By Ayo Onikoyi

The last couple of months have been pretty hectic for the one known as Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy or Area Fada as some others affectionately call him. The Enigmatic singer, entertainer and social engineer has been busy working his butts off to ensure his new book, 999, got an unforgettable launch. And it did. With former head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) leading the assemblage of distinguished Nigerians present at the event, you couldn’t have asked for a more compelling gathering.

As expected, OBJ stole the show with the astonishing display of his jumping skills and hilarious wit. Many left with a totally new and better-informed impression of the Charly Boy brand, something different from the perception they held before the launch. The feedback from those who have read the book has been nothing short of remarkable and one would think that the Area Fada by now will be taking a well-deserved rest after the successful launch. But not the energetic, ever-evolving and restless Odudubariba1of Africa.

The big news presently is that, in the coming months, Charly Boy will be taking on a new project. He plans to take to another level his two biggest pet projects right now which is the Charly Boy Foundation and his new book 999. This is new in this part of the world and those who have been privy to the new project have been full of praise for the man who has taken it upon himself to combat prostate cancer with everything he’s got. A few days ago, he spoke to a group of selected journalists in Lagos and revealed how he plans to do a tour of London, Germany and Kenya, with OBJ leading the team. Below are excerpts of the interview.

Q: Let us begin by congratulating you on the successful book launch of 999. It was a much-anticipated book launch, and from all feelers reaching us, it turned out pretty successful. How did that make you feel, seeing all of the efforts you put into a book launch of that magnitude culminate in the success it achieved?

A: First and foremost, I’m the biggest critic of Charly Boy as Mr. Oputa. So there’s hardly anything Charly Boy would do that can impress me like that. But I must say that it turned out to be like a seamless program, the series of events that played out in the venue, on the stage. It seemed so seamless. It was exciting. It was typical Charly Boy. And I noticed, as Mr. Oputa, that a lot of people were elevated, so to speak, just being there, witnessing the show, watching the show, and all that played out on stage. So even though as a critic of my creation, Charly Boy, I’ll just give that show a 50% in my book because, yeah, I’m that way. It could have been better.

But I am happy also about the team that got together to do that job. They were, of course, the best that you could get around, especially the ambience creator, the Newton and David team. I mean, it can’t get any better than them. And then, of course, the collaboration with Samsung, you can’t get any better than that. And the selected dignitaries that came, you know, it was a potpourri of all the right kind of mix, both the team that worked very hard to put the show together, all the days and nights of rehearsals and so on and so forth. So overall, yeah, in my book, I’ll say good.

Q: And what has the feedback been like? What essentially would you say guests took away from that book launch, having held the book 999 in their hands and listened to the book review and other speeches at the successful launch?

A; Okay, I know OBJ almost stole the show as he did his Atilogwu stunt by jumping off the stage and all the questions that have been playing in people’s head that I asked him and he had to answer live and direct, you know, like the rumor that says he’s really not a Yoruba man, that he may be an Igbo man. Okay, he fought the civil war, what were the things he regretted doing? And what were the good things he thought he did during the war, and so on and so forth. I like the part Dr. Alban cancelled his gig in Russia just to be in Nigeria to do that small thing he did. You know, the book reviewer took it to another intellectual dimension. And then of course, we had poetry by Dike Chukwumerije. You know how that one is, I’m a big fan of his. And then we had the Symphony band, the Ace band who entertained us. It went all the way from the old jazz thing to contemporary music, which was very, very good.

So, generally on the whole, we all know that book launching can be kind of boring since it’s an intellectual thing, more or less an intellectual exercise. But this was very Charly Boyish in nature. So it held attention. And the feedback has been very positive. But the big story is that we’re taking it to another level because next month in September, we’re going to go launch in London. After London, we’re doing Germany and after Germany, we’re going to do Kenya where I know Baba Obasanjo has a lot of things going on for him. He’s so, so loved in Kenya. So, we’re taking this on a global level.

Q: This is new. This is novel in this part of the world, where you have people take foundations with very sensitive causes like this, beyond our shores. What is the bigger picture you’re looking at? How strong is your passion to help men with prostate issues?

A: Yeah, we’re launching the book, 999, The Memoir of Charly Boy. We’re launching a book, all right, in all of these locations I mentioned. But the underplay and the most important thing in this launch is about the Charly Boy Foundation. Since I was once a victim of Prostate cancer, I just felt it behoves on me to do a very thorough campaign for men so men could be able to take more care of themselves. Men are usually the big culprits in terms of wellness, okay? Because it’s either they are not paying attention as they should, or they’ve learned to hide their problems. They can’t speak it out because of the brainwashing since time, they say men don’t cry. That’s if you’re a real man, anything that is worrying you, you chest it. And as an advocate of prostate challenge, I’ve been saying it loud and clear that we should emulate more of our women folk. They talk a lot. Anything that worries them, they’re always talking about their problems. So we should speak out because, first and foremost, since in most families, the man is the head, and if the head is not well and there’s a problem with the head, then that means every other thing will derail because the head is not well.

And this is where I also advise women, ensure that your husband or your partner gets the kind of medical attention he should be getting. I know that because of the economic situation, person go chop first before you dey go medicine, yeah? So, aside the carelessness, aside the fear that men do have, okay, is this the end of me? Because a man that is struggling to survive and is also fighting with his penis, which is his precious, his most valuable possession and it seems like the network is not steady down there, then that is big trouble for the man. That is why all of this accumulates to men who just drop and die. So if the head is not well, the other department cannot function and that’s why I say it is time for men to start to learn to be a bit selfish. If you fall into a sickness that you know there is no way out, you will soon die, sebi when you do, will you add yourself to the Will? You can’t add yourself to the Will now, so if you can’t be a little bit selfish about your health to think about yourself, you know, some of us have gone through with all our life, we’ve worked for our partner, our wives, our children, our everything, neglecting ourselves. But that’s not fair. It’s not fair on the captain of the family. It’s not fair. And that is why I’ve urged men to be a bit selfish.

Q: So, is there any specific reason why the choice of these three different countries for the tour?

A: London, because of course, you know, this Prostate thing, it affects the black community more than it does the white. And London has a lot of Nigerians there. Germany has a lot of Nigerian community there and even Kenya, yeah, which is our continent, and so, that’s the main focus. Anywhere there is quite a lot of men who are afflicted by this disease, we go there, we go to as many countries. These are just what we have lined up for now. Yeah. I’m sure there will be other things that will flow from this tour.

Q: Share with us a bit about your experience so far with the foundation here in Nigeria. What sort of experiences have you had with men coming forward to open up on their Prostate condition to you?

A: Oh, yeah, I’ve had strangers, total strangers, men I don’t even know, they call my number and they start to vocalise their testimony. They confide in me so much, you know, sometimes I’m even asking them, is all this information necessary? But it is necessary for me to understand where their head and their mind are. And you know, this particular disease or challenge affects men in various ways because as your mind thinketh…because good and bad things will keep happening to people, but we all react in different ways. And that is why I made it a duty to be out there to talk about my plight, so other men will not hide behind fear or hiding behind all hope is lost. And the community of the people I talk to on a daily has expanded so much, but you see, I’m always doing things that speak to my soul. I don’t do things just for doing it or to chase clout, they must speak to my soul. And that is why I’ve remained consistent, tenacious, and audacious about most of the things that I do.

