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More than 300 students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have participated in a mental health and suicide prevention programme designed to encourage openness, empathy and early help-seeking among young people.

The programme, the fourth edition of Matters That Matter (MTM 4.0), was organised by the Asido Campus Network, University of Ibadan (ACN UI), at the KAAF Auditorium of the university on Saturday.

Themed ‘MOVE’, an acronym for Mindfulness, Openness, Vulnerability and Empowerment, the programme used dance, creative performances, discussions and mindfulness exercises to engage students on mental health and suicide prevention.

ACN UI is the youth arm of the Asido Foundation, a mental health advocacy organisation focused on changing perceptions about mental health through advocacy, education and empowerment.

Seven student organisations also examined suicide prevention from different perspectives under the sub-theme, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide.’

The organisations included the UI Students’ Union Mental Health Committee, Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), Junior Chamber International (JCI), AIESEC in Ibadan, Literary and Debating Society, Health Law Network and Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, UI Chapter.

The presentations explored the issue from legal, social, faith-based and medical perspectives, with emphasis on replacing stigma with empathy and more responsible conversations about suicide.

AIESEC in Ibadan, in one of the presentations, used a 40-second countdown to demonstrate the frequency of suicide globally, drawing from the World Health Organisation’s estimate that one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds.

The organisation said the statistics should not obscure the individual experiences and pressures behind suicide, particularly among young people.

The programme also featured creative performances by Noohrah, De Ultimate Steppers and BlessedSoul, all students of the university, as well as a solo music performance by Bethel.

The Ibadan Peace Club led participants through a mindfulness session involving breathing exercises and practical techniques for staying present.

At a panel session, writer and mental health advocate, Sapphire McLaniyi-Agbley; public speaker, Barnabas Michael; Research Fellow and psychiatrist-in-training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Rita Frinue Tamambang; dancer and filmmaker, Progress Adetula; and Miss Tourism Nigeria 2026, Rebecca Ogunnaike, discussed the challenges surrounding young people’s mental health.

The panellists urged members of the public to listen to people in distress before offering solutions, stressing the importance of empathy and early support.

They also noted that mental health goes beyond mental illness and should be treated as a responsibility shared by individuals and society.

On academic pressure and disappointment, the panellists encouraged students to develop supportive relationships, cultivate interests outside academics and adopt healthy ways of coping with setbacks.

Participants described the programme as impactful, with some saying the combination of dance, speeches and discussions helped them view suicide prevention from different perspectives.

One participant said the event reinforced the message that people should not carry their struggles alone, while another 300-level student, Rahmat, described the programme as ‘wholesome and amazing.’

The event was attended by representatives of the university’s Student Affairs Division, UI Health Services, Council of Faculty Presidents, hall chairmen and hall health ministers.

The programme ended with the induction of new ACN UI ambassadors, a development expected to strengthen the network’s mental health support activities among students on campus.

The Asido Foundation urged people experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties, or those concerned about someone struggling, to seek help through its helpline, 09028080416.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

VP Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering, earlier attended a welcome breakfast hosted by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for Heads of Delegation and their spouses.

The Vice President arrived at the General Assembly Hall in the company of Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers.

Also in the Nigerian delegation were the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and other senior government officials.

The General Debate, holding from September 22 to 28 under the theme, ‘Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,’ opened with remarks by UN Secretary-General Guterres and addresses by world leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and United States President Donald Trump.

VP Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement before the General Assembly on Thursday, September 24, setting out the country’s position on major global issues and President Tinubu’s priorities for reforming international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action, and a more equitable global economic order.

On his way from the United Nations Headquarters, Senator Shettima, accompanied by governors, ministers, presidential aides and other members of the Nigerian delegation, made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York.

Earlier in his New York engagements, VP Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, AMSG, where he called for a new continental push to end Africa’s dependence on the export of raw minerals and build processing, manufacturing and value-addition industries around the continent’s critical resources.

Senator Shettima said Africa’s mineral wealth must translate into jobs, industrial growth and improved living standards for Africans, urging countries on the continent to strengthen cooperation rather than compete through concessions that diminish the value of their resources.

The Vice President will also participate in other high-level and bilateral engagements during the UNGA week as Nigeria advances its national interests and strengthens cooperation with international partners.

Following a directive from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over reported cases of under-dispensing of petroleum products nationwide, the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has mandated its members to immediately inspect, calibrate and verify dispensing pumps and totalizers at their retail outlets,

A circular signed by PETROAN national president, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, and the National Secretary, Adedibu Aderibigbe, said the Association was acting on an industry circular from NMDPRA, which described under-dispensing as a breach of consumer trust that will not be tolerated.

