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In the heart of Kathmandu, where devotion meets tradition, little Aryatara Shakya, barely three years old, has been chosen as Nepal’s new Kumari, the ‘living goddess.’ She now carries the weight of centuries-old reverence and unspoken expectations that go far beyond divine worship. Here are five of the most profound, often overlooked expectations placed on Nepal’s living goddesses:

1. Embody Physical Perfection

Before being chosen, a Kumari undergoes an intense selection process. She must possess flawless skin, perfect teeth, unblemished eyes, and an overall aura of serenity. Even the smallest mark or hesitation during tests, like being left alone in darkness or seeing animal blood, can disqualify her.

2. Never Show Fear or Pain

Once chosen, the Kumari becomes a symbol of divine power, meaning she must always appear fearless. Tears, fear, or any sign of discomfort are considered human weaknesses unfit for a goddess. From a young age, she learns to suppress emotions that most children naturally express.

3. Remain Emotionally Composed

Kumaris are expected to stay calm and expressionless, even in isolation. Their words are considered sacred prophecies, so every gesture and statement carries spiritual significance. This emotional restraint often shapes how they experience and limit their humanity.

4. Live Apart from the Outside World

As a living goddess, the Kumari’s movements are restricted. She rarely steps outside her palace except for ceremonies, and interactions with the public are limited. While she is adored by millions, her life is one of quiet solitude, watched, revered, but rarely truly known.

5. Transition Back to Normal Life After Divinity

When puberty arrives, the goddess must retire, instantly becoming an ordinary girl again. Many former Kumaris struggle to adjust to school, friendships, and social life after years of being worshipped. The divine silence they were trained to maintain often follows them into adulthood.

The story of Aryatara Shakya is not just about a child crowned as a goddess; it’s about the invisible weight of perfection placed on her shoulders. Behind the incense and prayers lies a quiet truth: to be a Kumari is to live like a goddess while learning to hide the heart of a child.

LAGOS State Government has been called to take urgent and lasting action to address the persistent flooding that continues to devastate the Lekki axis.

In a statement issued by the Lekki Chapter of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, the group bemoaned the recurring floods that destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods, and hinder economic growth in one of Lagos’ fastest-growing districts.

Speaking, the Chapter President, Mr. Erauyi Agbon-Ifo, advocated for compensation and an insurance framework to support households and businesses affected by the floods, arguing that taxpayers deserve fair restitution for their losses.

He said the yearly flood inflicted pains on residents as they lost valuables worth millions of naira in the deluge

He canvassed the need for government, private organisations, and community groups to collaborate on sustainable solutions that go beyond temporary relief.

The group urged the state to improve drainage infrastructure, expand stormwater channels, and ensure consistent maintenance of existing systems. It also cited Rivers State as a model for effective flood management despite similar coastal challenges.

It also called for intensified public enlightenment on proper waste disposal, flood prevention, and climate adaptation measures.

Expressing solidarity with affected families, the NBM reaffirmed its commitment to continued advocacy until concrete government action is achieved.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued an order restraining Comrade Ademola Gbenga, Comrade Okechukwu Nnamene, and others from conducting the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) election slated for October 7, pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court.

Justice J. E. Obanor, in an order dated October 6, 2025, in suit no: FCT/HC/CV/3803/2025 and motion no: M/12204/2025, sighted by our correspondent, directed the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to enforce the court’s order.

The claimants/applicants in the case are the Incorporated Trustees of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) and Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, representing the existing leadership of the Council.

The defendants include Comr. Ademola Gbenga, Comr. Okechukwu Nnamene, Comr. Abel Abaji, Comr. Alex Allen Akin, Comr. Hassan Mamman, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Department of State Services.

It would be recalled that the NYCN, during its National Elective Convention held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, from September 20 to 22, re-elected Ambassador Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo as President alongside other executives.

However, dissatisfied with the Sukubo-led leadership, Gbenga and his allies formed a parallel group and planned to conduct another election in Abuja on October 7.

Consequently, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo regarding the leadership of the NYCN, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The order read in part: ‘Upon hearing the motion ex parte and the accompanying affidavit of Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, and listening to P. Ulofu Esq., counsel to the applicants, praying this Honourable Court for the following:

‘An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents (Gbenga and others) or any person(s) acting through them or on their behalf from conducting the scheduled election of the 7th day of October 2025 or taking any further step concerning the subject matter of this suit, respectively, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

‘An order of interim injunction directing the respondents to maintain the status quo with respect to the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

‘An order directing the 6th (IGP) and 7th (DSS) defendants/respondents to enforce the order of court restraining the 1st to 5th (Gbenga and others) defendants, their privies, agents, or howsoever called, from conducting the scheduled election of the 7th day of October 2025 or taking any further step concerning the subject matter of this suit respectively, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

‘And for such further or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this suit and/or application.

