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The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has urged Nigerians to remain united and see beyond the current challenges facing the country, saying they are temporary.

In his message to Nigerians on the occasion of the 65th independence anniversary, Barau said what is uppermost now is for all to accord President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the needed support to propel the nation to prosperity.

Barau appealed to citizens to remain resolute in promoting national unity, offering support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn the country’s fortunes around positively. ‘As we celebrate the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved country, we must remember the enormous sacrifices made by our founding fathers: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, among others, and recommit ourselves to the ideals they stood for, including the promotion of national unity, peace, justice, and tolerance.

‘Yes, at 65, we have some challenges facing us as a country, but we will overcome them. Our country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will emerge stronger from its present challenges, by God’s grace.

‘Let us continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualise his policies and programmes as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He has good intentions for the country. We will get it right,’ he said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir,

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru is designed to be a crucible for Nigeria’s future leaders. Its flagship programme, the Senior Executive Course, pushes participants to engage directly with the complex realities of the nation we were trained to lead. For our Course 24, Integrated Research Group (IRG) 2 embarked on a prescribed study tour with the theme: ‘Governance and the Nigerian Public, with special focus on Education, Health, Electricity, Water, and Roads.’ Our assignment was to move beyond theoretical models and assess the ground-level functionality of these essential services.

Our tour took us to two states for a week each: Niger State from April 7th to 14th, 2002, and Ogun State from April 14th to 19th, 2002. The contrast between the two experiences presented a stark portrait of two very different Nigerias.

Our first leg in Niger State was a lesson in institutional decay. From a shoddy reception and inadequate accommodation to a hurried meeting with the Governor, the experience was disheartening. Our single audience with the State Governor was brief and left little room for meaningful dialogue. His address to our group was memorable for its dissonance with the realities we were witnessing. While acknowledging national challenges, he dismissed the pervasive hunger in the country as a ‘lie,’ an assertion that struck a discordant note. His primary policy focus was the establishment of a ‘HYPERDEC’ (Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission), modelled after the OMPADEC (Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission) in the Niger Delta. He argued that while hydroelectric dams like the one we visited at Shiroro provided power for the nation, they deprived local farmers of water for irrigation. Though the concept had merit, its presentation felt more like a political talking point than a well-considered solution offered for robust discussion, especially as the tangible sectors of education and health we were there to study languished in neglect.

Our fieldwork at the Local Government level was even more revealing. The decay was palpable. At the Primary Healthcare Centres we inspected, the triple challenges of substandard infrastructure, a crippling lack of essential drugs, and acute staff shortages were the norm. Our visits to several Local Government secretariats were equally disheartening; we often failed to meet the elected chairmen, instead being received by junior staff who were clearly unaware of our scheduled visit. Community members lamented that the only time they saw their local government chairman was at the end of the month. The state of primary education was perhaps the most distressing, with schools in an advanced state of physical decay and pupils struggling to communicate in English. It was a week of profound disillusionment, leaving us with a heavy cache of evidence pointing to systemic failure.

We arrived in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on April 14th with our expectations firmly managed. Yet, from the moment we stepped into the Gateway Hotel, a different reality unfolded. State officials received us with genuine warmth and efficiency. The accommodation was comfortable, reflecting a clear intention to ensure our stay was productive. This welcome was not just polite; it was a statement of administrative competence that immediately began to restore our faith.

The following morning, we were scheduled to meet Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba. To understand the calibre of man we were meeting, one must appreciate his unique place in Nigerian history. He was, and remains, a quintessential blend of two powerful professions: a veteran journalist of immense repute and a seasoned politician. This background forged a leader who was both articulate and politically astute.

We expected a brief greeting, but what we received was a masterclass in hands-on leadership. After shaking our hands and enquiring sincerely about our welfare, the elderly Governor did the unexpected: he climbed into our coaster bus and, for the entire journey, remained standing, expertly navigating the moving vehicle as he pointed out landmarks and detailed his administration’s strides in education, health, and infrastructure. His humility was disarming. He engaged us with questions, answering ours with a clarity that made governance tangible.

