Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Presidency yesterday reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to inclusive growth and implementing tangible measures to ease economic hardship across the country.

It was responding to the World Bank Group report that poverty levels remain alarming, despite increased government revenues at all levels and higher capital spending by federal and state governments.

The Bank said 139 million Nigerians are probably living in poverty.

In a post on X, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, outlined key programmes and fiscal reforms driving the administration’s economic recovery and social protection agenda.

According to him, the Tinubu Administration ‘remains firmly focused on improving household welfare through targeted, verifiable interventions’ aimed at ensuring that economic growth translates into improved living standards.

He listed the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) as one of the flagship programmes, expanded to reach up to 15 million households nationwide, with over N297 billion disbursed since 2023 to poor and vulnerable families. Beneficiaries, he said, are being enrolled through a verified digital process under the National Social Register.

Dare also highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme (RH-WDEP) as ‘a major initiative targeting all 8,809 electoral wards’ to deliver micro-infrastructure, livelihood support, and social services at the grassroots.

He said the administration is consolidating the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) – including N-Power, GEEP micro-loans, and the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme – to protect jobs, support small businesses, and keep children in school.

On food security, Dare said government efforts are focused on curbing inflationary pressures through the distribution of subsidised grains and fertilisers, mechanisation partnerships, and revival of strategic food reserves.

He cited the establishment of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) to finance energy, road, and housing projects expected to reduce living costs and create jobs.

Similarly, the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) is expanding access to affordable credit for small businesses, women, and youth through risk-sharing partnerships with banks.

The presidential aide acknowledged that reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification have been tough but ‘necessary choices to tackle the root causes of poverty rather than its symptoms.’

‘Even the World Bank has acknowledged that these reforms are restoring macroeconomic stability and renewed growth momentum,’ Dare noted.

He said the administration’s priority remains ensuring that ‘economic growth must be inclusive,’ translating macroeconomic stability into affordable food, quality jobs, and reliable infrastructure.

According to him, investments are being scaled up in agriculture, MSMEs, and power.

He said the agricultural value chain expansion, gas-to-power initiatives, and skills development hubs are all designed to create jobs and lower living costs.

‘As these programmes mature, Nigerians should begin to feel visible improvements in food prices, income, and purchasing power,’ he assured.

He explained that the government is strengthening its social investment architecture through a unified, data-driven framework to enhance transparency and accountability.

This includes scaling up existing NSIP schemes, expanding the National Social Register, and rolling out the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme to ensure that ‘no vulnerable community is left behind.’

‘The reforms are necessary, the direction is right, and the foundation for a fairer and more prosperous Nigeria is being firmly laid,’ Dare said.

Tinubu to investors: best time to invest now

President Tinubu reiterated his call on local and international investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in Nigeria, saying reforms have stabilised the economy.

Speaking at the maiden Bauchi Investment Summit yesterday, with the theme ‘Revealing a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment Partnerships’, the President – represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima – said, ‘Nigeria has exited a space of economic instability. There is no better time to choose Nigeria than now.’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and business mogul Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi attended the summit.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment through transparency, strong partnerships, and consistent policies.

He praised Governor Bala Mohammed for organising the summit, describing it as ‘a march into the future.’

He identified Bauchi’s potential in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, and renewable energy as aligning with the Federal Government’s diversification and job creation agenda.

The President listed major achievements, including reducing the debt-service-to-revenue ratio from 100 to less than 50 per cent, a 400 per cent rise in non-oil revenue, GDP growth of 4.23 per cent as of last month, external reserves of $43 billion, and a higher tax-to-GDP ratio of 13.5 per cent, up from seven per cent a few years ago.

‘These gains were made possible by bold reforms that promote productivity over consumption,’ President Tinubu said.

He lauded Indimi for pledging a $250 million investment in Bauchi and urged others to partner with the federal and state governments on viable projects. ‘This is not the time for mere talk. Let us move from paper to performance,’ he added.

Obasanjo, who inaugurated the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, described it as a world-class facility that could make Bauchi a hub for tourism and investment.

He commended Governor Mohammed for his vision and pledged to support the state’s investment drive.

Mohammed assured investors of safety, saying: ‘We will make you and your investments safer than us.’

He said the state would expand solar projects and improve water management to support industrial growth.

World Bank: reforms boost revenue

The World Bank Group reported that Nigeria’s economic reforms have significantly increased government revenues at all levels, leading to higher capital spending by federal and state governments.

