NPP, That Was A Trailblazer

It was a successful party conference, an apt determinant of the health of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and democracy in the country as a whole.

The NPP being one of the two dominant parties in the country, occurrences within it should be of concern to all Ghanaians. Those who represent the party and, therefore, who would direct its affairs should be persons of admirable pedigree who would rather democracy is provided the necessary impetus to thrive.

We would be in a better position to give a complete bill of good health for our democracy when the other dominant political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), register a similar feat when they go to the polls later and no bones are broken.

For now, they are having a field day refusing to offer an objective assessment of the programme, their preference being the dangling of jaundiced views which only spell their regret that it all went well.

There was no ‘show down’ threat and law enforcement officers deployed to the venue just watched on as things played out in tandem with the laid-out plans.

The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, was busy spewing nonsense about the polls when the polls ended. He took exception to the choice of Kojo Fosu Boadu aka Bamba, describing it as ‘politically backward.’

Whatever that means! His beef with the choice could stem from the fact that the NPP delegates have decided upon a grassroots man whom they identify with. The choice of a man associated with the internal security arrangement of the party, down-to-earth to such a top position shows one thing: the delegates want a departure from the elitist tangent. They prefer an amalgam of both sides of society.

Be it as it may, we are pleased to congratulate the party leadership, especially the organisers of the Kumasi programme which wonderful arrangement registered the success.

The incident-free programme should not be taken for granted. Things could have gone otherwise as witnessed in previous exercises when party congresses were marred by violence, as was the case when the NDC assembled for a programme at the University of Ghana some years back.

It is our hope that the standards set will serve as benchmark for future gathering of political parties for the purpose of voting and taking vital decisions pertaining to the management of their groupings.

Since the political leadership of the country as it is in other democratic jurisdictions are birthed by parties, it behooves the managers to conduct themselves in tune with the Electoral Laws of the land, integrity being the watchword.

Without such laws, all manner of persons bereft of integrity, including drug lords, would take interest in vying for political office just so their nefarious occupations would enjoy leverage.

Even as we congratulate the new executives, we would be quick to enjoin them to let the interests of Ghana be paramount in all their dealings.

Political parties being the channels for choosing future presidents and governments, their work must be guided by honesty and good governance.

Breast Cancer: Let Us Turn Awareness Into Action

October is not just another month on the calendar. It is a month that calls on all of us to pause, learn, speak up and take action against one of the most devastating diseases affecting women across the world.

It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October.

This year’s message, ‘Every story is unique, every journey matters,’ reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a human being-a mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend or colleague whose life deserves dignity, compassion and the best possible care.

Breast cancer should, therefore, not be treated merely as a medical condition. It is a challenge that affects individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole.

The time has come for us to move beyond wearing pink ribbons and displaying awareness messages. We must turn awareness into action.

Breast Cancer Is Everyone’s Concern

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, while about 694,000 women died from the disease worldwide.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and occurs in every country.

These figures should not merely frighten us. They should motivate us to become more informed, more vigilant and more supportive of those affected.

One of the most important things we must understand is that breast cancer does not always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, the warning signs may appear as a small or seemingly insignificant change.

That is why knowing your body matters.

Know the Warning Signs

Women and men alike should pay attention to unusual changes in the breast.

These may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, a change in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling or unusual changes in the skin, changes to the nipple or surrounding area, or unusual nipple discharge, including bloody discharge.

However, we must also be careful not to panic.

Not every breast lump is cancer.

The important message is that an unusual or persistent change should never be ignored or self-diagnosed. It should be examined by a qualified health professional.

Early action can make an enormous difference.

Early Detection Can Save Lives

One of the most important messages of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the need for early detection and timely treatment.

When breast cancer is identified before it has spread to other parts of the body, treatment is generally more effective and the chances of better outcomes are improved.

Unfortunately, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial difficulties and delays in seeking medical attention can prevent people from receiving care at the right time.

