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Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has reportedly donated ?5 million to assist with the medical treatment of popular online food vendor and Twitter personality, Aunty Esther, who is currently battling breast cancer.

According to Soccernet , Osimhen made the donation after encountering a distressing video of the elderly woman, identified as Esther Omolola Mensah, crying in pain on a hospital bed while revealing the extent of the damage the illness had caused. The footage, widely circulated on social media, stirred widespread sympathy and urgent calls for support.

Aunty Esther, known for sourcing and delivering market items for her followers, had grown a loyal community online because of her warm personality and trustworthiness. However, her business ground to a halt in recent months as her health deteriorated. When her condition worsened, concerned social media users rallied around her, mobilising funds and ensuring she received immediate medical attention.

Doctors later confirmed that she required extensive and costly treatment, prompting her supporters to create a verified fundraising account. Thousands of Nigerians have since contributed to the fund.

The biggest support came on Wednesday when Osimhen transferred ?5 million to the account. The gesture sparked an emotional response from the beneficiary, who publicly expressed her gratitude.

‘Thank you uncle, Victor Osimhen. God bless u abundantly,’ X user , Sir Dickson@Wizarab10,posted. .

Osimhen’s act of kindness comes during a difficult period in his own season. The striker missed Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday due to injury, watching from the sidelines as his team fell 1-0 at RAMS Park.

His absence was noticeable, given his impressive tally of six goals in just three Champions League appearances, helping secure victories over Liverpool, Bodo/Glimt and Ajax.

The Nigerian forward is expected to return to full fitness ahead of Galatasaray’s highly anticipated derby against Fenerbahce on December 1st . The Turkish champions currently sit atop the league table with 32 points, one ahead of their fierce rivals.

Super Eagles striker, Ademola Lookman, is back to his striking sharpness as he grabbed the curtain raiser in Atalanta’s Champions League 3-0 victory over away to Eintracht Frankfurt last night.

Lookman scored Atalanta’s first foal in the 60th minute as he lashed on to an inviting cross from the right by De Ketelaere to finish with a sizzling volley off the inside of the boot to the far post.

Two minutes later, he was the provider as he rolled the ball across the face of the goal for

Ederson to beat the opposing goalkeeper one-on-one.

While Ketelaere scored the third some three minutes later , Lookman was in the thick of action before being substituted in the 82nd minute.

Yesterday’s win was the first for new coach Raffaele Palladino who suffered a 3-1 loss to Napoli on his debut with the club in the Serie A on Saturday.

A coalition of international business groups has unveiled the Global Trade Accelerator (GTA), a new digital platform designed to connect one million women-led enterprises to global markets.

The initiative, launched under the Connecting One Million Women to Trade (C1WT) programme, is positioned as one of the most ambitious efforts to scale women’s participation in cross-border commerce.

Organisers estimate that the platform could unlock up to $900 billion in new trade opportunities across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and diaspora markets, offering integrated tools for onboarding, market access, policy support, financing and global marketplace linkages.

The platform made its debut at the GUBA Trade and Investment Conference in Barbados before a multi-country rollout in Accra, Ghana.

The Barbados launch, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, drew high-level attendees including President Dame Sandra Mason of Barbados; Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell; the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; and senior representatives from Mastercard and the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Former Costa Rican Vice President, H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr, described the platform as ‘a collaborative framework to accelerate women-led trade across the Atlantic corridors.’

A follow-up forum in Accra convened delegates from Ghana, the United States, Liberia, Nigeria, Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Hosting the meeting, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) President, Stéphane Abass Miezan, said the initiative reinforces Ghana’s role in intercontinental trade.

‘This initiative positions Ghana as a critical bridge in global commerce. By supporting the rollout of the GTA, we are putting in place structures that enable women to participate competitively and confidently in international markets,’ Miezan said.

The U.S.-based National Black Chamber of Commerce also announced new financing tools to help women-owned businesses prepare for cross-border investment.

C1WT founder, Dr. Ky Dele, said the platform marks a decisive transition from advocacy to infrastructure.

