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Cyberbullying: Okafor’s lawyer urges caution in public commentary on Doris Ogala’s trial

Counsel to Pastor Chris Okafor Mr Ife Ajayi has urged the public to exercise caution in commenting on the cyberstalking trial involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala stressing that freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits of the law.

Ajayi made the remarks while responding to comments by African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore and Ogala over claims of injustice in the ongoing proceedings.

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday adjourned Ogala’s bail hearing until November 6 in the case involving her and Okafor founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry.

Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered that the actress who is also the AAC governorship candidate in Abia State be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the next hearing.

Ogala is facing trial over allegations of cyberstalking and other offences.

Reacting to the public debate surrounding the case Ajayi said the constitutional right to freedom of expression did not give anyone a licence to make statements that violate others’ rights.

He maintained that public commentary on the matter should take account of the charges before the court and the legal processes governing the case.

According to him allegations involving possible blackmail extortion and other offences should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels rather than being treated solely as a personal disagreement.

Ajayi urged members of the public to obtain and study the charges filed against Ogala before reaching conclusions about the case.

He also maintained that his client’s rights should be considered in the ongoing proceedings while the court determines the allegations against the actress.

ýHe also urged the public to exercise caution in endorsing the actress’s false allegations insisting that such claims should be subjected to legal scrutiny rather than public sentiment.

ýExpressing confidence in the judiciary the lawyer said he was optimistic the court would deliver justice based on the overwhelming print audio and video evidence in compliance with applicable laws.

ý’I am 100 per cent optimistic that the court will do what is right.

ý’The court in all fairness even after the defendant’s lawyer pleaded with it to release her on bail and offered to take responsibility for her conduct gave the prosecution 48 hours to respond’ he said.

ýýAjayi also faulted Ogala’s conduct during the court proceedings alleging that her outburst and disruption of proceedings raised questions about her ability to abide by the conditions of her release.

ýHe said the incident suggested that even her counsel might struggle to guarantee her conduct if she were granted bail.

The lawyer maintained that the courtroom was not a place for emotional outbursts or disrespect stressing that parties to a legal proceeding were expected to conduct themselves in accordance with established rules.

‘You cannot behave disrespectfully at a police station or anywhere else and expect to do the same in a court of law.

The court is where logic and legal accountability prevail’ he said.

Ajayi called on the National Assembly to consider stricter legislation against publicly calling out individuals over private disagreements particularly where such actions could damage reputations or violate others’ rights.

He argued that personal grievances should be addressed through appropriate legal channels rather than through public accusations and campaigns.

‘The law is not about emotion or sentiment. It is about logic and legal accountability.

It is a place where people are held accountable for their unlawful conduct’ he said.

He urged the public not to accept allegations made during the dispute as established facts stressing that the court remained the appropriate institution to determine the issues before it.

On Friday Ogala knelt to apologise to the court for her unruly behaviour during an earlier sitting.

She is facing charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking cyberbullying and attempted extortion of Pastor Okafor.

She expressed remorse before Justice Akintayo Aluko and promised not to repeat the conduct that disrupted proceedings at the previous sitting.

She said she regretted her actions and never expected to find herself in prison custody.

Tinubu will secure re-election through performance record, faith – Yari

Abdulaziz Yari, director-general of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in January 2027, arguing that his administration’s performance and faith in God will help win Nigerians’ support.

Speaking with newsmen at the weekend, Yari, a former Zamfara State governor, said the APC-PCC would take its campaign to Nigerians, showcase the achievements of the Tinubu administration and convince voters to give the president another four-year mandate.

His comments followed Tinubu’s declaration during a media chat in Saudi Arabia on Friday that he had enormous faith in God to secure re-election.

‘I believe that Allah’s wish in His court must prevail. And there’s no other God but Allah,’ Tinubu had said.

‘Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become,’the president added.

Reacting, Yari said the president’s remarks reflected his recognition of God’s supremacy and the need for divine guidance in determining the country’s leadership.

‘That’s what makes a leader, because when you ask him, he first prayed for the country, prayed for every Nigerian. He also said this election is one in which God has selected the person who will be a leader, and only Him can put a leader in place or otherwise.

‘So, in total, I depend on Allah to do it for him as He did it for him in 2023. But we must also work.

‘All the procedures we are undertaking to campaign, talk to people, convince them and show them what we have done and achieved will, by God’s grace, convince people to elect us,’ he added.