We must change this.

Let us encourage our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual breast changes.

Let us also encourage people to follow appropriate screening recommendations based on their age, personal risk and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.

Prevention And Healthy Living

Although not all breast cancers can be prevented, there are steps that can reduce some risks and promote better overall health.

Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tobacco and maintaining a healthy diet are among the measures that can contribute to risk reduction.

People with a strong family history of breast cancer or known high-risk genetic mutations should seek appropriate medical advice and individualized risk assessment.

Knowledge is power, but knowledge becomes meaningful when it leads to action.

The Pain Goes Beyond The Diagnosis

We must also understand that breast cancer affects much more than the body.

A diagnosis can bring fear, anxiety, uncertainty and emotional distress. Treatment may affect a person’s physical appearance, relationships, employment, finances and confidence.

Families and caregivers can also experience emotional and financial pressure.

This is why our response to breast cancer must go beyond hospitals and medicines.

We must provide compassion, emotional support, rehabilitation, financial assistance where possible, and dignity to those going through the journey.

Nobody should be made to feel ashamed because they have breast cancer.

Nobody should be blamed for becoming sick.

And nobody should have to walk through the journey alone.

Let Us Fight Misinformation

Another challenge we must confront is misinformation.

In our communities, people may sometimes be encouraged to rely solely on unproven herbal preparations, spiritual interventions or other remedies while delaying proper medical assessment and treatment.

Faith and spirituality can provide comfort, hope and strength, but they should not become reasons for avoiding appropriate medical care.

We must encourage people to seek qualified medical advice, obtain proper diagnosis and follow evidence-based treatment.

A timely medical examination can save a life.

What Can We Do This October?

As individuals, families, traditional leaders, religious leaders, health professionals, journalists, civil society organisations and community leaders, we all have a role to play.

Let us educate ourselves and others about breast cancer.

Let us encourage people to report unusual breast changes promptly.

Let us promote appropriate screening and early diagnosis.

Let us support women and men living with breast cancer without stigma.

Let us challenge myths and misinformation.

Let us advocate for affordable and accessible breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment.

And, most importantly, let us show compassion.

A Message To Those On The Journey

To every woman and every person currently battling breast cancer, I want you to know this:

Your diagnosis does not define you. Your story matters. Your life matters. Your journey matters.

Do not allow fear or stigma to silence you.

Seek medical care. Ask questions. Lean on trusted family members, friends, healthcare professionals and support networks.

To families and caregivers, your presence, encouragement and compassion can mean more than you may ever realise.

Let Pink October Mean Something

As we wear pink, display pink ribbons and participate in awareness activities throughout October, let us remember that breast cancer awareness must not end when October ends.

Let the pink ribbon remind us to learn, examine, screen, seek care, support and act.

Let us build communities where women feel safe discussing breast health.

Let us build a society where early detection is encouraged rather than feared.

Let us build a healthcare system where people can obtain timely diagnosis and quality treatment.

And let us build a culture where no breast cancer patient feels abandoned.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign. It is a call to save lives.

Every story is unique.

Every journey matters.

And together, through awareness, early detection, timely treatment and compassionate support, we can make a difference.

This October, let us not only wear pink. Let us take action.

Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters Manila-bound as face of wellness firm’s new campaign

The pickleball boom in Philippines is intensifying by the day that is has attracted one of the sport’s top stars.

World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters is slated to visit the country this month for a series of activities that should underscore the Philippines’ meteoric rise as the world’s fastest-growing sport.

Brands have been taking full advantage pickleball’s growing popularity in the country, with Waters’ Philippine visit gaining the backing of Franklin Sports and IAM Worldwide.

The star has recently been announced as IAM Worldwide’s global sports ambassador, becoming the face of the firms’s latest campaign promoting the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies.

