Category: Nigerian Tribune

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, flagged off the Light Up Abuja programme, encompassing Lots I and II.

Lot 1 will take care of Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, Asokoro and Airport Expressway while Lot 2 is comprised of Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, Mabushi.

The Light Up Abuja Project, includes supply and installation (retrofitting) of integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting fittings of 300W Zolar Powered lights luminous flux ranging from 7,500lm to 17,500lm ongoing Streets and Expressways with necessary accessories. The project is to be completed within six months.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Minister stated that the light-up project was the most challenging one he has ever embarked upon.

He stated that there was, however, enormous sabotage against achieving a well-lit Abuja, stressing that many vested interests were constituting a front against the programme, vowing he would ensure the initiative worked. Wike revealed that some of the interests sabotaging efforts to keep Abuja well illuminated at night stemmed from criminals who prefer darkness, dealers in vandalized streetlight installation parts, contractors, and others who push files for the maintenance of streetlights, claiming huge sums of money.

The Minister explained that the streetlights to be installed are embedded with security features that will send signals to security agencies whenever tampered with, thereby preventing vandalism.

He also stated that the new streetlight project includes a five-year maintenance plan, which will be handled by the contractors.

His words: ‘Today’s event is a very difficult one -difficult in the sense that this is a very important project but has given us a lot of headache. Headache not in the conceptualization, but headache in how it will work, knowing that in this country, people are always sabotaging government efforts.

‘It has been a source of concern for me and my team. But we felt that we must take up the challenge. When we came on board in August 2023, one thing anybody who visits Abuja or resides in Abuja will identify is that almost 80 per cent of the entire city was in darkness.

‘Secondly, there was this issue of insecurity when we came on board. So, we are trying to see how we can tackle this issue. If we continue to leave Abuja in darkness, obviously, insecurity will increase.

‘So, we decided to do what we can with what was available. Every time, you will hear of sabotage -cables have been removed, poles have been vandalized. Every time, you see papers coming in for the maintenance of streetlights, making us keep spending money.’

The Minister decried that sometimes, while rushing to receive the President at the airport at night, everywhere would be dark.

According to the Minister, as one responsible for solving the problems, it became a nightmare, and he started having minor migraines thinking about the way out.

He revealed that the solution was arrived at when he accompanied the President to Beijing, where he entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGC and CCECC to provide not only streetlights but also water supply.

Earlier, in a vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, appreciated the FCT Minister for his ‘unwavering leadership and vision,’ saying it continues to drive sustainable infrastructural development across the Territory.

Dr. Mahmoud stated that the project was not just about lighting up Abuja streets but also ‘about safety, security, sustainability, and service to the residents.’

She added: ‘It will promote clean and renewable energy, thereby reducing the city’s carbon footprint. More importantly, it will support the Administration’s Smart City Agenda, making Abuja a model for sustainable urban living.’

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda, while providing an overview of the project, stated that it would provide integrated and hybrid solar streetlights in the districts and expressways.

He also stated that the programme would ensure uninterrupted lighting to enhance navigation at night, surveillance to guard against theft, reduced electricity bills, improved aesthetics, and job creation for the people.

Bello Tukur, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and Vice Chairman of its Nigerian Chapter, has built his career in the commercial shipping industry where he currently works with River Lake Shipping, a firm involved in tanker, dry bulk, and offshore services. In this interview with selected newsmen, he speaks on the role of shipbrokers in global trade, the opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s maritime industry. TOLA ADENUBI brings the excerpts.

MANY people may not be familiar with the work of a shipbroker. How would you describe the profession and its relevance?

A shipbroker is essentially an intermediary who connects charterers with ship owners. We facilitate transactions-whether it is the sale and purchase of vessels, arranging chartering for tankers and bulk carriers, or providing offshore support services. Globally, shipbroking is a critical pillar of commercial shipping because it ensures that cargo and vessels meet efficiently in the marketplace.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers has been around for more than a century. What role has it played in shaping global maritime education?

