Category: The Nation – Nigeria

HBM Nigeria Plc has opened a high-capacity Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at its Mfamosing Plant, marking a significant step in the company’s drive to build a cleaner, faster and more efficient logistics network.

The new facility significantly expands HBM Nigeria’s ability to fuel CNG-powered trucks at scale. In its first phase, the station has the capacity to serve up to 150 trucks every day, with an installed capacity of 144,000 standard cubic metres of CNG per day.

Designed for round-the-clock operations, the station is supported by two pumps and four dispensing points. This is expected to substantially reduce refueling and truck waiting times, improve fleet availability and enable faster turnaround of trucks serving the company’s logistics network.

By October 2026, Phase Two is expected to come on stream, increasing the station’s capability to serve approximately 250 trucks every day.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpeyong EneCobhams, congratulated HBM Nigeria Plc on the landmark achievement.

He noted that the state government remains committed to creating an investment-friendly environment that will ensure investors get value for their investments.

‘This is an era of not just mobility but also of efficiency in the choice of power sources used to deliver goods and services. We are proud of HBM Nigeria Plc, especially for its commitment to corporate social responsibility,’ he added.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, HBM Nigeria Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, described the inauguration of the CNG facility as an important milestone that demonstrates the company’s commitment to efficiency, operational excellence, and sustainability.

‘Energy and logistics remain significant cost drivers for the company and its value chain. By increasing the use of CNG, we are creating more efficient and more cost-effective operations. This investment is significant because it aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to adopt CNG as an alternative to a cleaner energy environment. With this facility, we will utilize cleaner, environmentally friendly, more efficient and effective energy sources,’ Alade-Akinyemi said.

‘We are happy that this would create more opportunities for our communities, customers, contractors, transporters, people in Cross River and the wider community in Nigeria,’ he stated.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Logistics Director of HBM Nigeria, Osaze Aghatise, said the significance of the investment goes beyond the physical infrastructure.

‘We have been using CNG in our logistics operations in the last nine years, but what changes today is the scale of deployment. With Phase One, we can serve up to 150 trucks every day, and by October, with Phase Two, we expect to increase that to approximately 250 trucks daily. This marks a significant step in moving CNG-powered logistics from an initiative to a fully scaled operation.’

He added: ‘For us, the real value is what this does for our customers and our operations – shorter refueling queues, reduced truck waiting time, better truck availability and faster turnaround. Every hour we take out of waiting is an opportunity to put our trucks back on the road and deliver faster to our customers.’

The facility represents another major step in HBM Nigeria’s broader logistics transformation agenda, which is focused on operational excellence, improved asset utilisation, speed to market and the deployment of more sustainable transportation solutions.

The Logistics Director also acknowledged the leadership of HBM Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, in enabling the investment.

‘Transformations like this require leadership that is prepared to make bold decisions and invest ahead of the future. I want to recognise our CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, for his consistent support for logistics transformation and for giving us the confidence to pursue initiatives that will shape the future of our operations.’

Also speaking, the Procurement Director, HBM Nigeria Limited, Gabriel Ibiyemi, explained that the model CNG station at Mfamosing is a strong example of what disciplined sourcing and effective collaboration can achieve.

One of the transporters, Managing Director of JozaGlobal Logistics Limited, Emmanuel Usiakpor, who spoke on the milestone project, stated that the newly inaugurated CNG mother station plant has huge benefits for transporters.

Some of the dignitaries in attendance include the Cross River State Commissioner for Mineral Resources (Solid Minerals), Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu; Village Head, Mfamosing, Ntufam Paul Ntui; Member, Cross River State House of Assembly, Honourable Linus Bassey; Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development (CPASD), Director, HBM Nigeria Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas; Health, Safety and Environment Director, Rachael Ezembakwe, Adewunmi Alode, Legal Director, and Head of HBM-Eco, HBM Nigeria Plc, Temitope Dosumu amongst others.

