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Fashion is one of those industries that looks incredibly beautiful from the outside. We see the collections, the campaigns, the fashion shows, the carefully styled photographs, and the excitement that comes with launching something new. What we do not always see is the amount of work that goes into keeping a fashion business alive after the excitement has settled.

I have come to understand that there is a significant difference between creating a beautiful product and building a successful fashion brand.

One requires creativity. The other requires creativity, business discipline, consistency, financial understanding, and the ability to make difficult decisions.

And while the fashion industry continues to attract talented designers and entrepreneurs, I believe we need to have more honest conversations about the business behind the beauty.

As the founder of Paciencia, a Nigerian fashion brand specialising in handmade leather bags, this is a subject that matters deeply to me. Building a brand has reinforced my belief that good design is only the beginning. The real challenge is creating a business that customers trust, that can compete in its market, and that has the capacity to grow.

Fashion Is Creative, but It Is Also Commercial

One of the biggest misconceptions about the fashion industry is that a great product will automatically find its audience.

It is an understandable assumption. When you have invested time and effort into creating something you believe in, it is natural to expect people to recognise its value.

But the market does not always work that way.

A beautifully designed handbag can attract attention without necessarily generating sales. A fashion collection can receive praise without producing enough revenue to cover its costs. A brand can become popular on social media and still struggle to remain profitable.

This is the reality that every emerging fashion entrepreneur must eventually confront.

Creativity gives a brand its identity, but commercial understanding gives it the opportunity to survive.

Fashion entrepreneurs must understand their customers, their costs, their pricing, and the market they are trying to serve. They must know what makes their products relevant and why someone should choose them over the many alternatives available.

These are not conversations that diminish creativity. They are the conversations that make it possible to keep creating.

The Real Cost of Building a Nigerian Fashion Brand

Running a fashion business in Nigeria comes with its own set of challenges.

The cost of materials, production, packaging, logistics, marketing, and daily operations can place considerable pressure on emerging brands. For businesses working with leather and other specialised materials, maintaining quality while managing costs requires particularly careful decisions.

There is also the question of pricing.

Customers want beautiful, durable products at prices they consider reasonable. At the same time, businesses must account for the actual cost of producing those products, compensate the people involved, and generate enough income to continue operating.

Finding that balance is not always straightforward.

At Paciencia, where our focus is on handmade leather bags, I believe it is important to recognise the value of craftsmanship in the broader conversation about pricing.

A handmade product involves more than the cost of its raw materials. There is the design process, the skill required to bring the product to life, the attention given to its finishing, and the time invested in making sure the final piece reflects the brand’s standards.

When consumers compare handmade leather bags with mass-produced alternatives, they may not immediately see these differences.

That is why fashion brands must become better at communicating value.

We cannot assume customers will automatically understand what goes into our products. We have to tell those stories clearly, while ensuring that the quality of what we offer supports the promises we make.

A Fashion Brand Is Not the Same as a Fashion Business

I believe this distinction deserves more attention, particularly among emerging Nigerian fashion entrepreneurs.

Starting a fashion brand has become more accessible in many ways. Social media allows entrepreneurs to introduce their products to customers without immediately investing in physical retail spaces. Digital platforms have created opportunities for independent designers to build audiences and sell directly to consumers.

These developments are encouraging, but they have also made it easy to confuse visibility with business success.

Having a recognisable brand name, an attractive Instagram page, or a successful product launch does not necessarily mean a business is financially healthy.

A sustainable fashion business needs systems.

It needs a clear understanding of inventory, cash flow, production timelines, customer service, and profitability. It needs processes that do not collapse every time demand increases or an unexpected challenge arises.

Most importantly, it needs a long-term vision.

The question should not only be, ‘How do I sell my next collection?’

It should also be, ‘What kind of business am I building, and will the decisions I make today support where I want it to be in five years?’

That shift in thinking is essential.

Why Brand Identity Matters in a Crowded Fashion Market

The Nigerian fashion industry is filled with creativity. New clothing labels, handbag brands, accessories businesses, and independent designers continue to enter the market, giving consumers more options than ever before.

While this is a positive development, it also means that standing out requires more than simply having attractive products.

A brand must have a recognisable identity.

For me, this is one of the most important lessons in the business of fashion.

Customers should be able to understand what a brand represents, the type of products it creates, and the value it offers.

At Paciencia, our identity is closely connected to handmade leather bags, thoughtful design, and an appreciation for craftsmanship.

I believe a handbag should be both practical and expressive. It should serve a purpose in the everyday life of the person carrying it while contributing to their personal style.

That understanding influences the kind of brand we are building.

It is also why I believe emerging Nigerian handbag brands must resist the pressure to follow every trend.

Trends can create opportunities, but they can also distract businesses from their original vision.

