Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian music scene has just been electrified with the release of Fortune, the highly anticipated 7-track EP from fast-rising Afro-Fusion artist, Enielayefa Fortune Ebikake, popularly known as Iv Tune.

The project, which officially dropped on October 3, 2025, is already making waves with its standout track; Rock Your Body, a smooth, flirty, and irresistible anthem that’s fast becoming a fan favorite. With its playful lyrics, magnetic rhythm, and dance-ready beat, the track is primed to dominate playlists, nightclubs, and TikTok challenges nationwide.

With Fortune, Iv Tune not only proves his artistry but also positions himself as a global export in the making. The song is pure vibes and versatility on display.

Iv Tune effortlessly blends Afrobeats, RnB, and global sounds into one dynamic wave of music. From the hustle-driven urgency of Time Is Money, to the fiery heat of Fire On Me, and the uplifting energy of Come Alive, this EP hits every mood.

It’s both personal and universal, a true soundtrack of ambition, love, struggle, and joy.

‘Speaking on the release, the musician said: ‘This EP is me stepping into my destiny. Each song reflects my journey – the struggles, the dreams, the wins.

Fortune is about embracing life’s challenges and still finding reasons to dance, to live, and to believe.’ Now streaming on all major platforms, Fortune comes with a vibrant promotional rollout.

Stakeholders have expressed grave concern over the crisis between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, warning that the effect could cripple the nation.

According to stakeholders, the trade dispute has put Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s refining hub to test.

They warned that a prolonged dispute could push up fuel prices, strain households and businesses, and discourage local and foreign investors.

They, however, called for a final resolution to avoid such industrial disputes from escalating into a national emergency.

Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) expressed grave concern over the action by PENGASSAN, warning that the action amounts to self-help and tantamount to sabotage capable of derailing the country’s fragile economic recovery.

In a statement in Lagos, the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasised that a conflict is an inevitable feature of the labour ecosystem, and Nigeria has statutory and institutional frameworks to address any, including the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

‘Any action capable of discouraging investment, undermining enterprises sustainability, or harming the workers that the unions claim to protect will be counter-productive. While trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

‘It is unacceptable for any union to conscript or coerce those not interested in its action or disrupt the operations of legitimate businesses not party to the dispute. Treating institutions of labour administration with disdain and resorting to self-help is not only absurd but also against all known Conventions and Recommendations. When employers or workers are aggrieved, there are institutions created to adjudicate or arbitrate in such matters. Nigeria’s recovering economy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of actions and pronouncements that are alien to global and local industrial relations practice,’ he said.

He noted that uninformed and disruptive actions that could jeopardise the nation’s economic survival are neither envisaged nor acceptable in global labour practice.

He said: ‘NECA will not be a passive onlooker as the foundation of Nigeria’s labour ecosystem is trampled upon. While we acknowledge the right to strike, such rights cannot infringe on the rights of others or threaten the survival of enterprises.’

Citing international labour instruments, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards, decent work and responsible business conduct, while not negotiating employers’ rights to manage their enterprises and investments within the ambit of the law.

He stressed that the protection afforded to union officials under international conventions does not extend to sabotage, coercion, or actions that undermine legitimate businesses or threaten national security.

Oyerinde called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to stop the wanton and wilful denigration of the industrial relations system.

He said: ‘With Nigeria sending one of the highest delegations to the ILO conference annually, it is curious that basic industrial relations principles, Conventions, and Recommendations remain poorly applied.’

He called for a resolution through lawful and constructive channels, warning that failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences for economic sustainability, job creation and preservation, investment attraction and promotion and national development.

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said shutting down the oil and gas sector could cripple the nation, describing it as ‘the lifeblood of the economy’ in terms of energy, foreign exchange, and revenue.

He warned against risking national stability for the interests of a few workers, calling PENGASSAN’s action unjustifiable.

‘What about those who have invested? What about consumers and other investors in the value chain? Their interests matter too. The union should not be this selfish, inflicting such pain and disruption on the economy,’ he said.

Yusuf estimated the economic losses at billions of naira.

‘You shut down and disrupt the entire process. By the time you resume, you must start over. The same goes for power stations, which depend on gas. This kind of impunity must not continue just because some people have power over strategic sectors,’ he said.

Prof. Chiwuike Uba, a Development econo­mist as well as Governance, and Public Financial Manage­ment (PFM) expert, said the dispute is not merely an industrial rela­tions issue; it poses significant risks to economic stability, energy security, governance credibility, and the well-being of millions of Ni­gerians.

He said: ‘This crisis is a litmus test of Nigeria’s gover­nance capacity. It examines whether legitimate worker rights and corporate governance can be reconciled with the public interest in essential services.

‘Fiscal authority and social policy must be de­ployed quickly, transparently, and effectively to protect the most vulnerable.

