Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has called on the governors of the 19 States in the Northern region of Nigeria to take lead in driving development in the region.

Dogara made this call during the 2025 Northern Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit held in Abuja on Tuesday.

He emphasised that the State governors must be committed to addressing insecurity in their states and region at large, adding that all plans and strategies will fail in the midst of insecurity.

Dogara also stressed the effective management of public funds available to State government. Also speaking at the event, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President reiterated the need for the State governors to come together to share resources to drive one common objective in the region.

He said there was need for incentives to attract investments into the region, adding governors must begin to think outside the box.

‘Is there any special incentive I get for going to set up in those states in the north as opposed to setting up in Lagos? Zero. So why do we think an investor would take that risk, that investment and go and set up? That’s why I’m saying that we have to have an holistic approach to this.

‘By the end of the day, even if you put a super governor in those states today, you will not see those investments. But to do that, as I said, we must have a plan based on what is our objective. If we say, by this year, we want a cement production, then we begin to look at what are those things that we need to do. What’s the role of the governor? What’s the role of national government? What is the role of the businessman? And then bring them together.’

He also noted the prevalence of insecurity in the region, which he said is also a hindrance to attracting investments, except there are incentives.

Veritasi Homes and Properties Plc, one of Africa’s fastest-growing real estate firms, and Cooperative Investment and Thrift Society Limited (COOPLAG), on Saturday, held the official groundbreaking of Allied Towers, a luxury residential development in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project is part of a multi-million dollar partnership deal between Veritasi Homes and COOPLAG.

The 11-floor project, sitting on a 1,431 sqm prime plot on McGregor Street, will feature 26 luxury apartments and penthouses designed to redefine urban living in one of Lagos’ most prestigious neighborhoods.

Bordered by Ikoyi Golf Club, Microsoft Head Office and the new U.S. Consulate General, Allied Towers blends cutting-edge architecture with premium amenities.

According to the real estate firm, residents will enjoy premium amenities, including a gym, relaxation area, dedicated recreational floor, landscaped grounds and secure parking for residents.

Speaking at the event, Nola Adetola, chief executive officer of Veritasi Homes and Properties Plc, described the project as a bold new chapter in Lagos’ skyline.

‘Today, as we break ground on Allied Towers, we are declaring possibility and our determination to do something meaningful with it. Together with COOPLAG, we begin a new chapter in Lagos’ skyline, in Nigeria’s housing story, and in Veritasi’s journey.’

Reflecting on Veritasi’s journey, Adetola added ‘Eight years ago, we looked at Nigeria’s real estate market and asked: Can we do better? That question gave birth to Veritasi Homes.

‘Guided by integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity, we began in 2017 with a small team and a big vision: to create developments that deliver value as reliably as they deliver shelter.

‘We envision a Veritasi that spans continents, a brand so trusted that wherever you see ‘Veritasi,’ you expect quality, innovation, and integrity. COOPLAG, we are honored to have you walk this journey with us. To our investors and future homeowners, this is your opportunity to own a share of Lagos,’ he said.

In his words, Mr. Francis Adeoye, president of COOPLAG, underscored the significance of the project and the vision behind it.

According to him ‘Today, we are not just breaking ground, we are breaking barriers. We are laying the foundation for a future where cooperative strength meets architectural excellence, where innovation meets legacy, and where our members and stakeholders can aspire to live in spaces that reflect their values, ambitions, and achievements. ‘This is the realization of a shared dream, a dream to redefine urban living and empower our members.

‘For over three decades, our society, COOPLAG, has stood as a beacon of cooperative strength, financial empowerment, and community development.

‘Allied Towers, situated in the heart of Ikoyi, is more than a luxury high-rise. It is a symbol of what is possible when two visionary organizations come together with a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.

‘I want to express our profound appreciation to Veritasi Homes, led by the dynamic Mr. Nola Adetola, for their partnership, professionalism, and shared vision. Veritasi’s reputation for delivering premium developments and driving innovation in Nigeria’s real estate sector makes them the ideal partner for this ambitious endeavour.

‘Together, we are responding to the evolving needs of our members and the market. We are creating homes that offer security, prestige, and value. Homes that will stand the test of time and serve as a legacy for generations to come,’ he noted.

In his remarks, Tobi Yusuff, partner at Veritasi Homes, highlighted the groundbreaking as a reflection of Veritasi’s growth journey and its ability to earn the confidence of institutional partners like COOPLAG.