There is nothing wrong with responding to changing consumer preferences. Fashion is constantly evolving, after all. But a brand should be able to evolve without losing the qualities that make it distinctive.

A strong identity gives customers a reason to remember you. Consistent delivery gives them a reason to return.

The Customer Is at the Centre of Every Successful Fashion Business

One thing I believe fashion entrepreneurs must never forget is that we are not creating products for ourselves alone.

We are creating for people with different lifestyles, expectations, preferences, and purchasing decisions.

Understanding those people is a major part of building a successful brand.

In the handmade leather bag business, for example, customers may be drawn to a product because of its appearance, but their satisfaction often depends on much more.

They consider how comfortable it is to carry, how easily it fits into their daily routine, the quality of its finishing, and whether it meets their expectations over time.

The experience does not end when a customer makes a payment.

Communication, packaging, delivery, and after-sales support all influence how people remember a brand.

For emerging fashion businesses, these details can become powerful competitive advantages.

A customer who has a positive experience is more likely to recommend a brand, make another purchase, or become part of the community around it.

And in an industry where trust is so important, those relationships are invaluable.

Nigerian Fashion Brands Must Think Beyond Social Media

Social media has played a significant role in the growth of independent fashion businesses. It has made it easier for emerging brands to reach audiences, showcase products, and communicate directly with potential customers.

But I believe fashion entrepreneurs need to think beyond social media as their primary growth strategy.

An online following is useful, but it is not a substitute for a sustainable business model.

Brands need to invest in discoverability, professional websites, customer relationships, retail opportunities, and distribution channels that allow them to reach people beyond their existing followers.

For Nigerian leather bag brands like Paciencia, having a strong digital presence is about more than posting attractive product photographs.

It is about helping customers discover the brand when they are actively searching for handmade leather bags, Nigerian handbag designers, or accessories that reflect their personal style.

It is also about making the buying experience clear and convenient.

The businesses that will grow are not necessarily those making the most noise online. They are the ones that understand how to turn attention into trust, trust into purchases, and purchases into lasting customer relationships.

The Opportunity for Nigerian Leather Goods and Accessories Brands

When discussing the future of Nigerian fashion, I believe we need to pay more attention to the business potential of accessories.

Clothing often dominates the conversation, but handbags, footwear, and leather goods are important parts of the fashion economy.

A well-designed handbag has the ability to become part of someone’s everyday life. It can move between different occasions, complement different outfits, and remain relevant beyond a particular fashion season.

This creates opportunities for brands that understand design, functionality, and consumer needs.

There is also room for Nigerian fashion businesses to develop stronger positions in the premium and contemporary accessories markets.

However, that opportunity must be supported by consistent product quality, credible branding, and sound business practices.

We cannot build competitive fashion businesses on creativity alone.

We need to pay attention to sourcing, production standards, customer expectations, and how our products are presented in the marketplace.

I would love to see more Nigerian handmade leather bag brands gain recognition for the quality of their work, not simply because they represent local creativity, but because they offer products that customers genuinely value.

That is an ambition I carry into the journey of building Paciencia.

The Future of Fashion Belongs to Brands That Understand Both Design and Business

I am optimistic about the future of the Nigerian fashion industry.

There is no shortage of talent, ambition, or creativity. What we need is an equally strong commitment to building businesses that can support those qualities over time.

We need more conversations about financial literacy, production efficiency, customer retention, access to funding, and the realities of scaling a fashion business.

We need emerging designers to understand that business knowledge is not separate from their creative journey. It is part of what makes that journey sustainable.

And we need consumers, investors, and industry stakeholders to recognise the economic potential of fashion beyond the glamour associated with it.

For me, building Paciencia is an opportunity to bring these ideas together.

It is about creating handmade leather bags that reflect our design philosophy while building a Nigerian fashion business with a clear identity and long-term ambition.

There will always be new trends, new collections, and new brands entering the industry. That is part of what makes fashion exciting.

But the brands that stand the test of time will be those that understand what they offer, who they serve, and how to deliver value consistently.

A beautiful product may introduce a brand to the world, but it is the strength of the business behind it that determines how long that brand remains relevant.

That, to me, is the real business of fashion.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s El Clásico at Camp Nou, handing the La Liga leaders their first league defeat of the season and cutting the gap at the top of the table.

Mbappé opened the scoring four minutes before half-time and netted a late winner in the 87th minute after Raphinha equalised for the defending champions.

The result ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the La Liga campaign and handed them a second consecutive defeat following Tuesday’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Champions League.

Barcelona remain top of the table on 27 points after 10 matches, with a two-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid sit third, one point behind Atletico.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho praised his team’s discipline and composure in his first El Clásico back in charge of the club.

‘My team had an extraordinary game, very organised, good concentration, with courage to play out from the back against a team that presses you a lot,’ Mourinho told reporters.

