Category: Nigerian Tribune

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unperturbed and completely not disturbed about the coalition, under the umbrella of African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as ‘food is ready politicians’.

This was just as he said that the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) in 2023 election, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is free to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abdulaziz, who made this known during an interactive session with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano, added that most of these people now ganging up can best be described as food is ready politicians, frustrated because they thought the business is no longer as usual.

Dismissing political coalitions being championed by some opposition figures, he then described their promoters as ‘politically expired, bitter individuals driven by personal vendetta.

‘You should also know that these are a group of bitter individuals. People driven by personal vendetta and a sense of personal loss.

‘Their concern is not the people, is not the ordinary Nigerians. Their concern is that they are not on the table. And Nigerians have sufficiently understood this. And that is why the coalition is not catching fire as they thought it would,’ he added.

While reacting to questions on whether the presidency was worried about the coalition moves ahead of 2027, he said President Tinubu remained ‘completely unperturbed.’

‘President Tinubu is not in any way jittery about whether it is coalition or any political formation. Because one, is that the people that are championing these things, most of them are politically expired,’ he said.

‘There are people with no political weight or relevance that would jitter the government or the president. We have had serial contesters who had, you know, thrown their hearts into the ring on many occasions. And they were fully lost. And nothing much has changed. In fact, their star is dimming.

‘The so-called coalition leaders were only concerned with their exclusion from power rather than the welfare of Nigerians.’

Abdulaziz maintained that Tinubu’s leadership style was focused on tough but necessary reforms rather than political expediency.

According to him, ‘There is a difference between leadership and politics. Politics is a game of popularity. Leadership is a game of nation building. And that is what President Tinubu is doing.

To really take hard-hitting decisions, even if they affect him personally. But those decisions that he feels are for the good of the country,’ he said, citing infrastructure projects, the student loan scheme, and subsidy reforms as examples.

While commenting on the notion that the administration was concentrating major projects in the South, Abdulaziz said such claims lack substance and political sentiment to court favour by disgruntled politicians.

‘These views were ‘largely political,’ he said, noting that the president has continued with multi-billion-naira projects in the North including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline.

Tinubu’s aide therefore stated that if Tinubu ‘is like other politicians and is wicked or doesn’t like the North, he could leave these projects to be abandoned.

‘He can withhold financing. If there is no financing, these projects will stagnate or will even naturally die. But none of these projects that he inherited, which are massive, are actually stopped,’ he added.

He however noted that the Tinubu-led administration was also embarking on new projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry highway, stressing that development under the president was ‘holistic and not fragmented.’

Also commenting on the move by the presidential candidate of the NNPP in 2023 election, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to rejoin the APC, he noted that everybody is free to come to the party.

‘Tinubu’ is a kind of man, who does not forget his friends, ‘ adding that both Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC and Senator Kwankwaso were his good friends and there is no love lost between them.

‘Therefore, political party is about members adding that if today Senator Kwankwaso is ready to rejoin the APC and others also, the door is wide open for them, as numbers matter most in a political party,’ Abdulaziz added.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Kayode Olasehinde, popularly known as Ajirebi, has opened up on his relationship with filmmaker and producer Funke Akindele after the actress’ support during his trying times.

Speaking on Gbenga Olohunlana’s podcast show called ‘ Osupa’ on Osaga TV on YouTube, Ajirebi praised Akindele’s generosity, recalling how she provided him with financial assistance when he was struggling to secure accommodation.

However, Ajirebi expressed sadness that the relationship took a different turn afterwards, adding that while Akindele prefers to give quietly without drawing attention, her silence and withdrawal have left him feeling neglected.

Ajirebi also acknowledged other colleagues who have stood by him, including Kunle Afod, whom he described as consistently supportive.

According to him, Afod mobilised others to assist him during his difficult period, enabling him to build a house within three weeks.

He further appreciated comedian Woli Agba and Ambassador Muritala Adeyemo, CEO of Pelican Company, who made him an ambassador of the Company, gifted him a car and allocated land for another house project.

He said, ‘Funke Akindele is a very good person, I pray her parents live longer to enjoy the fruits of her labour.

‘I appreciate her so much. She saved me when I was struggling. She did not buy an apartment for me. What hurt me is that she does not pick my calls since she helped me, we did not have any misunderstanding.

