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Ondo: Death Toll From Suspected Poisonous Drink Hits 30

The death toll from the suspected consumption of a locally made alcoholic drink in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State has risen to 30, while about 50 others are receiving treatment in hospitals across the area.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that 24 persons died under mysterious circumstances linked to the consumption of a locally produced herbal-alcoholic mixture popularly known as ‘Monkey Tail.’

The Chairman of Odigbo Local Government Area, Mr Taiwo Adegoroye, confirmed the latest casualty figures and said families of the deceased had been directed not to bury the victims until necessary medical examinations were completed.

According to him, the council has approached the court to seek a coroner’s inquest into the deaths, while laboratory analyses, toxicological examinations and autopsies are being conducted to establish the actual cause.

The chairman disclosed that the council had released N2 million to support the emergency medical response and had sought additional financial assistance to tackle the crisis.

‘As of now, the death toll is over 30. We have not confirmed the source of death,’ he said.

He explained that samples of the suspected substance had been collected for laboratory analysis, while blood and urine samples were being obtained from surviving patients.

According to the commissioner, post-mortem examinations will also be conducted on some of the victims as part of efforts to determine the medical cause of death.

He warned residents against consuming unregulated alcoholic mixtures, herbal preparations and unidentified concoctions, noting that some could have fatal consequences.

One of the survivors, 32-year-old Shola Adebayo, speaking with Daily Trust, recounted how he narrowly escaped death after consuming the suspected drink.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Adebayo said he took two shots of the substance on Friday after a friend invited him to drink.

‘A friend brought it and asked that we drink together. I took two shots and went home,’ he said.

According to him, he woke up the following day with severe vision problems.

‘On Saturday, I discovered that I could not see very well. I called my sister, and she rushed me to the hospital. I am getting better now, but I am praying that I regain my sight completely.’

The traditional ruler of Odigbo Kingdom, Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, described the number of deaths recorded in the community as alarming.

The monarch said concerns over the unusual fatalities prompted consultations with health authorities and local government officials.

Oba Akinrinmade called for intensified public enlightenment campaigns, particularly among young people, on the dangers of consuming unregulated alcoholic drinks.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was collaborating with the state government and health authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

According to him, officers from the Police Medical Services are working alongside officials of the Ministry of Health and Odigbo Local Government to gather evidence and relevant information.

Jimoh said medical and toxicological examinations were ongoing to determine whether any substance was responsible for the fatalities.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators while advising members of the public to avoid consuming unregulated alcoholic and herbal mixtures pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, assured residents that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice once investigations are concluded.

FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup: US, France set off on collision course after quarter-final wins

After cruising to quarter-final victories at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the U.S. and France have set off on a collision course that could ?bring a rematch of their 2024 Olympic gold-medal game in the final.

France dispatched 90-61 in Berlin to reach the semi-finals for the first time, led by 15 points each from Janelle Salaun and Marine Johannes, as well as 14 from captain Gabby Williams.

They now have a ?chance to claim their first World Cup medal since the inaugural tournament in ?1953, when they finished third in the final round.

‘This team here just ?want to make a new story. And I think that’s the most important thing,’?France coach Jean Aime Toupane told reporters.

After missing out on Olympic gold to the Americans ?by one point in Paris two years ago, France entered the tournament with confidence and hunger.

‘We are lucky because we are a group that have known each other for a couple of years now,’?Salaun said of the team’s chemistry.

‘We went through a lot of things, the Olympics, ?training camp(s), so we just know each other and we know what we want. We have a and ?we want to do everything to get to this goal.’

Both Olympic finalists are now one win away from setting up a rematch after the U.S. crushed Hungary 108-56 earlier in the day, with 19 points from Napheesa Collier.

The defending champions’ 108?points and 31 assists ?were both records ?for a World Cup quarter-final.

‘This was one of our most complete performances of the tournament,’ U.S. coach Kara Lawson said, adding that she ?was pleased with her team’s defensive efforts.

‘And then offensively, we as ?coaches love ?when they share the ball,’ Lawson said with a smile. ‘And they did at just a high level.’

‘As far as France, what a wonderful team, and they’ve had an outstanding World Cup ?so ?far,’ Lawson added. ‘So they should have a lot of ?people thinking that they can do well.’

The U.S. will play either Spain or Australia in the semi-finals, while France ?await the winner of Belgium and Germany.

Mo Abudu reflects on God’s faithfulness at 62

Media mogul and filmmaker Mo Abudu turns 62 today, marking the milestone with gratitude and reflection.

