Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT yesterday handed over 20 bags of suspected cannabis sativa weighing 840kg to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Executive Officer of NNS BEECROFT, Capt. Idongesit Udoessien, said the move was part of efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and enhance maritime security in Lagos State.

Udoessien represented the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Paul Nimmyel, at the handover ceremony held at the naval base in Apapa, Lagos.

He said the Base Quick Response Team, supported by Operation MESA personnel, intercepted a van last Thursday around Ijegun, loaded with the suspected drugs.

‘The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting our patrol team. The vehicle and the cannabis have been handed to the NDLEA for action,’ Udoessien said.

He said the seizure was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy, under the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, to tackle maritime crimes.

Udoessien reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to supporting internal security operations and collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation’s waterways and coastal communities.

He added that NNS BEECROFT would intensify patrols and intelligence-driven missions to deny criminals access to Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks.

‘We commend the vigilance of our personnel and urge citizens to provide credible information to enhance security across Lagos State,’ Udoessien said.

Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, has stressed the need to hold Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials accountable for their actions.

He said those who violate electoral laws should be prosecuted and jailed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Soludo, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, stated this in a virtual message at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015-2025.

The event was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership with the theme, ‘A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity’,

According to him, some collation officers had declared results in breach of INEC guidelines, making it wrong to protect such officials from prosecution.

‘My idea is simple. During elections, you should not need to know any security agents or election officers.

‘The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster,’ Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s innovations but criticised a proposal to limit its power to review election results.

The proposal seeks to restrict INEC’s review powers to only cases where results were declared under duress.

‘I think that is where the problem lies. Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully?’ he questioned.

Soludo highlighted the need for transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

He stressed the importance of gradual improvement and constant vigilance to ensure credible elections.

Also speaking, Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called for a new direction in Nigeria’s politics.

He said a fresh approach was vital for building a democratic and prosperous nation.

According to him, the present political system is flawed and must be reformed to guarantee free and fair elections.

‘We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,’ he said.

Aregbesola warned against corrupt party structures and political godfathers that discourage credible candidates.

‘Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa,’ he added.

He urged the judiciary to respect the will of the people and uphold merit, integrity, and transparency.

The Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Mr Osita Chidoka, said the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s electoral progress.

Chidoka lamented that in spite of technological advancements, court rulings often undermine electoral reforms.

‘The greatest challenge is the judiciary. They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology.

‘Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone,’ he said.

Chidoka called for judicial education on the electoral process and said the Athena Centre would host a forum to address this.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

Yakubu, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, INEC National Commissioner, said the commission was dedicated to continuous reform.

‘INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,’ he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in past elections and assured that INEC was addressing them.

Yakubu added that INEC values contributions from civil society, political parties, and the public in its reform efforts.

‘By engaging with stakeholders and tackling these challenges, INEC aims to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent,’ he said.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has emphasised that cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the media is not a matter of convenience but a strategic necessity for national development and security.

Oluyede stated this on Tuesday while declaring open a three-day seminar organized by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for its officers, sister security agencies, and defence correspondents.

The seminar, themed ‘Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security,’ aims to strengthen collaboration and promote accurate reporting of military operations.

According to the army chief, synergy with the media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding, mobilizing national support, and highlighting the sacrifices made by troops in defending the country.

He added that the seminar’s theme reflects the importance of accountability, balance, and responsibility in covering military activities-especially in a joint environment where effective cooperation among security agencies is essential.

Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, Oluyede said in an era where the battle for hearts and minds was as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success, pointing out that the perception of the Nigerian Army, and indeed of all security agencies, ‘is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space.’

Oluyede said that with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information – both genuine and false – have multiplied.

He added that fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.

‘Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.

‘Through initiatives such as this seminar, we seek to build a shared framework for responsible, conflict-sensitive reporting – one that amplifies truth, promotes professionalism, and safeguards national interest. It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.

‘To the participants, I urge you to make the best use of this platform. Learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate today’s complex media environment. The lectures and discussions during this seminar have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defense communication, crisis reporting, and information management,’ he said.

He urged the seminar participants to learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate the complex media environment as papers to be presented have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.

The Acting Director Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, noted that in today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media go beyond reporting events, extending to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation and influencing the outcome of military operations.

She said that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives could be manipulated within seconds – fake news, doctored images and deepfakes now posed as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.

‘This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust. No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponized to erode public confidence, discredit institutions and demoralize security forces.

‘To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed. This calls for professionalism, ethics and patriotism from all media stakeholders,’ she said.

Anele pledged the directorate commitment to ensuring access to timely, credible and verifiable information that would enable responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.

She added, ‘For participants at this Seminar, our role is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding security operations are accurate, constructive and supportive of national security objectives. Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops, their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives and fosters unity among Nigerians.’

In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, a non-governmental cross cross-generational organization, Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA) is set to engage at least a hundred Ekiti young leaders in a special roundtable discussion to assess the progress of the state within the three years that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been in the saddle.

The event is to take place in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the 18th of October.