Emboldened by his demeanour, I ventured a question that had long intrigued me. I noted that many Yoruba leaders, from the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, often shunned official residences, preferring their private homes. I mentioned I had heard he did the same. The atmosphere shifted palpably. My colleagues were aghast at my directness, for the unspoken implication of my question was clear: this practice allowed leaders to collect hefty accommodation allowances from the public purse while simultaneously using state resources to maintain and upgrade their private properties, a controversial benefit not available to those who resided in official quarters. But the wisdom of Aremo soon surfaced; he offered a measured response and gracefully steered the conversation forward.

The difference at the local government level was staggering, directly addressing our study theme. The chairmen, councillors and the Staff of the local Government,and were young, vibrant, and clearly understood their mandates. They presented achievements in our sectors of focus: functional primary healthcare centres, schools in good condition with educational support programs, and newly sunk boreholes ensuring water supply. When I asked about the source of this commitment, the answer was starkly honest: the consequences of failure were dire. Community accountability was immediate and non-negotiable.

The day’s most profound lesson came that evening, entirely unplanned. On our way back at the end of our tour, Governor Osoba, without any prior notice, directed our coaster bus to make a detour to his private residence. It was not a formal invitation but a spontaneous decision. We arrived at a home that was not a policed edifice, but a modest, welcoming building. After serving simple refreshments-Coke, Fanta, and water-he gestured for me to follow him. He led me into his simple bedroom, a silent, powerful answer to my provocative query hours earlier. He was showing me, not just telling me, that his home was just that-a home, not a symbol of ill-acquired power, and certainly not a property lavishly maintained by public funds.

The next day, we toured other local governments on our own, but the scenario was the same everywhere: visible progress in the core sectors of education, health, water, and roads. The picture we got from these visits was one of healthy competition among the Local Governments to provide the best services in the areas covered by the theme of our visit.

The following day, we were invited to participate in the State Executive Council meeting, where we featured alongside the Local Government Chairmen. This integrated meeting was not only unique but a true reflection of new and effective ways of governance. It included not only the state commissioners but also all the chairmen of the Local Government Areas of the state. The nature of the discussions and the quality of the contributions from each local government area was legendary. Everyone participated freely in what can only be described as a collaborative atmosphere filled with a spirit of comradeship. I have simply not seen anything near this level of integrated governance before or since. There, we witnessed governance as it should be: strategic, accountable, and focused on the public good.

Watching this exemplary display of participatory governance, I was moved. When it was my turn to comment, I could not help but declare to Governor Osoba, ‘If this is the Alliance for Democracy (AD), then from today, please consider me a member.’

At the conclusion of our visit, His Excellency’s generosity was as profound as his leadership. He presented each member of our group with a specially prepared native Adire fabric and a cash gift. This gesture, so thoughtful and personal, remains indelible in our hearts.

A telling epilogue to our study was the respective states’ response to our findings. Following our return to Kuru, all states visited were invited to send delegations to receive our reports for possible implementation. In a clear demonstration of commitment to good governance, Ogun State sent a high-powered delegation to formally receive our findings. In stark contrast, Niger State sent no representative-a final act of lukewarm indifference that sadly confirmed our on-the-ground observations about their approach to governance and development.

Reflecting on that transformative experience, it becomes clear that Governor Osoba’s model of governance was a direct inheritor of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy of progressive governance, a legacy fundamentally built on the cornerstone of free education. This model was being successfully replicated in Osun State under Chief Bisi Akande. It is one of the great tragedies of our recent political history that this standard was brutally truncated in the 2003 elections. The inability of these progressive governors to secure a second term was not a rejection by their people but the direct result of a calculated political betrayal by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. After securing support from the South-West leaders based on promises of restructuring, Obasanjo orchestrated a federal electoral onslaught that targeted the Alliance for Democracy governors. This betrayal led to the defeat of the AD governors in all South-Western states except Lagos, where Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu retained his seat, ostensibly because he was not a part of the initial pact with President Obasanjo. This event, which later prompted Muhammadu Buhari to describe Chief Akande as a victim of a ‘diabolical double-cross,’ marked a pivotal setback from which the quality of progressive leadership in the region has never fully recovered.

