Category: Nigerian Tribune

A coalition of civil society and accountability advocates under the umbrella of the Network for Transparency and Economic Reform (NETER) has commended Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), his ‘transparent and reform-driven leadership’ in opening the company’s books to parliamentary and public scrutiny.

The commendation comes in the wake of confirmation by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts that the NNPCL has formally responded to 19 audit queries raised against it by the Auditor-General of the Federation, relating to discrepancies of about N210 trillion in its financial statements between 2017 and 2023.

In a statement on Friday, Dr. Lukas Yusuf, President of NETER, said the decision of the NNPCL management to engage directly with the Senate and provide detailed responses to all audit questions marks ‘a refreshing departure from a culture of opacity that had long defined Nigeria’s oil sector.’

‘For once, Nigerians are witnessing an era where their national oil company no longer hides from scrutiny. The fact that the management of NNPCL, under Bayo Ojulari, took the initiative to respond comprehensively to all 19 audit queries shows a willingness to submit to institutional accountability. This is how confidence in public institutions is built,’ Yusuf said.

He said Ojulari’s conduct since assuming leadership of the NNPCL has reflected a ‘clear break from the past,’ noting that his approach to corporate governance aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision of transparency, fiscal discipline, and reform within state-owned enterprises.

‘The reforms happening under Ojulari’s watch are in direct sync with President Tinubu’s call for the restoration of integrity in public corporations. When a company like NNPCL opens its financial records to legislative scrutiny, it sends a powerful message that accountability is no longer negotiable,’ Yusuf added.

The group urged Nigerians and the media to give the process time to run its full course, noting that the Senate Committee had already confirmed receipt of the company’s responses and was preparing to scrutinise the documents in detail.

‘We commend the chairman of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, for maintaining professionalism in handling such a complex process, It is important that this exercise is completed transparently and that the public is fully briefed when the committee presents its findings,’ Yusuf advised.

He also noted that this is the first time in the NNPCL history that it is publicly engaging with an audit exercise of such scale and depth since its transition to a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

‘Before now, NNPC’s books were a mystery to everyone. For a long time, Nigerians only heard figures without ever seeing the process behind them. Today, we are seeing a new phase where financial and operational data are being shared, audit questions are being answered, and accountability mechanisms are being tested in real time. That is historic,’ he added.

Yusuf further called on citizens, civil society, and industry stakeholders to support the ongoing reforms rather than politicise them, saying the process represents a national effort to rebuild public trust in the management of oil revenues.

‘Transparency does not thrive in isolation. The same citizens demanding accountability must also encourage it when they see genuine effort. We urge Nigerians to see this as a collective win for governance, for democracy, and for the economy,’ he noted.

The Network for Transparency and Economic Reform also reaffirmed its commitment to tracking the implementation of NNPCL’s responses to the audit queries once the Senate completes its review, saying it would issue an independent assessment of the process later this year.

‘Our mission is to ensure that this new wave of accountability in the petroleum sector endures. The transparency we are beginning to see in NNPCL should become the new standard for all public institutions in Nigeria,’ the statement added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Friday that the appointment of Professor Joash Omupitan to head the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must end the ‘inglorious era of glitches and inconclusive elections’ in the country’s democratic journey, an assignment placing a huge burden on the shoulders of the Professor of Law.

The opposition party noted that while it would not question the constitutional power of President Bola Tinubu to nominate his choice for the position of the INEC chairman, Omupitan himself must be prepared to meet the expectations of Nigerians by conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible polls at all times.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, who gave the party’s position in Abuja, also challenged the Senate to be thorough in screening the nominee by asking ‘all the relevant and important questions voters expect to hear from them.’

He said, ‘Over the years, we have said we need to have strong institutions. The Senate and the nominee must know that INEC is critical to the sustenance of democracy.

‘The nominee will have a heavy burden and will help to reduce and eliminate the concerns that Nigerians have about free, fair, and credible elections.

‘INEC has been a beneficiary of so much goodwill, and the nominee must know that Nigerians will no longer accept excuses.

