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Ahead of the 2027 general election, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains the best person to lead the nation forward.

Speaking in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governor noted that the people of Nigeria should not allow opposition parties to deceive them.

According to him, Mr. President is doing well and is determined to do more for the people. ‘I see no reason some group of people want to come to power at all cost. What are they looking for? They should just step down for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ he said.

He noted that whatever problems the nation is facing today were created before the coming of President Tinubu, and that the President is doing all he can to restore the country’s glory.

The governor commended the President for his rapid response to security challenges in the country, adding that his strategy to tackle the situation is commendable.

He urged the people of Kabba-Bunu to see the President as someone God has sent to reposition the country, adding that, come the 2027 presidential election, President Tinubu is the candidate of the people of Kogi State.

On security, Governor Ododo warned the people to stop supporting bandits, stressing that anyone found wanting or collaborating with bandits will be dealt with.

He further disclosed that such persons’ houses will be brought down, and if they own filling stations, those too will be demolished.

Earlier, the governor inspected primary healthcare centres, erosion control sites, and schools in the community.

Jigawa State Government has released over N150 million as counterpart funding to the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) to promote modern farming practices and strengthen agricultural extension services across the state.

This was disclosed by Dr. Abdulhamid Gambo, Deputy Country Director of SAA, during a two-day media field visit to farming communities in Taura, Dutse, and Birnin Kudu Local Government Areas.

Dr. Gambo said the initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state government and SAA to scale up agricultural innovations and improve farmers’ productivity.

‘Recently, the state paid $100,000 as counterpart funding to expand our programmes. This year alone, Sasakawa is targeting 9,000 direct beneficiaries across 34 communities in Jigawa,’ he stated.

According to him, SAA’s mission is to work closely with farmers to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain from production and nutrition to processing, value addition, and marketing.

He commended Governor Umar Namadi for his administration’s consistent investment in agriculture and unwavering support for smallholder farmers, describing Jigawa as a model for agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

‘We are proud to partner with Jigawa and its hardworking farmers. Many have diversified their income through agribusiness ventures, thanks to improved yields and training support,’ Dr. Gambo said.

He noted that SAA’s interventions have enhanced smallholder farmers’ livelihoods through access to improved seeds, fertilisers, and capacity-building programmes aimed at boosting productivity and household income.

During the field visit, several beneficiaries shared testimonies of how SAA’s support has transformed their farming experiences.

Buhari Rabiu, a rice farmer from Chadan community in Birnin Kudu, said:

‘Sasakawa taught us modern rice planting techniques that are more productive and less labor-intensive. Before, I harvested six bags of rice, but now I get eleven. I’ll never go back to the old method.’

Similarly, Safiyanu Ahmadu from Baranda, Dutse Local Government, said the programme has encouraged group savings and cooperative farming, which has strengthened community resilience.

He, however, appealed for additional support in providing rice and groundnut processing machines to further ease production and add value to their farm produce.

Osun governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, affirmed that his administration would be more focused on deepening people-oriented projects and ensuring inclusivity in its policies.

The governor who made the disclosure at a grassroots engagement forum in Abere on Friday, stated that his government would not relent in building capacity from the grassroots.

Represented by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, the governor explained that genuine progress can only be achieved when communities at the local level are empowered and involved in governance.

According to him, ‘Every politician begins at the grassroots. ‘If politics is not strengthened from the grassroots, we cannot have development.’

He then appreciated every participant at the forum, saying, ‘We appreciate your cooperation and trust. You will never regret supporting this government.’By the grace of God, our focus on the people will continue to yield results that everyone can celebrate.’

The governor, therefore, appreciated their support and assured them that his administration’s policies would continue to prioritise rural areas.

Those in attendance were community leaders, market women, students, youths, and artisans, to review ongoing development initiatives and identify new community needs.

However, in his own submission, the organiser of the programme, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Hon. Adetunji Ajala, said the engagement was designed to strengthen dialogue between the government and the people to identify areas that require further attention.

‘We want to hear directly from the people what has been done, what still needs to be done,’ he said. ‘That’s the only way governance can remain relevant to the people.’

