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Court sacks Alabi as NDC candidate for Lagos constituency

The Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Olumuyiwa Owadara as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general election.

The court presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko nullified INEC’s earlier recognition of Ibrahim Lukman and set aside the commission’s August 1 publication of his name as the party’s candidate.

In the judgment the court also awarded N1 million in costs against INEC and Lukman for publishing the name of a candidate who did not participate in the party’s primary election.

Justice Aluko held that Owadara won the NDC primary conducted on May 29 which INEC monitored adding that the commission had no lawful basis to recognise Lukman as a candidate.

The judge relied on INEC’s monitoring report which indicated that Owadara ‘scored the highest number of lawful votes cast’ during the primary.

He noted that the NDC maintained that it conducted no other primary election for the constituency and that Lukman did not participate in the exercise.

Despite this INEC published Lukman’s name and particulars as the party’s candidate while Owadara was omitted from the list although he said he had completed and submitted the required nomination forms.

INEC in its defence argued that it published the names uploaded to its platform by political parties including the NDC.

However Justice Aluko rejected the argument saying it was not supported by credible evidence.

‘I am of the view that the evidence of the 1st Defendant that the names it published are the names uploaded on its platform by political parties including the 2nd Defendant is not supported or corroborated by any credible evidence’ he held.

The judge noted that the NDC denied submitting Lukman’s name and accused INEC of imposing him on the party.

He said the commission lacked the authority to recognise a candidate outside the provisions of the law particularly where the candidate did not participate in any primary election.

‘The commission has no lawful basis or justification to publish the name and particulars of the 3rd Defendant as the candidate of the 2nd Defendant for the said election’ the judge said.

He held that the publication violated Sections 29(1) 32(1) and 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 which regulate the submission of candidates nominated through party primaries and INEC’s monitoring of such exercises.

The judge also found no credible evidence that the NDC had followed the statutory procedure for changing its candidate under Section 33 of the Act or conducted another primary election.

‘There is no credible evidence before the court to suggest that the 2nd Defendant as a political party took steps to change its candidate in line with the provision of section 33 of the Electoral Act or that another primary election was held by the 2nd Defendant’ he said.

He held that Owadara established his case through credible evidence adding that the primary election was conducted in accordance with the party’s guidelines constitution and the Electoral Act.

‘It is my humble but firm conviction that the Plaintiff has established by credible evidence that the primary election was conducted in consonance with the Guidelines Constitution of the 2nd Defendant and the Electoral Act and that the Plaintiff emerged the winner’ he said.

In reaching the decision the court relied on the Supreme Court judgment in Igboke v. Chukwu (2023) which set aside INEC’s publication of a candidate who had not won the relevant party primary.

The court also dismissed Lukman’s objection challenging its jurisdiction on the grounds that he was not properly served with the originating summons.

Lukman had claimed that he was in London when service was purportedly effected. He also denied ownership of the WhatsApp number and email address allegedly used to serve him.

However the court noted that it authorised substituted service on August 19 after the bailiff failed to serve him personally. According to the bailiff’s affidavit the court processes were subsequently served through WhatsApp on August 24.

Justice Aluko found that the telephone number used for the service was the same one Lukman supplied to INEC in his Form EC9 an affidavit of personal particulars sworn to on June 27 and tendered by Owadara.

‘There is however credible evidence before the court to demonstrate that the 3rd Defendant is not truthful after all’ the judge said.

The court also considered WhatsApp exchanges between the lawyers to Owadara and Lukman which showed that court processes were exchanged on August 27 28 and 31.

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Saleh v. Abah Justice Aluko held that service on a party’s counsel who did not deny receiving the processes was valid.

He further noted that Lukman did not file a counter-affidavit or defence to the originating summons and had therefore failed to controvert Owadara’s claims.

Reacting to the judgment Owadara’s counsel Festus Ogun managing partner of FOLEGAL said the ruling reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law.

He said the legal team was relieved that the court had demonstrated its commitment to dispensing justice without fear or favour.

