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Medical experts have cautioned against self-medication for eye problems, emphasising the importance of regular eye check-ups to prevent vision loss.

They gave the advice at a capacity building workshop on Eye-Health and its Relevance to Effective Journalism on Wednesday in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel with support from Sightsavers Nigeria.

Dr Chidinma Udemezue, World Sight Week Chairperson and member FCT Nigerian Optometric Association, noted that many Nigerians suffer from preventable vision problems, with 24.3 million people struggling with various eye issues.

Udemezue stressed that regular eye check-ups could help detect problems early, preventing complications that could lead to blindness.

‘When it comes to eye care, it’s essential to be proactive and seek professional help when needed.

‘Don’t take your eyes for granted, and don’t wait until it’s too late before you seek medical help,’ she said.

Similarly, Dr Chinedu Njezi, Chairman, Nigerian Optometric Association, FCT highlighted the importance of prioritising eye health.

Njezi warned against using traditional remedies, such as applying human urine, breast milk and other substances in the eyes, saying that this could cause more harm than good.

‘There are so many myths surrounding eye health to the extent that some people apply breast milk, urine, salt solution and a lot of other substances in their eyes without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.

‘The eyes are the windows to the body, and anything you apply in it affects its functionality.

‘Don’t put anything in your eye except it is given to you by a licenced, practicing eye care practitioner.

‘Some conditions that you worry about looking for things to put in your eye, can even resolve on their own,’ he said.

According to him, some diseases and ailments can be diagnosed, during eye screening, so it is important to engage in regular eye check to detect and treat any vision impairment.

‘If you are diabetic, hypertensive, anemic or have any health condition, it can be detected during an eye test. So, it is very important to go for regular eye check.

Njezi also stressed the need for those given glasses to correct any eye defects to ensure regular usage to protect their eyes and correct the defects

‘Eyeglasses are not medications. They are like sight or vision aids. They don’t also spoil your eyes. They help you to see far, read, and help your visual system,’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Mufutau Ojo, Editor-in-Chief, NAN, encouraged the workforce to prioritise their health as it was the basis for their functionality and effective contribution to the agency and journalism.

‘We usually blow trumpets for other professionals, but when it comes to our own health, we neglect it. If you don’t want to take care of your health, we will force you to do it,’ he said.

Mr Collins Yakubu-Hammer, Chairman of NUJ, NAN Chapel, said the workshop theme was apt, considering the fact that the eyes were very instrumental to the effectiveness and efficiency of a practicing journalist.

Yakubu-Hammer, represented by Mr Fortune Abang, Vice-chairman of the chapel noted that a bad eyesight would always affect the performance of Journalists.

‘A reporter or editor with unhealthy eyes is a disaster in the waiting. If such unhealthy eyes are not corrected, such a reporter or editor can mislead the society and cause havoc that can consume a country,’ he said.

He, therefore, urged journalists to maximise the benefits of the workshop and get eyeglasses aid them in discharging their duties effectively as well as boost accuracy and reportage.

Ms Evelyn Onyilo, President/Founder, Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), emphasised the importance of good eyesight to journalists in discharging their duties effectively.

Onyilo, also the Publisher, Phenomenal People Magazine said that good vision was essential to journalists as storytellers, truth-seekers, and chronicler of time.

‘For you as journalists, your vision might be to champion a cause, expose injustice, or simply deliver the most accurate news possible.

‘Whatever it is, that vision is what should shape your actions,’ she said.

In the same vein, Ms Grace Ike, Chairperson, NUJ, FCT council, emphasised the need for journalists to see clearly both literally and figuratively to enable them report news accurately and holding those in power accountable.

Ike represented by Mrs Shakirat Alabi, Former NUJ Chairperson, FRCN Abuja Operations Chapel encouraged journalists to prioritise eye health and cultivate habits that protect and preserve their eyes.

According to her, every report we write, every photograph we take, and every story we tell begins with what we see.

‘In essence, our vision is our gateway to truth and when our vision is compromised, the accuracy and depth of our journalism can also be affected.

Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisers for the initiative, adding that it would save them the cost of paying for eye health screening, free glasses and other health benefits.

Nigerian afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold, has surprised the winner of Big Brother Naija season 10 with a shocking gift.

Adekunle, who openly supported Imisi and Mensan during the show, gifted Imisi a brand new iPhone 17 Pro Max.