Ajala highlighted projects such as rural electrification, feeder road construction, farmer empowerment schemes, and the ‘Rara Project’ aimed at improving the transportation of farm produce as part of the administration’s achievements.

He added that the government’s success was reflected in the testimonies from rural communities.

Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, also outlined the progress recorded under the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), where communities contribute 5% of project costs while the state covers the remaining 95%.

He noted that several World Bank-assisted projects including roads and transformer installations would be commissioned by November 27.

Olaoluwa praised Ajala for initiating the grassroots forum, describing it as a vital feedback mechanism for government accountability and performance tracking.

Market leaders, including Alhaji Ismaila Olaiya, Chairman of the Osun State Market Association, lauded the Adeleke administration for its strides in infrastructure, education, and community development.

‘Governor Adeleke has shown that governance is about people, not politics,’ Olaiya said. ‘He has touched the lives of ordinary citizens across the state.’

Alhaji Agbajelola Salam, Chairman of the Community Governance Council (CGC) in Osun State, described Governor Adeleke as a Godsent to the people of Osun State, noting his impact within 3 years of his administration.

‘Governor Ademola Adeleke is a Godsent to the people of Osun state, because what he has done within these 3 years is very superb compared to those who spent 12 years without nothing and people should be ready to vote for him for a second term,’ Salam said.

He explained the event’s focus on grassroots improvement, noting a shift from traditional communal practices like ‘aaro’ and ‘owe’ in Yoruba culture to modern Community Groups (CGs).

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has extended an invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators to attend a project commissioning in her Kogi Central senatorial district next week.

This gesture, which is considered a move for reconciliation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio, was made public after the Senate President read Natasha’s letter during the plenary.

Tribune Online reports that Senator Natasha was suspended from the Senate in March for six months following a shouting match with the Senate President over seat rearrangement a development that resulted in allegations and counter-allegations, including a series of litigations.

However, according to the invitation letter, personally signed by the Kogi senator, the project commissioning event is scheduled to take place on Sunday in Ihima, Kogi State, marking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s second anniversary in the Senate.

‘In marking my second year anniversary as serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow Distinguished Senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State,’ the letter partly read.

According to the letter, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street, Ihima, Okene, Kogi State, is the meeting point for the event.

The Senate President, after reading her invitation letter during plenary, congratulated Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying, ‘Congratulations in advance’.

Meanwhile, since her return to the Senate on September 24, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been gradually engaging with Akpabio during plenary sessions and notably contributing to deliberations, including an amendment to the Criminal Code Act Bill, 2025, last week.

A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Ayodele Arowojolu, has stressed the need for Nigeria to provide comprehensive sexuality education, quality healthcare, and supportive environments for adolescents.

He said such action must be inclusive and involve governments at all levels, schools, parents, religious bodies, and society at large.

Arowojolu raised this concern as a guest speaker at the Seventh Aina Omololu-Mulele Endowment Annual Lecture in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (UNILAG), on Thursday.

He spoke on the topic titled: ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health Challenges among Adolescents in Low and Middle-Income Countries.’

Many secondary school students in Lagos attended the lecture.

According to the guest lecturer, effective sexuality education and a supportive environment for adolescents, regardless of background, will lead to responsible sexual behaviour and promote mental health and overall well-being.

Prof. Arowojolu, who is the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, defined adolescence as the period between 10 and 19 years old, representing the transition from childhood to adulthood.

This phase, he pointed out, is crucial because it is characterised by rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, often associated with the onset of puberty.

The don expressed concern that, unfortunately, most adolescents face a myriad of challenges at this stage, ranging from the absence of sexuality education and guidance, rising cases of teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, drug abuse, sexual violence, school dropouts, to early marriage.

He added that misinformation from peers and social media further worsens the situation, noting that the consequences of all these are not limited to individuals but also affect families and society at large.

While advocating the inclusion of sexual health education in school curricula, especially at the secondary level, the guest lecturer maintained that a multi-sectoral approach involving policymakers, educators, parents, healthcare providers, and community leaders is required to address the concern.

According to him, adolescents must be equipped with accurate knowledge, access to services, and a supportive environment.

