Category: PM News

Some men conceal depression due to societal expectations of masculinity, exposing themselves to worsening psychological distress and delaying access to professional mental-health care, experts say.

Societal expectations that equate masculinity with strength, independence and emotional toughness may discourage some men from acknowledging depression or seeking professional help for fear of judgment.

Mental health experts warn that emotional suppression can worsen depression, trigger anxiety and affect relationships and workplace performance, stressing the importance of early recognition and professional intervention.

Prof. Taiwo Obindo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said cultural expectations could discourage some men from acknowledging depression.

‘Men generally will suppress and hide their depression symptoms based on cultural expectations, building a psyche that men cannot be weak, making their symptoms chronic,’ he said.

He said emotional suppression could contribute to anxiety disorders and depression, with affected men experiencing irritability, aggression, hopelessness, social withdrawal and difficulties functioning at home and work.

Obindo, also Chairman, Faculty of Psychiatry, West African College of Physicians (Nigeria Chapter), identified sleep and appetite disturbances, weight loss, poor memory, reduced libido, nightmares, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts as other warning signs.

‘Men can be depressed. Men can have issues, and therefore men do cry. And so expression of their emotion should not be restricted,’ he said.

He urged families and employers to watch for behavioural changes, poor self-care, social withdrawal and declining workplace performance, stressing the need for awareness and early professional intervention.

The psychiatrist said accessible mental health services could provide safe spaces for men to discuss their challenges, while exercise could help manage pent-up anger and emotional distress.

He said the Mental Health Act placed responsibility on employers to assist workers in accessing appropriate mental health services, adding that supportive workplaces and community awareness were essential.

Obindo said a midlife crisis could arise from unmet expectations, hormonal changes and societal pressures, affecting men’s relationships and decision-making, particularly when their achievements fall short of personal expectations.

Adding his perspective, Anthony Ezeobele, a clinical psychology scholar at Lagos State University, said societal expectations of masculinity, fear of judgment and family responsibilities could discourage some men from seeking help.

‘Men often hide depression because society teaches them that masculinity means being strong, independent, and emotionally tough,’ he said.

He said untreated depression could lead to severe emotional distress, anxiety, substance abuse, physical exhaustion, sleep problems and, in some cases, suicide.

Ezeobele, a Catholic priest, identified persistent sadness, irritability, social withdrawal, excessive drinking, loss of interest, appetite changes and poor concentration as warning signs.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting undue pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, from the commission’s published list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The opposition party, however, expressed confidence that Adebutu’s name would eventually appear on the list, insisting that he remains a duly registered member of the PDP and its legitimate governorship candidate.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the PDP alleged that the omission was linked to pressure from the ruling party, which it claimed was apprehensive about losing the forthcoming election.

The party maintained that Adebutu had never left the PDP and completed his digital membership registration within the stipulated period. It added that his membership card was printed and verified, while the relevant documents were submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe.

‘We state emphatically that our candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, who has never left the Peoples Democratic Party at any time, duly registered as a member of the party within the designated period of the digital registration,’ the statement said.

The PDP urged its members, supporters and residents of Ogun State to remain calm, assuring them that the omission would not derail its preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

The party also expressed confidence in its chances at the polls, urging supporters not to be distracted by what it described as political manipulation and calculated attempts to undermine its campaign.

It called on party faithful and the general public to remain steadfast and vigilant, saying its campaign to rescue Ogun State and improve residents’ welfare remained on course.

The PDP reiterated its determination to contest the 2027 election, insisting that attempts to frustrate Adebutu’s candidacy would not deter the party from pursuing what it described as the people’s mandate.

The statement was signed by Adebayo on behalf of the Ogun State chapter of the party.

The PDP’s allegation against the APC has not been independently established. INEC’s explanation for Adebutu’s omission, as well as the APC’s response to the accusation, was not contained in the statement.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is seeking the intervention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after discovering that its governorship candidates in four states were missing from the list of candidates for the 2027 elections.

The affected states are Oyo, Bauchi, Benue and Sokoto. Some of the party’s candidates for state constituency seats were also reportedly excluded from the electoral commission’s publication.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the SDP had begun the process of correcting the omissions.

He said the party intended to take advantage of the 14-day window provided under the Electoral Act 2026 to address errors identified in the published list.