Waters features in IAM Worldwide’s new commercial, engaging in a competitive pickleball rally against a cute, animated IAM Gummy Bear, highlighting the dynamic blend of high-level athletic performance and recreational fun.

But beyond the playful action, the 60 seconder also reflects the mental fortitude and physical drive required for Waters to remain at the very top of her sport.

Through the campaign, Waters aims to inspire pickleball hopefuls and active individuals across the globe to prioritize physical well-being. Together, IAM Worldwide and Anna Leigh Waters continue to advocate a vital message: a truly “wealthy” life is one where wealth is determined by health.

“We are beyond thrilled to showcase Anna Leigh Waters in our latest product campaign,” IAM Worldwide said in news release. “Anna Leigh represents the absolute pinnacle of dedication, athletic achievement, and integrity. Her mindset perfectly mirrors our belief that real success is built on a foundation of health and purpose. Having her represent our flagship barley line of products led by the IAM Amazing Organic Barley Gummies will inspire young athletes to prioritize their physical well-being as they chase their dreams.”

In Manila, Waters is scheduled to appear in a press conference and an exhibition match for fans.

Pacific champ Global Esports bows out; invy advances in Valorant Champions

Pacific champion Global Esports saw its Valorant Champions Shanghai campaign cut short in the group stage, leaving Paper Rex’s Adrian ‘invy’ Reyes as the lone Filipino player moving on to the playoffs.

Global Esports, which entered the tournament as Pacific’s top seed after winning VCT Pacific Stage 2, bowed out following a 0-2 loss to Loud in their Group B decider. GE earlier fell to Team Vitality, 1-2, before sweeping EDward Gaming, 2-0, to stay alive.

The result continued a rough tournament for some of Shanghai’s top seeds, with three of the four Stage 2 champions suffering a group-stage exit: Global Esports of Pacific, Tyloo of China and Karmine Corp of EMEA. Only America champion 100 Thieves manage to qualify to the playoffs.

Still, Xavier ‘xavi8k’ Juan was proud of what Global Esports accomplished in a breakthrough season.

‘I’m proud that we even made Champs, made it this far. It was a long year, a year of firsts that we did so much this year. It’s been a good journey. It took me five years to go Tier 1, and then my first year here, we qualified for all these events. So if you have a goal or a dream, just believe in yourself and keep on going,’ said Juan.

For xavi8k, his first year at the Tier 1 level also brought experiences beyond the server.

‘The whole year, it’s been fun living in Korea away from home with these five guys and all the coaching staff. It’s like a life experience I’ll never forget,’ added Juan.

Head Daniel “Platoon” Zhou coach Platoon, meanwhile, took pride in the work the team put in to turn its season around after struggling at the beginning of Stage 2.

‘I’m most proud of just how much work they put in. I think at the start of Stage 2, we were far, we might have been one of the worst teams, if I’m going to be honest, at the start of Stage 2. You guys don’t know the amount of hours we put in. We had no break until we even made it to the playoffs. We literally had no break days. So it was incredible how much work they put in to turn around the state that our team was in from Stage 2. So I’m just incredibly proud that everyone stayed so locked in for so long, maybe ran out of steam a little bit towards the end. But no matter what, I’m proud of how much all of us put in, including, again, the managers and Fields who are here with us,’ said Zhou.

Global Esports’ exit also ended the Champions runs of fellow Filipinos Patrick ‘PatMen’ Mendoza and assistant coach Derren ‘Aimix’ dela Cruz, who joined the squad on site after visa issues kept him out of its opening match.

Meanwhile, Reyes and Paper Rex went unbeaten in Group C, scoring identical 2-1 victories over Team Liquid and G2 Esports to advance as the group’s top seed.

They hope to keep their win streak alive as they face Loud on Wednesday, October 7, at 8 p.m.

’The Correspondent’ by Virginia Evans

Now what? I asked myself as I got to the end of this book. The ending left me so disoriented because I did not get what I wanted, or better yet, I did not get the ending I wanted for my own selfish reasons.

