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2027: South-West ADC leaders dismiss report of rift with Atiku reaffirm loyalty

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South-West have dismissed reports alleging dissatisfaction with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over non-payment of transportation allowances to state chairmen.

The leaders described the publication as false mischievous and politically motivated saying it was a calculated attempt to create a crisis where none exists.

In a statement signed by the immediate past South-West Zonal Chairman of the party Hon. Eyiowuawi Razak on behalf of authentic ADC leaders across the zone the leaders said the report does not represent the collective interest of the South-West.

‘We categorically reject this attempt to use the name of the South-West to advance the personal frustrations and political interests of a handful of individuals’ the statement said.

The leaders declared that the authentic ADC leadership in the South-West remains firmly behind Atiku Abubakar commending his leadership and commitment to building a formidable movement to rescue the country.

They accused those behind the publication of losing political relevance due to anti-party activities and attempting to manufacture division to discredit the presidential project.

‘Those who could not protect the collective interest of the party when they had the opportunity should not suddenly present themselves as the defenders of its future’ they stated.

The statement stressed that the ADC is not anybody’s personal property and that the South-West is not a private political estate warning against mistaking personal bitterness for collective dissatisfaction.

The leaders urged those with genuine concerns to use established party channels rather than resorting to anonymous allegations and media blackmail against a presidential aspirant.

‘Our message is straightforward: We stand with Atiku Abubakar we support a united and formidable ADC we reject political blackmail and manufactured division’ the statement added.

They maintained that the South-West is not in revolt and is not abandoning Atiku insisting that the zone is ready for the 2027 general elections.

The leaders called on those spreading the narratives to stop hiding behind the collective identity of ADC leaders and to speak for themselves.

They said their focus remains on building a winning coalition strengthening party structuress and delivering a new political direction for Nigeria adding that 2027 is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of personal ego and self-interest.

Africa’s creative boom needs better financing, copyright protection – Adesugba

Africa’s growing creative industry needs improved access to financing, stronger copyright protection and better infrastructure to convert its expanding talent base into sustainable businesses, jobs and economic value, Adesoji Adesugba, founder and chairman of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Business Entrepreneurship, Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, has said.

Adesugba made the call at the Africa Creators Conference (ACC 2.0), held at the Abuja International Trade and Convention Centre on Friday, in Abuja, where he outlined measures governments, financial institutions and industry stakeholders should adopt to strengthen the continent’s creative economy.

He said that although Africa has a large pool of creative talent, the industry continues to face structural constraints that prevent creators from fully benefiting from the commercial value of their work.

‘Africa is not short of creativity. Africa is short of share. Let the editing, the animation, the mastering, the licensing and the data hosting happen here, so that the value-added stays here,’ Adesugba said

He argued that the continent must move beyond producing creative content to building businesses and systems that allow creators to earn fairly from their intellectual property.

A major challenge, he said, is the limited access to finance faced by creative businesses, particularly because conventional lenders often struggle to recognise intellectual property as an asset that can support borrowing.

He urged banks, development finance institutions and capital market operators to develop financing models that accept creative assets, including music catalogues, film libraries, design portfolios and verified royalty streams, as collateral.

According to him, recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset would help creators raise capital, expand production and invest in distribution without depending solely on personal funds or conventional forms of collateral.

Adesugba also called for the establishment of dedicated creative economic zones and hubs in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt and other major centres.

He said such hubs should provide reliable electricity, fibre-optic connectivity, production studios, post-production facilities and rendering infrastructure, supported by a competitive fiscal environment to attract investment and encourage creative businesses to scale.

On intellectual property, he stressed the need for stronger copyright enforcement, particularly against digital piracy, which continues to undermine creators’ earnings.

He also called for greater transparency among collective management organizations to ensure that royalties generated from broadcasting, streaming services and public performances reach the artists and other rights holders entitled to them.

Adesugba said the growing use of artificial intelligence in content creation also required clear safeguards to protect creators’ consent, ownership and right to compensation when their works, voices and likenesses are used.

While encouraging creative professionals to embrace emerging technologies, he said they must also understand how to protect their rights as the industry evolves.

He further identified professional and business management skills as critical to the growth of the sector, urging creators to improve their knowledge of contracts, taxation, branding and financial management.

‘Talent is natural; professionalism is learned,’ he said, stressing that creative ability must be supported by the business skills required to build sustainable enterprises.

To strengthen the commercial capacity of the industry, Adesugba proposed partnerships involving conference organisers, AfriLabs, UNESCO and relevant government ministries through the ACCI BEST Centre. Such collaboration, he said, could provide business clinics, mentorship and market linkages for emerging creators.

