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A Nigerian, Mr. Francis Adewale, has assumed office as the new President of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA).

The WSBA President, elected last month, hails from Ilesa in Osun State.

Adewale will lead the organization which regulates and serves nearly 40,000 legal professionals for the next one year.

A statement by Communications Manager of WSBA, Jennifer Olegario, said: ‘Adewale’s career has been defined by his staunch advocacy for the rights of all, particularly in Eastern Washington, where he has practiced movement lawyering and served with the City of Spokane Public Defender’s Office since 2000. He brings a brand of leadership that is focused on the needs of both the legal community and the public.

‘As president, I want every legal practitioner in Washington to know that I see you-the WSBA sees you-and we’ve got your back,’ Adewale said.

‘Together we will-in the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-continue to bend the arc of justice.’

The statement added that Adewale’s commitment is evidenced by his roles on key organizations, including the Washington State Access to Justice Board, the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and the Spokane Homeless Coalition.

Adewale is also a Fellow of the Washington Leadership Institute (WLI) and a two-time former WSBA treasurer.

WSBA Executive Director, Terra Nevitt commended Adewale’s leadership, saying, ‘We are so lucky to have such a committed advocate and salt-of-the-Earth human being like Francis lead our organization over the next year. In this pivotal moment for our profession, I can think of few people better suited to guide the WSBA toward being a more dedicated and responsive organization for our members and the communities in which we live.’

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has inducted 242 nurses from the 2019 graduating set of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

The event, which marked the university’s 11th Nursing Induction and Swearing-in Ceremony, was held at the ABSU Auditorium.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, urged the new inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of their alma mater and uphold the principles of nursing practice. Represented by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. Dick Uduma, Okeudo described the graduates as thoroughly trained professionals poised to make significant contributions to global healthcare.

The VC also expressed appreciation to the Visitor to the University, Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the institution, particularly through the construction of a 10,000-capacity hostel and prompt payment of staff salaries. He equally hailed parents and guardians for their sacrifices.

The Registrar/Secretary-General of the NMCN, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, represented by Mrs. Stella Godswill, charged the graduates to practise with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. He assured that the council would continue to monitor nursing practice in Nigeria.

Other speakers included the Provost, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Chuks Kamalu (represented by Dr. Ebere Mbanaso, HOD Physiology); the Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Chris Timothy (represented by Dr. Udo Ubani); and the Head of Department, Nursing Science, Dr. Peace Okoroafor.

They congratulated the inductees, reminded them of their leadership role in healthcare, and called for an increase in the department’s admission quota.

Delivering the valedictory speech, the best graduating student, Miss Chidera Okochi, thanked God for a successful academic journey and expressed gratitude to the university and her parents for their support. She pledged to remain a dedicated professional.

Highlights of the ceremony included the administration of the induction oath, presentation of licences, unveiling of the Nursing Magazine, cutting of the induction cake, presentation of awards to deserving staff and partner institutions, among others.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to service excellence and innovation as it joined the global celebration of Customer Service Week 2025, recording strong gains in customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The week-long event, which runs from October 6 to 10, has ‘Mission: Possible’ as theme and highlights the bank’s resolve to transform everyday challenges into opportunities through creativity, technology, and teamwork.

Describing the occasion, the bank’s Managing Director, Yemisi Edun said: ‘At FCMB, every day is an opportunity to provide excellent service. This week, we are proud to celebrate our customers and employees, whose dedication continues to drive our success.’

Executive Director, Corporate Services and Service Management, Felicia Obozuwa, reiterated the bank’s dedication in creating real value through customer experience and innovation.

‘In a fast-changing world, we are proud to deliver solutions that truly add value. Customer Service Week is another chance to thank our customers for their loyalty and our employees for their dedication,’ Obozuwa said.

As part of the celebrations, FCMB executives, including the Managing Director, took on customer-facing roles across various branches. They engaged directly with clients, listened to their feedback, and presented special gifts to customers. The bank also recognised children with Kiddies’ Accounts and rewarded its top 50 customers for their enduring loyalty and contribution to the bank’s growth.

To further appreciate its wider customer base, the bank rewarded more than 100,000 customers who purchased airtime and data through the FCMB Mobile App and 329# USSD code with a 10 percent bonus during a three-day campaign. In addition, select branches were fitted with refreshment booths to make in-branch visits more pleasant and interactive.

