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In a significant effort to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has provided approximately 250 citizens in Gombe State with a free skills acquisition programme.

The convocation, held at the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation headquarters in Pantami district, marked the successful completion of a batch of training designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills.

The initiative aims to create a generation of job creators rather than seekers. The beneficiaries, selected on merit from the 11 LGAs in Gombe, were awarded certificates and given start-up tools to launch individual workshop.

A statement by PIP Foundation official, Prof Suleiman Mohammed, indicated that the training covered practical smartphone repair, alongside cutting-edge modules in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The extensive curriculum also included mentorship sessions that focused on developing the youths’ entrepreneurial mindset and boosting their confidence as they prepare to establish sustainable businesses.

‘This programme is an ongoing national effort; the training will continue in batches across several Nigerian states. Bauchi State is likely to be the next focus of attention,’ Mohammed disclosed.

The graduation was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its impact on the community. The excited participants applauded Pantami for the transformative scheme and prayed that Allah reward him abundantly.

The District Head of Pantami, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, commended the former minister, whom he referred to by his traditional title of Waziri Pantami. ‘Our district is proud to have a son of his calibre,’ he said.

Other notable attendees included the Sarkin Malaman Gombe, Alhaji Ahmad Walama; Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, a cross-section of academics, politicians, community and religious leaders.

The Ifesowapo Consultative Forum, a consortium of 32 communities surrounding Lisa Town and its environs in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, has announced plans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bellview Airlines plane crash, which claimed 117 lives at Lisa village on 22 October 2005.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting of community representatives, where Dr Fola Abati, chairman of the Forum, outlined preparations for what he described as a truly memorable and meaningful event.

According to Abati, the commemoration will include inter-religious prayer sessions, an aviation safety lecture, and outreach to families of the victims. Government officials, aviation stakeholders and members of the international community are expected to participate in the remembrance. To ensure wider participation, the memorial event will be live-streamed, enabling those outside Lisa, across Nigeria, and in the diaspora to join in the tribute.

‘The 20th Memorial Anniversary is not merely about looking back with sorrow. It is about using history to inspire progress. We owe it to the victims, their families and to ourselves to ensure that Lisa is not remembered only for tragedy, but for resilience and renewal,’ Abati remarked.

He recalled that the crash, which drew global attention to Lisa and its environs, led to the construction of the Lisa Memorial Arcade by then President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Gbenga Daniel, with promises of sustained development. Two decades on, the once symbolic arcade has been left to deteriorate, while the 10.5-kilometre Ijoko-Oyero-Lisa access road remains in a state of disrepair.

Abati emphasised that the anniversary will serve as a renewed call for urgent government’s intervention. Restoring the Lisa Memorial Arcade, he said, would honour the departed with dignity, while rehabilitating the access road will ease the daily burden of thousands of residents who commute between Ogun and Lagos.

He further stressed the need for the site to be recognised as a national heritage landmark, and for the long-envisioned aviation tourism centre to be established-preserving memory and inspiring future generations.

The forum also acknowledged the efforts of the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, whose intervention at the Awela River axis facilitated the construction of a flyover bridge. This singular project, Dr Abati noted, has significantly reduced the annual loss of lives caused by flooding in the area.

In addition, the forum commended His Royal Majesty, Oba Oladele Odugbemi for his enduring commitment to the welfare of Lisa and its neighbouring communities. His leadership in matters of security, infrastructure and government engagement has, they affirmed, kept the voice of the region alive in the corridors of power.

The 20th anniversary observance is scheduled for October 22.

It used to be sad tales of farmers losing every pod from their cowpea to the devastating maruca vitrata, also known as pod borer insect which has the capacity to destroy over 70 percent of cowpea pods while on the field. The story always ends in misery as rural farmers lose their money and investment.

But for Ogenomor Emmanuel, each leaf, each pod, is a testimony against pests, doubt, and fear that innovation can change the story of beans in Nigeria. For him, what was once a modest yield has become exportable quality, and with it, the promise of better nutrition, income, and a country less dependent on imports.

Cowpea is more than staples in Nigerian homes, they are among the cheapest sources of protein, rich in essential nutrients which include protein, fibre, iron, folate, and other minerals. For many households, cowpeas cushion against hunger, especially this period when meat prices have skyrocketed.

Yet Nigeria’s cowpea story remains regrettable. According to data from FAO and other studies, cowpea/dried cowpea production was around 4.3 million metric tons in 2023 yet demand and consumption deficits is still prevalent.