He also urged universities to connect research and teaching more closely with commercial opportunities in the creative sector.

On the regional market, he called for stronger African distribution networks, more efficient cross-border payment systems and co-production agreements to enable creators to reach wider audiences and benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He encouraged creators to formalise their businesses, register their intellectual property, maintain proper financial records and join professional associations and chambers of commerce to improve their access to markets and business support.

Adesugba said Africa must ensure that the economic benefits generated by its creative output are shared more fairly with the people producing the content.

‘Our task now is to make sure that Africa is also paid, fully and fairly, for what the world enjoys,’ he said.

Lema: Alute and Tundu Lissu court battle never broke their brotherhood

Arusha. Chadema Central Committee member Godbless Lema said one of his most enduring memories of Advocate Alute Mughwai Lissu is how he once faced his younger brother, Tundu Lissu, in court during a 2012 case challenging the revocation of Mr Lema’s parliamentary seat, without allowing their political and professional differences to affect their brotherhood.

Mr Lema said that although he knew several members of the Lissu family, he came to know Mr Alute more closely during the legal battle over the revocation of his parliamentary seat in 2012.

He made the remarks on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while speaking to journalists after visiting Alute’s family and relatives at their home in Arusha to offer his condolences.

‘At the time, Mr Alute, together with Mr Akida, represented the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM). Mr Alute was a CCM member and conducted his legal work professionally,’ he said.

He said that during the case, which was heard by the Court of Appeal in Dar es Salaam, Mr Alute represented CCM, while Mr Tundu represented him (Lema), bringing the two brothers face to face in court.

‘After the High Court here in Arusha revoked my parliamentary seat, we appealed to the Court of Appeal in Dar es Salaam. Mr Tundu was on my side, while Mr Alute was on the CCM side,’ he said.

‘Therefore, the two brothers met in court to oppose each other in the same case. Mr Tundu was defending me, while his brother Mr Alute represented the other side. Many people were surprised to see the brothers competing in court. Someone even asked me to tell Mr Tundu to ask his brother to go easy on us, but I told him that was impossible because each had his own position,’ he said.

Furthermore, Mr Lema said the incident demonstrated the value of democracy, showing that people could hold different political views, take opposing positions and compete professionally while maintaining family bonds and mutual respect.

‘I never quarrelled with Alute. Even after I won the case at the Court of Appeal, Mr Alute and Mr Akida, the other lawyer, congratulated me warmly. Therefore, what will always make me remember Mr Alute is that unique occasion when he and his younger brother faced each other in court over my case, each defending his respective side,’ he said.

He said they later became close friends, adding that his last visit to Mr Alute was after the latter returned from Morogoro.

‘I found him in hospital, and he was seriously ill. We spoke briefly, but we could not talk for long because his condition was poor. I promised to visit him at home after he was discharged, but I never got that opportunity,’ recounts Mr Lema.

‘When I received news of his death this morning, I was called and informed that the honourable gentleman had died. I was shocked. I decided to pass by his home to offer my condolences before attending my meeting with journalists. Since I live in Arusha, this funeral is also ours. I will work closely with the family and relatives on various funeral arrangements and stand with them until the end,’ he said.

Mr Lema said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Mr Alute’s death, noting that his recent appearances on social media, during which he spoke confidently and demonstrated sharp thinking, had given little indication that his condition had deteriorated so severely.

‘Honestly, I was shocked and deeply saddened. Even those who recently saw him speaking on social media may be surprised because he spoke confidently and demonstrated great intellectual ability. I never expected his condition to deteriorate to this extent,’ he said.

2027: Archbishop Akinola urges commitment to national unity, accountability, people-centred governance

Taiwo Akinola, the presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, has called on the government, political leaders, institutions, and citizens to renew their commitment to justice, accountability, national unity, and people-centred governance, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Akinola said Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources, and urged the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare. ‘Nevertheless, persistent insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, healthcare deficiencies, substance abuse, and threats to food safety demand urgent and coordinated responses,’ he said.

According to him, the 2027 general elections offer Nigerians another opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and demand responsible governance. He therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.

‘Vote-buying, intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation, and misinformation must be firmly discouraged. Young people as well as senior citizens, should complete the necessary voter registration procedures, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where applicable, and participate responsibly in the electoral process,’ Akinola said.

He reiterated that the Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth, and good governance. According to him, the Church must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices. ‘The true measure of political leadership is not the volume of campaign promises but the tangible improvement in citizens’ lives,’ Akinola said.

