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Create opportunities for younger generation, Sanwo-Olu urges women

Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged women in leadership positions to mentor younger women, expand access to opportunities and use their influence to address barriers confronting the next generation.

Sanwo-Olu said women who have attained success in business, the professions and public service should look beyond their personal achievements by preparing younger women for leadership and making it easier for them to succeed.

The governor spoke on Tuesday at the opening of the 26th Annual National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The conference has as its theme, ‘Anchored in Purpose: Be the Blueprint.’

Sanwo-Olu said the theme challenged participants to consider the examples they were setting, the opportunities they were creating, and the legacy they would leave for future generations.

‘I encourage our accomplished women in business, the professions, public service and other fields, to look beyond your individual success. How many younger women are you preparing for success? How many doors are you opening?’ he asked.

According to him, the younger generation of women should have access to more opportunities than their predecessors, while girls should be able to pursue their ambitions without being constrained by circumstances beyond their control.

The governor noted that the conference was taking place at a time when many Nigerian families were grappling with difficult economic realities, with women working to sustain businesses, support their families, educate their children and contribute to societal development.

He, however, stressed that resilience alone was insufficient to address the challenges confronting women, calling for practical interventions that would improve their economic and social conditions.

Sanwo-Olu said a small business owner needed access to affordable finance and markets, while young graduates required opportunities for meaningful employment.

He added that mothers needed accessible healthcare and a safe environment in which to raise their children.

He said his administration recognised women’s economic participation as an important component of Lagos State’s development, citing initiatives such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, skills acquisition programmes, entrepreneurship support and investments in education and healthcare.

The governor acknowledged that more work remained to be done, stressing that the effectiveness of government policies should be measured by their impact on people’s daily lives.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the importance of institutional continuity, noting that COWLSO had sustained its activities across successive administrations through the contributions of different generations of women.

‘Leadership is temporary, but the institutions we strengthen and the opportunities we create can endure long after our tenure,’ he said.

He described the 26th edition as particularly significant for him and his wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, because it was the eighth and final edition they would host in their current capacities as governor and First Lady of Lagos State.

The governor commended his wife for her commitment to COWLSO and her dedication to improving the welfare of women, children and families.

He also appreciated the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, the leadership and members of COWLSO, and others who had contributed to the success of the annual conference.

Reflecting on last year’s silver jubilee, which was celebrated under the theme, ’25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,’ Sanwo-Olu said the organisation must now focus on building on the foundation laid by its founders and previous leaders.

He urged women who would take responsibility for sustaining COWLSO in subsequent administrations to preserve its core values, strengthen programmes that deliver results and respond to the changing needs of women and families.

According to him, the impact of the conference should be evident in businesses it helps to grow, professional relationships it fosters, young women it mentors and opportunities it creates beyond the event.

‘If you have knowledge, share it. If you have influence, use it wisely. If you have overcome barriers, help others find an easier path,’ the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu subsequently declared the conference open, expressing hope that the deliberations would be fruitful and beneficial to participants.

Ebola: NCDC dismisses rumour of election postponement

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has dismissed reports that the Ebola outbreak could lead to the postponement of an election, describing the claims as false.

The agency also disclosed that 54 contacts linked to Nigeria’s imported Ebola case remained under surveillance, while three contacts who developed symptoms last week had tested negative for the virus.

It cautioned against reports claiming that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free, explaining that although there was no confirmed case in the country following the evacuation of the infected patient to Switzerland, monitoring of exposed persons was ongoing.

The clarification came a day after the patient and her husband were evacuated to Switzerland on October 26, following an improvement in her clinical condition.

According to the NCDC, the 54 primary contacts linked to the imported case were being monitored daily, with most in quarantine in Abuja and a few observing self-quarantine at home.

The agency said three contacts developed symptoms last week and were tested for Ebola, but all returned negative results.

It added that contact tracing and surveillance would continue to identify and monitor secondary contacts who might have interacted with the primary contacts at home or elsewhere.

The exercise, it said, was necessary to determine the extent of possible exposure and establish whether the virus had spread beyond the original case.