ASUSS protests exclusion from national secondary education commission

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to amend the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Act to accommodate the union in the commission’s governing structure.

The union also urged lawmakers to include provisions safeguarding its representation on corresponding state-level education boards.

ASUSS made the demands on Saturday while presenting its memorandum on the National Senior Secondary Education Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 at a public hearing organised by committees of the Senate and House of Representatives at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Presenting the memorandum at the New Senate Building ASUSS National President Comrade Sola Adigun said the union’s presence in more than 24 states including its exclusive representation of secondary school teachers in over 12 states justified its inclusion in the commission’s governance structure.

Adigun argued that excluding the union would limit organised secondary school teachers’ participation in decisions affecting their profession and the quality of education in the country.

He said the proposed amendment should promote inclusive education governance by recognising the union’s role in representing teachers at the national level.

ASUSS also urged lawmakers to ensure that the amendment did not override existing state laws and administrative arrangements that recognise its participation in education governance.

On state administration the union rejected the proposed part-time chairmanship of state commissions advocating a full-time chairman to ensure effective supervision policy coordination and sustained stakeholder engagement.

It recommended filling the position with an experienced educationist through a transparent merit-based process with clearly defined tenure responsibilities and accountability measures.

The union supported the proposed removal of a PhD as a mandatory qualification for appointment as Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Commission at both federal and state levels.

It argued that professional competence relevant qualifications and experience in educational administration should take precedence over an obligatory doctorate.

ASUSS also backed the inclusion of the 110 Unity Secondary Schools Armed Forces Secondary Schools and public secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory in the Commission’s coverage describing the move as necessary for a more comprehensive national education framework.

Defends position at hearing

The hearing also witnessed an exchange over teachers’ representation after a lawyer representing the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) reportedly claimed that the union was the only body representing teachers in Nigeria.

The intervention was disallowed allowing proceedings to focus on the proposed amendments.

ASUSS maintained that its demand was based on its membership strength national spread and direct involvement in the professional interests of secondary school teachers.

The union urged lawmakers to ensure that the final amendment promotes inclusive governance professional participation administrative efficiency and accountability.

It also called for regular consultation with relevant stakeholders on policies affecting secondary school teachers and the delivery of quality education.

ASUSS reaffirmed its commitment to improving secondary education and advancing teachers’ welfare and professional development insisting that those responsible for implementing education policies must have a recognised voice in the institutions governing the sector.

Osun: Three dead, five rescued as two-storey shopping complex collapses

Three persons have reportedly died following the collapse of a two-storey shopping complex at Owode Ede, Osun State, while five others were rescued alive by emergency responders.

The building, located in Zone 8, Oke Alaafia Community, collapsed late on Friday, October 30, trapping several persons beneath the rubble.

The Federal Fire Service, Osun State Command, confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, DSF Ojo Omoyemi Olamide, ANIPR, who said its rescue team was alerted at about 11:30 p.m. through its emergency line and arrived at the scene three minutes later.

According to the command, the structure was a commercial complex with six shops on each of the two upper floors and two stores on the ground floor.

The rescue team, working alongside the Osun State Fire Service, police and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, immediately commenced efforts to locate and evacuate those trapped in the debris.

Five victims were eventually rescued alive and taken to Idera Specialist Hospital, Ede, for medical attention.

Three other victims were recovered during the operation with no signs of life and handed over to the police at A Division, Ede.

The Federal Fire Service said preliminary findings pointed to possible structural defects and the use of substandard construction materials as factors that might have contributed to the disaster.

Police personnel led by SP Bamidele and NSCDC operatives under the leadership of CSC Oyekunle participated in the rescue operation.

The search-and-rescue exercise lasted several hours and was called off at about 9:26 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, after the operation had been completed.

The command put the estimated value of the property destroyed at N100 million, adding that property worth about N150 million was saved.

In its reaction, the Federal Fire Service expressed sympathy with the families of those affected and urged builders, developers and property owners to comply with approved building regulations.

It also advised residents to report emergencies immediately to the appropriate authorities to facilitate timely intervention.

Managing chronic pain in cold weather

Every year as the amihan sets in and the cooler breeze rolls across the country, senior citizens complain of joints that ache more than they did a few weeks ago during the humid months.

In the West, every autumn, the same thing happens: elderly patients arrive in clinics describing joints that ache more than they did a month ago. Their hands are stiffer in the morning. Their knees complain on the stairs. They are not imagining it, and they are not being dramatic.

