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Several challenges trail Nigeria’s food sector. Farmers are faced with bad roads that make transportation from food-producing states difficult.

Experts say the agric sector requires urgent, coordinated investments to improve infrastructure, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and build food system resilience.

A new report released by the World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has listed out key recommendations that can improve efficiency as well as enhance the livelihoods of farmers.

The report titled ‘Investing in Innovative Food Systems Solutions in Challenging Contexts’ outlines a roadmap for transforming food production and distribution in Northern Nigeria, where insecurity, climate shocks, and poor infrastructure have eroded productivity over the years.

It emphasises how targeted policies and investments can help the region reclaim its role as the country’s agricultural powerhouse while supporting inclusive growth nationwide.

Identifying key areas for policy reforms and private-sector partnerships, the report urges the expansion of digital input platforms, rehabilitation of rural infrastructure, and the reduction of post-harvest losses that continue to undermine farmers’ revenue.

For a country that currently loses up to 30 percent of grains and 50 percent of perishable foods each year due to poor handling and inadequate storage facilities, effective policies must be implemented.

To reverse this trend, the report recommends deploying affordable hermetic bags, low-cost moisture meters, and community-based training on post-harvest management.

Also, it notes that expanding access to certified seeds and fertilisers through digital platforms would help address the challenge of counterfeit inputs and unstable pricing, improving farmers’ output and profitability.

‘Access to affordable, high-quality inputs must be expanded through mobile platforms that offer transparency and verified suppliers,’ the report said, adding that better logistics networks and the removal of multiple checkpoints along trade corridors would reduce informal levies that drive up food costs.

It highlights the need for investment in rural storage and cold-chain infrastructure, particularly in food-producing regions.

According to the report, investing in decentralised storage hubs and refrigerated warehouses will connect farmers to processors and urban markets while reducing waste and price volatility.

It noted that shared mechanisation and cooperative models are a pathway to greater efficiency, as by pooling equipment and resources, smallholder farmers can reduce production costs, increase productivity, and access better market opportunities.

However, beyond production, the report calls for policies that promote climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy integration, and land tenure reforms.

It argues that investments in solar-powered storage facilities, irrigation systems, and agroforestry can boost resilience against climate shocks and reduce dependence on diesel-based operations.

Similarly, equitable land access, particularly for women and young people, remains central to the transformation agenda.

‘Equitable access to land and resources will unlock innovation and reduce youth unemployment,’ the report said, noting that secure land ownership would encourage investment and entrepreneurship across value chains.

It further urged the federal government to link humanitarian and development efforts in the North by aligning food aid with longer-term system-building.

The report stressed that humanitarian food assistance should be leveraged to strengthen local food systems, calling for stronger public-private partnerships to expand infrastructure and credit access for agribusinesses.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector accounts for about 24 percent of Gross Domestic Product and employs nearly 36 percent of the labour force, yet productivity remains among the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.

The report notes that implementing these recommendations could not only improve efficiency and farmer incomes but also stabilise food supply and reduce food prices.

By strengthening food systems through coordinated investments, policy alignment, and inclusivity, experts say Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its agric sector – transforming it from subsistence-driven to a globally competitive and resilient industry.

The Arthroplasty Society of Nigeria (ASN) has once again placed the spotlight on the future of joint replacement surgeries in the country, as experts, surgeons, patients, and policymakers gathered for its 6th Annual Scientific Conference held in Lagos.

With the theme ‘Optimising Arthroplasty Outcomes in Nigeria’, the two-day meeting convened leading orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, anaesthetists, hospital administrators, and patients to examine how Nigeria can bridge the gap between global standards of joint replacement and the realities of its healthcare system.

From in-depth sessions on the latest surgical techniques to forward-looking debates about implant accessibility and local manufacturing, the conference underscored an urgent message: arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other degenerative joint diseases are no longer niche issues; they are public health concerns that demand systemic solutions.

