Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, a member of Coca-Cola Hellenic Beverage Company (CCHBC), has again shown its commitment to sustainability and community partnership with an awareness walk in Apapa, Lagos, to mark World Clean-Up Day.

The initiative brought together volunteers, including employees from the company’s Ikeja Plant, HeadOffice at Iddo House, and its recycling plant in Apapa.

Walking with officials of Apapa Local Government, community leaders, and youth groups, volunteers engaged residents on importance of proper waste management and recycling as a way of life.

The activity, from Liverpool Roundabout to NBC rPET Hub in Apapa, was an opportunity for interaction with the community, raising awareness on environmental stewardship and reinforcing role of recycling.

Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Soromidayo George, said the walk was part of a wider Waste-to-Wealth drive.

‘What we are doing goes beyond picking plastics; it is about creating awareness and changing mindsets. Recycling also provide economic opportunities. Our employees who volunteered are sustainability champions and with the community, we will build a cleaner and greener Apapa,’ she said.

Since the launch of its Apapa recycling plant in January, NBC has continued to strengthen its role in Lagos State’s green economy. The facility has provided jobs and become a model for other operators in the recycling sector.

Community voices also noted impact of the collaboration. Youth Coordinator in National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Apapa, Samuel Idoko, noted that NBC’s initiative complements youth-led recycling efforts.

Chair of Azare Community Development Association, Jide Santos, lauded NBC’s role in encouraging environmental consciousness in Apapa.

Through this, NBC shows that environmental protection is a shared mission with companies, governments, and communities.

The Place of Liberty School for Special Needs Children has restated its commitment to special needs children, stressing that many children with disabilities risk being neglected or forced to beg on the streets with their parents.

Speaking at its fourth anniversary celebration in Lagos, a board member of the school, Olusoji Oluwole, said: ‘Education for special needs children is very expensive, but with the support of our donors, we have been able to provide everything free of charge – uniforms, feeding, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and even training for our teachers,’

According to him, since its establishment four years ago, it has been dedicated to providing education for children with disabilities whose families cannot afford the huge cost of special education.

He said the school recently established a vocational training centre, where pupils now produce items by themselves as part of their foray into independent living.

He said the school is poised for free education, therapy and vocational skills for children from indigent families, ensuring that they become self-sufficient and not dependent on charity.

‘We’ve had some interventions; food donations, healthcare services, but more government support would allow us to do much more,’ he said.

Oluwole acknowledged support from institutions such as Randle General Hospital, which provides healthcare and physiotherapy.

The school’s administrator, Mrs. Olufunke Lipede, said the journey has been challenging and deeply rewarding, notwithstanding the difficulties involved in caring for children with disabilities.

She said: ‘If you spend just one minute with these children, you will see how wonderful they are. They are very loving and caring. You don’t even see any disability in them. Teachers at the school approach their work with love and patience. They didn’t look at the children’s conditions. They just believed that the more they try, the better for the children.’

Another board member, Oladipo Oluwole, noted that it was established to honour the legacy of his late parents, who were deeply passionate about supporting the poor and children with special needs.

Tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup officially went on sale yesterday despite the fact that not even half of the spots in the 48-team 2026 World Cup field have been claimed.

What’s more, the schedule of matches won’t be finalized until December. And other than host nations U.S., Canada and Mexico, nobody has any idea where or when they’ll be playing.

But millions of fans worldwide evidently don’t seem to mind any of those points.

The buyers will be those who were selected, out of 4.5 million applicants in a lottery that took place last month, to have the first formal chance to purchase tickets over the next few days. FIFA said lottery winners have been, or will soon be, informed by email.

There are unique questions for consumers heading into the tournament, particularly about how they’ll get visas, if necessary, to visit the U.S. as the country cracks down on immigration. There are also more traditional concerns such as who, when and where – and none of those will be answered until the draw on Dec. 5. FIFA knows many fans won’t fret about those answers; they’ll just want tickets now and will figure out the rest later.

‘These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,’ FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media, reacting to the 4.5 million applicants for a spot in the purchase window that opened Wednesday.

‘The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.’

The Zamfara State Police Command has said a nationwide enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) will begin today.

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba said the enforcement is in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a vital security regulation aimed at curbing criminal activities and enhancing public safety.

‘The grace period previously granted for motorists to obtain or renew their Tinted Glass Permits has now expired. Consequently, all vehicles with tinted glass must present valid and verifiable permit documents when requested by enforcement officers,’ he said in Gusau, the state capital.