Beyond the immediate contrasts in infrastructure and administrative efficiency, this NIPSS study tour revealed a more fundamental divergence: the critical role of an educated populace and political class. The stark difference in the quality of governance and community engagement between Ogun and Niger States appears to be deeply rooted in the educational landscape. This was not an isolated finding; during our final course presentations, other groups that visited different states reported similar patterns, confirming that the correlation between educational attainment and effective governance was a national phenomenon. In Ogun, an environment that valued education had, in turn, cultivated a cadre of leaders at both state and local levels who were not only qualified but also acutely aware of their responsibilities to an equally aware electorate. The situation in Niger State suggested a cyclical challenge: a deficit in educational quality and access impedes the emergence of a sufficiently critical mass of enlightened leadership. Fundamentally, an uneducated leader cannot be expected to genuinely respect education or prioritize its advancement; consequently, education itself becomes the primary victim of such leadership. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where the electorate’s capacity to discern and elect competent leaders is compromised. This is not a reflection of a lack of qualified human capital, but rather a symptom of a political ecosystem where the recruitment process for leaders, particularly at the local government level, is often impacted by these educational disparities. Ultimately, the quality of governance in any democracy is inextricably linked to the educational attainment of both its leaders and its citizens.

That encounter was not just a study tour; it was a lifelong lesson in service from a true master. If in the 23 years since that April of 2002, Nigeria had been blessed with more leaders of Aremo Osoba’s character and competence, our nation would undoubtedly be a better place today.

(Hassan Husaini is a member of the National Institute (mni), having participated in 2002.)

Sponsored

With Kwara State facing a housing deficit of over one million units, private investors have begun to step in to support government efforts in addressing the challenge.

Speaking at a programme to mark its third anniversary in Il?rin, Group Managing Director of Experience Vision Creation (EVC), Engr Fola Oyedeji, said the company’s entry into Kwara was aimed at introducing a standard housing model similar to what is obtainable in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other top cities in the country.

He noted that the housing deficit nationwide is estimated at between 28 and 32 million, stressing that no single government could shoulder such a burden.

According to him, public private partnerships remain the most realistic option to close the gap and provide affordable homes.

‘Three years ago when we started in Kwara, awareness was very low. Today, more developers have come on board, creating competition that prevents monopoly and offers civil servants and other residents wider choices,’ Oyedepo said.

He added that the company’s projects are designed with long-term planning and attention to detail, while the state’s ongoing infrastructure drive has further boosted investor confidence in the housing sector.

Kwara State Commissioner for Works, AbdulQowiy Olododo, who was present at the event, said his attendance was to support youth participation in the industry.

He described the initiative as consistent with the government’s vision for urban planning, city expansion and the smart city project.

Operations Manager of EVC, Mahmoud Babatunde, said the anniversary activities were designed to highlight the company’s growth over three years and its role in housing delivery.

He explained that the programme was marked with project allocations, staff community service and public engagements.

According to him, the anniversary served as a point of reflection on the company’s operations and its plans for the future.

The decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider registering new political parties has stirred debate among analysts, politicians and observers, with concerns over whether the move will strengthen or weaken Nigeria’s democracy.

On September 11, INEC announced that 14 political associations had met the initial requirements to proceed to the next stage of registration. If successful, they would join the existing 19 recognised parties, raising the total to 33.

This development comes five years after INEC de-registered 74 out of 92 political parties in the country for failing to meet constitutional requirements for continuous existence. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained at the time that the affected parties had failed to secure the minimum electoral threshold as stipulated in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

For the fresh exercise, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the commission had received 171 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties, but only 14 scaled the first hurdle. The associations include the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), African Transformation Party (ATP), Advance Nigeria Congress (ANC), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Grassroots Initiative Alliance (GRIP), Green Future Party (GFP), Liberation People’s Party (LPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), National Reform Party (NRP), Patriotic People’s Alliance (PPA) and People’s Freedom Party (PFP).

