Sanwo-Olu Urges Leaders to Embrace Honesty, Transparency, Accountability

Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday at the opening of the second session of the 36th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, “Public office is a stewardship that will be examined both in time and in eternity,” he said, stressing that true leadership must be anchored on integrity and responsibility.

Speaking on the synod theme, The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End-Time (Eschatology): Their Relevance and Our Response to Them Today,” Sanwo-Olu described it as timely, especially given the nation’s current socio-economic challenges.

He noted that rising cost of living, economic uncertainty and widespread anxiety among citizens make the message of hope and accountability more relevant.

According to him, the principles of salvation and accountability form the foundation for ethical leadership, transparent governance and responsible public service.

“Without that anchor, leadership becomes a private enterprise; with it, leadership becomes a sacred trust,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also outlined achievements of his administration under the THEMES Plus Agenda, covering transportation, healthcare, education, economic growth, security and governance, with emphasis on sustainability and social inclusion.

He commended President In his address, the Diocesan Bishop, Okupevi also urged Christians to play active roles in the 2027 general elections, calling on citizens to reject vote-selling, violence and divisive politics.

“As the Church, we must not be silent. We must pray, speak boldly and act justly,” the bishop said, emphasising the need for righteousness in nation-building.

The synod also featured the presentation of gifts to Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy and the Special Adviser on Christian Matters, Very Revd. Bukola Adeleke, in appreciation of their support for the Church.

Benue APC: Alia says no directive on automatic tickets for lawmakers

By Emmanuel Antswen

Benue governor, Hyacinth Alia has dismissed report that President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC has ordered that state and federal lawmakers in the state should be given automatic ticket to contest for re-election in 2027.

Alia spoke after a meeting held to resolve prolonged internal crisis that has crippled the APC in Benue on Sunday.

The high-level reconciliation meeting in Makurdi brought together Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, party leaders, lawmakers and other influential stakeholders across the state.

Federal appointees, lawmakers and stakeholder representatives attended the meeting.

Some reports had indicated that one of the grounds for reconciliation was granting of automatic tickets to state and federal lawmakers in the state for the 2027 election.

But Alia dismissed reports of any official directive on automatic tickets.

The governor said no formal approval had come from the leadership of the party despite earlier reports.

“The President and party leadership have not approved automatic tickets,” he said, explaining that earlier comments were only appeals for support.

However, Alia described the meeting as timely and necessary.

The governor said the gathering was designed to heal divisions and restore confidence.

“This meeting was deliberate and aimed at bringing everyone back together,” Alia said.

He said he apologised to members who felt excluded or offended. “I apologised on behalf of all members to those aggrieved,” he said.

Alia stressed that Benue’s interests must come above personal ambitions. “Benue is bigger than any individual, and unity must prevail,” he said.

The governor said reconciliation remained necessary for effective governance and development.

He added that leadership required sacrifice, understanding and collective responsibility.

Akume had earlier announced the resolutions reached at the meeting to stakeholders and the media.

Akume said stakeholders openly reviewed grievances, disagreements and political misunderstandings that had weakened the party.

According to him, members agreed to prioritise unity, dialogue and mutual respect moving forward.

“We reviewed our mistakes and agreed to rebuild an inclusive party,” Akume said.

He said party leaders accepted that divisions had slowed political progress and affected internal confidence.

Akume disclosed that members reached a consensus supporting Alia’s return as governorship candidate.

He said the governor acknowledged concerns raised by aggrieved members during discussions.

“The governor apologised, and that is an important step toward reconciliation,” he said.

Akume said he also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message on party unity.

According to him, the President urged elected APC officials to work together. He said these included lawmakers at both state and national levels.

Akume expressed confidence that the meeting would strengthen party cohesion in Benue.

He added that unity would improve cooperation ahead of future political activities.

Do Holistic Hair Treatments Deliver Long-Term Results?

Most people trying to fix their hair loss have a drawer full of half-used bottles and a growing sense of frustration. Shampoos, oils, supplements — tried one, moved to the next. But the hair keeps thinning anyway. Holistic hair treatments promise something different: not just a fix for what you see, but an answer to why it’s happening. The question worth asking is whether they actually deliver on that promise over time.