Employees also played a central role in the celebrations. Activities such as peer-to-peer recognition sessions, a Bankers Game Show, and a Theme Song Contest were organised to foster teamwork, celebrate excellence, and strengthen internal culture. The week’s events will culminate in a hybrid staff gathering, connecting employees physically and virtually across the country.

In line with this commitment, FCMB reported significant improvements in its Net Promoter Score (NPS) – a key measure of customer satisfaction and loyalty. The bank’s NPS, the management noted, rose to 74 per cent as of August 2025, surpassing the industry average, while its digital banking NPS also improved from 71 per cent to 75 per cent, reflecting stronger customer confidence in its digital platforms.

Now in its 41st year globally, Customer Service Week celebrates the role of service excellence in driving sustainable business growth. For FCMB, the event underscores its ongoing strategy to blend innovation, empathy, and digital transformation to strengthen relationships with customers, enhance satisfaction, and sustain business performance.

A digital marketplace for services, HAGO Africa, has launched operations in Nigeria, making it easier, safer, and faster for customers to find trusted service providers, from everyday artisans to top-tier professionals.

The platform connects customers to verified vendors in their city, combining location-based search, an escrow payment system, and in-app chat to deliver convenience and accountability that traditional referrals rarely guarantee.

Founder and CEO of HAGO Africa, Samuel Imoisili, said: ‘Our mission is simple: to build trust where it’s been missing. For years, customers have struggled with unreliable vendors, while skilled professionals have struggled to prove their credibility.

HAGO changes that by making every connection transparent, secure, and built on accountability.’

Unlike informal word-of-mouth networks, HAGO Africa allows customers to search, book, chat with, and pay service providers in minutes, all within one app.

Vendors benefit from increased visibility, access to more customers, and tools that encourage professional standards such as prompt communication, transparent pricing, and reliable delivery.

Imoisili who is a rising voice in Africa’s tech-driven service economy, added: ‘Service delivery in Africa has always been a matter of trust. We built HAGO to close that gap. By empowering both customers and vendors, we’re raising the bar for the entire service economy.’

HAGO Africa’s launch in Nigeria underscores the company’s commitment to transforming how Africans access and offer services, whether it’s hiring a plumber, booking a chef for a private dinner, finding a therapist, or engaging a product designer.

Rotary Club of Anthony Golden District 9112 has donated pregnancy and delivery kits to expecant women at Mende Primary Healthcare Centre, Maryland, Lagos.

The club also gave out bags, uniforms, socks and writing materials to pupils of Anthony Modle Nursery and Primary School in Anthony.

The back-to-school project featured tree planting to support pupils and the school authority.

President, Fikayo Ogundairo, said the gesture was in line with Rotary activities to provide service, promote integrity and ethical standards, and advance understanding, goodwill, and peace.

He noted that the donation was to give back to the community, apply the ideal of service in human life, improve life of expectant mothers as well as pupils.

‘Rotarians undertake to improve the quality of life in their community. Particular emphasis is given to helping children, needy families, the aged, the handicapped, and those most in need of assistance’.

Ogundairo said besides donating pregnancy kits, Rotary provides community health by organising free medical outreaches, training health workers, empowering communities to prevent diseases like malaria and polio, improving maternal and child health, and partnering health ministries and hospitals to deliver screenings, vaccinations, and vital healthcare supplies to vulnerable populations in Nigeria and beyond.

He said Rotary organises health days and outreaches, offering services like blood pressure tests, diabetes screenings, and hepatitis vaccinations to underserved communities.”

Smartphones today are more than just gadgets – they’re our cameras, our entertainment centers, our workstations, and sometimes even our survival tools when the day gets long. With the launch of the REDMI 15, Xiaomi is proving once again that cutting-edge tech doesn’t need to come with a heavy price tag. Instead, it should deliver power, performance, and practicality that fits perfectly into everyday life.

So, what exactly makes the REDMI 15 stand out in Nigeria’s highly competitive smartphone market? Here are six things you absolutely need to know about this new device.

1. A Battery That Refuses to Quit

We’ve all had those days when our phone’s battery dies in the middle of something important. That’s a headache REDMI 15 is here to solve. With its massive 7000mAh (typ) battery, this phone is built for marathon use. Whether it’s endless WhatsApp chats, hours of YouTube, or a long day of work and play, REDMI 15 keeps going.

Paired with 33W fast charging, even when the battery does run low, you won’t be stuck waiting for hours. Just a short recharge gets you right back on track.

2. A Big Screen Made for Big Moments

The REDMI 15 is equipped with an immersive 6.9-inch FHD+ display, which means everything from movies to mobile gaming looks better. The size makes it perfect for those who use their phone as a primary entertainment device – and for those who enjoy split-screen multitasking, the extra space really comes in handy.