Dr. Christopher Murawski, an assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University, said: ‘Warm weather, cold weather, changes in humidity, changes in pressure- they can all contribute to joint and muscle pain.’

Here’s a look at the mechanisms behind cold-weather flare-ups, the movement and warmth strategies that genuinely help, and the signals that mean it’s time to call a doctor.

Why stiffness climbs as the temperature falls

The best-supported explanation involves barometric pressure-the weight of the air pressing on the body, roughly 15 pounds per square inch. When cold wind approaches, that pressure falls, and the tissues around joints respond.

‘While the science isn’t perfect, physiologically it makes some sense,’ Murawski says. ‘Changes in pressure can cause muscles and ligaments to expand. Fluid shifts can happen. That can lead to swelling and pain.’ He adds that the reports line up with what patients describe, ‘even anecdotally.’

Dr. Andrew Bang, a chiropractor at Cleveland Clinic, puts the same idea in blunter terms. ‘If you have arthritis, the space in your joint is already reduced. Add in an expansion of tissues because of the pressure change and you can see why people might hurt more.’ A large UK study of 13,000 people with arthritis found aches rose on days with high humidity, low barometric pressure and strong wind-though other studies find only a mild link, which is why researchers still describe the relationship as real but incompletely explained.

Cold adds its own layer. Synovial fluid, the lubricant inside every joint, thickens. ‘When the weather gets cooler, the synovial fluid that acts like motor oil in our joints becomes more like sludge,’ says Dr. Mariko Ishimori, a rheumatologist at Cedars-Sinai. Muscles guard and tighten, restricting blood flow and shortening the tissues that cross the joint. Cartilage, which has no blood supply of its own, tolerates temperature swings poorly.

Then there’s behavior. Cold days mean fewer walks, longer sits, and a house that suddenly feels worth hibernating in. Joints that don’t move get stiffer, and the Arthritis Foundation notes that people may also fixate more on pain when outdoor distractions disappear.

Gentle stretching that earns its keep

Motion is the single most reliable antidote to stiffness, and it costs nothing. ‘Motion is lotion,’ Bang says. ‘If you keep moving, you’re less likely to get some of these aches.’

The rules are simple: warm the tissue first, move slowly, never bounce, and stop at the edge of discomfort rather than pushing through it. Ishimori recommends prioritizing stretching before exercise, when muscles are cold and most vulnerable.

Start in bed, before your feet hit the floor. The Arthritis Foundation’s ‘Good Morning Moves’ routine is a safe template: lie on your back and reach arms and legs wide (Morning Star), hug your knees to your chest, then perform a gentle supine spinal twist-each held for three to five slow breaths. If hip or back arthritis makes double knee hugs hard, do one leg at a time.

For a guided follow-along, Arthritis UK’s physiotherapist-led series is excellent and free. The morning routine, daytime routine and evening routine each run 20 minutes and are built specifically for people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Many movements can be done seated. The Arthritis Foundation also offers a short 16-move morning bed stretch video for days when 20 minutes is too much.

Aim for range of motion rather than a deep stretch: slow circles at the shoulders, wrist and ankle pumps, gentle knee extensions, seated torso rotations. Ten minutes daily beats an ambitious hour once a week.

Warmth, used deliberately

Heat raises blood flow and relaxes the guarding that makes joints feel locked. ‘If you can get heat to penetrate areas where you have pain, you increase blood flow and can loosen up tight ligaments, tendons and connective tissue,’ Bang says.

Practical version during the amihan season: layer up even when staying indoors, because a chilly, drafty room stiffens muscles just as effectively as the cool morning air outside. Keep a cozy blanket or kumot close by, or use a heating pad before getting out of bed so your joints are already loosened when you wake.

For targeted relief, use moist heat-a warm damp towel or a microwave-heated wet washcloth inside a sealed bag-for 15 to 20 minutes per session, with a cloth barrier between heat and skin. Don’t fall asleep on a pad, and check the skin periodically for excessive redness. If you have reduced sensation from diabetes or neuropathy, lower the setting.

Protect the extremities. Dr. Linda Russell, a rheumatologist at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, recommends long underwear-particularly important because cold can trigger blood vessel spasms in the roughly 12 percent of the elderly with rheumatoid arthritis who also have Raynaud’s phenomenon. Warm water is also the friendliest environment for exercise: a heated pool lets you move through full range with almost no load on the joints.

