Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Media executives on Wednesday held discussions on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill as it heads toward a critical vote in the National Assembly. The meeting, organised by TOS Foundation Africa, brought together editors-in-chief, senior editors, bureau chiefs and other media professionals to examine the status of the proposed legislation and recent developments in the lawmaking process. Opening the engagement, the Communication Lead at TOS Foundation Africa, Adejare Hammed, said the dialogue was inspired by patriotism and civic duty. He described it as a collective effort to deepen Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen inclusive representation across all segments of society. Speaking at the session, the Head of TOS Foundation Africa and convener of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Campaign Coalition, Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, said the Bill emerged from sustained citizen engagement, stressing that effective laws must reflect the realities of the people. She argued that the limited presence of women in governance had negatively affected national development, particularly in areas such as maternal health, infant mortality and social welfare. Osasu revealed that the initiative had already received significant political backing, including endorsements from President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, more than 50 senators, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as a formal agreement with the Governors’ Spouses Forum. She cautioned that the Bill faced a tight legislative window, warning that failure to pass it by February could delay its implementation. Dismissing claims that the proposal was merely symbolic, she said the reserved seats were designed to create opportunities for competent and qualified women to serve in leadership roles. She also called on media leaders to sustain public engagement, noting that their role would be crucial in keeping attention on the Bill and influencing its successful passage. Providing policy insights, the Advocacy Lead and Senior Programme Manager at TOS Group, Andikan Umoh, described the Bill as a democratic correction rather than a government empowerment scheme. She highlighted what she termed a severe imbalance in representation, noting that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they occupy only a small fraction of legislative seats, with some state assemblies having no female lawmakers. According to her, the Bill seeks to address a long-standing structural deficit in Nigeria’s democratic system. She added that evidence from other countries showed quota systems had contributed to improved governance outcomes, including gains in health, education and collaborative policymaking. She stressed that how the media frames the reform would shape public perception, urging that it be presented as an issue of justice and effective governance. In a separate contribution, the Managing Director of TOS Group, Kingsley Sintim, described the media as a critical partner in building public understanding of the reform. He advocated unified messaging, people-centred storytelling and sustained public education across cultural, regional and linguistic lines. He also pointed to the use of digital tools and data, including fact sheets and the 469Tracker, which provides constituency-level information on lawmakers’ positions on the Bill. During an interactive segment, participants raised concerns about political party involvement, grassroots mobilisation, cultural resistance in some regions and the timing of a constitutional amendment close to an election period. Questions were also asked about religious interpretations, legislative caucus dynamics and consultations with former and serving lawmakers. Responding, Osasu said engagements were ongoing across religious and regional divides, including outreach to Islamic clerics and the use of endorsements from traditional and religious leaders to address misconceptions. She added that caucus meetings had been held nationwide to address concerns, align views and encourage citizens to engage their representatives directly. She described the coming weeks as crucial, noting that the next 30 days would be decisive for the Bill’s success. According to her, consistent exposure to the social and economic benefits of inclusive governance was necessary to shift public attitudes. She warned that failure to pass the Bill at this stage could delay women’s representation for another electoral cycle. In closing, participants acknowledged discussions around alternative legislative routes, including possible executive sponsorship, while recognising the progress already achieved. Nigeria continues to grapple with significant gender imbalance in political representation, with women holding less than 10 per cent of seats in the National Assembly and similarly low numbers in most state legislatures. Factors such as cultural norms, party structures, limited campaign financing and restricted access to political networks have contributed to this gap. Over the years, efforts to improve women’s participation have included advocacy initiatives, civil society campaigns and international support for inclusive governance reforms. Supporters of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill argue that quota systems, which have been adopted in countries such as Rwanda, Sweden and India, are necessary to address systemic barriers and ensure women’s perspectives are reflected in policymaking.

