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The Oyo State Government has renewed its pledge to improve access to affordable and quality eye care services statewide, reinforcing its efforts to eradicate avoidable blindness.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, through her representative, Dr Fola Oni, delivered this commitment on Thursday at an event held at Alesinloye Market, Ibadan. The gathering commemorated World Sight Day 2025, which was observed under the theme, ‘Love Your Eyes: Access to Eye Care for All.’

Ajetunmobi described sight as a priceless gift that must be protected and preserved, adding that improving eye health remains a top priority for the present administration.

‘Eye health is often neglected in public health discourse, yet vision plays a central role in education, productivity, and quality of life,’ she said. ‘In Oyo State, we recognise that improving access to affordable and quality eye care is both a health priority and a moral responsibility.’

The Commissioner noted that the government has taken bold steps to institutionalise eye health through the inauguration of the Oyo State Eye Health Committee earlier in the year. The committee, she explained, is mandated to strengthen coordination, guide implementation, and enforce policies aimed at improving eye health delivery in the state.

She further assured that plans are underway to launch large-scale community outreach programmes in partnership with professional associations and development partners to provide sustainable and impactful eye care interventions.

‘Our goal is clear: to make eye care accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all. We are committed to strengthening health facilities, integrating primary eye care into primary health care, and ensuring that every child, artisan, and elderly person lives free from avoidable blindness,’ she added.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Akintunde Ayinde, represented by Fasasi, urged residents to prioritise regular eye checkups and not wait until they experience vision problems before visiting the hospital.

He explained that conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can affect eyesight, emphasising the importance of preventive health checks.

‘The eye is the light of the body and one of its most vital organs. It is important that we care for and protect it,’ he said, noting that the government provides access to qualified eye specialists in several hospitals across the state, including University College Hospital (UCH) and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.

Also speaking, Dr Sarimiye, Secretary of the National Body of Ophthalmologists in Nigeria, who represented the Chief Medical Director of UCH, commended the long-standing collaboration between the Oyo State Government, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and other partners in promoting eye health.

He noted that the event, which is observed globally on the second Thursday of October, has helped raise awareness about preventable blindness and encouraged residents to make use of free screening opportunities.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Amy Patrick from the National Eye Health Committee, applauded Oyo State for its innovation and for aligning with the federal initiative to strengthen state-level eye health structures.

Similarly, Dr Susan Adepoju commended the government for inaugurating the Oyo State Eye Health Committee, noting that it would enhance quality eye care services across hospitals in the state.

In her goodwill message, Lion Tina, representing the Lions District Governor, Lion Adelaja Ademuyiwa Adeleye, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting humanitarian causes, particularly in vision care.

‘We are proud to collaborate with the Oyo state government and UCH to make a lasting impact on eye health. We urge everyone to take their eye care seriously and to follow professional medical advice,’ she stated.

The event also featured a health awareness session by Dr Oyebode Abiola of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who educated participants on the importance of balanced nutrition and hygiene for maintaining good eyesight.

Free eye screening and medical consultations with free glasses were provided to attendees as part of the activities marking the celebration.

The order will remain in force until tomorrow, Friday, October 10, 2025, when the matter is scheduled for further hearing.

Justice Akintola said the extension became necessary to ensure that all parties in the case were granted the right to fair hearing in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

‘The case is adjourned till Friday, October 10, 2025, for further hearing, while the interim injunction shall continue to subsist,’ the judge ruled.

Earlier, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN), informed the court that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had filed an application seeking to be joined in the suit.

He, however, disclosed that his team would oppose the application.

‘Even though the PDP has a constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36, we shall oppose their application for joinder. The case is narrow and straightforward; there is no need for multiple parties,’ Adetunmbi said.

The senior advocate also noted that Mr. Kasim Gbadamosi (SAN), who holds the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, for the APC ex-council chairmen, had filed a fresh application in addition to an earlier one on the same matter of joinder.

Responding, Gbadamosi stated that he intended to withdraw the new application, arguing that the issue of jurisdiction did not require a formal application. ‘I will withdraw the application. The issue before the court is jurisdictional, and as such, it doesn’t require a formal application,’ he said.

