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A Professor of Microbiology at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo, Dauphin Moro, has expressed his concerns about Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported vaccines. He urged the Nigerian government to create an enabling environment that supports the use of indigenous scientists and manufacturers in the production of local vaccines.

Professor Moro also called on both national and sub-national governments to increase their budgetary allocations for education and to invest adequately in disease monitoring and surveillance.

He shared these insights during the 113th Inaugural Lecture of LASU, held on Tuesday at the university’s Ojo campus.

He spoke on the topic, ‘A providential and paradoxical voyage into the invisible world: Microorganisms as indispensable friends and unavoidable enemies.’

The renowned microbiologist opined that it is high time Nigeria began to look inward, especially by engaging indigenous medical microbiologists and other scientists for vaccine needs rather than to depend on foreign vaccines to treat ‘domestic infections.’

He argued that microbiologists for example, including in Nigeria, had played one role or the other in the production of safe vaccines, urging government and global health-related bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP and UNESCO to accord and support them with what was required to play more active roles in this regard.

He said even though microorganisms may pose great health risks to man and other living species, they are unavoidable even as they play certain roles in man’s survival.

Prof Moro therefore underscored the importance of adequate investment in disease monitoring and surveillance, saying the practice would greatly help minimise the myriads of infections that plagued the country.

This is just as he equally highlighted the importance of the government increasing budgetary allocations to education as such would, among other things, reduce brain-drain and drive economic growth and development.

Also acknowledging the importance of government properly financing evidence-based and solution-driven research and innovation activities among scholars, the lecturer similarly advocated an upward review of university workers’ salaries and welfare packages to boost their productivity.

He advised the universities on their part, to give more attention to research and innovations that can address societal needs and provide for self-help projects such as green alternative power source, safe water, befitting offices, free internet facilities, among others to substantially drive productivity.

‘We also need molecular diagnostic biology labs to be established in our universities for specific diagnosis of communicable diseases,’ he said, adding, ‘This will also boost the internally generated revenue for schools.’

Similarly, universities should also recruit lecturers only on the basis of competence and moral integrity while blocking all the loopholes that can lead to corruption in the system.

He mentioned that all these aspects are important for making universities in the country solution-driven.

Prof. Moro, however, expressed his appreciation to the management of LASU, especially the vice-chancellor, for allowing him to share his knowledge in his field. He underscored the importance of the topic for living species, medical education, and national development.

He also thanked his family members, particularly his wife, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Moro, for always being there as pillars of support for him.

Earlier in her address, the vice-chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the inaugural lecturer for what she described as an insightful and thought-provoking lecture.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello, who was represented at the event by the deputy vice-chancellor (Academics), Prof. Taiwo Afisi, expressed optimism that the knowledge shared would positively impact the medical field, university education, and society at large.

She stated that through the inaugural lecture, Prof. Moro has fulfilled his academic obligations and is now welcomed into the fold of the University Senate as a member.

She concluded by saying that LASU would continue to strengthen the relationship between academia and the community.

Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, Mr. John Chuma Nwosu, has expressed confidence in winning the November 8 poll, provided that incidents of vote-buying and voter apathy are curbed.

Nwosu, who spoke on The Signature Show on Arise Television on Tuesday night, said the alleged poor performance of the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, had weakened the power of incumbency, giving opposition candidates a fair chance at victory.

He commended the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a source of renewed hope for credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.

‘This time, Anambra people have a golden opportunity to make their voices count. I urge our voters to come out in large numbers, reject vote-buying, and ensure that Prof. Amupitan’s promise of credible elections becomes a reality,’ Nwosu said.

Explaining his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC, Nwosu said he made the move after discovering that LP’s nomination process violated provisions of the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.

He recounted his efforts in building the LP’s structures in Anambra, revealing that he had the backing of the party’s leader, Mr. Peter Obi, to strengthen its presence in the state.

‘I was the one who built the structure of the Labour Party in Anambra. I worked with His Excellency Oseloka Obaze and former Speaker Ben Chuks Nwosu to establish 21 local government offices across the state, funding them with ?1 million each,’ he said.

According to him, after investing time and resources in the Labour Party, he found a more credible platform in the ADC, which he described as a coalition of parties-mainly from the PDP and Labour Party-united by shared progressive ideals.

He named Chief Dr. Ndubisi Nwobo, a former PDP State Chairman and former Awka South Local Government Chairman, as his running mate.