The police have uncovered a cyber-enabled telecommunications fraud valued at ₦7.7bn, leading to the arrest of six suspects accused of unlawfully diverting airtime and data belonging to a telecoms company. The operation was carried out by the National Cybercrime Centre following a petition submitted by the affected firm, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin. The company reported suspicious and unauthorised activities within its billing and payment systems. Investigations revealed that login credentials belonging to internal staff were compromised, giving the suspects illegal access to critical platforms. Hundeyin said the syndicate diverted large volumes of airtime and data, causing an estimated loss of more than ₦7.7bn. After weeks of intelligence gathering and planning, coordinated enforcement actions were conducted in October 2025 across Kano and Katsina states, with an additional arrest later made in the Federal Capital Territory. The suspects arrested were identified as Ahmad Bala, Karibu Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu, and Masa’ud Sa’ad. Items recovered during the operation included two residential buildings in Kano, two mini-plazas, GSM and laptop sales outlets stocked with over 400 laptops and about 1,000 mobile phones, as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle. The police said the assets are believed to be proceeds of the alleged crime. Authorities also traced and recovered significant sums of money from the suspects’ bank accounts, noting that the individuals would be charged to court once investigations are concluded. Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s digital and financial systems. He stated that the Nigeria Police Force, through the NPF–NCCC, remains resolute in dismantling cybercrime networks and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice, regardless of status or affiliation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced a Russian drone attack on a crowded passenger train in Kharkiv’s north-eastern region, calling it an act of “terrorism.” Local authorities reported that at least five people were killed and several others injured in the strike. Officials said more than 200 passengers were on the train when one carriage was hit by a drone, while two other drones exploded nearby on Tuesday. Zelensky noted that 18 people were inside the targeted carriage and stressed there was no “military justification” for attacking civilians. Russia has not commented on the incident but has escalated drone and missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy and transport infrastructure amid one of the harshest winters in years. In the southern port city of Odesa, dozens of drones struck overnight, killing three people and injuring many more. Energy facilities suffered significant damage, and city officials said attacks continued into Wednesday. In the Kyiv region, a couple were killed and their four-year-old child injured when a residential building near the capital was hit, according to police. Millions of Ukrainians have been left without heating, electricity, and water due to ongoing Russian strikes. Since launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow now controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky, in a social media post on Tuesday, said: “In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be considered in exactly the same way—purely as terrorism.” Images and video released by Ukraine’s emergency services show at least one heavily damaged carriage still burning after the attack. Kharkiv’s regional prosecutor’s office said the train was struck near Yazykove village. The train had been traveling from the western border town of Chop to Barvinkove via Kharkiv, a route used by local residents and soldiers, along with their family members. In Odesa, authorities reported that Russia launched more than 50 drones overnight. After several floors of a residential building collapsed, three bodies were recovered, and multiple nearby buildings sustained damage. Russian aerial assaults continue despite the latest round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks, held last week in the United Arab Emirates with US mediators. While the discussions were described as constructive, major territorial disputes remain unresolved, and further meetings are planned for the weekend.

The wife of South Korea’s ousted former president has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes from the Unification Church. However, 52-year-old Kim Keon-hee was cleared of charges relating to stock price manipulation and receiving free opinion polls from a political broker ahead of the 2022 presidential election, which her husband, Yoon Suk Yeol, won. Yoon himself has been sentenced to five years in prison for abusing power and obstructing justice connected to his unsuccessful martial law attempt in 2024. This is the first time in South Korea’s history that a former presidential couple have been convicted simultaneously. On Wednesday, Judge Woo In-sung of the Seoul Central District Court said Kim “misused her position as a means of pursuing personal gain.” “The higher one’s position, the more consciously one must guard against such conduct… The defendant failed to reject solicitations and was preoccupied with self-adornment,” the judge added. A special counsel team investigating the case stated that Kim received 80 million won (approximately $56,000) in gifts—including a Graff diamond necklace and several Chanel handbags—from the Unification Church between April and July 2022, in exchange for political and business favors. The prosecution had requested a 15-year prison term and a fine of 2 billion won covering all three charges, but Kim was convicted of only one charge. The court noted she neither demanded nor solicited the bribes and had no significant criminal record. She was ordered to return 12.85 million won in cash, and the diamond necklace was also confiscated. Kim faces additional charges related to allegedly recruiting Unification Church followers to the conservative People Power Party and accepting gifts in return for government job appointments, which have yet to be heard in court. The former first lady denied all allegations, calling them “deeply unjust,” though she admitted to receiving the Chanel bags, which she claimed were later returned unused. She publicly apologized in August, stating, “I am truly sorry that a nobody like me has caused concern to the people.” Investigations into Kim’s ties to the Unification Church also led to the arrest of church leader Han Hak-ja. Beyond the criminal case, Kim has faced other controversies. Last year, Sookmyung Women’s University revoked an art education degree she earned in 1999 after an ethics panel determined she had plagiarized her master’s thesis.

