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Osaide For Girls in Science and Engineering Foundation has urged girls to be fiscally disciplined and literate to live a better life.

Founder, Patricia Nekpen, spoke at International girls day, at Baptist Junior High School, Obanikoro, Lagos.

She said financial literacy she learnt helped her greatly.

‘One of the lessons I learned in my young age from my mother is how to manage finances. And that has helped me. I worked about five years before retirement. I started saving from that time. And when I retired, I came out with a lot of money. It was almost 200 million that I saved in those 35 years. So, for me, teaching the children how to save is key and is important,’ she said.

She added that it was important for kids to understand the value of money as it is habitual for them to always spend money as they see it, rather than saving or investing it.

‘And they have to understand the value of money. So, whatever you say your money is to you, that’s what it is. If you just see it as, oh, it’s just N100, let me go buy sweets, let me go buy chewing gum, that’s what it will be. You chew that gum, you throw it away, that N100 is no longer your money. But if you save it or you invest it, it will just keep turning out for you,’ she said.

She said the foundation was keen on mentoring girls to study science and technology courses in the university.

She said the foundation also sponsors girls to university.And we pick up our girls, give them scholarship.

She lamented the scarcity of female engineers but said her foundation has been encouraging women to join the science and engineering field.

‘Over the years, we have encouraged women into science and engineering and the number has grown,’ she said.

The Wife of Zamfara Governor, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, says early detection is the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of cancer among women.

Mrs Lawal reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against cancer in her message to commemorate the 2025 World Breast Cancer Day to raise public awareness on the preventive measures to fight the disease.

‘As women, we must care for ourselves and one another. For those battling with cancer, let us stand with them in love, strength and hope.

‘Together, we can build a future where no one faces cancer alone.

‘Behind every cancer diagnosis is a face, a name, and a life that deserves care and dignity,’ she said.

The governor’s wife urged women to prioritise their health through regular screenings and to support initiatives that promote cancer awareness and treatment.

She commended the people of Zamfara, especially women, for their resilience and commitment to health, assuring them of her continued advocacy for cancer prevention, awareness and access to quality care.

Mrs Lawal is the National Secretary of the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) initiative, a coalition of Nigerian governors’ wives leading efforts to combat cancer through advocacy, policy reform, and direct community intervention.

World Breast Cancer Day was observed on Oct. 1

VFD Group Plc recorded double-digit growths across key performance indicators in the third quarter with the principal investment group growing pre-tax profit by 61.4 per cent to N7.99 billion.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of VFD Group for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025 released at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) showed that gross earnings grew by 34.9 per cent from N45.01 billion in third quarter 2024 to N60.72 billion. Net investment income rose by 44.7 per cent from N31.55 billion to N45.65 billion. Net revenue also grew by 49.1 per cent to N54.97 billion in third quarter 2025 as against N36.86 billion in comparable period of 2024.

Operating profit rose by 65.8 per cent from N24.03 billion to N39.85 billion. Profit before tax increased by 61.4 per cent from N4.95 billion to N7.99 billion. After taxes, net profit grew by 48.3 per cent from N4.47 billion to N6.63 billion.

Earnings per share thus improved by 42.2 per cent from 45 kobo to 64 kobo.

The balance sheet of the group also showed significant expansion. Total assets rose by 29.7 per cent from N295.67 billion recorded by December 31, 2024 to close September 2025 at N383.39 billion. Shareholders’ funds had risen by 28.8 per cent from N55.53 billion to N71.50 billion. The group’s total debt meanwhile reduced from N121.43 billion to N119.77 billion.

Underlying ratios indicated that the growth outlook was driven by improvements in cost efficiency and margin as the group continued to expand business activities. Net investment income margin improved from 70.08 per cent to 75.18 per cent, an increase of 510 basis points. Operating profit margin expanded by 1,225 basis points from 53.47 per cent to 65.72 per cent. Return on average assets (ROAA) improved from 2.31 per cent to 2.60 per cent. However, return on average equity (ROAE) dropped by 36 basis points from 13.96 per cent to 13.60 per cent. Meanwhile, debt-to-assets ratio improved from 0.41 times to 0.31 times while debt-to-equity advanced by 39 basis points from 2.07 times to 1.68 times.

