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Managing your money wisely is one of the most important things in gaming and betting. We know that it’s impossible to always be on the winning side, so managing money is the most important element for staying in the game for longer by surviving highs and lows without going broke. Here’s how to control your spending the smart way.

Why Bankroll Management Really Matters?

To start playing games online you’ll need to set a gaming budget, or bankroll. Think of it like a wallet that’s separate from your daily living money that should never include rent money, bills, or savings. The idea is to create a clear line between the money you need and the money you can afford to risk. Don’t mix up the two. Regardless of your luck or strategy, everyone is doomed to fall into a losing streak sometimes. Your bankroll plan is there to prevent you from going bankrupt until your game tactics start paying off. Even the best players in the world could be out of the game quickly if they didn’t have a clear plan before sitting down for the round. Before you start imagining what is the most money won in poker and what will you do if you won that money, manage your bankroll to go the distance in the game and stay for more hands that could bring you big wins.Another reason it matters is mental control. Playing with a clear mind without the stress of thinking about how much is left on your account, you can make better decisions during the game. Being on the last few dollars will increase anxiety and the chances of making irrational and emotional decisions. That’s when the biggest mistakes happen.

Setting the Right Starting Bankroll

How much should your bankroll be? The amount of money you’re willing to lose and forget about. This doesn’t mean that you will lose, but it rather serves to maintain the mindset that, if you do lose, you don’t end up chasing losses or making reckless bets that will wipe your account clean. So, there’s no universal number that anyone can give you, but it rather depends on your comfort level and finances. New and casual players tend to have smaller budgets since they see it as passing the time while having fun, without much investment of time or energy into strategies, keeping track of their spending and keeping an eye on their bankroll. Experienced players usually have bigger accounts to have the necessary buffer to absorb any losses so that they can continue playing uninterrupted.Bankroll also depends on the type of game. For slots you might need a few dollars to keep playing, while table games usually require bigger bets, especially high roller tables where players are betting thousands. The key is matching your bankroll to your game type and risk tolerance.

Divide Funds Smartly

Once you set your bankroll, you shouldn’t use it all at once. The smartest players divide it into smaller portions, called units. Each unit is the amount you’ll bet per game, spin, or round. The usual model is to set a maximum of 5% of your funds for each play.Let’s say the starting balance is $200. By this logic betting $10 per round is acceptable, even if you end up losing several in a row, you will still have plenty in the account to continue the game. Putting everything you have on one hand of poker might seem thrilling but it’s short lived excitement that could end your game fast.

Control Your Emotions

Mixing money with emotions is a bad idea. Players who can’t control their feelings end up chasing losses after a dry spell or get overconfident after a win and put in big bets to rake in even more money. Both lead to a complete disaster eventually. A good money plan helps to stay level headed even when things are not going your way. Win some lose some, is the best approach that is practiced by seasoned players who look at every round as a separate game regardless of the previous results.Having a losing streak should motivate players to take a break. Also, when winning keep the bets within your budget and don’t go all in based solely on your gut feeling. Discipline is what separates those who last from those who burn out quickly.

Setting Win and Loss Limits

Knowing when to stop is one of the most valuable virtues. Everyone, but especially beginners, should set stop losses and wins before they even approach the game. Once you hit preset loss, it’s time to step away for some time, and also if you fulfill the desirable win for the day, walk away from the game before you start losing again. One of the biggest traps in online games is trying to recover from a loss. Once you lose, there is no going back, the money is gone and you should just move on. If you have good bankroll management in place, this is not a life changing loss that will leave you financially crippled. Accept that losses happen. Every player faces them. The goal is not to avoid them completely but to push through.

Using Bonuses and Promotions Wisely

Many platforms offer attractive bonuses and promotions to new and existing players. But be careful. Endless promotions can keep you playing for long stretches of time, which might not be your best choice, or something that you planned. Also, carefully read the fine print since many bonuses have strings attached, such as having a certain number of bets before you can use them, or placing minimum wagers. Always stick to your plan of spending what you can realistically afford, making your bankroll last longer.