‘At the same time, public institutions must up­hold the rule of law while preventing a narrow industrial dispute from escalating into a national emergency.

‘How Nigeria responds will signal its ability to govern strategic sectors responsibly, protect cit­izens, and maintain credibility in domestic and international markets.’

He said globally, countries with large-scale refining infrastructure, such as India and the U.S., treat disruptions in national refineries as strategic emergencies, often mobilising contingency im­ports, stock releases, and immediate negotiations with unions.

He said the government’s handling of the Dangote crisis would thus be watched not only domestically but by investors and development partners assess­ing institutional reliability.

Also, a lawyer and expert on labour matters, Paul Omoijiade, said Dangote could not prevent his employees from joining the unions.

Noting that the capitalists could not do anything without labour, which is one of the four factors of production, he warned against the implications of trampling on the right of workers to unionise.

Also, a development economist at Governance Professional, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, called for immediate action, noting that industrial disputes should not escalate into a national emergency.

He urged that a neutral tripartite framework, including the Ministry of Labour, NNPCL, Dangote management, PENGASSAN, and an independent arbiter, should negotiate a suspension of supply disruptions while contested dismissals are reviewed.

According to him, contingency supply measures must avert scarcity, including transparent releases of strategic stocks and emergency imports.

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has unveiled his giant strides and developmental growth since he came into the saddle. He said his administration was committed to making Ekiti the new investment destination.

The governor said his government had undertaken a combination of transformative policy decisions and pushed critical infrastructure development to a new height.

He made this known at the 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE EDGE awards and dinner held in Lagos. He won the 2025 Grand Prix at the awards.

On advertising development and its relevance to economic growth, Oyebanji said advertising remained a powerful catalyst for economic growth because of its role in stimulating consumer demand for goods and services across the world.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, disclosed in his key note speech that the ‘world over, advertising remains a powerful catalyst for economic growth, stimulating consumer demand for goods and services, fostering competition among businesses, driving mass production and in the process, lowering costs and prices, and creating jobs.”

He said: ‘From advanced economies to emerging markets, the marketing communication industry plays a critical role in shaping commerce and consumer behaviour. In Nigeria, the marketing communications industry has been even more pivotal to national growth and development.

‘Over the years, practitioners have projected the country’s image and supported the visibility of local businesses, helping to attract investments and position brands for competitiveness. From its humble beginning, advertising in Nigeria has grown into a multi-billion-naira industry.’

Oyebanji noted that ‘Nigeria’s advertising market was valued at N605.2 billion in 2023, with projections pointing to N893 billion by 2028, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.7 per cent since 2018. This trajectory highlights the sector’s resilience and its contribution to the broader economy. The figure will be much higher if we factor in public relations, corporate sponsorships, social media influencing and a host of below-the-line marketing spending.’

MARKETING EDGE publisher and the chief organiser of the annual award, Mr. John Ajayi, thanking the Nigerian business community and the marketing and advertising sub-sector of the national economy for their years of support, patronage and acceptability, noted: ‘Every year, we gather to celebrate brands and advertising excellence; you always add colour and grandeur to it by making it a festival of brands and ideas.

‘Without you, this event would not have been this colourful and memorable. Ours have become one of the most anticipated events in the social calendar of the Nigerian integrated marketing communications eco-system.

‘We are gathered here to celebrate the achievements of some of the most successful brands, creative agencies, public service and political brand personalities, talented and dedicated personalities and professionals of distinction and honour across borders.

‘These outstanding personalities, brands, services, businesses and personalities have made significant contributions in different sectors of the economy, and we are grateful for their consistency, hard work and dedication that continue to impact every facet of our national growth and development.’

Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran disclosed that Pension assets have grown over N25 trillion fueling national development through strategic investments, while also securing regular monthly pensions for over 552,000 retirees and lump sum benefits for an additional 291,735 retirees.

She noted that in total, more than 844,000 retirees across both public and private sectors now enjoy retirement benefits that are steady, reliable, and transparent. Presently, more than 10 million Nigerians from public service employees to private sector workers, and even artisans and the self-employed under the Personal Pension Plan, are covered under the CPS.

Oloworaran who was represented by the Acting Commissioner Technical PenCom, Hafiz Kawo Ibrahim disclosed this at the Stakeholders Conference on the working of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS in Abuja, stating that reform is a continuous journey, and in line with the commission mandate to protect contributors and guarantee dignity in retirement, PenCom has rolled out key interventions that are changing lives.

She outlined these interventions as, ‘Pension Boost 1.0, enhancing pensions for over 241,000 retirees, representing 80 per cent of those under Programmed Withdrawal. Monthly pensions rising from N12.157 billion to N14.837 billion, effective June 2025. Since July 2025, no retiree waits to access their pensions. Payments are now immediate, aligning with monthly salary releases from the Ministry of Finance.

