vehicles, thousands of ballistic vests, 50 Sudanese horses, and advanced training for over 10,000 personnel in counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and hostage negotiation.

The Ministry of Police Affairs has added tactical vehicles, vests, and other equipment. These efforts reflect genuine commitment-but they are not enough to match the scale of Nigeria’s security challenges.

A mere trip through roads from Abuja to Sokoto, Lagos, and Calabar manifests the contribution of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund through the buffalo patrol vehicles on our highways in Nigeria. Also, reflecting is renovation of barracks and new pilot smart divisional police stations in Mpape-Abuja, Akaeze-Ebonyi, Ekinrin-Adde-Kogi, renovation of 57 police stations and 14 barracks across the country.

The way forward for a meaningful change, Nigeria must:

a. Expand CCTV coverage across states and local governments.

b. Deploy surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs), to enable proactive operations in forests, mountains, and highways without resorting to endless roadblocks.

c. Equip Divisional Police Stations with advanced gear for pre-emptive action.

d. Integrate identity technologies such as the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB), WAPIS, and Interpol i24/7 for tracking false identities and cyber threats.

e. Promote collective security by partnering with the federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, and citizens to install cameras in public places and areas without governance.

As Nigeria pursues the devolution of powers to local governments, especially financial autonomy, it must accompany this with the empowerment of local government chairmen to take responsibility for security in their domains and the improvement of the capacity of Divisional Police Stations to be accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities.

All criminals in the country must be on the run from the continuous onslaught of the well-kitted security personnel backed up with deployable surveillance and attack drones mounted on Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs) simultaneously in the states in the country to curb the migration of criminals.

In conclusion, Nigeria has the manpower and the will, but it lacks the surveillance infrastructure to stay ahead of criminals. Investing in CCTV, drones, and modern command centres is no longer optional-it is urgent. The time has come for all tiers of government to work together, patronize local manufacturers of Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles, and empower our police with the tools they need to deliver Renewed Hope Policing.

Europe must take a more aggressive approach with Russia by shooting down drones that enter European airspace and boarding shadow fleet ships illicitly transporting oil to deprive Moscow of war revenue, French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday.

But, Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday threatened a ‘decisive’ response to any threats against Russia, declaring that Western attempts to subdue the country through sanctions have failed despite their maximum efforts.

Speaking at a European summit in Copenhagen, Macron and other European leaders called for more sanctions against Russia – notably targeting its energy sector – and emphasised that Ukraine is on the front line in a widening hybrid war against Europe.

Indeed, the positions of some of Europe’s leaders toward the continuing drone incidents, acts of sabotage, cyber-attacks and sanction-busting appear to have hardened over two days of talks in Copenhagen, including a closed session among them without phones or advisors.

Macron urged the more than 40 leaders at the European Political Community summit to simply protect their interests without signaling their intentions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

‘I think the main answer should be more unpredictability and more strategic ambiguity,’ he said.

‘It’s very important to have a clear message: drones which would violate our territories are just taking a big risk. They can be destroyed, full stop,’ he said. ‘We are not here to provide the full notice. We will do what we have to do.’

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Kayode Ojo, has got provisional clearance to participate at the primary.

The provisional clearance followed his failure to secure the mandatory five nominators per local government.

The Screening Committee chaired by Tola Olawuyi forwarded his case to the National Working Committee (NWC) for final ‘judgment.

Party members at the grassroots have urged the national leadership to disqualify him from further participating in the exercise.

The shadow poll scheduled for October 27 is likely to be conducted, based on the direct option. The election is next year.

Four contenders – Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Ojo, an engineer, Olajumoke Abimbola and Omolayo Oluremi – were initially competing for the ticket.

However, a contender, Olajumoke dropped after failing the screening, leaving three in the race.

Oyebanji was ‘cleared, having satisfied all constitutional and party requirements.’

While Oyebanji and Oluremi were given the nod to prepare for the intra-party contest, Ojo only got provisional clearance. His case is yet to be decided by the NWC.

Abimbola, who is active on the social media, is considered as a starter who cannot pass any popularity test in the chapter.

Two chieftains – Sunday Oladipupo (Igbemo Ward, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Amos Oladipo (Imesi Ward 5, Gbonyi Local Government) – forwarded a petition against her.

Unlike the governor who has been endorsed by the majority of party stalwarts during the statewide endorsement rally in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, and all the 16 local governments, many Ekiti APC leaders have also disputed Ojo’s eligibility for the exercise, alleging that he is not loyal to the platform.