Building Long Term Habits

The whole point of having bankroll management in place is to create lifelong habits of having a plan before you start playing. It’s a proven method for so many players. Many paid the price of not having a plan and diving into online gaming unprepared, running on pure emotion and intuition. After a few tries, it became clear that a good plan would take you further.

Renowned FIFA-licensed football agent, Dr. Drew Uyi, has expressed appreciation to organisers of the France-Nigeria Sports Award for honouring him with a special ‘Recognition for Contribution in Athlete Branding’ and Sports Influencer of the Year.

The award, which celebrates excellence and impact in sports as well as related industries, recognised Drew Uyi’s groundbreaking work in elevating athlete brands on the global stage.

Drew Uyi, a London-based British born Nigerian sports branding expert, was the cynosure of the discerning eyes at the 3rd edition of the Nigeria-France Sports Awards were held in Paris, with the sprinkling of stars, light and spectacle that all blended up to make the night a truly remarksable and memorable one.

Reputed for commanding a huge followership and influence on sports and branding component on social media, where he drops life changing nuggets and inspirational talks that make for a compelling reading, listening and viewing, Drew Uyi has the enviable achievement of having been behind the brand activation and endorsement of top Nigerian footballers comprising Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdulahi to limit the mention.

Drew Uyi was also involved in the contract signing of Moses Ebiye to Rangers.

He also masterminded the recent singing of the Ajanaku siblings to Sarayevo side last month.

Drew Uyi was also among the agents who helped former Super Eagles forward, Kayode Olanrewaju secure a loan deal with a Turkish side.

Taking to his Instagram page, Drew Uyi shared gratitude with a post that reads: ‘Paris was lit. Much appreciated to @nigeria_france_sports for finding me worthy of this prestigious award. The plan has always been to inspire the upcoming in our space and culture.’ His message reflected not only joy but also his continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of African sports professionals.

Since becoming a licensed intermediary with the English Football Association in 2018, and later earning FIFA accreditation in 2023, Drew Uyi has built an impressive portfolio.

He has represented and brokered endorsement deals for elite African footballers, including Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi and Shehu Abdullah, among others. His work has significantly enhanced the visibility and commercial value of African athletes globally.

Beyond the world of football, Drew Uyi has made notable contributions to Africa’s entertainment industry. His partnerships with One Africa Music Fest underscore his versatility as a strategist and consultant, bridging the gap between sports, media, and entertainment branding.

In recognition of his continuous impact, Drew Uyi was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership by Cornerstone Christian University (USA) in 2022 and appointed Youth Ambassador for Edo State in 2023 by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Drew Uyi’s latest honour at the France-Nigeria Sports Award adds to a growing list of accolades, underscoring his influence as one of Africa’s most prominent sports agents. His appreciation message not only celebrated the organisers but also reinforced his lifelong mission – to inspire, empower, and elevate African talent on and off the field.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his administration’s commitment to provide security and protect vital oil infrastructure across the state.

Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance when he received leadership of the Edo State chapter Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) by the newly-elected Chairman, Mr. Michael Ogiamen.

Okpebholo, who commended Edo IPMAN for resolving its internal crisis, assured them of his administration’s support to creating an enabling environment for petroleum marketers to operate smoothly.

The Edo Governor said he ensured law and order were maintained when the IPMAN issue was brought to his attention.

‘I am happy today that you have come here to tell me that you are now in agreement. I also want you to call the other faction. Dialogue with them and absorb them into your group so that things can move smoothly.

‘For the vandalization of pipelines, we have already set up a task force on pipeline monitoring. We will take charge on our own part. But the Warri part, that is Delta State. I will also talk to the Governor to see how we can jointly monitor the pipelines so that there will be no vandalisation going forward.’

Okpebholo said his administration would empower the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Pipeline Surveillance, Hon. Joseph Okonigene to enhance effective monitoring and protection of petroleum infrastructure in Edo State.

