Category: NATIONAL

THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, yesterday deployed more than 2,000 personnel across the state to ensure security before, during and after the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this, yesterday, while addressing journalists in Benin.

Akintayo described the move as part of proactive measures to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free celebration.

“We have deployed more than 2,000 personnel drawn from our specialised units across the three senatorial districts to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration,

”These units include the Armed Squad, Female Special Squad, Counter Terrorism, Disaster Management, and the Commandant’s Monitoring Team,” he said.

He added that the personnel had been strategically positioned across the state.

”Critical public places such as markets, recreational centres, prayer grounds, highways and other vulnerable points will be adequately secured to prevent any form of criminal activity,” he also said.

Akintayo revealed that the command would work closely with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive coverage and rapid response to emergencies.

”We are working in synergy with other security agencies to guarantee public safety and ensure a peaceful festive period for all residents.

”Area Commanders and Divisional Officers have been directed to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, step up surveillance, and adopt proactive security measures within their jurisdictions,” he further said.

While felicitating with Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, he urged residents to celebrate responsibly. “I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters and urge them to celebrate peacefully and in accordance with the law,” he added.

He also warned individuals with criminal intentions to stay away from the state.

According to him, anyone planning to cause trouble should steer clear of Edo as we are fully prepared to deal decisively with any threat to peace and security.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national assets across the state. NAN

By Emmanuella Oghenetega

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has ordered Security Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, Borno State, after about 23 people died following bomb blasts in the North-Eastern city.

Thereby, promising to track the perpetrators of the “acts of terror”.

The President condemned the incident, describing it as part of the “desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear” among people owing to pressure from security forces.

He stated, that the government is beefing up security across the country and has “directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation.

“I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” Tinubu wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

The president said the incident is “profoundly upsetting” but warned that “There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety.

THE National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), today, announced a voluntary recall of all lots of the male enhancement dietary supplement MR.7 SUPER 700000 capsules, citing serious safety concerns.

In a notice via its X handle, the agency said the recall follows an analysis by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which found the product contains undeclared active ingredients—sildenafil and tadalafil.

“Sildenafil and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors found in FDA-approved products for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction.

“The presence of sildenafil and tadalafil in “MR.7 SUPER 700000’’ capsules render them unapproved drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established and, therefore, subject to recall.

“MR.7 SUPER 700000 capsules are marketed online as a dietary supplement for male enhancement. Products containing sildenafil or tadalafil cannot be marketed as dietary supplements and could cause serious health risks,” NAFDAC warned.

“The presence of these undeclared ingredients renders the capsules unapproved drugs for which safety and efficacy have not been established, and therefore they are subject to recall,” it added.

The agency highlighted that consumption of such products may interact dangerously with nitrates found in prescription medications, including nitroglycerin, potentially causing a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.

It warned that adult males with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease who use nitrates are at greatest risk.

NAFDAC has advised the public to immediately stop using or selling MR.7 SUPER 700000 capsules and to return any remaining products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency also encouraged consumers to report compromised products or adverse effects associated with any medicinal products or medical devices via its e-reporting platforms, Med-safety app, or through official email contacts: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng and pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through continued surveillance of medicines, medical devices, and other regulated products circulating in Nigeria.

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for government’s intervention to address the surge in petrol prices between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre across the country.

The demand was contained in a statement signed by the President of the NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero,  today.

Ajaero said the rising cost of petrol had worsened the hardship faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in transportation, food prices and general cost of living.

“The sudden increase in petrol price to between N1,170 and N1,300 per litre has further deepened the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers and the general populace.

“The rising cost of fuel has made transportation increasingly unaffordable for workers, while food prices and other essential commodities continue to surge beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

“The government must urgently introduce measures, including wage support and cost-of-living relief, to cushion the devastating impact of the current fuel price crisis on workers and vulnerable citizens,” he said.

The NLC boss urged the Federal Government to introduce immediate relief measures, including wage support and policies to cushion the impact of the price increase on workers and vulnerable citizens.

Ajaero said the current situation had exposed the vulnerability of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector to global market volatility.

He stressed the need for the government to ensure that public refineries in the country become fully operational to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to him, reviving the nation’s refineries will help stabilise domestic supply and shield Nigerians from sudden price shocks.

The NLC president also called for tax relief for low-income earners and expanded social support programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.

He said such measures would help cushion the harsh economic realities confronting workers and their families.

Ajaero further urged the government to ensure transparency in the management of expected oil revenue gains arising from current global developments.

He noted that any windfall from rising crude oil prices should be channelled toward improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He also called for sincere dialogue between government and organized labour to address the growing economic challenges facing workers. NAN

By Emmanuella Oghenetega

To end quackery, the Federal Government has ordered the digital registration of practicing Radiographers.