‘The court ordered as follows: Application is hereby granted and order made as prayed. Case is adjourned to 16th October 2025 for hearing of motion on notice.’

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims.

The commendation follows the President’s directive on Hajj fare reduction issued through Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with NAHCON’s management team on Monday.

According to the Vice President, the downward review of the Hajj fare became necessary due to the continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar, the primary determinant of pilgrimage costs.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed and made available to newsmen on Tuesday, IHR described the President’s intervention as ‘most commendable,’ adding that it reflects his responsiveness to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

‘What the President has done is highly commendable and has shown that, as he always says, he feels the pulse of ordinary citizens at all times,’ the statement read.

The CSO noted that the directive on Hajj fare reduction aligns with its earlier analysis, which had shown that the over N8 million fare announced by NAHCON was on the high side and not reflective of prevailing foreign exchange realities across the country.

IHR further urged the federal government to consolidate the President’s directive by instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide a concessionary exchange rate for Hajj 2026 pilgrims.

‘We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the CBN to peg the exchange rate for the 2026 Hajj at ?1,000 to the US dollar.

‘Given that about 85 per cent of the Hajj rate is transacted in US dollars, approving the concessions on dollar rate will drastically reduce the Hajj fare as directed by the President,’ the group said.

According to IHR, implementing such a concessionary rate will encourage more Nigerians to register for the pilgrimage and ensure that the country fully utilises its allocated slots.

Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has disclosed that certain individuals are bent on sabotaging the Economic Summit that opens on Wednesday.

He emphasised that his administration will not be complacent, as there are enemies of progress around who are bent on disrupting and scuttling the summit.

He said, ‘Security reports have it that there are people who want to sabotage the administration’s plans and tamper with the peace the State is currently enjoying just for political reasons.’

The Governor therefore raised concerns over attempts by certain individuals to sabotage the forthcoming International Investment Summit, describing them as enemies of progress who are bent on disrupting the peace and development of the state.

The Governor made the remarks while presiding over an extraordinary State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Government House, Bauchi.

He said that the meeting’s agenda was concerning reaching policy discussions and not just contracts, stressing that the council’s primary responsibility is to design ideas and programmes that will strengthen governance and leave behind enduring legacies of good practice and transparency.

Bala Mohammed charged members of the Council to be watchful and proactive, warning that there are people trying to undermine government efforts as the state prepares to host investors and development partners at the summit.

‘We should not be complacent, we should not take it for granted, because I have been hearing some voices, some people want to sabotage the event,’ he said.

The Governor continued, ‘This is the characteristics of people who don’t want success, so all of you are going to be policemen, you must open your eyes and we are not going to allow anybody to tamper with our peace for any political reason.’

‘They are against us and they are very few in number, and the majority of Bauchi State people are with us, so we want to tell our detractors that we are equal to the task.’

Bala Mohammed further warned that the state government would not allow anybody to disturb the peace the state is enjoying, to score political capital.

The Governor described the upcoming investment summit as the first of its kind since the inception of his administration, urging commissioners and other officials to take full ownership of the event and ensure its success.

‘We are going to have an International Investment Summit. I know we are very busy, and we have to go back to see what we should do so that we can host these people.’

‘I want the council members to know more about the event. I could not remember when such an occasion was held in Bauchi as a state, so there are so many things to be done to have a successful conduct,’ he added.

He expressed gratitude to members of the State Assembly, contractors, and the public for their cooperation and continued support to the government.

Bala Mohammed also commended members of the press for their dedication in covering government projects across the state, describing their efforts as a mark of sacrifice and commitment to public enlightenment.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced plans to implement the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) as provided under the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 to strengthen the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

NERC’s Acting Chairman, Engineer Abdullahi Ramat, made this known in Kano when he received the management of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), led by its Chief Medical Director, Professor Abdurrahman Sheshe.

Tribune Online reports that PCAF is a fund created under the Electricity Act to provide tariff relief for low-income electricity consumers, replacing broad-based subsidies. The fund will be managed by NERC and financed through government contributions and levies from eligible customers, including industries and large power users.

In a post on his X handle, Ramat advised AKTH’s management to reduce costs through energy audits, replace inefficient equipment, and install meters in staff quarters and shops.

He said the Commission remains committed to protecting consumer rights while ensuring investor confidence through a transparent and efficient market structure.

