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Can I throw away my glasses?

Glasses and contact lenses are considered corrective in the sense that they help correct a person’s vision while being worn. However, when these corrective lenses are removed, the patient’s ‘normal’ – meaning usual – vision is restored.

This is because glasses and contacts do not address the structural causes of diminished eyesight, like the shape of the eye and the way the eye bends light.

In some cases, wearing glasses and contacts regularly may help to slow down certain vision changes, but it is essential that patients wear an appropriate and current prescription for the maximum benefit.

Internet lights up as Africa Re backed 2-Day Journalism Workshop kicks off

The Africa Reinsurance Corporation-backed workshop for Nigerian media has ignited intense debate on the internet as journalists prep up fireworks to confront the low awareness of insurance and risk in the country.

Already journalists listed for the event are asking how they can ‘practically use ‘risk and insurance’ as a reporting lens on beats like climate change, politics, and cybercrime without making the stories sound like financial product ads’?

They also want to discover how, ‘with risk everywhere, in everything’, what 2-3 insurance/risk concepts do you think every journalist in 2026 should understand to make their reporting more credible and solutions-oriented?

Curiosity is also driving the enquiries on ‘how journalists can use ‘insurance thinking’ to report insecurity, and economic hardship without just focusing on damage?

The highpoint of some of the questions directed to Professor Ismail Ibraheem of University of Lagos is;

‘Professor, insurance cuts across virtually every aspect of society, yet it remains one of the least-understood sectors in Nigerian journalism. How can journalists move beyond reporting insurance as a product and begin to investigate it as a major risk-management and accountability issue?’

One of the questions Dr Omogbai Omo-Eboh, a leading maritime and insurance lawyer will be providing answers is ‘from a legal perspective, as investigative journalists expose risk in high-stakes industries like insurance and finance, they face increasing legal threats like SLAPP suits and defamation claims. How can media law and insurance frameworks evolve together to better protect journalists legally when reporting on systemic, high-risk corporate and governmental failures?

Coming at a time the insurance industry has concluded recapitalization guided by a new comprehensive new law, the multisectoral workshop is set to capitalize on the brand-new insurance industry financial standard to drive collaboration between the media and insurance.

Themed, ‘The Universe of Insurance and Journalism: Risk Everywhere, in Everything’ the workshop continues IPL’s push for inclusivity, deconstructs siloed reporting and equips journalists from diverse backgrounds and beats, including education, health, transport, housing, agriculture and others, to integrate risk protection and financial resilience into everyday news coverage.

The program, sponsored by the Africa Re Foundation (ARF), will take place from September 15 to 16, 2026, to raise financial literacy among media practitioners and improve traditional coverage of insurance topics.

The convener of the All-Inclusive Mass Media Seminar for Journalists, Insurance Publication Ltd (IPL) identifies low public awareness as a major driver of poverty and a barrier to economic development and strongly believes that journalists as public opinion influencers are the best purveyors of awareness and mass financial literacy among larger populations. However, it noted that financial literacy on insurance is still low, while traditional coverage has largely confined insurance topics to specialized insurance and pensions desks.

‘Through Africa Re’s support, we are continuing engagement with journalists this September. We are set to seize the moment and crystallise a broader insurance and risk awareness era in the country and elsewhere in Africa.’ The program forms part of a broader multi-channel strategy,’ the statement added.

Through the engagement, IPL aims to reach beyond insurance niche beats and major news desks and platforms, to normalise conversations around insurance, influence public behaviour, encourage greater uptake of insurance products, and support stronger risk-management policies at federal and state levels

.The event will feature opening remarks from the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; insights from the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin; and perspectives from the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri.

Speakers will include Dr Femi Oyetunji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SanlamAllianz Life Insurance Nigeria Ltd, who will address ‘Nigeria’s Insurance Gap: The Risks We Carry, the Protection We Ignore and the Economic Opportunities We Are Missing, Why Should Journalists Care?’