The rising burden of arthritis

Delivering the opening session, ASN President, Aniekan Ekere, MD, FMCS, FMCOrtho, FWACS, FICS, MBA( exec.), DMP, emphasised that hip and knee arthritis is not just a problem of ageing, but one exacerbated by lifestyle, inadequate early diagnosis, and limited treatment options.

According to him, the society’s mission is to improve access to life-changing procedures and ensure that Nigerian patients can receive world-class outcomes without leaving the country.

‘This conference reflects how far we have come as a society, expanding our expertise beyond hips and knees to embrace every major joint that affects quality of life. It is a vital platform to strengthen our profession, improve patient outcomes, and position Nigeria at the forefront of arthroplasty innovation,’ Ekere said.

Sessions throughout the conference tackled the full surgical pathway, patient selection, anaesthesia in resource-limited settings, sterilization protocols, advances in prosthesis design, post-operative physiotherapy, and financing models for affordability.

Notably, discussions on registries and fellowships highlighted the need to build a sustainable ecosystem of research, training, and data-driven practice. A patient’s testimony: From phobia to advocacy

Perhaps the most moving session came during the patient engagement panel, where stories of resilience and recovery illustrated the real-world impact of arthroplasty. Among the voices was Daniel Oyebanji, father of Nigerian music icon D’banj, who shared his long and harrowing journey to successful knee replacement.

Oyebanji, a retired military officer, had battled severe arthritis after decades of active service in the army. His first two attempts at knee replacement, one in China (2021) and another in the United States (2023) were aborted due to complications with pre-anaesthesia. The repeated failures left him with a deep phobia of surgery. That changed in September 2023 when he met a doctor in the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos. With careful reassurance, this doctor encouraged him to undergo the procedure in Nigeria.

On September 25, 2023, Oyebanji successfully received his knee replacement at NOHIL. Remarkably, he began physiotherapy the very next day.

Two years on, he now moves with ease and has become a passionate advocate for arthroplasty awareness in Nigeria.

‘After failed attempts abroad, I found my breakthrough here in Nigeria. My successful knee replacement at NOHIL has given me back my mobility and confidence. I want every Nigerian to know that we can trust our own doctors and hospitals, the expertise is here at home. I am grateful beyond words, and I will continue to advocate so that more people can overcome their fears and embrace the care available in our country,’ he said to resounding applause.

His testimony drew admiration from participants, serving as a reminder that behind every technical discussion, the true measure of success lies in patients reclaiming their mobility and dignity.

Building a sustainable future for arthroplasty in Nigeria

Beyond clinical breakthroughs, the conference pressed on critical policy questions. How can Nigeria develop financing models that make joint replacement accessible to middle- and low-income patients? How might local manufacturing reduce dependence on expensive imported implants? What frameworks are needed to train the next generation of arthroplasty surgeons?

Debates were robust.

Some argued for cementless hip arthroplasty as the national standard, while others cautioned that outcomes should be matched against patient profiles and cost realities. Panelists also weighed in on the importance of multidisciplinary teams, noting that successful outcomes depend not only on surgeons but also on anaesthetists, physiotherapists, and post-operative caregivers.

A call for collaboration

In his closing remarks, Ekere reiterated that progress will only come through collaboration across the healthcare value chain-surgeons, researchers, government, and industry.

He emphasised that the society is committed to ensuring Nigeria not only keeps pace with global advancements but also develops context-specific solutions for its unique challenges.

The conference concluded with a dinner and networking session, leaving participants energised for the road ahead. For patients like Oyebanji and countless others, the message was clear: arthroplasty is not merely a medical procedure; it is a second chance in life.

The federal government has formally presented Taoheed Elias (Judge), as Nigeria’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), appealing for international support to re-establish West Africa’s representation on the bench of the world’s top judicial institution.

At an event held on Thursday in Abuja, Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, led senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps in endorsing Elias’ candidacy ahead of the ICJ elections scheduled for November 12, 2025.

Tuggar, in his address, lamented that no West African judge has sat on the ICJ bench since 2011 and that Nigeria has been absent from the court for over 30 years.

