Category: Nigerian Tribune

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has commenced mobilisation of its members across all the universities in the country for an imminent nationwide strike action over the failure of the Federal Government to address the demands of the union.

ASUU had last week issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government to resolve all outstanding issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the contentious 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.

Irked by the tepid responses ASUU gets from the Federal Government, especially the silence it has maintained after the union has served the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa and Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, the two-week ultimatum, the lecturers said they have no other option left than to mobilise their members to shut the universities on the expiration of the 14-day strike.

According to the union, the strike notice, starting from Sunday, September 28, 2025, would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike action.

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in a latest memo to all branches of the union, said the union had no choice but to shut down universities through strike action in response to the government’s conduct.

Piwuna, in the memorandum dated October 5, 2025, and sighted by Tribune Online on Monday, expressed regret that there had been no meaningful progress toward resolving the issue.

He said, ‘The National Executive Council (NEC) of our Union, at its emergency meeting of 29th September, 2025, having evaluated the results of the referendum held across our branches, resolved to give the government a fourteen-day ultimatum to resolve the issues contained in the negotiated document which has been transmitted to the government since February, 2025.

‘It was further resolved that the union will proceed on a two-week warning strike at the expiration of the ultimatum if the government fails to take acceptable and satisfactory steps to address the lingering issues.

‘The resolutions were immediately communicated to the Honourable Minister of Labour, the Honourable Minister of Education and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

‘It is now one week since those resolutions were reached and communicated to the appropriate authorities. I regret to inform you that there is no meaningful development deserving of any consideration to be reported.

‘As we enter the second and final week of the ultimatum, | thank you on behalf of NEC for the patience and understanding which you demonstrated since the commencement of this torturous negotiation that has unjustifiably lasted over eight years.

‘The goal of our current action remains principally to compel the government to sign and implement the renegotiated agreement document, amongst other demands.

‘The days ahead call for the mobilisation of every member of our union to ensure unity of purpose. No one should be left out of the struggle for our welfare, stem the Jupa syndrome and reposition the Nigerian University System (NUS) for global competitiveness.

‘We are strong when we organise, but weakened when we agonise! Our Union has always acted in solidarity as a collective; this action will not be different.

‘Members are to take instructions only from their chairpersons. When in doubt, members should consult their chairpersons, zonal coordinators and attend congress meetings regularly for updates on further developments.’

Some of the demands of ASUU over time include: renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, funding of universities, particularly, revitalisation fund, promotion arrears, and academic earned allowance, among others.

President of ASUU Piwuna had earlier called on all well-meaning Nigerian citizens, religious and traditional rulers, parents, students, and all other stakeholders in the education sector to press the Nigerian government to turn its attention to Nigerian public universities to address the challenges in the system.

The ASUU President accused the Federal Government of paying scant attention to the demands of the union,

recalling that in recent times, ASUU has been engaging the press very frequently.

Experts cautioned that choking is a dangerous sexual act that can result in stroke, convulsions, and even paralysis, even though pornography has successfully made it a ‘sexual norm’ and a ‘safe’ activity.

They said that although choking during s3x has been effectively established as a ‘sexual norm’ and a ‘safe’ practice by pornography, it is still a dangerous sexual behaviour that can cause paralysis, convulsions, and stroke.

These risks are frequently increased in people who already have medical issues, making awareness and caution essential.

A study, published in the journal the Archives of Sexual Behaviour this week, found that more than half of adults aged 35 and under reported being strangled by a partner during sex.

Sexual strangulation involves applying pressure to the neck and restricting blood flow or breathing to ‘enhance’ a sexual experience. It often incorporates the dominant/submissive sexual dynamic and the use of hands, arms, feet, and binding agents like belts and ropes.

Although choking is distinct and strictly refers to the partial obstruction of the trachea, it is commonly used in sex play and porn.

But experts are warning that it is truly dangerous, no matter how gentle couples may think they’re being, and regardless of whether both partners like it in the moment.

Dr Debby Herbenick, a public health professor at Indiana University, in a recent presentation, warned, ‘There is no zero-risk way of engaging in choking. Though deaths from consensual choking are rare, they do happen.’

According to specialists, the neck is ‘alarmingly fragile,’ and limiting blood flow to the brain, even for a short time, can result in irreversible harm.

Even the ‘relatively low’ amount of force it takes to open a can of soda, when applied to someone’s throat, is enough to cause unconsciousness and risk brain injury.