Nwosu reiterated his pledge to serve only one term if elected, saying he had taken an oath in court to that effect.

‘Four years is enough to make a difference. The incumbent has had three and a half years to show results, and Anambra people can see for themselves what has been achieved,’ he said.

The ADC candidate accused the Soludo administration of failing to address insecurity, claiming that several parts of the state, particularly Ihiala Local Government Area, had become unsafe for residents.

‘People are holding traditional weddings and burials in cities because they can’t go home without paying ransom. Insecurity has become a major challenge,’ he lamented.

He also criticised what he described as a lack of innovation in governance, alleging that the only major project completed under Soludo was the State Government House, which was initiated by the late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 1999.

If elected, Nwosu said his administration would prioritise e-governance, e-security, e-health, e-tax, e-transportation, and e-commerce to modernise public service delivery and improve efficiency.

Drawing from his 31 years of experience in the ICT sector, Nwosu said he would apply corporate management principles to governance to promote transparency and accountability.

He decried Anambra’s low performance in internally generated revenue (IGR), ranking 17th nationally with ?42.69 billion compared to Enugu State’s ?180.69 billion, attributing the shortfall to leakages and corruption.

‘Most of our IGR goes into private pockets because the system isn’t computerised. With e-governance, we’ll remove touts from the streets and make tax payment simple and transparent,’ he said.

Nwosu expressed optimism that the ADC would spring surprises in the November 8 governorship election, describing it as both INEC’s first election under Prof. Amupitan and the ADC’s first major electoral outing as a coalition party.

Oyo State House of Assembly hopeful, Hon. Saliu Sarafadeen Ayinde (Sassay), has attracted hundreds of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Irepo Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ayinde said the defection was part of his ongoing familiarisation and engagement tour of his constituency, adding that he was determined to transform the area and solidify the PDP’s presence ahead of the 2027 general election.

The event, which took place during the PDP general meeting, drew a large crowd of party faithful, political stakeholders, and residents.

The defectors included groups and individuals from various wards, such as residents of Sooro, Ayekale, Hausa youths from Karaa, and commercial okada riders, among others.

Prominent among them were Alhaji Muta Baba Onilu and his followers (Ward 04), Nah Star and Tigana’s group (Wards 09 and 04), Mrs Nusirat Ayewo’s group (Ward 09), and several community groups and assemblies from different areas, including Kishi Democracy Empathy led by Mr Jamiu Muritala.

Receiving the defectors, the newly elected PDP chairman, Kazeem Adekunle Olawoyin, described the event as an indication of the PDP’s deepening influence and enduring connection with the grassroots.

He commended the defectors for their decision, praising Hon. Sassay’s leadership as the driving force behind their move.

He assured them of a warm welcome and full integration into the PDP, emphasising the party’s commitment to delivering development and good governance to the people.

The PDP chairman, however, attributed the defection to the growing confidence in Governor Seyi Makinde and his deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal’s leadership, saying it was a testament to their impact and dedication to advancing Oyo State and the local government.

A resident of the Irepo Local Government, Mr Iyeru, said that Hon. Sassay’s vision for the council and party was clear and impactful.

‘Hon. Sassay, who is currently the House Leader of Councillors in the Irepo Local Government, is widely regarded as a remarkable and visionary leader, loved and accepted across the local government area.

‘His humanitarian work and support for party members have made him a strong asset to the party, with many seeing him as a candidate for the House of Assembly ticket.’

He highlighted Sassay’s contributions and empowerment programmes that have greatly benefited Kishi residents, commending him for his people-oriented approach, support for the youth, and distinctive leadership style.

Some of the defectors said their decision to join the party was largely influenced by Hon. Sassay’s exceptional leadership and the impressive performance of Governor Seyi Makinde and his deputy.

They described Sassay as a strong candidate who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the people, particularly through his humanitarian work, and expressed confidence in his ability to win elections for the PDP, given the widespread support he has garnered across Irepo, especially among the youth.

General Overseer of the Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, has attributed the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria to what he described as the silence and selfishness of political leaders who deny the reality of targeted killings for personal gain.

Bishop Abioye made the assertion while addressing his congregation during a sermon, accusing political leaders of turning a blind eye to mass killings for their ‘personal interests.’

According to him, the evidence of targeted killings against Christians is overwhelming and can no longer be dismissed.

‘Information with facts can’t be thwarted. You see people (Christians) being buried in hundreds, and you said there is no genocide? What a wicked set of people!