The Archbishop said the 2024 World Bank’s development indicators, which puts Nigeria’s life expectancy at birth to approximately 54.6 years, underscores the need for sustained improvements in healthcare delivery, nutrition, sanitation, and living conditions.

He added that healthcare expenditure must produce measurable improvements in service delivery, and that no Nigerian should be denied essential medical attention merely because of poverty.

Akinola reiterated that a healthy population is indispensable to human dignity, national productivity, and sustainable development. He said further that greater investment in preventive healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, sanitation, and mental health services is equally necessary.

‘We urge the government at all levels to prioritise functional primary healthcare centres, affordable health insurance, essential medicines, maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and improved welfare for medical personnel.’

Speaking on the church’s forthcoming convention themed, ‘More Than Conquerors,’ Akinola, who is the Pastor-General, Rhema Christian Church and Towers, said the 35th convention of the ministry will bring believers from diverse backgrounds for spiritual renewal, sound biblical teaching, fervent prayers, worship, and life-transforming encounters with the supernatural power of God.

According to him, the theme reminds the congregation that national challenges, however formidable, must not become excuses for despair or inaction. He reiterated that the theme reminds the church and Nigerians at large that adversity cannot extinguish hope; difficulties must not destroy faith, and believers can triumph through the unfailing grace and power of Jesus Christ.

‘At a time when individuals, families, and nations confront formidable economic, social, and spiritual challenges, this message is particularly timely. For thirty-five years, God has graciously sustained this ministry in its divine assignment of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and raising a people of His power, purity, and purpose,’ Akinola said.

Yomi Akinyemi, chairman, Rhema World Convention 2026, said daily sessions will be held at 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m., with a special Hosanna Night of Power and Praise on Friday, November 6, by 9:00 p.m.

According to him, the grand finale will be held on Sunday, November 8, with special thanksgiving and special impartation service. ‘As we celebrate thirty-five years of God’s faithfulness – our message, ‘More Than Conquerors’ is one of faith, responsibility, courage, and hope. We call on political leaders to rise above selfish interests, institutions to rise above negligence, and citizens to rise above apathy,’ he said.

How internet, alcohol, others fuelling high blood pressure among youths

In this piece, recent investigation of medical organisations and medical experts reveals how late-night internet use, alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation and unhealthy lifestyle choices are exposing young Nigerians to hypertension, highlighting doctors’ warnings and the urgent need for preventive measures.

VR Muhammed Usman-Vulegbo, a civil servant diagnosed with hypertension in his mid-30s, said the experience challenged his belief that high blood pressure was a condition associated mainly with old age.

He sought medical attention after experiencing numbness in his hands and legs, which became severe enough to require emergency care.

‘My father used to warn me because he had high blood pressure, but I thought it was something that would come in my 50s or 60s. Instead, it came without warning while I was still young.

‘We need more awareness because hypertension can affect people even in their late 20s,’ he said.

Beyond the initial shock of the diagnosis, Usman-Vulegbo said managing the condition required medication and dietary changes, placing additional pressure on his finances.

‘It wasn’t just about buying drugs. The doctors also told me what to eat and what to avoid. In this economy, maintaining the recommended diet is another challenge entirely,’ he said.

His experience reflects a wider challenge: detecting and managing hypertension among younger adults, a condition often associated with older people.

Indeed, recent research has documented hypertension among younger Nigerians, although reported prevalence varies across populations, age groups and diagnostic methods.

A review published in September 2026 in the Bratislava Medical Journal examined eight studies involving 5,455 participants and reported hypertension prevalence estimates ranging from 8.1 to 35.9 per cent.

The review also cited national estimates of 6.8 per cent among Nigerians aged 18 to 30 years and 18.1 per cent among those aged 30 to 39 years.

‘National estimates demonstrated a four-to-five-fold increase in hypertension among adults aged 20-39 years between 1995 and 2020,’ the researchers stated.

These findings point to a significant health concern, although differences in study populations and methods must be considered when interpreting the figures.

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 1.4 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years were living with hypertension in 2024.

Yet, the burden extends beyond the number of people affected.

The WHO’s 2025 fact sheet reported that 44 per cent of adults with hypertension were unaware of their condition, while only 23 per cent had their blood pressure under control.

This lack of awareness is significant because hypertension often develops without obvious symptoms.

The WHO defines hypertension as blood pressure persistently measuring 140/90 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) or higher, with diagnosis generally requiring elevated readings on two different days.

Consequently, routine blood pressure measurement remains essential, as people may feel healthy while living with the condition.