‘This long absence is not a matter of pride but of perspective. It underscores the importance of equitable geographical representation and the need for voices from West Africa to again be heard within the world’s highest judicial body’, he said.

The minister described Dr. Elias as a jurist of exceptional distinction and integrity who embodies the ideals enshrined in Article 2 of the ICJ Statute.

‘Elias is not merely a national candidate but a candidate for the international community. He embodies the envisaged qualities, a person of high moral character possessing the qualifications for the highest judicial office and recognised competence in international law.

‘He is a Nigerian national, a distinguished scholar, a seasoned international civil servant, and a respected judge’, Tuggar stated.

Tuggar emphasised that Nigeria’s nomination of Elias goes beyond national interest, representing a collective effort to ensure Africa, particularly West Africa, maintains its rightful place in shaping global jurisprudence.

‘This candidacy is not about Nigeria alone. It is about ensuring that Africa, and West Africa in particular, retains its rightful presence in shaping the global rule of law’, he added.

In his remarks, Elias expressed deep appreciation for the government’s confidence in him and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of international justice.

‘The ICJ is at the cornerstone of the entire architecture of the United Nations, being responsible for the peaceful resolution of disputes,’ he noted.

He outlined three core pillars underpinning his candidacy: academic expertise in international law, institutional understanding of the United Nations system, and extensive judicial experience.

‘The first element of my candidacy is my academic background and intellectual expertise in international law.

‘The second is my knowledge of the principal constituencies of the ICJ, the UN itself. The third element is my judicial experience.

‘I have spent more than 20 years in the United Nations system as a lawyer. These are things I’ve actually lived, in addition to teaching about them’, he explained.

Currently serving as a judge ad hoc on the ICJ, Elias highlighted his recent appointment by Equatorial Guinea, a country that chose him over its own national, as a testament to his global credibility.

‘In the International Court of Justice, when you have a case, one party has a judge of their country on the court.

‘The other country, which does not, can appoint anyone. Equatorial Guinea didn’t pick somebody from their own country; they picked me,’ he said.

Elias also paid tribute to Abdulqawi Yusuf (Judge) of Somalia, whose seat he is vying to fill, acknowledging the high standard of excellence set by his predecessor.

‘Given the nature of the challenges that I described, I think that a wider profile, perspective, and deeper appreciation in practice are things that I hope you believe will be of value to the court,’ he stated.

If elected, Elias would become the fourth Nigerian to serve on the ICJ, following in the footsteps of Charles Onyeama, Bola Ajibola, and his father, the late Taslim Olawale Elias, a former ICJ President and one of Africa’s foremost legal minds.

Elias is a member of the Institut de Droit International and has held several senior positions within international organisations, including Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague.

He currently serves as President of the Administrative Tribunal of the OPEC Fund for International Development, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Administrative Tribunal, and former President and member of the OPEC Appeals Committee.

In a move to contribute to sports development among the youth in Nigeria, over 8,000 students from secondary schools across Ondo State would be participating in an inter-school football competition, organised by Johnvents Foods Limited.

The agribusiness company, which has some of its factories in Ondo State, including Ile-Oluji Cocoa Processing Industry, launched the competition on Thursday at the Akungba Business School, Akure, Ondo State capital.

Tagged ‘Johnvents Apex League,’ the inter-school competition, according to the Managing Director of Johnvents Foods Limited, Mr. Ademola Aramide-Atolagbe, was designed to help young people in schools discover their potentials, build teamwork, and develop leadership skills through sports.

He explained that the football league would run for six months, attracting over 8,000 students of secondary schools.

Aramide-Atolagbe said: ‘The six-month tournament will bring together 16 secondary schools from across Ondo State, engaging more than 8,000 students through mentorship and sports-based learning.

‘The initiative builds on the company’s vision to use sports as a platform for youth empowerment, education, and community development, an extension of its brand philosophy, ‘Creating Unforgettable Food Moments.’

‘Our mission at Johnvents has always been to nourish lives and invest in the future of our communities.

