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As the world celebrated World Teachers’ Day, Page Financials, one of Nigeria’s leading consumer finance institutions, honoured two exceptional public school teachers whose dedication continues to shape young minds and inspire their communities.

Through a social media campaign, the company invited Nigerians to nominate teachers who truly deserved recognition. From the numerous heartfelt entries received, two teachers stood out for their remarkable commitment to education and service.

The first visit took place at Ago Iwoye Methodist Primary School, Ebute Meta, where Mrs. Ipinlola Olaiya – a teacher with over three decades of experience since 1991 – was presented with a ?100,000 cash reward. Overcome with emotion, she revealed that she had been ‘trusting God for financial support,’ describing the gesture as timely and deeply meaningful.

The team later visited Anglican Comprehensive High School, Ipaja, to surprise Mr. Fashina, a Creative Arts teacher who has devoted more than 24 years to nurturing creativity and confidence in students. On receiving his ?100,000 reward, he exclaimed ‘Jesus!’ in gratitude, explaining that his mobility challenge had been a pressing concern.

The school’s Principal, Venerable Adeniji, thanked Page Financials for the thoughtful initiative, noting that ‘Mr. Fashina has won the Best Teacher of the Year award more than twice in the school. His consistency and passion for teaching are truly admirable.’

Speaking on the initiative, Ola Moses, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Page Financials, said the gesture reflects the company’s mission to empower everyday heroes and inspire hope through acts of recognition and support.

‘Teachers are the quiet architects of our nation’s future. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed, but their impact lasts for generations. At Page, we believe in empowering those who empower others, and teachers embody that spirit every day,’ he said.

Since its inception in 2014, Page Financials has remained committed to empowering Nigerians through innovative loan offerings, investment options, and payment solutions designed to make financial life easier. Beyond financial services, the company continues to support social impact causes that promote excellence, service, and community growth.

This World Teachers’ Day, Page Financials reminds us that behind every success story is a teacher who believed, and a company that chooses to celebrate them.

The Nigerian Army has recorded another major success in the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and other non-state actors across the country.

In coordinated ground and joint operations the troops neutralised nine terrorists, including five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram splinter group, in Borno.

They also neutralized two terrorists in a border between Ekiti and Kogi state, and one in Delta State.

A military source told The Nation on Wednesday that troops recovered several weapons and logistics items from criminals in the operations that were conducted between October 2 to 6.

Providing details on the operations, the source said 151 Task Force Battalion ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Dipchari in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, and in the firefight that ensued five terrorists were killed.

‘Similarly, 148 Battalion operating around the Iyemero community on the Ekiti-Kogi border neutralized two insurgents and recovered two new AK-47 rifles. While 3 Battalion repelled a large-scale attack on its location, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, with one confirmed killed and several others escaping with gunshot wounds,’ the source said.

‘Trroops also arrested 8 criminal suspects for various offences including terrorism, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons across Borno, Katsina, Imo and Plateau States.

‘Among the arrests were an ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno, a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kukawa in Borno State, a wanted IPOB/ESN kingpin in Imo State, and a suspected gunrunner in Plateau State.’

According to the military source, troops rescued 37 kidnap victims across Kaduna, Taraba, Plateau, Delta and Kebbi States, in ongoing clearance operations.

‘Notably, 28 locals were freed from terrorist captivity in Sakaba, Kebbi State, including a pregnant woman who gave birth during the rescue,’ the source said.

‘In separate missions, troops in Kaduna and Delta States rescued a total of seven kidnapped civilians, while another two victims were freed in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following a swift response by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE.’

The source said troops have continued to intensify anti-smuggling and anti-oil theft operations in the South South, noting that in Imo State, combined forces of 34 Artillery Brigade and Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered multiple illegal refining sites, and destroyed over 20,000 litres of stolen crude and refined products.

‘Troops equally recovered one dane gun, one fabricated pistol, three AK-47 magazines, 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 93 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO and several motorcycles used for criminal activities,’ he said.

The source acknowledged the contributions of sister services, security agencies and local vigilantes, whose cooperation it said have continued to enhance the success of ongoing military onslaughts against terrorists and other non-state actors.

He assured Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Army to ‘create a safer environment that will boost economic and agricultural activities in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to food security.’

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed that his administration remains open to constructive criticism, emphasizing that good governance depends on transparency, accountability, and public participation.

The governor, who recently faced criticism from opposition figures accusing him of underperformance, said his government welcomes sincere feedback that can help improve service delivery.