Two supporting habits matter more than most people expect. Drink water-dehydration thickens everything, including joint fluid.

When to stop self-managing and call someone

Weather-related aches follow a pattern: worse in the cold, better with warmth and movement, and no worse than usual once you’re going. Pain that breaks the pattern deserves attention.

Mayo Clinic advises booking an appointment for joint pain accompanied by swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth around the joint, or fever. Get seen promptly if an injury leaves the joint misshapen, unusable, severely painful or suddenly swollen. Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 to 60 minutes is a recognized flag for inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, as is pain that wakes you at night, pain in several joints at once, or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Ishimori’s advice: discuss symptoms with a physician, ‘especially if the symptoms are new or haven’t been evaluated.’ Cold weather aggravates existing disease; it doesn’t create it.

The season is not something you can negotiate with. But the stiffness is-partly. Warm the joint, move it gently, and keep moving it. And when the pattern changes, let someone with a stethoscope look at it.

Tried and tested: Samsung Galaxy S26 FE

THE first thing I notice when holding the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE for the first time is how perfectly it fits in my hand. It has a 6.7-inch display and is quite ‘tall.’ Its thickness is at 7.4mm. The back has a glossy finish. Like all Samsung phones, the Samsung Galaxy FE feels premium, encased in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and an aluminum alloy frame. It has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

As I am coming from using Samsung’s flagship devices, I immediately wanted to look at the difference in the FE’s 6.7′ display (2340 pixels with a 120Hz refresh rate). I like how big the display is and it was crisp and vivid. To be honest, it was not as bright as the S26 Ultra’s display. But with prices starting at P46,990 for the 8GB + 128GB model compared with the S26 Ultra’s P86,990, the S26 FE is looking good. Money is, after all, a serious consideration in these financially challenging times so if you want something reasonably priced without having to shell out nearly P100,000, you know the FE is a good deal. The other storage options for the FE are 256GB and 512GB.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE, which comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, is powered by an Exynos 2500 chipset built on a 3nm process, an improvement from the 2025 processor. The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE also has the latest versions of Android and One UI out of the box. It will also get Android support up to Android 24 (seven major updates).

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a 4,900mAh typical battery capacity with support for 45W wired charging. The FE’s battery is higher than the Flip8’s 4,300 mAh and the Z Fold8’s 4,800 mAh, both of which last the whole day. The 4,900mAh means up to 29 hours on a single charge.

The Galaxy S26 FE features a triple rear camera setup and a single front-facing selfie camera, enhanced by Samsung’s ProVisual Engine and AI processing. The main camera is a 50MP wide sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The 12MP ultra-wide sits at f/2.2 for landscapes and group shots, and the 8MP telephoto adds 3x optical zoom with its own OIS and an f/2.4 aperture.

On the front, the upgraded 12MP selfie camera offers a wider view. At the core of the camera experience is the ProVisual Engine, designed to enhance image quality across different shooting conditions, including low light and distant subjects. The main camera also supports up to 8K video at 30fps and 4K video at 60fps for detailed, high-resolution footage.

As someone who has used Samsung’s flagship models for years now, I would describe the S26 FE’s camera as reliable and steady. To compare, the Galaxy S26 Ultra still takes amazing photos from the Upper Box and General Admission of Mall of Asia Arena and the S26 FE can shoot good concert photos from Lower Box. For a midrange phone, this is very much acceptable.

To be honest, while the camera of the S26 FE is reliable, if you are a frequent concertgoer buying a phone for this purpose I would advise you to get the S26 Ultra because you won’t always be seated in Lower Box. However, if you’re using your phone camera normally for everyday things, the S26 FE is enough.

It’s worth noting that the S26 FE has the My FanCam feature. This Galaxy AI video-editing feature turns wider group or concert recordings into tight, personalized solo tracking shots. This is very helpful for taking videos and shooting photos during concerts and events.

As for videos, daylight videos are fine. The nighttime videos can be a bit bright. The stabilization is quite good, so that is a bonus.

In terms of performance, I would say the Galaxy S26 FE was fast, smooth, and reliable except for a few lags here and there. The lags usually happen at the end of the day so is it safe to say that they occur when the phone is ‘overworked?’ Otherwise, the S26 FE’s performance was satisfactory.

I would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE to someone who’s looking for a good everyday phone. The models with the larger memory will allow you to do more things seamlessly, such as gaming and streaming.