Whether you’re watching Netflix, scrolling Instagram, or video calling loved ones, the REDMI 15’s display makes the experience brighter, bolder, and more engaging.

3. Reliable Power Under the Hood

At the heart of the REDMI 15 is the Snapdragon 685 processor. While it may not be a flagship chipset, it’s a strong and efficient performer for daily use. From running multiple apps smoothly to handling casual gaming, the Snapdragon 685 ensures you get a reliable and lag-free experience.

Pair that with RAM options of 6GB+128GB or 8GB+256GB, and you’ve got plenty of space for apps, photos, videos, and everything else you need on the go.

4. Capture Every Angle with the 50MP AI Dual Camera

The REDMI 15 comes with a 50MP AI dual camera system that makes mobile photography simple yet stunning. Whether you’re snapping photos of Lagos street life, family gatherings, or that perfect food shot for Instagram, the REDMI 15 has you covered.

AI optimization helps balance lighting, color, and detail, ensuring your pictures are clear and vibrant without needing professional editing. It’s the kind of camera that lets anyone become the storyteller of their own life.

5. Designed with Style in Mind

Smartphones are an extension of personal style, and the REDMI 15 doesn’t disappoint. Available in Midnight Black, Titan Gray, and Sandy Purple, it’s sleek and modern without being over the top.

Despite packing a huge battery, the REDMI 15 manages to feel comfortable in hand – showing Xiaomi’s commitment to design balance between power and portability.

6. A Price That Puts Power Within Reach

One of the strongest reasons Nigerians will love the REDMI 15 is its affordable pricing. For a device with such a massive battery, a huge display, and reliable performance, the REDMI 15 starts at just:

?186,400 for 6GB+128GB

?212,900 for 8GB+256GB

This makes it one of the best value-for-money smartphones in its category. It’s clear that Xiaomi designed REDMI 15 not just to impress on paper, but to be truly accessible to everyday users.

Availability and Where to Buy?

The REDMI 15 is now available in Nigeria through all authorized Xiaomi stores, including Finet, Raya, 3C Hub, Slot, and more. Prefer online shopping? Visit Jumia.com to purchase your favorite Xiaomi products with just a few clicks! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and promotions by following Xiaomi Nigeria on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Chairman of Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mohammad Olawale Mutiu, has distributed over 5,000 educational materials to secondary schools across the council area.

Mutiu said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to supporting the education sector.

Items distributed were bags, books, reuseable bottles and pen.

Describing education as bedrock of development, Mutiu said investment in students would help them secure their future and contribute positively to the growth of the community and the state at large.

He said that plans were underway to renovate dilapidated classrooms in some of the schools and to provide additional facilities that would create a more conducive environment for learning.

According to him, education remains the most powerful tool to fight poverty and insecurity, hence the need for all stakeholders to support government’s efforts in strengthening the sector.

Schools that benefitted were the Agboriki Comprehensive High School, College Ikare Secondary School, and AUD Secondary School. Others included Osele Comprehensive High School, Comprehensive Secondary School Ikare, and Ise Akoko High School.

Founder of Eduminds Africa, Miss Motunrayo Oyedele, said the gesture was geared towards making education more attractive to students while also assisting parents by reducing the financial burden of buying books for their children.

Community leaders present at the distribution ceremony applauded the council chairman for his foresight and called on other public office holders to emulate the initiative.

Rangers International FC of Enugu continued their impressive run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in a keenly contested Oriental derby played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Tuesday.

Goals from Chigozie Iwundu and Godwin Obaje in the 15th and 33rd minutes sealed the win for the Flying Antelopes, who have now climbed to fifth place on the log with 11 points from seven matches.

Despite the loss, Abia Warriors remain in fourth position with 12 points.

In another NPFL fixture decided in Kano, Rabiu Ali’s 23rd -minute goal handed Kano Pillars a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The result moved Pillars up to 16th place with seven points, while Kwara United sit just above them in 13th position with eight points.

The Rivers State University in Port Harcourt is set to host the second edition of the international conference/workshop of the Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN).

DECRAN’s Convener and President, Dr. Blessing N. Chinweobo-Onuoha, announced this in a statement yesterday by the Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Chekwube Nzomiwu.

The statement said the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, will also be the chief host of the conference slated for November 19 to 21, while the Dean in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Richard N. Amadi, will be the host.