The new Edo IPMAN chairman assured the Governor of IPMAN’s commitment to transparency, unity, and continuity of leadership within the association.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed delight over the removal of Nigeria from the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

NGF’s spokesman, Yunusa Abdullahi, in a statement on Saturday, quoted the forum’s Chairman and Kwara Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as attributing the feat to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the 36 Governors and relevant institutions.

He quoted the NGF Chairman as saying: ‘We are very pleased with this outcome and proud to see Nigeria formally welcomed back into the global transparency community.

‘Nigeria has handled this difficult situation with enormous grace and integrity and this green light attests to the trust and confidence in our financial systems and our leaders both at the national and sub-national levels.’

Abdullahi noted the development came after years of thorough investigation and review of Nigeria’s financial systems.

He added: ‘This remarkable result was predicated on the diplomatic and political efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors of the 36 states of the federation, notable institutions like the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, (NFIU).’

The NGF spokeswoman recalled that the country was placed on the FATF grey list after the global body found deficiencies in Nigeria’s efforts at fighting money laundering and terrorism financing.

Abdullahi said: ‘Since then, through a combination of legislative reforms, institutional strengthening and enhanced inter-agency coordination, Nigeria has demonstrated sustained political will to achieve full compliance.

‘Within that period, key reforms have been achieved including operationalization of the beneficial ownership register, improving of corporate transparency and accountability.

‘Also, enhanced capacity of intelligence, law enforcement and regulatory agencies in detecting, analysing and prosecuting complex crimes has been achieved.

‘Throughout this period, the NFIU, CBN, the NGF, representing the sub-national government, and Ministry of Finance availed FATF all the necessary support in providing information to all inquiries which led to this clearance.

‘The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF is fully committed to maintaining the highest ethical financial standard in all its governance and will continue to uphold a culture of transparency, accountability and integrity,’ he said.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors that their strategy of excluding him from key party decisions will lead to the party’s collapse.

Wike, who gave the warning at a monthly live media parley monitored by our correspondent in Abuja, expressed his frustration at being sidelined from major consultations despite his long-standing influence in the party.

‘Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party,’ he said.

The FCT Minister directly challenged the logic of his exclusion, asking whether his current role as a minister or his past contributions rendered him irrelevant.

‘I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?’ he asked.

Wike dismissed the idea that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was to blame for the PDP’s internal crises, asserting that the problems were self-inflicted.

He said: ‘All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?’

On the upcoming PDP national convention, the minister accused the party leadership of failing to complete essential groundwork.

‘If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,’ he said.

His warning comes as the PDP grapples with internal defections and legal battles threatening its planned convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said: ‘Have I not said that so many governors will leave? Is this the first time you have heard me say so? It is very embarrassing. The governor was the Chairman of the Convention Committee. It is very embarrassing.

‘Diri was the Chairman of the Zoning Committee, even though I knew from the beginning that they were all playing games. I knew from the beginning. I said it before. There is nothing I said that has not come to pass,’ he said.

With what is going on politically, Wike said, PDP will continue to lose if there is no change.

‘It is very embarrassing. I knew from the beginning that some PDP members were playing games. The house has (collapsed) since. PDP did not do the right thing. They should follow due process to the national convention.

‘If you think you will sideline people to hold the convention, it will not be possible. If a proper convention is to be held, I will attend. But if the convention is not a proper one, I will not attend.

Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

‘If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,’ he said.

The PDP has, in recent months, faced internal crises and a wave of defections involving top members including Governors Peter Mbah, Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Enoh of Enugu, Delta and Akwa Ibom states respectively.

The party is also battling multiple legal suits over its forthcoming convention.

He added: ‘Assuming I am not a minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.’

Wike further criticized the notion that internal crises could be blamed on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that PDP’s problems were self-inflicted.

‘All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?’

On the stance of Wike on Jonathan running for the 2027 presidential elections, the minister disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan has not informed him about any plan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The minister said: ‘You’re the one telling me here. Jonathan has never told me; he has never called me one day, ‘Look, I’m being pressured to run, what’s your thinking’? If he calls me and asks me, I will be able to tell him my mind and what I feel.’

