Author: user user

Nigeria has intensified efforts to reduce salt consumption and promote healthier eating habits as part of a broader push to combat the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, stroke and heart disease.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Anas, emphasised that cutting sodium intake and promoting clear food labelling are vital to improving national health and productivity.

The meeting, held to mark World Food Day 2025, drew participants from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Ministry of Health, Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) and the private sector.

The presidential aide described this year’s theme ‘Hand in hand for better good and a better future’, as timely, noting that excessive salt consumption is silently fueling preventable illnesses among Nigerians.

‘We used to associate hypertension and cardiac problems with the elderly, but now we are seeing these conditions in people under 50 and even in their 20s,

‘Almost every home in Nigeria has a story to tell about someone living with or lost to heart disease or stroke,’ she said.

Anas said Nigeria’s sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) campaign will help consumers make informed choices.

‘Too often, manufacturers hide nutritional information in tiny fonts. We want clear, visible labels on food packages so Nigerians can easily see what they are consuming,’ she said.

Explaining that sodium regulation and FOPL are complementary, she said regulations set limits for salt content in pre-packaged foods, while labelling helps consumers identify high-sodium, sugar, or fat products.

‘It’s a win-win for consumers and manufacturers. Transparent labelling builds trust and encourages food producers to reformulate products to meet healthier standards,’ she added.

Commending NAFDAC and the Federal Ministry of Health for developing frameworks to promote healthier food environments, she said these efforts align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Health Agenda, which prioritizes preventive care and nutrition.

‘Sodium reduction is not only a health strategy, it is an economic investment. Healthier citizens mean greater productivity and lower healthcare costs,’ she noted.

The adviser urged food manufacturers to embrace reformulation and responsible marketing, describing the new regulations as opportunities for innovation, stressing, ‘We want industry to be our ally in ensuring that Nigerians eat food that sustains life, not disease’.

She also emphasized the need to change dietary culture, noting, ‘We have conditioned our brains to think that salt equals taste. But if you try local foods like yams or potatoes without salt, you’ll discover they have their own natural flavour. We must retrain our taste buds and our culture around food’.

She called on media, civil society, and community leaders to drive awareness, urging, ‘Media professionals are key partners. Your voices shape public opinion and can inspire change

‘Traditional and religious leaders must also help people understand that excessive salt intake causes hypertension, stroke, and kidney problems’.

She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a 30 percent reduction in sodium consumption by 2030, in line with WHO’s global action plan.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been reported as a top transfer target for Turkish champions Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt.

According to Sky Sports, Frankfurt are interested in the Club Brugge defensive midfielder, and he is on their shortlist.

The interest is particularly because Hugo Larsson’s future remains uncertain.

Frankfurt appear to be mainly considering Onyedika as a replacement for him, and it also appears that Frankfurt will only take action if Larsson left.

Onuachu top scorer in Turkey after Trabzonspor match winner

Paul Onuachu is now the leading scorer in the Turkish Super Lig after he fired his seventh goal of the season for Trabzonspor to win 2-1 at Rizespor.

Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, COOUTH, has issued a 21-day ultimatum to Anambra State government to address their demands or face industrial action.

They threatened that they would stop the training of residents doctors, recall those posted out, suspend all ongoing research and discharge every patient in the hospital if they are ignored.

The 21-day ultimatum, according to them, will begin on October 20 till November 21, to give room for smooth electoral process in the state.

The Chairman of the group, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu and the Secretary,Prof Joseph Umeobika, spoke on Friday at the hospital, flanked by all the members of the association, while briefing reporters

They consultants, said they had held meetings with the authorities, paid courtesy visits to the hospital management and written petitions to correct the anomalies, all to no avail, declaring,’ enough is enough’

Some of their grievances are that the government graciously,placed resident doctors on the proper salary scale, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)2024 which, according to them, was the standard salary scale enjoyed by all doctors across Nigeria

They said he equally approved the payment of their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a fund to support their training as approved by the federal government

‘As of today, October, our salaries are being prepared with the same old scale, while those of our trainers are being done with the proper scale .

