Category: PM News

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that they must travel with a valid US passport whenever they enter or leave the United States.

The advisory, issued on Sunday through the mission’s official X account, applies to every US citizen, including minors and individuals who hold citizenship of another country alongside their American nationality.

Reaffirming the longstanding travel requirement, the mission said, ‘U.S. citizens are required to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals.’

The mission also clarified that Americans with dual nationality cannot rely on a foreign passport when seeking approval under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

According to the post, ‘dual national U.S. citizens may not use their foreign passport to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization.’

It explained that the Department of Homeland Security ‘routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens.’

The mission further encouraged Americans residing outside the United States to check the validity of their passports well before making travel arrangements.

‘If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport,’ the mission said.

It also urged travellers not to wait until the last minute to renew their passports, noting that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.

‘Remember many countries require passports to have six months’ validity.’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) over its ‘failure to explain and account for ?211 trillion in oil money recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses.”

NNPCL reportedly recorded over ?211 trillion (?211,015,245,000,000) in its 2023 audited financial statements as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses’ without adequately explaining the transactions or providing sufficient information to enable public scrutiny of the funds.

In the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2027, filed last week at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking ‘an order of mandamus directing and compelling the NNPCL to account for the ?211 trillion and disclose all documents and information relating to the transactions recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

SERAP is asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to provide a detailed explanation, reconciliation and supporting documents relating to the ?107.6 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’, including the identities of the debtors, the amounts owed, the legal basis for the receivables and the status of recovery efforts.’

SERAP is also asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose the complete breakdown and supporting documents relating to the ?103.4 trillion recorded as ‘Accrued Expenses’, including the identities of the creditors and beneficiaries, the nature and legal basis of the liabilities, and the documents establishing their legitimacy.’

SERAP is further asking the court to ‘direct and compel the NNPCL to disclose all records relied upon in preparing and approving the ?211 trillion recorded as ‘Sundry Receivables’ and ‘Accrued Expenses’ in its 2023 audited financial statements.’

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that ‘there is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of the information sought. The NNPCL has a legal duty to explain and account for the ?211 trillion and demonstrate that the entries are accurate, lawful and supported by credible documentation.’

According to SERAP, ‘the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee the public’s right to access information held by public institutions, including NNPCL, to enable citizens to scrutinise the management of public resources.’

SERAP is arguing that ‘disclosure of the information is necessary to promote transparency, prevent corruption, strengthen fiscal accountability and ensure effective public oversight of NNPCL’s operations.’

SERAP is also arguing that ‘Nigerians have the right to know who owes the ?107.6 trillion, who is entitled to the ?103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, the legal basis for the transactions, and whether the entries comply with applicable laws and public accountability standards.’

The suit, filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi, Andrew Nwankwo and Maryam Mumuni, reads in part: ”Sundry Receivables’ are amounts of money that NNPCL says are owed to it by individuals, companies or government entities but which it has not yet received.’

”Accrued Expenses’ are amounts that NNPCL says it owes to others for goods, services or other obligations that have been incurred but not yet paid. Together, these entries account for over ?211 trillion in NNPCL’s 2023 audited financial statements.’

‘Yet the financial statements do not adequately explain who owes the money, who is to be paid, the legal basis for the transactions, or provide the supporting documents necessary for Nigerians to independently scrutinise and verify these enormous sums. NNPCL’s failure to disclose the requested information undermines transparency, accountability and public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil wealth, prevents Nigerians from determining whether the transactions are lawful and properly documented.’

‘NNPCL remains fully subject to the Freedom of Information Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages Nigeria’s petroleum resources and oil revenues on behalf of the Federation. The Petroleum Industry Act did not remove NNPCL’s legal obligations to operate transparently and accountably. The funds managed by NNPCL are public funds, regardless of the company’s corporate status, because they are derived from Nigeria’s petroleum resources, which belong to the Federation. Nigerians have a legal right to scrutinise how these resources are managed.’

‘NNPCL failed to comply with SERAP’s Freedom of Information request despite the clear timelines prescribed by the Freedom of Information Act. Under the Act, its failure to respond is deemed a refusal, entitling SERAP to seek judicial intervention to compel full disclosure. The information requested is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and concerns matters of overwhelming public interest relating to transparency, fiscal accountability, good governance and the prudent management of Nigeria’s oil wealth.’

