Category: The Nation – Nigeria

As part of its renewed commitment to tackling preventable blindness, the federal government plans to distribute five million pairs of free reading glasses within the next three years, it emerged on Thursday.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation to strengthen comprehensive eye health services in Nigeria.

The MoU focuses particularly on refractive error treatment and capacity building to improve nationwide access to quality eye care.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, revealed these during the 2025 World Sight Day commemoration in Abuja, where he reaffirmed government’s determination to improve eye health and reduce preventable blindness across Nigeria through the integration of Primary Eye Care (PEC) into the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and other targeted interventions.

The initiative, launched under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jigibola 2.0, aims to reduce visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors.

Salako explained that refractive errors such as presbyopia remain the most common causes of visual impairment in Nigeria.

He added that ESCIN aligns with the 74th World Health Assembly’s target of increasing global refractive error coverage by 40 percent by 2030, saying, ‘Investing in eye health today is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

‘By prioritizing eye health, we are building a brighter, more productive, and more prosperous nation’d.

Salako, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, emphasized that good vision is central to national development and individual productivity, noting that impaired sight can hinder education, reduce workplace efficiency, and slow economic growth.

Highlighting Nigeria’s global commitments, he recalled that the country joined other UN member states in adopting the General Assembly resolution ‘Vision for Everyone: Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,’ which seeks to end preventable sight loss by 2030.

‘Evidence shows that blindness prevention contributes directly to poverty reduction. Following successful cataract surgery, 46 percent of households move up the economic ladder, improving food security and livelihoods,’ Salako said.

The Minister outlined key government efforts to strengthen eye health services nationwide, including the development of the National Eye Health Policy (2019) and the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2023-2027), which together provide a framework for expanding eye care delivery at all health levels.

According to him, integrating PEC into PHC services will make eye care more accessible to Nigerians in rural and low-income areas, especially women and the elderly.

‘We have trained 12 master trainers across the six geopolitical zones, developed data collection tools for PHC facilities, and enhanced the capacity of primary healthcare workers to manage simple eye conditions and improve referrals,’ Salako said.

While presenting the details of the MoU, Raphael Okumu, Associate Director of Partnerships at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Africa Chapter, said the collaboration reflects a shared goal to reduce preventable vision loss through sustainable, community-based eye health programs.

‘A pilot phase involving at least three vision centers will assess progress and guide future expansion,’ Okumu explained.

Under the MoU, the Foundation will provide equipment, training, and infrastructure support, while the Ministry will offer health facility space, personnel, and regulatory oversight.

The partnership, he said, aims to establish self-sustaining vision centers nationwide and expand access to affordable eye care.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju, commended eye health professionals and development partners for their dedication and contribution to reducing visual impairment in Nigeria.

Represented by the National Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja, Dr Oteri Okolo, the Permanent Secretary urged Nigerians to prioritize regular eye check-ups and early detection, warning that vision loss carries serious economic and social consequences, particularly in a youthful and rapidly growing nation like Nigeria.

‘I therefore want to use this opportunity to advocate for routine eye exams and greater public awareness on early detection,’ she said.

Also speaking at the event, renowned musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, advised Nigerians, especially young people to take their eye health seriously, noting that good vision is vital for personal development and societal progress.

World Sight Day, celebrated annually under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), aims to raise global awareness about the importance of eye health.

Union Bank of Nigeria has hosted an informal yet engaging meet-and-greet with leading media professionals at its headquarters in, Lagos.

The event, held at SpaceNXT-the Bank’s purpose-built co-creation hub for innovators and creators-was designed to provide a relaxed platform for fostering personal connections and strengthening collaboration between the Bank and its media partners.

Unlike a formal press briefing, the gathering created a convivial atmosphere for open dialogue, underscoring Union Bank’s recognition of the media’s vital role in shaping public discourse and amplifying the Bank’s purpose-driven mission.

In attendance were senior members of the Bank’s leadership, including the Executive Director, Corporate Banking (Lagos and West), Taiwo Shote, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko; and Head of Strategy and Planning, Tosin Ibikunle.

Speaking during the event, Olufunmilola Aluko highlighted the essence of the occasion, noting that it was primarily about human connection.

‘Union Bank has been around for 108 years, and we’ve seen it all-from telegram banking to digital wallets, from handwritten ledgers to AI-driven analytics. But through all that change, one constant has remained: the media.

We wanted to create a space that is unhurried and human, where we can meet without the weight of deadlines or the formality of press statements. Behind those exchanges are real people who share a deep commitment to storytelling, truth, and impact,’ she said.

Echoing her sentiment, Tosin Ibikunle reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to transparency and partnership as it prepares for its next phase of growth.

‘Union Bank has diligently strengthened its systems and service experience. As we roll out new initiatives, we look forward to working closely with the media to tell our story with clarity, accuracy, and impact,’ Ibikunle added.

The event concluded with a guided tour of Stallion Plaza and a lively networking session, reflecting Union Bank’s ongoing commitment to building authentic, human-centred relationships beyond formal corporate interactions.

