Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed legislation officially ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history — a 43-day impasse that crippled federal operations and left hundreds of thousands of government workers without pay as both parties traded blame. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives voted mostly along party lines to approve a Senate-passed bill reopening key federal departments and agencies. Many Democrats voiced disappointment, describing the outcome as a retreat by their party leadership. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump criticized Democrats as he signed the measure, calling on Americans to remember the episode during next year’s midterm elections. “Today we send a clear message that we will never give in to extortion,” Trump said, surrounded by Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who earlier accused Democrats of inflicting unnecessary suffering for political gain. The newly signed package funds military construction, veterans’ affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and Congress through next fall, while extending funding for the rest of the government until the end of January. About 670,000 furloughed federal employees will return to work, and another 670,000 who worked without pay — including tens of thousands of air traffic controllers and airport security staff — will receive their owed wages. The agreement also reinstates federal employees dismissed during the shutdown, with air travel expected to gradually normalize nationwide. Trump claimed Democrats’ actions cost the country $1.5 trillion, though economists dispute that figure. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the economic loss at around $14 billion. House Speaker Johnson and Republican leaders faced tight margins with their slim majority, while Democratic leaders, frustrated by what they saw as a Senate concession, urged members to oppose the bill — a stance most maintained. Although public polls suggested Americans largely supported Democrats during the standoff, analysts say Republicans may have emerged in a stronger position following the resolution. For weeks, Democrats had refused to reopen the government without an agreement to extend pandemic-era tax credits that made health insurance more affordable. The deadlock broke after a small group of moderate senators negotiated a compromise with Republicans, allowing a Senate vote on health care subsidies but with no guaranteed follow-up in the House. The development has exposed divisions within the Democratic Party, as leaders face backlash for ending the shutdown without major policy wins. Party strategists, however, argue the standoff drew national attention to health care — an issue they hope will energize voters ahead of the 2026 elections. “We’ve elevated the conversation about the Republican health care crisis, and we’re not stepping back,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a television interview. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces criticism from progressives for failing to keep the party united. Prominent Democratic figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, have publicly condemned the deal, calling it weak and disappointing.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced that the planned implementation of the 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) has been suspended. In a statement shared on its official X handle on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, George Ene-Ita, clarified that “the implementation of the 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel is no longer in view.” The authority further assured Nigerians that there is adequate availability of petroleum products across the country, maintaining supplies within the acceptable national sufficiency threshold during the current peak demand period. According to the statement, there is “a robust domestic supply of petroleum products (AGO, PMS, LPG, etc.) sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail outlets.” NMDPRA cautioned against hoarding, panic buying, or arbitrary increases in fuel prices, noting that such actions are unnecessary given the current market stability. It added that the authority will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate regulatory measures to ensure uninterrupted supply and distribution nationwide. While commending stakeholders in the downstream and midstream sectors for their continued cooperation, the NMDPRA reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining energy security and ensuring a stable fuel supply across Nigeria.

WHO strengthens Enugu healthcare training with donation of equipment The students and management of the Enugu State College of Nursing, Parklane and Awgu, received a major boost as the World Health Organization donated a wide range of training equipment to enhance the schools’ capacity and improve health service delivery. The donated items include two 15-seater Toyota Hiace buses, two Mikano diesel generators, 145 desktop computers, five suction machines, eight sets of 3D electronic boards, 13 Sharp three-in-one photocopiers, as well as laboratory, training, nursing, and hostel equipment. The handover ceremony, held Monday at the Enugu State Government House, was part of the Equipment Support for Health Training Institutions (ESHTI) project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, said the donation reflects a shared commitment between WHO, the Enugu State government, and FCDO to strengthen Nigeria’s health workforce. He noted that the contribution followed a thorough infrastructure assessment of both campuses. Dr. Ursu stated, “We formally hand over essential training materials and equipment to support Enugu State’s ongoing efforts to enhance its health workforce and improve health service delivery. Together, we are investing strategically in the health system by empowering health workers with better training infrastructure.” He commended Governor Ifeanyi Mbah for his investments in health, including digital transformation of facilities, equipping over 360 health centers with tablets, internet, and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and instituting real-time data dashboards for clinical monitoring. Governor Mbah praised WHO and FCDO for their support, promising to utilize the equipment to train more than 1,000 nurses annually. He also revealed plans to establish new nursing colleges in Nsukka and Orji River to expand healthcare training in the state. FCDO Nigeria Health Advisor, Dr. Ebere Anyachukwu, said the donation would strengthen efforts to improve the quality and effectiveness of the health workforce in Enugu State. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, highlighted that the equipment, including smart boards and electronic libraries, would enhance the quality of nursing education and provide students and teachers access to modern research resources. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters, Dr. Yomi Jaye, added that the donation signifies recognition of the state’s transformed nursing institutions, which are now being prepared for further accreditation in Public Health and Midwifery by 2026. Dr. Jaye concluded, “These resources will be instrumental in training competent nurses equipped to meet

