Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate on Monday confirmed the evacuation of Nigeria’s first imported Ebola patient to Switzerland warning that her improved condition does not mean she is no longer infectious.

Pate in a post on his X handle said the patient departed Abuja earlier on Monday alongside her husband who has remained asymptomatic.

He said the patient was clinically stable conscious and communicating with her laboratory test results approaching baseline levels after treatment by Nigerian medical teams.

‘ This does not mean she is not still infectious hence the strict protocols in place’ the minister said.

Pate commended the clinical staff for providing quality care and public health personnel for ensuring that the evacuation complied with appropriate public health measures.

He said the government would provide further updates after the patient and her husband arrived safely at their destination.

The health minister also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and rely on credible sources of information assuring that measures to contain the imported virus were continuing.

The evacuation came as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi said Nigeria currently had no Ebola cases following the transfer of the patient and her husband to Switzerland.

Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts while Switzerland would take over the patient’s medical care and monitor her husband identified as contact number 53.

He also congratulated the Federal Government health workers clinicians emergency responders and other partners involved in the response describing the successful management of the patient as a significant achievement.

He said the development demonstrated Africa’s expertise and leadership in public health emergencies particularly when countries collaborated to respond to health threats.

The WHO official however stressed that vigilance remained essential urging continued monitoring of contacts and other public health measures to prevent further transmission.

Actor Charles Born has opened up on his battle with obesity following criticism over his weight loss transformation.

The actor who has been sharing his fitness journey online addressed critics in a post shared on his Instagram page.

Charles revealed that his decision to lose weight was driven by serious health challenges he experienced while obese.

He wrote: ‘Na only me know wetin obesity use my eye see. Constant palpitations knee pain back pain difficulty in breathing fatigue. The list is endless! I’m glad it’s done now! To all of you saying all sort of rubbish because I lost weight I pray you do not go through half of what I had to deal with because I was obese.’

He further slammed those questioning his transformation noting that many lack self-discipline.

‘If e easy dear pls by all means run am! Half of the people ranting lack self discipline but will be the first to rant when a person achieves what they can never! Watch them come under this post and start crying again’ he added.

The post which has garnered over 10000 likes shows the actor working out in a gym.

Popular comedian actor and producer Ayo Makun better known as AY has issued a public apology after his ‘AY Live: Single and Not Searching’ UK tour stop in Cardiff was disrupted on Sunday October 25 2026.

The comedian was billed to perform at Valegate Retail Park but audience members said they waited for hours for a show that never started.

Attendees described a chaotic scene marked by prolonged delays confusion heated arguments and an eventual police presence at the venue with many ticket holders leaving without seeing any performance.

In a statement shared on his official social media pages on Monday AY said he and other comedians on the line-up travelled to Cardiff and were at the venue.

‘To everyone who bought tickets and came out to see us in Cardiff I sincerely apologise for the disappointment you experienced. Your time money and support deserve respect’ he wrote.

He attributed the delay to unresolved payment commitments explaining that by the time they sorted the issue and reached the venue most of the audience had already left.

‘You deserved a properly organised show and timely information. You should never have been caught in the middle of a payment dispute’ he added.

AY said he has explained the circumstances in detail in a video and urged the public to listen to the full account before drawing conclusions.

He also called on the organisers and his UK tour management to provide a clear resolution for affected ticket holders including information on refunds adding that verified updates would be shared via his official channels.

Despite the Cardiff incident AY confirmed that the remaining tour dates are still scheduled for Birmingham on October 30 London on October 31 and Manchester on November 1.

‘For over twenty years your support has helped build this brand. I value that trust and remain committed to honouring it’ he said.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will today unveil its National Campaign Council (NCC) as part of preparations for the 2027 general election alongside the presentation of its financial accounts and certificates of return to candidates.

The unveiling will take place at the party’s third National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for 10am at JD Event Centre Kashim Ibrahim Way opposite A-Class Park Maitama Abuja.

The party said the campaign council would coordinate its campaigns across all elective positions including the Presidency National Assembly Governorship and Houses of Assembly.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said in a statement that the council reflected the party’s commitment to an inclusive and innovative campaign strategy.

‘As a party of innovation our NCC is all-encompassing. It covers the Presidential National Assembly Governorship and Houses of Assembly Campaign Councils’ the statement said.

