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Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, has disbursed N44.5 million to 81 outstanding farmers across Ekiti State under the Afe Babalola Agric Expo and Youth Empowerment Programme (ABA-EX).

According to the breakdown, in each of the 16 local government areas, the top five farmers received N200,000, N150,000, N100,000, N75,000, and N50,000, respectively, while the overall best farmer in the state, Chief Sunday Boboye Babalola from Ado Local Government, took home the N2 million star prize.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 ABA-EX edition in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Chief Babalola said the annual initiative aims to make farming more attractive and support government efforts to rejuvenate the agricultural sector.

He noted that since its inception in 2015, the programme has disbursed over N170 million in cash awards and start-up grants to boost food production, empower farmers, and encourage youth participation in agriculture.

The legal luminary lamented Nigerians’ increasing reliance on government palliatives and handouts, warning that such dependence fosters laziness and threatens national productivity and dignity.

‘It is lamentable that many Nigerians, especially the youth, no longer want to work. Instead, they prefer to queue for bags of rice and beans distributed as palliatives.

‘The question is: are they truly entitled to eat without working? The Constitution does not empower the government to feed citizens; it only mandates the government to provide an enabling environment for productivity,’ he said.

He described the practice of distributing food items to able-bodied citizens as ‘unconstitutional, wasteful, and counter-productive,’ arguing that it encourages laziness instead of fostering the spirit of self-reliance.

Babalola noted that his intervention in the agriculture sector over the years had been motivated by his desire to restore the country’s economic self-sufficiency through food production, create jobs, and empower communities.

He commended the Federal Government for adopting some of his long-standing proposals on agricultural mechanisation, appealing that these mechanized tools should be distributed directly to local governments, not state governments, to ensure they reach real farmers at the grassroots.

He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s surest path to prosperity and economic breakthrough lies in agriculture, not oil, politics, or foreign aid.

‘If properly managed, agriculture can sustain this nation, create employment, reduce crime, and restore dignity to our people. Nigeria’s future is on the farm, not in the streets,’ he said.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Abiodun Ojo, described ABA-EX’s 10th anniversary as ‘a decade of impact, innovation, and hope.’

He recalled that the flagship agricultural project began modestly in 2015 with N7 million in rewards but had since grown exponentially to N44.5 million in 2025.

While appreciating ABUAD Founder for his unalloyed commitment to agriculture, Ojo lamented the growing neglect of farming among Nigerians despite rising food insecurity and population pressure.

He noted that Babalola’s investment in agriculture was a clear example of how individual initiative could inspire national transformation.

ABUAD Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, hailed Babalola’s consistency in driving self-reliance through agriculture and education, describing him as ‘a man whose philanthropy continues to shape Nigeria’s development narrative.’

In his remarks, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, praised the legal icon for using his resources to complement the government’s agricultural and job creation initiatives.

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, the governor described Babalola’s strategic interventions as vital to the state’s agricultural growth.

‘We are proud of Aare Afe Babalola for his vision and patriotism. The state government will continue to provide land, inputs, and incentives to farmers as part of our commitment to agricultural transformation,’ the governor said.

When Texas-based couple Siri and Divine Mabo stood before their computer screens on Zoom on Saturday, surrounded by family, friends, and members of the literary community, they were not just launching a book. They were unveiling a testimony, a journey of pain, faith, and perseverance. The occasion marked the release of ‘Conceived’, Siri Mabo’s deeply personal book, at an event hosted by Writers of African Origin in the Diaspora (WAFORD), an arm of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA). Alongside the book, they also unveiled a foundation dedicated to battling sickle cell disease and autism, two conditions that have shaped their family’s story and faith in profound ways.

‘This is a testimony of God’s mercy,’ Siri said during the virtual launch, her voice steady but tender. ‘We are putting this book out there so that it would encourage others. We are putting ourselves out there for people who are going through issues.’

For Siri, ‘Conceived’ is more than just a title; it is revelation. ‘When I was writing, I had no title,’ she explained. ‘I kept speaking to the Holy Spirit, and one morning, the Holy Spirit told me this was the title. ‘Conceived’ does not just mean giving birth, it means so many things.’

The Mabos’ journey began like that of many couples in love, full of dreams, plans, and the conviction that their future was secure. They grew up in Cameroon, where many were aware of sickle cell disease. Determined to avoid its heartache, they both underwent genotype testing before marriage. ‘We had agreed that if we were AS, we would not marry,’ she recalled. ‘Our tests showed we were AA, so we thought we were clear.’