The don also underscored the significance of exposing adolescents to vocational and technical training as another vital tool to enhance their preparation for the world of work, noting that schooling delays early marriage and first births, and promotes gender equality.

‘But when adolescents are not engaged in education or skills acquisition, they tend to indulge in risky sexual behaviour, early marriage, and multiple childbearing, all of which perpetuate poverty and limit future opportunities,’ he posited.

Arowojolu therefore observed that the lack of structured sex education is pronounced in most African countries, unlike in Europe and parts of Asia, where comprehensive sexuality programmes are integrated into school curricula.

He, however, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the programme for inviting him to share knowledge, particularly with the secondary school students in attendance.

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, expressed happiness over the annual lecture, underscoring the importance of its continuity and its positive impact on young doctors, medical education, and humanity at large.

The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the annual lecture and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Research), Prof. Oluwole Familoni, congratulated this year’s recipient of the annual Omololu-Mulele Award, Dr. Godwin Oyewumi.

She also thanked the family of the late Mulele for using the platform to impact society.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Adeyemo Wasiu; former CMD, Prof. Akin Osibogun; Prof. Kofoworola Ogedengbe, the first indigenous female professor of obstetrics and gynaecology in West Africa; Prof. Olalekan Abudu, a former Provost of the College of Medicine, UNILAG, who chaired the event; Dr. Femi Mulele and his wife, Mrs. Brandi Austin-Mulele; the current Provost of the College of Medicine, UNILAG, Prof. Ademola Oremosu, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Daniel Odebiyi; and the Director of the Office of Advancement and former Registrar, UNILAG, Dr. Taiwo Ipaye, among others.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the N3 million research grant dummy cheque to this year’s winner of the Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele Award, Dr. Godwin Oyewumi, who is a Senior Resident Doctor at LUTH.

Oyewumi won the grant with his research thesis titled: ‘The effect of open myomectomy and uterine artery occlusion with tourniquet on ovarian reserve: A multicentre prospective longitudinal study in Lagos.’

Prof. Familoni told Nigerian Tribune that the entry was adjudged the best after rigorous evaluation alongside other submissions received this year.

He noted that the recipient, who is an early-career researcher, is currently a doctoral candidate at the Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Familoni explained that the annual event would continue to serve as a veritable platform to share knowledge on public health issues and influence behavioural change and policy direction.

The late Abimbola Aina Omololu-Mulele, in whose honour the annual lecture and award are instituted, was a renowned educationist, lawyer, and philanthropist.

She passed on in 2009.

Religious leaders in Bauchi, particularly those in Christianity and Islamic religions, have been sensitised on the need to include HIV/AIDS education and awareness in their weekly sermons on Sundays and Fridays.

The sensitization was done during a one-day workshop organized by the National Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (NACA), in collaboration with the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (BACATMA) for faith-based organisations (FBO).

North-East Zonal Coordinator of NACA, Tobias, who facilitated the workshop, stated that the time has come when religious leaders must use the pulpit to talk about the virus without mincing words, considering its devastating effects.

According to him, talking about the negative effects of HIV/AIDS from the pulpit will send authentic information to the general public, which will result in awareness creation and availability of useful information.

Tobias John stressed that the use of condoms as a necessary means of prevention of STIs/STDs must be emphasised during the sermons as well as in general meetings of associations and groups.

He explained that the main objectives of the workshop were to enhance the knowledge of Religious leaders on HIV Response in Nigeria and strengthen capacities for sermon preparations, as well as to encourage Religious leaders to support the efforts of ending AIDS by 2030 through their influence at congregational levels.

On why the focus on clerics in the fight against HIV/AIDS, he stressed that, ‘It is because you hold the key for change influence, this guide underscores the teachings of Islam and Christianity. People of faith need to embrace their roles in fostering compassion, knowledge, and support for People living with HIV/AIDS.’

He added that new infections, stigma, and discrimination, as well as AIDS Related deaths, continue to rise because religious leaders have chosen to keep quiet on awareness creation and education.

He, however, assured that, ‘There is a unique opportunity to address this pressing issue from a place of love, empathy, and guidance. The congregation has faith and confidence in the religious leaders; you influence your adherents.’

