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The funeral of the mother of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, took a political turn over the weekend in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Yilwatda’s mother, Mama Lydia Yilwatda, passed away in August 2025 at the Jos University Teaching Hospital at the age of 83 and was laid to rest last Saturday.

A funeral service was held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Headquarters in Jos, after which her remains were taken to Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State for final interment.

However, what was expected to be a solemn occasion quickly transformed into a political jamboree and campaign-like event ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the days leading up to the burial, numerous banners and billboards appeared at strategic locations across Jos, sponsored by politicians, government officials, organisations, and party support groups.

Political observers, particularly from Plateau State, had earlier noted the unusual delay in the burial, suggesting that it might have taken on political dimensions – especially since Plateau’s cultural practices rarely permit corpses to be kept for such extended periods.

From condolence visits and wake services to the funeral procession, political undertones became increasingly evident.

The situation escalated further after it was confirmed that President Tinubu would be in attendance. Ahead of his visit, several individuals and groups accused the president of neglecting the ongoing insecurity and killings in Plateau State, where hundreds have died, to attend a political ally’s family event.

A group known as Plateau United Front even addressed an open letter to the president, signed by one Sargwak Haruna, criticising the timing of his visit. The group alleged that the visit portrayed the president as prioritizing partisan loyalty over the welfare of Plateau residents amid widespread insecurity.

In response, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Plateau State Governor, Gyang Bere, dismissed the letter as mischievous and ill-motivated. He urged the public to ignore it, describing it as an attempt to mislead the president and stir unnecessary controversy around his planned visit.

Campaign banners on display

Yet on Saturday, the politicisation of the burial ceremony and church service became unmistakably evident. Various women and youth groups, alongside party loyalists, were seen chanting political songs, wearing party-branded T-shirts and face caps, and waving flags. Even the Boys’ Brigade joined in with a street march accompanied by a live band, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

There was also a noticeable collapse of party divisions, as supporters of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) participated side by side, displaying banners and placards with different political inscriptions.

Prominent among the slogans displayed on banners, T-shirts, and caps were: ‘4+4 Tinubu – On Your Mandate We Shall Stand,’ ‘APC Team Tinubu 2027,’ ‘Tinubu or Nothing,’ and ‘Nigeria Generation Next for Tinubu 2027 Mourns Our Mother, Nana Lydia Yilwatda Goshwe.’ Others read: ‘2027 Sealed, Mr. President,’ ‘Team Akpabio for Tinubu 2027,’ and ‘2027 Plateau No Vacancy’ – the latter in apparent support of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

Although Governor Mutfwang belongs to the PDP, he maintains a cordial relationship with President Tinubu of the APC. According to political insiders, many Plateau leaders have informally endorsed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections and are reportedly determined to deliver the state’s votes in his favour.

This sentiment, they say, is rooted in what they describe as Tinubu’s genuine commitment to Plateau’s economic development and security. They also cited the First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu’s two visits to the state, during which she donated N500 million and N1 billion respectively to victims of the incessant attacks.

In September, Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, had expressed similar confidence that Plateau would play a decisive role in Tinubu’s 2027 victory. Speaking in Jos during a thanksgiving event following the death of his wife, Plang said, ‘Apart from the fact that Tinubu had a hand in making our son, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, we will ensure his re-election. I even know that many of my people in other parties will still vote for Tinubu.’

Echoing this sentiment on Saturday, the former Deputy Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Baba Hassan, who chaired the Mobilisation Committee for the event, praised the massive turnout that welcomed President Tinubu to the state.

He said the enthusiasm and overwhelming show of support demonstrated that Tinubu remained deeply admired by Plateau citizens. Hassan assured that the state would reciprocate the president’s goodwill in 2027, noting that Tinubu himself must have been pleased with the warm reception and show of loyalty.

Similarly, Governor Caleb Mutfwang struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks at the funeral service held at COCIN Headquarters, subtly suggesting that Plateau State would continue to work harmoniously with the Tinubu administration.

Mutfwang said the President’s visit meant a lot not only to the Yilwatda family but also to the entire people of Plateau State.

‘The wife of the President and First Lady of the nation has visited Plateau twice to commiserate with us over the killings and donated tangible sums to the victims.

