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SICKLE cell disease is a disease that affects people across the world. This disease affects a wide range of nations and ethnic groups. It is a genetic disorder that results from receiving the sickle cell haemoglobin genes from both parents and is characterised by periods of excruciating agony.

Patients with sickle cell disease had no particular treatment prior to the 1970s, but later research revealed that patients with higher levels of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells had fewer unfavourable clinical sequelae.

Since 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration has authorised the use of hydroxyurea to treat sickle cell patients who frequently experience severe crises. Additionally, hydroxyurea was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2007 to treat sickle cell disease.

For example, hydroxyurea has been demonstrated to significantly increase the production of foetal haemoglobin in sickle cell anaemia patients, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of sickle cell crises. Nevertheless, a subsequent study has demonstrated that the medication is both effective and well-liked by patients.

Although hydroxyurea is widely used, it can be harmful, particularly if used for an extended period of time. Many studies have been conducted using locally available plant materials in an effort to find affordable, easily accessible, and effective drugs.

In Nigeria and other African nations, the leaves of Terminalia catappa (tropical almond), lemongrass, Pigeon peas and Carica papaya (pawpaw) are commonly utilised as herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, including sickle cell disease.

Among the others are leaves from Parquetina nigrescens, Citrus sinensis ( sweet orange), foliage from Persea Americana (avocado), and leaves from Zanthoxyllum zanthoxyloides (Senegal prickly-ash or Orinata).

Common names for Parquetina nigrescens include African Parquetina, and local names from Nigeria and Ghana such as Ewe Ogbo (Yoruba), Kwankwanin (Hausa), Mgbidimgbe (Igbo), and Abakamo (Twi).

In an investigation into whether bitter kola, ginger, and garlic aqueous extracts could stop red blood cells from altering form, researchers discovered that the plant extract combinations were more effective in anti-sickling tests than hydroxyurea, a common medication.

The study, which was published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, involved Drs. M. O. Salawu, I. O. Abdulsalam, and H. O. B. Oloyede from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

For the study, the researchers examine the anti-sickling properties of the combined aqueous extracts from bitter kola, ginger, and garlic on sickled red blood cells.

The study assessed the extracts’ ability to inhibit sickle haemoglobin polymerization, promote sickling reversal, and evaluate the resistance of red blood cell membranes to hypotonic solutions.

Blood samples were collected from confirmed sickle cell disease patients (5-16 years old) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, with ethical clearance and consent obtained.

They create eight different treatment combinations of the three plant extracts at 1% and 2% concentrations.

The plant extract combinations outperformed the conventional medication, hydroxyurea, in both sickling reversal and inhibitory tests. The percentages of sickled red blood cells decreased from 44.1% (reversal) and 51.2% (inhibitory) to 6.6% and 6.5%, respectively.

The plant extracts significantly delayed sickle cell polymerization (p 0.05) compared to the control drug (hydroxyurea) and normal saline.

The study concluded that the combined aqueous extracts from bitter kola, ginger, and garlic successfully reversed sickled red blood cells in vitro, delayed the polymerization of sickled red blood cells, and stabilized red blood cell membranes.

These findings suggest that the plant extract combinations hold promise as a potential herbal treatment for sickle cell anaemia, offering a viable alternative to existing synthetic drugs.

According to a 2021 review, garlic, especially aged garlic extract (AGE), may be useful in treating sickle cell anaemia because of its antioxidant properties, ability to reduce complications, and potential as a supplemental treatment.

A combination of AGE with vitamins C and E was also proposed to enhance its therapeutic effects, potentially improving patient outcomes during sickle cell crises.

Bitter kola and ginger are two medicinal plants that have been explored for their potential benefits in managing sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Both plants possess bioactive compounds that may alleviate symptoms associated with this genetic disorder.

Ginger is rich in polyphenols, which enhance iron absorption and may complement oral iron therapy for anaemia, a common complication in SCA patients. Its antioxidant effects reduce oxidative stress, a significant factor in SCA complications. It can also help with nausea, a symptom some people with sickle cell disease experience.

Early studies suggest that ginger extract can increase the percentage of healthy red blood cells in a lab setting.

Bitter kola is traditionally used in various African cultures for its medicinal properties, including its potential to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, which may benefit SCA patients. It contains compounds that mitigate some symptoms of SCA.

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation fuel sector have called for a revamp of infrastructure and a dedicated regulatory framework to ensure the availability, quality, and affordability of jet fuel. The call was made at a colloquium organized by CITA Energies and the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos.