In the past week, Isaac Fayose, younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, faulted Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, alleging that despite Ondo’s status as an oil-producing state, the administration had little to show for its federal allocations.

Fayose also described Ondo as ‘one of the dirtiest states’ in Nigeria with ‘very low development.’

Speaking at a praise and worship concert in Akure, the state capital, Aiyedatiwa maintained that his administration is responsible and receptive to the people’s voices.

He reaffirmed his commitment to democratic values and policies designed to transform the socio-economic fortunes of the state.

He added that no government is perfect and called for citizens’ prayers, support, and honest feedback to enhance governance and service delivery.

‘For every one of us, continue to pray for this government – not just the church alone. You are also charged to pray for all men, especially those in authority. We are open to constructive criticism.

‘There are avenues where you can talk to us – you can write letters, you can engage us, and we are ready to listen. You elected us, and this is your government. God used you to install this government; you can lay claim to it. You only put me here to serve you and the service I will give to you,’ the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa assured residents that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses and individuals to thrive, adding that the state capital, Akure, remains safe for both residents and visitors.

‘You can live and work here in Akure anytime of the night. Everywhere is bright. No evil will come near you because the cloud of God is here and over everyone of us,’ he told the gathering.

On ongoing road projects across the state, the governor urged citizens to exercise patience, explaining that most of the construction works were delayed due to the rainy season.

‘Some of the roads we are constructing were in terrible condition, and that is why we awarded them for reconstruction. It is not a microwave business that happens instantly – it will take time,’ Aiyedatiwa noted.

‘The contractors are on site, and we are not owing them. They will deliver at the right time. We just need patience. Where palliative work is required, we will intervene once the weather is dry so that people can still use the roads before their final completion,’ he further said.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property, assuring residents that the government would not relent in its efforts to sustain peace and development across the state.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State is facing a deepening internal crisis as some aggrieved members have rejected the recently concluded state congress that produced Barrister Victor Modupe Aisida as the new state chairman.

Aisida emerged at the congress held last month, succeeding Rt. (Hon.) Bakitta Bello, who completed the tenure of the late Hon. Fatai Adams.

Other newly elected executives include Akin Oyewole (Deputy Chairman), Oluseye Olujimi (Secretary), Jolade Aladetan (Publicity Secretary), and Woke Akindiose (Legal Adviser).

Although the congress was described as peaceful, the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, was conspicuously absent from the exercise.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, a group within the party known as Kick Against Deceit alleged that the congress was deliberately manipulated to favour certain leaders within the PDP.

In the statement signed by Hon. Bamidele Ojo, the group’s Protem Director of Public Communications, the members described the entire process as a ‘charade.’

‘We, as members of a group within the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State, Kick Against Deceit, hereby condemn and totally reject the just concluded state congress of the PDP in Ondo State. We insist that the process was wilfully manipulated to serve the interests of a few leaders,’ the statement read.

Rising from a meeting held in Akure and chaired by Hon. Olaniyi Ogungbuji, the group expressed disappointment in the party’s leadership, accusing it of hypocrisy and lack of transparency despite its public posturing as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aggrieved members alleged that, contrary to earlier assurances that existing senatorial district arrangements and officeholders who had not completed eight years would be retained, the congress outcome defied that understanding.

‘We realised that what was preached was not followed in any way. The positions were not only swapped from one senatorial district to another, but those who had not spent up to eight years were removed without any justifiable reasons,’ the statement continued.

‘At the end of the scam, some local governments enjoyed both national and state positions, while others were left out entirely, depending on the presence of any member of the leadership cartel in such local governments. The positions were not given based on competence, equity, or fairness but on a ‘chop-make-I-chop’ basis.’

The group vowed to challenge the outcome of the congress before higher authorities within the party, insisting that allowing the ‘charade’ to stand would set a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 polls.

The statement added, ‘Having thoroughly deliberated on the process and the conduct of the exercise, we concluded that the outcome must not be allowed to stand. We have therefore resolved to challenge the result in the interest of our great party.’

Those present at the meeting included Olaniyi Ogungbuji, Charles Adeduro, B.J. Lawal, Pat Ojo, Adebayo Adeyemi Adedipe, Bamidele Ojo, and Caroline Olubitan.

Others were Olowokanga Ayininuola, Dagbatan Anjorin Peter, Comrade Olawale Ijanusi, Oyinlusi Yemisi, and Eyiyemi Oluwatuyi.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a one-week extension to the medical panel constituted by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to assess the health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The extension became necessary after the panel failed to complete its assignment within the initial eight days allotted by the court.