The NCDC urged Nigerians not to interpret the absence of additional confirmed cases as the end of the response, stressing that continued vigilance was necessary to prevent further transmission.

NCDC approves weekly support for quarantined contacts

In a related development, the authorities approved ?100,000 in weekly support for people placed in quarantine to ease the financial and social difficulties associated with movement restrictions.

The NCDC said the intervention followed concerns raised by quarantined contacts about disruptions to their daily activities and difficulties meeting their welfare needs.

It explained that the support was not included in the original response plan, noting that state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, had responsibilities in providing such assistance.

The agency said it had contacted the FCT Minister to seek the administration’s involvement in addressing the needs of affected individuals.

However, it maintained that the immediate welfare needs of those in quarantine had to be addressed while discussions on appropriate funding arrangements continued.

Agency warns against false Ebola-free claims

The NCDC expressed concern over media reports suggesting that Nigeria had been declared Ebola-free following the World Health Organisation’s clarification that the country currently had no confirmed case.

It described the reports as inaccurate and misleading, warning that they could create a false sense of security and discourage the public from observing necessary precautions.

The agency urged journalists to verify information through official channels before publication and correct false reports on the same platforms and with the same prominence as the original claims.

It acknowledged that questions about preparedness, funding and the pace of contact tracing were legitimate aspects of public accountability.

However, it distinguished between legitimate scrutiny and misinformation, warning that presenting unverified claims as established facts could cause unnecessary fear and undermine the response.

The NCDC pledged to provide timely, on-record responses to media enquiries.

NCDC defends evacuation of Ebola patient

The agency also rejected suggestions that the evacuation of the infected woman to Switzerland amounted to a vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

It explained that the patient was in poor condition when she initially presented at a hospital but had shown clinical improvement before her departure.

The NCDC said the evacuation should not be politicised, stressing that decisions concerning patients’ lives and medical care should take precedence over political considerations.

The patient’s Ebola infection was confirmed on October 20 after she returned to Abuja from Uganda. She was evacuated alongside her husband at the request and expense of the Swiss government.

Public urged to avoid stigmatising patients

The NCDC urged journalists to protect the privacy and dignity of patients, quarantined individuals and their families.

It warned against publishing names, photographs or addresses that could identify patients and contacts, noting that such disclosures could expose them and their relatives to discrimination.

The agency also cautioned against stigmatising healthcare facilities associated with the treatment of affected individuals.

It reiterated that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person who is symptomatic, not through the air.

The NCDC added that people who had not developed symptoms were not infectious, urging the public not to treat every traveller returning from an affected area as a threat.

Anyone experiencing fever alongside a relevant travel or contact history was advised to call the designated Ebola response hotline, 6232, before visiting a healthcare facility and to alert public health officials upon arrival.

The agency maintained that continued surveillance, accurate information and public cooperation were essential to preventing further transmission.

Gregoriou highlights solutions to water scarcity at MED-RISE conference in Cairo

The challenges Cyprus faces from water scarcity and recurring droughts, and ways to address them, were highlighted by Andreas Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary, Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, during the MED-RISE High-Level Conference held in Cairo on October 25 and 26.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, Gregoriou outlined measures such as desalination, the reuse of treated wastewater, more efficient irrigation and reducing water losses in distribution networks. He also stressed the need to attract investment and make use of European and international funding opportunities to support water-related projects.

Gregoriou also highlighted the importance of cooperation among Mediterranean countries and joint commitments to concrete projects, highlighting the role international initiatives can play in encouraging investment in the sector.

The MED-RISE conference was held as part of the 9th Cairo Water Week, which runs from October 25 to 29 and focuses on water security, sustainable water management and regional cooperation.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation among countries, public authorities and international organisations to advance sustainable water management projects. Particular attention was given to the links between water, energy, agriculture and environmental protection, as well as securing funding for projects with long-term impact.