This was contained in its Nigeria Development Update (NDU) titled ‘From Policy to People: Bringing the Reform Gains Home’, released in Abuja yesterday.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, said the reforms are delivering measurable fiscal outcomes, including improved revenue generation, higher public investment, and macroeconomic stability.

Lead Economist Samer Matta said gross revenues shared as federation allocations have risen sharply over the past eight months.

However, he cautioned that ‘a large portion of what is collected goes to deductions that don’t impact real development outcomes.’

The report noted that sub-governments now allocate 60-65 per cent of total spending to capital projects.

Capital spending by states rose from about one per cent of GDP in 2022 to a projected 2.7 per cent by 2025.

Verghis observed that at the federal level, recurrent expenditure still dominates, with wages and salaries taking about 70 per cent of total spending.

He said the economy is showing ‘encouraging signs of stabilisation’ as revenue collection improves, debt indicators strengthen, and inflation begins to ease.

However, he warned that poverty levels remain alarming, projecting 139 million Nigerians could live in poverty by 2025. ‘The challenge is how to translate stabilisation gains into better living standards,’ he said.

Verghis urged the government to reduce inflation, especially food inflation, use public funds efficiently, and expand social safety nets.

The report projects GDP growth to rise to 4.4 per cent by 2027, driven by stronger services, agriculture rebound, and industrial recovery under a stable macroeconomic environment.

Inflation is expected to fall to 15.8 per cent, and fiscal deficit to average 2.7 per cent of GDP between 2026 and 2027.

Nigeria’s debt, the Bank said, would remain stable in the low 40 per cent of GDP range, though risks persist from oil price shocks, reform fatigue, and climate events.

Overall, the World Bank said Nigeria’s reforms are yielding fiscal and macroeconomic gains, but the main challenge remains ensuring these translate into tangible improvements in living standards and poverty reduction.

The semifinals of the 2025 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals Cup football competition takes place at two centres today, October 9.

On September 18, the annual competition kicked off in Asaba and now the final four teams have emerged out of over 1,000 secondary schools that started the competition from the preliminary stage.

Warri South LG represented by Ogbe Ijoh Grammar School are through to the last four and they will face Justice, Peace and Success Secondary School representing Aniocha South LG area of Delta Sate. The match is slated for Notre Dame College, Ozoro.

The second semifinals will see Otokutu Grammar School representing Ughelli South take on Urhobo College, Effurun, representing Uvwie LG in a match slated for Government College, Ughelli.

These four semi-finalists took part in the preliminaries to represent their respective Local Governments and also went ahead to emerge tops at the zonal qualifiers decided at various centres before the quarterfinals that took place only on Tuesday in four different centres across the state.

CEO of Hideaplus, the organisers of the annual youth developmental football competition, Tony Pemu, told our correspondent that the 2025 event has been very exciting.

‘We have seen games from the zonal and quarterfinal stage looking like the final in terms of the skills displayed and the talents exhibited. In the semis we expect more responses from the players just as we expect a big final on October 16 in Asaba,’ Pemu said.

Meanwhile, a total of 64 players have been scouted so far with the potential of moving on to greener pastures to horn their trade in the round leather game.

The players include Salah James, Divine Efenudi, Oghenevwere Johnson, Young Jeffrey, Ojobo Rejoice, Okiki Victor, Nwori Ifeanyi, Eze Destiny and Evans Faith to mention just a few.

The winners of Tuesday’s semi-final matches will be through to lay in the final of this edition, the 8th in the series, slated for the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.

After several weeks of sustained public debate, featuring rigorous claims and counterclaims from the Premium Times newspaper and supporters of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the allegation of forgery levelled against the ex minister reached its conclusion on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.

On that date, Chief Nnaji, who until that time held the portfolio for Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, formally tendered his resignation from the Federal Executive Council. He submitted his official resignation letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

In his correspondence, the former minister expressed his profound gratitude to the President for the confidence placed in him and for the privilege of serving in the administration. He extended his best wishes for the continued success of the government’s agenda. Concurrently, he articulated his position that the allegations against him constituted a coordinated campaign of political blackmail, orchestrated by opponents seeking to undermine his work.

In his response, President Tinubu acknowledged Chief Nnaji’s service to the nation, thanked him for his contributions during his tenure, and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The announcement was met with widespread surprise, as the minister’s decision to voluntarily relinquish his position was widely unexpected.

When I first saw the headline about Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji resigning, I sighed. In Nigeria? I braced for the usual circus, what many in his position would have done. The furious denials, the press conferences with hired crowds, the legal threats thrown at journalists, the desperate attempts to drag the entire apparatus of government into a personal battle. It is a tired, ugly play we all know by heart, a script written in the ink of impunity and performed with brazen defiance. But Chief Nnaji didn’t go that path. He didn’t even glance at the old script. Rather, he towed the path of honour, a path so rarely taken it seems almost revolutionary.