Considering the price and everything else, one of the major cons for me is the glossy back, which can be slippery and a fingerprint magnet. Otherwise, the S26 FE is a solid phone with some of the features that have made Samsung’s flagship phones iconic.

Sanwo-Olu tasks banks on financing industries, creating jobs

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged financial institutions to look beyond conventional lending and become more active partners in unlocking substantial private investment, improving productivity and creating employment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said recapitalized banks should develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

He spoke at the 2026 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture themed: ‘Bank Recapitalization: Leveraging New Bank Capital for Nigeria’s Industrial Transformation’ at Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.

During the 2026 CIBN Fellowship Investiture, 21 recipients were conferred with Honorary Fellowship, while 463 and 232 received new Fellows and Honorary Senior Membership of the Institute in recognition of professional excellence, leadership and contribution to the development of financial system and national economy.

Among the recipients of the Honorary Fellows are Mr. Samuel Egube, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; Governor, Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil Limited, Apostle (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija and Chairman, Keystone Bank Limited, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, among others. Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, was also conferred with the Elected Fellow of the Institute.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive.

He said: ‘Recapitalization has strengthened the capacity of our banks to withstand economic pressures and undertake larger transactions. But raising capital is only the beginning. The true measure of success will be how effectively that capital supports productive enterprises, industrial expansion and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

‘One of the greatest challenges facing Nigerian businesses remains access to affordable, long-term financing. Manufacturers need capital to acquire machinery, expand production and compete in international markets. Agricultural processors need financing for storage, processing and distribution, while growing enterprises require credit that reflects their business realities. These investments take time to generate returns. Our recapitalized banks must therefore develop financing models that support long-term industrial growth without compromising prudent risk management.

‘In Lagos, we see enormous opportunities for this kind of investment. The Lekki Deep Sea Port, expanding industrial activities along the Lekki corridor, our investments in rail and road infrastructure, and the opportunities created by the Lagos State Electricity Law are opening new possibilities for manufacturing, logistics, energy and trade. These are sectors where stronger participation by financial institutions can unlock substantial private investment, improve productivity and create employment.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed further that ‘We must ensure that smaller businesses benefit from this stronger banking system. Through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, we have continued to support entrepreneurs with access to finance, enterprise development and capacity building. However, government intervention alone cannot meet the financing needs of our growing business community. We need commercial banks to develop more accessible credit products, support industrial clusters, finance equipment acquisition and strengthen the supply chains that connect small enterprises to larger markets.

‘Lagos will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies and enabling environment that businesses require to thrive. But the scale of investment needed to transform our economy demands stronger collaboration between government, financial institutions and private investors. We must move from simply having more capital in our banks to putting more capital to work in our economy.

‘As we pursue this ambition, we must never compromise the integrity of our financial system. Strong capital positions must be accompanied by sound corporate governance, responsible lending, transparency and professional competence. This is where the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has a particularly important responsibility. Beyond professional certification and recognition, the Institute must continue to develop bankers who understand the financing needs of industry, emerging technologies and the wider development priorities of our country.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the recipients, particularly his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Egube and Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi for being among those who were conferred with CIBN Fellowship, noting that the honors attest to their competence, dedication and valuable contributions to his administration.

He said the recognition places a responsibility on the recipients to strengthen the institutions they serve, mentor younger professionals and contribute their experience towards addressing the challenges facing the economy.

‘The banking profession needs leaders who will not only preserve its standards but also help shape its future. Nigeria has recapitalized its banks. The next task is to help recapitalize Nigerian industry. The success of this exercise should ultimately be visible in the factories we establish, the businesses we grow, the exports we generate and the opportunities we create for our young people,’ he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria on another successful investiture and commended its leadership for sustaining the standards of the profession.

Food crisis: 33.5m Nigerians may face hunger in 2027

An estimated 33.5 million Nigerians including internally displaced persons (IDPs) are expected to face acute food insecurity between June and August 2027 raising concerns over the country’s food and nutrition outlook.

The projection covers 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) according to the October 2026 Cadre Harmonisé (CH) Food and Nutrition Insecurity Analysis report.

The report also estimated that 26.8 million people including 756815 internally displaced persons in Borno Sokoto and Zamfara states would experience crisis-level food insecurity or worse between October and December 2026.

For the June-to-August 2027 period the number of affected people is projected to include 891228 displaced persons in the three states.