‘The role of aviation fuel, its pricing availability, quality and supposed regulation by aeronautical and other agencies dominated discussions at the colloquium,’ according to the communique issued at the end of the event.

Participants resolved that there is a need to revamp aviation fuel infrastructure across Nigeria’s airports to improve the availability and distribution of aviation fuel to airlines. They also called on the government to devise a less cumbersome and expensive aviation fuel distribution method that will keep trucks away from the roads while ensuring quality, enhancing availability, and minimizing safety challenges posed by congestion of fuel trucks at the airports.

‘Aviation fuel constitutes 40 per cent of airlines operating costs and the price and access to jet A1 negatively affect airlines,’ said Dr. Thomas Ogungbangbe, CEO of CITA Energies Limited. ‘It is important for aviation and fuelling authorities to address issues of quality, availability, and pricing of jet fuel to enable airlines to survive.’

The colloquium also emphasized the need for regulatory bodies to give more attention to the financial health of aviation marketers and for airlines to factor the cost of jet fuel into their ACMI to determine a realistic cost of operations.

‘The current all-comers’ status of jet fuel marketing and the existing human capacity gaps should be addressed to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety of jet fuel used by airlines,’ said Mr. Chris Ndulue, Managing Director of Ndano Energy.

The event also applauded the establishment of Dangote Refinery and its impact on jet fuel availability, but demanded compliance with international standards in regular inspection procedures and measures towards breaking monopoly in the business of refining jet fuel.

‘Modular refineries cannot meet international standards of production and maintenance, and are not alternatives to Dangote refinery,’ said Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, Co-Founder of Geometric Aviation Synergy Services Limited.

The colloquium recommended the exploration of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as an emerging global trend and called for collaboration among airlines and fuel marketers to bring down prices and ensure quality of jet fuel.

AS Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the World Stroke Day 2025, the Nigerian Stroke Organization and the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences (NSNS) have issued a warning that although strokes typically occur abruptly and are generally painless, one in two victims globally still die as a result of delayed detection and treatment.

In a release jointly signed by NSO’s President, Prof Abayomi Ogun, and NSNS’s President, Prof Morenikeji Komolafe, they stated that Nigeria has a crude incidence of stroke of 26 per 100,000 population, and up to 4 out of every 10 stroke patients die within 30 days of stroke occurrence.

According to them, with stroke, every minute counts, and knowing how to spot the signs of stroke and raising the alert for help doesn’t just save lives, it increases the chance of a full recovery so that stroke survivors can go on to live their best life.

They stated, ‘Unlike a heart attack, however, unless accompanied by a severe headache, a stroke is generally painless, which is why too many patients ignore symptoms until it is too late.’

They declared that the sudden weaknesses or numbness in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body, and loss of speech or trouble speaking or understanding speech are the most common signs of stroke.

‘The symptoms of stroke appear suddenly, and often more than one symptom occurs at the same time. Unlike a heart attack, however, unless accompanied by a severe headache, a stroke is generally painless, which is why too many patients ignore symptoms until it is too late,’ the statement said.

According to the experts, every minute counts with stroke, and everybody needs to learn to spot the signs of stroke because stroke cuts off the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, thus killing millions of brain cells.

‘Every minute it goes untreated, millions of cells die. The longer the time gap, the more likely people are to be left with long-term brain damage that affects their ability to walk, talk and manage everyday tasks on their own. So, quick action to restore the blood supply to the brain is therefore vital to arrest the damage and prevent further loss of function,’ they explained.

They warned that every Nigerian is at risk of having a stroke, but the risk is higher among older people and those with a family history of stroke.

They stated that high, uncontrolled blood pressure, dyslipidaemia (abnormal levels of cholesterol), central obesity, diabetes mellitus and unhealthy diets were also predisposing factors to stroke in Nigerians.

‘Up to 15% of all strokes occur in adults younger than 50, but by quitting smoking, moving more, choosing healthy foods and keeping blood pressure under control, almost everyone can protect themselves from a potentially devastating event,’ they said.

As a strategic step towards reducing the burden of stroke in Nigeria, they also announced the launch of a Nigerian National Stroke Registry to enhance effective planning, improve clinical outcomes, support training, and promote equitable access to stroke care.

