Category: PM News

Nigerian music superstar, Tiwa Savage, has opened up on one of the biggest struggles faced by women in the entertainment industry, the pressure to exchange sx for opportunities.

Speaking at a panel session during Entertainment Week Africa, Tiwa revealed that she has experienced several cases where male executives attempted to take advantage of her before granting her access to shows, gigs and deals.

According to her, some influential figures insisted she must visit them privately before she could be added to certain lineups.

The singer also disclosed that she once lost a major endorsement deal because she refused to travel to Dubai with the company’s co-owner.

Tiwa said the encounter made her realize that many of these executives valued her body more than her actual artistry.

She said:

“I had been told that if I don’t go and see ‘this chairman’ personally, I would not be put on a show.

I lost an endorsement because I refused to go to Dubai with a man who is one of the owners of the company.

“That was when I realised that they don’t value my talent but my body, which I was only flaunting as part of branding. It ended up hurting me because that is all they were seeing.”

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to inaugurate 233 new housing units on Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The state Commissioner for Housing, Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, gave the assurance in a statement on Thursday.

The statement was signed by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Ganiu Lawal.

The commissioner said that the housing units, to be inaugurated on Friday, would be expected to boost housing stock for the growing number of Lagos residents seeking decent accommodation.

According to the official, the project consists of 34 blocks containing a total of 233 housing units.

He noted that the estate was a joint venture between Lagos State Government and Urban Shelter Ltd., a private real estate company.

Akinderu-Fatai said that the ministry remained committed to providing affordable and quality homes in line with Sanwo-Olu’s promise to complete all ongoing housing projects across the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project sits on 3.7 hectares of land within the fully-developed Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate on the LekkiEpe Expressway.

The Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate was inaugurated on Jan. 15, 2001, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu had, in October 2025, inaugurated 420 housing units on the Akinsanya Sunny Ajose Housing Estate at Ajara.

(NAN)

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has praised Nigeria’s tobacco control efforts since 2012, saying the country has made “remarkable progress” in the fight against the deadly product.

Dr, Salako, who spoke at the ongoing 11th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Geneva, said it had resulted in a continued decline in the number of adults using tobacco in the country.

The opening session featured over 1400 delegates from across the world participating in a high-level dialogue that reviewed two decades of progress under the WHO FCTC and deliberated on accelerated action on tobacco control.

The delegates from government, international organizations and civil society including Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) representing 162 Parties to the WHO FCTC began discussions on a wide range of measures to stem tobacco use, which kills more than 7 million people annually, and to protect the environment from the harms caused by tobacco production, use and waste.

Delivering Nigeria’s high-level statement at the global meeting on Monday, Dr. Salako highlighted new national data, strengthened enforcement, and bold regulatory actions that he said reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to public health and the WHO FCTC.

He said at the centre of the country’s progress was the successful completion of the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), which shows a continued decline in daily tobacco use among adults compared to earlier surveys.

According to the Minister, the latest findings also reveal the powerful impact of graphic health warnings, with the percentage of smokers who considered quitting after seeing the warnings rising from 26.7 percent in 2012 to 43.3 percent in 2025, a major step forward for cessation efforts.

“Overall, from 2012 to 2025, exposure to secondhand smoke significantly declined inside homes, government buildings, restaurants, public transportation, tertiary institutions and schools,” Dr. Salako added.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that although the gains were encouraging, sustaining them would require continued vigilance and stronger enforcement at all levels of government.

The minister explained that to reinforce implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 and Regulations, 2019, the Federal Government had rolled out multiple strategic policy documents, including the National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action, 2024 2028, National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy, 2024 2028 and the National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan, 2024 2028.

These frameworks, he noted, ensure a coordinated, multisectoral approach to regulation and public education.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s advancement of the WHO FCTC Article 19, which encourages Parties to hold the tobacco industry legally and financially accountable for actions that undermine public health, as one of the country’s most notable achievements.

“In this regard, our Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently imposed a fine of 110 million US dollars on the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) for multiple infringements of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, the National Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019, and other consumer protection laws”, Dr. Salako said.

“This represents one of the most significant applications of Article 19 globally and sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for its actions.”

In addition, he spotlighted new regulations from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) across films, TV, music videos, and digital media, saying it was an important step in protecting young people.

“This bold step gives practical effect to Article 13 of the WHO FCTC, helping to prevent indirect advertising and the normalisation of tobacco use,” Dr. Salako added.

Despite this progress, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including tobacco industry interference and the rise of new nicotine products. He called for stronger global collaboration, technical support, and knowledge exchange to help countries, especially developing nations, stay ahead of industry tactics.

“In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, we acknowledge that key challenges persist, including the need to strengthen enforcement especially at subnational levels; addressing the growing spread and false narrative of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products and ensuring their strict regulation; as well as countering persistent tobacco industry interference,” Dr. Salako said.

The Minister concluded by expressing Nigeria’s gratitude to the WHO FCTC Secretariat, COP11 leadership, and participating Parties, wishing all delegates productive deliberations.