The meeting will also feature the presentation of Certificates of Return to candidates contesting on the party’s platform and the disclosure of its Statement of Account by the National Treasurer.

Describing the financial disclosure as evidence of its commitment to accountability NDC challenged other parties particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to make their financial records public.

‘This is in deference to our avowed commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability’ the party said.

NDC disclosed that it had issued Expression of Interest forms free of charge to about 80 per cent of its candidates who could not afford the fees amid prevailing economic hardship.

The party blamed the situation on poverty hunger and deprivation which it attributed to what it described as the APC’s ‘rudderless’ economic policies.

‘Contrary to speculations in the public domain and due to the level of poverty hunger and deprivation in the country occasioned by the rudderless APC and its amorphous economic policies about 80 per cent of our candidates could not afford the Expression of Interest forms. The party had to issue forms to such candidates free of charge’ the statement said.

Reaffirming its readiness for the 2027 elections the party declared that it was determined to offer Nigerians an alternative to the existing political order.

‘For the NDC it is no longer politics as usual. The NDC is turbo-charged and ready to give Nigerians the altruistic leadership the nation deserves’ it said.

The party added: ‘A new Nigeria is possible. We can do it!”

Following the kick-off of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential campaign by the All Progressives Congress (APC) the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Bolaji Abdullahi has said the party would soon announce the date for the kick-off of its campaign for the presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar dismissing suggestions that the delay is linked to plans to expand its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

Abdullahi told The Nation yesterday that the party was working strategically on the campaign timetable noting that the delay had nothing to do with the composition of the campaign council or any alleged discontent among party officials.

He said the party was being strategic adding that APC only recently kicked off its campaign in Kaduna.

‘So we are also working on being strategic. So we will kick off our campaign very soon. It has nothing to do with whether there is a plan to expand the campaign structure or not. No. It has nothing to do with this’ Abdullahi said.

The ADC spokesman was responding to questions whether the party’s plan to expand the PCC had contributed to the delay in launching its presidential campaign.

He also rejected suggestions that the council’s composition had caused resentment among party officials who might have expected to be included particularly the national publicity secretary and national secretary.

Abdullahi questioned the assumption that the party’s national officers should automatically serve in the campaign council explaining that their responsibilities within the party remained separate from campaign assignments.

Responding to the omission of the national secretary and national publicity secretary of the party from the PCC he said: ‘The national publicity secretary is the national publicity secretary of the party so we cannot demobilise the party because of an assignment of two or three months.’

He said the campaign council already had enough personnel to carry out its assignment without disrupting the party’s regular operations.

‘We have enough people in the campaign council. It doesn’t stop the national publicity secretary from doing what he needs to do’ Abdullahi added.

He denied harbouring resentment over his exclusion from the campaign council insisting that the party’s arrangements had not affected his official responsibilities.

Asked whether he had any hard feeling over the council’s composition he replied: ‘There are no hard feelings. There is no ill feeling anywhere unless the one you people are hoping for; there are no hard feelings anywhere.’

The interview also featured an exchange over the description of the campaign as having ‘refused to take off’. Abdullahi objected to the wording arguing that it suggested a deliberate failure rather than the fact that the campaign had yet to be formally launched.

‘When you say the campaign has not taken off yes I will answer you. But when you say the campaign has refused to take off that’s a different thing’ he said.

The interviewer acknowledged the distinction and clarified that the question concerned the campaign’s formal kick-off which Abdullahi said would be announced soon.

He expressed support for journalists covering the party dismissing any suggestion of hostility towards the media.

‘I probably see myself as a journalist. So I will support any journalist’s work. I don’t regard this as a war’ he said.

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Nigeria has celebrated its 120th anniversary with a call for greater commitment to women’s empowerment leadership development and community service.

The celebration held at Archbishop Akinde Conference Cente: ‘Empowering Women and Serving Our Communities’ The conference brought together distinguished personalities faith leaders women advocates and members of the association to reflect on the organisation’s rich history and its contributions to nation-building over the last 120 years.

Lagos State Governor’s wife Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mrs. Oyinda Ogunsanwo-Emmanue who hailed the YWCA for its enduring legacy of impacting lives promoting moral values and advancing the cause of women and girls across Nigeria.