The couple got married and subsequently welcomed their first child, Nathan. Tests confirmed he was AA, just like his parents, or so they believed. Later, they welcomed twin boys, Brian and Brandon. The delivery was smooth, the babies healthy, and the family’s joy unrestrained. But days later, everything changed.

‘I got a call from the Texas Department of Health,’ Siri recounted. ‘The lady said our babies tested positive for sickle cell disease. I told her it was not possible.’

The next morning, they visited their pediatrician, who ordered new tests. To their shock, the results confirmed the diagnosis. More bewildering still, when Divine and Siri retested, they both turned out to be AS. Somehow, their original test results in Cameroon had been wrong.

‘I couldn’t breathe,’ Siri said. ‘I had just given birth, and my hormones were everywhere. I had a panic attack, it felt like I was dying. I was angry at myself, angry with God. I felt as a mom I should have known something was wrong.’

Divine, too, struggled. He questioned God, asking why such suffering had come upon them despite their caution and prayers. But even amid their grief, they resolved to learn, to fight, and to hope.

The Mabos began researching treatment options. They learnt about bone marrow transplants, a potentially curative but risky procedure for sickle cell disease. When they brought it up at the hospital, doctors were hesitant. ‘They told us it was too risky,’ Siri said. ‘They just shut us down. They said it could kill the children.’

Still, the couple could not shake the feeling that this was the path God wanted them to explore. They prayed and decided to test their first son, Nathan, to see if he was a genetic match for one of the twins. Then came another setback when COVID-19 struck. Hospitals canceled all non-emergency procedures, and the Mabos’ plans were put on hold.

‘They had told us the twins would be fine for six months,’ Siri recalled. ‘But at five months, one of them started having pains. We just sat with him crying.’ With hospitals overwhelmed by the pandemic, they were advised to manage the crisis at home. ‘We just had to be strong.’

Eventually, testing resumed. Nathan turned out to be a 100 percent match for Brian, but only a 70 percent match for Brandon. The doctors agreed to proceed with Brian’s bone marrow transplant.

What followed was a grueling period of hospitalisation, prayers, and sleepless nights. ‘A lot happened during the transplant,’ Siri said. ‘At one point, a nurse kept saying we need to take this child to the ICU, but others were shutting her down. My husband called me to start coming because Brian was not doing well. He had to be on life support. It was during COVID.’

As if the sickle cell ordeal was not enough, the Mabos were dealt another blow. Around the same time, they began noticing that Nathan, their firstborn, wasn’t developing like other children his age.

‘Nathan wasn’t talking,’ Siri said. ‘We later found out he had autism. I didn’t know what to focus on, autism, sickle cell, or both.’

The revelation brought more questions than answers, but Siri refused to sink into despair. Drawing strength from her faith and support groups, she began exploring in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a way to have another child who could be a perfect bone marrow match for Brandon, the twin who still needed treatment.

‘We went through IVF,’ she said. ‘Five embryos were gotten from me, and of all the five, none carried the sickle cell gene. We found a match for Brandon. We had our daughter through IVF, and when she was one, she donated her bone marrow for her brother.’

It was a moment of divine symmetry, a sister born to heal her brother, a new life conceived not only through science but also through faith.

For Divine, telling their story publicly was not easy. ‘It is really not natural for us to put our story out there,’ he said. But they both felt compelled to share, believing their experience could inspire others facing similar struggles. Their foundation, launched alongside the book, aims to raise awareness about genetic testing, support families managing sickle cell and autism, and promote research and compassion-driven care.

During the launch, Rev. Ango Fomuso Ekellem, who moderated the event, commended Divine for standing steadfastly by his wife through their trials. ‘When I was reading this book,’ she said, ‘I felt these were people God has chosen to bring hope to the world. If I were to title it, I would call it ‘A Chosen Family’. There is a beautiful family drama that started with pain and ends with joy. You will not finish this book without crying.’

Indeed, Conceived is not just a memoir, it is a chronicle of resilience, faith, and the unseen hands of providence. Siri’s storytelling is raw and reflective, grounded in the everyday chaos of motherhood and the silent strength of endurance. It captures the sleepless nights, the helpless tears, the whispered prayers, and the slow rebuilding of faith after disappointment.

