Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Despite a two-decade global decline in traditional tobacco use, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a new surge in nicotine addiction fueled by e-cigarettes and other emerging tobacco products, particularly among young people.

According to a new WHO global report, the number of tobacco users worldwide has dropped from 1.38 billion in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024 – a 27 percent reduction. However, one in every five adults across the globe remains addicted to nicotine.

More concerning, the report revealed that over 100 million people now use e-cigarettes, including about 15 million adolescents aged 13 to 15, who are on average nine times more likely to vape than adults.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the trend as a ‘fightback’ by the tobacco industry, accusing it of using sophisticated marketing strategies and sleek new nicotine products – such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches – to hook the next generation of users.

‘Millions are quitting thanks to tobacco control efforts,’ he said. ‘But the tobacco industry is fighting back with new products aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco control policies.’

For the WHO Director of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, Dr Etienne Krug, ‘E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction. They are marketed as harm reduction but, in reality, are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.’

The report shows that women are leading the global quit revolution. Between 2010 and 2024, the number of female tobacco users fell sharply from 277 million to 206 million, reducing global prevalence among women from 11% to 6.6%. Women met the global 30% reduction target for 2025 five years early, in 2020.

Men, however, lag behind. With nearly one billion still using tobacco, men account for over 80% of global users. Their prevalence dropped from 41.4% in 2010 to 32.5% in 2024, but at a pace too slow to meet global targets before 2031.

WHO’s analysis presents a mixed picture of global tobacco use. South-East Asia recorded the most progress, with male tobacco use nearly halved, from 70 percent in 2000 to 37 percent in 2024, accounting for over half of the global decline.

The Americas followed with a 36 percent relative reduction, bringing prevalence down to 14 percent.

In contrast, Africa recorded the lowest prevalence globally at 9.5 percent, but population growth continues to push up the absolute number of users.

Europe now stands out as the world’s highest-prevalence region, with 24.1 percent of adults still using tobacco. European women also have the highest female tobacco use globally, at 17.4 percent.

The Eastern Mediterranean region reported a prevalence rate of 18 percent, with some countries showing rising trends, while the Western Pacific region showed the slowest progress. 22.9 percent of adults still use tobacco, with men in the region recording the world’s highest prevalence at 43.3 percent.

WHO is calling for urgent action from governments to step up the fight against tobacco and nicotine products. The global health organisation recommends countries adopt and enforce the MPOWER package, a set of proven tobacco control measures under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Key actions include raising tobacco taxes, banning advertising and sponsorships, closing regulatory loopholes for emerging products like e-cigarettes, and expanding cessation services to help millions quit.

‘Nearly 20% of adults still use tobacco and nicotine products. We cannot let up now,’ warned Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. ‘The world has made gains, but stronger, faster action is the only way to beat the tobacco epidemic.’

The WHO’s warning underscores a troubling paradox: while traditional tobacco smoking is declining, the nicotine industry is reinventing addiction through modern technology and youth-focused marketing.

Without stronger regulations and renewed political will, experts warn, a new generation could be trapped in the cycle of nicotine dependence just as the world was beginning to win the fight against it.

Some prominent stakeholders in Nigeria including religious leaders, business figures, and civil society advocates have appealed for calm and sustained dialogue in the labour dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

They unanimously lamented that the recent industrial strike had sent out wrong signals to investors.

These eminent Nigerians noted that while government mediation and renewed talks had de-escalated the crisis, the episode exposed risk to investor confidence and efforts to restore domestic refining capacity.

This joint statement was signed by: Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside CON, Bishop Matthew Kukah CON, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman.

Others are: Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka and Senator Sola Akinyede.

According to the statement, the refinery’s operations have already contributed to a drop in petrol prices – from around ?1,500 to about ?820 per litre – representing a 55 percent reduction in some areas.

This, they said, has begun to ease the burden of transport and food costs on ordinary Nigerians.

Recall PENGASSAN had last week shut down critical oil and gas facilities over allegations that Dangote refinery sacked 800 workers who joined the union.