She noted that the YWCA’s journey for over a century and two decades stands as a testament to the power of faith-driven service and community development.

‘For 120 years the YWCA has remained a beacon of hope empowering women nurturing young girls and strengthening communities across our nation. As we celebrate this milestone we must continue to build societies where women are equipped with the skills opportunities and support needed to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development’ she said.

Chairperson of the occasion Hon. Justice Raliat Bukola Adebiyi an eminent jurist and administrator praised generations of YWCA leaders for their dedication and sacrifice describing the organisation as one of the most enduring platforms for women’s advancement in Nigeria.

According to her the association’s commitment to fostering leadership education and social responsibility among women has remained relevant in an ever-changing world.

‘The story of YWCA is the story of resilience compassion and purposeful service. Its legacy reminds us that we have a responsibility to connect generations for sustainable development by empowering women and girls to reach their full potential’ Justice Adebiyi stated.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Olugbemisola Mopelola ?moegun who challenged women to embrace leadership opportunities while remaining committed to service and community transformation.

She emphasized that empowering women goes beyond advocacy and must translate into practical actions that expand access to education economic opportunities and mentorship for younger generations.

‘Empowerment is not merely about occupying positions of influence; it is about creating pathways for others to rise. The next generation of women must inherit stronger institutions greater opportunities and a culture of service that places humanity at its centre’ Professor ?moegun said.

The celebration also featured the presentation of ‘Awards of Impact’ to distinguished women whose lives and contributions have positively influenced society.

Among the honourees was Chief Mrs. Olubisi Osinbajo mother of Nigeria’s former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo the family of Ajasin in Ondo State represented by Mrs Jumoke Anifowose alongside other eminent women recognized for their exceptional service leadership and contributions to community development.

Leading the awards presentation National President of YWCA Nigeria Mrs. Faith Jadu charged members to preserve the association’s enduring values and continue building on the foundation laid by its pioneers.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary she described the celebration as a moment of gratitude reflection and renewed commitment to the YWCA’s mission.

‘As we celebrate 120 years we are not just looking back with gratitude; we are looking forward with responsibility. Nigeria needs what YWCA carries women of integrity women of skill women of faith who will lead in the home the church the marketplace and in the nation’ Mrs. Jadu said.

She further urged members to remain steadfast in advancing the association’s vision of developing women and girls to become transformative leaders.

‘Our commitment remains unshaken. We must continue to develop women and girls who are valued protected educated skilled and empowered to lead. The next chapter of YWCA’s history depends on our willingness to rekindle our passion and strengthen our commitment to service.’

Founded in 1906 the YWCA of Nigeria has played a pivotal role in promoting the welfare of women and girls through education skills development leadership training and community outreach programmes.

The anniversary celebration which attracted dignitaries from across the country served not only as a commemoration of the association’s past achievements but also as a platform for charting a new course for future generations.

As the event concluded participants renewed their commitment to the YWCA motto ‘By love serve one another’ pledging to continue empowering women and transforming communities across Nigeria.

Adamawa State Governor and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has approved the composition of the party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Humwashi Wonosikou the council will be chaired by Governor Fintiri with retired Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa as Co-Chairman.

The statement said the state Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta has been appointed Deputy Chairman I. At the same time the APC governorship candidate Ahmed Galadima Aminu will serve as Deputy Chairman II.

Mr Titus Solomon has been named Director General of the Campaign Council while Ambassador Peter Kevin will serve as Campaign Director.

According to the statement the campaign council’s inauguration is scheduled for October 29 2026 in Yola the Adamawa State capital.

The council comprises experienced APC stalwarts stakeholders and youth and women leaders drawn from the state’s 21 local government areas reflecting the party’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the elections.

Governor Fintiri according to the statement charged council members to work together in unity close ranks and strengthen the APC’s mobilisation efforts to secure victory for the party at all levels in the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile the full list of directorates committees units and council members has been made available online for public access.

Actress Etinosa Idemudia has weighed in on the controversy surrounding comedian AY’s failed Cardiff show.

Reacting via her Instagram page Etinosa defended the comedian saying he has been showing up at every venue of his UK comedy tour and spreading joy to fans but no blog posted it.

She noted that his inability to perform in Cardiff on Sunday was due to reasons beyond his control.