Ogun described the publication of the name of a candidate who did not participate in the recognised primary as an injustice to the legitimate winner and a stain on the electoral process.

‘We are happy the court agreed with us and ordered INEC to substitute the name for our client. This is a victory for democracy’ he said.

The NDC through its counsel Ikechukwu Onodi had argued that INEC lacked the power to substitute a validly nominated candidate maintaining that candidate substitution was an internal party matter subject to statutory conditions.

Onodi also said the commission’s role in party primaries was limited to monitoring the exercise and seeking clarification where necessary.

INEC’s counsel Segun Bello argued that determining the candidate sponsored by a political party was not the commission’s responsibility and that it was required to remain neutral.

In a further development FOLEGAL in a letter dated October 23 forwarded a certified true copy of the judgment to the INEC National Chairman and requested immediate compliance with the court’s orders.

‘We respectfully anticipate your earnest compliance with the said Orders of the Court’ the letter signed by Ogun stated.

‘Why Tinubu Uba Sani deserve Southern Kaduna votes’

From AbdulGafar Alabelewe Kaduna

The Senator representing Kaduna South Sunday Katung has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani have earned the support of Southern Kaduna through visible life-changing interventions.

Katung who assessed the impact of the All Progressives Congress-led administrations at the federal and state levels during a radio programme said President Tinubu rates Kaduna as a strategic state for the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘He is a caring President who knows that Kaduna is like home. As far back as 2007 I led a delegation with my Senator then Senator Caleb Zagi to meet him on issues concerning Kaduna and he accepted’ Katung recalled.

He listed two federal projects- the light rail project and the $29.62 million Ginger Processing Hub in Kachia- as game-changers for the state.

‘You can’t go to Kachia today and ask what the President has done. People will tell you their lifestyle has changed. The same will happen in Kafanchan and Manchok. By the time the light rail starts jobs will be created and food vendors will sell. Value chains will change’ the federal lawmaker said.

Katung also cited the rising value of land in Kachia as proof of economic revival.

‘In November 2023 15 plots were offered at N300000 each. By February 2026 the remaining five were selling at N1.1 million per plot. That is what the President’s intervention has brought.’

On Governor Sani Katung described him as an inclusive leader who has given Southern Kaduna a true sense of belonging after years of exclusion.

‘Governor Uba Sani has shown that he is a Governor for all. He has restored peace brought projects to our zone and runs an open-door government. For us in Southern Kaduna this is the first time in a long time that we feel truly part of Kaduna State’ he noted.

The lawmaker dismissed concerns about President Tinubu not touring all states saying the President has built a strong support system of governors and National Assembly members to take the message to the grassroots.

‘Rallies don’t win elections. What wins is the door-to-door approach sitting with the people listening to them and explaining what you intend to do. That is what we did. We held town hall meetings and asked: ‘ What do you want us to do?’ he said.

Senator Katung called on the electorate to sustain the current momentum.

‘My appeal is that we give President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani another chance. What is to be achieved is greater than what we are seeing now. When these economic policies mature Nigerians will appreciate the vision.’

‘I support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the re-election of Governor Uba Sani and indeed all APC candidates because I know that is the platform that will give us what we want in Southern Kaduna’ Katung declared.

Sokoto Dep gov calls for improved intelligence, adequate funding to tackle insecurity

The Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, has called for improved intelligence gathering, adequate funding for security operations and stronger accountability in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

He made the call in Abuja while representing Governor Ahmed Aliyu at a policy roundtable on countering insurgencies, organised by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) and other partners.

The Deputy Governor expressed concern over the activities of bandits operating across border communities in Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states

Alhaji Idris Gobir therefore stressed the need for security agencies to intensify surveillance and leverage local intelligence to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts.

He also expressed concern over the circulation of inflammatory content on social media, urging the authorities to ensure accountability for actions capable of undermining national security.

The Deputy Governor emphasised that tackling insecurity required collective responsibility, sustained political commitment and effective collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and local communities.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, General Adamu Garba Laka, called for stronger intelligence coordination, community engagement and preventive measures to curb the spread of insurgency and banditry in North-West and North-Central Nigeria.

