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The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ogbomoso North chapter, has called on governments at all levels to address the critical challenges facing private school owners and teachers across the country, particularly in the areas of taxation, welfare, and access to financial support.

In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, the Chairman of NAPPS Ogbomoso North, Pastor Wale Ojewumi, described teachers as ‘the true architects of our nation’s future,’ noting that their contributions to national development deserve greater recognition and support.

Ojewumi commended teachers, especially those in private schools, for their dedication, passion, and hard work in nurturing the minds of future leaders. He emphasized that private schools complement government efforts in expanding access to quality education and should not be seen as competitors to public institutions.

‘We’re not competing with the public sector; rather, we are working hand-in-hand with it to ensure that quality education is available to all, especially in areas where public resources are stretched thin,’ he said.

However, the NAPPS chairman lamented that private school proprietors are burdened by what he described as an automatic 25% annual increase in personal income tax, which he said negatively affects their ability to reinvest in staff and infrastructure. He urged the government to review the policy and make it more reflective of the realities faced by school owners.

Ojewumi also called for the establishment of a structured welfare system for private school teachers, including access to healthcare, pensions, and fair compensation, noting that many qualified educators work in private schools due to limited employment opportunities in the public sector.

‘Teachers should feel supported, valued, and secure in their roles, which will ultimately benefit the children they teach,’ he added.

He further appealed for government-backed financial support, such as grants and low-interest loans, to help private schools upgrade their facilities and sustain educational quality. Additionally, he urged the government to include private school teachers in professional development programmes to enhance their skills and teaching methods.

Ojewumi concluded by reaffirming NAPPS’ commitment to advancing education in Ogbomoso and beyond, stressing that investment in both public and private education is vital to Nigeria’s peace, prosperity, and progress.

‘Every investment in education whether public or private is an investment in our peace, prosperity, and future,’ he said.

He extended greetings to teachers across Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and Nigeria, applauding their unwavering service to nation-building.

Drop shipping is a retail business that entails outsourcing products and shipping to a third-party supplier. It is another way of selling online without a physical store. As a seller, your responsibility is to promote items instead of keeping warehouses or managing inventory.

As a drop shipper, you’re the intermediary between suppliers and customers. You don’t get paid for items until they are purchased by customers. When you get orders, you link them to wholesalers or manufacturers who directly send the goods to the customers.

Below is the step-by-step guide on how drop shipping works:

1. Set up an online store

As the retailer, you would create an online store where you would sell your selected products from a supplier or marketplace. It is in this virtual store, you would showcase, describe, and give the exact price of a product. Your customers have no business with your suppliers; you are the intermediary that gets the deal done and ensures your wholesaler sends the purchased items.

2. Customer order

Your potential customers would browse through your online store to purchase what they want. They pay you based on the price tag you’ve given. Your payment system should be legit and easy to navigate; otherwise, it can slow down sales. Build trust with your customers; they will keep coming back.

3. You send the order

As the retailer in this business, your duty is to send the order of your customer to the supplier once payment has been made. You send the wholesale price (which is actually less than the price you sold the item) to the supplier and the details of the customer. Drop shipping platforms automate this process, so, no hassles.

4. Supplier processes the order

Here, the supplier takes over. They are responsible for packaging the product for shipping. This means you’re exempt from the logistics involved in sending goods. A trustworthy supplier will not compromise quality and will also ensure the right product is packaged and sent to your customer.

5. Customer receives product

It is expected that after the goods have been sent by the supplier, your customer will receive their order. As the retailer, you still have to be in touch with your customers to know if there is any concern or complaint about the goods they ordered. This is how you can strengthen your relationship with your buyers and, of course, your brand.

The rising political influence of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly creating unease within both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, especially in the South-West.

Observers say Hashim’s expanding support base and grassroots reach have disrupted long-standing political structures in the region, prompting both parties to rethink their strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

In recent weeks, APC networks in Lagos and Oyo States have intensified rallies and media engagements in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Analysts see this as a response to Hashim’s growing appeal among young voters and professionals.

‘Supporters of President Tinubu, who initially believed the APC would enjoy a smooth dominance in the South West, are now sponsoring rallies and media offensives to counter Gbenga Hashim’s ideological surge,’ a source within the South West PDP told reporters.

Within the PDP, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is also said to be facing new political pressure as Hashim’s growing influence reshapes internal dynamics across the region.

While Makinde remains a key figure in Oyo, analysts note that Hashim’s rising profile has gained support across Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and parts of Oyo State, challenging Makinde’s control over the South West PDP bloc.

‘Makinde had assumed he would naturally command regional backing for the PDP presidential ticket, but the rising tide of Gbenga Hashim’s movement has made it clear that the contest will be intense,’ another party insider said.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has reportedly been weighing a possible return to the PDP presidential race, is said to be rethinking his plans and may consider the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to growing resistance from Hashim’s supporters within the PDP.