‘Secrecy over the management of oil revenues undermines the rule of law, weakens public trust, and is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Financial Regulations, and Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues are essential to combating corruption, protecting public resources and ensuring that the country’s wealth is used to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians.’

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Nigeria and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have called for stronger African control of mineral resources through value addition, regional cooperation, data sovereignty and strategic financing.

The call was made at the Ministerial Forum on Critical Minerals, Value Chain and Beneficiation, held under AfDB auspices in Abidjan.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, urged mineral-producing countries to embrace regional cooperation to unlock greater benefits from Africa’s abundant resources.

This is contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, on Sunday in Abuja.

He said African countries must move beyond exporting raw minerals and develop practical strategies for controlling their natural assets through processing and value addition.

‘While the mantra of value addition has ushered in an era of economic independence for mineral-producing nations, we need concrete actionable strategies to take charge of our natural assets,’ Alake said.

Alake, Chairman of the Africa Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), said more than 30 member countries were advancing a common continental approach anchored on value addition.

He also called for African sovereignty over the data and technical systems used to assess, classify and report the continent’s mineral resources.

The minister described Africa’s reliance on the Australia-based Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) reporting standard as outdated.

He advocated adopting the Pan African Resource Reporting Code (PARC), developed by the Africa Minerals Development Centre, as the continental reporting framework.

According to Alake, PARC promotes transparency, consistency and ethical reporting while reflecting Africa’s geological, environmental and mineral-resource characteristics.

He also proposed a West African minerals-processing corridor stretching from Lagos to Dakar to strengthen regional processing and reduce development costs.

Alake said participating countries would leverage comparative advantages, share infrastructure, facilitate trade and distribute the risks and rewards of mineral development.

He noted that intra-African trade accounted for about 16 per cent, compared with approximately 60 per cent in Asia and 70 per cent in Europe.

Earlier, AfDB President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, said Africa’s vast critical-mineral deposits had not translated into corresponding gains in GDP or global influence.

Tah identified inadequate financing and low foreign direct investment as major obstacles preventing Africa from maximising opportunities in its mineral sector.

The forum consequently called for coordinated policies, integrated infrastructure, mineral value chains and capital mobilisation to transform Africa’s mining sector.

Participants adopted the Abidjan Declaration, placing financing at the centre of efforts to transform Africa’s solid-minerals sector.

Under the declaration, AfDB pledged financial instruments, capital mobilisation and technical expertise to de-risk strategic projects and finance critical infrastructure.

The bank also committed support for competitive and sustainable mineral value chains capable of generating greater economic benefits across African countries.

The declaration urged African countries to strengthen national and regional capacities to attract investment, create quality jobs and generate sustainable local value.

The forum attracted more than 20 ministers, AfDB and Afreximbank representatives, the U.S. Export-Import Bank and mining companies.

Mining companies from Germany, Canada and the United States also participated in discussions on Africa’s critical-minerals opportunities.

Participants reaffirmed that stronger African cooperation, regional value addition and greater control of mineral resources were essential for sustainable economic transformation.

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union on Thursday, July 23, 2026, concluded its Central Executive Council election with Kujembola Olalekan (IkuuBoy) emerging as the president-elect.

According to the institution’s magazine, The Awo Times, the Students’ Union Independent Electoral Commission (SUIEC) declared IkuuBoy President-elect following conclusion of the election.

The news medium quoted a statement released on Friday by the Commission as saying only results validated and submitted by designated Electoral Officers across all faculty polling units were admitted for collation, adding that the final figures accurately reflected the votes cast by students.

It further maintained that the released figures are the only official and recognised election results, describing any contrary results or claims in circulation as false.

‘According to the official results announced by the Commission, IkuuBoy polled 9,112 votes to defeat Lateef Akeem Omotayo (Emmanuel), who secured 4,846 votes, while Fatokun Matthew Babafemi (Iseoluwa) who announced his withdrawal from the presidential race on the eve of the election, received 28 votes.

‘For the office of Vice President, Oluwagbemiro Elizabeth (Liz) was declared elected with 9,838 votes, defeating Ayansola Eniola Abimbola (Eniola), who polled 4,511 votes,’ The Awo Times reports.