The Institute has set the standard for commercial shipping education worldwide. For over 100 years, it has provided structured learning for professionals, and its members today are spread across major shipping lines, oil companies, and global commodity houses. For newcomers, the Institute offers a range of subjects that can be tailored to individual interests-whether in chartering, operations, or shipping law. It gives aspiring professionals a solid springboard into a global career in maritime commerce.

Let’s talk about Nigeria. From your perspective, what are the major issues confronting the Nigerian maritime sector today?

The most glaring challenge is infrastructure. Our ports were originally designed for about 50 million metric tonnes of cargo, yet they are handling over 100 million tonnes. That overstretches facilities and slows down cargo clearance. The new deep-sea ports with automated cargo handling are easing some of this pressure, but we still record delays in certain terminals. Security has improved, but insurance premiums remain high, and Nigeria has not yet been removed from the global piracy list. Beyond that, regulatory inconsistencies and overlapping agencies often complicate operations. The high cost of logistics-23% of GDP compared to a global average of 12%-is also a drag on competitiveness. The ICS contributes by developing skilled professionals who can help manage these issues more efficiently and by promoting best practices across the industry.

How can shipbroking support Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement?

Nigeria currently has fewer than 40 qualified shipbrokers, and many unqualified individuals are filling the gap. This limits our ability to influence and expand intra-African trade. Take liner services, for example-shipping goods to Europe is often cheaper than moving them to a nearby African port, like Abidjan. That happens because of poor scheduling, irregular services, and limited capacity. With proper shipbroking structures, we can pool investments, set up coastal shipping services, arrange voyage or time charters, and build regional trade corridors. If done right, goods will no longer need to pass through Europe or Asia before reaching African destinations.

The government has introduced the Marine and Blue Economy Policy. Do you think it can transform the sector?

It is a commendable policy. It seeks to unlock the potential of our oceans by improving port efficiency, encouraging aquaculture, promoting shipbuilding, and investing in marine renewable energy. The target is to grow the maritime sector’s contribution to GDP from less than 1% to over 6% by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, the policy leaves out port and coastal clusters, which could help regions specialise, create jobs, and fully exploit marine potentials. To succeed, implementation must be backed by strong public-private partnerships. Only then will it move from being a good plan to an excellent outcome.

How do you see shipbroking evolving in Nigeria in the years ahead?

Globally, shipbroking is a billion-dollar business. In Nigeria, it is still developing, but it holds promise as a driver of local participation. Many indigenous operators depend on waivers because they can’t afford specialized vessels. Shipbroking offers an alternative through chartering. While NIMASA’s attempt to involve banks in vessel financing is laudable, many locals still can’t meet the requirements. Shipbroking can bridge these gaps by standardizing agreements, easing access to vessels, and building technical expertise. It is a tool that can significantly boost indigenous presence in tanker, bulk, and offshore markets.

Beyond NIMASA’s policies, what regulatory changes would you like to see?

The key issue is fragmentation. For instance, waivers are not issued by NIMASA but by the Ministry, when there is no local capacity. Instead of making waivers the default option, regulators should insist on chartering first. There is no vessel-whether rigs, offshore craft, or cargo ships-that cannot be accessed through time or voyage chartering. Making chartering compulsory before granting waivers will encourage local operators to build capacity sustainably.

What are your thoughts on how the government can grow maritime revenue?

The government must commit to full implementation of the Marine and Blue Economy Policy. This includes stronger regulation, proper monitoring of both public and private players, and a clear focus on capacity building. If this is done, Nigeria’s maritime sector could increase its GDP contribution to between 7-10% by 2030. That growth will translate into new jobs, industrial expansion, and greater export capacity.

What opportunities does the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers provide for capacity building in Nigeria?

We run three main programmes: Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE): Covering Diploma and Advanced Diploma stages. The other one is Dissertation Route, which is a two-year programme for seasoned professionals who want to become full members. Then there is Certificate and Short Courses: Such as ‘Understanding Shipping,’ CPD programmes, and customized training for companies. We also admit students as members, giving them access to international-standard exams and resources that prepare them for careers in commercial shipping.

How does ICS link Nigerian shipbrokers to global best practices?