He said military operations must be complemented by effective governance, strategic communication and rehabilitation programmes to address the underlying causes of insecurity.

According to him, armed groups continue to exploit poverty, unemployment, local grievances, competition over land and natural resources, coercion and governance gaps to recruit members.

The NCTC coordinator reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to harmonising Nigeria’s Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) framework and strengthening cooperation among relevant institutions.

The Deputy German Ambassador to Nigeria also supported the preventive approach, noting that military action alone could not resolve the security crisis.

He disclosed that Germany had provided more than pound 80 million to the Northwest Prevention Facility to support peace structures, early-warning systems and livelihood initiatives.

He added that Niger and Kebbi states were expected to join the next phase of the programme.

Similarly, the African Union Commission’s representative, Mrs Joselyns Nehimana, called for stronger intelligence-sharing, cross-border cooperation and human rights-based rehabilitation programmes.

Earlier, Dr Oyawole Ohimini, a senior researcher at BICC, urged authorities to look beyond forests and remote communities in addressing banditry.

He identified ransom-financing networks, misinformation and disinformation as factors sustaining armed violence, stressing the need to tackle the broader networks that enable criminal groups to operate.

The two-day policy roundtable is being held under the project titled Breaking Patterns of Armed Violence, Preventing Recruitment and Supporting Exit from Armed Groups in Africa.

JFC sees 1,500 areas in PHL as potential sites for stores

Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) on Thursday said it intends to build stores in some 1,500 areas until 2030 as the fastfood giant expands its footprint beyond Metro Manila.

The company said its brands Jollibee, Mang Inasal and Chowking, account for about 90 percent of Philippines systemwide sales. These brands would also anchor its expansion.

The Philippine business sustained growth at scale in 2024 and 2025, with systemwide sales increasing 10 percent in each year and same-store sales rising by 8 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

‘Our scale provides a strong foundation for future growth, and we see even greater opportunities to reach more consumers, particularly in markets beyond our existing footprint, and serve more occasions.

We will pursue these opportunities through aggressive but disciplined expansion, guided by site viability and sustainable returns, alongside stronger execution and store formats that make our brands more accessible,’ Joseph C. Tanbuntiong, Jollibee Philippines CEO and head of Jollibee brand global, said.

About 71 percent of these areas are located outside Metro Manila, but actual store openings will remain subject to site availability, commercial viability and the Group’s disciplined expansion criteria.

Jollibee, which represents approximately 62 percent of Philippine systemwide sales, sustained positive systemwide sales growth in the first half.

Mang Inasal, meanwhile, remained a standout growth brand over the same period, while Chowking continued to broaden the portfolio’s reach across everyday Filipino dining occasions.

The next phase of growth will be driven not only by disciplined store expansion but also by serving more consumers, increasing visit frequency and participating in more occasions, JFC said.

Delivery, drive-thru, digital ordering and flexible store formats expand access, while stronger execution can raise productivity across the existing network.

‘Chowking’s growth opportunity comes from serving more communities and becoming relevant across more everyday dining occasions. We are focused on expanding selectively, elevating store execution and developing formats that make our Chinese-style favorites easier for more customers to enjoy,’ Ana Aluyen, president of Chowking Philippines, said.

INEC plans IDP voting, additional collation centres in Plateau

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed additional collation centres in Plateau State to address delays in the collation of election results, while preparing to establish voting arrangements for internally displaced persons (IDPs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sam Egwu, a professor and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau State, disclosed this while interacting with journalists on Wednesday in Jos, saying the commission was working to improve electoral logistics and ensure inclusive participation in the elections.

Egwu said INEC had proposed six additional collation centres in Naraguta B Ward of Jos North Local Government Area to reduce delays associated with the large number of polling units.

‘We have proposed about six new collation centres in Naraguta B Ward so that we can split the polling units into those collation centres,’ he said.

The REC explained that instead of all polling units bringing their results to one location, collation would take place at different centres before the results were forwarded to a final collation centre.

