Category: PM News

The emergence of Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, at the ancient Mapo Hall in the heart of Ibadan, is uncannily symbolic in many respects. The symbolism lies not just in the rare recurrence of the number 44 in his life’s journey-as seen in his year of birth and his position in the lineage of Olubadans-but also in several other significant ways, which I will explore in this piece.

Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944. He emerged as the 44th Olubadan in September 2025. This is more than mere coincidence; it feels like the affirmation of a future foretold. And, like a man destined and prepared for the high position he now occupies, Ladoja was inaugurated in a blaze of elegance and glory.

He rode to Mapo Hill, the site of the historic Mapo Hall, in a gleaming white Rolls-Royce, resplendent in white traditional Aso Oke, with his wives in tow.

Mapo Hill was a sight to behold that day. The people of Ibadan trooped out en masse, swarming the venue, while many others lined the streets leading to Mapo in a bid to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

Oba Ladoja is, indeed, an uncommon Olubadan. To label him another ‘Koseleri’ in the Ibadan landscape would be most fitting. He is in the mould of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who made history as the first governor of Oyo State to break the second-term jinx. However, this is not about political office or term limits-traditional rulers hold their positions for life. It is about the rare peculiarities of Ladoja’s kingship.

The new Olubadan has a solid pedigree and a rich academic and professional background. A true son of the soil, Ladoja hails from Gambari Village in Ibadan. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium and spent 13 years working at Total Nigeria before venturing into private practice. Oba Ladoja is in a class of his own. That said, there have been other well-lettered monarchs in Ibadan’s history, such as the 42nd Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, who held a doctorate.

Oba Ladoja is among the few in this country who have headed a government before ascending the throne. His story is similar to that of Alfred Diete-Spiff, who was the first military governor of Rivers State-created from the old Eastern Region-before becoming the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State. Ladoja was elected governor of Oyo State in 2003. Earlier, in 1992, he served as a senator representing the Oyo Central District.

As governor, he ran a people-oriented administration that prioritised education, agriculture, housing, and water projects. However, he faced serious challenges from his political godfather, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, over control of state resources. The conflict led to Ladoja’s sensational impeachment in January 2006, which was later declared null and void by the court. He successfully challenged his removal in court, returning to office in December 2006 to complete his tenure. His determination to overturn the illegality reveals another facet of the new monarch: his faith in constitutional processes and his confidence in the courts as a means of redress.

Last week, at his residence in Bodija, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja recounted the story of his illegal impeachment to this writer and a few friends who visited to pay homage. He spoke of how those who orchestrated his removal as governor did so without the constitutionally required number in the state assembly. He also recalled the invaluable support of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during those challenging times and how he ultimately regained his mandate.

‘(President) Tinubu arranged for me to move quickly to Lagos after the incident. He put me in a place that was comfortable, safe, and hidden. Even before I arrived, he had assembled a team of legal luminaries to handle my case against the removal. It was such a solid team. We eventually won in court, and I regained my office.’

Given their close relationship and the significance of the Olubadan throne in Yorubaland, it was no surprise that President Tinubu graced Ladoja’s inauguration. The President’s presence not only added glamour to the event, but his speech also resonated deeply with the people of Ibadan. Tinubu spoke of his connection with Oba Ladoja, their time together in the Senate, and the impeachment saga. He recounted his campaign visit to Ibadan, during which he canvassed for votes, and the people of the state supported him massively. His speech, delivered mainly in Yoruba, can be translated thus: ‘When I came to Ibadan during the campaign and spoke at this same Mapo Hall, urging that you vote for me-that it was my turn to be president-you voted massively for me. I appreciate your support. I’m most grateful.’

Oba Ladoja boasts a rich network of friends and associates. In attendance at his inauguration, besides President Tinubu, were governors, former governors (some from the Class of 1999 and 2003), past and present National Assembly members, ministers, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry, and many other dignitaries. Friends in the opposition who were unable to attend the inauguration visited him in the days that followed.

The Oba Ladoja story is an inspirational tale of fortitude, grit, courage, and determination-qualities emblematic of a true Ibadan man. Through it all, Oba Ladoja kept his eyes on the big picture. Becoming Olubadan was his lifelong ambition. When his aspiration seemed threatened and he had to fight, he fought resolutely. When the situation demanded humility, he stooped to conquer. Ladoja initially resisted wearing a beaded crown, but in 2024, he eventually accepted it, embracing the then-evolving Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement.