The circular added that all petroleum retail outlet operators are required to carry out immediate calibration and verification of their dispensing equipment to ensure accurate measurement and guarantee that consumers receive full value for the products they purchase.

According to PETROAN, NMDPRA has intensified inspection and enforcement activities across the country, saying outlets found under-dispensing, using improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy would be required to take immediate corrective action.

While warning that persistent or serious violations could attract sanctions, including revocation of operating licenses, PETROAN urged its members to conduct immediate inspection and calibration of equipment, maintain accurate records of calibration and maintenance activities, cooperate fully with regulatory inspection teams, and uphold transparency and consumer protection standards across their operations.

‘Your prompt action and full compliance with this directive are highly appreciated as this require utmost seriousness from members,’ the circular read in part.

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged judicial officers in the state to remain courageous and incorruptible, urging them to resist pressure and intimidation in the administration of justice.

Fubara gave the charge in his goodwill message at the Special Court Session marking the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Rivers State on Thursday.

The governor, whose message was delivered by his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, commended the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simone-Chibuzor-Amadi, for standing firm in the face of political pressure when it mattered most.

He disclosed that his administration had approved 50 per cent of overhead funding and the release of the judiciary’s capital budget as contained in the current appropriation law, to enhance the effectiveness of the judicial system.

Fubara said, ‘We need to do more to realise our vision for judicial reform. And I assure you that we shall continue to do our best to resolve the challenges and strengthen our judiciary to serve the interests of our state and citizens.

‘To my Lords and the Bench, the burden you bear is heavy, yet you must remain steadfast, for the citizens place their faith in you for the protection of their rights, fairness, and hope for impartial justice.

‘Therefore, as you enter this new legal year, remember that your decisions shape our state’s destiny and influence our confidence in bringing businesses to our land.

‘Guard your independence jealously and discharge your duties without fear, favour, or ill will. You must remain courageous and consistent even when faced with subtle intimidation or political threats.

‘Always consider the impact of your judgments on the peace, stability and survival of our society.

‘We have seen several instances in which the truth was known, yet judges were coerced into unholy compromises to satisfy the interests of external masters, thereby bending the law.

‘But be courageous and incorruptible, stand firm against pressure and protect the rule of law, our democracy and its institutions. This is the only way to earn the public’s lasting applause, trust and confidence.’

The governor also reminded other stakeholders in the administration of justice, particularly members of the Bar, of their responsibility in ensuring effective and timely delivery of justice.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simone-Chibuzor-Amadi, urged political parties and their supporters to refrain from activities capable of portraying the judiciary in a bad light as the 2027 general elections approach.

He said, ‘Before I conclude, let me remind us that the 2027 general elections are fast approaching. I use this occasion to urge political parties and their members to refrain from engaging in political activities that will put the judiciary in a bad light.

‘The integrity of our courts relies on the respect and decorum of those who appear before them. We must not allow the temple of justice to be desecrated by political bigmanship.’

The Chief Judge assured that the judiciary would sustain its drive for technological advancement and infrastructural development, adding that the institution remained open to partnerships that would improve justice delivery.

Justice Chibuzor-Amadi, however, expressed concern over the operations of the Rivers State Judicial Service Commission without commissioners and called for the appointment of commissioners to enable the commission to function effectively.

He also called for increased recruitment of judicial staff, citing manpower shortages as one of the challenges affecting the effective administration of justice in the state.

Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended the extension of the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Clement Odunayo Adebooye, saying the decision was based on merit, legality and the need to sustain the university’s development trajectory.

Adeleke, who spoke on Thursday through the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, at the university’s convocation ceremony, said his administration had witnessed significant academic and infrastructural transformation at the institution in the last four years.

The governor said no fewer than 40 major building projects had been completed and commissioned across the university within the period, adding that more than 30 complementary projects, including renovations, procurement, supplies and solar installations, had also been undertaken to improve teaching, learning and administrative activities.

According to him, some of the major projects commissioned in August alone included an ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, a three-in-one Science Laboratory Complex and two lecture theatres. He added that the university had also sustained industrial harmony, with no academic session lost in the last five years.

Adeleke further said UNIOSUN had become the second state-owned university in Nigeria to fully implement the 2025 Federal Government-Staff Union agreement, describing the development as evidence of his administration’s commitment to staff welfare and a conducive academic environment.

On the tenure extension, the governor said he approved a two-year extension for the Vice-Chancellor effective from January 4, 2027, following consultations and compliance with relevant state laws.