‘We are truly touched by this gesture. As a people, we have enjoyed the love of the First Family. Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, has spread her motherly wings of love over us both to comfort us and to encourage us to continue restoring peace in Plateau State,’ he said.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, described Plateau State as a key player in Nigeria’s political history. He recalled his longstanding relationship with the state since the era of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The president noted that the massive turnout of governors, public officials, and dignitaries at the event was a testament to the respect people had for the late Mama Lydia Yilwatda. He urged leaders to uphold the values of unity, contentment, and productive leadership.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a ‘unifier bringing together all faiths, regions, and political divides.’

‘All former governors of Plateau State are here today, irrespective of political party. The people of Plateau have shown tremendous affection and excitement at your visit.

‘Thousands lined the streets from the airport to this venue, waving and cheering. That alone speaks louder than words,’ Akpabio said.

Roll call

The event drew a large number of dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, represented by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha. Others included former governors Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Mu’azu, Fidelis Tapgun, Yahaya Bello, and Rochas Okorocha; members of the APC National Working Committee; legislators; and senior government officials.

Critics slam politicisation of funeral

Observers described the ceremony as one of the largest political gatherings in recent times – a mix of mourning, reunion, lobbying, and early political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, Sabiu Ibrahim Musa, the Galadiman Ginin Jos and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), condemned what he called the ‘politicisation’ of a solemn event.

He alleged that supporters carrying APC flags, banners, and chanting party slogans were paid to turn the ceremony into a political rally.

‘Such conduct is a negation of African culture and the dignity expected at a burial,’ he said, adding that the ADC was not invited and would not have engaged in such an act.

Political analyst Jacob Pwakim Choji also criticised the development, noting that Plateau’s political culture had once again overshadowed decency and decorum.

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi has vowed to make infrastructure development and nationwide talent discovery the cornerstone of his administration as the new President of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation.

Ogunbiyi, who was elected unopposed after polling all 13 votes in a transparent election held at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, succeeds Rear Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd). The election, described by stakeholders as one of the freest and fairest in recent times, also saw Mr. Kayode Abulazeez emerge as Vice President with 13 unanimous votes.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ogunbiyi commended the outgoing leadership for laying a strong foundation and steering the Federation to international recognition through consistent participation in global events, including Olympic qualifiers. He emphasized that the next phase of growth will focus on building world-class infrastructure and developing talent from all corners of the nation.

‘Nigeria is richly endowed with vast water resources, and these natural assets must be turned into hubs for sporting excellence,’ Ogunbiyi said. ‘We will invest in infrastructure that meets global standards and establish programs that discover, nurture, and empower athletes from every region of the country.’

The new president underscored that the Federation’s vision aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to create a sustainable ecosystem that combines public and private sector support.

Acknowledging the long-standing challenge of poor maintenance culture, Ogunbiyi promised a dual approach – constructing new facilities while ensuring the proper maintenance and modernization of existing ones. He expressed confidence that, with focused investment and collaboration, Nigeria would witness a dramatic leap in rowing, canoeing, and sailing within the next two years.

Vice President Kayode Abulazeez echoed Ogunbiyi’s vision, stressing that robust infrastructure is essential for uncovering hidden talents across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

‘From Lagos Lagoon to River Niger and beyond, our waterways are a gift. The goal is to make rowing, canoeing, and sailing truly national sports accessible to all Nigerians,’ he said.

One of Nigeria’s leading real estate firm, Bilaad Realty has revealed that it is mentoring young Nigerians in the real estate and other sectors of the economy as part of private sector contributions to national growth and development as government alone cannot do everything.

Cordinating Trustee at Bilaad Development Trust, Dr. Sadiq Suleiman Abdullahi made the disclosure in Abuja over the weekend at the 4th edition of the Gem Hunt series, themed ‘Reboot Nigeria: Echoes from the Past, Visions of the Future.’

He said ‘Bilaad has leveraged on our professional network and got over 150 internship slots from blue chip companies and sign MOU with universities to give us the high flyers from STEM, that science, technology, engineering and maths.

During the holiday rather than them sit at home and do nothing give them to us. We’ll fix them you know across these internship places. Number one they are being productive during holidays.

