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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed two Chinese supermarkets and eight cosmetics shops in Abuja for selling unregistered, expired, and banned products in violation of Nigeria’s food and drug regulations.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in collaboration with the Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods.

According to a statement on Friday by Adegboyega Osiyemi, Deputy Director of PR and Protocol, the two supermarkets located on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street in Jabi District, were shut after surveillance confirmed they were selling unregistered food items and products labelled solely in Chinese, without English translations as required by law.

Despite initial denials by a foreign national at the Ebitu Ukiwe Street outlet, NAFDAC officials confirmed the store was fully operational.

In a related operation, eight cosmetics shops in Wuse Market were sealed for selling banned and unregistered cosmetics, aphrodisiacs, and aesthetic medicines.

Investigations revealed that some operators had been posing as dermatologists and pharmacists, prescribing harmful body enhancement and skin-whitening products to unsuspecting consumers.

Among the confiscated items were Wenicks Capsules, Maxman Capsules, Boobs Enlargement products, Curvy Weight Gain, Skin Whitening Vitamin Gummies, Collagen, Royal Jelly, Glutathione Whitening Gummies, White Doll, Dr. Gallery Plus, Maiz Zaki Syrup, Original Herbal Yellow Fever, Sickle Cell Medicine, Dr. Nafisa Herbal Medicine, Dynewell Syrup, and White Blinks, among others. In total, products worth more than ?170 million were seized.

Acting on the directive of NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the seized goods were evacuated while the outlets were shut down.

Prof. Adeyeye stressed the Agency’s mandate to protect Nigerians from dangerous substances linked to serious health risks such as kidney damage, skin cancer, irritability, and memory loss.

‘NAFDAC welcomes legitimate trade partnerships from both Nigerians and foreign nationals, but we will not compromise on public health. Any act of selling unregistered or toxic products shall be met with strict regulatory action,’ Embugushiki quoted the DG as saying.

The Agency advised consumers to purchase only NAFDAC-approved products, urged foreign investors to register products through its offices nationwide, and encouraged the public to report suspicious outlets or goods to NAFDAC.

Fashua Orisunmibare, councillor for Ward 1, Ijare, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo state, has donated cash, school bags and books to widows and schools in his constituency.

The gesture, Orisunmibare said, was motivated by his longtime desire to help ease the burden of the indigents in the society.

‘This is a dream that I have nurtured since I was a little boy. I really don’t like to see people suffering. So, this is my own little way of putting smiles on the faces of my people,’ the councillor explained.

Among the schools the benefited are Anglican Grammar School; St, Michael Primary School; Saint Mary’s Primary School; Manga Primary School; Community Primary School; Saint John’s Primary School and CAC Primary School, all in Ijare town.

Meanwhile, as part of his contribution to enhance the work of security outfits in the community, Orisunmibare also donated two solar panels to the Amotekun security team in Ijare.

According to him, the donations were his contributions to the efforts of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure that the people enjoy the dividends of democracy.

‘Whatever I am doing is a little drop in the efforts of our governor to develop our state. This is my own way of supporting in my little ways the great things the governor is doing,’ Orisunmibare stated.

Meron Tessaw, a Strategy Consultant and co-founder of Ethio IQ, has harped that deploying business strategy and technology to classrooms can create life-changing educational opportunities and transform learning across Africa.

She disclosed this in a statement recently, stating the need for African education systems to embrace business-like discipline and innovation to achieve scalable impact and lasting student success.

She disclosed that Ethiopia’s educational sector had long battled severe challenges, with national Grade 12 exam failure rates reaching as high as 95 to 97 percent between 2014 and 2016.

This situation, according to Tessaw, created hopelessness for many students and families, as overcrowded classrooms and scarce resources left them without the support needed to succeed.

‘In education, we cannot rely on passion alone. Education is not just a social mission; it is a system that needs strategy, accountability, and innovation to thrive,’ Tessaw noted.

‘When we apply the same discipline that drives successful businesses to classrooms, we create life-changing opportunities for students.’ She added.

The expert explained that her stance is informed by the work of Ethio IQ, an EdTech startup she co-founded, which applies personalized and data-driven learning approaches to support students.

She assertedin her statement that in 2023, the company recorded a 100 percent pass rate among its Grade 12 students, a turnaround that the expert attributes to structured strategy and evidence-based methods.