But Dangote refinery said it only sacked a few workers who were sabotaging the facility, saying this was part of the company’s reorganisation.

The oil and gas workers embarked on a strike in defence of their colleagues, causing the nation losses in oil and gas production as well as a drop in power generation.

The intervention of the Federal Government restored normalcy as PENGASSAN suspended the strike after the Dangote Group was asked to redeploy the sacked workers to other business units.

The statement reads, ‘We, the undersigned, note with concern the recent disputes and disruptions surrounding the Dangote Refinery. Although the immediate crisis has been de-escalated through government mediation and renewed dialogue between labour and management, the episode raises important lessons for Nigeria’s economic future.

‘For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, the waste of trillions of naira in subsidies, and dependence on fuel imports.

‘These failures left citizens exposed to scarcity, inflation, and insecurity. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture; it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve.

‘Already, the refinery has begun to ease supply pressures, with petrol prices in some parts of the country dropping from around ?1,500 per litre to about ?820 – a 55% reduction. This impact on transport costs and food prices offers Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life. It also signals to investors at home and abroad that industry, rather than speculation, can still thrive in Nigeria.

‘However, the strikes and threats that accompanied this transition send the wrong signals. Industrial disputes, if not carefully managed, risk discouraging both domestic and foreign investment at a time when Nigeria most needs capital and innovation.

They urged that workers’ rights to organise and bargain must be upheld, and those rights must not be used to hold the economy hostage.

They also called for transparency and social responsibility from large investors.

‘A refinery of this scale is a national lifeline, with profound consequences for jobs, energy security, and inflation.

‘We wish to underscore three principles: Workers’ rights must be respected. The Constitution guarantees the right to organise and to demand fair treatment. No enterprise can succeed without motivated, fairly treated workers; Markets and productivity must be protected.

‘The right to organise cannot become a license to hold the economy hostage. Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded; Social responsibility and accountability must remain central. Investors of this magnitude must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in the communities they serve.

‘We also note that concerns about monopoly or market dominance should not be settled by disruptive industrial action.

‘Nigeria has institutions, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), that are mandated to assess such claims.

‘Where there are legitimate issues of pricing or dominance, the proper channel is through these statutory bodies, not strikes that harm ordinary Nigerians. Moreover, as has been noted, there is no legal monopoly here; others are free to invest in refining, provided they can mobilise the necessary resources and expertise.

‘We commend the Federal Government, labour unions, and Dangote Refinery for stepping back from confrontation and resolving this dispute through dialogue. We urge that this spirit of constructive engagement becomes a template for the future. At the same time, we must stress the dangers that such disruptions pose to investor confidence, economic stability, and Nigeria’s strategic interest in reducing dependency on imports.

‘This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business. It is about the direction of our economy: whether we will continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity. The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should not be undermined but strengthened – as a signal to other industrialists that investing in Nigeria’s future is worthwhile.’

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday resumed plenary following the expiration of her six months suspension over misconduct.

However, contrary to reports, the Senate did not discuss her resumption during plenary.

It was observed that the Kogi Central Senator took the new seat allocated to her which she earlier rejected.

Akpoti-Uduaghan entered the Senate chamber around 12 noon, shortly after the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio took over proceedings from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who had begun the session at about 11:15 a.m.

Upon arrival, she proceeded straight to her designated seat in the minority aisle.

Dressed in white attire with matching head gear and covered with a white veil, and black sunglasses, Akpoti-Uduaghan was warmly received by several senators including Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Ogoshi Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa), Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), and Samaila Dahuwa (PDP, Bauchi North), who exchanged handshakes with her.

As of the time of filing this report, Akpoti-Uduaghan had not contributed to any the deliberations on the floor of the Senate chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office was officially unsealed on September 23 by the Sergeant-At-Arms. Thereafter, the Kogi Central lawmaker visited her office after which she granted a press interview.