When I read his statement, I had to read it again. And something felt. different. It was the quiet, the lack of noise. It wasn’t a retreat under fire; it was a strategic, dignified withdrawal in the interest of a higher cause.

In his decision to step down, he joins the ranks of brave leaders like Goodwill Jonathan and others who have chosen principle over position. It is crucial to understand this point: his resignation is not an admission of guilt. Far from it. He has resigned as a man of honour.

He has chosen to fight for his name and his integrity from outside the government. This is a strategic move to ensure that when he clears his name in court, the victory cannot be tarnished by any claims of bias or political interference.

Here is a man who built a successful business over many years. He is a man of independent wealth who chose to put his own affairs on hold to answer the call of national service.

Ultimately, he has shown that no single political career is worth the turmoil upsetting his Ministry or distracting from President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. For him, the nation’s stability and his own good name come first.

He didn’t wait to be pushed. He wasn’t defiantly clinging to his seat, leveraging connections and power to remain entrenched. He was just. stepping aside. In a system where political power is treated like a lifelong trophy, where simply holding on to your position is seen as a sign of strength and ‘street credibility,’ this man simply let go. It’s a move so quiet, it’s almost deafening in its implication.

Let’s forget the legalities for a moment. The courts will do their work. Let’s talk about the simple, human wisdom in what he did. He talks about a reputation built over five decades. I know a thing or two about that. When you have spent that long building something-a career, a name, the respect of your peers, the idea of it being trashed in a week of ‘orchestrated. malicious attacks’ must be a special kind of agony. Your first instinct is to fight, to stand your ground, to show you won’t be moved, to deploy every weapon in your arsenal.

But Chief Nnaji did something else. He must have sat down, maybe in his study a night before, and asked himself a simple question: what is this actually costing? Not just for him, personally. But for the ministry he leads. For the young, bright minds in that department trying to launch a new tech initiative, whose innovative work is now being drowned out by the cacophony of scandal. For the civil servants whose morale is tied to the integrity of their leadership. And crucially, for the President’s agenda, which he claims to believe in. He realised that his very presence in that office had become the story. The work wasn’t the headline anymore; he was.

So, he made a choice. A choice that looks almost alien here: he put the work before the worker. This is where his profound respect for the institutions of state becomes glaringly evident. His resignation was not an admission of guilt; it was a profound affirmation of faith in the system. He said his resignation was to ‘preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings.’ That is not just lawyer-speak. Think about it. How can a case proceed fairly when one of the parties is a sitting minister, with all the power, influence, and patronage that entails? Every legal manoeuvre would be seen through a political lens. Every ruling, from the lowest court to the highest, would be dissected for signs of pressure or favour. The very institution of the judiciary would be under a cloud of perceived partiality. By stepping down, he has taken himself out of that equation. He is saying, ‘Try me as Uche Nnaji, the citizen. Not Uche Nnaji, the Honourable Minister.’ It is a stunning act of respect for the law itself, an act that strengthens the judiciary by allowing it to function without the shadow of executive influence.

Furthermore, his action demonstrates a deep and often overlooked form of respect for the Office of the President. In our political climate, the most damaging thing a subordinate can do to a leader is to become a constant source of distraction and negative publicity. To cling to office while mired in controversy is to force the President into a corner-to either defend the indefensible, thereby tarnishing his own credibility, or to engage in the publicly messy and politically costly act of firing an appointee. Chief Nnaji, in his wisdom, spared the President that invidious choice. He recognised that his continued presence in the cabinet was becoming a liability to an administration he pledged to serve. His resignation, therefore, was an act of loyalty. It was him saying, ‘The mission of this government, as set by you, Mr. President, is more important than my individual role in it. I will not allow my personal problems to become an obstacle to your vision for the nation.’ This is the epitome of putting the collective good over personal ambition, a lesson in true loyalty that many in the corridors of power have yet to learn.

This is what gets me. In Nigeria, we have become so used to people fighting to the bitter end that we have forgotten there can be strength in stepping back. We confuse stubbornness with principle. We see someone clinging to a title with bloody fingernails and call it courage, mistaking destruction for resilience. But what takes more courage? Holding on to power when everyone is telling you to let go? Or being the one to voluntarily open your hand and let it slip away, trusting that your name and your legacy are stronger than any single job title?