‘Sports provide a unique opportunity to do both: shaping the minds, discipline, and character of young people who will lead tomorrow. ‘For us, Creating Unforgettable Food Moments goes beyond products; it’s about creating real impact that lasts.’

The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Igbekele Ajibefun, who was present at the launch, commended Johnvents Foods Limited for the initiative.

He described the competition as a timely contribution to youth development and education in Ondo State.

Ajibefun emphasised that education goes beyond classroom learning, highlighting the importance of sports in building discipline, teamwork, and character among students.

He said: ‘Education goes beyond the classroom. What Johnvents Foods is doing connects learning, discipline, and passion in a way that develops well-rounded students.

‘By investing in these young minds, Johnvents is helping to raise future leaders who can excel both academically and personally.’

Moreover, the Managing Director of Johnvents Foods Limited explained that ‘As part of its commitment, Johnvents Foods will provide participating schools with sports kits, materials, and nutritional support to ensure that every stage of the competition benefits students both on and off the field.

‘The Johnvents Apex League is powered by Johnvents 3 in 1 Chocolate, the company’s flagship beverage brand known for its promise of ‘Instant Goodness.’

Odumodublvck’s highly anticipated third album, Industry Machine, has made its mark building on the artist’s signature drill-rap style while seamlessly uniting elements from Afrobeats and featuring a diverse array of Nigerian and international artists.

Released on October 6, 2025, under Kalacious Entertainment, Native Records, and Def Jam Recordings, Industry Machine follows ‘The Machine is coming’ album released in March 2025, with standout songs like ‘Juju’, ‘Legolas’, and ‘Pity This Boy’.

The 23-track project builds on his drill-rap style from previous work, adding elements from Afrobeats artists Davido and Wizkid, Nigerian rappers across generations, and international guests. This mix creates a structured sound that blends local and global influences.

The cover art, designed by UK-based Nigerian artist Olaolu Slawn, shows Odumodublvck in a metallic, transformed figure, echoing his prior album artwork but in a more complete human-machine form. Producers including P.Priime, Telz, FK, Decs, and Ucee handle the beats, which support drill patterns with features matched to each track’s rhythm.

As of October 8, 2025, Industry Machine has performed strongly in early metrics. On Apple Music, it reached No. 1 on the Nigeria Top Albums chart shortly after release. Globally, it debuted at No. 41 on the Worldwide Apple Music chart.

On Spotify, the album recorded 4.32 million streams in Nigeria on its first day. Globally, it earned about 5.59 million streams in the first full day and has now passed 13.9 million total streams. One of its leading tracks, ‘Grooving’ featuring Davido and Seun Kuti, debuted at No. 2 on Spotify with 481,460 streams. These numbers indicate a rapid uptake, especially in Nigeria, although worldwide figures remain modest compared to established Afrobeats releases this year.

Review

The album opens with the title track ‘Industry Machine,’ produced by Ucee, Odumodublvck’s long-time collaborator, who also handled ‘Candy Music’ on the same project. Here, Odumodublvck raps about how his music style faces misunderstanding but still draws large audiences. He directs a challenge to his peers in a direct tone.

During a UK trip, Odumodublvck linked with producer FK, who produced beats for ‘Unaware’ featuring British rapper Pa Salieu. FK also produced ‘If You Like Gym’, which pairs Odumodublvck with veteran Nigerian rapper Mode Nine, who both trade 16-bar verses. This song skips a chorus, letting both artists rap throughout. It started as a freestyle titled ‘2:02 pm in London.’

FK and Ucee teamed up for ‘Do Yanga,’ featuring Patoranking. The beat combines drill with dancehall edges, allowing Patoranking’s vocals to layer over Odumodublvck’s flows. ‘Baby Reindeer’, produced by Decs, shifts to a mid-tempo pace which Odumodublvck uses to describe a love partner in the lyrics. ‘Banza Boy’, handled by Kyle Van Riper, who also composed it, introduces a lighter drill variation, focusing on personal anecdotes.