‘We had chances for the second goal. Obviously, Barcelona had a strong reaction, but we were calm and organised, and at 1-1 we never lost our tranquillity.’

Barcelona had won six of the previous seven El Clásico encounters since Hansi Flick took charge, but struggled to impose themselves against Mourinho’s side.

‘You saw today, we lacked freshness,’ Flick said.

‘It’s the first defeat in La Liga. We won nine in a row. This is what we have to see.

‘Defeats are a part of the game. We have to analyse; we have to make things better. Now we must make a reaction.’

Real Madrid, who were without suspended forward Vinicius Junior, secured their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions, strengthening their early-season momentum under the veteran Portuguese coach.

After two trophyless seasons, Real Madrid turned to Mourinho to halt Barcelona’s dominance, and Sunday’s result offered encouragement that the team is moving in the right direction.

The Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (Chartered) (ISMNC) in Rivers State is set to build itself into a legacy that members will proudly serve today and future generations will proudly inherit.

Patterson Ogon, the newly inaugurated chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, set the agenda for the new executive committee during a strategic meeting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The meeting served as an inaugural meeting, swearing-in ceremony and handover of administrative affairs of the institute.

ISMNC is a non-governmental, non-profit, independent professional, learning and research organisation with an extensive range of courses in Strategic Management, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Governance, and Digital Innovation that sets the pace for executive training and professional development.

Founded in 2003, and chartered in 2023, the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered) has been described as Africa’s premier institute for strategy crafting.

It has a mission to advance and promote knowledge and skills in the practice of strategic management, strategic leadership, strategic entrepreneurship, and governance through research, publications, education, training, certification, induction and regulation of students and members.

Its vision is to be a world-class professional body, a pan-African best reference in strategic management, and a key player in positioning Nigeria and Africa for leadership in the global society.

Ogon, who is the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was elected as the chairman of the Rivers State Chapter on July 23, 2026 at the Annual General Meeting of the institute in Lagos.

Strategic management is about employing a strategic framework to achieve both short-term and long-term business objectives consistently and efficiently.

While it may look easy on the surface, the actual execution of strategic management can easily result in confusion, particularly when businesses become large and complex.

The Brighton School of Business and Management, says that strategic management is where the resources available to an organisation are brought together.

The resources which include operations, marketing, research and development and other organisational functions are all analysed to best determine how they can be used to reach business goals.

Through strategic management, all company staff are made to have a clear understanding of what their roles will be for the goals of the organisation to be achieved.

And, Ogon is determined to build on the foundations laid by previous administrations and strengthen the institute’s contribution to professional development and strategic leadership within his two-year tenure.

He assured that his administration would position the chapter as a platform for professional excellence, strategic thinking, ethical leadership, intellectual development, collaboration and measurable impact, stressing that membership must provide meaningful opportunities for learning, contribution, networking, mentorship and professional growth.

‘Distinguished colleagues, leadership of a professional body is not simply about occupying an office; it is about accepting responsibility for people, institutions and the future.

‘ISMNC brings together professionals from diverse disciplines, sectors and areas of expertise. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and we must create an environment where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged, professionals collaborate and expertise is translated into meaningful value,’ he stated.

Declaring that strategy must translate into practical outcomes, Ogon pledged to ensure that every programme and initiative undertaken by the chapter has clear objectives, creates demonstrable value and delivers measurable results through a culture of planning, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.

He identified continuous professional development as a major priority, noting that technological advancement, artificial intelligence, changing economic realities and evolving leadership expectations were reshaping the professional environment and requiring members to remain relevant and adaptable.

To address these emerging challenges, Ogon promised to promote seminars, workshops, knowledge-sharing and intellectual engagements while strengthening mentorship and intergenerational learning by combining the experience of established professionals with the fresh perspectives, technological awareness and innovative ideas of younger members.

He said: ‘The professional environment is changing rapidly. Technology, artificial intelligence, economic realities and changing leadership expectations are reshaping the workplace.

‘As a professional Institute, we must remain relevant. We will encourage continuous professional development, knowledge-sharing, seminars, workshops and intellectual engagements that equip our members to respond effectively to emerging challenges.

‘We will also strengthen mentorship and intergenerational learning. Our experienced professionals have valuable knowledge to transfer, while our younger professionals bring fresh perspectives, technology awareness and innovation.

When these strengths come together, the Institute becomes stronger.’

On collaboration and member engagement, he called for stronger relationships among members, state chapters, regional structures and the national leadership, urging members to contribute their ideas, expertise and professional opportunities to advance the Institute’s collective interests.

He also pledged to uphold transparency, accountability and professional ethics by operating within the institute’s established framework, maintaining responsible communication with national structures and ensuring that resources entrusted to the chapter were managed prudently in the interests of its members.