Chief Nnaji is betting on his legacy. He is trading the fleeting, day-to-day power of a minister for something more lasting: the story of the man who did the honourable thing. He knows that in the long run, that story is more powerful. He can now fight his legal battle without dragging an entire government department through the mud with him. If he is vindicated, he returns to public life with his head held higher than ever, his integrity not just intact but burnished. If not, he has at least spared the institution further damage and exited with a measure of dignity.

This is the lesson from which every other public official, from the highest to the lowest, must learn. The lesson is not about resigning at the first sign of trouble, but about possessing the situational awareness and moral compass to understand when one’s presence is harming the very institution they are meant to serve. They must learn that true power is not in the ability to command and control, but in the wisdom to know when to let go for the greater good. They must learn that respecting the President is not just about public sycophancy or blind obedience, but about taking responsible actions that protect his agenda and the integrity of his office from unnecessary scandal. They must learn that institutions-the judiciary, the civil service, the ministries-are fragile ecosystems that require nurturing and protection from the corrosive effects of personal scandal and political brinksmanship.

This should not be about whether he is guilty or innocent. That is for the judges. This is about a different kind of verdict-one on our political culture. For years, we have been begging for a different kind of politics. We complain that our leaders don’t have shame, that they have no sense of propriety, that the concept of the ‘greater good’ is dead. Then, one man, in the twilight of his career, actually embodies it. He gives us a living, breathing example of what it looks like to value the health of the system over the ambition of the individual. And our first reaction is often cynical disbelief. We’re so conditioned to the ugly game that a clean move looks suspicious.

Maybe it is time we recognised the move for what it is: mature, strategic, deeply honourable, and institutionally astute. He has not just resigned from a job. He has offered a masterclass in public service, a tutorial in patriotic loyalty, and a blueprint for ethical conduct. He has shown his colleagues that true honour is not about the title before your name, but the integrity of the name you leave behind after the title is gone. He has demonstrated that the strongest legacy is not one of power held, but of dignity preserved and institutions respected.

Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, former Minister, has done more to innovate our political science and technology, to reboot our civic software, than any policy paper or technological initiative he could have ever launched from his office. He has given us a new code to run our democracy on, if only we are brave enough to install it.

Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have convened in Abuja to address vacancies within the regional body following the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic.

The Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is also deliberating on the status of staff with dual nationalities and the recruitment of personnel from AES countries in grades P4 and below.

Speaking at the opening session, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, said the meeting aims to discuss the allocation of statutory positions among member states and to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

Kabba emphasized that the recruitment and allocation process serves as a key measure of ECOWAS’ institutional integrity and regional unity. He urged member states to prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and shared commitment to the community’s long-term vision.

‘Our decisions must be grounded in due process, transparency, and equity,’ Kabba said. ‘These principles are essential to strengthen economic integration, regional peace and security, and uphold our democratic values as a community.’

He also added, ‘Let me now draw the attention of this esteemed Council to the work of the Ad-hoc Ministerial Committee – a committee constituted by over 70% of our membership. This decides the Ad-hoc Committee a fait accompli, which makes it compelling to review the procedures of the establishment of Ad-Hoc Committees.

‘It is also important to note that members of the ad-hoc Committee would have reviewed the commission’s proposals on the statutory positions, which will inform our deliberations on the presentation of the memorandum on proposals for the allocation of statutory positions to member states.’

In her welcome address, Nigeria Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said, ‘Nigeria remains steadfast in its role as a dependable partner, ever ready to contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of our Community institutions and to the realization of the noble objectives for which this Organization stands. We believe that with collective effort and renewed dedication, we can build a more effective, responsive, and fully functional Organization that truly serves the aspirations of our region and beyond.’

Touray, on his part, said, ‘This extraordinary Council is borne out of necessity. In the last three years, we have struggled to fill vacancies in our institutions using a staff regulation that constrains management’s ability to administratively expedite the process. It has therefore become necessary to refer to the Council from time to time to help us untangle the web. We are very grateful to the Council for the earlier waiver, which enabled us to have a shorter time frame for advertisements of vacant positions. With this, we have now published and received a sizable number of applications.

‘However, Excellencies, the challenge currently is with the processing of these applications and the scheduling of interviews. These have been slower than the rate of staff attrition, due to an aging workforce with an average annual loss of staff to retirement estimated at 13 personnel. The volume of applications is beyond the capacity of the recruitment firms in place, due to the largely manual method used in processing the applications. ‘Therefore, we have had to recruit additional recruitment firms and sought your approval for these International Independent firms to come in and assist with an end-to-end recruitment exercise. I have also directed the Internal Services Department to accelerate the deployment of e-recruitment systems to fast-track the processing of applications.