Big Hitters

Several tracks stand out for their collaborations and higher engagement. ‘Grooving’, produced by Jaylon, Ucee, and Marvey Muzique, incorporates highlife elements. Odumodublvck raps over the rhythm, Davido handles the singing parts, while Seun Kuti does his sax solo. This structure has driven its early streams, placing it at No. 2 on Spotify.

Next, ‘Big Time’ brings in Afrobeats heavyweight Wizkid. Social media users have noted Wizkid’s verse for how it adapts the track to his Afrobeats delivery, even as a feature. Wizkid’s flow on the song makes the song feel like a ‘Made In Lagos’ B-side track. In an interview, Odumodublvck explained that Wizkid originally owned the song and passed it to him after he missed a spot on Wizkid’s Morayo album. He added that he did not pay for features from either Davido or Wizkid, calling them key figures in Afrobeats.

Odumodublvck continues naming tracks after European football players, a pattern from his past work. ‘Vinicius’ is a rap-focused song produced by Cross, referencing the Real Madrid winger. ‘Baggio’ features British rapper Giggs and rising Nigerian artist Prettyboy DO, paying tribute to Italian striker Roberto Baggio. Also produced by Cross, it maintains a heavy rap density. ‘Maradona’ nods to Diego Maradona, with contributions from Latin rapper Justin Quiles and US rapper Saweetie, with an 8-bar closer. These tracks use football references to frame personal boasts, tied to drill beats that emphasise rhythm over speed.

‘Pay Me’ takes a lighter approach, featuring British rapper Stormzy and Nigerian artist Zlatan Ibile. The playful lyrics match the upbeat production, creating a conversational flow between the three about unpaid features. ‘Bombastic Element’ stays in rap mode but adds humor, with Odumodublvck drawing parallels to US rapper 50 Cent, known for his witty online presence. The track’s energy comes from quick switches in delivery.

Other collaborations fill the mid-section. ‘Layi Wasabi’ includes Reminisce, a Nigerian rap veteran, on a beat that recalls street narratives. ‘EJOR’ pairs Odumodublvck with Ayo Maff and Smada, focusing on group dynamics in a trap-influenced drill setup. ‘My Angel’, a slower track with Chike, uses minimal production to highlight vocal interplay. The album closes with ‘Hallelujah’, a multi-artist track featuring Jeriq, Phyno, and US-Nigerian rapper Tobe Nwigwe, wrapping up with layered verses over a closing beat a chorus mirroring the Catholic Hallelujah theme.

Strengths and weaknesses

Some of its weak spots include OD still outsourcing most of his choruses, while song guests miss the flow. His Vocals on the hooks of ‘My Angel’ are flawed as they look too raw for a huge production. However, the strength of the album lies in the consistent energy across the 23 tracks, A-list chemistry with Davido and Wizkid. Tracks like ‘Grooving’ and ‘Big Time’ show how features can elevate the material, pulling in streams from broader audiences.

The football-themed songs add a cultural thread, tying Odumodublvck’s Nigerian roots to global icons.

UK, US, Latino markets are covered in this project with international features like Giggs, Stormzy, and Saweetie, and meme-ready lines and hits which equals free press for the album.

Overall, Industry Machine sticks to Odumodublvck’s core sound: drill rap with precise features and production that fit each guest. In context, Industry Machine positions Odumodublvck as a bridge between Nigerian drill and Afrobeats. For fans of Odumodublvck’s earlier singles like ‘Declan Rice,’ this delivers more of the same with upgrades in production scale. For the artists, The machine hums steadily, if not always innovatively.

The Federal Ministry Education has welcomed digital classrooms as well as ICT Labs in the Federal Government Girls College Abuloma which is located in the southernmost ends of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Minister, who rendered the commendation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, while speaking as special guest of honour to mark the 50th anniversary of the College said it was a big privilege for the College to be showered by smart classrooms and other sensitive projects which were executed by the FGGC Old Girls Association.

