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As the Nigerian government announced a 50 per cent hike in telecommunication tariffs, it sparked concern among millions of citizens who rely on affordable mobile services for communication, business, and everyday life.

Ranging from calls, data subscription, to Short Message Service (SMS), the cost of staying connected has increased, and it takes its toll on the average Nigerian. Also, students and workers are not left alone; they ‘rely on mobile data to access essential resources, including research materials, online learning platforms, assignments and communication tools,’ according to University World News..

Meanwhile, despite the tariff hike, many internet users continue to subscribe and post various types of content. For a WhatsApp user, you may spot a hilarious meme or jaw-dropping video clips on your friend’s WhatsApp status and wish to have it. And when you request it, you’ll likely receive a response of ‘I don’t have data.’

With Xender, the same app you’ve probably been using for quick file transfers, has a built-in feature that lets you download WhatsApp statuses straight to your phone, without using your mobile data. Most people don’t realize this, hence, they leverage a third-party ‘status saver’ app.

In this article, Tribune Online proffers a step-by-step guide on how to save WhatsApp status using Xender in just a few taps.

How Xender Makes It Easy

Unlike other apps that flood you with ads or ask for shady permissions, Xender already does the heavy lifting. Beyond file sharing, it has a ‘Social’ tab that pulls WhatsApp statuses directly into the app. No digging into hidden folders. No wasting of data, whether you are using Android or IOS (iPhone), just open, click, and save.

Step 1: Open the Xender App

First, launch the Xender app on your phone if you don’t have it. Ensure you’re running the updated version, because older versions may not have the ‘Social’ feature.

Step 2: Tap on the Social Icon

At the bottom of the home screen, you’ll see several icons. Look for the one labeled ‘Social.’ That’s your gateway to all the WhatsApp statuses from your contacts.

Step 3: Select WhatsApp Statuses

Once inside the ‘Social’ tab, tap Statuses. Here, Xender automatically displays every WhatsApp status you’ve viewed: photos, videos, quotes, everything. With no extra setup needed.

Step 4: Choose and Download

Scroll through the statuses until you find the one you want to save. Just hit the Download button, and boom, the status gets stored directly in your phone’s gallery (storage). No internet data used, no third-party apps.

Step 5: Enjoy and Share

Once downloaded, you can keep it forever, share it with friends through Xender or WhatsApp, or simply enjoy it offline. Remember, WhatsApp automatically deletes statuses after 24 hours, but with Xender, you’re in control.

Utilizing these steps by just open Xender, tap ‘Social,’ select the status, and download it. Next time, when a friend posts something you can’t stop laughing at, you’ll know exactly how to keep it for yourself.

The House of Representatives, through its Committee on Constitution Review, is set to hold a high-level consultation with the leadership of all registered political parties in Nigeria.

Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Akin Rotimi, disclosed this in a statement made available to Parliamentary Correspondents. He explained that the consultative meeting is scheduled for Monday, 6th October 2025, in Abuja.

He noted that the proposed engagement forms part of the broad-based stakeholder consultations by the 10th Assembly in its ongoing review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘It is a key component of the Committee’s outreach to critical stakeholders to ensure that the amendment process reflects the voices and aspirations of Nigerians.’

According to him, leaders of registered political parties invited to participate include National Chairmen, National Secretaries, and National Women Leaders.

The session will feature deliberations on priority areas such as Special Seats for Women, Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Independent Candidacy, Local Government Reforms, State Policing, Human Rights, and Justice.

It will also provide political parties with an opportunity to make inputs, share perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to discussions on key national issues.

Speaking ahead of the engagement, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the meeting as a strategic platform for political parties to bring their experience and institutional insight to the process.

He stated that: ‘political parties remain the engine room of our democracy, and their active participation in this consultation is vital to achieving constitutional amendments that are inclusive, credible, and reflective of the collective aspirations of Nigerians.’

‘A summarised compendium of the bills currently under consideration by the Committee has been prepared to guide discussions during the engagement. The document is available for download at hccr.gov.ng.’

The media space is moving fast; therefore, building a strong network is vital. Connections are more than just contacts; they are lifelines that shape careers, open doors, and fuel opportunities. Whether you are a journalist, PR practitioner, broadcaster, or digital content creator, the strength of your network can often determine the depth of your influence.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the key advantages and importance of building and maintaining a strong media network:

1. Access to Exclusive Information

In the media, information is currency. A strong network means you’re often the first to know about breaking stories, trending topics, or behind-the-scenes details that others may miss.