‘The idea of glitches and inconclusive elections is no longer welcome.’

Ologunagba also spoke again about the defection plans of several governors from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying that the PDP was about the people, not individuals or groups of individuals.

At least two governors, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Peter Mbah of Enugu State, have been rumored lately to be considering joining the APC.

Incidentally, Mbah is the Secretary of the PDP’s National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) for its Ibadan convention scheduled for Ibadan on November 15.

Douye, last month, chaired the party’s zoning committee, which recommended the zoning of its 2027 presidential ticket to the South, a recommendation that was eventually endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP.

Ologunagba argued that it would amount to ‘unnecessary waste of energy’ for the PDP to devote time to the ‘distractions of defection’ when the party’s convention was certain to be held next month.

He added, ‘There is unnecessary attention being given to defection or no defection, especially when the defections are induced by the coercion, intimidation, and harassment of the APC.

‘What will make a difference in the 2027 poll is the insecurity that is ravaging Nigeria. People will have to join the PDP in rescuing the country from the APC, from the insecurity and the hunger they have caused.

‘That is why the APC is jittery. So, defection or no defection is not sufficient to derail us.’

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Dr Adebayo Lawal, who also spoke on the rebuilding of the PDP, exuded confidence that the party would bounce back in 2027 to reclaim control of the Federal Government.

Lawal, who chairs the Sub-Committee on Venue for the Ibadan convention, explained that the determination of party loyalists to strengthen the PDP was the main reason for the convention to elect a new National Working Committee (NWC) to steer the party into 2027.

‘Nigerians are waiting for us as an alternative. We will come out united and stronger to take our place after the 2027 election’, he said soon after the inaugural meeting of his committee in Abuja on Friday.

‘PDP is forming the next Federal Government of Nigeria. There is hope, commitment, and understanding.

‘Today, we came to inaugurate our venue sub-committee. The venue of any convention is critical to the success of that particular event.

‘We can’t afford to have chaos at our convention. We have divided ourselves into further 10 sub-committees to make our work easier and faster’, the deputy Governor said.

On its part, the Labour Party (LP) called on Professor Omupitan to distinguish himself in office by serving the interests of the majority of Nigerians and not necessarily those who put him in office.

LP’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tony Akeni, reacting on behalf of the party, stated, ‘He must choose who he will serve and the legacy he wishes to leave behind for his name and posterity.

‘He must choose whether to be honoured by more than 230million Nigerians who employed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or to serve the unconstitutional wishes and caprices of a single man, Tinubu, who appointed him.

‘To help him make that choice, Professor Amupitan will do well to reflect how more than 230million Nigerians at home and all over the world will forever remember his immediate predecessor, Professor Yakubu Mahmood.’

Every few years, technology delivers a new wave. Right now, it’s AI. And unlike some past eras, this one may give Nigeria more than just catch-up: we have real chances to lead.

Nigeria is not just another market; we’ve got land, population, a young, adaptable workforce, and growing digital density. Combine that with recent investments in skilling and policy momentum, and you have conditions where AI could power not only tech firms, but entire sectors. Look at energy, logistics, agriculture, telecoms: all filled with opportunity areas that AI can help fix. But what will really determine where Nigeria lands is how we turn potential into action by fixing gaps, building trust, and investing in real infrastructure.

A Roadmap to Follow

The Nigerian government’s National AI Strategy signals that AI is no longer a pipe dream but a national priority to drive economic growth, social development, and technological leadership.

That vision is now backed by real research and investment. Microsoft, in partnership with PwC and Lagos Business School, recently released a report outlining how Nigeria can accelerate AI adoption. Among its findings: the nation already shows early success across fintech, agriculture, and health tech. The report highlights the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator, both designed to close Nigeria’s digital skills gap. The roadmap emphasizes governance, infrastructure, and ethical frameworks as critical enablers for sustained AI progress.