The development is being supported by a consortium of leading financial institutions, including Nova Bank, Providus Bank, Lotus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, and FirstBank. Managing directors and senior officials of these banks, who attended the event, pledged their full support, affirming the project’s significance for Nigeria’s housing and investment landscape.

Subscribers and prospective homeowners also praised the project, reiterating their confidence in Veritasi Homes and COOPLAG to deliver Allied Towers as promised, both on time and to the highest standard of excellence.

Temitope Runsewe, Chief Executive Officer of Dutum Construction, whose firm serves as the project’s construction partner, stressed that safety and engineering excellence will guide every stage of Allied Towers.

Veritasi Homes has continued to set the pace in Africa’s real estate sector through its innovative and value-driven approach.

Recognised by the Financial Times as one of the continent’s fastest-growing businesses, Veritasi remains the only Nigerian real estate firm to earn a place on the prestigious list.

In just seven years, the company has delivered over 1,000 homes, launched 12 landmark projects across Lagos and Abuja-including the celebrated Camberwall Advantage series-and served more than 2,500 clients, many from the diaspora. The company also holds double ratings from DataPro and GCR, a milestone that highlights its credibility, financial strength, and unwavering commitment to delivering world-class properties.

Leading smartphone brand, Infinix, has once again proven its dominance in the Nigerian mobile market by clinching two prestigious honors at the 2025 Edge Awards, organized by Marketing Edge and held on Friday, September 26, at the Balmoral Event Centre in Lagos. The brand won the awards for Outstanding Smartphone Launch of the Year for its Hot 60 Series, and Innovative Smartphone Brand of the Year for its Note 50 Series.

These recognitions highlight Infinix’s continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology, stylish design, and user-focused innovation in the Nigerian market.

Speaking on the awards, Oluwayemisi Ode, Integrated Marketing Communications and PR Manager at Infinix Nigeria, expressed gratitude to customers and stakeholders for their continued trust and support for the brand. ‘This double win is a testament to the work we put into understanding our consumers and delivering devices that not only meet but exceed their expectations. At Infinix, we believe technology should be empowering, stylish, and accessible, and these awards reinforce our commitment to that mission”. Speaking on the Marketing Edge Awards, John Ajayi, CEO and Founder, Marketing Edge Group and Edge Awards, highlighted that the award ceremony serves as a way to celebrate achievement of others and a reminder that hard work, service and innovation are rewarded. ‘As brands, agencies and personalities navigate the complexities of the Nigerian market, balancing traditional values with cutting-edge technology, this year’s EDGE AWARDS offers a prestigious platform to celebrate those who have pushed the limits of creativity and innovation with insight-driven initiatives’ he stated.

These recent awards strengthen Infinix’s position as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s highly competitive smartphone industry and a testament to its reputation as a brand that is committed to consistently delivering cutting-edge smart devices, and continues to push the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can deliver.

Precious Aroh, a Nigerian student, has brought global recognition to Nigeria by being named ‘Best Finalist’ in the 18th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.

Aroh was selected from a staggering pool of over 660,000 contestants worldwide and was awarded a prize of $3,000 from Toyota Motor Corporation.

She named her artwork, ‘Virus Vacuum,’ describing it as a powerful concept car designed to create a healthier world.

‘My dream car is called ‘Virus Vacuum’, the dream car of clean air. It has special suction vents on top that pull harmful viruses out of the air. Once inside the car, the viruses are destroyed, leaving clean, safe, and fresh air for people to breathe.

‘The car is my dream for a healthier world, a car that not only carries people but also cares for people and heals the environment,’ Aroh said.

Kunle Ade-Ojo, managing director of Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), praised the young artist’s ingenuity, saying, ‘Precious’s exceptional artistry and vision have once again placed Nigeria on a global stage.

‘Her winning masterpiece is a powerful concept that imagines a world free of illness and viruses like Covid-19. ‘She has shown profound empathy and a brilliant imagination, turning a compelling idea into an outstanding creation. She has made Nigeria, Toyota Nigeria Limited, and her school incredibly proud,’ Ade-Ojo said.

The award was presented to Precious, her parents, and school representatives in Lagos by Ade-Ojo.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, Toyota Nigeria Ltd, and Corona School.

He noted that her success echoes the historic win two years ago by Oluwademilade David Odumuboni, who became the first Nigerian to win a global grand prize in the same competition.

