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African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as his lack of urgency in addressing the growing insecurity across the country.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, the party accused the President of focusing on political and social engagements while violence and kidnappings continue to rise in many parts of Nigeria.

‘The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply disturbed by the brazen insensitivity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the growing insecurity in the country.

‘As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in whom the constitutional authority to secure the lives and property of citizens is vested, the President’s continued preference for attending social and political events in the midst of alarming deterioration of internal security is both unacceptable and irresponsible,’ the statement said.

The party cited reports that armed bandits have attacked several local government areas in Kwara State, forcing residents to make ransom payments in food and cash.

It also mentioned recent incidents in Kogi where travellers were killed and others abducted, as well as the closure of over 180 schools across northern states due to safety concerns.

‘These reports form part of a broader and bloodier pattern. From Plateau to Zamfara, Benue to Niger, Kaduna to Kwara, incidents of mass abductions, violent attacks, and forced displacement continue to rise.

‘While rural communities are being emptied and schools are being shut down, the President continues to attend funerals and ceremonies involving political associates. This sends the unfortunate message that the President cares more about political appearances than the lives of Nigerian citizens,’ the statement added.

The ADC also faulted Tinubu’s remarks at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, where he said his mission was to unite Nigerians, describing the comment as ‘political rhetoric.’

‘The ADC therefore finds it hollow and insincere, the President’s claim that he plans to unite Nigerians. Symbolism of national unity, no matter how well delivered, cannot replace the responsibility to truly unite, even with simple actions of showing up wherever the people need you, not when you need to make political appearances for your friends,’ the party said.

The opposition party outlined several steps it believes the administration should take to address insecurity. These include formally acknowledging the scale of the problem, engaging directly with affected communities, strengthening joint military and police operations with state and local networks, and publishing regular security reports.

‘Nigeria is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise. They must stop treating national security as a political talking point and start treating it as a governing priority. The lives of Nigerians must matter more than soundbites and ceremonies. The time for symbolic gestures is over. What the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results,’ the statement concluded.

A significant number of Nigerian men are battling with health issues that often go undiagnosed and untreated. The societal expectation for men to embody strength and resilience is creating a dangerous stigma around vulnerability for menfolk, leading many to shy away from vital health checks. However, as experts stress, embracing regular health check-ups is crucial for not only individual health but also the nation’s well-being.

Traditionally, Nigerian men have been viewed as the providers and protectors of their families, who often prioritise work and familial obligations over personal health. While deeply ingrained, this cultural narrative has resulted in poor health-seeking behaviours among men. Many men regard physical symptoms as signs of weakness, opting to dismiss them rather than seeking medical attention. This mentality can have dire consequences, as undiagnosed conditions can escalate into major health crises, contributing to Nigeria’s chronic health challenges.

While providing an insight into the issue, a general medical practitioner, Dr Charles Adedamola Adeogun, emphasised the urgent need to shift this mindset, stating that ‘In Nigeria, conversations around men’s health often remain hidden, overshadowed by cultural expectations of toughness and silence.

‘Yet, men face unique health challenges ranging from hypertension, diabetes, and prostate disorders to mental health struggles that demand early recognition and proactive care for favorable outcomes.’

Cost of neglecting health issues

The statistics surrounding men’s health in Nigeria are alarming. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are on the rise, with men disproportionately affected. These conditions significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality rates across the country, and what’s particularly troubling is that many cases could have been prevented or managed effectively if diagnosed early.

Dr. Adeogun highlighted this as a critical issue, saying ‘Research indicates that Nigerian men are less likely to seek routine medical check-ups compared to women, often presenting late with advanced complications.’

This troubling trend is driven by a variety of factors, including fear, stigma, and the entrenched belief that ‘real men don’t complain.’ Unfortunately, these attitudes can have dire consequences, costing lives that could have otherwise been saved through simple screening and timely interventions.

While speaking with the Sunday Tribune, a renowned histopathologist and hepatologist and Chief Medical Director at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Teaching Hospital, Professor Olusegun Ojo, explained that regular health checks contribute to the early detection of diseases that are prevalent among Nigerian men.