Obaship tussle: Olufon urges Ifon Omima residents to shun division, embrace dialogue

The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola Akinyooye III, has pledged continued engagement with stakeholders in Ondo State to resolve the lingering obaship crisis in Ifon Omima, appealing to the people to shun division and embrace peaceful dialogue. The monarch gave the assurance during a two-day solidarity visit to Ifon Omima, where he met with traditional and community leaders as part of efforts to understand the issues delaying the installation of a successor to the late Olufon of Ifon Omima, Oba Israel Adewusi, who died in 2020.

The six-year vacancy in the traditional institution has remained a source of concern among descendants of Ifon, prompting renewed calls for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the succession question.

According to a statement by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Akeeb Adekunle Yusuff, the visit was designed to establish a clearer understanding of the challenges surrounding the vacant stool while encouraging cooperation among the various interests involved.

The statement said Oba Akinyooye consulted the Regent, Adéùlé, kingmakers, ruling houses and representatives of the Ifon Development Union (IDU), Ifon Improvement Forum (IIF) and Ifon Youth Association (IYA), among other stakeholders.

Addressing the concerns surrounding the crisis, the monarch acknowledged the frustration arising from the prolonged absence of a substantive traditional ruler but urged the people not to allow the situation to undermine the community’s unity.

‘I understand the pain and anxiety caused by the absence of a king for six years, but I assure you that efforts are ongoing to find a lasting solution,’ he said, appealing to residents to remain calm while the necessary consultations continued.

He warned that violence and bitterness could further complicate the situation, insisting that all outstanding grievances should be addressed through dialogue and lawful processes.

Beyond the immediate succession challenge, the visit also sought to reinforce the ancestral relationship between Ifon Omima and Ifon Ile, now Ifon-Osun, in Osun State. Historical accounts cited in the statement trace the founding lineage of Ifon Omima to Ifon Ile, from where its ancestors reportedly migrated following a contest over kingship.

Oba Akinyooye said the historical connection imposed a shared responsibility on both communities to promote peace and preserve their common heritage, regardless of geographical separation or generational differences.

He further assured the people that he would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders in Ondo State to facilitate a transparent and inclusive process for selecting a new Olufon of Ifon Omima.

The monarch maintained that the community, which serves as the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area, needed a stable traditional institution to support its growth and development.

‘We are one family. Geographical distance and passage of generations should not sever our ancestral bond. I will not abandon you in this trying period. Let us keep praying and working together for peace,’ he said.

Ebonyi man arraigned for allegedly impersonating lawyer, forging documents

A 33-year-old Ebonyi man, Ugwumba Oje has been arraigned before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court over alleged impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence for falsely claiming to be a lawyer

Oje, who is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mrs Lilian Anya, Principal State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between March and October in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state.

‘The defendant also committed the offences in other parts of Abakaliki Magisterial District,” Anya told the court.

She alleged that Oje conspired with others still at large to commit felonies, including impersonation, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

Anya said the offences contravened Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

She alleged that the defendant falsely presented himself as a legal practitioner by appearing in a wig, gown and bib, knowing that he was not qualified to practise law.

Anya said the offence was punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

She further alleged that the defendant forged Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) and Master of Law (LL.M.) degree certificates, a Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal and court documents.

‘The defendant also obtained N650,000 from David Onu under the pretence of registering a street name and constructing a road to his compound,” Anya said.

According to her, the money was obtained through false representation, an offence punishable under Section 419 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ebonyi, 2009.

The Defence Counsel, Mr Sunday Eleke, applied for bail for his client, assuring the court that the defendant would not jump bail.

Eleke said the defendant had a constitutional right to bail as he was presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Hosea Akata, however, noted that bail was not a constitutional right.

Akata adjourned the matter until Nov. 5 for ruling on the bail application.

FG should implement Urban Planning Law to avert environmental crisis – NITP president

Dr. Chime Ogbonna, the president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), in this interview with DAYO AYEYEMI, speaks on the importance of planning to human settlements, blaming reoccurring floods, illegal developments and environmental challenges in Nigerian cities and rural areas to non-implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning Law 1992.

What is urban and regional planning all about?