In the post which has garnered over 2400 likes she criticised the rush to report negative news:

‘AY has been showing up to every venue of his comedy tour and spreading joy to his UK fans but no blog posted it.. But tonight for some reasons beyond his control he could not show up at Cardiff. Watch the internet go up in a frenzy.

‘Narratives and accusations flying everywhere. Blogs are suddenly posting his show for free because it’s Hot News. Their bitter audience will gather like frustrated witches to cast aspersions and project their bitter souls in the name of judgement. May God heal us all’

In her caption she added: ‘So sad that good news is no news. Nobody posted his successful shows. Nobody even cared to find out what’s happening since AY is not a kid or an unprofessional. Everyone waiting for bad news so they can rush post and have hot takes. Same thing with Eric Gugua show. God forbid. May God grant bros AY grace.’

Her comment comes after AY himself issued a public apology on Monday stating that he and other comedians did travel to Cardiff and entered the venue but were delayed by unresolved payment commitments from organisers by which time most of the audience had left.

Adedapo Adedayo Olagunju an Oxford-trained Nigerian banker with more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry has been nominated to lead JPMorgan’s proposed merchant bank in Nigeria following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Olagunju has led JPMorgan’s West African business since January 2018 overseeing its engagement with financial institutions corporate clients and other participants in the region’s financial markets. His nomination comes as the American financial institution moves to expand its presence in Nigeria through a proposed merchant banking subsidiary.

On October 23 2026 the CBN announced its approval-in-principle for the establishment of JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and approved Olagunju’s nomination as Managing Director. The proposed bank is still awaiting a final operating licence.

Before pursuing a career in banking Olagunju was fascinated by space exploration and hoped to become an astronaut. His childhood ambition influenced his decision to study science in secondary school.

However his plans changed when he discovered that aeronautical engineering was not listed among the courses in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure at the time. He recounted the experience in a May 2019 interview.

Olagunju studied Banking and Finance at Ogun State University now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1998.

His university education laid the foundation for his eventual career in investment banking and financial markets.

A year after graduating Olagunju obtained his professional accounting qualification through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

His decision to pursue the qualification was partly influenced by frequent university strikes and disruptions to academic activities in Nigeria during the 1990s.

He is now a Fellow of ICAN and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Olagunju furthered his education abroad earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Oxford in 2005.

In 2014 he completed the General Management Programme at Harvard Business School adding to his academic and professional development.

Olagunju started his professional banking career at Investment Banking and Trust Company (IBTC) which later became part of Stanbic IBTC.

He worked as Chief Dealer from January 2000 to March 2003 gaining early experience in financial market operations.

After leaving IBTC Olagunju joined Access Bank as Treasurer in 2003 a position he held until September 2005.

The role broadened his experience in treasury operations liquidity management and the handling of financial assets and liabilities.

Between May and July 2006 Olagunju worked briefly as a consultant with the United Nations in New York.

During the assignment he contributed to the organisation’s peacekeeping financing operations before returning to Access Bank later that year.

Olagunju returned to Access Bank in September 2006 and served as Group Treasurer until January 2018.

His responsibilities included overseeing treasury operations managing balance sheet activities and handling transactions involving fixed-income securities and foreign exchange markets.

The position was a significant stage in his professional development strengthening his experience in financial markets and banking operations.

In January 2017 Olagunju was appointed Head of Global Markets at Access Bank.

His responsibilities expanded to cover Treasury Financial Institutions and Project and Structured Finance bringing several key areas of corporate and institutional banking under his leadership.

Olagunju joined JPMorgan in January 2018 as Managing Director responsible for its West African business.

In the role he has overseen the institution’s engagement with corporate clients financial institutions and other participants in the region’s financial markets.

His experience in Nigeria and across West Africa has become relevant as JPMorgan pursues plans to expand its regulated banking operations in the country.

On October 8 2026 Olagunju discussed plans to establish JPMorgan’s merchant bank in Nigeria during the Nigeria-Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue in Singapore.

The event involved representatives of the CBN JPMorgan Nigerian Exchange Group and FMDQ Group.

The proposed subsidiary would broaden JPMorgan’s existing presence in Nigeria beyond its representative office in Lagos subject to the required regulatory approvals and licensing.

