Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Carloha Nigeria has unveiled Chery Tiggo 9 SUV and CarlohaCare brand in Lagos.

The firm said its goal is to ease access to modern mobility while improving after-sales.

Managing Director, Mr. Sola Adigun, said CarlohaCare 6-6-7 initiative offers six years warranty, six years free scheduled maintenance, and a seven-day repair with a courtesy car guarantee.

Speaking on Chery’s global success and technology, Adigun said Chinese innovation is redefining the auto sector.

He said Chery, China’s largest vehicle exporter, has five million exports underscoring global confidence and acceptance of the brand.

He stressed that Nigerian customers can experience the same quality recognised in over 80 countries.

Adigun reiterated Carloha’s investment in human capital, highlighting efforts to train Nigerian technicians.

He explained that this will ensure every Chery vehicle sold in Nigeria is backed by local expertise and parts availability.

General Manager of Marketing, Mr. Taiwo Akinpelu, said Tiggo 9 is a landmark addition to the SUV market.

He said it combines cutting-edge technology, comfort, and safety standards, making it the most reliable choice in its category.

He added that Carloha’s advanced driver-assist features, robust safety architecture, and luxury design were crafted for families and businesses.

‘Every journey in Tiggo 9 is backed by engineering excellence and CarlohaCare 6-6-7 package, which guarantees value,’ Taiwo said.

Carloha noted that its ambition is to make car ownership more affordable and sustainable.

It announced plans to begin local assembly in 2026 to reduce costs, create jobs, and expand Nigeria’s automotive capacity.

Filmmaker Funke Akindele has responded to a social media troll who mocked her for packing food in the popular ‘yellow and black’ nylon bag.

The critic took to Snapchat to shade the movie star, writing: ‘Aunty Funke you are not posh at all. Why yellow and black nylon?’

Akindele clapped back with sarcasm, saying:

‘Oh maybe I need to go and get plastic bags from Macy’s or Nordstrom. Elenu shipoti, you can come and buy nylon for me. I already blocked you. It’s a privilege for you to be seeing my snap. At least you can see I am an elderly person even if I am not old enough to be your mum. Wide mouth.’

Her response quickly stirred reactions online. Many fans applauded the actress for putting the troll in check.

Others praised her humility, pointing out that even celebrities use regular items like everyone else.

The incident reflects the scrutiny public figures often face on social media, where even simple, everyday choices can attract criticism.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs) to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden National State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheralton Hotel, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme, ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,’ underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents, and the growing threat of climate change.

He stressed that resilience at the national level depends largely on how prepared state-level agencies are to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration has significantly upgraded the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines, and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, the expansion of the Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks, synchronization of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and the closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination, and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

In her remark, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, commended Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units, and building resilient communities. She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive, and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management, and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners, and communities.

She emphasised the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

In his welcome address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of all the SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners, and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery, and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘The Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society, and international partners for their support, stressing that disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with journalists, said the agency has concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute on Saturday, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

On Saturday, we are going to have our Institute of Emergency Management, which will ensure they build capacity, not only in Lagos State, but in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We’ll be sharing capacity, information, and knowledge with international communities. We are collaborating with the International Organization of Migration (IOM).

‘Moreover, we won’t need other people from other countries to come and teach us what we need to do. We will have that institute. We will build the capacity of all our responders.

‘By Saturday, it will be launched, and I am sure they are going to have their first intake by December.’ he said.

He commended the governor for taking ownership of emergency management and providing clear political will to ensure the safety of life and property.

‘We are now looking holistically, we are building the resilience to all the local governments and encouraging all the states to do the same.

‘We did a simulation here today to show the good people of Lagos State that we are capable, that we have the personnel and ability to manage any form of emergency or disaster in the state. We also did it to showcase the kind of sophisticated equipment that we have, like the light-duty and heavy equipment.