Ojo’s battle cry has not attracted a mass following in the far-flung rural state, where only aspirants who know the language of the communities, and not those who uncritically flaunt wealth, have prospects.

Instructively in Ekiti, unity, identity, group conformity, and trust are built around that cultural aspect of life by the generality of unique people that relishes the virtue of ‘omoluabi.’

A lawyer, Yuletude Oghenekao Ako, stated in the petition to the chairman of the Screening Committee, Tunji Olawuyi, in Abuja on behalf of Oladipupo and Oladipo, that Olajumoke should prove that he is a ‘registered and financially up-to-date’ party member who has the right to vote and be voted for at the primary.

Copies of the petition were sent to the APC national chairman, national secretary and secretary of the screening committee.

The petitioners alleged that while five members from each of the 16 councils should sign her nomination form, only 19 valid members signed, thereby failing to meet the threshold of 80 as expected.

According to them, ‘except in Ado Local Government with seven nominators,;she also did not satisfy the requirements of five nominators per local government in the remaining 14 local governments as contained in the guidelines.’

In their view, the aspirant should also prove that she has not misled the committtee with the information he furnished and that she fully complied with the rules, requirements and guidelines.

They said to safeguard the credibility of the screening process, the committee should disqualify Olajumoke from further participation in the exercise on three grounds.

The grounds, as alleged, are that she is not a bona fide party member; she was not duly nominated by the required number of nominators, and for the deficiency in her nomination form.

Olajumoke denied the allegations. But the committee reported that her name is not in the register of financial members.

Also, in a petition on behalf of Tayo Egunlusi (Iworoko, Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government) and Gbenga Osungbekun (Aramoko Ward 1, Ekiti West Local Government) by their lawyer, Sylvester Evbuomwan, the two party members urged the committee to disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening and nomination process.

They alleged that Ojo failed to participate in the last membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti between August 5 and 15, adding that consequently, his name does not appear in the verified Register of Members of the APC in the state.

To them, this has violated Article 9(1) of the APC Constitution which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members have the right to vote and be voted for.

Also, the petitioners alleged that Ojo has persistently engaged in anti-party activities, pointing out that he has openly collaborated with opposition elements in Ekiti to ‘with a clear intent to weaken and destabilse the APC.’

They added:’This conduct is evidenced by his repeated public disparagement and unguarded outbursts against the leadership of the party,

‘Furthermore, in flagrant violation of the APC Constitution, which expressly prohibits members from instituting legal proceedings against the partywithout first exhausting internal mechanisms for dispute resolution, Ojoinstituted court actions against the APC, following his lossain the party primary .

‘Article 21 (2) (xi) of the APC Constitution stipulates that any member who files an action in court against the party or any of its officers without first exhausting the internal remedies shall be deemed to have committed an offence.

‘Since the conclusion of the 2022 APC primary, he has willifully distanced himself from the party by refusing to attend, participate in or support APC activities at the ward, local government or state levels, including the membership revalidation exercise conducted in Ekiti State.’

The petitioners urged the screening committee and the party leadership to thoroughly investigate these allegations, particularly Ojo’s non-mwmbership status and record of anti-party activities.

They also said the panel should uphold the provisions of the party constitution , which eshrine loyalty, discipline and good standing as pre-requisites for party membership and participation in party affairs.

The chieftains said the committee should ‘disqualify Ojo from further participation in the screening process as he lacks the locus standi as s memmber and loyalty required as an aspirant on the platform of the APC.’

In his response to the petitions, Ojo denied non-participation in the membership validation and anti-party activities. He insisted that that his nominators are financial members, although he could not provide a certified party register to substantiate their membership.

In its report, the committee is satisfied that Ojo’s name is in the validated membership register. However, the panel is not satisfied with his failure to provide credible evidence confirming the financial status of his nominators, a requirement fundamental to the validity of his nomination. This implies that the aspirant is not popular with the generality of party members.

Ojo was therefore, granted ‘provisional clearance, with the final decision referred to the National Working Committee (NWC) for further consideration.

The committee said:’This referral is necessitated by the weight of the petitions against him, particularly his failure to satisfy the mandatory threshold of five valid nominators per local government, and is intended to forestall potential litigation(s) that may arise from this deficiency which is inconsistent with Article 9(1) of the Constitution, which provides that only registered and financially up-to-date members of the party have the right to vote and be voted for, and Section 177 )c) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires membership of a political party as a pre-requisite for eligibility to contest the Office of Governor. ‘

Erumusele Francis Onotole has been announced as the 268th Certified Global Tech Hero, a recognition that celebrates a career forged at the intersection of engineering, analytics, cybersecurity, and supply chain transformation.