Nigeria is experiencing a deficit not just domestic. Poor quality, contamination (by pesticide residues, insects, pathogens), storage losses, and insufficient yields have meant that Nigeria often fails to capitalize on export markets or fully meet its own needs.

As Dr. Rose Gidado, Director of Agriculture biotechnology at National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) argues, Nigeria imports hundreds of millions of naira’s worth of beans annually to fill its own shortfall.

Estimates place Nigeria’s cowpea import bill at about N10 billion annually. Furthermore, export revenue is lost when standards are not met. The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) reports that failure to meet phytosanitary and pesticide-residue requirements costs the country some US$362.5 million annually in potential export revenue.

On nutrition, UNICEF data show that 32 percent of children under five in Nigeria are stunted, over 2 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and more than 11 million children face food poverty.

This scary data means that improving access to affordable, nutritious legumes like cowpea (with high protein, minerals, and relatively inexpensive cultivation) could have major public health impacts.

At the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, a team of Scientists, led by Professor Mohammed Ishiyaku developed Bt Cowpea, a variety genetically engineered to resist the Maruca pod borer, a major insect pest that can ravage cowpea yields.

This move is in response to the need to address the ravaging effect of pod borer, increase yield, improve rural farmers’ livelihoods and drive economic prosperity for the nation at large.

With fewer pesticide sprays required and better resistance to insect damage, Cowpea can help raise yields, improve quality, lower costs, reduce environmental, health and residue risks, and support export compliance.

In 2023 Emmanuel began farming with 5 hectares of Cowpea; by 2025 he is also cultivating 7.7 hectares. He recounts how with local varieties he got 3-4 bags per hectare, often losing 60-70 percent of pods to insects despite spraying 7 or 8 times. With Cowpea, he sprays once every 15 days, and the plant endures.

‘This is my farm. It is about 7.7 hectare of land. I Started the farming business in 2023, I started with five hectares, and from five hectares is where we are today. As you can see, the crop is exceptionally doing well’, Emmanuel said as he wears a smile.

Today, he gets 19 to 22 bags per hectare from the Bt cowpea variety, roughly 5-7 times what local varieties would yield under similar circumstances.

Beyond yield, Emmanuel emphasises quality: ‘There’s one thing about this particular Cowpea, maybe because of the gene it contains, when it is being cooked, it takes less time to get done, unlike the normal cowpea variety that will take up to three hours, before it gets ready, but this new variety takes about 35 to 40 minutes before it gets ready’, he said.

Emmanuel, who is also an out-grower for seed companies, has been exporting Cowpea since October 2024, to buyers in the United Kingdom and the United States, fetching double what he would make in local markets because of purity. The export opportunity has been catalytic, not just for Emmanuel’s income, but he says it offers a model that can scale.

‘I have people who I export to in the United Kingdom and the United States, I sold it at double of what I usually sell in the local market. I started exporting beans in October 2024, the people that buy it from me talk about the purity of the particular Cowpea that was what made them actually key into doing business with me.

‘And it’s a kind of variety. The gene is so pure, the one I planted for the rainy season got me 19 bags and half bags per hectare’, he explained.

For the UK market, standards are strict, the regulatory agency there looks out for pesticide residues, traces of insect damage, moisture content, and overall purity are monitored.

Many Nigerian beans fail these tests, or are rejected, costing farmers and exporters. The NAQS figure of US$362.5 million in lost revenue annually reflects how big a prize is being missed.

But because of its pest resistance, reduction on the risk of insect damage and the need for lesser pesticide application, the Bt Cowpea can meet export criteria more reliably.

Also, the UK is a stable market, often willing to pay premiums for quality, clean, certified produce. For Emmanuel, the double value he gets for export versus local market underscores how much extra income is possible.

When Emmanuel visits his farm and sees the flourishing pods and leaves, his strides animate something larger than farming, his life has shifted. Where local cowpea variety gave him just enough, Cowpea has given surplus, export markets, dignity.

He recalled the pains of waiting, spraying eight times, losing half of the pods, then barely making enough to feed family and pay local bills. But now he sprays once every two weeks, the plants stand strong, the pods fill, the beans are clean.

He sells some locally, but more are packed for export. Buyers in the UK notice purity, no damage, minimal waste, grains that pass residue tests.

For Emmanuel, that means not just business, but also hope. Hope that other farmers in Nasarawa and beyond will follow. Hope that Nigeria can reduce imports and lose revenue. His farm is not just a plot of land, it’s a pilot, a beacon.

