Category: Business Day

History has been made. For the first time since the return to democracy in 1999, the push for state police has crossed the most difficult constitutional hurdle.

As at today, 24 out of 36 State Houses of Assembly have passed the resolution approving the establishment of state police in Nigeria, meeting the mandatory two-thirds requirement under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Section 9(2) provides that a bill to alter the Constitution shall not be passed by National Assembly unless the proposal is supported by resolution of at least two-thirds of all State Houses of Assembly – that is, 24 states.

In pursuant to that requirement, the National Assembly, having endorsed state police, transmitted the 1999 Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, seeking their concurrence.

Today, the numbers stand thus:

Southern Nigeria: 14 of 17 states have approved the bill leaving only Lagos, Ondo and Ebonyi still at deliberation stage. In Northern Nigeria, 10 out of 19 states have approved the bill. Nine states are still pending: Kogi, Niger, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Sokoto. Five of them are in North-West, two in North-Central and three in North-East.

The implication is clear: even though 12 states are still awaited, the bill stands approved in the eyes of the law. Of course, more states are expected to join this week, the more, the merrier, but the legal threshold has been met.

Crossing 24 states is not the end. It is the beginning of stage two. Under Section 9, here is what must happen next: Return to National Assembly for Collation and Authentication. All 36 resolutions, whether Yes or No, must be transmitted back to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana. The Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, will collate and verify that at least 24 approvals are authentic, signed by Speakers and Clerks.

Secondly, there must be votes, proceedings and passage at NASS. Once satisfied, NASS will adopt a resolution confirming that the bill has been duly approved by required number of states. The bill will then be re-passed with final amendments reflecting state inputs. And thirdly, the authenticated Bill will be transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent. Under Section 9(3), the President has 30 days to assent. Once assented, it becomes Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Act, 2026.

The next stage is the Enabling Law, State Policing Act: This is the most important part many miss. The Constitutional alteration only creates the legal space for state police. It does not create the police itself. What will create it is a second law, the National Policing Act/State Police Services Act, currently being worked on by the Presidency. The Presidency said last week that the draft is 90percent ready and will be sent to NASS before October 29.

That Act will spell out: Recruitment, training and minimum standards; Funding formula, federal support grant vs state funding; Command and control, who is Commissioner? Who appoints? Oversight, State Police Service Commission, State Police Complaints Board, Jurisdiction, what offences belong to federal vs state; Election security, role of INEC and federal police during elections; and State-Level Domestication: Each state that wants state police must then pass its own State Police Law establishing its State Police Service, Service Commission, funding, and community policing committees at LGA level. In short, Constitutional Amendment opens the door, National Act defines the rules, State Law builds the house.

Why State Police matters

Nigeria’s security challenge has exposed the limits of a centralised police force of about 370,000 men policing over 230 million people across 774 LGAs.

The benefits of state police include:

Faster Response Times: Local police can react quicker to crimes and emergencies than a heavily centralized federal command sitting in Abuja; Better Local Intelligence: Officers recruited from local areas understand environment, language, culture and networks needed to track down criminals. A policeman from Sokoto understands Sokoto better than one posted from Bayelsa; Tailored Security Approaches: Banditry in North-West, farmer-herder clashes in North-Central, IPOB/ESN in South-East, cultism and urban robbery in South-South and South-West, a one-size-fits-all national strategy is ineffective.

Other benefits include Manpower Relief: The federal NPF faces severe personnel deficit. State police will provide extra hands, allowing federal police to focus on terrorism, border control and interstate organized crime; Success of Regional Initiatives: The perceived effectiveness of Amotekun in South-West and Ebube Agu in parts of South-East proved sub-national policing can work.

Why 12 states still dilly-dallying

If benefits are so clear, why are 12 states still foot-dragging? Well, some say they Fear Political Patronage and Abuse. Nonetheless, critics warn governors could use local police as private armies against opposition, especially during elections. Since 1999, many governors control House of Assembly, SIEC, and local government chairmen. Adding police completes state capture.

Ethnic or Religious Bias: Analysts caution state-controlled forces might be weaponised to promote ethnic dominance, religious favouritism, or protection of local elites, especially in diverse states like Plateau, Kaduna, Taraba; Funding and Resource Constraints: Many states struggle with revenue and can hardly pay salaries. How will they pay, arm, train, equip, provide pension for another thousands of officers? Will we have first-class police in Lagos, Rivers, and third-class in Kogi, Borno?