But I must confess that this idea of starting a foundation was not Mr. Oputa’s idea in the first place. It was my very good friend, schoolmate, called Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Computer, and he was the one who introduced the idea to me. And he said to me, rather than sitting and getting frustrated with what the government is doing or not doing, I know you’re a people’s person, why don’t you face this direction? And ever since he told me that, I have not looked back, because like I said, I do things that speak to my soul and that is why I’m deeply involved.

I’ve been listening to you at several forums, speaking about your own personal experience. Would you say you’re impressed with the degree of response from the men who have been coming out?

I am very, very, very impressed. And if it continues like this, I can’t imagine how many thousands of men will be influenced by my own personal experience as Mr. Oputa and my own courage in dealing with this problem. And I don’t know how to lie. I can’t lie. I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you as it is. And I’ll share some experiences, which will even make the listeners cringe. You know, ah! Did you do that? Did you really do that? Yes, I did. You know, people think that when they see me, they say, ah, but why don’t you ever age? It’s not like I don’t age, of course. I’m getting older and my body is doing something different that I don’t know, that I never planned for, but I just carry everything with a smile, with some happiness. So, when people see me, I think that’s when they see Charly Boy. I think what they’re looking at is the spirit that lives in Charly Boy and that’s why we can’t attribute aging to him like that. It’s the spirit that they see and the spirit is youthful and useful, you can imagine, at 70 something. Well, what am I talking about? If OBJ can be jumping, doing Atilogwu at 90 something, me, I never start.

Q: Talking about Baba, everyone would say he was the star boy of the book launch and many would be hoping he would also be involved in this tour you just spoke about. How involved is he in the tour to Kenya, Germany and London?

A: He’s the host of it all. He’s the one hosting all of that. You know, me and Baba, we are now tied to the waist of each other. I love the man. I love his openness. I love his wits. I love his humor. Baba may not give me money, but Baba has given me what is worth more than money. He’s made a lot of people come to understand the brand that I built years ago. People who are still confused, they say, okay, now I get it because Baba won’t ever support rubbish. So the fact that we’re this bonded signifies something. And we like the same things. We believe that a new and better Nigeria is possible. And that is exactly the whole point. He also wants to see a better Nigeria. I know that people have criticized him in the past to say, well, wasn’t he part of the problem? But it’s just like people who didn’t know who I really was in the past, who mistake the brand Charly Boy and Mr. Oputa, the creator. And like Baba will always say, in darkness, you can decide to see the light. And even in the light, you may decide to see darkness, so it’s up to us. No be all of us get sense. Most of us na mumu, most of us na Olodo. So, to each his own. We, unfortunately, don’t have an enlightened society, because if we did, these criminals will not be anywhere near power.

Q: If hopefully, in the coming months, you’re done with this tour of the three different countries you mentioned, what level are you hoping to take this to next?

A: Globally, and I probably will need to do a movie, a short movie, that I want to present in the next Cannes Festival, you know, something focusing on people living with prostate cancer. Because I intend to take this to a different level, I swear to God. And there may be more talks coming up in the future. So, like I said in the beginning, we’re using 999, the book launch to call attention to men’s health challenges and the Charlie Boy Foundation, what we do and why we’re set up for that.

Q: Going on this tour will certainly be cost-intensive, what sort of sponsorship have you been able to attract, particularly to the foundation to undertake projects of this magnitude?

A: Well, a lot of people are becoming kinder to the cause. A lot of people see the need for that advocacy, because it’s become a pandemic. It’s become a cause of concern for men, especially black men generally all over the world. It’s not just a Nigerian thing, you know. So a lot of people are poised to help out, be it corporate bodies, be it individuals who at one time or the other, either they have a relative that has been so affected or they themselves personally have been so affected. But I like the positive vibes that I’m getting from people. In fact, you know, in our maiden edition that we just had two weeks ago, almost about 95 percent of the bill was paid by Samsung, which was a good thing because the foundation wasn’t that financially buoyant to put up a show like that. And that’s because whatever money we get, we spend it on our outreach, and what do we do? Young people, poor people, people who really don’t have the means or the ways, we say to them, listen, prevention is better than cure. If you are constantly checking, we can offset about 80 percent of the bill, we can pay on your behalf, but we need you to keep an eagle eye on your health. For instance, if you’re hit by Cancer and it becomes really bad and you need to have an operation, you will need N25m to have that operation. So, which one is cheaper? So, regular check-up is the right way to go and that is why we are increasing the volume of this advocacy that we do.

Q: So, you’re still hoping for more sponsorship to come in so the foundation can cater for more men?

A: Of course, it’s the sponsorship from different quarters that will enable us do what I enjoy doing, like I said earlier, doing what speaks to my soul.

The post Charly Boy, OBJ to storm London, Germany, Kenya to launch book “999”, Charly Boy Foundation appeared first on Vanguard News.

By Omeiza Ajayi

Two residents trapped in the rubble of a collapsed one-storey building at Kubwa 2/2, near Yellow Page, have been successfully rescued and are currently receiving treatment at the Kubwa General Hospital, where they remain in stable condition.

Head of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department FEMD, Nkechi Isa, who confirmed this in a statement said the victims were trapped on the ground floor of the residential property when the right segment of the structure collapsed at approximately 11:30am on Friday.

According to Isa, the affected building comprises six blocks of flats, and other occupants of the property were out at the time of the incident, a development that helped limit the number of persons caught up in the collapse.

She said the FEMD received a distress call at 11:38am and swiftly mobilised to the scene to extract the trapped victims. While the two residents were pulled out alive without fatalities, the collapse resulted in significant loss of personal belongings and household items, she added.

Isa said the Department of Development Control and the FCT Police Command also responded to the incident to secure the area and initiate investigations into the structural failure.

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said he is fit and healthy, dismissing age concerns ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Read Also: Gunmen kill APC chairman in Kogi, abduct one

“Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?” he asked the BBC Hausa interviewer.

He had been asked if his age would not affect his ability to provide effective leadership if elected.

The interviewer noted that Atiku would be “almost or nearly 80 years old” by the time Nigerians vote in 2027, and asked what he would say to those who considered him too old.

He responded: “You went and voted for someone who is 80, I mean 90 years old. How old is President Bola, 90?”

When the interviewer corrected him, saying Tinubu was not yet 80, Atiku responded, “Do I look to you like someone who has reached 80 years of age?”

On opposition

Also, Atiku said it was wrong to claim he had become an obstacle to the opposition coalition.

“That is a baseless accusation levelled against me. I was actually the one who initiated the coalition. Nobody else. I, Atiku Abubakar, started it,” he said.

He added that Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are the two major opposition figures who had left the group.

“It was just Kwankwaso… he was with us at first, then he left.

“Yes, and also Peter Obi. It’s just them, but the rest of us are still here continuing our work.”

Atiku expressed optimism that they would all still work together for the good of the country.

Vanguard News

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By Enitan Abdultawab

Barcelona shelved plans to honour the club’s eight Spain internationals who helped the country win the World Cup, following a dispute over the treatment of a fan carrying a Catalan pro-independence flag.

The tribute was initially scheduled for Barcelona’s first La Liga home game of the season against Athletic Bilbao.

However, the club decided against the ceremony after a Barcelona supporter had his estelada, a flag associated with Catalonia’s independence movement, confiscated by police before the team’s away fixture against Elche.

The incident escalated after the young supporter reportedly confronted the officers and was struck with batons before being detained. Barcelona subsequently criticised the police action and expressed regret over the confiscation of the flag.