In an Instagram post, Abudu thanked God for life, grace and mercy, describing her journey as 62 years of God’s faithfulness.

The EbonyLife Group chief executive added that her heart was full and expressed optimism about the future, saying she believes the best is yet to come.

She wrote, ‘Happy birthday to me. I turn 62 years old today. I am grateful. I am thankful. Lord, I give You all the praise. For the gift of life, for Your grace, Your mercy, Your favour, and every chapter You have written and continue to write. 62 years of God’s faithfulness. My heart is full, my spirit is thankful, and I know the best is yet to come.’

Abudu has received tributes from fans, colleagues and industry stakeholders celebrating her contributions to film and media in Africa.

’Mhudumu’ doesn’t believe our clanswoman is paying!

You enter this bar whose name and address should remain under wraps for commercial reasons. It’s an expansive establishment, with perimeter walls lined with tall and leafy ashok trees.

And you know what? They even have a swimming pool, and as we enter the place in the early evening, there’re quite a number of people having a swim. That, despite the chilly weather that Dar is presently experiencing.

A younger bro, Gerry, who had driven us to this place, says what you’re viewing as a large number of revellers today is nothing compared to what abounds on some other days.

‘This place is normally full to the brim, especially on weekends, and patrons eat and drink like there’s no tomorrow…you should make a point of coming here on some weekends,’ says Gerry.

I say okay, absentmindedly as I look this way and that way in admiration of the whole place. The wahudumu, who are all in black, are attentive, and the one serving our table keeps coming back to us to check out if we’re comfortable.

We’re soon joined by a young lady, a clansperson of ours with whom we’re set to discuss some crucial family matters.

She’s a modest drinker, but a drinker all the same, so she’s not getting bored as we share views on the numerous matters, some of which are holding our mini-tribe down.

As expected, our lady companion soon excuses herself to go home. She’s raising two young souls aged four and seven, and she doesn’t fully trust her house-help. Well, who does?

She calls the mhudumu and asks for the bill so far.

The mhudumu looks a little shocked and asks, “You mean you’re paying for your drinks…won’t one of these two guts pay for you?’

The reaction of this mhudumu is stereotypical in our society. Women aren’t supposed to part with even a shilling while in the company of men! All she needs to do is to sit coyly at the table and look sweet as men pay, even when she’s a well-paid salariat. And the one taking the most expensive brand.

But this sister of ours is different. She’s not the next-door kind of a lady.

So, she tells the mhudumu, very clearly, that she’s picking the tab.

The bill is something close to 40k, and she settles it fast from her mobile-Pesa account and bids us goodnight.

Now on our own, Gerry and you resort to man-talk; you know what this kandeman is talking about. Au siyo?

Gerry asks you to say what we should eat, but you say he should choose what he believes is best for us. He’s a regular here, isn’t he?

He hails our mhudumu and asks her to summon the kitchen lady, who, upon her arrival, provides a list of what is available in their menu…verbally.

Gerry suggests we should eat roast kondoo, and you say fine.

It’s been a long time since you ate sheep meat, and when it comes, you aren’t disappointed. But the bill, when it is placed before us, disappoints-nay, shocks!

You like this place alright, but you dislike the size of their bills.

Your ndugu can continue coming here as much as he wishes, but he shouldn’t drag you along, for you don’t like playing Lady Jaydee’s Yahaya!

Heartland beat Akwa United 2-0 in floodlit Owerri friendly

Heartland FC continued their preparations for the new season with a 2-0 victory over Akwa United in a friendly match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, yesterday.

The encounter was initially scheduled to kick off at 12 noon but heavy rain forced a lengthy delay.

The game eventually got underway under floodlights at 6pm and ended about two hours later, with the Naze Millionaires securing a comfortable victory.

The result also provided Heartland with some measure of revenge after they lost 2-0 to Akwa United in the first friendly between the two sides in Uyo.

The friendly is part of Heartland’s build-up towards the new Nigeria National League season.

Tanzania secures 150 Algeria scholarships for top STEM students

The government has secured 150 fully funded study opportunities in Algeria for high performing students selected under the Samia Scholarship programme, widening access to international training in science and technology.

The 150 students will be selected from the 1,000 beneficiaries of the Samia Scholarship programme who were chosen to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses at universities in Tanzania.

Under the new government to government arrangement, Algeria will cover tuition fees, while the Tanzanian government will meet the students’ accommodation and travel costs.

The opportunity is part of government efforts to increase the number of Tanzanian graduates trained in fields critical to the country’s technological and economic development, including artificial intelligence, data science, computing and other emerging technologies.