Group Managing Director, VFD Group Plc, Mr. Nonso Okpala, said the third quarter results reflected the compounding effect of disciplined execution, operational efficiency and effectiveness of the group’s strategy.

According to him, the group sustained strong momentum in third quarter, reflecting continued focus on value optimization and portfolio enhancement in line with its drive to build a sustainable and scalable investment ecosystem.

He said the deleveraging of the group’s balance sheet was showed consistent accretion of internally generated capital and prudent balance sheet management.

He added that the ongoing rights issue would further strengthen capital position and overall balance with the net proceeds expected to deleverage the balance sheet, reduce funding cost, and ultimately enhance earnings growth and profitability.

He noted that across the group’s subsidiaries, and portfolio of associate investee companies, the group continued to create symbiotic opportunities, unlocking inherent value and strengthening overall returns to shareholders.

He said: ‘As we optimise our capital allocation and consolidate on our unique position to build a sustainable ecosystem, we are, more than ever, optimistic about our portfolio, with stylized exposure to key growth sectors. The diversification of our portfolio offers a unique blend of growth and resilience, especially as we increasingly leverage scale and scope economies to enhance the group’s profitability and overall returns to shareholders.

‘Notwithstanding the complex environment, our cost-efficient strategy proved invaluable, as the cost-to-income ratio moderated 700 basis points to 30.4 per cent. We are consolidating on our stronger footing to fund only the best risk-adjusted opportunities, deploying our capital and liquidity towards assets capable of generating alpha returns. Most notably, the Bvndle Rewards Festival, as our fintech and loyalty subsidiary, Bvndle, continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum and unicorn potential within our portfolio.

‘Looking ahead to fourth quarter and beyond, we are focused on executing our rights issue, advancing our strategic expansion plan, and scaling growth initiatives’.

Executive Director, Finance and Investor Relations, VFD Group Plc, Folajimi Adeleye said the third quarter results underscored the effectiveness of the group’s strategy, highlighted by a 65.8 per cent surge in operating profit and a 61.4 per cent rise in profit-before-tax.

‘We are committed to financial prudence, as evidenced by the improvement in our debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68x. The ongoing rights issue will further solidify our capital base, support deleveraging, and position us for sustained, profitable growth,’ Adeleye said.

He said the group remains remain grateful to its shareholders for their continuous trust in its vision.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has sued the House of Assembly, Speaker, Inspector General of Police (IG) and others over alleged plot to impeach him.

In an originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2212025, Ewhrudjakpo alleged among others that members of the House of Assembly were being pressured to impeach him for failing to resign, like the governor, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform they got to office.

Governor Douye Diri recently resigned from the PDP, with the deputy governor failing to resign his membership.

In the suit filed on his behalf at the Federal High Court in Abuja, by his lawyer, Reuben Egwuaba, it was alleged that members of the House of Assembly were plotting to impeach Ewhrudjakpo.

It was also alleged that some local government chairmen, including that of Sagbama Local Government, Mrs. Alice Tange, were also being threatened with sack for allegedly failing to abandon PDP along with the governor.

On October 27, after listening to Egwuaba, who moved an ex-parte motion, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the defendants to appear before the court to show cause why the interim reliefs being sought against them by the plaintiff should not be granted.

Listed as defendants are: Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Attorney General of Bayelsa State, the state’s Chief Judge and the Clerk of the Assembly.

Justice Nwite, in the ruling, held that the interest of justice would be met by issuing an order for the defendants to appear and show cause why an order of interim injunction should not be granted against them, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the plaintiff

As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement is set to host a meeting of experts to reflect on West Africa’s integration journey on October 31 and November 1.

The parley will hold at the Main Auditorium, ECOWAS Commission, Yakubu Gowon Cresscent, Asokoro, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The theme of the meeting is: ‘Reimaginning West Africa Regional Cooperation and Integration: Alternative Futures.’

