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The popular Oba Market, located at the heart of Ring Road in Benin, the Edo State Capital has been gutted by fire once again.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night saw a section of the market completely razed down by the mysterious inferno.

As at the time of filing this report, cause of the incident remains unknown.

The market, which was previously destroyed by fire during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, is currently undergoing reconstruction under the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led government.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Oredo local government council, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, has visited the burnt Oba market which falls under the council.

During an on-the-spot assessment in the wee hours of Thursday, Iduseri vowed not to leave the traders to face the loss alone.

What Is Telehealth Weight Loss?

A medically supervised weight reduction program that you may access from a distance using digital monitoring and in-person treatments is known as telehealth weight loss. It blends the convenience of contemporary technology with the legitimacy of clinical medicine, enabling patients to receive:

individualized treatment regimens and lab tests

one-on-one consultations with qualified medical specialists

prescription drugs or peptides for weight loss

continuous home-based surveillance, check-ins, and support.

Time, location, and privacy concerns are the main obstacles to receiving aid that this method eliminates for many.

Why Regenics Took Weight Loss Virtual

Regenics focuses on medically controlled fat reduction and hormone optimization. They saw a trend over time: consumers wanted clinical program structure and science, but they didn’t want to spend hours in an office to receive it.

All 50 states now have access to professional-grade weight reduction without compromising quality or control, thanks to the debut of their nationwide weight loss telehealth service.

What Is Unique About Regenics’ Telehealth Program?

This goes beyond a simple eating plan and Zoom call. Regenics provides a comprehensive, individualized medical approach.

Individualized Health Assessment

Real diagnostics is where it all begins. Regenics creates a comprehensive picture of your metabolism, hormone levels, and fat loss obstacles using bloodwork, medical history, and lifestyle data. To examine the data and create a customized strategy, you will collaborate with skilled providers, not automated systems.

Treatment Options Supported by Science

Your strategy may consist of the following, depending on your objectives and biology:

drugs that have been authorized by the FDA, such as GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Semaglutide)

hormone optimization treatment if deficits are found

fat-burning peptides that maintain muscle mass and increase metabolism

tools for accountability and nutritional coaching.

You are equipped to take control of your journey since everything is presented in simple terms.

At-Home Convenience

Your treatments are supplied straight to your house when your plan is developed. Instructions, resources, and contact information for your provider will be provided. There are no waiting areas or guessing.

Continuous Monitoring and Assistance

After the initial appointment, you won’t be left alone. Regenics provides periodic check-ins to monitor progress, modify dosage, and resolve any issues. Instead of crash dieting, this physician oversight guarantees safe, gradual development.

Telehealth Weight Loss: Who Gains the Most?

The Regenics’ virtual program is perfect for:

time-pressed professionals who are unable to visit the clinic

individuals living in remote or underdeveloped regions without access to local experts

those who have used generic weight-loss programs without success

anyone seeking professional, private advice from the comfort of their own home

those in need of a medically monitored solution, not a passing trend.

Telehealth provides you with the resources and the team to proceed confidently, regardless of whether you’re just beginning your weight reduction journey or are attempting to overcome a plateau

Convenience Without Compromise: The True Impact

A common misperception is that in-person appointments are more beneficial than virtual treatment. By providing the same degree of lab testing, physician access, and prescription therapy as a premier clinic without the commute, Regenics takes that idea head-on.

For many patients, this translates into greater plan adherence, quicker access to therapy, and lasting outcomes. You may stop switching diets and assuming you know what’s best for your health.

Conclusions

Your zip code is no longer a barrier to medical weight loss. Expert treatment that is customized to your body, objectives, and schedule is only a video call away with Regenics’ weight loss telehealth program. This is your chance to start obtaining aid without having to leave your house if you’ve been putting it off due to comfort, time, or distance.