Speaking at a press conference on September 11, 2026, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda said the 150 students would be selected according to their performance in science subjects.

He said students would not have to have studied Advanced Mathematics to qualify, with strong performance in Biology, Physics and Chemistry also being considered.

‘Advanced Mathematics is not the only criterion. We will also look at students who performed very well in Biology, Physics and Chemistry,’ Prof Mkenda said.

The minister said the government would begin contacting eligible students, with further information expected to be published on the ministry’s website.

The deadline for applications is September 15, giving selected students only a short period to respond.

Prof Mkenda said students who declined the opportunity would be replaced by others who ranked next in the selection process.

He said the government was determined to ensure that financial constraints did not prevent talented students from taking up international study opportunities.

‘Because we intended to take them there, we will try to support even a student who has very high ability,’ he said.

The government’s decision to meet accommodation and travel costs means the students will receive support beyond tuition fees, which can otherwise make overseas scholarships difficult for students from families unable to meet additional expenses.

More international opportunities

The Algeria scholarships are part of a broader effort to give high-performing Tanzanian students access to international education and training in areas linked to the country’s technological needs.

Prof Mkenda said the government was working to expose students to different education systems and technological environments while also strengthening their practical skills.

‘We are trying very hard to train them. We take them to training camps, teach them computer applications and they get international credentials,’ he said.

He said the approach was intended to complement university education with practical training and international exposure as Tanzania prepares young people for a labour market increasingly shaped by technology.

The government has also secured fully funded scholarships in Russia for 10 students from the same group of 1,000 Samia Scholarship beneficiaries.

Prof Mkenda said the 10 students were expected to travel to Russia this month to pursue studies in areas including data science, artificial intelligence, computing and machine-related disciplines.

‘Those we selected had Advanced Mathematics because they will be studying new technologies and areas such as computing,’ he said.

The developments mean the original group of 1,000 Samia Scholarship beneficiaries is also being used to identify students who can take up additional international study opportunities.

The government has increasingly placed STEM education at the centre of its efforts to prepare young Tanzanians for industrialisation, digital transformation and innovation.

The focus is shifting beyond expanding access to higher education to ensuring that graduates acquire the technical and practical skills needed by the economy.

Airline Operators Seek Intervention Over Ticket Sale Row

Airline operators have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), saying the President’s intervention could save the Nigerian aviation industry from further financial distress.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen OnyemaOnyema, who is also Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the 30th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos, on Thursday.

The conference, held with the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,’ focused on the challenges confronting the aviation sector, particularly the growing burden of taxes and charges on airlines.

Onyema said the current system under which airlines remit five per cent of the cost of every flight ticket as TSC to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was putting further financial pressure on already distressed operators. He advocated the replacement of the percentage-based charge with a fixed flat-rate fee attached to each ticket, arguing that such an arrangement would make payment more predictable and reduce the financial burden on airlines.

According to him, a more amicable tax and charges regime would protect airlines, aviation agencies and passengers, while helping to reduce the high mortality rate of Nigerian carriers.

Onyema said the airlines were seeking President Tinubu’s intervention because of his willingness to listen and act when presented with the impact of policies on indigenous businesses.

He recalled that the President had previously exempted airlines from the four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service after operators raised concerns over its potential impact on their businesses.

‘One thing I must say is that I’m certain any day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees us, if they allow us to see him, because I know he will not mind to meet with us, that will be the day a new revolution in the airline industry in this country will occur because Mr. President abhors anything capable of affecting indigenous businesses that provide jobs for the people adversely,’ he said.

Onyema said the intervention over the Customs levy demonstrated the impact of presidential action when the consequences of a policy were properly explained.

He said Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, had taken up the airlines’ concerns with the Presidency after he was informed of the effect of the levy on operators.

‘I was there in the Presidential Villa with the Customs boss, a fantastic man. This President acted swiftly and waived it for airlines within hours of being made to understand the would-be effects of such a charge on the viability of indigenous Nigerian airlines,’ he said.

According to Onyema, the President’s intervention following the FOB levy led him to promise to create 1,000 jobs for Nigerians.

He said about 78,000 Nigerians applied for the positions, from which 1,000 young people were eventually employed.

The Air Peace boss argued that the same approach should be applied to the TSC and other charges confronting airlines.

He said the President had not yet been given the opportunity to hear directly from airline operators about the factors contributing to Nigeria’s unfavourable rating as a difficult environment for airline businesses.

‘The problem is that the President has not heard from us on why his country was so described by IATA who equally compared Nigeria to Afghanistan,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that the situation would change if the President intervened, adding that a healthier aviation industry would ultimately benefit government agencies, airlines and passengers.

