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Fashion entrepreneur Tania Omotayo has denied using Ozempic to lose weight, after a Snapchat user sent her a message claiming she was using the medication for weight loss.

She addressed the rumors, stating that she has been open about her fitness journey and her weight loss is not attributed to Ozempic.

Tania, who is a mother of two, reminded the public that she has already shared a detailed video on TikTok explaining her weight loss journey.

She urged people to stop spreading false information.

The Snapchat user wrote: ‘She’s on Ozempic’.

Tania replied: ‘Oops. You mistakenly sent the chat to me Hun. And no, I’m not on Ozempic. I’ve never hidden how I lost weight. There’s a whole video on my TikTok. Let’s not spread the nonsense please. God bless.’

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akinola, has informed the commission is working on establishing a South-West Investment Fund to catalyse investment across the six states of the region.

Akinola said the proposed fund, which will be largely private sector-driven, is designed to attract capital for strategic regional projects and address the infrastructure needs of the South-West.

He stated on Thursday at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue organised by Afenifere, the DAWN Commission, and the South-West Governors’ Forum, held in Akure, Ondo State, with the theme ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.’

‘We are designing a best-in-class investment fund that can attract private capital to finance outstanding regional projects and meet the urgent infrastructure needs of the South-West,’ Akinola said.

The SWDC boss explained that the commission is intensifying efforts to achieve greater regional connectivity and integrated development as part of a broader agenda to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity across the region.

According to him, consultations have begun with development partners and private investors to design a framework for intra-regional transportation corridors, agricultural value chain enhancement, and technology-driven industrial clusters linking major cities and rural communities.

He noted that improving road networks, digital infrastructure, and economic linkages would facilitate trade and mobility while strengthening social cohesion and competitiveness across the South-West.

‘The development commissions, like the SWDC, focus on regional projects that are often left unattended to. We’re looking at integrative initiatives such as regional connectivity by rail and highways.

‘For instance, it took us about four hours to get from Ibadan to Akure, How do we get state governments, the federal government, and the private sector to collaborate on such critical infrastructure?’ he asked.

Akinola stressed that the SWDC’s strategy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic transformation agenda and the renewed commitment of South-West governors to a unified development blueprint.

He said improved connectivity will enable the region to leverage its human capital and economic potential to drive national growth, attract investment, and create jobs for millions of young people.

‘We will be engaging in the coming weeks with a broad range of stakeholders – communities, governors, trade groups – to define a shared vision for the commission. This inclusiveness is critical to ensuring collective ownership and success,’ he stated.

Akinola recalled that he previously chaired the expert group set up by South-West Governors between 2020 and 2021 to produce the technical report that laid the foundation for the establishment of the SWDC.

‘We engaged governors across the states to identify priorities and shared perspectives on regional development. It’s an ongoing process. We cannot succeed without the active participation of the governors and the people,’ he noted.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers, trade groups, youth associations, and market women to drive a shared vision of prosperity for the region.

‘We stand on a covenant with the people of the South-West that we will do our best. Together with our partners, the governors, Kabiyesis, trade groups, and communities, we will pursue a united vision to drive prosperity through the work of the South-West Development Commission,’ Akinola declared.

Afrobeats singer Asake has sparked speculation by quietly switching his Instagram handle from ‘asakemusic’ to ‘MrMoney’, a move fans interpret as the first signal of his upcoming fourth studio album.

Asake, who has five million followers, updated his handle name without any prior announcement or explanation.

‘Mr. Money’ is a nickname deeply associated with Asake’s rise to fame, stemming from his 2020 breakout single of the same name.

The moniker became a cultural tag after the success of his record-breaking 2022 debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe.

The handle change appears to nod back to his roots while ushering in a new creative phase.

Fans suggest the move aligns with Asake’s upcoming album, Money, which he first hinted at in mid-2025.

The project is reportedly set to be his first full-length release under his independent label, Giran Republic, following his departure from Olamide’s YBNL earlier this year.

