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Save the Children International and the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF) have called on the federal government to take urgent action within the next three months to protect an estimated 600,000 children under the age of five who are at risk of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) across six northern states: Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The groups warned that Nigeria is facing a rapidly worsening food and nutrition emergency that could push about 31 million people into acute food insecurity during the 2025 lean season, potentially becoming the world’s largest humanitarian crisis if timely interventions are not implemented.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the commemoration of the sixteenth Africa Food Security and Nutrition Day, Save the Children’s Country Director, Duncan Harvey, stressed the need for intensified efforts to strengthen food and nutrition security across the continent, noting the urgent realities confronting vulnerable households in Nigeria.

Emphasizing that the gathering was beyond commemoration, Harvey said it served as a platform to drive solutions and recommendations to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria.

Citing the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Nigeria Acute Malnutrition Analysis (May 2024-April 2025), conducted in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Harvey said 26 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will experience critical food shortages next year.

‘According to the analysis, 31 million Nigerians will face acute food and nutritional insecurity, while 5.4 million children are already suffering from acute malnutrition.

‘Of these, 3.5 million children under five are affected by SAM, with 1.2 million requiring immediate, lifesaving treatment.

‘In just a few months, an estimated 600,000 children could become severely malnourished across the six northern states.

‘Without access to therapeutic food and urgent care, about 96,000 may die-that’s more than 1,000 children every day,’ Harvey warned.

The organizations noted that 32 percent of Nigerian children under five are stunted, with rates exceeding 50 percent in some northwestern communities.

In addition, more than 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk of acute malnutrition, compounding the country’s maternal and child health crisis.

‘Hunger is not just a lack of food, it’s a violation of dignity and a threat to the future. Food and nutrition security must be treated as a fundamental human right, not a privilege,’ he noted.

The NGOs urged the Nigerian government, donors, and international partners to immediately allocate funds for lifesaving nutrition commodities such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and Therapeutic Milk, preferably produced locally.

They also called for stronger political commitment, improved social protection systems, and greater investment in long-term agricultural and nutrition programs.

‘Severe malnutrition has irreversible impacts on a child’s physical and cognitive development and, by extension, on national productivity. It is not only a humanitarian crisis but a threat to Nigeria’s human capital and economic stability,’ Dr. Helen Idiong, the Director of Program, Quality and Influencing at Plan International Nigeria, said.

The organizations appealed to the government to adopt shock-responsive social safety nets, scale up food assistance and livelihood support, and strengthen collaboration with humanitarian partners for evidence-based interventions through the Cadre Harmonisé and IPC systems.

They further called for targeted interventions to support the 800,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk, emphasizing that leveraging the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) could double the impact on vulnerable populations.

‘As humanitarian and development agencies, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside the government to stop preventable deaths from hunger and malnutrition.

‘No child should die of hunger- not today, not tomorrow, not ever,’ Thierno Diallo, the Country Director of Action Against Hunger (ACF), noted.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday announced that eight of the 14 political associations seeking registration as political parties have met the criteria to proceed to the next stage of the exercise.

National Commissioner and Chairman,

Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said in a statement that the eight associations successfully uploaded the required information on its dedicated portal at the close of the exercise on the 18th October, 2025.

The Commission had earlier pre-qualified 14 associations out of about 171 that submitted letters of intent to be registered as political parties.

The statement reads: ‘Further to the Commission’s earlier update on Thursday, 11th September 2025, on the ongoing process for the registration of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular meeting today, Thursday, 30th October 2025, and, among other issues, reviewed progress made since that announcement.

‘Following the briefing held for 14 pre-qualified associations on Tuesday, 17th September 2025, the Commission opened its dedicated portal for the upload of required documents from Wednesday, 18th September to Friday, 18th October 2025 at midnight.

‘As of Saturday, 19th October 2025, eight (8) out of the fourteen (14) pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation.

‘The associations are All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and Peoples Freedom Party (PFP).

‘The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association. This stage will ensure conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022).

‘The Commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.’

‘They’re mad.’ ‘They’re possessed.’ ‘Alcohol no Dey tire you?’ These are more than just careless phrases. They’re echoes of stigma. When someone is in a mental health crisis, they are not being ‘witchy’ or ‘lazy’-they’re sick. Invisible illness. Struggled mind. A person who needs help. And too often, that help is missing.