Other speakers include Prof. Ismail Ibraheem (Theme Speaker), Professor of Journalism and Communications Studies at the University of Lagos, who will speak on what ‘Risk Everywhere, in Everything’ really means for journalists. Dr Omogbai Omo-Eboh (Lead Speaker) and Augustine Aipoh will address how much risk Nigerians are carrying without protection.

Key elements of the overall initiative include beat-specific training, an interactive digital learning platform, journalist toolkits for field reporting, and a monitoring framework. Implementation is being advanced in partnership with stakeholders such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

IPL expects measurable increases in public engagement with insurance topics, more policy discussions on risk management, and, over time, improved national insurance uptake. The media-driven model is designed to scale and sustain across Africa.

About the Convener: Insurance Publication Ltd (IPL): Insurance Publication Ltd works to expand the scope of risk and insurance journalism in Nigeria and beyond, promoting inclusive reporting that reaches broader populations and supports economic resilience.

The program sponsor, Africa Re Foundation is, wholly, the CSR handle of African Reinsurance Corporation through which the reinsurer contributes to the development and growth of the insurance market and the industry in Africa.

The Foundation’s footprints are visible in the various sectors of its activities; risk awareness, insurance industry, health and Education.

It is also active in disaster recovery, technology development, and research including community development.

The parent company, Africa Reinsurance Corporation, attained various milestones this year, celebrating its golden jubilee and at the same time reaching the billion-dollar mark in premiums.

Suga meets Sugar Ray Leonard, the boxing legend behind his BTS stage name

BTS member Suga has finally come face to face with the boxing legend behind his stage name, Sugar Ray Leonard.

Leonard, the five-time world champion and 1976 Olympic gold medalist, shared a photo with Suga on Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 11, after attending BTS’ concert at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

In the photo, the two posed side by side with their fists raised, mirroring a boxer’s stance.

‘Still smiling from this unforgettable night in Los Angeles. Getting to meet SUGA of BTS was such a special moment,’ Leonard wrote in the caption. He described the K-pop star as ‘kind, humble, and down-to-earth’ and said watching BTS perform with his family made the night one they would not forget.

The two also exchanged signed memorabilia. Leonard gave Suga a pair of autographed boxing gloves, while Suga presented the boxing icon with a signed copy of his 2023 album ‘D-Day.’

The meeting came months after Suga revealed that Leonard was the inspiration behind his stage name.

In an April interview for WIRED’s Autocomplete Interview, Suga corrected the long-held explanation that ‘Suga’ came from ‘shooting guard,’ a basketball position he has been associated with because of his love for the sport.

Suga said the name was suggested by HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk, who was a fan of boxing. He explained that Leonard’s name inspired ‘Suga’ because of the boxer’s technical and precise fighting style, which Bang Si-hyuk associated with Suga’s skills as a rapper.

The revelation eventually reached Leonard, who responded in an April Instagram post.

‘I’m grateful to know that ‘Sugar’ could inspire someone across the world in a completely different craft,’ Leonard said. He added that the connection was about more than a name, citing ‘the work, the dedication, and the love for what you do.’

Leonard, now 70, is regarded as one of boxing’s all-time greats. He won Olympic gold in 1976 and went on to become a world champion in five weight divisions during his professional career.

Tragedy: Kwara monarch dies days after regaining freedom from kidnappers

The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The monarch died in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital where he had been receiving treatment following his release from captivity.

His death was confirmed by his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said the traditional ruler had developed an illness shortly after regaining his freedom.

‘Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,’ Olasunkanmi said.

The monarch was abducted on August 22 when gunmen invaded Igbesi community. He regained his freedom five days later after security operatives engaged the kidnappers around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro axis.

He was among three victims rescued during the operation.

The National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Bisi Fakayode, announced the monarch’s death on Saturday, expressing sadness over the development and praying for the repose of his soul.