Onyema further warned that Nigerian airlines could not achieve sustainable growth while operating under multiple taxes, levies and charges.

He said the current cost environment was contributing to the difficulties faced by local carriers and undermining their ability to remain competitive and profitable.

He also cited reports indicating that at least 62 commercial airlines had collapsed or gone into default in Nigeria since independence in 1960, with more than 22 airlines shutting down within a recent 24-year period.

According to him, the high tax and charges burden remains one of the major factors threatening the survival of indigenous airlines.

‘At several aviation fora, IATA has identified Nigeria as one of the most expensive countries in the world in which to operate an airline, citing high operational costs that continue to challenge the viability and growth of local carriers,’ Onyema said.

He added that the high-cost operating environment had made it difficult for Nigerian airlines to remain competitive and profitable, thereby limiting the sector’s ability to reach its full potential.

Onyema said converting the TSC from a percentage of ticket sales to a fixed amount would provide relief to airlines while also ensuring that the NCAA and other aviation agencies continued to receive revenue from the charge.

He maintained that a balanced charges regime was necessary to ensure the sustainability of the aviation industry and prevent further collapse of Nigerian airlines.

Mamuda Group Chairman, Board Delegation Visit Dangote Refinery, Meet Aliko Dangote

Hassan Hammoud, Chairman and CEO of Mamuda Group, led a delegation of board members on an official visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos today.

The visit included a meeting with Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, and his daughter, Fatima Dangote, Executive Director of Dangote Group.

The delegation toured key sections of the refinery, one of the largest single-train petroleum refining facilities in the world. The visit gave Mamuda Group leadership firsthand insight into the scale of the operation and its role in Nigeria’s industrial and energy sectors.

The People’s Share: Democratising Wealth And Securing The North’s Stake In The Dangote Refinery

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Dangote Refinery’s application to float a marginal percentage of its issued share capital for acquisition by both retail and institutional shareholders.

This landmark approval formally reclassifies the Dangote Refinery as a public Limited Liability Company.

This development begs two critical questions for the northern populace: First, are we sufficiently cognisant of this historic economic inflection point?

Second, assuming awareness exists, is there a corresponding readiness to subscribe to the offered shares?

Through this modest intervention, I seek to urge northerners to affirm their faith in the Dangote Refinery’s public listing by actively participating in its share offer.

The Dawn of a New Era: The Dangote Refinery Public Offer

The historic approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the Dangote Refinery to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) is more than just a financial market event; it is a pivotal moment for every Nigerian, especially for our brothers and sisters in the North.

The refinery, once a privately-held giant, is now opening its doors to public ownership, inviting ordinary citizens to become part-owners of the continent’s most transformative industrial asset.

The question is no longer if we are aware, but if we are ready to act.

Advantages of Subscribing to the Dangote Refinery Shares

Unprecedented Access and Affordability

This is not an offer reserved for the elite.

The IPO has been deliberately structured to be inclusive.

With a minimum subscription of just 10 shares priced at ?525 each, a total entry point of ?5,250, it is one of the most accessible investment opportunities ever seen in Nigeria.

The process is further simplified through integration with the BVN system, allowing participation from across the country.

As Aliko Dangote stated, this is the ‘IPO for the people,’ designed to allow drivers, cooks, and managers to own a stake.

A Share in a Strategic National Asset

The Dangote Refinery is not just another company; it is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy independence and industrialisation.

With a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and plans to double this to 1.4 million, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world.

For the North, this project has already brought tangible benefits, stabilising fuel supply and reducing the energy-related disruptions that once plagued transport and agriculture.

By subscribing, northerners are not just buying shares; they are investing in a project that guarantees the nation’s energy security and prosperity.

Dollar-Denominated Value and Dividend Potential

The refinery is a major export player, shipping refined products to Europe and across Africa.

This global relevance translates to robust financial potential.

The company is targeting an EBITDA of over $12 billion, and dividends for investors who prefer will be payable in US dollars from the refinery’s export revenues, providing a hedge against currency volatility.

This offers a unique chance to build generational wealth.

In the words of Aliko Dangote, this is an opportunity to create an investment that could grow like global giants such as Amazon or Coca-Cola.

Patriotism and Economic Citizenship

This IPO is a call to action for economic citizenship.

For decades, Nigeria was a ‘price-taker’ in the global fuel market.

The refinery has shifted that dynamic.

Subscribing to these shares is a vote of confidence in Nigerian enterprise and a concrete way to benefit directly from the wealth being generated at home.