Millions of young Nigerians suffer psychological distress. Some lean on substances because they don’t know where else to turn. Others smile through the pain until they can’t anymore. And every life lost to suicide is a tragedy-one too many. According to reports, Nigeria’s suicide rate has been placed at 17.3 per 100,000 in some sources, higher than the global average of 10.3 per 100,000. A General Psychiatry study cited that 50 % of the suicide cases covered by Nigerian newspaper reports were people younger than 34.

These aren’t just statistics. These are young lives cut short. And because mental illness-depression, anxiety, substance misuse-is often misunderstood or hidden, the risk only grows. In a country where many still believe crisis must be spiritual in origin, or that shame must remain secret, we have an urgent need to intervene differently.

That’s where mental health first-aid becomes critical.

Mental health first-aid is training that equips everyday people; students, staff in schools or offices, youth leaders, community members to recognize early signs of mental distress, provide supportive listening, ask the right questions, and guide someone in crisis toward help. It’s like physical first aid for the mind. It doesn’t replace a therapist, but it gives you the skills to act before things spiral.

In Nigeria, where professional support is under-resourced and stigma is still high, first-aid training serves several essential purposes:

It normalises the conversation. When young Nigerians learn to see mental distress as something treatable rather than shameful, we chip away at taboo.

It builds safety nets in everyday spaces. Schools, small businesses, religious or community centres-these are places where people spend much of their lives. Having trained people nearby means someone in a crisis doesn’t feel utterly alone.

It enables early intervention. Many mental health problems escalate because warning signs were ignored. If a friend notices persistent withdrawal, mood swings, or suicidal thoughts, first-aid training helps them respond with compassion rather than dismissal.

Nigeria is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. Many of us are under pressure-academic demands, unemployment, rising cost of living, family expectations, and social media comparisons. Add limited mental health resources, and you have a silent crisis.

One estimate suggests Nigeria records as many as 15,000 suicide deaths annually and yet attempted suicide was criminalised under sections of the legal code until recently. The law, fear of stigma, and lack of awareness combine so that many people suffering in silence never reach help until it is too late.

Mental health first-aid doesn’t wait for perfect policy, or full funding. It starts with education, empathy, and equipping real people to respond humanely. It says: you don’t have to be a therapist to care. You just have to be willing to believe someone’s pain matters.

Here’s what first-aid training can do in practical terms:

Spot the Warning Signs. Persistent mood changes, withdrawal from friends, talk of hopelessness, or increasing use of alcohol or substances-all can be early signals.

Provide Immediate Support. Listening without judgment (‘I hear you’, ‘You’re not alone’) rather than dismissing with insults like ‘mad’ or accusing mental health sufferers of laziness or sin.

Safe Referral. Knowing where to guide someone-to a counsellor, therapist, or a trusted peer support network. Having phone numbers, app-based services, or local clinics ready.

Reduce Stigma Through Language. Using compassionate and accurate words to describe distress. Teaching peers that suicide thoughts or depression are health issues-not a moral failing.

Empower Communities. Schools, churches, clubs, co-workers-all can become places of emotional safety rather than judgment.

I’ve been in moments where the weight was too much. I’ve known young people who considered ending their lives because no one seemed to understand. It hurts to think that such services-mental health first aid training, peer support, or simply someone to talk to-weren’t there at the time.

Every life that we can keep is worth the effort. One suicide is too many to live with on my conscience. If I had access to training, or if someone close had known how to respond without fear or shame, things might have been different.

That’s why I believe mental health first-aid is not optional. It’s essential.

If you’re a student leader, teacher, HR manager, youth organiser, or simply someone who cares-seek out or start mental health first-aid training in your community. Whether through NGO programmes, university clubs, or apps like Athari (which offers counselling access and mental health support), you can help save lives and reshape attitudes.

Because changing a phrase-from ‘They’re mad’ to ‘They’re hurting’-can change someone’s path entirely.

About Me

I am Natasha Tsitsi Muzembe a legal and telehealth entrepreneur, and the founder of Athari, a mental health and counseling app. Through Athari Mental Health and Counseling Services Ltd, we are transforming access to therapy, breaking stigma and redefining healing for young Africans around the continent, one country at a time.

Digital entrepreneur, Mr. Favour Ugochukwu, has unveiled My El-Roi TV, a fast-rising faith-based digital platform designed to revolutionise how spiritual content is created, distributed, and monetised across the continent.