This induction honours more than two decades of sustained professional excellence, a trajectory that began in the technical trenches of industry and matured into leadership that blends rigorous technical competence with pragmatic, outcome-driven innovation.

From his early roles in technical stores and inventory management to strategic responsibilities in import planning, logistics, and operations analysis, he has repeatedly turned complex operational challenges into measurable business advantages, improving supply continuity, reducing variability, and strengthening organizational resilience.

Across a career that began with a highly competitive appointment at a leading manufacturing concern, his progression through roles of increasing responsibility demonstrates a sustained focus on outcomes. He has applied Lean Six Sigma principles and data-driven process improvement to tighten inventory control, optimize import planning, and enhance logistics planning, delivering improvements in service reliability and cost efficiency.

His work has emphasized predictive analytics and real-time operational visibility, approaches that have materially reduced risk exposure and lead-time uncertainty in environments where supply reliability is critical. Importantly, he has consistently woven cybersecurity and forensic technology considerations into operational design, recognizing that modern supply chains are cyber-physical systems requiring integrated defenses and forensic readiness.

Beyond role-based impact, he has contributed to the body of professional knowledge through scholarly publications addressing supply chain innovation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, predictive analytics, and cybersecurity. These contributions signal a practitioner who does not merely apply existing techniques but helps refine and disseminate them, advancing practice across industry and academia.

External recognition for his leadership and innovation, including honours from legislative and academic institutions, evidences a wider influence that extends beyond immediate organizational metrics into community and thought leadership.

A defining element of his nomination for Global Tech Hero status is the creation of ChainNovaS?, a next-generation decision-making model and AI-powered toolkit designed to build supply chain resilience in an age of systemic shocks. ChainNovaS? reframes resilience by integrating predictive scenario modeling, end-to-end visibility, sequential contingency playbooks, sustainability measurement, and human-centered coaching into a single, adoptable framework.

By combining predictive resilience with transparent flow mapping, adaptive playbooks, sustainability tracking, and team alignment practices, the toolkit helps organizations anticipate disruption, maintain operational continuity, and balance resilience with competitive cost structures. The practical orientation of ChainNovaS?, designed for ease of adoption and measurable outcomes, epitomizes the sort of applied innovation of solutions that are proven frameworks that can be operationalised across sectors.

‘Erumusele’s work is a reminder that effective technological leadership is never just about devices or code; it is about building systems that protect people, secure value, and ensure continuity under pressure. His ChainNova TM framework delivers a rare combination of analytical rigor and human-centred design, equipping organisations to anticipate disruption and act decisively. This kind of practical, scalable innovation is precisely what we celebrate,’ said the founder of The Connected Awards, reflecting on the significance of this induction.

This induction recognises an individual whose career exemplifies disciplined interdisciplinary thinking, measurable operational impact, and the ambition to translate insight into scalable practice. As the 268th Certified Global Tech Hero, Erumusele Francis Onotole joins a lineage of practitioners honoured not only for exceptional personal achievement but for demonstrable contributions to the resilience and advancement of the global technological ecosystem.

The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressive, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system.

This, it said, is to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate.

He added that the Omoluabi Progressive was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

‘Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation.

‘As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,’ he said.

The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressive intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritises community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.

The coronation Jumat Thanksgiving service of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, drew dignitaries, including members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis, senators, and politicians.

The event, held on Friday at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan, formed part of the weeklong activities marking the coronation of Oba Ladoja, who was presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde last week at Mapo Hall.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abubakar Agbotomokekere, urged residents and indigenes to support the monarch for a successful reign, cautioning against distractions that could hinder the city’s progress.

He praised Oba Ladoja as a respected leader whose pedigree and antecedents command recognition within and outside Ibadanland, stressing that leadership begins at the family level and requires accountability.

Highlights of the event included special prayers for Olubadan’s reign and the presentation of a gift to him.

Among the dignitaries present were CCII President General, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori; Senator Sharafadeen Ali; Senator Fatai Buhari; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; ex-lawmaker, Soji Akanbi; former Osun SSG, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade; and ICPI Coordinator, Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.

Actor Yul Edochie has expressed concerns over the growing number of children who cannot speak their native languages, describing the trend as a ‘failure that must be corrected.’

Edochie made the remarks in a post on his official Facebook page, where he particularly addressed Igbo parents, lamenting that many children of Igbo heritage today are unable to communicate fluently in the language, blaming it on neglect by their families.