Today, the Mabos’ children are thriving. Brian and Brandon have survived what once seemed impossible. Nathan continues to grow, with the family embracing his unique journey with autism. Their youngest, the little girl who became a savior to her brother before her second birthday, is a symbol of hope that miracles can indeed be conceived, even in the midst of adversity.

For Siri, writing Conceived was both cathartic and purposeful. ‘When we were going through the trials,’ she reflected, ‘I kept asking God why I got myself into this. But now I see that our story is meant to help others.’

Her words echo the very heartbeat of the book, a declaration that even in the darkest valleys, faith can illuminate a path forward. Through the Mabos’ story, readers are reminded that suffering, while painful, can be transformed into a source of healing for others.

Their foundation now serves as an extension of that vision, a platform to support families, advocate for awareness, and spread the message that no diagnosis is the end of hope.

As Rev. Ekellem said, theirs is a chosen family, chosen not just for trial but for triumph. And through ‘Conceived’, their victory now belongs to all who dare to believe that even when life breaks us open, something beautiful can still be conceived.

In a world often quick to silence pain, Siri and Divine Mabo have chosen to speak, to share their scars so others may find strength. Their journey, though marked by tears, has blossomed into a ministry of encouragement, a living testament that love, anchored in faith, can withstand even the fiercest storms.

Kaduna state governor, Uba Sani, has approved the release of ?2.321 billion for the payment of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.

The payment covers Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and Gratuities/Death Benefits under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). With the latest disbursement, the state government has now paid out ?6.678 billion to retirees in 2025 and a total of ?13.5 billion since the inception of the present administration.

Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said Governor Sani’s administration places a high priority on the welfare of pensioners, adding that regular and timely payments were part of the government’s deliberate efforts to ease the hardship of senior citizens who served the state diligently.

‘The welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of this government. Governor Uba Sani believes they deserve to live with dignity, hence his consistent commitment to clearing pension liabilities,’ Maiyaki said.

Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, explained that the new release would benefit 661 retirees and families across the state and local governments.

Out of the total amount, ?1.736 billion will go to 511 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while ?585 million has been earmarked for gratuities and death benefits to 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the old Defined Benefit Scheme.

Balarabe added that retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme will have their Accrued Rights credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Those under the Defined Benefit Scheme, he said, will be invited for screening and verification ahead of payment.

Governor Uba Sani, he noted, has consistently maintained that ensuring dignity for retirees goes beyond statutory obligation – it is a moral duty of the government to honour those who served the state faithfully.

Since assuming office, the governor has pursued a steady clearance of inherited pension liabilities while ensuring that fresh obligations are promptly met. The administration, according to the statement, views the timely settlement of pension entitlements as key to sustaining workers’ confidence and motivation.

‘This latest approval once again demonstrates Governor Uba Sani’s compassion and commitment to safeguarding the welfare of pensioners, upholding their rights, and strengthening the trust of the Kaduna workforce,’ the statement concluded.

Jan Paul van Hecke’s late header snatched a point for Brighton and denied Wolves their first Premier League win of the season in a dramatic encounter at Molineux, which also saw Wolves boss Vitor Pereira sent off.

Wolves remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two points from seven games after Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

The hosts took the lead in the first half through an unfortunate own goal by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, whose back deflection off the bar from Marshall Munetsi’s strike put Wolves ahead.

The goal came moments after Pereira was shown a red card by referee Jarred Gillett for kicking a ball into the broadcasters’ dugout in frustration over a denied free-kick.

Despite the setback, Wolves showed renewed energy and looked close to sealing their first league win since April. Jhon Arias missed a golden opportunity to double the lead when he fired over, while Jorgen Strand Larsen struck the post with 15 minutes remaining.

At the other end, Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone pulled off a brilliant save to deny Georginio Rutter’s equaliser, but Brighton eventually found a breakthrough when Van Hecke powered home a header four minutes from time to secure a late draw for the visitors.

The result extended Wolves’ winless run and piled further pressure on Pereira as his side continued to search for their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented journalist, reporter, and producer with Arise Television.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS described Somtochukwu as more than a media professional – a beacon of hope and role model to countless young Nigerians, especially students who admired her eloquence, courage, and dedication to truth and professionalism.

Oladoja said the journalist’s sudden and painful passing has created a deep void, not only in the media industry but also in the hearts of Nigerian students nationwide.