2. Boosts Professional Visibility

Attending industry events, engaging with colleagues, and collaborating with peers keep your name relevant. The more people know your work, the more you establish yourself as a trusted media professional.

3. Opens Career Opportunities

From newsroom jobs to PR gigs and media consultancy offers, many opportunities in the media space aren’t advertised publicly. A good reputation within your network ensures you’re considered when openings arise.

4. Enhances Storytelling and Content Quality

Networking allows you to tap into diverse perspectives, sources, and expert opinions, making your reports or productions richer and more credible.

5. Strengthens Collaboration and Partnerships

Media thrives on collaboration from joint investigations to cross-platform projects. Building a solid network makes it easier to partner with professionals who complement your skills.

6. Provides Mentorship and Guidance

Connections with senior colleagues, editors, or established broadcasters can provide invaluable advice that helps you navigate challenges and grow in the industry.

7. Builds Your Personal Brand

The media space is competitive. A strong network amplifies your voice, helps you share your work with wider audiences, and positions you as a reliable and consistent professional.

8. Helps in Crisis Management

When controversies or challenges arise, your network can provide support from sharing your side of the story to giving legal or professional advice.

9. Encourages Continuous Learning

By engaging with industry peers, you stay updated on evolving trends, digital tools, and new practices that keep you relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.

10. Fosters Long-Term Relationships

Beyond immediate benefits, networking builds lasting professional and even personal relationships that sustain your career in the long run.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age; yet, many women don’t realise they have it until symptoms become severe or they struggle with fertility. Detecting PCOS early makes it easier to manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

In this article, Tribune Online examines seven early signs of PCOS every woman should watch out for:

1. Irregular or Missed Periods

One of the most common warning signs of PCOS is having fewer than nine periods a year – very heavy periods, or none at all. Irregular cycles are usually caused by hormonal imbalances that disrupt ovulation.

2. Excess Hair Growth

Many women with PCOS experience hirsutism, unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or back. This happens because the body produces higher levels of androgens (male hormones).

3. Persistent Acne

Acne that doesn’t go away with regular treatment, especially on the jawline, chest, or back, can be a red flag. The excess androgens associated with PCOS increase oil production in the skin, leading to breakouts.

4. Unexplained Weight Gain

Women with PCOS often struggle with weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This is linked to insulin resistance, a common feature of the condition.

5. Thinning Hair or Hair Loss

While some women notice excess hair growth, others experience hair thinning or even male-pattern baldness. This is another effect of elevated androgen levels.

6. Dark Patches on the Skin

PCOS can cause dark, velvety patches on areas like the neck, underarms, or groin. This condition, known as acanthosis nigricans, is often linked to insulin resistance.

7. Difficulty Getting Pregnant

Because PCOS interferes with regular ovulation, many women find it harder to conceive. In fact, PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

PCOS can be overwhelming, but early detection and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. With the right care, many women with PCOS go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

It’s been 65 years of independence. Congratulations, Nigeria, and happy Independence! Welcome also to the last quarter of the year, a brand new month of October.

But genuinely, can we say we have come a long way and done so well as a nation in these 65 years? Or are we still trapped in a vicious cycle? Do we even truly believe in this country anymore? How has this shaped our mental health and the way we see ourselves as citizens?

Haven’t many of us lost hope? Are we supposed to lose hope, or are we just fixated on the thought that it can never be better? Worse still, some believe it can only get worse or is already getting worse despite the visible changes here and there, despite the rays of hope that occasionally break through.

So, are we free indeed?

True freedom is not just about flags, anthems, or parades. It is about the state of mind of the people. When a nation struggles with poverty, insecurity, corruption, and dashed expectations, the citizens carry the weight in their hearts and minds. This weight shows up as anxiety, frustration, hopelessness, and even depression. We cannot separate the mental health of Nigerians from the story of Nigeria itself.

Many people now live with a quiet despair, believing that nothing good can come out of this country. Some carry a deep mistrust of leadership, others feel numb and detached, while many more have simply resigned to fate. This collective sense of hopelessness is not just political, it is psychological. When hope dies, it leaves scars on our well-being, our relationships, and even the way we dream for our children.

Yet, hope is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Just as the human body cannot survive without oxygen, the mind cannot thrive without hope. Hope is the anchor that steadies us when the storm is raging. It is the fuel that makes us rise each morning and believe tomorrow could be better. Without it, our resilience weakens, and we risk living in survival mode, never truly alive.

