Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented journalist, reporter, and producer with Arise Television.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS described Somtochukwu as more than a media professional – a beacon of hope and role model to countless young Nigerians, especially students who admired her eloquence, courage, and dedication to truth and professionalism.

Oladoja said the journalist’s sudden and painful passing has created a deep void, not only in the media industry but also in the hearts of Nigerian students nationwide.

He praised her brilliance, strong work ethic, and passion for nation-building through responsible journalism, noting that her contributions inspired many within and beyond the student community.

‘The loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman is indeed a national tragedy,’ the statement read. ‘NANS joins her family, colleagues, and the entire Arise Television team in mourning her passing.’

On behalf of the Nigerian student community, NANS extended heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Arise Television, the family of the deceased, and the wider media fraternity.

‘We pray that God grants her soul eternal rest and gives her family, friends, and colleagues the strength to bear this painful loss. Somtochukwu may be gone, but her light will continue to shine through the impact she made and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in perfect peace,’ Oladoja added.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day takes on a special glow for us. From the first generation of students of the great Ede Muslim Grammar School including the sitting Governor of Osun State, AdemolaAdeleke, to several cohorts of the students of the Osun State Polytechnic as well asnumerous admirers of Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal, today presents a most auspicious opportunity to applaud and celebrate a most inspiring TEACHER, leader and mentor. It’s another World Teachers Day.

MrLawal, BodaMojeedor Baba Lawal, depending on which generation of his beneficiaries you belong, made yet another history this year. Al-Hikmah University found our great mentor most fitting for the award of Doctor of Philosophy in Peace and Security Studies. He is therefore henceforth better referred to as DrMajeedLawalalternatively MajeedLawal, PhD.

Incidentally, DrLawal had produced PhD holders before he eventually decided to formally seek one. His isn’t a honorary thing either. Demystifying the hindrances of age related challenges as well as social inhibitions of multiplying responsibilities, our Oga chose to go do all the sweating of infinite fact seeking and verification, otherwise called research, to bag his PhD.

Far from being boastful, on the 3rdof April 2025 he modestly announced this to me via a short whatsapp message: ‘Salaam. I am happy to inform you that I completed my PhD program yesterday. Alhamdulilahi’ I echoed alhamdulilah at my end too and felt filled up with joy. ‘Congratulations sir. A dupe f’Olohun o! We can’t thank Allah enough.’

At the height of the excitement, I put a call through to Boda immediately. The officialdom dating back to 1976 when he taught us history has since given way. He excused that to inspire us so we could relate more informally as he monitored our progress through to our final year at EMGS even as he was away in Zaria where he did his first degree.

‘Oogbo, kororun but I’d resolved I wanted the PhD. I willingly surrendered to all the traumatic back and forth directives from my supervisor and the countless attendees of PhD seminar series. But here we are today. The experience is worth it. Respect to all PhD holders’ Dr. Lawal said as I smiled away at my end thankful to Allah for this spectacular, one in town, one in a generation accomplishment.

The call over, my mind flashed back to the combined discipline and industry this great teacher had demonstrated when he taught us History. His scholarly recall of the great empires of the past was as engaging as inspiring, leading us to, with annotated maps, do virtual exploration of Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, unknown to us that he had never gone near the historic region.

Often donning short sleeve shirts combined with wool trousers atop his favourite skull half shoes, Boda was endowed with such a sonorous voice so endearing that it could be mistaken for a woman’s. Although a holder of Ordinary Level Certificate at that time, we had thought he would teach us further in 1978. That was the same year Oga left for Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria for his Bachelor’s degree. Most incontrovertibly however, our teacher’s life remains a living textbook of resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning.

As a lecturer at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, from 1999 until his retirement in 2020, Dr. Lawal left deep footprints across two departments-General Studies and Mass Communication. He taught courses ranging from Sociology of the Family to Mass Media and Society, always reminding his students that knowledge was not just to be acquired but something to be applied with conscience. His service went beyond classrooms: he chaired committees, directed programmes, mentored young academics, and carried the responsibility of leadership with humility.

What makes his story more remarkable today is that retirement did not mark the end of his learning journey. Instead, it opened a fresh chapter. At 70, the age when most people would prefer to look back somewhat complacent, Dr. Lawal looked forward-bagging a PhD.. His doctoral thesis on Conflict-sensitive reportage of political and religious conflicts in Osun State is not only a testament to his scholarship but also his enduring commitment to peace, justice, and society’s well-being. With all the unsettling, all-pervading disturbances, who can deny the strong for his expertise that would be supportive of the government of his former student, now Governor of Osun State.