A call for Africa’s inclusion on energy access received a boost at the ongoing 9th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) where Transcorp’s President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Owen D. Omogiafo, spoke on the evolving nature of the global ‘Energy Trilemma’ during a high-level plenary session.

The discussion at the annual forum hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on the imperative of maintaining energy security to power economic growth, including the AI revolution, while ensuring a sustainable energy future.

Omogiafo, who spoke alongside global energy leaders across Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia, on the topic: ‘Board of Changemakers: The Energy Trilemma,’ said Africa needs to improve its energy supply, and quickly too.

‘I am from Nigeria, and my company is driving energy transformation. What we are looking at is not so much about whether we are transiting; it is creating greater access to energy for all. The gap is huge, and we all need to be conscious of it in energy conversations,’ she said, highlighting Africa’s energy deficiency challenge.

‘It will interest you to know that about 70 or 80 per cent of people with no access to electricity are in Africa, which is very disturbing, I believe. Today, the world is concerned about immigration. The people who are migrating are not migrating because they hate their homes, or because they hate their families, but because they feel they have to.’

Owen reiterated to the audience that Africa’s priority remains ‘increasing the access to power and driving greater inclusion.’ She said: ‘Affordability is right up there, and I will also tell you, the numbers we run in Nigeria, renewable is not cheaper for us.

‘The only renewable that today is cheaper is the hydro and that’s because it’s been made a long time ago, the investment is already there, we have got the water but when I look at the statistics of my country Nigeria, just 12% of the power that goes to the grid comes from hydro, the remaining is from fossil, gas fired powered plants.’

Reflecting on the panel, Owen affirmed that ‘It is not either-or; we (Africa) do need to expand access, leveraging technologies including off-grid and mini grid sources to ensure that the Continent that has the largest number of young people in the world, is included in the energy solutions, with industrialisation at the core of it.’

She emphasised that for Africa, the solution must be pragmatic and inclusive. We must secure affordable power today to drive the development that will enable the sustainable energy systems of tomorrow.

As the year winds down, staying organised, productive and intentional can make all the difference.

Whether you’re trying to manage your time better, stay consistent with habits, or simply get back on track, these five apps can help you do just that right from your phone.

1. Notion – for organizing your entire life

Available on: Play Store, App Store, and Web.

Notion is the ultimate all-in-one digital workspace, a planner, journal, and project manager rolled into one. From budgeting and meal planning to tracking goals or class notes, Notion helps you structure your life with ease. It keeps your ideas and tasks in one neat space so you can think clearly and stay ahead.

2. TickTick – for to-do- lists

Available on: Play Store, App Store, and Web.

If you love lists but struggle to follow through, TickTick simplifies productivity. It lets you create smart schedules, set reminders, and even track habits without feeling overwhelmed. It blends your calendar and task list perfectly, keeping you on top of deadlines and goals.

3. Zero – for smarter fasting and weight control

Available on: Play Store and App Store.

Zero is a popular intermittent fasting app that helps users build healthier eating habits and understand their body’s rhythm. It tracks your fasting windows, calorie intake, and progress, offering science-backed insights. For those watching their weight or seeking balance, it’s a gentle accountability partner that makes wellness simple and achievable.

4. Routinery – for building habits that last

Available on: Play Store and App Store.

Routinery turns your daily goals into structured routines using behavioral psychology. Whether you’re trying to wake up earlier, meditate, or drink more water, the app helps you build consistency one step at a time. It makes discipline feel doable and even rewarding.

5. Canva – for bringing your ideas to life

Available on: Play Store, App Store, and Web.

Canva makes design easy for everyone. From social media posts and resumes to presentations or business logos, the app offers endless templates and tools to make your work stand out. It’s creativity made simple perfect for students, freelancers, and professionals looking to add polish to their projects.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not charge former Power and Steel minister, Dr Olu Agunloye, with six billion dollars fraud.

Agunloye in his writ of summons in the defamation suit marked FCT/HC/CV/1199/2024, filed by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, claimed that the EFCC damaged his good name on its social media handles.

