Category: Nigerian Tribune

Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state government of neglecting residents and property owners in Phases 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Anikantamo Jakande Estates on Lagos Island, alleging that the prolonged neglect has worsened flooding and structural deterioration in the area.

The party, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Prince Christopher Odianarewo, on Monday, said residents had endured what it described as more than a decade of inadequate attention to critical infrastructure in the estates.

The PDP alleged that the situation had deteriorated to the point where residents were exposed to flooding and risks associated with structural decay.

According to the opposition party, a drainage channel intended to convey floodwater from the estates into the lagoon had allegedly been blocked in the course of road works, thereby worsening the flooding situation.

It alleged that the blockage had resulted in floodwater being trapped within the estates, with implications for homes, infrastructure and the safety of residents.

The party also criticised the state government’s reported plan to relocate residents affected by the condition of the estates, alleging that no meaningful construction had commenced at the proposed relocation site.

The statement said, ‘The Lagos State Government piously promised to relocate displaced and distressed residents to a new, safe site. Yet, up to this very moment, not a single block, not a single bag of cement, and not a single shovel of sand has been moved to the purported relocation site.’

The PDP described the situation as unacceptable and called on the government to urgently intervene to prevent further deterioration of the estates.

It demanded the immediate unblocking of the drainage channels leading to the lagoon, as well as a transparent and time-bound plan for the proposed relocation of affected residents.

The party also called for accountability over what it described as years of administrative neglect and hardship suffered by residents and property owners.

The PDP said it stood with residents of the estates and urged the state government to prioritise the safety of residents and the preservation of their properties.

The party was critical of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which it accused of prioritising publicity over the provision and maintenance of basic infrastructure.

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Alapa/Onire/Odegiwa Ward in the Asa local government area of Kwara on Sunday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The decampees, in their hundreds, were received during a ward meeting by the chairman, Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Alhaji Abdullateef Gidado Alakawa, member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Shittu Rukayat Motunrayo, party executives, among others.

Speaking with journalists, the decampees said that their decision to leave the PDP was because of what they described as ‘mis-treatment of members, imposition and a poor reward system’.

The people said that the APC has visible achievements and better opportunities for its members, especially the youths.

Welcoming the decampees to the party, Alakawa said that there is no newcomer in the APC, adding that everyone is one, working towards a common goal.

He emphasised that those who perform well and hold political positions are part of the leaders of the party.

The Chairman of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority also said that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done well for the people of Asa Local Government and that the best way to reward his efforts is to support and vote for him in the forthcoming Kwara Central Senatorial District election.

‘The warm reception given to the decampees further demonstrated the APC’s commitment to accommodating new members and giving everyone a sense of belonging, as more people continue to identify with its programmes and achievements across the state.

‘The latest development is another setback for the PDP in Asa local government, as members continue to resign their membership and move to the APC, further strengthening the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections’, he said.

Alli stated this on Monday during the inauguration of Local Government Campaign Managers for the BSA/Adedeji team at the APC Campaign Office in Ibadan.

He said the inauguration was aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the newly inaugurated campaign managers have an important role to play in translating the party’s political structures into effective grassroots mobilisation across the state.

He charged them to consolidate the party’s structures in their respective local government areas, wards and communities, while engaging party members, supporters and other stakeholders.

Alli said: ‘We are strategically positioned to win the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and House of Assembly elections in Oyo State in 2027.

‘But victory requires hard work at the grassroots. We must go to the people, engage them and strengthen our structures across the state.

‘Our Local Government Campaign Managers have a major responsibility to ensure that the APC is firmly rooted in every local government, ward and community.’

He urged the campaign managers to regard their appointments as a call to service, stressing that sustained engagement with the grassroots would be central to the party’s campaign strategy.

Alli also called for unity and teamwork among APC leaders and members, saying the party’s electoral objective would require effective coordination and collective effort.

‘This is not about individuals. It is about the party and our collective responsibility to build a stronger APC in Oyo State,’ he said.

He urged the campaign managers to remain focused and committed to their assignments and ensure that the party’s message and programmes reached residents at the grassroots.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), Prince Yemi Aderibigbe, said the inauguration represented another step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

He expressed confidence in the party’s organisational capacity and urged members to work together to consolidate its structures ahead of the polls.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has approved the appointment of eight new district heads to fill vacant traditional positions across the state.

The appointments followed recommendations by the Sokoto Sultanate Council, according to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Sa’idu Muhammad Maccido Danburan Sokoto.