Beyond improving operational efficiency, the expansion of CNG infrastructure supports HBM Nigeria’s ambition to progressively reduce its reliance on conventional fuels and strengthen the resilience of its logistics network.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued six kidnapped victims during a gun battle with suspected terrorists in the Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The victims were rescued on Wednesday, September 2, following credible intelligence of terrorist activity at Mehinua Village along the Wasagu-Ayu Road.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Joint Task Force Media Information Officer, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, troops from Sector 2 swiftly mobilised to the area after receiving the intelligence.

He said the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

According to Danja, the military intervention forced the terrorists to flee, abandoning the kidnapped victims at the scene.

‘Following the engagement, troops successfully rescued the six kidnapped victims unharmed,’ the statement said.

The rescued victims and the vehicle involved were subsequently handed over to the relevant community authorities for further necessary action.

The military said the operation underscored Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s determination to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across its Joint Operations Area.

The military also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security outpost to facilitate timely intervention.

The Premier League has ?smashed its summer spending record for a second successive season, with outlay by England’s top-flight reaching around £3.46 billion ($4.67 billion).

The spending spree continued right up to the final hours of the transfer window on Tuesday, with several more big-money deals completed before the 11 p.m. deadline.

Manchester City capped their spending by signing Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea ?for a reported British record-equalling £125 million on Tuesday. They also signed Senegal winger Iliman Ndiaye from Everton for a ?reported £65 million.

Last summer, the combined spending of the league’s 20 clubs breached the £3 billion barrier ?for the first time. Five years ago, the total stood at £1.13 billion.

In addition to Fernandez, three other transfers ?breached the £100 million mark during the window.

City signed midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, Morgan Rogers ?switched from Aston Villa to Chelsea for £117 million and Liverpool agreed to pay an initial £107 million to Paris St Germain for France forward Bradley Barcola with that deal likely to rise to £123 million.

Tottenham Hotspur also broke their club transfer record to sign ?Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100 million.

Of the 11 most expensive signings in ?Premier League history, four – Fernandez, Anderson, Rogers and Barcola – have arrived this summer.

Aston Villa also announced their 11th signing of the window with £47 ?million purchase of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG, while Newcastle paid £51.4 million to bring in forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille.

The trend for clubs to buy from English top-flight rivals continues to rise with around 38% of deals made between Premier League clubs – up from 30% last summer.

City led the way with £458 million in spending as ?new manager Enzo Maresca assembled ?his first squad, while ?Chelsea also spent heavily, shelling out £349 million to back new boss Xabi Alonso.

Tottenham splashed out £303 million as they rebuild after two successive seasons close to being relegated.

According?to website Transfermarkt, promoted trio Ipswich, Coventry City and Hull City spent more than ?a combined £400 ?million to prepare themselves for life in the top flight.

Sunderland landed highly rated Belgian winger Malick Fofana, 21, from Olympique Lyonnais in a reported £30 million deal after beating Crystal Palace to his signature.

Some deals failed to go through on ?deadline ?day.

British media reported that Everton’s move for Folarin Balogun collapsed after the U.S.?striker decided against proceeding with the transfer, while Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara remained at Monaco after his reported £47.1 million move to Chelsea fell ?through.

Enviable Group has trained more than 400 staff members as part of efforts to strengthen mentorship, leadership, and talent development within the organisation.

The mentorship training, held last month, was designed to equip employees with practical knowledge and skills to improve their performance and contribute to the organisation’s growth.

The programme focused on leadership, communication, professionalism, teamwork, productivity, and career development.

It also gave participants the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, exchange ideas, ask questions, and gain practical insights to support their personal and professional development.

The initiative is part of the Group’s broader human capital development strategy, emphasising the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce.

During the training, employees were encouraged to take greater responsibility for their career development and to understand how their individual roles contribute to the organisation’s wider objectives.

The Group said that investing in its workforce remains an important part of its long-term strategy, noting that employees play a key role in driving organisational growth and sustainability.

With more than 400 employees participating, the training represents a significant staff development initiative.