‘Recall that any payment to resident doctors in the health sector is automatically extended to their bosses, the Consultants,in the same teaching hospital,as they are the heads of all doctors working there.

‘However, despite our loyalty and diplomatic approach to issues,we were disappointed to note that we were excluded from the proper placement after September salaries were paid. We are left confused on how there are two different salary structure for doctors working in the same place.

‘We will stop the training of resident doctors, recall all resident doctors on outside postings, suspend all ongoing research, discharge all patients from the teaching hospital, and halt all demonstrations to medical students using patients.

‘This will not only delay the graduation of medical students and resident doctors but also affect the overall functioning of the teaching hospital.

‘Many consultants have left the services of the teaching hospital for better conditions. We have lost key specialists to some other institutions where they are better appreciated and paid.

‘Many have left the country due to the ‘Jakpa’ syndrome, but the few of us holding on here and keeping faith with the government are being treated as unimportant.

‘We know this is a sensitive period, and any action taken now will be viewed through a political prism. However, we have been quietly persuading the authorities to do the needful, but unfortunately, that hasn’t yielded any results.

‘We are left with no choice but to resort to this pathway. We are still hopeful that this situation can be avoided, and our numerous patients and trainees can be spared untold hardship while we continue to take on the numerous responsibilities foisted upon us by virtue of our position and expertise.

‘We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Anambrarians to join us and persuade the government to avoid unnecessary loss of lives that this unpleasant action might result in’ the Consultants said

A leading exhibition and trade fair organiser – Atlantic Exhibition Nigeria Limited has announced plans for BUILDMACEX 2026, West Africa’s largest and leading building, construction and machinery exhibition.

The exhibition will hold from 22nd – 24th April 2026 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, VI, Lagos State.

The event is expected to bring together global industry leaders, professionals, innovators, stakeholders and the general public to explore the revolution of modern technology on structural design.

Now in its 10th edition, BUILDMACEX has become a key platform for advancing West Africa’s construction sector, showcasing innovations that drive efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in infrastructure development.

Next year’s edition will highlight cutting-edge technologies, sustainable building solutions, and digital transformation in construction while connecting local and international players and brands across the value chain.

It will also feature a diverse range of highlights designed to transform the construction landscape in West Africa.

Participants at the exhibition can expect an expansive exhibition of modern building technologies and machinery, showcasing advanced construction materials and smart structural systems that are redefining urban infrastructure.

The event will also spotlight sustainable solutions, including green building innovations, renewable energy integration, and eco-friendly construction practices.

Beyond the exhibition floor, BUILDMACEX will provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange through industry-led conferences, technical sessions, and panel discussions featuring top experts in engineering, design, and infrastructure.

Speaking on the upcoming exhibition, Event Manager at Atlantic Exhibition, Vivian Sesi Godonuve said: ‘BUILDMACEX has always been at the forefront of shaping conversations around construction and infrastructure in West Africa. The 2026 edition is designed to emphasise how technology and innovation are transforming structural design and redefining the built environment.

‘We are creating a platform where ideas meet action, where stakeholders can forge partnerships that will strengthen our region’s construction industry for decades to come.’

When the history of that era is written, Gen. Alani Akinrinade would be one of its guiding lights.Home and abroad, Gen. Akinrinade fought the military regime for the soul of Nigeria as entrenched in the democratic rights of Nigerians. For that, he paid heavily.

The general had a thriving large-scale farm before the crisis. To get back at him for his effrontery to confront the military roughnecks, the Abacha regime went for the general’s economic jugular. They ruined his farm. His shipping business too was fair game. If he had tarried at home, they most probably would have sent a killer gang after him. That is the only logical deduction from the arson agents of the state committed on his house.

But after all the trauma, Gen. Akinrinade stands firm and formidable in his beliefs. Whatever he had lost in that struggle, he gained in the estimation and affection of the grateful Nigerian masses, who were not only tired of military rule but were also irked by the arrogant cancellation of a mandate they freely gave Basorun Abiola.