Justice James Omotosho, who gave the order on September 26, had directed the NMA President to set up a team of medical experts to evaluate Kanu’s health and determine whether he is fit to continue facing trial on terrorism charges.

The judge explained that the involvement of the NMA was crucial due to conflicting claims from both the prosecution and the defence regarding Kanu’s state of health.

At the mention of the case on Wednesday, lawyer for the prosecution, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN) told the court that he was informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

Sa’ada said the panel plans to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the panel be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.

Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) did not object to the one week adjournment sought by the lawyer to the prosecution.

Justice Omotosho then adjourned till October 16 for the NMA team to submit its report and to determine what next steps to be taken on the case.

In the September 26 ruling, Justice Omotosho ordered the NMA president to set up a team of between eight to 10 members to determine whether Kanu’s current health status makes him unfit to continue to stand trial.

The ruling on an application by Kanu, seeking to be transferred to a private ward in the National Hospital for urgent medical attention for alleged life threatening ailments.

The judge ordered that the team, to be constituted by the NMA’s president, should assess the health facilities of the Department of State Services (DSS) to determine if they were adequate to effectively take care of Kanu’s ailments.

According to the judge, the team is also to determine whether or not it was necessary to transfer Kanu to the National Hospital as he requested and whether Kanu’s medical status was such that could make him unfit to continue to stand trial.

The judge also ordered that the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital or his representative should be a member of the team because the National Hospital is the hospital of choice of the defendant.

Justice Omotosho ordered that the report of the team’s findings should be signed by both its chairman and Secretary and which should be filed in the court’s registry within eight days from today, which became impossible on Wednesday.

Afrobeats star Peter Okoye has shared his thoughts on why wealthy individuals seize opportunities boldly, urging Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset.

In a post on his X account accompanied by photos with billionaire Aliko Dangote and a throwback picture, Okoye explained that rich people pursue opportunities without worrying about appearances, while shame often prevents the less privileged from progressing.

He encouraged Nigerians to abandon self-consciousness and fear of judgment, stressing that success lies ‘on the far side of shame.’

‘Ever seen a rich man with shame? Never. Shame keeps the broke broke. The rich don’t care how they look, chasing opportunity; they just go for it. Everything you dream of sits on the far side of shame. Be shameless and go get it,’ he wrote.

Currently on tour, Okoye added, ‘On tour at the moment shamelessly shaming my shame.’

American pop icon Taylor Swift has refuted claims she felt envious of her longtime friend, Selena Gomez, for getting married before her.

Reports emerged after Selena Gomez married music producer Benny Blanco in late September, with Taylor Swift among the select guests at the private ceremony.

Following the event, speculation arose that Swift playfully remarked during her speech about Gomez ‘beating her to the altar.’

However, during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the ‘Love Story’ hitmaker clarified the situation.

She explained that her remarks at the wedding focused on their early years of friendship specifically how they used to dress and not on her own engagement.

‘I made sure not to mention anything about my engagement,’ Swift said, adding that she was genuinely thrilled to celebrate Gomez’s big day.

‘I did some light teasing about how we dressed in 2008 the deep V-necks and colourful skinny jeans era,’ she said with a laugh. ‘But mostly, I talked about how happy I am for her and how wonderful it’s been to be part of her journey. I definitely didn’t make it about me.’ She added .

Swift also explained why she hadn’t informed close friend Ed Sheeran about her engagement to Travis Kelce, noting that the singer is difficult to reach as he ‘doesn’t use a phone’ and only communicates via email or FaceTime.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to demolish all structures erected by land grabbers in the state.

The governor specifically warned encroachers on the Lot A parcel of land, popularly known as Coral City, located within the Obagie Acquisition area in Benin City.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo described the announcement as a final warning to all land speculators, urging them to stop selling, buying, or building on the designated land.

He emphasised that the entire Obagie Acquisition belongs to the Edo State Government but disclosed that plans are underway to return Lots B, C, and D of the acquisition to their rightful owners and occupants.

Okpebholo explained that the decision to regularize properties and return land to their legitimate owners is part of his administration’s commitment to fairness and accountability in land management.

According to the statement, ‘This notice serves as a strong and last warning to land grabbers and encroachers on Government lands in Lot A (Coral City) and others across the State, as dire consequences await such illegal activities.

‘Any building on the designated area (Lot A) will also be demolished, while the encroachers will be prosecuted.’

Choosing a country to boost one’s career can be hard – even more so for women. While some countries offer amazing career opportunities, others leave women feeling uninspired.

