Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Monday presided over a special court sitting in Lagos, announcing that 360 appeals have been scheduled for hearing before 16 panels comprising 48 Justices, as part of efforts to reduce the backlog of cases. The special session, held in Lagos where the Court of Appeal was first established, formed part of activities to mark the court’s 50th anniversary. Justice Dongban-Mensem said the sitting demonstrated the court’s sustained commitment to improving efficiency in the administration of justice by tackling the increasing volume of appeals across its divisions. She noted that Lagos, being Nigeria’s commercial hub, naturally attracts a heavy appellate caseload, making proactive measures necessary. She disclosed that the 48 Justices, drawn from various divisions nationwide, would sit throughout the week in Lagos and at the National Industrial Court to hear the listed appeals. The Court of Appeal President expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Attorney-General’s office for its support in facilitating the exercise, noting that the court’s limited resources would not have been sufficient to accommodate the large number of Justices involved. She also acknowledged the National Industrial Court for providing courtroom and residential facilities. Justice Dongban-Mensem urged lawyers and litigants to ensure their cases were ready for hearing and warned against delays that could undermine the purpose of the special sitting. She recalled a previous exercise where many appeals could not be heard due to lack of preparedness by counsel, despite the resources committed. She stressed that the Lagos sitting was strictly for work, noting that several divisions were operating with fewer Justices during the period due to the deployment to Lagos. She appealed to legal practitioners to take full advantage of the opportunity by complying strictly with procedural rules. The Court of Appeal President also called on lawyers, litigants and the media to help safeguard public confidence in the judiciary, warning that a loss of trust in the justice system could encourage lawlessness. She emphasised that justice delivery depends on evidence and active participation by parties and law enforcement agencies. Addressing journalists, Justice Dongban-Mensem urged accuracy and professionalism in reporting court proceedings, advising the media to seek clarification where necessary to avoid misinformation. In her closing remarks, she called on all stakeholders to uphold integrity and professionalism as the Court of Appeal marks its golden jubilee, stressing that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done. Speaking on behalf of the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, described the special sitting as historic and commended the initiative of the Court of Appeal President. He assured the court of the Bar’s cooperation in ensuring the speedy hearing of cases, noting that it served the interests of both lawyers and their clients. Adegboruwa also congratulated the Court of Appeal on its 50th anniversary and highlighted the judiciary’s funding and infrastructure challenges. He said the Bar would continue to work with the judiciary to advocate improved funding and expressed optimism over ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities at the Lagos Division.

The Abia State Executive Council has approved the development of housing estates across the state to cater for civil servants and members of the general public. This comes as the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) prepares to issue an order to regularise all electricity-related activities within the state. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Kanu, said the Ministry of Housing has already commenced the process for the construction of a Civil Service Commission Pocket Layout Estate in Umuahia, while agreements have been reached with private developers for additional housing projects in other locations. Prince Kanu disclosed this on Monday in Umuahia while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He explained that the housing projects would be executed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, in line with the governor’s vision to improve the welfare of Abia residents. According to him, the planned estates are designed to provide quality and affordable housing for citizens. He added that discussions with private developers are at an advanced stage for proposed estates at Mbaisii and Mgbarakuma-Ubakala in Umuahia, noting that the ministry is close to signing the necessary agreements to enable developers move to the sites without delay. On the power sector, the commissioner revealed that ASERA is expected to issue a formal order before the end of January to regularise electricity operations across the state. He said this followed the completion of the transfer of regulatory authority from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to the state regulator. Prince Kanu explained that the move would enhance the resolution of consumer complaints, strengthen consumer protection, improve service delivery, and ensure a fair balance between electricity operators and consumers in Abia State.