What “Holistic” Actually Means in Hair Care

The word holistic gets used loosely, so it helps to be specific. A holistic approach to hair loss means treating the body as a connected system rather than addressing the scalp alone. It assumes that hair thinning is rarely just a hair problem — it’s usually a signal. Nutritional gaps, hormonal shifts, poor gut health, chronic stress, and disrupted sleep can all interfere with the hair growth cycle in measurable ways.

So instead of asking “which oil should I apply,” a holistic approach asks “what’s happening internally that’s slowing growth or speeding up shedding?” That shift in framing is what makes it meaningfully different from conventional cosmetic treatments.

Why Surface Treatments Alone Often Fall Short

Hair grows from follicles beneath the skin, and those follicles depend on blood supply, hormonal signals, and nutrients to function well. When you apply something topically — whether it’s a serum, oil, or minoxidil — you’re working at the surface level. That can help in certain cases, but it won’t correct a folate deficiency or rebalance elevated DHT levels, both of which can actively shrink follicles over time.

This is why many people see initial improvement with topical treatments and then plateau. The external application may support the hair that’s already growing, but it doesn’t address the internal conditions that led to shedding in the first place. Long-term results require something that works deeper.

The Role of Diet, Hormones, and Lifestyle

Three internal factors come up consistently in research on hair loss:

Nutritional deficiencies — Iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D are all tied to hair follicle health. Even a mild, subclinical deficiency can shift more follicles into the resting phase prematurely. Hormonal imbalance — In men, elevated DHT (a testosterone byproduct) causes follicle miniaturization over time. In women, conditions like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction frequently show up as diffuse thinning. Chronic stress — Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is known to disrupt the hair growth cycle. A period of intense stress can trigger telogen effluvium, where a large number of follicles rest simultaneously and shed two to three months later. Addressing these factors doesn’t happen overnight. But it does create the conditions for lasting recovery — not just temporary improvement.

Do Holistic Approaches Actually Work Long-Term?

The honest answer is: yes, but only when they’re specific and consistent. A generic “eat healthy and reduce stress” plan won’t move the needle for someone dealing with androgenetic alopecia or thyroid-related hair loss. The holistic approach has to be built around an accurate diagnosis.

When it is, the results tend to be more durable. Follicles that were miniaturized but not dead can regrow when DHT levels are managed and circulation improves. Nutritional restoration can restart stalled growth cycles. Stress management, when practiced consistently, can stabilize shedding over several months.

This is where treatment systems that think beyond the scalp begin to show their value. Some structured approaches, like those offered by does Traya really work through their root-cause model, combine internal supplementation, dietary guidance, and topical support based on individual health assessments rather than one-size-fits-all protocols.

What to Realistically Expect

Holistic hair treatment is not a three-week fix. Most people start noticing reduced shedding between weeks six and twelve. Visible regrowth, if follicles are still active, typically takes four to six months of consistent treatment.

The markers of it working are gradual:

Shedding slows before new growth appears Hair texture often improves before density does Energy levels and sleep quality may improve alongside hair health if the root cause was systemic Final Thoughts

Holistic hair treatments can deliver long-term results — but the word “holistic” has to mean something beyond a collection of natural ingredients. It has to mean understanding what’s actually driving the hair loss in your specific case and then addressing those causes systematically. That takes patience and a willingness to look inward, not just at your scalp. But for most people dealing with persistent hair loss, it’s the approach most likely to create change that actually lasts.

FG delivers 100-bed Renewed Hope Specialist Hospital in Zaria

In a significant step towards improving healthcare access and improving national health outcomes, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) has commissioned a 100-bed Renewed Hope Specialist Hospital in Dumbin Rauga, Dutsen Abba Ward, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The commissioning marks yet another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and advance the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), as well as other cross-cutting goals. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide accessible, quality, and dignified healthcare services to residents of Kaduna State and surrounding communities.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, described the hospital as more than just a medical facility, but a strategic intervention aimed at addressing critical gaps in healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Orelope-Adefulire further stressed that the intervention goes beyond infrastructure, focusing on improving health outcomes across communities.

“Healthcare is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Every mother deserves a safe delivery. Every child deserves a healthy start to life. No matter how far-flung our communities may be, access to quality healthcare must not be distant from them,” she added.

According to a statement released by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the hospital is equipped with modern medical infrastructure, including fully functional operating theatres, wards, delivery sets, and advanced diagnostic equipment, positioning it as a major boost to healthcare capacity in the area.