‘With the sudden departure of a large number of our workforce who are nationals of the countries that exited from the Organisation, namely Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, we are faced with the challenge of replacing them. We need the Council to guide us in the equitable distribution of the vacant positions among all the Member States, without sacrificing competence. As our staff regulations did not provide any guidance on how to allocate vacant positions to specific member states for the purpose of achieving equity, it has become necessary for the Council to provide its guidance on the way forward.

‘We are therefore pleased to present to you a memorandum with proposals on how to achieve this equitable distribution of the positions and fast-track the recruitment process. In making these proposals, the Commission took into account the current staff distribution per member state and the interests of those member states with poor representation in the current workforce of the institutions. Our goal is to achieve equity, ensure quality, and consolidate on the solidarity that strengthens our Community.

‘As management, we are committed to protecting the interests of each member state, whether their nationals are represented in the Management of the Institutions or not. We have taken an oath to serve the entire community and not our narrow national interests. We therefore look forward to your deliberations and guidance on this matter.’

Nigerian film of the year, ‘Thicker Than Water,’ a psychological drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat is set for release.

Directed by Yomi E. Adejumo and produced by Joshua Enakarhire, this film promises to deliver a thrilling narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and the depths of sisterhood.

The film follows Ese, a photojournalist who embarks on a journey to find her long-estranged sister, only to discover that her sister’s disappearance is linked to a dark and sinister plot. As Ese delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.

‘Thicker Than Water’ is a psychological drama, romance, mystery, and thriller set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 10, 2025.

The film features Adaobi L. Dibor as Ese, a determined photojournalist, alongside Bimbo Ademoye as Onome, Taye Arimoro as Kazeem, and Damilola Ogunsi as Ola. The supporting cast includes Toyosi Benjamin, Mawuyon Ogun, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Diana Egwuatu, Jemima Adelekan, and Chikere Bright in various roles.

In Nigeria, we have a peculiar national reflex whenever fever strikes. The body heats up, the joints ache, and without missing a beat, we declare: ‘Na malaria and typhoid.’ Then comes the familiar ritual – a quick dash to the nearest pharmacy, a handful of antimalarial and antibiotic pills swallowed in faith, and a silent prayer for relief. It’s so deeply woven into our culture that questioning it feels almost like heresy.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: this habit is hurting us – draining our pockets, endangering lives, and eroding confidence in our health system. In most homes, fever is automatically equated with malaria. When it persists after a few days of self-medication, we ‘upgrade’ the diagnosis to malaria plus typhoid – a combination that sounds serious enough to justify stronger, often inappropriate drugs. This do-it-yourself approach is not only dangerous; it’s scientifically flawed. Fever is not a disease. It’s a symptom – your body’s way of sounding the alarm that something is wrong. That ‘something’ could be malaria, yes, but it could also be dengue, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or even non-infectious conditions like autoimmune disorders or cancers.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only a fraction of fevers in malaria-endemic regions are actually caused by malaria. Yet in Nigeria, we’ve turned malaria into the default explanation for every spike in body temperature. The result? Thousands spend money treating the wrong illness while the real culprit silently worsens. And by habitually pairing malaria with typhoid, we’ve created a perfect storm of medical confusion – overusing antimalarial drugs and abusing antibiotics like ampiclox, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone ‘just to be safe.’ In the process, we are breeding drug resistance, masking real diagnoses, and putting our health on the line.

This widespread misuse of drugs carries grave and far-reaching consequences. First, we are breeding resistance. Both bacteria and malaria parasites are getting smarter-mutating, adapting, and finding ways to survive our strongest medicines. The pills that once cured effortlessly are now losing their power, leaving doctors with fewer options when infections strike. Then there’s the sheer waste of resources. Every year, families spend thousands of naira treating illnesses they don’t actually have, while the real cause of the fever quietly worsens. A child could be battling sepsis, appendicitis, or even early meningitis, yet because everyone around insists it’s ‘malaria and typhoid,’ the correct diagnosis often comes too late-sometimes after irreversible damage has been done.

Let’s be clear: typhoid fever is not just any fever. It is a specific bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and spread through contaminated food and water. But here’s the catch-most of the so-called ‘typhoid’ diagnoses we hear about are built on shaky ground. The popular Widal test, still used by many laboratories across Nigeria, is notoriously unreliable. It often produces false positives, wrongly indicating typhoid even when none exists. The more accurate test-a blood culture-can pinpoint the bacteria with precision, but it’s rarely performed because it costs more and requires better laboratory infrastructure.