Other candidates declared elected by the Commission include:

Secretary General: Arogundade Abduroheem (Arogs) with 8,543 votes; Assistant Secretary General: Akande Faith Oluwafunmilayo with 7,643 votes; Public Relations Officer: Oluwagbami Isaac (Zikkish) with 9,967 votes, and Director of Socials and Culture: Adeola Afolabi Enoch (FolaCandy) who polled 8,792 votes.

Others were Director of Sports: Oladosu Miracle Okikijesu (BIG POPE) with 8,853 votes; Financial Secretary: Olaniyan Olawale Stephen (Hon. Ola) with 10,645 votes, and Welfare Officer Afolabi Opeyemi Mubarak (Opeyemi) who won with 7,101 votes.

According to the report, the Commission expressed appreciation to all aspirants, Electoral Officers, security personnel, observers, members of the campus press, and the Great Ife student community for their cooperation throughout the electoral process.

It also congratulated the newly elected officers, urging them to serve with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of the Students’ Union.

However, the election was reportedly marked by a number of incidents that drew attention during the voting process. The Awo Times reported several confrontations between party agents and electoral security personnel at different faculty polling locations.

Also, there were reports of journalists being harassed while carrying out their duties. In some faculties, members of the campus press were allegedly chased out of polling units during the vote-counting process, limiting independent media observation of the collation exercise.

The concerns also affected election coverage. Amid reports of harassment and restrictions on press activities, the Association of Campus Journalists (ACJOAU), Obafemi Awolowo University, reportedly withdrew from its live election coverage before the conclusion of the electoral process.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted illicit drugs valued at over N10 billion, including cocaine, Canadian Loud and opioids, in a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos, while arresting suspected drug kingpins and uncovering ammunition concealed in palm oil kegs in Kaduna and Katsina states.

The agency said the operations led to the arrest of 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who allegedly masterminded attempts to export cocaine to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said Chinedu, a clothing dealer at Balogun Market, Lagos Island, was arrested on Thursday after investigators traced him to a 3.30-kilogram cocaine consignment concealed inside the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs destined for the UK.

According to Babafemi, the cocaine shipment had been intercepted at the export shed of the Lagos airport a day earlier, prompting the arrest of three cargo agents-Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina, Adeleke Abiola Taoheed and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the consignment.

He said further investigations led to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu, who delivered the shipment to the cargo agents, eventually exposing Chinedu as the alleged kingpin behind the trafficking syndicate.

Babafemi disclosed that Chinedu was apprehended while attempting to send another cocaine consignment to the UK.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 31-year-old entrepreneur Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo at her Surulere residence after intercepting a 2.80kg consignment of Canadian Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight.

The agency also recorded another major seizure at the Lagos airport, where operatives intercepted 2.24 million pills of Tapentadol 250mg, valued at more than N2.2 billion, during a joint examination of cargo imported from India aboard an Air Maroc flight. Babafemi said the operation followed credible intelligence processed by the agency.

He added that the seizure came shortly after NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of tramadol concealed inside containers of black soap at a Lagos courier company while the consignment was being prepared for export to the United Kingdom.

At the Apapa Seaport, Babafemi said operatives uncovered 4,777 sachets of Canadian Loud weighing 2,388.5 kilograms, concealed inside three imported vehicles. The illicit consignment has an estimated street value of over N7.1 billion.

Beyond drug interdictions, NDLEA operatives also intercepted military-grade ammunition during separate operations in northern Nigeria.

Babafemi said Mustapha Sani, 30, was arrested during a patrol at Baure in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State with 323 rounds of military-grade ammunition, comprising 200 rounds of 7.62mm and 123 rounds of 7.6mm ammunition.

Similarly, Abubakar Amadu, 30, was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation at Jere along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway after officers discovered 73 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside kegs of red palm oil.

He said both suspects had been transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives raided a warehouse at Ilushi community in Esan South-East Local Government Area, recovering 1,286 kilograms of cannabis and 86 kilograms of cannabis seeds. Two suspects-Ojore Onweze, 45, and George Agwumede, 30, were also arrested with 60kg and 13kg of skunk, respectively.