‘It is a remarkable coincidence and a testament to the nurturing environment of both of these golden talents who hail from the same school,’ Ade-Ojo said, noting that Aroh will use the $3,000 prize money, which is designated for educational pursuits, to buy books, art materials, and digital learning tools that will help her improve her creativity and knowledge.

‘In addition to the prize money, Precious received a commemorative shield from Toyota Motor Corporation, along with a certificate and a trophy from Toyota Nigeria Limited.

He also extended heartfelt congratulations to her art teacher and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aroh, acknowledging their unwavering support and encouragement.

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is a global Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by Toyota Motor Corporation, aimed at inspiring children to imagine a future car and, in doing so, foster a creative and caring mindset towards the planet.

Funds belonging to non-Treasury Single Account (non-TSA) public sector accounts remain safe and fully accessible at commercial banks, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The apex bank explained in a Post-MPC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) publication on its website that commercial banks have in-built mechanisms for managing liquidity and meeting the legitimate obligations of all customers, including owners of these accounts.

It further noted that the CBN also provides short-term lending support to banks as a lender of last resort, enabling them to square up positions when necessary through the Standing Lending Facility.

At its last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held last week, the CBN introduced a 75 percent Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) on non-TSA public sector deposits. This measure was aimed at addressing the build-up of excess liquidity in the banking system, largely arising from increased injections into this category of accounts. The bank explained that the new CRR would ensure that public sector deposits outside the Treasury Single Account do not contribute to inflationary pressures that could undermine the ongoing disinflation momentum. On the decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.00 percent, the CBN said the MPC lowered the rate by 50 basis points in response to the sustained decline in inflation over the past five months and in anticipation of further moderation for the rest of 2025. The reduction, it added, is expected to support government efforts at economic recovery without undermining macroeconomic stability.

The bank also clarified the rationale for adjusting the Standing Facilities Corridor to +250/-250 basis points. Standing facilities, it explained, are monetary policy instruments that help the CBN either provide or mop up overnight liquidity in the banking system. They comprise the Standing Lending Facility (SLF), which allows banks to borrow liquidity overnight at the SLF rate, and the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), which allows banks to deposit excess liquidity overnight with the CBN at the SDF rate. The corridor was revised from +500/-100 basis points to +250/-250 around the MPR, creating a symmetric corridor instead of the previous asymmetric one. The adjustment, according to the bank, is intended to reduce volatility in overnight interest rates, improve interbank market efficiency, deepen liquidity management, encourage more active interbank trading, and enhance monetary policy transmission.

On the reduction of the CRR for commercial banks to 45 percent, the CBN explained that Cash Reserve Requirements are statutory obligations for banks to keep a specified percentage of their deposits with the apex bank, serving both prudential and liquidity management purposes. A higher CRR reduces the funds available for banks to create credit, while a lower CRR has the opposite effect. The recent cut, the MPC said, was intended to ease liquidity pressure on commercial banks, giving them more room for productive lending and intermediation while still maintaining sufficient sterilisation to guard against inflation. Responding to a question on inflation, the CBN said its tightening measures, combined with federal government interventions, have contributed to a substantial decline in headline inflation, which fell to 20.12 percent in August 2025 from 21.88 percent in July. This represents the fifth consecutive month of deceleration. The 1.76 percentage point decline recorded in August was the sharpest pace of price moderation in five months. Both food and core inflation eased, largely due to sustained exchange rate stability, a surplus current account balance, moderation in petrol prices, and monetary policy tightening. Experts project that inflation will continue to ease through the remainder of 2025, supported by exchange rate stability, tight monetary policy, and the onset of the harvest season.

On how the bank balances inflation control with credit to the real sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the CBN said it relies on conventional monetary policy tools, such as interest rate hikes, to anchor inflation expectations and avoid distortions in the credit market. By maintaining a stable and robust financial system, financial institutions are better positioned to allocate surplus funds efficiently to deficit areas of the economy.

The CBN also reassured that Nigeria’s external reserves remain strong and a source of confidence for citizens, investors, and other economic actors. As of September 11, 2025, gross external reserves stood at $43.05 billion, providing 8.28 months of import cover.

President Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide address on Wednesday at 7 a.m. to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said on Tuesday via X that all television, radio, and electronic media platforms should hook up to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast. This will be Tinubu’s third Independence Day address since assuming office on May 29, 2023. His predecessors have used the October 1 broadcast to reflect on the country’s journey since independence from Britain in 1960 and to outline key policy directions.