Ramat also confirmed plans to roll out the PCAF under the Electricity Act, noting that it will help cushion the impact of tariffs for schools, hospitals, and low-income consumers.

‘Today, I received Prof. Abdurrahman Sheshe – the CMD and the entire management of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on a congratulatory visit to my house here in Kano. We discussed how to ensure steady and affordable power for the hospital.

‘I explained NERC’s plan to roll out the PCAF (Power Consumer Assistance Fund) under the Electricity Act 2023, which will cushion tariff impacts for schools, hospitals, and low income consumers.

‘Meanwhile, I encouraged the management to cut costs through energy audits, phasing out inefficient equipment, and metering staff quarters and shops. On our part at NERC, we will continue engaging with KEDCO to resolve the disputes quickly and prevent future occurrences.

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) has facilitated over N70 billion in commercial financing for agribusinesses and the food economy as of the third quarter of 2025, marking its strongest annual performance since inception.

Established in 2013, the milestone represents nearly a quarter of NIRSAL’s cumulative N270 billion in financing to date and underscores the success of its revamped strategy under a new board and executive management.

The achievement comes at a critical time when bank lending to agriculture had declined steadily from 6.18 per cent of aggregate lending in 2022 to 4.82 per cent in 2024, while sectoral growth slowed from 2.5 per cent to 1.7 per cent within the same period.

By deploying its trademark value chain modelling, risk-sharing tools, and technical support for agribusinesses and financial institutions, NIRSAL has helped restore lender confidence and channel new credit into key value chains, including grains, cocoa, shea, and livestock.

According to the agency, the intervention has driven improvements in local production and boosted export competitiveness, with more than 32 per cent of the facilitated sum supporting value-added agricultural exports.

Consequently, agriculture’s share of bank lending has risen to 5.33 per cent as of May 2025.

Two newly licensed banks have also joined the sector through NIRSAL’s frameworks, further contributing to the ?70 billion facilitated so far this year.

‘?70 billion may appear modest compared to the size of Nigeria’s agricultural financing needs, but its significance is profound. It proves that agriculture can be commercially and sustainably financed,’ said NIRSAL’s Managing Director/CEO, Sa’ad Hamidu.

‘With the right blend of capital, technical support, and risk mitigation, the sector can become more productive, resilient, and globally competitive,’ he added.

Hamidu expressed confidence that NIRSAL would achieve its N150 billion facilitation target for 2025, noting that the peak agricultural lending season, when merchants seek credit for storage and agro-dealers stock up on inputs, was still ahead.

Beyond headline numbers, NIRSAL is reshaping the agricultural finance landscape through an integrated model that spans project identification, deal structuring, business advisory, and credit guarantees.

The approach supports agribusinesses from loan origination to disbursement, while helping previously unbankable enterprises access sustainable credit.

Several borrowers that started with NIRSAL’s guarantees have since transitioned into direct lending relationships with their banks, a development that underscores growing comfort among financiers with the agribusiness sector.

The ?70 billion facilitated this year is also a result of NIRSAL’s capacity-building initiatives.

The organisation has trained over 1,100 bank staff to deepen their understanding of agricultural financing within its risk-sharing framework, leading to more loan approvals.

Similarly, more than 450 value-chain actors have received specialised training in feedlot management, commodity exports, and climate finance-capacity-building efforts expected to translate into improved sector performance over time.

As part of its forward strategy, NIRSAL is developing the LandBank Portal, a digital ecosystem connecting agricultural stakeholders from research institutions to markets, to provide real-time data for investors, policymakers, and development partners.

The platform aims to enhance transparency, reduce risk, and identify emerging opportunities across the value chain.

NIRSAL is also expanding into climate finance, recently signing a memorandum of understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy off-grid power to processing clusters in rural areas.

According to the organisation, these initiatives will build resilience across agricultural value chains and support Nigeria’s ambition of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

Since its establishment, NIRSAL has remained committed to its core mandate of de-risking agricultural lending and proving that agribusiness can be both profitable and sustainable.

Its strong 2025 performance signals a new era of confidence for Nigeria’s farmers, financiers, and the broader economy.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) to strengthen data management and enhance service delivery in the country’s health insurance system.

Speaking on Tuesday, NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the agreements mark an important step toward making the agency’s operations more evidence-based and responsive to citizens’ needs.

He said, ‘Today is a landmark day for us because we have been able to sign MOUs that represent real commitments by the respective organisations. These are not just documents; they are concrete steps toward improving data quality and service experience for Nigerians.’

Ohiri explained that the partnership with NBS would help the NHIA ensure that its policies and programmes are guided by accurate and inclusive data.

