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In a bid to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, the Ophthalmology Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, organised a free eye screening exercise on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in commemoration of World Sight Day.

The outreach, held at Ipodo Market in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, attracted a large turnout from the local community.

World Sight Day, observed globally every second Thursday in October, aims to draw attention to issues of vision impairment and blindness.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Bashorun Sedoten, an ophthalmologist at LASUTH, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that it was part of efforts to promote preventive eye care.

‘This outreach, held in collaboration with World Sight Day, provides free eye screenings, distributes glasses, and offers medications where necessary. Those requiring advanced medical attention are being referred to appropriate facilities,’ she explained.

The exercise was aimed not only at delivering free eye care but also at educating the public on the importance of regular eye check-ups to maintain healthy vision.

She said, ‘The goal is to create awareness about eye health, many people don’t realize how critical it is to have regular eye exams until it’s too late, this outreach encourages proactive care, helping to prevent avoidable vision loss.’

In addition to screenings, free corrective eyeglasses were distributed, and basic medications were given to participants as needed. For more complex cases, referrals were made to LASUTH for follow-up care.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Jide Aigbola, expressed appreciation for the initiative.

He said, ‘I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, it’s not every day you get access to quality eye care without having to worry about the cost, the doctors were thorough and very helpful, i even received a pair of glasses, which I’ve needed for a long time but couldn’t afford. I appreciate LASUTH and everyone who made this possible.’

Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Highway following a Boko Haram attack on a military formation along the route, The Nation has gathered.

According to reports, passengers traveling from both Maiduguri and Damaturu remain trapped as security forces have blocked the highway from both ends to prevent further incidents.

An early morning traveller told our correspondent that the attack occurred late Thursday night at the Ngamdu Military Super Camp, located less than 50 kilometres from Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

‘Hundreds of passengers and vehicles are trapped here at the Damaturu exit point en route to Maiduguri. No one knows their fate or when the ever-busy road will be reopened for free movement,’ an eyewitness told our correspondent via phone.

Canada was set alight with rhythm, colour, and cultural pride as the 2025 Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival unfolded in grand style across Brampton and Etobicoke.

The event, now in its third edition, became more than a cultural gathering and a living testimony to the resilience of African heritage in the Diaspora and its power to unite communities across continents.

The festival, according to the convener, Prince Segun Akanni, was born out of a vision to preserve and promote African cultural traditions through the universal language of drums. Over time, that vision has evolved into a continental showcase of heritage, creativity, and empowerment. In 2025, the event achieved new heights, blending African traditions with multicultural expressions while creating space for dialogue, youth empowerment, and intercultural diplomacy.

The festivities began at the Hilton Garden Inn in Brampton with the Youth Empowerment Program, a vibrant prelude to the weekend’s cultural crescendo.

Organized by The Drum Online Organization (Pan-Afrikan) in collaboration with the Global Forum for Human Rights and Sustainable Development, the program brought together mentors and young leaders in an atmosphere charged with hope.

The Youth Empowerment session was coordinated by Mrs. Folasade Akanni, and she ensured that the voices of youth were not only heard but celebrated.

Distinguished speakers underscored the importance of combining cultural pride with innovation. Prof. Francis Fasanu, Senior Lecturer at Sheridan College, challenged youth to see heritage as a springboard for global relevance rather than a relic of the past. Dr. Abiodun Bakare, representing UWORK, USA, injected energy into the discussions as both speaker and moderator. Adding a practical edge, Madam Kehinde Okoroafor, founder of MakeMe Elegant (Nigeria), led sessions that armed participants with real-world skills to confront everyday challenges. The day ended with young attendees emboldened, equipped, and ready to lead with confidence.

If the first day was a spark, the following day was a blaze. The Grand Finale, held at the Emerald Banquet Hall in Etobicoke, was nothing short of regal. The venue glittered with cultural elegance, alive with the anticipation of guests who arrived from across Canada, Nigeria, and beyond. The Grand-Finale was declared open by Consul-General of Ghana High Commission In Canada, Mr. Peter Kobina.