The profession of urban and regional planning is the only profession that prepares the environment for development, we prepare all settlements. We want it to be called livable settlements, sustainable settlements. When it is not done by the appropriate person, by the appropriate professional, that is where the society gets into trouble.

How do we get this done?

The first point is that there has to be a long ground that will guide the preparation of these plans, that will prepare the minds of people towards accepting the plan, because these days, town planners prepare their plans with the people and not for the people. The essence of doing it this way is to ensure that at the end of the preparation, by the time of implementation, you see that everybody joins the town planners in implementation because they were partners from the outset.

But when the law is not there, it becomes difficult to even prepare the plans, because the law lays down the procedure for preparation of the plans.

What plans are you talking about?

We are talking about the plans that will make our environment livable, the plans that will make our settlements livable and sustainable. In Nigeria as a country, by 1946, we had a law that was applicable to all regions of the federation. Remember as at that time, we had the eastern region, we had the northern region, we have the western region. The law was prepared at the center for every region to grow and domesticate in accordance with the clarities of those regions. And it’s essentially the same thing that is supposed to be happening now.

But, the difference between what was prepared in 1946 and what we’re talking about today is that those who prepared the 1946 Town and Country Planning Law were not Nigerians. They were our colonial masters. So, expectantly, because every plan has a purpose, every law has a purpose, the law they prepared was something that would suit their purpose. And what was the purpose then? Let me not be hard, I won’t say exploitation, but they ensured that the law guaranteed easy evacuation of raw materials from Nigeria to the other side, and of course it served their purpose.

That law also talked about segregation, and that was where the area of GRAs and the unplanned areas originated from. Our masters prepared the GRAs for themselves. Every GRA in Nigeria then had all facilities that made life livable as at that point. But outside the GRA, what happened to other settlements within the same city?

That was why by 1992, the Nigerian government in its own wisdom said enough of this foreign and exploitative laws. The government came up with what we call today the 1992 Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law. That law became the first indigenous town planning law in Nigeria. And unlike the previous one, or let me even inform you that by the time that law came into effect in 1992, it repealed all previous laws in Nigeria that had to do with urban and regional planning, including the then famous or infamous 1946 Town and Country Planning Law. The new law took into consideration our peculiarities as a people. It took into consideration our culture as a people.

What has changed since 1992 the new law was promulgated?

As we speak, that law is not being implemented, especially at the federal level. Indeed, it was the Federal Government that promulgated the law, but it’s not being implemented.

The repercussion is not strange to anybody to hear that a whole village or a whole neighborhood was washed away by flood, even there at Abuja. That is one of the implications of not getting this law implemented.

If you look at even the wider implication, like I told you, by 1992, that law repealed every other Urban and Regional Planning Law in Nigeria that ever existed.

So if we are not implementing the law today, what it boils down to is that Nigeria has been operating under a legal vacuum as far as urban and regional planning is concerned. Because the previous laws were repealed, a new one came, the new one is not being implemented, then the question is from where do we get the powers in all the urban and regional activities at the federal level and many states of the federation that has not domesticated the law?

From where are we drawing our power when that particular law is not been implemented?

This is where the fear comes. If it were the time of Gani Fawehinmi of late, he would have taken the federal government to court. He would have taken the various state governments that have not started implementing the law to court. But today, everybody is watching and the country is drifting environment-wise. It is at this point that I must bring an exceptional state as far as that law is concerned. That exceptional state is Lagos State. From the time the law was promulgated by the federal government, Lagos was the first to domesticate and started implementation almost immediately.

What has the implementation of the law done in Lagos State?

Lagos has the smallest land area of all the states of the federation, yet it has the largest population concentrated in this small area and there has not been cases of epidemics in Lagos.

Do you know why? It was because Lagos builds on the benefits of this law. States that are yet to implement the law do not know what they are losing. This is a law that takes care of everybody. It doesn’t matter who you are, it has provisions for everybody. It provides for preparation of master plans, regional development plans, and if we understand what these plans stand for, Lagos has been benefiting from it. The law is yielding money to the state, and the state uses the money to do some other things that increase the welfare of the people.