At this point, I would like to share a humorous encounter I once had with Oba Ladoja. It was in the run-up to the 2003 governorship election, which he eventually won. The Punch newspaper had asked me to interview Ladoja ahead of the election.

The build-up to that election was very tense in Oyo State, especially in Ibadanland. Two sons of the soil-Ladoja and the late Alhaji Yekini Adeojo-were battling for the Peoples Democratic Party ticket to contest against the incumbent, the late Comrade Lamidi Adesina of the old Alliance for Democracy. Given the tension and rivalry between Ladoja and Adeojo, there were talks in some quarters of disqualifying both men, much like the late Prof. Femi Agbalajobi and Chief Dapo Sarumi were disqualified in Lagos by the Babangida regime in the run-up to the 1991 governorship election.

During the interview, I asked Ladoja about the possibility of his disqualification. His reply was both shocking and revealing: ‘What have we done in Ibadan? What has happened here to warrant our disqualification? Only one person’s leg was broken, and another person was blinded. What have we done?’ I was flummoxed.

Though neither candidate was disqualified, in retrospect, that response-cold as it may have seemed-speaks to the nature and politics of Ibadan and the popular aphorism about its people’s pugnacious spirit.

The adage goes: ‘Ija igboro lo’ro Ibadan,’ meaning an Ibadan man is never shy or afraid to pick a street fight.

With Oba Ladoja on the throne, it seems the full glory and power of Ibadan-the city of seven hills and the town Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka describes so glowingly in his memoir, Ibadan: The Penkelemes Years-are unfolding before our eyes. May the reign of Oba Ladoja be long, peaceful, and prosperous!

Rahman is Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Media and Special Duties.

In a decisive move toward health sector sustainability, the Lagos State Government has convened a three-day High-Level Stakeholders’ Validation Meeting to review and validate findings from the HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Cost of Doing Business Assessment and Transition Plan.

The engagement, organised in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and development partners, marks a critical step in Lagos State’s efforts to secure long-term financing for essential health programmes.

Held at Amber Residence, GRA Ikeja, the meeting brought together representatives from government ministries, development agencies, civil society, and the private sector to evaluate the financial realities of delivering HIV, TB, and malaria services and to design a sustainable transition framework as donor funding continues to decline globally.

Delivering the welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Kadiri Semiu Oluwasanu, said the initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to ensuring Lagos State maintains momentum in tackling infectious diseases despite global funding shifts.

‘The Cost of Doing Business allows us to understand, with clarity and precision, what it truly costs to deliver quality health services,’ he explained.

‘Transition planning ensures that we move confidently from dependency to transparency, from government-driven interventions to locally-owned and efficiently managed programmes.’

Kadiri described the validation process as a pivotal moment for redefining accountability and local ownership in health financing, noting that Lagos has consistently led Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases through its strong health infrastructure and multi-sectoral partnerships.

He also lauded the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, for steering the state’s HIV response with strategic foresight, while appreciating development partners such as the Global Fund for their continued collaboration.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Animashaun reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to embedding health in the broader agenda of social and economic development under the Health and Environment pillar of the THEMES Plus Agenda.

‘This engagement ensures that health remains not just an outcome, but a driver of productivity, stability, and human capital development,’ she said.

‘Over the next three days, we have the opportunity to validate findings, harmonise perspectives, and define actionable steps to secure the future of HIV, TB, and malaria services in Lagos.’

Throughout the sessions, stakeholders examined the cost implications of sustaining disease control programmes within business environments and proposed mechanisms for integrating the Cost of Doing Business framework into state planning and budgeting. The consensus was clear: sustainability must be embedded within policy, institutional, and financial systems.

Participants called for continuous advocacy, capacity building, and policy reforms to institutionalise long-term funding strategies, while also urging stronger private sector engagement in addressing the economic impact of health challenges on productivity.