REAL estate is one of the most visible professions in society, shaping where people live, work, and invest. Yet, in recent years, the industry has faced rising criticism over ethical lapses that undermine public trust. From allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination to opaque commissions, misleading marketing, and misuse of client data. The culture and conduct of real estate practice have come under scrutiny worldwide. At the heart of these challenges lies the structure of the industry itself. Many practitioners work as independent contractors with limited oversight, while the traditional commission-based model rewards closing deals rather than safeguarding clients’ interests. The result is an environment where ethical risks are easily overlooked in pursuit of profit. In markets like Nigeria and across Africa, these concerns are compounded by weak regulation, inadequate consumer protection, and the rapid adoption of digital technologies without corresponding safeguards.

The ethical dilemmas cut across several areas. Agents are often caught in conflicts of interest, balancing loyalty to clients with pressures from referral fees or in-house deals. Misrepresentation of property details remains a recurring problem, eroding confidence in the profession. More troubling are cases of discrimination, harassment, and toxic workplace cultures that make it difficult for women and younger professionals to thrive. Added to this is the growing risk of money laundering through property transactions and the rising use of artificial intelligence in valuations and tenant screening tools that, if unchecked, may reproduce bias and privacy violations.

The good news is that solutions are within reach. Regulators and professional bodies must strengthen licensing and disciplinary processes, ensuring that ethical breaches carry real consequences. Firms need to move beyond mere compliance and embed integrity into their culture by redesigning incentives, publishing clear codes of conduct, and providing safe reporting channels for misconduct. Transparent disclosure of commissions, fair housing commitments, maintenance of reliable and up-to-date data banks, and whistleblower protections are essential steps. Equally, technology should be governed with care, data privacy safeguards, bias testing, and human oversight must accompany the growing reliance on digital tools.

Ultimately, restoring trust in real estate requires more than rules; it demands a cultural shift. Leaders in the profession must set the tone by valuing fairness, accountability, and dignity alongside sales performance. If ethics become part of the industry’s DNA, the sector will not only protect consumers but also strengthen its reputation as a vital steward of homes, communities, and the built environment.

Delta Air Lines is enhancing the travel experience for customers this winter with the deployment of its next-generation Airbus A350-900 and Airbus A330-900neo aircraft on the Lagos to Atlanta route.

The seasonal upgrade was designed to meet the strong demand for travel during the busy winter and holiday period, while offering customers more comfort, an improved onboard experience across all cabins of service, and increased cargo capacity.

Through late November, customers will see the route operated using a mix of A350-900 and A330-900neo aircraft. From early December, all flights between Lagos and Atlanta are scheduled to be operated exclusively with the A350-900, Delta’s leading long-haul international aircraft. Operations with these aircraft types will continue throughout the winter season, catering specifically to the surge in holiday travellers and increased cargo demand.

Both the A350-900 and A330-900neo represent Delta’s latest generation of widebody aircraft, featuring the airline’s premium interiors and signature four-cabin experience, Delta One® Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. Each cabin is designed to deliver a superior onboard experience with enhanced privacy, space, and personalized service.

‘Deploying our A350 and A330-900neo on the Lagos-Atlanta route for the winter season enables Delta to meet growing customer demand while delivering a premium experience our travellers will love,’ said Mary Gbobaniyi, Manager, Sales, West Africa. ‘The added seat capacity and cargo capability are essential during this period when families reconnect and trade activity intensifies between Nigeria and the United States.’

The Airbus A350-900 is one of Delta’s next generation aircraft for long-haul operations and one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the sky. It offers increased seating capacity, ambient lighting, and quieter cabins designed to reduce fatigue and enhance comfort on long-haul journeys combined with improved fuel efficiency, and expanded cargo capacity, supporting both passenger and freight needs during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Delta One® customers will enjoy lie-flat seats, chef-curated meals paired with Tattinger champagne and exclusive Missoni-designed amenities. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey, while Delta Comfort offers extra legroom, earlier boarding and dedicated overhead bin space.

Across all products, travelers benefit from curated dining and Delta Studio entertainment, which features more than 1,000 hours of free seatback entertainment including a wide variety of movies, series, curated playlists, podcasts, and an extensive selection of games. Also, SkyMiles Members can enjoy fast, free Delta Sync Wi-Fi powered by T-Mobile.

Delta has served Nigeria continuously since 2007, providing a vital air link between West Africa and the United States. The Lagos to Atlanta service offers seamless connections to major cities across North America, reinforcing Delta’s role as a leading carrier for transatlantic travel.

The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 has been approved by the Nigerian Senate and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent.

Passed by the House of Representatives in late May 2025, the Bill updates existing wildlife laws, increases penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence-led operations. It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders.

‘This is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that we remain committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting our unique fauna and flora.