Babafemi said the agency sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign during the week with sensitisation programmes held in schools and communities across Niger, Kano and Lagos states.

Commending officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) as well as the MMIA, Apapa, Edo, Kaduna and Katsina Commands for the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urged personnel nationwide to remain steadfast in implementing the agency’s balanced strategy of aggressive drug supply reduction alongside sustained public enlightenment.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested two men suspected of providing intelligence and logistical support to Boko Haram as well as participating in cattle rustling during a joint operation at Buni Yadi Friday Market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 27 Task Force Brigade alongside members of a local hunters’ group, followed intelligence reports that led security operatives to the market at about 2.00 pm on July 24, military sources disclosed on Sunday.

The suspects were identified as 32-year-old Muhammadu Sani of Mainahari village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State and 40-year-old Buba Umaru from Garin Jauro in Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The operation took a violent turn when one of the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attacked a member of the hunters’ group with a cutlass.

The hunter suffered serious head injuries and received immediate medical attention before the troops subdued and arrested the suspects.

During initial interrogation, military sources said Sani admitted working as a logistics supplier and informant for Boko Haram for almost seven years.

He also allegedly confessed to directing insurgents to the homes of two residents, enabling them to steal cattle during separate raids.

Security sources believe the information obtained from the suspect could strengthen ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle networks that provide support to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The two men remain in the custody of the 27 Task Force Brigade, where investigators are examining their alleged roles in supplying logistics, gathering intelligence for terrorists and involvement in cattle rustling.

Military authorities said the arrests highlight the value of intelligence supplied by local communities and the close cooperation between troops and community-based security groups in tracking individuals suspected of aiding terrorist organisations.

The representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, were on the delegation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who were currently in Brazil to discuss the efficacy of Yoruba traditional medicine with the government of Brazil represented by Fiocruz a South America leading Medical research institute.

The delegation therein called for global recognition and scientific validation of African traditional medicine, advocating a strategic partnership between Nigeria and Brazil that will combine indigenous knowledge with scientific research to improve healthcare and sustainable development.

The delegation made the call during the Brazil-Nigeria High-Level Bilateral Meeting on Traditional Medicine and Scientific Cooperation held at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer to the Ooni, Sodiq Lawal, said the meeting ended with the adoption of a comprehensive implementation roadmap that will guide cooperation between the two countries on traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, technology transfer, academic exchange and public health innovation.

Representing the Ooni at the summit were the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, and the President of Oduduwa Heritage Home in Brazil and International Consultant to the World Orisa Congress (WOOCON), Ajoyemi Olabisi Osunleye.

The meeting brought together representatives of Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Harvard University, Brazil’s Ministry of Racial Equality and the African Pride delegation to deepen South-South cooperation in traditional medicine, medicinal plant research, human milk banking and academic training.

The meeting reaffirmed the mutual commitment of both countries to scientifically validate traditional medicine practices and integrate evidence-based indigenous healthcare into formal health systems.

Participants also reviewed the ongoing Harvard-Brazil-Nigeria metabolomics research involving 68 medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes, with discussions on expanding the study to other therapeutic products of medical value.

The summit further recognised a collection of about 500 medicinal plants already studied and scientifically validated in Brazil as a solid foundation for future collaborative research between Nigerian and Brazilian institutions.

Another major outcome of the meeting was the agreement to support the establishment of a Human Milk Bank in Nigeria, leveraging the technical expertise of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre and Fiocruz’s experience in the field.

The participants also linked the Brazil-Nigeria partnership to global climate initiatives through the International Savanna Forum and COP31 scheduled for September in GoiSnia, Brazil, identifying biodiversity conservation, health innovation and social technology as critical areas of future collaboration.

The meeting equally acknowledged Brazil’s ongoing efforts to secure institutional recognition for the healthcare practices of traditional terreiro communities, while noting that Nigeria’s experience in preserving indigenous medicine offers valuable lessons for international policy development.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the proposed partnership must be built on three inseparable pillars-indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research.

According to him, Africa’s traditional knowledge should not merely be preserved but scientifically validated, refined and responsibly deployed for the benefit of humanity.