The mentorship programme also aims to give younger and emerging employees opportunities to learn from more experienced colleagues, build confidence, identify their strengths, and prepare for increased responsibilities.

Nigerians living abroad have appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the period for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and review voter revalidation and transfer processes ahead of the 2027 general election.

The appeal was contained in a statement by Comrade Oladotun Toye, coordinator, APC Japan/Asia, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora and addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN).

The group hailed INEC for the conduct of the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as well as the extension of its self-service online voter registration portal, saying the initiatives had provided opportunities for first-time voters to participate in the electoral process.

However, the Diaspora Nigerians said urgent measures were needed to address challenges that could prevent eligible citizens living abroad from participating in the 2027 elections.

They called on INEC to extend the PVC collection deadline to at least one week before the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to the group, the extension would enable Nigerians in the Diaspora, who have limited annual leave from their employers, to travel to Nigeria, visit their local governments and collect their PVCs before election day.

The statement noted that many Nigerians living in countries including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, France and China were planning to return to Nigeria from January 2027.

‘Allowing sufficient time for PVC collection will enable them to visit their local governments, collect their cards and participate fully in the electoral process,’ the group said.

The diaspora community also urged INEC to investigate and resolve outstanding cases involving voter-card transfers and revalidation conducted before the 2023 general election.

It said some Nigerians in the diaspora who completed the processes had yet to receive their PVCs, while others were unable to vote in the 2023 elections because of unresolved issues.

The group asked INEC to provide affected voters with a clear timeline and accessible mechanism to either collect their PVCs or re-apply where necessary, well ahead of the 2027 elections.

It called on the electoral commission to consider reliable alternative methods of voter accreditation in cases where challenges with the PVC system could arise.

The group welcomed ongoing discussions around electronic and digital solutions for voter identification and accreditation, urging INEC to implement such reforms in a timely manner to reduce logistical challenges and prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible voters.

On diaspora voting, the group acknowledged that the current Electoral Act does not permit Nigerians abroad to vote at Nigerian embassies and consulates.

It, however, urged INEC to continue working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders towards establishing the necessary legal framework for diaspora voting.

The group said Nigerians living and working abroad made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and should also have greater opportunities to participate in the country’s democratic process.

It said extending the PVC collection period, resolving outstanding voter revalidation and transfer cases, strengthening alternative accreditation systems and advancing diaspora voting would promote greater electoral inclusion and participation.

‘We, therefore, respectfully appeal to INEC to give urgent consideration to these concerns and take the necessary steps to ensure no eligible Nigerian is unnecessarily disenfranchised in the 2027 general election,’ the statement said.

Nigeria’s efforts to improve the health of women and children are increasingly confronting a challenge that cannot be solved by more medicines, equipment or funding alone: weak leadership and management systems capable of turning health investments into results. That challenge is now the focus of a major intervention by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Development Governance International (DGI) Consult, which is targeting leadership, governance and management gaps in Adamawa, Kwara and Sokoto States to help protect gains recorded in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N).

The intervention is significant because baseline assessments across key health institutions in the three states identified gaps in planning and implementation, coordination, supportive supervision, data use, workforce management and other aspects of health-sector governance. The concern is straightforward: health systems can have policies, programmes and technical expertise on paper, yet fail to deliver their full impact when leadership is weak, resources are poorly managed and accountability is fragmented. It is this gap between having health interventions and delivering results that the Enhancing Leadership, Governance and Management Capacities (ELGMC) Project is seeking to close.

Implemented by DGI Consult as part of the European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) Project, the initiative is jointly implemented by UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the three states. Following the baseline assessments, UNICEF and DGI Consult recently completed state-level capacity-strengthening workshops that brought together senior government officials, health-institution heads, programme managers, local government representatives, development partners and other stakeholders. Rather than treating leadership as an administrative skill separate from healthcare delivery, the programme places it at the heart of improving health outcomes.

