Month: October 2025

By: Mandy Park  Tobacco control advocacy organisations in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government, health authorities, and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action against the clandestine marketing of nicotine-based products disguised as “harm reduction education” by local tobacco industry fronts and a group from Sweden. In a joint statement, the Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), and Gatefield warned that the tobacco industry, through its cronies, is covertly introducing these products to Nigerian youth, including students, thus threatening to reverse years of progress…

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OPINION By Bukola Olukemi-Odele Food fortification is a well-established public health intervention designed to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies in populations. Over time, this strategy has proven remarkably effective in tackling several serious health conditions. One of the most notable examples is the addition of iodine to salt, which successfully helped combat goitre, a painful swelling of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency. Likewise, fortifying milk with vitamin D was pivotal in conquering rickets, a disease that weakens the bones of children. Typically, the implementation of fortification programs follows one…

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By: Daniel Kanu Editor Civil society groups and activists have thrown their weight behind the proposed unionization of domestic workers in Nigeria, citing the sector’s vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. The Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) on Friday, 17th October in Lagos, organized a media parley to mobilize support for the unionization effort. Betty Abah, Executive Director of CEE-HOPE, and convener of the parley highlighted the crucial role domestic workers play in Nigerian society, often without recognition or protection. She emphasized that the majority of domestic…

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Photo: President Tinubu By: Mandy Park Former Abia State Commissioner and notable academic, Dr Phillips Nto, has emphasized that private sector investment in agriculture is vital for boosting food security in Nigeria. He said that although the government has the primary responsibility to fund the sector, the input of the private sector was urgently needed to ensure that the much talked about agriculture diversification and value chain are realized. This perspective aligns with recent initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural landscape and reducing reliance on food imports. Dr Philips…

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PHOTO: Peter Obi By: Daniel Kanu Editor The Labour Party leader and 2023 Presidential flag bearer, Peter Obi has said that no political party can capture any state electorally because a governor defects to it. Obi, who was responding to reporters who accosted him in Abuja to react to the gale of defections to the ruling APC, especially in the South East, said that this is a democracy, not military rule, where states are captured. The people will decide where to go, not governors or Senators, no party will capture…

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PHOTO: CJN Kekere Ekun By: Mandy Park The Lagos State High Court has adjourned the Owode Onirin land dispute case to November 13, 2025, following the murder of six traders at the market. The case, which was slated for settlement, was adjourned after Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, told the court that the traders were no longer interested in settlement due to the recent killings. In his Falana’s submission Falana, who is seeking to be joined in the case, alleged that the six traders were murdered by police…

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By: Emma Nnadi The Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) has rejected the World Bank and IMF’s push for water privatization in Africa, describing it as a threat to the continent’s water security and human rights. At a press conference in Lagos on Monday, 13th October, to mark the 2025 Africa week of action against water privatisation with the theme: Public water for climate resilience OWORAC said water is a public good and a human right that must never be surrendered to the logic of profit. The IMF and…

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PHOTO: Protesters at Lagos Assembly Gate By: Mandy Park The Lagos State Assembly has promised to ensure justice for the victims of the Owode-Onirin spare parts traders’ killings, following a massive protest by traders and the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) at the Assembly gate today, Tuesday, October 7 Hon Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho 2,, constituency gave the assurance on behalf of the Assembly. Led by CHSR President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, the group petitioned the Lagos State House of Assembly, urging the House to take immediate action over…

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