The highlight of the evening came with the majestic entrance of Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador (Dr.) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, Queen of the Ooni of Ife, who was received with thunderous applause. Her presence elevated the festival to a royal spectacle. Accompanying her were distinguished monarchs such as Oba Babatunde Tokunbo Awosunle, Elejesi of Ejesi, and Oba Olusegun Aderemi, Atayero of Aramoko Ekiti, among others. Their attendance symbolized the deep cultural and spiritual roots binding Africans at home and abroad.

But the festival was not only about royal splendour; it was also about intercultural exchange. The Pan-Afrikan Drum Festival team dazzled the audience with pulsating rhythms drawn from West, South, and East Africa, while the Punjab Di Virasat Cultural Troupe introduced South Asian traditions of drumming, music, and dance. Their performances underscored a powerful truth: cultural strength is magnified when diversity is embraced. The Funky Cultural Troupe of Toronto added local flavour, while a fashion show and dance competitions further energized the evening.

The message was clear, this was not just a festival of African heritage but of global unity, where boundaries dissolved, and humanity danced to a shared beat.

In his address, Prince Segun Akanni, Chief Host and Convener of the festival, expressed gratitude and optimism: ‘We are determined to keep building bridges, empowering youth, and celebrating the greatness of Africa, one beat at a time.’ He went further, unveiling an ambitious plan for the establishment of an African Cultural Village (ACV) in Toronto during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With FIFA’s approval, the project aims to showcase African drumming and dancing during the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies, a bold step in taking African heritage to the world stage.

The festival’s impact did not end with the final drumbeat. Two days after the finale, Prince Akanni led a high-powered delegation to visit Mayor Patrick Brown of Brampton. The courtesy call was both a gesture of respect and a step toward deepening cultural diplomacy. During the meeting, Akanni proposed that the Ooni of Ife confer a Chieftaincy title on Mayor Brown in recognition of his unwavering support for the Black community in Canada. The delegation, which included royal fathers, cultural leaders, and entrepreneurs, was honoured with certificates of recognition, further cementing bonds of friendship between Canadian and African communities.

The festival also received an outpouring of goodwill messages from global leaders. Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada praised the event as an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about African traditions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford lauded the contributions of African Canadians to the province’s growth, while Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown both emphasized the festival’s importance in shaping inclusive communities.

From Nigeria, Ambassador Abba Kawu Zanna, Acting High Commissioner in Canada, described the event as cultural diplomacy at its finest. The Ooni of Ife, Ojaja II, in his royal address, commended Prince Akanni for his dedication to preserving Yoruba and African culture abroad, calling the festival ‘a platform for global cultural exchange.’ Meanwhile, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of Nigeria’s National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), affirmed the federal government’s support, stressing that culture is not just entertainment but the soul of a nation.

The presentation of the Awards of Excellence was coordinated by the representative of Osun State Governor, Hon. Moshood Olagunju Osun State Commissioner for Youth, popular Nollywood Actor, Muyiwa Ademola and Prince Julius Ojo, Founder of Julicare Foundation

As the curtains closed, what remained was not silence but echoes of drums that spoke of unity, empowerment, and hope. The beats will linger long after, reminding the world that the drum is more than an instrument.

No fewer than 18,000 people across Africa and Asia have benefited from Loveworld Medicaid’s V.I.S.I.O.N. 10,000 Free Eye Surgeries Initiative, aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness and restoring sight to individuals in underserved communities.

Assistant Director of Loveworld Medicaid, Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, at a media briefing in Lagos, described the initiative as a ‘bold step toward ensuring that no one is left in the dark because they cannot afford care’.

The event, held to mark World Sight Day 2025, also served as a call for collaboration.