‘Regrettably, SDP governorship candidates for four states were omitted; Benue, Oyo, Bauchi and Sokoto, and also some of our candidates in a number of state constituencies,’ Aiyenigba said.

‘This unexpected error, undeniably, has elicited worries amongst our supporters in the states affected.

‘The affected candidates have been assured that the error is being addressed with the deserved seriousness, and there are high assurances that the corrections will be effected promptly by the commission.

‘The party has commenced the process of activating the corrective measures, exploring the 14-day window provision of the Electoral Act 2026 to correct errors noted in the publication.’

Aiyenigba urged the affected candidates to reassure their supporters that the party was working to resolve the situation. He also encouraged them to continue their campaign activities while efforts to correct the omissions were underway.

Among those affected are Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, the SDP governorship candidate in Benue, and Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, the party’s candidate in Oyo State.

The SDP expressed confidence that INEC would rectify the omissions promptly, adding that it remained committed to pursuing the necessary procedures to ensure its candidates were properly reflected in the list.

SDP heads to INEC over missing Oyo, Benue, Bauchi, Sokoto candidates

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is seeking the intervention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after discovering that its governorship candidates in four states were missing from the list of candidates for the 2027 elections.

The affected states are Oyo, Bauchi, Benue and Sokoto. Some of the party’s candidates for state constituency seats were also reportedly excluded from the electoral commission’s publication.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, disclosed this on Sunday, saying the SDP had begun the process of correcting the omissions.

He said the party intended to take advantage of the 14-day window provided under the Electoral Act 2026 to address errors identified in the published list.

‘Regrettably, SDP governorship candidates for four states were omitted; Benue, Oyo, Bauchi and Sokoto, and also some of our candidates in a number of state constituencies,’ Aiyenigba said.

‘This unexpected error, undeniably, has elicited worries amongst our supporters in the states affected.

‘The affected candidates have been assured that the error is being addressed with the deserved seriousness, and there are high assurances that the corrections will be effected promptly by the commission.

‘The party has commenced the process of activating the corrective measures, exploring the 14-day window provision of the Electoral Act 2026 to correct errors noted in the publication.’

Aiyenigba urged the affected candidates to reassure their supporters that the party was working to resolve the situation. He also encouraged them to continue their campaign activities while efforts to correct the omissions were underway.

Among those affected are Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, the SDP governorship candidate in Benue, and Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, the party’s candidate in Oyo State.

The SDP expressed confidence that INEC would rectify the omissions promptly, adding that it remained committed to pursuing the necessary procedures to ensure its candidates were properly reflected in the list.

The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered locally-made pistol and live cartridges around Sumal roundabout in Ibadan.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Ayanlade said that the command’s Divisional Headquarters in Oluyole received a distress call about the robbery incident on Thursday around 9:15 p.m and immediately mobilised to the scene of the incident.

According to him, the DPO of Oluyole Divisional Headquarters received information that some armed men were attacking and dispossessing members of the public of their belongings around the location.

‘Acting promptly on the information, a police patrol team was immediately deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the team confronted the suspects, resulting in the arrest of three individuals between the ages of 23 and 29. The arrests also resulted in the recovery of items suspected to have been used in connection with the criminal activity,’ Ayanlade said.

The PPRO listed the recovered exhibits, which included one black TVS motorcycle with registration number AKN 808 QF, one cut-to-size locally fabricated pistol, and one live cartridge

He said the suspects confessed to robbing a tricycle driver and two passengers, as well as injuring other persons during their criminal operations.

Ayanlade said that the suspects are currently in police custody, while the case had been transferred to the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Eleyele, Ibadan, for discreet and thorough investigation.

Mental health experts have urged Nigerians to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and seek professional help when experiencing psychological distress, warning against suffering in silence or attributing mental health conditions solely to spiritual causes.

The experts spoke on Saturday at a community awareness programme organised by the Amity Centre for Mental Health to commemorate World Mental Health Day at Gracefield Island, Lekki, Lagos.

The programme featured a community walk, vital signs checks and a Pilates session, highlighting the importance of integrating physical wellness into mental health promotion.

Speaking at the event, the centre’s founder, Dr. Oluwafunmilayo Ilori, who practises in New Jersey, United States, said the initiative was designed to raise awareness of mental health conditions, combat stigma and connect people experiencing psychological distress with available support services.