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo clashed on Tuesday over calls for President Bola Tinubu to step down amid rising insecurity in Nigeria. Adebayo, speaking at the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025 in Abuja, aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on killings in Nigeria, claiming that the government had failed in its constitutional duty to protect lives. “If citizens are dying in large numbers, the government has failed its primary responsibility. President Tinubu can either use the security forces to tackle terrorists or resign,” Adebayo said. He also alleged that some actors within the system benefit from the ongoing insecurity and warned against framing the crisis along religious or regional lines, describing it as a national security issue rather than a Christian-Muslim debate. He accused the government of exploiting the security situation for financial gain while asserting that the Nigerian Armed Forces are capable of restoring order if allowed to operate professionally. Reacting, APC Deputy National Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru dismissed the call for resignation as a personal opinion that does not reflect the electorate’s mandate. “This is his view, and he is entitled to it. The President holds the mandate of the majority of Nigerians. Only the electorate can effect such a change,” Duru said. He added that the government is aware of security challenges and is actively addressing them, stressing that progress in protecting lives and property will become increasingly visible in the coming weeks and months. The exchange comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington after Trump claimed that Christian communities in Nigeria face an “existential threat,” prompting the Nigerian government to reopen discussions to clarify its position. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. Yusuf Ali warned that the country’s national security policies are harming citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, instead of providing protection. Speaking at the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2025 in Lagos, he said current counter-terrorism and law enforcement strategies have deviated from constitutional safeguards, resulting in widespread violations of citizens’ rights. “The poor, women, children, and internally displaced persons are often the unintended victims of security operations,” Ali said. He stressed that genuine security requires respect for human dignity, rule of law, and social justice, adding that force alone cannot achieve lasting peace. Ali also criticised aspects of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which allow prolonged detention without trial, describing them as unconstitutional and incompatible with Nigeria’s international obligations. He warned that laws meant to fight terrorism should not become tools of terror. “Security measures must protect citizens, not turn them into victims. The Constitution exists to safeguard both peace and crisis,” he added.  

The Straight Child Foundation has reported notable progress in its clubfoot treatment programme, successfully enrolling 101 children for care in October 2025. Operating 22 clubfoot clinics across 11 states, the foundation said most of the children treated were under 12 months old, giving them a higher likelihood of full recovery with timely intervention. Speaking in Umuahia, Abia State, the Foundation’s CAST Coordinator, Mr. Uchenna Egbe-eni, stated that the programme remains dedicated to improving children’s mobility and overall quality of life. He explained that children received an average of 4.7 casting sessions before undergoing tenotomy, a key procedure in clubfoot treatment, with over 93 per cent starting tenotomy in line with international best practices. Egbe-eni added that dropout rates were low, standing at 3.8 per cent for children in the casting phase and 6.4 per cent during the bracing phase, as the foundation continues to prioritise retention and completion of treatment. To strengthen clinical capacity, the foundation conducted basic Ponseti training at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, and CAST training in Itumbuzo, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Supportive supervisory visits and data quality assessments were also carried out at University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, and Rhema University Teaching Hospital, Aba. Acknowledging the support of partners, including MiracleFeet Incorporated, Egbe-eni reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to expanding access to quality clubfoot services nationwide. He urged parents to seek early treatment to ensure the best outcomes for affected children, emphasising that the organisation is focused on ensuring every child born with clubfoot in Nigeria receives timely and appropriate care.

