Category: Business Day

In a bid to enhance food security, agribusiness, and sustain agro-economy, the Oyo State Government has expressed readiness to adopt Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) initiative to drive all-year-round farming and agricultural productivity.

The SPIN project is a transformative intervention that will provide dependable irrigation facilities and sustainable power sources for farmers. It will reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, guarantee uninterrupted food production, and ultimately promote food sufficiency across the state.

During an on-the-spot assessment visit to the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority in Iseyin, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that with a functional irrigation system in place, farmers will be able to cultivate high-value crops throughout the year, thereby creating wealth, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring stable food supply in both rural and urban areas. He further stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains resolute in promoting modern agricultural practices through strategic partnerships, infrastructural support, and technology-driven solutions that will make farming more attractive, especially to the youth.

The commissioner also commended the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority for their collaboration and assured that the state government would continue to engage with critical stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of the initiative.

Esther Olaniyi, director, Irrigation and Drainage, in her remarks, noted that the SPIN initiative had been introduced across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with Oyo State emerging among the few that had shown genuine readiness to meet the prerequisites.

She emphasized that SPIN is not just about irrigation but also about sustainable development, as it would improve crop yield, expand employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to agricultural growth.

Olaniyi further disclosed that the project would be funded by the World Bank, while participating states are expected to fulfill certain conditions stipulated by the donor.

She urged the Oyo State Government to consider enacting legislation that would safeguard project lands, ensuring they are reserved strictly for agricultural purposes.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has partnered with the state chapter of Women In Hospitality Nigeria (WIHN) to celebrate the 2025 World Tourism Day, aimed at promoting cultural heritage across the state. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, while speaking at the 2025 World Tourism Day, held at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan, explained that tourism has become a central pillar of the state’s cultural revival and sustainability drive.

He highlighted the government’s achievements in line with Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap for Sustainable Development.

‘Oyo State today is the most active in cultural promotion in the entire Southwest. We have revived festivals that were once at the brink of extinction, and people are now proud to identify with our heritage,’ Olatunbosun said.

The commissioner noted that in December 2023, UNESCO officially recognized and listed the Sango Festival of Oyo as a world intangible cultural festival.

He also revealed plans for the 2026 Egungun Festival, slated for May 2, which will include a symposium that will be done with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, aimed at documenting and preserving cultural history. He called on individuals, associations, and corporate organizations to partner with the state in sustaining cultural initiatives, stressing that the government cannot do it alone.

Oluwakemi Olusola, regional director, WIHN, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to the state government for its support for the Oyo chapter, which was launched less than two months ago.

She added that the collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has already strengthened the association’s visibility and credibility.

‘The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation. This partnership means a lot to us as women making an impact in the hospitality and tourism industry. Together, we are building not just an association but a community of strong women who have a voice in shaping the future of tourism,’ Olusola said.

Pamela Oriyomi Otuka, curator, National Museum of Unity, Ibadan, described the celebration as ‘historic,’ stressing that women, culture, and hospitality are critical to Nigeria’s sustainable tourism future.

The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI) and the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Medical Intervention Trust Fund (MITF), marking a significant milestone in the Healthcare sector in Nigeria

The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) serves as the umbrella body for all health stakeholders in the country, encompassing the public, private, and social sectors. Its membership includes the ministers of health, all 36 state commissioners for health, and other key players across the healthcare ecosystem.

The newly formed Medical Intervention Trust Fund is designed to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in areas such as: inadequate post-crash emergency response, high rates of infant and maternal mortality, limited insurance coverage, inability of patients to afford urgent medical treatment. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Njide Ndili, HFN president, emphasised the urgent need for financial mechanisms to support timely emergency care.

‘Too many lives are lost every day due to delays in treatment and the inability to pay for emergency care. The medical intervention trust fund is a game changer because it creates a credible, transparent, and sustainable mechanism to finance emergency interventions when and where they are needed most,’ she said.

‘By bringing together the private sector, civil society, development partners, and government stakeholders, every Nigerian-regardless of socioeconomic status-can have the opportunity to receive timely and quality emergency care.’

Paschal Achunine, executive director, HEI, lauded the urgency of the initiative, highlighting the MITF’s potential to scale proven life-saving interventions.