‘We want our people to know that we have the biceps to work 24 hours, to manage the golden hour very well. We want our people to have confidence in us and develop the right positive attitude towards emergency management. Disaster is everyone’s business.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, are among the dignitaries expected at the launch of former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor’s book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,’ in Abuja tomorrow.’

According to a statement by Jonah Ejenavi, Chairman of the Book Launch Organizing Committee, President Tinubu is expected as the special guest, while former President Obasanjo will serve as chairman of the occasion, and Bishop Kukah will act as book reviewer.

The 330-page book, divided into 14 chapters and three parts, explores Nigeria’s historical past, unravels the roots of the country’s security challenges, and examines the Boko Haram conundrum, proposing a paradigm shift to establish peace in Nigerian society despite the threat of insurgency.

‘In Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Gen Irabor dissects the Boko Haram conundrum, while proposing solutions to a challenge that threatens the future of Nigeria and other West African states.

‘The bird’s-eye view of Gen Irabor, who led Nigerian forces against one of the biggest threats to his country, offers a deeper understanding of Boko Haram and the insurgency challenge,’ the statement said.

Since emerging in 2002, Boko Haram has unleashed unprecedented violence, destruction, and economic devastation across West Africa, with far-reaching consequences for the region, continent, and globe.

As Nigeria marks its 65th birthday, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, has praised Nigerians for their resilience, urging them to sustain their trust for the government of President Bola Tinubu to continue to meet the yearnings of the people.

In a statement by his media office on Wednesday in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, Adewale, who represents Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I, said Nigeria was going into its 66th year better than most of the years since Independence.

According to him, the administration at the centre has successfully put the country on the right footing as the citizens would soon begin to see the results of the positive changes that have been brought to the economy.

‘The President has further rekindled our spirits with the Independence Day address in which he reeled out the achievements of his administration in just two years and a few months.

‘Globally-respected economic analysts and experts have confirmed that we are moving in the right direction.

‘We have left the most challenging face of economic growth. We are seeing steady improvements in the GDP of the country while inflation continues to drop. These are beautiful signals that our country is on the right path,’ Adewale said.

While urging Nigerians to keep supporting the Federal Government, he tasked the state governors to engage more in people-oriented programmes and policies as well as improve on infrastructure.

‘This is one of the best ways they can justify the allocations to the states which have increased tremendously under President Tinubu’s administration,’ he added.

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEAF) – Phases 1, 2 and 3 – has reiterated total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The ex-agitators made the pledge during a rally to celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary and the giant strides by the Tinubu administration to revamp the country in all sectors.

Speaking during the rally in Warri, Delta State, the Forum’s Convener, ‘General’ Emma Satu, said despite the fact that there are some challenges confronting the nation, the last two years under the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had indeed been momentous for Nigeria.

He asserted that the Niger Delta region, in particular, had received immense attention in terms of infrastructure development, road construction, federal appointments, and so many more.

Satu stated that Nigeria had thrived democratically since President Tinubu was elected two years ago, noting that under his watch, Nigeria had taken giant steps through policies targeted at the economy, education, health, infrastructure, power and other key sectors.

Satu stated: ‘You will agree with us that the various policies implemented by Mr President including the subsidy removal on petrol, are all aimed towards making Nigeria a united, progressive, developed, egalitarian and virile nation as well as pride in the comity of African nations and globally.

‘Our support for Mr President stems from the love and concern and sense of belonging that the Niger Delta region enjoys in his administration. The Niger Delta has never had it so good, as we are enjoying a period of peace, stability and development across our region.

‘And that is why we are gathered here on this special occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary to re-echo our total support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

‘Despite the fact that there are some challenges confronting us as a nation, the last two years under President Tinubu have indeed been momentous for Nigeria and the Niger Delta region has received immense attention in terms of infrastructural development, road construction, federal appointments, and so much more

‘Ladies and gentlemen, our support for Mr President is borne out of the belief in his impactful leadership and giant strides in every sector since he was elected by the majority of Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones of the country in 2023 and we make bold to say that Nigerians, especially the Niger Deltans will rally behind him once again come 2027.