Sexual strangulation can cause immediate symptoms such as neck bruising or swelling, alterations in eyesight, lightheadedness or vertigo, and difficulty swallowing.

While loss of consciousness can occur in seconds, death or paralysis is possible within minutes of strangulation.

Researchers at Bangor University and doctors at North Wales Brain Injury Service maintain that this loss of consciousness is-at the least-an indication that the person has suffered a mild brain injury.

It may take days, weeks, or even years for additional effects of sexual strangulation to become apparent. A change in voice, incontinence, seizures, memory, attention, and decision-making problems, sadness, anxiety, and miscarriage are some examples of these.

There is also growing evidence that, much like the cumulative harm of repetitive head injuries, hypoxic/anoxic brain injuries from sexual choking can accumulate and lead to long-term cognitive problems.

The co-author of the study, Heather Douglas from Melbourne University Law School, declared the risks associated with brain injury increase with each subsequent strangulation.

‘So it’s a little bit like a head injury in that these injuries can accumulate. Miscarriage can also result from strangulation and can occur a week or months down the track. Strangulation can lead to a stroke. There can also be an incremental reduction in memory,’ said Douglas.

The Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, has explained that the fire incident that occurred on Monday evening at the State Secretariat Complex was caused by an electrical fault.

She, however, stated that no life was lost in the incident, which destroyed property worth millions of naira on the ground floor of the Podium Block in the complex.

Our correspondent reports that the fire, which reportedly started after the close of work, also affected key sections of the State Pension Board located in the same block.

Addressing newsmen, the Head of Service said the fire was promptly contained through the combined efforts of both the state and federal fire services, stressing that their swift response prevented further damage.

Dr. Brown expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his foresight in rehabilitating fire service stations across the state.

She said, ‘Other partners to the state also sent fire services. The Federal Fire Service and the military deployed their trucks as well. So, it was a combined effort, and the fire has been contained.

‘We thank His Excellency for being proactive in rehabilitating the state fire service before now; otherwise, the situation would have been worse.

‘From the preliminary report we received, the fire was caused by an electrical fault. But we thank God that no life was lost and no medical incident was recorded.’

She further urged civil servants in the state to take responsibility by ensuring that all electrical appliances are switched off at the close of work before leaving their offices.

Confirming the incident earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the fire started from the ground floor of the Podium Block.

He commended officers of both the state and federal fire services for their prompt response, which helped prevent greater damage.

Speculation about a unified opposition front for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election intensified this week after a key aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly advocated for a joint ticket featuring Atiku and the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi.

Demola Olarewaju, the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy to Atiku Abubakar, articulated his view on the ‘Mic On Podcast,’ arguing that Atiku-Obi presidential ticket represents the opposition’s ‘best bet’ to challenge the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.

Olarewaju suggested that a partnership between the two political heavyweights should aim to transcend a simple President-Vice President dynamic, proposing a unique ‘co-presidency’ scenario.

He explained, ‘I think the best bet would be to have the two of them on that ticket and give Nigerians this sort of sense of co-presidency.’ This arrangement, he implied, would allow the nation to benefit from the ideas and strengths of both leaders.

The aide stressed that such a merger is not only strategically strong but feasible due to their similar political ideologies.

‘The strongest ticket that the opposition can present is the marriage of Atiku and Obi,’ he asserted.

In making his case, Olarewaju highlighted Atiku Abubakar’s history of political resilience and commitment to supporting party decisions, even after personal setbacks.

He referenced the 2011 presidential primaries as an example: ‘He lost the primaries to Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 and worked for him, delivering Adamawa State in that election. That’s who Atiku Abubakar is.’

He also noted that while Atiku remains the strongest opposition candidate, he has expressed a ‘willingness to step down for a younger candidate if defeated in the primaries,’ indicating flexibility in the opposition’s eventual lineup.

Olarewaju also touched on the broader need for political parties to integrate youth, pointing to the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-a platform frequently rumored to be a potential home for a coalition-which plans to reserve a significant portion of its positions for young people and women.

‘Nigerians deserve a party that recognizes the strength of young people, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, even, and harnesses their potential,’ he concluded, positioning the suggested opposition alliance as a forward-looking coalition.