According to him, ‘The prevalent sex hormone in men, testosterone and other androgens, place them at higher risks of developing certain non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome as well as some cancerous diseases, like liver cancer especially from middle age onwards.

‘Unfortunately, most of these diseases are asymptomatic at onset. They often show up when complications of the full-blown disease supervene.

‘Thus, it behoves all concerned, the government inclusive, for economic reasons, to set up and make available routine preventive medical testing so that these diseases could be detected in their uncomplicated forms and thus save us from the drain on our collective economy and the personal and family losses as well as disruptions that they are known to cause.’

Professor Ojo added that, ‘Men also ought to be made aware of the risks of ill health that they possess by reason of their gender, genetic inheritance, and their lifestyles so that they could develop the right and proactive health-seeking behaviours that would embrace the concept of routine medical checks and screening to ensure that they remain healthy well into their advanced years.’

In a similar vein, Dr Adeogun harped on the need to redefine the concept of strength, asserting that it extends beyond the physical realm, adding that true strength also involves recognising when you need help and taking proactive steps to ensure your health.

He explained that ‘Good men’s health is not just physical; it is also mental and emotional. Stress, depression, and anxiety are rising but are rarely discussed. Left unchecked, these issues can weaken productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.’

In addressing the specific health issues that Nigerian men should be particularly vigilant about, as well as how routine check-ups can help prevent these conditions, Professor Ojo categorised the health risks that men face into two broad groups: general and individualised.

‘Generally, men are at higher risk of developing the metabolic syndrome and coronary (or ischaemic) heart disease.

The metabolic syndrome is a conglomerate of disorders comprising raised body mass index (BMI) or overweight and obesity, insulin resistance, which ultimately manifests as diabetes, and systemic hypertension (raised blood pressure).

‘Coronary or ischaemic heart disease is a related disorder to the metabolic syndrome and it is a disorder where there is a disparity in the amount of blood available to support the heart, its crucial function, and how it meets the demands being made of it for the maintenance of life and associated activities. In coronary heart disease, the heart’s blood vessels suffer varying degrees of insufficiency, the ultimate of which is total blockage of the bores and, consequently, a ‘heart attack’ which leads to sudden death.’

He also emphasised that both the metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease are associated with a raft of systemic disorders of the blood and blood vessels some of which are disorders of the blood clotting system (thromboembolism) and of the blood vessels themselves (atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis) to which men are predisposed. These disorders often presage sudden death.

‘Obviously, in preventing these disorders, first, men need to be made aware of the existence of these health risks that confront them. Appropriate health education would equip them to engage in self-care and to appreciate the concept of health screening and preventive care.

‘Secondly, health care providers, principally, government and employers of labour need to embrace and incorporate the concept of preventive medicine. This should be seen as a wise economic imperative by them,’ he stated.

Regarding individualised risks, Professor Ojo noted that men may encounter health risks stemming from their genetic inheritance or family history.

‘Since these diseases are not common, their associated risk factors could only be identified by medical personnel and (family) physicians, who might have had the privilege of treating progenies or relatives of the concerned men. Thus, genetic profiling and counseling are the way to go to avoid such disorders. Obviously, we would need further development and provision of secondary and tertiary hospital care centres to address these risks.’

In discussing the cultural barriers that hinder Nigerian men from pursuing regular health screenings, Professor Ojo pointed out that, in contemporary Nigeria, there are no formal or structured cultural obstacles to screening.

However, he emphasised that the pervasive ‘culture’ of ‘medical ignorance’ poses a significant challenge when considering the introduction of medical screening in the country. This ignorance arises from a near-total absence of opportunities for the government to provide the public with adequate health education.

‘The lack of structured curricular inputs in schools not only allows this culture of pervading ignorance to subsist, but it also has given way for alternative theories of disease, allowing them to fester so that we now have a ‘culture’ of ‘teachers’ and vendors who peddle wrong and outrightly harmful products without any challenge, let or hindrance.’

Taking into account the lifestyle and dietary practices prevalent in Nigeria, Professor Ojo observes, ‘unhealthy lifestyles, of which poor diet is an integral part, and habits significantly increase the risk for the development of the disease which I have discussed above.’

He further explained that diets high in simple refined sugars and animal fats have been recognised as primary contributors to the current epidemic of metabolic syndrome and heart disease affecting our country.