He said Naraguta B Ward had about 210 polling units, while Tudun Wada Cabon Ward had more than 170, making the collation of results time-consuming.

According to him, similar arrangements were being considered for Tudun Wada Cabon and a ward in Kanam local government area to address logistical challenges associated with election result collation.

Egwu disclosed that an INEC team had visited Plateau State to assess the proposals, expressing optimism that they would be approved.

He, however, noted that implementing the proposals would require additional collation officers and budgetary provisions by the commission.

On voting by internally displaced persons, the REC said INEC was collecting data to determine the number of eligible voters who might be unable to return to their communities before the elections.

He explained that preliminary findings had identified about nine local government areas facing challenges relating to internal displacement.

Egwu said the commission was committed to ensuring that displaced persons were not disenfranchised because of their circumstances.

He added that Nigeria’s commitment under the Kampala Declaration on Internally Displaced Persons required efforts to protect the electoral rights of citizens forced to leave their homes.

The REC said INEC was engaging the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which was arranging for a non-governmental organisation based in Plateau State to partner with the commission on IDP voting.

He explained that the commission would continue to assess the situation as the elections approached to determine whether displaced voters would need special arrangements to cast their ballots.

Egwu also emphasised the need for persons with disabilities to participate in the electoral process, describing inclusive elections as a key component of INEC’s strategic plan.

On voter registration, he disclosed that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise conducted in phases from August 2025 to 2026 had added more than three million voters nationwide.

He said INEC had received Permanent Voter Cards from the first phase of the exercise for distribution to local government areas, while cards for subsequent phases were being processed or awaited from the national headquarters.

The REC urged registered voters to collect their PVCs, stressing that the cards were necessary for participation in elections.

He explained that the commission’s limited logistics made it difficult to deliver cards to individual addresses.

Egwu also called on journalists to intensify public enlightenment about electoral preparations and hold the commission accountable.

‘We can do a lot of work within INEC, but if you do not communicate it to the public, nobody knows we are doing anything. If you want to reach the greatest number of people, we rely on you,’ he said.

He maintained that public scrutiny and stakeholder participation were necessary to strengthen electoral institutions and improve the credibility of elections.

The REC further disclosed that INEC had started receiving some non-sensitive election materials, including vehicles and mats for corps members, as part of efforts to address logistical challenges ahead of the 2027 polls.

4 Filipino chefs receive Michelin Special Awards

A new batch of Filipino chefs received special awards from the Michelin Guide ahead of restaurants selected to be honored for 2027.

The Michelin Service Award was bestowed upon Clyde Joshua Zafra of the Pampanga-based Tito Boy founded by Chef Bong Sagmit.

The Michelin Young Chef Award was awarded to Francis Lacson of Digamo located in Marikina while Ron Job Sanchez, resident mixologist and head bartender of Makati’s Automat restaurant, received the Exceptional Cocktail Award.

A brand new award was given this year in the Philippines, with Frances Tariga, who heads another Makati restaurant Tadhana receiving the Opening of the Year recognition.

Tariga proudly expressed in her acceptance speech what an honor it was for a lesbian Filipina like her to receive an award in the culinary scene.

First Lady, DepEd launch nationwide school-based hydroponics project

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara, together with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), officially launched the nationwide school-based hydroponics project on Thursday at Las Piñas National High School and Parañaque National High School, a major push for food security and innovative learning.

The initiative, part of the ‘Agri Tayo, Lab for All’ program, introduces modern, space-efficient, and climate-resilient farming technologies to public schools.

Angara highlighted that by using up to 90 percent less water than traditional farming, hydroponics serves as a vital climate adaptation strategy against the severe impacts of Super El Niño while driving sustainable food production.

He also emphasized that the initiative modernizes the Department of Education’s (DepEd) long-standing Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) to better equip learners for climate extremes and food sustainability challenges.

The First Lady and Angara inspected the newly installed greenhouse units at Las Piñas National High School and interacted with learners.

Funded through the Social Environmental Fund generated from reclamation projects, the first phase aims to establish hydroponics greenhouse facilities in 200 schools nationwide, scaling up to 700 units overall to tackle spatial and agricultural challenges in urban and coastal communities.