This kind gesture happened during a brief meet-and-greet. Imisi also shared a video on her Snapchat to show off the gift and appreciate Adekunle’s kindness.

The gift which is currently valued over 2.5 million naira sparked excitement among fans and the recipient, Imisi. She stated that it is a dream come true.

A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced 29-year-old Mariam Omokiri from Delta State to seven years in prison for human trafficking. She was also fined one million naira.

Omokiri was convicted for trafficking, exporting, and promoting the prostitution of young girls. She was arraigned in court on January 30, 2025, after allegedly sending four girls from Bayelsa State to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.

Justice Doris Adokeme, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, said the prosecution had proven the case against the convict beyond doubt. She added that human trafficking is a serious crime that damages Nigeria’s international reputation.

The judgment cited violations of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, including Sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b), and 18.

Reacting to the ruling, Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command, Fadewara Timiebiowei, through Charles Emomotimi, said: ‘This sends a strong message that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking. Parents and guardians should report any suspected trafficking activities to NAPTIP or other security agencies.’

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Rivers State Police Command dismantled a child trafficking syndicate that targeted young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, selling their babies to buyers. The gang, led by ex-convict Blessing Jack, had a history of similar crimes in Calabar, Cross River State.

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) and Chairman of the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF), Kehinde Ogundimu, has urged African governments to embrace blended finance as a strategic solution to bridge the continent’s widening housing deficit.

Ogundimu made the call at a roundtable event supported by UN-Habitat and the African Development Bank (AfDB), which brought together stakeholders from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe to discuss innovative approaches to housing finance, urban policy, and capital mobilisation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the NMRC boss said that stronger government leadership and creative financing mechanisms were essential to drive sustainable housing delivery and unlock large-scale investments across Africa.

‘To address Africa’s deepening housing deficit sustainably, we need stronger government leadership and innovative financing mechanisms – particularly blended finance – to catalyse transformative, large-scale impact across the continent,’ he said.

Ogundimu warned that the future of Africa’s urban centres depends on immediate action and collaboration between public and private sectors.

‘This transformation presents a choice. Will our cities become engines of prosperity and human dignity, or sprawling informal settlements marked by lost opportunity and persistent inadequacy?’ he asked.

He noted that mortgage penetration across Africa remains below 3 per cent, limiting access to affordable housing. According to him, blended finance, which combines public, philanthropic, and private capital, could be a game-changer for large-scale housing investment.

‘We need blended finance – the strategic combination of public, philanthropic, and private capital to unlock investment at scale. It is not merely an option; it is a necessity,’ Ogundimu added.

He further emphasized that African governments must evolve from being sole housing providers to market enablers, using public funds to attract and de-risk private investments.

‘When structured effectively, blended finance can reduce investment risk, extend loan tenors, lower interest rates, and multiply the impact of limited public funds,’ he explained.

Ogundimu highlighted successful models across the continent, such as guarantee schemes and employer-employee housing funds, which could be scaled through collaboration and policy reform. He also stressed that housing should be viewed not only as a social service but as an economic engine that drives inclusive growth.

‘Housing is not just a social good; it is a powerful economic catalyst. Each home built creates jobs, stimulates local industries, deepens financial markets, and builds wealth,’ he said.

Drawing from NMRC’s experience in Nigeria, Ogundimu said achieving lasting transformation requires an ecosystem approach that brings together regulators, investors, developers, and policymakers.

‘No single institution, and no single country, can achieve this alone,’ he asserted.

He reaffirmed AUHF’s commitment to documenting and promoting success stories to inspire evidence-based policy reforms, urging African leaders to take decisive steps on the resolutions reached at the conference.

‘The families waiting for decent homes are counting on us,’ he concluded. ‘History will judge whether we rose to meet this defining challenge – and I am confident that together, we will.’

According to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, the country faces a housing deficit of over 28 million units, requiring more than $21 billion annually to bridge the gap. Despite several government interventions, access to affordable housing remains limited due to high construction costs, inadequate financing, and low mortgage penetration.

Members of Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) have debunked claims that they are part of the ongoing strike declared by Association of Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

NAMDA, which is the trade union for medical lecturers in universities, tertiary health, and research institutions said this in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Nosa Lancy-Orhue; Secretary-General, Dr Abdulrahman Shehu; and National Liaison Officer/Organising Secretary, Dr Muhammad Askira, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Association which is also responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, including the training of medical doctors and dentists in Nigeria reaffirmed that it remains an independent union with the capacity to negotiate its interests and uphold mutual respect.