all actions taken under it. He further contended that under Section 76(1)(a)(iii) of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to suspend the judgment in his terrorism trial, which is scheduled for November 20. In a motion filed on November 10 and personally signed, Kanu asked Justice James Omotosho to halt the ruling, claiming the trial was conducted under a repealed and non-existent law. Kanu, who recently parted ways with his legal team led by former Attorney-General Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the proceedings violate Supreme Court directives and Section 287(1) of the Constitution. He maintained that his prosecution under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013 breaches Sections 1(3), 36(1)–(12), and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 7 and 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He asserted that Count 15 (now Count 7) “does not exist in law,” and that continuing the trial renders all subsequent proceedings invalid. Kanu also argued that the court’s failure to acknowledge the repeal of the 2013 terrorism law, contrary to Section 122 of the Evidence Act 2011, invalidates the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to try him without evidence that the alleged acts are offences under Kenyan law or supported by a valid extradition order. He challenged a plea purportedly taken on March 29, 2023, under the repealed law and in breach of Section 220 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, describing it as void and incapable of conferring jurisdiction. Kanu also claimed that forged material used in the proceedings amounted to a denial of fair hearing under Section 36(6) of the Constitution. Representing himself after dismissing his lawyers, Kanu said he was misled into pleading under a non-existent law, urging the court to “arrest judgment ex debito justitiae.” Among his requests are an order to halt the delivery of judgment and a declaration that failure to recognize the repeal of the 2013 terrorism law nullifies all proceedings under it. Kanu faces seven counts of terrorism (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015) brought by the Federal Government. The prosecution alleged that he led a separatist movement seeking the secession of parts of Nigeria and incited violence through broadcasts, in addition to illegally importing a radio transmitter. He has pleaded not guilty. While the prosecution closed its case after calling five witnesses, Kanu initially listed 23 defence witnesses but later withdrew them, insisting he would not defend charges he considers invalid. At the last sitting, after he failed to open his defence despite six days being granted, Justice Omotosho scheduled the date for judgment.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a joint investigation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) to uncover those responsible for importing 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine worth over $235 million (approximately ₦338 billion). The consignment was intercepted at the PTML Terminal, Tincan Island Port, Lagos. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, operators at the terminal discovered the drug-laden shipment inside an empty container and immediately notified port authorities, including the NDLEA and Nigeria Customs Service, leading to a joint inspection. Field tests confirmed the substance as cocaine, after which it was taken into NDLEA custody on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Babafemi stated that the NDLEA is collaborating with international partners to trace the cartel behind the massive importation. The interception, he noted, represents the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded at the Tincan Port. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), explained that the involvement of the US DEA and UK NCA was prompted by the magnitude of the discovery and the suspected global reach of the syndicate. Officers from both agencies have since joined the investigation. The NDLEA also confirmed the recent arrest of several drug suspects, including a wanted drug baron, Yussuf Azeez, apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on November 6, 2025, while attempting to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. Within the last 30 months, the NDLEA has seized over 8.5 million kilogrammes of drugs, arrested 45,853 suspects, and secured 9,263 convictions nationwide.

The Federal Government has confirmed that deductions from the October 2025 salaries of civil servants were made to begin statutory contributions to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). According to a circular issued in Abuja, the government explained that the deductions marked the official commencement of mandatory NHIS contributions, which led to the slight reduction noticed in the October pay across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The circular, titled “Implementation of Statutory Deduction for the National Health Insurance Scheme,” addressed concerns raised by workers on social media over unexplained salary cuts ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000. “The Federal Government wishes to inform all public servants that the implementation of statutory deduction for the National Health Insurance Scheme has commenced with effect from October 2025,” the notice stated. “Accordingly, a mandatory NHIS contribution has been deducted from every federal employee’s monthly salary beginning from October. This explains the reduction observed in the October salary across MDAs.” The NHIS is a social health insurance initiative designed to provide financial protection and access to affordable, quality healthcare for Nigerians. In 2022, the Federal Government made health insurance compulsory for all employers and employees in the public, private, and informal sectors after the signing of the National Health Insurance Authority Bill, 2021, into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The law’s sponsor, former senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, had stated that the reform would establish a sustainable financial mechanism for healthcare and advance Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030. Government officials noted that the NHIS aims to improve healthcare access for workers and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, with coverage now extended to nearly 99 per cent of federal employees. Recently, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced that national health insurance coverage had expanded from 20 million to 60 million Nigerians under the current administration.