Then number two there’s a link between academia and industry. So by the time they get to NYSC and they finish NYSC they already have some experience. So there’s strategic linkages between us and critical partners and when we are done.

‘As such, we mentor these young ones across real estate and other sectors so that they are equipped with skills to thrive on different sectors of the economy, ‘ he said

He added that for entrepreneurs, some are supported with funding give them funding supports while for those that are in branding, Bilaad reaches out to networks across branding industry to assist them

Winners of the Gem Hunt Series 4.0 were Ayomide Christopher Dada (Communication and Branding Experts), Muhammad Abduljalal Musa, Winner (NYSC Category) and Judith James (Secondary School category)

The 10th season of the reality television show Big Brother Naija came to a close on Sunday, with 23-year-old Imisi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging as the winner.

Imisi, who enjoyed massive support from her loyal fanbase known as ‘Ijoba 606,’ clinched the title after ten weeks in the Big Brother House, beating 28 other contestants to take home the grand prize of N150 million, which includes N80 million in cash and a brand-new SUV.

She secured the win through votes from fans across Nigeria and abroad, finishing ahead of Dede Ashiogwu and Koyin Sanusi, who emerged as first and second runner-up respectively.

Her victory makes her the fourth female housemate to win the reality show since its inception, joining Mercy Eke, Phyna, and Ilebaye in the winners’ circle.

Speaking after the finale, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels at MultiChoice, described the season as ‘phenomenal.’

‘The housemates gave Nigerians unforgettable moments, and Imisi’s win is a testament to her authenticity, resilience, and ability to connect with fans,’ Babatunde said.

‘At MultiChoice, we are proud to continue creating platforms that celebrate Nigerian talent, showcase our culture, and unite audiences across Africa.’

Now in its 10th season, Big Brother Naija continues to rank as one of Africa’s most popular reality television shows, credited with producing several entertainment stars and shaping contemporary pop culture across the continent.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the German Government, in Collaboration with World Food Programme and Care Nigeria is set to empower 6,389 households in Yobe State.

The Resilience and Social Cohesion (Peace) Project is a joint initiative that seeks to restore essential services and rebuild Livelihood to drive sustainable transformation in the state.

The Area Manager Care Nigeria, Abatcha Abubakar, stated this to newsmen at state level stakeholders’ inception meeting on resilience and social cohesion (peace) held in Damaturu, Yobe State.

He said the households would be trained and empowered with agric inputs, crops processing machines and stipends to improve their Livelihood.

He added that the program was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of the German Government, in partnership with World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and Care Nigeria.

He further said the project goals were to increase the productivity and revenue of 6,389 smallholder farmers and households in the agriculture value chain and improve the economic status of 31,945 individuals.

According to him, the project is targeting five wards in Jakusko LGAs to ensure that those households improved their dietary diversification and access to financial services through Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLAs).

‘We implement crop production initiatives where project participants are grouped together and provided with inputs to build their resilience and self-sufficiency. Additionally, we have an Income Generating Activity (IGA) aimed at improving household finances. Through IGAs, we form groups and equip them with agro-processing machines, enabling them to generate income beyond farming.

‘Furthermore, these groups are organized into Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), a tool we use globally. VSLAs empower women to save and contribute to a collective fund, providing mutual support.

‘The initiative aims to support 6,389 households through agricultural interventions. We’ll provide seeds for crops like maize, groundnuts, and rice, focusing on wet season farming. Additionally, we will promote vegetable gardening, encouraging participants to cultivate backyard gardens.

‘This effort seeks to improve livelihoods and prevent households from falling into food insecurity. Furthermore, selected households will receive a monthly stipend for six months. We’re also constructing warehouses to support these initiatives,’ he said.

In his remark, the Head of World Food Programme, Damaturu Sub Office, Yobe State, Mr. Owen Maganga, said the WFP is committed to support the Livelihoods of farmers in the Northeastern region.

A total of 4,778 people died of cholera in Nigeria between 2020 and 2024, according to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Within this year alone, over 300 deaths have been recorded, including the 179 fatalities which, according to a statement at the weekend by the Zamfara State Government, were recorded out of 12,052 suspected cases in the state as of September 2025.