Our headquarters in London connects us to the global hub of shipping. We collaborate with BIMCO, the IMO, the Baltic Exchange, and the World Maritime University. Our training modules are aligned with international trade standards. We are also working to deepen partnerships with Nigerian universities-over 20 of them already run maritime programmes. Through exchange programmes and hands-on training, we hope to expose students to the realities of the global maritime marketplace.

The Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund has been a subject of debate. Why has it been so difficult to disburse, and what is your advice to the government?

The truth is that, unless shipping development becomes a true priority, the CVFF will never achieve its purpose. A framework has now been developed to guide disbursement, but the challenge lies in ensuring transparency and proper targeting. The fund must be released to operators with proven expertise, entrepreneurial ability, and genuine involvement in shipping-not just politically-connected individuals. Only then can it serve its purpose of building indigenous fleet capacity and contributing to the growth of the blue economy.

THE Lagos state government has dismissed claims by former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, that buildings recently demolished at the Trade Fair complex by the state government had valid approvals.

Obi, who visited the complex, had commended traders for their restraint and described the exercise as a test of impunity, justice and compassion.

The former LP presidential candidate also alleged that the affected structures were approved by the authorities.

But while reacting to Obi in a statement, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described Obi’s remarks as not only misleading but an attempt to misinform the public.

According to him, investigations revealed that the owners of the demolished structures did not obtain planning permits from the Lagos State Government.

He explained that government had last year declared a general amnesty, giving property owners multiple opportunities to regularise their papers, but the owners failed to comply.

‘When physical planning officials visited the complex, they were attacked, and police had to rescue them. Even when the government invited the owners for dialogue, they refused to show up,’ Omotoso stated.

The Commissioner clarified that while the Trade Fair Complex Management Board, a federal agency, may manage leases and commercial activities within the facility, it has no powers to grant building approvals.

The Commissioner said, ‘Physical planning and building approvals remain the responsibility of the Lagos State Government.’

‘The Supreme Court in 2003 (AG Lagos v. AG Federation) affirmed that states retain authority over development control within their territories, including federal lands, except for exclusive federal enclaves like military formations,’

He maintained that the state government acted within the law, stressing that any construction without Lagos State planning permit is illegal and subject to demolition.

He said the state government will always uphold the rule of law in the interest of safety, order, and sustainable development, saying: ‘We must decide the kind of society we want – one governed by law or one run by emotions, fueled by political interests.’

Nigeria will showcase 105 of its brightest innovators at the Grand Finale of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 in London, as the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) described it as the nation’s most defining innovation moment of the decade.

The Director General of NBTI, Dr Kazeem Kolawole Raji, announced this at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, calling the initiative ‘a national movement, not just a competition.’

He said, ‘On October 9, 2025, in the city of London, 105 of Nigeria’s most outstanding innovators, selected from over 3,000 ground-breaking entries, will converge at the Hilton London Paddington to pitch revolutionary solutions across HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and more,’ Dr. Raji declared.

He added: ‘This is not merely a competition-it is a bold, ambitious, and coordinated effort to connect grassroots ingenuity with global capital; to match local innovation with international collaboration; and to catalyse a new generation of entrepreneurial problem-solvers powered by vision, excellence, and global ambition.’

The NextGen Innovation Challenge was launched on May 28, 2025, in Abuja by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji.

A national showcase followed in July, where the top 105 innovators, representing every state and the FCT, presented their projects before an audience of policymakers, industrialists, investors, and diplomats.

According to Raji, the projects went through an international vetting process ‘led by Prof. Hari Mohan of London South Bank University, a world-renowned and award-winning inventor,’ ensuring what he called ‘transparency, global standardisation, and credibility.’

The innovations range from a smart wearable Bra-X for early breast cancer detection to AI-controlled drones for precision farming, ventilators capable of supporting six patients simultaneously, affordable clean energy systems, and next-generation financial technologies.

‘These innovations are proof that Nigeria’s creativity and problem-solving genius can compete anywhere in the world,’ the NBTI chief said.

Explaining the choice of venue, Dr. Raji noted that London was a hub for global capital and innovation.

‘London provides the ideal platform to connect Nigerian innovators with global venture capitalists, present their ideas to diaspora investors, network with European industry leaders and policy influencers, and unveil strategic innovation partnerships,’ he said.