Preparations are in top gear in Delta State for the coronation of the Vice President of the Nigerian Body of Benchers and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Albert Akpomudje (SAN), as the 14th Ohworode of the historic Olomu Kingdom. This was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Olomu Kingdom Traditional Council, John Ewenede, and made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday. According to the statement, Akpomudje, who previously served as the Otota (Traditional Prime Minister) of Olomu Kingdom, will be officially crowned on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Otorere (Agbon) Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. A grand reception is expected to follow immediately after the coronation ceremony at the royal palace, located opposite the Magistrates’ Court in Akperhe-Olomu. Akpomudje’s ascension to the throne follows the passing and burial rites of the 13th Ohworode, Macaulay Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, from the Uhurhie Ruling House. The late monarch, a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, was crowned on May 20, 2023, but passed away in July 2025 after a brief two-year reign—the shortest in the kingdom’s history. Having completed the traditional rites, Akpomudje, as the next in line, assumes the revered position in accordance with Olomu customs. The incoming monarch, a distinguished lawyer and Worldwide President of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, hails from Akperhe-Olomu in the Eyavwien Ruling House. Excitement continues to build across the kingdom as residents prepare for the colourful ceremony, marked by traditional dances, drumming, and festive decorations ahead of the historic event.

“We are committed to creating a hospital environment where every patient feels safe, respected, and confident in the care they receive,” said Dr. Aisha Adamu, Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo, in a recent interview at her office. According to her, the goal is to make FMC Jalingo a model of efficiency and patient-centred service across Taraba State and beyond. “We’ve made remarkable progress and will continue to push for improvements that truly impact lives,” she added. Her words mirror the experience of many patients. During a visit to the hospital, a man, Emmanuel Danjuma, recounted how his unconscious wife was swiftly attended to. “I thought I had lost her,” he said. “But the doctors and nurses didn’t waste a second. They assured me she would be fine — and they saved her.” In another ward, Hauwa Ibrahim, a mother from Lau, watched as a nurse gently adjusted her sick child’s IV line. “I didn’t know anyone here, but they treated us like family,” she said. “They talk to us with respect and make you feel like your child matters.” Dr. Adamu noted that such stories represent the daily reality at FMC Jalingo — a place where fear turns into hope and pain into recovery. As Taraba’s healthcare needs continue to grow, FMC Jalingo remains a critical lifeline, staffed by dedicated professionals who deliver care with compassion and resilience. Despite handling cases that should ordinarily be managed at primary or secondary health centres, the hospital continues to function efficiently under her leadership. Through her administration, FMC Jalingo has expanded infrastructure, recruited additional staff, and enhanced welfare packages to keep the workforce motivated. Within its corridors, doctors and nurses work tirelessly to balance skill with empathy. “Some days, we handle more patients than expected,” said Nurse Sarah Timothy from the Emergency Unit. “But with management’s support, we continue to give our best and treat every patient with dignity — that’s our culture.” A key part of this efficiency is the SERVICOM unit — a team ensuring that no patient is neglected. “We listen, intervene, and resolve issues promptly,” explained Dr. Aboki Philip, SERVICOM Head. “Every patient deserves attention and respect.” Patients confirm the unit’s impact. “I once complained about a delay, and SERVICOM handled it immediately,” said Mrs. Patience Adie, a regular outpatient. “That gave me confidence in the hospital.” Consultant physician Dr. Adegboyega described the management style as “solution-driven,” adding, “There’s a culture of teamwork here — everyone works together to solve problems, and it shows in patient outcomes.” The hospital also emphasizes patients’ rights to dignity, confidentiality, timely service, and participation in their care, while reminding them of their responsibilities to be honest about their medical history, respect staff, and keep appointments. Beyond infrastructure and policies, Dr. Adamu believes the essence of FMC Jalingo lies in its humanity. “Every initiative we take is about the patient,” she said. “Our mission is to make excellence the norm, not the exception.” As Taraba strengthens its primary healthcare system under ongoing reforms, FMC Jalingo continues to stand as a beacon of hope — a place where compassion meets professionalism and where thousands find healing, comfort, and renewed faith in healthcare.