The president is expected to speak on national unity, economic reforms, and the administration’s priorities for the coming year.

On Monday, the federal government announced the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade. Instead, October 1 has been declared a public holiday.

Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings has launched the Manifold Endowment Plan, an innovative blend of insurance and investment designed for Nigerians who want to protect what matters, grow their wealth, and enjoy peace of mind.

With life cover up to N1 billion, partial maturity pay-outs, and end-of-term bonuses, Manifold is for the modern Nigerian working hard today, planning boldly for tomorrow.

The Manifold Endowment Plan is uniquely designed for Nigerians aged 18 to 64, providing them with flexible policy durations ranging from six to fifteen years. At its core, it integrates death benefits, partial maturity bonuses, and accidental medical coverage, all while offering a structured avenue for individuals and families to plan, protect, and prosper.

The Nigerian insurance sector, though still underexplored, has seen remarkable growth, with industry revenues surging by 147 percent in the first nine months of 2024. Yet, with insurance penetration hovering around just 0.5 percent of GDP, the gap in uptake remains stark.

Stanbic IBTC is tackling this head-on by introducing an offering that speaks to the everyday concerns of middle- and high-income Nigerians who seek value, reliability, and transparency in financial services. Speaking on the launch, Akinjide Orimolade, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Insurance, noted: ‘The Manifold Endowment Plan is a response to Nigeria’s pressing need for accessible and rewarding insurance solutions. We are not just offering protection; we are empowering Nigerians to build financial resilience while preparing for the future. With Manifold, every premium is an investment in both peace of mind and real financial return.’ Manifold bridges the perception gap often associated with insurance. It assures Nigerians that even if the ‘worst’ doesn’t happen, their money is never wasted. With premiums starting at just ?10,000 monthly, policyholders can earn two 25% bonuses on their premiums while still receiving 100% of their chosen sum assured at maturity.

At its core, the Manifold Endowment Plan aligns with Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s broader mission: to help Nigerians secure today and prosper tomorrow. Whether it’s a young professional saving towards future goals, a parent building generational wealth, or a retiree seeking peace of mind, Manifold offers a tailored and transparent financial solution.

With the Manifold Endowment Plan, Stanbic IBTC Insurance is not only offering Nigerians a way to secure their futures, but it is also redefining what insurance can and should mean in today’s world.

In virtually every nation, the discourse on economic growth often revolves around factors such as industrial output, foreign investment, technology, and human capital development. Yet, one element that is sometimes underexplored but remains fundamental is housing infrastructure.

Housing is more than just shelter; it is an economic commodity, a social stabiliser, and a driver of development. From job creation to stimulating demand in allied industries, and from providing collateral for wealth creation to enabling urban renewal, housing infrastructure plays a central role in catalysing sustainable growth.

At the heart of modern economies, housing represents both a consumption good and an investment asset. For households, a house is the most valuable asset they may ever own; for governments, housing development signifies a visible expression of social contract fulfillment; and for the economy, housing is a critical sector that triggers multiplier effects across industries.

According to World Bank estimates, the real estate and construction sector contributes between 7 percent and 14 percent of global GDP, depending on the region. In advanced economies such as the United States, housing-related activities, construction, real estate, mortgage finance, home improvement, and property services, are significant drivers of employment and wealth accumulation.

Similarly, in emerging economies like Nigeria, housing is estimated to contribute about 3.1 percent of GDP, though with vast untapped potential. The importance of housing infrastructure stems from its ability to integrate multiple aspects of the economy, ranging from financial markets to labour absorption, raw material demand, and even energy consumption patterns.

One of the clearest pathways through which housing drives economic growth is job creation. Housing infrastructure development requires a wide array of skilled and unskilled labour-land surveyors, architects, town planners, engineers, builders, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and labourers. The construction phase alone is highly labour-intensive and generates immediate employment.

Beyond construction, housing stimulates jobs in allied industries such as:

Cement, steel, timber, and glass manufacturers benefit directly from rising demand.

Furniture, interior décor, and home appliance industries experience growth from household spending.

Financial institutions expand their mortgage, insurance, and investment portfolios.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that every housing unit constructed directly and indirectly generates between 5 and 7 jobs, depending on the complexity of the project. In countries struggling with high unemployment rates, especially among youths, housing development represents a low-hanging fruit for labour absorption and poverty alleviation.