The club described the estelada as “a legally endorsed symbol”, arguing that displaying it was “a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression.” Barcelona added that the flag’s display “cannot in itself be considered an incitement to hatred or violence.”

The club also said the manner in which the supporter was detained was disproportionate, stating that “the use of force lacked the necessary justification and appropriateness.”

The controversy took on a wider political dimension ahead of Thursday’s match, with a Catalan organisation distributing about 10,000 estelada flags to supporters outside Camp Nou.

Thousands of fans later raised the flags during Barcelona’s anthem, while some supporters also marched near the stadium carrying the pro-independence symbols.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta described the display as a peaceful “act of exaltation of the estelada”, saying it reflected Catalans’ right to freedom of expression.

Explaining why the tribute to the Spain players was dropped, Laporta said it was “not the most appropriate moment”, stressing that “soccer must unite, not generate confrontations.”

Barcelona had been expected to celebrate its eight World Cup winners, the highest number of players from any club in the Spain squad. The players are Joan García, Eric García, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, Gavi, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.

While other Spanish clubs honoured their World Cup-winning players in ceremonies supported by the Spanish football federation, Barcelona opted to avoid a similar celebration amid the controversy.

Despite the off-field tensions, Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in the league fixture courtsey of goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez.

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Michael Carrick said Carlos Baleba will be unable to make his Manchester United debut for around three weeks due to an ankle injury, but is excited by the Cameroonian’s “massive potential”.

Baleba’s £70 million ($95 million) move from Brighton further bolstered Carrick’s midfield options after the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.

But United could have to wait until October to see Baleba in action as he faces a race against time to return before a three-week international break next month.

“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks. We’ll see but we knew that before, so it’s no major issue but it’ll be great to have him back when we can,” Carrick told his pre-match press conference ahead of Ipswich’s visit on Sunday.

“We’re delighted to have Carlos. I think (he has) huge potential, massive potential. I think he’s a really exciting signing for us.

“I think the quality that he has, the attributes that he has that offsets a little bit of the balance of the group that we’ve got. Different strengths, different combinations.”

Carrick was rewarded with the United job on a permanent basis after guiding the Red Devils to third in the Premier League last season during an interim spell in charge.

However, the new campaign got off to the worst possible start for Carrick with a 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull last weekend.

Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez all started that match on the bench after missing most of pre-season due to their participation in the latter stages of the World Cup.

Carrick confirmed all three could return to the starting line-up, but Amad Diallo will miss out once more through injury.

AFP

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The Federal Government has said cancer patients should not be sent home when they still require hospital-based care, emphasising that treatment should continue even when cure is no longer possible.

Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said this in an interview with Newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

Nwokwu said the inability of a health facility to provide further curative treatment should not automatically result in a patient being discharged without arrangements for continued care at another appropriate facility.

He said where a facility lacked the required capacity, such a patient should be referred promptly to another facility where appropriate care and necessary medical support could be provided without interruption.

“Even when there is no bed space, you should refer that person to where that care can be continued,” he said, stressing the need for uninterrupted cancer treatment.

According to him, the only circumstance in which a cancer patient should be discharged home is when clinically stable, able to take treatment orally and unlikely to require intervention or monitoring.

“No matter how bad the situation looks, being bad is all the reason you should be in the hospital,” Nwokwu said, urging facilities to prioritise patients’ continuing needs.

He explained that cancer treatment could involve different modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy, depending on the type, stage and clinical characteristics of the disease and individual patient needs.

Nwokwu said there could, however, be a point in advanced cancer where treatment aimed at achieving a cure was no longer feasible, particularly when the disease had spread to other parts.

He stressed that reaching such a point did not mean medical care should stop, as the patient would still require appropriate care, including effective management of pain and other distressing symptoms.

“The patient is entitled to peaceful death. A pain-free death. “Even if you can no longer provide treatment that is aimed at cure, the patient should not die in pain,” he said.

The coordinator said this was where palliative care became particularly important, noting that it should not be viewed as care reserved for patients who were dying or had exhausted treatment options.

He said the National Palliative Care Policy prescribed institutionalisation of palliative care from diagnosis through the course of illness and until the end of life, ensuring continuous support for patients throughout.

“We are not trying to say start palliative care when it is now hopeless, no, palliative care should be instituted within six weeks of diagnosis,” he said.

Nwokwu explained that palliative care was intended to address not only physical symptoms but also psychological, social, financial and spiritual challenges associated with cancer and its treatment, especially for vulnerable patients.

He said a cancer diagnosis could affect employment, family livelihood and ability to meet treatment costs, adding that fear of losing a job could discourage some people from disclosing their condition.

According to him, these challenges could make it difficult for patients to commence treatment, remain on it or complete the required treatment, thereby worsening outcomes and quality of life during treatment.

Nwokwu said palliative care should therefore be integrated into cancer management from an early stage to help patients cope with the disease while receiving appropriate treatment and support during treatment properly.

He said spiritual care could also form part of the support provided, depending on the patient’s beliefs, while stressing that it should complement, rather than replace, medical treatment and reflect preferences.

“The person need to be part of the patient’s care pattern, so that they can be counselled and to understand that whatever he or she believes in can also be part of the healing process.

“In other words, while you receive treatment, medical care, you can also get that psychological and spiritual care,” he said.

The coordinator added that families should also be involved in the care process because cancer could affect the wider family system, including finances, emotional wellbeing and treatment decisions and support related.

He said pain management remained an important component of palliative care, adding that forms of radiotherapy could also be used to relieve symptoms and pain rather than achieve cure, depending on treatment goals.

Nwokwu said failure to introduce palliative care early could make it more difficult for patients to cope with the disease and affect their ability to initiate, remain on and complete treatment.

He therefore emphasised the need for a continuum of care in which cancer patients remained within the healthcare system and received appropriate support according to disease stage, progression and care needs.

He said even when curative treatment was no longer possible, patients should continue receiving care that preserves their comfort, dignity and quality of life until the end of life, with dignity.

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Ambassador Designate to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, Reno Omokri, has cautioned against any plans to reintroduce fuel subsidy and full reopening of Nigeria’s land borders, warning that such move could trigger massive smuggling and worsen insecurity.

Omokri spoke, in an apparent reaction to the plans by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress, ADC, Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar to reopen Nigeria’s land borders and remove fuel subsidy if elected president in the 2027 general election.
Atiku had said the policy would revive transborder trade, which he argued had been disrupted by prolonged restrictions on the country’s borders with neighbouring countries.

The former Vice President made the pledge while addressing supporters in a video shared online by ADC chieftain, Dele Momodu, on Friday.

According to Atiku who had earlier revealed plans to reintroduce fuel subsidy, the border restrictions had negatively affected businesses and contributed to unemployment, particularly among young Nigerians who depend on cross-border trade.

He said many young people who previously operated businesses with substantial capital had been forced out of business following the closure and restrictions imposed on some land borders.

“So I said I am going to reopen the borders and I will,” Atiku said.

However, in a terse statement on Friday, Omokri stressed that combining both policies would “unleash the greatest ever smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring nations.”

He recalled that the last time Nigeria operated full fuel subsidy with open borders, “25 million litres per day of a total subsidised quota of 66.1 million litres per day were smuggled out of Nigeria,” while rice and poultry imported through neighbours were also smuggled into the country.