‘What I notice about her is that she does not like to help and make it known. When it happened, she gave me money to rent an apartment and I did.

‘Kunle Afod also tried for me, he has been doing things, he has been assisting people for long but not known to everyone, people just found out lately.

‘When life happened to me then, he was the one who told Funke and some other people, the money I got then was enough to get a car but I used the money to build a house. I built that house for three weeks.

‘Afeez Owo, Woli Agba and some others also assist. Someone from Abeokuta also stood up for me, Ambassador Muritala Adeyemo, the Pelican CEO.

‘He made me an ambassador of their company, he gave me a Car and gave me another land to build another house.’

The Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, witnessed a landmark moment recently as Gold Star Line’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership, the MV Sapphire, berthed at APM Terminals.

The vessel, built in 2024 and sailing under the Singapore flag, has a carrying capacity of 7,800 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

Speaking at the event, Todd Rives, Managing Director of Lagos and Niger Shipping Agency Limited (LANSAL), which represents Gold Star Line in Nigeria, described the berthing as a historic milestone.

He recalled that Gold Star Line, incorporated in 1958, remains one of the oldest shipping agencies operating in Nigeria, with a longstanding commitment to customer service.

He stressed that the arrival of the MV Sapphire was more than just a routine docking, but rather a symbol of progress and partnership, designed to reduce voyage costs, promote operational efficiency, and reinforce environmental sustainability.

According to him, the vessel is the beginning of a new era in Nigerian maritime trade, and he expressed optimism that her sister ships would also call at the port in the near future.

Kayode Daniel, Commercial Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, described the moment as a significant achievement for the port and underlined the shared commitment to sustainable maritime practices.

He explained that shipping lines globally are working together to reduce emissions, in line with international sustainability targets.

He praised LANSAL for deploying LNG-powered vessels in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reaffirming that it was aligned with the global APM Terminals ESG goals, to move to cleaner sources of energy thereby reducing carbon emissions.

The Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Lawal, represented by the Chief Port Security Officer, Bukar Kaumi, commended Gold Star Line and LANSAL for their foresight.

He noted that the maritime industry is evolving as larger vessels begin to berth at Nigerian ports and stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for such developments.

Lawal explained that LNG vessels are critical in addressing the challenges of climate change, while at the same time reducing costs and driving economies of scale.

He assured stakeholders of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to ensuring a viable and competitive environment for trade.

In his remarks, the Controller of the Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Osoba, represented by Deputy Comptroller Musa Sama, congratulated both the shipping line and the terminal operator for what he described as the dawn of a new chapter in maritime transportation.

He applauded the adoption of LNG technology as a bold step towards a cleaner and more efficient logistics chain, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to support and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure seamless trade facilitation and to enable businesses in Apapa to thrive.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has applauded the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Managing Director/CEO of Ibom Airport Development Company, Mr Uwem Ekanem, and the airport board for the successful restoration of night flight operations at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the governor said the exercise, which culminated in the full calibration and overhaul of navigational aids as well as the reinstatement of airfield lighting, was completed within the 30 September deadline he had set.

With the successful execution of the task, the sunrise-to-sunset restriction earlier imposed on the facility has now been lifted, allowing flight operations to continue into the night with immediate effect.

Governor Eno expressed satisfaction that the airport management rose to the occasion, stressing that the achievement was a direct outcome of his administration’s insistence on meeting deliverables under the Arise Agenda within specified timelines.

‘I congratulate the MD/CEO, Mr Uwem Ekanem, the staff, and the board for getting the job done within the timeline. I am equally appreciative of the invaluable role played by NAMA in ensuring the smooth completion of this project,’ the governor stated.

He assured that the government would not relent in providing the necessary support for the state’s aviation infrastructure, pledging further investments in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the international terminal, and other ongoing projects within the aviation ecosystem.

According to him, the improvements at Victor Attah International Airport are part of broader efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a key player in both aviation and tourism-sectors he described as central to the state’s economic diversification plans.

The governor linked the development to the state’s tourism agenda, pointing out that with night flight operations restored, the movement of tourists and business travellers would no longer be hindered. He noted that this would be particularly beneficial as the state prepares to commission the Arise Resorts in December, which he described as the nation’s premier family-themed resort.