In The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, we follow our main character, Sybil, as she lives her quiet life after retiring from her position as chief clerk to a judge, a job she loved with all her being.

Sybil is in her seventies; she navigates her life through pen and paper. She communicates almost exclusively through letters and occasionally uses email and phone calls when necessary. The entire book is told through her correspondence with others, which, in my opinion, made the book quite intriguing. It was as if I were receiving these letters myself.

I thought of the lost art of letter writing. I remember how sweet a treat it was to receive letters back in school, or to write one and end it with a song dedication. Good old times. (Is my age showing?) But letters live, unlike text messages.

‘Isn’t there something wonderful to think that a story of one’s life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something, even if it is a very small thing, to someone?’ she writes.

And I agree. Putting words on paper preserves the words themselves and the feelings behind them. My countless journals can testify.

Even in her seventies, Sybil still struggles to understand who she is. Yes, she has done everything right by the book, but life has not been as fair to her as she had hoped. Being given away by her biological mother does not help matters at all because, throughout her life, she has kept asking the same question: Why would someone give up a child?

‘A newborn I can understand. I think someone decided before the notion of a baby became an actual baby. But a child of fourteen months, what could possess a person to do that?’

Sybil wonders and shares her thoughts with her brother Felix, who was also adopted by the same parents.

I think some questions can never really be answered because we have no idea why people make the choices they do.

Sybil’s relationship with her daughter is one that I was so invested in. As I read, I wondered what could have happened for it to become almost non-existent. Through Sybil’s best friend, Rosalie, we learn what Fiona feels about her mother.

From an early age, Fiona felt like her mother pushed her away, and she never understood why. Just as Sybil never understood her biological mother’s decision, Fiona never understood hers. The irony doesn’t escape me.

But grief is a thing with legs. It moves as it pleases but never fully leaves someone. Add fear to it, and you’re completely crippled in some ways. And so Sybil finds herself in that situation, as the reader learns from the long, unsent letter in which she shares herself fully.

She finally tries to right her wrongs, including some of her decisions during her court days, but she still struggles, as humans always do. One moment I still think about is when she tries to make amends with her daughter, Fiona.

She writes: ‘I pulled back from you. If I didn’t feel so much to begin with, then it wouldn’t come as hard when, not if, but WHEN my fears came to pass again. I suppose I’ve never recovered. I don’t know how to recover.’

I still think about that because I have seen what fear can do to a person.

But The Correspondent is not only about grief and fear. It has fun moments and is also a book with movement. Through the letters, the characters’ lives progress and change. Oh, the characters come alive in these letters, especially those whose responses we read.

I loved Harry, Sybil’s friend’s son. She has corresponded with him since he was young, and we watch him grow up to become a force to be reckoned with, even after struggling with mental health issues.

It is never too late to find love. Sybil reminded me of that, as she had two suitors who loved her dearly and had to sit down and decide who made her feel the happiest and most at peace. In other words, take your sweet time if that is what you want to do.

Yes, the ending left me with the question, ‘What now?’ because The Correspondent is a book that gave me both laughter and tears. It made me feel so nostalgic about letter writing that a friend and I now plan to correspond. And like Sybil, I will include book recommendations in my letters to said friend(s).

From Zanzibar to Sweden: My journey to the Young Courage Award

If someone had told me that speaking up for children in Zanzibar would one day take me to Sweden, I probably would not have believed them.

I was simply doing what I believed was right: volunteering, advocating for children with disabilities, challenging discrimination and encouraging other young people to use their voices. I did not know that these efforts would eventually lead me to the Young Courage Award and an opportunity to represent Tanzania on an international stage.

I first heard about the Young Courage Award from Thani Abdulrahman, a 2025 finalist, who encouraged me to apply. We met on the final day of the application period. I told him about the work I had been doing to advocate for children, particularly defending the rights and dignity of vulnerable children and children with disabilities.