According to INEC, ‘Each request was assessed on the basis of its prima facie compliance with Section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 79 (1, 2 and 4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Clause 2 (i and ii) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties 2022.’

Daily Trust, however, gathered that some interim leaders of the proposed parties were officials of the de-registered parties in 2020.

For instance, Rev. Olusegun Peters, former national chairman of the de-registered Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), now leads the proposed Allied Conservative Congress (ACC). Though not among the 14 cleared, ACC is listed among the 171 associations seeking registration.

Peters recently said ACC was determined to win the 2027 presidential poll and redirect Nigeria on a conservative ideological path if registered.

Questions and scepticisms

The move has raised questions about whether the new associations, if eventually registered, will make any meaningful difference in the political space.

Some observers fear they could face the same fate as the 74 de-registered parties. Others doubt their capacity to win elections or address Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the new platforms will meet electoral thresholds or present manifestos that foster unity, inclusivity and democratic growth. Critics argue that if leaders of defunct parties are returning with new platforms, the outcome may not change.

On the other hand, some analysts maintain that democracy thrives on healthy competition, and more parties would give Nigerians wider choices at the polls. They argue that while opposition parties have failed in their roles and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused of bad governance, new parties could provide alternatives.

Bad omen for democracy?

Elder statesman and former presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, expressed concern over the recurring cycle of registration and deregistration, describing it as a ‘bad omen for democracy.’

Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and later the United Progressives Party (UPP), which was de-registered in 2020, told Daily Trust that opposition parties should be allowed to exist to provide alternatives for political heavyweights denied tickets in big parties.

He said ‘After another round of elections, another round of de-registration will commence. I have never seen a country that operates this kind of confused system. Since the government no longer pays grants to political parties, those registered should be allowed to remain on the register. The beauty of the multi-party system is that when people don’t get space in major parties, they can still contest under smaller ones.

‘Many political parties have collapsed on their own without de-registration because it costs money to maintain a party office and staff. When a party is inactive, its leaders eventually give up.’

Similarly, Hon. Bernard Mikko, a political scientist and former federal lawmaker from Rivers State, said INEC should register all qualified associations, describing it as a ‘good omen for democracy.’

Mikko, a former PDP governorship aspirant who later joined APC, said:

Once the associations meet requirements, INEC should register them. Those that fall short or fail to win elections can then be de-registered, but the process must be transparent. It shouldn’t look like witch-hunting. There is freedom of association, and these are constitutional matters.’

New parties not the

solution – Analysts

Other analysts, however, argue that new parties will not solve Nigeria’s problems.

Political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo told Daily Trust that existing parties already provide enough choices, describing the proposed ones as ‘political liabilities’.

‘New parties won’t make any difference. They can’t even make a positive noise for change. They are just wasting INEC’s stationery. Nigerians should be able to join from the existing ones,’ he said.

Another analyst, Aminu Yakudima, said the proposed 14 parties, including ADA, might not survive electoral thresholds, let alone win elections.

‘Most of these parties don’t have viable manifestos or grassroots structures. Forming a party requires resources, experience and membership mobilisation. Without these, they cannot add value to the electoral process. The 2027 elections will be between two or three parties – APC, PDP and maybe ADC,’ he said.

Also, former PDP deputy publicity secretary and now APC chieftain, Barrister Abdullahi Jalo, argued that Nigeria’s real problem lies in governance, not the proliferation of parties.

He said: ‘Registration of new parties is constitutional but a waste of time and resources. Our problem is governance and leadership. Even the existing parties are not living up to expectations. What Nigeria needs is accountability and reforms, not more parties.’

Understanding Patient Engagement

Patient engagement is a crucial element in the success of any healthcare practice, including dentistry. Engaged patients are more likely to attend their appointments, adhere to treatment plans, and participate in their care. In the dental field, enhancing patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and increased practice efficiency. One effective strategy that has gained traction in recent years is the use of dental appointment reminder systems, which play a pivotal role in streamlining communication and fostering a more engaged patient population.

