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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has declared that the era of branding Nigeria as the ‘most corrupt country’ in the world has come to an end.

The First Lady made the remark during her official working visit to Gombe State, where she commissioned several health facilities, including the newly established Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Kumo.

She urged Nigerians to refrain from running down the country’s image, noting that the world now views Nigeria as a nation of opportunity and rising global relevance, owing to the reforms of the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During the visit, Remi Tinubu paid homage to the Emir of Akko in his palace, stressing that ‘the era when Nigeria was branded the most corrupt country is over.’

According to her, the international perception of Nigeria is changing positively, and citizens must begin to show national pride by speaking well of their country.

The First Lady stated, ‘Calling on us as Nigerians, stop badmouthing your nation. Gone are the days when they say Nigeria is the most corrupt country. You won’t hear that again.’

‘Even when I go abroad, when they hear you’re from Nigeria, everybody’s interested. They want to come to Nigeria. Nigeria is the next destination,’ she added.

She commended the natural beauty of Gombe State, describing its landscape as comparable to that of the English countryside.

According to her, ‘We have to be proud. Your landscape is beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like that. You see that in the London countryside, but I’m seeing it here in Gombe and in other states too.’

Remi Tinubu linked her call for national pride to the administration’s ongoing reforms in security, education, and grassroots development, noting that traditional and religious leaders play vital roles in shaping citizens’ attitudes.

She explained that her work as First Lady is driven by a desire to leave Nigeria better than she met it after her husband’s tenure.

She stressed, ‘I’m 65 years old now, I pray I live long. But I’m working so hard so that when my husband finishes his tenure, me too I can walk around safely. That is what drives me.’

The First Lady urged Nigerians to be proud of the country’s progress and to support the present administration as it continues its efforts to restore Nigeria’s lost glory and strengthen its standing in the comity of nations.

The rising political influence of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is reportedly creating unease within both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, especially in the South-West.

Observers say Hashim’s expanding support base and grassroots reach have disrupted long-standing political structures in the region, prompting both parties to rethink their strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

In recent weeks, APC networks in Lagos and Oyo States have intensified rallies and media engagements in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Analysts see this as a response to Hashim’s growing appeal among young voters and professionals.

‘Supporters of President Tinubu, who initially believed the APC would enjoy a smooth dominance in the South West, are now sponsoring rallies and media offensives to counter Gbenga Hashim’s ideological surge,’ a source within the South West PDP told reporters.

Within the PDP, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is also said to be facing new political pressure as Hashim’s growing influence reshapes internal dynamics across the region.

While Makinde remains a key figure in Oyo, analysts note that Hashim’s rising profile has gained support across Osun, Ondo, Lagos, and parts of Oyo State, challenging Makinde’s control over the South West PDP bloc.

‘Makinde had assumed he would naturally command regional backing for the PDP presidential ticket, but the rising tide of Gbenga Hashim’s movement has made it clear that the contest will be intense,’ another party insider said.

Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who has reportedly been weighing a possible return to the PDP presidential race, is said to be rethinking his plans and may consider the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to growing resistance from Hashim’s supporters within the PDP.

According to party sources, Hashim’s camp has made it known that if Jonathan returns to the PDP race, it would not be an automatic ticket but a competitive primary, reflecting the renewed ideological debate within the party.

Hashim, who has long promoted value-driven and people-centered politics focused on productivity, restructuring, and ethical leadership, is increasingly seen as a rallying point for Nigerians dissatisfied with both APC and PDP’s traditional politics.

Political observers believe his current momentum could reshape the 2027 political outlook, especially in the South-West, where his message of ‘ideological politics over personality cult’ is gaining wider acceptance among emerging political groups.

Drop shipping is a retail business that entails outsourcing products and shipping to a third-party supplier. It is another way of selling online without a physical store. As a seller, your responsibility is to promote items instead of keeping warehouses or managing inventory.

As a drop shipper, you’re the intermediary between suppliers and customers. You don’t get paid for items until they are purchased by customers. When you get orders, you link them to wholesalers or manufacturers who directly send the goods to the customers.

Below is the step-by-step guide on how drop shipping works:

1. Set up an online store

As the retailer, you would create an online store where you would sell your selected products from a supplier or marketplace. It is in this virtual store, you would showcase, describe, and give the exact price of a product. Your customers have no business with your suppliers; you are the intermediary that gets the deal done and ensures your wholesaler sends the purchased items.