He praised her brilliance, strong work ethic, and passion for nation-building through responsible journalism, noting that her contributions inspired many within and beyond the student community.

‘The loss of such a vibrant and promising young woman is indeed a national tragedy,’ the statement read. ‘NANS joins her family, colleagues, and the entire Arise Television team in mourning her passing.’

On behalf of the Nigerian student community, NANS extended heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Arise Television, the family of the deceased, and the wider media fraternity.

‘We pray that God grants her soul eternal rest and gives her family, friends, and colleagues the strength to bear this painful loss. Somtochukwu may be gone, but her light will continue to shine through the impact she made and the lives she touched. May her soul rest in perfect peace,’ Oladoja added.

Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its first-ever win at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix presented by FirstBank, making history as the inaugural E1 race held on African soil concluded with a thrilling contest on the Lagos Lagoon.

The all-electric raceboat championship, known as E1, delivered high-speed action and global attention as Lagos joined the ranks of host cities such as Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha.

The race ended with Team Brazil taking the top spot on the podium, narrowly beating Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising, which finished second, and Team Drogba Global Africa, which claimed third place.

The Brazilian team’s victory followed a weather delay caused by a tropical storm that passed over the lagoon, briefly suspending racing activities.

Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin of Team Brazil proved to be the most composed and skilled in the challenging weather conditions.

Their strong performance came after securing pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session.

Hansen was later named PIF Pilot of the Race for his standout effort during the Grand Prix.

The result has intensified the race for the E1 Championship’s ‘Champions of the Water’ title as the series heads toward its final round in Miami this November.

Team Brady has now reclaimed the top position in the overall standings, continuing a season-long battle with Team Rafa.

The event drew thousands of spectators to the Lagos waterfront, creating a festive atmosphere that showcased Nigeria’s capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.

Among the attendees was football icon Didier Drogba, who co-owns Team Drogba Global Africa and played a key role in bringing the championship to Africa.

He was joined by team co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire in celebrating their team’s podium finish.

Nigerians in attendance expressed pride in seeing Lagos take a prominent role in an emerging global sport. Jemima Ogwerel, one of the spectators, highlighted the value of the panel sessions and spoke about the inspiration she drew from one of the speakers.

‘He said we should chase fashion and not money, that the money will come eventually – and if not, we should come find him. That really stayed with me,’ she said.

‘Nigeria has so much sports talent. It’s great to see Lagos on the global map through an event like this. I think this is the beginning of something big.’

Another attendee, Abiola Adetula, echoed the sentiment.

‘This is putting Lagos on the international map in a way we haven’t seen before. It’s the first time this kind of event is happening in Africa, and it’s so beautiful to see,’ she said.

‘I believe this will attract more tourists and foreigners to the state. This one is already a success, and the next will draw even more people.’

The Lagos Grand Prix marked a significant moment for the E1 Championship and for Africa’s growing presence in sustainable motorsport.

As the all-electric series continues to expand its global footprint, the successful debut in Lagos has positioned Nigeria as a key player in the future of clean, innovative racing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Eluonye Irabor (rtd), on his 60th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most remarkable soldiers and a true war commander.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded the retired army general for his patriotic service and outstanding leadership during his years in uniform.

General Irabor, who hails from Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, served as Chief of Defence Staff at the height of Nigeria’s war against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, leading strategic operations that helped to reclaim occupied territories and restore confidence in the nation’s armed forces.

The President said Irabor’s courage and dedication have earned him a distinguished place among the nation’s military heroes.

‘He was courageous. General Irabor remains one of the most remarkable soldiers this country has ever produced,’ Tinubu stated.

President Tinubu also commended the former defence chief for his recently launched book on Boko Haram, noting that the work would enrich public understanding of the insurgency and guide future counterterrorism strategies.

He described the book as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s security literature, adding that it will help the country deal not only with Boko Haram but with similar security challenges that may arise.

At the book presentation held in Abuja last Friday, General Irabor clarified that the publication was intended for national reflection rather than as an indictment of any individual or institution.

President Tinubu wished the retired general continued good health, peace of mind, and many more years of invaluable service to the nation.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has urged the private sector to play a stronger role in advancing Nigeria’s health system by investing in local production, standardisation, and maintenance of medical equipment.