She said, ‘The impact of this model has also been recognized beyond Ethiopia. Ethio IQ was recently selected by the Mastercard Foundation and Reach for Change EdTech Fellowship, receiving USD 60,000 in equity-free venture funding to expand its approach nationwide.’

Tessaw, who is also a Strategy Consultant at Bain and Company in Seattle and recipient of the 2023 AAUW International Master’s/First Professional Degree Fellowship, emphasized that her experience in ‘go-to-market and product strategy’ has shaped her vision for education.

‘Business and education are not opposing forces; they are complementary. The same strategies that transform corporations can also transform classrooms, and that is the future we are building,’ she remarked.

As Ethio IQ expands its services to reach younger students and incorporate local language classes, Tessaw believes its experience demonstrates that with the right mix of strategy, accountability, and innovation, Africa’s education systems can chart a new course and deliver lasting change for learners.

Beyond her work with Ethio IQ, the strategist continues to draw on her global consulting experience and academic recognition to advocate for education reform, making her a leading expert on how business strategy can drive social impact across the continent.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, says the commission has secured a cost relief of over N19 billion for Nigerian pilgrims in preparation for the 2026 Hajj.

Usman disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Friday upon his return from Saudi Arabia, where he embarked on an emergency visit on September 22 to negotiate improved service delivery and cost efficiency for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

According to him, the relief followed engagements with Saudi partners and executives of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, which resulted in a reduction of over N200,000 per pilgrim across the 66,910 slots allocated to Nigeria.

‘This achievement is not just negotiation, but results. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at easing the burden on our people,’ the NAHCON boss said.

He noted that beyond the relief, the trip laid a stronger foundation for the 2026 exercise, with several contracts already signed. These include Masha’ir services with Mashariq Dhahabiyya Company, transport services with Daleel Al-Ma’aleem, and accommodation and feeding services in Madinah’s Markaziyya area at competitive rates.

The chairman added that NAHCON had held frank discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, drawing from the lessons of the 2025 Hajj to make firm recommendations for better service delivery.

He also announced the inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Tour Operators Screening Committee, saying only qualified operators would be cleared to serve Nigerian pilgrims.

‘The days of shortcuts and cutting corners are over,’ Usman stressed.

In addition, NAHCON has commenced intensive staff training to sharpen its workforce ahead of the commencement of operations.

The hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Friday for his conviction on prostitution-related charges.

Prosecutors had sought 11 years behind bars for Combs but Judge Arun Subramanian handed down a 50-month sentence after an emotional daylong court hearing.

Combs’s lawyers had urged the judge to sentence the 55-year-old hip-hop star to 14 months, which would effectively have been time served since he has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for more than a year.

Addressing the court before the judge handed down the sentence, Combs said he was ‘truly sorry’ for his actions and asked the judge for ‘another chance.’

‘I ask your honour for mercy,’ he said. ‘I beg your honour for mercy.’

Diddy Combs was acquitted by a jury in July of the most serious charges against him – sex trafficking and racketeering – but convicted of two counts of transporting people across state lines for prostitution.

Combs’s former girlfriend Casandra Ventura submitted a letter to the judge asking him to consider ‘the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control.’

Ventura, the 39-year-old singer known as Cassie, described in wrenching detail the physical, emotional and sexual abuse she suffered while in a more than decade-long relationship with Combs.

Ventura and another woman, identified as Jane, said they were coerced into performing so-called ‘freak offs’: sexual marathons with hired men that Combs directed and sometimes filmed.

‘The entire courtroom watched actual footage of Combs kicking and beating me as I tried to run away from a freak off in 2016,’ Ventura wrote.

She said she has nightmares and flashbacks ‘on a regular, everyday basis.’

Ventura said she and her family had left the New York area for fear of ‘retribution’ from Combs if he is released.

Speaking before the sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik said Combs has not accepted responsibility for his actions.

‘His remorse was qualified. It’s as though he thinks the law doesn’t apply to him,’ Slavik said.

Slavik said Combs had booked speaking engagements in Miami next week in anticipation of a light sentence, which she called ‘the height of hubris.’

Arguing for a lesser sentence, Nicole Westmoreland, one of Combs’s lawyers, called him an ‘inspiration’ to the Black community and a social justice crusader.

‘No, Combs is not larger than life,’ she said. ‘He’s just a human being. He’s made mistakes.’

But he is remorseful and ‘it’s of no benefit to anyone to warehouse him in a prison.’

Combs’s six adult children each delivered an emotional plea on their father’s behalf, with the eldest Quincy Brown calling him ‘a changed man.’