‘For those who are wondering why there have been gales of endorsement of President Tinubu, we wish to state it clearly that our support for Mr President is because he embodies good governance culture, and respect for the rule of law and the Nigerian constitution.

‘In the past two years of his administration, Mr President has manoeuvred turbulent waters to enrich the democratic practice in Nigeria and expanded the frontiers of development across the length and breadth of our great country.

‘We are excited to say that Mr President through his Renewed Hope Agenda, has not only strengthened the unity of Nigeria but promoted peaceful co-existence, stability and development across the nation. His leadership has truly ushered in a new lease of life for all Nigerians, including the people of the Niger Delta.’

The Convener also said Mr President won their hearts, support and love when he entrusted several Niger Delta sons and daughters into key government portfolios in his administration.

He noted: ‘These Niger Deltans are contributing their quota towards achieving the administration’s eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda and the development and growth of this nation. ‘Indeed we are proud of all of them because they are representing us very well as worthy ambassadors.

‘Mr President, of all your appointments, one particular one stands out and that is the appointment of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP. ‘Through this appointment, you have given us a huge sense of belonging and we are happy and grateful to you because giant strides have been recorded by the PAP Administrator.

‘We also applaud the President for the support so far given to Dr. Otuaro, especially in the area of prompt release of funds for smooth-running of the Amnesty Office which we believe is the catalyst for the remarkable success of the programme.’

Sir: Nigeria’s energy deficit is quite evident; over 84 million Nigerians live without access to electricity, while countless others rely daily on diesel and petrol generators due to unreliable electricity supply and grid instability. While the cost of powering these generators annually is quite significant, they also pollute the environment and pose threat to human health, stifling productivity. Yet, the country is blessed with abundant renewable resources (especially solar) that stand as a viable means to addressing Nigeria’s energy crisis but remain under-utilized. The missing link is financing.

Estimates suggest that Nigeria needs around $9 to $10 billion dollars annually until 2030 to achieve universal electricity access under its Energy Transition Plan. Clearly, public funds and donor contributions alone cannot meet this need. The key lies in unlocking private capital from commercial banks, institutional investors, and other financiers. To attract this much needed investment, several priorities stand out.

First, it is important to de-risk the renewable energy sector. Investors are naturally cautious and in Nigeria, there are concerns about currency volatility, unclear regulations, and repayment challenges. Innovative measures such as guarantees, blended finance, and insurance products can help share risks, giving investors greater confidence to participate.

Second, there is the need to bring forward more bankable projects. Many renewable energy ideas stall because they lack solid financial structures, credible customers, or regulatory backing. Renewable energy project developers must be supported to prepare projects in ways that meet investor requirements and ensure long-term viability.

Third, we have to design tailored financial tools for Nigeria’s market. Renewable energy projects are not like conventional businesses in that they usually require patient capital which means longer repayment periods and flexible structures. Local financial institutions should also create products such as ‘pay-as-you-go’ or ‘lease-to-own’ models that reflect how renewable energy projects actually generate income.

In addition, we need stronger policy and regulatory frameworks. Streamlined approvals, enforceable contracts, predictable tariffs, and better coordination among regulators can make Nigeria a far more attractive destination for private investment.

Finally, leverage climate finance. Instruments such as green bonds, sukuks, and carbon markets represent an untapped pool of funding. When combined with private capital, these tools can significantly accelerate renewable energy expansion.

The future of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector depends not only on technology but also on finance. By reducing risks, strengthening policies, and being innovative in our financial design, the country can unlock billions in private investment. The prize is enormous; we will have affordable and reliable energy for households and businesses, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and a cleaner, more sustainable economy. The path forward is clear, if we will take it.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has resolved the lingering labour dispute at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The minister had summoned parties to the industrial dispute that left the polytechnic located on the banks of River Nun in Bayelsa to shut down since July 11 to a mediatory meeting on Sept. 29.