‘NAMDA is not on strike, and we will not be blackmailed, coaxed, or lured away from the interest of our members,’ the statement read.

It said the clarification became necessary following persistent enquiries from members, the press and the public regarding its stance on the ongoing withdrawal of services by another academic union in the university system.

NAMDA said its members had been neglected for long but would continue to support legitimate demands that do not adversely affect their interests.

The association acknowledged ongoing engagements with the Federal Government through the Ministries of Labour and Education, which it described as ‘very encouraging’

It said the Minister of Education, through a meeting facilitated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, had promised to address key issues affecting medical lecturers.

‘These demands include the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Workers Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the withdrawal of the compulsory PhD requirement for medical lecturers with postgraduate fellowship for academic promotion and eligibility to vie for the position of Vice-Chancellor,’ the statement said.

NAMDA also called for the approval by the Federal Executive Council of the scheme of service contained in memorandum CM(90)92 of its 11th meeting in 1990, based on the recommendations of the committee chaired by the late Chief Justice Atanda Fatai Williams.

It said the issue of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) was also discussed.

The association noted that the Minister apologised for the error in a letter from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), which appeared to limit the benefit to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

NAMDA alleged that some university managements, supported by a sister union, attempted to exclude its members from the EAA payment.

It cited the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, where the Governing Council had responded that medical lecturers were not entitled to the allowance.

The association said it had requested the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate how two conflicting letters on the same matter emanated from the AGF’s office.

NAMDA said it would continue to engage the Federal Government through the committee set up to negotiate with university unions to emphasise its long-standing demands.

‘The conditions of service for medical and dental lecturers cannot be satisfactorily negotiated by anyone but medical academics under NAMDA,’ it said.

The association urged the Federal Government to fast-track the circularisation of CONMESS and direct the National Universities Commission (NUC) to reaffirm the withdrawal of the circular making a PhD compulsory for medical academics with postgraduate fellowships.

NAMDA said it reserved the right to adopt legitimate means, including legal actions, in pursuing its demands, adding that any withdrawal of service by the union would be guided by its constitution.

It warned that such an action, if ever taken, would have serious implications for the education and health sectors.

An Abuja high Court on Wednesday granted bail to an Abuja-based Lawyer, Ibitade Bukola, charged with forgery and impersonation.

Bukola and her co-defendant Victor Giwa are charged with document forgery and impersonation of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu.

The court however, on Oct. 8 granted bail to Giwa but denied Bukola bail because she did not present a written bail application.

At the resumed hearing in the bail application , counsel to Bukola, Mr Ogbu Aboje, urged the court to admit his client to bail pending trial.

He argued that the defendant poses no flight risk and would be available to stand trial.

However, the prosecution counsel, Eristo Asaph, opposed the application, citing Sections 37 and 115 of the Evidence Act.

He argued that granting bail would not serve the interest of justice and urged the court to disregard the counter-affidavit filed by the defendant.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled in favour of the defendant.

Justice Onwuegbuzie granted her bail in the sum of ?30 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, residing within Abuja, and must present verifiable addresses and valid means of identification.

Additionally, the defendant was ordered to deposit her international passport with the court pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

The court directed that the defendant remain in custody at the Suleja Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of the bail condition.

The judge then adjourned until Oct. 30 for the commecment of trial.

Nigerian DJ , Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, spoken up about the state of the afrobeats genre of music, claiming its at its lowest.

While speaking with Echo Room, Big N stated that the genre has been diluted by artists and producers in a bid to appeal to international audience.

He also claimed that the genre is currently at the worst state it has ever been in for the past 20 years.

‘Afrobeats right now is at its worst position in the last 20 years. And everyone from musicians to music executives have a part to be blamed. The quality of music dropped. You have to understand that the quality of the product is important in every way. Also, the originality of the music dropped. Always understand that whatever you want to export has to be original, first and foremost. If you tried to export something else, it’s only a matter of time before you stopped getting demands. You can’t sell foreign genres to foreign audiences. We have to embrace our originality,’ he explained.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Federal Government’s enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, insisting that the principle should instead be ‘No Pay, No Work.’

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing journalists after a visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The stance followed a circular issued by the Federal Government on October 13, 2025, signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directing vice-chancellors of federal universities to strictly enforce the policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) currently on strike.

