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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and child health through stronger community engagement and collaboration with traditional leaders and partners.

Speaking at a community dialogue and outreach event organised by the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health(Rotary RMCH) on Saturday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, FCT Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), Dr. Ruqayya Wamakko, said active participation of communities has made it easier for health workers to deliver vaccines and other essential services to remote areas.

‘The road has been built, where bridges are supposed to be built, and that has made it easier for our healthcare workers to reach their workplaces, carry vaccines, and return safely, unlike before,’ she commended the Ministers of Health and the Minister of State for Health for their support.

She described community involvement as the foundation of successful health programmes, stressing that the FCT administration continues to align health interventions with local culture and traditional structures.

‘We implement our activities in cognisance of our culture and beliefs. When our traditional leaders speak, we listen – because their voices guide our actions. That is why we are all gathered here today; we respect our traditions while improving healthcare delivery,’ she noted.

Wamakko also praised the Village Development Committees (VDC) and Ward Development Committees (WDC) for their mobilisation efforts, while recognising the media as vital partners in promoting public health awareness.

‘Once you are doing an activity and do not partner with the media, you have not started. The media sell our activities – without them, we plan to fail,’ she added.

She further highlighted ongoing efforts such as the mass measles-rubella vaccination campaign, nutrition programmes, and the HPV vaccine rollout for adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer.

‘The entire world is moving towards preventive medicine, not curative, and that is what Nigeria is now embarking on,’ she said.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH), Prof. Emmanuel Adedolapo Lufadeju, said community ownership and government partnership are vital to reducing maternal and child mortality nationwide.

‘No one in this country wants to see women and children die from preventable causes. This is one of the very important ways by which we are addressing it,’ Lufadeju stated.

He said Rotary is partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health to promote safe motherhood, family planning, and maternal death surveillance under the Maternal and Perinatal Surveillance and Response (MPSR) initiative.

‘We are supporting the government to identify why women die and how to prevent such deaths. It is already yielding results in several states,’ he said.

Lufadeju commended the Federal Government for making reproductive health services and contraceptives free, noting that partnerships with civil society and community leaders are improving outcomes.

‘The government has shown strong leadership. Contraceptives are now free, and access is expanding. But we must sustain the collaboration to end preventable maternal and child deaths,’ he said.

He also called for increased funding for primary healthcare, more training for community health workers, and intensified awareness to build trust in public health programmes.

‘Beyond infrastructure, the human connection is key. When people understand why immunisation, family planning, or antenatal care is important, they take ownership. That is what true community engagement means,’ he added.

The District Head of Kagini Community, Alhaji Ayuba Barau, thanked the government for improving access to health services and called for a General Hospital in the area to complement existing facilities.

‘Every life matters, and every individual deserves access to quality health services. We are grateful for what has been done so far, but we appeal for a General Hospital to serve our growing population,’ he said.

The outreach featured immunisation, nutrition screening, and consultations, drawing together traditional rulers, health officials, and residents to promote community-led healthcare in the FCT.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described poverty as the greatest enemy confronting humanity, lamenting that Nigeria has unfortunately earned the label of being among the countries worst hit by the scourge.

Atiku made the remark in a post on his X handle to commemorate the International Day for Poverty Eradication, where he called for concerted efforts from government, civil society, and all stakeholders to end poverty in all its forms.

‘Poverty is the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known. Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,’ the former Vice President said.

He described the observance of the International Day for Poverty Eradication as a ‘timely reminder and a call to action,’ urging a united front in tackling poverty.

‘In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty. That is why my advocacy for deliberate, people-centred solutions to end poverty remains strong and consistent,’ he stated.

Atiku stressed the need for both government and community-driven interventions that directly impact ordinary Nigerians, saying the fight against poverty must reach ‘every home, every community, and every school.’

Quoting a Nigerian proverb, he added, ‘When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside. When poverty is defeated, the freedom and dignity of every man and woman will find true meaning.’

Former governor of Abia State and member of Nigeria’s upper chamber, the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has said he is not considering a retraction of his statement alleging that some Nigerian pilots smoke Indian hemp.

He made this known in a telephone conversation with Tribune Online when asked whether the statement was a slip.

According to him, ‘I am not ready for a retraction. Let whoever wants to dispute what I said go ahead and make their points to the contrary.’

Senator Kalu was the owner of Slok Airline, which folded in 2008 following a protracted scuffle between him and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Nigerian government, led by President Obasanjo, revoked Slok Air’s operating licence, citing ‘unethical practices.’

However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has countered the lawmaker’s claim, stating that his remarks were false and damaging to the reputation of the nation’s aviation industry.