‘The foundation of this partnership should rest on three inseparable pillars: indigenous wisdom, traditional medicinal plants and scientific research. Our purpose is not merely to preserve traditional knowledge, but to combine the wisdom safeguarded by our communities over generations with rigorous scientific research capable of validating, improving and responsibly applying that knowledge for the benefit of humanity.

‘Through this approach, we can transform our shared biodiversity and ancestral knowledge into safe, effective and evidence-based health innovations that contribute to public health, scientific advancement and sustainable development. These principles should form the cornerstone of the Memorandum of Understanding and all future cooperative initiatives arising from this historic meeting.’

Presenting the Ooni’s position, the Ooni’s delegation explained that African traditional medicine transcends the physical use of herbs, roots and medicinal plants.

He maintained that indigenous healthcare embodies generations of ancestral wisdom, oral traditions, spirituality and sacred knowledge that have been preserved across centuries.

He stressed that within Yoruba civilisation, prayers, incantations and other intangible cultural practices remain integral components of healing and should be recognised alongside scientific validation in any global framework for traditional medicine.

Representing the Federal Government of Nigeria, and leader of the delegation, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge systems through research, documentation and international collaboration, describing the partnership as a major step towards repositioning Africa’s cultural and scientific heritage on the global stage.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Prof. Smaranda Olarinde who led the University team highlighted the institution’s research capacity in traditional medicine, noting that the university had advanced beyond laboratory investigations, with several medicinal products already developed and manufactured.

According to her, the achievement demonstrates ABUAD’s ability to translate scientific research into practical healthcare solutions capable of benefiting society.

The meeting also adopted a detailed implementation calendar to ensure that the resolutions are translated into concrete actions.

Under the roadmap, participating institutions will immediately validate the meeting resolutions and formalise the existing Letter of Intent before constituting a Joint Working Group in August 2026 to coordinate all aspects of the partnership.

The Working Group will supervise the drafting of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding involving Fiocruz, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife and Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti, with participation of Brazil’s Ministries of Health and Racial Equality.

The proposed agreement will cover traditional medicine research, medicinal plant development, human milk banking, postgraduate training, technology transfer, joint scientific publications and institutional cooperation.

According to the implementation schedule, the partnership will be presented at the International Savanna Forum and COP31 in GoiSnia in September 2026 as a Global South model for addressing climate, health and sustainable development challenges.

The roadmap further provides for the review of the Memorandum of Understanding in October, its formal signing in November 2026, and the commencement of pilot medicinal plant projects, academic exchange programmes, postgraduate collaborations and certification courses in traditional medicine between December 2026 and January 2027.

The implementation plan also recommends that the Royal Palace of the Ooni of Ife continue playing a central coordinating role alongside Nigerian institutions in driving the partnership, while both countries pursue long-term collaboration in biodiversity conservation, indigenous healthcare innovation and scientific research.

The resolutions, if fully implemented, are expected to significantly strengthen Nigeria-Brazil relations and position African traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge systems as globally recognised contributors to modern healthcare through evidence-based scientific collaboration.

The delegation from Nigeria to the meeting led by by the Executive Secretary, National Institute of Cultural Orientation – NICO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare supported by Princess Kemi Fadojutimi who flew to join from the USA, Dr Kunle Jayesimi from Harvard University, USA, trado Medical practioners, Chief Olokooba Atinuke Fagoroye and High Chief Olokooba Adekunle Sunbo, Ooni’s Ambassadors to South America; Ajoyemi Osunleye and Carolina Maria Moiras Osunleye, the Vice Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Elisabeth Smaranda Olarinde accompanied by the University Head of ICT, Professor Tunbosun Ogundipe and Dr Akawa Oluwole while the Brazilian side was led by President of FIOCRUZ, Mario Santos Moreira accompanied by Vice president,Valcler Rangel who gave the opening remarks and presented the FIOCRUZ Institutional video, Felix Rosenberg, Science, Culture and international dialogue, Deniz Oliveira, Territorial health, GEREB and Community Strategies, Luzi Miranda Borges from Ministry of Racial Equality handled policies for traditional peoples and communities of African descent, Valber Frutuoso; Health Promotion, Equity and Traditional Knowledge, Emmanuel Campus; Traditional practices and Community Technologies while the duo of João Aprigio Almeida from World Health Organisation and Danielle Aparecida Da Silver of the IFF/Fiocruz both spoke on the Human Milk Bank Network and Experience. Other members of the Brazilian delegation includes Erica Kastrup; South South Cooperation, Nathalia Lima Dos Santos; international Education and Ines Reiz; integrative and complementary health practices.