The platform, which has already attracted over 63,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of views from audiences in Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to merge faith-based storytelling with data-driven digital innovation, positioning itself as a game-changer in Africa’s creator economy.

Ugochukwu said the platform is built on the belief that ‘faith and technology can work together to inspire, empower, and transform lives.’

According to him, My El-Roi TV was created to bridge the gap between creativity and ministry, offering African Christian filmmakers and storytellers the tools, knowledge, and visibility needed to thrive in the digital era.

‘Our mission is simple, to revolutionise Africa’s content industry by merging faith-based storytelling with technology. The digital space gives us a new opportunity to own our content, build sustainable media businesses, and reach global audiences without relying on traditional media gatekeepers,’ he said.

A decade ago, Africa’s entertainment landscape was dominated by traditional broadcasters and film houses, leaving faith-based creators with limited access to production resources, distribution networks, and commercial opportunities.

But the rise of digital platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and social media has democratised access, allowing individuals to create, distribute, and monetise their work independently.

Ugochukwu said this shift has opened up new possibilities for African creators, particularly those focused on faith-driven narratives.

He explained that the content industry used to be controlled by a few, but, ‘Today, technology has made it possible for anyone with a message to reach millions. You don’t need a large studio or network’s approval to tell your story. You can own your platform, connect directly with your audience, and earn from your creativity.’

Founded on the principle of storytelling as a ministry tool, My El-Roi TV has emerged as Africa’s leading faith-based movie channel on YouTube, offering a mix of short films, devotionals, talk shows, and spiritual drama series. Its growing library of inspirational content not only entertains but also promotes Christian values, personal growth, and faith-based social impact.

Beyond entertainment, the channel represents a new creative economy model, one where storytelling, data analytics, and monetisation strategies work together to sustain faith-inspired narratives.

‘We are building a space where faith and technology meet. Our focus is not only to inspire through storytelling but also to empower upcoming Christian filmmakers with digital tools and training that will help them scale globally.’ Ugochukwu noted.

The platform’s success has been fuelled by Ugochukwu’s deep understanding of YouTube’s performance metrics and algorithms, which he and his team use to optimise content visibility and engagement.

Every production, from films to devotional series, is crafted to meet both spiritual depth and digital performance standards, ensuring that messages of hope and inspiration reach audiences effectively.

In a continent where over 60 per cent of the population identifies with faith-based communities, My El-Roi TV is tapping into a vast, underserved market. Ugochukwu believes that Africa’s creative future lies in telling its own stories with authenticity, cultural depth, and technological excellence.

‘The future of content isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about influence and empowerment,’ he said. ‘Faith-based creators are now realising they can build profitable media ventures without compromising their message. That’s the revolution we’re driving.’

Ownership remains central to his strategy. Ugochukwu insists that for Africa to truly benefit from the global digital economy, creators must retain creative and commercial control over their productions. By doing so, he said, they ensure that African stories are told authentically and that creators benefit directly from digital revenue streams.

Industry watchers say platforms like My El-Roi TV are paving the way for Africa’s next-generation content entrepreneurs. As the continent’s digital economy expands, analysts predict that the faith-based content sector will become one of the fastest-growing areas of media investment, combining spirituality, storytelling, and technology to shape the future of African entertainment.

Ugochukwu is optimistic about that future. He envisions a decade in which African storytellers move from passive consumption to participatory creation, using digital platforms not just to entertain, but to educate, uplift, and transform societies.

‘Africa is full of stories that can heal, inspire, and unite,’ he said. ‘Through My El-Roi TV, we are creating a platform where those stories can thrive, where creators own their voices, faith meets technology, and content becomes a tool for transformation.’

With its fast-growing audience, strategic use of technology, and purpose-driven mission, My El-Roi TV is fast positioning itself as a trailblazer, one redefining Africa’s digital faith entertainment landscape and setting a new standard for how purpose, innovation, and storytelling can work together for impact.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), in collaboration with Diatom Impact and Platform Capital, has donated reusable sanitary pads to all female inmates across Nigeria’s correctional facilities and pledged weekly psychiatric and psychological care for inmates nationwide.

The association said the initiative became necessary because inmates’ health should not be neglected, as they remain part of society and will eventually reintegrate into it.

It also emphasized that the well-being of caregivers and other Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) personnel must not be overlooked, since they need to stay healthy to provide adequate care for the inmates.