Making this charge was the Minister of State of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, while presenting the newly appointed Registrar of the Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Idris Garb, his appointment letter in Abuja.

Dr. Iziaq emphasized that digitalizing the profession is imperative considering its critical role in healthcare delivery, noting that the initiative will provide easy means of identifying Radiographers practicing within and outside the country as well as registered and unlicensed practitioners.

“And your ethical conduct and the way you also enforce the ethics of the profession is very important.

“Of course, we also want you to take the issue of quackery very seriously. And ensure that you deploy a lot of your sources to plush out quackery from radiographic practice in the country.” He reiterated.

Commenting on the rigorous and transparent process that led to the emergence of Dr. Idris Garba as the new Registrar, the Minister commended members of the panel that conducted the exercise and urged the Registrar to use his wealth of experience in growing the health sector at large and the Board in particular.

“And under your registrarship, the profession will grow, and you will contribute your potential to the growth of the health sector as a whole.” Dr. Salako expressed hope.

He further adviced him to continue the good work of his predecessor and ensure harmonious working relationship between the professionals and their association. He noted that the Board was faced with critism in the past, warning that government does not want anything that will draw the hands of the Board back.

Responding, the New Registrar, Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr. Idris Garba, from Bayero University Kano, expressed happiness and promised to maintain the good work led by the immediate past registrar and govern with open-door policy towards ensuring that the day-to-day activities in the board is well articulated, adding that he is fully committed to the job and will carry everyone on board.

He mentioned that his intention is to strengthen the institution by digitalizing the profession, ensuring all centres are operating with technological equipment have adequate personnel that are running the places.

“And with just a simple click on your mouse, you can be able to track every activity that is taking place within the country and beyond. So, I will make sure I strengthen the institution, including the regional offices, to make sure everyone does his work so that we can be able to push the profession forward. In terms of quackery, yes, I’m very much aware it’s a big problem.”

“As I mentioned again during the interaction, first is to have database. When you have data, then, of course, you can be able to track and manage the problem well. So, my first assignment is to work with the database available in the system.

“If none is existing, of course, we will create one to make sure we know all radiographers practicing within the country. And also all centers now operating with technological equipment to ensure they have adequate personnel that are running both places. And of course, we make sure we only operate in both places with the current practice and lessons.” He said

According to Dr. Garba, his priority is to bring the regulatory body and the association together to promote and achieve the common goal of the profession, promising to do everything possible within the powers of the law to make sure that only qualified and licensed personnel operate in our country.

In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by the the Director Hospital Services, Dr. Adeola Adegoke, expressed appreciation to the Minister, for painstakingly following through the process, his visionary and transformative leadership style as well as commitment and dedication to ensure that things are done the proper way.

By Emmanuella Oghenetega

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the Minister of State for finance, replacing Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite

Uzoka-Anite will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as the Minister of State, her third portfolio in the administration.

President Tinubu has today conveyed the nomination of Oyedele to the Senate for confirmation in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

By Emmanuella Oghenetega

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has today launched a campaign to enforce the ban on sachet alcohol across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A move which according to the NOA is aimed at protecting children and other vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of alcohol packaged in small, easily concealable containers.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja today, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the campaign was not about restriction “for its own sake” but about safeguarding the future of young Nigerians.

“For too long, sachet alcohol has been dangerously accessible. It is inexpensive, portable and easy to conceal,” he said.

Issa-Onilu warned that in many rural and semi-urban communities, young persons found it easier to obtain high-strength alcohol than to access proper guidance and protection.

“When affordability meets vulnerability, the consequences are profound,” he added.

He stressed that government had both a constitutional duty and moral obligation to act before the damage becomes entrenched.

The NOA boss disclosed that the agency would deploy its 818 offices and structures across all 774 Local Government Areas to drive the campaign.

He said town hall meetings, market outreaches, engagements in motor parks, schools and faith-based institutions would form part of the strategy, with messages delivered in local languages.

The campaign will also leverage television, radio, digital platforms and the NOA CLHEEAN App to encourage citizens to report violations.

Issa-Onilu called on parents, community leaders, retailers and distributors to support the enforcement, urging Nigerians to shun banned products.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said alcohol consumption among underage persons posed serious behavioural and social risks.

Adeyeye said recent resolutions of the Senate urged NAFDAC to ensure strict enforcement on the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in bottles below 200 millilitres.

Adeyeye warned that the consequences extend beyond immediate intoxication. She cited global medical evidence showing that alcohol damages the developing brain, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, increasing risks of memory impairment, poor impulse control, depression, addiction and long-term dependency. Youths who begin drinking before age 15 are 41 per cent more likely to become alcohol dependent, she said.