‘People often ask how we measure the impact of what we do,’ he said. ‘This partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics ensures we are measuring the right things – especially those that affect the poor and vulnerable. It also includes capacity building and research relevant to our Nigerian context.’

He said the collaboration reflects a shared goal of using reliable data to improve decision-making in the health sector.

‘This is both a commitment of the Statistician-General and myself to work together towards improving data quality and to be able to answer simple but crucial questions – what works well in Nigeria, and are we having measurable impact on people’s lives?’

On the second MoU, Ohiri said the partnership with SERVICOM aims to improve the service experience of more than 20 million Nigerians covered by health insurance programmes.

‘For us at NHIA, these are people whose experiences matter,’ he said. ‘Partnering with SERVICOM, whose mandate is to enhance service delivery, aligns with the President’s vision for universal health coverage. UHC is not just about access; it’s about the quality of care that people receive.’

He noted that the agreement, which coincides with Customer Service Week, will strengthen feedback systems and complaint resolution mechanisms.

‘When people go to a facility, if there are complaints, we want to hear them – and more importantly, we want to resolve them,’ he explained. ‘We want enrollees to know their rights and to have clear channels of communication when they experience service failures.’

Ohiri revealed that the NHIA resolved about 90 percent of over 2,000 complaints from enrollees last year.

‘We encourage people to speak up when there’s a problem,’ he said. ‘Silence is what I call the silence of the graveyard – it gives a false impression that everything is fine when it’s not. People must feel they can be heard, and we must make sure they are heard.’

He added that the NHIA’s enforcement unit investigates complaints, applies sanctions when necessary, and rewards facilities that perform well.

‘Feedback must not only be about sanctions. It should also be about rewarding excellence,’ he said. ‘We must encourage those who are doing well, while ensuring accountability for those who fall short.’

Ohiri said the SERVICOM partnership will also focus on preventing service lapses through regular monitoring, staff training, and improving empathy in healthcare delivery.

‘When people are sick, they are at their most vulnerable – that’s when they need empathy and support the most,’ he said. ‘Working with SERVICOM, which has deep experience improving public service delivery, allows us to build capacity and improve the patient experience.’

He concluded that both MoUs reflect a long-term commitment to better healthcare through collaboration and accountability.

‘This is government taking the bull by the horns,’ Ohiri said. ‘It’s about using evidence, building capacity, and strengthening accountability so that Nigerians receive the quality of care they deserve. Today is the beginning of a long journey, but one that will transform how health insurance works for every Nigerian.’

In his remarks, SERVICOM National Coordinator, Anthony Oshie, commended NHIA for initiating the collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening service delivery in the health sector.

‘On behalf of the management and staff of SERVICOM, I want to sincerely thank the NHIA for choosing to collaborate with us,’ Oshie said. ‘We do not take this partnership for granted, and I can assure you that we will not let you down. We will always be there whenever our efforts are needed to strengthen service delivery in the health sector.’

He described the signing as ‘a significant milestone’ that will enhance citizens’ access to quality healthcare and promote accountability in public institutions.

‘The partnership we are entering into today will be a lasting one,’ he said. ‘It will help us achieve greater heights in the pursuit of service excellence and ensure that Nigerians enjoy the quality of care they deserve.’

Oshie emphasized that the collaboration is based on shared values of transparency and responsiveness, and will promote a stronger feedback culture in healthcare facilities.

‘We believe in continuous improvement,’ he said. ‘Two weeks ago, we received an MoU draft from NHIA, and our teams worked closely to review and finalize it. Today, we are ready to move forward-not just on paper, but in action-to make sure citizens can see and feel the difference in service delivery.’

He also highlighted the importance of citizen engagement, saying: ‘We must ensure that the Nigerian citizen-the end-beneficiary-is at the heart of every system. When patients visit hospitals, they should know what services to expect and have channels to make their voices heard when things don’t go right. That’s where SERVICOM comes in-to make sure that complaints lead to corrections, and that quality service becomes the standard, not the exception.’

Oshie thanked NHIA for aligning the collaboration with Customer Service Week, calling it ‘a fitting moment to renew national commitment to better service delivery.’

‘It is not just about signing an MoU,’ he added. ‘It is about building a partnership that will outlive us-one that will make healthcare more responsive, transparent, and people-centered. Together with NHIA, we will make this vision a reality.’

Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s advisory panel has issued new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines following a panel that voted to remove all universal recommendations for annual COVID-19 vaccine shots for anyone 6 months and older.