President Donald Trump said his administration plans to “de-escalate a little bit” in Minnesota following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal immigration officers in the state. “Bottom line, it was terrible. Both of them were terrible,” Trump said in a Fox News interview on Tuesday. In early January, Renee Good was fatally shot by an immigration officer. Over the past weekend, Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a veterans’ hospital, was also killed during a stop by border agents. Pretti’s death sparked renewed protests locally and widespread public criticism, including from lawmakers across party lines. Trump’s comments indicate the administration is scaling back some of its operations in Minnesota. Speaking to reporters ahead of a rally in Iowa, he described Pretti’s death as “a very unfortunate incident.” When asked about reports labeling Pretti a “domestic terrorist,” Trump said, “I haven’t heard that,” while adding, “He shouldn’t have been carrying a gun.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem previously stated that Pretti “wasn’t there to peacefully protest” and accused him of “domestic terrorism,” claiming he was shot while brandishing a firearm. However, eyewitnesses and local officials have disputed that account, saying Pretti had a phone in his hand, not a weapon. Authorities also noted that the gun was legally registered and that Pretti was shot after the firearm was removed. A preliminary Customs and Border Protection report also appears to contradict the DHS account, stating only that two agents fired their weapons, without mentioning that Pretti reached for a firearm. Following the shooting, DHS removed the leader of the Minnesota mission, Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino, and deployed White House border tsar Tom Homan to oversee operations. Homan met with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement officials. Pretti’s death, coming two weeks after Renee Good was shot, reignited local anger and led to calls from state and city officials for the Trump administration to withdraw the 3,000 immigration agents stationed in the region. In the Fox News interview, Trump defended the Minnesota operation, saying it had removed “thousands of hardened criminals” and that crime numbers were improving. He added, “That’s all working out, we have Tom Homan there now,” before reiterating that the administration would “de-escalate.” White House aide Stephen Miller told CNN that DHS personnel deployed for Minnesota were instructed to focus on fugitive operations and maintain a buffer between arrest teams and protesters. Miller said the administration is reviewing why the Customs and Border Patrol team may not have fully followed the protocol. Several Republican leaders, including Vermont Governor Phil Scott and Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, have called for an investigation into Pretti’s death. A federal judge has blocked DHS from destroying or altering evidence related to the incident. At his Iowa rally, Trump did not address Minnesota in detail but highlighted his broader immigration crackdown, citing a December Harvard Harris poll indicating that 80% of Americans support efforts to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

The Benin–Asaba Highway Rehabilitation Project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to enhance road connectivity between Edo and Delta states and improve links to other parts of the country. The project was formally inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025. The highway spans approximately 125 kilometres, beginning at the Onitsha Head Bridge and running through key locations including Asaba—covering deteriorated sections such as Ezenei Junction—Alifekede in Ika South Local Government Area at the Delta–Edo boundary, and terminating in Benin. The project is estimated to cost about ₦200 billion and is being financed through a concession arrangement awarded to the Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, led by the Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium, which is also serving as the project contractor. Construction is scheduled to last 30 months, commencing in March 2025 and expected to be completed by September 2027. Upon completion, the road will feature a 10-lane dual carriageway—five lanes on each side—stretching from King Square to the Benin Bypass, a design intended to significantly improve traffic flow, safety and travel efficiency along the corridor.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), has attributed public resistance to the implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws to a deep-seated trust deficit between government and citizens, as well as concerns over transparency, accountability, and fiscal centralisation. The views were expressed on Tuesday at the 2026 Lagos State Professorial Chair in Tax and Fiscal Matters Public Lecture held at the University of Lagos, Akoka. The event brought together policymakers, legal practitioners and academics to deliberate on the theme, “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Implications for Fiscal Federalism and State Autonomy.” Despite calls in some quarters for a delay, President Bola Tinubu has fixed January 1, 2026, for the commencement of the new tax regime, which includes the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2025, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025. Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the event, noted that while the tax reforms were necessary to reposition the nation’s economy, their effectiveness would largely depend on restoring public confidence and addressing fears surrounding the management and utilisation of tax revenues. He stressed that without transparency and visible public benefit, compliance would remain low regardless of how technically sound the reforms appeared. According to him, successful implementation would require strong collaboration among federal, state and local governments, as well as investment in technology, public education on tax obligations and rights, and openness that allows citizens to see the tangible impact of the taxes they pay. He emphasised that an effective tax system must be simple, fair and inclusive, ensuring that everyone—ranging from large corporations to individual entrepreneurs—contributes their fair share. Represented by the Chairman of the Lagos Inland Revenue Service, Mr Subair Ayodele, the governor said Nigeria had reached a critical economic crossroads after decades of reliance on oil revenue and borrowing, making comprehensive tax reform inevitable. He observed that Nigeria’s existing tax system had long been complex, narrow and poorly understood, leading to low compliance and overburdening those already within the tax net. This, he said, had constrained government revenue and limited investment in development. Sanwo-Olu explained that the new tax laws were designed to modernise and simplify the tax framework, eliminate redundant levies, and broaden the tax base to capture digital economy activities and emerging income streams. He stressed that taxation should be seen not as punishment but as a partnership between government and citizens. He added that Lagos State was supporting the reforms by strengthening tax administration, deploying digital tools, expanding its internally generated revenue base and committing to the prudent and transparent use of public funds. Chairing the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), warned that the tax reforms would struggle to gain public acceptance if they were perceived as opaque, unfair or overly centralised. He noted that history had shown that resistance often followed fiscal policies that lacked legitimacy and fairness, citing the 1929 Aba Women’s protest as an example of public backlash against insensitive taxation. Olanipekun described taxation as central to governance, arguing that no nation could resolve insecurity, rebuild infrastructure or restore public confidence without a stable, fair and credible tax system. He warned that allegations of post-legislative alterations to the tax laws, expanded enforcement powers for the Nigeria Revenue Service, and fears of weakened state fiscal authority had intensified public anxiety. He cautioned that efficiency must not override consent, questioning whether concentrating fiscal authority at the centre without recalibrating state autonomy could strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure. He called for citizen-focused governance that ensures every naira collected translates into visible improvements in quality of life. Delivering the public lecture, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), said the main challenge facing the tax reforms was not their legality but their credibility. He noted that the disconnect between government and citizens had fuelled fears that tax proceeds might not result in tangible public benefits, particularly at the grassroots level. Sanni argued that the reforms were heavily focused on federal taxation and called for state-led tax reforms to address multiple taxation and inefficiencies. He pointed out that states currently lacked sufficient authority over key taxes such as personal income tax, stamp duties and capital gains tax, creating a mismatch between responsibility and control. He also warned that informal taxation by non-state actors in markets and motor parks would persist unless accountability and trust improved. According to him, state-level tax reform was both constitutionally and economically necessary, adding that reforms should prioritise efficient property taxation, estate tax frameworks and a review of consumption taxes. Sanni criticised the practice of government paying value-added tax on its own contracts, describing it as inefficient and potentially provocative. He further cautioned that provisions allowing deductions from states’ allocations in cases of tax default could trigger conflict if not carefully managed. While raising concerns, Sanni defended the timing of the reforms, noting that the laws largely protected low-income earners and small businesses. He argued that resistance was mainly coming from higher-income groups, though he acknowledged that charges such as stamp duties on electronic transfers still affected ordinary citizens and required further review. On education funding, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, expressed optimism that the reforms would boost revenue and improve funding for the sector if properly implemented. He said increased revenue, combined with fiscal discipline, would enhance infrastructure, staffing and learning outcomes in tertiary institutions. The event, hosted by the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, concluded with calls for stronger collaboration among the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigeria Revenue Service and state revenue agencies. Participants agreed that transparency, accountability and visible public value must be prioritised, warning that distrust and fear would remain the greatest obstacles to the success of Nigeria’s tax reform agenda. Plaques were also presented to Sanwo-Olu, Olanipekun and Prof. Sanni at the event.