He added: ‘I will not because you people put something on the pages of the newspapers, just like you said they flew me out of the country-then, I now assume it’s correct.’

On the emergence of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), as the consensus candidate for the position of National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike distanced himself from the development, saying he knows nothing about it.

‘I don’t know about Tanimu Turaki becoming chairman; maybe he becomes chairman for another faction-it’s not the PDP I know,’ he stated.

The PDP northern stakeholders had recently endorsed Turaki as their consensus candidate ahead of the party’s national convention scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking further, Wike dismissed the upcoming convention as illegal, hinting that he would not attend.

‘How do you want me to attend a convention that I know by law that there is no convention?’ he queried.

On the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the minister said he was ready to appear as a witness of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader if subpoenaed by the court.

His comment followed a motion filed by Kanu at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, notifying the court of his plan to open his defence on October 24, 2025.

The IPOB leader indicated his intention to call 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).

Wike, however, clarified that he had not requested to be named as a witness and had not received any legal notification from the court. He said he would only appear if formally summoned.

‘If you see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he listed me. I did not go to him to say I want to be a witness; you are the one saying that. So, if you see him, ask him why did you list Wike as one of your witnesses?

‘You don’t become a witness by reading a newspaper. Nobody has served me process; nobody has subpoenaed me.

‘So, because I saw Wike has been listed, therefore, I begin to run helter-skelter. No, you do not do that. If I am served, if I am subpoenaed to come and witness or to give evidence, I must obey the court, I must appear,’ he said.

Wike also reacted to recent comments by a former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the poor state of public schools in the FCT.

The Nation reports that Obi, during a recent visit to the LEA Primary School in FCT, had decried the deplorable condition of learning facilities, noting that he was shocked to find classrooms without chairs or toilets.

The former Anambra State governor described the situation as ‘unacceptable and unworthy of a responsible nation.’

Responding, Wike said his administration was aware of the infrastructural decay in some parts of the FCT but insisted that it was unrealistic to expect every problem to be solved immediately.

Wike said: ‘I heard him when he was saying that public schools are in dilapidated nature across the Federal Capital Territory. We cannot solve every problem as far as development is concerned. Government is a continuum. There were several administrations before we came, and other administrations will come after us.’

The minister maintained that the FCT Administration was making steady progress under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu, particularly in infrastructure, education, and health care, noting that development would be implemented in phases.

Wike added that while constructive criticism was welcomed, stakeholders should acknowledge ongoing efforts to improve living standards across the federal capital territory.

PDP will reclaim power in 2027 despite challenges – Lawal

Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, said yesterday that Leaders of the main opposition People’s Democraatic Party (PDP) must lay aside personal interests and prejudices to rebuild a party ready to reclaim from the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Governor Lawal, who spoke shortly after the inaugural meeting of the accreditation sub-committee for the elective national convention in Ibadan, said history favours the party to reclaim power in 2027 despite the challenges it is presently confronted with.

He said: ‘Let me take you back to history. In 2015, when PDP had over 29 to 30 governors, what happened at the end of the day? I’m sure you’ll be the judge. So as I said, no shaking, no alarm.

‘Our great party is a family, and like any family, we may have disagreements. It is inevitable no matter what we do. It’s just a matter of time. But the overall interest of this collective family must supersede individual ambitions.

‘We as leaders remain steadfast in our resolve to provide unbiased and selfless service to consensus and build a convention that is truly all-inclusive. A great thinker once said alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. This word resonates deeply today.

‘We must stand together, we must work together, we must heal together. As you come on this way to your assignment, I pray for the divine intervention and wisdom, as well as guidance from each one of you.

‘I wish to make a heartfelt appeal to all of us. Leadership comes with a lot of responsibility. But I believe all of us were carefully selected because we have what it takes to provide that leadership.

‘Let us set aside our differences. Let us embrace the spirit of genuine reconciliation.’

