Category: Nigerian Tribune

In compliance with the South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council directive abolishing the Eze Ndigbo title outside the core Igbo-speaking states, the Niger State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has ordered all title holders in the state to adopt the new title ‘Onye Ndu’ (Leader) within three months or face sanctions.

The decision, announced in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Elders Council/Board of Trustees, Chief Joseph Chukwuemeka Onuigbo, and the state president, Chief Emmanuel Ezeugo, also abolishes the use of ‘Royal Highness’ and ‘Royal Majesty’ among Igbo title holders in Niger State.

According to the statement, any Igbo traditional title holder who fails to comply after the deadline will lose recognition at Igbo gatherings in the state. The move, the group said, aligns with the directive that the Eze title is reserved only for government-recognised monarchs within the South-East.

Meanwhile, a new executive committee has been elected to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Niger State for the next four years. At the election held in Bida, Dr Martins Orji emerged as President-elect, with Barr-Sebastien Ogbogo as Secretary, Pastor Dan Okoro as Treasurer, and Ikechukwu Agbo as Auditor.

It is clear, therefore, that it is not Nigeria that need to be big the foreign exchange elements of any bold and ambitious plan that economically. She is, potentially, an economic giant already. It is we may make. As to what we have to do to overcome these obstacles, we, her sons and daughters, that have need to enlarge our outlook, there can be no dispute or equivocation. We must think, and widen the scope of our planning, to match her in the immediate present, hire the required know-how from natural gianthood abroad, and, as a long-term policy, after the fashion of Meiji.

In ordinary justice to her size and potentialities, therefore, it is Tenno, the great Japanese Emperor and inspirer of the imperative that we should think and plan big for Nigeria. But even modernisation of Japan sends our boys and girls, our menthe sheer gargantuan nature of our problems demands big and and women, to any part of the world where they can acquire massive approach to the necessary know-how and expertise; and all over the place, we talk about winning the peace. Some think accumulate enough foreign exchange resources on our own that peace can be won by ‘de-biafranising’ the Ibos; others think supplemented with such external aid as friendl; that the way to peace is to create more States in order that some of govemments.and sympathetic foreign institutions may be the citizens of the new States might become Ministers, disposed to give us, to pay for the importation of foreign Commissioners, Judges, Permanent Secretaries, Board Members, know-how, expertise, and capital goods etc.; others still believe that peace can only be secured by keeping during the war, we had to plan rigorously and think big, to survive the army in power for many more years; and so on, and so forth. As we have done, without any blemish on our national honour and offer no comments here on these and other suchlike lines of thinking, self-respect. The momentous challenges of peace. But I say unto you’, that there will be no genuine peace in this acknowledge and proven potentialine, of our great country for country, unless, in the main, the war against grinding poverty, hunger, giant economic growth enjom upon all of us greater exertions of preventable diseases, squalor, and ignorance among the masses of body, brain, and mind – now and in the years to come our people, is waged throughout the land, with the same united purpose, patriotism, and grim determination as we had waged the war against secession. It is, perhaps, not generally realised that, in NATIONAL GOAL CANNOT BE ACHIEVED all history, the root causes of rebellion and violent discontent are the evils which I have just enumerated.

WITH EASE AND SIMPLICITY

We have won the civil war. Yes, indeed. But to win the war for a powerful national motivation. This is the text of a speech peace, we must recognise the real enemies. Otherwise, all our efforts would be totally misdirected and dissipated. As far as I can discern, the Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry the aggressors against peace and stability in Nigeria are abject and Mines of Nigeria at its First Annual Conference. Poverty, hunger, diseases, squalor, and ignorance. They are more devastating in their ravages, more insidious, more thorough, and it is a great pleasure for me to be given the unique honour of addressing this First Annual Conference of your Association. I want to assure you that, when I say this, I am not merely trying to be courteous or uttering a platitude.

In a temporal sense, this is an infant Association. The truth of this is borne out by the fact that, whilst this is the First Anniversary of your existence, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has just held its 80th Annual General Meeting.