Cowpea may not solve Nigeria’s malnutrition overnight. But it is a powerful tool that bridges technology, markets, nutrition, and lives. For Emmanuel, for his neighbors, for thousands beyond the borders of Nasarawa, this seed is more than cowpea. It is a seed of change.

As the export boxes move toward the UK, they carry not just beans, but hope that innovation, when paired with support, can feed a nation, elevate its farmers, and heal its children.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday marked another milestone in its transformation journey with the commissioning of the NAF Headquarters Annex Complex in Gudu, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Service Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the new NAF headquarters annex facility, designed to decongest the overstretched Headquarters in Garki, was described as a bold step towards strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing productivity, and boosting personnel welfare.

Beyond its administrative value, the project also reinforced the NAF’s capacity to project airpower more effectively in defending the nation and protecting the lives of citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, commended the foresight of the NAF leadership, noting that the project reflected resilience, vision, and commitment to institutional growth.

He observed that since its establishment in 1964, the Air Force had expanded tremendously in scope and responsibility, creating the need for new administrative and operational support structures.

According to him, relocating key branches such as the Air Secretary, Standards and Evaluation, Transformation and Innovation, as well as the 051 Personnel Management Group and an Annex of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Office, would not only ease congestion but also provide a firmer institutional foundation for the future.

While praising the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for aligning the project with his Command Philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force through welfare and infrastructural renewal, he declared, ‘This Annex is a reflection of the Air Force’s habit of excellence and foresight’.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff explained that the Gudu Annex was deliberately acquired and remodelled to create a conducive work environment and strengthen coordination.

He emphasised that the project underscored the Service’s commitment to excellence and welfare, noting that motivation thrives where efficiency and infrastructure are prioritised.

According to him, ‘the commissioning of the HQ NAF Annex stands as a testament to our dynamism, resilience, and forward-looking posture,’

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, described the commissioning of the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Annex Complex in Gudu as more than the unveiling of a new structure.

He noted that the event represents a defining milestone in the continuous transformation and dynamic growth of the Nigerian Air Force.

Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Augustine Akobundu; the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Honourable Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Service Chiefs and other senior officers.

The National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), in collaboration with CGIAR Genebank Accelerator, national and international partners, last week converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for a two-day capacity building workshop on strengthening the capacity of national institutions for Implementing and Use of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

The workshop, held at the conference hall of NACGRAB, featured virtual and physical participants from NACGRAB, Alliance Bioversity-CIAT (International Centre for Tropical Agriculture), International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Universities, Research Institutes such as the National Horticultural Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IARandT), Ibadan, policymakers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders.

At the end of series of deliberations and elaborate discussions, participants came up with ways to fast-track approval and implementation of the Multilateral System of Access and Benefit-Sharing in Nigeria.

They listed expansion of awareness to include Universities and other tertiary institutions, NAERLs for extension services and other agricultural-related agencies. Publicise NACGRAB’s gene bank activities through social media platforms. They, however, posited that caution should be taken regarding information sent out to avoid misinterpretation of intention.

Through a communique, the meeting recommended awareness creation to the policy makers, research institutions, NGOs, farmers, traditional rulers, and legislators on the importance of MLS should be initiated and strengthened in cases where they are available by NACGRAB.

NACGRAB is encouraged to attend, present and distribute posters on the benefits of MLS at conferences organised by relevant professional organisations. The meeting also tasked NACGRAB to work with the relevant stakeholders to advocate special funding for a targeted Genebank optimisation project from the Federal Government outside the normal budget system.

Participants at the workshop urged development partners to continuously build the capacity of all stakeholders on the MLS of access and benefit sharing and SMTA, while NACGRAB is encouraged to develop a strong national strategy on communication to simplify the advantages of MLS to each target group.

NACGRAB, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, told to initiate the identification of core traits of germplasm of interest by breeders.

Relevant stakeholders were called upon to nominate an institutional liaison officer for proper communication and dissemination of information with the focal point, while also calling on them to put in place adequate and periodic monitoring and evaluation focused on the implementation of MLS.

The meeting concluded by asking that more farmers should be reached through the users’ engagement programmes on MLS.

Amuwo-Odofin Local Government has commenced the construction of a temporary market settlement in Agboju to provide a safe and conducive trading environment for displaced traders.