Through decades of service, publications, and conference engagements that took him as far as Toronto and Baltimore, Dr. Lawal consistently demonstrated that teaching is not a career but a calling. His writings on conflict, communication, culture, and development continue to enrich scholarship and guide practice in Nigeria and beyond.

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, we do so with immense pride in a man who has lived the creed of education: to lead, to serve, and to learn without end. Dr. Lawal’s life reminds us that the best teachers do not retire-they evolve. Our own MrLawal has evolved from being simply MrLawal to DrLawal. The world in this age of internet laced with the virality of social media with the accompanying speed should take note in due reverence to our inimitable DrMajeedAdekunleLawal

To a relentless leader, a relentless learner, and a relentless teacher-we say: Happy Teachers’ Day, Dr. MojeedAdekunleLawal. May your story continue to inspire generations yet to come especially as you often speak well of your own teachers too.

During a recent conversation, DrLawal lamented the recent death of aprimary school teacher of his popularly known as Imam Dende, until recently the oldest of all imams of central mosques in Osun State. Imam Dende had taught DrLawal at the renowned Young TajudeenAgbangudu Primary School, Ede, Osun State. According DrLawal, Imam Dende’s former students include Professor Iysa Ade Bello, pioneer Sharia Law scholar at the Lagos State University and the University of Osun State, now Chairman of the Governing Council of Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State.

Born in Ede on March 25, 1955, Dr. Lawal has spent his seven decades shaping minds, nurturing futures, and exemplifying what it means to be a teacher for life. His thirst for knowledge has taken him throughthe lecture halls of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later the University of Ibadan, where he honed his passion for communication, journalism, and sociology. But it was not just his degrees-Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, and eventually Doctorate-that defined him. It is the way he has been teaching, leading, and inspiring.

Tunde Akanni is a Journalism and Development Communication Professor at LASU, Nigeria

As part of the activities to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence, Surulere Connect Global, gathered students from various schools to celebrate the nation’s history, culture, and talents through a fiesta.

The event, held at the NPA Hall, Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos, featured a range of activities including dance, quiz competitions, debates, drama, poetry, spoken words, and more.

At the inaugural event, Omotayo Gbajabiamila, a member of the House of Assembly and founder of Surulere Connect Global and Surulere Connect Academy, said the initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the older and younger generations.

‘It’s about bringing the youth together with the older ones who are reputable role models because, we’ve discovered that our youth lately do not have a dimension. Perhaps, they do not have anyone to serve as a role model or because they have many other vices that are distracting them,’ Gbajabiamila said.

She expressed optimism that the country can still reach its full potential by investing more in initiatives that improve education, while emphasizing the importance of unity and collective effort as key to achieving success, rather than pursuing division.

‘Well, as a Nigerian, I believe in ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ Even if we believe we’re from different tribes, different homes and when we get home at night, we’re all Nigerians at the end of the day.

‘A lot of students have done plays (drama) in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba and we’re all saying we’re all one. It’s too late for us to start separating, and to be very honest, we’re really interwoven. Those who want us to separate are going to send us back. We should just manage what we have and make the best of it. So help us God as Nigerians,’ she said.

Ashibuogwu Buchi, a student from New Era Girls Senior Secondary School, was thrilled by the positive impact of the Independence Fiesta.

She stated that, ‘the programme has impacted me with so many things. I’ve learnt that cooperation and being among my peers can actually help me to be where I’ve never been before.’

Another student from Ansar-ud-deen Grammar School, Surulere, Ayi Blessing, said the event held great significance for him, adding, ‘It means a lot to me because it’s a wonderful day and a day of celebration as well as showcasing my talent.’

In the debate, the Business Administration Department of Grace Polytechnic, secured first place, while the Computer Science Department of the same institution finished as the runner-up.

However, Zumratul Islammiyah Senior Secondary School emerged as the quiz winner with 38 points, while Ijeshatedo Senior Secondary School claimed the runner-up position with 33 points.

Operating as a business concern in Nigeria is anything but pleasant as businesses confront obstacles across all fronts so much so that it takes more than courage, perseverance to survive in this terrain.