On October 23 2026 the CBN announced its approval-in-principle for the establishment of JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and approved Olagunju’s nomination as Managing Director.

The regulator also approved Latter Kevin George Nzelu Chinedum Izunwanne and Syed Gabriel Murtaza as Non-Executive Directors.

Alade Sarah Omotunde Ajayi Olukonyinsola and Adetu Seni were approved as Independent Non-Executive Directors.

However the proposed bank must obtain its final operating licence before commencing its authorised banking activities.

If the proposed subsidiary receives its final operating licence Olagunju will lead its operations as JPMorgan seeks to broaden its regulated banking activities in Nigeria.

The nomination marks another milestone in a career spanning more than 26 years from his early days at IBTC to senior treasury and global markets positions at Access Bank and his leadership of JPMorgan’s West African business.

His experience in Nigerian banking international financial markets and institutional relationships is expected to play an important role in establishing and developing the proposed merchant bank.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday October 26 with football’s biggest stars competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious individual honours.

The ceremony marking the award’s 70th anniversary is scheduled to take place at the London Palladium in London England.

Harry Kane Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the players attracting attention ahead of the ceremony alongside other leading contenders.

Here is everything to know about the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

When is the Ballon d’Or 2026?

The ceremony is scheduled for Monday October 26 2026 with the main event expected to begin at 8 p.m. British time or 9 p.m. in Nigeria.

The event will feature several awards recognising achievements in men’s and women’s football including the main Ballon d’Or trophies goalkeeper honours young player awards and coaching awards.

Where will the Ballon d’Or 2026 ceremony take place?

The ceremony will be held at the London Palladium a well-known entertainment venue in the British capital.

London’s hosting of the 70th anniversary edition provides an opportunity to reflect on the award’s history. The inaugural Ballon d’Or was presented in 1956 to English footballer Stanley Matthews who won it while playing for Blackpool.

The ceremony’s move to London also marks a departure from the award’s traditional association with France.

Who are the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappé are among the prominent names in the men’s Ballon d’Or conversation.

Their individual performances and contributions to their respective teams have made them key talking points ahead of the ceremony. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also among the players mentioned as a contender.

The final outcome will depend on the voting process and the performances assessed during the award’s designated evaluation period.

How is the Ballon d’Or winner selected?

The Ballon d’Or is decided through a vote by an international jury of football journalists.

For the men’s award journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s world rankings take part. The women’s award involves journalists representing the top 50 countries in the FIFA women’s world rankings.

Voters assess shortlisted players according to three main criteria:

Individual performances: Players’ consistency technical quality and overall influence during the evaluation period.

Collective achievements: Contributions to their clubs and national teams including performances in major competitions.

Fair play: Players’ conduct and sportsmanship.

Voters rank their preferred candidates with points allocated according to their positions on the ballot. The player with the highest overall points total wins the award.

Although winning major trophies can strengthen a player’s chances team success alone does not guarantee victory. Individual performance and the other assessment criteria also influence the final result.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of owing its staff more than a year’s salaries and urged Nigerians to reject the party and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

The council made the allegation in a statement its spokesperson Dele Alake issued on Monday October 26 2026.

Alake criticised the ADC leadership including its National Working Committee Chairman Senator David Mark and Secretary Rauf Aregbesola over the alleged failure to pay staff salaries.

He described the alleged non-payment as unacceptable arguing that a political party seeking to govern the country should fulfil its obligations to its workforce.

He said the allegation raises questions about the credibility of the ADC’s promises to Nigerians.

The APC campaign council also criticised the party’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar alleging that employees of his Gotel Communications and other businesses had previously experienced months of unpaid salaries and protested over outstanding wages and benefits.

Alake also faulted Aregbesola’s record as governor of Osun State accusing his administration of irregular salary payments to workers and delays in pension payments during his eight-year tenure.

He cited the introduction of half-salary and quarter-salary payments for workers as evidence of what he described as poor financial management under the former governor.

The APC spokesperson argued that the ADC’s alleged failure to pay its employees raised concerns about its ability to manage the country’s affairs.

‘We are sounding a warning to Nigerians and working people now: reject ADC. Reject Atiku Abubakar and reject all ADC candidates in the next general elections’ Alake said.

He maintained that a political party unable to manage its internal affairs and meet its obligations to employees should not be entrusted with governing the country.