‘We also intend to strengthen collaboration among members, state chapters, regional structures and the National leadership.

We must move beyond simply attending meetings to actively participating in the development of the Institute.

‘If you have an idea, bring it forward. If you have expertise, share it. If you have an opportunity that can benefit the Institute, make it available. The strength of this chapter will ultimately depend on the collective commitment of its members,’ he said.

Ogon emphasised that the institute must remain greater than any individual office holder, and urged members of his executive to serve with humility, integrity and accountability while preserving existing achievements, improving areas requiring attention and creating new opportunities for institutional growth.

He pledged good governance, transparency, accountability and professional ethics as essential parts of his administration.

Ogon declared: ‘As we assume office, we recognise that good governance, transparency, accountability and professional ethics are essential.

‘We will operate within the established framework of the Institute, communicate responsibly with the relevant national structures and ensure that resources entrusted to us are managed in the best interest of the chapter and its members.

Our institution must always be greater than any individual office holder.’

Continuing, he stated: ‘Distinguished colleagues, the world around us is changing rapidly. Technology is transforming industries, artificial intelligence is reshaping professional practice, and leadership expectations are becoming increasingly demanding. In such an environment, strategic thinking is not an option; it is an imperative.

‘today marks the beginning of a new chapter for ISMNC Rivers State. As chairman, I make this commitment: We will lead with purpose. We will serve with integrity. We will promote knowledge. We will develop people. We will encourage collaboration. We will pursue measurable results. And we will place the interests of the Institute above personal interests. I invite every member to join us in this journey.

‘Let us build an ISMNC Rivers State Chapter that reflects the competence of its members, the excellence of its professionals and the strategic value of the Institute.

‘Let us build an institution that we will be proud to serve today and that future generations will be proud to inherit.’

Ogon expressed appreciation to the outgoing leadership for their service and contribution to the development of the chapter and acknowledged their achievements.

He also appreciated the National President and Chairman-in-Council, the Registrar/CEO, the Governing Board, Board of Fellows, National Executive Council, committee chairmen, state chapter chairmen, distinguished members and all our guests for honouring the occasion.

Inaugurating the Rivers State Chapter, Ndudi Alex Enebeli, National President and Chairman-in-Council of ISMNC, welcomed the leadership transition, describing the chapter as particularly significant to him and emphasizing that incoming executives must build on the achievements and foundations established by their predecessors.

Enebeli expressed concern over growing apathy among members of professional bodies in Rivers State and challenged the new executive to develop effective strategies to re-engage members and encourage greater participation in the Institute’s activities.

He urged members to embrace the Institute as a platform for continuous learning and professional development rather than participating only when individual programmes offered an immediate personal benefit, encouraging them to take advantage of its capacity-building opportunities to improve themselves and contribute more effectively to society.

Identifying communication, cooperation and collaboration as three essential elements of successful leadership and teamwork, he commended the outgoing executive for its contributions, urged its members to mentor and support the new leadership, and encouraged the chapter to harness its members’ expertise to strengthen professional development outcomes.

Enebeli also expressed satisfaction with the Rivers State Chapter’s contribution to the Institute’s national leadership, noting that it had produced the national president and had been recognised as the Institute’s best-performing chapter in successive periods.

Nathan Excellence, the immediate past chairman of the chapter, thanked his executive committee for its support during approximately two years in office, declaring that the administration was handing over a more structured institute with improved capacity to deliver while expressing confidence that the new executive would build on the foundation laid by its predecessor.

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi, a retired Judge, has declared that there would be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of N500,000 or 5 years’ imprisonment for first offenders.

Aderemi, who gave the warning during a live Radio interview in Ibadan, said OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

‘Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,’ she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or N500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or N2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on the Ministry of Agriculture’s assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

‘Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,’ she stated.

Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitisation through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

‘We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,’ she warned.

For many Nigerians, scam calls, phishing messages, and fake websites are becoming increasingly difficult to identify as fraudsters adopt more convincing ways to impersonate trusted institutions and services.

Africa now has approximately 570 million internet users who depend on digital platforms for banking, healthcare, education, and government services, based on the 2026 INTERPOL’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report.

However, many users have been exposed to cybercriminals because the security systems, laws, and institutions meant to protect them have not kept up with the speed of adoption.

The research findings, reported cybercrime losses across Africa more than doubled between 2024 and 2025, rising from $192 million to $484 million, while identified victims grew from 35,000 to 87,000.

INTERPOL estimated that cybercrime caused at least $5 billion in direct economic damage across the continent in 2025, and that 55 percent of reported cases involved AI in some form.

Accordingly, mobile money fraud is now the most prevalent online scam, with 97 percent of responding countries identifying it as a major threat.

Recent incidents shared online show how easily everyday interactions can turn into financial risks.