Gen. Akinrinade may have been disillusioned at 70, seeing the gulf between his vision of what the Nigerian military should be when he signed up; and what it was when he left. But history will bear him testimony that despite all the rot of his generation, he maintained his personal honour and integrity; and remained the quintessential officer and gentleman.

No one could wish for more, in a generally traumatised era, when honour had gone to the dogs and debauchery was the new high point of state culture – Olakunle Abimbola in: Akinrinade – An officer and gentleman at 70″.

This piece, simpli cita, is not a biography of, definitely, one of the most outstanding generals ever produced by the Nigerian Army.

Lt. Gen. Akinrinade who turned 86 on October 3, 2025 was, as usual, more than generously celebrated by the high and mighty.

One of those who congratulated him, appropriately the Executive Governor of his Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke,

fulsomely celebrated the elder statesman, describing him as ‘a patriot of the highest order, a military legend, and a shining example of statesmanship whose life is defined by service, sacrifice, and courage.’

This article, therefore, deals with only one of the General’s post military engagements, namely, his always very courageously, providing communal leadership for both country and the Yoruba race which explains his multi – pronged roles in NADECO, the group that provided a dignified escape route for Yorubas of Southwest Nigeria when the ruthless General Sanni Abacha was intent on annihilating the entire race.

This then leads me to my review of the General’s ALAROYE LECTURE of 3 December, 2006, now definitively

etched in history on pages 313 – 315 of my book: ‘Simply a Citizen Journalist’ ( Amazon link:https://a.co/d/dXnfY77

Happy reading.

Yoruba Nation Politics, Irridentism And Issues Arising

Until I read an in- depth analysis of General Alani Akinrinade’s lecture delivered on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Alaroye, Thisday, 28 NOV.2006, by Philip Ogunmade, I had almost concluded that there was a press conspiracy to black it out.

All I had seen of the event, before then, consisted only of the photographs of politicians and Kabiyesis, and it would have been a great dis-service if the lecture, entitled ‘Yoruba and Their Neighbours After 2007’, had been reduced to nothing more than a photo opportunity.

First, a word about the guest lecturer.

Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, one time Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, was a twotime Minister of the Federal Republic. An officer and a gentleman, if ever there was one, Gen. Akinrinade was run out of town during the reign of the goggled one with his house literally bombed out of existence whilst on exile with his ‘co-conspirators’in NADECO.

As God would have it, he and his associates saw the end of Abacha and returned home to Nigeria.

Since coming back, Gen. Akinrinade has resumed where he left off in the service of Nigeria and the Yoruba race in particular. Around him, and at his great inspiration, an organisation is in the works to which every Yoruba man and woman would be only too happy to register his/her unborn child as member.

Modelled after the Jewish council, the organisation, unlike extant Pan – Yoruba groupings, will be all-inclusive, non-partisan and there would be no joiners, but co-equals, despite the many months of ground work the General and his associates have invested in the project. It will suffice for now, that I am jumping the gun, to say only that the organization will have as its primary duty, the re-invention, reinvigoration and nurture of Yoruba culture, language and the Arts, as well as the ‘gathering’ together of all Yorubas, whether here at home in Nigeria, in Brazil, Cuba or the United States and wherever on earth our compatriots practice IFA in its pristine originality; an institution which happily, has now become a UNESCO responsibility.

Given the above background, Lt. Gen. Akinrinade is eminently qualified to give the ‘Alaroye’ lecture which he concluded to a rapturous applause from the audience which included the high and mighty in society.

Highly respected across board, General Akinrinade, with neither airs nor ego, is a deep and very committed Yoruba leader. Indeed, a natural Yoruba leader, almost of the old school, very accommodating and tolerant of others’ views. General Akinrinade spares nothing, not time, nor resources, in the service of motherland.

May his tribe increase.

The General, in his lecture under review, went down memory lane; traversed centuries of the history of various Nigerian nationalities, emphasizing how British imperialism undermined local authorities and completely vaporised all.

He concluded this section with how the South came to be unequally yoked with the North.

In his view, the principal job of the Yoruba in the post-Obasanjo era will be the need to ‘see to the promotion of a true peoples’ constitution which will reflect the aggregated wishes of our various nationalities’.