Ilori said the programme was open to members of the community and aimed to promote a better understanding of mental illness while reassuring affected individuals that help was available.

She explained that the inclusion of Pilates was deliberate, noting that physical and mental health were interconnected and should not be treated in isolation.

She stressed that greater public awareness was essential to ensuring that people living with mental health conditions received understanding and appropriate support rather than discrimination.

A mental health advocate at the event also encouraged Nigerians to speak openly about their struggles and seek help when necessary.

She described mental health challenges as genuine health concerns that should not attract shame, urging people experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties to understand that they were not alone.

‘It is okay not to be okay sometimes in life, and there is help,’ she said.

The advocate expressed concern about the limited recognition of postpartum depression in some Nigerian communities, calling for increased awareness and appropriate support for affected women.

She also urged families and employers to prioritise mental well-being, recognise the importance of taking breaks and create environments where people could discuss their mental health without fear of discrimination.

She maintained that access to mental health support should be regarded as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege.

Also speaking, Dr. Komolafe Ayo identified biological, psychological and social factors as major contributors to mental health conditions.

He explained that biological factors could include genetic predisposition, while psychological factors could involve thought patterns, coping mechanisms and exposure to traumatic experiences, including conflict and insurgency.

Komolafe added that social circumstances, family relationships and the availability of support systems could also influence an individual’s mental well-being.

He expressed concern about the effects of substance use on mental health and called for greater public awareness of its potential consequences.

Komolafe cautioned against attributing mental health conditions exclusively to spiritual causes, explaining that they could result from a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.

While acknowledging that spirituality could influence how some people understood and coped with their experiences, he stressed the need to recognise the broader factors that contribute to mental health conditions.

He also urged members of the public to pay attention to persistent behavioural changes, particularly when individuals lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed.

He advised families, friends and colleagues to take such changes seriously and encourage affected individuals to seek professional assessment and appropriate care.

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts to support mental well-being.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has expressed confidence that the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) published list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election will be resolved.

Adebutu, in a statement addressing concerns over his absence from the list, said he remained a registered PDP member, insisting that he completed his digital registration within the stipulated period and that his membership card had been printed and verified.

He said his documents were also submitted to INEC within the prescribed timeframe, adding that he had not left the PDP and remained committed to the party.

The former governorship candidate further stated that the PDP primary that produced him as its flag bearer was conducted with INEC officials present as observers, while relevant documents were submitted for verification, certification and confirmation.

Adebutu said the Ogun State PDP had expressed concern over what it described as pressure allegedly mounted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on INEC.

He questioned the circumstances surrounding the omission, noting that candidates of the PDP for the House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate were included in the commission’s published lists.

He said the party would pursue the matter through the appropriate channels and insist that due process be followed.

Adebutu also alleged that the PDP’s campaign had faced previous challenges, including restrictions on its billboards, attacks at campaign venues and harassment of party members.

Despite these alleged incidents, he said the party had remained peaceful and committed to democratic participation, insisting that no form of intimidation should deny Ogun residents the opportunity to choose their preferred leaders.

He urged party members, supporters and residents of the state to remain calm, saying the party was taking the necessary steps to address the omission.

Adebutu maintained that he would not abandon his ambition to provide what he described as the leadership and relief Ogun residents deserved.

Describing the party’s ‘Ogun for Ogun’ slogan as a call for leadership rooted in the interests and welfare of residents, he said the campaign remained focused on the state’s progress and the people’s right to determine their future.

INEC’s reasons for omitting Adebutu’s name were not stated in his declaration.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of playing the blame game over the omission of its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The APC urged the opposition party and its candidate to accept responsibility for the development rather than accuse the ruling party of influencing the electoral commission’s decision.

The party’s position followed allegations by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, and Adebutu that pressure from the APC led to the candidate’s exclusion from the list.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Campaign Council, Kayode Odunaro, defended INEC, saying the commission should be allowed to perform its duties in accordance with the law.

‘APC and its candidates are contestants with other political parties’ candidates in the race towards 2027 under INEC as the umpire and regulatory body. How can anyone now attribute the failure of PDP to follow through on simple administrative procedures and adherence to rules of the game as pressure from APC on INEC leading to the non-listing of their candidate as a contestant.