Aside from supplementing the School-Based Feeding Program with freshly harvested vegetables, the greenhouse facilities are designed to serve as hands-on living laboratories. Through experiential learning, learners can directly observe plant growth, nutrient management, water utilization, and photosynthesis, thereby integrating real-world science into their lessons.

The project also supports Agri-Fishery Arts and agro-entrepreneurship electives under the strengthened Senior High School curriculum, helping learners cultivate practical livelihood and technical-vocational skills.

For the initial phase, beneficiary schools across Metro Manila and various provinces including Cavite, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Masbate will each receive a hydroponics greenhouse facility.

Las Piñas City National High School and Parañaque National High School received two units each to maximize learner reach and community engagement.

DepEd and its partners look forward to expanding the collaboration to more institutions, ensuring that more Filipino learners gain practical agricultural skills while contributing to community food security.

Agusan del Sur employs climate-smart tools vs El Niño onslaught

Weeks after severe dry spells and erratic weather prompted a provincial state of calamity, farmers and fisherfolk across Agusan del Sur are shifting from emergency response to active defense, applying new weather-informed techniques to safeguard their livelihoods.

After P3.5 billion in agricultural losses from the prolonged El Niño dry spell, communities in Bayugan City and Talacogon are using lessons from an intensive provincial training caravan organized by the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO).

Instead of relying on rigid, traditional planting schedules, trained farmers and fisherfolk are now actively tracking meteorological bulletins and recalibrating field routines against changing climate patterns.

The initiative covered high-risk barangays across Bayugan City-including Pinagalaan, Mt. Ararat, Sto. Niño, and Gethsemane-along with the flood- and drought-prone riverside communities of Labnig and La Flora in Talacogon.

Agriculture and fisheries remain the sectors hit hardest by shifting weather extremes.

Unseasonal rains, sudden gales, and prolonged dry spells frequently shatter traditional planting calendars, damage standing crops, and stall fishing operations.

To break the cycle, farmers and fisherfolk completed training in five subjects: weather fundamentals, localized forecast interpretation, climate risk assessment, weather-informed production planning, and climate-smart farm systems.

Local leaders and technicians trained under the program now served as frontline early-warning relays within their barangays, monitoring updates and cascading official weather advisories to neighboring households.

Experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) stressed that sustained data use will dictate the success of the province’s agricultural rebound.

‘Weather information is more than just a forecast; it is an important tool for protecting livelihoods and reducing risks,’ said Engr. Heart Bompat of DOST-PAGASA. He said issuing timely advisories helps producers avoid preventable losses and optimize scarce resources.

Wenceslao Tianero Jr., a DOST senior science research specialist, emphasized that long-term recovery depends on turning scientific forecasts into daily habits on the ground.

‘Understanding weather forecasts is not simply about knowing whether it will rain or shine-it is about using that data to make better decisions,’ Tianero said, pointing to critical choices such as timing seed distribution, managing harvest dates, and adjusting fishing trips based on wind and marine advisories.

Provincial agriculture officials noted that embedding climate science directly into community-level routines remains central to stabilizing Agusan del Sur’s food supply, ensuring that the province rebuilds on a foundation far more resilient to the next climate shock.

’PHL can deliver clean, reliable energy at same time’

SINGAPORE-Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the Philippines can successfully meet the challenges of rising global electricity demand while accelerating its decarbonization goals.

‘The test is clear: can we deliver energy that is clean, reliable, and affordable for our economies and our people?’ Garin said. ‘Nowhere is that test more demanding than in the Philippines. We are an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, where energy must cross water and mountains before it reaches a single home,’ Garin said.

She pointed out that geography dictates that energy security cannot rely on generation capacity alone, and the country treats energy security as grid security.

‘The Philippines is putting transmission and grid modernization at the center of its energy strategy. Through our Smart and Green Grid Plan, we are pinpointing critical constraints, strengthening long-term planning, and aligning grid development with future demand and generation investments, in support of our Philippine Energy Plan and Transmission Development Plan, so that every megawatt of renewable energy we build reaches the people and industries it is meant to serve,’ she said.