In essence, however, and by its sheer composition, this Association can be said to be as old as, and, by analogy, wiser than any of its members.

Speaking from experience of similar organisations in other parts of the world, this is an instance where the whole can be said to be much greater than the sum of its parts. The saying – ‘two heads are better than one’ – does not truly express what is common to the experience of all of us here. For other things being equal, the integration of the exertions of two wise heads in the solution of any problem achieves far greater, far better, and far quicker result than that which can be achieved by two heads operating separately. This is particularly so in economics and other kindred disciplines.

In the Preface to THE GENERAL THEORY OF EMPLOYMENT, INTE’R.EST AND MONEY, the late Lord Keynes speaks of the commission of ‘undue proportion of mistakes if one thinks too long alone in economics .’

It appears that you have succeeded in this Association in providing a forum for the pooling of the rich and diverse mental resources of our great country in order to bring them to bear, in harmonious combination, on the varied and complex economic problems which beset us, without ever running the risk of diminishing returns. In this way, you have done a valuable service to the country’s business interests and to the Federal Government.

Hitherto, the absence of a country-wide organised commercial and industrial body, which can speak with one voice for the whole of the private sector, made it difficult for the Federal Government to ascertain and, wherever possible, reconcile the conflicting interests involved. But henceforth, you have presented the Federal Government with an Association with which it can deal without any doubt as to its country-wide representativeness. For this reason, I assure you that the Federal Military Government will do all in its power to co-operate with, and make use of, this new Association as an effective channel of mutual communication between it and the members of our business community.

Nollywood star Muyiwa Ademola is basking in excitement after clinching the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement 2025 award at the Film Exhibitor Showcase organised by FilmonEng.

The veteran actor, producer, and director, known for his deep storytelling and signature emotional delivery, could hardly hide his joy as he took to Instagram to share the big news with fans and colleagues.

In a heartfelt post, Ademola, popularly known as AuthenticMuy, described the win as both surprising and humbling. ‘I’m hardly caught unaware and unprepared! Alas, it happened this evening. OUTSTANDING CINEMATIC ACHIEVEMENT 2025. I felt so elated and excited receiving this amazing award from @filmoneng in the presence of industry giants,’ he wrote.

The actor revealed that being the first-ever recipient of the award made the recognition even more special. ‘Being the first time they would do this blew me off completely and sincerely, I really want to do more,’ he added, hinting at more ambitious projects ahead.

Ademola expressed deep gratitude to God, his cast and crew, and his family, acknowledging their unwavering support through the highs and lows of his filmmaking journey. ‘A very special thanks to God Almighty. A big thank you to my entire cast and crew, my beautiful and amiable family,’ he said.

He also extended appreciation to his colleagues in the industry, media professionals, cinema houses, friends, allies, management team, and global fan base. ‘I received an award on your behalf tonight, everyone,’ he declared, dedicating the milestone to all who have supported his career.

The Orirebirth team, which worked closely with him on his recent projects, also got a mention in his emotional post, as the actor emphasized the collective effort behind his success.

Closing his message with gratitude, the award-winning filmmaker promised to keep pushing creative boundaries. ‘It took all, but you have given me reasons to do more. I am humbled and honored with this gesture. Big love,’ he wrote, signing off with his trademark humility and optimism.

The Nigerian Army had advised traditional rulers and other community leaders to partner with security agencies in combating insecurity in their domains.

The Special Guest of Honour, Major Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, gave the advice during the Nigerian Army Stakeholders Engagement Forum held in Owerri, Imo State.

The event is aimed at engaging communities in the state on how to effectively participate in combating security challenges in their immediate environment.

Ajunwa, in his opening remarks, urged the stakeholder to be cautious of activities capable of causing a security breach in their localities.

He noted that the Nigerian Army has put in its best in ensuring that communities in the southeast region are violence-free, adding that the Army, through efforts of its Imo Command, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, has been able to tame the tide of violent crimes in some Local Government Areas of the State.