‘Besides, other candidates from other states suffered the same fate as factional PDP in Ogun State for similar non adherence to the law. The nationally comatose PDP should stop the blame game on APC and its flagbearer, Senator Solomon Adeola for all their gambling tendencies in simple matters of following laid down rules,’ Odunaro said.

He added that the APC and its governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, were prepared to contest against any candidate cleared by INEC, but argued that campaigning against a party whose candidate was not on the commission’s list would be a waste of time.

Odunaro said the APC was seeking victory based on its candidate’s performance and capacity, as well as equity and justice, through its nine-point ITESIWAJU manifesto.

‘Our stand on this is that APC and its candidate for the governorship race is campaigning to win based on proven and verifiable performance, capacity, equity and justice with its 9-Point ITESIWAJU Manifesto. We do not sympathize with any party or candidate that run foul of the rules of the game in any way.

‘We all know what happens to a team fielding an ineligible player in a game of even football. More like scoring an own goal to lose the match whatever other score on the scoreboard,’ he said.

The APC reiterated its confidence in Adeola’s popularity ahead of the February 2027 governorship election. It also rejected the prospect of Ogun State being governed by what it described as an ‘Iperu to Iperu Governor’, an apparent reference to Adebutu.

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of playing the blame game over the omission of its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 election.

The APC urged the opposition party and its candidate to accept responsibility for the development rather than accuse the ruling party of influencing the electoral commission’s decision.

The party’s position followed allegations by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, and Adebutu that pressure from the APC led to the candidate’s exclusion from the list.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the APC Campaign Council, Kayode Odunaro, defended INEC, saying the commission should be allowed to perform its duties in accordance with the law.

‘APC and its candidates are contestants with other political parties’ candidates in the race towards 2027 under INEC as the umpire and regulatory body. How can anyone now attribute the failure of PDP to follow through on simple administrative procedures and adherence to rules of the game as pressure from APC on INEC leading to the non-listing of their candidate as a contestant.

‘Besides, other candidates from other states suffered the same fate as factional PDP in Ogun State for similar non adherence to the law. The nationally comatose PDP should stop the blame game on APC and its flagbearer, Senator Solomon Adeola for all their gambling tendencies in simple matters of following laid down rules,’ Odunaro said.

He added that the APC and its governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, were prepared to contest against any candidate cleared by INEC, but argued that campaigning against a party whose candidate was not on the commission’s list would be a waste of time.

Odunaro said the APC was seeking victory based on its candidate’s performance and capacity, as well as equity and justice, through its nine-point ITESIWAJU manifesto.

‘Our stand on this is that APC and its candidate for the governorship race is campaigning to win based on proven and verifiable performance, capacity, equity and justice with its 9-Point ITESIWAJU Manifesto. We do not sympathize with any party or candidate that run foul of the rules of the game in any way.

‘We all know what happens to a team fielding an ineligible player in a game of even football. More like scoring an own goal to lose the match whatever other score on the scoreboard,’ he said.

The APC reiterated its confidence in Adeola’s popularity ahead of the February 2027 governorship election. It also rejected the prospect of Ogun State being governed by what it described as an ‘Iperu to Iperu Governor’, an apparent reference to Adebutu.

The Federal Government has condemned an attack by Houthi militia on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 civilians and injured more than 300 others.

Nigeria described the October 10, 2026, incident as a dangerous escalation that threatened civilian lives, violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and undermined efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Olufemi Adeniyi, the government called on all parties to respect international law, exercise restraint and refrain from further actions that could heighten tensions.

Nigeria also expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people, extending condolences to the families of those killed and wishing the injured a speedy and full recovery.

The government stressed the importance of respecting Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while urging all parties to uphold international law, protect civilian lives and safeguard critical infrastructure.

It commended Saudi Arabia for its prompt emergency response following the attack and acknowledged the kingdom’s continued efforts to protect its people and maintain security.

The Federal Government reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to diplomatic initiatives and constructive dialogue aimed at advancing international peace, security and stability.

It also expressed support for efforts to de-escalate tensions, promote regional stability and protect civilians and critical infrastructure across the Middle East.