Those appointed are Salihu Sarkin Noma Kadadi as Sarkin Arewan Kadadi; Isah Daudu Gidan Madi as Ausan Gidan Madi; Gidado Muhammad Dabagi as Sarkin Gabas Dabagin Ardo; and Hayatu Jibo Dallatu as Uban Kasar Tudun Wada.

Others are Abdullahi Muhammed Danchadi as Sarkin Zamfaran Danchadi; Hon. Umar Shehu Goronyo as Sarkin Gabas Goronyo; Alhaji Kabiru Marafa as Ajiyan Tsaki; and Muhammadu Buhari Mai Lato Gumbi as Ardon Wajake.

The statement said the formal turbaning ceremony for the new traditional rulers would be conducted by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at a date to be announced.

The Sultanate Council congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by contributing to peace, unity and development in their respective communities.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has congratulated one of its members, Hayatu Jibo Dallatu, on his appointment as Uban Kasar Tudun Wada.

In a statement jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Usman Bunni, and Secretary, Muhammad Nasiru, the NUJ described the appointment as recognition of Dallatu’s experience, character and contributions to society.

The union said it was particularly pleased that one of its members had been entrusted with an important traditional responsibility, expressing confidence that his experience in journalism and community affairs would assist him in promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.

According to the NUJ, Dallatu is an experienced journalist and media administrator who has worked with Rima Television Sokoto and the Voice of Nigeria and currently serves as General Manager of Alu FM Sokoto.

The union described him as humble, accessible and committed to maintaining cordial relationships, saying these qualities would be valuable in his new traditional role.

The NUJ also congratulated all eight newly appointed district heads and commended Governor Aliyu for recognising individuals it said could contribute to traditional administration and the development of the state.

It wished Dallatu and the other appointees wisdom and success in their new responsibilities.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources and faculty members of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan (UI), have emphasised that science must guide and shape environmental policies and practices, especially where they affect people and communities.

The environmental stakeholders made this known last Thursday in Ibadan during the events that marked the 2026 World Environmental Health Day with the theme: ‘Environmental health: Standing with science to protect communities’.

The three-day event featured environmental rallies by the Youth Environmental Stewards (YES) club and members of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, UI, on the first day; a symposium and exhibition on the second day; and community sensitisation on the third day.

The Provost of the College of Medicine, UI, Professor Elizabeth Oloruntoba, stressed that science should translate into sound environmental innovations and build community capacity so people can take their health and well-being into their own hands.

Professor Oloruntoba insisted that environmental scientific research and findings must be translated into local and indigenous knowledge for communities to understand and work with them for their benefit.

Dr Taiwo Hammed, representing the national president of the Environmental Health Scientists Association of Nigeria (EHSAN), stated that to properly protect health and the environment ‘we must stand firmly on the foundation of scientific knowledge and evidence-based environmental health practices.’

Dr Hammed also stated that environmental health endeavours are not only about protecting the environment, but also about anticipating risks and preventing hazards before they harm people and communities.

Dr Sunday Moradayo, representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, said that the ministry works with environmental scientists and other related stakeholders to protect the environment, insisting that science should be given priority in matters of environmental policies.

The representative of the commissioner added that the government is committed to protecting the health and environment of its people, and urged the citizens to report any person, industry, or activity that is posing environmental risk or danger to people and communities.

Dr Shade Akinsete delivered the keynote speech. She stated that science must be the backbone of informed decisions and innovations in environmental matters, and that science and data should be translated into results that save lives and protect communities.

Dr Akinsete admonished environmental stakeholders and researchers to build good science and strengthen environmental health and community participation.

During the panel discussion session, Professor Olajumoke Fayinminnu, Dr Taiwo Hammed, and Dr E Asemadahun spoke about how the environment impacts all aspects of life and health, including food and air, plants and animals, land and water, and the atmosphere and climate.

The panellists urged the government to take adequate actions in protecting the environment. They enjoined scientists to make their work practical and relevant to the environment. They advised people and communities to keep their living place safe and clean.

The rebranded YES club now has a customised uniform, a slogan, and an anthem. Members of the club are drawn from young people in primary and secondary schools.

Dr Moradayo, representing the Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, commended the YES club initiative, adding that the functions of the club are significant in a society where adults are failing to protect the environment.

The Head of Department (HOD) of Environmental Health Sciences, UI, said that the department is ready to help the club achieve its mandate, and that the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the department will work with the club weekly to sustain its work.

At the event were the Federal Fire Service, represented by its public relations officer, Ayobomi Jemibola; officers of the Oyo State Environmental Health Services; some Ibadan North corps members; students of the Oyo State College of Health Sciences; and students of the School of Hygiene.