UNICEF Health Systems Specialist, Dr. Emmanuel Emedo, captured the rationale succinctly. ‘It is important that health professionals understand how to lead because when we lead better, we deliver better results. Technical expertise alone is not enough for effective and efficient healthcare delivery,’ he said. For Emedo, the challenge becomes particularly important as health professionals assume leadership responsibilities and governments take greater ownership of programmes amid changes in the global development financing environment.

The implication is that Nigeria’s health sector must increasingly learn to do more with the resources available to it-and that requires competent managers who can plan strategically, coordinate programmes, manage finances, deploy human resources efficiently and use data to make decisions. The workshops therefore focused on strategic planning, coordination, results-based management, financial management, human resources for health, resource optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

Participants also developed shared RMNCAH+N visions and explored results frameworks designed to translate priorities into measurable targets and strengthen accountability. In Kwara, where stakeholders acknowledged significant progress in maternal and child health, the emphasis was particularly on protecting those gains while confronting persistent weaknesses in governance, resource management and service delivery. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, acknowledged the support of UNICEF and development partners but stressed the need to sustain progress while addressing existing gaps.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, similarly identified the management capacity of health workers, especially officers-in-charge of facilities, as critical to translating the state’s health ambitions into results. That focus on local governments and facilities is important because this is where health policies ultimately become-or fail to become-services. For a pregnant woman, the quality of leadership may be reflected in whether a primary healthcare centre has the personnel, supplies and referral arrangements needed when complications arise.

For a newborn, it may determine whether essential care is available on time. For a child or adolescent, it may influence whether services are adequately planned, staffed and monitored. In that sense, governance is not an abstract bureaucratic concept. It can determine whether people receive care when they need it.

DGI Consult’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Gafar Alawode, said the ELGMC Project was deliberately designed to go beyond conventional training. ‘A lot of people have trained as professionals in the health sector, but many have not had formal training in leadership. This programme is problem-solving and competency-based,’ he said. According to him, the objective is to equip health leaders with the competencies and systems required to identify problems, strengthen institutions and optimise available resources. ‘It is not just about conducting a training. It is about developing competent leaders and managers who can solve critical problems in the health sector, strengthen systems, optimise available resources, and ultimately improve access to quality healthcare,’ Alawode said.

That distinction could determine whether the intervention produces lasting results. Nigeria has no shortage of health policies, strategies, programmes or development interventions. The more difficult task is ensuring that these initiatives survive beyond workshops and are consistently implemented at state, local government and facility levels.

The ELGMC Project is taking leadership development beyond the training room by strengthening coordination, accountability and planning across Adamawa, Kwara and Sokoto states. Mentoring, technical support, action trackers and results frameworks are helping RMNCAH+N teams improve implementation and prepare stronger 2027 plans. The next phase will extend these efforts to local governments and health facilities through cascade training, expenditure reviews, financial modelling and performance dashboards. A Leadership Fellowship and Community of Practice will deepen peer learning and mentorship. Ultimately, the measure of success will be whether stronger leadership translates into better planning, efficient resource use, accountability and improved health services for women, children and adolescents.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspects and recovered quantities of suspected illicit drugs, including Tramadol and Rohypnol, during a raid on a suspected drug outlet in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

Operatives from the Department of Operations carried out the operation following credible intelligence on suspected drug dealers’ activities in the area.

In a statement on Thursday, the Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives were on routine patrol along Alegwe Street, off Owa Road, Agbor, when they raided a store allegedly used for selling and distributing illicit drugs.

Those arrested were identified as Anabel Haruna, 18; Terhemen Faith, 19; Kaityo Abigail, 23; Iorkee Eunice, 26; and Osomuri Emmanuel, 31.

A 15-year-old female juvenile was also arrested, but her identity was withheld.

According to Edafe, a search of a vehicle linked to the suspects led to the recovery of quantities of Tramadol, Rohypnol and other suspected illicit substances.

He said the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale warned drug dealers and distributors operating in the state to stop the illicit trade.

He said the Command would intensify efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks.