‘Tourism remains a major plank of the Arise Agenda, and this milestone will ensure seamless operations by our flagship airline, Ibom Air, as we welcome tourists and investors into the state during the Yuletide season and beyond,’ he said.

Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Akwa Ibom the tourism haven of Nigeria, adding that with the strides recorded in aviation and hospitality, the state was steadily building a sustainable future with or without oil.

INDEED it is an irony that as a young school teaching, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari (who was to later emerge as the First Executive President in the America styled administration of the defunct second republic) has in 1948 written strongly against the amalgamation. The Northern opposition to the amalgamation process was to be re-enacted against in 1953 debates leading to the call for the independence of the country, when Sir Ahmadu Bello was quoted as saying that the ‘amalgamation process’ was a ‘mistake of 191’. In his book on ‘Nigeria’ the German author Walter Schwarz had quoted Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto as saying ‘I would rather be called Sultan of Sokoto than President of Nigeria’. The above underscores the position about the faith in the geographic expression called Nigeria, previously held by the Northern political elites.

Nationalist movements

The first major constitution for the country since the fusion of administration (amalgamation in 1914) was the Sir Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922). Though the constitution was handed down in veiled reaction to a steady growing feelings of Nationalist movement, its provision failed to completely address the crux of the expectations of the Nigeria elites. The divergence of opinions as between the colonialists and Nationalists may be understandably traceable to a crisis of loyalty and allegiance. The British had for several years after the purported amalgamation, failed and or neglected to translate the full text of the legal concept of amalgamation into a political reality. As much as possible Nigeria had remained a union only for economic reasons and until after the first world war the Northern and Southern sections were being administered as two distinct countries, the south enjoying all the trappings of a normal colony/possession protectorate having an Executive and Legislative councils whilst the Northern part of the country was being ruled by the Governor’s proclamation. In view of this therefore it was difficult for a common outlook amongst the British officials in the North and in the South on the one hand and their wards in the others.

When however following the promulgation of the constitution of Sir Arthur Richards and the division of the country for administrative purposes in 1939, into the Eastern, Northern and Western group of provinces, the colonial administration was reaction to the political reality in Nigeria.

Ever since this administrative division, regional parties had grown from trial organisations. Invariably the largest number of these parties membership were drawn from the regions of the party leaders. The Nigerian Youth movement form in 1934 by Dr. J. C. Vaughan, Ernest Ikoli and Samuel Akinsanya soon disintegrated because of trial jealousies and machinations of rival supporters of Samuel Akinsanya and Ernest Ikoli whop fought over Dr. Kofoworola Abayomi. It was this unhealthy state of affairs which watered the soil of decampings and new entrants into political struggle that greeted the formation on the 24th of August 1944 of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Suffice it to submit that the emergence of NCNC marked the beginning of Nigeria’s tortuous journey into Nationhood. As events were changing in England politically. The effect of the second world war which was going on can also not be over emphasized in considering factors which convinced the British in believing that there must be a gradual process towards a progressive disengagement from her colonies. With the intention of forestalling nationalist demands the British unfolded their plans for constitutional reforms in Nigeria.

Preparation for independence

The Richard constitution therefore tried to address some of the demands of the nationalists by enlarging membership of the legislative council to forty-three. For the first time also the jurisdiction was countrywide unlike what happened before wherein the Northern region was being administered separately. The constitution also contained the provision which related to election of four members, three representing Lagos and one, Calabar. Regional legislatures were established in Enugu, Ibadan and Kaduna with an upper house of Chiefs in the North where the Emirs have been so important and necessary for the purposes of the Colonial administration.

The powers of these regional legislatures were clearly defined. They included mainly a consideration of budgets and also serving as electoral colleges for the legislative council in Lagos. The Richard Constitution was the first attempt in Nigeria’s history of arranging within a Constitutional framework an arrangement to associate different ethnic groups with one another for the purpose of governance. Notwithstanding the far-reaching provisions, the Nationalists were far from being placated and called for a situation wherein more people would be elected. The constitution was also seen by some of the Nationalists as a subtle device by the British to perpetuate the division in the country by creating regions around which vested interest would revolve.

As political awareness increased there arose the need to accommodate people of similar political learnings. The action group emerged from a cultural association of the Yorubas called ‘Egbe Omo Oduduwa’ of which Chief Obafemi Awolowo was Secretary. The Northern Peoples Congress emerged from similar cultural movement in the North called ‘Jaman Mutane Arewa’.