Speaking at the commissioning of the national secretariat of the Healthcare Equipment and Allied Products Providers Association of Nigeria (HEPAN) in Abuja during the weekend, Salako said the association’s initiative aligns with the government’s Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which focuses on improving governance, access to care, and health security through the industrialisation of the health sector.

The event brought together key government officials, professional bodies, and private sector players to explore strategies for ensuring that only certified and calibrated medical equipment is used across healthcare facilities nationwide.

Salako urged HEPAN members to contribute actively to unlocking the health value chain by ensuring the availability of quality infrastructure, equipment, and diagnostics.

He stressed that accurate diagnosis and effective treatment depend on the use of reliable and well-maintained medical technologies.

He encouraged the association to reduce equipment downtime in hospitals through regular training and partnerships with service users, saying, ‘The journey towards achieving zero use of substandard medical equipment and reagents requires your full and undiluted commitment’.

Reaffirming government’s support for public-private partnerships, Salako noted that Nigeria is promoting self-reliance in the production of medical technology, while pointing out that the Presidential Executive Order of June 28, 2024, which eliminated tariffs, import duties, and VAT on vital raw materials, offers a strong incentive for local manufacturing.

The Minister commended HEPAN’s leadership for its commitment to quality health service delivery, noting that Nigeria remains open for business and domestic manufacturing in the journey towards universal health coverage.

On her part, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the commissioning as a key milestone for quality healthcare delivery in the FCT and beyond.

She said, ‘The Secretariat and the association stand for standards in medical equipment, calibration, and sourcing of quality and standardised equipment.

‘Such standards form the bedrock of accurate medical outcomes. The results from your tests drive the kind of treatment and drugs patients receive, this is why standardisation is critical to achieving reliable healthcare outcomes’.

Represented by Pharmacist Boniface Ikwu, the Mandate Secretary pledged the FCTA’s continued collaboration with HEPAN to strengthen local capacity, promote quality assurance, and ensure regulatory compliance in the medical equipment sector.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Musa Wazani, praised HEPAN for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that only certified medical devices are used in Nigeria.

‘I believe that HEPAN has the capacity to reduce medical tourism to the nearest minimum by ensuring that equipment imported into the country meet Nigerian standards and manufacturers’ specifications.

‘This will also address the trend of patients being referred from one facility to another to repeat tests due to lack of standardisation,’ he said.

Wazani further called on regulatory agencies to validate and verify all medical devices, saying it would maintain the integrity of healthcare services and build trust among patients and healthcare providers.

HEPAN President, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Nwankwo, said the association was formed to eliminate the importation of fake and substandard medical devices through self-regulation and peer accountability.

‘We decided to organise ourselves to say that the best way to stop the importation of fake medical devices is through internal control. Any external body cannot do that, we know our members,’ he said.

He explained that every member must sign a pledge not to import or distribute substandard products, warning that violators would be permanently expelled.

Nwankwo added that the association’s disciplinary reach covers major equipment markets nationwide, and members are now shifting toward local manufacturing, with new factories opening in Port Harcourt and Anambra soon.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its pledge to partner with HEPAN to strengthen regulation and ensure compliance.

Big Brother Naija housemate, Jason Jae, has been evicted from the ’10/10′ season, leaving five contestants in the race for the grand prize.

The show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced Jason Jae’s exit, marking a major point in the competition as the remaining housemates – Imisi, Dede, Kola, Koyin, and Sultana – battle for the ultimate title.

The hit reality show, which premiered on July 26-27, 2025, is set to conclude today, October 5, 2025.

Jason Jae’s eviction intensifies the suspense, setting the stage for a thrilling finale among the top contenders.

Jack Grealish scored a stunning 93rd-minute winner as Everton came from behind to hand Crystal Palace their first defeat in 19 matches across all competitions.

Daniel Muñoz had earlier given in-form Palace the lead in the 37th minute, finishing smartly from Ismaila Sarr’s pass after Tyrick Mitchell had struck the post.

The goal looked set to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory for Palace and extend their remarkable unbeaten run.

Everton, however, improved after the break following the introduction of Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry.

Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix fouled substitute Tim Iroegbunam.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Grealish-on loan from Manchester City-pounced in stoppage time, firing home after Dean Henderson parried Beto’s close-range header.

The dramatic 2-1 victory ended Palace’s club-record unbeaten streak, their first loss since April 16.