Health experts warn that uncontrolled hypertension can damage the heart, brain and kidneys, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney failure.

Evidence from Nigerian university-based research further illustrates the problem, especially the gap between having the condition and knowing one’s status.

A study published in May 2025 in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders examined 346 clinical students at the University of Ibadan, whose mean age was 23.9 years.

It found that eight per cent had hypertension, while 33 per cent had prehypertension under the study’s classification.

Of the 28 students identified with hypertension, only four already knew their status, and none was taking medication.

Similarly, another study published in March 2026 examined 941 sexually active adults aged 18 to 45 years in Ibadan.

Using thresholds from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, the researchers classified 19.9 per cent of participants as having stage one hypertension and nine per cent as having stage two hypertension.

However, the study used a lower threshold for stage one hypertension than the 140/90 mmHg threshold used in the WHO definition.

Taken together, the studies demonstrate that hypertension is present among younger adults in the populations examined and that some affected individuals remain unaware of their status.

They do not, however, establish a nationwide trend or explain the causes of individual cases.

Beyond the research findings, doctors say the assumption that hypertension affects only older people may discourage younger adults from seeking routine medical checks.

Dr Adisa Adams, a consultant cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said he was seeing younger patients with hypertension more often in his clinical practice.

‘In my earlier years of practice, high blood pressure is mostly an issue of the mature and old folk starting from 50 years, but now we see 28 years to 35-year-old hypertensive patients,’ he said.

According to Adams, one challenge is the belief among younger people that their age protects them from cardiovascular problems.

‘The first issue with the younger generation is the false and unwise belief that they are young and thus, do not need to regularly check themselves.

‘The second is the fact that they are not taking preventive measures, well as lack of public information and sensitisation about the dangers associated with hypertension,’ he said.

He therefore advised adults to undergo medical assessments even when they felt healthy, stressing that the absence of symptoms did not rule out hypertension or other cardiovascular problems.

Similarly, Dr Marvelous Idemudia of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Clinic identified unhealthy diets, stress, physical inactivity and poor health habits as concerns among younger adults.

‘The increasing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among young adults should not be ignored.

‘Unhealthy diets, stress, sedentary lifestyles, and poor health habits are among the major factors driving this trend,’ she said.

To address these risks, Idemudia advised young people to undergo blood pressure and blood sugar screening, maintain balanced diets, exercise regularly and get adequate sleep.

Adding another perspective, Dr Ukoma ChiKadibia, vice-president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, pointed to changing dietary habits and reduced physical activity as concerns.

‘Young people today are no longer eating the traditional foods our parents grew up with.

‘They prefer fast foods, shawarma and other processed meals that are heavily loaded with sodium, which puts stress on the heart and increases blood pressure,’ he said.

ChiKadibia also expressed concern about prolonged sitting and excessive screen time, which could reduce opportunities for physical activity.

He added that late-night internet use could disrupt healthy sleeping patterns.

More broadly, the WHO identifies excessive salt consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and overweight or obesity as modifiable risk factors for hypertension.

Accordingly, the organisation recommends reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly.

Family history is another consideration, making regular screening important for people with relatives who have hypertension.

Nevertheless, lifestyle changes alone do not replace medical assessment or prescribed treatment for people already diagnosed with the condition.

For many patients, the challenge extends beyond knowing their blood pressure status to being able to afford the medicines, consultations and dietary changes required for long-term management.

The Advocacy Partnership for Hypertension Financing and Patient Voice (APH-FiP), implemented by the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and in partnership with Resolve to Save Lives, has highlighted gaps in hypertension financing.

According to its factsheet, fewer than five per cent of Nigerian primary healthcare (PHC) patients receiving hypertension care have prepaid health insurance coverage, leaving many to pay out of pocket.

The factsheet estimates that affected households spend between 20 dollars and 55 dollars or more monthly, while 48.2 per cent face a risk of impoverishment.

Beyond the direct cost to households, it puts minimum annual productivity losses from hypertension and other non-communicable diseases at 400 million dollars.

The document also states that 0.05 per cent of Nigeria’s 2025 health budget was allocated to hypertension, while about six per cent of the total health budget went to non-communicable diseases.

Against this backdrop, the partnership recommends timely release of allocated funds, dedicated budget lines for non-communicable diseases and expansion of the WHO HEARTS programme to PHC facilities nationwide.

It further identifies primary healthcare as a platform for prevention and control, estimating that an annual investment of 113 million dollars over 15 years could avert up to 77,500 deaths during the period.