He further argued that the case before the High Court amounted to an abuse of judicial process since a similar matter was already pending before the Supreme Court.

‘The matter is premised on a case already before the Supreme Court and should therefore be struck out,’ he added.

Also addressing the court, counsel to UBA Plc, Mutalib Adebayo Ojo (SAN), aligned with the argument, urging the court to adjourn the case sine die (indefinitely) pending the determination of the matter at the apex court.

‘We observe that this suit is predicated upon a case already before the Supreme Court. Consequently, it should be adjourned sine die until the determination of that matter. UBA is not a party to the Supreme Court case; we are merely a neutral party in this process,’ Ojo submitted.

After hearing all arguments, Justice Akintola adjourned the case till Friday for ruling.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier granted the following interim orders as sought by the claimants:

1. An order of interim injunction restraining UBA from paying, releasing, disbursing, or tampering with funds in the disputed local government accounts.

2. An order of mandatory injunction directing UBA to place a ‘Post No Debit’ (PND) restriction on all affected accounts pending the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.

The affected accounts include those of the 30 local government areas of Osun State from Atakumosa East to Osogbo each identified by name and account number with UBA.

The suit, filed as Suit No. 1/1167/2025 before Court No. 5 of the Ibadan Judicial Division, is being handled by Olalekan Adeoye, Esq., on behalf of the claimants.

A second case on the same matter filed by the local government chairmen elected under the PDP was also adjourned for hearing tomorrow.

In a bold move to expand access to technology education across the continent, Axia Africa has announced the launch of its ninth learning cycle, Cohort 9, alongside a groundbreaking new initiative – the AxiaTech4All Scholarship, which aims to empower 100,000 young Africans to pursue careers in technology.

The program, now open for applications, will provide 10,000 fully funded scholarship slots to deserving learners, giving them access to premium tech training without the financial burden of tuition fees.

Building on the success of Axia Africa’s previous women-focused scholarship, which attracted over 21,000 applications and produced 2,000 successful graduates- this new phase represents a wider, more inclusive approach. AxiaTech4All opens opportunities to young Africans of all genders, backgrounds, and skill levels, reaffirming the organisation’s mission to democratize access to quality tech education.

Participants in Cohort 9 will have the opportunity to learn in-demand digital skills across key disciplines such as data analytics, product design, product management, and software development. Each course will include hands-on projects, mentorship from industry experts, and certifications through Axia Africa’s U.S.-accredited partner institutions.

Speaking on the launch, Olawale Samuel, CEO of Axia Africa, emphasised the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and impact.

‘The AxiaTech4All Scholarship is our commitment to ensuring that no young African with a dream in tech is left behind due to financial barriers,’ he said.

Since its inception, Axia Africa has positioned itself as a leading edtech organization focused on equipping Africans with future-ready skills through accessible, world-class education. With the introduction of the AxiaTech4All initiative, the organization aims to scale its reach and empower a new generation of innovators capable of driving Africa’s digital transformation.

Applications for Cohort 9 and the AxiaTech4All Scholarships are now open across Axia Africa’s official channels, with thousands of aspiring learners already signing up to begin their journey in technology.

Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Taraba State University (TSU) branch, has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike if their long-standing demands are not addressed by the university management and the state government.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency congress meeting held on Thursday, 9th October 2025, the unions said they had joined the nationwide solidarity protest directed by their national leadership to compel the Federal Government to meet the pending demands of university non-teaching staff.

The statement, signed by Comrade Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, Chairperson, and Nkyareuten Musa Ipeyen, JAC Secretary, lamented that despite several meetings and assurances, most of their grievances remain unresolved. They listed their demands to include the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, unpaid full salaries for September and October 2022, withheld salary balances of June, November, and December 2022, Earned Administrative Allowances (EAA), the payment of the remaining 87.1% of accumulated sums, and settlement of pension and gratuity arrears.

‘We want the Taraba State Government to complete the process of the State-Defined Pension Scheme for the staff of Taraba State University, including benefits for deceased and retired staff, which should be promptly computed and paid to them and their families,’ the communiqué read in part.