He added that the decision had subsequently been backed by an amendment to the Osun State University Law, 2006, passed by the State House of Assembly earlier in September.

Defending the performance of the Vice-Chancellor, Adeleke said UNIOSUN had attracted five major Federal Government projects in September alone, while the university had also completed accreditation requirements for its medical programme and presented its 90 pioneer MBBS students for induction by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and award of university degrees.

The governor also cited the expansion of the university’s student population from 14,260 in 2022 to 42,791 in 2026, the completion and commissioning of the 250-bed Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, and improved rankings, saying UNIOSUN had emerged as the third-best state university in Nigeria, 19th among 312 Nigerian universities and 137th among 2,390 universities in Africa.

He urged staff and management to support the Governing Council and university administration in sustaining peace and academic progress, assuring workers that his administration would continue to support the institution.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a 48-year-old woman who was kidnapped on Wednesday in Ovade Forest, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

It also confirmed the arrest of 54 suspected cultists in Eku, Ethiope East; Obiaruku, Ukwuani; and Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Areas, for cult-related activities.

Spokesman of the command, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Thursday, said that, acting on a distress call regarding the kidnap of the woman (name withheld), the Divisional Police Officer in Oghara led operatives of the division, the Quick Response Squad, vigilantes and hunters into the forest to rescue her.

‘During the operation, about four suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun duel but were forced to retreat, abandoning the victim, who was rescued unhurt.

‘The operatives pursued the fleeing suspects, during which one unidentified suspect was found lifeless, while another, Abubakhar Sani, was apprehended with gunshot injuries.

‘Both of them were later confirmed dead at the hospital.

‘One dagger, a NIN slip, OPay Verve card, Tecno mobile phone and other personal effects were recovered.’

Edafe said the victim was stable and undergoing debriefing, while efforts to apprehend the other fleeing suspects were ongoing.

The statement further revealed that on September 19, 2026, operatives of the Abraka Division, supported by personnel of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and local vigilantes, stormed a suspected cult initiation gathering in Eku and arrested 30 suspects, including one female.

It said preliminary investigation indicated that the gathering was allegedly connected with the initiation of new members into the Black Axe Confraternity.

‘The suspects were transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Sector 2, Ozoro, for further investigation.’

According to the statement, further intelligence developed from the investigation led the Commander, CACU Sector 2, Ozoro, and his operatives to Obiaruku the following day, where 20 additional suspects, comprising 15 males and five females, were arrested over suspected cult-related activities.

In another development, four male suspected members of the Supreme Vikings and Eiye confraternities were arrested in Ubulu-Uku on September 20, 2026, in connection with a suspected cult-related killing.

The suspects, Okwudili Ozah, 34; Chekwube Onwuka, 18; Onyebe Emmanuel, 19; and Ozoremenem Izuchukwu, 21, have been handed over to operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, for further investigation.

Edafe disclosed that one locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and a quantity of substance suspected to be cannabis were recovered during the operation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

Edafe further said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and the individual involvement of the suspects.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operations.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements to desist or face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the command would continue to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally held weapons and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

Former Ondo State governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede, on Thursday formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the opposition party has begun mobilising to take control of the country in the 2027 general election.

Jegede, who joined ADC with his political associates and loyalists in Akure, said his decision to leave the PDP for the ADC followed the worsening economic situation, unemployment, insecurity, and hardship in the country, which made political change imperative.

He said, ‘There is unemployment in Nigeria; you can all see that. There is hardship; you can all see that. The suffering is too much. The journey has begun. We want a democratic government. We are going to mobilise and unite to win come 2027.’

The two- time PDP governorship candidate said the ADC would mobilise across Ondo and the country to secure victories for its candidates in the presidential, senatorial and House of Representatives elections.

He said, ‘All the PDP members loyal to me have moved to ADC. We are going to let everyone know that ADC is the boss when we vote in January and February.’

Jegede also urged party supporters to ensure that their votes translated into electoral strength for the ADC, saying the party would need massive support from voters to achieve its political objectives.

‘It is our votes that will determine the strength of our political party. As we have come out today, let us vote ADC massively,’ he said.

He lamented the rising cost of food and other essential commodities, saying the party would seek to address the economic pressures confronting Nigerians if elected.

The ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, while addressing the crowd, said the ADC would seek to reverse some of the policies which he attributed to the worsening economic hardship in the country, saying the party was committed to restoring a petrol subsidy arrangement if elected, as well as strengthening security across the country.

‘We are committed to restoring subsidy. We are committed to restoring security all over this country. If we are elected, no part of this country would feel insecure anymore.’