He said the summit is in line with the policies of the Chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to create a harmonious relationship between the Army and the civilian populace, hence the theme of the summit, ‘Taking The Nigerian Army To The Communities’.

The guest speaker, Brig. Gen. G. O. Anyalemechi, rtd, in his presentation, described it as unfortunate that after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, the civilian society erroneously started seeing the army as enemies.

Gen. Anyalemechi explained that the Army is regarded as a symbol of strength and honour of its country and will always operate in that light.

He maintained that a good civilian-military relationship is handmaid and produces progressive governance, maintaining that the civilian populace should take responsibility for helping the Nigerian Army in the fight against insecurity by providing them with reliable information.

Also speaking at the forum and the President of Orluzurume Youth Assembly, OYA, Prince Izunna Obiefule, in his speech, commended the military for initiating the programme.

He regretted that the insecurity situations in the state and other parts of the Southeast were mainly provoked by poor leadership, marginalisation and unpatriotism.

Obiefule said if those who command political and economic authority in the country shun greed and corruption, insecurity could not have been the bane of the Nigerian nation.

He said: ‘The fight against insecurity should start with good governance. Misgovernance sparks crime and violence. While employing democratic governance, rulers should liaise with the Ezes and other relevant bodies in the communities to form local vigilante that only consists of the indigenes to nip insecurity in the bud.

The event, attended by various stakeholders in the state including traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, and youth representatives, among others, was aimed at fostering a healthy relationship between the Army and civilian society while ensuring peace and orderliness.

Matcha is a Japanese green tea that was usually served at ceremonies before it became global. It is now beyond just tea; it is also used for cooking. The powdered form is added to make cake and ice cream. Matcha tea is unique for its taste and appearance because it is grown and produced differently compared to black tea.

Below are the health benefits of matcha tea:

1. Aids weight loss

The presence of caffeine and compounds in matcha tea can aid weight loss. They help to reduce fat and accelerate metabolic rate.

If you can combine matcha tea with walking every day for about thirty minutes, there would be a significant difference in your body weight.

2. Boosts brain health

Matcha tea contains chlorophyll, polyphenols, theanine, and caffeine, which are all beneficial to the function of the brain.

Caffeine can heighten your alertness, memory, and also energize the brain.

Its antioxidant properties may prevent the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

3. Supports heart health

If you’re worried about your heart health, you can try matcha because it encompasses the ingredients that reduce your risk of having heart disease and conditions like stroke and heart attack.

4. Strengthens the bone

Green tea can strengthen your bones; make it healthier and reduce the risk of bone fractures, but rather increase bone mineral density because it is high in plant compounds that help in increasing antioxidants and reducing oxidation.

5. Improve gut health

When you take matcha and it gets to the large intestine, the polyphenols in it do not absorb but are broken down by gut bacteria.

In return, polyphenols are also beneficial to the bacteria in the gut. They enable them to improve the function of the gut and the immune system.

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State on Sunday flagged off the 2025 Carnival Dry-run, heralding the beginning of what promises to be a spectacle of celebration of culture, unity, and creativity as the iconic event marks 20 years of existence.

Speaking at the Millennium Park in Calabar, where the ceremony took place, Governor Otu expressed immense excitement and optimism about this year’s edition, describing it as a historic convergence of reconciliation, cultural revival, and global attraction for Africa’s biggest street party.

‘I feel very excited and so glad that this coincidence has happened,’ Governor Otu said. ‘Like the Bible says, all things work together for good for those who trust in the Lord. God knew why He made it so, that today we are not only celebrating reconciliation and unity but also marking the 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival.’

The Governor, while extending a warm invitation to tourists and fun-seekers across the world, assured that the 2025 Carnival Calabar Festival would be one of the most vibrant and colourful editions ever witnessed.