‘This is a huge win for Nigeria, and it shows, without any doubt, that we remain committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting our unique fauna and flora,’ said Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, the bill’s sponsor.

‘Stronger laws mean Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future, ‘ he added.

In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets. The West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. But environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director, stated: ‘This momentous day has been several years in the making. For too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through our porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia. The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation. We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.’

Mary Rice, Executive Director of London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA UK, said): ‘The passing of this key piece of legislation is a significant milestone for Nigeria and a demonstration of the country’s commitment to transitioning from a hub for wildlife crime to a leader in the fight against it. Congratulations to all those who have worked tirelessly on this journey. EIA has been proud to support these efforts and will continue to support Nigeria and other countries in the region. EIA believes firmly that long-term, sustainable change is the key to tackling environmental crime, and it is imperative that this law is now implemented and used by investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary to bring wildlife traffickers and other environmental offenders to justice.’

Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa (WA), said: ‘We hope the President will move quickly to sign this bill. The UN CITES meeting on trade in endangered species meets at the end of November in Uzbekistan and to have this bill enacted before then would be a tremendous feather in the President’s and country’s caps. It would show the administration’s commitment to playing a leading role in fighting wildlife crime.’

ANI, EIA UK and WA have been actively supporting the Nigerian Government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking with the generous support of the Pangolin Conservation Fund, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. EIA will ensure implementation of the legislation with the support of the project GUARD Wildlife, funded by the European Union.

With Senate approval secured, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 will be transferred to the President to sign it into law, paving the way for tougher actions against wildlife crime and habitat destruction.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the national steering committee of the European Union(EU)-funded Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria (EISS) project, a major initiative designed to strengthen teacher capacity, promote digital learning and build a resilient, future-ready education system across six states.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, speaking during inauguration of the committee in Abuja, described the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms.

She disclosed that the project was launched in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and that it marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s drive to modernise its education sector through innovation and partnership.

She said the EISS programme underscored Nigeria’s determination to equip teachers with the digital and pedagogical skills needed to meet 21st-century learning demands.

Ahmad also explained that the project emphasised synergy and innovation as essential elements in ensuring sustainable impact and long-term transformation within the education system.

‘The EISS project is anchored on three major pillars-digital training for teachers, curriculum reform, and the creation of a national community of practice to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among educators,’ she stated.

According to the head of Cooperation for the European Union in Nigeria, Massimo De Luca, the initiative reflects EU’s commitment to advancing education and human capital development across Africa under its Global Gateway strategy.

He noted that the EU views education as a cornerstone for inclusive growth, innovation, and opportunity, describing the EISS project as a long-term investment in Nigeria’s future.

De Luca also highlighted the importance of restoring confidence and pride in the teaching profession, stressing that this goal requires collective commitment from government institutions, development partners, and local communities.

‘With technical support from UNESCO, the EISS project is expected to serve as a model for educational resilience and youth empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa.

‘Also, by merging global expertise with local experience, the project aims to transform classrooms into dynamic spaces that foster creativity, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills,’ she noted.

Stakeholders have also observed that the success of the EISS initiative would depend on strong coordination, transparency, and sustained investment across all levels of implementation.

On its part, the Federal Ministry of Education has pledged to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes as part of its broader agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s education system.

Officials of the ministry are of the belief that the project ‘represents a crucial step in redefining the role of teachers as drivers of innovation and nation-building, while equipping young Nigerians with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.’

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akinola, has said the commission is intensifying efforts to achieve greater regional connectivity and integrated development across the six states of the South-West.

Akinola stated this on Thursday at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue organised by the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and the DAWN Commission, in Akure, Ondo State. The event had the theme, ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.’

According to him, the initiative is part of the commission’s plan to boost growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance regional cooperation for sustainable development in the region.

Akinola explained that effective regional integration through improved road networks, digital infrastructure, and economic linkages would facilitate trade and mobility while strengthening social cohesion and competitiveness.

He said, ‘The development commissions, like the South-West Development Commission, seek to see how those projects that are regional in nature, that are often left unattended to, are given focus and pride of place. So we’re looking at projects that are integrative in nature.

‘We’re looking at, for example, regional connectivity by rail. How do we get the region connected through highways, superhighways? We came in today from Ibadan.

‘It took us pretty much like four hours to get here. Now, how do we get the state governments, the federal government, and the private sector to come together to work on those kinds of infrastructure?