“The hospital is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. These include, among others, operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, a scanning room, consultation rooms, and a laboratory. Others include an ultrasound machine, a vacuum extractor delivery set, and an emergency cart with full complements,” the statement quoted the SSAP-SDGs as saying.

The intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places strong emphasis on people-centred development and inclusive access to essential services.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen who facilitated the project, noted that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to translating policy into tangible impact, especially in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge.

“This facility represents a critical investment in the health and wellbeing of our people. It will go a long way in reducing the burden on existing healthcare institutions and ensuring that our constituents have access to quality and affordable medical services,” the Speaker said.

In his remarks, the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, CON, commended the Federal Government and OSSAP-SDGs for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.

“This hospital will greatly strengthen our healthcare system in Kaduna State. It complements our efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and improve the wellbeing of our citizens,” the governor said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the effective utilisation and sustainability of the facility for the benefit of the people.

At the commissioning, there was strong emphasis on the fundamental importance of healthcare as a basic human right. Speakers highlighted the need to ensure safe maternal care, improved child health, and equitable access to medical services across all communities.

The new hospital is expected to significantly ease pressure on existing health facilities in the state, improve service delivery, and contribute to better health indices in the region. With this development, Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its growing population.

As the country advances in the Decade of Action for the SDGs, the commissioning of the Renewed Hope Specialist Hospital in Zaria stands as a clear testament to what can be achieved through strategic leadership, collaboration, and sustained investment in critical sectors.

For many residents, the facility represents not just improved access to healthcare, but renewed confidence in a system that is increasingly working to serve all.

Man vs Woman: Portable challenges female DJ to Celebrity Boxing fight

The singer took to his Instagram page (@portablebaeby) to issue the challenge, triggering a wave of reactions across social media, where fans and critics alike have been sharply divided over the proposed matchup.

DJ Dimple has in recent weeks shared several boxing training videos and sparring sessions online, earning praise for her speed, strength and aggressive approach. Her growing confidence has fuelled speculation that she could pose a serious challenge if the bout materialises.

However, concerns have also emerged over the nature of the contest, with critics questioning the appropriateness of a male artist facing a female opponent in a regulated fight. Others, however, view the potential clash as part of the growing trend of celebrity boxing in Nigeria, where entertainment often takes centre stage.

Media personality “If you are close to Portable, advise him not to fight DJ Dimples. She’s got hands,” he said.

Despite the mixed reactions, Portable has shown no sign of retreat. Known for his outspoken personality and relentless self-promotion, he appears determined to bounce back from his recent loss with another high-profile showdown.

As online reactions continue to pour in-ranging from support for DJ Dimple to scepticism over the matchup, the Nigerian social media space has already branded the proposed fight as the next major celebrity boxing spectacle.

2027 Rivers Governorship : Alabo George emerges as alleged Wike’s choice — sources

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly chosen Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship.

George, who once served as Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, is expected to run under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

According to sources, Wike made this decision after a private meeting with key political figures in Port Harcourt. The meeting focused on the political situation in the state and plans for the upcoming elections.

Some former militant leaders, including Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom, were also present. Their involvement shows how important the meeting was.

George is seen as a loyal supporter of Wike and an experienced politician in the state.

This move is believed to be part of Wike’s plan to maintain strong political influence in Rivers State, even though he now holds a federal position.

The development comes amid ongoing political tension in the state between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike.

The two have been at odds, leading to divisions in the state government, including disagreements within the State House of Assembly and local councils.

Since becoming governor, Fubara has gradually distanced himself from Wike, causing a power struggle over control of the state’s political structure.

Efforts by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the conflict have not fully succeeded, and tensions remain.

A source said Wike’s support for George is a strategic move to influence the future leadership of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of now, there has been no official confirmation of the endorsement.

Joseph Hogan drives HoganHost’s rise from Nigerian startup to pan-African tech force

Joseph Effiok Hogan has positioned HoganHost as a growing force in Africa’s technology ecosystem by building solutions that address longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s web hosting space.

Hogan founded the company with a clear objective to fix what he described as an unreliable and expensive hosting system that hindered the growth of many Nigerian startups and small businesses. Rather than work around the limitations, he took direct steps to create a more dependable alternative.