But here lies the irony: Nigerians are some of the most resilient people in the world. We have learned to laugh in pain, to find joy in little things, and to hustle through tough times. Our music, our culture, our community spirit, these are coping mechanisms that keep us going when structures fail us. But even resilience has its breaking point. When every new policy, every new headline, and every new reality seems like a burden, resilience alone is not enough; we need genuine change that restores confidence in the future.

Mental health is not just an individual issue; it is a national one. A society where citizens wake up every day uncertain of safety, food, or dignity cannot boast of true independence. Independence must mean freedom from fear, freedom from hopelessness, and freedom from the mental chains that hold us down. When young people’s biggest dream is to ‘japa’ because they no longer see a future here, it should force us to reflect: what kind of independence do we truly have?

And yet, we must ask ourselves, can we, as a people, afford to give up? If hope is medicine, despair is poison. To surrender to despair is to let the challenges win twice: first, by creating hardship, and second, by killing the spirit to fight for something better.

So how do we begin to heal? How do we protect our mental health in a country that constantly tests it? We start by choosing hope, even when it feels foolish. We start by caring for ourselves and one another. We start by building little communities of support, families, faith groups, professional circles, and friendships, where encouragement and solidarity keep us afloat.

We also start by telling ourselves the truth: it is okay to feel tired, it is okay to feel worried, but it is not okay to give up completely. Healing begins when we name our struggles instead of masking them. Healing deepens when we seek help from mental health professionals rather than drowning silently in pain. Healing grows when we learn to find meaning in small victories and nurture gratitude for what is still working.

Independence at 65 should not just be a time to wave flags; it should be a time to ask, how free are we inside? Do we have freedom of mind, freedom to dream, and freedom to hope? If not, then our task as a nation is not only economic or political, it is also psychological.

This Mental Health Diary is a call to hold on to hope. Not a blind hope that ignores reality, but a stubborn hope that insists things can be better. For in protecting hope, we protect our minds. And in protecting our minds, we preserve the future of this nation.

So, as we step into this last quarter of the year, may we not just count the years of independence, but also count the strength of our resilience. May we nurture hope, support one another, and keep alive the belief that true freedom is still possible.

As we reflect on 65 years of independence, let us not remain stuck in despair. Healing begins with choosing to hope again, no matter the disappointments of the past. Even when the changes we long for seem slow, we must remember that change itself starts with individuals, each of us, in our homes, our communities, in the way we think, speak, and act. Whether we are in Nigeria or abroad, whether we hold other nationalities or not, nothing changes the fact that the blood is Nigerian.

The freedom we forget is not always about politics or economics. It is the freedom of the mind, the freedom to dream, and the freedom to hope. Without these, even at 65, true independence remains incomplete. To give up hope is to surrender our future, but to heal and hope again is to reclaim it.

Happy World Mental Health Day in advance! This Friday, October 10th, we join the world to mark this important day. Join me in next week’s episode, it promises to be another enlightening edition of Mental Health Diary. Stay with me.

THE Dean of Student Affairs at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Festus Adeosun, has urged students to go beyond academic certificates and embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance and national development.

Prof. Adeosun, a former Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), gave the charge during the YouWin Enterprise Education programme for tertiary institutions, held at the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) Auditorium.

He observed that while a university degree remained valuable, the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during campus life were the true determinants of future success.

‘The current realities of youth unemployment in Nigeria demand creativity, resilience, and innovation. Students must look beyond certificates and embrace entrepreneurial opportunities that would position them as job creators rather than job seekers,’ Adeosun stated.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to nurturing students beyond academics, stressing that the institution was determined to prepare them for self-reliance in today’s competitive economy.

He commended the choice of FUNAAB as host of the programme, describing it as a timely platform to empower students with practical entrepreneurial skills.

Giving an insight into the programme, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Lampo Ibrahim, explained that YouWin Connect was a youth-focused initiative designed to support small businesses and foster entrepreneurship nationwide.

He noted that the scheme, which also extends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps and other tertiary institutions, was created to provide Nigerian youths with access to funding and business development opportunities.

According to him, the core aim of YouWin Connect is to inspire young people to develop business ideas, grow them into sustainable enterprises, and reduce dependence on formal employment. He advised students to take advantage of the initiative and build ventures that would secure their future and contribute to national economic growth.

Highlighting practical pathways to business funding, Ibrahim identified four major sources available to aspiring entrepreneurs as friends and family, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, and the private sector.