‘We’re looking at a very, very best-in-class fund – the South-West Investment Fund – which will be pretty much private sector-driven and will help catalyze investment from all over, so that some of those projects that are outstanding and much needed in the region get funded.’

He revealed that the commission has begun consultations with development partners and private investors to design frameworks for intra-regional transportation corridors, agricultural value chain enhancement, and technology-driven industrial clusters to connect major cities and rural communities.

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

According to him, improved infrastructure and connectivity will enable the South-West to leverage its human capital and economic potential to drive national growth, attract investment, and create jobs for millions of young people.

He said, ‘We will be engaging in the next several weeks with a broad range of stakeholders – communities, governors, trade groups – defining the vision of the commission so it becomes a shared vision.

‘And that’s really where we’ll be able to have the most inclusive set of drivers and people who will be driving the mission of it.’

Akinola recalled that he chaired an expert group established by the South-West governors between 2020 and 2021 to develop a technical framework for the commission.

‘As the chairman of an expert group that was set up by the governors in 2020, 2021, we developed a technical report on South-West development and a framework for the South-West Development Commission at that time,’ he said.

‘We had the opportunity to interact with governors across the states, finding out from them what their priorities are and their own thinking about what regional development should be. It’s an ongoing process. There’s no way we’ll succeed if we don’t engage the governors.

‘The message for the people of the South-West is that we need collectively a well-joined-up thinking. We want to see South-West people being involved in what we’re doing. We’re going to move around and together come up with a shared understanding.

‘We believe the opportunities here have been granted through the creation of the South-West Development Commission.

‘We stand on a covenant with the people of the South-West that we’ll do our best and be partners in progress with the Kabiyesi, governors, trade groups, youth, and market women.

‘Collectively, we will share this vision and drive prosperity through the work of the South-West Development Commission.’

The sole witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the defamation suit brought against it by former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, on Thursday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that contrary to the publication of the commission on its official website, there was no $6billion charge against the former minister in the criminal charge filed against him (Agunloye) before the FCT High Court, sitting at Apo, Abuja.

The former minister had in his writ of summons in the defamation suit he brought before the court against EFCC, marked FCT/HC/CV/1199/2024, filed on his behalf and argued by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe SAN, claimed that EFCC has damaged his good name and dragged his integrity into murky waters, alleging him to be a corrupt and fraudulent individual through a post published on its official website and other allied online platforms, with the caption, ‘EFCC arraigns Agunloye over $6billion fraud’.

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.

At the resumed hearing in the case today, EFCC witness, Umar Hussain Babangida, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) who is an investigator with EFCC, while being cross examined by Adeola Adedipe SAN told the court that he was a witness in the criminal case before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, sitting at Apo, Abuja, which he informed the court had not been concluded.

Babangida told the court that he was aware that Agunloye filed the defamatory suit against EFCC, claiming that his image had been lowered in the public as a result of the EFCC’s publication on its official website.

When Adedipe showed the witness the criminal charge against Agunloye to show the court where $6billion was contained, Babangida told the court that there was nothing like that in the charge.

‘There is nothing like $6billion in the criminal charge against the claimant (Agunloye),’ the witness told the court.

Despite the fact that the witness initially told the court that he did not know if the contentious publication, with the caption, ‘EFCC arraigns Agunloye over $6billion fraud’, is an EFCC publication, when confronted with Paragraph 29 of his witness’s statement on oath, Babangida retracted and confirmed to the court the said publication was from the commission’s media department.

According to him, ‘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-in-chief by the counsel for the commission, O.S. Ajayi, adopted his witness statement on oath and urged the court to accept it as his oral evidence in the case.

After giving his testimony in the case, Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned to February 2, 2026 for adoption of parties’ final written addresses.

Agunloye is being prosecuted by EFCC, on behalf of the Federal Government, on an amended seven-count charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/617/2023, bordering on forgery, disobeying presidential directive and receiving gratification.

The charge was filed on the award of the controversial Mambilla hydropower project in Taraba State to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL).

EFCC alleged that the former minister awarded contract for the Mambilla project on May 22, 2003 to 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 his (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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs with new ranks that suit their new roles as handlers of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

The newly decorated Service Chiefs include Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, now General Olufemi Oluyede, as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Major General, now Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Also, Air Vice Marshal, now Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS); Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS); and Major General, now Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye as the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

Tribune Online reports that Tinubu had, last Friday, appointed the new service chiefs to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. The President, in a statement shared on X page, urged the new Service Chiefs to ‘deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour’.

‘I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture. General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff, while Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence,’ the statement announcing the development quoted.