Through the Children’s Rights Forum Zanzibar and the Youth Council, I help children with disabilities access education and overcome discrimination. I speak up for children whose rights are overlooked, challenge barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing school and work with my community to promote equal opportunities for young people.

I also volunteer through the Youth Council to empower other young people, share skills and opportunities, and address harmful practices affecting their communities.

Thani was inspired by my story and nominated me for the Young Courage Award. My mother also nominated me that same day.

At the time, I had no idea that this simple step would eventually take me from Zanzibar to Sweden to represent Tanzania.

The Young Courage Award is an annual international award presented by the Raoul Wallenberg Academy in collaboration with Swedish embassies and the Swedish Institute to young people aged 13-20 who demonstrate exceptional civil courage.

Inspired by the legacy of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, the award recognises young people who stand up for human rights, challenge injustice and take action to make a difference in their communities.

When I found out that I had won, I felt happy and grateful, but I also understood that the opportunity came with great responsibility. I was not only representing myself. I was representing Tanzania, Zanzibar and many young people and children whose voices are often unheard.

I believe God is with all young people who have the vision, courage and strength to volunteer and create positive change.

Preparing for the journey

The preparation period brought many new experiences, from obtaining my passport within a week to navigating the visa process with support from the Embassy of Sweden. Thani continued to encourage and guide me, while my mother’s love and support helped make the journey possible.

I also received encouragement from the chairperson of the Urban District Youth Council in Zanzibar, Rajab Makame Ali, and a farewell message from the Minister for Youth, Employment and Empowerment in Zanzibar.

Then came another first: travelling by airplane. I was afraid because I had never flown before, but I encouraged myself, knowing this was the beginning of a new chapter. I had so many hopes and dreams, and one thing that kept me motivated was the desire to make my mother proud.

Discovering Sweden

Arriving in Sweden was an amazing experience. I was welcomed with incredible warmth by the organisers and people responsible for the programme. We stayed in a beautiful hotel in Stockholm, surrounded by historical and cultural buildings.

One of the things that immediately impressed me was the way Sweden preserves its history and culture. I saw statues, beautiful public spaces and old buildings that had been carefully maintained. I admired the way these places contributed to the beauty of the city while also preserving its heritage.

We explored Stockholm in different ways, including a boat tour that gave us a completely different view of the city and its waterways. We visited historical places, restaurants, gardens and parks where people could relax, read and enjoy their surroundings.

I really loved Sweden because of its culture, environment, history, organisation and the way people value their heritage.

One of my most memorable experiences was meeting the Tanzanian Ambassador to Sweden, Swahiba Mndeme. She was very friendly and welcoming, and meeting her made me feel connected to home even though I was far away from Tanzania.

I told her about my journey, my work advocating for children and how I had come to receive the Young Courage Award. It was a special moment to tell my country’s representative that I was in Sweden representing Tanzania as a young person from Zanzibar.

I also enjoyed meeting other Young Courage Award winners from different countries around the world.

Learning what courage means

The Young Courage workshops taught me about the history of the award and Raoul Wallenberg, whose courage inspired it. I learnt that courage is not only about physical strength, but also about using your voice, words and actions to stand up for what is right and protect others.

Through creative workshops and meetings with ambassadors, I was inspired to keep learning and share what I learn with other young people.

We also met the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maria Malmer Stenergard, and discussed artificial intelligence and the digital space. We learnt how young people can use technology not only for entertainment, but also to learn, educate others, create opportunities and solve problems in our communities.

A moment I will never forget

Receiving the Young Courage Award was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

I felt deeply emotional and proud, and I almost cried tears of happiness. My picture was displayed on a big screen in the hall, together with an explanation of why I had been selected for the award.

When I saw my picture and heard the reasons why I deserved the award, I felt that the entire journey had been worth it.

To think that I had started as a young girl from Zanzibar and ended up standing on an international stage in Sweden, representing Tanzania, was something I will never forget.