He added that these dietary patterns are clearly influenced by Western habits and are linked to urban living and affluence.

Regarding the importance of regular health checks and their role in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension in Nigerian men, Professor Ojo said that ‘diabetes and hypertension are lifelong health issues for those who experience them.’

‘In other words, they cannot be ‘cured’ but they can be controlled so that no untoward consequences occur and the patient can remain healthy despite their disease.

‘Screening is essential for the diagnosis and continuous management of these disorders. This is because since diseases are largely asymptomatic ab initio and their presence can only be unearthed through screening.

‘Also, to maintain the diseases in a state of remission, regular and routine screening needs to be put in place. The results of these screening tests form the empirical basis of sound management which would prevent the occurrence of complications and emergencies. From the above medical screening is the holy grail of the diagnosis and management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus,’ he explained.

In discussing the importance of regular health checks in addressing mental health issues among Nigerian men and the screening tools that could be useful for these evaluations, he noted, ‘Psychiatric and psychological disorders are not well recognised in this country as it currently stands. Ignorance and poor health provision conspire to make mental health issues a matter of taboo and stigma.

‘Psychiatrists are in dismal numbers as much as are institutions offering modern psychiatric services. It is difficult to talk of screening for mental health issues in the present scenario,’ he said.

Regarding how the accessibility of healthcare facilities in Nigeria impacts the frequency of health checks among men, Professor Ojo stated that ‘there are many factors that influence the accessibility to healthcare in our country.’

‘These include availability of health facilities, availability of appropriately qualified medical manpower, affordability of medical services, adequate regulation of medical and allied professions, and adequate ‘medical literacy’ among the population.

‘Taken together, these factors are not optimal in our country. This means that appropriate and uniform health coverage is lacking. This lack negatively impacts the optimal availability of medical screening for the whole population, men inclusive,’ he added.

The path forward

In discussing the way forward, both experts advocate adequate and appropriate health education. Dr Adeogun emphasised the need for a cultural change, saying ‘moving ahead necessitates a shift in perspective. Men must view preventive health care as a demonstration of responsibility, rather than a sign of weakness. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, moderated alcohol intake, avoiding tobacco, and periodic screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and prostate checks after 40) are vital steps.

‘Health needs are survival needs that must be prioritised and budgeted for like other major living expenses. It is unwise and detrimental to wait for emergency or advanced stages of disease before seeking professional medical help. Time is of the essence in matters of health and with aging comes diverse health challenges which may come subtly or appear explosively without prior notice.

‘Nigeria needs its men healthy, present, and strong not in silence, but in wholeness. A healthier man means a healthier family and a stronger nation,’ he said.

Professor Ojo believes that prioritising adequate and appropriate health education is essential for the government.

He said: ‘This would reduce medical ignorance and equip the people with good health-seeking behaviour, such as embracing medical screening.’

Armed men suspected to be bandits on Friday stormed a family residence in Isanlu in Yagba East local government area and abducted a woman and her two children while the husband who tried to escape was shot.

Tribune Online gathered that the husband, in an attempt to escape abduction, sustained gunshot injuries.

The attack, according to a member of Kogi State Vigilante agency, happened in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East local government in the state.

The source said, ‘one Tokpe Gody at Bareke-Egbe in Yagba West was attacked by unknown gunmen in their family house at about 2am Friday morning and abducted his wife and two children.’

While medical personnel in Egbe Hospital are trying to save the husband’s life, the kidnappers are said to be demanding a ransom of N100m from the family for the release of the wife and two children.

A Kogi Vigilante source who pleaded anonymity said, ‘One of us received calls from the kidnappers this morning, they used one private number to call us, they asked for N100 million before they will release the victims.’

The local security source hinted that the health condition of Tokpe in the hospital was very critical and might require to taken to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja.

In a related development, seven travellers were abducted along the Itobe-Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The victims were ambushed in the Ojuwo-Olijo forest, a known hotspot for criminal activities.

According to police reports, one female passenger managed to escape during the attack, providing a glimmer of hope amid the distressing situation.

The authorities have since mobilized security forces, including troops, police, and local vigilantes, to conduct bush combing operations aimed at rescuing the captives and tracking down the kidnappers.