According to Omokri, “If you reintroduce fuel subsidy and simultaneously reopen all of Nigeria’s land borders, what you are doing is unleashing the greatest ever smuggling of petroleum products from Nigeria to neighbouring nations.

“Let us be careful! The last time we had these conditions (full fuel subsidy, along with open borders), 25 million litres per day of a total subsidised quota of 66.1 million litres per day were smuggled out of Nigeria, while rice and poultry imported via our neighbours were smuggled into Nigeria.

“The immediate effect was the depletion of our foreign reserves, the collapse of the Naira, and the near destruction of our rice and poultry farmers, who could not compete with smuggled imported rice and chicken that flooded the market.

“Please fact-check me: The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN) reported that as of 2026, rice smuggling has forced 90 of the 150 industrial-scale rice mills in Nigeria to go out of business, and those that are not yet out of business operate below capacity, while the Poultry Association of Nigeria revealed that Nigeria loses $2 billion each year as a result of smuggled poultry.

“But, even more than that, when you open Nigeria’s borders without restrictions, as has been proposed, you give terrorists and bandits a leeway to flood Nigeria with light weapons and ammunition, because the borders will be overwhelmed and our customs and immigration officials will be overstretched.

“Again, I urge us all to think things through. Elections will come and go, but Nigeria remains.

“President Bola Tinubu directed the reopening of Nigeria’s land borders with the Republic of Niger via specific routes on March 13, 2024. On February 6, 2026, the President also ordered the reopening of an additional route, the Tsamiya border in Kebbi State.

“His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has ordered the immediate expansion of Nigeria’s military through the recruitment of additional troops.

“The Nigerian Army will expand from eight to twelve Divisions. The additional 4 divisions will increase Nigerian Army personnel by 28,000 troops.

“The President also plans for Nigeria to recruit between 2,000 and 5,000 forest guards per state, depending on the state’s landmass.

“Once we have the personnel needed to secure our porous borders, we will eventually reopen all of them.

“But to reopen all borders without first securing them is to put Nigeria’s security and her economy at risk and portends great danger for Nigerian citizens.”

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Diphtheria cases cross 10,000 as agency demands urgent vaccination of children

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, on Friday warned that Nigeria’s cholera outbreak is far from over despite a significant decline in weekly cases, with more than 65,000 suspected cases recorded across 35 states and about 195 Local Government Areas this year.

The agency said the country could face another surge between late August and October as the rainy season continues, warning that flooding, unsafe water and poor sanitation could reverse the gains made in containing the disease.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, who gave the warning on Friday, said the decline in cholera deaths was encouraging but should not create a false sense of security.
“Cholera transmission is ongoing, and we must therefore consolidate the gains made so far and prevent another rise in cases,” Idris said.

He said experience from previous outbreaks showed that cholera could peak during the current period, particularly where flooding contaminates water sources and overwhelms sanitation systems.

Idris disclosed that more than 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases had also been recorded this year, although the case fatality rate had declined considerably compared with the same period last year.
He identified Kano, Borno and Bauchi as among the states carrying the heaviest burden of diphtheria, attributing continued transmission largely to inadequate vaccination coverage.

“The central issue is that too many children remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated,” he said.
According to him, vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, displacement, population movement and difficulty reaching underserved communities continue to undermine efforts to protect children against the vaccine-preventable disease.

Idris stressed that Nigeria could not rely solely on treatment to defeat cholera, noting that unsafe water, open defecation, damaged water infrastructure and poor sanitation in schools, markets and other public places remain major drivers of transmission.
“While treatment saves lives, we cannot treat our way out of cholera,” he said.
He explained that early access to treatment had improved outcomes, particularly in Borno State, which has recorded the majority of this year’s cholera cases.

NCDC said it was coordinating the response with state governments and partners through strengthened surveillance, laboratory support, case management, infection prevention and control, community engagement and deployment of National Rapid Response Teams to affected states.

For cholera, response activities include investigation of transmission sources, water-quality assessments, chlorination, rehabilitation of water sources, hygiene promotion and oral cholera vaccination in high-burden communities.

In Borno, NCDC teams have assessed water supply points to identify gaps in water quality, sanitation and chlorination, while in Bauchi, oral rehydration points have been established, treatment capacity strengthened and active case search intensified.
For diphtheria, reactive vaccination campaigns are being conducted in affected communities alongside case detection, treatment and provision of essential laboratory and treatment commodities.
Idris, however, said federal intervention alone would not be sufficient to end the outbreaks, urging state and local governments to commit resources to high-risk communities.

He called for urgent action to provide safe water and sanitation, repair critical water infrastructure, tackle open defecation and ensure that high-risk communities have functional treatment and rapid-response capacity.
On diphtheria, he urged governments to strengthen routine and targeted immunisation and identify children who have missed recommended vaccine doses.
“Many of the interventions that will make the greatest difference must happen in our states, Local Government Areas, health facilities, communities and homes,” Idris said.
The NCDC boss also urged healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for both diseases, report suspected cases promptly and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control measures.

He advised Nigerians to begin oral rehydration immediately when someone develops frequent watery diarrhoea and seek care without delay.

Parents and caregivers, he added, should ensure that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria, stressing that the vaccines are safe, effective and available free through routine immunisation services and vaccination campaigns.

Idris appealed to traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups and the media to counter misinformation and promote preventive measures.

He said: “If we act early, sustain the response and work together, we can prevent infections, save lives and bring these outbreaks under control.”

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By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: A political controversy in Kuje Area Council of the nation’s capital has ballooned into a fresh firestorm, as indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory FCT accused global rights body, Amnesty International, of selective outrage, questioning why it intervened in a local political dispute while staying silent for years on demolitions, displacement and marginalisation affecting the territory’s original inhabitants.

The accusation was made by the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation AOIYEO through its Executive Director, Commandant Isaac David, at a news conference in Abuja convened in response to Amnesty International’s reaction to a viral video purportedly showing the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, making threatening political remarks.

The Kuje council chairman had reportedly been heard in the video saying, “It’s either you are doing APC or leave the Area Council,” a statement that has generated controversy and attracted outrage from Nigerians.

David said AOIYEO was not defending any alleged threat by the council chairman, but was troubled by what he called Amnesty International’s selective intervention in human rights issues affecting FCT residents. “Amnesty International is a globally respected organisation. The weight and credibility of that name carries the expectation of focus on systemic injustices, human rights violations, freedom from discrimination, dignity of original inhabitants and political and administrative marginalisation,” he said.

He argued that the struggles of indigenous people were not isolated incidents but part of a longstanding pattern affecting communities across the territory’s 858 settlements, and expressed disappointment that the organisation had never spoken up for them. “It is therefore disappointing that in all these years, we have not seen Amnesty International speak up for the indigenous people of the FCT on issues of land rights, right to life, exclusion and marginalisation by the Federal Government,” he said.

David repeatedly pressed the question of the organisation’s absence from earlier controversies involving indigenous residents, citing alleged demolitions of indigenous homes, displacement without adequate compensation, and protests over land and other rights that he said never attracted comparable attentrigh.

He noted that residents had, over the years, raised concerns about their rights to land, property, security and political participation without receiving what he considered adequate support from international rights organisations.

David warned that the sudden intervention in a local political dispute risked creating the impression that Amnesty International was shifting focus away from more fundamental human rights questions, stressing that AOIYEO wanted human rights advocacy to be consistent and impartial rather than justifying the Kuje chairman’s alleged remarks.