At the close of deliberations, stakeholders commended LSACA, NACA, and development partners for their collaborative efforts, pledging continued support for policies and initiatives that strengthen public health, economic resilience, and sustainable development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Professor Joash Amupitan, the newly nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ‘prioritise and ensure the effective prosecution of politicians and their sponsors who are suspected to be responsible for electoral offences, including violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence during the general elections and off-cycle elections since 2015.’

SERAP urged him to ‘prioritise the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 to ensure the conduct of free and fair elections in 2027, in conformity with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations.’

SERAP also urged him to ‘ensure that any reform of the Electoral Act includes provisions for the timely prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies for violations of their fundamental rights.’

President Bola Tinubu had last week nominated Amupitan as the new INEC chair. If confirmed by the Senate, he will replace Mahmood Yakubu, who left the position last week, weeks before the expiration of his second term of five years.

In the letter dated 11 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘Impunity for past electoral offences is a major barrier to free and fair elections in Nigeria. Mr Amupitan must demonstrate that INEC under his watch would not tolerate electoral offences in the country’s elections.’

SERAP said, ‘Unless the legacy of impunity for these grave electoral offences is combated and perpetrators, especially high-ranking politicians and their sponsors are effectively prosecuted and voters provided with access to justice, those contemplating electoral crimes will feel unconstrained in future elections.’

According to SERAP, ‘the general elections and off-cycle elections conducted since 2015 have been characterised by grave electoral offences, including violence, bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence, making a mockery of INEC.’

The letter, read in part: ‘High-ranking politicians and their sponsors are rarely brought to justice for electoral offences, reinforcing a culture of impunity for violations of Nigerians’ democratic rights.’

‘There cannot be a fair electoral process if the body managing the electoral process fails to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies.’

‘No right is more precious in a democratic society than that of having a voice in the election of those who govern the citizens, and other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if unresolved electoral offences are not thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, and voters are not provided with access to justice.’

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken upon your confirmation by the Senate and your assumption of office. Should you and INEC fail to act as recommended, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.’

‘The persistent failure by INEC leadership to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of electoral offences makes a mockery of Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy and undermines public trust in the electoral body.’

‘The 2027 general elections and the off-cycle elections are crucial for the promotion and protection of the human rights of Nigerians.’

‘Ensuring accountability and ending the impunity of perpetrators of electoral offences would enhance Nigerians’ rights to participate in their own government including to vote in free and fair elections, as well as ensure respect for the rule of law.’

‘The effective prosecution of electoral offences and access of voters to justice and effective remedies would serve a legitimate aim, namely, the proper functioning and maintenance of the democratic and electoral processes.’

‘It would also enhance the integrity of the electoral process and public trust and confidence in the ability of INEC under your leadership to impartially and independently carry out your responsibilities.’

‘The crisis confronting the country’s elections and lack of public trust and confidence in the electoral process can be addressed if impunity for electoral offences is combated through a transparent, credible and effective investigation and prosecution of suspected perpetrators.’

Electoral offences are clearly contrary to the express provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards.’

‘Persistent cases of electoral offences in the country’s elections gravely violate Nigerians’ right to vote, which is central to the effective participation of every citizen.’

‘The Nigerian Constitution provides in Section 14(1)(c) that, ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

‘Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act prohibit electoral bribery and undue influence before, during and after any election. Section 145(2) provides that, ‘a prosecution under this Act shall be undertaken by legal officers of the Commission or any legal practitioner appointed by it.”

‘Similarly, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance guarantee the right to political participation, including the right to vote.’

‘These human rights treaties to which the country is a state party contain broad provisions on the right of Nigerians to democratic elections.’

‘The right to vote is fundamental and is the essence of a democratic society, and any restrictions on that right strike at the heart of representative government. Nigerians should have the final say in the election of governmental officials.’

‘According to the African Union’s (AU) Declaration on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, AU member states including Nigeria must ‘take all necessary measures and precautions to prevent the perpetration of fraud, rigging or any other illegal practices throughout the whole electoral process, in order to maintain peace and security.”

Nigeria’s Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and financial analysts have attributed the remarkable performance of the naira in September 2025 to a combination of monetary tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), renewed investor confidence, and the growing influence of fintech in enhancing transparency and reducing speculative demand for foreign exchange.

During the month, the naira recorded one of its strongest performances in recent times, trading as high as ?1,400 to the U.S. dollar and maintaining stability below the ?1,500 mark for over two weeks.