‘I am welcoming the whole world to come to Calabar and enjoy this great party with us,’ he declared. ‘If you do not come, you are going to miss too much. The theme this year, ‘Traces of Time’, captures our journey through culture, creativity, and transformation. You will see your heritage beautifully displayed right here in Calabar, the home of culture and heritage.’

Governor Otu commended the organisers, band leaders, and stakeholders in the state’s creative industry for their perseverance and commitment to sustaining the Carnival Calabar brand over the past two decades, urging them to make this landmark anniversary edition truly unforgettable.

‘We have the biggest street party right here in Calabar,’ the Governor emphasised. ‘Let the world know that the Season of Sweetness is not just about governance; it is also about joy, culture, and unity. Everyone must come and participate.’

The flag-off ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including members of the National Assembly, representatives of other state governments, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and members of the diaspora community, who turned out in colourful attire to lend their support to the cultural spectacle.

The 2025 Carnival Calabar Festival, themed ‘Traces of Time,’ symbolises two decades of evolving creativity, resilience, and cultural excellence. The maiden dry run officially signalled the start of rehearsals and route testing for the grand parades slated for December, featuring the competing carnival bands alongside emerging cultural ensembles.

The immediate past Deputy Executive Secretary of the Administration, National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, has called on both the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to be more realistic in the approach to resolving outstanding issues in dispute.

Maiyaki, who retired from the Federal civil service last Friday after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation, said both the Federal Government and ASUU have a stake in the growth and stability of the University system in Nigeria.

He expressed confidence in the ability and desire of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the demands of ASUU and other staff unions, noting, however, that dwindling resources might limit the efforts of the government in responding to all the challenges at the same time.

In a chat with newsmen during the weekend in Abuja, Maiyaki, who served as the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC from 2023 to 2024, also warned that Nigerian lecturers should not be exposed to ridicule in view of their poor remuneration, saying this was the major cause of brain-drain affecting university education in the country.

He said while the government must realise that the system is hinged on the manpower, the teaching and learning services that the lecturers provide, members of ASUU should also be realistic in their demands from the government.

He said: ‘The system is hinged on their manpower, the teaching and learning services that they provide. But I think as the system evolved, the livelihoods of university staff began to erode by a combination of economic downturn and revenue accruing to the government. So, the government, as much as it would have loved to, is not able to meet the demands of ASUU at the level that they want.

‘So what the situation requires is a balance. There has to be a balance. Both sides have to be very realistic.

‘I strongly believe that the academic staff are deserving of a befitting salary structure so that we do not expose our academics to ridicule. They could be potential victims of recruitment by other systems, by other countries. As you can see, the exodus speaks volumes as to the dwindling fortunes of the Nigerian academics.

‘Nigerian academics have demonstrated intellectual credibility and have gained a lot of accolades, recognition, and are very outstanding wherever they go. Why can’t they remain here and prove their brand and their mettle? We need to create the enabling environment, the ecosystem. I think this is the bone of contention.

‘The survival of the Nigerian university system is at the heart of the struggle of ASUU and we need to, as a system, build consensus around that; the understanding that the university system must survive,’ he said.

He recalled that during the last prolonged strike action by ASUU, when the government invoked no work, no pay, some of the lecturers became Uber drivers, with some of their passengers being their students.

‘That’s very dehumanising. We can do a lot more by repositioning the system in terms of staff emolument, in terms of equipment, in terms of capacity building, in terms of the governance system, in terms of funding. University education capital intensive,’ he stated.

Maiyaki also encouraged younger public servants to uphold integrity, diligence, and professionalism in their duties, reminding them that ‘public office is a trust that must be managed with humility and accountability.’

At an Evening of Goodwill and Tributes organised in his honour by the staff of NUC, Maiyaki was eulogised for leaving a legacy of institutional reforms, capacity development initiatives, and strategic partnerships that contributed to the modernisation of Nigeria’s university administration.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, described Maiyaki as a model of professionalism and institutional memory, having served dedicatedly and diligently under six different Executive Secretaries of the commission and 18 Ministers of Education, while also serving as an acting Executive Secretary of the Commission for more than one year.