When I finally received my award, I felt an incredible sense of pride, gratitude and responsibility.

Coming home with a bigger dream

I returned to Tanzania with new hope, confidence and determination, having learnt that young people can create big change through small actions when they believe in themselves and refuse to give up.

I want to continue inspiring young people, volunteering and serving my community, while using television and social media to share opportunities and encourage others to make a difference.

My biggest dream is to see more young people in Zanzibar recognise their potential, including through a youth conference for those aged 13 to 20 focused on courage, self-confidence, community service, children’s rights, education, innovation, responsible technology and leadership.

I want to bring together inspiring speakers and role models to open young people’s minds to new possibilities and show that they, too, can create change.

My message is simple: never underestimate something because it looks small. Big changes can begin with small actions. Do not wait for money, a big position or a powerful platform before you start helping your community.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.

If I, a young girl from Zanzibar, could begin by advocating for children and eventually find myself in Sweden representing Tanzania, then I believe many other young people can achieve even greater things.

Let us dare. Let us serve. Let us protect children. Let us stand against injustice. Let us use our voices.

And above all, let us never give up.

Lawyer apologizes after senator-judges flag ‘intimidation’

Defense counsel Mark Vinluan apologizes for any impression of intimidation during the defense team’s cross-examination of Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director, lawyer Ronel Buenaventura, in Monday’s impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Vinluan said the defense never intended to intimidate anyone, but apologized if a different message was conveyed and vowed to be ‘more circumspect.’

Sara Duterte lawyer apologizes to senator-judges over ‘intimidating’ remarks

Lawyer Mark Vinluan, counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte, apologized to the senator-judges Tuesday for remarks that appeared to intimidate the witness or members of the media during his cross-examination of an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) official.

Vinluan had cited penalties under the Anti-Money Laundering Act while questioning AMLC Secretariat Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura about financial confidentiality.

Senator-judges Raffy Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan and Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III later called out Vinluan over what they viewed as potentially intimidating remarks directed at the witness or the media.

‘When we read portions of the law during our cross-examination, it is never our intention to cause intimidation, especially to the members of this honorable impeachment court,’ Vinluan told the court.

‘If in any way a different message was indirectly conveyed, I personally apologize, and commit to be more circumspect moving forward,’ he added.

Vinluan explained that his questions were intended to test Buenaventura’s credibility.

‘In all humility, our intention in cross-examination is to test the credibility of the witness, among others, and part of testing that credibility is to confront him not just with documents but with salient provisions of the law so we could demonstrate whether or not his application of the law is correct,’ he said.

The apology later drew a lighter moment in the Senate impeachment court after Tulfo said Senator-judge Lito Lapid appeared to be ‘scared’ by Vinluan’s remarks.

Vinluan said he had no intention of intimidating anyone, ‘especially Senator-judge Lapid,’ whom he described as ‘very gracious’ to the defense team.

‘Maraming salamat po sa maja blanca,’ Vinluan added, drawing smiles from Lapid and the other senator-judges.

Cable counterfeiting: Coleman demands jail terms, stiffer penalties

Coleman Technical Industries Limited has called for stiffer penalties, including imprisonment, for manufacturers and distributors of counterfeit and substandard cables, accusing weak enforcement of allowing the illicit trade to thrive in Nigeria.

The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Onafowokan, said confiscating and destroying fake cables without prosecuting those behind their production and distribution would do little to deter the growing counterfeiting business.

Onafowokan made the call while responding to questions from journalists after a media tour of Coleman’s factories in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Monday.

He specifically challenged the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen its enforcement and prosecution efforts, questioning the number of counterfeit cable manufacturers and distributors that had been successfully prosecuted by the regulator.

He tasked enforcement agencies to go beyond seizure and destruction of substandard products by ensuring that offenders face criminal sanctions.