There is also the issue of lack of Standardisation: Inconsistent training, varying equipment, non-uniform operational protocols could weaken national security standards; while there is also issue of Jurisdictional Conflicts: Dual-policing risks friction, confusion and power struggles between federal and state officers, who arrests who? Who takes custody of high-profile suspects?

These are valid fears. But as some sections of the polity have noted, they are reasons to interrogate details carefully, not reasons to kill the bill. The answer is strong oversight, independent Service Commission, federal minimum standards, and clear constitutional ban on using state police for election intimidation.

With 24 states secured, the politics now shifts to Aso Rock and National Assembly. President Tinubu, a long-time advocate of state police since his days as Lagos governor, is expected to assent quickly to cement a major legacy.

But the real battle will be over the Enabling Act: How much power should governors have? Should state police commissioners be appointed by governor or by independent commission? Should President have power to deploy state police during national emergency?

Those questions will determine whether state police becomes instrument of security or instrument of oppression.

For now, one battle is won. The Constitution has said Yes. Now Nigerians must ensure the law that follows says Yes to accountability.

No fewer than 40 persons have been reportedly killed in an attack on Binnari Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, shortly after the Muslim Juma’at prayers. Unconfirmed reports put the number of casualties at at least 40 people.

BusinessDay gathered that while Amnesty International also put the casualty figure at 40, local police in Taraba State put the figure at 10 before more bodies were recovered.

BusinessDay also gathered that many of the residents were reportedly missing, while some were injured, from the attacks.

Reports indicated that the armed men arrived in the community in large numbers on about 50 motorcycles, with each bike carrying two attackers. It was gathered that they opened fire indiscriminately, while also setting homes, shops, and food supply stores ablaze.

They also resorted to looting cash, provisions, and abandoned motorcycles, as they fled the town. Amnesty International have however, criticised the Nigerian government for a slow response, noting that the rural communities and vulnerable areas were abandoned to armed criminal gangs (‘bandits’) who operate with high levels of impunity.

The attackers invaded the village with heavy gunfire and looted food items from shops, police said.

Recall that many Northern communities have consistently experienced a surge in attacks by heavily armed criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, who raid villages, abduct residents for ransom and steal livestock.

The Nigerian military is, however, yet to officially provide information on the attack.

Taraba State, located along the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the North Eastern part of the country, also has one of the largest forest reserves known as the Gashaka Gumti Forest Reserve.

Several leaders in the region have called on the federal government to protect the region against terrorists who constantly raid the region and retreat to the unmanned spaces within the state.

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.

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has inaugurated the Diving Governing Board, headed by Kamil Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary, following concerns over safety and a regulatory gap in the sector.

BusinessDay gathered that the move will help to strengthen the enforcement of safety regulations and protect workers engaged in commercial diving operations across Nigeria.

Annah Daniel, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said the move will ensure effective implementation of the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018, and address safety risks associated with offshore, inshore and inland water diving operations.

Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening the regulation of commercial diving and eliminating longstanding safety gaps in the sector.

He said the expansion of Nigeria’s maritime activities, oil and gas exploration, port development and underwater engineering had made the safety and welfare of commercial divers a national priority.

‘As Nigeria’s blue economy expands rapidly through maritime investments, oil and gas exploration, port developments, and underwater engineering, the safety and welfare of our commercial divers have transitioned from being a peripheral concern to a top national priority,’ the Honourable Minister said.

Dingyadi, who described commercial diving as one of the most hazardous industrial occupations, added that ‘the sector had faced regulatory gaps, inadequate standardisation and unacceptable risks to human life over the years.’

He said the inauguration of the Board was intended to bridge the gap between the existence of safety regulations and their effective implementation.

‘However, a legal framework is only as effective as the institution driving its implementation,’ he said.

The Minister charged members of the Board to ensure strict compliance with the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018, stressing that diving projects must not commence without the required medical fitness certification, approved operational plans and competent personnel.

He also tasked the Board with working with recognised training institutions, including the Nigerian Navy Diving School and accredited civilian centres, to establish transparent certification pathways for commercial divers and address reliance on unverified foreign credentials.

Dingyadi further urged the Board to establish a transparent register of approved diving contractors, supervisors, instructors and medical examiners to eliminate unqualified operators and improve accountability in the industry.

He reminded the board members that their responsibility extended beyond regulatory compliance to protecting the lives of Nigerian workers engaged in hazardous underwater operations.

‘You carry the heavy responsibility of ensuring that every diver goes to work and returns home safely to their families,’ he said.

The Minister assured the Board of the Ministry’s administrative and logistical support, urging its members to establish clear operational guidelines and ensure strict enforcement of safety standards.