2. Customer order

Your potential customers would browse through your online store to purchase what they want. They pay you based on the price tag you’ve given. Your payment system should be legit and easy to navigate; otherwise, it can slow down sales. Build trust with your customers; they will keep coming back.

3. You send the order

As the retailer in this business, your duty is to send the order of your customer to the supplier once payment has been made. You send the wholesale price (which is actually less than the price you sold the item) to the supplier and the details of the customer. Drop shipping platforms automate this process, so, no hassles.

4. Supplier processes the order

Here, the supplier takes over. They are responsible for packaging the product for shipping. This means you’re exempt from the logistics involved in sending goods. A trustworthy supplier will not compromise quality and will also ensure the right product is packaged and sent to your customer.

5. Customer receives product

It is expected that after the goods have been sent by the supplier, your customer will receive their order. As the retailer, you still have to be in touch with your customers to know if there is any concern or complaint about the goods they ordered. This is how you can strengthen your relationship with your buyers and, of course, your brand.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of orchestrating a deliberate attack on Igbo investments.

In a statement released Sunday, signed by Deputy President General and National Spokesman Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinemeze Ohia, the group demanded an immediate halt to the demolitions, describing them as a ‘calculated political vendetta’ aimed at dismantling Igbo economic contributions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The demolitions, which targeted structures largely owned by Igbo traders, have sparked outrage, with Ohanaeze labeling them a ‘profound injustice’ and an ‘economic affront.’

The group argues that the actions violate the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 40 on freedom of association and movement, as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the 1978 Land Use Act, which mandates lawful revocation of occupancy rights, advance notice, and compensation. According to Ohanaeze, no such due process was followed.

‘The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to address, with unwavering candor, the insidious actions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We hereby demand an immediate cessation of all demolition activities that specifically target Igbo investments within Lagos State. Such measures are not merely administrative actions; they are perceived as a calculated political vendetta designed to systematically dismantle the economic contributions of the Igbo residents in Lagos State, compelling them to vacate the state in advance of the 2027 elections.

‘With the utmost gravity, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemns the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. These acts represent a profound injustice, an economic affront, and a blatant violation of the rights of traders, the majority of whom are of Igbo ancestry. The recent demolitions blatantly contravene the protections afforded to individuals by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 40, alongside the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which unequivocally requires lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice, and just compensation for affected property owners.

‘Independent investigations commissioned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo have revealed alarming violations of the Urban and Regional Development Law of Lagos State. Notably, there was a conspicuous absence of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders prior to these demolitions. Insights obtained from interviews with Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, underscore that the Trade Fair Complex is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, thus inherently questioning the legality of state-led demolition actions.

‘Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt these assaults on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos State. We remind the Governor that he was overwhelmingly supported by the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign. Since his administration’s commencement, our records reveal that over 2,753 properties-houses, shops, and their valuable contents-have been callously demolished without due recourse to the owners, representing colossal losses amounting to approximately 23 trillion Naira in investments. It is incumbent upon us to confront these issues forthrightly, irrespective of any political sensitivities.

‘Our assessments evince a concerning pattern; it appears that the Lagos State Government may be engaging in acts of political retribution against Ndigbo in Lagos, particularly in the wake of the electoral dynamics observed in the aftermath of the 2023 elections. The prevailing inflation rate of 23.9% only exacerbates the economic harm inflicted upon Igbo traders, and indications suggest that further demolitions will occur as a means to diminish the Igbo presence prior to the 2027 elections.

‘ln a passionate plea, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly in this matter. The President must order an immediate cessation of further demolitions and compel the Lagos State Government to deliver adequate compensation to those affected. Additionally, we advocate for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, which has languished in disuse for 59 years, and call for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River, in Ukwa East LGA Of Abia State,located a mere 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

‘Furthermore, it is imperative that we alert the Igbo community residing in Lagos State to the troubling prospects ahead. Information at our disposal indicates that additional demolitions targeting Igbo properties may occur as early as 2026. It is high time for Igbo business owners to evaluate the sustainability of their investments in Lagos and consider reestablishing their enterprises in the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Ak? Ruo Ulo) is increasingly seen as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions. Standing united, we shall confront these injustices and ardently defend the rights and livelihoods of the Igbo people’.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps members to embrace self-reliance by cultivating a savings habit and investing in themselves rather than waiting for government jobs.