Former Executive Secretaries, Professors Julius Okojie and Adamu Rashid, who also graced the occasion, applauded his remarkable intelligence, hard work, and humility that he exuded throughout his service.

ON Thursday last week, the Senate screened and confirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee for the position of the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. The Law professor was drilled for more than two hours and asked cogent questions related to the assignment at hand. Though most of those questions should have been directed at Amupitan’s predecessor in office, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Law professor, showed himself at his diplomatic best, while at the same time showcasing his knowledge about the nation’s electoral process.

Amupitan was asked about the key challenges in the electoral process, especially the role of BVAS and IReV, as well as the complexities of election logistics. He minced no words, stating that only credible elections would promote public confidence in the nation’s democracy. He also touched on the possibility of deploying drones to handle election logistics so as to ensure that no voter is left behind during the polls.

‘If elections are credible, it becomes easy to regain the confidence of the people,’ Amupitan said. It was as if he was directly responding to the challenge of election apathy among Nigerians, which has seen voter turnout drop by as much as 26 per cent since 1999.

He addressed the questions of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IRev), as well as the failure of these two innovations to deliver electoral security in the 2023 elections. The new INEC Chairman was right to say that he would audit the situation, to be able to tell the capacity of the nation’s infrastructure and the electoral commission to deliver on the innovations.

Hear him: ‘A lot of people did not know until the Supreme Court came out to say that BVAS wasn’t a mandatory collation system. It was supposed to guarantee some checks and balances. The glitches during the presidential election eroded the credibility. I will need to get there and audit the system to know whether we have the capacity. I must also consult with other stakeholders like the Nigerian Communications Commission.’

He also deployed his knowledge of the governmental system when he told Senator Abdul Ningi, who raised questions on technological inputs in the electoral process, by saying: ‘On the issue of court decisions and technological systems, there has been confusion over certain innovations introduced by INEC, such as the electronic collation system. The Supreme Court has clarified some of these matters. When we assume office, we will assess the infrastructure on the ground, review the technology, and adopt the best approach that enhances transparency and credibility in elections.’

The new INEC helmsman also left us with some soundbites which we can challenge him with in the months ahead, when he said his watchword would be to ensure no voter is left behind. ‘On the issue of security and logistics, I recognize that these are major challenges due to the size and diversity of our country. We will work closely with the Joint Committee on Election Security to enhance protection of materials, personnel, and voters – especially in high-risk areas.

‘We will also invest more in logistics and technology to ensure that every part of Nigeria is adequately reached. If necessary, we can deploy innovations – such as drones and other secure means – to guarantee that election materials reach their destinations. No voter will be left behind. That will be our guiding principle,’ he said.

The professor also mentioned the need to set up an electoral offences commission as one of the key issues on his agenda. But he touched on a critical point when he said that he would review the infrastructure on the ground when he assumes office. And that is why I believed that some of the questions put to Amupitan should have been asked Yakubu, who ran INEC for ten years before proceeding on terminal leave. Those questions should have formed part of NASS’s oversight on INEC before Yakubu’s departure.

I say this because the time Amupitan needs to review and audit the system is not there at all. This is October 2025. If we go by the dictates of the Electoral Act 2022, the process for the emergence of candidates for the 2027 elections should start early in the new year. And if the National Assembly members can pull through their new plan to hold presidential and gubernatorial elections more than 180 days before the next swearing-in, thus making November 2026 the most feasible date, preparations are already getting late for INEC. Remember that the candidates for presidential elections of 2023 election emerged between late May and early June 2022. That is almost a clear year ahead of the elections. What all these indicate is that the luxury of time is not there at all.