The former minister added and his integrity into murky waters, alleging him to be corrupt and fraudulent individual .

He, therefore, sought a declaration of the court that the post is false and defamatory of him.

Agunloye also sought an order for EFCC to retract the defamatory publication against him and tender unreserved apologies.

He further sought the payment of compensation of N1billion as general and exemplary damage to him.

Earlier, the EFCC sole witness, Umar Babangida, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who is an investigator with EFCC was cross examined by Adedipe.

Babangida told the court that he was a witness in the criminal case before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie in Apo, Abuja.

The matter, he said, has not been concluded.

When Adedipe showed the witness the criminal charge against Agunloye to show the court where six billion dollars was contained, Babangida told the court:’there nothing like that in the charge’.

When shown Paragraph 29 of his witnesses statement on oath, Babangida retracted and confirmed to the court the said publication was from the commission’s media department.

‘I don’t know if Exhibit C (the publication) is an EFCC publication. I am an investigator, not in the media department. The publication is from the EFCC media department.’

Earlier, Babangida had, while being led in his evidence by EFCC counsel, O.S. Ajayi, adopted his written statement and urged the court to accept it as his oral evidence in the case.

Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned until Feb. 2, 2026 for adoption of parties’ final written addresses.

Agunloye is facing an amended seven-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/617/2023, bordering on forgery, disobeying presidential directive and receiving gratification, filed by EFCC on award of the controversial Mambilla hydropower project in Taraba.

EFCC alleged that the former minister awarded contract for the Mambilla project on May 22, 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) without any budgetary provision, approval and cash backing.

The commission also, among others, alleged that the former minister received the total sum of N5.212million from SPTCL and Leno Adesanya, through Jide Abiodun Sotirin through Agunloye’s Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account, for conveying the Federal Government’s approval for the construction of the Mambilla power project in favour of SPTCL while serving as minister.

Agunloye, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by EFCC.(NAN)

The Otemu Educational Foundation (OEF) on Thursday inducted the pioneer students of its scholarship beneficiaries, marking a major stride in its mission to promote educational opportunity for underprivileged but brilliant students in Delta State.

The Beneficiary Induction Programme (BIP), held at the Main Auditorium of Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, formally welcomed 13 exceptional scholars selected for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The beneficiaries emerged through a rigorous four-stage screening process from a pool of 475 shortlisted applicants.

The Foundation, launched by former Delta state governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori in November 2024, aims to sponsor indigent but deserving students across Delta State, providing them with the resources to pursue higher education and achieve their potential.

Dignitaries at the event included Chief Ibori, who is the Chairman of the OEF Board of Trustees; Professor Augustine Ikelegbe, Vice Chancellor of WDU; Chairman of the OEF Board of Trustees; senior faculty members, community leaders, media representatives, and families of the beneficiaries.

In his goodwill message, Chief Ibori reaffirmed the Foundation’s guiding philosophy of empowerment through fairness and opportunity.

‘This is not charity. This is justice. This is equity. We are deliberately empowering those who have earned their place but lacked the means to claim it.’

Shedding more light on why the foundation was established, Ibori said ‘We recognise the vital role education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty, and our foundation is committed to providing scholarships and resources to talented students who would otherwise lack the financial means to pursue their academic dreams’.

‘By investing in these bright young minds, we are not only fostering individual growth but also empowering future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities and beyond’.

‘We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and development. Our goal is to create an environment where every student, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to quality education and the resources needed to succeed’.

Each OEF scholar receives full tuition, accommodation, sundry fees, and a living stipend of ?800,000 per academic year. The beneficiaries are enrolled in diverse programmes at WDU, including Computer Science, Business Administration, Mass Communication, Law, and Environmental Science.

Programme Coordinator, Ms. Isioghene Maureen Eyikimi, described the scheme as ‘a launchpad for leadership and service,’ noting that the scholarship also includes mentorship and personal development components.

‘This scholarship is a lifeline and a loud affirmation that where you start in life should never determine how far you can go,’ she said.