With the formation of the Action Group and the NPC, the NCNC was increasingly identified with the Igbo aspirations. They represented the stage of political situation in the country when in 1951, the Macpherson Constitution came into operation. The constitution actually formalized the informal division of the country into regions by the Richard Constitution. Slight modifications were made in the constitution to enlarge membership of the Legislative and Northern House of Assembly continued to be bicameral i.e. the Governors still had reserve powers like under the Richard Constitution and could be invoked to guarantee law and order and good government. Nigeria still continued to operate a Unitary system since all the subordinate lieutenant-Governors in the regions were still loyal to the Governor General and the state legislature still served as electoral colleges for the central legislature the constitution was still a far cry from true federalism.

In 1953, when Anthony Eronmonsele Enahoro moved a motion calling for the independence of the country in 1956, the British government was quick to point out to the uneven development in the country and the hostility existing between Northern and Southern elites. The motion was roundly condemned as been unrealistic by the Northern Peoples Congress Leadership, Sir Ahmadu Bello later opined that independence at the time the southerners wanted it would have been suicidal for Northerner if they had accented to it. He meant by this that the North would have been at a disadvantage in that most of the administrators would have been southerners because there were few qualified Northerners at the time. Opposition of Northerners to independence earned them public jeers from a motley of crowd in Lagos an unfortunate development which further convinced the Northerners that maybe they after all did not have much in common with southerners.

In 1953, the AG sent a delegation led by Chief S. L. Akintola to the North to appeal to the masses. It was a wrong step forward and the delegation was attacked by rioting NPC supporters which resulted in mutual killings and Northerners and Southerners living in Kano. Alarmed by the violence, the British government became more convinced that a large measure of regional autonomy was expedient and that only a federal system could hold Nigeria together.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has identified key skill areas where it will focus its capacity-building efforts to create optimal job opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, these skill areas include underwater welding, subsea engineering, geosciences, project management, deepwater operations (drilling and production engineering), as well as instrumentation and controls.

Others include digitalization-such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-and helicopter piloting, with training delivered through both classroom and hands-on approaches. Ogbe disclosed this in his keynote address at the ongoing Africa Energy Week (AEW), where he highlighted Nigeria’s success story in local content development.

In his keynote address, entitled ‘From Policy to Prosperity: Scaling Local Content for Africa’s Energy Future,’ the Executive Secretary stressed that no policy succeeds without people. He explained that challenges such as infrastructure gaps and financing limitations should not be reasons to slow down but rather opportunities to deepen collaboration among government, operators, service companies, and host communities to co-create solutions.

He pointed out that these challenges also present opportunities for African countries to harmonize local content policies, create regional supply chains, and leverage continental institutions such as the emerging African Energy Bank. He further urged African nations to ensure that the skills of their citizens, the creativity of entrepreneurs, and the strength of their institutions shape the future of Africa’s energy sector.

Represented by the Director of Corporate Services at the NCDMB, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, Ogbe noted that the local content strategy developed by the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) for member countries, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) policy of the African Union, are clear pathways to fostering trade-based multilateral cooperation within the continent.

He emphasized that scaling local content requires human capital development and deployment, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, cross-border collaboration and partnerships (through common standards, tariffs, and demand), in addition to policy harmonization.

On Nigeria’s local content journey, Ogbe noted that in-country value addition has risen to 57 per cent, up from five per cent in 2010 when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act came into effect. He explained that the overarching objective is to position Nigeria as the destination of choice for investment in exploration and production (EandP), but more importantly, to create jobs for citizens, establish new industries to support the EandP value chain, and ensure sustainable operations for future generations.

Local content implementation, according to him, is anchored on six broad pillars: regulatory framework, gap analysis, capacity building, incentives and funding, research and development (RandD), and market access. These pillars are driven by several policy interventions.

‘The policy interventions include the Equipment Component Manufacturing Initiative, which requires companies to obtain a Nigerian Content Equipment Certificate to qualify for equipment supply; the marine vessel categorization scheme, which mandates proof of indigenous ownership for vessel contracts; and project-based training, which requires project promoters to commit a percentage of project costs to industry-relevant training,’ he said.