‘From Bridgetown to Accra, we are moving from symbolism to structure. C1WT exists to build an architecture where the grassroots connects with the grasstops, and where women-led enterprises finally have a unified global system that allows them to scale beyond borders,’ she said.

A live demonstration in Accra showcased the GTA’s multilingual onboarding, digital KYC tools, workflow dashboards and global marketplace linking women entrepreneurs across 102 countries. Messages of support also came from Senator Ireti Kingibe and former Nigerian Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, reinforcing the platform’s potential in boosting women-led trade across continents.

A United States-based environmental health professional, Omotolani Deborah Oyelade, has uncovered alarming levels of soil and groundwater contamination in Owode-Arepo, a fast-growing settlement located along the disputed border between Lagos and Ogun states.

According to her study, the community-largely dependent on untreated groundwater-shows the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of toxic chemicals associated with cancer, endocrine disruption and developmental complications.

The finding represents the first documented case of PFAS contamination in any Nigerian border community, drawing attention to an environmental health crisis that has remained invisible for years.

Oyelade’s assessment warns that the contamination poses significant public health risks to residents, especially given the absence of environmental monitoring and the region’s long-standing governance dispute, which has contributed to regulatory neglect.

According to her, the research seeks to determine what contaminants are present in the soil and groundwater, what are the associated public health risks and how does the governmental jurisdictional conflict contributes to the persistence of contamination.

‘This work fills a significant gap in Nigerian environmental health literature, where PFAS monitoring and regulatory frameworks are underdeveloped. It provides the first comprehensive case study integrating field sampling, laboratory chemical analysis, community interviews, and regulatory framework assessment.

‘Preliminary findings indicate the presence of PFAS compounds and other chemical pollutants in both soil and groundwater used by residents, suggesting chronic exposure risks. The jurisdictional dispute between Lagos and Ogun States is shown to have created a void in coordinated environmental oversight, exacerbating contamination and leaving residents without support,’ she said.

She pointed out that findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened regulatory systems, targeted monitoring, and coordinated governmental intervention to protect vulnerable populations, stressing that research provides evidence that environmental contamination in underserved border communities is a national public health concern and offers a model for broader environmental health reforms in Nigeria.

Group Chief Executive of SEAL Group, Tonya Lawani, has won the Global Industry Award at Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala, part of Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Ghana.

The award recognises her leadership in hospitality and advertising, her contributions to modernising merchandising and branding services and her efforts to promote inclusive entrepreneurship.

‘Receiving the award is a profound honour,’ Tonya said, adding the recognition affirms the work her organisations have been doing to strengthen supply chains and build technical capacity.

‘I accept this on behalf of our teams at SEAL Group and in solidarity with the women entrepreneurs whose ingenuity is transforming African industries,’ she said.

Tonya got the award in recognition of her contributions to entrepreneurship, leadership, global impact, and dedication to innovation.

SEAL Group, which includes Virgin Vie Angel, ABC Inflatables Nigeria, The Virgin Hospitality Company, Expose Et Al, and The Quick Print Shop, has provided quality services to Eko Hotels, Dangote Group, GlaxoSmithKline, MTN, UBA Group, Multichoice, Transcorp, Reckitt Benckiser, Cadbury, Samsung, Nestlé, and others.

Global Entrepreneurship Festival was a three-day, forum organised during Global Entrepreneurship Week and under patronage of the President of Ghana, John Mahama.

The festival brought together global leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to foster innovation and expedite progress in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s event included an innovation expo, business pitch sessions, a leadership forum, International Women’s Congress and the Global Entrepreneurs Award Gala, which honoured outstanding contributors to entrepreneurship worldwide, and conferences.

At one of the conference sessions, James (Jim) W. Keyes, the former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster and Award-winning Author of Education is Freedom, stated that what makes him fearless as a Leader is the understanding that change is inevitable.

He believes that change presents opportunities and emphasises the importance of confidence, which stems from thorough preparation and education.