He underscored the role of NGOs in complementing the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and urged students to uphold integrity and accountability in the use of funds secured through such programmes.

Referencing the Federal Government’s publication, Successful Nigerian Entrepreneurs, Ibrahim noted that financial struggles were often not due to lack of formal education but poor financial literacy. He, therefore, encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurial training and prudent financial management as essential life skills.

A Nigerian-UK-based institute, London Til Career Institute, has launched a scholarship initiative for Nigerians in the United Kingdom and the diaspora to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary.

In a statement signed by the Director of International Affairs of the Institute, Dr Kunle Alegbeleye, the initiative was described as an opportunity to empower Nigerians with global skills and professional certifications.

Alegbeleye explained that the initiative offers a 100 per cent training scholarship for Nigerians in the UK and the diaspora, adding that beneficiaries will be trained in data analysis, IT skills, nursing assistance, and other professional programmes.

He stated that the scholarship is aimed at equipping Nigerians with industry-relevant skills, enhancing employability in healthcare and technology sectors, and strengthening Nigeria’s global reputation for professional excellence.

Alegbeleye further emphasised that the initiative reflects the Institute’s mission to bridge opportunity gaps and ensure Nigerians globally have access to quality certification and career advancement.

‘In celebration of Nigeria’s Anniversary this October 2025, the London Tilcareer Institute (UK) has officially launched a Fully Funded Scholarship Initiative for Nigerians in the UK and across the global diaspora.

‘This scholarship is designed to equip Nigerians with skills in high-demand industries, enhance employability across healthcare and technology, and strengthen Nigeria’s global reputation for professional excellence.

‘This initiative reflects the Institute’s mission of ‘bridging opportunity gaps and ensuring Nigerians everywhere have access to quality certification and career advancement.”

Drop shipping is an e-commerce business model where you’re not compelled to keep inventory; rather, you serve as an intermediary between your customers and suppliers. As a profit-making retail business, you don’t need much capital to start, and it is flexible to operate.

The benefits of drop shipping are discussed below:

1. Flexible to operate

One of the interesting features of drop shipping is that you can operate it anywhere. As long as you have access to the internet, you will be able to manage it while travelling, on vacation, or at home. This is a flexible job that gives you the freedom to pivot into something else as well.

2. Less capital to start

You do not need much capital to start your online store compared to a traditional retail business. You don’t actually own or buy any goods you display on your virtual store. After you make your sale, the next thing is to ensure the goods get to your customer through your supplier. This does not cost you anything; no worries about storing and shipping the products.

3. Unlimited product selection

You’re not limited to selling anything. You can expand or sell as many products as you want. You’re able to offer your customers a variety of options to select from. Even if a product is not making many sales, you can easily stop or pull back.

4. Automated workflows

Your daily activities can be automated once you’ve set up your online store. You can track your inventory and orders, but you still need to monitor your marketing promotions and customer service. For shipments and delivery, you can just follow up.

5. Change of inventory

You can change your inventory as much as you want. In drop shipping, you can try different business methods and suppliers to know what works best for you. Doing this, you’re ensuring you offer quality products and services to your customers. In addition, you should prioritise products that are high in demand.

6. No experience needed

You don’t need to have experience in e-commerce or in sales before venturing into drop shipping. The business is easy and straightforward; you don’t need any specific skills to get started.

An ideal relationship thrives through love languages, not about frequent confessions, ‘I love you.’ Relationships thrive and last when you show it in ways that truly connect with your partner. Unfortunately, many people instinctively show love the way they want to receive it without considering what love languages are. However, it doesn’t always match the other partner’s needs.

In a relationship, you might be showering your partner with gifts when what they really crave is quality time. But the truth is, people don’t all give and receive love the same way. Some people light up when they hear kind words, while others feel most loved when you spend quality time with them. Hence, you’ll start seeing the signs of your partner no longer being into you.

Recently, Tribune Online published the signs of knowing when your partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend is no longer into you. Meanwhile, learning your partner’s love language-and your own-can transform your relationship from ‘just okay’ to deeply fulfilling.

So, in this article, Tribune Online dives into five love languages that New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman used to guide couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language.

1. Words of Affirmation

Word of affirmation is one of the best love languages that keeps relationships fulfilling. There are some people for whom a simple ‘I appreciate you’ can make their entire day. For people who thrive on this love language, verbal expressions mean the world. Compliments, encouragement, or even a quick ‘you’ve got this’ go a long way.