The panel also recommended that children younger than 4 years old not receive the four-component measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and instead receive separate immunizations for MMR and for varicella, or chickenpox.

The committee unanimously voted to suggest that individuals decide for themselves whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, meaning individuals won’t need a doctor’s note to get vaccinated.

The votes follow the Food and Drug Administration’s recent narrowing of COVID-19 vaccine approvals to a smaller group of Americans – those over 65 or with underlying medical conditions.

Many members of the panel – selected by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – questioned the vaccine’s benefit but ultimately voted that most Americans can still have access, ideally following a discussion with their healthcare provider, although that is not a requirement.

The panel said people should know COVID-19 vaccines are most beneficial for people at risk for severe illness based on CDC definitions and least beneficial for otherwise healthy individuals.

CDC’s endorsement makes ACIP’s guidance official federal policy, triggering no-cost insurance coverage for most private and public insurance plans as well as access via the Vaccines for Children programme.

CDC Acting Director Jim O’Neill said in a statement, ‘Informed consent is back. CDC’s 2022 blanket recommendation for perpetual COVID-19 boosters deterred healthcare providers from talking about the risks and benefits of vaccination for the individual patient or parent. That changes today.’

ACIP focused on contentious COVID-19 vaccine topics, including alleged DNA alterations by mRNA vaccines, assertions that mRNA vaccines don’t work as intended and potential connections between the vaccines and conditions such as birth defects and cancer.

The group also focused on the long-established risk of febrile seizures after combined vaccination with the MMRV vaccine in younger children.

In a separate vote, members decided not to suggest that states require a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine, with many members saying this would create unnecessary barriers.

And in another separate action, members voted that CDC communicate clear risks about COVID-19 vaccines – materials that states can choose to give to patients when they get vaccinated that list at least six of those risks.

In a presentation that countered the majority views of the workgroup, workgroup member Henry Bernstein said the need for a prescription will ‘create unnecessary steps to receiving a vaccine and will not effectively target’ high-risk groups.

A member of ACIP, which is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine recommendations committee, and epidemiologist Catherine M. Stein, who has previously been openly critical of the U.S. response to COVID-19, stated, ‘I believe the segment of the population that is underinsured has a lack of access to health care; they’re going to be unable to get a prescription, and those are the people that are at highest risk for a lot of these comorbid conditions.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Olúwa?eun Mayomi Faleye, has assured subscribers to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) of a new era of improved, efficient, and compassionate service delivery under his leadership.

Faleye gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open the 2025 Customer Service Week at the Fund’s corporate headquarters in Abuja. He said the new management is determined to make every interaction with subscribers a reflection of empathy, professionalism, and swift response.

‘I assure our subscribers that whenever they engage with the NSITF, they will meet a compassionate organisation that is truly ready to serve and empathise with their situation,’ he said.

‘Subscribers often come to us at some of the most challenging moments of their lives, dealing with loss, accidents, or workplace injuries. Our staff must be people who understand the urgency and the importance of timely, effective service in easing such difficult experiences. I want to assure everyone that we are ready and equipped to rise to that challenge.’

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Mission Possible,’ the NSITF boss described it as a message of hope and renewed commitment. According to him, ‘Mission Possible is about encouragement and belief. It tells us that excellent, qualitative service delivery is achievable if we set our minds to it and if management provides the right support and resources. That is the essence of this week-to remind ourselves that we can and must deliver the quality of service Nigerians expect from NSITF.’

Faleye noted that the Fund has, in recent months, intensified efforts to enhance communication with subscribers and stakeholders through improved engagement platforms. ‘We have introduced a multi-omni channel that allows subscribers to reach us easily for enquiries, clarifications, and guidance. We are also simplifying our claims process to make it faster and more transparent,’ he explained.

According to him, internal reforms have been carried out to streamline documentation and eliminate bottlenecks, making service delivery more responsive. He further disclosed that the Fund’s partnership with SERVICOM has been instrumental in driving these changes, particularly through the review and implementation of its service charter. ‘Our collaboration with SERVICOM has been very helpful. We’ve opened up our service charter, engaged multiple fora, and are steadily moving in the right direction,’ he added.

Highlighting the growing recognition of the Fund’s transformation efforts, Faleye noted that SERVICOM recently scored NSITF high in its annual assessment of service delivery performance.

The 2025 Customer Service Week, which is being marked across the Fund’s offices nationwide, features roadshows and awards of excellence for outstanding staff, as part of efforts to celebrate commitment and reinforce a culture of superior service.

Faleye reaffirmed that under his leadership, the NSITF will remain focused on providing prompt, compassionate, and transparent services to all ECS subscribers across the country.