If Lagos had not started implementing this law, I tell you, we wouldn’t be here by now, because there would have been casts everywhere.

Lagos has discovered its peculiar situation, that if this law is not implemented, Lagos would have been wiped off. Like I said, there would have been epidemics here and there. So the same Lagos State government has continued to do what others are not doing, and that is to review the activities of the Ministry in charge of Urban and Regional Planning in Lagos State biennially. If anybody wants to succeed, if any country wants to succeed, if any state wants to succeed, if any local government wants to succeed, that federal government, that state government must have urban and regional planning as the root of its plan to grow. From 1992 till now, I want to tell you that the only state that has done that is Lagos State.

Are you saying that other states look away?

Some other states of the federation actually domesticated the law, but it’s a different ball game to domesticate a law from implementing the law. Let me mention my neighboring state, Ogun State. Just a year ago, Ogun State domesticated the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law of 1992, so that it became effective in Ogun State. But from the time of the domestication till today, nothing has been done to ensure that this law is put into effective use.

The Urban and Regional Planning Board that is supposed to be established at the state level is not there, it hasn’t been established. The town planning authorities as provided in the law have not been established. We’ve not even trained enough manpower to man all these positions.

Abuja was the first to domesticate the law, but as we speak, Abuja is yet to begin effective implementation of that law.

So what are you canvassing?

We are asking our federal and states to begin the domestication and implementation of the law simultaneously, so that the jungle we find ourselves in today will cease to exist.

We’ve always told the world that every small settlement today is a potential urban area in time to come. So for us to ensure that such small settlements develop into planned and livable settlements, a master plan must be prepared instantly.

Most communities are increasingly exposed to flooding and other environmental hazards because established planning frameworks are not adequately implemented. States must strengthen their planning institutions and ensure that development activities complied with relevant regulations.

WhatsApp privacy feature leaves businesses uneasy

John Mwithimbu says he did not deliberately set up a WhatsApp username. He checked for updates on the messaging platform and then discovered a username on his account.

As a director at Elivebuyind Solutions, he says the change raises concerns about how prospective customers can reach him, particularly when they do not already have his phone number.

‘It is hard for us business people not to have your number for the new clients who would want to reach out,’ he says.

Mr Mwithimbu says some people have contacted him through WhatsApp, but he hasn’t been able to get their numbers to call them outside the platform.

He is also concerned about verifying people’s identities when usernames replace phone numbers as the details displayed to unfamiliar contacts.

‘At least with a number you are sure of its authenticity. With usernames you cannot be sure, and one can have similar usernames,’ he says.

For him, the limitations outweigh the benefits when using WhatsApp for business.

Gideon Karisa also shares concerns about the accessibility of contacts who use usernames. He recalls urgently needing to reach someone but being unable to obtain their phone number because the person was offline.

‘I hate that WhatsApp username feature. I was urgently looking for someone’s contact, and they’d done that nonsense, and they were offline. I nearly cried in anger!’ he says.

Social media giant Meta rolled out usernames on its messaging platform WhatsApp recently, which it says was a ‘major privacy feature’ designed to help people stay connected without giving away phone numbers.

However, critics say that the feature may materially increase online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks, by enabling bad actors to solicit and message victims.

Now Kenyan business people say the WhatsApp usernames are jeopardising their online businesses.

Mr Karisa says phone numbers remain important for businesses that rely on direct communication with customers.

‘I think Meta rushed. They never gave a second thought to businesses and SMEs, especially in this region where a phone number means a lot. Apart from being an identity, it’s everything: business, transactions, availability,’ he says.

Jeff Mwaniki also raises concerns about impersonation and the implications for people who use WhatsApp commercially.

‘By the way, that thing was bad. People would impersonate you. If you are in business, people can’t call you,’ he says.

Mary Wanja similarly warns about the possibility of lookalike accounts misleading users. She also recounts losing access to her WhatsApp account in May before regaining it.