The London finale will feature innovation pitches, a consortium project showcase-including the $1 billion Innovate Africa-Israel Solar Project-and global spotlights from SpinLab (Germany), Innovate UK, Zumah FinTech, and the Commonwealth Roundtable.

Keynote speakers will include the CEO of Tesla Group Europe, Dr. Shambhu Pokharel; the UK’s Global Entrepreneur Programme lead; Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Nnaji; and Amanda Frankel Haber of Innovation: Africa.

Raji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda has rekindled the flame of innovation and empowered young Nigerians to dream beyond borders.’

He also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the British High Commission, and state governors who sponsored innovators from their states.

He saluted Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, for providing subsidised and complimentary flights to London.

‘Your patriotism is unmatched, and your commitment to nation-building inspires us all,’ Raji said.

The DG also announced the launch of its Global Innovation App, designed to connect Nigerian innovators with diaspora markets and international investors.

Looking ahead, Raji revealed that the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 would be launched at the London finale, with entries opening in the first quarter of 2026.

‘Let the world take notice: Nigeria has arrived-not as a consumer of technology, but as a global leader in innovation. We are not exporting talents-we are amplifying solutions from Africa to the world,’ he clarified.

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, has dismissed the insinuation that Nigeria may become a one-party state, stating that the country’s complexity cannot tolerate such political arrangements regardless of the strength of the political party in power.

The former lawmaker, who posited that one-party state is dangerous and worse than military regime, added that those attempting to coerce, or lure elected political office holders from opposition parties into the ruling party are wasting their time and that voters will have the final say when elections are held.

He told newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, that there is speculation that Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and four other governors will soon join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), saying however that Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly denied the speculation despite pressure from some quarters.

‘Attempting to establish Nigeria as a one-party state is futile. A one-party state can be much more deadly than a military regime. Governor Mutfwang is at ease in the PDP and would work with whoever becomes the president of Nigeria in 2027, regardless of party, to advance the nation; therefore, those calling on him to join APC would be better off burying the rumor.

‘The Plateau State Governor has publicly denied joining the APC on several occasions; therefore, I don’t think he has any interest in doing so. Despite several appeals, he has refused to back down on this issue,’ he stated.

He expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win elections at all levels in Plateau State come 2027, saying the party’s relationship with the people of the state has been symbiotic since the inception of this democratic dispensation.

On the insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country, Senator Mwadkwon maintained that state police will go a long way towards the myriad of security challenges, adding that those opposed to it have no compelling reason to support their position given the number of people killed, kidnapped, and properties destroyed.

He declared, ‘I am a strong supporter of the State Police. Nigeria will not be the first nation to implement this; at one point in time, when we had what was known as local government native authority police in Northern Nigeria, crime was at its lowest.

‘The idea was that the police should be close to the people, but my position is that those against it may have hands in the killings. If those opposing it had been victims, either directly or indirectly, they would not oppose it. Human lives are sacrosanct and should be protected.’

He implored the National Assembly and the government to go to the grassroots and sample the opinion of the people on whether they want state police or not instead of relying on the elites alone to discuss the issue.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on Thursday said that the centrality of Abuja, coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials, is germane to strengthening NPA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to continuously grow non-oil revenue by connecting local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods.

According to him, the position of Abuja as the centre of the country is strategic to the NPA’s renewed trade facilitation focus that places a high premium on port-hinterland connectivity, which Abuja’s centrality accentuates, presents a seamless linkage with the comparative advantages inherent in all regions of the federation that can be harnessed to sustain growth in the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.

He said that as Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the authority is always proud to be associated with the noble cause the Abuja International Trade Fair represents, especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualising most of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

The NPA MD used the opportunity of the occasion of the ‘NPA Special Day’ to invite the entire trading and investing public to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other vistas of opportunity present at the Nigerian Ports Authority.’

He said, ‘As some of us are aware, in our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade, we established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods.’

Dantsoho explained that the EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the ports in a quick turnaround time, thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.

He said to facilitate the port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the export value chain, the EPTs have been structured to have a seamless handshake with the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), as well as the Inland Dry Ports.