David also alleged, without providing evidence, that Amnesty International’s intervention could worsen relations between indigenous communities and other residents of the FCT, and suggested the organisation may have been drawn by the attention the controversy generated on social media.

He urged the organisation to bring the same energy to what AOIYEO considers violations of indigenous rights.

Turning to the question of consistency, David referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s description of the 2007 election as a “do or die” affair, as well as comments attributed to traditional ruler in Lagos during the 2015 elections about throwing a political opponent into the lagoon. “Where was Amnesty International when these statements were made?” he asked, arguing that human rights organisations should not apply different standards depending on the political personalities involved.

“In the aspect of insecurity, demolition of indigenous houses and marginalisation of the original people of the FCT, they have never for one day issued a press release condemning it or advising the government to be accountable for oppressing indigenous peoples,” he alleged, insisting that indigenous residents deserved sustained advocacy over their rights to land, property, security, political participation and inclusion in decisions affecting their communities.

Aside his criticism of Amnesty International, David warned that the conduct of political leaders shapes the behaviour of younger politicians who often learn from the examples set by those in positions of authority.

“We respectfully urge Amnesty International to redirect its attention to the collective and long-standing interests of indigenous peoples of the FCT. That is where your voice is most needed, and where justice has been delayed the longest. Please, turn your energy to the collective struggle of indigenous people of the FCT. That is where justice is owed. That is where your voice will mean the most”, he stated. 

He maintained that political disagreements should be settled through democratic processes and dialogue, stressing that residents must be free to support political parties of their choice without intimidation, and urged all stakeholders to ensure that the Kuje controversy did not deepen political divisions or damage peaceful coexistence between indigenous communities and other residents of the FCT.

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By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

JOS — A middle-aged man was rescued on Friday after reportedly jumping into the water from the British American Bridge in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident attracted the attention of passers-by, who raised the alarm and mobilised to rescue the man from the water.

An eyewitness, Mr Amos Forte, who was passing through the area, said the man walked towards the bridge at about 1pm before jumping into the water.

“Several persons raised the alarm and he was eventually rescued,” Forte told Vanguard.

He said people around the bridge quickly mobilised and worked together to pull the man out of the water.

According to him, the man appeared to have sustained injuries in the incident and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Forte added that security operatives later visited the scene.

The circumstances that led to the man’s action were not immediately known as of the time of filing this report.

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A single terrorist organisation accounted for 90 per cent of all ransom reportedly paid to kidnappers in Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, despite criminal gangs and bandit groups making the bulk of ransom demands, a report by SBM Intelligence has revealed.

The finding is contained in the 2026 edition of SBM’s Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry report, which examined the actors benefiting financially from kidnapping across the country.

For the analysis, SBM said it attributed every ransom demand and payment to the actor identified in reports of each incident.

It explained that although its database records bandits and kidnappers as separate entities, it grouped bandits under the broader “kidnappers” category for the actor-level analysis.

According to the report, the category comprises the wider bandit and criminal-gang kidnapping network and is distinct from named ideological groups operating in the country.

Criminal gangs demand N13.49bn

The broad “kidnappers” category accounted for N13.492 billion, or 59 per cent, of the N22.856 billion ransom demanded nationwide during the period.

The amount was spread across 146 recorded cases, making the category the largest source of ransom demands.

However, the group collected only N719.4 million, representing a collection rate of 5.3 per cent.

SBM attributed the wide gap to the nature of ransom negotiations, noting that kidnappers often make high initial demands that are subsequently negotiated downwards or remain unpaid when victims are killed, rescued or released for token payments and food supplies.

It described the pattern as a high-volume, low-yield business spread across hundreds of incidents and thousands of victims.

JAS faction records 76.1% collection rate

The JAS faction of Boko Haram and allied cells recorded a markedly different pattern.

From just eight recorded incidents, the group demanded N9.205 billion, representing 40.3 per cent of the national total, and reportedly collected N7.0015 billion.

This represented a collection rate of 76.1 per cent.

SBM said the group alone accounted for about 90 per cent of all ransom actually paid in Nigeria during the period.

The report attributed the high collection rate to the group’s capacity to carry out mass abductions and hold large numbers of hostages, giving it greater bargaining power than smaller criminal gangs.

It cited the N5 billion reportedly paid following the abduction of 416 people in Ngoshe, Borno State, and the N2 billion reportedly paid after 315 children and staff were abducted from St Mary’s School, Papiri, Niger State.

Together, the two incidents accounted for N7 billion in ransom payments.

Other actors account for less than 1%

Other actors played a comparatively minor role in the ransom economy.

SBM said ISWAP recorded a modest ransom demand but a higher reported payment, a discrepancy it attributed to one incident in which cash was recovered or associated with a military operation rather than linked to a stated ransom demand.

As a result, it said ISWAP’s apparent collection rate was not meaningful and was left blank.

Fulani herder militias, IPOB and one cult-related case collectively accounted for less than one per cent of both ransom demanded and paid.

The report concluded that while kidnapping, measured by ransom demands, remained a crime involving a large number of criminal actors, actual ransom payments were heavily concentrated in the hands of one terrorist organisation.

It said the concentration of ransom payments, rather than the total amount demanded, should be a major concern for policymakers.

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Kidnappers across Nigeria collected N7.779 billion in ransom between July 2025 and June 2026, representing 34 per cent of the N22.856 billion demanded during the period, a report by SBM Intelligence has revealed.

The figure marks a sharp increase from the 5.35 per cent collection rate recorded in the previous reporting cycle, making the rise in ransom payments one of the most significant findings in SBM’s 2026 Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry report.

Although the N22.856 billion demanded was significantly lower than the N48 billion demanded in the previous cycle, SBM attributed the decline largely to an extraordinary N30 billion demand made in the abduction of the Enuma sisters in Delta State, which inflated the previous year’s figure.

The report said the 2026 figures were driven less by isolated high-value abductions and more by mass hostage-taking incidents involving groups with significant leverage and the capacity to secure ransom payments.

JAS faction accounts for 90% of ransom

The JAS faction and its allied cells accounted for about N7 billion of the N7.779 billion ransom reportedly paid nationwide, representing approximately 90 per cent of the total ransom collected during the period.

SBM said two major mass abductions accounted for most of the amount.

In April 2026, a faction reportedly operating under commander Ali Ngulde abducted 416 people from Ngoshe in Gwoza, Borno State, and issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding N5 billion.

According to the report, the entire N5 billion was reportedly paid, making it the largest single ransom recorded in SBM’s dataset.

Earlier, in November 2025, gunmen abducted 315 children and staff of St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

The report said multiple intelligence sources put the ransom paid for their release at N2 billion.

SBM said the two incidents alone accounted for N7 billion, or almost the entire national ransom payment for the year.

The report noted that the development represented a significant escalation in the convergence of ideology and financial crime, which it had identified in its previous report.

It said the JAS faction’s dominance of ransom collections indicated that designated terrorist organisations were increasingly becoming major players in Nigeria’s kidnapping economy.

Unaffiliated kidnappers, including cases attributed to bandits, accounted for N719.4 million, representing about nine per cent of the total ransom paid.

The Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, accounted for a further N53 million.

Kwara tops ransom demand

At the state level, Kwara recorded the highest ransom demand during the period, with N7.375 billion, representing 32.3 per cent of the national total.