Given these challenges, improving access to screening and treatment at the primary healthcare level could help identify more people with hypertension before complications develop.

Dr Ifeoluwa Odedina, a public health physician at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said PHC facilities could provide accessible blood pressure screening using simple equipment.

‘Screening for hypertension at the primary level is very effective.

‘It requires only simple tools like a manual blood pressure machine, and most nurses or community health extension workers can be trained on how to use one,’ he said.

Odedina attributed low screening uptake partly to the absence of symptoms, which could leave the condition undetected until complications developed.

He urged adults to check their blood pressure regularly and advised people diagnosed with hypertension to attend clinic appointments and take prescribed medicines consistently.

He also recommended reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption.

In the same vein, Professor Basden Onwubere, former president of the Nigerian Hypertension Society, called for routine blood pressure checks and greater public awareness.

‘Young people are now coming down with hypertension which is a disturbing trend compared to the past where older adults in their 50’s and above were affected by the disease.

‘We should pay more attention to this because many people in this age group are unaware that they have the condition,’ he said.

Onwubere noted that hypertension could remain undetected because many affected people did not feel ill until complications occurred.

For young Nigerians, the research findings and expert accounts underline the importance of checking blood pressure rather than assuming that youth offers protection.

Routine screening, healthier diets, regular physical activity and adherence to prescribed treatment can help reduce the risks associated with hypertension and prevent complications.

However, beyond individual efforts, effective hypertension control also requires affordable medicines, sustained public awareness and improved access to healthcare services.

Against this background, Dr Temilade Adeyanju, a consultant cardiologist at UCH, Ibadan, urged Nigerians to prioritise regular blood pressure checks.

‘For Nigerians, know your numbers, do your blood pressure checks routinely, it saves you from the silent killer,’ she said.

Nigeria’s digital economy faces DNS security risks as cyberattacks hit 4,361 weekly

Nigeria’s digital economy faces growing cybersecurity risks as organisations experience an average of 4,361 attempted cyberattacks weekly, exposing weaknesses in the country’s internet infrastructure and strengthening calls for tougher protection of the systems that direct users to government, financial and business websites.

The warning comes as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) moves to make Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) implementation part of its cybersecurity assessment of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), in a bid to prevent attackers from exploiting weaknesses in the internet’s domain-name infrastructure.

Speaking at a cybersecurity awareness webinar organised by the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of NITDA, said the agency would include DNS security in its cybersecurity assessment protocol and push for government-owned .gov.ng domains to adopt DNSSEC.

Represented by Oluwasegun Falayan, the NITDA chief said having a government domain was no longer sufficient without security mechanisms to protect it against manipulation and other cyber threats.

‘So we must lead, we must ensure that every .gov.ng is signed as much as possible, and we provide DNS as an inclusion in every security assessment that we do. So it’s not enough to just have a domain, but it must be secured and must be signed,’ he said.

The directive highlights a less visible but increasingly important vulnerability in Nigeria’s digital transformation: the security of the infrastructure that connects internet users to online services.

The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as the internet’s address book, translating website names into numerical internet addresses that computers use to communicate. When attackers manipulate this process, users can be redirected to fraudulent websites even when they enter what appears to be a legitimate web address.

DNSSEC adds a layer of protection through digital signatures that allow internet resolvers to verify whether DNS responses are authentic and have not been altered.

However, its adoption remains a challenge across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, where government institutions, businesses, internet providers and domain registrars have different responsibilities for securing the infrastructure.

Adesola Akinsanya, president of NiRA, said Check Point Research reported that the average Nigerian organisation faced about 4,361 attempted attacks weekly in June, compared with a global average of approximately 2,270.

The figures underscore the pressure on organisations as digital services expand and cybercriminals increasingly exploit vulnerabilities in online systems.

Akinsanya also cited Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) figures showing that digital-payment fraud amounted to N25.85 billion in 2025, despite a decline in reported incidents. He cautioned that the reduction could reflect under-reporting rather than an improvement in security.

‘DNS security is not a technical hobby. It is an economic question,’ he said.

The economic implications extend beyond the theft of funds. Compromised domain infrastructure can undermine trust in digital payment platforms, expose customers to phishing attacks, disrupt access to essential services and damage the credibility of Nigerian businesses operating online.

For a country seeking to expand digital financial services, electronic government platforms and technology-driven businesses, weaknesses in the internet’s naming infrastructure could create risks that extend across multiple sectors.

Akinsanya, however, cautioned against treating DNSSEC adoption as a standalone solution, noting that the technology does not encrypt internet traffic, prevent distributed denial-of-service attacks or protect against compromised domain registrar credentials.