The Importance of Attendance

One of the most significant challenges dental practices face is patient no-shows. Missed appointments not only disrupt the flow of the day but also result in lost revenue and a less efficient practice. Research indicates that no-show rates can be as high as 30% in some practices, leading to frustration among staff and potentially compromising patient care. To mitigate this issue, dental appointment reminder systems have emerged as a valuable tool to enhance patient engagement and reduce no-show rates. By sending automated reminders via text, email, or phone calls, practices can ensure that patients are aware of their upcoming appointments and the importance of attending.

Building Stronger Patient Relationships

Effective communication is fundamental in building strong relationships between dental practices and their patients. Dental appointment reminder systems contribute to this goal by providing timely and relevant information to patients. When patients receive reminders about their appointments, they feel valued and informed, which fosters a sense of trust and loyalty. This trust can translate into patients being more receptive to following recommended treatment plans and engaging in preventive care measures.

Furthermore, these systems can be customized to convey additional information beyond just appointment reminders. For instance, practices can use reminders to educate patients about upcoming treatments, share oral health tips, or inform them about new services. By providing valuable content, practices can enhance patient engagement and demonstrate their commitment to the overall well-being of their patients.

Reducing Administrative Workload

In a busy dental practice, administrative tasks can consume a significant amount of time and resources. Dental appointment reminder systems alleviate some of this burden by automating the reminder process. As a result, staff can focus on more critical tasks, such as patient care and relationship building. Automation not only saves time but also reduces the chances of human error in appointment scheduling and reminders. Practices can also use analytics from these systems to identify patterns in patient behavior, allowing them to make data-driven decisions to improve engagement strategies.

Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience plays a crucial role in patient engagement. Dental appointment reminder systems enhance accessibility by allowing patients to confirm, reschedule, or cancel their appointments with minimal effort. Many systems offer online portals where patients can manage their appointments at their convenience. This level of accessibility is particularly important for younger generations who prefer digital communication methods over traditional phone calls.

Additionally, these systems can send reminders at strategic times-such as a week before the appointment and again 24 hours prior-ensuring that patients have ample opportunity to adjust their schedules if needed. By making the appointment process more convenient, practices can reduce no-show rates and foster a more engaged patient base.

Encouraging Preventive Care

Engaged patients are more likely to prioritize their oral health and participate in preventive care measures. Dental appointment reminder systems can play an essential role in promoting preventive care by reminding patients not only of their upcoming appointments but also of recommended check-ups or cleanings. Timely reminders can encourage patients to maintain regular dental visits, which are critical for early detection of potential issues and maintaining oral health.

Moreover, practices can utilize these systems to send additional reminders about preventive measures, such as teeth whitening or fluoride treatments. By providing patients with information and encouragement about preventive care, practices can enhance patient engagement and contribute to better overall health outcomes.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Engagement

The integration of technology in dental practices has transformed how patient engagement is approached. Dental appointment reminder systems represent one of many technological advancements that can facilitate communication and improve the patient experience. Many modern systems offer features such as two-way messaging, which allows patients to respond directly to reminders, ask questions, or communicate concerns. This interactive communication can enhance patient engagement by making patients feel heard and supported.

Additionally, as practices increasingly adopt telehealth options, reminder systems can integrate virtual appointment features, allowing patients to receive notifications about both in-person and online consultations. This flexibility not only accommodates patient preferences but also encourages patients to seek care more readily, further enhancing engagement.

Measuring Success and Making Adjustments

To maximize the effectiveness of dental appointment reminder systems, practices must regularly assess their performance. Monitoring key metrics such as appointment attendance rates, patient feedback, and overall engagement levels can provide valuable insights into how well the system is working. Practices can then make necessary adjustments to their reminder strategies based on this data. For example, if a particular demographic is experiencing higher no-show rates, practices might tailor reminders to better suit that group’s communication preferences.

Engaging patients is an ongoing process that requires continuous refinement and adaptation. By regularly evaluating the impact of their dental appointment reminder systems and making adjustments, practices can ensure they are meeting the needs of their patient population effectively.