The unions recalled that a Memorandum of Action (MoA) was signed on January 25, 2025, following the suspension of an earlier strike, but noted that the university management and the state government have yet to fulfil their commitments.

They warned that failure to meet their demands within the shortest possible time would leave them with no option but to resume the total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike earlier suspended in January 2025.

At the national level, Nigerian Tribune reports that the Joint National Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, led by Comrade Mohammed H. Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, and Prince Peters A. Adeyemi, JP, General Secretary of NASU, had directed all university branches to stage solidarity protests nationwide.

The unions are demanding that the Federal Government address the unjust disbursement of the N50 billion earned allowances, non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries, non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022, and delay in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreement, among other issues.

They also faulted the slow pace of intervention by the Joint Consultative Committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Education, which met twice between September 19 and October 6, 2025, without tangible progress.

Meanwhile, the TSU JAC urged Governor Agbu Kefas and the university authorities to act swiftly to avert an imminent shutdown of academic and administrative activities on campus.

‘Our congress-in-session unanimously resolved to appeal to the university management and the Taraba State Government to settle all outstanding issues to prevent the resumption of the suspended indefinite strike,’ the statement concluded.

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has cautioned the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against actions that contravene Free Trade Zone (FTZ) regulations, reaffirming that strikes and lockouts are expressly prohibited within such zones for a period of ten years from commencement of operations.

The Authority’s Managing Director, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, stated this in Abuja following reports of escalating industrial tensions and ‘frequent and excessive external union infiltrations’ that have disrupted operations at the Dangote Refinery, the country’s largest private industrial complex.

In a statement signed by Dr. Martins Odeh, Head of Corporate Communications at NEPZA, the agency described the recent shutdown of critical oil and gas facilities by PENGASSAN as unlawful within the context of the Free Trade Zone framework.

PENGASSAN had last week directed its members to down tools over allegations that the Dangote Refinery dismissed about 800 workers who had joined the union. The company, however, denied the figure, maintaining that only a few workers were disengaged ‘for acts of sabotage’ as part of an ongoing organisational restructuring.

Dr. Ogunyemi expressed concern over the escalation of the dispute, noting that the refinery’s FTZ status meant that all labour-related grievances should have been channelled through the Authority.

‘Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA) Act provides that ‘there shall be no strikes or lock-outs for a period of ten years following the commencement of operations within a Zone, and the Authority shall resolve any trade dispute arising within a Zone,” he said.

According to him, the provision imposes a 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within Free Zones, while still allowing workers the right to form or join trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.

‘We are pleased that the conflict has been de-escalated. Dangote Refinery is a declared FTZ that continues to benefit from tax incentives and customs duty waivers to support the economy, and NEPZA regulates it.

The Free Trade Zone scheme in Nigeria is slightly over 30 years old, and we ought to be familiar with the scheme and the global rules that guide the operation of this world economic model, which aims to accelerate economic development and industrialisation,’ he said.

Dr. Ogunyemi emphasised that trade disputes originating within any Free Zone must be referred to NEPZA for resolution, clarifying that this restriction applies solely within the zones and not to the wider Nigerian economy.

He also drew attention to Section 24(1) of the NEPZA Act, which limits the application of external laws within Free Zones, noting that such laws are only operational to the extent that they do not conflict with NEPZA’s enabling Act.

‘Consequently, in cases of conflict between the Trade Unions Act (TUA) or Trade Disputes Act (TDA) and Section 18(5), the provisions of Section 18(5) take precedence as the more specific regulation governing Free Zones,’ he stated.

The NEPZA chief commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt intervention in resolving the dispute, describing it as a demonstration of responsive governance and a commitment to safeguarding a critical national asset.

‘It is a sign of President BAT’s maturing democracy that this has been resolved quickly without deleterious effects on our economy,’ he said.

Dr. Ogunyemi reiterated that while industrial relations are part of the process of economic transformation, stakeholders must operate within the legal and administrative frameworks designed to protect investments and ensure the sustainability of industrial growth within the Free Zones.

The Kano State Government has concluded all necessary arrangements to organise a mass wedding ceremony for no fewer than 2,000 couples.

This initiative is part of efforts to promote social welfare, strengthen family values, and curb social vices across the state.