The NACA Zonal Coordinator also urged the religious leaders to use the pulpits to make the congregation understand the glaring difference between HIV and AIDS, explaining that, ‘HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). When HIV gets into a person’s body, the person is infected with HIV.’

He pointed out that HIV can damage a person’s immune system, which is the part of the body that fights infections and keeps us healthy.

According to him, ‘When a person’s immune system is damaged, the HIV-infected person starts to get frequent diseases or illnesses, they are said to have AIDS.’

He added that, ‘HIV can be found in different body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. To get HIV, one of these fluids from an infected person has to get inside your body.’

On the modes of transmission, Tobias John explained that the most common ways one can become infected with HIV include Sex, by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (without a condom) with an HIV infected person.

Also, a person can be born with HIV through an HIV-positive mothers who can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, or even through breastfeeding.

Another mode is infected blood and blood products or infected sharps: if a person receives a blood transfusion with HIV positive blood or receives an infected organ transplant, he or she can become infected with HIV.

One can get HIV by using needles, syringes, blades, and other sharp objects used for piercings of the body parts, to the extent of bringing out blood.

He therefore urged them to encourage their members to go out to take the test in order to know their status and commence treatment immediately, as both the test and treatments are free.

All the religious leaders from Christianity and Islam who attended the workshop commended NACA and BACATMA for organizing the workshop, which they said had exposed them to hidden facts about HIV/AIDS.

They individually pledged to make use of the knowledge gained in the workshop to create awareness among their members, thereby joining the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the adoption of a National Carbon Market Framework and the operationalisation of a dedicated Climate Change Fund, signaling a major strategic shift to leverage global climate finance.

These key decisions, announced ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Brazil, are intended to position Nigeria as a leader in climate action and unlock significant annual revenue.

The goal of the framework is to establish a management structure for Nigeria’s participation in carbon markets, enabling the nation to ‘unlock between $2.5 billion and $3 billion annually in carbon finance over the next decade to help meet climate goals,’ according to a statement released on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

The approvals followed a presentation made on Thursday evening at the Presidential Villa by Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), during the Council’s second meeting.

President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the Council meeting, confirmed that these measures are designed to help Nigeria fully leverage opportunities in the global carbon market.

The President laid out Nigeria’s agenda for the forthcoming COP 30 summit in Belem, Brazil, stating the focus will be on harnessing financing for climate-resilient projects, especially through carbon finance.

He asserted that addressing climate change is an opportunity to unlock new investments, jobs, and innovations across the energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors.

‘Nigeria stands ready to take its rightful place as a global leader in climate action, ensuring that our voice and our reality are heard and respected in international negotiations,’ Tinubu declared.

He assured that climate action will remain a priority in his administration’s development agenda, aimed at positioning Nigeria as a destination for green investment.

Earlier in the meeting, NCCC Director-General Majekodunmi informed the Council that Nigeria is now eligible to access new rounds of climate finance from multilateral funds.

She formally requested three key measures: the adoption of the National Carbon Market Framework, the operationalization of the Climate Change Fund for immediate mobilization, and the restoration of the NCCC budget line within the annual Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to guarantee the financial stability of the fund.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, fully backed the Secretariat’s recommendations, assuring the Council of the ministry’s support, including coordinating a quarterly Climate Finance Tracking Dashboard.

The National Carbon Market Framework (NCMF) establishes the rules, institutions, and procedures for generating, validating, and trading carbon credits both domestically and internationally. COP 30, scheduled for November 10 to 21, 2025, will be a significant global summit taking place in the Amazon region, marking anniversaries of both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

Body wash is a cleansing liquid designed to thoroughly wash the skin. It is very effective in washing sweat or dirts that traditional soaps might not get done.

They are usually free from harsh ingredients which makes them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Here are reasons you should consider using body wash:

1. Exfoliation

Some body washes contain ingredients that help exfoliate the body thoroughly and remove dead skin cells. This enhances the texture of the skin.

A gentle exfoliating body wash would give you an even tone, prevent acne and smooth skin.