The Federal Government has announced plans to enhance security in schools located within border and riverine communities through the Safe Schools Transition Plan for 2026–2030, a nationwide initiative aimed at ensuring safer learning environments. The newly approved strategy is designed to strengthen cooperation among security agencies, state governments, and host communities, while also expanding psychosocial support services and improving emergency preparedness for students and educators. According to officials familiar with the programme, the transition plan will place special emphasis on vulnerable areas, particularly border and riverine regions, to ensure the deployment of security infrastructure and the delivery of targeted training. One senior official involved in the initiative explained that the focus of the 2026–2030 plan would be on extending security training and capacity-building to high-risk communities, adding that the objective is to fully integrate local areas into the national security framework. Another official noted that the plan also seeks to improve the overall security resilience of host communities. The Safe Schools Project was established in 2014 following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State. The initiative was introduced under the leadership of the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, in collaboration with the Nigerian Global Business Coalition for Education and private-sector partners. It is coordinated in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser and aims to provide a secure and supportive environment for teaching and learning. In December 2022, the Federal Government launched the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023–2026, with an estimated investment of ₦144.8 billion. Key measures under the plan included the formation of the School Protection Squad, the nationwide deployment of command and control officers, and the establishment of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre to enable rapid response to security threats. Safe Schools Coordinators and Desk Officers were also appointed across all 36 states and the 774 local government areas. Despite these interventions, school security challenges persist. In December 2025, the Senate initiated an investigation into the Safe Schools Project, citing continued exposure of schools to attacks, mass abductions, and violent incidents. Figures from the National Safe Schools Response and Coordination Centre indicate a significant increase in school enrolment under the programme, rising from 11,550 registered schools in November 2025 to 14,685 by December. This increase followed several high-profile attacks, including the November 17, 2025 assault on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 24 students were abducted and the vice-principal was killed, as well as the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, four days later, during which 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted. Officials have noted that many states are yet to fully implement the Safe Schools Project, underscoring the need for sustained commitment and coordinated action to safeguard students and educators across the country.

Firefighters in Victoria, Australia, are battling at least six major wildfires as a record-breaking heatwave sweeps across the south-east of the country. Two of the fires are classified as “emergency level,” prompting authorities to issue alerts for residents to evacuate, stay on alert, or shelter in place. Fire officials have warned that conditions are changing rapidly and urged people to follow the latest updates. The Bureau of Meteorology reports that some areas of Victoria have recorded all-time high temperatures, with one location reaching 48.9°C and Melbourne hitting 41°C. Chris Hardman, chief fire officer at Forest Fire Management Victoria, said the extreme heat is making firefighting efforts “incredibly difficult.” The fires in Camperdown and the Otways are currently at emergency level, while a new blaze in Larralea is raising serious concerns. Jason Hefferman, chief officer of the Country Fire Authority (CFA), warned that the Otways fire could generate ember showers capable of starting additional fires ahead of the main blaze. The extent of damage is not fully known, but Alistair Drayton, Deputy Incident Controller, said there is anecdotal evidence that some homes have been destroyed. He also praised firefighters for their “spectacular” efforts so far. Victoria remains under a total fire ban, and South Australia has also been placed on high alert for extreme fire risk. Health authorities have cautioned that the intense heat poses serious risks, especially for the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Victoria’s chief health officer, Caroline McElnay, warned that the heat can cause life-threatening conditions such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and can also trigger heart attacks or strokes.

An outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, has raised alarm across parts of Asia, prompting enhanced screening measures at airports. Thailand has begun screening passengers at three airports in Bangkok and Phuket that receive flights from West Bengal. Nepal has also started screening arrivals at Kathmandu airport and other land border crossings with India. In West Bengal, five healthcare workers were infected earlier this month, with one reported in critical condition. Around 110 individuals who had contact with them have been placed under quarantine. The Nipah virus can be transmitted from animals, such as pigs and fruit bats, to humans, and can also spread through contaminated food or from person to person. It has a high fatality rate, estimated between 40% and 75%, and there is currently no vaccine or approved treatment. Symptoms of Nipah infection vary, with some people showing no signs at all. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. In severe cases, patients may develop drowsiness, altered consciousness, pneumonia, or encephalitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the brain. The incubation period ranges from four to 14 days. Past outbreaks have occurred in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India. The first recognized outbreak was in 1998 among pig farmers in Malaysia, resulting in over 100 deaths and the culling of a million pigs. Bangladesh has reported over 100 deaths since 2001. India has seen outbreaks in West Bengal in 2001 and 2007, and in Kerala in 2018 and 2023, with high mortality rates. Currently, at least five confirmed cases have been reported in Barasat, linked to a private hospital. Two nurses are in intensive care, with one in critical condition. While no cases have been confirmed outside India, countries in the region are taking precautions. Thailand is requiring health declarations from travelers from West Bengal and has increased screening at tourist sites. Nepal has intensified monitoring at its airport and land borders with India. Taiwan is considering classifying Nipah as a “Category 5 disease,” reserved for rare or emerging infections with serious public health risks that require immediate reporting and control measures.