Two weeks ago, Bauchi State Deputy Governor Auwal Mohammed Jatau confirmed 58 fresh deaths from 258 new cases across 14 local government areas of the state.

The surge in cholera deaths is happening despite billions of naira reportedly spent by the government and international partners to curb the waterborne disease.

These funds include annual budgetary allocations running to millions of naira; a $700 million World Bank loan secured to provide water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities across the country; $2 million United Nations’ aid; hundreds of thousands of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) doses donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), among others.

Figures obtained from the NCDC showed that in 2020, the country recorded 3,513 suspected cases and 95 deaths (5.3% Case Fatality Ratio, CFR). The toll jumped sharply in 2021 with 111,062 suspected cases and 3,604 deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Caused by Vibrio cholerae bacterium, cholera is an acute diarrhea infection transmitted mainly through contaminated food and water and fuelled by poor sanitation. The outbreak peaks during the rainy season, from May to October, as flooding and contaminated water sources worsen the spread. Cholera symptoms include excessive watery stooling, muscle cramps, severe dehydration and vomiting. The disease can be treated with oral rehydration solution and antibiotics, but can lead to death within hours if left untreated.

The year 2021 saw a steep jump in suspected cases to 111,062, including 3,604 deaths (3.2% CFR) from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with children between 5 and 14 years of age most affected.

Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano and Zamfara states accounted for 53 percent of all cases.

In 2022, the mortality figures dropped to 592, with 2.5% CFR, out of 23,763 suspected cases reported from 32 states and the FCT, with Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Gombe, Taraba and Kano states recording 83 percent of all cases.

Of the 3,683 suspected cholera cases reported in 2023 in 31 states, 128 deaths (3.5% CFR) were recorded, with children less than five years most affected, followed by those between the ages of 5 and 14. Zamfara accounted for 25% of all suspected cases; while Cross Rivers, Katsina, Bayelsa, Ogun, Ebonyi and Niger recorded 57%.

The numbers rose again in 2024 to 10,837 suspected cases and 359 deaths (3.3% CFR) reported across the 36 states as of September 29, which was the last update by the NCDC on cholera outbreaks for that year. Also, children less than five years of age were most affected, followed by those between the ages of 5 and 14. Lagos recorded 43% of all suspected cases.

In July this year, while launching what it tagged an urgent $20 million appeal to fight cholera in Nigeria, other West African countries and Central Africa, the UNICEF regional director, Gilles Fagninou, said: ‘As of the end of June, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states.’

He said that the number of suspected cases made Nigeria the second most affected country in West and Central Africa.

‘Heavy rains, widespread flooding, and the high level of displacement are all fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk. Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors such as poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation and access to safe water, and a greater risk of severe dehydration,’ he stated.

How we lost them within hours – Families

What began as a pleasurable outing for Musa Aliyu’s wife and her three children ended in tears for the family after they attended a wedding ceremony in their neigbourhood in Bauchi metropolis. A few hours after they ate food at the event, they started vomiting and defecating at intervals.

‘My wife and three children were infected after they ate at a marriage ceremony in Bauchi. My youngest daughter first got infected before two other children, as well as their mother,’ Musa, a resident of Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, had told Daily Trust.

While others were lucky to survive the episode, 5-year-old Muhammad Aliyu succumbed. Four years on, his death has left an indelible scar on the family.

That year, 2021, in Bauchi, the disease turned Fatima’s seven children, whose father had died two years earlier, into orphans. Fatima’s sister, Anisha Saidu, who lives in the Kofar Ran area, explained that she died a few hours after she began to show symptoms of cholera.

‘We were shocked by her condition because she did not show any symptoms the previous day. It was not more than four hours after she started vomiting and purging when she died. Her death threw us into mourning. She left behind seven orphans without anyone to cater for them because their father died two years ago,’ Saidu revealed.

Zainab Yusuf, a mother of four from Abinsi community in Benue State, recounted how she lost one of her three children to cholera which affected four members of the family, including her, almost at the same time.

‘I was diagnosed with cholera alongside three of my children. I was so worried about our health. I was unable to take care of them because we were all on admission at the same time. Unfortunately, I lost one of my children to the disease. Although I am still sad about losing my child, I am grateful to Allah for the help we got from the state government and the WHO. If not for their timely intervention, we would all have died,’ she recalled.