The rescue operation followed a distress report received at about 10am at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who informed the authorities that one of his colleagues had sustained a gunshot wound while operating in the bush around Elerin/Ijomu-Oro.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of the Oro Police Station led a joint team comprising police officers, military personnel and vigilantes to the area.

The suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire after sighting the approaching security team, resulting in a gun battle during which one of the alleged kidnappers was killed.

Other members of the gang fled into the surrounding area while the security team gave chase.

The operation subsequently led to the discovery of the three kidnapped victims, who were rescued and taken away for medical treatment.

Calleja: VP conviction vote threshold could drop to 13 with 20 senators

The number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Z. Duterte could fall to 13 if only 20 senators are legally able to function and participate as senator-judges when the impeachment court renders judgment, according to one interpretation of the Constitution being advanced outside the prosecution panel.

‘We are applying two-thirds kasi tignan po natin ang batas, concurrence of two-thirds of all members. Hindi sinabing 16, hindi sinabing 24. So, movable po yung number ng two-thirds, movable din yung number ng all members,’ lawyer Howard Calleja stressed during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

Calleja argued that the denominator should change when senators are legally or practically unable to function as members of the impeachment court, rather than automatically treating the full 24-member Senate as the base.

‘So, tatlo na po yan. So, 21 so, ano ho ang two-thirds ng 21? So, doon po tayo titingin kung 13 po yan o 14,’ Calleja explained.

He proceeded to calculate the requirement based on only 20 senators participating in the court.

‘So, kung yan ay 20, I think at 20 is 13 na po,’ Calleja stressed.

The House prosecution’s present position remains that 16 votes are required for conviction, consistent with the initial ruling of the impeachment court’s presiding officer, while the Senate is preparing to hear constitutional experts before reconsidering the issue.

The court has invited former Supreme Court (SC) justices to discuss the constitutional phrase requiring concurrence of two-thirds of all members of the Senate before senator-judges take up oral arguments on the disputed threshold.

‘So ang aking bilang po diyan is depende po kung sino ang present and functional senators na makakapag-participate doon po sa impeachment court,’ Calleja explained.

He stressed that his interpretation treats the constitutionally required fraction as variable according to the number of senators actually capable of exercising their functions when judgment is rendered.

‘So ganoon po yung bilang po dyan. So it’s a moving number kasi as I said, hindi naman nilagay ng Constitution 16, hindi naman nilagay ng Constitution 24,’ Calleja maintained.

The Senate impeachment court will ultimately determine whether to retain the present 16-vote rule or adopt another interpretation before Duterte’s case reaches a final vote.

NAF conducts nationwide route march to boost combat readiness

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday reinforced its commitment to national security and operational excellence through the conduct of its Third Quarter Route March Exercise across formations and units nationwide.

This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Service Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame

According to the statement, the exercise which was held simultaneously at NAF locations across the county forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain a highly fit, resilient, and combat-ready force capable of responding effectively to contemporary security challenges.

Speaking at NAF Camp Abuja on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Precious Amadi, stated that the exercise reflected the NAF’s determination to sustain a high level of operational readiness in support of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other threats to national security.

The statement further added that he noted that physical fitness, mental resilience, discipline, and teamwork remain critical enablers of mission success across all theatres of operation.

It added that Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the quarterly route march is a strategic initiative designed to prepare personnel for the physical demands of military operations while fostering cohesion and esprit de corps across the Service. He added that the initiative complements the NAF’s broader efforts to enhance combat effectiveness through continuous training, capacity development, and personnel welfare programmes.

According to it, the Chief of the Air Staff further commended officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian personnel for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

11 votes to overturn 16-vote threshold, Senate impeachment court clarifies

Senator-judges need 11 votes to overturn the 16-vote threshold to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol clarified on Saturday.

His clarificatory remarks followed his earlier statement on Friday that a majority of 10 votes would be needed to change the threshold amid the absence of some senator-judges due to legal issues.

The impeachment court is set to revisit the voting threshold on Wednesday, Sept. 16 before the prosecution and defense present their arguments on Sept. 23.