Many traders have described the period as a ‘Naira boom,’ highlighting it as one of the most stable trading phases in months.

Speaking with Nairametrics, the President of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, hailed the currency’s performance as exceptional.

According to him, the steady improvement of the naira was driven by increased crude oil production, stronger investments in the energy sector, and stricter management of foreign exchange demand.

He noted that speculative trading had drastically reduced and that the so-called ‘black market’ had become less vibrant, with fewer people hoarding dollars.

Gwadabe explained that the increasing adoption of fintech platforms has made financial transactions faster and more transparent, reducing the need for domiciliary accounts.

He also credited the CBN’s Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) framework for promoting accountability and unifying the identity verification system across the banking sector. The NRBVN system, he said, now links individual BVNs, names, and company registration details, including those of non-residents.

This, in his view, has strengthened compliance with financial regulations and improved the country’s tax collection process under the new financial assets tax law.

He further stated that Nigeria’s efforts to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list have positively impacted the country’s financial reputation.

According to him, the coordinated work between the CBN, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other agencies has enhanced Nigeria’s global image, with expectations high for a favourable FATF verdict in October 2025.

Gwadabe added that higher oil production-now around 1.8 million barrels per day-coupled with increased government revenue and sustained high interest rates, has also contributed to the naira’s stability. These developments, he said, have boosted investor confidence and helped moderate inflationary pressures.

Another BDC operator, Abubakar Ardo, attributed part of the improvement to increased dollar injections by the CBN through commercial banks and BDCs. He noted that this policy helped to ease panic buying and hoarding of foreign currency.

Ardo also mentioned that September traditionally witnesses a rise in diaspora remittances as families prepare for the back-to-school season, providing additional liquidity to both banks and BDCs.

An economist at the University of Abuja, Dr. Eugene Eke, observed that the naira’s strength was the result of coordinated monetary and fiscal actions that improved liquidity and investor confidence.

He commended the close collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the CBN, adding that public statements by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, regarding improved fiscal transparency and compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) also helped reduce speculative attacks on the naira.

Analysts have predicted that the local currency could maintain its stability through the final quarter of 2025 if policy discipline, fintech integration, and investor confidence remain consistent.

Gwadabe concluded that the coming months will determine whether the naira’s recovery will become a lasting trend or a temporary rebound, expressing optimism that with continued reforms, the currency could sustain its positive momentum.

According to CBN

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdul’aziz Maituraka, has predicted victory of the party at all levels during the 2027 General Elections.

Maituraka expressed his confidence at a meeting with youths groups, widows’ associations, former Councillors, and other APC supporters in Katsina on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that Maituraka is a Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President and also Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda.

He further affirmed that President Bola Tinubu would win the presidential election and Radda would secure re-election as the Governor of Katsina State.

Maituraka also applauded the role of women in the 2023 general elections, describing them as ‘promise keepers’.

‘Women contributed to the APC 2023 general elections’ victory, we encourage them to still do the same come 2027. What APC did in Nigeria can be widely seen by the citizens.

‘Don’t be deceived by the opposition. APC should be supported by all women in Katsina State. Radda is the best choice for Katsina.

‘The Katsina State Government had indeed played a significant role in taming insecurity. We have a good plan for the women to thrive in businesses,’ Maituraka said.

He, therefore, solicited the support and commitment of women, youths and groups to ensure the repeat of their support like they did in 2023.

According to him, their support will enable the candidates of the party to continue with the good work already in progress in the state and the nation as a whole.

Legendary French football icon and former Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has spoken about his long-awaited return to football management and the team he dreams of coaching.

Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, said he has not lost his passion for the game and remains eager to return to the dugout when the right opportunity comes.

‘For sure, I’m coming back as a head coach that’s part of my plan,’ Zidane said while speaking at the Festival Dello Sport. ‘My greatest desire is to become the head coach of the French national team one day. Let’s see how things turn out.’

The 53-year-old football legend, who led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, has been linked with several top European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus, but has so far turned down all offers.

France’s current head coach, Didier Deschamps, has been in charge since 2012 and guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018.

However, reports suggest that Deschamps could step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which might create the perfect opportunity for Zidane to take over the national team he once captained as a player.