Ajaero described the directive as ‘illogical, unjust, and insensitive,’ stressing that it was unreasonable to expect productivity from workers who were being denied their legitimate entitlements.

‘The cause is non-payment, and the consequence is no work,’ Ajaero said.

He argued that since 2009, the government had repeatedly failed to honour agreements reached with unions, which had led to persistent strikes across various sectors.

The NLC president advised the government to address the underlying issues rather than punishing affected workers, warning that continued neglect of the education sector was eroding Nigeria’s human capital base.

He disclosed that unions in the education sector would meet on Monday to discuss a collective response to what he termed the government’s ‘consistent neglect and insensitivity.’

‘Threats to withhold salaries are driving teachers and lecturers abroad. Fixing education will strengthen the economy and ensure national stability,’ he said.

On the Labour Party (LP) crisis, Ajaero reaffirmed that the NLC remained the legitimate owner of the party, as it held the original certificate of registration.

He dismissed those claiming ownership as ‘birds of passage’ and announced plans to reorganise the party through ward, state, and national congresses.

Turning to Abia State, Ajaero commended Governor Otti’s administration for progress in workers’ welfare but called for urgent salary harmonisation.

He noted disparities where some junior officers reportedly earned as much as, or more than, their seniors due to incomplete salary adjustments.

Ajaero urged the state government to correct the anomalies promptly to promote fairness, proper promotion structure, and lasting industrial harmony among Abia workers. (NAN)

Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti was indeed a maverick. Not only was it difficult to get a handle on him, he resisted throughout his life every attempt to put him in a box. That resistance also informed his rebellious spirit, his radicalism and his fight for the betterment of the masses.

Twenty-seven years after his death, Fela’s intriguing story remains more captivating. While many view him as a genius, others see him through the prism of his unconventional lifestyle. Still others perceive him as a radical who fought for good governance and the betterment of the masses.

However, Fela is more than all of these put together. The Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition, which opens from October 12 through December 28, 2025 at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Lagos, offers Nigerians a rare opportunity to see not just the different sides to the maverick fondly called Abami Eda but also his natal origin, what made him tick and why 27 years after his transition, he still remains a talking point.

The exhibition, which spans 12 weeks of programming, is indeed a full package. One gets to see the different aspects of Fela’s life, his music, his iconoclastic lifestyle, his rebellious spirit, and his humanity, to mention a few. Nothing about Fela’s larger-than-life persona is left out. Even little details such as his family and ancestral history, periodic images of Lagos, his daily life in Kalakuta republic, the queens, the historical garments he wore, even his underwears, his musical instruments, albums, newspaper reports and archival materials are all on display.

The exhibition also includes aspects such as The Talks, Kalakuta Cinema, Young Rebels’ Corner, and live performances by Femi and Made Kuti, among others. General admission into the exhibition is free and open Fridays to Sundays (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), with Thursdays reserved for VIP and institutional visits, while RSVPs are required for talks, workshops, book readings, and cinema screenings due to limited capacity. Ticketing is available via Luma.

‘For the first time probably in the history of exhibitions in Nigeria, we have a three-month program. So, our partners at Ecobank have been generous enough to give us this space for three months. And during those months, we’re going to have fortnightly concerts, talks, programs for children, spoken word competitions, and also opportunities for people to learn.

‘So, during this whole process, we trained scenographers to teach them how to design exhibitions. We’ve been working with people who want to do audiovisuals, learn how to do audiovisuals that are specific to art exhibitions. So, we’ve really been thinking about how this opportunity creates capacity and new ways of knowledge for the next generation,’ Papa Omotayo, founder of the A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation, told journalists while taking them on a tour of the exhibition.

The exhibition is being organized by A Whitespace Creative Arts (AWCA) Foundation, in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria, the Kuti family, and the Philharmonie de Paris, and it honors Fela’s life, music, and activism in the city that birthed Afrobeat.

However, the opening night on Sunday, 12 October drew artists, diplomats, cultural leaders, and Fela’s family. They all gathered under one roof to celebrate the Abami Eda’s enduring spirit. Hosted by Folu Storms, the evening featured performances by Ezra Collective and Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, alongside goodwill remarks from Laurent Favier, French Ambassador to Nigeria, and a representative of the Lagos State Governor. The symbolic ribbon-cutting officially declared the exhibition open, led by members of the Kuti family, Ecobank representatives, and the Lagos State Government.