‘Please, please give our family the chance to heal together,’ said one of his daughters, D’Lila Combs. ‘Not as headlines but as human beings.’

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) decision to clear over $7 billion unsettled FX backlogs raised investors’ confidence in the economy, supporting dollar inflows and foreign reserves accretion, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has announced.

He spoke yesterday at the Inaugural Lagos Business School Lecture Theme: ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building’ held in Lagos.

The CBN boss said although he had no idea where the funds for the backlog clearance would come from when he assumed office, he believed it was the right thing to do, and gave investors his word.

He said: ‘Credibility is at the heart of any central bank. If you don’t have credibility, people do not trust you and they do not invest in your economy. When I took office, I made a promise we would pay the backlog, the verifiable backlog of monies that were owed by Nigeria to third parties.’

‘And it was, at the time, estimated at over $7 billion US dollars. And to be honest with you, I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I just felt it was not something to be negotiated.’

Cardoso explained that Nigeria needed to ensure that its integrity is maintained.

He said the apex bank started with a forensic audit to understand the issues better and based on the recommendations, the backlog of foreign exchange transactions was paid, which was a huge sacrifice.

He explained that as a going concern, the CBN knows that if it expected people to continue to trust and invest in our economy, you’ve got to keep your promises.

‘I have no idea in my mind either that that particular action contributed in no small way, and it may not appear to many as such, but it contributed in no small way to the rise in foreign exchange reserves that we have been able to acknowledge,’ he stated.

Cardoso said the increased forex liquidity has supported naira stability and made it easier for many commercial banks to approve use of their naira-debit cards abroad.

He said the use of naira-debit cards abroad is definitely a step in the right direction. It’s transformative. It is here to stay, and you can be sure that going forward, you will continue to see this kind of initiative in the country.

He said ‘the event marks the first edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor’s Lecture, part of our new Knowledge Acceleration and Thought Leadership Series.

‘This platform is a deliberate effort to bridge policy and practice, and to nurture a culture of informed, values-driven leadership. It is also the first of what we hope will become a series of engagements with institutions of higher learning across Nigeria,’ he said.

Cardoso disclosed that when he assumed office as Governor in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced formidable headwinds.

‘Inflation was spiraling, external reserves were strained, investor confidence was shaken, and nearly every macroeconomic indicator was under pressure.

It was a moment that demanded not just technical skill, but leadership rooted in courage, credibility, and accountability. We had to act decisively,’ he said.

To rein in inflation, the CBN tightened policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

‘We restored orthodoxy by halting central bank financing of government beyond statutory limits and re-anchoring monetary policy on its core mandate. On foreign exchange, we introduced a willing-buyer, willing-seller framework, unified exchange rate windows, and cleared the backlog of verifiable FX commitments, restoring market confidence,’ he said.

‘We strengthened reserves, now standing above $42 billion, and created new channels for diaspora remittances and investments, including the Non-Resident BVN platform, which allows Nigerians abroad to open accounts seamlessly from anywhere in the world,’ he said.

Continuing, he said the real task is to ensure that these hard-won gains translate into durable prosperity, especially for the next generation. And this is where leadership becomes critical.

‘That said, we cannot also ignore the reality that life remains hard for many Nigerians, nor deny that leadership has sometimes fallen short. Yet reputation matters. When it falters, confidence weakens and opportunities narrow, but when it is rebuilt, confidence returns, capital flows, and stability takes root.

‘I have seen this at the Central Bank, where restoring credibility has opened new possibilities. And it is you, the next generation of Nigerians, who will carry this reputation forward, shaping how our nation is seen, and showing the world a nation that is resilient, creative, and determined to rise,’ he stated.

A Nigeria tech firm, MOL Tech Accessories and Afro-beat singer/songwriter, Simi, have signed a 5-year collaboration deal.

As a starter, both parties will be launching MOM x SYMS, a collaboration that blends technology, lifestyle, and culture in fresh and innovative ways.

MOL and Simi have begun work on the collection, which they will unveil in the coming months. While details remain under wraps, the partners promise products and experiences designed to excite young Nigerians and global audiences.

Speaking during the signing of the deal in Lagos recently, Simi described the partnership as a natural extension of shared creativity and vision. ‘Working with MOL has been inspiring. We are building something special that reflects quality, accessibility, and creativity. Fans should be ready for products and experiences they can truly connect with,’ she added.