Fans across France and beyond continue to hope that one of football’s greatest midfielders will soon return to the sidelines this time to lead his country to even greater success.

Nigerian celebrity chef and Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci, has revealed that she will be gifting one of her students a luxurious car.

The chef, on her Instagram page, marked the third year of her cooking class with the shocking announcement. She expressed her appreciation for the milestone while revealing that she will be gifting one of her students a car before the commencement of the class.

‘It still humbles me that we’re doing this again. Year 3, another car! Paid for, in full, sealed, and waiting for one lucky student before class even begins. God’s grace stays undefeated,’ Hilda wrote.

The ‘Brain Trust’ (Èdè wa ni – ? Gbe L’árug?), a Yoruba socio-cultural group, has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising the Yoruba language and preserving its cultural heritage.

A statement on Sunday by Mr Olushola Macaulay, Director of the Project, said the commitment was made during the group’s inaugural meeting on Saturday.

Macaulay said the meeting recorded strong commitments from distinguished personalities, leaders, scholars and advocates.

He said members pledged to deploy their expertise, influence and resources to ensure the success of the initiative.

‘Today marks a turning point in our collective effort to preserve the Yoruba language and the rich cultural heritage it embodies,’ he said.

Macaulay added that the passion and strategic vision shown by members had exceeded expectations.

He said the Brain Trust would leverage its collective influence to engage traditional rulers, political leaders, business moguls and cultural icons across Yorubaland.

‘This strategic approach aims to create a groundswell of support that becomes a pan-Yoruba movement,’ he said.

The statement also quoted Dr Sharon Omotoso, a member of the group, as saying that the success of the initiative required the active participation of cultural leaders.

‘Our commitment is to open doors at the highest levels of Yoruba society to ensure that the project receives the recognition and support it deserves,’ she said.

Macaulay said the meeting also marked a major milestone with the approval of the official logo and brand identity for the Yoruba Language Preservation Project.

He said the logo, which features the talking drum, cock and a book, was unanimously endorsed as a symbol of the project’s mission.

Mr Paul Emokhare, a member of the group and media expert, said the logo captured the essence of Yoruba heritage while pointing toward the future.

Also, Mrs AnikeadeFunke Treasure-Akintoye, a prominent media personality, pledged to use her media connections to promote the project across traditional and digital platforms.

‘I am fully committed to using every media resource at my disposal to amplify this critical initiative,’ she said.

‘This is not just a project; it is a movement that requires visibility, engagement and sustained public conversation,’ she added.

Similarly, Mr Babatunde Tiamiyu, General Manager of Pensioners’ 106.7 FM, said the initiative was the most comprehensive effort to preserve the Yoruba language in a generation.

The Yoruba Language Preservation Project (Èdè wa ni – ? Gbe L’árug?) aims to revitalise and safeguard the Yoruba language and cultural heritage among adolescents aged 15 to 18.

It adopts a reality show-inspired format that engages youths from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, and parts of Kogi, Kwara and Edo States in language learning and cultural activities.

According to the statement, the project combines education, cultural immersion, mentorship and media coverage to raise public awareness about the importance of language preservation.

The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Dr Boniface Aniebonam has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s choice of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman.

Aniebonam’spoke against the background of controversies surrounding Amupitan’s appointment on Sunday in Lagos.

The National Council of States on Oct. 7, approved the appointment of Amupitan to take over from Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu as INEC chairman.

The appointment is awaiting confirmation by Senate.

According to Aniebonam, Amupitan already has his work cut out for him and should hit the ground running as soon as his appointment is confirmed.

‘The first task for Amupitan is to change the battered image of INEC and return the trust of Nigerians in the umpire.

‘INEC’s image has been so eroded over the years that the first task before Amupitan is righting the wrongs by the commission and re-creating confidence in it.

‘Amupitan needs to study the commission thoroughly and correct issues currently before it that Mahmoud ignored,’ he said.

According to Aniebonam , President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council members must have seen Amupitan’s capacity before nominating him, pointing out that the President is truly committed to right the wrongs in Nigeria, and may be starting with INEC.

‘What we need in Nigeria at the moment shall be leaders who can take informed and hard decisions, if we must reinvent the Nigeria of our dreams

‘Our experience with INEC over the internal leadership crisis in NNPP have given us an insight into the ills of the commission and how the body worked sometimes.