The epoch-making event, which will convene policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders, is being organised in collaboration with African Leadership Centre, Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and WATHI (The West Africa Citizen Think Tank).

As part of the efforts to deepening knowledge on Afriacan integration as well as appraising the impact and the challenges being faced by ECOWAS, the two-day event will also witness the second edition of ‘The African Public Square (APS)’.

This second edition is a follow-up to the success of its inaugural edition, held in London in 2023, which explored Africa’s global agency.

At the heart of the 50th anniversary discourse lies the paradox of regional integration in Africa, which is a tale of two worlds: the ambitions of states and the lived realities of people. While governments often set the agenda, grassroots interactions continue to outpace formal policies, exposing a widening gap between institutional frameworks and citizen-led integration.

The APS debate will feature experts in international development and public policy who will examine ECOWAS’ achievements and challenges including the withdrawal of three member states, effective January 2025.

The dialogue aims to inspire fresh thinking and chart a resilient, people-centred path for the region’s future.

According to distinguished diplomats and thought leaders convening for this milestone event, ECOWAS has pioneered regional unity through initiatives such as the ECOWAS Passport and protocols on the free movement of persons, goods, and services. Yet, persistent insecurity, economic disparities, and weak policy implementation have slowed progress. The delayed introduction of a common currency and emerging geopolitical shifts further complicate the integration landscape.

Vision 2050 articulates a bold ambition to evolve from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of Peoples. Realising this vision demands renewed political will, inclusive governance, and deliberate efforts to bridge the gap between governments and citizens.

As the region marks this golden jubilee, the African Public Square offers a timely platform for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment towards ensuring that regional integration becomes not only a policy objective but a lived reality for all West Africans.

Bukayo Saka believes Arsenal’s strength in depth can be the difference for the Gunners this season as they look to end a wait since 2003/04 to win the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s men are four points clear at the top of the table from Bournemouth, with their realistic title challengers Manchester City and Liverpool six and seven points adrift respectively.

Arsenal have finished second for each of the past three seasons when injury problems at times derailed their title challenge.

However, Arteta now has a far deeper pool of resources to call on after a £250 million ($333 million) spend on eight signings during the transfer window.

Saka is among the Arsenal stars, also including Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and William Saliba, to have already been sidelined by injury at times this season.

But Arteta’s side have relied on their strength from set pieces and an excellent defensive record to win seven consecutive games in all competitions.

‘This year I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality. We’ve suffered already a lot of injuries, but the players that have come in have shown that we can all keep the level at the highest,’ Saka told Sky Sports. ‘I think that’s where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons, but this season, we’ve got that and it’s making me really believe we can do it.’

Next year could be a memorable one for Saka as he also aims to end England’s long wait since 1966 to win a major tournament at the World Cup.

‘That’s my prayer. Of course it is doable,’ he added on the prospect of a Premier League and World Cup double in 2026.

‘You can’t really do anything if you don’t believe in it. I believe it is possible. It won’t be easy, definitely won’t be easy, but yeah it is possible.’

Saka was part of the England sides that lost two European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions are the only European side to qualify so far for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico after a flawless start to their qualifying campaign since Thomas Tuchel took charge.

Saka has been impressed by Tuchel and hopes his experience at the highest level of the club game with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich can be key to England’s chances.

‘I think he is a top coach, tactical understanding and with people as well he is very demanding, he knows how to get the best out of the players I would say,’ said the 24-year-old.

‘He has shown in the past he can win at the highest level and won the biggest of trophies. He has competed in many finals as well, so he has definitely got the experience and hopefully he can guide us to victory.’

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the standard and quality of completed and ongoing projects executed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in tertiary Institutions across the country to ensure value for money.

In its resolution following a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo), the House asked the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund and development partners to work out modalities to refurbish the First-Generation Universities to restore the glory and quality of the universities.