The call for an Atiku-Obi ticket, which would merge the massive vote bases of the two leading opposition figures from 2023, comes amidst ongoing but unconfirmed rumors that opposition leaders are discussing the formation of a grand coalition to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Sokoto State Government has launched an integrated immunisation campaign aimed at vaccinating no fewer than 2.8 million children against polio, measles, rubella, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) across the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto disclosed this on Monday during the official flag-off ceremony held in Bodinga town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

Aliyu said the ten-day exercise, which covers all 244 wards in the state, targets children aged between nine months and fourteen years as part of efforts to curb the spread of preventable childhood diseases.

He called on community and religious leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to mobilise parents and caregivers to ensure full participation in the campaign.

‘Nigeria currently records one of the highest numbers of measles and rubella infections globally,’ the governor warned, adding that failure to vaccinate children could lead to serious complications, including blindness, deafness, and even death.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting disease prevention through regular immunisation.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, announced that 1,378 vaccination teams had been deployed across the state, with each team comprising 11 trained health workers.

He added that Sokoto has received over three million doses of vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and lauded the state government for promptly releasing its counterpart funding to support the exercise.

Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan Cigari, who is the District Head of Wurno, pledged the continued support of traditional rulers in sensitising communities and mobilising parents to embrace the vaccination drive.

The campaign, officials said, forms part of the state’s renewed commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving the well-being of children across Sokoto.

The SERAS Africa CSR and Sustainability Awards, the continent’s longest-running and most prestigious sustainability recognition platform, has officially closed entries for its 19th edition, attracting a record 325 applications from organizations across Africa.

This milestone underscores the growing relevance of sustainability as a driver of innovation, responsible business, and inclusive growth across the continent. Since its inception in 2007, The SERAS has consistently set the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence in Africa, and the 2025 cycle promises to be the most competitive yet.

Themed ‘Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth’, this year’s edition will spotlight organizations and leaders who are pushing the boundaries of creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver measurable impact in their communities and industries.

The Awards Ceremony will hold on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

The night will bring together Africa’s leading businesses, policy influencers, thought leaders, and changemakers to celebrate excellence and inspire the next wave of responsible business leadership.

Ahead of the ceremony, field verification exercises are set to commence on 8th -30th of October in East, West, and Southern Africa, where independent assessors will visit project sites and engage stakeholders to validate claims made in the entries.

This rigorous process ensures the credibility and integrity that has made The SERAS the gold standard of sustainability awards in Africa.

‘This year’s record-breaking entry level is a testament to how far the sustainability movement has come in Africa. It shows that businesses, governments, and non-profits are no longer seeing sustainability as a side initiative, but as a central pillar of growth, competitiveness, and legacy,’ said Ken Egbas, Founder, The SERAS CSR Awards Africa.

The 19th edition also marks the countdown to the SERAS’ 20th anniversary in 2026, when the Hall of Fame will be unveiled to recognize: Africa’s 100 Most Sustainable Organizations, Africa’s 50 Top Sustainability Professionals, Africa’s Top 100 Not-for-Profits (SDG 100), and Africa’s 50 Sustainability Changemakers (Institutional Leaders and CEOs).

A popular Yoruba (Yoruba is a language spoken in sub-Saharan Africa) anecdote metaphorically describes a self-centred leader who browbeats colleagues in the workplace with exaggerated strategic skills as ‘the leader who rides on an illusory powerful horse’ without being conscious of the fact that its (the horse’s) weight can be likened to that of a cockroach.

The ethos or fundamental values of a leader should begin with acknowledging his strengths and blind spots (or weaknesses).

A leader wins with the team. Collaboration over individualism defines success in the corporate world. Leaders should be careful never to be swept away by power and fame.

Vulnerability is not weakness, stigma or taboo. Nobody is perfect. Nobody knows all the answers. Leaders make mistakes. They do wrong things. They say wrong things.

Leaders must however, learn from mistakes. Failure is life trying to redirect your path. Do not be a victim of that infallible foresight or that misleading notion that leaders do not make mistakes.

As a well-tested businessman and proven entrepreneur, I have faced uncertainties, negative portrayals, risks and struggles. These experiences have proved clearly to me that they are lessons to be learnt, stepping stones to greater successes and springboards to value-assuring transformation. Navigating through uncertainties and weathering very challenging storms are refining processes and tests of resilience.

The leader gains perceptive insight from these experiences, which are non-linear because they do not follow logic. You must find the steps in yourself as a leader who is aware and proud of his strengths but never afraid of his weaknesses. These experiences of resilience, deliver to you introverted intuition, which, on a daily basis, differentiates you as a thoroughbred leader who works smarter, move things forward, make things happen and get things done.