In the past, it made sense to suspect malaria whenever a fever appeared. Malaria was everywhere, and most fevers were indeed caused by the mosquito-borne parasite. But the story has changed. Urbanisation, improved mosquito control, and the widespread use of insecticide-treated nets have reduced malaria transmission in many Nigerian cities. Unfortunately, the myth has outlived the reality. Today, respiratory infections, viral illnesses, and foodborne diseases account for a growing share of fevers that people still attribute to malaria. This false assumption delays proper care and leads to needless suffering. Take viral fevers like dengue or influenza-they don’t respond to malaria drugs. And bacterial infections need specific antibiotics, not the random combinations people often take ‘just in case.’ The only responsible path now is to test before treating.

Public health experts have long championed the World Health Organisation’s ‘Test, Treat, Track’ (T3) strategy for malaria control. Test: Confirm malaria using a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) or through microscopy. Treat: Only administer antimalarial drugs when malaria is confirmed. Track: Keep accurate records to monitor patient outcomes and strengthen surveillance. But in Nigeria, the first step is often skipped. People treat before they test-and in many cases, never test at all. The result is a dangerous guessing game where patients lose money, precious time, and sometimes their lives. Fever becomes a roulette wheel, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Nigeria is staring down the barrel of a silent epidemic – antibiotic resistance. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warns that drug-resistant infections could soon kill more Nigerians every year than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Every time we swallow antibiotics without a prescription, we help bacteria evolve – teaching them how to outsmart our strongest medicines. Doctors are already facing ‘superbugs’ – bacteria that no longer respond to common antibiotics. Ordinary infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or wounds could once again become deadly. The clock is ticking, and our reckless drug habits are helping the enemy grow stronger.

It’s time to change course. Stop assuming. Start testing. Don’t buy drugs blindly. Visit a clinic, get tested, and let results guide your treatment. A simple malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) or typhoid blood culture could make all the difference. Say no to self-medication. Pharmacists are not doctors, and neighbours are not health advisers. Resist the temptation to demand ‘malaria and typhoid drugs.’ Instead, insist on a test or professional referral. Eat and drink clean. Typhoid thrives in dirty water and poorly handled food. Wash your hands, boil water, and avoid roadside meals exposed to dust and flies.

Always finish prescribed doses. Stopping midway because you ‘feel better’ breeds resistance and endangers everyone. Finally, government must act. Pharmacies and patent medicine stores should not dispense antibiotics or antimalarials without test results. The long-term payoff – fewer resistant infections and lives saved – far outweighs any inconvenience. So, the next time fever strikes, pause. Test first. Think first. Treat right.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has inducted 242 nurses from the 2019 graduating set of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

The event, which marked the university’s 11th Nursing Induction and Swearing-in Ceremony, was held at the ABSU Auditorium.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, urged the new inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and uphold the principles of nursing practice. Represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Dick Uduma, Okeudo described the graduates as thoroughly trained professionals poised to make significant contributions to global healthcare.

The VC also expressed appreciation to the Visitor to the University, Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the institution, particularly through the construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and prompt payment of staff salaries. He equally hailed parents and guardians for their sacrifices.

The Registrar/Secretary-General of the NMCN, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs. Stella Godswill, charged the graduates to practise with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. He assured that the council would continue to monitor nursing practice in Nigeria.

Other speakers included the Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr. Ebere Mbanaso, HOD Physiology); the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Chris Timothy (represented by Dr. Udo Ubani); and the Head of Department, Nursing Science, Dr. Peace Okoroafor.

They congratulated the inductees, reminded them of their leadership role in healthcare, and called for an increase in the department’s admission quota.

Delivering the valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Miss Chidera Okochi, thanked God for a successful academic journey and expressed gratitude to the university and her parents for their support. She pledged to remain a dedicated professional.

Highlights of the ceremony included the administration of the induction oath, presentation of licences, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, cutting of the induction cake, presentation of awards to deserving staff and partner institutions, among others.

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has challenged Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, to remain disciplined and focused as they begin their quest for glory at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan centre-back met the team at the airport yesterday, where he delivered a heartfelt message of encouragement.

‘You girls have great potential. Stay united, follow your coaches’ guidance, and play with one heart. If you do that, you can go far and even grow into the future Super Falcons,’ West reportedly told the players.

He urged the team to pay attention to details and execute their coaches’ instructions with precision, stressing that discipline and teamwork would define their success on the world stage.

He expressed optimism about the team’s quality and predicted that with consistent development, many of the current players could graduate to the Super Falcons in the future.