‘Many of us who are Igbos, our children cannot speak Igbo. It’s a failure on our part that must be corrected moving forward,’ he wrote

His remarks have sparked fresh debate on social media, with some agreeing on the need to preserve indigenous languages, while others pointed to the dominance of English in schools and society as a major challenge.

The actor had also urged Igbos to embrace Omenaani (traditional customs) and described ancestors as guardian angels, stressing the importance of returning to cultural roots.

American singer, television host, and actor RuPaul recently shared a seemingly awkward yet hilarious exchange with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The moment that has since become one of the most replayed and talked about clips in late night television, thanks to RuPaul’s impeccable sense of humor and timing.

During the interview, Fallon proudly held up RuPaul’s Vanity Fair cover, eager to celebrate what he thought was a historic first.

‘This was the first time ever that a drag queen had been put on the cover of’ Fallon began.

Before he could finish, RuPaul leaned in with a sharp, mock-offended expression and repeated, ‘A drag queen?’

The tone was so pointed that Fallon immediately froze, his face draining of color as the studio fell into a stunned silence.

For several long seconds, the tension in the room was palpable.

Fallon appeared visibly nervous, unsure whether he had crossed a line.

RuPaul broke the silence and said , ‘I am the Queen of Drag!’

The audience erupted in laughter and applause as Fallon doubled over in relief, laughing and clutching his desk.

His embarrassed smile captured both the chaos and charm of the exchange, which quickly became a viral sensation across social media.

Clips of the moment circulated widely on X , TikTok, and Instagram, with fans praising RuPaul’s flawless delivery and mastery of live comedy.

One user described it as ‘a fake-out for the ages,’ while another called it ‘pure RuPaul brilliance.’

The viral clip not only highlighted RuPaul’s trademark wit and charisma but also showcased the effortless chemistry between the two stars.

What could have been an awkward misunderstanding instead turned into a perfectly orchestrated moment of late night television magic.

RuPaul’s playful response served as a reminder of why he remains one of the most commanding figures in entertainment a performer who can turn any situation into a masterclass in humor, grace, and showmanship.

Music and love are inseparable, each inspiring the other and shaping the hearts of those who feel deeply. For Nigerian singer Tony Frank, that connection is personal, emotional, and central to his artistry.

‘Yes, I’m gonna be Frank with you, like my name, Tony Frank. Or should I say, to be Frank, it’s Tony Frank. Being an artist definitely shapes how I experience love. As a creative, I tend to feel emotions very deeply, and that reflects in how I connect with people. Love, for me, isn’t just about romance; it’s inspiration, vulnerability, and storytelling,’ Tony shared.

Known for soulful songs like Call My Baby and Fall, Tony explains that both the highs and lows of love fuel his music. ‘Sometimes it makes the highs even more intense, because I don’t just live the moment-I also translate it into music. And the lows-heartbreak, distance, or challenges-they also become fuel for creativity. Love doesn’t just shape me as a person; it shapes my art, and my art gives me a deeper way to process love,’ he adds.

Being in the spotlight comes with challenges. ‘Things I used to do freely, like moving around unnoticed or keeping my personal space, are different now. There’s more pressure to always be mindful of how I carry myself, both online and offline. Fame also shows you how differently people treat you. Some genuinely support you, while others are drawn to the image of success rather than the person behind it,’ he notes.

Sacrifice is central to his journey. ‘I once sold my family’s land to promote a song with Timaya. I even put my car up as collateral. The sacrifice is worth it. Although I’m not where I want to be, I’m not where I used to be,’ he says.

Tony navigates music promotion strategically: ‘Social media is a huge tool. I create content that connects with people and lets the music spread organically. I also build good relationships with DJs, influencers, and media houses, which reduces costs.’

Looking ahead, he hoped for a fairer system. ‘Nigeria has so much raw talent, but many voices are silenced because they can’t afford promotion.’

Tony Frank said that love and music are inseparable. Every note he sings and every emotion he shares is a story lived, boldly and unapologetically.

Veteran Nollywood actor Duro Michael has died after a prolonged illness.

He reportedly died of diabetes, an illness that kept him bedridden for months.

Movie producer Stanley Ontop announced his death.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘Nollywood actor Duro Michael has kicked the bucket. He died a few days ago after battling a terminal illness. May his soul rest in peace. Omo, it’s well ooo. We don’t help ourselves in this Nollywood, and it’s too bad. No synergy.’

Duro Michael was a renowned figure in Nollywood, widely recognized for his roles in several films.