However, because the Senate was still on recess, Akpoti-Uduaghan attended plenary for the first time after the expiration of her six months suspension

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has warned candidates seeking internship placements at the institution to desist from paying anyone for assistance, stressing that the process is entirely free.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu gave the warning while addressing about 1,500 candidates attending the internship interview exercise at the University of Benin CBT centres.

She assured the candidates of fairness and transparency in the selection process, urging them to focus on excellence as the only criterion for securing placement in the hospital.

According to her, only candidates who perform exceptionally well during the interview would be shortlisted for selection and placement.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu further cautioned against any form of malpractice or backdoor dealings, emphasizing that ‘there is no favoritism or special list for candidates.’

‘This interview is to ensure that only the best is shortlisted. Connections will not be used. Do not give anyone money to help you secure placement .

‘We have observers from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Character Commission both from Benin and Abuja. We have an official from the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation to monitor the exercise. Do your best, and I wish you good luck.’Ize-Iyamu said.

Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Kayode Oke, lauded the hospital for the hitch free exercise.

Edo State Director Federal Character Commission (FCC) , Barr. Simon Ehigie, said the exercise was in line with approved guidelines and in compliance with the Federal Character Principle.

He noted that candidates seeking placement were drawn from across all the 36 states of the federation, stressing that ‘ the FCC would not sacrifice merit on the alter of balancing.’

The Federal Government came hard on Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday over last month’s strike during their faceoff with Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals (DRP).

‘We cannot hold the whole nation to ransom because of issues that we can amicably settle across the table,’ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said.

It was his first reaction to the situation during which the union disconnected the gas supply to the refinery in addition to limiting the pumping of crude to export terminals, an action likened to economic sabotage.

The President spoke yesterday at the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) event in Abuja.

He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He called for patriotism and caution, urging union leaders to maintain sensitivity to national security during their free agitations for industrial welfare.

Also yesterday, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, recalled the huge loss incurred by the country in the few days the strike lasted.

In Lagos, the scarcity of cooking gas surfaced over the weekend, with residents searching for the product across the metropolis.

The few places where the product was available witnessed long queues, and the price was hiked.

The scarcity was attributed to the effect of the PENGASSAN strike.

Describing the $20 billion privately-owned refinery as a national asset that should be supported to function, President Tinubu said the nation should jealously protect, promote, and preserve the facility in the national interest.

President Tinubu emphasised the importance of industrial harmony in the sensitive sector while declaring open the 31st NESG in Abuja.

Its theme was: ‘The reform imperative: building a prosperous and inclusive Nigeria by 2030.’

At the summit were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and other senior government officials.

The President said any threat to the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery should be viewed as a national sabotage.

The PENGASSAN/Dangote Refinery rift provoked anxiety nationwide about a looming fuel scarcity that had become a thing of the past since it commenced operation.

Ojulari said 200,000 barrels were lost to the union strike daily.

He also lamented that the company experienced deferred gas output during the dispute.

Ojulari, who briefed the President at his private residence in Lagos, however, said Nigeria would hit 1.8m bpd oil production by December.

Nigeria will protect every investment, says President

The President said his administration would protect every investment, warning that nothing must be allowed to disrupt the operations of the $20 billion facility.

President Tinubu described the Dangote Group President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as ‘not just an individual, but an institution’.

He urged labour unions to exercise restraint and seek peaceful dialogue in addressing industrial issues involving the refinery.

The President explained that the refinery, which was financed through a mix of equity, debt, and local and foreign bank loans, should remain operational to meet its financial obligations and sustain national economic stability.

He said: ‘The refinery has to function to service the debt. We cannot hold the whole nation to ransom because of issues that we can amicably settle across the table.’

President Tinubu said Dangote’s decision to invest massively in Nigeria, rather than abroad, was an act of faith in the country’s future.

He stressed: ‘If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, Amazon, or Google, he might be worth $70 to $80 billion today.

‘But he chose to invest in Nigeria, and we owe it to future generations to promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this very Nigerian.’

The President called for ‘caution, introspection, and a sense of accountability from all the organised and independent private sector players’ to maintain industrial peace and a sustainable investment climate.