In 2018, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari declared a state of emergency in the WASH sector by launching the National Action Plan for Revitalizing the Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector to improve the living standards in the rural and urban areas. The plan complemented the Partnership for Expanded Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programme launched two years earlier to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

Buhari said access to piped water services and improved sanitation, which stood at 32% and 38% in 1990, had declined to 7% and 29% respectively in 2015, noting that Nigeria ranked second in the global rating on open defecation, ‘as about 25% of our population are practicing open defecation.’

The Nigerian government in December 2021 secured a $700 million loan from the World Bank to implement water projects across the country.

The then Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, had said: ‘We have been able to generate from the World Bank $700m. This money is not going to be spent by the Federal Government; it is going to the states for them to improve their water supply situation. What Nigerians need to understand is that the Federal Government is not responsible for providing water in their taps; that is the responsibility of state governments and that is why we don’t have a federal water board.’

International partners had also extended humanitarian support to Nigeria in managing cholera in recent years. The UN, through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, released $2 million to sustain the response to a cholera outbreak in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa in 2018.

The WHO donated 1.3 million doses of oral cholera vaccine to Bauchi in three years – 600,000 doses in 2018 and 700,000 doses in 2021 – to fight outbreaks in high-risk areas of the state.

Last year, the UNICEF also donated 600,000 doses of oral vaccine to Borno State to stem a cholera outbreak following devastating floods caused by Alau Dam collapse. The donation also included acute water diarrhea kits and hospital beds worth $69,000, said UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria Rownak Khan.

At a media roundtable held in August at the Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention in Calabar, Cross River State, the Director of Cochrane Nigeria, Professor Angela Oyo-Ita, said lack of access to clean water and low public awareness are key drivers of the cholera outbreak.

Oyo-Ita, who is also a professor of Community Medicine and Chief Consultant, Public Health, University of Calabar (UNICAL), said cholera remained a major public health threat in Nigeria, especially in communities affected by poor sanitation and seasonal flooding.

‘Safe water is the number one prevention against diseases. Any government that provides clean water for its people has done great. Then came vaccines. You can’t do without water,’ she said.

Delivering a lecture titled ‘An Overview of Cholera,’ a pediatric gastroenterologist at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ekong Udoh, said climate change had exacerbated cholera outbreaks, with flooding contributing to contamination of drinking water.

According to him, about 75% of infected people show no symptoms but can still spread the bacteria through their stool for up to two weeks, maintaining that while vaccination plays a crucial role in controlling outbreaks, access to clean water and sanitation remain the most effective long-term solutions to cholera.

FG’s move to crush cholera

In a renewed move against cholera, the Federal Government in February launched the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025-2029, with a commitment to spend $124m – with an annual budget of $20m – on eradicating cholera in Nigeria through a multi-sectoral approach.

The plan also aims to reduce annual cholera incidence and deaths by 90% and lower CFR to below 1% by 2029.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachallom, had said: ‘Cholera has been eradicated in other parts of the world, why is it still affecting Nigeria? We must act collectively to change this reality,’ he said.

Experts seek review of strategies

Experts say that to truly eliminate cholera and reduce outbreaks, there is a need for the government and other stakeholders to review their strategies and do things differently.

Dr Rotimi Adesanya, a public health physician and Medical Director, Federal College of Education, Akoka Medical Centre, Lagos, said the government had been spending a lot on cholera management, but achieved little results, urging that community participation is crucial to scaling up impacts.

‘In whatever you are doing, you have to carry the community along. They should be part and parcel of the technology or innovation you are bringing. For example, if the government puts a water closet toilet in a rural area, they may not accept it because they are not used to such things. You have to look for a kind of toilet, like a pit latrine, that is culturally acceptable to them.

A Professor of Public Health and Environmental Health at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Prof Agwu Nkwa Amadi, called for a public-private partnership to provide sustainable WASH infrastructure development, such as stable water supply systems, toilets, and waste disposal mechanisms, particularly in high-risk areas.

‘We also need to strengthen health systems and surveillance, improve epidemiological surveillance and early warning systems for quick detection and response, urgently employ environmental health officers and equip health centres with resources to manage cases promptly.