The Minister, who was represented by Inyang Ukpe, Principal of Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, mentioned the projects that set the college high as the 21st century leap which is the four STEAM-enabled smart classrooms.

The Minister said the N50m investment is not just about technology, but about preparing young girls for the future of work and innovation, ensuring they were globally competitive in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.

The Minister said ICT and Infrastructure upgrade being embarked upon by the FGGC Old Girls was in addition to provision of 23 laptops for the ICT Lab and the crucial renovations of the Biology Laboratory and the school library. ‘Access to clean water, which you addressed through the repair of the water reticulation system in the hostels, speaks directly to student welfare, a top priority for the Ministry.’

The Minister mentioned other projects such as legacy of giving, a mentorship programme. He harped on the theme of this anniversary, ‘Roots to Golden Fruits: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Empowering the Future’, saying; ‘The Roots are the pioneering efforts of the founders, the dedication of the early teachers, and the investment made by the FG 50 years ago.’

In a major speech, Itoro Clement Isong, the national president of the Association, said the school was founded to be a beacon of light that shaped young minds and molded future leaders. Thus, the school has produced doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs, homemakers, beauty queens, politicians and public servants and all careers in-between, who she said were making a difference not just in Nigeria, but across the globe.

Isong went on: ‘Over the years, we have worked to support the school and its students. Today, we are proud to launch our two legacy projects: The Alumnae Legacy Park and the STEAM-enabled Smart Classrooms.’ She noted that the ‘Alumnae Legacy Park’ is more than just a beautiful space but a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and sisterhood that were forged in the school years back. ‘The STEAM-enabled Smart Classrooms represent our commitment to the future. In a rapidly changing world, we must equip our students with the skills they need to lead and innovate.’ She mentioned how the projects were executed and mentioned Sterling One Foundation, BGI Energy Services LTD, Zomay Group, Seplat Cares -Seplat Energy’s comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiatives, Sparkle MFB, WOWBII, Ceion Innovations Limited, and X3M Ideas.

Ibim Semenitari, chairperson of the Board of Trustees, threw some light on the projects after the commissioning of the Legacy Park and the digital classrooms by Inyingi Brown, the head of service in Rivers state.

Semenitari, former information commissioner in the state and former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said the Old Girls decided to execute two strong legacy projects; the Legacy Park, and the Smart Classrooms for the girls.

‘This is not the first time the Old Girls are executing projects here. We have complete ICT Lab, Sick Bay, Tractors for the school, Scholarship Scheme that helps indigent children. We have even supported some Old Girls who found it difficult to go the University to accomplish the dream. We have a mentorship programme where Old Girls mentor the younger ones.

‘So, this 50th anniversary, we said, let us do something different. The Smart Classrooms are simply next generation, the most current you can have. It allows the children and teachers interface in realtime in manners that make the children enjoy the content, and to access virtual reality to make things happen.’

She said the children make the Old Girls proud with academic excellence.

‘In national competitions, they do well. This is the breeding home for queens: Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), an old girl (senior prefect 1980) is the one in charge of electricity in Washington DC, an old girl was the very first black person (male of female) to be president of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association

‘So, we are proud of the quality of girls that this school has produced. The Almuni was started in the early 1990s.’

The highlight of the event was N20m donation by Dumo Lulu-Briggs, a chief and lawyer who said he married from the College. He called for reflections that would help return Rivers State to old values and dreams of unity and looking out for one another.

The monarch of Abuloma, Bright Ateke Fiboinumama, said the school impacted the community positively. He pledged the commitment of the community to continue to support and protect the school.

Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) has attacked military base and many soldiers feared dead in Kaga local government area of Borno state on Friday morning, sources said.

BusinessDay exclusively gathered that the terrorists group stormed the military Super Camp in Ngamudu along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway at about 2am and opened fire on soldiers on duty.

According to the source, the military has blocked Maiduguri-Damaturu following the attacked.

‘The terriorists came around 2:am and started shooting sporadically, the attacked lasted for about one hour and many soldiers may have lost their lives, unfortunately the wounded soldiers have been taken to Damaturu for medical attention.’