SBM said the figure was driven largely by a single N3.52 billion demand linked to Boko Haram activity around Woro and Wawa.

Borno followed with N5.698 billion, representing 24.9 per cent, while Kaduna recorded N1.459 billion, Edo N1.205 billion and Kogi N1.13 billion.

The picture changed significantly when actual payments were considered.

Borno topped the list with N5.0545 billion collected, representing about 65 per cent of the national total.

Niger followed with N2 billion, or 25.7 per cent, while Kwara recorded N278.3 million, Kaduna N64 million and Sokoto N58 million.

The five states accounted for 95.8 per cent of all ransom reportedly collected during the year, underscoring the impact of a handful of major mass-abduction incidents on the national figure.

Some states record minimal ransom payments

At the bottom of the ransom-demand table were Kebbi with N5 million, Abia with N10 million, Akwa Ibom with N30 million, Sokoto with N50 million and Imo with N57.5 million.

SBM said some states recorded ransom demands running into only a few million naira, with little or nothing reportedly paid at the time of its research.

The smallest recorded ransom payments were N70,000 in Cross River, N100,000 in Bauchi and N500,000 in Ebonyi.

The report said such small payments could reflect token settlements or hostage-release agreements supplemented with non-cash items such as food and other supplies.

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The huge disparity between kidnapping figures in northern and southern Nigeria is largely driven by the nature of the groups operating in both regions, a report by SBM Intelligence has said.

According to the 2026 edition of its Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry report, syndicated bandit and jihadist groups in the North have the capacity to field sizeable militias, occupy vast rural areas and operate in territories where government presence is limited.

The report noted that geography also gives the groups an advantage, with the northern landmass roughly four times the size of the South.

It said much of the North consists of open terrain where a single raid could result in the abduction of dozens of people.

According to SBM, victims are often taken to forest camps, where some are allegedly forced to work in ventures controlled by the abductors, including farming and artisanal mining.

“This means that abduction becomes a source of labour as well as ransom,” the report said.

It added that the sparsely populated nature of the region also stretched the security presence, making policing difficult and anti-kidnapping operations more complex.

Civilians bear brunt of killings

SBM said kidnapping remained deadly for virtually all those involved, with civilians accounting for 895, or 78.3 per cent, of the 1,142 deaths recorded during the period under review.

The report said 179 kidnappers were killed, while 68 security personnel, including military personnel, police officers and vigilantes, also lost their lives.

It noted that most of the fatalities were recorded in the North, with the North-West recording the highest number of deaths.

The South-South, however, appeared to have recorded greater success in confronting kidnappers, with security operations killing 38 suspected kidnappers during the period, second only to the North-West, which recorded 79.

302 anti-kidnap operations recorded

The report said 302 anti-kidnap operations were recorded nationwide during the period, with significant variations across states.

Benue and Katsina recorded 26 and 25 operations respectively, while Edo recorded 25, Kaduna 24, and Delta and Plateau 23 each.

SBM said two of the states with the highest number of operations were in the South-South, where 50 operations resulted in the deaths of 38 kidnappers despite the region recording a comparatively lower number of kidnapping incidents.

It said the figures suggested that police commands, hunters and vigilante networks in the South-South appeared more willing and capable of taking the fight to kidnappers than their counterparts in the worst-hit northern states.

Zamfara, which recorded the highest number of kidnapping incidents, victims and civilian deaths nationwide, conducted only four anti-kidnap operations throughout the year.

According to the report, the disparity between the scale of the kidnapping crisis and security operations in Zamfara pointed to a security response that had been overwhelmed by the scale and capabilities of the armed groups.

Benue faces organised attacks

In Benue, security forces conducted 26 operations in response to 32 reported kidnapping incidents.

However, the report noted that 145 people were abducted in the state, an average of 4.5 victims per incident, suggesting that kidnappers continued to operate effectively despite the security response.

SBM linked the situation in Benue and neighbouring Plateau to the long-running conflict between farming communities and Fulani pastoralists.

It said kidnapping, alongside large-scale attacks, had become a tool of displacement in the affected communities.

“While security forces manage smaller-scale incidents, they routinely fail to prevent the organised, community-wide attacks driving mass displacement,” the report said.

Six states recorded no anti-kidnap operations

Six states — Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Gombe, Jigawa and Osun — recorded no anti-kidnap operations during the period under review.

SBM said the absence of operations in Bayelsa, Jigawa and Osun was unsurprising because of their relatively low kidnapping figures.

Gombe, however, was described as a major anomaly.

The state recorded a sharp increase from two kidnapping incidents and one death in the 2024/2025 cycle to nine incidents, 22 abductions and 14 deaths in the latest reporting period.

The 22 abductions represented a 1,000 per cent increase, while deaths rose by 1,300 per cent.

SBM said Gombe’s location among states facing severe insecurity made its previous low crime figures potentially unsustainable.

It warned that the absence of recorded anti-kidnap operations amid the recent surge could indicate under-reporting of security responses or a critical gap in operational coverage as the state’s previous security buffer weakens.

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The United States Department of Homeland Security has added 10 Nigerians to its “Worst of the Worst” register, a database highlighting immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement over alleged criminal offences.

The latest names were published on the official DHS website and include individuals linked to cases involving fraud, identity theft, drug offences, assault, conspiracy and offences involving children.

The 10 Nigerians listed in the latest update are:

• Temitope Bashua — Wire fraud, identity theft and fraud — Allenwood, Pennsylvania
• Ojehoro Lewis — Cruelty towards a child — Conroe, Texas
• Osemudiamen Kingsley Oziegbe — Wire fraud — Louisville, Kentucky
• Daniel Oworen — Dangerous drugs — Conroe, Texas
• Raymond H. Ekevwo — Wire fraud — Oxford, Wisconsin
• Franklin Dikeocha — Sex offence against a child – fondling — Dallas, Texas
• Johnson Ogunlana — Fraud and identity theft — White Deer, Pennsylvania
• Chukwuemeka Okorocha — Wire fraud, dangerous drugs, possession of a weapon and aggravated assault involving a non-family gun — Allenwood, Pennsylvania
• Tunde Korede — Conspiracy — Allenwood, Pennsylvania
• Chukwuemeka Chinye — Larceny from a banking-type institution, fraud, larceny, identity theft and conspiracy — Pollock, Louisiana

DHS said the register was established to draw attention to immigrants it describes as the “worst of worst criminal aliens” arrested by ICE.

“Every day, the patriots of ICE are working to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country. Just yesterday, ICE arrested murderers, pedophiles, kidnappers, and other violent criminals to make America safe again,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. 

“Under President Trump’s leadership, there will be no safe haven for illegal aliens, including in sanctuary cities which put illegal aliens over their own citizens. We will never apologize for arresting and deporting illegal aliens, because that’s how we protect American lives.”

The department said the latest immigration enforcement actions were part of the Trump administration’s deportation policy.

“Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here,” the department said.

The latest publication comes after DHS released another list in July containing 124 Nigerians arrested by ICE and identified on the same register.

The July list featured Nigerians associated with a range of criminal offences, although the department did not provide specific deportation dates for those individuals.

Vanguard News

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No fewer than 7,825 people were abducted and at least 1,142 killed in 1,411 kidnapping incidents across Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, a new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed.

The report, Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry 2026, also disclosed that kidnappers demanded N22.856 billion in ransom during the period but received N7.779 billion, representing a 34 per cent collection rate.