‘Many Nigerians lose their lives not due to a lack of treatment, but because of delays in accessing emergency care. The MITF will build on a tested model of rapid financial intervention-one that has already saved thousands of lives-and will now be expanded to reach even more people in need.’ Achunine also underscored the fund’s broader impact beyond financial aid:

‘We will train bystanders, first responders, and community members in basic life support, first aid, and trauma care. By empowering ordinary citizens alongside medical professionals, the MITF will create a nationwide safety net that makes emergency care faster, more effective, and more inclusive.’ The MITF is expected to complement the existing basic healthcare provision fund, which currently allocates five percent for emergencies but has faced persistent delays in disbursement. Unlike existing mechanisms, the MITF will focus on speed, transparency, and scalability.

Key components of the initiative will include: Supporting hospital infrastructure, integrating technology into emergency response systems, and advocating for a ‘Good Samaritan’ law to protect individuals who assist accident victims.

Both organisations confirmed that the trust fund will become operational within the next six months. They also issued a collective call to action, urging stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum to support the initiative.

‘No Nigerian should be denied emergency care due to financial constraints or systemic delays,’ the leaders affirmed.

This MOU represents a bold step toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and responsive emergency healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Ruben Amorim has called for more actions from the Manchester United players following the much-needed win against Sunderland.

He made the call after Mason Mount said Manchester United’s players were ‘100-per-cent behind the gaffer.’

Last weekend’s bruising 3-1 loss at Brentford intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese head coach’s position heading into his 50th match at the Old Trafford helm.

United responded well to that setback as a fine Mount opener and first home goal from summer signing Benjamin Sesko secured a 2-0 victory against newly promoted Sunderland.

The result helps alleviate the pressure before the international break on under-fire Amorim.

When the United manager was told about the midfielder’s comment, he said: ‘I saw (that) today and I know they want to do their best – and I know they don’t want to change the coach all the time.

‘We need to show with actions. ‘And sometimes when we look at our team I know for sure that when we see the games in the end they know that sometimes we can do better.

‘So, I feel that during the week but we need to show that on the pitch, not just at home but also away.’

Amorim also issued a bizarre rebuttal that his Manchester United side had picked up momentum from their victory over Sunderland, in their best performance of the season.

‘There is no momentum with our team. We know what happens when we win one game. For me the frustration is not to see the same team at home and away.

‘You saw today, we didn’t play well in the second half. But we were focused, we fought the second balls. Ben [Sesko] was there to touch them all the time. So these small things are going to help us to win games,’ he said.

Amorim made five changes to his Man Utd side from last weekend’s loss at Brentford, including handing summer signing Senne Lammens his debut.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper arrived on deadline day from Antwerp and helped United keep their first clean sheet of the season, producing a couple of important saves and showing confidence between the sticks.

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L -PRES), has launched a one-week intensive training on Artificial Insemination (AI) for 30 participants, comprising animal scientists, veterinarians, and lead farmers from across the state.

The training is being hosted at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Abdulkabir Ononuoyiza Otaru, while speaking on the exercise on Monday in Lokoja, described artificial insemination in livestock as a technique for controlled breeding and genetic improvement, adding that the training is crucial for achieving the project’s goal of increasing productivity, commercialization, and resilience of the livestock value chain in Kogi State.

Otaru commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his full support for the improvement of livestock productivity value chain in the state.

‘Professionals in livestock field, including veterinarians, animal scientists, and farmers are selected for further training on artificial insemination by trainers from NSPRI Zaria.

‘The training is crucial for project goals in Kogi State and supported by Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration. ‘The goal is to improve livestock productivity for food security and farmers’ livelihoods in Kogi State. Participants will train farmers clusters and stakeholders in livestock value chain across the state.

‘Full commitment to training by the participants is essential to justify government’s investment in the project.

‘The training is expected to equip the participants with the necessary skills to improve livestock productivity and contribute to the growth of the livestock industry in Kogi State’.

Abdulsalam Hadi, permanent secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, commended the governor for his commitment to improving livestock development in the state, noting that the training is a testament to the government’s efforts to support farmers and improve livestock productivity.

Shaibu Husseini Egwu and Isah Anate Jimoh, director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development, and director of Animal Husbandry, in their separate responses, stressed the importance of AI in animal improvement, highlighting its potential to increase milk and meat production, pointing out on the need to adopt new techniques to improve mass livestock productivity and meet the growing demand for livestock products.

Adeniyi Omoniyi Oloninisi, Animal Husbandry Officer, KOGI L-PRES project, and Tolu Omotugba, chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), equally noted that AI will increase livestock productivity, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and improve the genetic quality of animals, as they commended the state government for the initiative, saying it will empower veterinarians to carry out AI procedures and prove livestock production in the state .