The 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Oluwatosin Olowojebutu, spoke in Abuja on Wednesday when he led a delegation of the association to the office of the NCS Controller, Sylvester Nwakuche, who described the gesture as an act of compassion and partnership that restores dignity to persons in custody.

The group donated 4,000 packs of reusable sanitary pads to about 1,500 female inmates across correctional facilities nationwide and launched a weekly psychiatric and psychological care programme for inmates across the country.

Olowojebutu said the gesture reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the Correctional Service through sustained healthcare delivery, mental health support, and hygiene interventions across all facilities.

He said the new plan would ensure that doctors visit each correctional centre at least once a week to attend to inmates and staff, ending years of irregular medical access caused by funding challenges.

‘In the past, doctors had to travel up to 75 kilometers to reach some facilities without support. With this incentive provided by Dr Akindele, doctors now have transport and stipends to sustain the visits,’ he explained.

According to Olowojebutu, the partnership marks a turning point in ensuring regular, structured healthcare delivery within correctional institutions.

‘It’s sustainable now because there’s a funding component attached, and doctors are happy to give their time,’ he said.

A member of the delegation, Dr. Akintoye Akindele, the Chairman of Diatom Impact and Platform Capital, who is funding the weekly outreach logistics, said the initiative represents the enduring spirit of compassion and unity that binds Nigerians.

‘Yes, there are challenges in the community, and all of us have been victims in one way or another. But this is our country; it is our home. And if it’s our home, we must take care of it,’ he said.

The philanthropist praised the leadership of the Correctional Service for transforming facilities into centres of learning and rehabilitation.

‘You see a regulator that is human, empathetic, and visionary. You see an association of doctors whose core is compassion. Why won’t we support that? Everyone deserves dignity, hope, and a chance at life,’ he said.

Akindele urged Nigerians to focus on positive developments that show progress, not just failures, saying, ‘There is greatness happening in Nigeria in every corner. Let’s tap into it and stop amplifying only the negatives. Let’s tell stories that move the nation forward’.

The NCS CG Nwakuche, described the donation of 4,000 reusable sanitary pads and the launch of a nationwide mental health initiative by NMA as a major step toward improving the health and welfare of inmates across the country.

He commended the association’s consistency and sincerity in fulfilling its commitments, noting that the reusable pads would meet a critical need among female inmates while promoting sustainability and dignity.

‘It’s sustainable, cost-effective, and dignifying,’ he said.

Nwakuche also hailed the plan to introduce psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions for inmates nationwide as ‘A huge breakthrough in ensuring mental well-being,’ adding that the initiative would be scaled up to the Ministry level.

He emphasized that inmates are citizens deserving of care and reintegration, saying, ‘People in our custodial facilities are not the dregs of society. Anybody can find themselves in custody, even for a brief mistake.’

The CG further commended Dr. Akintoye Akindele, whose organization built a Cisco-certified innovation centre at Kuje Correctional Facility, ‘Our inmates now have Cisco certification from America.

‘Other agencies are using the same facility for training. This is the kind of silent transformation happening in the Service,’ Nwakuche said, describing the NMA-Diatom collaboration as one that addresses both the physical and psychological dimensions of inmate welfare.

The CG also endorsed Akindele’s proposal for a quarterly retreat for senior officers to strengthen policy review and service delivery.

With the global job market increasingly interconnected, certain professions are in high demand worldwide, offering a potential pathway to relocation and a new life abroad.

Whether you’re seeking better career prospects, a change of scenery, or a fresh start, pursuing a career in a high-demand field can significantly ease the process of moving to a new country.

From tech and healthcare to education and skilled trades, these jobs not only provide financial stability but also open doors to new cultural experiences, personal growth, and global opportunities.

1. Nurse or Healthcare Professional: The global healthcare industry is facing a shortage of skilled nurses and healthcare professionals. Countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada are actively recruiting foreign-trained nurses to fill the gap. With a nursing qualification, you can easily relocate to countries with high demand for healthcare services.

2. Software Developer/Engineer: The tech industry is booming globally, and skilled software developers and engineers are in high demand. Countries like the US, Canada, and Germany offer various visa programs and job opportunities for tech professionals. With expertise in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript, you can increase your chances of securing a job abroad.

3. Teacher or Educator: The demand for qualified teachers is rising globally, particularly in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Singapore. If you have a teaching qualification and experience, you can explore job opportunities in international schools or educational institutions. Some countries also offer visa sponsorship for teachers.