Why Nigeria Has Real Advantages

Few countries can match Nigeria’s combination of population, ambition, and raw data. With over 200 million citizens, growing smartphone penetration, and a vibrant startup ecosystem, the data backbone for AI already exists.

? Energy and Power: While erratic power supply is often cited as a challenge, it could spark innovation in predictive maintenance, smart microgrids, and load-balancing AI systems.

? Logistics and Mobility: AI can streamline routing, optimize deliveries, and reduce congestion costs in urban centers like Lagos and Port Harcourt.

? Agriculture: With thousands of smallholder farmers, AI can improve crop yields, weather prediction, and supply chain visibility.

? Fintech and Telecoms: Nigeria’s fintech dominance from mobile money to fraud detection is already powered by data science. The next leap is AI-driven automation and personalization at scale.

Global giants are investing in Nigeria’s AI strategy. Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative plans to train one million Nigerians by 2026, and Google continues to fund AI research hubs and cloud infrastructure across Africa.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The country’s chronic infrastructure issues, from unstable electricity to poor broadband, should no longer be treated solely as barriers. They are invitations for innovation and investment. The same instability that frustrates entrepreneurs could encourage smarter distributed energy networks (microgrids) and more resilient edge computing systems to bring data processing closer to where it’s generated.

But technology without governance is fragile. Meta’s recent $220 million fine by Nigeria’s data protection authority and competition commission for mishandling user data shows the cost of lagging in oversight. A second settlement worth $32.8 million this year reinforced the point. These cases underline the urgency of data sovereignty, ensuring Nigerian data fuels Nigerian growth, not foreign algorithms.

Ethical AI isn’t a Western luxury. It’s a necessity for trust, especially in economies where digital adoption is skyrocketing faster than regulation. Stronger data audits, user consent enforcement, and transparency in how models are trained will determine whether AI benefits citizens or exploits them.

Thinking Big, Acting Local

Nigeria’s AI strategy and Microsoft’s roadmap offer a joint playbook: build capacity, enforce trust, and enable collaboration between public and private sectors. The government’s task now is execution, ensuring incentives for startups, reliable energy, and active monitoring of AI deployments.

Through years of working on data and technology programs across different contexts, one insight has become clear: innovation thrives where infrastructure and ethics meet. For Nigeria, that intersection could define not only our digital future but our global influence.

Next Steps for Nigeria’s AI Ecosystem

? Power Infrastructure Reform: Expand incentives for renewables and storage, supporting continuous AI operations.

? AI Talent Acceleration: Scale programs like 3MTT and AI Skills Navigator nationwide.

? Data Governance: Enforce transparent audits, clear data ownership, and ethical AI standards.

? Local AI Development: Fund pilot projects in energy, logistics, and agriculture showcasing homegrown solutions.

? Public-Private Coordination: Build a cross-sector AI council to align strategy, funding, and regulation.

Kevwe Onome-Irikefe is a technical program manager with extensive experience in data analytics, engineering, and quality at companies including Salesforce and Google. She leads programs that ensure data reliability and coordinate cross-functional teams across industries and regions. Outside of her technical work, she mentors underrepresented professionals through Code and Culture and serves on the board of the Society of Women Engineers, Columbia River Section, United States.

Looking after your health is highly important. Diet and exercise are the two most important changes you can make. Even if you’ve never been active, it’s never too late to get started. A healthy diet and physical activity are good at any age. As you age, these healthy habits strengthen muscles and bones.

Strong muscles and bones reduce serious injuries related to falls. When your muscles are strong, activities like getting up from a chair or opening a door are easier. When lifting weights, start with a 1-pound or 5-pound weight. If you don’t have weights, use a can of soup, a book, or a full bottle of water. Keep your weights in the same room as your television. Do a few exercises while you watch.

Another way to build muscle is to use a resistance band. This is also called an exercise band. Resistance bands are flexible and come in different lengths. They are commonly used to strengthen upper arm and leg muscles. Try these tips when aiming for a healthy diet and exercise. You don’t have to change your diet all at once. Try making 1 small change at a time. For example, instead of eating 2 slices of white toast for breakfast, replace 1 of them with a slice of whole grain bread. If you drink orange juice every day, eat an orange 3 days a week instead.