According to the report obtained from SBM Intelligence’s website on Friday, the figures represented a sharp increase in both the scale and lethality of kidnapping compared with the previous reporting cycle, when 4,722 people were abducted in 997 incidents and 762 people were killed.

The report said the amount of ransom actually paid had more than tripled compared with the previous cycle, despite a decline in the total amount demanded.

It attributed the wide gap between ransom demands and payments partly to negotiations between kidnappers and victims’ families, noting that initial demands were often deliberately exorbitant before being negotiated down to amounts acceptable to both parties.

It added that dwindling financial resources among victims’ families could also influence ransom negotiations, with some hostage-release agreements involving food and other supplies.

For its actor-level analysis, SBM said it identified groups based on reports from individual incidents and attributed ransom payments to the group specifically identified as responsible. Where no particular group could be identified, the perpetrators were classified simply as “kidnappers.”

Zamfara tops kidnapping chart

The report showed that Zamfara State recorded the highest number of kidnapping incidents and victims during the period, with 236 incidents involving 1,921 abducted persons.

The figures represent 16.74 per cent of all reported kidnapping incidents and 24.55 per cent of victims nationwide.

Katsina followed with 187 incidents involving 559 victims, while Sokoto recorded 179 incidents and 1,157 victims.

Kaduna ranked fourth with 134 incidents involving 814 victims.

SBM Intelligence attributed the relatively lower number of victims per incident in Katsina, compared with Zamfara, partly to community- and local government-led peace initiatives and the activities of state-backed vigilante groups.

It said the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps had been more effective in resisting kidnappers than the Zamfara Community Protection Guards, with support from conventional security agencies.

In Sokoto, the report linked the high number of victims to the presence of different armed groups, including bandits, small kidnapping gangs and the Islamist group Lakurawa, which it said use kidnapping for ransom for different purposes.

Kwara records major mass abduction

Kwara State was the first state outside the North-West among the states with the highest number of kidnapping incidents, recording 89 incidents involving 265 victims.

However, SBM noted that the figures were significantly influenced by the abduction of 176 people from Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area in February 2026.

The single incident accounted for 66.4 per cent of the state’s total kidnapping victims during the period.

South records fewer cases

The report said kidnapping remained significantly less prevalent in southern Nigeria than in the North.

Bayelsa recorded no abduction on land or at sea during the period under review, while Abia recorded one incident involving two victims.

Jigawa, despite being located in the North-West, also recorded only one kidnapping incident involving three victims.

SBM attributed Jigawa’s relative security partly to policies adopted by successive administrations, including measures aimed at resolving farmer-herder disputes, providing access to cattle routes and forest reserves, water and nomadic schools.

Lagos also recorded one kidnapping incident involving one victim.

The report said the state’s consistently low kidnapping figures could partly be explained by its small landmass and high population density, leaving limited forests and rural areas where victims could be held.

North accounts for 85% of incidents

The North-West recorded 680 kidnapping incidents during the period, followed by the North-Central with 309 and the North-East with 211.

Together, the three northern geopolitical zones accounted for 85.1 per cent of all reported kidnapping incidents.

In southern Nigeria, the South-South recorded the highest number of incidents with 89, followed by the South-West with 79 and the South-East with 43.

The South-West, however, recorded the highest number of victims among the three southern zones, with 236, compared with 192 in the South-South and 63 in the South-East.

Overall, 491 people were abducted in southern Nigeria during the period, compared with 7,334 victims recorded across the three northern geopolitical zones.

The report noted that despite differences in ideology and objectives among the various armed actors, kidnapping for ransom had increasingly become a common instrument of insecurity in Nigeria, used to generate funds, exert influence and assert power.

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By Enitan Abdultawab

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has criticised Nigeria’s legal profession, arguing that law can no longer be regarded as a noble profession in the country.

VeryDarkMan made the remarks while responding to criticism over his invitation to the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, where he participated in a panel discussion on insecurity and shared his views on the challenges facing Nigerians.

His appearance at the conference attracted reactions from some members of the legal profession, who questioned the decision to invite him to the gathering.

Reacting to the criticism in a video shared on his social media page on Friday, VeryDarkMan said he attended the conference to speak on behalf of Nigerians who, according to him, often lack a platform to express their concerns.

“I spoke on behalf of the poor people. I spoke on behalf of the people that don’t have a voice,” he said.

He also questioned the reaction to his presence at an event attended by lawyers, asking why some members of the profession were uncomfortable with his participation.

“Because a son of nobody was seen in your midst,” he added.

Turning his attention to the legal profession, VeryDarkMan dismissed the notion that law remains a noble profession in Nigeria.

“This bunch of clowns are telling me that law is a noble profession,” he said.

He added, “Well, lately, law has not been a noble profession. I’m sorry to say. I’m not even sorry to say. It is what it is.”

The activist argued that many lawyers in Nigeria struggle to secure employment or practise their profession, describing law as one of the country’s poorest professions.

“But even you, some of you who are not even practising. Mind you, law is one of the most broke professions we have in the country,” he said.

“Because we never talk about it. Law is one of the most broke professions. One of the poorest professions in this country is law.”

VeryDarkMan further questioned the employment prospects of lawyers, asking how many trained legal practitioners have jobs and how many regularly appear in court.

“How many lawyers are there? How many lawyers have jobs? How many lawyers actually go to court? Ask yourself that,” he said.

He also criticised the number of people graduating from the Nigerian Law School despite what he described as limited opportunities within the profession.

“And every year, they say they have people graduating from law school. Four thousand have graduated from law school, only to end up selling bedsheets,” he added.

His comments come amid continued reactions to his appearance at the NBA conference, where he was invited to contribute to discussions on insecurity and issues affecting Nigerians.

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Founder of Streams of Joy International Pastor Jerry Eze has gifted gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey a new car in celebration of the musician’s 45th birthday.

Bassey revealed the gesture in an Instagram post on Friday, explaining that he had intended to spend a quiet day thanking God before discovering that Eze had secretly arranged the surprise with his wife.

The singer, who turned 45 on Thursday, said he was left “speechless” by the gift, particularly after learning that Eze had rejected his wife’s initial suggestion and insisted on getting a better vehicle.

According to Bassey, Eze told his wife, “my brother can’t drive that” while pushing for a more suitable car.

He wrote, “Normally I keep things like this private, but not this one. I want to share this.

“Woke up yesterday just desiring a nice easy day of gratitude to God. Unknown to me my brother and friend @realjerryeze had this holy coup ongoing with my wife.

“Of a truth the surpriser had been surprised. Still don’t know how to really express this in words.

“He insisted on going for the very best when my wife suggested one to get. In His words ‘my brother can’t drive that’.”

Bassey also described Eze as a remarkably generous person, saying he was aware of other surprises the pastor was preparing for different people.

He added, “Pastor Jerry, not only has he done this for me. I know of a couple of other ones like this he is currently planning. The man gives like his life depends on it.”

The singer went on to publicly thank Eze, saying the pastor’s gesture was not the reason for their friendship but expressing gratitude for the joy he had brought to him and his family.

He said, “And I’m here to publicly say thank you PJ (pastor Jerry) – You know even if you never do this, I’d still love you the same. Thank you Sir. Like I told you, I am speechless. May the smile you have put on my face and family been seen in multiple folds on you and yours in Jesus’ name.”

Bassey further asked his followers to join him in appreciating Eze for the surprise.