‘If there is no consequence, all you’ve done is just remove a little off my shelf. I’ll buy another one because you did not tell me I’ve become a criminal for doing it,’ he said.

Onafowokan also alleged that SON sometimes places greater emphasis on charging manufacturers for testing their cables than on working with other relevant agencies to prosecute counterfeiters.

He urged the regulator to adopt a more aggressive enforcement approach, citing the activities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) against counterfeit pharmaceutical products as an example.

The Coleman CEO warned that the consequences of substandard cables went beyond economic losses to manufacturers, stressing that the products could trigger electrical fires and endanger lives.

He disclosed that Coleman had been working with the Nigeria Police Force, including the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, as well as various zonal and state commands, in efforts to identify and prosecute cable counterfeiters.

According to him, the company has incurred significant costs supporting investigations and legal proceedings, including laboratory testing of suspected adulterated cables.

Onafowokan said Coleman was awaiting the conclusion of a case which, if successful, could become the first in Nigeria in which an individual is convicted and jailed specifically for adulterating cables.

He explained that counterfeit cables remained attractive to criminals because of the wide margin between production costs and selling prices.

The counterfeiters, he said, often use significantly less material and inferior inputs while selling their products at prices close to those of genuine cables.

Onafowokan said some substandard cables could contain 30 to 40 per cent less material by length, enabling counterfeiters to make excessive profits while exposing consumers to serious safety risks.

The Coleman boss called for stronger government support for local manufacturers under the Nigeria First policy, saying the company had benefited from growing local-content opportunities in the oil and gas and telecommunications sectors.

He said increased patronage of locally manufactured cables would not only support domestic industrial capacity but also reduce dependence on imported products that may not meet Nigerian standards.

Also speaking, Coleman Executive Director, Michael Onafowokan, said SON had a critical responsibility to create an environment in which genuine manufacturers could compete on the basis of quality while counterfeiters were effectively removed from the market.

He said counterfeiting was no longer limited to the importation of substandard products, noting that the illicit production of cables was increasingly taking place within Nigeria.

He therefore urged SON to intensify its surveillance, enforcement and prosecution activities against local manufacturers of fake cables.

Coleman’s Chief Operating Officer, Ilori Sanusi, called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to review existing laws on counterfeiting and raise the penalties to reflect the potential damage caused by substandard electrical products.

Sanusi said inadequate punishment could encourage offenders to continue in the illicit trade because the financial gains could outweigh the consequences of being caught.

He argued that penalties should be sufficiently severe to deter manufacturers and distributors from producing and selling substandard cables.

The renewed call by Coleman comes amid concerns over the safety implications of substandard electrical products and their impact on local manufacturers investing heavily in modern production facilities and quality-control systems.

The company maintained that stronger enforcement, effective prosecution and tougher sanctions were necessary to protect consumers, safeguard lives and create a level playing field for manufacturers that comply with Nigerian standards.

AHCN unveils 740,000-mass housing initiative, targets 148,000 units annually from 2027

The Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN) has unveiled a five-year mass housing initiative targeting the delivery of 740,000 housing units across Nigeria from 2027, with an annual production target of 148,000 homes.

Under the initiative, tagged ‘ERAHOMS 740,000 Mass Housing Initiative,’ the association said the 36 State Housing Corporations and the Federal Capital Territory would jointly drive large-scale housing delivery through direct development, public-private partnerships (PPPs), serviced land, mortgage-backed housing, cooperative housing and private-sector partnerships.

Disclosing this on Monday while presenting the State of the Nation Housing Address to commemorate the 2026 World Habitat Day, President/Chairman of Council of AHCN, Mr Eno Obongha, said the initiative was designed to address Nigeria’s housing crisis by transforming state housing corporations from underutilised government agencies into commercially driven housing-development institutions capable of delivering homes at scale.

The theme of this year›s World Habitat Day is ‘Adequate Housing for All’.