For women who are inspired to make the leap and move abroad for their career, it can be a hugely rewarding experience, offering everything from better salaries to the opportunity to explore a foreign marketplace.

These countries ensure that women have a work-life balance, along with ample job opportunities in multiple fields.

Moreover, women are not exploited in those countries and are treated as equals to men.

A recent study by Click Intelligence evaluated countries based on multiple economic and gender indicators such as the percentage of women business owners, women in managerial positions, employment gap between genders, wage disparities, maternity leave provisions, and women’s perception of safety.

Each factor was weighted to create a ‘women’s well-being score’ that reflects both professional opportunities and quality of life.

1. Belgium

2. Slovenia

3. Portugal

4. Spain

5. France

6. Sweden

7. Australia

8. United States

9. Finland

10. Estonia

Belgium ranks first as the best country for women, showing the smallest gender wage gap at just 1.19%. Belgian women hold 36% of management positions while benefiting from generous 15-month maternity leave policies. The country performs well on safety, too, with a lower share of women reporting concerns about going out at night.

Slovenia takes second place with 45% women holding managerial positions, among the highest rates globally. The country also maintains a solid 27% female business ownership rate and matches Belgium with 15-month maternity leave provisions. The gender employment gap here stays relatively low at 8.4%.

Portugal is the third-best country for women to live and work. Portuguese women own 30.2% of local companies and take 40% of executive roles. The country posts a smaller 8.2% employment gap between men and women, and shows a 9.35% difference in wages, well below the average for developed nations.

Portugal is followed by neighboring Spain in fourth place. Here, only 17.3% of women say they feel unsafe, which is one of the lowest rates in the ranking. Spanish mothers are entitled to the longest parental leave at 16 months, and the country’s gender wage gap is also among the smallest (6.72%).

Next comes France, where women also benefit from 16-month maternity leave provisions, while filling 38% of senior roles. Almost every fourth business is owned by women here. The country also records a reduced employment gap between genders (7.8%) and has below-average wage differences.

Sweden ranks sixth as women here are strongly represented in leadership positions, holding 43% of managerial roles. Sweden posts the smallest employment gap at just 6.3% and reports a low salary difference. Working women in Sweden can also take long maternity leaves, lasting up to 14 months.

Australia takes seventh place as the best non-European country for women. Here, almost half of the executive positions are held by women, while nearly a third of local companies are also women-owned. Australia shows a below-average gender employment gap, too.

In eighth place is the United States, where women are behind more than 35% of businesses, the highest share in the world. American women also take up nearly half of managerial roles, showing strong representation at all leading levels.

Finland is in ninth position. Finnish women entrepreneurs own 33% of local firms, while employed women face a small 7.5% gap in workplaces. On top of that, parents in Finland can benefit from up to 15 months of maternity leave.

Estonia completes the top ten countries for women to work and live. Nearly half of all management positions are held by women here, second only to Australia, and about one in three businesses is female-owned. Safety is another strong point in Estonia, as only 8.5% of women say they feel unsafe, the lowest share anywhere in the ranking.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said the NDLEA is not averse to the controlled and regulated export of cannabis oil to countries that want it, but remains opposed to its local consumption.

He said this at a stakeholders workshop themed ‘Cannabis Oil Debate: The Path Forward for Nigeria’, organized by the Nigerian Academy of Science in Abuja on Wednesday, according to a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi.

Marwa said the dialogue on cannabis oil is a welcome development.

He said, ‘At NDLEA, our position on cannabis oil is simple: we welcome dialogue. We believe Nigeria must make informed choices, not choices driven by half-truths, commercial interests, or global trends.

‘Cannabis oil may have medicinal properties worth investigating, but it also carries health risks, potential for misuse, and implications for public safety.

‘This is why scientists, medical experts, policymakers, and regulators must be in the same room to bring facts to the table, scrutinise evidence, and weigh options carefully.’

He said the NDLEA was not opposed to science but was only being cautious.

‘Let me assure you that NDLEA is not opposed to science, nor are we indifferent to innovation. What we insist on is caution. Policy must protect lives, safeguard public health, and strengthen-not weaken-our fight against drug abuse.

‘As such, the Agency will not be averse to the idea of controlled export of cannabis oil to foreign companies and countries that desire it, as part of our drive as a country to enhance foreign earnings.

‘After all, some countries have approved the use of cannabis oil for therapeutic purposes while others, including Nigeria, have not. Our concern, however, is about its consumption in Nigeria.

‘In essence, we are not opposed to the idea of exporting the oil to those who desire it, but such must be strictly controlled, licensed, and monitored by NDLEA, with such a process located only within export-free zones’, he stated.