‘There is also a need for community-led total sanitation and hygiene education; engage community health-based workers such as environmental health officers and community health environmental workers, volunteers, traditional rulers, and schools in continuous hygiene campaigns.

‘The government also needs to encourage behavioural changes around handwashing, water storage, and open defecation; provide incentives; enforce penalties in communities where open defecation persists and deploy vaccines strategically in endemic and high-risk zones, combined with WASH interventions.’

Prof Amadi further advised that cholera control must become a national development priority, not just a health sector problem, noting that cholera task forces should be established at the state level with accountability mechanisms.

‘Nigeria must shift from short-term emergency responses to long-term structural solutions if it hopes to end the cycle of recurrent cholera outbreaks,’ he added.

A medical doctor at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa College of Medical Sciences, Bauchi, Dr Aminu Tukur Sulaiman, said individuals and communities must be properly sensistised to how cholera is transmitted and why they should defecate in latrines or water closets, ‘where these [harmful) particles cannot go into our food particles.’

‘Once we control defecation, the community will be safe, because basically, when we do open defecation, especially with the rainy season, water will wash our gutters, our surroundings, and take these particles to our homes and farmlands, and then the bacteria can infect our food particles and water. Clean your gutters and ensure that water does not overflow and get into houses,’ he added.

Sulaiman urged communities to practise good hand hygiene through thorough handwashing after using the toilet and before handling food or drinking water.

‘Avoid eating by roadsides, particularly where there is no good sanitation and people don’t exercise good hygiene. These are things we need to avoid to ensure that we have a free cholera society,’ he said.

Chris Ojo, one of the organisers of 10km Owan Marathon has announced that the 5th Edition of the annual race will hold on Jan.3, with the aim to promote tourism.

Ojo made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Sunday and said that the event would feature athletes from Edo, Nigeria and beyond.

He said that the annual marathon race had been put together in collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to ensure world-class standard.

He also disclosed plans by the organisers to increase the prize money for the race in response to the current economic realities.

Ojo noted that making the announcement of the date for the race ahead of time was to ensure better planning and coordination.

He said that the 10km annual Owan marathon race was seeking to promote three main pillars – tourism, economic growth, and international recognition.

According to him, this is the 5th edition of the race, and you must know that as the year gets by, we try to improve on every aspect of the event.

‘As for the coming edition, we seek to improve on every level of organisation because we have plans to welcoming international stars to compete with our own (Nigerians) like every other organised marathon in the country.

‘You will recall that we started this annual event modestly, and we have gotten to a point where we are looking to effect changes as part of effort to go international.

‘Of course, we already have the backing of the state and the AFN, all we are doing now is to improve on the level of organisation to get to that level we are aiming at,’ Ojo stated.

President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has led the groundbreaking of a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia.

The project, a partnership between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), with a production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea annually, is expected to become one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes.

Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, it will leverage the country’s abundant natural gas resources from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and enhance food security across the Horn of Africa. It would be recalled that Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the strategic investment arm of the Government of Ethiopia, and Dangote Group had in August signed a comprehensive shareholders’ agreement to develop, construct, and operate a world-class urea fertilizer production complex in Gode, Ethiopia.

Under the partnership structure, EIH will hold a 40% equity stake while Dangote Group will maintain 60% ownership of the project that represents one of the largest industrial investments in Ethiopian history.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the fertiliser project as more than just industrial progress, stressing that it symbolises shared responsibility, cooperation, and peace.

PM Abiy said the project reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to harnessing opportunities and elevating its presence on the global stage.

‘They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. Hence, I call upon all Ethiopians to continue mobilizing in unity for progress,’ Abiy said.

Dangote commended Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his cabinet for reforms and economic liberalisation that have opened key sectors to private investments and positioned Ethiopia as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for global investors. He lauded the government’s investment in infrastructure, including transport, energy, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which he described as a foundation for the country’s industrialisation.

‘This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings represents a pivotal moment in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent,’ Dangote said.

Dangote added that the Gode project marks just the beginning, with plans to expand into the production of other fertilisers such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate, positioning Ethiopia as a regional hub for fertiliser production. He predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation.