Eat whole fruit rather than drinking fruit juice. If you like salty snacks, try low-fat popcorn instead of potato chips. Add more fiber to your diet. Fiber reduces constipation; helps with weight loss; reduces the risk of diabetes, pre-diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer; and lowers your blood cholesterol level.

Men over age 50 should get 30 grams of fiber per day; women over age 50 should get 21 grams per day. Good sources of fiber include beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Try the Mediterranean diet. This heart-healthy diet promotes foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. It does not include a lot of meat, dairy, or sweets. Drink more water. Water flushes out toxins. Staying hydrated will give you more energy. Eat more whole foods. This means eating food as close to its natural state as possible, like fresh fruits and vegetables and food that is the least processed possible, such as whole grains. Exercise can improve chronic diseases, such as diabetes. It also can improve your emotional outlook.

A healthy diet and exercise help feed your brain. This improves your decision-making abilities as you get older. Consider these changes: Exercise 20 to 30 minutes on most days. A combination of aerobic (walking, swimming) and strength training (weights) is best. Walking is one of the easiest activities to start. You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once. Try walking for 15 minutes twice each day. Or walk for 10 minutes 3 times each day.

Exercise with a partner. This makes exercising more fun and it’s social. Consider a group, an individual, or even your dog. If you don’t like to walk, consider other activities. Try gardening, dancing, fishing, tai chi, or yoga. Any active activity that you enjoy can benefit your health. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Your muscles will likely be sore when you first increase your physical activity. But don’t consider that a reason to stop. Mild soreness will go away in a few days as you become more used to exercise. How active you are and what you eat are habits. Adopting healthy habits can be tough at first. By starting small and rewarding yourself for each step you take, you can make a difference in how good you feel. You may find it easier to be more physically active and eat more fiber if you think of every day and every meal as a chance to do something good for yourself.

Ahead of the November 2025 elective national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the venue sub-committee on Friday held its inaugural meeting.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal is a major step in the party’s preparations for its much-anticipated elective convention scheduled for November this year in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In his remark, Hon. Olajide, who is the secretary of the venue sub-committee and House of Representatives member representing Ibadan northwest/southwest federal constituency of Oyo State, expressed delight at the commencement of the committee’s work, describing it as ‘both strategic and symbolic.’

According to him, the responsibility before the committee goes beyond logistics, noting that the venue preparations must reflect the PDP’s core values of unity, progress and discipline.

‘This gathering marks yet another important step in our collective journey to strengthen the People’s Democratic Party and reaffirm its enduring values of unity, progress, and service to the people,’ Olajide said.

He stressed that the success of the convention would depend largely on the sub-committee’s attention to detail, from venue layout and security arrangements to logistics and hospitality.

‘The convention is not just an event,’ he added, ‘it is a statement of our readiness to lead, to renew and to reposition the PDP for greater victories ahead.’

While commending the leadership of the party and the national working committee for the confidence reposed in the team, Olajide urged members to approach their assignment with ‘a deep sense of duty, commitment and teamwork,’ emphasising inclusivity, transparency and efficiency as guiding principles.

He further charged members of the sub-committee to see the assignment as an opportunity to showcase the PDP’s organizational excellence and capacity to rally Nigerians around a shared vision of progress.

‘Every detail matters,’ he noted. ‘Our work here will set the tone for the success of the entire convention. Together, we will deliver a convention that will not only make our party proud but also send a strong message of unity and preparedness to Nigerians across all divides.’

The meeting, which drew members from across the party’s national and zonal structures, officially kick starts preparations ahead of the most crucial conventions which is expected to shape the PDP’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The report of a court case in which an applicant is seeking an order meant to deny former President Goodluck Jonathan the right to seek re-election to the office of the president in 2027 is both amusing and bewildering.