As security forces intensify their efforts to locate the kidnapped individuals and apprehend the perpetrators, the community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this distressing incident.

However, the Kogi State Command is yet to issue statements on the two kidnapped incidents as the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ayah of the Command, could not be reached as of the time of filling this report.

The Minister of Power and 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has sought the support of the Oke-Ogun Zone 2 area of the state to actualise his governorship ambition.

Adelabu said his aspiration was not driven by personal or selfish motives but by his commitment to the welfare of the people of Oyo State.

He explained that his desire to serve as governor stemmed from his passion for improving the lives of the poor, the less privileged, and residents across all parts of the state.

Speaking while addressing APC leaders, stakeholders, and members of the party in Oke-Ogun Zone 2, Adelabu assured that if given the opportunity to serve as governor in 2027, he would focus on the progress and development of the state.

Oke-Ogun Zone 2 comprises six local government areas: Oorelope, Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Irepo, and Atisbo.

The Minister, who was accompanied by the brother of the late former governor of the state, Alhaji Wasiu Ajimobi, as well as Hon. Abiodun Ambali, Alhaji Wale Sanusi, Alhaji Kola Amoo, and Alhaji Fatai Adesokan, emphasised the need for party unity ahead of the next general election.

He noted that the interest of the people would remain his priority if elected, adding that he would not disappoint the electorate if given their mandate.

According to him, with the full support of APC members and the people of the state, the party will reclaim the Agodi Government House from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2027.

He said, ‘United APC owns Oyo State. PDP is a tenant in Agodi Government House. A divided house can never be victorious. APC will regain Oyo State in 2027.

‘There should be internal democracy in our party, and this begins with our upcoming congress. I want to assure you that no one will impose any candidate on us. Our party must unite and stand as one.’

Earlier, the Minister had met with some APC leaders in Saki, including Alhaji Sulaimon Ajibade (Saki West), Alhaji Hamed Ayinla (Olorunsogo), Alhaji Balogun Mayor Alagbada (Saki East), and Chief Lateef Ajemeje (Atisbo), among others.

In his remarks, the member representing Saki West, Saki East, and Atisbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Kareem Abisodun, lauded Adelabu’s strides in the power sector across Nigeria. He appealed for the Minister’s intervention in addressing electricity challenges in the Oke-Ogun area.

Abisodun assured that residents of the six local government areas would mobilise support and vote massively for the APC in the 2027 elections to return the party to power in Oyo State.

Also speaking, a former Commissioner in the state, Hon. Raji Rasaki, said Adelabu’s visit to the zone was timely as the 2027 elections approach. He maintained that Oke-Ogun Zone 2 remains a stronghold of the progressives and would continue to support the APC.

In his address, Alhaji Wasiu Ajimobi said the people of Ibadan were fully behind Adelabu’s governorship ambition and urged the people of Oke-Ogun Zone 2 to rally behind him to reclaim power from the ruling PDP.

Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun, former ALGON Chairman in the state; Hon. Yekeen Popoola; Alhaji Nojeem Omirinde; and Chief Enoch Adediran, among others.

Seadove Generale Surveillance Company Limited has provided free medical care to more than 900 residents of Onna Local Government Area and nearby communities in Akwa Ibom State.

The weeklong outreach, held at Abat Primary Health Centre, was organized in partnership with the Voice of Community and Environmental Rights Initiative (VCERI) as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility program.

The exercise covered health education, laboratory tests, consultations, eye care, drug prescriptions, and minor surgeries, all provided at no cost.

A 60-year-old farmer, Mr. Kufreabasi, who received treatment during the outreach, described the initiative as a ‘lifesaver.’

‘I have battled high blood pressure for five years without proper treatment because I couldn’t afford hospital bills. This program is a big relief for me and many others,’ Kufreabasi said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Mary Udom, said the health talk session helped her understand how to prevent diseases and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

‘I’ve learned how to eat better, keep clean surroundings, and avoid self-medication. This is more than just treatment, it’s empowerment,’ she noted.

Speaking with journalists, the Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy at Seadove, Mr. Godwin Ekpo, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community welfare.