The foregoing was the submission made by Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Founder/Chairman of Kresta Laurel Limited, Nigeria’s first indigenous escalator and elevator company.

He spoke in Lagos at the gala/award night ceremony to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the company.

The businessman, who is also the current senator representing Ogun West senatorial district, recalled that he was up against many hurdles but thanks to the support of friends and well-wishers including committed staff members the company was able to weather the storm.

With many achievements and credits under its belts, the company has remained a force to reckon with not only in Nigeria but across the continent and beyond, he said.

Speaking earlier, Dideolu Falobi, Managing Director, Kresta Laurel Limited alluded to the fact that ‘stubborn optimism’ has remained one of its driving force as a company.

Waxing philosophical, Falobi recalled that ‘Thirty-five years ago, Kresta Laurel Limited was not much more than a dream – a dream that Nigerian engineers could build a company that would stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. Some friends thought we were too ambitious; some thought we were slightly crazy. In fact, one of them advised me to ‘stick to something small that won’t give me headaches.’ Well, 35 years later, I can confirm he was right about the headaches – but he was very wrong about the possibilities!

‘We began with modest resources but big faith, guided by values of quality, integrity, innovation, and service excellence. Those values have carried us through recessions, exchange-rate shocks, technology shifts, and even the occasional Lagos traffic jam that made us question our life choices. Yet here we are, 35 years stronger.

‘We see a future where Nigerian companies like ours are not just local champions but global players. A future where technology, sustainability, and indigenous expertise combine to transform our industries. A future where Kresta Laurel will not only be installing elevators but will also be helping to elevate Nigeria itself – in innovation, in skills, in industrial capacity, and in global competitiveness.

‘We intend to expand our footprint across sectors, pioneer renewable and environmentally friendly solutions, and continue to build the capacity of young Nigerian engineers. Because, as I always say, a country that does not invest in its engineers is a country that will keep importing even the bolts and nuts for its dreams.’

Expectedly, the occasion also afforded the opportunity for friends and associates of the businessman-turned-politician to pay him tributes.

In his goodwill message President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended Kresta Laurel for its enterprise, discipline, noting that its longevity could only have come from resilience, effective management and sound business practices.

Going down memory lane, President Tinubu recalled the support provided by the company during his transition team in 1999, when he put together his technocratic cabinet, which took charge of Lagos affairs from May 1999.

The President further lauded Kresta Laurel for its support and unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, wishing him more success and many remarkable anniversaries.

Echoing similar sentiments, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the feat attained by Kresta Laurel as an incredible milestone.

‘Kresta Laurel has stood the best of times and that is why we are gathered here today to honour the strength, consistency, and the remarkable impact you have made over this past three and a half decades.

‘Attaining 35 years in business in Nigeria is no small feat. It is a tale woven with vision, courage, discipline and the steadfast commitment of those who believed in their mission. I can only imagine the hurdles faced along the way. ‘The influence of Kresta Laurel extends far beyond the company’s wall. Through your CSR initiatives, you have contributed to the growth of Lagos, created jobs, supported local businesses and demonstrated the power of commitment and innovation.’

In separate messages read on their behalf, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development said the company has distinguished itself as a proudly renowned company and testament to the founder’s resilience, dogged commitment to the Nigerian dream and purpose, stressing that his staying power as an astute businessman was worthy of commendation.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment [FMITI], lauded the former governor, describing him as a thoroughbred businessman who has continued to make the country proud as one of the staunch believers in the Nigerian project.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, said it was a celebration of a success story, achievement of 35 years contribution to the economy not just in Lagos but the county as a whole.

The roll call of dignitaries include Chief Femi Pedro, former deputy governor of Lagos state, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chief Ayo Opadokun, Otunba Seni Adetu, former Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Chief Bisi Onsanya, former MD of First Bank, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, former Minister of State for Health, to mention just a few.

As part of the anniversary, Kresta Laurel hosted their Nigerian partners, clients and other stakeholders, at events in both Abuja and Lagos, an interactive program at which their foreign partners made presentations on their companies, products, latest innovations, etc.

Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Friday night when a Dangote Cement truck rammed into a tricycle, killing all five occupants at the Alapoka axis of the Papalanto-Ilaro Road in Yewa South Local Government Area.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the crash occurred around 8:30 p.m.