The council chairman, Prince Lanre Sanusi, said the new settlement would serve as an alternative site for traders relocated from roadways and walkways, while major renovation works, including road reconstruction, drainage clearing, and electrification of the Agboju Market, are ongoing.

Sanusi assured that the temporary market, now under rapid construction, would be completed and handed over to traders within weeks, stressing that the relocation was necessary to ease business activities during the market’s rehabilitation.

The council disclosed that the renovation project will also extend to the Agboju-Badagry highway axis once the temporary settlement is delivered.

Meanwhile, Sanusi revealed that plans are underway to construct a permanent ultra-modern international market at 6 Avenue, Festac Town. The proposed market will accommodate large-scale trading at affordable rates, serving traders and business owners across Festac and Amuwo-Odofin.

In addition, a mechanic village has been earmarked for the same area to centralise automobile workshops and related businesses within the local government area.

According to the chairman, these projects are part of his administration’s efforts to improve commerce, decongest roads, and provide a sustainable business environment for residents.

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, has joined the global community in marking this year’s Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission: Possible.’

The annual celebration, which recognizes service excellence and customer appreciation, provided CSCS an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to innovation, resilience, and customer satisfaction – values that have defined its leadership in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, HarunaJalo-Waziri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, expressed gratitude to customers and employees alike for their unwavering trust and dedication.

‘Our impressive achievements are only made possible by your unflinching faith in our audacious mission to revolutionize the Nigerian capital market,’ Jalo-Waziri said. ‘As we celebrate our esteemed customers, I also appreciate my colleagues, whose empathy and dedication continue to make real positive changes in serving our customers and the market at large,’ he said.

This year’s Customer Service Week celebration comes on the heels of several transformative digital initiatives by CSCS, which have strengthened efficiency, transparency, and access across Nigeria’s capital market.

Among these innovations is RegConnect Version 2, an upgraded registrar platform featuring real-time data validation, omnichannel transaction capabilities, and seamless API integration to enhance operational reliability. CSCS also launched the Custodian Portal, a secure and user-centric interface that simplifies portfolio and trade management, document tracking, and share transfers for custodians.

Further expanding financial inclusion, CSCS, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, introduced the *7270# USSD Code Service, enabling investors to check account balances, stock positions, and Direct Cash Settlement (DCS) status directly from their mobile phones, even without internet access.

Jalo-Waziri emphasized that these innovations reflect CSCS’s continued drive to ‘make the impossible possible,’ underscoring its strategic role in deepening investor confidence and digital transformation within the capital market.

The organization also highlighted the importance of its employees, whose professionalism ensures seamless clearing, settlement, and market access for millions of investors locally and internationally.

As Nigeria’s capital market prepares for its transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in November 2025, CSCS reaffirmed its readiness to deliver world-class services aligned with global standards, further cementing its position as a key enabler of market growth and efficiency.

With over two decades of service, CSCS remains pivotal to the Nigerian capital market’s evolution, from the dematerialization of share certificates to the modernization of post-trade infrastructure.

Licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CSCS serves as the central depository for a wide range of securities including equities, corporate and sub-national bonds, mutual funds, and commodities.

Through a mix of cutting-edge digital platforms, web and mobile applications, and a responsive customer service framework, CSCS continues to deliver on its mission to enhance market trust, investor accessibility, and service excellence.

The Iperu Indigenes Forum (IIF) has congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the completion and commencement of commercial operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, describing it as a historic milestone for the community, Remoland, and the entire state.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s convener, Prince Ladi Olabinjo, Chief Ifasola Saheed Opeodu (the Oluwo of Iperu), Otunba Adebayo Salami and the Media Officer, Temitope Oyekan, the group commended the governor, an illustrious son of Iperu Akesanland, for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructural development and economic transformation.

The forum noted that the Gateway International Airport, which is set to begin its maiden commercial flight today, October 7, represents a new dawn for Iperu and the Remo region, as it strategically anchors the Remo industrial corridor and positions Ogun State on the global aviation and economic map.

According to the statement, the airport’s establishment will drive job creation, industrial expansion, investment, tourism, and urban renewal, while enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the state and beyond.

The forum also expressed optimism that the airport’s eventual international certification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will further link Ogun State directly to global markets, facilitating trade and travel.

While celebrating the project, the group urged the state government to further improve intra-city roads, ensure steady electricity supply, and strengthen security measures around the airport and adjoining communities to support anticipated growth in human and vehicular activities.