In addition to the strategic dialogue that reviewed progress on tobacco control in the 20 years since the WHO FCTC entered into force, a ministerial round table organised by the Government of Belgium addressed the pressing issue of nicotine addiction among young people and how to prevent it amid the wide availability and marketing of e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco and nicotine products.

Discussions at the round table focused on national approaches and lessons learned and the potential role of the WHO FCTC in tackling the issue.

“COP11 provides an opportunity for Parties to consider important issues including forward-looking tobacco control measures, environmental protection, liability and measures to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction and exposure to tobacco smoke,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC.

“The Secretariat of the WHO FCTC welcomes all Parties and observers to COP11 to promote international cooperation and move ahead with global action to address the global tobacco epidemic,” he added.

COP11, organized around the theme of “20 years of change uniting generations for a tobacco-free future”, will be followed by the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products on 2426 November.

The Lagos State Government has issued a caution to health facilities, including the General Hospital in Badagry, following reports that patients under the state health insurance scheme are being denied access to essential medications.

The warning was issued by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) during a Sensitisation Campaign and Town Hall Meeting held at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat on Tuesday, which focused on the agency’s roles and responsibilities.

Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, represented by the Director of Research and Statistics, Dr. Olorunfemi Olonire, acknowledged concerns from residents about the insurance system, noting complaints that insured patients were often told certain prescribed drugs were unavailable after treatment.

Idowu said HEFAMAA had documented these complaints and would escalate them to the Lagos State Health Management Authority (LASHMA) and its Permanent Secretary to ensure urgent attention.

“When you enter the hospital as an insured patient and are told at the pharmacy that drugs above 5% or 10% are unavailable, that undermines the insurance system and patient safety,” he said.

She said to strengthen accountability, the agency has deployed a newly introduced QR code system across public health facilities.

Idowu added that patients who are denied covered medications can scan the code to report the incident in real time, saying that complaints submitted via the QR system will be collated and forwarded to relevant authorities for prompt action.

Idowu also cautioned against unlicensed practitioners, including traditional healers and auxiliary nurses, who perform medical procedures such as intravenous drug administration at home.

He warned that such unsafe practices often endanger patients, with complications later wrongly attributed to legitimate hospitals.

The Director of the Nursing Unit, Mrs. Oluwole Titilope, highlighted the QR code system’s role in maintaining standards.

She explained that health facilities must meet specific requirements and undergo on-site inspections before registration. Facilities that pass inspections receive a certificate and official logo, signaling that they are authorized to provide safe, high-quality care.

Titilope emphasized that registration is only the first step, as HEFAMAA continuously monitors facilities to ensure ongoing compliance and patient safety.

Residents were urged to seek care only from registered facilities and to report any irregularities promptly.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring insured patients receive their entitled medications and that public health standards are strictly enforced across Lagos State.

Tensions ran high at the Federal High Court on Thursday as Emmanuel Kanu, brother of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, lashed out over his sibling’s prolonged detention.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Emmanuel expressed frustration at what he described as unfair treatment of his brother and the Igbo community.

“It looks as if there’s a war between Igbos and Yorubas. This is injustice, how can you jail a man who has done nothing? Nnamdi Kanu is not a terror!st, we’ve been on this case for 9 years,” he said, drawing the attention of lawyers, journalists, and security personnel stationed around the court.

He also added: “For how long will this continue? Go around the country, there are attacks everywhere. This is injustice to the Igbo people. How can you jail a man who has done nothing?”

The outburst came shortly after the court adjourned proceedings in the long-running trial, which involves charges of terrorism and unlawful possession of firearms, allegations Kanu has consistently denied.

Security operatives quickly intervened to calm the scene as supporters murmured their frustrations over yet another adjournment. Emmanuel’s comments reflect the heightened tensions surrounding one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive cases.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since his controversial re-arrest in 2021,

By Paul Dada

The Director and Senior Fellow for the Africa Program at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies), Oge Onubogu, has warned the US about acting on a single narrative about insecurity in Nigeria.

Onubogu, who was speaking at the ongoing US congressional hearing on Nigeria, said while not denying that there are killings of Christians, it would be wrong to simplify the problem as an aggression against Christians.

She saidmany communities face violence because government systems have failed to provide basic services, justiceThe Director and Senior Fellow for the Africa Program at CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies), Oge Onubogu, has warned the US about acting on a single narrative about insecuirity in Nigeria., and protection. She warned that reducing the conflict to a religious frame risks obscuring the structural issues that fuel insecurity.

Onubogu urged the United States to adopt a more nuanced approach in its Nigeria policy.

She said Nigeria wields strong influence in the West Africa while saying that Nigeria’s internal stability has wide implications for the sub-region.

Onubogu also urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint an Ambassador to the U.S.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Justice James Omotosho has proceeded to deliver judgment in terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB after the secessionist organisation leader was removed from court.