According to Akinbiyi, the accident involved an unregistered tricycle and a Dangote truck with registration number GRZ 767 XA. Preliminary findings indicated that the truck lost its brakes before crashing into the tricycle.

‘A fatal road traffic accident occurred at Alapoka Village, Papalanto-Ilaro Road, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State on Friday at 8:25 p.m. The tricycle was conveying five people, and sadly, all five died on the spot,’ Akinbiyi said.

Quoting an eyewitness, he added that the truck driver was unaware of the collision until its tyres had already crushed the tricycle and its passengers.

On receiving the report, TRACE Acting Head, Adedayo Omonayajo, and the Ilaro Divisional Commander, Salako Idowu, led a rescue operation to the scene. However, the team reportedly faced hostility from angry residents before the intervention of the Amotekun Corps restored calm.

‘The presumed dead were taken to the morgue by Federal Road Safety Corps officials,’ Akinbiyi added.

The Abia State government has frowned at the attitude of some pregnant women who patronise traditional birth attendants for child delivery instead of the government hospitals.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti was speaking while commissioning the newly retrofitted Ohiya Primary Health Centre, in Ohiya, Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, regretted that many women have lost their lives due to uncontrolled complications at the traditional birth attendants, saying that, his administration is intentional about the lives of the people, especially the mother and child, hence his government embarked on the retrofitting of 200 PHCs across all the wards in the state.

He reiterated his resolve to take decisive action against operators of such traditional birth attendants to safeguard the lives of expectant mothers.

He urged community leaders to take ownership of the facility.

The governor disclosed that the state government would also build staff quarters for health workers and encouraged residents to make full use of the centre.

He later conducted a tour of the facility with the State Director of Orientation Agency, Mrs. Ure Abazie, and the traditional ruler of Ohiya, Eze Abel Uhuegbu.

Super Eagles defender Felix Agu could miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers next week, as he suffered an injury in Werder Bremen’s 1-0 win over St. Pauli on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

On Friday, Agu was one of the 23 players called up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin next week.

The 26-year-old left-back has been a regular for Werder Bremen this season, and he started for them once more in their Bundesliga fixture against St. Pauli at the Weserstadion.

Agu had a really good showing in the first half, but he had to be helped off just before halftime, as he sustained an injury and could not continue.

Although the extent of the injury has not been confirmed, it is highly unlikely that Agu will be available for the Super Eagles by next week.

The former Osnabruck man has a bad injury history, so for him to have to leave a game, it must have been a serious problem.

Nigeria’s fight against child malnutrition and out-of-school children took a major step forward with the official launch of the Renewed Hope Mo’Feed Project, Fundraising Gala and Humanitarian Award Night in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, described the project as a ‘timely intervention’ that aligns with the state’s food security roadmap.

‘Food is dignity and hope. By targeting over 600,000 vulnerable Nigerians across all six geopolitical zones, this project sends a bold message: hunger will not define our people,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared that the project was more than a feeding scheme, it was ‘an agenda to secure Nigeria’s future through nutrition, education and empowerment.’

‘Eight out of every ten children in rural Nigeria suffer one form of malnutrition or the other. Feeding is not just about giving food, it is about keeping children in school, reducing crime, and supporting farmers and women across communities,’ Dr. Adeniji said.

She stressed that the school feeding programme, first introduced in the last administration and now revived under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, had already shown life-changing results in rural communities, where children rush to school for what is sometimes their only meal of the day.

Founder and President of Bella Amor Global Aid Foundation, Mirabel Etuk, whose foundation partnered with the Presidency to scale the initiative, framed the launch as a vision of ‘compassion in action.’

‘The Mo’Feed Project was born from the conviction that a simple meal can restore dignity and transform futures. Feeding a child means opening the door to education and a brighter tomorrow,’ she said.

The night also celebrated individuals and leaders driving humanitarian impact. Awardees included Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Nasarawa Governor Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, Dr. Chika Nwokedi, and Bluemath Realty CEO Akinwale Abidakun, among others.

Receiving his award, Abidakun called on Nigerians to support the project:

‘This is not just about feeding, it is about empowerment. More Nigerians of means must rise to back initiatives like this, because the wellbeing of our children defines the future of our nation,’ he said.