Highlighting accomplishments under the NOGICD Act, Ogbe stated: ‘Nigeria now hosts a world-class fabrication and integration yard for the production of platforms and the integration of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, high-voltage cables, and fiber optics for LNG trains.’ He added that production platforms are now fabricated using Nigerian-made cables, while design engineering capacity now exists for onshore, offshore, LNG, and gas-gathering facilities.

He also disclosed that operators such as Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Seplat, and Oando have acquired assets from international oil companies (IOCs) under a divestment programme and are poised to become key contributors to Nigeria’s target of achieving three million barrels per day in production by 2030.

Ogbe further noted that recent Executive Orders by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which introduced tax incentives tied to time-bound upstream investment and cost leadership, as well as measures to accelerate contract processing cycles from 36 months to six months, have already given rise to major projects such as the UBETA Gas Development Project and the Bonga North Project, with others in the pipeline.

He concluded with a strong assurance to other oil- and gas-producing countries on the continent that the NCDMB remains committed to partnering with them to build an African energy sector that is ‘owned, operated, and sustained by Africans.’

The African Energy Week, organized by the African Energy Chamber, is an interactive exhibition and networking event attended by energy policymakers, operators, service companies in the oil and gas sector, and prospective investors.

The Sokoto State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permits Law, warning motorists across the state to ensure full compliance or face arrest and prosecution.

The exercise, which began on Thursday, October 2, is currently ongoing in Sokoto metropolis with the support of a mobile court to handle offenders on the spot.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Rufai, said only vehicles with valid Tinted Glass Permits (TGP) obtained through the official portal – www.possap.gov.ng – will be allowed to operate. He noted that violators risk arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law.

Rufai assured residents that the enforcement would be carried out with professionalism, fairness, and respect for human rights, stressing that the Command has zero tolerance for harassment or extortion by officers.

‘The Commissioner of Police has directed strict monitoring of the exercise to ensure officers do not abuse their powers. Members of the public are encouraged to report any misconduct to the Police Complaint Response Unit (PCRU) through the dedicated hotlines,’ the PPRO stated.

He appealed for cooperation from motorists and the general public, noting that the operation is part of efforts to enhance public safety, law, and order in Sokoto State.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially declared open the maiden Gombe Health Summit.

In her remarks, she commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his bold and visionary reforms, which, according to her, have repositioned the state’s health sector as a model for the nation.

The First Lady described the health policies of the Inuwa Yahaya administration as transformational and trailblazing.

She pointed to the expansion of primary health centres, the modernisation of hospitals across the three senatorial districts, and the innovative approach to tackling child malnutrition as clear evidence of the Governor’s commitment to building a workable and sustainable health system.

‘What I have learnt today is truly impressive. Even Bill Gates once attested to Gombe State’s problem-solving mindset and its commitment to results. We see that here again today, and we are proud of what Governor Inuwa Yahaya is doing. I believe Mr President is equally proud,’ she said.

Senator Tinubu also praised the Governor for his recent decision to improve salaries for health workers, describing the gesture as a mark of transparent and accountable leadership. She expressed hope that the Governor’s legacies in the health sector would be sustained for years to come.

In his keynote address, Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled the difficult situation his administration met in 2019, when the health sector was underfunded, infrastructure dilapidated, personnel overstretched, and health indicators far below the national average.

He explained that at the time, only 3.5 per cent of the state’s budget was allocated to health, while the Abuja Declaration recommended 15 per cent.

According to him, access to healthcare was largely dependent on the ability to pay, and the absence of proper oversight and coordination left the system fragmented and ineffective.

Faced with these realities, he declared a state of emergency in the health sector in 2019, a step which marked the beginning of what he described as a new era of transformation.

He noted that the results of the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey speak to the success of these reforms, with immunisation coverage rising from 18 per cent in 2018 to 49 per cent in 2023, DPT3 coverage increasing from 26 to 60 per cent, deliveries by skilled birth attendants improving from 21 to 38 per cent, and the use of modern contraceptives by women of childbearing age growing from 16 to 30 per cent.