It was learnt yesterday that after exhaustively listening to the workers’ representatives and management, Alausa fixed a resumption date on Oct. 6.

Chairmen and secretaries of the three unions in the polytechnic, the Rector and Governing Council Chairman attended the meeting held in Abuja.

The unions are Non Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the polytechnic.

It was gathered that the minister directed the governing council to set up a fresh panel to investigate sundry allegations levelled against the Rector by the unions.

The panel was mandated to report its findings in three weeks.

The meeting followed a joint petition to the minister over suspension of a governing council meeting to resolve the labour dispute on the grounds of insecurity.

The workers had in the petition submitted that the claim of insecurity was a ploy to avert pending probe of allegations against the rector as there was no security threat in Bayelsa to warrant suspension when the council members were already in town for the meeting.

The unions had said that only the suspension, pending investigation of the Rector, Dr. Agbabiaka Lukman, will guarantee industrial harmony to the institution.

The workers had kept the institution under lock for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the rector who took the three unions to court over labour disputes whereas the governing council was statutorily mandated under the Act to handle labour-related matters.

When contacted for an update on the face-off, Mr. Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of the tertiary institution declined comments.

These opening lines of the third chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes are deep and reflective. The words become more meaningful when they are applied to day to day life. What really is new under the sun? What are we witnessing today that has never happened before? Life is full of challenges. It is not a bed of roses. Nor is it only of thorns. It is a mix of both. It is full of ups and downs.

It is up when things are going well and down, when they are not. We all prefer the former to the latter. Some people are luckier than others. Things are always looking up for them. In most cases, they do not lift a finger before things take shape in their lives. Thus, they become the envy of others because luck always smiles on them. This philosophy applies to groups too. Some of them are more favoured, or if you like more powerful, than others.

One group that falls into this category is the oil workers’ union. Since it comprises workers, both at the junior and senior levels, it is strategic in the affairs of nations. But unions being unions, especially at the lower level, tend to overplay their hands most times. They arrogate to themselves the power they do not have, as their importance, or perhaps, power gets into their heads. They believe that at their say so, they can ground the operations of an organisation – and even paralyse a nation. At least, they did it in Nigeria in 1993.

So, they use strike, which is a lawful labour tool of bargaining, to try to whip their management into line. Workers can go on strike, if negotiations break down. It is supposed to be the last resort for them after everything else had failed. It is not to be deployed as the weapon of first choice when talks are ongoing to resolve a labour dispute. But politically, the strike option can because of its potent force be adopted at anytime when the population as one is disenchanted with the government.

It was deployed to maximum effect 32 years ago in the wake of the political crisis engendered by the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Oil workers as an association saved the nation from the tyranny of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993) and the late Gen. Sani Abacha (1993-1998), two of the militaty leaders of that era. It was however not only the oil workers’ fight. It was the fight of every Nigerian, both young and old, whether working or not. It was a fight to save our nation, and the people spoke with one voice. It was a time to fight and reclaim our country from despots.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) were the faces of that action because the foremost labour centre, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), failed to show leadership. Then NUPENG general secretary, the late Frank Ovie Kokori, put his life on the line when the NLC leadership sold out. Ironically, that same NLC which lost its mojo when it mattered most is now flexing muscles over a dispute in which it should be a conciliator and not a combatant.

Since Dangote Refinery started producing petrol in September 2024, it has been contending with issues in the shark infested oil industry. The truth is many players in the industry do not like the face of the promoter of the plant, Aliko Dangote, who they believe has come to supplant them from the industry. They see him as a monopolist, alleging that his record in the other industries where he is also a big player tends toward that. The Dangote-PENGASSAN face off can be located in this fear – the fear that ‘he has come to push us out’, and their body language is ‘but we go show am’.

