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The Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) Africa has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately lift the suspension placed on the Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) for Legal Indications.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of WARDC Africa, made the call in a statement to commemorate World Abortion Day.

WARDC described the suspension as a major setback to women’s rights and maternal health, warning that it exposes countless women to unsafe procedures and preventable deaths.

The STOP guidelines, developed by Lagos State, were designed to standardise medical practice and strengthen the capacity of health professionals to provide safe care within the legal framework-particularly where pregnancy threatens the life or physical and mental health of a woman. ‘On this World Abortion Day, our plea to the Lagos State Government is simple: lift the suspension on the STOP guidelines immediately,’ said Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi.

She stressed that the suspension denies victims of rape and incest the full range of medical services due to them under Nigerian law, including provisions under the domesticated Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

‘For survivors of rape and incest, safe termination of pregnancy is not merely a medical procedure but a pathway to reclaiming their bodily autonomy, mental health, and dignity,’ Akiyode-Afolabi said.

WARDC commended states that have taken progressive steps to implement or clarify reproductive health provisions, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to demonstrate similar leadership.

The group demanded the immediate reinstatement of the STOP guidelines, explicit inclusion of rape and incest survivors in the framework, and prioritisation of women’s health and rights over political or religious sentiments.

WARDC reiterated its commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to protect the rights and lives of women and girls across Nigeria.

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, played host to some key oppsotion figures led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and declared that he is no more a politician having assumed the role of a traditional ruler.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor and Senator in Oyo State, was crowned the 44th Olubadan at the well-attended coronation in Ibadan, last Friday.

President Bola Tinubu, four serving governors including the host, Governor Seyi Makinde, first-class monarchs and other top personalities graced the occasion.

However, Atiku, who was absent at the ceremony on Tuesday led the former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu, former Governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Cross Rivers State, Liyel Imoke and other prominent members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to pay homage to the Olubadan.

Atiku attributed his non-appearance at the coronation of the former Governor to protocol arrangements.

Speaking with reporters at the new Olubadan at his private residence in Ibadan, Atiku said it was not intentional not to honour Oba Ladoja during the coronation.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

Responding, Oba Ladoja declared that he is no longer a politician, adding that he had good times with Atiku and other politicians in the country.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch said.

The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, will hold a high-level summit on the future of Nigeria’s transport sector for innovative solutions

Speaking with newsmen about the event, Dr. Joshua Odeleye, Director, Transport Technology Centre of the Institution, said experts and stakeholders would brainstorm on transport and logistics leadership in Abuja on Tuesday.

He added that the summit themed ‘Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights,’ was aimed at providing platform for policymakers, regulators, operators, industry leaders, academics, and investors to engage on the future of transport and logistics in Nigeria.

Dr.Odeleye further stated that summit would feature keynote addresses, strategic panel sessions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities. He said it would bring together participants from the road, rail, maritime, aviation, pipeline, logistics, and allied sectors.

‘It will also serve as a forum to discuss innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and mobility challenges while highlighting opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.

‘This summit is designed to stimulate dialogue and action that will shape the future of transport and logistics in Nigeria. By bringing stakeholders under one roof, we aim to promote efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across the entire ecosystem.’

He added that the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Awards will recognize the transformative contributions of leaders and organisations across the sector, selected through a nationwide nomination and voting process initiated on multiple media platforms, including national dailies.

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The federal government said Nigeria remains ‘a work in progress’ 65 years after the country’s independence.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who stated this on Monday at a press conference to mark the 65th Independence Day Anniversary in Abuja, urged citizens to rally behind ongoing reforms and contribute to building a greater nation.

Akume said independence should not only be seen as a date on the calendar but as a reminder of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the collective responsibility of citizens.

‘At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,’ he said. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had introduced bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and create opportunities. He explained that while the policies were difficult, they were laying the foundation for long-term growth.

‘The gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realized,’ he added.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration was dismantling ‘stubborn clogs in the wheel of national progress.’

He explained that inflation was declining, the naira was strengthening, and food prices were beginning to ease. He added that the trade surplus was growing with more contributions from the non-oil sector.

‘Our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made,’ he said.