The Judge had gone into his chambers for short adjournment after unruly behavior by Nnamdi Kanu resulted in commotion in court.

The IPOB leader had tried to halt the proceedings of the court after the three applications he filed to arrest the delivery of the judgment were thrown out by the court.

The Judge ordered the removal of the IPOB leader from court when he became unruly and refused to obey directives to sit down and stop talking.

Kanu had rained expletives on the Judge before leaving the court.

However, the Judge returned to the court later to deliver the judgment.

Before he proceeded to begin delivery of the judgment, Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu has history of unruly behaviors in the court with attacks and verbal abuses of security operatives, his lawyers and court.

He noted that nobody should be allowed to trample with the sanctity of the court.

He added that as a judicial officer he is bound to protect the sanctity of temple of justice as he noted that while the right to be present throughout the trial is a constitutional and fundamental rights, it is not absolute.

“Once you have been given the opportunity and you fail to use that opportunity, such person cannot claim a breach of that right. This morning, the defendant was given that opportunity.

“He has misconducted himself in this manner several times. And I think this is the time to put a stop to it. It is trite law that if a defendant misbehaves or acts unruly in the courtroom, his trial can be done absence.

“As stated by the defendant this morning, he said he has put in his defense. He is not calling any witness. And I will get to the issue of issuing address in the judgments. We are not taking evidence this morning. It is to take judgment and sentence if possible.

“It is based on that, that I hereby make an order that because of the unruly behavior of defendants, his aggressiveness and violent nature, I hereby make an order that the judgment and other proceedings proceed in his absence,” the Judge said as he proceeded to deliver his judgment.

Nollywood actress Oluwabukola Awoyemi, known as Bukola Arugba, has raised alarm that three of her close relatives were kidnapped during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a video posted on Instagram, Arugba reacted to what she called misleading information about the incident. She particularly challenged a statement credited to the Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, which suggested the attack was only “attempted.”

A viral video had shown armed men invading the church during a programme on Tuesday night. Reports also indicated that several worshippers were kidnapped and three people were killed.

Arugba, who is from Eruku, insisted that the attack was real, deadly, and not merely an attempt.

“I read a press release on the First Lady’s page that totally contradicts the truth,” she said. “The information given to you by the police is false.”

She said eyewitnesses from the community, including her own family members, saw everything happen.

“It was a successful attack, not an attempted one,” she stressed. “People died, and many were taken away.”

She identified some of her abducted relatives as Evangelist Titi Balogun, her mother’s younger sister, and Ebenezer Aina, her cousin’s son.

“I’ve spoken with many people back home. Three to four of my cousins are currently with the bandits. Everyone in my town is crying because we don’t know if they will return alive,” she added.

Arugba accused authorities of downplaying the severity of the attack and giving the public the opposite of what truly happened.

Addressing the First Lady directly, she said: “The reports on your page are false. They completely contradict the real situation.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Olusegun Awolowo Jr., the grandson of Nigeria’s legendary statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent lawyer, and former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), is dead.

He was the only son of Hajiya Zainab Abah Folawiyo, popularly known as Sisi Abah Folawiyo, the renowned fashion icon and widow of the late billionaire philanthropist Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo.

He died at the age of 62 years.

His family announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, marking the end of a life deeply rooted in public service, patriotism and an enduring commitment to the Awolowo legacy.

“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement read.

They hailed him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”

According to the statement, Awolowo dedicated his entire life to the service of Nigeria with “vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.”

He was remembered as a “true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being,” whose generosity and humility left lasting impressions on everyone who knew him.

“He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country,” the statement continued. “And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.”

The family said they are devastated by the loss but remain grateful for his impactful life and the legacy he leaves behind. “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” they added.

They also announced that condolences will be received at his residence daily between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to youths against engaging in a dangerous drug practice known as “bluetoothing.”

Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, described the trend as a deadly act in which individuals inject themselves with the blood of someone who has just taken drugs, believing it will allow them to “share the high.”

According to Dr. Fatungase, participating in this practice significantly increases the risk of contracting life-threatening infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other severe blood-related illnesses.

He added that it also exposes users to potential overdose and life-threatening reactions.

“In Ogun State, we are committed to protecting our youths. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available at our Key Population One Stop Shop (KPOSS) health facility at 4 Kemta Idi Aba, Abeokuta, which provides treatment and counselling services,” he said.

Dr. Fatungase urged young people to make healthy choices, saying, “Choose life, choose health, choose your future. Say no to bluetoothing and encourage friends to stay safe. Together, we can prevent HIV and protect the next generation.”

Bluetoothing, also referred to as “flashblood” in some countries, has been reported in places like South Africa, Tanzania, and Fiji. Health authorities in these regions have linked it to spikes in HIV and other infections.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with community groups and the Pyrates Confraternity, recently conducted over 125 awareness campaigns in schools, religious centers, and communities, reaching more than 30,000 people.

In addition, the Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has teamed up with youth-led NGOs, including the Drug Free Project, to leverage sports as a platform for awareness and rehabilitation.