‘We owe it to our host communities to deliver impact-driven CSR. Our target is to reach at least 900 people, including 40 minor surgeries,’ he stated.

Ekpo, who noted the large turnout, said the outreach covered five local government areas – Onna, Eket, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, and Mkpat-Enin – reaching about 38 communities.

‘The crowd today is a proof that the need for quality healthcare at the grassroots is massive. We’re happy to be part of the solution,’ he added.

The Vice Chairman of Onna LGA, Mrs. Mfon Jeremiah, who represented the Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren, commended Seadove for supporting Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, especially in the health sector.

‘This is a worthy partnership that complements government efforts. We urge other corporate bodies to emulate Seadove’s example,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Village Head of Ikot Ntuen, Ette Idung Ubong Ekanem, praised the company for its gesture.

‘Seadove has shown that development is not just about roads and buildings; it is about touching lives,’ he said.

He expressed hope that the outreach would continue across other communities, noting that many beneficiaries look forward to similar interventions to help close the healthcare gap in rural areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in the walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.

According to an NDLEA statement issued on Sunday, the breakthrough followed a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos. The operations led to the arrest of five suspects, including the alleged ringleader of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who poses as a businessman and real estate developer.

The beginning of the end of the criminal network’s operations came on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos International Airport intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms, concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested.

The Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said in the statement that further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment. After weeks of intelligence gathering, it was established that the drug baron had earlier reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the agency sought the cooperation of the police to place him in custody.

During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought for over N150 million. He said he is a businessman and estate developer who returned from the United Kingdom in 2024. He reportedly lived for over 27 years in several European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

Similarly, five other attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the Lagos Airport Strategic Command of the NDLEA. The unraveling of the gang began on 26th September, following the seizure of 2.10kg of cocaine concealed in the walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

The arrest of a cargo agent led to the apprehension of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on 30th September at his residence at 3 Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, where another consignment of 1.40kg of cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered.

On the same day, another consignment of 1.00kg of cocaine, similarly concealed and also destined for the UK, was intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

Two other cocaine-laden consignments bound for the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Lagos airport on Thursday. Two suspects; Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa ; linked to the seizures were promptly arrested.

One of the consignments, the statement said, contained crayfish and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg of cocaine, while the second consignment also contained crayfish and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.

The attempt by another criminal gang to smuggle 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, into Lagos concealed in bedsheets and hibiscus flowers from Thailand was equally foiled by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies. Meanwhile, a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a checkpoint along the Danbatta-Daura road in Kano on Thursday led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and the seizure of 290,450 pills of Tramadol 250mg and Pregabalin capsules.

In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer, John Igbe, known as SammyBless and notorious for distributing illicit drugs in the Lekki and Ajah axis, was arrested on 30th September at Admiralty Road, Lekki. A total of 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups was recovered from him.

Babafemi added that three other suspects, Idris Lukman, Fuad Abdulsalam, and Mobolaji James, were arrested the same day in the Mushin area of the state. NDLEA officers seized 109kg of skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2kg of nitrous oxide from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were also recovered.

While a total of 27,700 pills of Tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect, Salisu Abubakar, at Bode Saadu, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 29th September, another suspect, Blessing Ovaka, was caught with 498.5kg of skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, the same day. Similarly, Dahiru Salisu was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of Tramadol at Gwargwaje along the Kaduna-Zaria road on 2nd October.

In Ogun State, NDLEA operatives on 29th September raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg of skunk and 16 grams of Tramadol. Three other suspects, Chuimieze Shedrack, Sunday John, and Solomon Okopko were arrested by NDLEA officers on Thursday at the Owena/Ijesha forest reserve in Osun State, where they destroyed 14,000kg of skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of the same psychoactive substance.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives on 1st October intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW, loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg, at Igbanke, Orhionmwon LGA, and arrested a suspect, Ineh Excellent Obindi.

A total of 10,897.35kg of skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358 hectares at Ugbodo Forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday. Two suspects ;, Michael Ayang and Bernard New Year (a.k.a. Don), were arrested, and not less than 223.5kg of processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

The statement added that operatives on patrol along the Okene-Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg of Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow-up operation at Gwagwalada Park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, while another suspect, Ismail Abdurrahim, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg of skunk along the Abaji-Abuja expressway on Thursday.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), warned that the agency would not relent until the threat posed by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated.