The Director-General of the regulatory authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the NCAA maintains a rigorous and internationally recognised system for certifying and monitoring the medical and professional fitness of all pilots operating in Nigeria.

Najomo stated that ‘no pilot is permitted to operate a Nigerian-registered aircraft without holding both a valid pilot licence and a current medical certificate, as required by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) Part 8.4.1.4.’

He explained that holders of Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) and Airline Transport Pilot Licences (ATPL) are required to possess a Class 1 Medical Certificate before they are allowed to operate.

These medical certificates, he said, are issued only after comprehensive aero-medical evaluations by NCAA Authorised Aviation Medical Examiners (AAMEs), followed by approval of the medical report by NCAA’s in-house aero-medical assessors.

‘Any suggestion that pilots operate under the influence of substances or without adequate checks is inaccurate. The processes in place are not only thorough but also consistent with global standards prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),’ he stated.

Najomo also refuted another claim by the lawmaker that modern aircraft do not need a pilot to fly.

According to the NCAA chief, while modern aircraft are equipped with advanced autopilot and autoland systems, these systems do not replace pilot control.

He explained, ‘Take-offs are entirely manual operations carried out by the flight crew. Autopilot functions are only activated after take-off, usually when the aircraft reaches a safe altitude.’

He reiterated the NCAA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety through continuous inspections, random substance testing, enforcement actions, and strict adherence to ICAO provisions.

‘The NCAA remains proud of its safety oversight record and the professionalism of Nigerian flight crew,’ Najomo stressed.

Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed Nigeria’s current hardship on the failure of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of plunging the nation into hunger, insecurity, and infrastructural decay.

Speaking on Saturday at the official unveiling of the ADC Secretariat in Ilorin, Kwara State, Aregbesola said the APC government had mismanaged the country’s affairs through ‘incompetence, greed, and poor leadership,’ which have left citizens struggling to survive.

‘Under the current administration, hunger has taken over the land. Governance has been reduced to personal enrichment and political intimidation.

Nigerians are suffering because of the failure of leadership at all levels under the APC,’ Aregbesola said.

He also accused the ruling party of stifling opposition voices and using state machinery to intimidate critics.

‘If the APC is confident of its strength, it would not be hounding and haunting opposition members everywhere,’ he added.

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Aregbesola described the ADC as a ‘party of conscience and service,’ expressing confidence that growing public discontent would translate into electoral victory for the party in 2027.

‘The hatred of Nigerians for the ruling party is obvious, and the party that will harvest that unpopularity is the ADC,’ he declared.

Also speaking, former Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said the unveiling of the ADC Secretariat marked ‘a new dawn’ in the state’s political direction.

‘This is the beginning of a new direction in our political experience. The ADC is poised to entrench a party that reflects the true aspirations of Kwarans,’ Ahmed said.

On his part, the ADC National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as ‘a dead party awaiting its obituary,’ insisting that only the ADC remains a viable alternative to the APC.

‘The question is no longer whether Kwarans want the APC; that question has been answered. They don’t. The question now is whether we can convince them that the ADC is the only alternative, and that’s exactly what we’ll do in the coming elections,’ Abdullahi said.

He also raised concerns over rising insecurity in rural areas of Kwara State, warning that the menace has crippled farming and other livelihood activities.

‘Our people can no longer farm safely. The government must do more to restore peace and ensure that the lives of citizens are protected,’ he added.

France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, has stated that the country is strengthening its partnership with Nigeria in technology, innovation, and the creative industries to promote sustainable development and cultural exchange across Africa.

Barrot made this known on Friday in Lagos during the second edition of the Forum Création Africa, which celebrates creative and cultural industries across the continent.

He said the event showcased outstanding talents from 42 African countries in video games, extended reality, webtoons, and digital design, adding that France and Nigeria both lead in the creative sectors in Europe and Africa, respectively.

‘Technology is one field where France and Nigeria have much to achieve together. We share a common vision of development, multilateralism, international law, and technology,’ Barrot said.

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He noted that both countries are working to develop regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while preventing misuse of technology.

Barrot also highlighted ongoing French support for Africa’s creative and technological ecosystems, describing France-Nigeria relations as long-standing and mutually beneficial.

He recalled recent bilateral engagements between both nations’ leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 visit to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France last year.

As part of the partnership, Barrot announced the inauguration of the ‘Omi Eko’ Project, which will introduce 78 electric boats and open 15 new waterways across 140 kilometres in Lagos.

The pound 410 million initiative, supported by the European Union, aims to provide decarbonised water transport, reduce carbon emissions, and help Lagos adapt to rising sea levels.