4. Data Scientist or Analyst: Data science is a highly sought-after skill globally, and companies are looking for professionals who can analyse and interpret complex data. With expertise in data analysis, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, you can secure a job in countries like the US, UK, or Australia.

5. Skilled Tradesperson (e.g., Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter): Many countries face a shortage of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. These jobs are often in high demand, and employers may sponsor visas for qualified candidates. If you have a trade qualification and experience, you can explore job opportunities in countries like the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.

Before making the move, research the job market, cost of living, and visa requirements for your destination country. Networking with professionals in your industry can also help you secure a job and make a smooth transition.

By pursuing one of these in-demand jobs, you can increase your chances of successful relocation abroad and start a new chapter in your life.

To curb the menace of kidnappings and killings among other vices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike is building police stations in rural areas and border communities.

The development is in fulfillment of Wike’s pledge to decentralise policing and bring safety closer to the grassroots.

This initiative follows months of sustained insecurity that plagued several parts of the FCT between late 2023 and early 2024, when communities in Abaji, Kwali, and Bwari suffered repeated abductions, bandit incursions, and activities of kidnappers.

The situation which led to the kidnapping, maiming and killings of scores of victims, especially those along border communities, prompted the FCT Minister to order the immediate provision of two additional divisional police stations across the six area councils.

A visit to some of the new divisional police stations on Thursday at Tukashare and Saburi both in AMAC, Bako in Kwali, Yaba in Abaji, Giri in Gwagwalada, Ushafa in Bwari Area councils, show significant progress in the ongoing construction.

At Saburi, in Abuja Municipal Area Council, the project is nearing completion with visible finishing works going on at the station block and adjoining residential quarters.

Our correspondent observed that the complex consists of a main administrative building with offices for the Divisional Police Officer, his secretary, and other ranks, as well as two holding cells equipped with in-built toilets and bathrooms.

Meanwhile the residential block, designed for officers’ accommodation, comprises six two-bedroom flats, each with a kitchen, dining room, and three toilets, said to be a deliberate effort to ensure officers remain close to their duty posts and can respond swiftly to emergencies.

Project engineer, Ahmed Yahaya, told reporters that the project is in its final phase.

Yahaya said: ‘We have completed the electrical and plumbing works, and we’re currently on the finishing fittings. By tomorrow, we’ll commence industrial cleaning and in two days’ time, we should begin painting.’

Also at the Yaba Divisional Police Station, located in a border community that shares boundaries with Niger State, site engineer Engr. Ayinde Adewale, assured that the project will be completed within schedule.

He said: ‘With the level of funding support we’re getting from the FCT Administration, we have no doubt about meeting the November deadline’.

He noted that the strategic location of Yaba, a major transit point for travellers heading toward Niger and Kogi States, makes the establishment of a divisional police command there a crucial deterrent against criminal infiltration.

The Director of Security Services at the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, who was seen at one of the project sites, told journalists that the projects were part of a comprehensive grassroots security plan initiated by the minister to extend policing to underserved areas.

According to him; ‘When the Honourable Minister assumed office, he directed that all abandoned or underused town halls in the area councils should be converted into functional police stations.

‘The idea is to take policing closer to the people, especially in vulnerable and remote communities where response time is slow.’

The concept, he said ‘is to end the era where officers live far away from their posts. Now, there will always be personnel on ground to respond to emergencies at any hour.’

He said the prototype of the building was gotten from the Inspector – General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Some residents in the benefiting communities expressed optimism that the new facilities will improve safety and restore confidence.

In Yaba, a farmer, Musa Yakubu, said the presence of a police division would encourage more economic activity. ‘People will now come in freely to buy and sell farm produce because they know security is improving,’ he said.

A petty trader, Ibrahim Danladi, also added that the fear that kept many from staying out late is gradually easing. ‘Now we can begin to feel safer again,’ he said.

Gwary said beyond their symbolic presence, each of the new divisional police stations follows a national prototype recently approved by the Inspector General of Police.

He said the design was introduced at the request of the FCT Minister, who sought to ensure that new stations meet uniform standards of functionality and comfort for operational officers.

He added that the new structures will serve as models for future police divisions in the territory and across the country.

The director security said; ‘If you go to the Police Resource Centre, you will find the same standard being replicated. What we have done is align the FCT projects with this national standard so that both the physical environment and manpower deployment can support efficient policing.’