He said, ‘This is because every arrest, seizure and asset forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions.’

Big Brother Naija Season 10 has officially crowned Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, as its winner. The 23-year-old housemate captured the hearts of millions with her emotional openness, fiery personality, and resilience throughout the ‘Ten over Ten’ edition.

Here are five key things to know about Imisi:

1. Her real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale

The 23-year-old Imisi hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, and works as a fashion designer and aspiring actress. She is known for her vibrant personality and expressive nature, and she brought both emotion and entertainment to the house from day one.

2. Imisi won several tasks during the season

Throughout the season, Imisi proved her versatility by winning six major tasks, including the Guinness, Indomie, Munchit, Gordon, Terra, TravelBeta, and Lush hair, among others.

3. One of the most talked-about housemates

From emotional diary sessions to fiery confrontations, Imisi remained a central figure in the house. She openly discussed surviving rape at age 12 and a miscarriage during a past relationship, earning viewers’ empathy for her courage to be vulnerable on national television.

4. Mix of friendship, rivalry, and romance

Imisi’s journey wasn’t without drama; she clashed with Koyin and Rooboy during a heated kitchen fight but also shared close bonds with Kola and Isabella, creating moments that trended online. Her openness about liking multiple male housemates made her one of the season’s most unpredictable contestants.

5. She won N150 million worth of prizes

At the grand finale hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Imisi was announced as the winner, with Dede as the first runner-up. She takes home N80 million in cash and, overall, N150 million worth of grand prizes.

The Nigerian music scene is about to witness a new wave of global energy as Olusola Badmus popularly known as Embassy officially brings M12 Records home with a star-studded listening party and label unveiling in Ibadan, Nigeria.

The atmosphere was electrifying and the spotlight firmly fixed on entrepreneur and business mogul Olusola Badmus, founder of M12 Records, as he hosted an exclusive listening party for one of his fast-rising stars, Brainyboy.

The highlight of the evening was the release of Brainyboy’s official debut album, aptly titled ‘MR Embassy.’ Held at the Lighthouse Club in Akobo, Ibadan, the event delivered an unforgettable experience as the crowd was thrilled by Brainyboy’s performance, leaving fans and guests entertained throughout the night.

Speaking about his passion and vision for music, M12 Records boss Olusola Badmus shared:

‘For me, music has always been more than sound – it’s culture, it’s emotion, and it’s connection. M12 Records is about giving artists the freedom to create while also providing them the structure to succeed globally.’

Registered in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom, M12 Records stands out as a global entertainment brand committed to bridging Nigerian creativity with international platforms. The label is fast establishing itself as a force, with a mission to empower artists, expand African music across borders, and drive collaborations with international stars.

The listening party itself became the talk of the town, attracting top media houses, newspapers, blogs, and entertainment outlets eager to capture the moment. Fans and industry stakeholders witnessed an evening that blended fresh sounds, raw talent, and the distinct vibes that M12 Records artistes are known for.

Reaffirming the label’s direction, Olusola Badmus added:

‘M12 Records is founded on authenticity and innovation. Our goal is to discover, produce, and showcase world-class talent capable of making a lasting impact on the global entertainment stage. Keep your eyes on M12 Records – this is just the beginning of something big.’

In recognition of his efforts, Olusola Badmus was honored with the award for ‘Best Grassroots Record Label’ by YorubaMovieGist.com. According to the platform, the award celebrates M12 Records’ outstanding contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry and its growing influence at the grassroots level.

With a clear vision, a talented roster, and a commitment to innovation, M12 Records is carving a reputation as the home for bold, original voices in Afrobeats and beyond.

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) in Edo State continued on Sunday as the faction (Legacy Group) loyal to Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Woke, elected its state working committee, headed by Barr. Nosa Ogieva.

Ogieva and 13 other members of the Edo PDP Executive who were sworn in during the party’s 2025 State Congress in Benin, promised to reunite members of the party, adding that PDP would soon begin to win elections again in the state.