Leading the debate on the motion, Oseni recalled that First-Generation Federal Universities in Nigeria in the early 60s exuded glory, glamour, quality and class from inception, and were also the pride of the nation in those days, adding that the standard and quality of these first-generation universities, in terms of quality of teachers, students and infrastructure attracted them to foreign students and international recognitions across the world.

He expressed concern that these first-generation universities, which includes the University of Ibadan, the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, among others, have lost the glory they exuded in the 60s due to years of neglect and unintended abandonment of infrastructure and facilities in the universities.

He alleged that these years of neglect has resulted in decay and dilapidated infrastructure of the institutions’ lecture halls, hostels, auditoriums, among others.

The beautiful zoos in the universities that attracted tourists from far and near are either empty or non-existent, the lawmaker asserted.

He said Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund) intervention projects initiated to ameliorate the infrastructure gap in the universities have executed a number of projects in selected universities, which are of poor quality, with newly completed works deteriorating faster than projects built over 60 years ago.

He said there was the need for the Federal Government to refurbish the First-Generation Universities to return to them to their former the glory and investigate the quality of works executed by TETFund to justify value for monies spent on the projects.

Something is happening to Nigerian men – something quiet, something deadly. They are dying earlier, dying suddenly, and dying avoidable deaths. Yet, the conversations that could save them are still wrapped in silence, shame and a culture that encourages endurance over vulnerability. Across the country, hospitals are reporting similar patterns: men in their 40s and 50s arriving with advanced prostate cancer, dangerously high blood pressure, kidney failure and stroke. And tragically, they often arrive too late.

Prostate cancer, for instance, has become the most common cancer among Nigerian men. It is, on paper, one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught early. But early detection requires openness – something society has not trained men for. When a man begins to urinate frequently at night, feels pain, sees blood or notices declining sexual function, he often dismisses it as fatigue or stress. He carries the discomfort silently, hoping it will pass. By the time he finally walks into a clinic, the cancer may have spread beyond cure. The silence, not the disease, is what kills many.

Hypertension tells a similar story – one of quiet danger and deadly denial. It has become so widespread among Nigerian men that many now treat it as a normal part of life, a mere inconvenience rather than a medical emergency. Even more troubling is that younger men and women are increasingly being diagnosed, yet the condition rarely shows dramatic symptoms. High blood pressure creeps in silently. A man who looks lively and full of energy at a wedding on Saturday can be in the emergency ward by Sunday. Some never even make it that far. As one cardiologist in Lagos puts it starkly, ‘Men come only when their bodies have already surrendered.’ And yet, a simple, routine blood pressure check – five minutes, no pain, almost no cost – could prevent countless sudden funerals. Still, for too many, the hospital remains the last resort, not the first step.

Beyond physical illnesses, another crisis brews beneath the surface. Nigerian men are carrying emotional loads that remain invisible but heavy. The economy places immense pressure on them to provide. Cultural expectations demand they never show weakness. Many are terrified of failing – and terrified of admitting that fear. Yet, society tells men that tears are shameful, vulnerability is weakness, and emotions are best buried. So they bottle up stress, anxiety, depression. They laugh loudly in public and cry quietly in their hearts. And because their pain is private, their collapse is often shocking.

The World Health Organisation consistently reports that men are more likely to die by suicide than women in most countries, even though women often show higher rates of depression and attempted suicide. The difference is not that men feel less pain; it is that they are taught to bury it. They are raised to endure, to never admit fear or sadness. And when pain has no language, no outlet, and no listener – it festers. In the end, it is silence itself that becomes lethal.

It does not have to remain this way. The idea that strength means silence must be redefined. True strength lies in acknowledging when the body or mind needs help. It lies in walking into a clinic before illness becomes irreversible. It lies in saying, ‘Something is wrong. I need to check this.’ Men must understand that seeking help is not an admission of weakness – it is an act of survival.