Dr. Ola-Akisanya urged corporate bodies, healthcare professionals, and individuals to partner with Loveworld Medicaid in scaling the initiative.

She said the programme, launched in May 2024 under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), had recorded over 725 successful corrective eye surgeries, distributed 8,507 prescription glasses, and provided 8,069 individuals with essential eye medications.

‘Every restored sight is a story of hope rekindled,’ Dr. Ola-Akisanya said.

‘We have seen children return to school, parents regain their livelihoods, and families rejoice as loved ones see again.’

The initiative, she noted, has reached communities across Lagos, Delta, Edo, Ogun, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as Mumbai in India. Beneficiaries often travel long distances to participate in the outreach due to the unavailability of affordable eye care in their regions.

Citing global and national statistics, Dr. Ola-Akisanya highlighted that over 1.1 billion people worldwide live with vision loss, while 24 million Nigerians suffer varying degrees of visual impairment-1.3 million of whom are completely blind. ‘Yet, 80 percent of these cases are preventable or treatable,’ she said.

The V.I.S.I.O.N. 10,000 initiative provides free medical and surgical eye care, diagnostic screenings, and outreach interventions.

It also integrates into Loveworld Medicaid’s broader healthcare framework known as MEDICAID.

It encompasses Medicine (free medical and surgical services), Equipment delivery, Dynamic health education, Innovative telemedicine, Community clinic development, Adoption and support for primary health centres, Insurance for indigent families, and Disaster response and relief missions.

Dr. Ola-Akisanya acknowledged the leadership of Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, President of Loveworld Incorporated, whose ‘vision and compassion continue to light the path for humanitarian excellence,’ and Dr. Deola Phillips, Chairman of Loveworld Medicaid, for her ‘strategic direction and passion for healthcare transformation.’

She shared several success stories, including that of Favour, a 13-year-old who overcame academic struggles after cataract surgery; Adekunle, an analyst who regained his career after glaucoma treatment; and Elizabeth Solomon, who regained her sight after a decade of blindness.

‘These are not statistics; they are stories of human triumph,’ she said. ‘When you invest in sight, you are not just changing one life – you are impacting generations.’

One of the beneficiaries, John Omowonuola, said he lost his left eye for 30 years following an assault by his master, who hit him with a cane.

He lost hope of seeing with the eye until Loveworld Medicaid performed free surgery on him, during which he said he was ‘pampered’.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for a collective action to protect the girl-child from harm and abuse to enable her to achieve her dreams.

She noted that every girl deserves the chance to dream, grow, and lead.

The minister urged young Nigerians to become advocates of mentorship and progressive leadership.

She stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach to addressing issues about rape and gender-based violence.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that a collective responsibility is essential in protecting girls and women across the country.

The minister said this when she visited the Office of the National Youth Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth House in Abuja in commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl-Child.

She praised the APC Youth Wing for promoting youth and women’s inclusion within the party.

The event, which was organised by the APC Youth Wing, brought together young progressives, women’s leaders, and party members to highlight the importance of empowering, educating, and investing in the Nigerian girl-child.

APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, hailed Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her dedication to the welfare of women and girls.

He reiterated the Youth Wing’s commitment to gender inclusion and social development.

Israel stressed that ’empowering the girl-child is empowering the next generation’.

The event featured an interactive session and a fireside chat where the minister shared insights from her leadership journey, inspiring participants to pursue purpose-driven careers and community service.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Progressive Young Ladies Network (PYLN) – a youth-led initiative aimed at fostering mentorship, leadership training, and active participation of young women within and beyond the APC.

There were sessions for the presentation of souvenirs, group photographs, and media interactions during the celebration.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting a posthumous pardon to the Ogoni 9 and conferring National Honours on the Ogoni 4.

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara commended the President for recognising the sacrifices of the Ogoni 9 – Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine – for their exemplary service to Nigeria and contribution to reconciliation within the Ogoni community.