While 11 of the members were returned unopposed, Tony Aziegbemi, Henry Tenebe and Victor Enoghama, were announced to have contested for Chairmanship, Secretary and Deputy State Chairmanship, respectively.

A total of 576 delegates from the 192 wards participated in the election.

Responding on behalf of the newly executive members, the state party Chairman, Barr. Nosa Ogieva, said their emergence marked a new chapter in Edo PDP.

He promised not to betray the party nor take it for granted, adding that his leadership would be repositioning and rebranding the party in Edo.

Ogieva sued for unity amongst the party members, maintaining that the loyalty of members is the bedrock of PDP.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Dan Orbih, said that the former Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki, was responsible for the crisis in the party.

He alleged Obaseki quarreled with everybody he met in PDP, asserting that the poor performance of the party in the recently conducted by-elections showed how unpopular the PDP had become in Edo

Orbih urged the delegates to elect people with capacity that would reawaken the party in the state.

He carpeted an earlier statement issued by the other faction of the party, calling members to disregard the announcement for the State Congress.

He said ‘Just yesterday (Saturday), I saw a statement issued by some funny characters saying they are advising party members not to attend this event. Are you not here?

‘Those who don’t have any moral authority to speak on behalf of the party should keep their mouth shut.

‘As we prepare to elect our executive, I will appeal to you to vote for those with capacity to lead this party, not those who will sell out, not those who will deny members their legitimate right

‘As members of our great party. There is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and several other states.

‘Let us not deceive ourselves for the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members of this party, leaving this party every day for one simple reason, failure of leadership.

‘Elected governors are living. Elected senators are living. Elected members of the House are living in Edo state, we know the root of our problem.

‘We had a united party where everybody related with one another as brothers and sisters, until Godwin Obasiki joined our party.

‘Obasiki destroyed our party. He sowed the seeds of discord, deep rooted seeds of discord in our party.

‘He sinned against the party. He sinned against the people. He sinned against the state.

Continuing, Orbih said ‘He came into the party and destroyed everything that was good in the party. Today, our party’s umbrella is shattered, torn, and we are here today to rebuild the party.

‘What used to put us together as a family was totally destroyed by obaseki. He fought every person except himself, and at the end, we are at a very disadvantaged position in the politics of Edo state.

Orbih described the other faction of the PDP as undertakers who he said were only praying for the party to collapse and then join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sample 1: ‘If Bola Ahmed Tinubu eventually becomes Nigeria’s next president, there is every possibility that he would entertain and address the complains of the Yoruba nation agitators.’ (Opinion: How Tinubu’s emergence as APC flagbearer may reduce.Opera News, 21 June, 2022)

Let’s note the word complains which occurs in the following context: ‘he would entertain and address the complains of the Yoruba nation agitators.’ The slot in which the word occurs certainly belongs to a noun. But is the word (complain) a noun? Not at all. Here lies the problem. The form is not a noun but a verb. The noun form is complaint. We now devote attention to illustrating the usage of the verb (complain) and the noun (complaint).

Now read the following sentences: 1) You cannot complain because you partly created the problem. 2) The man complains too often about food but he hardly gives his wife enough money for domestic matters. 3) Nigerians don’t want to pay taxes but complain about poor infrastructure. 4) Western nations often complain about the Nigerian democratic culture forgetting their sordid influence on our history. 5) You have a right to complain and we also have a right to ask you for a better alternative. 6) I would rather complain openly than grumble and backbite. 7) Christians are not to complain about their leaders. Rather, they are to pray for them and, where possible, counsel them. 8) Customers are already complaining about the reduction in the quality and quantity of our products. 9) Students have been complaining about poor quality of instruction. 10) The followers who complain too much about their leaders may lack leadership qualities. 11) Are you surprised that some people complain about God?

The noun form is complaint: 1) Your complaints are usually baseless. 2) The committee members will not entertain frivolous complaints. 3) All petitions and complaints must be accompanied by supporting documents. 4) The woman says she is sick and tired of her husband’s unending complaints about almost everything. 5) I have stopped complaining since my complaints have yielded no positive results. 6) We have lodged a formal complaint against the accountant regarding delay in payment of salaries. 7) The leaders will be forced to act when the complaints are becoming too frequent. 8) Your complaints are being addressed by appropriate authorities. 9) You should not allow your complaints to degenerate into insubordination. 10) Your complaints must be devoid of bitterness, hostility and hatred. 11) Their complaints have nothing to do with money. 12) Repeated and habitual complaints will wear the leaders out.