The Flamingos departed Abuja yesterday morning aboard a flight to Casablanca, arriving at Mohammed V International Airport after a smooth 4-hour, 20-minute journey. On arrival, they checked into Ibis Hotel, Casablanca, where they later held a light training session to shake off travel fatigue.

While in Morocco, the team will play two friendly matches – against New Zealand and Paraguay – as part of their final build-up to the tournament.

Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Flamingos will open their campaign on October 17.

The Nigerian girls are in fine form, having scored 44 goals and conceded none in 10 preparatory matches – a record that has boosted confidence ahead of the global showpiece.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all residents, announcing the signing of an Executive Order that makes health insurance mandatory across the state. Speaking at the maiden edition of the 2025 Eko Health Convention held on Tuesday in Lekki, the governor-represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat-said the new order aligns with the National Health Insurance Act and underscores Lagos’ determination to build a fair and sustainable healthcare system.

‘When we launched the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme in February 2021, we made it clear that universal health coverage requires a reliable and inclusive system,’ Sanwo-Olu said. ‘In July 2024, I signed an Executive Order making health insurance mandatory for all residents of Lagos State. Without a shared pool of resources, universal coverage is impossible.’

He explained that mandatory health insurance would protect families from catastrophic health expenses, strengthen hospitals, and promote equity in access to care. Sanwo-Olu stressed that effective health insurance must be complemented by a robust emergency response system, adding that the state had continued to strengthen the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to ensure swift, efficient, and compassionate responses during medical emergencies. ‘Timely and efficient emergency care must be a right, not a privilege. The Lagos Emergency Medical Blueprint is already saving lives,’ he said.

According to the governor, Lagos currently operates 360 public health facilities and over 3,500 private hospitals, forming an integrated ecosystem where both sectors collaborate to expand access and bridge service gaps. He urged health stakeholders to deepen investments in innovation, expand corporate social responsibility, and reimagine the future of healthcare through technology and creativity-‘ensuring a system where access is determined not by income, but by need.’

Sanwo-Olu also emphasised that public health progress is a shared responsibility, calling on citizens to enrol in health insurance schemes, participate in vaccination campaigns, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, report quackery, adopt healthy lifestyles, and demand quality care. He noted that his administration has consistently prioritised Health and Environment under its THEMES agenda, pledging to sustain a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, innovative, and of the highest quality.

Highlighting key achievements, the governor listed the commissioning of new Maternal and Child Centres (MCCs) in Eti-Osa, Badagry, and Epe, the renovation and expansion of General Hospitals, and the construction of major health facilities, including the New Massey Street Specialist Children’s Hospital, the Ojo General Hospital, the Lagos State Mental Health Institute in Ketu-Ejirin, and the Cardio-Renal Centre in Gbagada.

In his presentation, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the new Lagos Health Transformation Blueprint as a bold and data-driven strategy that will position Lagos as Africa’s healthcare powerhouse, reducing mortality rates and boosting economic productivity. He revealed that Lagos loses about $1.5 billion annually to outbound medical tourism-a figure higher than the state’s total health budget. ‘Our goal is clear: Lagos must become the health capital of sub-Saharan Africa-not just for Nigerians, but for the entire continent,’ Abayomi said.

According to him, the blueprint includes climate-resilient hospital designs, modern general hospitals, a 500-bed psychiatric and rehabilitation centre, and the establishment of the Lagos State University of Medicine and Health Science. He also unveiled plans for a Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP)-a digital network linking all public hospitals and primary healthcare centres for real-time data sharing and informed decision-making. Abayomi added that Africa must begin to build health systems that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and globally competitive, reducing dependence on foreign medical care and positioning Lagos as a hub for medical innovation and tourism.

In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare for all residents. She stressed the importance of collaboration and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in achieving lasting transformation. ‘We believe in collaboration because government cannot do it alone,’ Ogunyemi said. ‘Our vision is to educate and empower citizens to take full control of their health and wellness, while ensuring that every resident receives quality healthcare services.’ With the Executive Order now in force, Lagos becomes the first state in Nigeria to legally mandate health insurance coverage for all residents-a move experts say could serve as a blueprint for national health financing reform and bring Nigeria closer to achieving universal health coverage.

As the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, bows out, the nation expects another man or woman of impecable character to succeed him.

No fewer than nine National Commissioners are also expected to leave before the 2027 general election.

The implication, said Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, is that the polls may be conducted by a new electoral team, if four of them who are eligible for re-appointment, are not retained.