Atiku, who reflected on Nigeria’s economic performance between 1999 and 2007 when he served as Vice President, said the country had witnessed a reversal of fortunes in subsequent years.

He attributed the worsening economic and social conditions to the policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urging Nigerians to use the 2027 general election to vote for the ADC.

‘You know what we did between 1999 and 2007. We took Nigeria to be the first finest economy in Africa. Today we are number five. Who are responsible for taking us down and backward? Is it not APC? This is the moment for us to vote them out.’

Atiku also cited the recent electoral experience in Osun, where strong voter turnout and protection of votes demonstrated the importance of electoral participation and vigilance.

He urged ADC members across the country to replicate such mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, noting

Jegede’s entry into the ADC would further strengthen the party’s political structure in Ondo.

‘You can see our brother Eyitayo and his associates have joined us. We are winning,’ he said.

The ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said the party was prepared to take over the administration of Nigeria in 2027, citing the economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and rising cost of living confronting Nigerians.

Represented by the National Secretary of the party, Rauf Aregbesola, Mark noted that the challenges had heightened the need for Nigerians to consider a change of government.

He added that the ADC was positioning itself as an alternative platform capable of addressing the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and said the party would continue to strengthen its structures and mobilise Nigerians across the country ahead of the 2027 general election.

Another speaker, the ADC governorship candidate in Oyo, Oloye Adegoke Adegboyega, said the country was facing serious challenges ranging from hunger and high food and fuel prices to poor electricity supply and insecurity.

He described ADC as a party for ordinary Nigerians and called for support for the party in the 2027 elections, saying: ‘It is time to send the ruling party packing’.

A Lagos-based trader, Elwah Chigbogu, and two companies, Profile and Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited, were on Thursday convicted over the unlawful possession, importation, and distribution of fake and unregistered drugs.

They were convicted by Justice Musa Kakaki-led Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos after pleading guilty to a four-count charge initiated by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In arriving at its decision, Justice Kakaki considered a plea bargain agreement presented by the prosecution and, after reviewing its terms, adopted the agreement in convicting the defendants.

The judge specifically sentenced the first defendant, Chigbogu, to a fine of N1.5 million, according to the plea-bargain proceedings supplied.

It would be recalled that the defendants had earlier been arraigned before the court on four counts bordering on the possession and display of fake drugs, as well as the importation and distribution of unregistered pharmaceutical products.

In the charge, Chigbogu, Profile and Well Pharmaceutical Limited and God of Elijah Nigeria Limited were allegedly found in possession of several pharmaceutical products described by NAFDAC as fake drugs.

The products listed in the charge included Zanza Cyprodine, Calpol 200ml Suspension, Zirtek Allergy Relief, Candesartan 4mg Tablets, Nicorette 4 mg, Lisinopril 10 mg Tablets, Canesten Thrush 20 mg, Anusol Ointment, Gaviscon Double Action, Prolife vitamin C, Gliclazide 80 mg Tablets, Amitriptyline 25 mg Tablets, Allopurinol 300 mg Tablets, Levothyroxine 50 mg Tablets and Doxazosin 2 mg Tablets.

The anti-narcotics agency particularly alleged that the defendants committed the offences on or about July 28, 2025, in Idumota, Lagos Island, and Ikotun-Egbe, Lagos.

According to the first count, it was alleged by NAFDAC that the defendants were found in possession of fake drugs, contrary to Section 1(a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Cap. C34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under Section 3(1) of the Act.

In the second count, the defendants were accused of displaying the products for the purpose of sale, allegedly contrary to Section 1(b) of the same Act and punishable under Section 3(1).

The third count revealed that the defendants were accused of importing unregistered drugs contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, etc.) Act, Cap. F33, LFN 2004, and punishable under Sections 6(1)(a) and 8 of the Act.

In the fourth count, the defendants were alleged to have distributed the unregistered drugs, contrary to Section 1(1) of the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, etc.) Act and punishable under Sections 6(1)(a) and 8.

While proceedings lasted, the counsel for NAFDAC, Anita Madu, told the trial judge that the prosecution had filed a four-count charge and urged the court to direct that the charges be read to the defendants for their pleas to be taken.

Upon the reading of the charge to the defendants, they pleaded guilty to all four counts.

As a result, Madu notified the court that the prosecution and the defendants had entered into a plea bargain agreement.

She prayed to the court to adopt the terms of the agreement and enter judgment accordingly.

After reviewing the plea bargain agreement, Justice Kakaki convicted the defendants.

The court thereafter imposed a fine of N1.5 million on Chigbogu.