That a man will willfully go to court to say ‘give me a perpetual injunction restraining another man from contesting an election’ makes the venture a serious matter. Indeed, the very essence of the matter, including its elementary merits and expected result, reminds me of one of my grandfather’s warnings. This particular warning was directed at one of his Ikwunne brothers during their periodic convivial gatherings one Orie evening.

The venue that day was Mbaramata in Amizi Isuogu, a thriving university community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. My grandfather and his brothers had converged on this compound for their merriment, wine, and banters. These men used the occasion of the Ikwunne gathering to let their hair down, rekindle their filial network, as well as dig into issues of the welfare of members of their group and their family on the one hand, and their communities on the other.

These men had been brought together by fate, which made them brothers. Their mothers hailed from the same hometown and had been married in Amizi, where they were born. They were thus Ikwu Nne (relatives through motherhood). It was a gathering which I found was meant not just to fraternize and make merry. They also fervently sought their own welfare and that of their community, and they would discuss traditional issues of concern in their fathers’ community and take a position. My dear Papa Isaac, on some occasions, would give me hints when I would be the lucky one to ride his ‘white horse’ bicycle home.

I loved that one of the best aspects of their meetings is that it is not devoid of kolanuts, bitter kola, food, palm wine, ugba, meat, and other such accoutrements. During the latter course of their usually heavy meals, they played music, chanted panegyrics, and sang cognomen. I loved the Ikwunne meetings.

During one of such outings, my grandfather said to one of his colleagues: ‘When you wake up in the morning and the chicken in your compound begins to chase you, run because you wouldn’t know if it had grown teeth overnight.’ This was as hypothetical as it was putative, but the imagery brings to life the sudden tendency to scamper and retort in agitation over matters that have Goodluck Jonathan in them.

For months now, just like we had it in 2023, there have been imaginary political flyers with Goodluck Jonathan as the imprint. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight to it, and this has greatly triggered the powers that be. There had been a State House press release by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in response to the assumed certainty of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s candidacy in 2027. Then, the court case by one Mr. Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi instituted at a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Also in the mix is that earlier response by Mallam Garba Shehu to reports attributed to the same ex-President Jonathan. He spoke at the launch of a book by General Lucky Irabor in Abuja. Shehu, who served in the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, came with guns blazing in defence of his boss. He said Jonathan was a liar to have said that Boko Haram once nominated Buhari as their representative in a proposed peace parley with the federal government.

As against Jonathan’s revelation that Buhari was the nominee of Boko Haram, Garba Shehu said rather the group bombed and nearly killed Buhari in Kaduna for disparate ideologies. Mallam Garba Shehu didn’t say these when the reports of Buhari’s nomination were fresh and widely published by the media. The matter actually died in the embryo because there are still no clear signs that any negotiation took place at the height of the insecurity in 2012.

It was a pointer to the possibility that between the nomination and an actual interaction, a lot of water must have passed under the bridge. We must also not forget that the Boko Haram issue, which is at the very foundation of the ravaging insecurity in our country, is as confusing as the true ideology of Boko Haram itself.

However, here we are in 2025 denying a 2012 subject matter and calling the man at the heart of the core matter a liar. Garba Shehu even said, ‘If this is a campaign statement towards his bid for the presidency in 2027,’ Jonathan was making ‘a false start.’ The conditional clause ‘if’ notwithstanding, these people are already sounding like the presidential race by Jonathan had really and seriously started. So, to them, the chicken has grown teeth overnight, and they must run from it and take cover.

While to us, everything about a return to the political turf of Jonathan is still in the realm of conjecture, Mr. Onanuga has actually given life to the speculations. He said in a statement that Goodluck Jonathan was welcome to contest against the incumbent Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but that people should remember that Jonathan was dismal as a president.

The good thing about Bayo Onanuga’s preemptive onslaught against Jonathan is that he himself acknowledged that Professor Jerry Gana was the man who had drafted Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race. It is still not that it was Jonathan himself who said all that he was reacting to. So, one would wonder why he should be running when the chicken is chasing after him? Could it be that the chick has grown teeth overnight?