Reacting to a statement by the National Organising Secretary about the choice of former Minister for Special Duties as the consensus candidate of the North as Chairman of the PDP, Governor Lawal said: ‘I don’t think that should be something we should be concerned about, because politics is about give and take.

‘No matter who is selected, there will always be agitation from the other members. So it’s normal. It is something that is internal and we are working on making sure everybody is on board so that we can have a very, very successful convention.’

Speaking on the work of the accreditation committee, he said: ‘We are here to lay the foundation for an event that will define our future. The national convention in Ibadan come November 2025 under the able leadership of His Excellency Rt Hon Omar Madufintri, the executive governor of Adana state as well as the chairman of the national convention organising committee.

‘We have begun a journey and today we are bringing on board one of the most vital engines, which is the accreditation committee. To the men and women selected to serve on this sub-committee, I extend a special welcome.

‘You have been chosen not for a routine task but for one of the most critical assignments in our democratic process.

‘The work you are about to undertake is the very foundation upon which a credible transparent and successful convention will be built.

‘The mandate of this committee is a very heavy burden and your responsibilities are very clear.’

Party’s Northwest elders’ forum kicks over mass defection

The recent defection of thousands of opposition PDP members wooed by the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle to APC has stirred a fresh round of lamentation by the Northern Elders Unity Forum of opposition party.

They have accused the Minister of coercing officials and ardent supporters of the PDP holding positions in Zamfara and Kaduna states respectively to join the ruling APC at the centre, urging President Bola Tinubu to call the minister to order.

The Forum described the actions of the minister as attempt to bring disrepute to the survival of the opposition party in the Northwest.

The PDP alleged that the minister lured innocent supporters of the party, using excessive resources to curry his way; a development they described as unhealthy for democracy.

The National Secretary of the Forum, Dr Abbas Sadauki (Dan Madamin Tofa), who condemned the actions and the process, said they were attempts to bring to disrepute the survival of opposition in the Northwest.

Sadauki spoke in Gusau, Zamfara State capital shortly after holding a meeting with party elders from Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe and Bungudu local government areas of Zamfara State.

He described the Minister as a desperate politician who by all means wanted to destroy PDP in Zamfara and other states of the Northwest for the 2027 political ambition of his party, APC.

‘It is evident that Matawalle has targeted some particular leaders of the party in the Northwest geopolitical zone,’ he stressed.

However, Sadauki said the Minister’s antecedent of use of power and political appointments to coerce many of the PDP hard working and loyal members was clear.

‘It has created a great vacuum within the party leadership, particularly in the Northwest,’ he added, saying it is never a good omen for the country’s democratic process and progress.

‘Taking this direction by Matawalle is crippling our party and democracy by misguiding them into believing that there is greener pasture defecting from PDP to ruling APC at the centre. This is injurious to the genuineness and progress of democracy in Nigeria,’ the Forum Secretary said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027 in Ondo State has called for the probe of the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Tope Omolayo, over alleged financial impropriety.

The call followed Omolayo’s suspension by 11 councillors who accused him of financial irregularities, gross violation of statutory budget and internally generated revenue (IGR) regulations, disrespect for traditional rulers, and inappropriate conduct.

The councillors, led by the House Leader, Doyin Adebayo, in a suspension letter, said the chairman’s actions were inconsistent with the financial and administrative ethics expected of a local government leader.

Omolayo vehemently denied the allegations, saying he was only being prosecuted for refusing to play ball by some council officials.

Omolayo’s suspension comes barely a month after he alleged that council chairmen across the State had access to only N5 million monthly under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration despite higher allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In a statement at the weekend in Akure, the group’s state coordinator, Agboola Kelly, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police to investigate Omolayo’s financial dealings.

The group described the allegations against the council boss as ‘too grave to be ignored,’ stressing that Omolayo’s conduct and his claims of inadequate funding should be scrutinised.

‘Hon. Omolayo’s assertion that the state provides less than N5 million monthly raises questions about financial management at both local and state levels.

