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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday flagged off the nationwide distribution of 370,000 sanitary pads worth ?2,550,297,150 for schoolgirls in rural communities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The official launch, held at the State House, Alausa, Lagos, was part of her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) project tagged ‘Flow with Confidence.’

The programme, which aims to promote menstrual health and empower adolescent girls, was launched simultaneously in Borno, Cross River, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kebbi, and Lagos States, with other states expected to follow as supplies arrive.

Mrs. Tinubu, represented at the Lagos event by the State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the intervention was designed to address a critical barrier to girl-child education.

‘In today’s modern world, no girl should have to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary products,’ she said.

‘It is unacceptable that our girls still continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities, who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads,’ she added.

She lamented that many girls resort to unsafe and unhygienic alternatives, while others withdraw from school altogether. ‘This trend must end, and this intervention, under the Education framework of the Renewed Hope Initiative, is aimed at doing just that,’ she stated.

According to her, each of the 36 states and the FCT will receive 10,000 packs of disposable pads, distributed through State First Ladies and RHI Coordinators. ‘We will be distributing a one-year supply of disposable sanitary pads to 370,000 schoolgirls in rural communities across the nation at the end of this programme,’ she announced.

Mrs. Tinubu stressed that the pads, procured from Uniglory Nigeria Limited in Ikorodu, Lagos, at a cost of ?2.55bn, must be given freely.

‘The pads are not to be sold under any circumstance,’ she warned, urging local government chairmen to take ownership of the initiative and ensure the products reach deserving girls.

She called on corporate organisations, agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative, while urging traditional, religious, and community leaders to help monitor the distribution.

Tragedy struck in the United States after a seven-year-old boy, identified as Mazi Simmons died in horrific circumstances when his head got trapped in the backseat window of a car while his mother allegedly slept off under the influence of narcotics.

The incident occurred on April 6 in southwest Atlanta but has now resulted in his mother, 32-year-old Kandice Grace, being charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by 11Alive, police officers arrived at the scene to find Mazi unresponsive in the backseat of the car, his head caught in a closing window. His mother, Grace, was discovered unconscious in the front passenger seat, reportedly under the influence of opioids and THC.

Two of her other children were also in the vehicle but were unharmed.

Investigators said Grace had left the children unattended after passing out from drug use. Disturbingly, a witness told police that Grace had visited her home the night before the tragedy and left her children in the car. By the next morning, the witness found her still unconscious and the young boy hanging out of the window.

Police officers reported that during an on-scene interview, the mother repeatedly lost consciousness while attempting to hold her lifeless child. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that Grace tested positive for opioids and THC.

In the wake of the boy’s death, his godmother, Karion Bickham, launched a GoFundMe campaign, revealing that Mazi was not Grace’s first child to die. ‘Mazi was her second child, and heartbreakingly, not her first loss. She also lost her daughter Jordice, and now she is enduring the unthinkable pain of saying goodbye to another piece of her heart,’ the fundraiser reads.

Tributes poured in for the boy described as ‘full of life, joy, and love.’ The GoFundMe page noted: ‘Whether he was dancing, striking his signature peace sign, or just being his silly, playful self, he always found a way to make everyone around him feel joy. He loved life and he loved deeply.’

On social media, his mother identifies as an amateur rapper under the stage name KKokaine Kandi and also runs a cosmetics service company. One of her music videos on YouTube has nearly 7,000 views.

Grace was formally charged on September 29 and is being held while investigations continue.

The tragic death of Mazi, believed to be of Nigerian-American heritage, has sparked outrage online, with many calling for justice and questioning how such a preventable tragedy could occur.

A non-governmental organisation, Sine Qua Non Foundation, has extended free medical care to elderly residents of Ita-Oluwo town in Ikorodu, Lagos, as part of activities marking the International Day of Older Persons.

The event, themed ‘Healthy Ageing Starts With Managing Your Vitals’, held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Open Field, Ita-Oluwo, attracted over 100 senior citizens who received free health consultations, medications, and health education from the foundation’s medical team.

Speaking on the outreach, Project Manager of the Foundation, Henry Madufor, said the initiative focused on senior citizens to highlight the importance of their health and wellbeing.