‘We expect you to hit the ground running, institute transparent operating guidelines, and restore absolute discipline and safety to the nation’s commercial diving sector,’ he added.

Earlier, Kamil A. Shoretire, the Permanent Secretary, described the inauguration as a critical step towards the effective implementation and enforcement of the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations, 2018.

He explained that the regulations were developed as subsidiary legislation under the Factories Act, Cap F1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, to address emerging workplace safety challenges and strengthen protection for workers in high-risk environments.

Shoretire said the Ministry had continued to discharge its statutory responsibility for occupational safety, health and welfare through the enforcement of the Factories Act and its subsidiary regulations, as well as advocacy, stakeholder engagement and other promotional activities.

He noted that workplace machinery, equipment, materials and operational methods had changed significantly with advances in science and technology, making it necessary for regulations to respond to emerging occupational hazards.

‘It is in realization of the limitations of the Factories Act that would arise over time that provision was made in Section 49 of the Act empowering the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment to issue regulations as the need arises, for securing the safety, health, and welfare of workers in our workplaces,’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that strict compliance with the diving regulations was essential to preventing accidents, injuries and fatalities associated with hazardous diving operations.

‘The importance of this Diving Governing Board inauguration, therefore, cannot be overemphasized, considering that diving operations are commonly in use in various workplaces in Nigeria, and constitute very hazardous and high-risk operation due to the risks that may be associated with diving in confine spaces,’ he said.

He warned that failure to observe prescribed safety measures could result in occupational illnesses, deaths and extensive damage to plant and equipment.

Shoretire therefore called on stakeholders across the economy to comply strictly with the regulations, noting that effective implementation would help prevent workplace accidents and improve safety standards in the diving sector.

The Diving Governing Board is expected to provide strategic oversight for the implementation of the regulations, promote standardisation of training and certification, and strengthen compliance with safety requirements governing commercial diving operations in Nigeria.

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

Nigeria’s content creative industry is fast becoming an economic driver as creatives develop content that combines business objectives with authentic audience engagement.

To strengthen this shift, Insight Redefini, in partnership with Woof Studios Africa, hosted YouTube PluggedIN 2026, a platform where brands and creators shared insights on exploring opportunities for more meaningful collaboration through brand-funded content on YouTube.

The event, with the theme ‘Beyond the Placement: Rethinking How Brands Work with Creators,’ examined how brands, agencies and creators can move beyond conventional advertising placements to develop content that combines business objectives with authentic audience engagement.

Speaking at the event, Babatunde Olaifa, Group CEO of Insight Redefini, said that the growth of the creator economy depends on meaningful collaboration among brands and creators.

Olaifa said that no single stakeholder could build the ecosystem alone, highlighting the importance of combining their respective strengths to transform creative ideas into valuable content.

Building on a 2025 pilot, this year’s edition expanded the conversation to more brands, with a focus on small-group discussions and one-to-one engagements designed to connect brands with creators and move promising ideas towards campaign briefs, partnerships and funded content.

Adetutu Laditan, founder and Creative Director of Woof Studios Africa, said the growing ambitions of Nigerian creators and the need to address the business and production complexities involved in turning creative ideas into content that can be funded, produced and distributed to wider audiences.

Discussions throughout the event centred on three priorities: involving creators earlier in the creative process, ensuring brand-funded content remains relevant and authentic to audiences, and translating conversations into tangible partnerships, content opportunities and measurable outcomes.

A key highlight was a brand panel moderated by Esosa Osagiede, Group Creative Director at Insight Redefini, which explored what brands look for when selecting creators for partnerships.

Panellists, including brand managers from established Nigerian brands, identified brand fit and genuine audience influence as critical considerations. They stressed that follower counts and views alone do not necessarily reflect a creator’s ability to connect with audiences or influence their perceptions and behaviour.

One of the panellists, Media and Consumer Experience Manager of Mondelez International, Bolaji Popoola, noted that a shared understanding of objectives, audiences and creative direction is essential to building effective partnerships.

Prominent Nigerian creators, including Kiekie, Taoma, Aproko Doctor and Ify’s Kitchen, also shared perspectives on collaborating with brands through content that reflects their creative identities while meeting commercial objectives.

Babatunde Shobanjo, Chief Operating Officer of Insight Redefini, described the initiative as a positive development for the media and marketing communications industry, pointing to the value of creating platforms where brands and creators can explore new ways of working together.

Their emphasis on collaboration reflects Insight Redefini’s integrated approach to marketing communications. Earlier in 2026, agencies within its ecosystem, working with global partners, won a Gold Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in the Creator Collaboration category for Vaseline’s The Real Nigerian Prince campaign.