The ceremony featured a pledge of excellence by the scholars, certificate presentations, and an appreciation speech by Favor Egbunowor, who spoke on behalf of the cohort.

‘We pledge to honour this opportunity with excellence, integrity, and service. We will not only learn, but we will also lead,’ she declared.

The Otemu Educational Foundation has announced plans to expand its scholarship coverage by 2026, with future cycles expected to include vocational and technical training tracks.

The Foundation also appealed to corporate partners, philanthropists, and public-spirited Nigerians to support its vision of advancing educational equity and youth empowerment across Delta State and Nigeria.

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has described Dangote refinery and petrochemicals as a national asset that needs protection by the Nigerians and the Federal Government.

The group said that the $20bn refinery represented Nigeria’s energy future.

President of BAVCCA, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere said this in a press statement after leading a 15 – member delegation to the refinery.

Chukwunyere said the refinery will boost our economy, reduce dependency on imports, and position Nigeria as a global leader.

The BAVCCA President said: ‘My fellow Nigerians, as I reflect on every detail of this visit-from the testimony of belief and support, to the insights on passion and resilience, to our own contributions and the warm reception-we must internalise a vital truth: Dangote Industries is a national asset. It represents the pinnacle of what Nigeria can achieve when vision meets determination.

‘This refinery is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future-creating jobs, boosting our economy, reducing dependency on imports, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader. But assets like this face threats: skepticism from investors, sabotage on social media, and even closures of related industries. We cannot stand idly by.

‘Every Nigerian-bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens from all walks of life-must rise to protect Dangote Industries. Share the stories of its triumphs, counter falsehoods with facts, and advocate for policies that shield such enterprises from harm.

‘Our association, BAVCCA, pledges to lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite.

‘Let us honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Vice President Edwin Devakumar by committing to this cause.’

According to him, the Dangote Refinery represents ‘the pinnacle of sophistication in petroleum processing, featuring advanced equipment such as the world’s largest single-train refinery design, which integrates cutting-edge distillation columns, catalytic crackers, and hydrotreaters to efficiently handle a diverse range of crude oils and produce high-quality fuels and petrochemicals at an initial capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. Ambitious expansion plans are set to more than double this to 1.4 million barrels per day, incorporating additional modular units and upgraded infrastructure to accommodate increased throughput and product variety, solidifying its status as a global leader in refining.’

The BAVCCA President added: ‘Economically, this venture delivers profound advantages to Nigeria by saving billions in foreign exchange through reduced fuel imports, creating around 65,000 jobs to stimulate employment and skills development, enhancing energy security to mitigate supply disruptions, and generating over $55 billion in annual revenue to fuel broader industrial and economic growth.’

Deborah’s Impact Projects Africa (DIPA) has intensified its campaign for menstrual health equity with the distribution of free sanitary pads and hygiene education to over 1,000 adolescent girls across Lagos State.

The initiative, known as the Pad-A-Girl Drive, took place at Gbara Community Senior High School, Jakande, Eti-Osa, and Onike Junior High School, Iwaya, Yaba, providing menstrual products and education to students who often miss school due to lack of access to sanitary pads.

Speaking during the outreach, Programme’s Director at DIPA, Diezani Ototo-Onuorah, said the organisation is committed to addressing barriers that hinder girls’ education and well-being.

She explained that the initiative comes at a time when rising inflation has made essential hygiene products unaffordable for many families, leaving thousands of girls vulnerable to school absenteeism, low self-esteem, and social stigma.

She said: ‘As an organisation, we have seen first-hand how something as natural as menstruation can become a barrier that derails a girl’s destiny. That is why DIPA is fully taking responsibility, not just partnering, not just supporting, but leading this movement for menstrual dignity across communities.’

She added that the project represents the organisation’s broader goal of helping young girls gain confidence and knowledge to thrive in school and society.