Working alongside his sister and co-founder, Atim Hogan, he built HoganHost from the ground up, committing to a hands-on approach in the company’s early stages. Hogan actively oversaw technical operations and customer service, a move that helped shape the firm’s operational standards and customer-focused culture.

He soon began to see results as startups, developers, and businesses increasingly turned to HoganHost for reliable hosting services.

Leveraging this growing trust, Hogan expanded the company’s offerings beyond basic hosting to include domain registration, SSL certification, and cloud-based solutions tailored to modern digital demands.

Hogan strengthened the company’s position further by leading the acquisition of ZuumHost, a strategic move that enhanced infrastructure capacity and broadened market reach. The acquisition also marked a shift in direction, as Hogan began steering the company beyond Nigeria’s borders.

He has since driven HoganHost’s expansion into other African markets. According to Tech Orijin, the company has secured domain accreditation in South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, positioning it among emerging African tech firms building cross-border digital infrastructure. Hogan has also extended the company’s cloud hosting services across the continent, improving access to scalable digital tools for businesses in multiple regions.

Throughout this expansion, Hogan has maintained a consistent leadership philosophy centred on accessibility, reliability, and user-focused innovation. His approach combines technical expertise with a strong understanding of customer needs, which continues to shape the company’s growth strategy.

Industry stakeholders have begun to take notice of HoganHost’s progress. The company’s nomination for Web Hosting Company of the Year at the Eko Heritage Awards 2026 underscores its increasing relevance in a competitive sector.

Hogan has distinguished the company’s growth strategy through steady execution rather than aggressive publicity. By focusing on consistent service delivery and long-term vision, he has built a brand that continues to gain traction across Africa.

Nigerian stocks soar as investors gain N26.2trn in April rally

By Taiye Olayemi

Nigeria’s equities market delivered a stunning performance in April, with investors raking in a massive 26.2 trillion as bullish sentiment swept across the bourse on the back of rising crude oil prices and robust corporate earnings.

Data released in Lagos showed that market capitalisation surged from 129.809 trillion at the start of the month to 155.994 trillion, representing a sharp 20.17 per cent increase. Similarly, the All-Share Index climbed by 40,990.03 points, or 20.36 per cent, to close at 242,277.81, underlining the strength of the rally.

Trading activities reflected sustained investor confidence, with 18 out of 20 sessions closing on a positive note during the period.

Vice President of Highcap Securities Ltd., David Adonri, described April as an exceptional month, noting that equities extended their rally with remarkable momentum, largely driven by renewed strength in banking stocks and the tail end of the earnings season.

He expressed optimism that the bullish run could spill into May, citing improving crude oil prices and relative stability in the foreign exchange market.

However, he warned that insecurity and pre-election uncertainties remain potential downside risks.

A stockbroker, Tajudeen Olayinka, said the longer trading window, despite initial adjustment challenges, would enhance access for international investors, particularly those operating across different time zones.

In the same vein, National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Moses Igbrude, attributed the rally to impressive corporate earnings and liquidity inflows linked to ongoing bank recapitalisation efforts.

He added that funds raised through recapitalisation are expected to find their way into equities, further sustaining market growth.

During the month, investors traded a total of 15.596 billion shares valued at 848.972 billion across 1,113,650 deals, reflecting heightened market activity.

Sectoral performance showed that oil and gas stocks led the rally, buoyed by rising global crude oil prices, while banking stocks gained traction on the back of dividend declarations. Industrial goods also contributed to the upward momentum.

Dangote Cement rose by 160 to close at 970, and MTN Nigeria gained 155 to settle at 915. Lafarge Africa also recorded a strong performance, climbing 130 to 350.

Banking stocks remained upbeat, with Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company closing higher at 130.50 and 135, respectively.

On the flip side, losses were recorded in a few counters, with Okomu Oil Palm Company declining by 15 to 1,750, while Conoil dropped by 10.40 to 194.

Similarly, Oando and Eterna shed 3.60 and 2.10, respectively.

PDP crisis: Wabara-led BoT calls emergency NEC meeting

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The factional Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party led by Sen. Adolphus Wabara has summoned an emergency National Executive Committee meeting for today, Monday to prevent what it described as a leadership vacuum within the party.

