Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Journalist, columnist and author, azu ishiekwene, has released a new book, titled: A Midlifer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit.

The 10-chapter book focuses on how older adults can profitably interact with and expand their frontiers in the evolving new media landscape, particularly in light of the complex and promising developments of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

In a statement, Ishiekwene, fondly called Azu, said: ‘The book shares insights with midlifers on the possibilities for rewarding their mental exertions handsomely, whether literary, artistic or acoustic talent, or the sheer capacity to curate and tell a good story from their experiences using new technologies.’

The book, published by Premium Times Books, is a sequel to ‘Writing for Media and Monetising It,’ published in 2024, and is considered a practical and valuable text for young adults in the media and literary fields.

In the Foreword, historian of African Studies and distinguished teaching professor in Humanities, Toyin Falola, said: ‘The book is a groundbreaking work that challenges the widespread belief, especially among the older generation (Gen X), that aspirations should diminish after the age of 50.’

The Publisher of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said: ‘It’s another masterpiece from Azu, who is gaining new heights not only in the mastery of new media forms but also in his capacity to share his insights in meaningful ways.’

As part of his interest in new media, Azu has also published a workbook on content monetisation, given several lectures, and co-authored a scholarly article with Professor Farooq Kperogi, titled: Light in A Digital Black Hole: Exploration of Emergent Artificial Intelligence Journalism in Nigeria, published in the Journal of Applied Journalism and Media Studies.

His new book, A Midlfer’s Guide to Content Creation and Profit, can be accessed on www.azu.media and other global distribution platforms.

Efforts to reconcile factions within the Rivers State political family gained momentum at the weekend as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the Rivers Elders Council met in Port Harcourt.

The meeting, which also had the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, in attendance, was convened at the instance of the Elders Council led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

It was described as a major step toward full unification of Wike’s political family in the state.

Sources said discussions centred on consolidating peace and resolving grey areas in earlier reconciliation efforts.

Governor Fubara was reportedly advised to hold consultations with the elders, lawmakers, and the PDP leadership before an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the resolution concerning Edison Ehie’s position as Chief of Staff to the governor, whose return to the position, a source said, was foreclosed.

Fubara was also advised to hold further consultations with the Elders Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

He was also said to have apologised to anyone he might have offended.

The Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who shared photos from the meeting, said it signified that ‘the political family is fully united.’

It was learnt that the parley paved the way for the governor to send a new list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly.

Also present were members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly and several prominent politicians, including APC South-South Chairman Victor Giadom, who reportedly described the gathering as a ‘rainbow coalition’ led by Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

Others at the meeting included Senators Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Deputy Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol; and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

Former Attorneys-General of the state – Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adango (SAN) – were also in attendance, alongside PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, former Minister of Environment Udi Odum, and former Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani.

Federal appointees from Rivers State, such as Emma Deeyah (HYPREP), Dr. Chinyere Igwe (Ignatius Ajuru University), Chief Boma Iyaye (NDDC), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke (NOSDRA), and Dr. Fred Kpakol (HYPREP), also attended.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing border-related crimes, removing trade barriers, and promoting legitimate commerce along the Seme border corridor.

The meeting brought together representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers, trade associations, clearing agents, and community leaders.

Speaking at the forum, the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed concern over the continued existence of unwholesome practices and multiple checkpoints along the border route.

He urged security agencies and border communities to collaborate in addressing challenges that could tarnish the country’s image and impede regional trade.

According to Adenuga, ‘The checkpoints we have on the roads are too much, it is disgraceful. The CGC has directed that the checkpoints be reduced, and on no account should anyone delay a legitimate business.

‘After this meeting, it will not be business as usual. We will create an implementation committee for all that we have discussed.

‘The Comptroller General of Customs is now the number one Customs officer in the world, and Nigeria cannot be different from what is obtainable in other parts of the world.

He added, ‘Will facilitate legitimate trade, the better for our country. When trade thrives, crime reduces. That is the vision our Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has consistently championed – building a legacy of trade facilitation and a conducive environment for economic growth.’

Speaking on the plight of residents, one of the community leaders, Joseph Agoro, argued that the majority of the fights and conflicts on the border corridor are caused by camp boys recruited by security agencies along the border route.

He labelled the practice an embarrassment, describing how commuters and residents are often harassed and questioned by individuals who are not legitimate officers.

‘Multiple checkpoints are already problematic. It is more embarrassing to be stopped by Customs and other security agencies, especially the Police, and someone who isn’t an officer would begin questioning passengers. We don’t know who is attending to us. There is no way the residents and villagers wouldn’t complain about such unfair treatment from the camp boys. Why should we be harassed just for living along the border corridor?’ Agoro said.

On his part, the Oba of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe, expressed appreciation to the Customs for reducing frequent clashes between Customs and smugglers in communities, which he said often lead to avoidable deaths.