The minister noted that more than 500,000 students were already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund, describing it as unprecedented.

He said reforms in energy, transport, agriculture and health were evidence that ‘no region is taking a back seat’ in the distribution of projects.

FG cancels Independence Day parade

Meanwhile, the federal government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade that had been scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this in a statement on Monday.

Imohiosen did not give a reason for the decision to cancel the parade but said it will not diminish the significance of the anniversary.

The statement urged Nigerians, the diplomatic community and invited guests to support the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand annual enrolment of medical students to 20,000, a move aimed at boosting access to medical education and tackling manpower shortages triggered by the ‘Japa’ trend.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced this on Monday in Abuja while presenting the Federal Ministry of Education’s Communication Strategy (2025-2027).

Speaking on the Communications Strategy (2025-2027), Alausa explained that it is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust through unified, data-driven communication.

He noted that the plan offers a coordinated framework for the Ministry, its agencies, and parastatals to communicate reforms more effectively. The strategy’s core objectives, he said, include defining clear priorities and target audiences, standardising processes and branding, boosting public awareness of policies, and improving interdepartmental coordination through evidence-based planning.

He said the reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), driven by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We have doubled the intake of students in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in our health educational institutions. For medical students for example, from an enrollment of 5,000 students a couple of years back, we are well on our way to achieving 20,000 this new academic year. These are all aimed at addressing the critical manpower shortages in the health sector,’ Alausa said.

He added ‘These interventions are deliberate steps to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector and ensure that Nigerians are not denied access to quality healthcare because of the japa syndrome.’

The minister disclosed that 18 medical schools are being equipped with modern facilities, while 1,000 secondary school laboratories are being upgraded in partnership with PTDF. Nursing admissions have also surged from 28,000 to 115,000.

Beyond health education, Alausa outlined wider NESRI gains: 4,900 classrooms built, 3,000 renovated, 34 smart schools established, and over 2.3 million learners impacted in six months. The Almajiri Commission has mapped nearly one million children, with 35,000 reintegrated into formal education.

Other initiatives include free technical education with stipends, Nigeria’s WorldSkills International membership, and AI training for 6,000 teachers.

Alausa stressed that education remains central to national renewal, with reforms anchored on transparency, public trust, and bridging critical skill gaps.

The University of Lagos in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has unveiled the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification Program, an initiative designed to enhance the capacity, governance, and operational effectiveness of chambers and associations across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The unveiling took place at Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos, on Tuesday.

‘Chambers and associations are the voice of business and the vehicle for shaping inclusive and market-oriented policy.

‘The ACE certification is not merely a training program, it is a comprehensive, immersive certification program designed for executives and managers of business membership organizations whose role in driving business growth and fostering economic development across the continent is fundamental,’ CIPE Executive Director Andrew Wilson, said.

He said he was thrilled to see ACE taking off in Nigeria.

According to him, the program is not just teaching skills; it is empowering leaders to implement policies, strengthen governance, and transform their chambers.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos explained that, ‘HRDC is the university’s capacity-building hub, and ACE is combining rigorous academics with practical training.

‘We are equipping chamber executives and association leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive sustainable growth and effective policy implementation.

ACE addresses critical gaps in skills and competencies among Nigerian chamber leaders.

The program will use a hybrid learning model where participants will engage in In-person sessions at the University or connect online gaining practical expertise in governance, finance, compliance, anti – corruption, communication, and digital systems.

‘This is more than training,’ remarked Professor Ogunsola. ‘We are empowering the private sector to implement government policies efficiently, ensure better resource management, and promote sustainable development. The benefits extend beyond Nigeria to the entire African business ecosystem, supporting trade and investment partnerships.

Toki Mabogunje, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul of Tanzania, noted that the program is of high value to chambers and associations: ‘ACE is bridging the gap between theory and practice in chamber management.

‘Leaders are gaining strategic insight and hands-on skills that enable chambers to thrive, innovate, and represent business interests effectively.’

With over 40 years of global experience, CIPE and its affiliates have supported chambers and associations across Latin America, Europe, and Africa, turning underperforming chambers into high-impact organizations Kenya, 16 chambers have strengthened governance, increased membership, and enhanced stakeholder engagement through similar programs.