In one case, a Nigerian user shared on X how she lost about N400,000 after clicking a link relating to an alleged Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) traffic offence and entering her card details on what appeared to be a website.

The experience highlighted how increasingly convincing phishing attempts can be, particularly when they appear to come from familiar institutions or government services.

The challenge is not limited to phishing links. In another social media post, a user described how money was subsequently debited from his account after his mobile phone was stolen.

In situations like this, losing a device can quickly become a broader concern about the security of the financial accounts connected to it.

While digital payment fraud losses in Nigeria fell by 51 percent to N25.85 billion in 2025, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) says social engineering remains a significant concern, with phishing, SIM-swap fraud and account compromise continuing to evolve.

Across Africa digital inclusion has expanded access to education and financial tools, but cyber education has struggled to keep pace.

Young people often expose themselves to identity theft, phishing scams, and account takeovers without realizing it, because they lack practical security habits.

‘Every young person deserves the confidence to learn, work, connect, and build their future safely online,’ Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of JA Africa, stated.

Nwogugu disclosed that JA Africa is empowering Africa’s next generation with the digital safety skills needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world, through an initiative tagged CyberSmart.

‘By building simple cyber-safe habits today, young people can protect their opportunities tomorrow.’

Deepening digital awareness of fraud

A compromised account or stolen phone can disrupt everyday transactions and create uncertainty about whether their money is truly safe.

The experiences being shared by Nigerians reinforce an important reality: safer digital banking depends on both strong security systems and customers understanding how to recognise and respond to threats.

It is against this backdrop that digital payment platforms are placing greater emphasis on helping customers recognise potential threats and make better use of the security tools available to them.

‘Trust is fundamental to banking. Customers need to know that the institution they rely on is regulated, secure, dependable, and available when they need it,’ Chika Nwosu, managing director, PalmPay Nigeria, stated.

According to him, the digital payment platform initiated ‘PalmPay Dey For You’ campaign, which reflects it’s broader approach to security by design, where protection is embedded into the customer experience rather than introduced only when something goes wrong.

‘At PalmPay, protecting our customers and giving them greater control over their banking experience is central to how we operate.’

Nwosu stated that the digital platform wanted customers to understand the security tools available to them, use the tools confidently, and know that PalmPay remains a reliable financial partner for their everyday needs.

He added that through educational content, FAQs, customer forums, and product-led communication, the campaign will provide practical information on account security, fraud awareness, and the steps customers can take to better protect themselves.

‘For PalmPay, the message is clear: convenience, value and security should work together,’ Nwosu stated.

He reiterated that with regulatory oversight, a growing suite of customer-protection tools and the trust of millions of users, PalmPay remains committed to delivering a banking experience Nigerians can depend on.

The evolving fraud risks

Unlike generic, highly technical cybersecurity courses, CyberSmart was built for the day-to-day realities of young Africans to stay safe on the digital space.

As a leader in youth entrepreneurship, financial-health, and work-readiness education across Africa, JA Africa is extending its reach into digital safety, now a foundational life skill for success in education, entrepreneurship, and employment.

CyberSmart is hosted on JA Africa’s Skills Lab platform, which has reached more than 100,000 young people across the continent since 2020, and can be accessed on any internet-enabled device.

‘When learners recognize these situations in characters and scenarios that look like their own lives, the lessons stick. Our goal is to turn awareness into everyday habits that young people carry into school, work, and business,’ Bimpe Olufemi, Vice President, Digital, JA Africa stated.

On the other hand, digital platforms are strengthening their dispute-management experience through initiative like ‘Dispute Page’ by PalmPayq, which gives customers a dedicated channel to submit and monitor transaction disputes directly within the app.

As scams become increasingly convincing, lived experiences show why customers need both the awareness to recognise threats and the tools to respond when something goes wrong.

According to Nwosu, upgraded PalmPay Security Center brings protection tools and secure support options together, giving customers greater control over their account.

He reminded customers to avoid sharing sensitive information such as PINs, OTPs, and passwords. According to him, customers are also encouraged to be cautious with unexpected links and messages.

He added that customers should verify who is contacting them, and use available security controls when they suspect their account may be at risk.

‘For example, customers whose phones are lost or stolen can use *861*12# USSD Lock to restrict access to their PalmPay account and reduce the risk of unauthorised transactions,’ Nwosu stated.

However, customers concerned about activity during late hours, Night Guard allows them to set protection hours between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, with additional verification required for transfers during the selected period. ‘Large Transaction Shield provides additional verification for large-value transactions.’

Debates have been on for decades on the significance of the high nutritional content of whole wheat meal and those who should eat it as well as others who should avoid it. That is, if they are allergic to it. Generally, nutrition experts recommend eating grains daily, and at least half of those should be whole grains.