‘I agree that there are other people killed in other places for other reasons, but Christian genocide is very clear and gradually, it is eating down to the South.

‘Southwest and Southeast, and many so-called leaders, for their personal interests, are claiming that it is not true,’ he claimed.

His comments come amid ongoing debates over claims by some US lawmakers and religious freedom advocates that over 30 Christians are killed daily in Nigeria.

The group has called for the country to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.

However, the Federal Government has dismissed the allegations, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges are not religiously motivated but rather stem from criminality, banditry, and terrorism affecting all citizens regardless of faith.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, granted an application by the Attorney-General (AG) of Osun State to withdraw the suit he instituted against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), seeking to stop the Federal Government from releasing withheld local government allocations to the Local Government Chairmen and Councillors elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the tenure of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on the application, held that the plaintiff has the legal right to discontinue an action against the defendants in accordance with the law.

The judge however held that the assertion by the plaintiff that the defendants have no competent defense before the court was premature and legally unsustainable and that ‘the plaintiff’s reliance on it as a ground for discontinuance is therefore misconceived, I so hold’.

The court upheld the plaintiff’s notice of discontinuance filed on October 17, 2025, and struck out the grounds upon which the notice was predicated.

‘The affidavit of facts is irregular, unnecessary and is hereby expunged from the record of the court. I make no order as to cost’, Justice Nwite held.

While moving the motion for discontinuance of the suit against the defendants on October 17, Counsel to the Osun AG, Musibau Adetumbi (SAN), said the aim of the suit, which sought to safeguard the money, had been defeated as the allocation had been moved out of the CBN by the defendants.

‘On September 29, 2025, when the matter was heard, I told the court that our primary aim was to safeguard the money. Between then and now, we are sure that, notwithstanding the pendency of the case and order of status quo, the money was moved out of the CBN,’ Adetumbi said.

He told the court that the notice of discontinuance was filed pursuant to Order 51 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules, adding that any further arguments in the matter would amount to an academic exercise.

In their various submissions on the notice of discontinuance filed by the plaintiff, counsel to the defendants – CBN, Dr. Muritala Abdulrasheed (SAN), and that of the AGF, Tajudeen Oladoja (SAN) – did not oppose the application but faulted the averments in the affidavit of facts attached to the application.

According to Muritala, the plaintiff made damaging depositions in the affidavit of facts and added that the plaintiff should withdraw the affidavit along with the notice of discontinuance because some of the depositions in the affidavit were against persons who are not parties in the matter.

‘Somebody can approach the court any day with a request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the process and may decide to use it against the persons mentioned in the plaintiff’s affidavit of facts,’ the CBN lawyer stated, adding that the grounds upon which the notice of discontinuance was predicated were in bad faith.

He said the plaintiff got it wrong when he claimed that the 1st defendant had no competent response to the plaintiff’s originating summons, adding that a 12-paragraph counter-affidavit to the originating summons was filed on behalf of his client in May.

‘While we are not opposing the withdrawal of the suit, we are against the grounds for the withdrawal,’ Muritala said, and urged the court to expunge paragraphs 5 to 11 in the affidavit of facts filed by the plaintiff for being inaccurate and for referring to persons who are not before the court.

Counsel to the Accountant-General, Tajudeen, on his part, did not oppose the application for discontinuance because the plaintiff has the liberty to withdraw his case. ‘However, we are in vehement opposition to the 2nd ground upon which the application is predicated.

‘The plaintiff is not under any obligation to predicate his application on any ground,’ he said, adding that it is not true to say that the 2nd defendant has no competent defence in the matter.

He explained that his client filed an application for an extension of time to file a counter-affidavit in opposition to the plaintiff’s originating summons on September 8, which had not been determined due to the application filed by the plaintiff accusing the court of bias and challenging its jurisdiction.

He urged the court to strike out ground one of the notice of discontinuance and ground two, which stated that certain money had been paid, a claim the 2nd defendant had not been given an opportunity to react to.

Tajudeen also asked for a cost of N10 million against the plaintiff for bringing the 2nd defendant to court, for the court processes filed in the matter, and for wasting the precious judicial time of the court.

Responding, Adetumbi said a notice of discontinuance under Order 50 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules does not attract cost, and added that the defendants had not filed any process before the court. ‘It is their default to have filed their process out of time. They cannot approach the court to ask for cost or expunging any of the grounds in the notice of discontinuance.’

The plaintiff’s counsel said the defendants were not entitled to cost because of their own default.