‘To align with the economic stabilization resolve of the Federal Government and the theme of the year’s fair ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation’ we are unifying our various operational channels into a singular transaction gateway known as the Ports Community System (PCS) which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) which sustainably eliminates all forms of opacity and attendant delays associated with undue human interference,’ he stated.

Dantsoho further explained that the NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button, saying NPA has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe.

He assured every stakeholder that the doors of NPA are always open for partnerships even beyond the trade fair, urging them to visit the NPA’s fully interactive online, real-time website www.nigerianports.gov.ng to access our growth offerings.

As Nigerians mark October 1 Independence Day, many instantly think of the green-white-green flag and parades. But the independence moment produced a number of smaller, often-overlooked objects, places and cultural markers that helped shape how the new nation presented itself and how Nigerians remember 1960.

In this article,Tribune Online highlights seven lesser-known symbols tied to Nigeria’s independence and what they mean today.

1. The original flag sketch that included a red sun

The flag we know was not the first version chosen on paper. Designer Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi’s winning entry originally had a 16-ray red quarter-sun on the white stripe; the independence committee removed the sun before official adoption. Akinkunmi’s simple green-white-green won from thousands of entries.

2. The Nigerian Independence Medal

Instituted for military, police and selected British personnel serving at independence, the circular cupro-nickel independence medal carries the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse and the Nigerian coat of arms with the inscription ‘Nigeria Independence, 1st October 1960’ on the reverse. Its ribbon mirrors the national colors.

3. The 1960 ‘Independence Commemoration’ postage stamps

Postage stamps printed for the independence celebrations small collectibles today featured local sites and commemorative designs that circulated nationwide and abroad. They were part of the visual campaign that announced Nigeria’s new identity to the postal world.

4. The Coat of Arms’ hidden floral touch: Costus spectabilis

Nigeria’s coat of arms (formally adopted in 1960) is packed with symbolism: the black shield, the white wavy ‘Y’ for the Niger and Benue rivers, the eagle and horses and at the base, the yellow Costus spectabilis, Nigeria’s national flower, which many people don’t recognize by name.

5. The original national anthem

‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ was the anthem at independence (lyrics by Lillian Jean Williams) before being replaced in 1978. In May 2024 the government moved to readopt the independence anthem – a reminder that symbols chosen in 1960 still spark debate about history and identity.

6. The Race Course the place the Union Jack came down

The Union Jack was lowered and the new Nigerian flag hoisted at the Lagos Race Course in the hours around midnight on October 1, 1960 the physical site of the transfer of symbols and sovereignty. The ground would later be redeveloped and is remembered today as Tafawa Balewa Square.

7. The Constitutional Instruments presented by Princess Alexandra

At the ceremony, a representative of the Crown Princess Alexandra of Kent formally presented the constitutional instruments of independence (the legal parchment and formal transfer documents). Those ceremonial papers were the literal legal symbols of Nigeria’s new status.

Symbols aren’t only decorative. They package values, legitimize power and anchor public memory. Some like the flag or anthem are visible to everyone; others, like the medals, stamps, buildings and even a particular state-ball playlist, quietly shaped how independence felt and was broadcast to Nigerians and the world. Revisiting them sharpens how we tell the story of 1960 beyond the headline moments.

Recent advances in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) now make it possible for couples to select the sex of their baby before pregnancy. While the procedure is medically reliable, it comes with financial, ethical, and legal considerations.

In this article, Tribune Online examines key facts you should know:

1. The process is nearly 100% accurate

Through Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), embryos are tested after about five days of development. Doctors can then determine sex chromosomes (XX for female, XY for male) before implantation.

2. First designed for medical reasons

Sex selection began as a way to prevent passing on sex-linked disorders, such as hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

3. Parents also choose for personal reasons

Some couples opt for gender selection for ‘family balancing’ or when they only want one child of a specific sex.

4. The cost is significant

According to Nevada Fertility Center, choosing an embryo’s sex adds $1,000 to $4,000 to the cost of IVF, which is already expensive.

5. Ethical debates remain strong

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has urged caution, noting that non-medical gender selection raises concerns about bias and the commercialization of reproduction.