Several years ago, I was invited by the Lagos Business School to deliver an intellectual paper at its breakfast special meeting for leaders of Nigeria’s banking industry, top economic officials of the diplomatic corps and business gurus. The topic was ‘Restructuring the Nigerian Insurance Industry: Will it complete the Financial Sector Loop?’

Of course, I did justice to the paper but what was the fall out? The short but instructive lecture became a prompt for top leaders of Nigeria’s banking industry to revive their comatose insurance departments. Some even created new insurance departments in their establishments and the result, my organisation almost totally lost control of its greatest source of inflow, motor insurance. We sought and considered multiple perspectives for new decisions from team members. We won!

The leader is the captain of other stars in his organisation. He must regularly tap into the profound impact of humility, trust, genuine connections and teamwork. Collaboration is engendering and promoting professional relationship within the organisation. The leader must encourage opposing views and dissenting opinions. There must be relational transparency with colleagues. This must be unfiltered and must create adequate accommodation for vulnerability. The leader must be ‘real’ with his team members and should occasionally share with them stories of challenges and failures. He should regularly use this window to demonstrate vulnerability and transparency. He is the moral compass that is constantly guiding and in alignment with the values of his organisation.

The leader’s multiple successes must shine brighter than the metrics. He must always inspire the team to generate ideas and co-create.

Our LBS experience ‘gave birth’ to very creative ideas and actions. My company with the support of our American partners started selling the popular brands of cars with full comprehensive insurance policies and even tailor-made life assurance for those who bought the cars with lease arrangements.

We also successfully graduated into an outcome-based partnership with the Nigeria’s Airports Car Hires Association (ACHAN) and supplied taxicabs (with lease arrangement and tailor-made life assurance) to all the airports in Nigeria. We collaborated with Lagos and Ekiti state governments for supply and fleet management of mass transit buses. Let me also mention the ‘miracle’ of Liberia. As a result of the country’s tortuous civil war, there was no public transportation whatsoever. We stepped in and shipped knocked-down parts of motorcycles. We assembled them there and sold them to Liberian citizens with the support of their government.

Please note that even science and technology thrive on experimenting and growing knowledge by learning from mistakes. Vulnerability is the catalyst for growth and development. That is why leaders must broaden their focus and embrace multifaceted and multi-dimensional approach to decision-making.

An ‘authentic’ leader starts his daily activities with self-reflection. He learns from mistakes and acknowledges as well as work with the talents and gifts of his colleagues. He creates a work environment that promotes trust, resilience and meaningful change.

The leader must always own up to not knowing everything. He must find answers by listening to the ‘collective voice’, his team. His determination and courage for excellence must propel him to protect his team and be transparent to the members. There is a coaching guide for leaders. He must recognise the potential of his team members. He must help them become better versions of themselves. Colleagues must recognise their strengths but not get complacent. They must also vividly see their weaknesses but not get discouraged. A leader must build people up, never tear them down.

Leaders should not just provide technical solutions in order to showcase expertise. Running a successful organisation is about people, not just problems.

The human capital is the foundational differentiating value in an organisation. Your people are the ‘value’ not only in productivity but also in the profitability loop. The leader must understand them as much as the problems.

Energy, vibrancy, passion, talent and skills must run side-by-side with emotional resilience and emotional vulnerability.

Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment towards promoting and actualizing its vision of sustainable urban development through promotion of safe and enduring building practices, ensuring orderliness and good living environment as well as preparation of urban and rural development plans.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami disclosed this in his message to commemorate the 2025 World Habitat Day in Ogun State.

According him, the day, every first Monday of October has been set aside by the United Nations through the Un-Habitat to draw attention to the many challenges facing human settlements, especially the urban areas and find solutions to them.

Tpl. Odunlami stated that the yearly focus on human settlements was as a result of the projection that, by 2050, world population would reach 9.8 billion human beings, and nearly 70% of which would live in urban areas which according to him, could lead to inadequate and sub-standard housing, lack of jobs, high crime rate, inadequate waste management, inadequate physical and social infrastructure, facilities and services among others.

He said ‘This year’s theme, ‘Urban Crisis Response’, is a continuation of the dialogue, fact finding and solution-proffering efforts of the UN-Habitat which started in 1986. The general objective of this yearly celebration is to continue to remind us that we are individually and collectively responsible for the urban crisis and we are therefore also individually and collectively responsible for finding the solutions. Every one of us has a part to play in these efforts, leaving no one behind.’