According to party sources, Hashim’s camp has made it known that if Jonathan returns to the PDP race, it would not be an automatic ticket but a competitive primary, reflecting the renewed ideological debate within the party.

Hashim, who has long promoted value-driven and people-centered politics focused on productivity, restructuring, and ethical leadership, is increasingly seen as a rallying point for Nigerians dissatisfied with both APC and PDP’s traditional politics.

Political observers believe his current momentum could reshape the 2027 political outlook, especially in the South-West, where his message of ‘ideological politics over personality cult’ is gaining wider acceptance among emerging political groups.

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading a recent online publication that claimed bandits overran troops and seized six General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) along with over 30,000 rounds of ammunition in Obanla, Kwara State.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Omiye, described the claims as sensational and clarified that troops of 148 Battalion (Rear), while conducting ongoing clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara states, have continued to record significant operational successes.

He stated:

*’In a recent engagement, the troops mounted a strong blocking position along the Kwara-Ekiti border axis, where they neutralised two armed bandits and recovered two brand-new AK-47 rifles.

‘At no time were Army positions overrun, nor was any cache of weapons or ammunition lost to criminal elements, as mischievously reported by the online platform.

‘The publication is a fabrication intended to mislead the public and undermine the morale of gallant troops who are diligently working to restore peace and stability in the region.

‘The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring that all forms of criminality are decisively addressed across the country. Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the false report and continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.’*

He added that the Nigerian Army also reiterates its readiness to sustain the tempo of operations until all criminal networks in Kogi, Kwara, and adjoining states are dismantled.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age; yet, many women don’t realise they have it until symptoms become severe or they struggle with fertility. Detecting PCOS early makes it easier to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

In this article, Tribune Online examines seven early signs of PCOS every woman should watch out for:

1. Irregular or Missed Periods

One of the most common warning signs of PCOS is having fewer than nine periods a year – very heavy periods, or none at all. Irregular cycles are usually caused by hormonal imbalances that disrupt ovulation.

2. Excess Hair Growth

Many women with PCOS experience hirsutism, unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or back. This happens because the body produces higher levels of androgens (male hormones).

3. Persistent Acne

Acne that doesn’t go away with regular treatment, especially on the jawline, chest, or back, can be a red flag. The excess androgens associated with PCOS increase oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts.

4. Unexplained Weight Gain

Women with PCOS often struggle with weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This is linked to insulin resistance, a common feature of the condition.

5. Thinning Hair or Hair Loss

While some women notice excess hair growth, others experience hair thinning or even male-pattern baldness. This is another effect of elevated androgen levels.

6. Dark Patches on the Skin

PCOS can cause dark, velvety patches on areas like the neck, underarms, or groin. This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, is often linked to insulin resistance.

7. Difficulty Getting Pregnant

Because PCOS interferes with regular ovulation, many women find it harder to conceive. In fact, PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

PCOS can be overwhelming, but early detection and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right care, many women with PCOS go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

In a move to bolster Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have unveiled a nationwide drive to provide free business registration for 250,000 MSMEs across the country.

The initiative, launched in Abuja on Friday, September 26, follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic inclusion and ease the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs.

Speaking at the event, CAC Registrar-General, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, described the scheme as ‘a deliberate effort to remove barriers that keep many businesses in the shadows of informality.’ He explained that the free registration would enable small businesses to ‘gain access to credit, markets, and government interventions previously out of reach.’

On his part, Dr. Charles Odiil, Director-General of SMEDANi, said the collaboration marks a turning point in Nigeria’s MSME development journey.

According to him, ‘Formalization is the gateway to support. Once a business is registered, it becomes visible and can easily benefit from aftercare services such as grants, training, and market linkages.’

The partnership seeks to tackle long-standing challenges such as cost, bureaucracy, and lack of awareness, factors that have kept millions of entrepreneurs in the informal sector. Under the new scheme, CAC will forgo about N3 billion in registration fees, while SMEDAN will manage post-registration support through its comprehensive MSME database.

Businesses registered under the programme will enjoy access to technical support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness.

Both agency heads reaffirmed their commitment to driving the initiative to every state, ensuring that no genuine entrepreneur is left behind. ‘This collaboration gives practical meaning to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision,’ they jointly stated, emphasizing that the scheme represents a major investment in Nigeria’s economic future.

CAC: How to Apply

Interested MSMEs are advised to register via the SMEDAN portal. Applicants are to sign up, select ‘No’ when asked if they already have a CAC number, and submit their details. Successful applicants will be contacted with further steps to finalize their free registration.

Meanwhile, MSMEs already listed on SMEDAN’s database but without CAC registration will automatically qualify for the free scheme.

The CAC-SMEDAN partnership, analysts say, could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s informal sector to unlock access to funding, mentorship, and the formal economy for thousands of small businesses nationwide.