‘We came here to meet with the elderly, educate them on hypertension, and provide them with medical attention. We brought in doctors to teach them preventive measures and how to manage their vitals. This is part of our effort to fill the gap where government support is lacking,’ Madufor explained.

He noted that the Foundation has been carrying out similar outreaches since last year, moving from one community to another to ensure elderly people receive the attention they deserve.

He also appealed for partnerships and public support to expand the programme across Nigeria.

A health education expert and medical practitioner, Dr. Dorothy Jaja, engaged the participants on safe healthcare practices. She cautioned against indiscriminate consumption of herbal mixtures sold by hawkers, stressing that while some herbs have proven efficacy, others could be harmful.

‘If you must take herbs, prepare them yourself so you know their content. However, the best option in the event of illness is always the hospital, where proper diagnosis and treatment can be given,’ she advised.

Dr. Jaja also led the elderly in simple exercises and offered practical tips on lifestyle and safety, including eating dinner before 7pm to aid digestion, avoiding quarrels and embracing healthy conversations with neighbours, wearing safe footwear instead of high heels or shoes with slippery soles, especially during the rainy season, and avoiding heavy lifting and seeking medical help promptly.

‘Healthy ageing truly begins with managing your vitals. Always consult your doctor and take medications as prescribed,’ she said. The community head, His Royal Majesty Baale Monsuru Salako, praised the initiative, describing it as timely and life-enhancing for the aged population.

‘This programme will go a long way in prolonging the lives of our elderly. I commend Sine Qua Non Foundation for bringing such a valuable medical outreach to our community,’ he said.

Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude. Mrs. Alice Adebayo, who has lived with chronic knee pain for years, said she was relieved after receiving diagnosis and medication at no cost.

‘The doctors examined me, explained my condition clearly, and gave me drugs free of charge. I am so grateful to the Foundation,’ she said.

Another participant, 79-year-old Mr. Adebayo Samuel, commended the Foundation for easing the financial burden often associated with government hospitals.

‘At public hospitals, we are required to pay for cards and drugs, which many of us cannot afford. This free service has really helped us,’ he said.

The outreach underscored the importance of prioritising the health and wellbeing of older persons, while also highlighting the role of civil society in bridging healthcare gaps for vulnerable groups.

The Niger State Government has issued a warning to residents in certain areas of the state to relocate to safer areas of the state.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the Director-General of The Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah. He highlighted areas along the River Niger and River Kaduna while explaining that a flood might occur due to the discharge of water from four hydroelectric dams.

‘The Nigerian Hydrological Services has advised communities along the River Niger and Kaduna to relocate. The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, which could lead to the overflow of these rivers. The state government hereby advises our communities to limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season to avoid being flooded. People living in riverine areas should relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ the statement read in part. Baba-Arah also warned against incoming windstorms, advising residents to stay away from trees during rainfall.

‘NiMet’s latest prediction indicated that the end of the rainy season will be accompanied by violent windstorms. As such, people should avoid standing under trees during rainfall and also avoid substandard structures,’ he said.

An Igbo group from the southeast region of Nigeria under the National Igbo union, has demanded that a fair trial be held for Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government.

The demands, made in statement released on Thursday, stated that the government should put sentiments aside while dealing with the case.

The Admin Secretary of the Igbo union INU-W, Mazi Austin-Mary Ndukwu, also claimed that the Nigerian Government have been bias towards the trial. ‘It was a disheartening scenario on 26 September 2025 when the Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Omotosho struck out the ‘no case submission’ brought by the legal team of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the consternation of people with good conscience all over the world. By striking out the application of no case submission, the Nigerian Government at the centre and her security agencies had showcased their bias and intent over the trial of MNK who was illegally renditioned from Kenya in June 2021,’ he stated.

The secretary also questioned the freedom of Sunday Igboho and Bello Turji,, while stating that they were also charged with terrorism as Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Igbo National Union Worldwide once again urges for a fair and just trial for Kanu since the Nigerian Government has decided he has a case to answer. It will be counterproductive and also another ploy to jeopardize the works of MNK’s legal team led by Kanu Agabi, SAN. It could also be another excuse to get at Igbo youths by the security agencies. This time calls for a sober reflection by Ndigbo on who we are, our existence, and survival in Nigeria,’ the release added,’ the statement reads.