According to the organizers of the event, Adesina Adetola, the Convener of Ekiti Future Agenda, ‘while the event which is with the theme, Three years of BAO, Reimagining Governance: Young Leaders’ Perspectives on Ekiti State’s Progress is to commemorate the 29th anniversary, of the creation of the state, it is also to mark the 3rd year of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), therefore, assessing the progress the state has made so far.’

Speaking further on the event, Adetola, a socioeconomic development strategist said; ‘bearing in mind the vintage position of young people in societal development, as well as their strategic roles in political movements, bringing energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to social and political causes and having the power to shape the future of political governance and drive positive change in their communities and beyond. It is very important to engage them in a very objective way and in a resourceful atmosphere.’

‘The event is going to be a convergence of Ekiti young leaders from diverse areas of life and will have prominent young personalities which including scholars, technocrats, politicians, unionists, among others, as speakers and participants.’ He declared.

It is good to note that since 2010, Ekiti Future Agenda (EFA) has been involved in a good number of activities, projects, and interventions in Ekiti State, typically, in giving back value to the State. They are in the form of advocacy, schemes, and education, which have become defining moments in the annals of the state’s development. Its roundtable events are conversations with the main aim and objective of serving as a rendezvous of ideas and strategies towards the development of the State in all areas.

Veteran singer Bright Chimezie has shared insights into his early music career and his family’s reaction when he first appeared on television.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Chimezie revealed that his father, a reverend, had no idea he would be on TV, noting that secular music was considered taboo in their home.

The highlife legend, who once worked with the paramilitary and customs before fully embracing music, said those experiences built his resilience and contributed greatly to his success in the entertainment industry.

‘My father didn’t even know I was going to appear on television because back then it was a taboo,’ he explained, noting that children from such families were expected to sing only hymns or Christian songs.

Recalling the experience, he added, ‘I was afraid they were going to scold me. So I came up and dished the song very well to the admiration of a lot of people.’

Chimezie said his father’s eventual response came as a surprise: ‘My father was proud.’

Justice Adefunmilola Demi-Ajayi of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of one Babatunde Ogini for the alleged murder of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ebenezer Akinola, during the 2023 General Election.

The late Akinola was reportedly killed in front of his father’s house in the Araromi Irojo area of Ilesa in March 2023, prompting the then Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, to call for the arrest of those responsible.

On Tuesday, Ogini was arraigned by counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to the charge, Ogini and others, still at large, conspired to kill Akinola on March 17, 2023, at Ilesa East, Osun State, contrary to Sections 316, 319(1), and 324 of the Criminal Code. The defendant was also alleged to have been in possession of a pump-action rifle.

Ogini, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The IGP prosecutor, Mrs. Bola Adaraloye, requested that the accused be remanded, noting her intention to amend the charge before the next hearing.

Defence counsel, Barrister Abimbola Ige, informed the court that a formal bail application dated July 25, 2023, had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

Justice Ajayi declined to entertain the bail issue and ordered that Ogini be remanded at the Correctional Facility until October 14, 2025, when the case will come up for hearing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a 10-day working visit to Lagos.

During the period, he engaged with investors, industry leaders, and national stakeholders on key economic and governance matters.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the President arrived in Lagos on September 26 after attending the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan in the Oyo State capital.

While in Lagos, President Tinubu met with major investors, including the Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners, Mr. Bayo Ogunlesi, and a former Chairman of United Bank for Africa and Etisalat, currently the Chairman of Metis Capital Partners, Mr. Hakeem Belo-Osagie.

The discussions, according to the Presidency, focused on deepening private sector partnerships and boosting investor confidence in the economy.

The President also received the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as other key stakeholders in the maritime sector.

He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to position the maritime industry as a viable alternative source of national revenue beyond fossil energy.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Tinubu travelled to Imo State, where he inaugurated several projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma and unveiled a book authored by the governor, chronicling 10 years of All Progressives Congress (APC) governance in Nigeria.

He delivered his Independence Day national broadcast from the State House at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, urging Nigerians to speak positively about their country and remain united in hope.

Later that day, President Tinubu inaugurated the newly renovated National Theatre, now renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.

On October 4, the President visited Jos, the Plateau State capital, for the burial of Mama Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

At the funeral, President Tinubu paid a glowing tribute to the late matriarch and reassured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equity among all faiths.

The Dolphin Swimming League has recorded a surge in participation with over 20 schools and clubs confirming their entry for Season 7 of the prestigious inter-school swimming tournament.

The new season kicks off with Grange School hosting the opening leg on Saturday, October 11.

Widely regarded as a grooming ground for Nigeria’s top swimming talents, the league continues to produce athletes who represent the country at continental and international competitions. Many of its alumni also made a strong impact at the recently concluded National Youth Games in Delta State.

Organised by Dynaspro Sports Promotion in collaboration with Advanta Interactive, the tournament is officially sanctioned by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), and the Lagos State Swimming Association.

For season 7, confirmed teams for the elementary category include Grange School, Riverbank School, Lagos Preparatory Secondary School (LPSS), Children International School (CIS), Greensprings School Lagos, Boken Aquatics Club, Meadow Hall, Temple School, C – Tribe Club, Corona Schools, St Saviour’s School Ikoyi, Foreshore School Ikoyi, Makosail Swimming Academy and Damswimm Academy.