Mr. Onanuga, in his statement of September 29, 2025, guaranteed that Goodluck Jonathan ‘will have his date in the court of the land.’ He added: ‘Indeed, the jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies the constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term in office.’

Then, seven days after Mr. Onanuga’s promise, the case instituted by Mr. Johnmary Chukwuasi Jideobi was filed, and the news media reported it on October 7. While it is all looking like there is a case of ‘the hands of Esau and the voice of Jacob,’ we should stress the need to use our tongue to count our teeth.

These people in the corridors of power are doing that already. For the speculations around Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party, they are counting their teeth with their tongue. They have also decided not to leave anything to chance by taking to their heels early enough at the approach of the fierce-looking chicken.

On the cusp of my grandfather’s advice, we could then say that these people are now running from pillar to post because a seemingly harmless, ‘rudderless,’ and ‘weak’ Goodluck Jonathan appears serious with the presidential race. What have they seen appearing on the horizon? Why would the entire apparatus of the Federal Government and the ruling party be so triggered by the mere humming of the name of Goodluck Jonathan by a lone Professor Jerry Gana?

What has changed about the man they so heavily vilified while he was in Aso Rock? What about him now creates this amount of fear in them? Is Goodluck Jonathan now such a threat? Or could it just be that other contestants do not want him to pour sand in their garri?

So, the man who was the butt of all the social media jokes and mockery of the APC has now turned around to be their source of chills? Why would there be a sudden rush to put wedges before a man they once saw as impotent? These panic measures, including that absurd but offensive court case by Jideobi, make it look like tables have turned as we race towards 2027. And we are still in God’s 2025!

A situation in which people worry about what they claim doesn’t worry them is curious. Could it be that Jonathan has now grown teeth overnight? Is it distractive bellyaching? Or is it that the powers that be want to permanently seal Jonathan’s political coffin?

The Oyo State Government has launched a critical, all-in-one health intervention, the Integrated Measles-Rubella, nOPV2 (polio), HPV, Routine Immunisation, and NTD campaign and is strongly urging every parent and caregiver to ensure their children are vaccinated.

During the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, officials emphasized the government’s proactive commitment to child health. The First Lady’s representative appealed directly to the public:

‘I urge every parent. to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines,’ highlighting that this campaign is about protecting children from preventable diseases.

‘This campaign is about giving our children a fair chance at life. I urge every parents, caregivers, and guardians to take full advantage of this opportunity and ensure their children receive all vaccines, including this current round that begins here in Oyo State,’ she said.

She noted that the campaign’s commencement in Oyo State underscores the government’s proactive stance on healthcare and its commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected from vaccines preventable diseases.

In her goodwill message , UNICEF Health Specialist, Lagos Field Office, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, commended the Oyo State Government for its leadership and unwavering commitment to child survival and development.

Agbo described the integrated campaign as a ‘powerful statement’ that places the health of children at the center of the state’s development agenda.

‘By combining measles, rubella, polio, HPV vaccination for nine-year-old girls, Routine Immunization, and NTD interventions, Oyo State is demonstrating coordination and efficiency that will save more lives and reach more families,’ she stated.

She emphasised UNICEF’s continued partnership with Oyo State Government through support for vaccine logistics, cold chain management, waste disposal, social and behavior change communication (SBCC).

‘Beyond providing vaccines, we must ensure that communities understand, trust, and embrace these life-saving interventions. Every child protected today is an investment in the peace and prosperity of our tomorrow,’ Agbo added.

Also in her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, said the campaign aims to reach every eligible child aged 9 months to 59 months with the measles-rubella vaccine.

He explained that the integrated campaign will also deliver Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education to strengthen routine immunization and promote holistic child health.

‘No child in Oyo State should be left behind. We are taking vaccination to schools, markets, churches, mosques, and other community centers. This is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck,’ he said.

Ayinde appreciated the support of UNICEF, WHO, NPHCDA, and other partners for their technical and financial assistance, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in improving vaccine coverage and child health outcomes in Oyo State.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media to continue mobilizing citizens and dispelling misinformation about vaccination.