He added: ‘It’s not about holding the gold medal for ransom. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN; Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us.

‘I’m not speaking as a partisan but as a Nigerian in search of solutions to our national challenges.’

The President urged the NESG to come up with policies that can resolve industrial disputes and prevent future disruptions in the sector.

Turning to broader economic issues, the President assured that Nigeria will overcome its current economic challenges through industrialisation, infrastructure development, and human-centred policies.

‘As Nigerians, we are not condemned to low growth, high costs, and low trust. We will stabilise. We will industrialise. We will humanise our economy. We will stabilise prices and currency, and we will industrialise through power, logistics, and technology.’

The President said his administration has created pathways for the youth to access grants, loans, and equity investments of up to $100,000 to grow their enterprises, innovate, and build sustainable livelihoods.

He also announced a N200 billion intervention fund to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and manufacturers in overcoming structural challenges and enhancing competitiveness.

He said: ‘Our expansion of digital micro-loan access has improved financial inclusion, empowered small businesses, and stimulated community-level productivity.’

On fiscal policy, the President said the newly signed Tax Reform Act-which introduced the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Act, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act-marked a major recalibration of the nation’s tax architecture.

‘These reforms will boost domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce dependence on oil, and simplify compliance,’ he said.

‘They protect low-income earners, ensure fairness in corporate taxation, and strengthen digital innovation in tax administration.’

Ojulari: Production hit 1.68 tr last month

The NNPCL boss lamented the PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery faceoff.

He said: ‘It was quite unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to the strike.

‘As you know, whenever critical staff manning key facilities are unavailable, operations are disrupted.

‘We actually lost significant production of over 200,000 barrels per day and also experienced deferred gas output, while about 1.2 megawatts of power generation were affected.’

Ojulari commended the Federal Government for swiftly intervening through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dingyadi, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who brokered peace.

He said: ‘Everyone was brought to the table, and a communiqué was agreed upon on the way forward. We are very hopeful that all parties will abide by it.’

On the recent gas price spikes, Ojulari attributed the rise to temporary supply chain disruptions during the strike.

He added: ‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial. For the period of the strike, loading and movement were delayed by about two or three days, and that created a temporary scarcity.

‘Some marketers exploited the situation to raise prices. Now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike.’

Ojulari said that Nigeria’s crude oil production would reach 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) before the end of the year, following months of consistent growth and strategic maintenance interventions across production facilities.

He said production hit 1.68 million barrels per day in September-the highest level in about five years-while gas output also reached a record seven billion cubic feet (BCF) per day.

Ojulari said: ‘With the turnaround maintenance completed in August and September now coming back onstream, we expect that before the end of the year, we should be clocking at least 1.8 million barrels per day, all things being equal.’

He noted that the achievement aligned with the President’s directive to ramp up production to at least two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels by 2030 under the Renewed Hope energy roadmap.

Reforms should yield gains, says Yusuf

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, who lent his voice to the dark side of the labour dispute, said in a statement that sensitive investments should be protected.

Yusuf enjoined the government to come up with a policy framework to prevent the unlawful shutdown of businesses in the country.

He said a policy to protect investors is a national economic imperative, adding: ‘Investors mobilise capital, create jobs, and generate the tax revenues that sustain government and society.

‘Without them, there can be no sustained growth, no employment, and no national prosperity.

‘Nigeria must, therefore, urgently institutionalise a fair, secure, and predictable business environment that protects those who take risks to create wealth.

‘This is not about weakening labour unions but about balancing rights and responsibilities to foster sustainable economic growth, social stability, and national security.’

Protesters ask Tinubu to crush saboteurs

In Kaduna, Protesters under the aegis of ‘Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP) yesterday urged President Tinubu to halt the activities of those trying to sabotage efforts to achieve local refining of petroleum products.

The protesters, who converged on the Murtala Mohammed Square before marching through major streets of the city, accused an unnamed oil cartel of frustrating and undermining local refinery initiatives, particularly the Dangote Refinery.

Chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Support Local Refining,’ ‘Crush Economic Saboteurs,’ and ‘Protect Dangote Refinery,’ the protesters said Nigeria should be liberated from economic manipulation.

Their leaders, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta and Comrade Dahiru Umar Maishanu, said the call on the President was necessary to save Nigeria from a cartel that has thrived on importation and fuel scarcity at the expense of national development.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu has commended Flying Eagles for their resilience and tactical discipline following their dramatic comeback 1-1 draw against Colombia to book their Round of 16 ticket at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Chile.

The Flying Eagles displayed character after trailing by a goal in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez swept the ball in off an assist by Neyser Villareal but bounced four minutes left with a vital equaliser from the spot by captain Daniel Bameyi .

‘We knew Colombia were a physically fit side, but we trusted our plan,’ Zubairu said in his post-match analysis. ‘In the second half, we denied them passing opportunities, which gave us an edge and led to the penalty we converted. The boys showed great spirit, fought hard, and deserved the result.’

Zubairu credited the team’s collective mind set and commitment as their biggest weapon heading into the knockout stages with a date against six-time youth champions Argentina in Santiago on Tuesday with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time(12:30am Nigerian time on Wednesday)

‘We’re not afraid of Argentina. It won’t be easy, but this team has heart, hunger, and belief. We’ll give everything to make Nigeria proud,’ he said confidently.

Meanwhile, AS Trencin striker Suleiman Sanni, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the group stage, will miss the Argentina clash due to yellow-card accumulation. Despite the setback, Sanni voiced full faith in his teammates’ ability to rise to the challenge.

‘Of course, I’m sad I won’t play the next match, but I trust my brothers. We’ve come too far to stop now,’ Sanni said. ‘These boys have fire in them – we fight for each other, and that’s what makes us strong.’

Reflecting on their journey so far, Sanni praised his coach and teammates for their determination and togetherness.

‘We have no fear. We respect every opponent, but we play with confidence. The coach told us to stay calm and believe in our plan – and it worked perfectly,’ he added.

Even from the sidelines, Sanni vowed to continue being a source of motivation.

‘I’ll cheer louder than anyone. I believe in this team. We’re ready for Argentina, and we’ll give everything to keep our dream alive,’ he said passionately.

With unity, belief, and momentum on their side, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles march into their next challenge – fully aware that discipline and teamwork could be the keys to another famous victory.

ALL THE SECOND ROUND FIXTURES

07-10-2025: Chile vs Mexico – Valparaiso ; Ukraine vs Spain – Valparaiso

08-10-2025: Argentina vs Nigeria – Santiago ; Colombia vs South Africa – Talca; Paraguay vs Norway – Talca; Japan vs France – Santiago

09-10-2025: USA vs Italy – Rancagua ; Morocco vs South Korea – Rancagua

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday officially flagged off the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign in Abuja.

She said the exercise was a collective resolve to end vaccine-preventable childhood diseases and safeguard the nation’s future.

Mrs. Tinubu described the event as ‘a declaration of our collective resolve as a nation to say ‘No More’ to the diseases that steal the future of our sons and daughters’.

The First Lady said measles and rubella remain among the leading causes of blindness, disability, and child mortality.

She noted that rubella infections during pregnancy could lead to blindness, deafness, or congenital heart defects in unborn children.

Mrs. Tinubu said: ‘A vaccine in a vial does not save a child. A vaccine in a clinic does not protect a community. Protection only becomes real when that vaccine is injected into the arm of a child.’

She urged mothers to take their children for vaccination and fathers to support them.

The First Lady also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their clout to dispel misinformation and encourage nationwide participation.

According to her, their previous role in the success of the HPV vaccine rollout still resonates.

Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed her personal commitment to promoting vaccine uptake and pledged to mobilise governors’ wives, spouses of local government chairmen, and women’s groups to ensure that no child was left unprotected.

The First Lady hailed the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners – WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation – for their partnership and dedication to Nigeria’s public health goals.