Musa Ibrahim, Onu of Ochaja, a livestock farmer, commended the L-PRES project for its impact on livestock farmers in the state through capacity building trainings, as he expressed gratitude to the governor for his support to the project and assured that the participants would take advantage of the training to broaden their knowledge on AI.

The Kogi State Government has announced that it will begin strict enforcement of the ban on trailer parks across the state with effect from October 29, 2025, in line with the directive of Ahmed Usman Ododo, governor of the state.

Kingsley Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications, disclosed this in Lokoja, pointing out that the decision followed credible intelligence reports that some trailer parks in the state, particularly those located at Zariagi and Osara have become hideouts for criminal elements.

‘The government cannot fold its arms while such facilities are used to compromise the security of lives and property in the state. ‘The directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is clear. From October 29, 2025, the state will begin full enforcement of the ban on trailer parks. Intelligence at our disposal shows that some of these parks, especially those at Zariagi and Osara harbor criminals who threaten the peace and security of our people. This is a proactive and preventive measure. We have decided to move ahead of the criminals instead of lamenting after lives might have been lost. Government will not allow that to continue,’ he said.

The commissioner revealed that security agencies across the state have been strictly briefed to enforce the order without compromise, stressing that violators will face the full weight of the law, noting that the enforcement is backed by law, as Governor Ododo has already signed into law a bill banning the movement of articulated trucks during the day.

Fanwo urged operators to comply before the enforcement date and called on residents to support the government’s action, stressing that protecting lives and securing communities remain the top priority of the present administration.

Governor Umo Eno is expanding access to healthcare services to rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. One of the ways this is being achieved is through the state health insurance agency, a social security system that guarantees the provision of needed health services to persons on the payment of a token contribution at regular intervals.

The latest beneficiaries are the people from the pristine communities of Amadaka, Elele and Kampa located at the tip of the Atlantic Ocean tributary in Eastern Obolo local government area of the state who trouped in large numbers to the Primary Healthcare Centre located at Amadaka to get enrolled for the exercise under the facility-based registration exercise.

Launched last year, the state health insurance scheme, since its establishment was informed by the inadequate condition of the state’s health healthcare services, the excessive dependence and pressure on government provided health-facilities and the dwindling funding of healthcare in the face of rising costs.

The poor state of the healthcare services has seen the state government declare a state of emergency in the health sector to fix it within a year and turn things around with plans to recruit over 2000 health workers, ongoing renovation of health facilities and the decision to recall healthcare professionals who have retired from service but have the eagerness to continue to contribute in the state. It has also moved to stop government-owned hospitals from being turned into theatres for social media content creation, an ugly development which had been a recurring decimal of late with people sharing videos of patients online over alleged negligence. The state government has now warned that ‘any individual who violates the rights and privacy of patients or staff members or disrupts public peace, will be held accountable.”

So, analysts believe the health insurance scheme has come at the right time to enable people have access to efficient and effective healthcare services to reduce ‘catastrophic health expenditure by pooling funds for strategic health care purchasing.”

According to community leaders in Amadaka, the scheme has brought healthcare closer to the people and has helped to cut down their expenditure on healthcare while lauding Governor Umo Eno for the vision over the health insurance scheme.

Gogo Owen Adaka, the village head of Amadaka, believes taking healthcare services to the people at the grassroots as seen in the health insurance registration exercise taking place at the community’s health centre is a remarkable achievement by the governor noting that members of his community would no longer have to worry about high cost of healthcare, ”we are happy that we can access healthcare with minimum cost in our community,” he said.

Echoing the sentiments expressed by Amadaka’s traditional ruler, another community leader, Benjamin Adolphus, a royal father in Kampa said the good intentions of the governor have been seen in the health insurance scheme adding that by bringing the registration exercise the community’s healthcare facility, the governor has shown his large heartedness and brought healthcare nearer to the people.

‘I have benefitted from the scheme, it is a commendable effort, he has brought development to the rural communities, we have seen the intention of the governor, he has a good heart,” he said. The royal father was however quick to remind the governor about the Okoroette-Elele-Kampa road whose contract has been re-awarded adding that the completion of the road would open up the once thriving community known for fishing and its rich maritime resources.

‘In addition to healthcare , the governor should do well to continue the work on the road linking the riverine communities with the different parts of the local government area,” he said..

Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, a medical doctor and an indigene of the community notes the peculiar topography of the area which is in the thick of the mangrove swamp forest region but expressed delight that despite the challenging topography the governor was after excellence in service and people who can deliver on his promises who could be found anywhere.