Union Bank remains steadfast in its mission to foster trust, transparency, and meaningful partnerships with the media and other stakeholders as it continues to support customers and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Rotary Club of Ikeja Golden Impact has rewarded pupils of Agidingbi Senior Grammar School, who performed well in the essay competition it organised.

Twelve pupils took part in the competition, with six making it to the last lap, from which the top three were picked.

First position went to Ogbaji Josephine, an SSS 3 pupil, who scored 87.50 per cent; Odianosen Testimony came second with 85 per cent; while Ndubuisi Ruth placed third with 79.17 per cent.

Josephine got a Samsung Galaxy Tab, bag, plaque, and a scientific calculator; Testimony was given a plaque, scientific calculator, bag and watch; while Ruth took home a headset, bag, and a scientific calculator . The trio also got dictionaries for their effort.

Speaking at the event at the school’s hall, Charter President, Teniola Ogundeji described the day as special being a month (September) Rotary dedicated to Basic Education and Literacy.

She noted that the club chose to mark it by engaging the pupils in an essay competition and gift presentation.

The president said the club places a premium on service to humanity, and investing in education of the next generation is one of the greatest services the group can render.

‘Our goal is simple, to encourage creativity, literacy, and leadership among young people. We believe when a child learns to read, write, and express themselves, they gain the power to dream and the courage to shape their future.

This programme has been a true team effort. Rotarians have contributed their time, resources, and passion to make it possible. Beyond celebrating the winners, we remind every pupil that they are capable, they are gifted, and with education, they can achieve anything,’ she said.

Mr Kayode Oladipo, keynote speaker, urged the pupils to build themselves and be confident. He advised them to always do their best anywhere they find themselves.

The Federal Government has said it is developing a framework for bonding students sponsored abroad, to ensure they return to contribute to Nigeria’s development after completing their studies.

Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at a maiden edition of TETFund National Town Hall Meeting.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa recently raised the concern that 85 per cent of Nigerian students sent abroad on government scholarships never returned to contribute to national development.

Echono said this move would encourage Nigerians on government scholarship to come back and make meaningful impact to the progress of the country.

He described the trend as a major setback to national development.

Echono highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms to strengthen the education sector and retain skilled manpower within the country.

He said the President had directed the relevant ministries and agencies to develop a framework to check the ‘brain drain’ phenomenon, particularly among beneficiaries of government-sponsored academic training overseas.

‘Mr. President complained that so many of the people we send abroad for studies do not return, and he felt it was unfair.

‘He has therefore instructed that we must put measures in place, not to stop training abroad entirely, but to ensure that those who go are properly bonded and return to contribute their knowledge to national development,’ he said.

The TETFund boss explained that the government would identify critical sectors where Nigeria needs to compete globally and ensure that scholars trained in those areas return to apply their expertise locally.

He stressed that the initiative was not meant to punish beneficiaries but to safeguard national investment in human capital.

‘When we train people, they must come back to put their knowledge to use here and help build our economy,’ he said.

He also highlighted the President Bola Tinubu’s decisive actions, including the increase in education tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent.

Echono added that the President’s firm rejection of proposals to reverse the increment was a demonstration of his priority for human capital development.

The national leadership of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing two suspended officials of its Lagos State’s chapter of attempting to undermine lawful authority and intimidate members ahead of a planned ‘illegal election’ in Lagos.

In a petition dated October 7, 2025, and signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Ambassador Ikenna Okonkwo, the association called on the DSS to intervene and stop the suspended officials, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, from conducting any election under the association’s name.

According to the petition, both individuals who previously served as chairman and secretary of the Lagos chapter remain indefinitely suspended from all SWAN activities for gross misconduct, insubordination, and sabotage of the association’s constitutional order.

The association alleged that the duo plan to stage an unauthorized election on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite formal notifications to law enforcement agencies about their suspension.

SWAN expressed alarm over reports that the suspended officials have been reaching out to security operatives in Lagos for backing, warning that such actions could lead to a breakdown of order within the state’s sporting media community.

‘It is deeply regrettable that despite prior notifications to security agencies, these individuals continue to parade themselves as officers of the association, issuing threats and attempting to mislead law enforcement into supporting their unlawful activities,’ the petition stated.

The association further reminded the DSS of a previous confrontation during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, where Ms. Oladunni allegedly mobilized over 11 police vehicles and operatives to disrupt a peaceful gathering of sports journalists.

That incident, SWAN said, amounted to ‘an act of intimidation and gross abuse of privilege,’ describing it as a brazen show of force that violated the spirit of civility and press freedom.

In the petition, SWAN urged the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to call the suspended individuals to order and ensure that law enforcement neutrality is maintained in the internal affairs of professional associations.

The association demanded that security agencies: restrain the suspended officers from using state apparatus to intimidate members; instruct all DSS formations in Lagos to desist from providing any form of cover or endorsement for their planned activities; safeguard the peace and integrity of the sporting and journalistic community in Lagos.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the association described itself as a law-abiding, non-political professional body recognized by the National Sports Commission and registered under Nigerian laws.