‘The EFCC and ICPC must invite him for questioning to ensure transparency and uphold the APC’s commitment to good governance,’ the statement reads.

The movement further insisted that the people of Owo deserve accountability regarding how public funds are managed.

‘A detailed probe by the EFCC and ICPC will not only address these concerns but also set a precedent for accountability in local governance across Ondo State,’ it added.

However, in his reaction, Omolayo dismissed the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

‘I remain the substantive chairman of Owo Local Government. What you see is a kangaroo suspension by people who are being sponsored. Their actions are politically driven.

‘They want me to share money meant for development. I refused to do the status quo, and now they are concocting lies because I didn’t play ball,’ he said.

The Yoruba Youth Council has commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ooni, and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Kariola, for ending the decades-long conflict between Ife and Modakeke.

The national president of YYC, Aare Ayodele Gbologe, announced this in a communique issued at the end of the association’s stakeholders meeting held on Monday at Okitipupa, Ondo State.

Gbologe, while reiterating the association’s commitment to promoting Yoruba unity, culture, and peace, urged Yoruba villages and towns in dispute over land, politics, or royal stool, to emulate selfless leaders like Oba Ogunwusi and Oba Kariola.

The YYC president stated that anyone who builth the youth, builds the nation, praying for the spirit of their ancestors to continue to guide all the leaders in Yoruba land.

‘Our communique will not be complete without acknowledging some Yorubas who have demonstrated the highest level of Omoluabi in their respective political portfolios,’ he said.

In light of this, he appreciated Mrs Kemi Nana Nandap, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Dr Zacch Adelabu Adedeji, Dr Mathew Olumide Adepoju, and others, who he said have made Yoruba land proud.

‘Our future starts from now, and we are conscious of our roles in the task of nation-building,’ he concluded.

The federal government has launched a national initiative to protect the effectiveness of malaria treatments and prevent the emergence of drug resistance that could undermine decades of public health progress.

The four-year project, Scaling the Optimal Use of Multiple ACTs to Prevent Antimalarial Drug Resistance (STOP-AMDR), was inaugurated on Friday in Abuja by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.

The initiative will test the feasibility, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of using multiple first-line therapies (MFT) for malaria treatment nationwide.

Coordinated by Jhpiego, an international non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, and funded by UNITAID, the project is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and key stakeholders.

Jhpiego’s Senior Hub Director for West, East, and Central Africa, and Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Adetiloye Oniyire, explained that while Nigeria has not yet detected antimalarial drug resistance, neighbouring countries such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Tanzania have reported cases, underscoring the need for proactive measures.

The STOP-AMDR project will pilot in Enugu and Kwara States, testing three artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) (dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, pyronaridine-artesunate), and artemether-lumefantrine.

The evidence generated will guide national malaria treatment policy reforms.

Pate said the initiative was both timely and strategic, given Nigeria’s burden as the country with 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of malaria-related deaths.

Represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, he noted that although malaria prevalence has declined from 42 percent in 2010 to 22 percent in 2021, emerging resistance in other African nations poses a serious risk.

‘The size and diversity of Nigeria place the country at significant risk. Any emergence of drug resistance here will have implications not only for Nigeria but for Africa and the world,’ he said.

Pate added that the project reflects Nigeria’s commitment to evidence-based research, capacity building, and surveillance to stay ahead of resistance threats.

‘By investing in data-driven strategies, we are safeguarding frontline therapies and protecting millions from preventable deaths,’ he emphasized.

The World Health Organization (WHO) commended Nigeria’s proactive step, stressing the need to strengthen drug surveillance and diversify treatment options.

Dr. Lynda Ozor, WHO Nigeria’s National Professional Officer, said preserving lumefantrine’s effectiveness was critical as new triple-drug combinations advance through the research pipeline.

She warned that overusing lumefantrine could weaken its potency before new malaria drugs become available, noting WHO’s support for Nigeria in enhancing molecular surveillance and implementing rotational or multiple-drug use strategies to delay resistance.

Despite progress, Ozor identified challenges including weak surveillance protocols, incomplete data on molecular markers, limited skilled manpower, and funding constraints.