According to him, the governor has raised many people and ‘I am one of them,” promising to do whatever is needed to support the governor’s development agenda particularly in the health sector.

Igbemi, who is the Executive Secretary of the state Health Insurance Agency, noted the idea of facility-based enrolment was his contribution to the community who may not be in a position to travel to the agency’s head office in Uyo, the state capital for the registration adding that the response by the people has shown their readiness to embrace the scheme and their demonstration to support the governor’s development agenda.

‘I would not be somewhere and something is happening that would positively affect the people of my community, I would certainly bring it to my community,” he said.

Indeed, the health insurance has had tremendous patronage across the state since its inauguration with thousands of people registering for the scheme including pregnant women, the elderly and many others.

During its launch, the governor announced the subscription for all the junior workers in the state’s civil service, paying for them and later the senior civil servants have been enrolled bringing the formal sector into the scheme.

After the registration, contributors and their dependents are issued with identity cards with Personal Identification Numbers which will be presented to the chosen primary healthcare provider for treatment.

For the people of Amadaka, Elele and Kampa in Eastern Obolo and Iko clan of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, it is a golden opportunity which they have embraced wholeheartedly.

Nick Woltemade and Bruno Guimarães struck in the second half as Newcastle United earned a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, pilling more pressure on under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou.

The defeat extended Forest’s winless start under Postecoglou to seven games, with just one point from their opening four Premier League matches. With the club now sitting just above the relegation zone, scrutiny over the Australian’s future is set to dominate the international break.

After a tense first half at St James’ Park, Guimarães broke the deadlock with a curling effort from outside the box just before the hour mark. Forest players protested, claiming a foul by Guimarães on Morgan Gibbs-White in the build-up, but the goal stood after a VAR check. Newcastle, who had been the league’s lowest scorers heading into the match, pressed for a second. Matz Sels denied Sandro Tonali and Malick Thiaw with smart saves, but he could do nothing to stop Woltemade’s thumping strike off the underside of the bar following a corner.

The Forest goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable with further stops from Harvey Barnes, but Newcastle sealed the result in stoppage time. Woltemade calmly converted from the penalty spot after Guimarães was brought down by Elliot Anderson.

Postecoglou endured chants of ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ from the home crowd as Newcastle celebrated their second league win of the campaign. Forest, meanwhile, remain mired in 17th and winless under their new boss, whose future looks increasingly uncertain.

First Professor of Cybersecurity and Information Technology Management | First African Chartered Manager | UK Digital Journalist | General Evangelist, CAC Nigeria and Overseas.

As Nigeria embarks on a transformative journey of economic reform and digital innovation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is crucial that we aggressively align our policy momentum with robust data-driven insights and comprehensive capacity-building strategies that extend to every corner of our federation.

The time has come for a bold, structured, and inclusive approach to measuring prosperity and empowering our civil service for the digital age. With clear advancements in economic stabilisation, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems, we must seize this opportunity to drive transformative change.

1. The Nigeria Multidimensional Prosperity Index (NMPI): A New National Compass

I urge the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to take a bold step by launching the Nigeria Multidimensional Prosperity Index Survey. This initiative promises to go beyond the standard economic indicators like GDP and inflation, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of what prosperity truly means for our nation.

Imagine an index that captures the unique experiences of all 774 local governments across Nigeria, shining a light on vital areas such as education, health, digital access, environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and even spiritual well-being. By embracing this comprehensive approach, we can uncover the genuine realities faced by our diverse communities, allowing us to craft more effective policies and foster real progress for every Nigerian. Let’s take this vital step toward a brighter and more prosperous future for all!

We must prioritize digital inclusion and establish robust cybersecurity preparedness as essential pillars of our national resilience and future readiness. By embracing these critical components, we will be fully equipped to confront the challenges that lie ahead.

The insights derived from this index will empower policymakers with essential, localized, and timely information, driving equitable development and impactful interventions. This initiative is strategically crafted to steer national planning, synchronize donor efforts, and attract private sector investment, ensuring that every community is fully engaged in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable prosperity.

2. Civil Service Transformation: From Administrative to Adaptive

The civil service is the powerhouse of governance. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, it is imperative that our public servants transition from traditional administrators to dynamic, digitally adaptive leaders.