Efforts by the Federal Government (FG) to clear debts owed to electricity generation companies (GenCos) are facing mounting challenges, as the sector’s debt surged 62.5% to N6.5 trillion by the end of 2025, up from N4 trillion at the start of the year. In mid-December 2025, the government launched a funding initiative with the issuance of a N590 billion Series 1 Power Sector Bond, part of a plan to raise N1.23 trillion by the end of the first quarter of 2026 to improve liquidity in the sector. Decades of accumulated debt have long hampered investment in critical infrastructure, limiting Nigeria’s power supply. However, concerns have emerged over the bond’s transparency and its ability to effectively address liquidity issues. Data obtained from the industry shows that GenCos received only 35% of invoices for electricity supplied to the national grid, further deepening the liquidity crisis in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). Between May and October 2025, 25 generation companies issued invoices totaling N1.531 trillion but received just N547.37 billion. The remaining N984.3 billion is expected to be covered by government electricity subsidies. Breakdowns by month revealed similar gaps: in May, N282.14 billion invoiced, N96.40 billion paid; June, N257.26 billion invoiced, N91.36 billion paid; July, N268 billion invoiced, N96.29 billion paid; August, N245.96 billion invoiced, N88.59 billion paid; September, N226.67 billion invoiced, N81.78 billion paid; and October, N251.65 billion invoiced, N92.95 billion paid. The low payments are largely due to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) DisCos Remittance Obligation (DRO), introduced in 2024, which requires distribution companies to remit roughly 40% of invoices received from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc. The Federal Government funds the gap between cost-reflective tariffs and actual consumer tariffs through subsidies. NERC’s third-quarter 2025 report shows that DisCos collected N570.25 billion of N706.61 billion billed, reflecting an 80.7% collection efficiency. While migration to Band A tariffs helped revenue, widespread blackouts persist. Despite GenCos’ objections over the bond’s structure and payment terms, the FG is moving ahead. An advisory document from the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) described parts of the bond as “death warrants” for GenCos, citing risks due to reliance on verbal government assurances and an unrecognized special purpose vehicle (SPV) as the issuer. Questions remain over the viability of proposed funds and the historical underperformance of DisCo collections. Stakeholders attribute the rising debt to the government’s failure to adequately fund electricity subsidies. Chijoke James, Chairman of the Electricity Consumers Association of Nigeria, noted that while consumers are dissatisfied with distribution services, the government must honor its subsidy commitments, as higher tariffs have not translated into better supply. Energy expert Prof. Yemi Oke warned that the subsidy system is unsustainable, with over N4 trillion owed to GenCos and an additional N2 trillion added annually. He stressed that the current approach undermines economic growth and investment. Edu Okeke, Managing Director of Azura Power West Africa, added that GenCos continue to receive only about 38% of their invoices, and without proper payments, new investment will not materialize. He cautioned that even with the proposed bond, debt will keep accumulating if fundamental sector issues are not resolved, noting that another N4 trillion in debt could emerge within a short time. The situation underscores the urgent need for structural reforms and transparent funding mechanisms to stabilize Nigeria’s power sector.

The Benue State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega, on Sunday reported seven new suspected cases of Lassa fever in the state. Samples from the individuals have been collected and sent to the laboratory for confirmation, while the state government has activated immediate public health response measures. Dr. Msuega said health authorities are closely monitoring the situation, noting that “samples of the seven suspected cases have been taken for confirmation.” He urged residents to take preventive steps, such as keeping food properly covered and protected from rodents, which are known carriers of the Lassa fever virus. Simple hygiene practices, he added, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. The epidemiologist also highlighted that the Ministry of Health and Human Services has intensified community awareness campaigns across the state to curb the spread of the disease. Efforts focus on rodent control, environmental sanitation, and regular clean-up exercises, with special attention to identified Lassa fever hotspots. Healthcare facilities across Benue have been equipped to handle suspected cases, and health workers have received training to provide appropriate care. Rapid response teams are on standby to manage confirmed cases and prevent further transmission within communities. Dr. Msuega advised residents to report symptoms such as fever, weakness, or unexplained bleeding to the nearest health facility, stressing that early detection is essential for effective treatment and disease control. The emergence of these suspected cases has heightened concern among health authorities and residents in the state.

Nigeria’s healthcare system is in urgent need of reform, as repeated tragedies continue to expose its deep flaws. On January 7, news emerged that renowned author Chimamanda Adichie lost her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, at a Lagos hospital, citing negligence by doctors at Euracare Hospital. Adichie alleged that her son was given too much sedative and denied oxygen during a critical episode, resulting in cardiac arrest—a loss that suspension of the anaesthetist cannot undo. Just days later, another case of medical negligence occurred in Kano State, where Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, died after corrective surgery at Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital. The operation was required because surgeons had left scissors inside her body during a previous procedure, leaving her in pain for four months. Complaints about the health system are widespread. Poorly trained, underpaid, and demotivated doctors, nurses, and health workers are central to the crisis. Following the Adichie incident, Nollywood actress Toyin Lawani accused the same Lagos hospital of complications