This initiative supports the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in expanding network capacity and fast-tracking the resolution of transmission bottlenecks.

She also said that the DOE is accelerating the delivery of 200 committed power and energy storage projects. To date, 55 have begun commercial operations, adding about 2,273 megawatts (MW) Among them are 12 battery energy storage projects totaling about 229MW.

‘Our systems must respond instantly to shifts in supply and demand. Energy storage makes that possible,’ Garin said.

The Philippines is also building its first pumped-storage hydropower facility. It uses electricity to pump water into storage during periods of low demand, then releases it to generate power when demand rises. ‘Our goal is a cleaner transition that never compromises reliability and security,’ Garin pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and Singapore have entered into a strategic energy partnership by exchanging Letters of Intent (LOIs) during the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) Summit 2026.

Signed by Garin and Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry Dr. Tan See Leng, the agreements aim to bolster long-term energy security and expand clean energy alternatives through two main pillars.

The two nations will explore regional grid connectivity to enable power trading, resolve supply constraints, and optimize complementary energy resources. This initiative supports the broader Asean Power Grid vision by accelerating the Asean Submarine Power Cable Development Framework.

They will also establish a framework to share expertise and conduct joint research in advanced nuclear technology. Cooperation will span human resource development, the nuclear fuel cycle, radioactive waste management, and safety protocols, ensuring all advancements strictly adhere to international non-proliferation standards.

‘Regional cooperation is ultimately about the Filipino family. When we connect our gids and build safe, responsible partnerships in nuclear energy, we are working toward more energy sources, and more stable power for every home, so that the lights stay on for our families, our children can study at night, and our small businesses can keep their doors open,’ Garin said.

Banning social media will push teens towards the internet’s worst

AS a psychologist and educator myself, I hear the panic from parents every day like clockwork. It’s a tale as old as time: young people need to be protected from the dangers of new, emerging technologies.

In the same way as our parents tried to shield us from comic books and television, we look at the rising rates of teenage anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation-and in the Philippines, mounting cases of school shootings-and we naturally want a simple villain. Social media is the easiest target in the room for the most desperate among us. It is something new and for people who have not grown up with social media, it can be seen as an unknown, evolving presence that can be blamed when a new threat or novel concern arises in younger people, who are digital natives. And while it’s completely understandable that even the best of us end up thinking that, it’s not at all backed by what the science says.

When lawmakers suggest a blanket social media ban for anyone under 18, it sounds like a silver bullet. Flip a switch, cut off access, and suddenly our kids will go back to riding bikes outside and reading books inside. However, it is not that simple.

From a psychological and scientific standpoint, a blanket ban is a lazy non-solution. Let’s look at the data instead of operating on fear. Earlier this year, a major study published in the British Medical Journal (Barnes, 2026) examined the early effects of Australia’s strict Social Media Minimum Age Act. The findings were a massive reality check. The researchers found little to no immediate, substantive reduction in adolescent social media use. More importantly, the ban produced absolutely zero measurable improvements in adolescent mental health, well-being or sleep patterns.

The takeaway is clear: passing a law is not enough. We have to know if it actually works in real life. And right now, the science says sweeping bans fail.

Why do they fail? Because they completely misunderstand adolescent psychology.

When you ban teenagers from a mainstream public space, they don’t stop wanting to connect with their peers. They just find a way to do it where you can’t see them.

In our view, a sweeping blanket ban will only inevitably push young people toward unregulated corners of the internet that will allow them to exercise their right to participate and engage with one another.

If this passes, we will only watch our children migrate from social media sites with flawed safeguards into encrypted messaging boards and fringe platforms with zero moderation, no reporting tools, and a much higher risk of exposure to violent or exploitative content.

Worse, a ban strips away their safety nets. If a teenager is being cyberbullied or, even worse, groomed on an app they are legally banned from using, they may become terrified to ask a parent or a teacher for help. And that is because we don’t protect victims by making their presence in a space illegal. We just guarantee their silence.