We must launch a nationwide Management Development Programme (MDP) for civil servants, beginning at the local government level. This initiative is essential to enhance their skills within the digital economy, and it must integrate critical topics such as Cybersecurity and AI into the core curriculum. By providing civil servants with a robust understanding of these technological advancements, we will empower them to navigate the digital landscape effectively. It’s imperative that they are equipped to identify and leverage both the risks and opportunities that arise in this rapidly evolving environment.

Cultivating a culture of ethical leadership is critical for creating a thriving environment in Nigeria. We must prioritize promoting data literacy among individuals and organizations to empower informed decision-making that fuels progress. Additionally, fostering innovative thinking is absolutely crucial for the nation’s advancement and development. It is imperative that we align these initiatives with global best practices while distinctly adapting them to Nigeria’s unique socio-cultural context to guarantee success. To maximize our impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of this program, we must actively cultivate strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including universities, professional organizations, and international development agencies. By collaborating with these institutions, we will not only pool our resources effectively but also leverage their specialized expertise and extensive networks to drive our initiatives forward.

Engaging with universities allows us to harness cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies, significantly boosting the effectiveness of our program. By partnering with professional organizations, we gain essential industry insights that align our objectives with current best practices. Additionally, collaborating with international development agencies not only expands our reach but also opens up valuable funding opportunities and facilitates crucial knowledge transfer on a global scale.

These alliances will decisively enhance our collective efforts and drive substantial change in the communities we serve, guaranteeing that our initiatives are impactful and sustainable over the long term.

3. Building a Value Chain for National Digital Prosperity

To drive the success of our proposed initiatives, it’s vital to create a robust value chain anchored in several key pillars. By focusing on these foundational elements, we can unlock greater potential and innovation!

Enhancing data infrastructure is crucial and involves improving local capabilities in data collection, storage, and analysis. Utilizing advanced technologies like cloud computing and big data analytics allows for efficient data gathering and secure storage. Investing in training for local personnel and establishing strong data management systems can help communities build a resilient infrastructure that supports informed decision-making and innovation.

Investing in human capital is essential for sustainable growth and innovation. It is crucial to prioritize continuous learning initiatives that empower individuals at all stages of their careers. This includes providing access to training programs that enhance digital skills, which are increasingly important in our technology-driven world. Furthermore, fostering ethical leadership should be a core focus for all levels of government and society. By cultivating leaders who prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability, we can build a competent and resilient workforce that is prepared to tackle the challenges of the future. Creating a culture that values education and ethical conduct will not only enhance individual capabilities but also drive overall societal progress.

To create a cohesive regulatory environment, it is essential to align national policies with global standards, especially in key areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, and digital rights. This alignment involves harmonizing local regulations with internationally recognized frameworks and best practices to ensure a unified approach to these critical issues. By doing so, countries can enhance their cybersecurity measures, promote responsible AI development and deployment, and safeguard digital rights for all citizens. This coordinated effort not only helps mitigate risks associated with technological advancements but also fosters international collaboration, trust, and accountability in the digital ecosystem.

Essentially, it is vital to weave moral and spiritual values into the fabric of our national development initiatives. This approach ensures that the pursuit of prosperity extends beyond mere material wealth to include profound ethical considerations and a commitment to long-term sustainability. By prioritising values such as integrity, compassion, and social responsibility, we can foster a holistic development model that not only addresses economic growth but also nurtures the well-being of individuals and communities. This integration promotes a future where development efforts are aligned with the principles of justice and equity, ultimately leading to a more balanced and harmonious society that thrives on both prosperity and ethical governance.

Conclusion: A Nation Ready to Rise

Nigeria stands at the exciting beginning of a transformative era-an era where data, digital intelligence, and ethical values can unite to foster a future that is prosperous, secure, and inclusive.

As the first African Professor to hold the global designation of Chartered Manager, the first Professor of Cybersecurity and IT Management, and the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), I view this opportunity as more than just a policy initiative; it is a crucial responsibility we owe to future generations.

Let us embrace this pivotal moment together. Let us focus on what truly matters and empower our people to thrive in the age of AI. Together, we can approach this challenge with integrity, visionary thinking, and unwavering faith.

Wilmer, SAM Pharmaceuticals, and Ajeromi Public Health Centre recently held a community health seminar themed ‘Preventing and Managing Birth Complications in Our Community.’ The programme brought together community members and traditional birth assistants for training and awareness.

The panel featured Ahmad Amina of Ajeromi Ifelodun Primary Health Centre; Packson Akhenamen, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at LASUTH; and Glory Chinaecherem Uzoigwe, Nutrition and Health Coach.