after a spinal implant costing N100 million. Architect Alfred Ogene has also filed an N800 million lawsuit against R-Jolad Hospital, alleging gross negligence that caused permanent damage to his urinary system and significant personal and financial distress. The problem extends to unregistered and unregulated health facilities, which proliferate due to weak oversight and corruption. Even in high-profile hospitals, misdiagnoses and overworked medical staff—sometimes clocking 100-hour weeks, far above the British Medical Association’s recommended 48 hours—put patients at risk. Patient care is often compromised by the pursuit of revenue. Long wait times, severe doctor shortages (ranging from 0.3 per 1,000 to 1 per 9,000 patients compared to WHO’s recommendation of 1 per 600), and the concentration of doctors in urban areas leave rural communities critically underserved. Strikes by the Joint Health Sector Unions since November 15 have worsened the situation, and disputes over salary suspensions threaten further escalation. Government funding has also fallen short. Despite the Abuja Declaration’s target of 15% of the federal budget for health, the 2026 allocation of N2.48 trillion amounts to roughly N10,400 per citizen per year, or N870 per month—insufficient for a population exceeding 230 million. With public health expenditure below 5% of GDP and over 70% of healthcare costs paid out-of-pocket, Nigerian families face extreme financial strain, driving many into poverty during medical emergencies. Wealthier Nigerians spend an estimated $1.1 billion annually on medical tourism abroad. To revive the sector, health insurance should be extended to the poorest 83 million Nigerians, at an estimated cost of N1.2 trillion annually. States and local governments must strengthen more than 30,000 Primary Health Centres and shift focus toward preventive care. Investment in ambulances and first-aid equipment is critical to avoid situations like former boxing champion Anthony Joshua being transported in a police van after a crash. Improving the welfare and working conditions of health workers is vital to stop the mass exodus of doctors and nurses. Negligence and misdiagnosis must no longer be tolerated, and health professionals found culpable should face strict penalties. Victims should have the means to seek justice, including access to a compensation fund. Initiatives such as the Nigeria Power for Health Program, which aims to provide sustainable electricity to 30% of hospitals by 2027, must be fully implemented. Only a functional, accountable healthcare system can protect lives rather than putting them at risk.

The African Democratic Congress has urged the Federal Government to provide clarity on the Nigeria–United States health cooperation agreement, warning that provisions perceived as faith-based could threaten constitutional principles, transparency, and national sovereignty. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC supports foreign assistance and bilateral partnerships aimed at improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. However, he emphasised that such agreements must respect the country’s religious diversity and adhere strictly to constitutional provisions against discrimination. The concern follows the signing, on December 19, of a five-year health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and the United States, valued at $5.1bn. The agreement is intended to support the America First Global Health Strategy by promoting resilient and accountable health systems through shared responsibility. According to available details, the MoU places notable emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers, acknowledging their role in serving underserved communities. About $200m is reportedly allocated to support 900 Christian clinics and hospitals, strengthen workforce capacity, and expand services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child healthcare. Reacting to the development, the ADC cautioned the Federal Government against entering into arrangements that could deepen divisions or conflict with Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to inclusion and national unity. While Abuja has described the agreement as a technical and inclusive framework to improve health security, primary healthcare, and domestic health financing, the party noted that official statements from the United States present the deal in significantly different terms. The ADC argued that the U.S. portrayal introduces religious and identity-based conditions, implying that funding may be restricted to health institutions linked to a specific faith. According to the party, this discrepancy goes beyond communication differences and raises serious questions about transparency, constitutional compliance, and Nigeria’s sovereign authority. It called on the government to clarify which version reflects the actual terms agreed upon and why such disparities exist. Reiterating its support for international assistance, the party stressed that all partnerships must comply with constitutional safeguards that prohibit discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. The ADC referenced Section 42(1) of the Constitution, which bars discrimination on grounds of origin, sex, religion, or political opinion, as well as Sections 15 and 17, which mandate the promotion of national integration, equality, and equal opportunities for all citizens. The party further noted that while the United States is expected to provide about $2bn in grants over five years, Nigeria is reportedly committing nearly $3bn in domestic health funding. It questioned an arrangement in which Nigeria shoulders a larger financial obligation while key decisions, including beneficiary selection and the power to suspend cooperation, appear to lie outside the country. Describing healthcare as a fundamental public good, the ADC warned that introducing identity-based considerations into health financing or security-linked assessments could politicise service delivery, erode public trust, and expose health workers and institutions to unnecessary risk. The party therefore called on the Federal Government to release the full text of the signed MoU, including any annexes or related documents, and to clarify whether the identity-based and security-related elements cited by the United States are part of the agreement Nigeria endorsed. It also insisted that Nigerians deserve a clear explanation of how the agreement aligns with the Constitution and safeguards the country’s sovereign control over public policy decisions.