The current concern, however, is for people who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. If not: ‘You don’t want to miss out on the health benefits of whole grains. You’re getting fibre, a healthy plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and a variety of phytochemicals that will improve your health,’ says Lilian Cheung, DSc, RD, a lecturer in nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health.

Look for the word ‘whole’-either whole grain or whole wheat. Also make sure the grain is one of the first three ingredients listed on the label, advises Wesley Delbridge, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Refined grains have had the germ and bran removed, leaving only the endosperm.

Although enriched refined grains have had some vitamins and minerals added back, they’re still not as healthy or nutritious as the whole versions.

Bottom Line:

Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain. There are many different kinds, including whole wheat and whole corn, oats, brown rice and quinoa.

In summary, whole grains have higher phytonutrient content and antioxidant activity than refined grains. Refined wheat flour loses 83% of total phenolic acids, 79% of total flavonoids, 93% of ferulic acid, 78% of total zeaxanthin, 51% of total lutein, and 42% of total ß-cryptoxanthin compared with whole wheat flour.

Nutrition facts

Wheat is mainly composed of carbs but also has moderate amounts of protein.

Here are the nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of whole-grain wheat flour (1Trusted Source):

Calories: 340

Water: 11%

Protein: 13.2 grams

Carbs: 72 grams

Sugar: 0.4 grams

Fiber: 10.7 grams

Fat: 2.5 grams

Carbs

Like all cereal grains, wheat is mainly composed of carbs.

Further research on the health benefits of whole grain phytochemicals, their bioavailability, effects of processing on their physiological effects, and amounts in whole grain products is warranted.

Nutritional benefits

Views of those in support of its consumption

On April 23, 2010, at the Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, the ASN, through an unrestricted education grant from the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, sponsored a satellite symposium on:

‘Putting the Whole Grain Puzzle Together: Health Benefits Associated with Whole Grain.’

The symposium brought together researchers who reviewed the evidence associated with whole grain health benefits in the areas of:

(1) Whole grain phytonutrients,

(2) Weight management,

(3) Cardiovascular disease (CVD),

(3) Diabetes,

(4) Digestive health,

and ways to help improve whole grain dietary intake assessment.

Nutritional hazards of whole wheat meal

Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD on December 23, 2016 gave a piece of warning: Whole Grains Are Not for Everyone

While whole grains are healthy for most people, they might not be appropriate for all people at all times.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Wheat, barley and rye contain gluten, a type of protein that some people are allergic or sensitive to.

Having a gluten allergy, celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, indigestion and joint pain.

Gluten-free whole grains, including buckwheat, rice, oats and amaranth, are fine for most people with these conditions.

However, some people have difficulty tolerating any type of grain and experience digestive distress and other symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Some grains, such as wheat, are high in short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs. These can cause symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is very common.

Diverticulitis

There are other medical conditions that require people to avoid fiber.

Diverticulitis, an inflammation of little pouches in the intestine, needs to be treated with a very low-fiber diet.

Ironically, eating fiber can help prevent this disease from developing in the first place.

Bottom line

The bottom line

Wheat is not only one of the world’s most common foods but also one of the most controversial.

People who are intolerant to gluten need to eliminate wheat from their diet entirely.

However, moderate consumption of fiber-rich whole wheat may be healthy for those who tolerate it, as it may improve digestion and help prevent colon cancer.

Ultimately, if you enjoy breads, baked goods, and other wheat products in moderation, this ubiquitous grain is unlikely to harm your health.

Some people have difficulty tolerating grains. The most well-known issue is with grains that contain gluten.

How to Incorporate Whole Grains into Your Diet

There are many ways to incorporate whole grains into your diet

Details have emerged on how Kula youths died at the bottom of the sea close to the Atlantic Ocean in an encounter with a vessel belonging to the Ibeto group.

Cries rang out in the week that a speed boat carrying 15 Kula youths of Akuku-Toru LGA of Rivers State, a town next to the Ocean, was crushed by a vessel which the youths attempted to stop from sailing out. The vessel known as Anambra FSO was said to be laden with 200,000 barrels of crude oil. The youths had many reasons to block the vessel, but about 10 of them ended up dead.

BusinessDay has been digging into what really happened that fateful Tuesday afternoon in the sea.

Kula community delegation at the Government House in Port Harcourt

Youths and vigilante members guarding the river

The Rivers State government has however stepped into the raucous, vowing to deal ruthlessly with anyone found liable in the deaths.

Gov Sim Fubara said 10 persons were killed and vowed to get to the root of the circumstances.

Gov Fubara gave the assurance on Thursday, October 22, 2026, when the people of Kula Community staged a peaceful march to Government House, Port Harcourt, carrying some of the corpses.

The governor, who was represented by Sunny Ewule, his Chief of Staff, sympathised with the bereaved families and appealed to the people to remain calm and avoid taking the laws into their own hands.