‘With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection. These vaccines are safe, effective, and free,’ she said.

Declaring the campaign open, the First Lady said the event represented ‘a pathway to hope and a promise of progress’.

She prayed for divine blessings on Nigerian children, mothers, and the nation.

The campaign set in motion a nationwide drive expected to reach approximately 106 million children aged nine months to under 15 years in two phases.

The campaign also integrates vaccination efforts against polio and the rollout of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, combining resources to optimize health impact.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the event as a ‘historic moment for Nigeria’s health system’ and the largest integrated health campaign on the African continent or anywhere else in the world.

The campaign, the minister announced, targets over 100 million Nigerian children, covering measles, rubella, polio, malaria, HPV, routine immunisation, and neglected tropical diseases.

He said the initiative reflected the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in prioritising health as a key pillar of national development.

‘The President is healing this country, unifying it through health, and inspiring national confidence,’ Pate said.

The minister hailed the Renewed Hope Agenda for repositioning healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He said primary health care utilisation had risen from 10 million visits per quarter in 2023 to 47 million in the second quarter of 2025, while the government planned to make 4,800 additional PHCs fully functional by the end of 2025.

He paid tribute to frontline health workers who he said ‘risk their lives to deliver vaccines and healthcare services to the last mile’.

Pate added: ‘As Her Excellency flags off this campaign today, let us join her with conviction. The children we vaccinate and the trust we build will define the health legacy of an entire generation.’

Also, Education Minister Olatunji Alausa warned that sanctions would be imposed on school administrators who shut ting vaccinators from accessing their schools.

Represented by the ministry’s Deputy Director Peter Ojonuba, the minister described the campaign as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future and educational progress.

‘It is a day to ignite hope for healthier children, stronger communities, and a bright future for our beloved Nigeria,’ he said.

On behalf of the Gates Foundation, the Deputy Director of Immunisation and Disease Control in Nigeria, Yusuf Yusufari, said the foundation remained steadfast in supporting Nigeria’s immunisation and primary healthcare drive.

‘Today, like we did two years ago, we stand united behind one goal: that no child and no woman in Nigeria-or anywhere-should be left unprotected from preventable diseases,’ Yusufari said.

The deputy director cited Nigeria’s progress in routine immunisation, which has risen from 33 per cent in 2016 to over 60 per cent currently, alongside new vaccine introductions, such as pneumococcal, rotavirus, HPV, and now measles-rubella.

He warned that over two million Nigerian children have not received a single vaccine, the second-highest figure globally.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Senior Programme Manager for Nigeria, Tarcile Mballa, said: ‘We have witnessed immunisation coverage rise from 27 per cent in 2001 to 67 per cent in 2024, a testament to collective commitment.’

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), stressed the importance of protecting children’s health as a national priority.

Oba Ogunwusi lauded the efforts of health officials and public officers for their dedication to sensitising Nigerians about rubella and other deadly diseases.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, noted that advocacy and education, rather than enforcement, were crucial for Nigeria’s rubella vaccine campaign to succeed.

‘We defeated polio not by force but by convincing people that the vaccine is safe. We held seminars with religious leaders to educate communities and show that the vaccine is not anti-childbirth or harmful in any way,’ the Sultan said.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Daniel Okoh, expressed support and optimism for the initiative to protect children and strengthen public health nationwide.

Ondo State Government has expressed delight about what it described as the rapid transformation taking place across the 18 local governments.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, said this in Akure while briefing reporters after an inspection tour of local governments.

He said councils under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration had recorded ‘phenomenal progress’ with the provision of basic amenities such as improved road networks, rural road expansion, market upgrades and empowerment programmes for farmers and youths.

He hailed the council chairmen for aligning with the governor’s Our Ease Mantra and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing achievements in infrastructure, health care, education and economic development.

‘We are glad that the local governments are alive to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power, potable water, fixed bridges and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture to ensure food security and create employment,’ Takuro said.