Kaduna’s political landscape has been hit by the sudden resignation of Hajiya Zainab Sani, Women Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state – a development analysts describe as a major setback to the planned SDP-ADC merger reportedly being spearheaded by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Zainab, a formidable grassroots mobiliser from Giwa Local Government Area, has for years stood out as one of the most influential female political figures in Kaduna.

A former stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), she played a central role in women’s mobilisation during several of the party’s election victories before defecting to the SDP, where she became one of El-Rufai’s trusted political allies.

Announcing her resignation, Zainab said she could no longer remain in a party that, in her words, ‘has lost touch with the people’ and is ‘driven more by elite political interests than by the realities of the masses.’

‘The SDP has failed to demonstrate a people-first agenda,’ she declared. ‘Our people are still grappling with poverty, insecurity, and hunger. Many in Kaduna have not forgotten the anti-people policies of the last administration, and I will not be part of any arrangement that seeks to repackage that legacy under a different banner.’

Her remarks, observers say, were a clear swipe at El-Rufai’s administration, whose policies – including mass demolitions, mass sackings, and strained relations with labour and community groups – remain deeply controversial.

Zainab’s exit comes at a time Governor Uba Sani is consolidating his image as a people-oriented leader through pro-poor policies, empowerment programmes, and rural development initiatives that have earned him wide grassroots support.

Analysts believe her resignation could reshape the emerging political alliances in Kaduna, particularly as the SDP struggles to maintain relevance amid talks of a merger with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a third force ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘Zainab’s departure is not just symbolic; it’s strategic. She commands enormous influence among women and youths across rural Kaduna. Losing her now is a major blow to the El-Rufai camp and raises questions about the credibility of the proposed SDP-ADC coalition,’ a political commentator noted.

While Zainab has yet to announce her next political move, insider sources told our correspondent that she has concluded arrangements to return to the APC with over 5,000 women leaders drawn from the northern and central parts of the state.

A revered Nigerian statesman, broadcaster, and corporate governance champion, Dr Christopher Kolade, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93.

In a statement announcing his death, the Kolade family expressed gratitude for his long and impactful life.

‘We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,’ the statement read in part.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and business leadership, he earned a reputation as a man of deep integrity and an ardent advocate of ethical governance.

Kolade began his career in broadcasting, rising to become the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He later served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

A passionate educator, Kolade taught corporate governance and human resource management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and leadership and conflict management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both of Pan-Atlantic University, where he also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

He was the Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State, and held honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including McPherson University (2016) and the University of Sierra Leone (1976).

Kolade also championed business ethics in Nigeria through his leadership of Integrity Organisation Ltd. GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd. GTE, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, professionalism, and service to humanity.

The National Council of State, on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Professor Amupitan, upon confirmation by the National Assembly, will replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu who recently bowed out after completing two terms in office.

President Tinubu, during the council of state meeting, presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, describing him as the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

Below is what to know about Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan:

State of Origin and First degree

Born in April 1967 in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan distinguished himself early in his academic journey. As an undergraduate at the University of Jos, he graduated at the top of his class and received several awards, including the Richard Akinjide Prize and the University Chancellor’s Prize.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

Joash Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who earned the title in August 2014, recognizing his contribution to the legal profession and scholarship in Nigeria.

UNIJOS deputy Vice-Chancellor

As of October 25, 2022, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, where he has been teaching law for many years.

Three Law degrees

He holds three law degrees: an LL.B (Hons) obtained in 1987, a BL from the Nigerian Law School in 1988, an LL.M in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007-all from the University of Jos.

Academic career

Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer and became a Professor of Law on October 1, 2008. He has supervised numerous postgraduate students and received the Teslim Elias Award for meritorious service in 2014.

Speciliazation and roles in Legal education

His areas of specialization include Company Law, Corporate Governance, and the Law of Evidence, which he has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Between 2006 and 2012, Amupitan served as Head of the Department of Public Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, later re-elected for a second term in 2012.

Legal experience

Beyond academia, he has been involved in litigation across Nigerian courts, served on company boards, and contributed to national development initiatives such as Vision 2020 and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Namu Town conflict.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garuba Mohammed Duku, for corruption and money laundering involving the sum of ?318 million.