The Governor further highlighted landmark achievements, including the revitalisation of 228 primary healthcare centres across the state, each equipped to provide 24-hour services with solar power, boreholes, and staff quarters; the recruitment and deployment of hundreds of health workers to underserved communities; the remodelling of general hospitals in Kumo, Bajoga, and Kaltungo; and the transformation of Gombe Specialist Hospital, which now trains house officers and residents in accredited postgraduate programmes.

He also pointed to the construction of a 200-bed ultra-modern hospital in Kumo, which has since been converted to a Federal Medical Centre by the Federal Government.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also spoke of institutional reforms, including the establishment of a Hospitals Management Board and the introduction of biometric attendance systems, which uncovered 440 ghost workers and saved the state over N4.5 billion.

He noted the establishment of the Gombe State Contributory Health Scheme, which has enrolled more than 380,000 residents and provided coverage to over 100,000 vulnerable people, and the creation of GoPharma, a pharmaceutical company designed to make quality medicines affordable and, in the long term, to produce drugs locally.

In a major announcement at the summit, the Governor approved the immediate implementation of the CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures for all health workers in Gombe State, effective November 2025.

He explained that this intervention, at a cost of N250 million monthly or N3 billion annually, represents a direct investment in the welfare of health professionals.

‘This commitment comes with a call to all health workers to match our efforts with renewed commitment, productivity, and professionalism in service to our people,’ he stated.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended the timing of the summit, describing it as aligned with the Federal Government’s current investments in the sector.

He said the reforms implemented in Gombe have already yielded measurable results in reducing maternal morbidity and child mortality, while strengthening infrastructure and manpower.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the summit as a reflection of the priority Governor Inuwa Yahaya places on healthcare.

He emphasised that the administration has successfully repositioned the sector to meet the health needs of the people in a sustainable and holistic manner.

Highlight of the opening session was the unveiling of the Gombe State Health Workforce Strategic Development Plan 2025-2030 by the First Lady.

Nigeria’s aviation industry has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1925 when the first aircraft, a Royal Air Force plane, landed in Kano.

Today, it stands as a testament to the nation’s ambition and resilience, with a rich history that spans over nine decades. As the country celebrates its 65th independence anniversary, the aviation industry has become a vital component of Nigeria’s economy and development.

The industry’s growth has been remarkable, with the establishment of Nigerian Airways in 1958 marking the beginning of commercial aviation in the country. Although the airline collapsed in 2003 due to mismanagement and financial troubles, the private sector quickly stepped in to fill the void.

First, it was airlines like Aero Contractor that broke the national carrier’s monopoly in 1960, followed by Okada Air in 1983 and ADC in 1984. Airlines like Arik Air, Air Peace, and Dana Air thereafter emerged to offer new hope for the industry’s future at the demise of Nigeria Airways.

Air Peace, now uncontestably the largest domestic airlines in the country, has grown its fleet and network, and is providing reliable domestic flights and international routes to destinations in West Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. There is also ValueJet which is showing considerable strength on the regional wing, just as we are witnessing a revolution of state-owned airlines springing up in droves in the country.

By and large, the industry’s growth has had a profound impact on Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and contributing to the nation’s GDP.

However, despite its growth, Nigeria’s aviation industry still faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and regulatory issues. To address these challenges, the present government has been supportive to the regulatory agencies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure safety and efficiency in the industry.

But as the industry continues to grow and expand, it is essential to prioritize safety, efficiency, and innovation to ensure its sustainability and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.

With the right support and infrastructure in place, the aviation industry is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The aviation industry’s impact on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. According to a study, the industry has encouraged employment and revenue generation, and its growth has had a positive impact on the nation’s socio-political landscape. The industry’s growth has also facilitated international relations, diplomacy, and foreign policy, making it a vital component of Nigeria’s economic development.

In recent years, the industry has seen significant growth, with the emergence of new airlines and the expansion of existing ones. This growth has led to increased competition, which has resulted in better services. The industry’s growth has also led to the creation of new jobs, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the nation’s economic development.

Despite the challenges facing the industry, stakeholders are optimistic about its future. The government has taken steps to address some of the challenges, including aiding of commercial airlines to access dry lease overseas to cushion the effects of the harsh economy on their operations. The ‘Fly Nigeria’ policy of the present administration is also a potent device to shore up the financial base of the local carriers, if effectively implemented.

The industry’s growth has also been driven by the private sector, with airlines like Air Peace, ValueJet, Ibom Air etc, investing heavily in the industry.