Speaking during his visit to the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘Two’ Corps members at the NYSC orientation camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, he told the Corps members that their monthly allowance could be the foundation for future financial growth if managed wisely.

He explained that the key to creating wealth lies in discipline and prudent spending.

The NYSC DG said that by saving a portion of their monthly allowance, Corps members could accumulate enough capital to start small ventures that may grow into sustainable businesses.

‘Create your own wealth, create your own start-up? How do you do that? Save out of your allawee. As soon as you open your bank account, open a savings account also,’ he said.

Nafiu pointed out that NYSC provides an equal opportunity for all graduates regardless of their family background, emphasizing that financial success depends on personal choices, not privileges.

He said, ‘And that’s why NYSC is giving all of you a level playing field. You’re all sitting here now, you don’t know those that are from wealthy families. You don’t know whether you’re ever sitting next to someone that was getting N500,000pocket money.

‘As far as we are concerned, 77K can maintain all of you. When you cut your clothes according to your size, choose your style according to the available fabrics. Save 20% of your 77K, that will give you N15,400 every month.’

The NYSC DG also encouraged Corps members to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and not rely solely on government for employment. He cited examples of past Corps members who started small side businesses during their service year that eventually became their main source of income.

He reminded them that the NYSC scheme was established to build national unity, leadership capacity, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians, urging them to view their service year as a launchpad for their personal and professional development.

‘With diligence, commitment. passion, you can start a business or businesses. Instead of everyone waiting and sitting at home for many years.

‘Don’t wait for government. Employ yourself and help government out by employing others. The people that have been coming to your SAED training, some of them thought it was government who would help them, but they started a side hustle, and the side hustle has turned to main hustle,’ the DG stated.

Nafiu, therefore, advised Corps members to conduct themselves responsibly in their host communities, avoid negative social media commentary about the state, and maintain respect for local customs.

He said, ‘The NYSC is not to waste your time. It’s designed to help you to integrate. It was instituted 52 years plus ago. To foster national unity, build bridges, foster national cohesion, contribute to development, and build leadership skills into the young graduates. All the country look forward to, or look up to, as the leaders of tomorrow.

‘You are the leaders of tomorrow. It’s a matter of fact, you own this country. With your population, with your intellect, with your skills, with your voice, you can shape the future of this country and make this country greater than it’s been handed over to you.

‘Be good, responsible, and respectful guests of the Oyo people. Don’t go on social media talking about the state.

‘Believe in this country. If you don’t believe in this country, it’s going to be difficult for things to work for you. Because when you see opportunity, you will not even trust it, and you will slip up.’

On his part, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Peters Kayode, briefed the DG on the smooth conduct of the ongoing orientation course involving 2,363 Corps members.

He noted their good behaviour and enthusiasm toward camp activities and commended the Oyo State government for its consistent support, including improvements to camp facilities, but appealed for additional bunk beds to address accommodation needs and reaffirmed the staff and corps members’ commitment to the goals of the NYSC scheme.

‘So far, this set of leaders are discharged in the most exceptional way. It is also imperative to bring the attention of the Director-General that camp officials are on top of the assignment. Camp facilities are adequate and functional,’ he said.

The state coordinator informed the NYSC DG that the state government had already taken steps to improve camp infrastructure. He explained that the government had requested a cost estimate for flooring the camp’s multipurpose hall, adding that the project would soon be completed.

He also noted that both the state and local governments had pledged to supply between 1,000 and 2,500 plastic chairs to make camp life more comfortable for corps members.

‘This camp continues to enjoy the support of Oyo State government and our various stakeholders, which make things much easier for the operation of the scheme.

‘It is my belief that at your next visit, these facilities will have to be put in place. Equally, I am pleased to inform the Director-General that I will continue to maintain the operational models of the scheme in Oyo State, as I have been doing since my assumption of duty as the State Coordinator. Challenges and needs of the orientation camp,’ he added.

They say after the storm comes the sunshine, and Nollywood’s Abiola Adebayo is proving that in every sense of the word.

Following the shocking collapse of her marriage, which left many fans stunned given her calm and graceful nature, the radiant actress has chosen not to stay in the shadows of heartbreak.