He warned that improperly configured DNSSEC could also make domains inaccessible to users whose internet resolvers validate digital signatures.

This means that adoption must be accompanied by technical competence, proper implementation and coordination among the organisations responsible for managing domain records and internet infrastructure.

NiRA operates Nigeria’s .ng domain registry, but individual organisations remain responsible for managing their DNS infrastructure, registrar accounts and service providers.

Akinsanya disclosed that only 15 of Nigeria’s 164 accredited registrars had adopted DNSSEC, describing the figure as inadequate and calling for stronger implementation across the ecosystem.

He urged government institutions to review who controls their domain credentials, activate multi-factor authentication and establish clear procedures for responding to unauthorised changes to domain records.

He also called on internet service providers to enable DNSSEC validation, while urging regulators to incorporate the naming layer into Nigeria’s forthcoming cybersecurity framework and critical infrastructure planning.

The concerns received further attention during a panel session where Daniel Onyekpeze, head of incident handling at the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, proposed an Executive Order to give DNSSEC Critical National Information Infrastructure status.

He argued that implementation should extend beyond government institutions to include the financial sector, given the importance of secure internet infrastructure to digital transactions and national resilience.

Other participants highlighted the changing nature of cyber threats. SP Kuma Ikyereve of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre identified phishing as the leading category of cybersecurity cases, while Lateef Hamzat, founder and chief executive officer of CyberPlural, said attacks were gradually shifting from individuals towards systems.

The shift raises the stakes for organisations whose digital infrastructure supports large numbers of customers and interconnected services. A vulnerability in a central system can potentially affect more users than an attack directed at an individual account.

For Nigeria, the challenge is therefore not simply to increase the number of secured domain names but to ensure that the underlying infrastructure is properly configured, monitored and protected.

NiRA has maintained that expanding the .ng domain should not come at the expense of security. Akinsanya said Nigeria had roughly one registered .ng domain for every 1,000 citizens, compared with approximately two per 1,000 in Kenya and 20 per 1,000 in South Africa.

He said the association was targeting 30 percent growth but would not pursue expansion without adequate security standards.

The broader policy challenge is ensuring that NITDA’s new assessment requirement translates into measurable improvements rather than another compliance exercise.

DNSSEC can help prevent attackers from manipulating DNS responses, but its effectiveness depends on organisations securing their registrar credentials, maintaining their systems, enabling validation and responding quickly to incidents.

As cyberattacks become more sophisticated and Nigeria’s economy becomes increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, securing the internet’s underlying systems is emerging as an important part of protecting financial transactions, public services and business confidence.

Zamfara North senatorial aspirant decries political marginalisation

A senatorial aspirant in Zamfara State Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi has called for an end to what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of Zamfara North in the distribution of political offices.

He advocated greater equity in rotating senatorial representation arguing that qualified individuals from the district had been denied opportunities to serve in the National Assembly.

Shinkafi made the appeal during a media briefing at his residence in Samaru Gusau where he identified Shinkafi Zurmi and Birnin Magaji as well as nine political wards in Kaura Namoda as areas affected by the alleged political exclusion.

He said the district had produced professionals and experienced individuals including medical doctors consultants military generals and former ministers who were qualified to represent the people.

The aspirant questioned why political representation opportunities appeared to favour individuals from outside the district despite qualified candidates within Zamfara North.

According to him the situation had denied many capable people the opportunity to contribute to governance and lawmaking at the national level.

‘This is the time to end the nonsense of marginalisation. There should be equity and fairness in the sharing of political offices’ he said.

The aspirant particularly appealed to younger people to join the campaign for a more equitable distribution of political positions arguing that the same individuals should not hold political offices indefinitely.

Dr Shinkafi also questioned why people in their seventies should continue to occupy positions when younger and capable individuals in their thirties were equally qualified to serve.

He criticised what he described as the prolonged occupation of political and traditional positions saying there should be opportunities for new people to emerge and contribute to development.

The aspirant said his concern stemmed from an imbalance in the historical distribution of senatorial representation in Zamfara State.

He maintained that other marginalised parts of Zamfara North deserved a fair opportunity to produce a senator and should not continue to be sidelined in political arrangements.

Beyond the question of representation he lamented the state of basic infrastructure in the district particularly electricity water supply healthcare and education.

He said many communities still lacked reliable electricity and potable water while public hospitals were in poor condition.

The aspirant also expressed concern over the limited number of higher institutions serving the area arguing that inadequate educational opportunities had limited young people’s prospects.