The participating teams in the secondary division are Grange School, Riverbank School, Lagoon School, Whitesands School, James Hope School, Boken Aquatics Club, CIS, LPSS, British International School, Corona Schools, Atlantic Hall, C – Tribe Club, Meadow Hall, Greensprings School Lagos, Temple School, Makosail Swimming Academy and Damswimm Academy.

According to Oluseyi Oyebode, CEO of Dynaspro Sports Promotion, the impressive turnout reflects the league’s reputation for transparency and excellence over the past six years.

‘We’re thrilled that schools and clubs are embracing the vision behind this tournament. Our goal is to produce Olympic champions. We know the talent is there-we need to nurture it and inspire these young athletes to aim high.’

He explained that separating the elementary and secondary divisions was a strategic move to improve organisation and ensure swimmers compete fairly without being rushed due to multiple event schedules.

‘This structure allows us to manage the competition better and allows each swimmer to perform at their best.’

With Sosa Fruit Drink now on board as the official sponsor, Oyebode expressed optimism about attracting more corporate partners and supporters to help expand the league nationally.

‘The involvement of Sosa Fruit Drink is a big step forward. We’re confident that more well-meaning individuals and organisations will join us in building a truly national platform for swimming development.’

Africa’s group qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup conclude over the next week, providing seven more finalists for the tournament in North America.

With two rounds of group matches still to be played, Morocco and Tunisia are already guaranteed top place in their respective groups, while the identity of the seven other group winners – all of whom will earn an automatic place at the 2026 finals – will be finalised by next Tuesday.

Egypt are expected to secure their berth on Wednesday when they take on lowly Djibouti in Group A, while Ghana will win Group I on the same day if they beat the Central African Republic away from home and closest rivals Madagascar falter at the same time.

Algeria need a point from their penultimate Group G clash against Somalia on Thursday to add their name to the list.

In Group D, the tiny Cape Verde Islands have a four-point lead over second-placed Cameroon and therefore need to win one of their last two qualifiers to snatch a fairytale berth at the finals.

Cape Verde are away to Libya on Thursday and finish their campaign at home to Eswatini next Monday.

Senegal are handily placed in Group B with a two-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo and qualify if they win their last two matches, away against South Sudan on Friday and then home to Mauritania next Tuesday.

It is also clear what Cote d’Ivoire need to do in Group F to keep up their one-point advantage over Gabon. They will qualify if they win away to the lowly-ranked Seychelles on Friday and then at home to Kenya on October 14.

In Group C, South Africa had a three-point lead but points were stripped last week for fielding a defaulter in March, leaving them now trailing Benin on goal difference.

Benin, however, play their last two qualifiers away to Rwanda on Friday and Nigeria next Tuesday while South Africa are at home to Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda next Tuesday.

The clash against neighbours Zimbabwe is formally an away game but because they do not have a stadium that has been deemed suitable for use in international competition, Zimbabwe have elected to take the fixture to Durban, handing South Africa a major advantage.

At the weekend, their Belgian coach Hugo Broos took responsibility for the bungle that saw South Africa field midfielder Teboho Mokoena when he should have been suspended.

‘I am responsible. I am the coach, I had to know that this guy had two yellow cards. So, stop with it,’ he said of the ongoing outrage from South African fans.

‘Just focus on the two games remaining now and support us. We will do everything to win these games, and for me, it’s an extra motivation.’

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah has said that President Bola Tinubu returned the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) bill without assenting to it due to issues concerning the mandate section of the Bill and also the one per cent Freight Stabilisation fee.

Speaking with reporters on the sideline of the visit of the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez at the weekend in Lagos, Akutah said that the issues surrounding the NPERA Bill have been addressed and the Bill is currently at the National Assembly for assessment before going back to the Presidency for his assent.

He said: ‘The NPERA bill was returned by Mr. President to the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice for advisory due to issues raised over the mandate section of the Bill, 1 per cent Freight Stabilisation fee and also the new role of the Shippers Council as Port Economic Regulator.

‘But those issues have been clarified by the council. We met with the Attorney- General of the Federation and we have looked at those issues one after the other.

‘Those issues created a little bit of confusion but that has been resolved because the Gazette of the Presidential Order of 2015 and the regulations of 2015 have all been handed over to the Minister of Justice.

‘So, they have now looked at it again to see that the council mandate has changed by the order of the president appointing the Shipper’s Council as the Port Economic Regulator.

‘So, those aspects that needed to be corrected have been corrected and the bill has gone back to the National Assembly on its way back to Mr. President for assent.

‘There was a little bit hitch but we have overcome that hitch. So, it is now on track heading back to Mr. President. But the National Assembly still have to look at it because of those corrections that were made.

‘You can’t correct a bill that has been passed without the National Assembly looking at it. The corrections are not so many, just a few of them regarding the mandate and then regarding the one per cent freight fee.

‘The Bill is still with the National Assembly. You know that they have been on recess. They were supposed to resume last week but I think they moved it forward.

‘As soon as the National Assembly resumes sitting, they will look at this quickly and then do all the corrections and send it back’.