The findings point to mounting pressure on vulnerable households as insecurity displacement rising fuel costs climate-related shocks and persistent food inflation continue to undermine access to adequate food.

Borno Yobe Adamawa Katsina Zamfara and Sokoto were identified among the states experiencing the most severe food consumption difficulties.

The report further raised concerns about the risk of worsening malnutrition particularly among children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women.

It attributed the threat to poor dietary intake declining household purchasing power disease outbreaks insecurity and inadequate access to healthcare safe water and sanitation facilities.

To mitigate the risks the analysis recommended strengthening nutrition monitoring expanding interventions to prevent and treat acute malnutrition providing dietary support and improving access to essential healthcare water sanitation and hygiene services in affected communities.

Speaking at the presentation of the report in Abuja the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS Dr Hussein Gadain said the findings would help authorities and development partners identify emerging threats and direct resources to areas with the greatest needs.

Gadain who was represented by an FAO official reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical assistance capacity development and evidence-based programmes aimed at improving food security and strengthening resilience.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining national ownership of food security coordination mechanisms and improving early-warning systems to enable timely action before conditions deteriorate further.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi said the Federal Government was pursuing measures to increase domestic food production and strengthen the country’s agricultural system.

He said the interventions included improving farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and financing expanding mechanisation and irrigation and encouraging climate-smart farming practices.

Ogunbiyi listed the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones among the initiatives being implemented to raise productivity and improve the resilience of the food system.

However he disclosed that 10 states had yet to be fully integrated into the Cadre Harmonisé analysis highlighting the need to strengthen data collection and technical capacity across the country.

He called on development and humanitarian partners to support efforts to improve the coverage and quality of the assessment.

According to him incorporating the remaining states into the process would provide a more comprehensive picture of food insecurity nationwide strengthen preparedness and help authorities design more targeted responses to vulnerable populations.

Medical Academy urges increased funding for genomic research

The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has called for increased funding for genomic research, describing it as critical to improving healthcare delivery, preventing inherited diseases and reducing the burden of undiagnosed medical conditions in the country.

Speaking at the academy’s 2026 Annual Scientific Conference in Lagos on Friday, its Foundation President, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, said investment in genomic medicine was no longer a luxury but an urgent necessity for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Ashiru, a renowned consultant endocrinologist, told journalists on the sidelines of the conference that genomic research could yield significant economic and healthcare benefits, citing estimates that every dollar invested in genomic data and research could generate about $140 in returns.

He identified inadequate and unsustainable domestic funding, rather than a lack of expertise, as a major obstacle to the development of genomic medicine in Nigeria.

According to him, several Nigerians had acquired the necessary training and experience in the field, with some contributing to international research before returning home to train others.

He cited the contributions of Nigerian-trained experts to genomic studies on conditions such as cleft palate, as well as the use of genetic screening to identify abnormalities and prevent certain inherited conditions before birth.

Ashiru said advances in genetic research and human genome mapping were transforming modern medicine by enabling a shift from generalised treatments to precision medicine tailored to patients’ genetic profiles.

He noted that these developments had improved the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders while creating opportunities to treat and, in some cases, cure conditions previously considered untreatable.

In reproductive genetics, he said medical teams could screen embryos for certain hereditary conditions, including sickle cell disease, before implantation, helping families reduce the risk of passing such conditions on to future generations.

Despite the progress, Ashiru lamented that much of Nigeria’s advanced genomic research remained dependent on collaborations with foreign institutions in countries such as the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom.

He said Nigeria had developed sufficient scientific expertise to begin building an independent and sustainable capacity for genomic research and clinical interventions.

Citing Thailand as an example, Ashiru said the country’s establishment of a Centre for Genomic Diseases demonstrated the commitment needed to advance genomic medicine, urging the Nigerian government to adopt a similar approach.

He estimated that only about two per cent of genomic conditions in Nigeria had been identified, leaving many people with undiagnosed and potentially preventable genetic disorders.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Azeez Butali, a professor of orofacial clefts at the University of Iowa, United States, said genomic medicine could help address global healthcare disparities, reduce human suffering and improve care for families affected by rare diseases.

Speaking on the topic, ‘The Joy of the Human Genome: Discovery to Clinical Care,’ Butali said genomic medicine was transforming healthcare by improving diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions and creating new therapeutic opportunities.

However, he cautioned that scientists had only begun to explore the human genome, with vast areas of genetic knowledge still unexplored.