‘With good education we can change the world. Education is something we must fight for’ he said.

He urged political leaders to prioritise development and to ensure that elected representatives were judged by their performance and contributions to their constituencies.

The aspirant said his campaign against marginalisation was driven by the need to secure equal political opportunities across all parts of Zamfara State particularly Zamfara North.

He called on younger people and other stakeholders to support the demand for equity and a fairer distribution of political offices.

Experts urge Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry to look beyond domestic market

The need for Nigeria to strengthen local pharmaceutical production, expand access to essential medicines and improve preparedness for epidemics and pandemics took a centre stage at a side event during the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly in Midtown Manhattan, New York.

The programme was hosted by 10Generation, in partnership with the Institute of Scientology as well as Word Mission Foundation in New York.

The event brought attention to the relationship between pharmaceutical manufacturing, public health education and Africa’s capacity to prevent and manage future health emergencies.

Moderated by international broadcast and multimedia Journalist, Lydia Enyidiya Eke, the discussion examined the opportunities for Nigeria to strengthen its pharmaceutical industry, serve its domestic market more effectively and position locally manufactured medicines for eligible regional and international markets.

A central issue was the need to look beyond Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical market and explore the country’s potential to become a stronger participant in the global pharmaceutical industry.

With Africa’s population approaching 1.5 billion, the continent represents a substantial market for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and other essential healthcare products.

However, converting this demand into improved health outcomes requires investment in manufacturing capacity, research, quality assurance, infrastructure and effective regulation.

The discussion however, highlighted the importance of building local capacity to meet healthcare needs while ensuring that pharmaceutical products intended for international markets satisfy the relevant safety, quality and regulatory requirements.

Beyond manufacturing, the programme addressed the importance of preparing Nigeria and other African countries to prevent, detect and manage epidemics and pandemics.

The panelists who spoke included President and Founder, World Mission Foundation who is the main Representative to the UN ECOSOC, Ambassador Anthony.

Others were Fadja Robert-Carr, of 10 Generation and Nicole Berth, Community Affairs, Institute of Scientology.

The speakers noted that health emergencies could expose weaknesses in medicine supply chains, healthcare infrastructure, disease surveillance and public communication.

Strengthening these systems before an outbreak occurs is therefore an important part of building national and regional health security.

Expanding reliable local pharmaceutical production could contribute to this effort by diversifying sources of essential medicines and reducing exposure to international supply disruptions.

Nevertheless, effective preparedness also requires trained health personnel, laboratory capacity, emergency response systems and coordinated public health policies.

The conversation underscored the importance of treating preparedness as a continuous responsibility rather than an activity undertaken only when an outbreak emerges.

Public Health Communication as a Prevention Tool was also a part of the panel discussion.

Public service announcements and sustained health enlightenment campaigns equally featured among the issues highlighted during the programme.

Radio, television, digital media and community communication channels can help people understand disease risks, recognise the importance of prevention and obtain reliable information about appropriate health practices.

Effective communication is particularly important during epidemics and pandemics, when misinformation and delayed access to credible information can complicate public health responses.

The discussion pointed to the need for accurate, accessible and actionable public health messages that reach people across different communities.

For Nigeria, this means strengthening collaboration among health authorities, medical professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and the media.

Public health communication must also be supported by accessible healthcare services so that people can act on the information they receive.

Another important dimension of the discussion was the need to place disease prevention at the centre of healthcare planning.

Prevention includes immunisation, sanitation, health education, screening, early diagnosis and access to appropriate medical interventions. These measures can reduce avoidable illness and help ease pressure on healthcare facilities.

The right to health is recognised within international human rights frameworks, although the specific legal obligations and mechanisms for implementation differ across countries.

This makes the responsibility to provide reliable health information, strengthen preventive services and improve access to essential healthcare an important issue for policymakers and public health institutions.

Moderating the discussion, Eke brought her experience in broadcast journalism, editorial leadership and public-interest communication to a conversation connecting pharmaceutical development with health security and public enlightenment.

Her participation reflects the role of professional moderators and journalists in facilitating conversations on issues with implications for public policy, economic development and the well-being of communities.

The issues raised at the Manhattan programme point to the importance of a coordinated approach to Africa’s health future.

Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry requires an enabling environment for responsible investment, innovation, quality manufacturing and regulatory compliance. At the same time, health systems need sustained investment in preparedness, prevention and public communication.

Governments, manufacturers, research institutions, healthcare professionals and media organisations all have roles to play in advancing these priorities.