2. Mild for your skin

So many body washes are quite mild on the skin compared to other types of soaps which can be harsh.

They contain formulas that won’t strip your skin off its natural oils but rather make it smooth and soft.

3. To Prevent dryness

Most body washes are made with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter and glycerin. As someone with sensitive or dry skin, body wash would make your skin smooth, soft and well hydrated.

4. It promote better hygiene

Body wash really promotes better hygiene. Unlike bathing soap where you share with people, body wash is in liquid form and packed in bottles which makes them less susceptible to infections because you only pour the portion you want to use.

5. Variety of fragrances

One of the most fascinating things about body washes is that they come in a variety of fragrances. This can actually transform your mood or shower experience. You would feel more fresh and relaxed.

How to get a good body wash

A good body wash shouldn’t be harmful or toxic to the skin. It should make your skin better.

Below are things to consider while sourcing a good body wash.

1. Your skin type

Look out for a body wash that suits your skin type or that can cater for your skin needs.

A body wash with hydrating formulas would benefit dry skin while a non-comedogenic wash would help an oily skin.

2. Look out for the ingredients

Read and understand the ingredients list of the body wash you’re about to purchase.

Look for moisturising agents such as oils, glycerin and any other natural ingredients.

Harsh chemicals like artificial dyes, parabens and synthetic fragrances should be avoided to prevent irritation.

3. Opt for recommendations

You can seek recommendations from a dermatologist or look out for customer reviews. All these can help you select a healthy wash.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged administrative misconduct and poor management practices by the university’s leadership.

In a statement issued after its congress meeting on Thursday, the union expressed deep concern about what it described as ‘insubordination, lack of transparency, and accountability’ on the part of the institution’s management.

According to the statement jointly signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Aliyu Yusuf Ahmad, and Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim Tukur, the union accused the university administration of failing to release the audited accounts for 2023 and 2024, as well as the budget performance reports for 20 quarters spanning from January 2020 to December 2024.

ASUU said the failure to make these documents public violates the provisions of Statute I of the KUST (Amendment Law) 2017, which mandates transparency in the university’s financial operations.

The union further alleged that the management has not provided explanations for ‘bogus and unexplained expenditures’ contained in the budget performance reports for the first and second quarters of 2025.

Additionally, ASUU decried the administration’s failure to recruit sufficient academic staff, particularly in newly established departments, and to regularize the appointments of lecturers currently serving on contract instead of on permanent terms.

The statement also faulted the university for its inability to restore regular electricity supply across all sections of the campus and for neglecting to settle outstanding staff entitlements.

‘The union calls on stakeholders and well-meaning citizens of the state to prevail on the Vice Chancellor to ensure a quick resolution of these issues and to run the university in strict compliance with the enabling laws,’ ASUU said.

The lecturers warned that unless the administration addresses these grievances promptly, they would have no option but to resume industrial action to press home their demands.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has conducted a promotional examination for junior workers under the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

At least 450 junior staff participated in the computer-based test held on Friday at Ade-Ola International School, Kubwa, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Director in charge of the Abuja zone for JAMB, Hajia Zainab Hamzat, told newsmen that the exercise went smoothly.

She noted that 476 staff under the Head of Service were expected to participate in the promotion exercise, but only 450 workers showed up for the exam.

The director said: ‘Everything went well as usual. We call it a third-party exam. It is a promotion exam for the Head of Service. All their officers sat for the exam for the purpose of promotion.

‘We had two sessions – morning and afternoon. In the morning, we expected 250 but 232 were present. In the afternoon, we expected 226 and eight were absent.

‘The exam was smooth. Everything went well.

‘The examination was for all the junior staff of the Head of Service. We had immigration officers, firefighters, civil defence and other paramilitary organisations under the Head of Service for the examination.’

Also speaking, the Director of Ade-Ola International School, Kubwa, Mercy Olaosegbe, lauded JAMB for setting high standards in professional examinations.

She said: ‘The examination went well. We have all the facilities to conduct this examination. JAMB will not allow you to participate in these exams if your facilities are not up to standard. Because our centre is doing well, we have been participating in third-party examinations organised by JAMB.’