The forum also lauded other infrastructural projects associated with the airport, including the road linking the airport to the Sagamu-Benin highway, the ongoing Siun-Ajura-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan road reconstruction, and the proposed Purple Line Metro Rail from Mowe to Iperu-initiatives it said align with Governor Abiodun’s ISEYA development mantra and Building Our Future Together agenda.

The forum congratulated ValueJet Airline for operating the airport’s maiden commercial flight and praised the company’s innovation and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Reaffirming its support for the governor’s developmental strides, the group expressed confidence that the Gateway International Airport, alongside the Special Agro-Processing Zone and the Remo Economic Cluster, will consolidate Ogun State’s position as a hub of industrial and economic excellence.

The Forum also saluted all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions to the realisation of the project, recalling that vast lands across Orubo, Iragbon, Eluju, Arogbo, Idena, Magbon, Isapetu, Emulu and Ogunmogbo communities were provided for the airport’s development.

The Nigeria Police Force is in the news again, for the enforcement of the ban against tinted or shaded glasses in motor cars. On April 25, 2025, the police announced its intention to compel the procurement of a written permit on all cars with tinted glasses. Although no cogent reason has been proffered for the implementation of this policy inherited as part of the military invasion of our political space, it would seem from all indications that the goal is that of revenue generation. The challenge with this is that Nigerians have been taxed and overtaxed and if the rationale behind the current tax reform laws is to harmonise all taxes, then there has to be a rethink of this policy by the police.

THE LAW AGAINST TINTED OR SHADED MOTOR GLASSES

On 8th February 1991, the federal military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida (Retd) enacted the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991, in the following terms:

‘The Federal Military Government hereby decrees as follows:

1. (1) Except with the permission of the appropriate authority designated for the purposes of this Decree and for such good cause as may be determined from time to time by the appropriate authority, no person shall cause any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be-

(a) tinted; or (b) shaded; or (c) coloured lightly or thickly (d) darkened; or (e) treated in any other way, so that the persons or objects in the motor vehicle are rendered obscure or invisible.

(2) In this section, ‘good cause’ means health or security reasons.

2. (l) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law, rule of law, enactment or the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979, as amended, any person who without the permission of the appropriate authority-

(a) causes any glass fitted on a motor vehicle to be treated in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(b) does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling or aiding another person to tint, shade, colour, darken, or treat in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree

(c) aids another person in tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way any glass fitted on a motor vehicle in any manner specified in section 1(1) of this Decree ; or

(d) counsels or procures any other person to tint, shade, colour, darken or treat in any other way, any glass fitted on a motor vehicle, commits an offence under this Decree and shall be punished in the manner set out in this Decree.

(2) Any person who commits an offence under paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of this section may himself be charged with tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle or with counselling or procuring the tinting, shading, colouring, darkening or treating in any other way the glass fitted on the motor vehicle.

(3) In this Decree –

(a) reference to the ‘appropriate authority’ means reference to the Inspector-General of Police or any person or authority authorised by him to give such permission as is contemplated in subsection (1) of section 1 of this Decree

(b) reference to ‘permission’ includes registration.

3. It shall be the duty of the buyer, donee or importer of a motor vehicle with tinted, shaded, coloured, darkened or treated glass to change all the glass within a period of 14 days from the date of arrival in Nigeria or date of purchase (whichever is applicable in each circumstance).

4. (1) Any person who commits an offence under this Decree shall on conviction be liable to a fine of N2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both such fine and imprisonment.

(2) Where an offence under this Decree has been committed by a body corporate, every person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a proprietor, director, general manager, secretary or other similar officer servant or agent of the body corporate (or a person purporting to act in any such capacity) as well as the body Corporate shall be guilty of the offence and may be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

5. The Federal High Court shall have jurisdiction to try offenders under this Decree.’

WHY THE POLICY IS WRONG

Understandably so, Nigerians have kicked against the enforcement of this law on so many grounds. First, it is not reasonably justifiable. The cars in issue were not manufactured in Nigeria and the owners have no control over the specification or mode of the car. To enforce such a blanket ban, the government must have a ready alternative which it can offer to its citizens. Second, these cars are driven freely in other parts of the world without the need for a permit. Third, if the ban on tinted or shaded motor glasses is that of security, all that the police need to do is to ask the motorist to wind down his glasses for random security check.