He also lauded Tinubu for bestowing National Honours on Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for their patriotism and efforts toward unity in Ogoniland.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor said the Rivers State Government was grateful to President Tinubu, the Council of State, and Nigerians for recognising the patriotism and sacrifices of the Ogoni 13.

Fubara noted that the Presidential Pardon and National Honours would foster genuine reconciliation, strengthen peace and unity among the Ogoni people, and accelerate sustainable development in the state.

He assured the President of his administration’s full commitment to the total reconciliation and progress of Ogoniland, expressing optimism that the move would restore confidence and renew hope among the people.

The governor urged Ogoni residents to embrace the Federal Government’s decision as a vital step toward addressing long-standing concerns of the communities and called on them to align with government policies and programmes to achieve collective growth and development.

Thousands of protesters comprising students, workers, women, youths, and members of various civil society organizations on Thursday stormed the Niger Bridge, linking Asaba in Delta State and Onitsha in Anambra State, to demand greater government support for local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery.

The demonstrators, under the aegis of the Partners for National Economic Progress (PANEP), carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Stop Petroleum Importation Now,’ ‘Encourage Local Refineries,’ ‘Oil Cartels, Stop the Sabotage,’ ‘Dangote Refinery is a Blessing to Our Economy,’ and ‘Nigerians Demand Prioritization of Crude Supply to Local Refineries.’

Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters occupied the entrance to the Niger Bridge, causing a gridlock that left vehicular movement paralyzed for several hours.

Heavily armed security operatives were deployed to maintain order and prevent hoodlums from hijacking the peaceful demonstration.

Speakers at the rally, including student leaders, youth representatives, and coordinators of civil society organizations, accused oil cartels of frustrating Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum refining.

They emphasised the need for the Federal Government to ensure a consistent supply of crude oil to local refineries at fair and stable prices.

Reading a speech on behalf of the group, one of the conveners, Comrade Danesi Momoh, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for local refining initiatives and urged him to intensify efforts against economic sabotage in the oil sector.

He explained that the Asaba protest, tagged ‘Mega Citizens’ Rally and the Movement Against Sabotage and Economic Saboteurs in the Nigerian Petroleum Sector,’ followed similar rallies held in Abuja on October 2 and Kaduna on October 6, 2025.

Momoh said the movement’s goal is to ‘end economic sabotage, save the Dangote Refinery, and strengthen the campaign for sustainable local refining to protect jobs and revive Nigeria’s economy.’

The rally drew hundreds of residents, onlookers, and passersby who expressed support for the protesters’ demands, urging the government to heed their call to safeguard the nation’s economic future.

He further said, ‘This is a powerful movement of the people to demand freedom from a heartless unpatriotic cartel that has held the country down. Their reign is over’.

‘This has become evident, the Nigerian people have risen to this very important and urgent occasion of national economic salvation by rooting out all manifestations of the Nigerian oil cartel, whether in the forms of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, DAPPMAN, PETROAN or Government Agencies’.

‘These people and their agents are public enemies, with PENGASSAN which has shown the ugliest face as public enemy number one! There will no longer be any space for dubious labour leaders and their cohorts to operate and no way for them to hide their monstrous faces.

He added, ‘These people must leave the Dangote Refinery alone. The business space is wide. They should find their own space.

‘Dangote Refinery has faced too many fights that nobody can pretend that there is no orchestrated attack on the business. When did it become a crime to invest and to do so patriotically?’

Other leaders who addressed the massive Asaba rally included Comrade Olamide Odumosu, and Comrade Adeyeye Olugbenga.

They said they volunteered themselves to demand an end to the injustices and unpatriotic practices in the nation’s petroleum sector.

They commended Nigerians and the media for their solidarity with the Asaba mass rally.