Some of the notable people who spoke at the conference include Stedman Graham, Chairman/CEO S. Graham and Associates, Her Excellency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson, African Union Commission, Dr Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, Chairperson of the United Africa Group of Namibia, Henry Kaestner, Co-Founder, Faith Driven Investor and Founder, Sovereigns Capital, Dr Aaron Farrugia, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Malta, Amar Deep Singh Hari, Chairman, IPMC, and a host of other seasoned public figures and business leaders.

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr Ojamiami Oyewole, has reaffirmed his commitment to uplifting constituents in Okitipupa Local Government through targeted economic empowerment initiatives.

Ojamiami, the founder of Ojamiami Foundation, spoke yesterday during an empowerment programme he sponsored at the Government Field in Okitipupa.

No fewer than 100 residents benefited from the initiative, which aims to promote grassroots economic independence and reduce poverty across the constituency.

The items distributed included sewing machines, grinding machines, hair-dressing tools, herbicide sprayers, wheelchairs and other income-generating equipment targeted at artisans, farmers, persons with disabilities and small-scale business owners.

Ojamiami said the programme aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which was designed to promote economic self-reliance and deepen grassroots development.

He said the intervention would enhance capacity for local entrepreneurs, lift vulnerable citizens out of poverty and contribute to economic growth in Ondo State and Nigeria.

The APC chieftain, who is seeking Okitipupa State Constituency II seat, said leadership should be driven by service and impact, rather than political convenience.

‘This aligns with the empowerment agenda of President Tinubu and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s Our Ease initiative. It is time to empower our people, not enslave them. The government alone cannot solve all the problems, so we must work together to make life better.”

The Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government, Andrew Ogunsakin, represented by Mr. James Ogunyemi, commended Ojamiami for his continued intervention in the community, noting that such efforts complemented the government’s development agenda.

Traditional rulers, including the Lumure of Ayeka, Oba Babatunde Ayeyowa, and the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinmoye, also lauded the empowerment programme.

Beneficiaries drawn from the six wards of Okitipupa Constituency II expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying it would improve their livelihood.

The Founder of the MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, has donated a fully equipped two-storey building to the Alliance Française Kano, further providing N10 million in operational funding to support its sustainability and efficient running.

The new edifice, unveiled in Kano by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, alongside Prof. Gwarzo, features modern classrooms, digital language laboratories, multimedia studios, a digital resource library, conference halls, and learning-engineered furniture. It also comes with smart learning boards, audio-visual teaching tools and high-speed internet connectivity.

Located at Ahmadiyya Junction along Airport Road, Kano, the ultramodern facility is now regarded as one of the most advanced French language and cultural training centres in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking during the unveiling, Prof. Gwarzo said the centre would significantly strengthen bilingual education in Kano and give students access to world-class French language training. He described the initiative as part of his long-standing commitment to promoting education, cultural exchange and institutional development.

The French Ambassador commended Prof. Gwarzo for the philanthropic gesture and praised him for equipping the structure with state-of-the-art facilities. Fonbaustier prayed for God to grant the MAAUN Founder long life and good health to continue his humanitarian and educational contributions.

The Director of Alliance Française Kano, Ali Dabo, expressed deep appreciation to Prof. Gwarzo, noting that no individual in the centre’s decades-long history had upgraded or transformed its infrastructure to such a standard.

He said the donation finally provides the organisation with a permanent and dignified base after operating from rented facilities for more than ten years.

Oyo State Government has expressed its commitment and readiness to restore the glory of cocoa production as one of the state’s major economic pillars.

It has approved N3,030,292,472 for the establishment of Cocoa Rejuvenation Project, to be driven through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

The project is to be coordinated by Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Information Commissioner Prince Dotun Oyelade said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting.

He said the state government was taking the initiative because Oyo State ranked fourth in cocoa production among the 18 cocoa-producing states in the country.

Oyelade said: ‘The state is also being proactive by taking the opportunity created by disruptions in cocoa production in major producing countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

‘It is the intention of Oyo State to fill the supply void as a result of the production problems facing West African countries.