‘The reintroduction of gratuity for civil servants working with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, with a framework being developed to restore gratuity benefits for federal workers under CPS, in line with Section 4(4) of the PRA 2014. FGN Bond Issuance for Pension Liabilities approval has been secured for the issuance of ?758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension obligations, including pension increases owed since 2007.

This bold step by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation, as it will bring much-needed relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the system.

‘A Stronger Prudential Standards for Operators, minimum capital and governance requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and custodians have been revised to ensure greater financial stability, service delivery, and technological resilience. The Issuance of Five New Regulations under the Pension Revolution 2.0 initiative, including:

Whistle Blowing Guidelines for Pension Fund Assets, revised regulation on investment of Pension Fund Assets’.

She explained the Introduction of Free Health Insurance for Retirees, stating that it will begin later this year, starting with pensioners in lower-income categories and ensuring dignity and security beyond financial pensions, even though the CPS has achieved much, challenges remain. Coverage expansion is still limited, with several States and employers yet to fully comply. Public skepticism, often shaped by painful experiences of the past, continues to undermine trust in the system she said.

Speaking, the Chairman National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission, Mr. Ekpo Nta said the 1999 constitution provided in section 173(13) states that pension shall be reviewed every five years or together with any salary civil service review. This he said is based on the pension constitution that gave it power to examine the current rate of retirement benefits and recommend appropriate measures.

Actress Laide Bakare has sparked controversy by revealing why she introduced her 17-year-old daughter to clubbing and alcohol.

In a recent interview with content creator Mr. Lilgaga, Bakare stated that she took pride in being the one who introduced her daughter to nightlife, anticipating that her daughter would reference her in her future memoir.

‘I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,’ she stated.

The revelation has elicited mixed reactions, with many criticising Bakare for her parenting decisions.

Some have described her actions as reckless and questioned her judgment as a mother.

It_hafizski wrote, ‘Introducing a 17-year-old to alcohol and nightlife is reckless parenting, not cruise. At that age, guidance and discipline should come first, not clubbing.’

Just_2undey opined, ‘Some of these people are not worth the pedestal the people place them on. All these coming from someone that calls herself a mother.’

DamiTheOG said, ‘Many of those you admire are often poor role models as parents.’

Shuluemp wrote, ‘Which kind of mother takes pride in introducing her 17-year-old to alcohol and clubbing?’

Others have defended Bakare, stating that her approach might foster an open relationship with her daughter.

Sturbyrich opined, ‘Low-key this thing normal, at least her daughter will be free to talk to her about anything. If she no carry her go club, she’ll still go by herself and might even do worse things.’

Brainpink wrote, ‘Make una leave her, that’s how she wants to train her girl. Because if you dey overprotect, sometimes she will still go to the club, drink alcohol and still smoke join, and you won’t notice. But sha, small small ooo.’

The Delta State Police Command has impounded twenty-five vehicles over the enforcement of the tinted glass permit.

Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, on Friday ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit by vehicle owners.

The court asked the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and ‘respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.’

In April, the Nigeria Police Force announced it had resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, initially set an August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain the permits, but later extended it to October 2.

The Police defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns.

A statement on Friday, October 3, on its verified ‘X’ page – @DeltaPoliceNG said, ‘Enforcement of tint permits. Twenty-five vehicles were impounded for driving a tinted vehicle without a tinted permit in Asaba.

‘Visit @POSSAP_NGG website today and get it done or your police state headquarters.’

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter, has accused the reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local government executives of attempting to induce workers to resume duties despite ongoing council leadership disputes.

NULGE President Nathaniel Ogungbagbe, speaking on Friday at the Ministry of Local Government, Abere, insisted that no worker would resume on Monday until all legal issues surrounding the control tussle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are resolved.

The Nation recalls that following the reinstatement of the APC executives, the FG withheld allocations since February 2025, releasing them only in September to council accounts managed by the APC chairmen. This prompted a faction of workers to vow to resume duties.

Ogungbagbe, however, alleged that the move is an APC strategy to destabilise their struggle and disrupt peace in the state. He added that the faction’s leader, Comrade Adekunle Adedayo, was disgruntled after losing a union presidential election in March.

He boasted that ‘I can tell you for a fact that our members will not resume their duty post on Monday. Any worker who resumes, APC, induced them to do so.

‘Governor Ademola Adeleke is performing excellently well for all civil servants and pensioners in the State. Despite these, the bunch of integrates are hell-bent on destroying the peace.

‘We are appealing to all educative and well-informed esteemed members not to harken to the call to resume duty. We are not going to force anyone not to join them, but I am sure that our members won’t join the resumption.’

Former presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, has refuted claims by former President Goodluck Jonathan that his successor, late President Muhammadu Buhari, was once nominated by the Boko Haram terrorist group to negotiate on their behalf.