He added that according to the Office of the Clerk of Court, the impeachment court’s presiding officer, Sen. Francis Escudero may also vote to change the 16-vote ruling to convict Duterte.

‘So, kunwari po, 20 po o yung umattend po, so kailangan po hindi 10, kundi 11 po para po ma-overturn po yung ruling,’ he said..

(If 20 senators are present, not, 10, but 11 votes re needed to overturn the ruling.)

‘So kahapon po nung sinabi ko po yun, ina-apply lamang po yung pagkakaalam po ukol sa parliamentary rules kasi nakalagay po sa Rule 41, Section 116 po ng rules ng Senado na supplementarily applicable katulad na nakalagay sa Rule 6 ng Senate Impeachment Rules na hindi po boboto ang president on the matter unless his vote is decisive,’ he explained during a DWIZ interview.

(So, when I stated that yesterday, I was simply applying the principles of parliamentary rules, specifically Rule 41, Section 116 of the Senate Rules, which is supplementarily applicable alongside Rule 6 of the Senate Impeachment Rules- stipulating that the President shall not vote on the matter unless his vote is decisive.’)

Tongol said that there is still a possibility that the matter would be assessed by the Supreme Court if ever a party raises a concern or a petition against overturning the 16-vote threshold.

‘Kung ngayon po magkaroon ng desisyon yung Senado to overturn his appeal, any party naman po pwedeng umakyat sa Korte Suprema to question it for grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction,’ he said.

(If the Senate were to decide today to overturn his appeal, any party could elevate the matter to the Supreme Court to challenge it on the grounds of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction.)

The Senate impeachment court on Thursday appointed three Supreme Court chief justices and one retired associate justice as amici curiae, or ‘friends of the court’, to provide legal assistance on the issue.

Tongol assured that impeachment proceedings would continue even if a petition for certiorari would be filed before the higher court.

‘Kasi nakalagay po sa Rule 65, na kahit po merong petition for certiorari sa Korte Suprema, ay magpapatuloy pa rin po ang proceedings doon sa lower court na kung saan na walang TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) na inissue,’ he explained.

(‘Because Rule 65 states that even if there is a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court, the proceedings in the lower court will continue if no Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been issued.’)

He further said that ‘only when there is a TRO issued, don lamang hindi magpapatuloy ang proseso,’

Ayilamo attack: Alia tasks DSS on investigation of arrested suspects

Benue governor Hyacinth Alia has described the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in attack that claimed lives of four policemen and seven others in Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area of the State as a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident.

Alia said this while condemning the gruesome attack on the Ayilamo community in a statement by his spokesperson, Sir Tersoo Kula, on Friday.

Alia commended the Department of State Services, particularly its personnel in Benue and Nasarawa States, for the prompt and professional operation that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected with the Ayilamo attack.

The Governor said the arrest will ensure that those responsible for the gruesome attack are brought to justice.

He said, ‘We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody.

‘Every available lead should be diligently followed to identify and arrest the remaining accomplices, sponsors, collaborators, and other persons connected with the attack. All those found culpable must face the full weight of the law’, Alia said.

He also described the attack as ‘despicable act is an attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State.

‘The reported killing of four law enforcement officers is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty’.

Alia said it was a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law-enforcement officers in the area.

The Governor also extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all the victims, and the entire Logo Local Government community.

‘We mourn with you and assure you that you are not alone in this difficult period,’ he said.

The Governor also commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, over the loss of the four officers who paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland.

He said, ‘We honour their courage and sacrifice and pray that God grants their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss’.

Ali assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with the security agencies to strengthen security in Ayilamo, Logo, and other vulnerable communities across the State.

He said, ‘We are committed to supporting efforts aimed at preventing further attacks, protecting residents, restoring peace, and ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary attention and support.

‘We appeal to the people of Ayilamo and surrounding communities to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.