Elder statesman and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s growing debt burden, warning that the country’s economic reputation is deteriorating and discouraging foreign investment.

Babalola stated this at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti during the 2025 International Leadership Conference on Leadership, Governance, Sustainable Change and Wealth Creation (2.0), jointly hosted by ABUAD, Nigeria, Trinity Western University (TWU), Vancouver, Canada, and African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (CentreLSD)

Speaking at a conference themed ‘Shaping Transformational Leaders for a Changing World: Tackling Insecurity, Governance and Development’, the legal icon described the theme of the event as ‘most appropriate at this time of our development,’ noting that the nation’s financial situation had become alarming.

The nonagenarian lamented that the country’s worsening debt profile was undermining investor confidence, adding that the local financial sector is equally feeling the strain, citing complaints from banks that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been unable to honour government promissory notes.

He, therefore, called for urgent reforms and responsible fiscal management to restore economic stability, investor confidence, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

‘The theme of this Conference is most appropriate at this time of our development. The record shows that Nigeria, as of today, is a big debtor country; Nigeria’s total public debt is put at N152.4 trillion or $99.7billion.

‘Consequently, most business companies from other countries do not want to invest in this debtor country. As I am talking to you now, I know as a fact that our banks are complaining that the Central Bank is not honouring Promissory Notes issued by the government on the allegation that the Federal Government is in debt and cannot pay the Central Bank.

‘The main function of a government is contained in Section 14 of the Constitution. For avoidance of doubt, it reads as follows: The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.

‘It is hereby, accordingly, declared that: Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom the government, through this Constitution, derives all its powers and authority.

‘The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. The participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution,’ he said.

In his lecture titled, ‘Transformational Leadership in an Insecure and Disruptive Era: Building Ethical, Resilient and Impactful Leaders for Africa’, a development expert and founding Executive Director of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (CentreLSD), Otive Igbuzor identified transformational leadership as a major tool necessary to combat bad governance, corruption, unemployment, gender inequality and environmental degradation in Nigeria and Africa at large.

Igbuzor, who noted that Nigeria and Africa require a new generation of leaders who can challenge conventional approaches and promote innovations, explained that transformational leadership will enable the government to reward merit, integrity and innovation rather than mediocrity and patronage.

He added that Nigeria must be guided by the imperatives of ethical leadership, innovative education, institutional Integrity, Inclusive Governance and continental collaboration, calling on the federal government to institutionalise leadership training across schools and universities in ensuring that leadership formation becomes as essential as literacy.

In her address, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, noted that the conference was timely, as it emphasises the vital importance of international, regional and public-private partnership in tackling the underlying challenges such as insecurity, hunger, poverty, infrastructural decay and economic uncertainties.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reiterated that Lagos remains the heartbeat of innovation and creativity and is committed to celebrating homegrown talent who are making a global impact.

The governor said when the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) team, led by its convener, Bodex Hungbo, paid him a courtesy visit at the governor’s office as part of activities leading up to the sixth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH 6.0).

The governor commended the BSMH team for their efforts in bridging the gap between social media and societal progress.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote responsible media use and digital growth across Lagos State.

The BSMH team expressed appreciation to the governor for his administration’s continuous support of media innovation and youth-focused initiatives in Lagos State.

In light of this, BSMH conferred Sanwo-Olu as the Grand Patron of the Bodex Social Media Hangout Initiative.

BSMH’s convener, Bodex Hungbo, noted that the governor’s digital forward policies and open engagement with citizens have set Lagos apart as a model for digital governance and media inclusion in Africa.

Hungbo stated that this year’s edition of the event, themed ‘Social Media and AI Influence: Transforming Yourself, Services, and Society’, continues the platform’s mission to promote responsible media use, foster digital literacy, and empower social media users across Nigeria.

Hungbo noted that the visit served as an official invitation to Governor Sanwo-Olu to attend the occasion as a keynote speaker during the grand finale and the Grand Patron Award ceremony.

In addition, Hungbo further noted that the governor will be presented with the ‘Most Digital Media Friendly Governor of the Year’ award during the grand finale of the event, in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to leveraging technology for public engagement and transparency in governance.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Saturday dismissed an online report insinuating an alleged attempted military coup in the country leading to the cancellation of the activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The AFN, in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director Defence Information, DDI Brig-Gen Tukur Gusa, described the report as falsehood and misleading.

The statement also dismissed the spurious references made to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct, clarifying that the exercise was a normal routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks.

According to the statement, an investigative panel had been duly constituted to that effect and its findings would be made public.