But there is nothing to show anybody if everybody is ready to play by the rules. The oil industry is regulated and there is no way any player no matter how powerful he may be can be bigger than the regulator. The regulator may not be as big as that player, but it has the power of the state to take on anybody, and every sensible ‘powerful player’ is conscious of this fact. PENGASSAN and NUPENG believe that they can take on Dangote since in their own estimation the government is allowing it to get away with so many things to, as they claim, ‘protect the multibillion dollars investment’.

Let us make no mistakes about it, the ongoing Dangote-PENGASSAN face off is an extension of the earlier one with NUPENG. And the big marketers, many of who are depot owners, are happy with what is going on. They want the feud to fester so that there can be instability in the fuel value chain which will be of immense advantage to them. Dangote should not give them that joy. If you ask me, I will advise the refinery to review the sacking of the 800 workers which led to the feud with PENGASSAN.

The advice is based on the simple reason that the handling of the matter was not tidy. This is not to say that PENGASSAN was right in declaring war against Dangote, and going ahead to turn off the refinery’s supplies from source in order to forcefully shut its operation. This is economic sabotage that borders on treason. The feuding parties, however, believe that they are legally and morally right in the actions they have taken. They are not. Dangote cannot sack the 800 workers, just like that, for allegedly sabotaging its operations.

It cannot accuse the workers of what amounts to a crime and sack them without judicial trial. In like manner, PENGASSAN cannot wilfully shut down the refinery’s supplies because it has access to those critical national assets and plunge the industry and the entire nation into chaos. PENGASSAN should be mindful of the security implications of its action. This is 2025, and not 1993, when it and NUPENG rode on the wave of the moment to make the country too hot for the military to govern.

They enjoyed the people’s backing then. They do not have such support now, so they should tread gingerly, and not give themselves a bad name – that is if they have not already done so. Dangote and PENGASSAN should give the ongoing dialogue brokered by the government a chance so that industrial peace can return. It is a time to embrace and not a time to fight.

Heartland goalkeepers’ trainer, Emeka Amadi, has urged Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to believe in themselves when they face Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Friday (Nigerian time) at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Amadi, who was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the Saudi ’89 U-20 World Cup where the Flying Eagles reached the final before losing 2-0 to Portugal, told NationSport exclusively that the current team must not dwell on their opening-day defeat to Norway.

Reflecting on the loss, Amadi noted: ‘It was just hard luck against Norway. No matter how good you are, if you are not lucky, you will not make it. Norway scored through a penalty but ours was not approved by the VAR. We hit the bar twice and also missed some scoring chances.

‘I believe they will come all out in the next game against Saudi Arabia because they know what is at stake and that Nigerians would be glad to see them qualify from the group. I would like to admonish the Flying Eagles to play total football and, above all, they must believe in themselves. They should not underrate their opponents.’

Also speaking, Heartland Assistant Coach, Taiwo Enegwea, who was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that lost to the Soviet Union in the final of Canada ’87 and later featured at Saudi ’89 with Amadi, called on the Flying Eagles to show resilience in their remaining group games.

Enegwea stressed that the defeat to Norway should serve as a wake-up call: ‘They must strive to win their next two games to qualify. If I recall vividly, Argentina, who won the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar, lost their opening game to Saudi Arabia. So, their loss to Norway should not be a yardstick to feel they won’t make it to the next round. The defeat is just an eye opener for them to know they must work harder in the next game.

They actually played very well but lost scoring chances. The coach should work on their area of deficiencies in the last game.’

Enegwea, recalling his own international experience, emphasized the competitive spirit that shaped his generation:

‘I had a very good experience playing for Nigeria because we had a lot of competition during our era. Merit was the order of the day in team selection. From Canada ’87 to Saudi ’89, we played with determination, and that is the same mentality the current Flying Eagles must embrace.’

The Flying Eagles will face Saudi Arabia in the wee hours of Friday in the second game of the group stage hoping to secure their first win of the competition and boost their qualification chances.