Now, we should be asking ourselves why the National Assembly always waits till the last minute before electoral act amendments are passed. The lawmakers kept everyone guessing ahead of the 2023 elections, and you could see a party like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) going to the May 2022 convention with a hurriedly interpreted version of the Electoral Act. The All Progressives Congress (APC), which delayed a bit, was able to expand its delegate system. It has always been the case that the Senate and the House of Representatives want to wait till the last minute before amendments to the electoral act are passed. That is somewhat absurd. An Electoral Act that would usher in a major election should have been test-run with mid-session elections or byelections to enable us to isolate the challenges that might emanate. The lawmakers perhaps failed to acknowledge that the bulk of the ball is in their court when they fired some questions at Amupitan. These are people who have participated in elections at different levels, asking a university don what he would do to better the nation’s electoral system. They forgot that he is a man who has not operated any electoral act before and is more or less a greenhorn on the job.

Rather than toss the ball to Amupitan’s court, I think the lawmakers must admit that they have wasted too much time delaying the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment bill. You even wonder why the NASS Committees on Electoral Matters were doing immediately after the ruling of the Supreme Court on the 2023 presidential election, which defined the roles of BVAS and IReV among the technological innovations INEC brought into the electoral process in 2023. I cannot account for the long silence from the NASS committees all through 2024 and for most of 2025. And so, we have to wait till the last quarter of the year before we start struggling to pass the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Instead of beating about the bush on this matter, let us tell the NASS members that the most important amendment in the Electoral Act should be the inclusion of BVAS and IReVas electoral legal tenders. The National Assembly must make it mandatory for records on BVAS to count while a candidate is challenging the election data. If there is no correlation between accredited voters and total votes cast, then it should be known that such an election is null and void. The same should go for Irev. Any election result that cannot be uploaded to the portal should not count. Every electoral officer must be compelled to stay on the network for as long as possible until the election results are uploaded. There should be no crime in combining the manual and electronic systems effectively. I know several lawmakers at the state and national level who won elections in the 2023 process because the results from polling stations in their constituencies were uploaded on Irev. It means that only those who don’t have the backing of their constituency would be afraid of BVAS and Irev.

Besides, there is also the need to take away the power to declare winners of an election except through the votes of the people. A situation where the courts are allowed to determine the winners of an election because of alleged irregularities or violence shouldn’t hold anymore. If there is reported violence in an area, the results should be put on hold until a makeup election is held to afford the people of the area the opportunity to cast their ballots for the preferred candidate.

Democracy is supposed to be a government of the people. By all intents and purposes, it should emphasise the rule of the majority of the people, not some judges of the election tribunal, the Court of Appeal, or the Supreme Court. No matter the level of irregularities, elections should be repeated until sanity prevailed at he polls. I agree with Amupitan when he said that only credible polls can restore confidence in the democratic process. If you are close to the grassroots, you will already know the extent of the loss of confidence in the democratic process by the man on the street. You’ve definitely heard of the diboko se obe (vote and cook a pot of soup) saga, which has now engulfed most states of the South. In the North, the issue was about underage voters; now we’ve added the merchandising of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to the ugly trend. If a leader emerges from a discredited election, his loyalty would never be to the people, who are the custodians of power. He would trust in those who manipulated the process to pave the way for him or her. With that, our democracy suffers, development is arrested, and we keep counting years of underdevelopment. Every independence anniversary is devoted to lamentations of missed opportunities and unreached potential. Nigeria is a crawling giant at 65. May we not have it remain a toddler at 100.

In today’s fast-paced world filled with constant distractions, maintaining mental clarity can often feel impossible. Many people struggle to stay productive or even complete simple tasks without losing concentration.

Yet, the ability to improve your focus is one of the most valuable skills anyone can develop, as it influences both personal and professional success.

While there are no instant solutions, small, consistent habits can make a significant difference.

From how you start your morning to the way you manage your digital space, these everyday practices can gradually enhance your focus and help you get more out of each day.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five simple daily habits that can help improve your focus.

1. Start your day with mindfulness

Beginning your morning with a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation helps clear mental clutter and set the tone for better concentration.

Simple breathing exercises or quiet reflection can reduce anxiety and train your mind to stay present throughout the day.

Mindfulness strengthens working memory and cognitive control, which are two essential elements of sustained attention. Even ten minutes a day can help you feel calmer, more centred, and in control.