‘This week’s outreach is only the beginning. We are scaling, we are returning and we are expanding, because our girls deserve consistency, not occasional interventions. The future of Africa is tied to the opportunities we give our girls right now, and DIPA is determined to keep opening those doors,’ she added.

At Gbara Community Senior High School, the Principal, Mrs. Oyewole Abosede, commended the initiative for its direct impact on students.

‘This initiative has restored dignity to many of our girls who have struggled quietly for months and years. By placing sanitary pads in their hands and knowledge in their hearts, you have empowered them to walk tall every day of the month,’ she said.

Similarly, the Principal of Onike Junior High School, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Yetunde Akingbade, noted that the intervention came at a crucial time for families struggling with basic hygiene needs.

‘What DIPA has done today goes beyond distributing pads; it has restored confidence, dignity, and focus to our girls. You have touched lives in a way that words cannot fully express,’

The outreach sessions included talks on menstrual hygiene, puberty awareness, and confidence building, alongside interactive discussions aimed at dispelling myths around menstruation.

DIPA said the Pad-A-Girl Drive is part of its broader commitment to empowering women and girls through education, health awareness, and economic inclusion. The initiative also aligns with similar drives in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, and South Africa.

Since its inception, the organisation said it has reached more than 10,000 women and girls across Africa through projects such as The Joseph’s Project (food security), Financial Literacy Programme (economic empowerment), and the School Adoption Programme (education support).

DIPA stated that it plans to expand the Pad-A-Girl Drive to more underserved communities across Lagos and other African countries to ensure that girls can pursue their education with dignity and confidence.

The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) have announced plans to organise a health investment forum to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

The Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum, scheduled to hold on 30 October, is in collaboration with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

The high-level signature event themed ‘Made in Nigeria. Made for Health,’ will bring together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and investors.

The forum aims to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, strengthen regulatory systems, and mobilise investment across its pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, will advance Nigeria’s health sector industrialisation and deepen strategic dialogue and sustainable partnerships with the EU.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a defining moment for strategic partnership.

The envoy said: ‘This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production. The EU and Team Europe, through the Global Gateway, are investing in people, systems, and innovation. This transformation will strengthen how health products are made, distributed, and accessed across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.’

Mignot added that the event would focus on shaping a healthier and more self-reliant future.

‘We look forward to signing new partnerships, driving sustainable investments, and co-creating solutions that will reinforce Nigeria’s health security for decades to come. By aligning our investments with Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda, we are supporting local producers and innovators who will build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem across West Africa,’ he noted.

Director-General of NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe, said the forum is a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance.

Adigwe added that the conversations and partnerships emerging from the forum will shape the next decade of Nigeria’s health sector.

He said: ‘It will connect policy, innovation, and investment, while highlighting NIPRD’s role in driving evidence-based research that supports local pharmaceutical production.

‘Our goal is to make ‘Made in Nigeria, Made for Health’ a reality that delivers sustainable impact across the country and the continent. We welcome this collaboration with the EU and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain as a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s research outputs into viable industrial solutions.

‘Together, we are building the foundations for equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines made in Nigeria for Nigerians and other nationalities.’

National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr Abdu Mukhtar said the forum represents a turning point for Nigeria’s health sector transformation.

‘Through this partnership with the EU and NIPRD, we are creating the conditions for large-scale private investment, expanding domestic manufacturing, and unlocking the economic potential of the health sector.

‘The Presidential Initiative is committed to ensuring that the healthcare value chain becomes a driver of growth, innovation, and jobs, while ensuring that Nigerians have access to the products they need for a healthier life,’ he said.

During the forum, key participants will sign finalised contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), as well as a regional agreement to be implemented by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) under the Team Europe Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Flagship.

These agreements aim to harmonise SRHR policies, expand access to underused SRHR products and maternal health services, and strengthen accountability systems across the region.

In addition, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Bayer AG, and Chromedix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. are forging a forward-looking partnership to position Nigeria as Africa’s next powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and health sovereignty.

The event will feature a policy showcase, deal-making sessions, and innovation-led discussions on sustainability, resilience, and equity in health.