In conclusion, dental appointment reminder systems represent a significant advancement in modern practice management, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing patient engagement. By improving communication, reducing no-shows, and fostering stronger patient relationships, these systems can play a pivotal role in the overall success of a dental practice. As technology continues to evolve, practices that embrace these tools will not only improve operational efficiency but also create a more engaged and satisfied patient base.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has warned that the escalating insecurity and poverty in northern Nigeria have become so dire that they must now be treated as a national emergency rather than a regional concern.

Dogara spoke on Tuesday during a panel session at the Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) 2025 organised by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in Abuja.

Lamenting over the worsening bloodshed across the region, the former Speaker said the magnitude of killings in the North had spiritual implications.

‘With the kind of bloodletting we are witnessing in the North, if you are a person of faith, you will know that we are operating under a curse because it is human blood. ‘The effect of a curse is that you sweat without results. That is why we are sweating in this part of the country without any tangible outcome.’

Dogara insisted that security must be the top priority before any meaningful development could occur, urging governors in the 19 northern states to pool resources to combat the menace.

‘If it will mean pulling all the 19 northern states’ resources together to tackle insecurity, we must do it. Otherwise, all our conversations here will amount to nothing,’ he stressed.

Dogara also urged the region to stop depending on external solutions, saying northerners must take charge of their own destiny.

‘We need to depart from doing business as usual and embrace radical, transformative action. Help is not coming from anywhere – we must take our destiny into our own hands,’ he warned.

He argued that without the development of the region’s vast population, Nigeria’s overall progress would remain stalled.

‘The development of northern Nigeria is not a regional prerogative. It must be seen as a national emergency. If the vast number of people we have in the North are not developed, Nigeria is going nowhere.’

Also speaking, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, said the region’s youth population, often seen as a potential asset, had become a liability due to their involvement in banditry and cybercrime.

‘The most that get recruited by bandits are young people. The young people doing cybercrimes are also within our group,’ he said.

El-Rufai added that while more young people were now being appointed into public positions, the focus must shift to building a culture of respect, mentorship, innovation, and service among the youth.

While presenting a summary of the summit, Prof. Doknan Sheni, Director-General of NEF, said the event opened with inclusive measures such as interpreters, live-streaming channels, and safety guidance for participants.

He explained that the ten-year development plan (2025-2035) was designed as an action-oriented roadmap to reduce poverty, curb insecurity, and create employment, with emphasis on harnessing human and natural resources.

The summit deliberated extensively on four key themes: Power – bridging energy deficits through decentralisation and partnerships.; Agriculture – shifting from subsistence to agro-industrial transformation; Digital Economy and Innovation – leveraging technology to unlock growth; Mining – promoting inclusive and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

Prof. Sheni noted that the high point of the summit was the signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter, now positioned as the guiding instrument for collective action to drive transformation in the region.

He said that the region must move beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action if it is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of Nigeria.

He said: ‘The high point of the summit was the formal signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter. This document, endorsed by regional leaders and stakeholders, is now positioned as the central instrument to guide collective action in driving economic growth and transformation in Northern Nigeria.

‘The proceedings closed with assurances of faithfulness, commitment, and competitiveness in implementing the resolutions, backed by infrastructure development, power generation initiatives, and inclusive community participation. The overall message was clear: moving beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action is essential if the region is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of the nation.

‘Several presentations underlined the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, power, and digital economy. It was agreed that synergy between public and private sectors is vital for building an enabling environment, attracting investors, and ensuring security. Discussions also highlighted the importance of transparency, streamlined approvals, policy reforms, and youth empowerment in advancing economic transformation.’

The Malaria Consortium, an international non-profit organisation, has said that a national roll out of the perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) intervention could reduce severe malaria cases among Nigerian children by as much as 43 percent.

Senior Project Manager of Malaria Consortium, Dr Chinazo Ujuju, said this in Abuja during the National Perennial Malaria Chemoprevention (PMC) and Policy Uptake Task Team (NPRPUT) dissemination meeting organised by the consortium.