The statement added: ‘The Head, Department of Development Communication Studies, Rivers State University, Dr. Itieke-Idamieba Harry, is the co-host, while Dr. Sarah C. Joe chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

‘Prof. Godwin B. Okon of the Department of Development Communication Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt, is the keynote speaker, while Prof. Christopher Ochonogor of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt, will serve as the lead paper presenter.

‘The theme of the conference is: Digital inclusion and the Frontiers of Development Communication, while the sub-themes cover Development Communication and Digital Innovation, Education and Learning, Arts, Humanities and Cultural Communication, as well as Social Sciences and Governance.

‘The topics to be discussed include Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Future of Development Messaging, Digital Inclusion and Communication Access in Rural Communities, Information and Communication Technologies for Development: Trends and Impacts, and Community Media, Podcasting and Citizen Journalism.

‘Also to be discussed are: Mobile Health and Behaviour Change Strategies, Combating Health Misinformation in Digital Spaces, Human Centred Design in Health Promotion Campaigns, Indigenous Communication and Health Education, Telehealth, Trust and Communication Ethics, Digital Learning Platforms and Access to Quality Education, Storytelling and Creative Arts in Development Narratives, Communication, Policy Advocacy and Democratic Participation, among others.’

Chinweobo-Onuoha stated that the conference would be open to all academics and professionals, regardless of their discipline.

She added: ‘There will be brainstorming sessions on the chosen topics at the conference. Our association (DECRAN) stands as a pioneering force in the realm of communication research in the country, having produced two journals since our maiden international conference hosted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in November last year.’

According to the programme of events, the opening ceremony/plenary session will be held on November 20, to be followed by the annual general meeting on November 21.

This year’s conference is being organised by DECRAN in collaboration with the Department of Development Communication Studies, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

After six years of rigorous research, scientists at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have revealed that although most herbal medicines circulating in Nigeria are safe for consumption, their effectiveness in treating diseases remains largely unproven. The findings, unveiled last week during a media briefing by the Centre for Research in Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine at NIMR, Yaba, highlight a growing gap between the popularity of herbal products and the scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic claims.

According to Dr. Oluwagbemiga Olanrewaju Aina, Deputy Director of Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition at NIMR, the conclusion emerged from a comprehensive safety and efficacy evaluation of 46 herbal formulations conducted since 2019. ‘All the 46 herbal products evaluated over the last six years were found to be safe in toxicity studies using animal models. However, none of them passed efficacy tests,’ Aina disclosed.

The tested formulations-ranging from painkillers and anti-malarials to anti-COVID and cancer remedies-were subjected to acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, confirming that they posed no harm at standard dosages. Some of the products examined included Kampe Bitters, Divine Herbal Eye Medicine, Yusram Colon Cleanser, COVID Organics Herbal Tea from Madagascar, and Vernonia Antiviral Herb. While none of the products demonstrated harmful effects, Aina cautioned that safety alone does not equate to effectiveness. ‘Just because a product doesn’t harm you doesn’t mean it works,’ he warned. ‘There is a growing trend of herbalists making unverified claims-and, in some cases, adulterating their preparations with conventional drugs.’

Aina, who is also an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Eko University of Medicine and Health Sciences, noted that the Centre played a key role during the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating several herbal and pharmaceutical formulations, including Virucidine, Ivermectin, and protein-based immune therapies. However, none of the trials demonstrated statistically significant clinical benefits over standard treatments.

He urged herbal medicine producers to go beyond anecdotal evidence by conducting efficacy studies and identifying the active ingredients in their formulations. ‘We advise producers of herbal medicines to isolate and characterise active ingredients in their preparations. More importantly, they must demonstrate that these ingredients work-not just that they don’t kill,’ he said. Aina also called for greater investment in research infrastructure, better access to laboratory equipment, and the establishment of standardis ed animal facilities to support preclinical studies. Beyond its herbal research, the Centre has in the past six years evaluated 46 herbal medicinal products, conducted multiple preclinical and clinical trials, and trained over 500 industrial trainees, 150 project students, 50 interns, and 80 PhD students. It also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s COVID-19 response and maintains collaborations with several universities locally and abroad.

Despite these achievements, Aina noted ongoing challenges, including limited funding, inadequate laboratory infrastructure, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which remains an active focus of his broader research. He concluded by reaffirming the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern science. ‘Traditional medicine remains a vital part of African healthcare culture,’ he said. ‘But science must validate tradition-not replace it. Herbal therapy has its place, but it must be backed by evidence. That is the only way forward.’