The source added that the wounded soldiers has been conveyed to Damaturu Specialist Hospital for immediate medical treatment.

Another security source further told our Correspondent that reinforcements troops from Benisiek and Mainok stepped on landmines.

Motorists are currently stranded as military and other security agencies are working to secure the area.

Clinical psychologists have identified lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media influence as key contributors to emotional instability among Nigerian university students.

This was stated on Friday during Caleb University’s campus mental health awareness seminar organised in partnership with the department of Psychology to commemorate World Mental Health Day.

Themed, ‘Demystifying Mental Health issues among University students’, the 2-day seminar was aimed at educating young people on the importance of recognising, addressing and managing mental health challenges common in academic environments.

Ayodeji Ajayi, a clinical psychologist from Yaba Neuropsychiatric Hospital, identified several common mental health issues affecting modern-day youth, emphasising how lifestyle pressures, academic stress and social media influence contribute to emotional instability. Ajayi, in a presentation entitled, ‘The Most Common Mental Health Issues Among 21st Century Youth,’ categorised mental health conditions into distinct types. He also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and self-care practices, encouraging students to prioritise rest, build healthy social connections and seek professional help whenever necessary.

Olalekan Asikhia, Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, represented by Adesola Ajayi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, research, innovation, strategy and administration (RISA), noted that the programme couldn’t have come at a better time as it was seriously needed now more than ever before especially among young Nigerians.

The second speaker, Gbenusola Akinwale, from the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos, explained that while mental health awareness had gained more attention among youths, misconceptions and stigma still exist.

She discussed both the positive outcomes of open mental health discussions such as improved empathy, self-expression and access to therapy and the downsides, including the casual misuse of mental health terms and self-diagnosis trends on social media.

So far, the journey of the Radisson Hotel Group in the African hospitality market has been marked with impressive feats, with Nigerian being one of its key markets and a big contributor to the feats on the continent.

Since 2011, when it opened Radisson Blu Anchorage Lagos, its flagship hotel in Nigeria, the international hospitality company, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, has been intentional with the expansion of its portfolio in the country.

From a single hotel, the group now has 13 hotels and over 1700 rooms in operation and under development across Nigeria, while being very well on track to reach its target of 15 hotels in Nigeria by 2025.

From Park Inn by Radisson, Radisson, Radisson Blu, the group is scaling up its brand offerings in the Nigeria market with the Radisson Collection, its luxurious and highest brand.

In 2023, the group inked an agreement with Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, its longtime partner, for the development of Radisson Collection Hotel and Conference Center, Abuja.

Then, Tajudeen Owoyemi, chairman, Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited, assured that the proposed hotel will be delivered in 36 months from February 2023.

As expected, since that agreement and assurance, the market and especially the discerning guests, are in anticipation of the new brand.

True to the Avalon Intercontinental’s assurance, the new hotel, a 10-storey building with two basements, is almost set and will change both the hospitality offerings and the skyline of Abuja on its opening.

The Radisson Hotel Group is also excited with the speed and the new hotel is sure going to be delivered on schedule. The Group’s faith in its Nigerian partner is based on Avalon Intercontinental’s long-lasting relationship, credibility and smooth running of its three hotels in Lagos: Park Inn by Radisson Victoria Island, Radisson Ikeja and Radisson Blu Ikeja.

Why the much anticipation for the new brand?

If you have visited any of the over 30 Radisson Collections across the world, you will marvel at the very high and sustained level of leisure, purposefully curated for the discerning guests.

From Berlin, Milan, Manchester, Venice, Moscow, Riyadh, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London and other destinations where Radisson Collection has berthed, the magnificence of the iconic properties speaks volumes on attention to details in offering guests premium leisure.

Moreover, Radisson Collection, which is, no doubt, the most luxurious of the many brands of Radisson Hotel Group, features a new generation of iconic properties in one-of-a-kind spaces.

In the collection are exceptional hotels, with no two ever the same and each with a unique character authentic to its locality.