Responding, Controller Adenuga assured that the multiple checkpoints would be reduced in no distant time. He said the Comptroller General of Customs is working closely with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser to address the issue.

Adenuga also issued a note of warning to other security agencies, saying, ‘If you don’t have any business to do on that road, don’t come there. If you refuse to comply, you will be arrested because I have the backing of the Comptroller General. ‘

On the use of camp boys, Adenuga warned that any officer who makes use of camp boys will be dealt with appropriately, as the Service has since abolished the use of camp boys.

Representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Badagry, Capt. H.I Medugu thanked Comptroller Adenuga for initiating the stakeholders meeting due to several complaints along the border route.

The Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Ambassador Olukayode Olugbenga Aluko, who was represented by the Defence Attache, Colonel S. Yahaya, assured that all the takeaways at the meeting would be fully implemented by the appropriate authority.

Fire has engulfed a section of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt destroying some property.

It was gathered that the inferno started at the ground floor of one of the tall buildings popularly called the Podium after the close of work and spread to the office of the newly constituted Rivers State Pension Board.

Sources said the fire started around 4pm and was reportedly caused by an electrical fault, though there was no casualty.

Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information, Dr Honour Sirawoo, confirmed the incident saying fire fighters intervened immediately to stop the inferno.

Sirawoo said: ‘It was at the Podium Block of the State Secretariat, on the right side where the fire started from. But we are fortunate to have the State and the Federal Fire Service would intervened and did what they know best to arrest the situation.

Rivers Head of Service, Dr Inyinge Brown, confirmed that no life was lost saying she was happy that the recently rehabilitated State Fire Service was on ground to quench the fire.

She said: ‘We were informed that there was a fire incident at the right wing, ground floor of Podium Block and we immediately made calls to the River State Fire Service and they responded promptly.

‘We also called other partners of the state, such as the Renaissance, Federal Fire Service and the military who promptly sent their fire trucks. It’s a combined effort, and as we speak, you can see that the fire has been contained.

‘We thank God, and we thank His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara for being proactive in rehabilitating the fire service before this time. If not for his investment in the Fire Service, this situation would have been worse’.

She added: ‘We urge all civil servants to take responsibility in safety. Put off our sockets and our lights. Not just putting off the sockets, but unplug to ensure

there is no residual charge because these buildings are heritage buildings and

we don’t want anything to happen to them’.

There was a low turnout of local government workers across Osun State on Monday as they officially resumed work after an eight-month strike over the control crisis between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had been on strike since February 17, 2025, following an Appeal Court judgment reinstating APC chairmen – a decision opposed by the PDP, which had earlier conducted its own council elections and installed its members.

The prolonged impasse left council offices under lock and key until the Federal Government recently recognized the reinstated APC chairmen and released six months of withheld allocations to the accounts operated by them. In response, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers fixed October 6, 2025, for their resumption.

Ahead of the resumption, police authorities assured residents and workers of adequate security across council areas.

When The Nation monitored activities on Monday, workers were seen resuming duties in local government areas such as Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun, Boripe, Ayedire, Obokun, and Ilesa West – all under heavy security presence.

Despite this, turnout remained low in several locations.

Chairman of Olorunda LGA, Hon. Kunle Kudaisi, dismissed claims that the council had been completely shut since February, explaining that while political officeholders had continued working, NULGE members only formally resumed on Monday.

‘Many workers could not resume today because they went to the state secretariat for their promotion letters,’ Kudaisi said, expressing gratitude that ‘the rancor is now over in Osun State.’

At Olorunda, a worker, Mrs. Kuburat Aderemi, said she was excited to return to work, noting that the strike had denied staff access to cooperative deductions and other benefits.

Ifelodun LGA Chairman, Hon. Hassan Kamo, also welcomed staff back, saying, ‘Civil servants are the landlords of local government secretariats while we, politicians, are only tenants. I’m glad to see them resuming after eight months.’

Boripe Council Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Odebunmi, pledged continued commitment to the safety and security of all workers under his administration.

Attempts to speak with the APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (APC), Abiodun Idowu, were abortive as he refused to pick up his calls and respond to text messages sent to his phone as at the time of filing this report.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage proactive health habits in the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

In her message to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025, the First Lady emphasized the importance of solidarity, early detection, and regular medical screening among women, describing health consciousness as an essential part of national well-being.

‘This month, let us raise awareness, support survivors, and encourage one another to take proactive steps for better health,’ Senator Tinubu urged.

She noted that as women, mothers, sisters, and daughters, the health and wellness of women must remain a priority, adding that ‘early detection saves lives; regular self-examination and timely medical screening are key in the fight against breast cancer.’

The First Lady further encouraged collective responsibility in promoting women’s health, stressing the need for continuous education and preventive care.

‘Let us work together to stay healthy,’ she said, extending her good wishes to all Nigerian women and families observing the month.

Residents of Mushin, Lagos, have expressed frustration over the persistent scarcity and rising cost of cooking gas, saying the situation has made daily living increasingly difficult for households and small businesses.