He stressed that the benefits of scientific breakthroughs must be shared equitably, warning that progress should narrow existing healthcare gaps rather than widen disparities between countries.

Butali said the ultimate value of genomic research lay not only in understanding human biology but also in improving the lives of children born with congenital abnormalities, offering hope to affected families and promoting a fairer global healthcare system.

Earlier, Professor Nik Kantaputra of Chiang Mai University, Thailand, underscored the importance of genomic research in identifying the causes of diseases and improving healthcare quality.

Kantaputra, a rare disease specialist focusing on dental and bone disorders, explained that abnormalities in the teeth, gums and bones could provide important clues to underlying genetic conditions.

He said his research sought to identify the genetic causes of unusual physical conditions and congenital malformations, enabling families to make informed healthcare decisions.

Kantaputra also noted that certain dental abnormalities could serve as early indicators of broader health problems, including a potential risk of colon cancer.

‘To effectively manage rare dental problems, you must first identify the root cause,’ he said. ‘Without knowing the cause, implementing effective patient care is impossible.’

He urged Nigeria to invest in collaborative genomic studies with international experts, particularly in patient recruitment and molecular genetics, to investigate diseases prevalent in the country.

Such research, he said, could support early detection and preventive interventions for genetic conditions affecting Nigerians, adding that scientific findings could only translate into meaningful healthcare once the underlying causes of diseases were established.

Ashiru also stressed the importance of public awareness and access to accurate health information in preventing diseases, urging Nigerians to take responsibility for their well-being.

‘Your health is in your hands. Knowledge is wealth,’ he said.

He said a healthy population was fundamental to national development and urged Nigeria to accelerate medical progress through increased research funding and the harnessing of local expertise.

The conference brought together medical scientists from various fields to discuss advances in genomic research and its applications in healthcare.

Sodo in high stakes battle over 12th parliament seat

In documents filed in the Masaka High Court, President Museveni’s youngest brother, Godfrey Aine Kaguta, alias Sodo, has set out to defend his parliamentary seat by insisting he completed the required minimum formal education: advanced level.

Sodo’s election as Mawagola North Member of Parliament (MP) has been challenged by his competitor, John Jet Tumwebaze, partly on the account that he has no Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent, as the law requires.

In his defence, as seen by the Weekend Monitor, Sodo claims that his academic documents have been verified and confirmed by the Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb). Instead of the certificates that the law requires in his defence, Sodo attaches copies of letters of verification from UNEB for the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) that he obtained from Kaaro High School in Kiruhura District.

Tumwebaze, a partner at Kampala Associated Advocates (KAA), disputes both Sodo’s O-level and A- level results. Tumwebaze insists that Sodo was never issued neither an O-level nor an A- level certificate by Uneb since he failed the examinations. Documents filed by Sodo that have a Uneb stamp indicate that, at O-level, he obtained F9s (fail) in Christian Religious Education (CRE), Mathematics, English and History. The result slip furrier shows that Sodo got a P8s (pass) in Geography, Commerce and Kiswahili. He also got P7s (pass) in both Agriculture and Art. The only credit Sodo got was in English.

Tumwebaze’s argument

We understand that Tumwebaze plans to argue that Sodo didn’t pass the subjects that would have enabled him to get the combination of History, Economics and Divinity (HED) at A-level. Under standard ministry of education selection guidelines, a candidate must score a credit 6 or better at O-level-where a Uganda Certificate of Education or UCE is at stake-to carry a subject over to A-level as a principal academic combination.

At A-level, per court documents seen by this newspaper, Sodo obtained Fs in General Paper, History, Economics and Divinity. He only got one principal pass in Kiswahili.

In his petition, Tumwebaze says that during nomination, Sodo didn’t present to the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ssembabule district returning officer his UCE and UACE certificates. Notwithstanding, he adds, EC officials allowed Sodo to stand as a Member of Parliament without qualification. Tumwebaze further accuses the EC of refusing to provide him with the UCE and UACE certificates Sodo presented to the electoral body at the time of nomination.

Tumwebaze points out that while Sodo’s academic documents have the name ‘Aine Godfrey,’ during nomination the candidate called himself ‘Aine Godfrey Kaguta.’ Sodo, Tumwebaze argues, ‘shouldn’t have been nominated based on documents that relate to a different person.’