It’s not about flattery, it’s about genuine acknowledgment. Like watering a plant, your words nourish your partner’s sense of love and security. On the flip side, harsh criticism or silence can feel extra painful for them. So verbal expression or sending a heartfelt text can do the magic of keeping your relationship longer.

2. Acts of Service

For some, actions really do speak louder than words. If Acts of Service is your partner’s love language, they feel most cherished when you ease their burden. Maybe it is making them breakfast, folding the laundry, or helping with washing dishes.

It doesn’t have to be grand gestures, but what matters is the thought behind it. When you step in to help, it shows you’re paying attention and willing to make your partner’s life a little easier. For partners who thrive in this love language, noting the small things they usually handle and jumping in to help, or even better, ask, ‘What can I do to make your day easier?’ strengthens the bond of intimacy; it shows your care.

3. Receiving Gifts

Don’t confuse this love language with materialism; it is not about price tags. For people who value Receiving Gifts, it is the meaning behind the gift that matters. A flower picked on your walk, a favorite snack from the store, or a thoughtful birthday present can feel like a tangible reminder of love.

These tokens act as symbols of, ‘I was thinking of you.’ It’s about thoughtfulness, not extravagance. Of course, forgetting a special occasion or giving something without care can send the wrong message. But keeping a mental list of things your partner loves could be as simple as their go-to coffee order. Surprise them every once in a while; it’s the thought that counts and delivers the message that you always have them in mind.

4. Quality Time

Since we now live in the digital era, the world is full of distractions: phones buzzing, emails piling up, and Netflix tempting with the next episode. This crushes relationships for people whose love language is Quality Time, because nothing beats undivided attention.

Meanwhile, it is not just about being physically present, but about truly engaging. Deep conversations, shared activities, or even just sitting together without distractions all count. For them, quality outweighs quantity, because canceled plans, distracted scrolling, or half-hearted listening feels like rejection.

5. Physical Touch

This love language goes in line with the precious one: quality time. A hug after a rough day, holding hands during a walk, or a gentle pat on the back is a powerful way for some people to feel loved. It’s not limited to intimacy; it’s about the everyday gestures that bring comfort and closeness.

For partners who value touch, it communicates warmth and safety in a way words like ‘Words of Affirmation’ can’t. Conversely, neglecting physical affection or pulling away during tough times can feel devastating, or abandoning them.

In a nutshell, when it comes to relationships, understanding these love languages bridges the gap and keeps relationships longer, as New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples with them in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language. It also helps you love in a way that resonates with your partner, not just with yourself. That shift can turn constant misunderstandings into deeper affection and connection.

Teachers in Oyo have expressed gratitude to the state government for various reforms that have positively impacted the education sector, especially the prompt payment of salaries and the promotion of teachers.

At this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ibadan, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State wing, Comrade Raji Oladimeji Ismail, highlighted several strides made under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration. These include the recruitment of new teachers, approval of career progression for educators, promotion of primary school teachers to grade level 16, and the appointment of a teacher as Executive Chairperson of the Oyo State Post-primary Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

He praised the resolution of the six-year promotion delay for primary school teachers, attributing the success to the union’s consistent advocacy. He also acknowledged the creation of 10 TESCOM zonal offices and the appointment of teachers as Permanent Secretaries/Tutor Generals in the new zones.

Raji noted further improvements in teachers’ welfare under his leadership, including upward reviews of car and housing loan schemes. However, he stressed the need for more government attention on issues like inadequate education funding, infrastructure gaps, and continuous professional development for teachers.

He urged the state to act quickly on pending issues such as inter-zonal transfers and the release of running grants to school heads for effective school administration.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, assured teachers that the 2023/2024 promotion letters for primary school educators would soon be distributed, as they are currently being finalized. He also revealed that the governor had approved the inter-zonal transfer request for teachers from 2005, and efforts are ongoing to finalize the list.

Dr Adeniran emphasised the Board’s commitment to teacher welfare, stating that SUBEB continues to collaborate with NUT, AOPSHON, and other stakeholders. He called on the union to educate new teachers on public service rules and discourage airing grievances on social media, urging the use of appropriate administrative channels.

Representing the NUT National President, Comrade Shaibu Olayinka Yisa, praised Governor Makinde and other education stakeholders for their dedication to improving the sector. He underscored the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Recasting Teaching As a Collaborative Profession,’ which aims to foster resilience within the teaching system.

The event, chaired by the Osi Olubadan-designate, HRM Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, also had in attendance NLC Chairman Comrade Kayode Martins and the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Segun Abatan, amongst others.