As long as the status quo remains, he continued, the death struggle which our politics has become can only intensify.

The Yoruba, continued the General, ‘must now find a unity that transcends politics, religion, social status, gender etc’. He believes that Yorubas must show the way for they it is who have a tradition for reform, decency and abhorrence of cheating and hegemony over others.

Finally said the general, ‘we must rise to the struggle to entrench a constitution that can bring good governance, return power to the people, remove career politicians whose only contribution is looting; entrench the rule of law and repudiate majoritarian democracy in a heterogeneous society like Nigeria’.

This is no doubt a laudable road map for the Yoruba and it will only be in our tradition to lead the way.

However, I believe that the audience at the Alaroye lecture would have been better served if General Akinrinade had been given the luxury of choosing his topic or, alternatively, if he was asked to appraise the place of the Yoruba in these ‘our’ – read as Obasanjo’s two terms of almost eight years.

A critical examination of what Yorubas suffered during the Obasanjo administration – 1999-2007′, would have better made their day as it was a ruinous era for the entire race.

Traditionally, Yorubas have always belonged in opposition to the

Federal government of the federation. This has largely resulted from a hard-headed, consensus- based preference for our own political leaders who know exactly what we want as a people.

Beginning with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, through Chief Adekunle Ajasin; from Chief Adesanya to Late Chief Bola Ige, the Yoruba has come to be well served by their ‘opposition’ governments until 2003 when Obasanjo started his so – called mainstreaming against our wishes.

Things have since gotten so bad that only this past week, the Yoruba Council of Elders, a body that owed its birth, and life-line, for quite a while, to the Obasanjo regime, railed unrepentantly about the misfortune that has befallen education in the South West since 2003.

I was amazed to hear members of the Parents/Teachers Association of Queen’s College, Lagos, assert painfully, on an AIT Kaakaki programme, that they saw a copy of the Federal government’s letter inviting Chevron to come and buy the School. Even NEPA may have been invited by Obasanjo’s dutiful daughter, as Minister of Education, to buy King’s college.

This would practically have had the down-side of taking quality secondary education beyond most Nigerians.

Not too long ago, Agbajo decided to set up a rapid response committee of three, under the leadership of Professor Jide Osuntokun when it became obvious that rarely was any of the multibillion naira road and water projects announced routinely after Executive Council meetings meant for the South West.

Not many would now remember when the uncompleted Ibadan -Ilorin road was awarded nor when the Ilorin-Ado-Ekiti road project which has become a perennial, would be completed. The least said about the Lagos-Ota road, in his own neck of wood, the better. A documentary on the Benin-Ore road, brought tears to many eyes even in this era of multibillion petrol dollars.

The case is probably worse in the Federal Ministry of Water Resources where the Obasanjo government , with Muktar Shagari as minister, has out-spent every other government in the history of the nation, weekly announcing multi- billion irrigation projects for only the North.

Meanwhile, Obasanjo expects Ekiti State to be industrialised even when, like Bayelsa, it is yet to be connected to the national grid. This is not to mention the Lagos state experience during this ‘our’ tenure, when ‘our president’ cruelly seized all Local Government funds.

In conclusion I believe that Yoruba is in a double jeopardy if, during ‘our tenure’ we have been treated as shown above, only God knows what lies -in wait for Yorubas in a new administration headed by a Northerner. Therefore, the need for a Yoruba leaders to rigorously interface with the various party presidential candidates, whenever they emerge, to agree minimum parameters to have our electoral support, should be considered a must.

The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG), a political support organisation campaigning for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, has urged the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to remain steadfast in his decision to promote the agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President despite recent criticisms.

In a statement signed by the group’s Director-General, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, and Chairman of the Leaders’ Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa, the group described the recent media attacks on the minister as ‘a desperate attempt by political detractors and failed opportunists threatened by his growing influence and outstanding record of service.’

AMG commended Tunji-Ojo’s achievements, saying he had transformed lives and strengthened democratic structures far beyond expectations.

‘Beyond political rhetoric, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has transformed lives and strengthened democratic structures far beyond what anyone thought possible for a minister without executive powers. His record of empowerment and strategic leadership stands tall in Ondo State and across Nigeria,’ the group stated.