Instead, she has picked up the pieces with admirable strength, channeling her energy into new projects and self-growth.

Her fast-rising podcast, Talk To B, has become a refreshing platform where actors and actresses open up about their struggles and triumphs, a space that reflects Abiola’s empathy and resilience.

It’s no surprise that the actress, fondly called ‘Biola Bayo,’ continues to endear herself to both fans and colleagues alike.

But it was her recent outing at the star-studded Babaloja movie premiere that truly stole the spotlight.

Looking effortlessly chic in a crisp white shirt and blue jeans, Abiola dazzled on the red carpet with her glow and confidence, radiating a beauty that spoke louder than words.

Onscreen, she played a significant role in the movie, but offscreen, she became the evening’s highlight.

Cameras couldn’t get enough of her as she laughed, mingled, and later hit the dance floor with veteran actor Femi Branch.

The duo swayed to the evergreen tunes of Haruna Ishola, skillfully served by the famous DJ Gavpop, and the crowd loved every moment.

For an actress who has weathered personal storms, Abiola’s appearance was more than just style, it was a statement. A statement that she is moving on, rebuilding, and glowing stronger than ever.

Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has said that the forthcoming October 27 governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an opportunity to sustain the progress recorded in the party since his assumption of office three years ago.

Oyebanji made this known during a meeting with the BAO Primary Election Local Organizing Committee from the 16 local governments at his Ikogosi residence at the weekend.

The governor stressed the need to accommodate individuals who uphold the principles and vision of the party, worked tirelessly for the party’s success and made sacrifices for its collective good.

He said, ‘I keep telling people, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji can only be governor. The issue at hand is a collective issue for all of us and that has a lot of implications for others.

‘It is not about BAO, it is about the system, the party you have nurtured for a very long time.The APC is the aircraft that is taking us to our destination and nothing must happen to it.’

Oyebanji, who appreciated the LOC members, party chieftains and members for standing behind his re-election, urged them not to relent in their efforts but remain focused as the primary gathered momentum.

‘I am extremely grateful for your support and God knows that I value your efforts. I am grateful for everything you have done and will still do. It energizes and gives me confidence to move on.

‘This is the first time that I am seeing leaders, appointees contributing money voluntarily for a political cause , it has never happened including workers, PWDs. Let us remain focused and not distracted,’ he said.

Presenting the report of the just concluded ward tour from Ikole local government area, Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye reaffirmed that the people of the area will deliver massively for the governor’s re-election at the primaries.

On her part for Ado local government, Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Bolaji Olagbaju said the ward-to-ward tour attracted a large turnout of party members, who unanimously declared their unalloyed support for the governor’s re-election.

A chieftain of the APC, Chief Jide Awe and former Attorney General, Wale Fapohunda SAN , urged members to continue in their strides to mobilise in their wards and occupy the space before the primary election.

The Kano State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Abdullahi Abbas, has dissociated the party from some groups identifying themselves as ’12 APC Groups’ who backed the state governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, in calling for the removal of the State Commissioner of Police, Dr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

It will be recalled that ‘some groups under the aegis of APC 12 groups said in a release that the Commissioner of Police, Dr Ibrahim Bakori, should be sacked for refusing to participate in the Nigeria 65th Anniversary Parade.’

However, in a swift reaction to this position, the State Chairman of the APC, Prince Abbas, described the group as fake and not members of the party.

In a statement signed and made available to the press in Kano, the State APC Chairman said, ‘that his members who are genuinely APC card-carrying persons backed the boycott of the police to the parade ground because he is answering to the directives.’

Prince Abbas further called on the ‘Federal Government to even punish other Federal security agencies who attended the Parade Ground because, according to him, they have violated orders given to them.’

According to him, ‘Government should hasten the investigation of those other security agencies who participated at the event because they are directed not to participate.’

He also stated that those 12 groups claiming to be members of the APC can best be described as fake members engaged by disgruntled politicians paid to do a dirty job for their paymasters.

The Mariam Ashley Yusuf (MAY) Foundation, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Education, has launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness among schools, educators, and community stakeholders about the dangers of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and drug abuse.

The campaign, which took place at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, brought together various components of the education ecosystem, including unions, students, corps members, teachers, parents, and government agencies such as the Edo State Migration Agency.