‘By institutionalizing ACE at the University of Lagos, we are creating a long- term platform to develop homegrown experts who will replicate these successes across Africa,’ Wilson added.

The program draws faculty trom veteran chamber leaders, industry experts, and top academics-ensuring a practical, results- oriented learning experience.

Participants will return to their chambers ready to equip others to become more effective in advocacy complex problem solving, and to implement best practices, multiplying the program’s impact coalition building, across Nigeria and the continent.

‘Sending one executive through ACE creates benefits for many,’ said Professor Ogunsola.

The first cohort is set to begin in January 2026, with a 40-hour intensive training session designed to equip leaders with practical skills in governance, management, and strategic decision making.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has said the Benin Kingdom will commence the eating of new yam after a palace ceremony on Sept. 30.

This is contained in a statement by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, on Monday.

According to the statement, the indoor ceremony is to usher in the new yam (Emorho) into the Palace.

‘Following the ceremony, all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo who participated in the two-week fasting and prayer exercise, can eat the new yam,’ the Palace said. The Oba’s announcement comes after the conclusion of a two-week fasting/prayers period, which was declared for peace, progress, and to usher in the new yam.

The two-week fasting/prayers commenced on Sept. 15 and ended on Sept. 28. (NAN)

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has said he appointed Sanusi Mikail Sami, Gomo III, as the new Emir of Zuru because he was the most popular and accepted out of the 40 candidates who contested the emirship position.

The governor said this in Birnin Kebbi when the Emir led a large delegation of people from the Zuru Emirate on a ‘thank you’ visit to the governor.

He said, ‘Personally, I don’t know him, but when the stool became vacant, I ordered a thorough investigation on who is the popular choice and most acceptable, but unanimously, they mentioned Sanusi, and I gave the approval for his appointment immediately.’

The governor urged the Emir to lead his subjects with justice and fairness. Earlier, the emir informed the governor that he led a large delegation from all parts of Zuru Emirate to thank him for the honour done to him and the people of his domain.

He said his emirate would continue to remember the governor with fervent prayers for the rehabilitation of the KoKo-Dabai Road.

The Adamawa State Government has approved the sale of 1,000 housing units at the State Housing Estate, Malkohi, in Yola South Local Government Area.

The estate, which had been stalled for years due to inflation and economic challenges, is now being completed under the administration of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Speaking at a press briefing in Yola on Thursday, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Pirambe, who also chaired the housing estate committee, described the development as a significant milestone in addressing the housing needs of civil servants in the state.

He explained that Governor Fintiri had approved the sale and allocation of some of the houses to civil servants, adding that the approved prices are ?9,706,195.47 for two-bedroom flats and ?11,708,194.59 for three-bedroom flats.

According to him, the committee worked diligently to ensure that the allocation process remains transparent and fair, noting that offer letters would soon be distributed to beneficiaries as directed by the governor.

Hon. Pirambe also disclosed that the original master plan of the estate is being implemented, with new facilities under construction. These include perimeter fencing for enhanced security, drainage systems, and security outposts with barracks to safeguard residents.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to Governor Fintiri on behalf of the people of Adamawa State for his commitment to infrastructural development.

‘The completion and allocation of these housing units will go a long way in addressing the accommodation challenges of civil servants and further strengthen confidence in this government,’ he said.

Also speaking, Dauda Mohammed Galadima, Managing Director of the Adamawa State Mortgage Bank, revealed that the bank is seeking funding support from the Family Homes Fund and the Federal Mortgage Bank to make access easier for workers.

He explained that workers would be able to domicile their salaries with the bank and make monthly payments, while those with additional income sources could make upfront payments if they wished.

In his remarks, Dr. Nyalas Batholomew, who represented the labour union, commended Governor Fintiri on behalf of organized labour. He noted that affordability analysis was a critical part of the allocation process and assured that any worker able to meet the payment requirements would be given the opportunity to purchase a house under the scheme.

Reports of escalating attacks, intimidation and harassment of citizens by governors are becoming too frequent and discomfiting. This is becoming a grave threat to media freedom, freedom of expression, and citizens’ right of access and circulation of information about things around them.