Families also have a role to play. A man who provides for others should not be allowed to drown emotionally inside the very home he sustains. Households must become safe spaces where men can speak honestly about fears, pain and uncertainty. Partners should encourage check-ups, not mock concerns. Sometimes, the reminder that saves a life comes from someone who is simply paying attention. Religious and community institutions must also step forward. Sermons about responsibility and leadership should include conversations about physical health and emotional well-being. A five-minute reminder during a gathering could encourage dozens of men to get screened – and save lives.

The men of Nigeria are not reckless. They are not indifferent to their own survival. They are simply products of a culture that taught them to hide pain and equate vulnerability with failure. But the cost of continuing along this path is heavy – families are left without fathers, wives without husbands, communities without mentors and children without guidance.

It is time for a quiet revolution-one that begins in our homes, workplaces, friendships and daily conversations. A revolution where a man can say, ‘I am tired,’ without feeling diminished; where clinic visits are routine, not last-minute emergencies; where living is intentional, not accidental. The Nigerian man is expected to be a protector, a leader, a provider. But to provide, one must first survive. And survival begins with listening to the body, acknowledging pain, and choosing life. Because the strongest man is not the one who endures suffering in silence. The strongest man is the one who chooses to stay alive.

The 9th edition of the annual ‘PADDYSCO Sports Academy Fiesta and Awards came to a successful end Sunday, October 26th in Lagos as Parents, guardians and enthusiasts were treated to great displays of football skills and ballet dance by kids under the watchful eyes of their trainers and coaches.

Under the leadership of the Founder/Chief Executive Officer of the academy, Peter Azunanaya Okereke, Paddysco Sports has steadily emerged as a beacon for youth sports development in Nigeria.

Held at the City Pride School, Golden Estate by Raji Rasaki, Amuwo- Odofin, Lagos, the event started with a ‘Thanksgiving Service’ at Catholic Church of Visitation, 1st Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.

Speaking at the well-attended event, Okereke expressed happiness that the academy which was founded nine years ago with five children has now grown to a population of over 300 with some of their products plying their trade in such countries as Finland, Sweden, Malta, Thailand and Hong Kong.

According to him, the academy with three cardinal points of identifying, nurturing and promoting talents is unique because it’s made up of children between the ages of 3- 16 just as he stated that the fiesta is all about the children coming to showcase what they’ve learnt to their parents.

He said: ‘ At PADDYSCO Academy, we identify, nurture and promote talents. Some of our kids are as young as three years and the good thing is that some of them will learn how to play either football or basketball while others will attain fitness.

‘ So, even if a child is not going to play football or take dancing as a career, at least they can attain fitness while growing up as well as know the importance of exercises and the essence of sports.

‘ And those whom we identify that can make a career in football, dancing, basketball and swimming, we develop them into what they’re supposed to be and also develop their career.’

The founder while heaping praises on the parents for believing in what the academy is doing has kept it going for the past nine years, stated that apart from developing the children, they also employ coaches whom they give a sense of belonging in the society.

Speaking ahead of the10th anniversary of the programme, Okereke revealed that the academy is already making plans to have the event at the Navy Stadium which is a bigger facility and where they have also established a branch.

‘ By the time we’re going to celebrate the 10th anniversary, it will be at Navy Stadium which is a bigger facility where we recently opened a branch.

‘During that time, we also intend to invite some of the products that have passed through the academy to tell people that these are people whom we have produced and they will also serve as role models for the kids. At that time, you are also going to see more displays than what we are witnessing in the 9th edition, ‘, he assured.

Okereke revealed that by the time the academy clocks 15 years, he will like to see PADDYSCO having its own facilities and a proper channel through which players can move abroad to play football

‘ When you look at what Morocco is doing today, you’ll discover that they have a road map for sports development. They acquired 30 hectares of land and developed a sports centre and today, the records are there for all to see.

‘ They have won the U-17 AFCON and recently U-20 World Cup and almost won the World Cup the last time. Their women also played in the 2022 and 2025 finals of the African Women Nations Cup which shows they have a plan put in place for sports development.