The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Owoloemi Emorioloye. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said investigations were already underway, assuring residents that security agencies were taking the incident seriously. He noted that details surrounding the incident were still unclear but stressed that a comprehensive investigation had begun. Jimoh urged residents of the state to remain calm, adding that measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property. Earlier, the chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Mr Maurice Oripenaye, raised the alarm over the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, he alleged that Emorioloye was abducted by armed men who reportedly invaded his office in Igbokoda, the council headquarters, on Thursday in two Hilux vehicles. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. Oripenaye condemned the abduction and called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the victim’s safe release. He described Emorioloye as a respected media and political figure in the area, popularly known as Emotel and Director-General of the Asiwaju Media Team. According to him, the incident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, along the Okonga/Olodo Junction in Igbokoda. Eyewitnesses reportedly said the victim was forcibly taken from his office by armed individuals who arrived in two Hilux vehicles. Oripenaye described the act as a serious breach of public safety, noting that it was carried out in broad daylight in a busy commercial area. He expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and associates and appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could escalate tension or obstruct ongoing investigations. The council chairman added that the local government had contacted relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, and local security groups, to ensure a swift and coordinated response, stressing that the safety of residents remains a top priority.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Davos, Switzerland, to head Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. The gathering, which convenes global political and business leaders, is scheduled to run from January 19 to 23, 2026. Shettima arrived in Switzerland from Conakry, Guinea, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of President Mamadi Doumbouya on Friday. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, the Vice President was received on arrival by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; and officials of Nigeria’s mission in Switzerland. This year marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s participation at the forum, with the Federal Government establishing a dedicated sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade for the first time. The facility, known as “Nigeria House Davos,” was created through a public-private partnership and will serve as a centre for ministerial engagements, investment discussions, and cultural diplomacy throughout the week. The Vice President is expected to formally inaugurate the facility during his visit. Speaking to journalists after Shettima’s arrival, Oduwole said Nigeria would strongly showcase its investment opportunities at the launch of Nigeria House. She explained that four strategic playbooks highlighting President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda would be presented, covering solid minerals, climate sustainability, agriculture, and the creative and digital sectors. Also speaking, Nkwocha said the Vice President would present Nigeria’s 2026 economic outlook to global leaders during the forum. Shettima is also scheduled to take part in plenary sessions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. In addition, the Vice President will hold bilateral meetings with heads of state, senior executives of multinational companies, and leaders of international development finance institutions. The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos draws thousands of participants, including government leaders, chief executives, civil society representatives, and media professionals. The 2026 edition is expected to centre on global economic pressures, technological advancement, and climate action.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed more than 40 terrorists during coordinated close air support and air interdiction missions in the Azir and Musarram areas of Borno State, dealing a major blow to planned attacks and strengthening ongoing ground operations. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. According to Ejodame, the operations were carried out on January 15 and 16 by the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, based on actionable intelligence and in close coordination with troops on the ground. He explained that in the early hours of January 16, NAF aircraft responded swiftly to a distress call from Azir, where ground troops were engaged with terrorists attempting to withdraw from the area. Subsequent surveillance detected the terrorists trying to regroup under nearby tree cover, leading to precise and repeated airstrikes that neutralised several of them. “Post-strike assessments revealed no remaining threats, while feedback from ground troops, local authorities and community sources confirmed a significant reduction in terrorist activity and the restoration of relative calm,” Ejodame said. He added that a day earlier, on January 15, NAF air assets conducted a successful air interdiction mission at Musarram in the Tumbuns general area after intelligence indicated that terrorists were assembling in canoes to launch attacks along the Baga and Fish Dam axis. “Upon arrival, the aircraft identified about 10 canoes and more than 40 suspected terrorists. Multiple attack runs were carried out, throwing the terrorists into disarray. Some fleeing elements were pursued and neutralised, while others who regrouped at an assembly point were also engaged, effectively dismantling the concentration,” he said. Reacting to the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to provide prompt and decisive air support to ground forces. He noted that the operations underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven air power and close air–ground coordination in denying terrorists freedom of action. Aneke assured Nigerians that sustained pressure would continue to be applied on terrorist elements as the Armed Forces of Nigeria intensify efforts to degrade their capabilities and restore stability to affected areas. Azir and Musarram, both in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have remained flashpoints of insecurity due to the activities of Boko Haram and its splinter faction, ISWAP. Troops operating around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe area were ambushed in November 2025, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, including the execution of a captured Brigadier General, Musa Uba.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a scheduled power outage in parts of Sokoto Town due to planned maintenance works at the Sokoto Transmission Substation. In a statement released on Saturday and signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, TCN said it will conduct annual preventive maintenance on the 30/40MVA power transformer at the substation on Saturday, January 17, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. According to the company, electricity supply will be disrupted during the maintenance period as the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company will be unable to receive bulk power from the affected transformer for distribution to customers. Areas expected to experience the outage include parts of Sokoto Town such as Sama Road, Abuja Road, Gagi Area, Minanata Area, Old Airport, and the Army Barracks. TCN explained that the maintenance exercise is aimed at enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the transmission equipment supplying power to the area. The company apologised to residents for the inconvenience the temporary outage may cause, noting that the exercise is necessary to improve overall power system performance and service delivery.