The statement however urged members of the public to disregard the attempted coup report, reassuring that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained firmly loyal to the Constitution and the federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The statement titled, ‘DHQ NEVER MENTIONED ANY COUP ATTEMPT’ reads, ‘The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.

‘The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

‘The decision regarding the cancellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

‘Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.

‘The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.

‘The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.

‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.’

Meanwhile, an online platform in a recent report claimed that 16 military officers were being detailed over an alleged attempted coup in Nigeria.

According to the online publication which cited anonymous sources from the top ranks of the military, the 16 senior officers, reportedly led by a Brigadier General, were being detained for allegedly planning to overthrow Tinubu’s government.

Tribune Online earlier reported that the Nigerian military, in a statement a few days ago, disclosed the detention of some officers over ‘over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.’

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has renovated the administrative block of Umuahia correctional centre in Abia State.

The renovation, which included re-roofing and ceiling of the facility, was a direct response to a plea by the former State Controller, Mrs Josephine Ogbeifun ,during a courtesy call on Kalu in May 2025.

The Deputy Speaker’s intervention, which is remarkably a display of his commitment to public service, has not only improved the condition of the facility but also provided a safer and more conducive environment for officials and inmates who were hitherto exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Also demonstrating his compassion, the Deputy Speaker paid the fines of over 15 inmates at the Correctional Centres in Umuahia and Aba to help decongest the facilities.

In a letter dated July 4, 2025, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, expressed immense gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his kind gestures.

He said: ‘I write to express my sincere appreciation for your generous support in the re-roofing of the Administrative Block at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Umuahia.

‘Your timely intervention has significantly improved the structural integrity and functionality of this critical facility, enhancing both staff working conditions and operational efficiency. This commendable gesture underscores your steadfast commitment to strengthening federal institutions and developing public infrastructure.

‘Your dedication to the welfare of correctional institutions within your constituency is highly laudable and aligns with our efforts to reposition the Nigerian Correctional Service for enhanced professionalism.

‘On behalf of the officers and men of the Nigerian Correctional Service, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and assurances of continued partnership in advancing institutional growth and national development.’

Similarly, in another letter dated October 3, 2025, the Deputy Controller in charge of Umuahia Custodial Centre, Mr. Michael Ojiako Mabia, also expressed his profound gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for his benevolence

‘On behalf of the staff and inmates of Umuahia Custodial Centre, I write to extend my profound gratitude to you for your generous intervention in the reroofing of the Administrative Block of our facility. Your kind gesture has not only restored the structural integrity of the building but has also created a safer and more conducive working environment for our officers.

‘It is a reflection of your deep sense of responsibility, commitment to national service and genuine concern for the welfare of institutions that are often overlooked.

‘Your intervention will have a lasting impact on enhancing both administrative efficiency and staff morale. We consider this support a testament to your visionary leadership and dedication to public service.

‘Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker, Sir, Ben Kalu (Enyi Abia), like the popular Oliver Twist, we wish to ask for more and also intimate you of some of our challenges /basic needs of our inmates, which, among others, include: Payment of fines for convict inmates (to help decongest the Custodial Centre).

‘We remain grateful and look forward to continued collaboration in areas that will improve the effectiveness of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Once again, thank you for your outstanding support. We are most grateful.’

Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised former presidential aide Reno Omokri following recent allegations made by a former American Mayor, Mike Arnold.

Arnold, founder of Africa Arise International, recently visited Nigeria on a fact-finding mission concerning claims of religious persecution. The visit, reportedly facilitated by Omokri, took an unexpected turn after Arnold publicly accused Omokri of insincerity and manipulation.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Arnold described Omokri as being motivated by personal interest rather than genuine advocacy. The comments have since sparked widespread reactions online, with Omokri yet to issue a formal response.

Reacting to the controversy, Ibe, in a post on his X handle on Friday, called on Omokri to address the allegations and clarify his position.

Referencing an earlier post he made in June, Ibe stated that Arnold’s revelations had validated his previous concerns about Omokri’s credibility.

‘In light of the revelations made by Mike Arnold about Reno Omokri, it has become necessary to restate my earlier position. Arnold’s comments have confirmed that Reno cannot be taken seriously,’ Ibe wrote.

Ibe further accused Omokri of inconsistency and self-serving political behaviour, challenging him to explain his changing positions on national issues and past criticism of political figures.

The aide also questioned Omokri’s silence on certain controversies, including unresolved questions surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records, urging him to ‘remain consistent’ in his calls for accountability.

As of press time, Reno Omokri had not publicly responded to either Arnold’s accusations or Ibe’s remarks.