Inside the halls, guests explored a powerful, multi-sensory journey through Fela’s world; from rare recordings and archival photography to immersive reconstructions of Kalakuta and the Afrika Shrine. And the night ended in true Fela fashion, with rhythm, movement, and communion, as the crowd danced and toasted to the resilience of Afrobeat.

Seun Alli, founder of JCAA and curator of the exhibition, said the three-month long exhibition aims to reposition Fela and make people see his different sides and broaden their perception.

‘Too often, Fela is reduced to a handful of catchphrases and uninformed stories – Zombie, Water No Get Enemy, the Kalakuta fire, marrying 27 women, or even the unfounded claim that he performed on stage in his underwear.

‘Curating Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos is a deliberate refusal of this flattening. It aims to reposition Fela not merely as a musician or rebel, but as a public intellectual whose music and philosophy are deeply intertwined with Africa’s social, political, and intellectual histories.

‘His work was never just style or spectacle; it was a catalyst of revolt and hope, the soundtrack for those living under oppression, corruption, and the daily failures of power. Nearly three decades after his passing, it remains a profound mystery how Abami Eda’s philosophy continues to resonate so powerfully across all facets of our shared human experience,’ Alli noted.

Still, an interesting thing about the Afrobeat Rebellion Exhibition is that a similar exhibition on Fela was held in Paris in 1922. And not only is this the first time it is being organized in Lagos, it is on a much bigger scale than the one in Paris. And the fact that the exhibition has been held in France and Nigeria speaks volumes about the cultural ties between both countries.

Laurent Favier, who represented the French Embassy, for his part, said: ‘Supporting the Afrobeat Rebellion in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge. It is a logical and welcome follow-up to the successful exhibition in Paris. This project is both a celebration of Franco-Nigerian collaboration and a cultural gift, honoring Fela’s legacy – who was very appreciated in France – while deepening the dialogue between our two nations.’

However, Omotayo, for his part said: ‘As you can see, the exhibition is broken into about ten sections, starting with his early life, which you get some sense of Fela’s family and ancestral history, and it sort of brings you into the next area, which is Lagos, maybe, which is really just to impress the context of Lagos and how critical Lagos was in not just Fela’s music, but also in his legacy.

‘You think about the shrine, the people, but Fela was ultimately a political, rebellious musician that was situated in Lagos, and his response and his music has that Lagos energy that has passed through many generations. And you see so many people in Afrobeats now sort of taking on that legacy.’

Asked how long it took the organizers to put the exhibition together, Omotayo said: ‘There are hundreds of people that were involved in putting this exhibition together. And we’ve all been working on this for over one year. And so, this is a culmination of it.’

What then can Nigerians gain from the exhibition? ‘I think for me, personally, it’s the idea that there is always another way, and the importance of resistance. You must resist. If you feel that you do not like something that is happening, you must resist. And I think it’s important for the next generation to understand that resistance is the power that they have to make change and create any world that they want. And I think Fela represents that. And their voice is powerful,’ Omotayo maintained.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has disclosed why he turned down an offer of appointment from President Bola Tinubu, insisting he has no interest in joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Fayose said he chose to step back from active politics after decades of service, stressing that at 65, his priority is to focus on personal responsibilities rather than seeking political appointments.

‘Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir,” Fayose revealed.

‘At 65, I would rather be at home, being more responsible and doing other things that I need to do. I have served well, two-term governor, I have done well. Let tomorrow hold itself.’

The former governor, who described Tinubu as ‘a friend and brother,’ however, clarified that his cordial relationship with the President does not mean he is ‘hobnobbing’ with the APC.

Fayose also took a swipe at his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring it ‘dead’ and beyond revival.

According to him, the party has lost its relevance and influence in Nigeria’s political landscape.

‘Let me tell you, the PDP is gone. I won’t be among those that will resurrect it,’ he said, adding that several governors still in the party are already making moves to defect to the APC.

He also defended President Tinubu over the recent defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the APC, saying it would be unfair to blame the President for the collapse of the PDP.

Fayose further acknowledged Labour Party’s Peter Obi as the only opposition figure still commanding public attention.

‘The only opposition that still has traction is Obi, no other one,’ he stated.

‘People don’t listen to Atiku or the others anymore. Obi is everywhere, even without being in government. I give it to him,’ he said.

Fayose, who twice served as governor of Ekiti State, said he remains committed to democratic ideals but has chosen to focus on personal pursuits rather than partisan politics.