The police commissioner said henceforth, driving a vehicle with tinted glass without permit is an offence.

A statement by the spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said checks would be conducted in Zamfara and Niger states, as well as FCT, by designated enforcement teams.

‘Defaulters risk vehicle impoundment and possible legal prosecution. Motorists are strongly advised to abide by the law,’ the statement said.

It added that compliance with this directive is not only a legal obligation but a shared responsibility in ensuring public safety and national security.

The police command urged all residents to cooperate with law enforcement personnel.

The NetClan Initiative has achieved another milestone in its quest to promote gender inclusion in technology with the graduation of its second cohort of the Ladies in Network Engineering (LINE) programme, with the majority of participants became Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).

Founded by Abigail Jeffiah and Theodore Chukwudi, the initiative aims to provide opportunities for aspiring network engineers, particularly women, to establish careers in a field often overshadowed by software development and cyber-security.

‘There was no platform where network engineers could motivate each other to upskill,’ Jeffiah explained.

‘We observed more individuals leaving network engineering for other fields, creating a gap, because at the end of the day, every organisation requires a network engineer. That is why we started NetClan-to build that missing community.’

According to Jeffiah, the initiative has steadily grown, with over 30 women sponsored for certification exams since its inception. In the recently concluded cohort, more than 20 participants received full sponsorship, while others were provided vouchers covering up to 50 percent of their exam fees.

‘Seeing another set of students graduate means a lot to me personally,’ she said.

‘This initiative is dear to my heart because, as a female network engineer, I was often the only woman in technical workshops. Now, more women are embracing the field, and we are changing the narrative.’

For Emmanuel Samuel, one of the instructors, the achievement of the cohort reflects the power of mentorship and inclusivity.

‘This milestone is highly significant because it signifies the growing inclusion of women in a field traditionally dominated by men,’ he noted.

‘Seeing a majority of women succeed as CCNA holders demonstrates that, with the right support and opportunities, women can thrive in technology,’ he added.

Graduates of the programme also attested to its impact. Network Security Engineer Odoh Ifunanya JaneFrances described her experience as transformative.

‘I joined because I wanted to understand the underlying operations of networking, especially after failing a job interview,’ she said.

‘Through this program, I gained more than I expected, and it played a key role in helping me land my first job. My advice to aspiring students is that joining NetClan might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your career.’

Other facilitators highlighted the distinct contributions of women in the cohort. Ketcha Karen, a network and network security engineer, praised the collaboration and openness that defined the class.

‘The women demonstrated remarkable teamwork, consistency, and confidence,’ she observed.

‘When women publicly share their achievements, it inspires others to join and assures them they won’t be isolated. That sense of belonging can break barriers in tech.’

Mayaki Ujeh Emmanuel, a network operations engineer, explained that his teaching approach for the second cohort went beyond theory, emphasizing real-world application. ‘Networking is more than configuration and labs. I pushed the ladies to also understand sales, which exposes beginners to different technologies,’ he said.

‘We also gave group projects to build teamwork because, in reality, they will always have to work with others.’

On the value of CCNA, he added: ‘Though it is entry-level, CCNA amplifies knowledge in networking and is highly recognized across the IT industry.’

Mentorship was another key pillar of the programme. Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, one of the mentors, described it as a fulfilling experience.

Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media.

Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting.

He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

His words: ‘Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.’

The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention.

They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

The Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Europe Region, Ambassador Collins Osazee Idahosa, a prominent advocate for the creation of Benin State, has intensified efforts to draw attention to the long-standing demand for statehood.

As a leading voice for the Benin people, Ambassador Idahosa is urging the Federal Government to acknowledge the region’s cultural, historical, and economic significance and grant it state status.

This call to action comes amidst growing momentum for state creation initiatives across Nigeria, including the Anioma State creation campaign, which has garnered support from 85 senators and traditional rulers in the South East.

‘The creation of Benin State is not just a matter of regional pride, but also a necessary step towards ensuring equitable representation, autonomy, and development for our people,’ Idahosa said.

While Idahosa called on the National Assembly to prioritize the Benin State creation bill, Benin people are also demanding recognition of their right to self-determination and autonomy, as well as increased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which they said is essential for the region’s development.

This development is part of a broader movement for state creation in Nigeria, with proposals for 31 new states being considered by the National Assembly.

It was noted that the creation of the Benin State would address historical imbalances and promote national unity, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall progress and stability.