The Akwa Ibom Festac Forum, represented by

Mrs. Helene Usenekon commended Mirabel for her humanitarian efforts, describing her foundation’s launch as a ‘beautiful initiative’ that reflects the values of love, care, and hospitality for which the Akwa Ibom people are known.

Mrs. Usenekon, said the group is proud to support Mirabel, who hails from Akwa Ibom. She urged the founder not to relent in her commitment to helping the less privileged, assuring her that ‘every good seed will definitely germinate and the blessings will follow her.’

The Renewed Hope Mo’Feed Project, anchored on Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to bridge hunger gaps, improve school enrolment, support women and local farmers, and provide dignity for vulnerable families nationwide.

The Emir of Hadejia and Chairman of the Jigawa Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Maje, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of primary schools within his domain, describing the situation as ‘worrisome and unacceptable.’

The royal father stated this after paying an unscheduled visit to several primary schools in Ayama District of Auyo Local Government Area, where he observed dilapidated classrooms, absence of desks for pupils, and shortage of teaching materials.

Dr. Maje lamented that many pupils were forced to sit on bare floors while learning in leaking or cracked classrooms. He urged Governor Umar Namadi to embark on similar surprise visits across the state ‘to see things for himself and boost the morale of hardworking teachers.’

He disclosed that the emirate council would compile a detailed report on the state of education in the area and forward to the government for urgent intervention.

The Emir also appealed to parents and guardians to play active roles in school monitoring and support, rather than abandoning everything to the government.

Responding, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, admitted that the challenges were ‘a product of decades of accumulated neglect’ which could not be fixed overnight.

According to him, the present administration under Governor Namadi has intensified efforts through massive construction and renovation of classrooms under both the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention and state-funded projects.

‘Recently, over 300 projects were advertised for tender under the 2023 UBEC intervention. Tender opening was conducted last week, and contract awards are now in progress,’ he said, adding that preparations for the 2024 phase are already underway.

Musa, however, decried what he described as the ‘unpatriotic attitude’ of some communities who vandalise school infrastructure.

‘In many places, people remove iron windows, doors, roofing sheets-even chairs. Worse still, when minor damages occur, instead of fixing them, communities wait for government intervention. By the time we become aware, the damage has escalated,’ he lamented.

The federal government has called for the strengthening of efforts to deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4).

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the appeal during this year’s World Teachers’ Day, celebrated globally on October 5.

‘While commending all stakeholders in achieving positive milestones for teachers nationwide, I implore community leaders, teacher unions, parents, and development partners to strengthen their efforts so that together we can effectively deliver on the promises of the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda and the Education targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4),’ the minister said.

This year’s celebration had ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession’ as its theme.

He explained that the theme resonated deeply with Nigeria’s education reform agenda.

‘Our experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfilment,’ the minister said.

The minister said that the Federal Ministry of Education has initiated policies to revitalise the teaching profession, including the National Teacher Policy, which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.

He added, ‘Peer support structures are being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide. The sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.

‘We have a robust continuous professional development opportunity through the Teachers Registration Council (TRCN) of Nigeria, National Teachers Institute (NTI), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The current situation is that TRCN concentrates on licensing, monitoring compliance to standards, registration, and regulating the teaching profession, while NTI focuses on and sustains in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the basic and post-basic levels.

‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.

‘We must note that Teachers shape all other professionals working behind closed classroom doors with little exchange of ideas, experiences, or support. Today, as education faces increasing demands and rapid change, the role of the teacher has evolved to become collaborative. He /She shares, learns, and grows with others in pursuit of collective student success is the new vision.

‘A collaborative teacher understands that education is not an individual task but a shared responsibility. Such a teacher freely shares lesson plans, resources, and teaching strategies, while remaining humble enough to learn from others. They demonstrate strong communication skills-listening actively, speaking clearly, engaging respectfully in dialogue, and offering constructive feedback-while showing a willingness to build consensus even when opinions differ.

‘Above all, they are committed to lifelong professional growth, both for their personal advancement and for the enrichment of the wider teaching community.’

Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, said the ministry was strengthening teacher collaboration through initiatives such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the promotion of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across schools.

According to her, these efforts are in line with the government’s commitment to raising teacher quality, professional pride, and overall learning outcomes.

She said, ‘Teaching is often viewed as an individual practice, which can make some teachers resist collaboration for fear of interference or added workload. To address this, it is essential to build and sustain a culture of trust, openness, and shared responsibility.