However, it will be recalled that ‘The state government has earmarked N2.5 billion in its 2025 fiscal budget to fund the mass wedding program, a move that underscores its commitment to enhancing the welfare of citizens and promoting moral discipline.’

Making this known, the Deputy Commander-General of the Hisba Board, Sheikh Mujahid Aminudeen, said arrangements were underway to ensure the smooth execution of the mass wedding.

It was stated that the mass wedding is designed to assist vulnerable women, including widows, divorcees, and spinsters, while also reducing the financial strain on low-income couples who wish to marry. Sheikh Aminudeen disclosed that ‘This program aims to address social challenges in our communities by promoting marriage among those who are ready but lack the financial means. It will also help reduce immoral behaviour and promote strong family values.’

He noted that as ‘part of the pre-wedding requirements, all intending couples are to register with the Hisba Board and undergo mandatory medical screening.’

According to him, ‘The tests will include checks for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, drug use, and genotype compatibility to ensure the health and safety of all participants.’

He further disclosed that the Hisba Board would soon release guidelines and registration dates for interested participants once the full logistics and funding arrangements are finalised.

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed a proper investigation into an allegation by the Islamic rights organisation, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), that women are being harassed for wearing hijab in some hospitals in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The governor stated that he received with great concern the report of the allegation raised by MURIC in a statement it released to the public.

Zulum noted that while the government is not aware of any official report or complaint regarding such incidents, his administration has taken the allegations with utmost seriousness.

In a directive issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya, Zulum ordered the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, to undertake an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

The statement noted that Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens’ religious rights and dignity, particularly that of women. He stated that Borno State, being a predominantly Muslim society, holds hijab in high esteem, and any form of harassment against those who choose to wear it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

According to him, ‘The welfare and rights of our citizens, especially our mothers, wives, and daughters, are paramount. We have zero-tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment.’

‘While we have no prior record of such complaints, we are not taking these allegations lightly. This investigation will be swift and transparent. If any wrongdoing is found, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately,’ Zulum assured.

The statement added that Zulum urged the public, particularly individuals who have experienced such treatment, to come forward and assist in the investigation with credible information to ensure a fair and just outcome.

TAJBank Limited, the fastest-growing non-interest bank in Nigeria, has again demonstrated its frontline visibility in Nigeria’s non-interest banking investment market, with its latest ?20 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond offer recording a 185.15% oversubscription rate.

Data just released by the investment market authorities on the performance of the bond indicated that the debt instrument, with an annual profit rate of 20.5% per annum, recorded ?57,029,771 billion allotment, representing 185.15% oversubscription and highlighting the growing investor confidence in the bank.

Speaking on the performance of the bond, TAJBank’s Founder/Managing Director, Mr Hamid Joda, described the ?20 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond subscription rate, which is the second tranche of the bank’s ?100 billion Sukuk bond programme, as impressive given the current micro and macroeconomic factors in the economy, which continue to rub off on the real income of Nigerians and other residents in the country.

He said: ‘Let me say that this outstanding performance of the Sukuk bond is a clear demonstration that the bank is enjoying growing investor confidence, and this can only be attributed to the quality of innovative products and services, and value addition TAJBank is delivering in the non-interest banking subsector of the banking system, especially when analysed within the context of the current realities in the debt instrument market today.

‘I want to thank the board, management, and staff of the bank, the regulatory authorities, and the investors for their contributions to the success of the bond issuance. I also assure them that TAJBank shall continue to protect their interest to ensure a win-win experience for all stakeholders as we sustain our drive to maintain the bank as the leading player in the nation’s non-interest subsector of the banking system.’

In his remarks, the bank’s Co-Founder/Executive Director, Mr Sherif Idi, enthused: ‘This investment feat is a clear demonstration of investors’ trust in TAJBank, and we will continue to do our best to surpass their expectations through world-class products and services. As always, our interest in the customers and investors is paramount.’

Analysts in the investment market believe that with the outstanding success of TAJBank’s latest ?20 billion Mudarabah Sukuk bond, more investors, businesses, and bank customers will be encouraged to do business with the bank to explore the opportunities in its innovative products and services and the good returns on their investments.