He advised the general public not to build houses without getting planning permit and building approval, desist from building structures including shanties on road setback and drainage channels, stop dumping refuse on the roads and drainages while encouraging all to plant trees and flowers in their environment.

Meanwhile, Tpl. Bamidele Badejo, a Professor of Geography and Regional Planning, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, who featured on OGTV new dawn program in commemoration of the World habitat day, called on government to incorporate town planning professionals into Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to help in planning as it’s relates to the environment.

Also speaking on the program, Mr. Fatai Adefala, Director, Fire Service maintained that safety of lives and properties as well as promotion of healthy community sanitation.

Two persons have lost their lives while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in road crashes at Idi-Ayunre end of Ijebu-Ode road in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.

The driver of the affected truck, which is said to be a quarry firm operating in the area, lost control of the vehicle and subsequently ran over three persons, leaving one dead on the spot.

Another victim lost his life while receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the neighbourhood.

The limb of the third victim has also been amputated in a desperate move to save her life.

The incident marks the second fatal crash involving the same company within three months has sparked off protests in the area.

The protesters barricaded the Ijebu-Ode road in demand for justice

The Chairman of the Oluyole local government, Akeem Olatunji, who led top officials of the local government to the scene where angry youths had barricaded the road, sued for calm.

He assured that his administration would leave no stone unturned to bring the driver to book and ensure the affected company properly compensates the families of the victims to reduce the pain and trauma they have been subjected to as a result of the incident.

Olatunji disclosed that most private companies in the council area have failed in the area of carrying out their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially by creating collaboration targeted at alleviating the suffering and socio-economic challenges of their host communities.

Recall that just a few months ago, a Kulum Quarry truck caused a similar accident that claimed the lives of three students of Prospect High School, Aba Nla.

In the wake of that tragedy, the council chairman, Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji, had promptly ordered the construction of speed breakers on the affected route to forestall future occurrences.

Sadly, Saturday’s crash shows that the warnings and precautions have done little to change or curb the recklessness of the company’s drivers.

Speaking on the incident, Olatunji expressed deep sorrow and described the deaths as both painful and avoidable.

He condoled with the bereaved families and the Idi-Ayunre community, praying for strength and comfort for all those affected.

‘This is another avoidable tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the victims,’ he said. ‘No one should lose their loved ones in such a cruel manner, especially when it could have been prevented.’

Olatunji reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety of lives and property in Oluyole. He announced that more speed bumps would be constructed along the Idi-Ayunre-Sabo road to curb reckless driving, particularly by heavy-duty vehicles.

He appealed to the youths of Idi-Ayunre to remain calm and resist the urge to take laws into their hands through road blockades or protests.

‘We understand your anger, but we must handle this responsibly. I assure you, justice will be served,’ he said, adding that Kulum Quarry would face appropriate sanctions and legal consequences for repeated negligence.

The council boss also emphasized that companies operating within the local government must henceforth comply strictly with safety and traffic regulations, warning that any firm found wanting would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses at the scene revealed disturbing details about the driver’s conduct. The trailer, reportedly a brand-new vehicle, showed no signs of mechanical failure. Instead, witnesses alleged that the driver was speeding uncontrollably and appeared to be under the influence of substances commonly referred to as ‘colos’ and sachet alcohol.

Residents of the incident area have since renewed calls for stricter monitoring of quarry trucks and other heavy vehicles operating within Oluyole, insisting that the lives of their people should not continue to be the price of negligence and profit.

The lawmaker representing Edo North in the Nigerian Senate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, stand no chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole stated that both Atiku and Obi had faced defeats in previous elections, whether they contested jointly or separately, and would face the same outcome if they teamed up again.

‘Did Atiku not run with Obi before and contested against the APC. Were they not defeated?

‘Throw any number you want to throw. The point is that when these two ran together, they were roundly defeated by the APC,’ the former Edo governor stated.

‘They have a history of being defeated together and they have a history of being defeated apart. So, if they come back together, they will still be defeated,’ he added.

Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, while Obi flew the flag of the Labour Party (LP), both garnered a combined total of over 12 million votes in the election that produced President Tinubu.

The two opposition leaders, now members of a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), finished second and third, respectively, in the last presidential election.