‘Even if a child has been vaccinated before, there is no harm in receiving it again. Let us all work together to protect our children from preventable diseases,’ he urged.

The integrated immunization campaign is part of efforts by the Oyo State Government and partners to achieve universal health coverage and ensure that every child in the state enjoys a healthy start to life.

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, ha successful destroyed several illegal crude oil refining sites in the creeks of Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, during a precise, intelligence-driven air operation carried out in the area.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Service , Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

It explained that the operation was part of sustained efforts to curb economic sabotage and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region.

The statement read, ‘during the mission, NAF aircraft identified active illegal refining sites concealed within a densely forested area near Owaza. The location, completely isolated and without visible human activity, was confirmed through credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. The aircrew engaged the targets with precision, neutralising the sites and halting ongoing illegal operations.’

It clarified that the attention of the Air Force had been drawn to claims by a group alleging that the airstrikes affected a local gin distillery in Umuebele, though no casualties were reported.

It further explained that, in line with NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, CHMR-AP, necessary steps had been taken to verify the situation.

It added that the NAF reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international best practices, assuring that its operations would continue to prioritize civilian safety while combating criminal activities and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the mismanagement of the oil spill clean up funds in the Niger Delta region on Friday commenced it’s assignment with an assurance to finding a lasting solution to the problem

Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee in Abuja, its Chairman Hon. Okpolupm Etteh declared that ‘ the region can no.longer endure another decade of unfulfilled promises.

He said, ‘The Niger Delta cannot endure another decade of unfulfilled promises. It is high time we transformed words into action.

‘The Niger Delta has faced years of environmental degradation and untold damage due to oil exploration and frequent spills. We, therefore, seek the cooperation of all stakeholder, government agencies, communities, civil society, and the media to help us effectively achieve our mandate.

‘This House has also received reports that Funds allocated for clean-up efforts have not produced the anticipated outcomes, leaving communities still affected, livelihoods in jeopardy, and public trust diminished.’

The lawmaker disclosed that the establishment of the committee underscored their shared commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and environmental justice for the people of the Niger Delta.

He assured that they will be firm and thorough in their discharging their responsibilities.

‘Our committee has been assigned the critical task of uncovering the truth, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and proposing reforms for sustainable solutions.

‘Our objectives are clear: We will investigate the utilisation of funds designated for environmental remediation, review the actual execution of clean-up projects, identify deficiencies in the institutional framework, and engage with all relevant stakeholders, including host communities, experts, and civil society.

‘Most importantly, we will recommend specific actions to enhance performance and rebuild public trust. We will operate transparently, seek broad consultations, and conduct field visits to witness the situation firsthand. Agencies will be held accountable, community perspectives will be valued, and our conclusions will be based on factual evidence rather than emotions,’ he assured.

Speaking earlier before inaugurating the committee, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas expressed optimism in the ability of the committee to carry out an excellent job and deliver on its mandate.

The Speaker who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, emphasized that it was important to unravel the alleged rot in the management of the funds appropriated and released for the clean up of oil spill in the Niger Delta over the years with little or nothing to show for it

He said, ‘I have no doubt in my mind that with the caliber of honourable members in this committee, they will deliver on the mandate giving to them. I am very confident and certain and convinced that each and everyone of you have the capacity to deliver.’

He urged the committee to discharge its responsibility with utmost sense of responsibility and commitment assuring them of the leadership’s support.

My Uncle who has Kidney problem has been placed on a twice weekly dialysis. Kindly let me know how long he has to be on dialysis to survive.

Blessing (by SMS)

You could live few decades with dialysis if the patient sticks to proper diet plan and regular follow up with nephrologist. Kidney is like a plastic filter and if it is strained with overload, the filter will start breaking and get decayed.

Once the filter is decayed it cannot be regenerated in anyway. The only way is transplant otherwise dialysis. During dialysis, blood is filtered on an external filter.