Since TAJBank debuted in the non-interest banking space in Nigeria about five years ago, it has, through investor-customer-centric products and service delivery, been promoting world-class ethical non-interest banking in line with the management’s vision to transform the bank into one of Nigeria’s top 20 banks by 2029.

In recognition of its commitment to best practices in non-interest banking globally, TAJBank has won several awards, including the Global Islamic Finance Award (GIFA) 2023 for its ‘Best Sukuk Deal of the Year 2023’. Before then, it had won BusinessDay newspaper’s ‘Islamic Bank of the Year’ awards for 2021, 2022, and 2023, and earlier clinched Leadership newspaper’s ‘Bank of the Year Award’ in 2020, amongst other laurels.

The Nigerian equities market sustained its bullish momentum on Thursday, as renewed investor interest in key industrial and banking stocks lifted the benchmark index.

The NGX All-Share Index, ASI, advanced by 0.33 percent to close at 146,204.33 points, pushing the year-to-date return to 42.05 percent, up from 41.58 percent in the previous session.

Similarly, market capitalization rose by N307.99 billion to settle at N92.80 trillion, reflecting sustained investor confidence in the market’s fundamentals and optimism ahead of third-quarter earnings releases.

The day’s positive outing was largely driven by gains in Dangote Cement, up 1.89 percent; GTCO, up 1.06 percent; Zenith Bank, up 0.29 percent; and WAPCO, up 0.70 percent, which outweighed losses in UBA, down 0.35 percent; Access Holdings, down 0.76 percent; and Fidelity Bank, down 2.38 percent.

Market sentiment remained positive, as 32 gainers outpaced 21 decliners, resulting in a market breadth of 1.5 times. Caverton gained 10 percent to lead the top gainers, followed by Eunisell, SunuAssur, IMG, and Mecure, while FTN Cocoa, which dipped 6.67 percent, led the losers alongside Tantalizer, Fidelity Bank, PZ, and VeritasKap.

Across sectors, performance was largely upbeat. The Industrial Goods Index rose 0.67 percent to lead the charge, followed by Insurance, which gained 0.64 percent; Consumer Goods, which appreciated 0.43 percent; and Banking, which increased 0.26 percent, while the Oil and Gas Index closed flat.

Trading activity, however, was mixed. The total volume of shares traded dropped 34 percent to 346.99 million units, even as the value of transactions surged 101.47 percent to N27.43 billion. The number of deals also declined slightly by 3.54 percent to 24,691, indicating that larger-value transactions dominated the session.

Fidelity Bank recorded the highest trading volume with 42.01 million units, while Dangote Cement, which gained 1.89 percent, led the value chart with trades worth N11 billion.

Lagos State chapter of African Democratic Congress (ADC) has submitted a petition to the State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mustapha Adekunle popularly known as ‘Sego’, following threat he issued against anyone who decided to vote against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, come 2027 General Elections.

Former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, made this known on his official Facebook page, saying that ADC had submitted its petition to the police against Mustapha Adekunle following the threat.

It would be recalled that the Department of State Services (DSS) recently grilled Sego for the uncouth utterances as he was captured on camera warning that anyone who refused to vote for the ruling APC or who says he has decided to vote against APC would learn a lesson.

Rhodes-Vivour, who displayed the petition on his official Facebook page, said that the coalition earlier on Wednesday submitted the petition to the police against Sego.

He said ADC made the move ‘for the public record,’ to ensure that in future the party would be accused of not pursuing ‘civilised recourse to their aggression and intimidation.’

‘Earlier today, the ADC submitted our petition to the police against Mustapha Adekunle of the NURTW.

‘We did this for the public record, so that in future it will not be said that we did not pursue civilised recourse to their aggression and intimidation.

‘For over twenty-four years, the President and his Lagos APC allies have controlled this state. After more than two decades in power, they have no credible record of achievements to run on. Hence, they resort to mobilising paid or coerced gangs to stifle opposition.

‘Violence is the last refuge of incompetence. This Thugocracy must not stand. We are the many and they are the few. In due course, Nigerians will demonstrate that we are not cowards,’ Rhodes-Vivour said.