He assured the people of Kula that all those allegedly involved in the act that led to the death of their kinsmen would face the full wrath of the law.

The monstrous vessel

According to the Governor, death is a serious matter, and the Rivers State Government would not rest until it got to the bottom of the matter. ‘We are not going to sit by and allow Rivers indigenes go through this type of unnecessary death.’

Earlier, Anabs Sara-Igbe, a high chief and leader of the Kula Community to the Government House, said they were there to formally complain about the unfortunate incident and seek the government’s intervention.

‘It is proper we inform him (Fubara) because we don’t want to take the laws into our hands. We have the capacity to react but we don’t want to react,’ he said.

Boats and vessel

What Kula community claimed:

The community had raised alarm on Thursday, saying rescue efforts were underway to recover bodies of seven persons drowned at the Robertkiri waterways in Kula following a mishap involving a tugboat and a speedboat carrying over 15 persons.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 20th October 2026, when a tugboat escorted by military personnel attempted to pull out a 200,000-barrel capacity oil vessel operated by the Ibeto Group after two years of operating in the area.

The victims include Davies Opiri (the Secretary of the Kula CDC) and two members of a local security outfit known as Amama Soldiers whose identity were yet to be known.

Others were named as David Sukubo, Endwell Ameme, Aboy Umeonu and Nye Oriye. They were said to be protesting members of Kula satellite communities and fishing settlements who had vowed to prevent the oil vessel from sailing out of their coastal waters until matters with the company were resolved.

They alleged that the Ibeto Group polluted their waterways, fishing ports and creeks, refused to pay local vendors, and allegedly failed to pay royalties due to the host communities in the course of its operations in the area.

The community said eight persons were rescued alive from the boat mishap. The search and rescue team, which included the DPO of Abonnema Police Division; Sukubu Sara-Igbe Sukubo, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, chiefs and other indigenes of Kula, searched through creeks and water bodies where the incident occurred, they added.

The statement said they, however, were unable to find the bodies of any of the victims 24 hours after the incident.

One of the survivors, Gibert Pokubo, blamed military personnel attached to the tugboat for the incident.

He alleged that the military acted on the instruction of the Ibeto Group to forcefully pull out the oil vessel from the area and crush any obstable on their way.

One of the leaders of the search and rescue team, Jonah Joshua, expressed hope of recovering the bodies of all the victims.

He said the Ibeto Group and personnel of the Sector 3 Command Okrika of the Nigeria Army involved should be held responsible for what he described as avoidable deaths of the innocent persons.

A relative of one of the victims, Stephen Willbraide, said the wife, children and other family members of the deceased are deeply saddened and devastated by the incident.

He demanded a thorough investigation and justice in the matter.

The search and rescue operation continue today to recover the remains of the 7 victims.

Kula community gather beside the waters to receive corpses

Ibeto reacts, denies responsibility:

Ibeto group, in an unsigned and unauthored statement sent to media houses through an aide Thursday morning said Max Shipping Services Limited, a company in its group, noted with deep concern recent media reports concerning an incident at Kula community, Rivers State, involving its vessel, ANAMBRA BASIN FSO. ‘The reports contain allegations linking the vessel’s recovery operation to an oil spill, the deployment of armed personnel allegedly authorised by Chief Dr. Cletus Ibeto, and a boat capsizing in which several persons are feared to have lost their lives.’

From the statement, it was clear that Ibeto owns Max Shipping, while Max Shipping owns Anambra Basin FSO (vessel) which they hired out to Menal Technical Services Ltd to execute the job in Kula. This may have made the Kula community to see and know no other company than Ibeto.

The statement went on: ‘In view of the seriousness of these allegations, we consider it necessary to clarify the facts concerning our company’s involvement.

‘First, Max Shipping Services Limited is the owner of ANAMBRA BASIN FSO, not the operator of the oilfield or the underlying petroleum operations at Kula community. The vessel was hired to Menal Technical Services Limited under a Marine Equipment Hire Agreement dated 20 September 2024, subsequently amended by an Addendum.

‘Our company’s contractual relationship in respect of the vessel was with Menal Technical Services Limited. We were not a party to the separate operational arrangements that Menal or the end user may have had with the host community.

‘Under the ‘Hire Agreement’, Menal Technical Services Limited assumed specified responsibilities relating to operational exigencies, community settlements, security of the vessel and personnel, and demobilisation.

‘Following prolonged outstanding hire payments and repeated efforts to obtain settlement, Max Shipping Services Limited exercised its contractual right to retrieve its equipment.’

Before the demobilisation effort, the statement added, the crude oil stored in the vessel had been discharged. ‘Tank inspection documents issued by Checkirem and GSV Inspection Services Limited in September 2026 recorded that the inspected tanks were free and clean of crude oil at the time of inspection. These records form part of the documentary evidence being preserved for the relevant authorities.