Niger State is bracing for a major disaster as four hydro-electric dams, Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro, and Zungeru have begun discharging excess water, sparking fears of catastrophic flooding across riverine communities.

The warning came from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), following a notification from the dam operators and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency.

NSEMA’s Director General, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba Arah, in a statement on Thursday, urged communities along Rivers Niger and Kaduna to move to higher ground immediately. ‘The dams are releasing thousands of gallons of water per minute, and this could cause massive overflow. People must limit activities around river banks during this peak rainy season and relocate to safer grounds already identified,’ Arah warned. He added that NiMet’s latest forecast also predicts violent windstorms at the tail end of the rainy season, cautioning residents to avoid staying under trees during downpours and keep away from weak structures.

Already, parts of Niger State are reeling from the impact of the floods. Houses, farms, roads, and bridges have been washed away, with several local government areas – including Lavun, Magama, Rafi, Kontagora, Mokwa, Lapai, Katcha, Agaie, Suleja, Shiroro, Bida, and Bosso – badly affected.

NSEMA confirmed that lives have been lost in the disaster, though it did not disclose figures. Many families have also been displaced, while socio-economic activities in the affected communities have been paralysed.

‘This is beyond normal flooding. If people ignore the warnings, the consequences will be tragic,’ Arah said.

A major fire broke out at the popular Bariga Market in Lagos on Tuesday, leaving traders in shock and despair after goods worth millions of naira were lost.

The blaze, which started in the early hours of the day, quickly spread through several stalls before emergency officials could arrive.

According to preliminary findings, the fire is believed to have started from one shop and then spread rapidly to others, largely because many of the stalls were built with wooden partitions that fueled the flames. Responding swiftly, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), supported by other first responders, battled hard to contain the fire.

Their prompt intervention prevented the inferno from reaching adjoining sections of the market, which could have made the situation far worse. Officials also ensured that there were no secondary outbreaks after the main fire was extinguished. Although no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded, the damage was severe. At least 26 shops were completely destroyed, with goods and property valued at several millions of naira turned to ashes.

Many traders, who rely on the market for their daily livelihood, were seen weeping at the site, lamenting the loss of their hard-earned investments. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, but an investigation is underway. LASEMA has urged traders to observe basic fire safety measures and called on market leaders to put stronger preventive structures in place, including fire extinguishers and better stall designs, to reduce risks in the future.

For now, many affected traders are left counting their losses, while residents of the area have praised the quick response of emergency workers for preventing what could have become a much larger disaster.

The Police on Thursday arraigned a 40-year-old man, Abiodun Femi, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing property valued at N2.1 million.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of stealing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant and others at large allegedly committed the offence on Sept. 22 about 12:30 a.m at Omolayo Standard Press on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti. He alleged that the defendant and others burgled the company and stole a platform scale valued at N1.5 million, counter scale valued N160,000 and four scoop valued at N40,000. Other items allegedly stolen are four chairs valued at N400,000, four rugs valued at N180,000 and iron stool worth N40,000, all valued N2.1 million, belonging to Omolayo Standard Press.

Oriyomi said that the offence contravened Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Gboyega Abiola, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case until Oct. 23 for hearing.

Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state. This was announced by Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government in a statement on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital.

Uwah said Eno commended members of the dissolved boards for their contributions to the governance of Akwa Ibom state.

The SSG said Eno acted in accordance with the powers conferred on him by Section 6 of the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. He further said that the dissolution was with immediate effect, adding,’the governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions well in their future endeavours’

‘The governor commends them for the roles they have played towards achieving the promises contained in the ARISE Agenda,’ he said.

Uwah urged the chairmen of the defunct bodies to handover government property in their possession to the most senior officer in the establishment.(NAN)

The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressives, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate, adding that the Omoluabi Progressives was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

‘Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation. As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,’ he said. The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressives’ intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritizes community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.