‘For the immediate past leadership of INEC to ignore subsisting court orders and directives to upload the NNPP new national executives was a shocker and very shameful in constitutional democracy.

‘What could have stopped the former INEC boss from obeying the court orders should be looked into. These and many more are part of issues that can erode a people’s confidence in an institution.

‘Amupitan has the choice to either follow the path of past INEC chairmen or write his name in Diamond,’ he said.

According to Aniebonam, unattended matters, especially disobedience to court judgments should be cleared forthwith by the new INEC boss once confirmed.

A report by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) reveals that the global mortality rate has declined by 67 per cent since 1950, in spite of population growth and aging.

The study, which covered 204 countries and territories as well as 660 subnational locations between 1990 and 2023 was published in The Lancet medical journal and released on its website on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the findings were presented and unveiled at the ongoing World Health Summit in Berlin, Germany, holding from Sunday to Tuesday.

According to the report, global life expectancy has returned to pre-pandemic levels, rising by more than 20 years since 1950 to 76.3 years for females and 71.5 years for males.

The study, however, highlighted of wide regional disparities, with life expectancy ranging from as high as 83 years in high-income regions to as low as 62 years in sub-Saharan Africa.

While global health indicators had improved, the report warned of an emerging crisis of higher death rates among adolescents and young adults.

It attributed the rise to suicide and substance use in North and Latin America and to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries in sub-Saharan Africa.

It said that between 2011 and 2023, the highest increase in deaths was recorded among those aged 20 to 39 in high-income North America, largely due to suicide, drug overdose and excessive alcohol use.

The report also noted that deaths among those aged 5 to 19 rose in Eastern Europe, high-income North America and the Caribbean within the same period.

It said that while the global mean age at death increased from 46.4 in 1990 to 62.9 years in 2023, geographic inequities were profound.

‘The highest mean age of death was recorded in the high-income super-region, with females reaching 80.5 years and males at 74.4 years.

‘The lowest mean age of death was in sub-Saharan Africa, with females at 37.1 years and males at 34.8 years.

‘The all-cause probability of dying before age 70 decreased across each GBD super-region and region from 2000 to 2023, with drug use disorders as one of the leading causes.

‘ In sub-Saharan Africa, the probability increased for many Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD), and the mean age of death from NCDs was lower than expected,’it stated.

According to the report, new data and methods uncovered higher mortality among girls and women (ages 15-29 years) in sub-Saharan Africa is 61 per cent greater than previously reported.

In Nigeria, it showed that fewer people were dying now than in 1990, showing better health and longer lives for both men and women.

It revealed a significant decline in the age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) between 1990 and 2023.

Data showed that the rate for both sexes dropped from 1,722.41 deaths per 100,000 people in 1990 to 1,085.19 in 2023.

For males, it fell from 1,846.59 to 1,182.86, while for females, it declined from 1,599.20 to 1,003.34, indicating improved health outcomes and increased life expectancy across the population.

It noted that tremendous progress has been made in slashing many infectious diseases and injuries and in improving the health of newborns, but cuts to development assistance for health threaten this success.

The report explained that more children aged 5 to 14 in sub-Saharan Africa died between 1950 and 2021 than earlier estimates showed, mainly due to respiratory infections, tuberculosis, other diseases and unintentional injuries.

The report revealed that deaths among young women aged 15 to 29 in sub-Saharan Africa were 61 per cent higher than earlier estimates, mainly due to maternal mortality, road injuries and meningitis.

It stated that many countries particularly those with the fewest resources-need better access to prevention and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

According to the report NCDs account for nearly two-thirds of the world’s total death and disability, led by ischemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

It stated that half of the world’s disease burden was preventable and driven by 88 modifiable risks, with the top three being high blood pressure, air pollution and smoking.

It further noted that the burden of mental disorders continued to surge globally, with anxiety and depression increasing death and disability by 63 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

NAN reports that the study was led by Dr Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine alongside its GBD Collaborator Network.

The researchers collected and analysed data and produced estimates for 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors by age and sex from 1990 to 2023.

The Lancet is a peer-reviewed medical journal founded in 1823 in the United Kingdom covering global health, medicine and public health policy.