THE COURT CASES

The Nigerian Bar Association has challenged the enforcement of this policy in court in Abuja and the police was duly served with the originating processes in the suit but it claimed that since there is no positive order from the Court, the enforcement will proceed notwithstanding the court case. Subsequently on October 2, 2025, the Federal High Court in Warri issued an order, directing the police to show cause why an order of injunction should not be made to stop the enforcement of the policy. There has been some controversy on the purport and effect of the order of court for the police to show cause. Let me dwell on this a little more.

Under and by virtue of Order 26 Rule 8 of Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019:

‘2. Where a motion is made ex-parte, the Court may make or refuse to make the order sought, or may direct the motion to be made on notice to the parties to be affected thereby or may grant an order to show cause why the order sought should not be made.

C- ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

13. An order to show cause shall specify a day when cause is to be shown, be called the return day to the order, which shall ordinarily be not less than three days after service.

14. A person served with an order to show cause may, before the return day, produce evidence to contradict the evidence used in obtaining the order, or setting forth other facts on which he relies to satisfy the Court to discharge or vary such order.

15. On the return day, if the person served does not appear and it appears to the Court that the service on all proper parties has not been duly effected, the Court may enlarge the time and direct further service or make such further order as seems just.

(b) if any other relief is sought, the Judge may at any time grant in the proceedings such interim relief as could be granted in an action begun by writ;

(c) the Judge may impose such terms as to costs and as to giving security as he deems fit.’

WHY THE POLICY MUST BE HALTED FORTHWITH

In law, an order for a party to show cause why an injunction should not be made is a preliminary court order that puts the respondent on notice to demonstrate why they should not be restrained by an injunction. The effect is that it requires the respondent to argue against the grant of the injunction, and if they fail, the court may issue the injunction based on the applicant’s argument. The party to whom the order is directed has the duty to show cause, or present reasons, why the injunction should not be granted, and this may involve demonstrating that they have a sufficient legal remedy or that the balance of convenience does not favour the applicant. The legal effect of the order is that the respondent is obligated to appear before the court and argue their case against the injunction being granted. The burden of proof rests heavily on the applicant for the injunction to show that a serious issue to be tried exists and that damages will be inadequate compensation. However, if the respondent fails to show cause, this failure will strengthen the applicant’s case for the injunction. The court’s order serves as a formal notice to the respondent about the potential injunction and allows them to be heard on the matter. The order aims to maintain the current state of affairs (status quo) while the court considers the application for injunction. If the respondent fails to show cause or provides insufficient reasons against the injunction, the court can proceed to grant the injunction. And even when no positive order of injunction has been made, the respondent is required to keep matters in status quo because the court will not aid a party who is guilty of taking steps to jeopardize the subject matter of the application for injunction. In the case of John Aikpkokpo-Martins however, the court specifically directed the police to maintain the status quo, effectively halting the implementation or further implementation of the policy, pending the hearing and determination of the application for injunction. As the police are established to maintain law and order and to enforce decisions of the court, the policy on tinted motor glass permits should be suspended for now.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin on Monday inducted 32 new veterinary doctors at its seventh induction/oath-taking ceremony.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the event, a former vice-president Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr. Bala Mohammed, told both the graduands and audience at the event that solutions to contemporary health challenges demand interdisciplinary cooperation.

‘Solutions to today’s greatest health challenges cannot be designed in isolation-they demand cooperation across veterinary medicine, human medicine, environmental sciences, and public policy’, he said.

Mohammed, a veterinary surgeon, also said that, ‘the health of humans, animals, and the environment can no longer be treated as separate concerns.

‘They are intricately linked, forming the foundation of the one health approach, a global strategy that requires collaboration across disciplines to achieve optimal health outcomes for all,’ he said.

He also said that: ‘Despite successes, veterinary services remain underfunded, under-recognised, and under-integrated into national health frameworks.

‘Many countries, including ours, face surveillance blind spots, weak laboratory capacity, and governance silos.’

‘These gaps allow diseases to simmer unnoticed until they explode into public crises, with devastating health and economic consequences.

‘To truly protect one world, we must invest in veterinary infrastructure and laboratories, foster collaboration among doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, and policymakers to strengthen education, funding, and data systems which empower community-centered prevention strategies. ‘Veterinarians must be recognized not only as responders but as guardians of planetary health’.

Earlier, Dean of the Faculty Professor Saliu Ameen, said that the induction marked the formal licensing of these young doctors as veterinary professionals.

Professor Ameen added that, ‘this ceremony is not merely a ritual; it is a defining moment. It signifies the transition of our graduands from students of veterinary medicine to full members of a noble and globally relevant profession’.