The Federal Government says electric mobility initiatives in the North-East are helping to deny insurgents access to materials used in fabricating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Ahmadu said the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) procured 3,700 electric tricycles to transport passengers and convey farm produce from remote communities to markets.

He said the initiative was designed to ease transportation difficulties, restore economic activities and alleviate the suffering of residents displaced by insurgency.

‘Insurgents use petroleum products and chemicals like fertilisers to devise their dangerous articles that they throw at people to eliminate human beings,’ he said.

According to him, deploying electric vehicles would reduce dependence on petroleum products in affected areas and limit insurgents’ access to materials used in making bombs and IEDs.

The minister said the project would also generate carbon credits, describing it as a novel renewable energy initiative in the country.

Beyond the tricycles, Ahmadu said the commission had procured 285 electric taxis for deployment across the North-East.

He said the NEDC was concluding the construction of charging stations across the states, with commissioning expected within 10 days.

Ahmadu said the charging stations would create employment opportunities for youths through revenue collection, vehicle charging and other commercial activities.

He added that the facilities would encourage residents to adopt electric and solar-powered transportation options by providing commercially operated charging infrastructure.

The minister also disclosed that the commission had developed a Central Surveillance Security System to address insecurity across the North-East and other vulnerable regions.

He said the system would monitor highways, motor parks, markets, schools and other public areas round the clock to gather security information.

‘ The main purpose of this particular project is to gather information, data, movements, and deploy them to the security agencies who have the responsibility of taking action,’ he said.

Ahmadu explained that the commission would share intelligence with relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Air Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the police and the Department of State Services.

He said the commission would not directly undertake security operations, but would provide information to agencies mandated to respond to threats.

‘Security of lives and properties is the first responsibility of government, and that we are dealing with very, very seriously,’ he said.

The minister said the combined deployment of electric mobility and surveillance infrastructure would strengthen security, support economic recovery and improve the quality of life for residents across the North-East.

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Abdullahi Adamu, while allegedly attempting to take a stolen truck for repainting, as security operatives recovered three stolen vehicles in separate operations across the state.

Adamu, a resident of Potiskum in Yobe State, was intercepted on October 8 by a surveillance team attached to the Ungogo Police Division while transporting a Mitsubishi Canter truck to a garage at Kadawa Quarters for repainting.

The truck, bearing registration number BLF 365 XA, was allegedly stolen from Dan Baba Garage in Potiskum, Yobe State.

According to the police, Adamu confessed during interrogation that he stole the vehicle from the garage.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, saying the command had contacted the Yobe State Police Command to establish the rightful ownership of the truck and facilitate further action.

Kiyawa said the operation was one of several intelligence-led investigations conducted between October 8 and 9, which resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of three vehicles.

In another case, the police recovered a 2010 ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly diverted by a man identified as Sale Usman, popularly known as Dambu.

The vehicle belonged to Aminu Yahaya of Darmanawa Quarters, who reportedly entrusted it to Usman to sell and remit the proceeds to him.

However, Usman allegedly diverted the vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Police operatives subsequently traced the car to Katsina State, where it was recovered from a man identified as Sulaiman, who claimed to have purchased it for N7.5 million.

The command also announced the arrest of two suspects, Abubakar Umar, 23, of Nasarawa GRA, and Mustapha Zubairu Abdullahi, 25, of Layin Makabarta, Tarauni, over the alleged theft of a Toyota Hiace minibus.

The white minibus, bearing registration number NSR 261 XB, was reported stolen from Singer Market on October 5 by its owner, Isah Abdullahi, of Bachirawa Quarters in Ungogo Local Government Area.

According to Kiyawa, technical intelligence helped operatives trace the vehicle to a remote area of Mariri Magadawa in Kumbotso Local Government Area, where it was recovered and the two suspects arrested.

The police spokesperson said the recoveries were made through coordinated operations involving the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Ungogo Police Division.

He added that all four suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended the officers involved for their swift response and effective use of intelligence in recovering the stolen vehicles.

Bakori urged motorists to exercise caution when parking their vehicles and avoid entrusting their property to unreliable individuals.

He also advised vehicle owners to install additional security devices to reduce the risk of theft.

The command appealed to residents to report suspicious activities, particularly attempts to sell vehicles at unusually low prices, stressing that credible information from the public would support ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft in the state.