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th independence anniversary, the aviation industry has proven itself to be a vital component of the nation’s economy and development. With its rich history and growth, the industry is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

However, to achieve this, the stakeholders have to eschew pettiness and be ready to work together to address the industry’s challenges and unlock its full potential.

As the industry continues to grow and expand, what should be of priority now are: safety, efficiency, and innovation to ensure its sustainability and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development. There should be an abrupt stop to window dressing and corner cutting that create a living and healthy façade while the content is hogwash.

With the right support and infrastructure in place, the aviation industry is poised to soar to new heights, driving economic growth and putting Nigeria on the global map.

HAVING a baby is a life-changing experience. Being a parent is exciting but can also be tiring and overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of worry or doubt, especially if this is the first time. But if the feelings include extreme sadness or loneliness, frequent crying, fatigue, guilt and anxiety, it may be because of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that happens after giving birth. It affects up to 15% of women. It’s common to experience hormonal, physical, emotional, financial and social changes after having a baby. However, these changes can cause symptoms of postpartum depression.

Preventive interventions are crucial in addressing postpartum anxiety and depression. However, the use of psychoactive drugs by nursing mothers can cause several problems, such as severe sleepiness, decreased response to cries, changes in s3xual function, fatigue, confusion, and low blood pressure.

These drugs also have sedative effects on the infant who receives breast milk. Therefore, their use during breastfeeding is limited.

While some mothers may choose not to take medication during breastfeeding due to concerns about potential side effects on their babies, herbal remedies, including curcumin, have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic benefits.

Turmeric is an edible root used in cooking. It’s powdered into a bright yellow spice popular in Asian cuisine. Turmeric also has a history of medicinal use. It contains an active compound, curcumin, that has also been used for many years in the treatment of various diseases.

Additionally, epidemiological studies have indicated that individuals who consume curcumin daily exhibit better brain function and higher cognitive abilities.

Research has found that curcumin has the potential to improve a number of health conditions, including depression. This includes postpartum depression and anxiety in first-time mothers.

A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Iran had provided strong evidence that curcumin can be a beneficial and accessible complementary treatment for managing postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers, offering a valuable alternative where conventional treatments may be restricted.

It found that curcumin effectively reduces postpartum anxiety and depression, suggesting it can improve the mental health and quality of life for first-time mothers.

The trial published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies included 96 first-time mothers in Tabriz City, Iran, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (48 women) or a control group (48 women) using a random block method.

The intervention group received 500 mg curcumin capsules, while the control group received a placebo, both taken once daily after meals for eight weeks starting seven days after delivery.

They were all women aged 18 or older, residing in Tabriz City, with no chronic liver/kidney disease, no history of depression or other mental disorders, no alcohol/drug consumption, no natural birth or caesarean section within the last 12 hours, and not taking drugs causing depressive symptoms.

The women were contacted weekly by phone to check on the baby’s weight and remind them to track capsule use and report side effects.

Depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and anxiety was measured with the postpartum-specific Anxiety Scale Research Short-Form (PSAS-RSF).

The study found significant reductions in both depression and anxiety scores in the curcumin group compared to the placebo group. Four individuals in the curcumin group and one in the placebo group reported gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and stomach pain.

It therefore suggested curcumin’s potential as a cost-effective and accessible adjunctive therapy due to its efficacy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, particularly given the limitations of conventional medications during breastfeeding.

They declared that further large-scale clinical trials are recommended to validate its efficacy in diverse populations and establish standardised guidelines for clinical use.

Curcumin supplementation may serve as a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for postpartum women by promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting reproductive health. Its multifaceted properties can address various postpartum challenges, making it a valuable addition to recovery strategies.

A study found that curcumin application led to a greater reduction in wound healing scores, particularly for perineal repair after episiotomy, compared to traditional treatments like povidone-iodine.

Curcumin influences hormonal balance and ovarian function, potentially aiding in the recovery of reproductive health post-delivery.

Its ability to modulate hormonal pathways may support women experiencing reproductive disorders, thus enhancing overall well-being during the period after child birth.

While curcumin shows promise as a supportive intervention for women after childbirth, it is essential to consider that individual responses may vary, and further research is needed to establish standardised guidelines for its use in this population.