Furthermore, housing plays a unique role in wealth accumulation and capital formation. Unlike many consumer goods that depreciate, housing typically appreciates over time, thereby serving as a store of wealth. For many households, owning a home is the first step toward economic security and social mobility.

Moreover, housing assets are often used as collateral to access credit, which fuels entrepreneurial ventures, small businesses, and industrial expansion. In advanced economies, mortgage markets are among the most developed financial sectors, reflecting the centrality of housing to economic dynamism. In contrast, underdeveloped housing finance systems in many developing countries limit credit creation, thereby constraining economic opportunities.

Thus, by expanding housing infrastructure, countries stimulate financial deepening, broaden access to capital, and enhance wealth distribution among citizens.

Urbanisation is one of the defining features of the 21st century. The United Nations projects that by 2050, nearly 70 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas. For countries like Nigeria, where urbanisation is rapid but poorly managed, housing infrastructure becomes a crucial determinant of whether urban growth leads to prosperity or squalor.

Well-planned housing infrastructure is not just about buildings; it encompasses roads, drainage, power supply, water systems, waste management, schools, and hospitals. When integrated with urban planning, housing infrastructure prevents the growth of slums, enhances liveability, and improves productivity.

A city with adequate housing infrastructure attracts investors, boosts tourism, and fosters innovation. On the contrary, inadequate housing leads to overcrowding, insecurity, health hazards, and economic inefficiency.

Therefore, housing infrastructure development must be seen as a strategic tool for urban renewal and sustainable cities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11): ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.’

Housing infrastructure has strong backward and forward linkages with the industrial sector. The construction of a single housing estate requires raw materials such as cement, iron rods, paints, ceramics, cables, and roofing sheets-all products of local industries.

This demand stimulates local production, encourages import substitution, and generates foreign exchange savings. In countries with strong housing policies, such as China, the real estate and housing sector has been deliberately leveraged to grow domestic industries.

The Chinese government, for example, integrated housing development with industrial production, thereby transforming its housing sector into a pillar of its economic miracle. For developing countries, expanding housing infrastructure could serve as a stimulus for industrial diversification away from resource dependency, creating a robust value chain of construction-related industries. Economic growth is not just about figures and GDP ratios; it is equally about social cohesion and stability. Adequate housing contributes to societal peace by reducing homelessness, overcrowding, and the tensions that arise from informal settlements.

A family that lives in decent housing experiences improved health, educational performance for children, and higher productivity for adults. Conversely, inadequate housing contributes to poor health outcomes, crime, and urban discontent-all of which erode economic progress. Housing is, therefore, not merely an economic commodity; it is a social stabiliser and a foundation for inclusive development. Countries that invest in housing infrastructure ultimately invest in the well-being and productivity of their citizens.

Despite its enormous potential, several challenges limit the ability of housing infrastructure to fully drive economic growth in many developing economies. These include:

High Construction Costs – Rising prices of cement, steel, and other inputs make housing unaffordable for low- and middle-income earners.

Weak Mortgage Systems – Limited access to long-term financing hampers home ownership and housing investment.

Land Tenure and Titling Issues – Bureaucratic bottlenecks in land administration discourage investment and inflate costs.

Infrastructure Deficits – Poor roads, electricity, and water supply in many areas limit large-scale housing projects.

Policy Inconsistency – Frequent changes in government policies undermine long-term housing sector planning.

These barriers explain why many countries face acute housing deficits. For instance, Nigeria is estimated to have a housing deficit of over 20 million units, requiring trillions of naira in investment to bridge. Without deliberate intervention, housing infrastructure cannot achieve its transformative economic role.

To fully harness housing infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, deliberate strategies must be pursued to:

Expand Affordable Housing Finance – Strengthen mortgage institutions, encourage low-interest housing loans, and promote innovative financing models such as cooperative housing schemes.

Promote Local Building Materials – Support research and development into affordable, locally sourced materials to reduce costs and dependence on imports.

Reform Land Administration – Simplify land titling processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and digitise land registries to attract investment.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Governments should partner with private developers to deliver large-scale housing projects while providing enabling infrastructure.

Integrate Housing with Urban Planning – Housing development should be accompanied by roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities to create liveable communities.

Incentivise Green Housing – Encourage eco-friendly housing designs that reduce energy costs and promote sustainability.

By implementing these strategies, housing infrastructure can become a central pillar of economic transformation.

In conclusion, housing infrastructure is more than bricks and mortar-it is the foundation of economic progress and social stability. By stimulating employment, wealth creation, industrial development, and urban renewal, housing plays a catalytic role in shaping the trajectory of national growth.

