Month: May 2025

By: Mandy Park Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), a former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and Minister in Nigeria’s government, has died at the age of 70. Olubolade, the Ipoti-Ekiti-born retired officer reportedly slumped and died on Sunday while playing lawn tennis at a facility in Apapa, Lagos. He has been Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State, FCT and Minister of Police Affairs. Just a few weeks before his passing, Olubolade celebrated his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024. His family confirmed his death in a statement signed…

Read More

By: Mandy Park Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the regulation of salt targets in processed and packaged foods to combat the growing prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney failure in Nigeria. In a statement signed byRobert Egbe, Media & Communications Officer, CAPPA to mark World Salt Awareness Week 2025, the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) referenced World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that reducing salt intake is one of the most cost-effective measures countries can take to improve population health outcomes.…

Read More

By: Mandy Park Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid for 2027, pledging to join First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the campaign trail. Speaking after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award, Jonathan expressed support for rotational presidency, emphasizing its importance for national cohesion. She praised the Tinubu family, particularly the President’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, for promoting unity and fairness through this principle. Jonathan’s endorsement quashes speculation that her husband, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, might challenge Tinubu in 2027. Instead, she…

Read More

By: Mandy Park The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Prof. Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new president. Piwuna, who is also the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, succeeds Prof. Victor Osodeke. The election, held on Sunday at the 23rd National Delegates Congress in Benin, was contested between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo. Piwuna’s assumption of office comes amidst speculation of industrial action over issues including the sharing formula for Earned Academic Allowances and brain…

Read More

By: Mandy Park A new report by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has exposed the tactics used by food corporations to promote ultra-processed foods in Nigeria, contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The report, “Junk on Our Plates,” highlights how corporations employ aggressive marketing strategies, cultural co-optation, and celebrity endorsements to target children, youth, and low-income communities. These tactics have entrenched unhealthy foods in Nigeria’s food environment, undermining public health policies and straining the healthcare system. Key findings show that Corporations use extensive advertising and pricing…

Read More

By: Mandy Park The Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Reverend Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi, has stressed the need for the church to positively address the growing issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Speaking at the “Nehemiah Summit” with the theme “Tackling Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment: The Role of the Church,” Okupevi stressed that faith-based institutions must become proactive agents of socio-economic transformation. The bishop highlighted the importance of recognizing the church’s role in fostering change and impacting communities for the better. He noted that economic deprivation is…

Read More

By: Mandy Park Political activist and former vice presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the 2019 election, Umma Abdullahi Ghetso, has expressed concern over the divisive rhetoric of some Nigerian elders and politicians, saying it threatens national cohesion. Getso argues that instead of promoting unity and responsible dialogue, many leaders’ words now echo division, stoke fear, and deepen existing wounds. The activist advocates for a new kind of conversation that is bold, inclusive, and forward-thinking to address Nigeria’s challenges. She also calls for a shift towards younger,…

Read More