‘The Cocoa Rejuvenation Project, which costs two million, seventy-five thousand, five hundred and forty-seven dollars ($2,075,547), will be funded in three tranches over the next three years.

‘Additionally, the Council approved pound 50 million for Oyo State Health Care Initiative. This loan from the French Government, which Oyo State initiated about three years ago, was finally approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance in a letter dated November 10, 2025.’

He said the loan, intended for infrastructural upgrades and equipping state hospitals, among other purposes, had also been approved by the House of Assembly to enable the state government access the funds.

He added that Oyo State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy was also approved by the Council.

Gas supply received a boost in the country as the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) announced an additional 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), to the basket, thus further strengthening the nation’s energy security.

The feat, achieved after a rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, is said to be a pioneering intervention of such regarded as the first of its kind in the country, doubled the JV’s gas output.

Prior to this development, the Well from which the new increase accrued, had previously been shut in due to excessive water production. Rather than drilling a new well or undertaking a conventional workover, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. Completed safely, in record time, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of drilling a new Well, the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

A statement signed by the Head Corporate Communications, Heirs Energies, Chidimma Ugbojiaku, a copy of which was made available to The Nation, explained that this significant production increase has transformed power generation across the eastern network.

For instance, it explained that Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power, has quadrupled its output, rising from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. It further disclosed that other power plants also supplied by the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and higher generation.

‘In total, the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen combined output surge from around 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts. This increased power generation provides enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses – reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals, and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running,’ the statement read in part.

Commending the feat, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, hailed the feat. ‘I congratulate the entire Heirs Energies team on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation. Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operation across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries and commercial activities nationwide,’ Mrs. Verheijen, remarked in a message to Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon,

According to Igiehon, ‘the milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields. The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100 per cent Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.’

Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, said: ‘This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria.’

In similar vein, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Seyi Omotowa, an engineer, added: ‘This project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations. It is a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.’

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture continues to advance gas-focused, innovation-driven developments, aiming to expand domestic gas supply, strengthen electricity generation, build local capacity, and support broader economic and industrial growth. This latest success reinforces the JV’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity

Heirs Energies Limited is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has hailed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia for significant breakthroughs in the state’s industrial development.

The global literary icon spoke after an inspection of major projects of the Alia administration in Makurdi, the state capital.

During his visit, Prof. Soyinka toured flagship initiatives of the Alia administration, including the Food Basket Brewery and the Benval Fruit Factory, both central to the state’s expanding agro-industrial landscape.

Before the inspection, the literary icon held a closed-door meeting with the governor at the Presidential Wing of the Governor’s Lodge, with the Group Managing Director of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, and other top officials in attendance.

The delegation also visited an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp on the Gbajimba Road, where Soyinka sympathized with displaced families and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare.

He said part of his mission was to assess the use of books he previously donated, assuring the IDPs that ‘all hope is not lost’.

The tour continued at the Food Basket Brewery on Gboko Road and the Benfruits Factory at the Industrial Layout in Makurdi.

Prof. Soyinka applauded Governor Alia’s infrastructural drive – especially ongoing road and underpass projects – expressing confidence that Benue State is ‘on the path to optimal growth and development’.

At the Benval Fruit Factory, both Soyinka and the governor were impressed by the facility’s expanding capacity.

Henry Boager, who conducted the tour, confirmed that the factory had completed its test runs and was fully ready for concentrate production.

Addressing reporters, Alia reiterated his directive for orchard farmers to prepare for a strong harvest season, stressing that the new factories require a steady supply of oranges.

The governor restated his policy that ‘by December, no oranges will leave Benue State,’ emphasizing that all produce should be processed locally.

Asemakaha announced that BIPC had mapped and collected data on about 5,600 orchard farmers through geo-fencing, ensuring a dependable supply chain for the fruit-processing factories.

Prof. Soyinka’s visit signalled a strong endorsement of the state’s industrialisation efforts, further boosting the profile of Benue State’s growing agro-industrial hub.