Some of the schools present at the event were Command Day Secondary School, Christ Chapel Comprehensive College, Anglican Community Junior School, Ibadan Boys High School, and Loyola College.

The students presented drama, poetry, and cultural displays that reflected how the earth and the environment should be properly treated.

Banks’ deposits with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) surged far above their borrowings from the apex bank in the second quarter of 2026, as transactions through the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window rose to N48.40 trillion, compared with N7.97 trillion through the Standing Lending Facility (SLF).

The N40.43 trillion gap highlights the scale of excess liquidity in the banking system during the period, with banks placing substantially more funds with the CBN than they accessed through its lending window.

The CBN disclosed this in its Q2 2026 Economic Report, which also showed that foreign exchange inflows through the banking system increased by 20.38 per cent to US$10.02 billion, from US$8.32 billion in the preceding quarter.

While activities at the SLF window fell by 83.92 per cent, transactions through the SDF increased by 153.93 per cent, indicating a sharp shift in banks’ liquidity positions during the review period.

The applicable rates at the standing facilities were maintained at 32.50 per cent for the SLF, equivalent to the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) plus 5 percentage points, and 26.50 per cent for the SDF, representing MPR minus one percentage point.

The interest rate on converted Intra-day Lending Facility transactions to the SLF was also retained at 37.50 per cent, or MPR plus 10 percentage points.

However, following the September 2026 meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, the CBN recalibrated the Standing Facilities Corridor to +50/-300 basis points around the new MPR of 23 per cent. This puts the SDF rate at 20 per cent and establishes a new floor for overnight market rates.

The banking sector maintained strong liquidity and solvency indicators during the period. The industry liquidity ratio stood at 55.03 per cent, significantly above the 30 per cent regulatory minimum, indicating substantial capacity to meet maturing obligations and support credit intermediation.

Similarly, the capital adequacy ratio stood at 13.43 per cent, above the regulatory minimum of 10 per cent, pointing to continued capacity to absorb credit and market shocks.

However, asset quality remained an area requiring monitoring, as the non-performing loans ratio edged up by 0.09 percentage point to 5.63 per cent, slightly above the prudential limit of five per cent. The CBN nevertheless assessed overall asset quality as broadly stable.

On the foreign exchange market, inflows through banks rose to US$10.02 billion, while autonomous inflows declined by 15.79 per cent to US$17.39 billion from US$20.65 billion.

Outflows through banks fell by 6.99 per cent to US$9.82 billion from US$10.54 billion, while autonomous outflows declined by 6.93 per cent to US$3.01 billion from US$3.23 billion.

Consequently, autonomous sources recorded a net inflow of US$14.38 billion, compared with US$17.41 billion in the preceding quarter. The banking system also recorded a net inflow of US$195.65 million, a significant improvement from the US$2.21 billion net outflow recorded in Q1 2025.

Average turnover at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) increased by 8.75 per cent to US$459.04 million from US$422.09 million, reflecting stronger trading activity amid ongoing foreign exchange market reforms.

The report also showed that merchandise import bills moderated to US$9.26 billion from US$10.34 billion, driven by declines in both oil and non-oil imports.

Petroleum products imports fell to US$2.58 billion from US$3.57 billion, which the CBN attributed partly to improved domestic refining capacity and reduced dependence on imported petroleum products.

Non-oil imports also declined to US$6.68 billion from US$6.77 billion, mainly due to lower machinery and raw material imports. Non-oil products accounted for 72.14 per cent of total merchandise imports, while oil products accounted for the balance.

In terms of foreign exchange utilisation, the industrial sector, particularly raw materials and machinery, accounted for the largest share of merchandise imports at 43.95 per cent.

This was followed by the oil sector with 27.87 per cent, manufactured products at 11.11 per cent, food products at 10.66 per cent, transport at 4.67 per cent, minerals at 1.15 per cent and agricultural products at 0.59 per cent.

Clarify the quarter-to-quarter comparisons

Separate Q2 findings from September decisions

For some people, having a bottle of soft drink once in a while may not be a major concern. The bigger issue is when it becomes a daily habit, with some people drinking several bottles or cans in a single day.

Regular consumption of sugary soft drinks can add significant amounts of sugar and calories to the diet. Unlike nutritious foods, these drinks generally provide little in the way of protein, fibre, vitamins or minerals.This is why reducing or stopping them can be a useful change for people who want to improve their overall health.

In this article, Tribune Online some important reasons to stop taking soft drinks.