The event comes amid growing interest in digital video and creator-led content as platforms for brands to connect with audiences. YouTube previously reported that watch time in Nigeria grew by more than 50 per cent year on year in 2025, with the platform reaching more than 30 million adults in the country each month.

As the Presidential campaign rallies for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu kicked off Saturday, the Deputy Governor of the State, Olayide Adelami, has tasked stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work tirelessly for the victory of the President and the party in next year’s general election.

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The deputy governor made the call at the weekend while addressing party faithful during the APC ward meetings at Igboroko 1 Ward 2 and Igboroko 2 Ward 3 in his hometown of Owo.

Adelami emphasised the landmark achievements of the President and the unprecedented record of the APC in critical areas of the economy, asking the people to choose progress over retrogression.

According to him, ‘The President had taken some bold steps to make life better for our people in his first term. The student loans for our young ones have made education easier and more available to children of the poor; the money saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy is being put back into the economy, especially at the sub-national. It is in our best interest to give the President our votes so he can finish the good work he has started’.

The deputy governor charged leaders of the party to embark on a house-to-house campaign to further deepen the renewed hope message of the current administration.

He said that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressly directed all APC leaders and members to deliver overwhelming votes for the president and every candidate of the party in the state.

Speaking at Igboroko 1 Ward 2, a former commissioner for women affairs and social development in Ondo State, Yemi Mahmoud, thanked the governor and his deputy for appointing political leaders from Owo into the state executive council and other portfolios within the government.

She expressed the readiness of the party leaders to go all out to mobilise massively for the APC.

Similarly, Jamiu Ekungba, who spoke at Igboroko 2 Ward 3, charged the leaders to give their maximum support to the governor and his deputy to enable them to record a resounding victory for the president and the party.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will on Monday, October 26, inaugurate its National Campaign Council, present Certificates of Return to its candidates and commission a newly acquired national secretariat in Abuja.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., outlining a three-part programme of activities scheduled to hold across the Federal Capital Territory.

The day’s activities will begin with a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at 10 am at the JD Vance Centre, opposite A-Class Park, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Maitama, Abuja.

The party said attendance at the meeting would be strictly by invitation and limited to NEC members.

At 2 pm, the NDC will commission its newly acquired national secretariat in Jabi, Abuja, before proceeding to the inauguration of its National Campaign Council (NCC) at 5 pm.

The campaign council’s inauguration will be followed by the presentation of Certificates of Return to the party’s candidates and a dinner.

According to the statement, attendance at the NCC inauguration will be restricted to members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s presidential candidate and running mate, governorship candidates and National Assembly candidates.

The packed schedule places the party’s executive meeting, secretariat commissioning and campaign council inauguration on the same day, bringing its leadership and candidates together for a series of activities in the capital.

The statement reaffirmed the party’s appreciation for the support and loyalty of its members nationwide, restating its slogan, ‘Together, we can make a New Nigeria Possible.’

After three decades in South Africa, HSBC has surrendered its banking licence, ending its presence in a market it entered in 1995. The South African Reserve Bank withdrew authorisation for the bank’s Johannesburg branch effective September 18, 2026. The notice appeared in the Government Gazette on October 23.

The exit marks the end of a long-standing foreign banking presence, but it does not necessarily signal a loss of confidence in South Africa. Rather, it reflects HSBC’s decision to focus on markets and businesses that better fit its global strategy.

Three decades come to an end

HSBC established its South African operations in 1995, serving multinational companies, institutional investors and businesses involved in cross-border trade and finance. Its Johannesburg branch connected local clients to the bank’s international network, particularly in corporate and investment banking.

The departure was not sudden. HSBC announced its decision to leave South Africa in September 2024, making the licence withdrawal the final stage of a planned exit.

The bank also took steps to maintain continuity for clients. Its corporate and investment-banking business, including related assets and liabilities, was transferred to FirstRand’s Rand Merchant Bank (RMB). Absa agreed to continue providing access to South African equities and securities-financing services. HSBC’s private-banking representative office was also closed as part of the withdrawal process.

These arrangements suggest a controlled wind-down rather than a breakdown in the bank’s operations.

Why HSBC chose to leave …

South Africa remains home to one of the continent’s most developed financial markets. However, the sector is dominated by established lenders such as Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, Nedbank and Capitec.

These banks have extensive local networks, established customer relationships and a strong understanding of the domestic market. Competing against them can be expensive, particularly for a foreign institution without the scale to challenge local lenders across multiple banking services.

For HSBC, maintaining a presence in South Africa may no longer have offered enough strategic value to justify the cost and complexity.