Reacting to Jonathan’s comments at the public presentation of a book by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), in Abuja on Friday, Shehu described the statement as misleading.

He said if Jonathan’s remarks were intended as a campaign message for a possible 2027 presidential run, then ‘he is making a false start.’

According to Shehu, neither Boko Haram’s founding leader, Muhammed Yusuf, nor his successor, Abubakar Shekau, ever nominated Buhari for mediation.

Instead, he noted, Shekau consistently denounced and threatened Buhari, given their opposing ideologies.

He recalled that in 2014, Buhari narrowly escaped a bomb attack by Boko Haram in Kaduna, which left some of his aides injured.

‘Buhari’s campaigns focused on fighting Boko Haram and restoring security to Nigeria whenever he became president, putting him in direct opposition to the terrorist group’s leaders,’ Shehu said.

Shehu further explained that Buhari himself had denied knowledge of any such nomination when the issue surfaced in 2011.

Citing a statement at the time by then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) secretary, Buba Galadima, he recalled that Buhari dismissed the report as ‘just speculation’ since nobody had contacted him directly.

Buhari, Shehu said, maintained then that as a patriotic Nigerian, he would only continue to pray for peace in the country.

The former spokesman clarified that the confusion arose after a Boko Haram faction, possibly sponsored by Buhari’s political opponents, staged a press conference in Maiduguri through one Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, who claimed the sect preferred Buhari and other northern elders, including the late Shettima Ali Monguno and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, to mediate.

Abdulaziz’s claims, Shehu stressed, were swiftly disowned by Shekau’s loyalists, who said he had no mandate to speak for the group.

At the time, CPC’s publicity secretary, the late Rotimi Fashekun, had also lambasted the Jonathan administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for exploiting the alleged nomination for political gain.

Fashekun described it as ‘the latest gambit in the desire of the corrupt PDP-led government to divert attention from the massive looting of the people’s common patrimony.’

Fashekun insisted that Buhari had never been linked to any insurgency, portraying him as a ‘quintessential patriot’ while accusing the PDP government itself of complicity in Nigeria’s insecurity.

He cited Jonathan’s own admission that Boko Haram had infiltrated his government, a point echoed by then National Security Adviser, the late General Andrew Azazi, as well as revelations by the State Security Service (SSS).

‘Jonathan’s latest comments revive a long-debunked narrative and fail to recognize the true record of Buhari’s opposition to Boko Haram. To win in 2027, Dr. Jonathan should look for a better story to tell Nigerians,’ he concluded.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said that the present administration would sustain the dynamics in kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

Akume said this in his goodwill message at the launch of a book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja, on Friday.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made tremendous progress towards a secure country in which productivity shall spur us to a Nigeria of our dreams.

Akume praised General Irabor’s distinguished service to the country, particularly as Chief of Defence Staff, which stands as a powerful testament to his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.

‘At some of the most challenging moments in our recent history, when the fabric of our nation was threatened by insurgency and violent extremism, he stood firmly at the forefront, providing leadership that not only safeguarded lives but also strengthened the resilience of our Armed Forces and our collective will to overcome adversity,’ he said.

Akume described General Irabor’s new book as far more than a memoir, but ‘ a vital reflection on our national journey and a contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace, security, and nation-building.’

According to him, by documenting the complex realities of the Boko Haram challenge and the lessons learned in confronting it, General Irabor is enriching our national memory and equipping future generations with knowledge critical to building a safer and more united Nigeria.

‘As we celebrate his diamond jubilee, we also celebrate a life devoted to service – a life that continues to inspire confidence in the strength and potential of our nation.

‘On behalf of the federal government and the good people of Nigeria, I extend my warmest felicitations and gratitude to General Irabor. May this new chapter of your life bring you joy, fulfilment, and continued opportunities to contribute to our shared dream of a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,’ Akume said.

The Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge will celebrate the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a significant five-kilometre fitness walk on Saturday, October 4.

The event is organised by the Asaba Long Distance Race Media Committee, led by Wing Commander Peter Iweze (rtd).

The fitness walk is set for Saturday, with the procession starting at 7:00 a.m. from the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Participants will walk to the Traffic Light junction and back, plus an additional 400 meters around the stadium track.

The Asagba will personally lead the walk, accompanied by nobles and Obis from surrounding communities, emphasizing community involvement and support.

A 10-kilometre road race that was initially planned alongside the anniversary celebrations has been rescheduled for December 6, 2025, adhering to international standards set by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).

The fitness walk is not only a royal celebration but also aimed at promoting healthy living among the residents of Asaba.

Dr. Moses Nwanze, the event consultant, assured participants of thorough preparations for a successful and enjoyable exercise.

Nwanze said the event underscored the commitment of the Asagba to foster community health and engagement while celebrating his first year as the traditional ruler.