6. Not all countries allow it

While the United States permits elective sex selection, many countries ban it unless it is for medical reasons. Policies also vary between clinics.

7. More male embryos are chosen

Reports show that IVF transfers often result in more male embryos than female, with ratios as high as 164 males for every 100 females.

THE Oyo State government, in partnership with the Society for Family Health, the Planned Parenthood Federation, and other organizations, has urged women to make family planning a norm, emphasizing that contraception provides families with the freedom to plan, the power to choose, and options for all.

During a speech at the 2025 World Contraception Day in Ibadan, organized by the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, the Society for Family Health, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, and other partners, Mrs. Folashade Olatunde, the State Family Planning Coordinator from the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, emphasized that women should space their children for the benefit of both their own health and that of their children.

‘We are not advising them against having more children in the future. We want there to be a gap between each child to improve the woman’s health. Additionally, the health of the children will also benefit. We don’t want them to give birth every year, she stated.

According to her, family planning services are free and serve as a means to reduce maternal mortality rates.

Mercy Okeyode, State Programme Officer for the DISC 2.0 project in Oyo State at the Society for Family Health, explained that the celebration aimed to ensure women have access to all family planning options, enabling them to make informed decisions for their lives and families, prevent high-risk pregnancies, and reduce maternal mortality.

She declared, ‘The goal is to reduce the rate of abortions and unplanned pregnancies in the states. Contraception offers multiple benefits at various levels-for the individual, the family unit, and the nation as a whole.

‘We want to increase awareness and visibility of family planning throughout the state. Representatives from all 11 LGAs in Ibadan Metropolis are present at the celebration. We hope they will take these messages back to their respective local governments, intensify efforts to raise awareness, empower women to take charge of their health, and encourage men to support their wives in making informed choices for their families.’

In a statement, Mrs. Ajibola Adesope, the PPFN state clinic officer, reassured the public that family planning is about helping people decide when and how to have children, not about preventing them from having children.

‘Many people, due to the misconception that family planning is intended only for married couples, begin to restrict young people’s access to family planning services.

Unless you want to shy away from it, many unmarried couples also have unprotected sex. They, too, need protection from unintended pregnancy,’ Mrs. Adesope added.

Dr. Aderonke Atoyebi, the Medical Officer of Health for Ibadan Northwest Local Government in Onirike, told women during her health talks that a woman can recover from the stress of pregnancy and childbirth before choosing to become pregnant again if she allows sufficient time between pregnancies.

She urged increased support from husbands to enable women to space their children, enhanced training for healthcare workers on family planning, and greater government investment in health education for both women and men.

Dr. Atoyebi stated that health education is essential for dispelling myths and misconceptions about family planning, which will increase the utilization of family planning services.

A rally to raise awareness about the benefits of family planning and the availability of free family planning services was held as part of the 2025 World Contraception Day celebrations in marketplaces and communities.

The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised Niger riverine communities the River Niger and Kaduna to relocate.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah and made available to journalists in Minna on Thursday.

The statement added that the Agency’s warning is coming as a result of the discharge of water from Kainji, Shiroro, Zungeru and Jeba hydro dams located in Niger state.

The NSEMA boss said, ‘The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute that could lead to the overflow of these rivers.

‘The state government hereby advise our communities to limit activities around River banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded.

‘People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified. NiMeT’s latest prediction indicated that the end of the rainy season will be accompanied by a violent windstorm; as such, people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures.

‘The state is already experiencing the negative impact of the flooding with houses, farm lands, bridges, and linked roads washed away in some LGAs located upstream and downstream of the 4 dams, rendering many homeless and affecting the socio-economic activities of the communities.

‘The affected LGAs include Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Gbako, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Mashegu, Agwara, Bida, Edati, Munya, Bosso, Chanchaga, Paikoro and Wushishi.

‘Loss of lives has also been recorded, stressing that the assessments of the flood impacts are still ongoing and periodic updates will be provided.

‘NSEMA, hereby, calls on all the stakeholders, the traditional institutions, well-meaning Nigerlites and the media to help in propagating this information to the general public.’