2. Limit digital distractions

The constant buzz of notifications and endless scrolling are among the biggest enemies of focus. Setting specific times to check emails or social media helps reduce interruptions and allows your brain to settle into deep work.

Using tools such as ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode or website blockers can create a distraction-free zone, especially during work or study hours. With fewer digital interruptions, it becomes much easier to stay immersed in meaningful tasks.

3. Get enough quality sleep

Good sleep is crucial for concentration. When you are tired, your brain struggles to process information and filter out distractions.

Establishing a regular sleep routine, ideally between seven and nine hours per night, keeps your mind sharp and alert.

Adequate sleep improves attention span, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Prioritising rest is not laziness; it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve focus naturally.

4. Take regular breaks

It might sound counterproductive, but stepping away from your work periodically can actually strengthen concentration. The human brain is not designed for long stretches of unbroken focus.

Short breaks refresh your mental energy and prevent burnout. When you return, your mind feels recharged and ready to engage again.

5. Exercise regularly

Physical activity does more than strengthen the body; it sharpens the mind. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, boosting mood, energy levels, and concentration.

It also stimulates the production of hormones that enhance learning and memory.

Even light workouts, such as stretching or brisk walking, can improve cognitive performance and mental clarity.

Making exercise part of your daily routine is a long-term investment in both physical and mental well-being.

Members of the Refuse Contractors Association (RCA) have commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for strengthening the state’s waste management system through recent reforms.

The group praised the governor’s decision to revive the Oyo State Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) and appoint Hon. Waheed Adeniyi, also known as Biiro, as its Chairman.

In a statement signed by its leaders on Sunday, the association thanked the governor for ‘bringing back OYOWMA’ and for ‘the appointment of a good leader, a God-fearing, wise, and politically sound Chairman to lead us.’

According to the contractors, waste management under the Ministry had suffered from limited communication and poor collaboration before Adeniyi’s appointment.

‘Before the arrival of the new Chairman, when the Ministry was in charge of waste management, for over three years, we had little to no involvement. We were not informed, engaged, or called for meetings. Everything was controlled solely by the Ministry, Commissioner, and consultants,’ the statement read.

They noted that since Adeniyi assumed office in July 2025, there has been a ‘remarkable turnaround’ in the management of the sector, describing his approach as ‘inclusive, transparent, and reform-driven.’

‘In less than four months of his leadership, we have had no fewer than five meetings involving both consultants and contractors, either together or separately. This has never happened before,’ the association stated.

At a recent meeting held on October 15, 2025, key decisions were made to improve efficiency and accountability. Among them was the directive that consultants return each contractor’s designated area of operation, allowing everyone to resume work on their assigned routes.

Adeniyi also announced that contractors would now contribute a small percentage of their earnings to the state government to support internally generated revenue (IGR).

In what was described as a shift from past practices, the Chairman emphasised that working rights would no longer depend solely on truck ownership.

‘Whether a contractor owns a truck or hires one, everyone must now work. What matters is keeping Oyo clean,’ the contractors quoted him as saying.

The RCA further stated that Adeniyi assured them their vehicles would not be impounded as long as they operated within their approved routes and followed environmental rules. He also disclosed plans to issue official Area of Operation Permits to all contractors to regularize their activities.

The association described Adeniyi’s leadership style as ‘decisive yet accommodating’ and commended his efforts to rebuild trust between the government and waste management stakeholders.

‘Hon. Waheed Adeniyi has demonstrated a rare kind of leadership. He’s listening, fair, and practical. His commitment to cleaning up Oyo and giving everyone a fair chance to work deserves commendation,’ the statement added.

The group also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for ‘appointing a capable and visionary leader’ and for his continued support of environmental reform in the state.

‘Oyo is cleaner, more organised, and more hopeful under this renewed system. We thank the Governor for his foresight and the OYOWMA Chairman for his dedication to progress,’ the statement concluded.