Sodo’s chances

In response to the variation in the names on his documents, Sodo says it was legally settled and clarified by a deed poll he ran in the news media a couple of years ago. Sodo further contends that Tumwebaze’s grounds of challenging his victory on account of having no requisite academic papers constitute what he calls ‘a pre-polling complaint’, which, according to him, should have been addressed before polling and not at this stage when he is in parliament.

History, however, shows that a number of lawmakers have been thrown out of the House on account of having no requisite academic papers. For instance, in 2011, when Muhammad Muyanja-Mbaabali won the Bukoto South seat at the first time of asking, his happiness was short-lived. This was because the High Court and later the Court of Appeal upheld Mathias Nsubuga Birekerewo’s claims that Muyanja-Mbaabali’s academic documents were a work of fraud.

When Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, then a High Court judge, was cancelling Muyanja-Mbabaali’s victory, he said the academic papers he had presented, such as a Bachelor’s degree from Nkumba University and a Diploma in Public Administration and Management from a Malaysian college, were highly dubious.

It is not just Muyanja-Mbabaali that was left licking his wounds. After the 2011 elections, Paul Mwiru challenged Nathan Igeme Nabeta’s victory in the High Court. Mwiru, the current Opposition whip in the 12th Parliament, contended that Nabeta had no requisite academic papers and that the latter had bribed voters. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal agreed with Mwiru that Nabeta’s academic papers hadn’t been evaluated by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with Uneb.

‘I’m not persuaded by the case put forward by the third respondent [NCHE] when it claims that once it issues a certificate for one election, the certificate is valid for future elections. This would tantamount to amending the law. Equating academic papers for purposes of elections is not a once-in-a-lifetime exercise unless the law is amended,’ Justice Constance Byamugisha, who has since passed on, ruled in her lead judgement.

‘The evidence on record proves that there was no consultation between UNEB and the 3rd respondent [NCHE] on the totality of the 1st respondent’s academic qualification before the issuance of the certificate dated 4th August 2010. The only inquiry that the third respondent made about the first respondent’s academic papers concerned the authenticity of his ‘O’ level certificate. Uneb replied to that query. It stated that the ‘O’ level certificate was genuine. This inquiry, in my view, did not satisfy the requirements of the law. There was no other evidence showing the participation of UNEB in the equating exercise,’ Justice Byamugisha added.

More claims

Besides questionable academic papers, Tumwebaze wants the High Court to cancel Sodo’s victory on grounds that the latter invited, co-opted, deployed and relied on soldiers of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Tumwebaze also claims that Sodo relied on officials from the Office of the Resident District Commissioner of Ssembabule. The case is being presided over by Justice Bernard Namanya, who took on the mantle after Justice Thomas Ochaya recused himself on grounds of being sick.

Tumwebaze says that the combination of the army and officials from the RDC’s offices militarised the election, violated several electoral laws and facilitated the EC’s illegal activities. These activities, Tumwebaze further says, materially discredited the concept of a free and fair election in Mawogola North.

‘The first respondent [Sodo] or his agents brought armed UPDF soldiers to numerous polling stations including Rwekishungi CoU [ Church of Uganda] polling station; Kyolola Trading Center Polling Station; Kabarekera primary School (A-KYOM) polling station; Kashongoire Church polling station; Kanoni primary school polling station; Kabarekera primary school (KYON-Z) polling station; Kanoni-Kakukuru polling station,’ Tumwebaze says, adding that soldiers took over at the above polling stations and facilitated ballot stuffing, multiple voting as well as voting by unregistered voters.

Tumwebaze also alleges that on polling day several of his agents, polling supervisors were brutalised and detained by armed UPDF soldiers such Mugenyi Robert, Vincent Kirinya and David Bahati, who he says assisted their release from police custody.

‘Your petitioner avers owing to the above, the second [ Electoral Commission] and third [Gracious Aryaija, the Ssembabule district returning officer] respondents failed to ensure that the polling took place in a free, fair, and secure environment contrary to section 60 (1) of the parliamentary Elections Act, Cap 177, as there was massive voter intimidation, actual violence meted agents, supervisors and known supporters of the petitioner, and wrongful arrests of the petitioner’s supervisors and agents,’ Tumwebaze says.

In response Sodo says he wasn’t aware of the unspecified actors or security personnel that intimidated voters, caused violence and disruptions during the election.

‘I am not an employee, officer or member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) neither do I hold any known position in the armed forces and I don’t have command and control of soldiers of UPDF. I didn’t direct or command any security personnel on election day or at all,’ Sodo says.