It helps reduce excessive sugar consumption

One of the most obvious reasons to stop drinking sugary soft drinks is the amount of sugar they can add to your daily diet. A person may not think much about the sugar in a bottle of soft drink because it is consumed as a beverage rather than eaten as a dessert.

However, drinking several bottles throughout the day can result in a substantial amount of sugar being consumed without much awareness. The problem becomes greater when the drink is taken alongside other sugary foods such as biscuits, cakes, sweets, pastries and sweetened beverages.

Removing soft drinks from the routine can therefore make a significant difference to the amount of sugar consumed each day. It can also encourage people to become more conscious of the sugar content of other foods and drinks.

It can make weight management easier

Soft drinks can provide a considerable number of calories without necessarily making a person feel full. This is important because people may drink a large amount of calories without reducing the amount of food they eat later.

For example, someone may have a bottle of soft drink with lunch and still eat the same meal they would have eaten without the drink.

When sugary drinks are removed, those calories are removed as well, provided they are not replaced with another high-calorie drink or snack.

Over time, reducing this regular source of calories can make weight management easier.

This does not mean that everyone who stops drinking soft drinks will automatically lose weight. Weight is influenced by overall food intake, physical activity, sleep, genetics and several other factors. However, cutting out unnecessary liquid calories is a practical place to start.

It can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes . The reason is not simply that soft drinks contain sugar. Regularly consuming large amounts of sugary drinks can contribute to excess calorie intake and weight gain, both of which can increase the risk of developing problems with blood glucose regulation.

Reducing soft drinks removes one regular source of rapidly consumed sugar from the diet.

For people who already have diabetes or are at high risk of developing it, reducing sugary drinks can be particularly useful as part of an overall dietary plan.

However, stopping soft drinks does not mean a person can ignore other aspects of diabetes prevention or treatment. A balanced diet, physical activity, appropriate medical care and adherence to prescribed treatment remain important.

It can protect the teeth, prevent dental cavities

The mouth is another part of the body that can benefit from reducing soft drinks. Sugar provides fuel for bacteria in dental plaque. These bacteria produce acids that can damage the tooth surface and contribute to cavities.

Soft drinks can also be acidic, meaning frequent consumption may expose the teeth to acids that contribute to erosion of the enamel.

The problem is not necessarily one bottle consumed occasionally. Repeated exposure throughout the day can be more concerning, particularly when someone regularly sips sugary drinks between meals.

Reducing soft drinks therefore reduces the frequency with which the teeth are exposed to their sugar and acidity. Of course, stopping soft drinks cannot reverse a cavity that has already developed. Existing dental problems may still require attention from a dental professional.

It encourages better hydration habits

Many people reach for soft drinks when they are thirsty, even though water is a much simpler option for hydration. Replacing soft drinks with water can improve the quality of what a person drinks throughout the day.Water provides hydration without adding sugar or calories.

This can be particularly useful in hot weather or during physical activity, when the body loses more fluid through sweating.

Keeping a bottle of water nearby can make the change easier. Some people may also prefer chilled water, sparkling water without added sugar or water flavoured naturally with slices of fruits such as lemon or cucumber. The important thing is to develop a drinking habit that does not depend on sugary beverages.

It helps you become less dependent on sweet flavours

Regular consumption of very sweet drinks can make people accustomed to a high level of sweetness. This can influence what they choose to drink and eat. Someone who regularly takes very sweet beverages may find plain water boring or unsweetened drinks less enjoyable.

Reducing soft drinks gives the taste buds time to adjust to less sweetness. Over time, some people may begin to find very sweet drinks excessively sweet and become more comfortable with water or unsweetened beverages. This can make healthier choices easier because the person no longer feels that every drink has to be sweet to be enjoyable.

It can save money

Stopping soft drinks can also have a financial benefit. A person who buys one bottle every day may not think much about the individual cost. But the expense becomes more obvious when the purchases are added together over several weeks or months.

Someone who buys several bottles a day spends considerably more. Reducing this habit can free up money for other needs.

Fire on Monday gutted the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Western Marine Command office in Apapa, Lagos, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which reportedly started at about 10:23am following an electrical surge in the conference room, spread to other sections of the building.

The officers on duty made frantic efforts to contain the fire before officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at about 10:45 am.

The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Timothy Jonah, who had just resumed at the command to take over from his predecessor, described the incident as unfortunate.

He said, ‘I just resumed duty to take over, only to witness this fire outbreak.

‘Every challenge, though negative, is an opportunity to strengthen our operations.