This investment is Dangote Group’s second major project in Ethiopia. Its cement subsidiary has operated a 2.5Mta plant in Mugher for more than a decade, with an additional $400 million committed to doubling its capacity.

Across Africa, Dangote said the Group’s strategy is guided by the belief that ‘only Africans can develop Africa,’ with a focus on manufacturing to reduce dependence on imports. He highlighted the Group’s role in transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of petroleum products cement and fertiliser, through its refinery, cement plants, and fertiliser expansion, which is set to become the largest in the world at nine million metric tonnes per annum.

‘These investments have already changed Nigeria’s story,’ Dangote noted. ‘We’ve moved from being import-dependent to becoming self-sufficient and even exporters of cement, fertiliser, and petroleum products. Our mission is to help other African nations achieve the same transformation. We strive to make African countries become self sufficient in the production of those goods whose necessary raw materials are readily available. We have demonstrated that feat in the cement sector where many African countries are now net exporters of cement through our investments. We are ready and happy to work with more African countries to drive their industrialization plans and aspirations.’

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said Nigeria has recorded a significant rise in Nigeria’s oil rig count, growing from just eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2, 2025.

This figure represents 762.5% increase in four years.

According to a statement by the Commission, the 69 rigs include 40 active rigs, 8 on standby, 5 on warm stack, 4 on cold stack, and 12 on the move.

The NUPRC noted that this surge reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s charge that ‘Nigeria is ready for business’ under a stable and reformed investment climate.

‘This shows a renewed investor confidence in Nigeria. The success aligns with the charge of President Tinubu that Nigeria is ready for business and that the right investment climate prevails now in the Nigerian upstream as daily actioned by the NUPRC,’ the statement said.

The Commission added that 306 development wells have been drilled and completed between 2022 and 2025, underscoring the sector’s growing momentum.

On host community development, NUPRC revealed that the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) have so far remitted over N358.67 billion, comprising N122.34 billion in naira and N168.91 million in dollar contributions (converted to naira at the prevailing exchange rate).

‘Still in host communities, the NUPRC is overseeing at least 536 projects at various stages of completion – including schools, health centres, roads, and vocational centres – all funded by the trust fund. The achievement has tremendously curbed crude oil theft,’ the Commission added.

In the area of exploration, NUPRC disclosed that it has issued Nigeria’s first Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) for a large offshore geophysical survey covering 56,000 km² of 3D seismic and gravity data.

Additionally, the Commission said it has reprocessed 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D seismic data and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data, leading to sharper, higher-resolution images of Nigeria’s petroleum systems and reducing exploration uncertainties.

Former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has asked stakeholders to sustain democracy in the country, saying it’s work in progress.

Speaking when he played host to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council, Ndoma-Egba said the fact that Nigeria is still one country despite its complex history, is nothing short of a miracle.

Ndoma-Egba who urged citizens to focus on what unites rather than divides, further cautioned against idealising foreign democracies, reminding Nigerians that even the most advanced countries were facing ‘democratic decline.’

He said, ‘If America can wobble, who are we to think our path will be smooth? Democracy, like development, is always a work in progress.You say to your partner, ‘No matter how hard it gets, I’m not leaving.’ That’s what has kept Nigeria together.’

Reflecting on the nation’s 65 years since independence, Ndoma-Egba acknowledged the country’s failures and frustrations but emphasised that progress is still being made.

‘In nation-building, there is no final destination. Development is not a straight line, and no country ever truly arrives,’ he noted.

Drawing from his personal experience, the Senator spoke of life through colonial rule, independence, civil war, and several coups-all within a single lifetime.

He called this compressed history both rare and mentally taxing, warning that it can test the resilience of any society. ‘Elsewhere, such events would span centuries. We’ve had them all at once,’ he said.

He said Nigeria’s survival as a united entity is proof of an underlying national will. ‘We are still one. That is a major achievement. Forget the noise about secession. No rational Nigerian truly wants to see the country disintegrate,’ he said.

The visit also featured the presentation of an Award of Excellence by the NUJ team, led by the Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey. The award recognised the Senator’s four-decade-long relationship with the union, making him the longest-serving patron in Cross River State.