Nigeria currently bears the highest malaria burden in the world, with children under five most at risk of severe illness and death.

Perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) involves the administration of a full course of anti-malaria drugs to children of defined ages who are vulnerable at specified times regardless of whether they have malaria or not. Ujuju said the PMC pilot programme carried out in Osun State has shown highly promising results that demonstrate the intervention’s effectiveness and feasibility for nationwide adoption.

‘PMC is an intervention designed to protect children by giving them a complete dose of anti-malaria medicine during routine immunisation. Our results are really very interesting. They show that PMC is effective, operationally feasible, and widely accepted by caregivers and health workers. Most importantly, it can lead to up to 43 percent reduction in severe malaria cases,’ Dr. Ujuju said.

Dr Ujuju explained that the PMC initiative is being introduced as an additional intervention to existing measures such as Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), insecticide-treated bed nets, and Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTP).

According to her, the project was carefully designed to generate evidence for policymakers before full-scale adoption.

The Consortium expressed optimism that if scaled up, PMC would significantly complement Nigeria’s malaria control strategies and help reduce the overall disease burden.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has expressed readiness to adopt the perennial malaria chemoprevention (PMC) as a major intervention strategy to tackle malaria among children of two years and below, following encouraging results from a recent pilot study carried out in Osun State.

National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, who spoke at the event, said preliminary findings from the study show that the intervention has the potential to significantly reduce malaria infection and severity among children in areas with continuous transmission.

‘From what we have seen in the pilot studies, children who adhered to the guidelines for PMC recorded a significant drop in severe malaria cases. With this evidence, we are confident that Nigeria will be adopting this intervention, particularly for children in the southern states where malaria transmission is all year round,’ she said.

Prof. Olubenga Makuolu, Strategic Adviser to the Minister of Health on Malaria Elimination, described PMC as a crucial addition to Nigeria’s malaria control strategy.

He stressed that malaria elimination requires multiple approaches, combining vector control, treatment, and drug-based prevention.

‘Malaria is everybody’s business. ‘If individuals adopt preventive measures such as using bed nets, keeping the environment clean, and embracing chemoprevention, it will help break the transmission cycle. A mosquito that bites someone without malaria has nothing to transmit to another person,’ he said.

TikTok has banned the account of Nigerian digital creator Energy Goddess, also known as ‘Queenlight,’ in a move that has sparked debate about transparency in the platform’s moderation system.

The influencer, who built her following through a mix of dance, fashion, and lifestyle content, began posting on TikTok in 2021. Before the removal, her account had amassed more than 2.2 million followers and over 62 million likes, establishing her as one of Nigeria’s emerging voices in the creator economy.

Energy Goddess’s videos, often characterised by energetic performances and fashion showcases, attracted attention not only from fans but also from brands seeking collaborations. Her work reflected a growing trend in Nigeria, where young creators are increasingly using digital platforms to build careers in entertainment and marketing.

Fan Reactions

The ban came as a surprise to her supporters, many of whom expressed frustration at the loss of content and disappointment over the absence of an official explanation from TikTok. On social media, some fans described the action as ‘unfair’ and questioned the consistency of the platform’s enforcement.

Broader Criticism of TikTok

Her case adds to a series of account removals that have fuelled criticism of TikTok’s moderation practices. The company maintains that it enforces its rules to protect users and maintain community standards, but creators in Nigeria and other countries have often reported sudden suspensions without clear justification.

Digital analysts warn that such actions can disrupt the livelihoods of influencers who depend on social platforms for income and visibility. In Nigeria, where social media has become central to the entertainment industry, sudden bans highlight the vulnerability of creators working in a largely unregulated digital space.

Nigeria’s Expanding Creator Economy

Over the past five years, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have provided Nigerian influencers with unprecedented reach. Many have built significant careers through digital content, brand partnerships, and cross-platform promotion. Yet, industry observers point out that heavy dependence on private platforms leaves creators at risk of losing access to audiences overnight.