Obongha said the proposed 740,000 units would not be based on an arbitrary equal allocation among states, but would take into consideration each state›s population, housing deficit, land availability, economic capacity and existing housing project pipeline.

According to him, the initiative will require the collective commitment of federal and state governments, financial institutions, developers, building-material manufacturers, professionals and other stakeholders.

‘We don’t need to create another housing-delivery institution to get this done. All we need is to awaken, reform, recapitalise and reposition the 36 state housing corporations that already exist to execute this,’ he said.

The AHCN president said the association was formalising funding arrangements that would incorporate both the demand and supply sides of the housing market to ensure the programme was sustainable.

He explained that the initiative would be supported by a five-point agenda for 2027, comprising the establishment of a National State Housing Corporation Housing Delivery Register, reform of state housing corporations, creation of a National Housing Land Bank, establishment of a Housing Corporation PPP Fund and delivery of 740,000 homes through state housing corporations.

Obongha said the need for urgent action had become more compelling following the estimated 14.925 million-unit national housing deficit and another 15.2 million existing homes classified as structurally defective or substandard.

He noted that the figures, generated through the National Housing Data Centre, underscored the need for Nigeria to move beyond estimates and establish a continuously updated national housing database.

‘Data must not remain in reports. Data must become the foundation for housing policy, housing finance, land allocation and actual housing delivery,’ he said.

He described the state housing corporations as Nigeria›s ‘underutilised housing engine,’ noting that although the institutions exist across the country, many are constrained by inadequate funding, lack of access to affordable long-term finance, land challenges, outdated laws, weak revenue-generation mechanisms and poor integration into government housing strategies.

He therefore called for the repositioning of the corporations from government construction agencies to professional housing-development institutions.

He said the corporations should be able to originate projects, structure them, secure land, attract investors, mobilise finance, supervise construction, manage estates and recover investments.

On PPPs, the AHCN chief said the model must be redefined and made central to housing development, with government providing land, planning approvals, infrastructure support, development rights, off-take arrangements and institutional guarantees, while the private sector provides equity, construction expertise, technology, project management and innovation.

He also called for the creation of special housing-finance windows involving the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, commercial and mortgage banks, pension funds, insurance companies, development finance institutions and private investors.

According to him, Nigeria cannot produce millions of homes with expensive short-term finance and high interest rates.

He further proposed a National State Housing Land Bank Initiative, under which every state housing corporation would maintain a digital inventory showing the location, size, ownership, title status, infrastructure status, development potential and planning status of land available for housing.

Obongha also urged the Federal Government to make state housing corporations principal delivery partners in the Renewed Hope Housing Programme.

He said that while the programme, launched in 2024, had projected 100,000 housing units annually, available public breakdowns showed that only slightly more than 15,000 units were under construction across 14 states and the FCT, with 129 units delivered at Nasarawa Technology Village and 116 units handed over to the Benue State Government for civil servants.

He argued that state housing corporations should not merely participate in national housing programmes but should become key delivery engines.

He also called for affordable rental housing, slum upgrading, local production of building materials and the development of Agric-Villages to tackle housing shortages, unemployment, food insecurity and rural-urban migration.

Obongha urged state governors to revive and strengthen their housing corporations by appointing boards, providing land, facilitating access to finance, ensuring professional leadership and setting measurable housing-delivery targets.

He said the performance of each corporation should ultimately be measured by the number of homes delivered, families housed, private capital mobilised, land unlocked and contribution to the development of the state.

Looking ahead to 2030, AHCN envisaged a Nigeria where every state housing corporation would have a functioning housing-development strategy, every state would maintain a documented housing land bank, and housing finance would be accessible to more Nigerians.

‘Let us therefore transform our housing corporations from underutilised government agencies into powerful engines of mass housing delivery.

‘Let us build not merely houses, but communities. Let us build not merely estates, but economic opportunities. Let us build not merely structures, but rekindle the hope of our people,’ Obongha said.