‘We also made repeated efforts to resolve the situation peacefully. Our representatives met with community leaders and representatives on several occasions to explain the nature of our company’s contractual relationship with Menal Technical Services Limited, clarify that we were seeking to retrieve our own equipment, and address any misunderstanding concerning our role at the location. We sought a peaceful resolution rather than confrontation.

‘We are therefore deeply concerned by reports that have attributed responsibility for the incident and the alleged loss of life to our Chairman, Chief Dr. Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto, or have presented the vessel’s recovery operation as an operation undertaken by him in connection with the underlying oilfield activities.’

The vessel, ANAMBRA BASIN FSO, the statement said, is owned by Max Shipping Services Limited, a subsidiary of Ibeto Group, and was hired to Menal Technical Services Limited for deployment at the location.

‘The vessel’s ownership must be distinguished from the separate petroleum operations and community-related arrangements at Kula Community. Under the contractual arrangement, Menal Technical Services Limited, as the Hirer, was responsible for the vessel’s operations at the location, including the relevant operational arrangements and community-related obligations, in conjunction with the end user, as applicable.’

Accordingly, they said, the operational activities and arrangements undertaken by the Hirer and the end user in connection with the petroleum operations at the location should not be conflated with the ownership of the vessel.

‘We are deeply saddened by reports that a community boat capsized and that allegedly lives may have been lost. We recognise the distress and uncertainty experienced by those awaiting confirmation of the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones and as the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, we pray that the relevant security authorities investigate the incident and take all necessary lawful steps to protect human life and prevent further incidents.

‘We appeal to all parties to remain calm, refrain from violence, and allow the competent authorities to determine the facts.’

Max Shipping Services Limited was said to have always maintained cordial and peaceful relationships with its host community and neighbouring communities within its own areas of operation, supported by constructive community engagement and social responsibility initiatives.

They said the Company remained committed to fostering mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and positive relationships with the communities.

Max urged the media and the public to distinguish between the vessel’s ownership, the contractual responsibilities of its hirer, and the separate operations and arrangements at the oilfield. ‘Serious allegations should be based on verified facts, not assumptions.’

How the crushing and drowning took place:

BusinessDay deep inquiries and findings revealed that the NNPC/Belema JV awarded crude oil evacuation job to Max Shipping Ltd belonging to Ibeto Group since past few years.

The Kula community and their satellite settlements were said to have demanded for rights and host status in the evacuation jobs. The demand was said to have dragged on.

Max was said to have, however, given out some supply jobs to some Kula community vendors but the community claims they owed over the years.

Max hired out their vessel, Anambra Basin FSO to Penal Technical Services Ltd (hirer) to execute the job. The NNPC/Belema was said to have been unsatisfied with the services especially pollution issues and thus terminated the Max contract.

The community was said to have insisted that the vessel must leave their area until they were compensated for pollution, payment to community vendors, etc.

BusinessDay gathered that negotiations with the community continued at Ibeto office in GRA Port Harcourt. A source at the meetings told BusinessDay that as far as they were concerned, they were negotiating with Ibeto.

The source said they were surprised that while the negotiations were still ongoing, Ibeto through Max brought in the Army and attempted to pullout and go.

Community youths and vigilante team were said to have mobilized and intercepted the move and stopped them.

The vessel was described as very massive, but not self-propelled. It required two tug-boats to pull it along; one in front, one to push it at the back. Long ropes were tied to the sides of the vessel.

An army unit was procured to escort the vessel of the Kula waters. On the other hand, the Kula youths in their fast boat stayed at the side of the massive vessel, stopping it from going.

A source said at a point, the commander of the Army unit shouted order for the tugboat to pull. As it pulled, it was gathered that the rope stretched and threw the fastboat into the air and slammed it into the water (sea). The 15 youths allegedly slammed into the bottom of the sea, to the bottom of the vessel. Tragedy thus struck.

It was gathered that it was Community members that mobilized for rescue; they went to work and rescued some of the victims.

Eye witnesses said it must be the propeller of the fast boat that slashed at the victims. The bottom of the vessel was far into the water, and the youths were pushed there.

The rescue effort was said to find eight alive while seven were missing until five bodies were allegedly later found, still leaving two yet to be found.

Ibeto and Max insist that it is Penal Technicals Ltd (the hirer) that had any obligations and responsibilities with the Kula Community, but community sources insist that they had nothing to do with Penal but with Max for Ibeto.

On why the community youths chose the waterways to protest, a source said riverine people protest in the waters, not on land because they have no land like the upland people. On why the youths chose action instead of meetings with the company, the source said they had made several efforts and in fact were still in meetings in Port Harcourt when news came that the vessel was being pullout out. The source said the youths were given no option than to stage action.

Efforts to get reactions of the Army unit that was in charge of the escort duty have so far proved abortive.