Fiocruz is the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a Brazilian public health and science institution linked to the Ministry of Health. It is based in Rio de Janeiro and Latin America’s leading health research and technology organizations. Fiocruz works on health research, disease control, vaccine and medicine production, diagnostic tools, training, and public health services. Its mission is to promote health and social development.

73 Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service have been inducted into the professional ranks of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations following their successful completion of the Institute’s Training and Certification Programme at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

In a post on X on Saturday, Service Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Immigration Service, Service Headquarters, Abuja, DCI Akinsola Akinlabi, said the induction is part of the service’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise strategic communication and professionalise its Public Relations cadre in line with its broader reform agenda.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, at the ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Visa and Residency, FU Nwanneka, charged the newly inducted officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

She urged them to ‘proactively manage public perception, counter misinfo bymation, respond effectively to crises, and strengthen public trust’ as the Service continues to implement technology-driven reforms in migration management and border governance.

Nwanneka also commended the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for partnering with the Nigeria Immigration Service to deepen professionalism and strengthen the practice of Public Relations within the Service.

Speaking at the event, the President and Chairman of the Council of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku, formally inducted the participants into the Institute and reminded them of the ethical demands of the profession.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office has announced Saturday, August 1, 2026 for the conduct of a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the August 15 Governorship election.

INEC said the exercise was designed to test the functionality and efficiency of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under conditions similar to Election Day.

The body made this known in a public announcement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education, INEC, Osun State and forwarded to the Press on Sunday.

‘The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State Office, wishes to inform all registered voters, political parties, the media and civil society organisations that as part of the activities towards assessing the commission’s readiness for the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, a mock accreditation exercise will be conducted on Saturday 1st August 2026,’ the electoral body said.

According to INEC, the exercise will take place in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state as follows:

In Osogbo LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/30/04/002; 29/30/05/005; 29/30/04/001, and 29/30/05/019.

In Olorunda LGA, it’s billed to take place in four polling units: 29/27/01/001; 29/27/01/005; 29/27/01/004, and 29/27/01/006.

In Ifelodun LGA, it will take place in four polling units: 29/14/04/003; 29/14/06/005; 29/14/03/003, and 29/14/07/003.

In Boripe, it will take place in four polling units: 29/06/01/001; 29/06/02/003; 29/06/05/005, and 29/06/03/015, etc.

The NBM of Africa Worldwide, has announced a ?20 million education fund for the son of its late Italy Zonal President, Jeffrey Osas Iyen.

To be known as Jeffrey Osas Iyen Legacy Education Fund, the initiative is to secure the future of the son of the deceased from nursery school through university.

President of NBM of Africa Worldwide, Dr Charles Chimezie, announced this during the presentation of a ?20 million cheque to the family of the deceased.

Chimezie who paid glowing tribute to the late Jeffrey Osas Iyen, described the initiative as a touching demonstration of brotherhood, compassion and enduring love.

The gesture, which has transformed the mourning of a grieving family into a message of hope for the future, is dedicated to ensuring that the deceased’s son receives uninterrupted education and is given the opportunity to pursue his dreams, even in the absence of his father.

In a moving funeral oration, the NBM of Africa Worldwide described the late Iyen as a remarkable leader, devoted husband, loving father and compassionate brother whose humility, integrity and selfless service touched the lives of countless people.

While expressing its deepest condolences to the deceased’s wife, son and other members of the family, the organisation assured them that they would not walk alone in their moment of grief, as the NBM of Africa Worldwide stood firmly with them in love, support and solidarity.

It said the establishment of the education fund was more than a financial gesture, but a lasting tribute to the life and values of the late Iyen, adding that his memory would continue to live through the education, growth and future accomplishments of his son.

According to the organisation, the legacy reflected its belief that true compassion must be demonstrated through meaningful action, noting that the ?20 million endowment would preserve the name of the late Italy South Zonal President through hope, education and service to humanity.

They pledged to ensure that although he may no longer be physically present to guide his son, his legacy would continue to light the path of the child he left behind.