Thus, a blanket ban on social media is a dangerous illusion that will do far more harm than good, as it provides a short-term solution to perceived societal problems and may lead to more problematic pathways.

We also have to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth. For many youth, especially those in abusive households or marginalized communities, the internet is their only lifeline. It is where they find crisis support, mental health resources and peers who understand them.

Banning platforms ignores the root of the problem. A teenager scrolling endlessly at 3 a.m. may be dealing with offline stressors, which includes family members and other significant people who supposedly know best for them. Maybe it’s academic burnout, or a lack of safe physical spaces in our cities to hang out. We cannot solve complex offline problems by simply banning an online space due to fear.

Instead of pushing the danger underground, we need to hold ourselves accountable for creating a world that they lean on social media to escape. Absolutely, we need to look at how effective social media protections are. We are not denying the risks and potential harm that younger individuals may face in prolonged social media exposure and early introduction to risky information and concepts.

We could approach perceived problems with social media as one would do in the area of sex education and reproductive health. Instead of labeling sexual intercourse as something bad and coupling it with moral agenda, we can look at it through scientific and developmental lenses, by understanding what our children know about the concept, providing direct information and resources to further understand the concept, providing limits that may relate to social and physical boundaries, and connecting with professionals who may have the expertise in the matter.

Hence, we also need to train parents to equip their kids with digital literacy to navigate risks, rather than pretend we can lock them out of the digital world forever. Instead of deciding what is best for younger individuals with our limited knowledge, looking at what resources we have, and learning more from experts and empirical research can better equip us not just to ‘fix’ what we think is broken, but rather putting safeguards in place and taking charge of the situation from our own contexts and perspectives.

Protecting young people is our ultimate goal. But a ban that feels good on paper while leaving kids more vulnerable in practice is nothing short of abandonment.

Dr. Peejay D. Bengwasan is a Board Member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines and a Professorial Lecturer at the De La Salle University.

Kogi Governor’s aide Nihi crowned Olúomo of Aiyegunle Gbede

The Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Student Matters Oladele John Nihi has been crowned Olúomo of Aiyegunle Gbede in the state’s Ijumu Local Government Area.

The traditional honour recognises Nihi’s ties to his community and his contributions to youth development and public service.

Nihi an indigene of Aiyegunle Gbede thanked the traditional institution community leaders and residents for finding him worthy of the title.

He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as purposeful leadership inclusive governance and commitment to the state’s development.

According to Nihi the governor’s emphasis on public service grassroots development and youth inclusion in governance continues to inspire confidence among young people.

The newly crowned Olúomo said the title represented not only a personal milestone but also a renewed responsibility to serve his community with greater dedication humility and commitment.

He stressed that traditional titles come with obligations to the community adding that he would continue to uphold the values of integrity unity cultural preservation and service to humanity.

Nihi further acknowledged the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace preserving cultural heritage and strengthening community development. He noted that a community’s progress depends on the collective commitment of its sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora.

The Special Adviser reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment educational advancement peaceful coexistence and initiatives that create opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to society.

He also thanked the people of Aiyegunle Gbede for their continued support and confidence in him assuring them that the title would further strengthen his resolve to contribute to the community’s growth and development.

Nihi a youth advocate and founder of the Oladele John Nihi Foundation has continued to champion initiatives focused on peace and security health education and empowerment with particular attention to young people’s needs and aspirations.

His role in the Kogi State Government has also placed him at the forefront of engagements with student bodies youth organisations and other stakeholders on issues affecting young people across the state.

The coronation marks another significant chapter in Nihi’s public and community life linking his responsibilities in government and youth advocacy with a traditional commitment to his ancestral community.

He concluded by thanking Governor Ododo for his purposeful leadership and reaffirming his determination to support initiatives that promote peace unity development and a brighter future for Kogi State.

As the new Olúomo of Aiyegunle Gbede Nihi pledged to remain committed to serving his people advancing the younger generation and preserving his community’s cultural heritage.