Again, the modern designs of Radisson Collection blend elegance in form and function, making each hotel the ultimate destination for those who value vibrant and luxury lifestyle.

Radisson Collection Hotel and Conference Center, Abuja

The latest and most luxurious outlet is located in Maitama District, one of the most sought after and exclusive areas in Abuja, which is next to the Aso Rock.

When completed the new-build and Abuja’s first luxury hotel will offer 249 well-appointed rooms, ranging from standard, apartments to lofts and presidential suites.

Spanning across almost 3000 square meters, the meeting spaces of Radisson Collection Hotel and Conference Center, Abuja, will consist of a dividable conference hall, five meeting rooms, a board room, as well as a pre-function area.

The hotel will be a 45-minute drive from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, amid proximity, major attractions such as Wuse Market, the city’s most popular market, Jabai Boat Club, a water based recreational facility and family entertainment center, among others.

Moreover, the new development will enable Abuja to join prime destinations of RHG, while placing Radisson Hotel Group firmly on track to achieve 15 hotels in Nigeria by 2025.

It would be recalled that at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Erwan Garnier, senior director, development, Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, reflected Radisson’s excitement insisting that with a vast potential for significant scale, both Nigeria and its capital city, Abuja represent key markets within the group’s robust development strategy to reach 150 hotels across Africa within the next five years.

Radisson is also excited with its success in the Nigerian market attributing it to the credible partners, whom it has long-standing relationship with, especially Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited that owns three hotels the group operates in Lagos.

‘About 65 percent of our hotel owners have more than one property with Radisson Hotel Group, which is a testament to our commendable owner retention,’ Radisson Hotel Group noted.

Meanwhile, Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Limited is eager to open the hotel when completed soon, and thereby, extending its partnership with Radisson Hotel Group.

Again, and more importantly, Avalon Intercontinental will be uplifting the hospitality landscape of Abuja with the debuting luxury lifestyle hotel offering like no other within the city.

As anticipation builds for the opening of Radisson’s luxury lifestyle brand for experience-driven travelers to the city of Abuja, the guests and the market are on the lookout.

The Yobe State Government has officially flagged off the distribution of a comprehensive welfare package for 564 Almajiri children and their teachers, known as Ulamas, across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas, in a significant step to bolster Islamic education.

The initiative, driven by the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), is designed to enhance the learning environment and provide crucial health and livelihood support within the Almajiri/Tsangaya education system.

Governor Mai Mala Buni described the initiative as a ‘strategic investment in human capital and social stability.’

Represented by Alhaji Umar Kaigama, commissioner for Religious Affairs, Buni said the initiative reflects the state’s collective commitment to lifting the lives of Almajiri pupils and the dedicated Ulamas who tirelessly nurture them.

He emphasised that the Almajiri system is an integral part of the region’s cultural and religious heritage, but acknowledged the challenges it faces.

‘By supporting our Ulama, we strengthen the moral foundation of our society. By caring for our Almajiri, we secure a brighter future for Yobe State and Nigeria at large,’ Governor Buni added.

In his welcome address, Mallam Umar Abubakar, the executive secretary of AISEB, stated that the intervention marks a continued effort by the state government to integrate and improve the Almajiri system. He revealed that the board has already initiated several other welfare programs, including enrolling 200 Almajiri into skill acquisition programs at the Federal Polytechnic, with a pathway to a diploma program.

‘Additional efforts include the provision of shelter, clothing, food, and sanitation facilities like toilets and boreholes to various Tsangaya schools.

‘We have commenced teacher training programs aimed at equipping our Ulamas with modern teaching techniques, emphasising discipline, hygiene and moral upbringing in accordance with Islamic principles,’ Abubakar added.

The distributed package per Local Government Area includes essential items aimed at improving daily living and learning conditions.

The items include: 100 Mats, 100 Mosquito Nets, 1,000 Exercise Books, 100 Slippers, White Board Cartons, 100 Food Containers, 100 Blankets, and 100 Allo (traditional writing boards).