Earlier in September, Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa was arrested and handcuffed allegedly on the orders of Governor Nasiru Idris for releasing a viral video showing the deplorable healthcare conditions including patients lying on bare metal beds without mattresses at Kangiwa General Hospital in Kebbi State.

On Wednesday September 24, the Imo State Police Command moved to arraign Chinedu Agu, a lawyer and known critic of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Agu, who was arrested by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police’s X-Squad Unit following a petition by a pro-Uzodinma group, Imo Democratic Alliance.

Imo state Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said Agu’s charges bordered on cyberstalking, defamation of character, incitement of civil disturbances, and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and it is being ‘carried out in accordance with the rule of law and with due respect for his fundamental human rights.’ Others cases include the harassment of Blessing Okonkwo, a freelance broadcast journalist in Anambra State, in July 2025 and the hours-long detention of Ibrahim Garba, a Daily Trust photojournalist in Kano, in August 2025.

In September 2024, Samuel Samuel II was arrested in Plateau State for making a statement that involved the criticism of the governor.

On November 9, 2024, 18-year-old Hamdiyya Sidi was arrested by the Sokoto State Police after she posted a video criticising the state governor, Ahmad Aliyu, over the rampant banditry and neglect of people displaced by insecurity. Though the police said she was not arrested for criticizing the governor but for another incident on November 3, where she allegedly incited some women in a village in Wurno Local Government Area of the state against the governor. Released later, Sidi was on November 13, 2024 kidnapped by gunmen, beaten and pushed out of a moving tricycle and left for dead. She sustained serious injuries.

She was rearrested again and charged in a Sharia court ‘for the use of abusive language and criticisms against constituted authority in the state.’ In addition to this, Sidi also faces charges in regular court for incitement. During a hearing in January, her lawyer, Abba Hikima, said they were stalked, accosted, and intimidated. Sidi last appeared in court in February 2025. Though her case was adjourned to March 13 and 14, 2025, nothing has been heard since then.

In August 2022, Agba Jalingo, a journalist and publisher of Cross River Watch was arrested on allegation of defamation against the sister-in-law of the then Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade. He was later transferred to the Police Criminal Instigation Department in Abuja. Earlier in August 2019, he was arrested on the orders of the Cross River State government and charged with treasonable felony, terrorism and cybercrime for accusing the governor of diverting public funds. He was later discharged and acquitted in March 2022.

In a similar development, a blogger on the Eagles Foresight platform, Bashiru Hammed Adewale Olamilekan was arrested on May 13, 2022 and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Ogun State for publishing a story relating to purported criminal records of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun in the United States. He spent over 100 days in detention despite deleting the said publication and tendering an apology to the governor.

What some of the governors are doing are direct attacks on citizens’ right to be part of the vital check on power. They’ve also become a symptom of broader systemic disease that prioritises image over integrity and suppression over solution.

They are direct assaults on Sections 22 and 39 of the Nigerian constitution which mandates the media to uphold the fundamental objectives of the government and ensure the accountability of the government to the people while Section 39 guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom of the press to hold opinions and impart information and ideas without interference, though there are exceptions for national security and specific professions.

Daily Trust calls on political leaders to end the disconcerting use of state instruments to violate the rights of journalists and other citizens. They should rather challenge such media publications or journalists or citizens with libel or defamation in a court of law instead of criminalizing the Cybercrime Act.

Democracy is not for the benefit of politicians or the connected alone but for all Nigerians. Therefore, we call on the National Assembly to ensure that its Acts are not being used to trample on the rights of the citizens they ought to protect. We also call on the Nigeria Police to note that it is not in their interest to be used against the citizens.

The governors should also note that regional and international human rights organisations are taking notes and using their actions to gauge how the tenets of democratic values are being practiced by our leaders.

There should be no threat to media freedom and democracy, which are anchored on accountability and good governance.

However, while calling on media houses, their reporters and activists to always approach their investigations and advocacies with utmost sense of responsibility, the federal government should order immediate investigations into all such arrests and hold those behind them to account. No attempt should be made to criminalise free speech or shut down any criticisms or circulation of any information not favourable to any political leader or the elite, provided they are true.