It is a chance to move from being a spectator to becoming an owner and beneficiary of the nation’s industrial growth.

Finally

The Dangote Refinery IPO is a defining moment.

It offers a seat at the table for every Nigerian who dares to dream big and secure their financial future.

The North, a region that has already felt the positive impact of the refinery’s operations, is now presented with the chance to build a legacy of shared prosperity.

The offer opens on September 14, 2026.

Let us be ready to seize this historic opportunity and pass a resounding vote of confidence in our collective future.

Beyond this single milestone, we envision Aliko Dangote’s achievement as a catalyst-a sustainable blueprint that will encourage a constellation of northern entrepreneurs such as BUA, Mangal, Gerawa, Indimi, TY Danjuma, Sani Bello, Yari, and Murtala Laushi to join the vanguard of Nigeria’s industrial renaissance, with lasting dividends for the North and the nation at large.

The Seasons Colombo 8 puts defining new spin on boutique living

In a city where the word ‘luxury’ is used more often than it is earned, The Seasons, situated in Colombo 8, sets out to demonstrate what the idea truly represents. Developed by Prime Lands Residencies PLC, the real leader in modern real estate, The Seasons is evolving into one of Colombo’s most considered addresses under the direction of the same discipline that Prime Group has refined for over 30 years, built on transparency, timely delivery, and consistent quality across the island.

The Seasons is positioned as Colombo’s centrepiece for boutique living. Its collection of three-bedroom, ultra-luxury boutique residences, averaging 2,000 sq ft, are highly spacious and designed to not only meet the expectations of most discerning homeowners but to surpass them. Its location within Colombo 8 places residents in one of the city’s most coveted addresses at Chandralekha Mawatha, with the privacy and comfort of a building curated entirely around elevated living. For investors, the development represents a compelling opportunity within Colombo’s luxury real estate segment, where well-located, thoughtfully delivered projects continue to hold strong appeal.

Comprised only 44 boutique residences, The Seasons is the latest addition to The One Collection by Prime Residencies, a distinguished portfolio of refined, bespoke residences assembled for those who value privacy, understated luxury, and purposeful living. The residences are priced from Rs. 132 million upwards and are scheduled for completion and occupancy in mid-2027.

Every detail within the residences reflects The Group’s consistent commitment to quality. Premium finishes and meticulous craftsmanship run through each apartment, from premium doors and windows sourced from internationally renowned brands such as Lesso, one of the world’s largest and most respected manufacturers of building materials, renowned for its engineering excellence, durability, and innovation, to luxury sanitary ware from some of the world’s leading names in bathroom design. Similarly, kitchens are fully equipped and thoughtfully designed, with premium cabinetry and built-in appliances to create spaces that are as functional as they are refined.

The bathrooms have been thoughtfully assembled with premium fittings from Roca, a leading bathroom solution brand with a heritage spanning over a century. Renowned for its innovation, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable design, Roca unites contemporary aesthetics and functional excellence. These carefully selected fittings enhance the everyday living experience while adding a touch of timeless elegance and reliability to each residence.

A dedicated utility room further enhances the practicality of each home, providing a well-planned space for laundry and staff accommodation. Additionally, for the first time in Sri Lanka, The Seasons introduces dedicated storage spaces within the residences, providing homeowners with a convenient solution to set aside seasonal belongings and other items that are not needed on a daily basis, helping keep their living spaces organised, spacious, and orderly.

Each residence is fitted with advanced smart home automation from Lutron, the globally recognised pioneer in intelligent lighting and shading control systems, trusted in some of the world’s most prestigious residences, luxury hotels, and commercial developments. The system allows residents to seamlessly control lighting, climate, and selected home functions, creating a living environment that enhances comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency while delivering a sophisticated and intuitive living experience. Complementing this smart living ecosystem, the main entrance doors are equipped with smart door locks, providing residents with enhanced security, convenience, and peace of mind through modern access control technology.

Beyond the residences themselves, The Seasons offers a thoughtfully curated collection of lifestyle amenities designed to elevate everyday living. Residents can enjoy three distinctive pools; a main swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a relaxing wave pool, together with an executive base, karaoke room, and fully equipped gymnasium, creating a welcoming environment for leisure, wellness, and family enjoyment

Taken together, these elements represent a considered vision of what ultra-luxury living should feel like; spacious, meticulously curated, quietly intelligent, and most importantly, privacy. The Seasons Colombo 08 is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional standard of living, reflecting Prime Residencies commitment to quality, comfort, and refined urban living.