He added that the councils were collaborating with security agencies to safeguard lives and property at the grassroots, while also prioritising upgrading of primary health care facilities across the state.

According to him, ”the councils have invested in critical infrastructure, including dredging waterways, clearing drainages and grading roads, to prevent flooding.”

Takuro said council chairmen had been working with the Ministry of Environment, with a technical adviser appointed by the governor to address perennial flooding.

He said 18 local governments had jointly saved about N15 billion to fund capital projects in their domains.

He recalled that the government had partnered with anti-graft and anti-corruption agencies to train council bosses and senior officials in transparency and accountability in revenue generations in the local governments.

The highly anticipated Pan-African crime thriller 3 Cold Dishes premiered to a sold-out audience of 1,757 guests at Indigo at The O2, London.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Asurf Oluseyi and executive produced by Bose Ogulu, Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ogulu, and Osas Ighodaro, the film captivated viewers with its gripping tale of survival, sisterhood, and revenge.

The evening opened with a lively red carpet hosted by Shank Comics and Hakeem, featuring appearances by lead actress Osas Ighodaro, whose poise set the tone for the night, alongside co-stars Fat Toure, Maud Guerard, Ruby Akubueze, Taiwo Adeyemi, Amelie Mbaye, and veteran actor Wale Ojo.

Legendary Congolese musician Awilo Longomba added star power to the event, highlighting the film’s Pan-African spirit.

Other notable attendees included Hakka Da Host, Nissi, Boma Akpore, Yvonne Jegede, KC Obiajulu, and several influencers, media figures, and industry personalities.

Following the screening, guests engaged in a post-show conversation with Burna Boy, Nissi Ogulu, Namix, Ronami Ogulu, and director Asurf Oluseyi, moderated by Dr. Suzaan McLean. The night concluded with an exclusive VIP reception.

Set across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire, 3 Cold Dishes takes audiences on a bold cinematic journey exploring the dark realities of sex trafficking and the unyielding quest for justice.

The production unites a diverse Pan-African cast and crew, reaffirming the strength and creativity of African cinema.

3 Cold Dishes opens to the public on November 7, 2025, in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, and the UK, and on November 28 across Francophone countries and other parts of the world.

FinServe Pro, a financial services firm, When Men Inc founder Olalani Akinyode, and others have been honoured at the Nigeria Independence Ball and Awards, organised by NaijaTimesUSA in collaboration with NIBAD Inc.

The award for Financial Services Company for Immigrants was presented to Ayomide Ibrahim, Founder of FinServe Pro, during the event held in Maryland on Sunday.

Akinyode received the award for community service for the work he is doing with When Men Inc, an organization committed to raising strong, spiritually-grounded men.

In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed deep appreciation to the organizers and reflected on the company’s journey.

‘When we launched FinServe Pro in 2021 in Lanham, Maryland, our goal was straightforward – to help immigrants and small business owners find their footing in a new financial landscape,’ he said. ‘We noticed people with big dreams but limited access to guidance, and we aimed to change that.’

He continued: ‘Today, standing here, I’m proud to say that what started as a small idea has grown into a thriving community – a community of families, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are building wealth and stability, one step at a time.’

Ibrahim dedicated the award to immigrants who have shown resilience and determination. ‘This award isn’t just for us – it’s for every immigrant who refused to give up, worked hard, and trusted us with their financial journey. You are the true inspiration behind FinServe Pro.’

He also commended the organizers for recognising innovation and community impact. ‘To the organisers, NIBAD Foundation, thank you for recognising the work we do and for creating platforms that celebrate impact and innovation.’

Ibrahim concluded his speech with a message to his team and clients. ‘To our amazing team, thank you for your dedication, belief, and passion. You make FinServe Pro more than just a company – you make it a mission. We remain committed to our vision of making finance simple and smart, one immigrant at a time.’

Akinyode dedicated his award to men all over the world.

‘What we do at When Men Inc is to strengthen men. Men have emotions, too. With our prison ministry, we help get men out and help them live meaningful lives. We help men take the right decision.’