Itodo, who spoke of Channels Television, hailed Yakubu, describing him as an umpire of reforms. He acknowledged the innovations due to automation, particularly the BIVAS and IREV, which his successor should build upon.

Itodo noted efforts by Yakubu to prevent electoral irregularities through inbuilt security devices into the electoral process which are not known to the public.

He noted that he also did not condone nonsense among other electoral officers, some of whom are currently being prosecuted in the court for aiding and abetting malpractices.

But, Itodo said the outgoing chairman is leaving behind a weak electoral agency, clarifying that this is not due to his management style.

In his view, INEC chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners are still being appointed by the president, adding that allegations of appointing partisan people are still rife. Although the president is constitutionally mandated to consult the Council of State on the appointment of the chairman, he may not be bound by their intervention which is merely advisory.

Besides, Itodo alleged under-funding of the commission. He said the funds for 2023 polls were not released completely. That may be the reason for the delayed conduct of by-elections, he added.

When he handed over the baton to Acting Chairman May Agbamuche-Mbu on Tuesday, the outgoing chairman spoke on the task before the electoral agency ahead of future polls.

He said: ‘Today’s meeting is holding in the middle of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which started seven weeks ago. Since then, the Commission has been publishing weekly figures of the exercise with detailed breakdown by States of the Federation, gender, age, occupation and disability.

‘The latest figures published yesterday show that 6,856,979 Nigerians commenced their registration online (the pre-registration option) while 1,216,048 completed the process (the physical or in-person option). The exercise will continue until August 2026 when it will be suspended not later than 90 days before the date fixed for the general election, as provided by law.

‘There are a number of forthcoming elections. The preparations for some of them are either at advanced or concluding stages. The Anambra State governorship election is holding next month, followed by Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in February 2026, the Ekiti State governorship election in June 2026, and the Osun State governorship election in August 2026.’

INEC will be involved in the primaries in Ekiti and Osun as observer. The shadow polls are already gathering momentum.

The 2027 electioneering started almost immediately after the 2023 polls. INEC has no means of preventing early campaigns by politicians who transform ordinary party meetings into endorsement rallies and mobilisation platforms.

Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 clearly prohibits the commencement of campaigns earlier than 150 days before the poll day, and requires all campaign activities to end 24 hours before voting begins.

However, Yakubu lamented that political actors often disregard this provision, adding:’Political parties, candidates and their supporters seem to be perpetually in election mood even when the Electoral Commission is yet to release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections.’

He stressed: ‘Around the country, we have seen outdoor advertising, media campaigns and even rallies promoting various political parties and candidates,’ the INEC Chairman noted.

The chairman warned that these premature activities compromise INEC ‘sability to enforce campaign finance limits.

He said: ‘These actions and activities undermine the commission’s ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amounts of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.’

Yakubu said the electoral system has to be continuouly strengthened by legislations. If the reforms are backed by law, he believes that the INEC would be further fortified to deliver good elections.

Yakubu stressed: ‘In addition to these off-cycle elections, we have already commenced preparations for some of the major activities for the 2027 general glection, while awaiting the enactment of a new Electoral Act. The Bill is currently before the National Assembly.

‘It is expected that electoral reforms contained in the new Act will necessitate further review of our Regulations and Guidelines as well as the Manuals for Elections. Beyond these reviews, the Commission needs to further clean-up the voters’ register, review the locations of some of the polling units and the allotment of voters to them.’

On shadow polls, Yakubu said: ‘The management of party primaries is another major area of activity. You may recall that for the last general election in 2023, the Commission processed the nomination of 20,000 candidates.’

INEC has to monitor party congresses and observe how the intra-party nominations are conducted, although the Supreme Court has ruled that internal democracy is a party affair.

Electoral logistics are key. Yakubu said: ‘Election logistics involving the procurement, production and transportation of huge quantities of materials by road, air and sea are a monumental undertaking. So also is the recruitment and training of election officials, voter education and engagement with stakeholders.’

On security, the chairman said: ‘The prevailing insecurity and natural emergencies such as floods in some parts of the country have dislocated many citizens who must be given the opportunity to exercise their franchise.

‘Doing so may require a review of our existing framework for voting by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).’

There is a pattern of voter apathy. It manifested in the off-cycle polls, particularly the by-elections. This is attributed to voter fatigue. It is also the duty of political parties to educate, sentisise and mobilise the voters for elections.

Vote buying and other forms of malpractices still persist. Yakubu had called for the setting up of an electoral offenders tribunal or court for the trial of people with unruly behaviour during elections. It is an unfinished battle that Yakubu’s successor would inherit.