Beyond health risks, alcohol abuse has been linked to youth violence, suicide, road crashes, risky sexual behaviour, poor academic performance and declining productivity.

The NAFDAC DG said the enforcement follows Senate resolutions of November 6, 2025, which urged the agency not to grant further extension of the moratorium on sachet alcohol and to ensure strict compliance with the ban on alcohol in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.

Effective January 1, 2026, the Federal Government banned the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and in PET or glass bottles smaller than 200ml

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who also addressed the briefing, described the move as a deliberate public health intervention aimed at reducing underage access to cheap, high-concentration alcohol.

She added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had also been urged to support the enforcement and release the National Alcohol Policy addressing small-volume packaging.

NIGERIANS in the UK are set to welcome President Bola Tinubu on his forthcoming state visit to the country.

Timileyin Ayenuro, the Convener of Nigerian Youth in the UK, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

The UK’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla recently invited Tinubu for a state visit, scheduled to take place from March 18 to March 19.

Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Sen. OluremiTinubu.

Ayenuro, who spoke at a meeting, held in Birmingham on March 1, urged Nigerians across the UK to mobilise in large numbers to warmly welcome the President during his historic visit.

He assured Nigerians in the diaspora of the administration’s commitment to national development.

Ayenuro highlighted the achievements of the president and encouraged continued optimism, noting that sustainable national progress takes time.

“Rome was not built in a day; Nigerians in the UK should continue supporting the administration’s efforts to grow and reposition Nigeria.

“Tinubu has taken decisive actions to address the security situation in the country,’’ he said.

He said that several strategic measures had been implemented to strengthen national security.

According to him, positive results are already being recorded across different parts of the country.

On his part, the Coordinator of Ondo Collectives UK, Emmanuel Akeredolu, said that Nigeria had witnessed significant development since the return to democracy in 1999.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Nigeria, he commended the improved airport experience, particularly the smooth check-in and check-out process facilitated by the introduction of the e-gate system.

He commended Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for their dedication and reforms within their respective ministries and agencies.

Akeredolu applauded their efforts and commitment towards national development.

Speaking on behalf of Nigerian women in the UK, Mrs Folasade Uangbaoje, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian High Commission for its cordial relationship with the Nigerian community.

She commended the high commission for improving access to consular services, making it easier for Nigerians in the UK to obtain services without the previous difficulties that often required travel back to Nigeria.

Uangbaoje also acknowledged the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for its rapid response to the concerns of Nigerians abroad.

She commended the commission’s close engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora and its continued commitment to protecting their interests and welfare.

The meeting concluded with a unified call for Nigerians across the UK to mobilise and warmly welcome Tinubu and the First Lady to the state visit. (NAN)

By Emmanuella Oghenetega

The Federal Government has today approved the allocation of 4 billion naira each for 12 selected Engineering and Technology universities.

The aim of the intervention fund is to rehabilitate workshops and procure modern equipment of Engineering and Technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology (FUTs) and conventional universities nationwide.

Disclosing this today, was the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Special High-Impact Intervention Projects.

The event took place at the auditorium of the TETFund Headquarters in Abuja.

Institution to benefit include; Federal University of technology of Minna, Akure, Babura, Ikot-Abasi, Owerri, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.

Other beneficiaries include; African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and University of Ilesha, Osun.

Speaking, Alausa said the funds would either upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.

He explained that the initiative, implemented through TETFund, was designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements.

According to the Minister, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification.

“The High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops, and research facilities, positioning our institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem solving.

The Minister emphasised that the funding alone does not guarantee results. Stating that, success depends on effective implementation, strict adherence to standards, transparency, and accountability, which is why this committee is both necessary and timely.

“Your mandate is clear: monitor project execution, ensure compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluate outcomes, identify challenges, and provide objective reports to guide policy decisions.

“You are entrusted with safeguarding public investment and ensuring value for money. Every facility delivered under this intervention must reflect quality, sustainability, and relevance to national needs,” he said.

Alausa added that the special intervention would provide modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to improve graduate employability.

He further noted that an additional N20 billion had been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.

The minister tasked the committee with submitting periodic reports and recommending sanctions for non-compliant institutions to the ministry and TETFund.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.

Echono described the ceremony as one of several initiatives endorsed by the President to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen teaching and learning infrastructure.

He also commended the National Assembly for its efforts to restore first- and second-generation universities to global standards.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and chairman of the committee, pledged commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

Rabiu said the assignment was a distinct honour and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee members and their respective organisations.

He said the committee accepted the responsibility and would contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative.

He also commended the federal government’s efforts to strengthen engineering training and promote hands-on interventions in universities.