‘In the meantime, we will set up a committee to investigate the cause of the fire.’

Jonah commended the swift response of personnel on duty and their collaboration with the fire service, saying measures would be taken to strengthen safety protocols and prevent a recurrence.

The NNPC Limited/FIRST EandP Joint Venture (JV) has successfully completed the 4th edition of its medical and health outreach programme in Bayelsa, bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents in its 11 KEFFESO host communities: Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Ezetu 1, Ezetu 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri.

The outreach, which began on September 21, provided free medical consultations, laboratory testing, eye and dental screenings, eye surgeries, health education, and other critical healthcare services.

Organised in partnership with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (KHCDT) it was supported by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, ophthalmologists, laboratory specialists, and public health practitioners.

Individuals identified during the outreach as needing surgery for treatable eye conditions were enrolled in a specialised eye surgery program at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa. The surgeries will be fully funded as part of the medical outreach initiative.

During the kick-off, Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, represented by Advisor for Community Relations, Isaiah Ali, emphasised that the ongoing success of the initiative demonstrates NNPC Limited and its partners’ commitment to the well-being of the communities they operate in.

‘Healthcare is an essential aspect of our responsibility because healthy communities are better positioned to engage in education, economic activities, and other facets of community development,’ he said.

‘Medical outreaches play a crucial role in our collective efforts to improve access to healthcare in our producing communities. They create opportunities to provide essential medical services, promote early detection of health conditions, and raise awareness of healthy practices,’ Igandan stated.

Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST EandP, Emmanuel Etomi, represented by Head of Social Performance Ayebatonye Benjamin-Basuo, added that the outreach is part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the well-being of its host communities through sustained investments in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.

Etomi mentioned that the KEFFESO Medical Outreach has served over 10,000 people across 11 communities over the past four years, offering residents of remote areas access to quality healthcare services.

This initiative provides preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatment, helping to overcome barriers such as distance, transportation challenges, limited access to medical personnel, and high costs associated with specialist care, which can delay or prevent timely medical attention.

Dr Ngowari Torunana, the Director of Services at the Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State, praised the residents of the various communities for their peaceful coexistence with the company, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to deliver medical services to residents of these areas.

Dr Henry Amaegberi, Vice Chairman of the KHCDT, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman, His Royal Highness Theophilus Moses, commended FIRST EandP for fulfilling its mandate of ensuring the well-being of its host communities and encouraged residents to take advantage of the unique opportunity for free medical care provided by the joint venture partners.

Mrs Christiana Ebiye, a beneficiary of the KEFFESO outreach, shared her gratitude to FIRST EandP, noting that the program provided her with access to medical attention that would otherwise have been difficult or costly to obtain.

Borno State has been designated as the North-East Zonal headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to bring taxpayer support and dispute-resolution services closer to individuals and businesses across the geopolitical zone.

The development was disclosed in Maiduguri, when the Tax Ombud/Chief Executive of the Office of the Tax Ombud, Dr John Nwabueze, paid a visit to the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Dr Nwabueze said the establishment of the zonal headquarters in Borno would enhance taxpayer support services across the North-East and contribute to improving the tax-to-GDP ratio of both the state and the nation, given Borno’s strategic economic and revenue position in the zone.

The Tax Ombud noted that tax-related disputes, including challenges arising from multiple taxation, were inevitable at the subnational level in a vibrant commercial environment. He stressed that it was established to provide timely, transparent, impartial and amicable mechanisms for resolving disputes between taxpayers and tax and revenue authorities.

‘While the payment of taxes remains an inalienable civic responsibility, taxpayers equally deserve to be treated fairly, respectfully and in accordance with the law as they fulfil this obligation,’ Dr Nwabueze said.

According to him, the establishment of the Office of the Tax Ombud represents one of the landmark achievements of the ongoing tax reform agenda of His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, aimed at building a fair, efficient and citizen-centred tax system.

Responding, Governor Zulum pledged the necessary political will and support to ensure the successful hosting of the North-East Zonal Headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud in Borno State.

The governor also pledged the immediate provision of an office building and other necessary facilities required for the take-off of the zonal headquarters in Maiduguri.

To demonstrate his commitment, Governor Zulum constituted a committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Finance and other senior government officials to engage with the Tax Ombud and identify the immediate needs and requirements for the office to commence operations in Maiduguri without further delay.

In the long term, Governor Zulum directed the Director-General of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), which is responsible for land administration, to provide suitable land for the development of a permanent regional headquarters of the Office of the Tax Ombud.