Among the conveners of the rally included Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta, Comrade Olayinka Dada, Comrade Olamide Odumosu, Comrade Omaga E. Daniel, Comrade Jabir Maiturari, Comrade Solomon Adodo, Comrade Adeyeye Olugbenga, Comrade Jide Wolimoh, and Comrade Fisayo Olubayo.

Africa’s best players in the past two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead Nigeria’s charge for crucial three points when the Super Eagles go up against the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the South African city of Polokwane on Friday evening.

The clash is the penultimate matchday of the series, with Nigeria needing all three points and favour from elsewhere to stand in good stead heading into the final matchday, when they host present group leaders Benin Republic at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

With three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, Nigeria must go guns-blazing for their remaining two games, starting with the encounter with the Crocodiles on neutral ground on Friday.

Coach Eric Chelle has been unable to call on wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, injured on an atrocious Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein pitch in the clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana last month, and defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forward Cyriel Dessers are also out injured.

However, Chelle welcomes back Osimhen (who missed the clash with the Bafana after sustaining an injury against Rwanda in Uyo days earlier), and the triumvirate that shone brightly at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (the others being Ademola Lookman and Simon Moses) is intact for this big challenge.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is most likely to retain his place in goal, with Captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Benjamin Frederick all in line for shirts in the defence line, and Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and Christantus Uche available for selection in midfield.

Osimhen, Lookman and Moses are top for the fore, but Chelle also has Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Jerome Akor Adams all in good form.

21 Super Eagles to battle Lesotho in Polokwane:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain).

Gospel singer Lilian Nneji has been announced as the winner of the CLIMA Awards for African Outstanding Music Minister of the year 2025 (Stage) Category.

She was announced the winner of the award category at a ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, October 5, 2025 amidst several other nominees.

The Christian Legendary Impact Makers Awards in Africa, CLIMA Awards, is an annual Award organized by CLIMA Africa, the publishers of CLIMA AFRICA Magazines.

While reacting to the award, Nneji said winning awards like this is just a means of encouraging her efforts and pushing her to do more.

‘ I see Jesus when I see this new award, He alone did it and hence I dedicate the award to God Almighty.’

She advised everyone who believes in God and is in Him to continue to wait on him and be focused on the assignment.

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned till today, for further hearing of a suit involving the withholding of funds of the 30 local governments of Osun State in a suit involving the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC.

The court also extended its earlier order restraining the bank (UBA) PLC from paying, releasing or tampering with funds belonging to the councils.

According to the court, presided over by Justice Ladiran Akintola, the order will remain in force until tomorrow (today), when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.

Justice Akintola said the extension became necessary to ensure parties in the case were granted the right to fair hearing, in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

‘The case is adjourned till Friday, October 10, 2025, for further hearing, while the interim injunction shall continue to subsist,’ the judge ruled.

During the proceedings, counsel for the plaintiff, a learned silk, Chief Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), informed the court that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed an application seeking to be joined in the suit.

He, however, says his team will oppose the application when it is brought before the court.

‘Even though the PDP has a constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36, we shall oppose their application for joinder. The case is narrow and straightforward; there is no need for multiple parties,’ Adetunmbi said.

The senior advocate noted that Mr. Kasim Gbadamosi (SAN), who held the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, for the APC ex-council chairmen, had filed a fresh application in addition to an earlier one on the same matter of joinder.

Responding, Gbadamosi said he intended to withdraw the new application, arguing that the issue of jurisdiction did not require a formal application.

He further argued that the case before the High Court amounted to an abuse of judicial process since a similar matter was already pending before the Supreme Court.

‘The matter is premised on a case already before the Supreme Court and should therefore be struck out,’ he said.

Addressing the court, counsel for UBA PLC, Mutalib Adebayo Ojo (SAN), aligned with the argument, urging the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely), pending the determination of the matter at the apex court.

After hearing the arguments, Justice Akintola adjourned the case till today for ruling.

A second case on the same matter filed by the local government chairmen elected under PDP was also adjourned for hearing till today.