‘ At PADDYSCO, we have a plan and we’re taking it one step at a time. So, by the time the academy clocks 15, we hope to say, this is our own facility where we’ll be training and that this is our own camp where we’ll have our own players because you know that in Nigeria, facility is a very big problem

‘ You are also aware that in Nigeria, a child can play so well but the proper channel might not be there for him to move abroad, so, we hope to establish that channel for our players

Some of the parents who spoke on the award; Messrs, Kenechukwu Obodoechina, Ubanatu Timothy and Pharm. Emeka Nwachukwu as well as Mrs. Adaji Janeth Ruth and Lolo Ikechukwu Cynthia commended Paddysco for the transformation it is giving the children noting that they’re happy and satisfied with the skills being exhibited by their wards.

Mrs. Adaji Janeth Ruth said ‘As parents, we are happy with the improvement we’re seeing in our children. Paddysco Academy has been able to bring out some hidden potentials in our children like their football, basketball, swimming and dancing skills. The academy has also built their endurance energy which makes them play more than they did before.

Also speaking, Mrs Lolo Ikechukwu Cynthia said: ‘Kudos must also go to the academy for the way they take care of the kids. They come every Saturday morning to pick them up and bring them back safely after their training session thereby creating a good bond between them and the children.

They advised parents living within Festac Town, Amuwo- Odofin, Satellite Town , Mile 2 and environs to patronize Paddysco Academy, reminding parents that these days education has gone beyond classroom work and that children should be allowed to take part in sports, text their skills, make friends and see the other side of life.

Two of the children in the academy; John Azubuogu who plays football and Kemberlin Nwachukwu, a basketball player, said that they’ve learnt a lot since joining the academy even as they expressed hope they will be better players in future

The Sports fiesta/award featured various dancing performances by the kids and football and basketball displays by the various age categories to the delight of the parents and invited guests

The award ceremony witnessed a number of awards given out including the awards in ballet, football, and staff of the academy.

Awards were also given to the Most Valuable players, Best Behaved player and best in passion in football, basketball, swimming and dancing

Some of the categories where awards were given are; Team Hyenas, Team Incredibles, Team Marvelous, Team Neophytes, Team Exclusives, Team Royals, Team Elastic Queens and Team Dunkers amongst others.

Why did the Federal Government fail to take action to avert a strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) before the expiration of its 30-day ultimatum?

Following the meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on October 25, its president, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, announced that the council ‘has declared total and indefinite strike action’ starting November 1. According to him, ‘there is no going back.’

How did things get to this point? He said the association had made efforts to engage the government after suspending its five-day warning strike on September 14. He added that the two-week ultimatum was subsequently extended by 30 days on September 26.

‘This grace period has since elapsed, yet the Federal Government has failed to demonstrate the political will necessary to address the legitimate concerns of Nigerian resident doctors,’ he declared.

NARD has 19 demands, which he described as ‘minimum demands.’ Notably, he highlighted welfare issues, saying, ‘There are allowances of over two years, there’s 18 months, there’s seven months, there’s four months, there’s eight months. There’s an allowance error that is over 10 years old. There’s a failure to review even the basic salary of doctors in this country for 16 years.’

The figures he mentioned are astounding. He said: ‘For all health care workers, I think the outstanding owed is about N35 to N38 billion. If it’s just resident doctors, we’re talking about maybe N400 million, but for all doctors in Nigeria, it could be N600 to N800 million.’ Are these figures correct?

NARD also noted that ‘The current unsustainable practice of spanning duties across several days poses serious risks to physicians’ well-being and patient safety.’

The association complained that ‘Doctors continue to work excessive hours far beyond international standards without adequate rest, in clear contravention of established guidelines and international best practices.’

There are other concerning complaints, which informed the association’s 19 demands. NARD called for President Tinubu’s decisive intervention. ‘You are the father of the nation. Come into this matter, weigh in on it, and solve it for us,’ Suleiman said.

The Federal Government should not have allowed the situation to deteriorate to this point. The government’s inaction has serious consequences for those who need health care services in public hospitals across the country. The people should not have to pay for the government’s failure to do the right thing at the right time.