For Nigeria and the wider African continent, the challenge is to translate market potential into stronger production capacity, and public health knowledge into practical preventive action.

The broader message is that health security cannot depend exclusively on responding to emergencies.

It must be built through sustained investment in local capacity, effective healthcare systems and informed communities.

Tanzania to transform Arusha city in Sh64.5 billion plan ahead of AFCON

Arusha. The National Housing Corporation (NHC) plans to invest Sh24.5 billion in a major redevelopment of historic streets in Arusha city centre, raising the total value of the project to Sh64.5 billion as the city prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

The project, known as Sokoine Square, will involve demolishing old buildings along Masai, Swahili, Azimio and Sokoine streets to pave the way for multi-storey buildings incorporating commercial and residential facilities.

NHC Information and Public Relations Manager, Mr Yahya Charahani, told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Sunday, November 1, 2026, that the project would take 18 months to complete and significantly transform Arusha’s skyline in line with the city’s new master plan, which prohibits buildings of fewer than six storeys in the city centre.

He said an economic assessment of the project indicated significant financial benefits for both the corporation and the city.

The redevelopment will increase the number of tenants from the previous 43 to 350, comprising 250 commercial spaces and 100 residential units.

‘This project will bring a major transformation to Arusha. We will increase the corporation’s annual revenue from Sh266 million to Sh4.8 billion, enabling us to expand further by developing new projects in line with our objectives,’ said Mr Charahani.

He added that the construction cost was estimated at Sh24.5 billion, while the overall project value would reach Sh64.5 billion to be implemented within 18 months.

To safeguard the interests of the 43 former tenants affected by the redevelopment, Mr Charahani said NHC had held consultations and reached an agreement on the relocation arrangements.

He said after issuing the statutory 30-day notice, the corporation granted the tenants an additional 90 days following their request for more time, although they had initially sought 180 days.

The extension allowed them to make arrangements before construction permits were obtained and demolition work began.

NHC Arusha Regional Manager Nistas Mvungi said all former tenants would be given priority when the new facilities became available.

He said the corporation was communicating with representatives of the former tenants to establish their readiness to return under the new rental terms and conditions.

Furthermore, Mr Mvungi added that former business operators would be allowed to inspect the approved project designs so they could select premises suitable for their businesses before the remaining spaces were opened to the public.

He said NHC was committed to completing the commercial section of the project as early as possible to enable businesses to benefit from the anticipated economic activity surrounding the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Road Warriors exorcise fear of early playoff exits with rout of Fuel Masters

Robert Bolick made sure NLEX wouldn’t miss its greatest opportunity to end its string of playoff flameouts.

And Bolick did it in the manner of those Halloween movie villains: relentless and merciless.

The do-it-all guard had 16 of his 23 points in the first quarter as the Road Warriors shook off the fear of yet another quarterfinal exit by hammering Phoenix, 137-89, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday to complete a sweep of their series and become the first team to make it to the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.

‘I wanted to start the game with that kind of intensity,’ Bolick said after his strong start virtually spooked the Fuel Masters into submission.

‘I wanted my teammates to see that we’re ready. And once it started, it snowballed from there,’ he added.

By halftime, NLEX was up 78-43 as Bolick knocked down shot after shot from threes and fours with impunity.

The second half was a mere formality as the Road Warriors advanced to the Final Four in coach Jimmy Alapag’s maiden conference.

Recent heartbreaks

Behind Alapag, NLEX finally shed recent heartbreaks of missing the semifinals in two of the last three conferences despite owning the twice-to-beat advantage.

NLEX will take on either Converge or Rain or Shine in the semifinals, another best-of-five affair, when the league resumes in December following Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the fifth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Converge equaled their own series at 1-1 on Friday with a 130-125 victory, with Mikey Williams knocking down a crucial three-pointer and Adrian Nocum turning the ball over thrice late in the game.

The Road Warriors celebrated the win, as they should. But Bolick also understands that they can’t be satisfied just yet.

‘Coach told us, ‘Why are we satisfied dreaming of making the semis when we can dream of making the Finals?” Bolick said. ”We know we are capable of getting there, so why not aim for the ultimate goal?”

Another exit

Phoenix’s hopes of putting up a fight to the end never materialized as the team fell into holes as deep as 41. The Fuel Masters also lost Ricci Rivero to an ankle sprain, compounding their woes.

The Fuel Masters ended their second conference under youthful mentor Charles Tiu with another quarterfinal exit, when a promising start with original import BJ Johnson went on a 180-degree turn with replacement Marcellus Earlington.