‘I encourage residents to provide credible and timely information to the security agencies while refraining from actions that could heighten tension or undermine the ongoing investigation’.

The Governor further assures the people of Ayilamo and the entire State that they will not be abandoned, saying, ‘saying we remain resolute in our determination to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and restore lasting peace across Benue State’.

Kogi Central youths urge Ododo to intervene in APC primary dispute

A sociopolitical group, Kogi Central Youth for Change, has called on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Kogi Central.

The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Adeiza, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday.

The group said the appeal became necessary following a legal challenge instituted by Hon. Onimisi Okami over the conduct of the APC primary for the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency.

Okami had approached the court to seek redress over what he described as irregularities in the primary that produced Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf as the party’s candidate.

Kogi Central Youth for Change expressed concern over reports of pressure allegedly being mounted on Okami in connection with the case, urging the governor to ensure that the matter is allowed to follow due process.

The group said political disagreements arising from party primaries should be handled through dialogue, established party mechanisms and, where necessary, the courts.

It also stressed that seeking judicial intervention over a disputed political process is a legitimate constitutional right and should not be interpreted as opposition to the government or the APC.

‘We are concerned about reports of threats, harassment and pressure allegedly being mounted on Hon. Onimisi Okami to abandon his legitimate pursuit of justice through the courts. If these allegations are found to be true, they represent a troubling attempt to interfere with the judicial process and undermine democratic principles.’

The group urged Governor Ododo to intervene by encouraging all parties involved to respect the judicial process and refrain from any action that could be perceived as undue pressure on the litigant.

It also called on Okami to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels.

According to the group, the dispute should be resolved in a manner that promotes fairness, internal democracy and confidence in the APC’s processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kogi Central Youth for Change further urged political leaders and other stakeholders in the state to support an environment where party members can raise concerns and seek legal redress without fear.

The group said resolving the matter through dialogue and due process would help strengthen unity within the APC and promote a more stable political environment in Kogi Central.

Japan gymnasts under injury cloud for home Asian Games

Japan men’s gymnastics team for their home Asian Games 2026 this month includes multiple Olympic and world champions, but serious injuries have clouded their chances.

Shinnosuke Oka, who won gold in the all-around, team and horizontal bar events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is facing a race to be fit after suffering a lower back injury last week.

The Games begin in Nagoya and the wider Aichi area on September 19, with the men’s gymnastics competition getting under way two days later.

Former junior world champion Tomoharu Tsunogai is also nursing a serious ankle injury, while lower back pain for Shoma Tsukiyama means three of Japan’s five-man team are carrying injuries heading into the competition.

Oka did not take part in a team practice on Wednesday but told reporters afterwards that he still intended to compete in Nagoya.

‘I’m looking forward to it and I think a switch will flick in me,’ said the 22-year-old.

‘I’m at the level now where I can only do the bare minimum but I don’t want to give up on aiming for gold.’

Japan is the reigning Olympic team champion, but China won the Asian Games title on home soil in Hangzhou in 2023.

Japan’s team for this year’s competition also includes reigning world and former Olympic all-around champion Daiki Hashimoto, as well as Kiichi Kaneda.

Japan team boss Kensuke Murata said he would assess his team’s fitness and decide on any changes before the September 16 deadline.

Murata said that Oka would perform less difficult routines if he does compete.

Oka and Hashimoto are also set to be part of Japan’s team for the world championships in Rotterdam next month.

Oka said he hurt his back in training and that ‘the pain was different to the kind of pain I usually feel’.

‘I went to the hospital and it wasn’t a herniated disc, but it was something serious,’ he said.

Hashimoto, the all-around Olympic champion in Tokyo in 2021 and a three-time world all-around champion, said he was not worried by Japan’s injury woes.

‘I think the athletes themselves understand their situation better than anyone,’ said the 25-year-old.

‘As long as they’re thinking about what they can do and what they should do, I’m not worried because they have already put in an incredible amount of training.’