‘We urge the esteemed offices of the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of DSS to ensure that the rule of law and organizational integrity are not subverted by desperate individuals acting in bad faith,’ the petition added.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, Lagos State Command, SWAN South West Vice President, SWAN South West Secretary, Acting Chairman of SWAN Lagos, and the Chairman of the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO).

Barcelona will face Villarreal in Miami in a La Liga match on December 20, the Spanish top flight said Wednesday, making it the first European league fixture to be played abroad.

Earlier this week, European football governing body UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would permit it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como.

‘With this match we take a historic step that projects La Liga and Spanish football into a new dimension,’ said La Liga president Javier Tebas in a statement. ‘We understand and respect the concerns that this decision may generate, but it is important to put it into context – it is a single match out of the 380 that make up the season.’

The game was due to be played at Villarreal’s home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida.

Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved.

‘Villarreal season ticket holders will be able to travel for free to the match, and those who choose not to travel to Miami will enjoy a 30 percent discount on their season ticket price as part of the measures designed to reward their support and loyalty,’ said La Liga.

In September a total of 18 fan groups from both teams involved expressed their ‘complete opposition’ to the match taking place abroad.

La Liga have attempted to play matches overseas dating back to 2017 but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) frequently resisted, despite hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia themselves.

Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid have also expressed their disapproval at the decision to take a La Liga game abroad.

They said in August hosting the game in Miami would ‘alter the competitive balance’ of the league and set an ‘unacceptable precedent’.

Apostle Lawrence Achudume of Victory Life Bible Church International has counselled youths to embrace entrepreneurship in the light of the economic realities in the country.

Speaking at the close of the church’s annual youth outreach: ‘Youth On Fire’ programme where he gave out N15 million to aspiring entrepreneurs , the cleric noted that white-collar jobs are no longer a feasible option, adding traditional employment routes aren’t yielding results youths.

Beneficiaries include young owners in catering, logistics, tailoring, fashion designing, shoe-making and others.

‘They were segmented into three categories,’ Achudume said ceremony. ‘The first group received full sponsored training in cutting-edge areas like graphic design.

‘The second category was given money with equipment, such as sewing machines while the third group got N300,000 to N3 million to bolster their entrepreneurial endeavours.’

He added the initiative, for his late wife, Revd. Fola Achudume, was to foster self-reliance in young people which she had championed.

‘Youths must build their future,’ he said. ‘We can’t rely on scarce white-collar jobs – we must foster prosperity through entrepreneurship.’

He restated her commitment to empowerment, saying it’s a sure way to rejig the economy.

‘Entrepreneurship is a pathway out of poverty,’ he noted. ‘This empowerment is arming youths with tools to create opportunities for themselves and others.’

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju described the appointment as a reflection of the President’s recognition of competence and inclusiveness, noting that Professor Amupitan is the first indigene from Kogi State’s minority Ijumu community to be appointed to the position, representing the north-central region.

He said the nominee’s distinguished record as a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria makes him a fitting choice to lead the electoral body at a crucial moment in the country’s democratic journey.

‘I must admit that I had expected the President to appoint someone from his immediate circle or from Osun State, but this decision comes as a pleasant surprise,’ Adeyanju said.

He lauded President Tinubu for making a merit-based appointment and expressed optimism that Professor Amupitan would bring integrity, professionalism, and reform-driven leadership to INEC.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of new members into the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

According to appointment letters signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, eight persons were named to serve on OYSIEC, while seven others were appointed to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital governing council.

Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde was appointed as the new Chairman of OYSIEC. Other members include Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Mariam Adepeju, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Sunday Falana, and Mr. Babatunde Ige.

The newly appointed members of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council are Prof. Banji Oyeyinka Oyelaran (Chairman), Mr. Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr. Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs. Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr. Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, and Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello.

Governor Makinde charged all appointees to perform their duties with diligence, dedication, and loyalty to the state, noting that the appointments take immediate effect.

Lagos State Government is set to unveil the Omi Eko Project, a landmark clean energy and innovation-driven initiative designed to transform water transportation across the state. The official launch will take place at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, on Friday, October 17.

The event, being coordinated by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), marks another defining moment in Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a sustainable, technology-powered, and environmentally responsible transport system for Africa’s largest city.

According to LASWA, the initiative represents ‘a pivotal milestone in the state’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, cutting-edge water transportation, and smart city innovation.’

The high-profile launch will draw dignitaries, top government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders for an unveiling that will include keynote addresses, a virtual presentation on the Omi Eko Project, and the formal inauguration by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Poised to redefine the future of water transportation in Lagos, the Omi Eko Project will deploy more than 78 high-capacity electric ferries, digital ticketing systems, intelligent terminals, and advanced safety technology, ushering in a new era of efficient and eco-friendly commuting across the state’s waterways.

It also aims to reduce travel times, improve passenger comfort, and ease pressure on the road network while promoting clean energy adoption and environmental sustainability.

LASWA said the choice of the Five Cowries Terminal as the launch venue underscores its central role in Lagos’s intermodal transport network and the broader Lagos Urban Mobility Plan, which integrates road, rail, and water systems for seamless movement.

The project will not only transform public transportation but also open new economic corridors along the waterways, creating jobs and stimulating commerce.