She called for stronger coordination and sustained investment in Nigeria’s health systems.

Representing one of the pilot States, Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, pledged full commitment to the project’s success.

She described the initiative as a timely and strategic response to a persistent national threat, adding that Kwara would continue collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to ensure the research delivers credible, policy-shaping evidence.

El-Imam said Kwara has intensified the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to reduce self-medication and incomplete treatment cycles, noting, ‘As Secretary of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum, I assure you that all 37 sub-nationals will support a national scale-up.

‘But malaria is not a box-ticking exercise; this research must produce measurable results’.

Dr. Oniyire emphasized that Nigeria must not wait for a crisis before acting. ‘If ACT resistance spreads to Nigeria, we risk reversing 20 to 30 years of malaria control progress,’ he warned.

He explained that the project will be jointly implemented with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and academic partners including the University of Ibadan and University of Calabar.

‘We are building the ship as we sail, learning and adapting in real time so our policies evolve with the evidence,’ he noted.

He added that the collaboration between the Federal Government, development partners, and communities represents a unified effort to preserve the efficacy of malaria medicines and secure a malaria-free future for Nigeria.

‘This is about protecting the tools that save lives and ensuring that the gains of the past decades are not lost,’ Oniyire said.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has appointed Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, as Chairman of a new committee tasked with overhauling training institutions of security agencies across Nigeria.

The decision followed NEC’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal for a comprehensive reform of security training facilities nationwide.

The proposal was presented during the 152nd NEC meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The committee, which has one month to submit a detailed blueprint for the renovation and modernisation of police and other security training institutions, is expected to develop practical strategies in line with President Tinubu’s vision for a transformed and professional security sector.

Other members of the committee include Governors Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Umoh Eno (Akwa Ibom), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), while former Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, will serve as Secretary.

Addressing the Council, President Tinubu stressed the urgency of the assignment, saying: ‘We have to make the conditions of the training facilities more conducive for both the trainers and trainees.’

Governor Mbah’s appointment positions him at the heart of the federal government’s renewed effort to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture through institutional reform, improved training conditions, and enhanced capacity development for security personnel.

His leadership, according to NEC sources, is expected to translate the President’s vision into actionable reforms that will restore professionalism, discipline, and modern standards across the country’s security training infrastructure.

Bryan Mbeumo struck twice as Manchester United held off a late Brighton fightback to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory – their first such run since February 2024 – moving up to fourth place in the table.

United appeared to be in complete control after an hour, with Matheus Cunha ending a 16-match goal drought to open his account for the club, Casemiro’s deflected effort doubling the lead, and Mbeumo adding a composed finish for the third.

However, Brighton refused to go quietly. Danny Welbeck curled in a superb free-kick against his former side with 16 minutes remaining, and in stoppage time, Charalampos Kostoulas glanced in a near-post header to make it 3-2, setting up a nervy finish for the hosts.

Just when tension began to rise, Mbeumo restored calm with his second of the night – a fierce strike into the roof of the net from close range – sealing the win deep into added time.

The result lifts the mood at Old Trafford, a stark contrast to three weeks ago when a home defeat to Sunderland might have placed manager Ruben Amorim’s position under serious scrutiny. Now, there’s a growing confidence about his side, who could have wrapped up the game long before Brighton’s late surge.

Cunha’s opener – his first goal for club or country since April – was a moment of quality, taking Casemiro’s short pass before bending a precise low shot beyond Bart Verbruggen. Casemiro then had fortune on his side when his strike deflected off Yasin Ayari to leave the Brighton goalkeeper stranded.

Verbruggen later denied Benjamin Šeško and Bruno Fernandes – making his 300th United appearance – but he was powerless to stop Mbeumo from adding a third just after the hour mark.

Brighton’s bench were furious that Patrick Dorgu escaped with only a yellow card for a foul on Yankuba Minteh in the build-up to Welbeck’s goal, but even after their late rally, United ultimately finished on top – and took all three points once again.