The decision also fits a wider shift among international banks, which have been reviewing operations and concentrating resources on businesses where they have a stronger competitive advantage. HSBC has placed greater emphasis on its international network, particularly in Asia and other markets important to its global corporate, wealth-management and trade-finance businesses.

Leaving South Africa does not mean the bank has abandoned international banking. It means it has chosen to serve its global clients without maintaining the same direct presence in every market.

What the exit means for Africa …

HSBC’s departure should not be interpreted as a verdict on Africa as a whole. The economics of one banking operation cannot explain the investment prospects of an entire continent.

But the decision offers an important lesson. International banks are becoming more selective about where they operate and how they deploy capital. A presence in a market is no longer enough; the business must generate sufficient returns and offer a clear advantage over competitors.

For African markets, this could mean greater emphasis on specific opportunities such as trade finance, cross-border transactions, capital markets and advisory services rather than broad competition with established domestic lenders.

South Africa, meanwhile, is not losing access to international finance simply because HSBC has left. RMB and Absa have arrangements covering parts of the departing bank’s business, while local institutions remain central to the country’s financial system.

The bigger question is whether other international banks will reach similar conclusions about their own operations.

For HSBC, the exit is a strategic choice. For South Africa, it is a reminder that even a sophisticated financial market must offer foreign institutions a compelling commercial reason to stay.

District Governor, Rotary District 9112 Olayioye Abidoye, has described sports as a vital tool for driving Rotary’s mission of service to humanity.

Abidoye stated this at a media parley in Lagos, heralding the Rotary Sports Festival (RoSFest) 2027, emphasising that sports foster unity, teamwork and healthy living, which align with the organisation’s core value of impacting society,

Rotary Sports Festival is an annual event, a six-month fitness and fellowship fiesta designed to keep Rotarians mentally and physically sound to carry out humanitarian service.

According to the Rotary District Governor, ‘When you participate in sports, you are mentally sound, you are physically sound and your health is in the right frame to do service and to function in your family. We Rotarians who have dedicated our lives to serving humanity must be fit mentally, physically and health-wise,’

While stating that District 9112 currently has over 2,700 members across 96 Rotary Clubs, which he supervises, he said that RoSFest was one way of taking care of those who take care of others.

Enumerating some of the interventions that his organisation had embarked on, he said it included: donation of learning materials to Ojuwoye Inclusive Nursery and Primary School for children with visual and hearing impairments, observance of Disaster Relief Day, and screening of public primary school pupils for sight and hearing defects under the Legacy Programme to prevent mislabelling poor performance as dullness.

On the other hand, he appealed to Rotarians to ensure effective participation at RosFest 2027, quoting WHO’s definition of health: ‘Health is wealth. When you are not healthy, that is the only thing you think about. We can only mind other people’s business when we are healthy.’

On her part, Chairman of the RoSFest 2027 Committee, who is also the past president, Chinyere Madueke-Onwo, described RoSFest 2027 as a platform for strengthening the relationship between Rotarians and Rotaractors, adding, ‘We recognise the energy, creativity and enthusiasm that Rotaractors bring to the Rotary family, and we look forward to meaningful collaboration that will promote unity, leadership, development and active participation”

She further explained that the RoSFest 2027 edition would feature12 sporting activities, six indoor games which include Ayyolopon, draughts, Scrabble, chess, table tennis and snooker.

While the six outdoor games, she said include: 100m dash for both male and women, relay race, tug of war, football, volley ball and golf.

The objective, Chairman of RoSFest 2027 Committee said was to create opportunities for participation, healthy competition fellowship while encouraging Rotarians and other participants to embrace physical fitness and an active lifestyle.

‘We intend to make this edition more inclusive, engaging and competitive, with every participating Club having the opportunity to demonstrate its sporting strength and team spirit. Medals and points shall also be awarded to Clubs according to merits.

‘RoSFest 2027 presents a valuable opportunity for corporate organisations, institutions, individuals and Clubs to associate with an initiative that promotes health, youth development, community engagement and excellence.

On his part, Augustine Irabor of Rotary Club of Ikoyi and member of RoSFest Committee, explained that the media parley aimed to announce dates and mobilise Rotarians and the public.

Irabor, who was among those honoured for their roles in the last edition for participating in football, tug of war and golf, said RoSFest awareness is growing.

While recalling that last year’s RoSFest recorded huge success, he said that this year’s edition would be more impactful.

It is interesting to note that the qualifying games/tournaments will run from 31st January to 31st March 2027. While 2nd April would witness the opening ceremony of RoSFest Week.