Do not say: My complains are many. Say: My complaints are many. Do not say: God hates complains. Say: God hates complaints. Do not say: Your complains are receiving attention. Say: Your complaints are receiving attention. Do not say: I don’t have any complain. Say: I don’t have any complaint. Do not say: This complain is unheard-of. Say: This complaint is unheard-of. Do not say: She has been repeating the same complain month after month. Say: She has been repeating the same complaint month after month.

Three other words-and their usage-are worth considering here. These are: refrain, restrain/restraint, and constrain/constraint. To refrain from doing something is to deliberately avoid doing it. Let’s read the following sentences: 1)Members of the public have been advised to refrain from making comments on the desirability or otherwise of the corporate existence of Nigeria. 2)Health officials have been advising residents to refrain from dumping refuse in waterways to avoid disastrous flooding. 3)Principals and headmasters have been warned to refrain from collecting unauthorized fees from students. 4)To avoid being misunderstood by people who are not familiar with the situation, I have refrained from making any pronouncement on the development. 5)Those who cannot refrain from talking are advised to leave the hall. 6)It is in his own interest to refrain from interacting with the controversial lady.

Please note that the word is a verb, and we have of necessity allowed it to occur consistently in the verbal slot. In addition, let us note that it occurs regularly with the particle from. The two words together form an indissoluble idiom.

Now restrain: When you restrain someone or yourself you prevent that person or yourself from doing something or acting in a particular way. The restraining may be physical or emotional. Let’s read the following sentences: 1)It was with great difficulty that I restrained myself from hitting him in the face. 2)She was boiling inside, and it was obvious she managed to restrain herself from making explosive remarks. 3)The man charged towards the policeman, intent on strangling him, but was restrained by two hefty men. 4)Tipsy and horny, it was a miracle that he managed to restrain himself from going the whole hog with the lady.5)We have a duty as Christians to restrain ourselves from doing anything that is antithetical to our faith. 6)There were already signs that he would soon grow violent, but this time he would restrain himself and avoid destroying the household utensils bought by his wife.

The noun form is restraint. Let’s read the following sentences: 1)Men are often advised to exercise restraint in their dealings with women. 2)In life, there are times for sensible and productive restraint, and there are times for freedom, complete, wholesome freedom. 3)Business activities call for wisdom, calm calculation, and restraint. 4)Seasoned diplomats know when to act swiftly and freely and when to exercise restraint. 5)One should be sensible enough to exercise restraint among strangers and in a foreign land. 6)As one grows older, one’s sense of restraint should increase. 7) A sound sense of restraint is usually a function of cultural education.

Next, we consider the verb constrain. A thing that constrains a person or another thing limits his/its action, freedom of action, development, forces him/it to do or not to do certain things. Let’s read the following sentences: 1)Family ties often constrain people from taking up jobs from particular locations. 2)Poverty constrains people’s educational attainment in Africa. 3)There should be laws to constrain parents to send their female children to school. 4 Citizens should be constrained by patriotism to report crime to the police. 5)Constrained by love, he often helps his wife in the kitchen. 6)I feel constrained by honour to confess my misdeeds openly. 7)Expansion of a farm is often constrained by availability of land and funds. 8)The prosperity of any business organization is constrained as much by financial and human resources as by the vision of the founding director(s).

The noun form is constraint. The following sentences illustrate its usage: 1)The association died a natural death as a result of financial constraints. 2)But for cultural constraints (such as what people would say, what would become of the children, etc)the marriage would have ended in divorce a long time ago. 3)Powerful as the presidency is, it is subject to the constraints of checks and balances. 4)There are constraints on the powers of the governor that guarantee that those powers are not abused. 5)Social constraints even in an overly patriarchal society like ours prevent husbands from acting irresponsibly. 6)Working within the constraints of limited resources, we can only expect modest achievements. 7)The constitution privides the needed constraints on the powers of public officials. 8)Every human being works within the constraint of the limited time available to him in life.