However, her belief that setting a username contributed to the incident has not been independently verified.

According to WhatsApp, usernames are an optional feature being rolled out gradually. They allow users to create unique identifiers and communicate without necessarily disclosing their telephone numbers to people who do not already have them saved.

When a user sets up a username, people who do not have their number saved will generally see the username instead. Those who already have the number saved will continue to see it.

WhatsApp says users can change or delete their usernames at any time. Deleting one allows other users to see the account holder’s phone number again, subject to the platform’s contact-display rules.

A phone number is still required to maintain a WhatsApp account. The username provides an alternative way to initiate a conversation on the platform, rather than replacing the number associated with the account.

The feature also does not provide a searchable directory of usernames. Someone who wants to contact another user through a username needs to know the exact identifier or receive a link or QR code directing them to the account.

A person who knows only someone’s username may be able to start a WhatsApp conversation but will not necessarily have the telephone number required to call them through the conventional mobile network.

For businesses, the choice of whether to use a username depends partly on how customers find them and if the contacts are available on other platforms.

Applying more fertiliser does not guarantee higher yields, stakeholders advised

Researchers, policymakers and fertiliser industry stakeholders have called for soil-specific fertiliser recommendations to improve agricultural productivity and food security, warning that applying more fertiliser does not necessarily translate into higher crop yields.

They made the suggestion at a two-day Technical Workshop on Strategic Phosphorus Use in Nigeria, held in Abuja, with participants exploring ways to improve fertiliser efficiency through better soil data, locally adapted nutrient recommendations and coordinated investments.

With the theme: ‘Phosphorus and Food Security: Challenges in Food Production Systems in Nigeria,’ the workshop brought together agricultural researchers, policymakers, fertiliser manufacturers, regulators and development partners to address persistent soil-fertility and fertiliser-use challenges.

Evidence presented by the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel showed that phosphorus requirements for maize and rice could range from zero to more than 60 kilogrammes of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) per hectare within the same target area in northern Nigeria.

The findings, based on the Hub’s 2025 site-specific nutrient recommendations, highlighted the limitations of applying uniform fertilizer rates across different soil conditions and crop-production environments.

While phosphorus is essential for root development, crop growth and grain formation, its inadequate application can restrict productivity, while excessive use can raise farmers’ production costs without delivering corresponding yield increases.

Speaking on the need to translate research into practical agricultural decisions, Senior Agronomist at the Regional Hub, Dr Bello Muhammad Shehu, said improving phosphorus management required more than increasing fertiliser application.

‘It is about understanding what different soils and crops need and ensuring that farmers have access to the right products and best advice,’ Shehu said.

He explained that better soil information, locally adapted nutrient recommendations and digital advisory tools could improve fertiliser-use efficiency, adding that the next step was connecting scientific evidence with policy, industry and agricultural extension systems.

Also, a visiting scientist with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Professor Jibrin Mohammed, said research, digital technology and soil information were fundamental to achieving food security amid Nigeria’s growing population.

Mohammed, a professor of Soil Science at Bayero University, Kano, said understanding soil conditions was essential to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring the production of nutritious food.

He explained that farmers and agricultural policymakers needed reliable information on what the soil could supply and the nutrients required to improve its productivity.

According to him, advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, are making it easier to obtain more precise soil information on a larger scale, thereby improving the quality of agricultural recommendations.

‘The basis of food production and food security is the soil. You need a healthy soil for you to produce well and to feed the nation with nutritious food. And to do that, you need soil intelligence,’ he said.

On the policy and investment measures required to strengthen soil health management, Mohammed said Nigeria was making progress through initiatives aligned with continental and regional frameworks.

He identified the African Fertiliaer and Soil Health Action Plan and the Economic Community of West African States’ Fertiliser Priority Actions as key frameworks guiding efforts to improve fertiliser use and soil health, noting that the Regional Hub emerged from these broader initiatives.

At the national level, the don cited the Nigerian Farmers’ Soil Health Scheme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security as an umbrella programme designed to improve soil intelligence, provide better recommendations and advice to farmers, and promote coordination among stakeholders.