He wrote, “So please, help me thank him on my behalf. Weary him today with gratitude. Tell him his brother is grateful.”

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By Dapo Akinrefon

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has identified lack of unity among traditional rulers and Yoruba leaders as a major challenge slowing the progress of the Yoruba nation.

Adams called for renewed commitment to unity, dialogue and collaboration among Yoruba leaders, warning that personal rivalries and divisions could weaken the collective strength of the people.

He spoke at the Oodua Progressive Union, OPU, USA Afro Fusion Festival, OAFest 2026, themed, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Unity, Shaping Our Future,” held in Indianapolis, United States.

“Our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, united by common goals and shared values,” Adams said.

He urged Yoruba leaders and OPU members to set aside their differences and embrace dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in advancing the interests of the Yoruba people.

Adams also stressed the importance of cultural pride and visionary leadership, describing Yoruba heritage as a foundation of identity for millions of people in Nigeria and across the world.

He said culture embodies wisdom, creativity and resilience, urging OPU members and other Nigerians in the diaspora to preserve the Yoruba language, celebrate traditional festivals and uphold values such as respect, courage and community spirit.

“Our heritage is a source of inspiration and guidance for our present and future,” he said.

The Aare Ona Kakanfo commended OPU USA for its growth since its official launch last year, saying the organisation’s decision to host annual conferences in different states had boosted morale, encouraged physical interaction among members and fostered cohesion.

He urged members to remain united despite challenges, noting that effective leadership required resilience and the ability to weather difficult periods.

Adams also called for greater investment in education, entrepreneurship and cultural awareness to prepare young people to become custodians of Yoruba heritage.

He advocated initiatives aimed at promoting economic development, sustainable growth, job creation and an improved quality of life.

The Yoruba leader further stressed the need to leverage technology and global networks to connect Yoruba communities worldwide and amplify their voice on the international stage.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of OPU USA, Chief Afolabi Olurin, thanked guests, members, elders, volunteers, sponsors and members of the planning committee for their contributions to the success of the event.

Olurin described the gathering as a celebration of Yoruba heritage, culture, unity and progress.

He urged attendees to embrace the spirit of togetherness that binds Yoruba people across the world, regardless of their place of residence.

He encouraged participants to use the occasion to strengthen relationships, build new connections and promote values of respect, service and cultural pride.

The OPU USA Afro Fusion Festival, a cultural event featuring Yoruba music, dance, art and traditions, provided a platform for participants to celebrate the richness of Yoruba culture while highlighting the importance of unity and collective development.

The festival was attended by several OPU leaders and dignitaries from North America and the United States.

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Sunderland will face seven-time European champions AC Milan in the Europa League this season, marking their return to European competition for the first time since 1973.

The Black Cats, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will travel to the San Siro to take on Milan in one of their eight league-phase fixtures.

Bournemouth have also been drawn against the Italian giants, but will host Milan at home. The Cherries are competing in Europe for the first time and will also face Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Crystal Palace, who won the Conference League last season, have been handed fixtures against Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas.

Scottish champions Celtic, who dropped into the Europa League after surrendering a four-goal advantage against LASK in their Champions League play-off, will face Marseille, Benfica and Besiktas.

In the Conference League, Brighton will meet Monaco and Getafe, while Hearts will also face Monaco and travel to Turkey to play Mohamed Salah’s former club Trabzonspor.

Europa League fixtures

Sunderland: AZ Alkmaar (home), AC Milan (away), GNK Dinamo (home), Anderlecht (home), Anderlecht (away), Jagiellonia (home), Lech Poznan (away), Levski Sofia (home), Torreense (away).

Bournemouth: AC Milan (home), Real Sociedad (away), Viktoria Plzen (home), Sparta Praha (away), Sturm Graz (home), Celta Vigo (away), Hapoel Be’er Sheva (home), Lillestrom (away).

Crystal Palace: Real Sociedad (home), Lyon (away), Sparta Praha (home), Salzburg (away), Lech Poznan (home), Jagiellonia (away), Hoffenheim (home), Besiktas (away).

Celtic: Marseille (home), Benfica (away), Ferencvaros (home), Union SG (away), Celta Vigo (home), Omonia (away), Besiktas (home), Torreense (away).

Conference League fixtures

Brighton: Monaco (home), Panathinaikos (away), Craiova (home), Getafe (away), Kauno Zalgiris (home), Jablonec (away).

Hearts: Monaco (home), Pafos (away), Borac (home), Trabzonspor (away), Nordsjaelland (home), Thun (away).

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to convert waste generated from abattoirs and slaughterhouses into biogas and organic fertiliser as part of efforts to promote sustainable sanitation and a circular economy.

The state government disclosed this on Friday at a one-day workshop for abattoir operators in Ajah, Eti-Osa Local Government Area, under the theme, “Red to Green: From Waste Disposal to Resource Recovery.”

The workshop, held at ABIS Farmers Market, Ajah, was organised as part of the state’s waste-to-wealth initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, said the state was shifting its focus from conventional waste disposal to resource recovery.

Represented by the Director of Public Sanitation Utility, Mr Rahman Fagbolade, Gaji said abattoirs played a critical role in Lagos’ food system and economy but generated large volumes of waste, including blood, paunch and rumen contents, bones, horns, hooves, faecal matter and wastewater.

He warned that improper management of the materials could result in pollution, blocked drainages, offensive odours and public health risks.

“While enforcement is necessary, sustainable compliance also requires continuous stakeholder engagement, education and capacity building.

“The workshop was designed to move the conversation beyond conventional waste disposal towards resource recovery and waste-to-wealth,” he said.

Gaji said materials traditionally regarded as waste could be processed into biogas and organic fertiliser, while bones, horns and hooves could be converted into products for other industries.

“When properly segregated, processed and managed, materials traditionally regarded as waste can become valuable resources that support enterprise development, job creation, additional income generation and the growth of a circular economy,” he said.

The permanent secretary identified regulation, education, innovation and collaboration as the four pillars for sustainable waste management in the sector.

He urged abattoir operators to view compliance not only as a legal requirement but also as an investment in public health, consumer confidence and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

He also encouraged youths to explore opportunities in sustainable environmental management and urged farmers to embrace waste-to-wealth initiatives capable of improving agricultural productivity.

Gaji said the transition from “Red to Green” represented a fundamental change in the way waste was perceived and managed.

“It seeks to transform waste from an environmental burden into a valuable resource, a disposal challenge into an economic opportunity,” he said.

He urged participants to implement the recommendations from the workshop, stressing that the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured by actions taken after the event.

“The true measure of success for this initiative will not be today’s discussions alone, but the actions we take afterwards in our abattoirs, slaughterhouses, farms, businesses and communities,” he said.

The state government expressed optimism that the initiative would result in cleaner abattoirs, improved sanitation and a stronger circular economy in Lagos.

In a guest lecture titled, “From By-products to Business: Unlocking the Economic Value of Bones, Horns, Hooves and Other Abattoir By-products,” Mr Muyiwa Semowo highlighted the economic opportunities in abattoir by-products.

Semowo said materials often regarded as waste could be processed into valuable products for industries including agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and animal feed.

He urged operators to adopt proper segregation, handling and processing methods to improve the quality and market value of the by-products.

According to him, embracing a circular economy approach would reduce environmental pollution, improve sanitation around abattoirs, create new businesses, generate employment and increase the income of operators.

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