On his part, CEO of MOL Tech Accessories, Sanmi Oladunni, emphasised the broader significance of the collaboration, saying, ‘Many people have lost trust in local brands, and we want to change that. Partnering with Simi brings passion, credibility, and imagination. Together, we want to prove that Nigerian brands can deliver excellence and inspire confidence.’

Since launching over 2 years ago, MOL has expanded operations to 27 states across Nigeria. The company has established a reputation for producing high-quality chargers, cables, power banks, earphones, and headsets, backed by an 18-stage quality assurance process that ensures every product meets international standards. This commitment to quality and innovation has already earned MOL several industry recognitions, further cementing its position as one of the country’s fastest-growing tech companies.

Associate Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Toluwani Odukoya, has shared the journey of separation from the husband, a period she said significantly shaped her life.

In a recent interview with Truthtable, Toluwani revealed that she is separated due to circumstances beyond her control, describing the experience as akin to a death.

The 40-year-old emphasised that separation doesn’t necessarily imply failure or fault on either side.

‘I’ll say I’m separated. Most of you don’t know I’m separated and that’s actually defined or has shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control,’ she said.

She praised her ex-husband, calling him a ‘great man,’ and believes that their marriage wasn’t ordained by God, making it difficult to last.

‘My ex-husband is a great man. but if God doesn’t ordain you guys to be together and you force-fit yourselves, the likelihood of staying together is very low,’ she explained.

She stated the past few years have been particularly trying for her, marked by a series of family tragedies.

She lost her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and eventually, her father, Senior Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, who passed away on August 7, 2023.

Through her struggles, Toluwani said she has leaned heavily on her faith and found solace in her family’s support.

‘When the call came, I told God, ‘You know all the baggage I’m trying to navigate. But if You call me to serve, then maybe you’ve put something in me.’ I just decided to keep my eyes on Jesus,’ she recounted.

Support from her family, particularly her late father and her siblings, played a pivotal role in helping her stay grounded during those challenging years. ‘My dad fought for me. My family encouraged me. That embrace added to my self-esteem and self-worth,’ she said.

The Odukoya family has been at the heart of The Fountain of Life Church since its founding.

After the passing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in the United States, his son, Jimmy Odukoya, succeeded him as the Senior Pastor, serving alongside Toluwani in leadership.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, as a distinguished officer who exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion and hard work in his service to the country.

Senator Diri stated this on Friday at the funeral mass in honour of Arase at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin, the Edo State capital.

Arase, who was appointed IGP by former President Goodluck Jonathan, served between 2015 and 2016 and passed on in August this year at the age of 69.

Speaking as Chairman of the South South Governors Forum, the Bayelsa governor paid glowing tributes to the late IGP, stating that by dint of hard work and service rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career.

He said: ‘We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but the South South region and indeed to Nigeria after he retired as IGP. We all grieve but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today.

‘For me, moments such as these are humbling. So we should all be humbled and continue to give service to our country and states to the best of our abilities. We will always be remembered by what we have done.

‘Today, we remember Arase and his good deeds in service of his country as a police man from the beginning to the zenith of his profession. His relationship with the rest of society was marked with humility and spreading love wherever he went.’

In his remarks, son of the deceased, Victor Arase, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa governor and his Edo counterpart as well as all those who identified with the Arase family in its moment of grief.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Edo State, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

Others were Commissioners of Police across the country, DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers among other top government functionaries.

Four persons escaped death while one sustained serious injury in an auto crash along the ever-busy Awka-Onitsha highway.

The crash which occurred on Friday near Igbariam Junction, involved a diesel-laden tanker and a tipper truck.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Bridget Asekhauno said the injured was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

She attributed the cause of the crash to loss of control by the tipper driver, which resulted in the heavy collision.

She said the incident disrupted traffic flow, as the tanker was fully loaded with diesel and required immediate transloading to another vehicle.

While sympathizing with the injured, Asekhauno, reminded motorists of the importance of road discipline, urging road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with officers to ensure safety on roads.

‘We are committed to working tirelessly to reduce road traffic accidents and enhance public safety in Anambra State.

‘FRSC personnel from the RS5.33 Nteje Unit swiftly responded to the incident, managing traffic and securing the scene during the ongoing diesel transloading.

‘Motorists on the route are advised to maintain patience, avoid reckless overtaking, and stay alert – especially around high-risk junctions like Igbariam.’

The Corps also appealed to the public to report crashes or roadside emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number 122 or any nearby command post.