Akhenamen discussed danger signs to watch for in pregnant women and stressed the need for prompt referrals to hospitals to avert preventable deaths. Pharmacist Oluseyi of SAM Pharmaceuticals spoke on the dangers of counterfeit medicines in circulation and their risks to mothers and infants.

Uzoigwe’s presentation titled ‘Nutrition in Maternal Health: Preventing Complications Before They Arise,’ she outlined the nutrition-related challenges that affect pregnancy outcomes, including anaemia, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, malnutrition, and iron deficiency. She also trained traditional birth attendants on identifying warning signs that warrant referral and introduced her ‘healthy plate’ model as a guide for expectant mothers.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues, Uzoigwe said: ‘Truth is, all of the nutrition-related maternal complications are urgent, especially those that can affect both mother and child during pregnancy and the birthing process, starting from maternal anaemia, which is essentially iron deficiency. This can lead to haemorrhage, shock, infection and even maternal death. ‘It’s also imperative to add that maternal malnutrition is one of the issues that needs urgent attention as well because this leads to obstructed labour due to small pelvic size, poor wound healing, and increased risk of maternal and newborn death.’

Explaining her healthy plate model, she said: ‘My healthy plate model emphasises variety, grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which helps cover multiple nutrient needs (iron, folate, calcium, vitamin A, protein, omega-3).

‘All of the aforementioned micro and macronutrients ensure mothers have everything they need during and after the postpartum phase, to support healthy birth weight, encourage variety, and keep energy level up.’

The seminar concluded with a special award presented to Uzoigwe in recognition of her dedication to advancing maternal health.

Remi Tinubu, first lady of Nigeria has celebrated the 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, the Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for the largest painting on canvas.

Kanyeyachukwu’s painting, which spans 12,304 square meters features a multi-coloured ribbon, representing the autism symbol surrounded by emojis.

The painting themed, ‘Impossibility is a Myth’ aimed at highlighting the spectrum disorder and the challenges that people like him face amid stigma.

According to the first lady, Kanye’s GWR achievement is proof that impossibility is a myth. ‘By painting the largest art canvas in the world, he has not only broken the Guinness World Record, but he has also broken barriers of perception.’

According to the first lady, who was represented by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister of Women Affairs, the Eko Atlantic exhibition is a whole segment of Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, technology innovation, and environmental consciousness.

She said that the exhibition reflects the real vision of President Tinubu, who believes deeply in the limitless potential of Nigerian youth to shape the future of the country and the world at large.

‘Their innovation complements Kanyeyachukwu’s artistry, both serving as a reminder that creativity and responsibility must work hand in hand to secure a better tomorrow for all.’

The first lady also urged the participants to draw inspiration from Kanyeyachukwu’s story as they celebrate art today, cultural technology, and sustainability.

‘Let us nurture our own talents and invest in the creative economy, for it is here that the true wealth and image of our nation resides,’ Tinubu said. Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in Nigeria, said the painting titled, ‘Impossibility is a Myth,’ defies limits, and shows the expansive possibilities that lie within every Nigerian child, regardless of age, disability, or background.

According to her, the title of the work could not have been more fitting, because it portrays the message that limitations are often in the mind, not in the heart and hands.

‘As Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, I see in this record not merely a personal achievement, but a national statement of who we are and who we can be,’ she said.

According to Musawa, the current administration is working towards elevating arts and culture beyond vehicles of entertainment into pillars of social development, economic growth and unity.

‘Indeed, Kanye’s success is a beacon for what is possible when policy, community support, family love, and personal dedication come together,’ Musawa said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, said Kanyeyachukwu has accomplished what many would deem impossible at 15.

‘As a non-verbal teenager on the autism spectrum, he has found his voice through art, expressing himself in a way that is bold, beautiful and impactful,’ stated Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Idris Aregbe, SA on tourism, art and culture to governor Sanwo-Olu.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the remarkable canvas serves as a powerful reminder that limitations are offen just a product of the mind. ‘True ability shines through courage, perseverance, and vision.’

Chuck Nduka-Eze, the grand patron to Kanyeyachukwu, said Nigeria lack trained professionals with the right understand to address the challenges of autism.

‘So, one of the things we’re trying to address as a foundation is to train nurses and train medical staff to actually understand the challenge of autism, to be able to provide support, for those who have that challenge,’ he said.

He also disclosed that the foundation is trying to raise fund to directly assist families who have children with autism. They can’t even go out shopping because they have to look after a child 24 hours because they don’t have anybody who understands that child.’