Wabara spoke on Sunday in Abuja during the 84th meeting of his faction of the board.

According to him, the board acted under provisions of the party constitution, as amended in 2017.

Wabara said the board secured the required two-thirds support of NEC members before convening the meeting.

He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already been formally notified.

“I am pleased to inform Nigerians that we have secured the required consent.

“INEC has been duly notified of the 103rd NEC meeting scheduled for Monday, May 4,” Wabara said.

He urged members to approach the meeting with unity, reconciliation, and commitment to rebuilding the party.

“We must act as the conscience of our party and provide direction,” he said.

Wabara said the board assumed administrative leadership after a Supreme Court judgment delivered on Thursday.

He said the intervention prevented a constitutional crisis and immediate leadership uncertainty within the party.

According to him, the apex court nullified the 2025 national convention that produced the Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee.

He added that the court also upheld suspensions linked to organisers of the March convention in Abuja.

Wabara insisted that Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade, and Umar Bature remained suspended.

He said their suspensions, imposed on Nov. 1, 2025, were affirmed by the Supreme Court.

“Despite our travails, our party remains strong and can never die. The PDP will never surrender to renegades or political brigands,” Wabara declared.

Meanwhile, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed claims of a leadership vacuum.

Mohammed said Abdulrahman Mohammed remained the party’s legitimate national chairman.

He argued that the Supreme Court ruling addressed only the legality of the Ibadan convention.

He said the judgment did not affect the current National Working Committee or party administration.

“There has never been any vacuum or absence of leadership in the PDP,” Mohammed said.

He maintained that the party structure remained lawful and fully operational.

Mohammed also argued that the party constitution gives no authority to the BoT to assume NWC powers.

He further questioned Wabara’s authority, saying his tenure as BoT chairman had already expired.

“The only legitimate BoT leadership is that headed by Mao Ohuabunwa,” Mohammed stated. (NAN)

Why Nigerian Publishers must rethink Revenue Models

For many Nigerian publishers, the model that once sustained journalism is no longer working. Advertising, long the backbone of print, radio, and television, has been declining. At the same time, the wider entertainment and digital media market is growing and is projected to reach $4.9 billion by 2026.

This creates a clear gap. The old revenue streams are shrinking, but new ones are emerging–driven largely by digital platforms and changing audience behaviour.

Today, revenue is no longer just about traditional ads. It includes earnings from platforms like Google through ad networks, creator payouts on X (formerly Twitter), and content monetisation on YouTube and Spotify. These channels reward reach, engagement, and consistency, but they also require a different way of thinking about content.

For publishers, this means shifting from a single-format approach to a multi-platform strategy–taking one piece of content and adapting it across video, audio, and text formats to reach audiences wherever they are.

This shift was the focus of The Monetised Content Masterclass, hosted by FCMB in partnership with BHM. The session brought together publishers across the ecosystem, including reporters, editors, bloggers, and content creators, to examine how to move beyond traditional revenue models.

One message came through clearly: financial sustainability now sits at the heart of editorial independence.

Discussions focused on how publishers can create real value, not just traffic or impressions, but content that travels well across platforms and can be monetised in different ways. This includes building direct audience relationships, forming the right brand partnerships, and using data to guide both content and commercial decisions.

Participants explored practical options such as paid memberships and subscriptions, branded content collaborations, and platform-based earnings. The emphasis was on execution, how to take what already exists and make it work harder across multiple channels.

Speaking at the session, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs, FCMB Group, Diran Olojo, pointed to the need for a shift in mindset: “We are at a point where publishers must move from content production to platform thinking, building systems that can sustain value over time.”

For BHM’s CEO, Ayeni Adekunle, the issue is urgency: “The model has changed. The question now is whether the industry will adapt quickly enough to secure its future.”

Moderated by Fatu Ogwuche, the masterclass featured Fisayo Soyombo, Chris Ihidero, Jennifer Mairo, and Peter Oluka. Speakers shared practical insights, from repurposing content across formats to building audience loyalty and unlocking new revenue streams.

The takeaway was simple. Publishers can no longer rely on a single source of income. Growth will come from combining platform earnings, partnerships, and direct audience support, while making content work across multiple formats and channels.

For FCMB, the initiative reflects a clear commitment to supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the media sector, given its role in informing the public, shaping opinion, and supporting national development.