Garuba Duku was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being found guilty on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering filed by the Commission in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.

Investigations by the ICPC revealed that between 2012 and 2013, the convict fraudulently diverted ?318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal account domiciled at Fidelity Bank Plc.

Further findings showed that he received multiple payments totalling the said sum, including ?56.25 million, ?71 million, ?53 million, ?54 million, ?46 million, and ?36.3 million, which were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators and expended for unauthorised purposes.

During the trial, the ICPC successfully demonstrated that the defendant’s method of fund release and withdrawal was fraudulent and in violation of extant government financial regulations.

In the course of the trial, the Commission also refuted Garuba Duku’s claim that the funds were disbursed to his superiors, as no evidence was produced to substantiate the assertion.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the totality of evidence and witness testimonies presented by the Commission proved the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Consequently, the court sentenced Garuba Duku to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, or an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totalling approximately ?1.6 billion. The sentences are to run concurrently.

This conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray the public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice, in accordance with the law, as contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission, made available to journalists on Thursday.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has emerged seventh in the latest national ranking of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, according to an assessment conducted by an international research and evaluation body, Pole Global Marketing (PGM).

The exercise, which evaluated over 180 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country, recognised the institution among the top ten for its impressive strides in academic innovation and management efficiency – despite being one of the youngest federal polytechnics in Nigeria.

According to the list released by the organisers, the top ten institutions include Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; University of Lagos, Akoka; Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic, Ayede; Federal University, Otuoke; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba; and Federal University, Gashua.

PGM stated that the institutions were assessed based on key performance indicators such as academic excellence, innovation, institutional management, and community impact. It explained that the ranking was designed to measure how effectively tertiary schools integrate technology, research, and capacity development to enhance learning outcomes.

The body noted that Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, performed excellently in digital learning adoption, course engagement, and resource management, earning it a place among Nigeria’s best-performing institutions.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, described the ranking as ‘a well-deserved honour’, commending the management for what he called a consistent drive for excellence and innovation.

‘This is a remarkable achievement for such a young institution,’ Dati said. ‘The Rector, Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, has demonstrated exceptional leadership through his commitment to quality education and strategic partnerships that continue to position the Polytechnic for greatness.’

He added that the Governing Council was proud of the institution’s rising profile, urging the management and staff to sustain the momentum and build on the current achievements to attain global competitiveness.

Speaking with journalists, the Rector, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who also confirmed the development, attributed the recognition to the collective dedication of staff, students, and stakeholders, describing it as a motivation to do more.

He reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to promoting innovation, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and STEM education, with the goal of producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to national development.

The 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) at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, has accused the Federal Government of insincerity and warned of an indefinite strike if their five key demands are not urgently met.

The warning followed a press conference held on the EAUED campus after a massive one-day nationwide protest on Thursday, October 9, 2025, which brought all non-academic activities to a standstill. The protest, led by Comrade Ayotunde James Fabeku, SSANU EAUED Chairman, and Comrade Adetunji Michael Adesina, NASU EAUED Chairman, was in response to a national directive demanding action over what the unions described as the Federal Ministry of Education’s failure to address long-standing grievances.

Addressing journalists amidst hundreds of protesting staff, Comrade Adetunji Michael Adesina accused the government of bad faith, citing its repeated failure to honour agreements reached with the unions.

He emphasised that the government’s continued neglect had deepened frustration among non-teaching staff across universities.

The protest focused on several unresolved financial and contractual issues. Chief among them is the government’s failure to pay two months of withheld salaries, a major source of contention. The unions also decried the non-payment of 25% and 35% salary arrears arising from previously approved increments, as well as the inequitable disbursement of the ?50 billion Earned Allowances. They further condemned the government’s delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements and its failure to remit third-party deductions-funds withheld from members’ salaries for cooperatives and welfare schemes during May and June 2022.