Other stakeholders present included the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police, and representatives from the community.

Together, the stakeholders formed a unified front to protect the Edo child from major social vices.

Dr Paddy Iyamu, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, officially opened the campaign, commending the initiative as timely given the state government’s ongoing education reforms.

He stated, ‘Education is not just about academic performance; it is about shaping responsible citizens, the Edo Child. This campaign reinforces our collective resolve to safeguard the future of the Edo child from predators and destructive habits.’

Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, emphasised the urgent need to empower the Edo child with the knowledge and values necessary to resist negative influences.

She noted, ‘Human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse are real threats to the future of the Edo child. We believe that prevention begins with awareness, and that awareness must start in schools.’

Miss Ashley Yusuf Mariam, founder of the Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation, spoke passionately about preventing human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse.

She called for action to strengthen prevention efforts, sustainable rehabilitation, and integration pathways for victims. Additionally, she launched her book titled ‘Stolen Dream,’ which recounts the story of a trafficking victim.

The programme included interactive sessions and open discussions, allowing students to learn from real-life scenarios and discover practical ways to respond.

Stakeholders at the event pledged to continue spreading the message across schools and communities, ensuring the campaign’s impact extends beyond the classroom.

Miss Obiageli Ofulue, speaking on behalf of students from various schools, expressed gratitude to Governor Okpebholo, the Ministry of Education, and the Mariam Ashley Yusuf Foundation for equipping them with the courage, knowledge, and resilience needed to reject destructive choices and embrace positive futures.

This stakeholder engagement underscores the Ministry of Education’s commitment to sustained partnerships with various organisations and agencies, as the fight against human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and drug abuse requires a whole-of-society approach.

Recent findings have revealed that young adults who experienced rectal bleeding faced an 8.5-fold higher risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) compared to those without the symptom.

A study presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2025 said that young adults experiencing rectal bleeding have a significantly elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer, underscoring the need to take the symptom seriously even in the absence of a family history of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is also known as bowel cancer. Common causes of the disease include an unbalanced diet featuring too much processed meat, alcohol, and smoking, with little fibre and physical activity. Being overweight and obese contributes to around 11% of cases in the UK.

The retrospective study analysed 443 patients under 50 who underwent a colonoscopy at the University of Louisville Health System between 2021 and 2023. Of them, 195 (44%) were diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer, while 248 (56%) had normal results.

The study aimed to help doctors determine which young patients with symptoms should get a diagnostic colonoscopy and found that most (88%) of those later diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer had symptoms like bleeding, while just over half (55%) of those without cancer had similar symptoms.

Only 13% of early-onset colorectal cancer cases had a marker often associated with hereditary syndromes, such as genetic alterations that occur in some colorectal cancers.

Patients diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer were also significantly more likely to be former smokers (almost two times higher odds).

Senior author Sandra Kavalukas, MD, FACS, a colorectal surgeon at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Kentucky, noted that many early-onset colorectal cancers seen have no family history.

Dr Kavalukas said, ‘This research lends support to the question of who does or doesn’t warrant a colonoscopy: if you have a person below the screening age with rectal bleeding, you should seriously consider a colonoscopy.

‘If they’re 35 and they come in with rectal pain, they probably don’t need a colonoscopy. But if they come in with a bleeding complaint, they are 8.5 times more likely to have colorectal cancer.’

The findings address a critical gap in care for young adults, who are not eligible for routine screening but are experiencing the fastest-rising rates of colorectal cancer. The study provides data to support coverage for diagnostic colonoscopies in symptomatic young patients.

During a colonoscopy, a doctor will inspect your entire large intestine (colon) and rectum while you are sedated to determine the cause of the rectal bleeding.

It can help to find cancer early when it’s easiest to treat – or even to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.

Blood can show up in your stool in a variety of ways, and what that blood looks like can give clues as to where it’s coming from. Bright red blood may be a sign of something low in the colon or rectum, such as diverticulosis or haemorrhoids.

Darker blood may be from something higher up. If the blood is black or tar-like, that could signal an issue with the small intestine or stomach. Slowly bleeding tumours at the beginning of the colon, on the other hand, may cause dark red or black stools.

The US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend screening colonoscopies starting at age 45 for most people without a family history of the disease.

The research team is now working on a larger analysis to create a risk score calculator.