Explaining the position of the Agency, the NDLEA boss said the conversation is necessary because ‘we are talking about Cannabis, which is not just another plant. It is a substance with complex medical, social, and economic dimensions. For decades, the debate has been one-sided.

‘Advocates often highlight the supposed benefits of cannabis oil, while its risks and consequences are glossed over. This, no doubt, informs the decision by us at the NDLEA to commission an ongoing study on cannabis oil by this respected apex body of scientists, the Nigerian Academy of Science.’

‘In a country like Nigeria, which is already contending with a high burden of drug abuse, it is imperative that we approach this matter with sobriety, clarity, and balance. Till today, much of the public debate highlights the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis oil and the commercial value of its export.

‘What about the risks? Evidence shows that cannabis, including its oil extracts, can have adverse effects on mental health, especially among young people. The prolonged or uncontrolled use of cannabis and its extracts is linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment.

‘In addition, dependence and addiction are real concerns as well. In reality, these side effects create additional social and economic costs for families, communities, and society at large.

‘Another fundamental issue that we must take cognisance of is that the lack of standardised production and regulation in many countries means products sold as ‘cannabis oil’ often vary in potency, contain contaminants, or are misused outside of medical supervision.

‘Already, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of misuse of cannabis worldwide. For a country already grappling with a 14.4 percent substance abuse prevalence rate as against the global average of 5.6 percent and a staggering figure of 10.6 million cannabis users based on the last drug use survey report of 2018, the risks associated with cannabis cannot be dismissed.

‘Rather, the reality should remind us that while cannabis oil may have medical potential, its dangers are real and must be addressed with strong safeguards before any policy shift is considered.’

He said that as part of efforts to mitigate the consequences of illicit drug cultivation and production is the decision by the Agency, as the first in Africa, to introduce an alternative development project in 2023.

According to him, ‘The Alternative Development Project demands ethical responsibility and commitment to develop transformative policies and humanitarian responses to mitigate drug-related problems and end the complexities and violence of the war on drugs in Nigeria and globally.

‘In Nigeria, the Alternative Development Project will focus on reducing the vulnerabilities of ignorance, poverty, hunger, unemployment, and underdevelopment that push people into illicit economies, particularly illicit drug cultivation.

Aside from its link to transnational organised crime, illicit drug cultivation fuels national organised crime that causes agricultural states to abandon food crop cultivation for cannabis plantations in some communities across Nigeria.

We intend to reduce these vulnerabilities both in urban centres and rural areas through the provision of functional mechanisms and facilities for sensitisation, skills acquisition, empowerment, and positive engagements for sustainable livelihoods.’

In his welcome remark, President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof Abubakar Sambo, who was represented by the Vice President of NAS, Prof Friday Okonofua, noted that several research studies have considered various uses of cannabis and its side effects. He said the workshop was aimed at reaching a consensus on the contentious issue of the use of cannabis oil.

‘At the end of the day, we’ll have evidence-based consensus work, which will be properly documented, that will lead us to decide what we should be doing regarding the use of cannabis in this country’, he stated.

Chairman of the NAS study committee on cannabis oil use, Prof Musbau Akanbi, commended NDLEA for being proactive and working with the Academy to obtain a science-driven guide for Nigeria.

‘As we all know, cannabis oil is extracted from cannabis, and the legalisation of the use of the oil would translate to large-scale cultivation of the weed itself.

The Nigerian Academy of Science consequently constituted the consensus study committee on the cannabis oil debate, comprising experts in all fields that had to do with the study request.

‘The committee collected a lot of literature on the subject matter from all over the world, reviewed what is happening in other lands, and decided to arrange this workshop where experts from various related fields will come together with stakeholders and present evidence that will be collated to assist NDLEA in carrying out its honest responsibility.’

Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Samuel Adekola who represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state noted, ‘This all-important workshop will offer our great country, Nigeria, the opportunity to move from debate to design, from potential to policies and I urge all participants to contribute constructively so that together we can rise to craft a model that not only benefit the consumers of health, also the sunshine state and Nigeria, but also position our nation as a leader on the African continent in this emerging field. Let us proceed with vision, with courage, and with unity of purpose.’

In his keynote address, Prof. Oye Gureje, Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neurosciences, and Substance Abuse, University of Ibadan, stated that cumulative evidence suggests that ‘cannabis has some limited medical use’, and ‘widespread recreational use is likely to lead to increased risk of psychosis’, while ‘public health may be moderately affected by increased use (e.g. road accidents)’