The workshop builds on a national phosphorus dialogue held in October 2025, which identified constraints including limited soil testing, generalised fertilizer recommendations, concerns over fertilizer quality, inadequate extension services and weak stakeholder coordination.

The dialogue also endorsed the establishment of the Nigeria Fertilizer Phosphorus Network, with its secretariat hosted by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IARandT).

AI replaces climate change as top worldwide concern

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data have overtaken climate change as the top risk among experts worldwide, underscoring growing concerns that technological development is advancing faster than regulators’ ability to prepare for its potential consequences, says French insurer Axa.

According to Axa Group’s Future Risks Report 2026, which was produced in partnership with Ipsos, AI and big data have for the first time become the top risk among experts globally, overtaking climate change, which has long held the leading position.

The 2026 edition is based on a survey of 4,345 experts across 62 countries and regions, and 24,000 representative members of the general public in 19 countries. Thailand participated in both the expert and general public surveys.

The findings for Thailand, however, revealed a different risk outlook from the global trend.

“While AI and big data emerged as the top risk worldwide, Thai experts continue to rank climate change as the country’s leading concern, reflecting the growing impact of floods, droughts and other extreme weather events. AI and Big Data ranked second, highlighting rising awareness of technology-related risks,” Axa said.

The survey also found that 67% of the Thai public feel personally prepared to deal with crises, such as natural disasters or economic upheaval, significantly higher than the global average of 38%, it added.

Among the global public, climate change remains the leading concern, while AI and big data rose sharply from seventh place in 2025 to second place in 2026, highlighting increasing public awareness of technology-related risks.

Other major global concerns are geopolitical instability, cyber-risks, energy risks, social tensions and movements, social fragmentation, financial stability risks, macroeconomic risks, and natural resources and biodiversity.

Energy risks are rising in the rankings amid geopolitical tensions, increasing demand, notably linked to AI, and the energy transition. At the same time, a new risk has emerged, with social fragmentation entering the top 10 for experts.

Moreover, the context of polycrises is confirmed, with over 90% of experts and members of the public believing that the number of crises has increased in recent years. “These risks are becoming increasingly interconnected, spanning climate, geopolitics, energy, cyberthreats and social fragmentation,” Axa said.

Globally, 59% of the general public feel that there is tension between different age groups, while 71% believe that raising children today is more difficult than it was for previous generations. Meanwhile, 46% are concerned that the next generation will experience a lower quality of life.

The findings also reveal differences in attitudes across age groups, with respondents under 35 more concerned about AI’s impact on employment and health, while those aged 55 and over focus more on technology ethics, geopolitical conflicts and energy stability.

Despite the challenges, 85% of experts and members of the general public worldwide believe that most risks can be prevented or mitigated through stronger preparedness, coordinated action and proactive prevention measures. The findings reinforce the importance of building resilience before crises occur, Axa said.

Insecurity: COAS seeks stronger military cooperation among African countries

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger military cooperation among African countries to address evolving security challenges through intelligence sharing, joint training and coordinated operations.

Shaibu made the call on Monday during bilateral military talks with the Commander of the Zambia Army, Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, on the sidelines of the African International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.

The Nigerian Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, disclosed this in a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja.

According to the statement, the COAS said the growing threats of terrorism, insurgency, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government required military cooperation from African countries.

He stressed that no country could effectively tackle the challenges in isolation, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration among African armed forces.

The COAS also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening military relations with Zambia and other African partners, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, peace support missions, professional military training and capacity development.

In his response, Zyeele commended the Nigerian Army for its contributions to regional security and efforts to combat terrorism.

He expressed Zambia’s readiness to deepen military cooperation with Nigeria to improve operational effectiveness and advance their mutual security interests.

The statement added that the bilateral engagement formed part of Shaibu’s activities at AFRIDEX 2026, which brought together African military leaders, defence industry stakeholders and strategic partners to explore opportunities for defence collaboration, technological advancement and collective responses to emerging security threats.