Countries that have prioritised housing development, such as Singapore, China, and South Korea, have not only witnessed improved living standards but also experienced accelerated economic growth. For nations like Nigeria, where the housing deficit remains alarming, deliberate investment in housing infrastructure represents both a social necessity and an economic opportunity.

In the final analysis, the road to inclusive and sustainable growth is paved not only with factories, highways, and financial markets but also with the homes people live in. If governments and stakeholders recognise housing as a strategic growth driver, they will not only build houses but also build economies, build wealth, and build nations.

The Reddington Multi-Specialists Hospital, Lagos, brought vital healthcare services directly to the heart of the Oniru Community through a free medical outreach held at the Oniru Palace.

The initiative, a collaboration with His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, provided free consultations, health screenings, nutrition counseling, pharmacy services, and referrals to over 500 residents.

A 53-member medical team from Reddington Hospital, comprising doctors, nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, dentists, physiotherapists, and ophthalmologists, anchored the event. The team’s comprehensive approach ensured that men, women, and children received quality care, addressing a wide range of health concerns, from high blood pressure to dental and eye care. Dr, Abiodun Osibamowo, the medical director of The Reddington Multi-Specialists Hospital, at the event,

harped on the importance of regular medical screening and counselling as key to sustainable health and general wellness.

‘You don’t wait until you start seeing symptoms of diseases before you come to the hospital. By that time, it may be too late and the doctors would be constrained in saving the patient’, Osibamowo told the crowd that had gathered at the Palace for the health screening.

He said the management of Reddington Hospital was partnering with the Oniru-in-council for the free medical services because of the excellent leadership Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal has provided for the residence of Iru Kingdom since he ascended the throne five years ago.

‘When the Kaabiyesi visited The Reddington Hospital earlier this year as part of the activities marking his fifth anniversary on the throne, he sought for our collaboration in providing quality and affordable health care for the people of his community. This medical outreach marks the beginning of such partnership,’ Osibamowo said. His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, commended the management of The Reddington Hospital for sending a very strong team of multi-specialists to the free medical outreach, nothing that it afforded most of his subjects who would otherwise have been unable to afford such services to get quality health counselling and care at zero cost.

‘I am very passionate about the health and wellbeing of my people that is why the Oniru-in-council is partnering with a very reputable hospital like The Reddington Hospital to provide free medical services to them and ensure we have a healthy community able to work and earn a living’, Lawal said.

The questions and answers session anchored by the Osimabowo was very enlightening and educative as he answered questions on broad range of health issues, causes and prevention, such as high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, cancer, ulcer, etc. He talked about the importance of eating right, regular exercise and regular health screening and counselling.

No fewer than 500 residents comprising men, women and children benefitted from the free medical outreach. Some of the beneficiaries expressed their feelings.

‘I am happy about this programme and I pray to God to keep our Oba because visiting the hospital these days is very expensive. I also learnt a lot from the Medical Director during the questions and answers session especially the causes of high blood pressure and stroke and how to prevent it’, said Mrs Ige Salako. For Abdullatif Ogunbambi Abisogun, the free medical outreach should be more regular ‘because we need to be checking our health status from time to time. Prevention is better than medication’.

The Reddington Multi-specialists Hospital, Lagos has been at the fore of cutting-edge medical technology backed by very experienced consultants providing world class affordable services thereby reducing medical tourism and capital flight out of Nigeria.

A form of uproar seems to have taken over the Rivers State University (RSU) over alleged exorbitant fees charged for the 2025 graduation ceremony.

The first information report on the matter accused the university of charging N220,000 for graduation. The university immediately clarified that the N220,000 was not for all graduating students but only for the doctorate graduates.

The clarification did not however seem to douse the agitation as a groundswell has continued to build up against the fees.

The clarification showed that certificate degree graduands would pay N68,000; first degree would pay N97,000, postgraduate degrees were to pay N145,000; and doctorate degree category would pay N220,000. Sources in the university say the 2025 fees were clearly far above the rates for previous years, but the office of the Public Relations Officer headed by Victor Banigo remained silent to inquiries all of Monday, September 29, 2025.

The concern for alleged high fees seems to escape into the town where groups have begun raising alarms. An activist, Darlington Nwauju, has gone on radio to condemn the fees, saying commercialisation of education in the State has gone to a new level.

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in the state has also stepped into the matter, demanding a reversal.