The National Freedom Party (NEP) has faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting its application for registration as a political party, citing similarities between its logo, a zebra, and the horse logo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The party told reporters at its national Secretariat in Abuja where they raised concerns about the procedural mechanism used by INEC to reject their application.

According to Engr. Donnie Oluwafemi Akingbade, the National Publicity Secretary of the National Freedom Party, the party applied for registration in July 2023 and received an acknowledgment from INEC.

However, after more than two years without communication from INEC, the party was informed that their application had been rejected due to the alleged similarity between their logo and that of the SDP.

Akingbade pointed out that the party had complied with all the necessary requirements for registration as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He cited specific sections of the Act to show that the party had met all the conditions for registration and should have been granted approval by INEC.

The party’s Protem National Chairman, Dr. Anthony Harmattan, called on President Tinubu and the international community to intervene and ensure that the party is registered in accordance with the law. He warned that any further delay in the registration process could jeopardize the upcoming 2027 elections.

The National Freedom Party emphasised that their goal is to promote freedom and dignity for all Nigerians and work with the government to improve the lives of the people.

They urged INEC to reconsider their decision and register the party without further delay.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing Abuja-Keffi road rehabilitation project within the stipulated deadline of December 2026.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the Maraba-Nyanyan section site on Thursday, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, said the project, which commenced in December 2023, spans 43.6 kilometres from the Keffi-bound section, with 41 kilometres completed up to Binda, representing 50 percent progress.

The project, being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme and funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), was awarded on April 19, 2023, commenced on December 20, 2023, and was initially scheduled for completion in May 2026.

Noting that the Abuja-Keffi dual carriageway is one of the busiest routes into the Federal Capital Territory, serving thousands of commuters daily, Goronyo explained that the major challenge lies on the Abuja-bound section, particularly a three-kilometre stretch prone to flooding.

‘A lot of people coming from the Keffi-Nyanya axis experience serious difficulty crossing into Abuja city. We immediately directed the contractor to put in palliative measures and create a route to ease movement,’ he said.

According to him, work on the section will be carried out mainly at night to reduce disruption to traffic.

‘The contractor must fully mobilise to the site. We are not happy with the suffering commuters face daily on this arterial road. It is a key corridor for civil servants and residents, and people must have ease of movement,’ he stressed.

The Minister, who was accompanied by ministry officials and representatives of the contracting firm, said the government will ensure strict monitoring to guarantee timely completion.

‘We don’t want to see this problem persist. The contractor must finish within the stipulated period,’ he emphasised.

The Project Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company, the contractor handling the project, Dong Hong, assured that the firm remains committed to meeting the deadline.

‘We have the confidence to finish this project on time with the highest quality. Much of the work is now being done at night to meet the schedule,’ he said.

A non-governmental organisation, Iykon Global Foundation, in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has officially unveiled a web-based test engine system and online learning for Nigerian students, both at secondary and undergraduate levels.

It is aimed at enabling students to excel in their educational pursuits and reduce the incidents of abysmal failures.

Speaking during the unveiling of learning platform in Asaba, Delta State capital yesterday, the Executive Director, Iykon Global Foundation, Ambassador Ephraim Ikechukwu Nwonu, said the essence of the initiative was to assist Nigerian students to enable them to pass their examinations with ease and reduce the incidents of failures among students in WAEC, NECO, JAMB and other examining bodies.

He also said the platform would keep the students well informed and also to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitments to improving education in his Renewed Hope Agenda policy.

Nwonu said: ‘The whole essence of this initiative is to assist Nigerian students to be able to pass their examinations, including job seekers to be well informed ahead.

‘Also, the initiative will go a long way in complementing the wonderful commitments of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector. I also commend the President for the NELFUND programme for students to have access to education.

‘It is expected that this initiative will serve as an antidote to JAMB, WAEC, and NECO examinations’ abysmal failure, especially in recent times. Job seekers and graduates can also benefit from this all-important initiative.’

Also speaking during the flag off, the President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Olushola Oladoja, said the web-based test engine system speaks directly to the struggle and advocacy for students to have access to qualitative and affordable education enhanced by technology. He added that the initiative was not just a project but a tool for empowerment, a bridge to excellence, and a strategic response to the evolving educational demands of the 21st century.

He maintained that Nigerian students had been constrained by inadequate learning resources, poor access to practical platforms, and the gap between classroom knowledge and exams preparedness.