Outlook for Energy Goddess

While the loss of her TikTok account is a major setback, Energy Goddess has established herself as a versatile figure in dance, fashion, and digital content. Analysts suggest she may continue her career across other platforms, drawing on her visibility and experience in social media marketing.

Her case underscores both the opportunities and challenges of the growing creator economy in Nigeria, as platforms expand their influence but remain under scrutiny for how they enforce their rules.

Rent crisis in Nigeria, Can tenants afford to breathe? From Kaduna to Kogi, Abuja, and beyond, rent prices are skyrocketing, leaving many Nigerians struggling to keep a roof over their heads. We’re talking 150% increases and more!

But what’s driving this surge? Are landlords getting a free pass, or are there laws that can protect tenants? In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we’re diving deep into the rent crisis, exploring the reasons behind it, and uncovering the rights tenants really have. Join us as we ask the tough questions: Can tenants afford to pay up, or is it time for change?

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has cautioned American comedian and commentator, Bill Maher, against orchestrating campaign of disinformation to paint Nigeria as a country indulged in Christian genocide.

Maher, also a talk show host, had claimed that over 100,000 Christians had been systematically killed in Nigeria and 18,000 Churches burnt, describing it as an attempt by Islamists to wipe out the Christian population.

Speaking on the September 26, 2025 edition of HBO talk show, ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’, Maher had said: ‘Nigeria, the fact that this issue has not gotten on people’s radar, it’s pretty amazing. If you don’t know what’s going on in Nigeria, your media sources suck. You are in a bubble.

However, reacting to the issue, the former Minister dismissed the claims as false and a campaign to divide Nigeria across religious lines.

He said, ‘A couple of days ago, Bill Maher, one of the top commentators and political pundits in the United States of America, with very massive following, a very powerful man with a powerful voice in America, together with Radio Genoa, which is also a very powerful medium, one of the most powerful in the United States, came up with some interesting observations, which of course are false. They said that 500,000 Christians were murdered in Nigeria by terrorists in the last one year. This is completely untrue, as you know, and it is what you call disinformation.

‘And it’s interesting that Bill Maher would do this just a few days after our Vice President went to the United Nations and made a historic and courageous speech, very inspiring speech, in which he condemned the things that were going on in Gaza, the murder, the genocide in Gaza, and in which he called for a two-state solution to the situation between the Palestinians and the Israelis as being the only way forward. That’s the stated position of our country. We are a sovereign country, and the speech was brilliant.

‘Evidently, this upset a few people in the American media and in the United States of America, and Bill Maher and those behind him now decided to organize an orchestrated campaign of disinformation to paint our country as a bunch of Christian haters and people that indulge in Christian genocide. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. Their objective is to divide us, defame us, destroy us, cause us to turn against one another, and demonize us before the whole world as a precursor to now attempting to destabilize us, delegitimize us, decertify us, and call us a nation of interest in which they will now inflict and impose sanctions in order to bring us to our knees. Well, it’s not going to work.’

FFK added that while it is true that terrorists are unleashing deadly attacks in Nigeria, it is untrue to suggest that only Christians are being killed, noting that the criminals are not representatives of the Islamic faith.

‘Let me make this abundantly clear. We do have terrorists in this country, and people are being killed in this country, but it is not only Christians that are being killed. Christians and Muslims are being killed. They are being slaughtered by terrorists who are not even representative of the Islamic faith. They are nothing but criminals and terrorists, and our armed forces and security agencies are killing them in equal measure and fighting back.’

‘We are doing our very best, and I might add, without any help from the Americans or the French or the Brits or anybody else, we are doing it on our own. We’re doing a good job. We’re doing it as best as we can. The idea that only Christians are being slaughtered in our country is a complete falsehood. It’s not true.

‘It is a lie from the pit of hell, and no one will divide us on religious lines. We are fighting the terrorists as one, both Christians and Muslims.’

The Minister further stressed that Nigeria is a powerful nation capable of fighting its challenges without necessarily the help of the Americans, accusing Bill Maher of having an underlying motive behind his claims.