The group also recalled Tunji-Ojo’s pivotal role during the political crisis that almost led to the impeachment of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa while he was Deputy Governor, saying his intervention helped preserve political stability in Ondo State.

‘At a time when the state was on the brink of political turmoil, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s intervention was decisive. His timely mediation helped to restore calm and protect the integrity of Ondo State’s political structure,’ the statement read.

The group praised Tunji-Ojo’s unwavering commitment to President Tinubu’s administration and second-term bid, describing him as ‘one of the few public figures who have matched loyalty with strategic action.’

According to AMG, Tunji-Ojo has played a major role in strengthening the APC’s political base in Ondo State by facilitating the defection of several prominent opposition figures, including Tony Ala, Yele Akinya, Alabi Ebenezer, Alhaja Olufunmilayo Way, Omololu Falolu, and Dayo Awude, among others.

‘BTO’s bridge-building efforts have rendered the opposition almost non-existent in Ondo State,’ the group said.

The group further noted that Tunji-Ojo personally funded the furnishing of the APC Secretariat in Akure and has consistently sponsored ward and local government meetings across the state to keep the party active and united.

‘Three major campaign organisations working for President Tinubu’s re-election, including GMT and AMG, are largely supported and funded by Dr. Tunji-Ojo. This is what genuine commitment looks like, not noise-making or political grandstanding,’ Asagunla and Omogunwa added.

Reacting to reports that some political actors have urged President Tinubu to prevent Tunji-Ojo from contesting the 2028 Ondo governorship election, AMG maintained that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to seek elective office.

‘Let it be known that every citizen, including Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reserves the democratic right to seek elective office. However, the Minister has neither declared nor hinted at any ambition. Those spreading such rumours only expose their fears and affirm his political worth,’ the statement said.

The group stressed that Tunji-Ojo remains focused on his duties as Minister of Interior and on delivering the mandates of President Tinubu’s administration.

‘Those jittery over an undeclared ambition are merely fighting their own shadows. When and if the time comes, it will be the will of the people, not propaganda that determines who leads Ondo State. Until then, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo remains committed to service, performance, and progress for all,’ the group concluded.

Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, Dettol, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing hand hygiene in Nigeria with the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day 2025, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), and Kiddies ‘n’ Brands, a Reckitt Catalyst beneficiary.

This year’s theme, ‘Be a Hero, One Handwash at a Time,’ reinforces the power of individual action in driving collective change through handwashing, one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness and improve public health.

The flagship event, held on October 15th in Abuja, brought together key government officials, development partners, and members of the media to promote hand hygiene awareness nationwide.

The event featured practical handwashing demonstrations led by Dettol and a renewed commitment by stakeholders to scale hygiene education across communities.

Delivering the goodwill message at the event, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, reiterated Dettol’s leadership in hygiene advocacy and its long-standing partnership with the Federal Government.

‘At Reckitt, through our flagship brand, Dettol, we have remained deeply committed to the promotion of hand hygiene for decades.

Handwashing is not just a routine practice; it is a basic human right, a key to well-being, and one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and improve public health outcomes. Our long-standing advocacy for hand hygiene is rooted in the belief that clean hands save lives, and hygiene is the foundation for health.

‘To bring this commitment to life, we have continued to work closely with the Federal and State governments, championing hygiene and sanitation education that empowers communities and strengthens public health across Nigeria,’ she said.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended Dettol and its partners for their sustained advocacy and contribution to Nigeria’s hygiene and sanitation goals, urging continued collaboration toward a healthier nation.

‘I commend Reckitt, through its Dettol brand, and our development partners, Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, WaterAid and others for their continued support in driving hygiene and sanitation improvements across Nigeria.

‘Handwashing with soap remains a first-line defence against disease and a foundation for dignity, productivity, and well-being. However, ensuring that this simple act becomes a way of life requires sustained advocacy, innovation, and collective effort. The Federal Government remains committed to working with the private sector to scale up access to hygiene facilities and strengthen behaviour change. Together, we can empower every Nigerian to be a handwashing hero and safeguard our nation’s health,’ he said.