In his address, Comrade Fabeku stressed the indispensable role of non-teaching staff in the university system, declaring, ‘It is we that wheel the engine of the university. Without NASU, without SSANU, there is no university system.’

He lamented the meager nature of their salaries amid worsening economic conditions and cautioned the Federal Government against treating non-teaching staff as second-class citizens, demanding due recognition and fair treatment.

The JAC leaders described the day-long demonstration, which effectively shut down all non-academic operations, as a warning to the government. They stated that if the authorities fail to show genuine commitment to resolving these issues, the National JAC would have no choice but to escalate the action into an indefinite strike.

They also urged the Federal Government to empower the Yayale-Ahmed Committee to urgently negotiate a workable template for improved welfare for all non-teaching university workers.

The protest concluded with members vowing to sustain pressure until their welfare concerns are adequately addressed. The demonstration featured a massive procession across the main campus, with staff chanting slogans such as ‘Pay Our Two Months Outstanding Salaries Now!’ and ‘FG Stop Discriminatory Payment of Earned Allowances!’

The chants echoed across the university grounds as all administrative and technical operations remained suspended throughout the day, leaving the campus tense and charged. The union leaders reiterated that the protest was not symbolic, but a deliberate warning meant to compel the government to act decisively in addressing the plight of non-academic staff.

National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), on Thursday. President Tinubu told the council that Ojo Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central, nominated to occupy the INEC chairman position and is apolitical.

Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

This week has been Customer Service Week across the world, and as always, it is a time to celebrate customers and appreciate those who serve them. At the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the celebration has been full of colour, excitement, and unity. From themed dress days to fun activities, staff across the country took time to appreciate the people who make their work meaningful, the taxpayers.

But beyond the glamour and celebration, this year’s Customer Service Week has given everyone at FIRS another reason to reflect on the kind of leadership the agency has been blessed with. Since Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, came on board, he has shown that leadership is not just about policy but about people, and when I say people, I mean the people of Nigeria. He has brought a human touch to tax administration and changed the way many Nigerians perceive the agency.

Today, FIRS is not just an agency collecting taxes across Nigeria; it is a people-driven institution that listens, understands, and responds. Through innovations such as the TaxProMax platform, electronic invoicing, and an active online presence, people and businesses can now file returns, make payments, or access information with ease. Every transaction is secured and verifiable through a unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code, while taxpayers without internet access can conveniently use the *829# USSD code to retrieve their TIN, verify tax clearance certificates, locate nearby offices, or make quick inquiries. It is now easy for anyone to pay taxes or ask questions, as FIRS experts are always ready to assist through the website, social media, or call centers.

The Tax Boss is a man who knows his onions and leads with direction and purpose. FIRS has built a strong culture of courtesy and service excellence. Staff are reminded that taxpayers are partners in progress and that respect, fairness, and timely service are necessary to good governance. This change has increased public trust and strengthened the agency’s reputation as a responsive institution. Today, if you ask ten Nigerians, nine will tell you they now understand taxes better and why they are important. We have never had it this good.

His calm confidence, intelligence, and people-first approach have changed the atmosphere within the Agency. Staff now take pride in serving, knowing that their work makes life easier for millions. Taxpayers, too, are beginning to see FIRS differently, not as a burden, but as an institution they can trust.

As this year’s Customer Service Week comes to an end, with the theme ‘Mission: Possible,’ Nigerians can agree that Dr. Zacch has made it more than just a theme; he has made it our reality. He has shown that change is possible in public service. He leads by example, puts people first, and ensures that FIRS has become a true model of what responsive governance should look like.

At the end of the day, Dr. Zacch is a tactical leader whose results speak louder than words. What he has built at FIRS tells its own story. It is a system that works, a team that serves, and a nation that believes again. Nigerians can now see that the mission is truly possible.

Happy Customer Service Week to the Tax Boss, the entire FIRS team, and the ever-supportive taxpayers across Nigeria. Together, we keep building a better country for everyone.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.