Erale said the proliferation of illicit drugs could fuel violent crime and other forms of criminality, directing police operatives across the state to strengthen intelligence gathering and enforcement against drug dealers and their networks.

He assured residents that the Command would not allow Delta State to become a safe haven for illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

The first edition of the Michael Opeyemi Bamidele National Taekwondo championship is billed to start on September 17 in Lagos.

A former Commissioner for Sports and ex- Commissioner for Information and strategy in Lagos State, Opeyemi Bamidele, is the sponsor of the tournaments expected to provide so much thrills for the lovers of the game in the country.

Bamidele, now senate leader, sees sports as one of the ways of unifying people as a sports stakeholder. He has encouraged different sporting events in the past.

The President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Tayo Popoola, expressed delight over the competition, saying it is good for stakeholders to complement the efforts of government in sports development.

‘We are so happy about this and we believe it is coming at a time we are also working towards the next African Games and the Olympic Games.

‘This is the maiden edition of the competition and we have high expectations that the athletes will enjoy themselves in Lagos. It is an opportunity to continue to look at the progress of our athletes and know those we expect to represent us in future continental and global events,’ Popoola said.

The MOB National Taekwondo Championship, already tagged tourney of ‘Unity’ is open to states, clubs and schools all over the country.

‘Participation can only be in team format and I am happy that so far we are having good responses from various parts of the country. The federation will continue to work so hard to make the event hitch-free,’ Popoola added.

The kingmakers of Ise Land in the Lekki Local Council Development Area of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, have withdrawn their earlier consensus support for the candidacy of Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu against Prince Wasiu Gbadebo Adenupebi Adegoroye who is the chosen one for the stool of the Onise of Ise Land.

The decision followed consultations and further consideration of developments surrounding the succession process, with the kingmakers citing the need to uphold justice, fairness, peace and the integrity of the traditional institution.

In a statement issued by the kingmakers, they said their earlier position supporting Saliu had been withdrawn unanimously in the interest of the kingdom.

The development comes amid a dispute over the recent installation of Saliu as the Onise of Ise, which the Adegoroye Ruling House had protested, alleging that the exercise contravened a subsisting order of the Lagos State High Court, Epe Judicial Division.

The kingmakers said among the issues subsequently brought to their attention were concerns over Saliu’s alleged involvement in another traditional stool process with picture evidence.

According to them, the matter should be fully clarified by the appropriate authorities before his candidacy for the Onise stool could receive further consideration.

They stressed that the withdrawal was intended to protect the sanctity of the traditional institution and promote peace within Ise Land.

The controversy is also before the Lagos State High Court, Epe Judicial Division, where an order restraining the Lagos State Government, its agencies and officials from recognising or installing Saliu or any other candidate for the stool is said to be subsisting pending the determination of the suit.

The matter has been adjourned until October 29, 2026, for further proceedings.

The latest position by the kingmakers is expected to add a new dimension to the ongoing succession crisis, as stakeholders await the court’s determination and clarification of the rightful occupant of the Onise of Ise stool.

The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani, has died at the age of 84.

The first-class traditional ruler died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, after a 46-year reign.

Announcing his death, the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government (SSG), Malam Bala Ibrahim, said the state received the news with ‘heavy hearts and profound sorrow’.

‘With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the state government announces the passing away of the Emir of Gumel, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani, at the age of 84,’ Ibrahim said.

The SSG described the late emir’s 46-year reign as remarkable, saying it brought significant development to the Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State.

According to him, the late traditional ruler would be remembered for his dedication, simplicity, humility and commitment to the development of his people.

Ibrahim said the emir played a significant role in promoting education and school enrolment, improving access to effective public healthcare delivery, and fostering peace and stability within the emirate and beyond.

He particularly noted the late emir’s efforts to promote peaceful relations with border communities in the Republic of Niger.

The SSG said the late emir’s contributions had earned him a lasting place in the history of the Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State.

Ibrahim prayed Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdausi.

He added that arrangements for the funeral prayer would be communicated to the public by the Gumel Emirate.