In addition to the Abuja event, Dettol’s partners extended the Global Handwashing Day commemoration to communities in Lagos and Kwara States. In Lagos, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and Kiddies ‘n’ Brands led community and school-based engagements across Ijora and Alimosho, where students and caregivers participated in fun, interactive hygiene demonstrations reinforcing the importance of regular handwashing in line with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6.

Similarly, in Kwara, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa continued its Hygiene Quest programme, educating schoolchildren and families on best hygiene practices.

As part of its broader public health agenda, Dettol continues to lead impactful initiatives such as Dettol Clean Naija and the Reckitt Catalyst Initiatives, which have empowered millions of Nigerians with hygiene education and supported innovative social enterprises in the WASH and Health sector.

Through these initiatives, Dettol underscores how simple daily actions like handwashing can make a life-saving difference. Together with the government and partners, Reckitt remains committed to building a Nigeria where everyone can be a hygiene hero.

The Renewed Hope Student Housing Project, an initiative of Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is set to deliver over 38, 400 world class student hostel bed spaces in 24 locations, including 12 universities, six polytechnics and six colleges of education before the end of next year.

The project, a Public, Private Partnership initiative of Tinubu is intended to improve the living standards and revitalize infrastructure across tertiary institutions in the country.

According to a statement by the promoters of the project, the Renewed Hope Student Hostel Project in each of the 24 locations will boast 1,600 bed spaces, 400 ensuite rooms with study table and chairs, four reading rooms, common room, cafeteria and restaurants, laundromat, grocery shops, salons as well as public toilets.

Put together by Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited, it is set to deliver on Mr. President’s promise to transform student accommodation nationwide.

Currently, the project has commenced in a total of six locations across the country with distribution of three locations in Northern Nigeria – Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and FCT College of Education, Zuba.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has cautioned youths against participating in a planned protest scheduled for October 20, 2025.

The planned protest is spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore over the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Chairman of the NYCN Interim Management Committee, Barr. Buhari Shehu, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the Federal Government, through the Police Force, has obtained an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the organisers and participants from holding the protest.

The organisation also noted the United States Embassy in Abuja had issued an advisory to its nationals in Nigeria with regards to their movement in the nation’s capital.

Shehu warned youths to avoid areas where the protest might take place tomorrow.

The statement reads: ‘This development should serve as a serious precautionary signal to Nigerian youths about the potential dangers of joining the demonstration.

‘In light of this development, we urge all Nigerian youths to exercise restraint and stay out of trouble. We are concerned that the planned protest may lead to a breakdown of law and order, which could put lives and property at risk.’

The organisation advised young Nigerians to channel their grievances and demands through lawful and peaceful means rather than resorting to street protests that could be hijacked by mischief-makers.

It added: ‘We remain committed to promoting youth welfare, peace, and development in Nigeria. We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to address the challenges facing our youth and our nation.

‘We have no other country and place to live than Nigeria, and we all must come together to safeguard our dear nation.’

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Mamuda Zakari Yau, for allegedly stabbing a commercial motorcyclist to death and stealing his motorcycle in Bauchi metropolis.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, Ahmed Wakil, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), the suspect confessed that he committed the crime because of financial difficulties, as he was under pressure to take a third wife.

Wakil explained that the tragic incident occurred on Thursday night near the old airport.

During the encounter, Yau allegedly used a knife to fatally stab the victim, Basiru Mohammed, aged 25, and made away with his red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number NNG 813 UM.

‘Fortunately, the victim managed to raise the alarm, prompting nearby residents to chase after the suspect. He eventually abandoned the motorcycle and fled the scene,’ Wakil stated.

Police operatives, responding swiftly to the distress call, evacuated the victim to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body has been deposited at the hospital morgue for postmortem examination.

Wakil further revealed that the suspect was tracked and arrested through information retrieved from his recovered mobile phone.

‘During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, admitting that he lured the motorcyclist under false pretence and stabbed him with a knife due to financial constraints related to his planned third marriage,’ Wakil said.