According to residents, gas prices now fluctuate almost weekly, forcing many families to turn to charcoal and firewood as cheaper alternatives. What was once a basic household necessity has now become a luxury for many.

Across parts of Mushin, people were seen moving from one gas station to another in search of affordable rates, with some returning home disappointed as several outlets had run out of supply.

A food vendor, Mrs. Abimbola Aina, said the situation had disrupted her business operations.

‘Gas is now too expensive. Last month, I filled my cylinder for ?9,000, and now it’s ?15,000. Sometimes we don’t even see it to buy. We depend on gas every day, and without it, we can’t do business. It’s really affecting everything,’ she lamented.

For some families, the hardship has become unbearable. A mother of four, Mrs. Folake Ojo, said her family has resorted to using charcoal despite the health hazards.

‘We have no choice but to cook with charcoal now. The smoke makes the children cough, but what can we do? If we don’t cook, we won’t eat,’ she said.

A civil servant, Mr. Olayinka Musa, also described the frequent price changes as alarming.

‘It’s like every week, the price goes up. Even those selling it say they don’t understand what’s happening. Everything is just increasing,’ he said.

Small business owners, especially food vendors and caterers, said the high cost of gas has eaten deeply into their profits. Some have increased food prices, while others have reduced portions to stay afloat.

A restaurant owner, Mrs Kudieay Adedeji, said, ‘Customers complain that food is expensive, but they don’t know how much we spend on gas. It takes most of our earnings.’

Some gas retailers in Mushin attributed the scarcity and price surge to reduced supply from major distributors. They explained that depot prices had increased significantly, forcing them to adjust retail prices.

A retailer who identified himself simply as Seyi said, ‘We are not happy too. Sometimes we go days without supplies. When we finally get gas, it’s costly, and we must add something before selling, or we’ll run at a loss.’

Residents have appealed to the government to intervene urgently, warning that the situation could worsen the already high cost of living in the area.

‘It’s not only gas; everything is expensive now, food, transport, everything,’ Mrs. Aina said. ‘We just need help.’

If left unchecked, many fear the scarcity and high cost of cooking gas could further compound economic hardship in Mushin and other parts of Lagos.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for the prompt release of Ruth Marcus and Keshia Jang of Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State.

The journalists were recently arrested while covering the funeral of the late mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.

The two journalists were detained following the posting of a video report on social media showing a confrontation between a cleric and security operatives at the funeral.

The NUJ said their arrest caused deep concern within the journalism community, as ‘it represented an infringement on press freedom and the right of journalists to perform their lawful duties’.

In a statement yesterday by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the union said it was encouraged by the decisive intervention of the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, who ordered their immediate release, personally reached out to the NUJ to convey his apologies, and reiterated his directive to DSS operatives to conduct thorough investigations before making arrests.

The statement added: ‘This gesture reflects a positive and commendable shift in the culture of our security institutions. The willingness of the DSS leadership to admit errors, apologise where necessary, and commit to reforms is an important step in strengthening public trust and confidence in the agency.

‘The NUJ urges the DSS to sustain this new approach and ensure that the rights of journalists and other citizens are fully respected at all times.

Press freedom is the bedrock of democracy, and journalists must never be treated as adversaries for performing their constitutional duties.

‘While we commend this positive development, we call on the DSS and all security agencies to institutionalise accountability by sanctioning officers whose actions undermine democratic values and constitutional rights. Only by enforcing discipline within the ranks can such progress be consolidated.

‘On our part, the NUJ remains committed to constructive engagement with security institutions to strengthen mutual understanding, promote professionalism, and safeguard both press freedom and national security.

‘We urge our members across the country to remain vigilant, courageous, and professional in the discharge of their duties.’

The United Nations (UN) has invited Ondo South Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to its Global Parliamentary Conference on Counter-Terrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism.

Ibrahim is a member of the African Parliamentary Union delegation.

The conference will be held by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism, with the support of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar.

It is slated for October 7 and 8, in Istanbul, Republic of Trkiye.

A letter of invitation by DiC Chief Special Projects and Innovation Branch, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Guadalupe Megre, which was addressed to the Secretary-General of the African Parliamentary Union in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Mr. Idi Gado Boubacar, stated that the senator’s contribution would add significant value to the discussions and outcomes.

‘I am pleased to extend, through your esteemed Office, an invitation to Professor Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the African Parliamentary Union delegation, to participate in this important Conference. His contribution will add significant value to the discussions and outcomes.

‘UNOCT will be pleased to cover round-trip economy-class airfare and hotel accommodation for Senator Folorunsho’s participation.

‘The conference will bring together parliamentarians from across the world, representatives of parliamentary assemblies, United Nations entities, civil society, and academic experts to strengthen parliament-led responses to evolving terrorist threats in full respect of international law and human rights,’ the letter said.

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