Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, has urged newly inducted nurses from Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, to uphold professional ethics, show compassion in service, and exercise caution in their use of social media as they begin their careers. Speaking at the induction ceremony for 57 graduating nurses, Alhassan — represented by the Council’s Principal Assistant Registrar, Dr. Olaniyi Filade — reminded the inductees that joining the nursing profession officially makes them accountable for every decision and action they take in their line of duty. “Remember that you are now fully responsible for your own professional decisions while providing quality and value-based care to patients and other healthcare consumers,” he stated. Alhassan described the ceremony as a major milestone marking the graduates’ transition from students to registered nurses. He noted that while nursing is a noble and rewarding calling, it demands compassion, patience, and dedication to meeting patients’ needs. He emphasized that the core duties of nurses — promoting health, preventing illness, restoring wellness, and relieving suffering — can only be achieved through discipline, ethical conduct, and continuous learning. He advised, “As you enter the workforce, ensure the safety of lives and perform your duties with excellence. Show competence, confidence, and sound judgment in your nursing practice.” Alhassan further urged the new nurses to maintain high professional standards, strong communication skills, empathy, promptness, and problem-solving ability — qualities essential for building trust with patients and the public. He cautioned against the misuse of social media, advising them to be mindful of the information they share and consume online, and to remain open to learning from experienced colleagues. “Practise in line with the best available evidence, keep all patient information confidential, and continue to grow in knowledge and professionalism,” he said. He also encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, diligence, and excellence as ambassadors of both the nursing profession and Chrisland University, adding that the Council expects them to contribute meaningfully to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. In her remarks, Professor Oyeduni Arulogun, Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University, described the induction as another milestone in the institution’s pursuit of excellence and its commitment to producing skilled, compassionate, and ethical healthcare professionals. She congratulated the new nurses for completing their demanding academic and clinical journey, reminding them that nursing is more than a profession — it is a calling rooted in service, empathy, and integrity. “Nursing is a balance between skill and sympathy, knowledge and kindness, intellect and integrity. Your uniform is not just clothing — it is a symbol of trust. In hospitals and communities, you represent comfort, care, and hope,” she said. Arulogun encouraged the graduates to let their professional oath guide their actions and maintain compassion, even in challenging moments. “Carry your oath as your compass, your values as your anchor, and your learning as your lifelong companion,” she advised. Also speaking, Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health — represented by Dr. Bolanle Aminu, Director of Nursing Services — congratulated the inductees and urged them to carry out their duties with empathy, kindness, and professionalism. She encouraged them to see themselves as agents of healing, comfort, and hope, upholding the principles of care and compassion that define the nursing profession.

Health experts have emphasized the importance of regular calcium intake in helping children develop strong, healthy bones and reducing the risk of bone deformities such as rickets and bowed legs. They noted that without sufficient calcium, it becomes difficult for children to build and maintain solid bone structures, which are essential for growth and movement. Calcium, described as the “mighty mineral for mighty bones,” serves as a key building block for the body, storing strength in the bones and aiding muscle movement and nerve function. According to experts, children who receive adequate calcium during their formative years are more likely to grow into adults with strong, healthy bones. Parents are therefore encouraged to ensure that their children consume calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, fish with soft bones, and leafy green vegetables. Professor Ngozi Nnam, a Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, explained that calcium deficiency during early development can hinder bone formation. She noted that some children experience delayed milestones, such as difficulty standing or walking at age one, due to weak bones caused by insufficient calcium. She added that introducing complementary foods rich in calcium after six months of exclusive breastfeeding is vital. “After exclusive breastfeeding, children need foods like milk, fish bones, bone marrow, vegetables, and liver to support bone formation. They also require Vitamin D, which aids calcium absorption. Cod liver oil is a good source of Vitamin D,” she said. Calcium helps build dense, durable bones capable of supporting children’s physical activity and maintaining good posture. Throughout life, bones continuously renew themselves through a process known as remodeling, in which calcium plays a vital role by replacing old bone tissue with new, stronger ones. Experts warned that inadequate calcium intake can lead to weak bones, stunted growth, and increased risk of fractures. One of the most serious outcomes is rickets, a disease that causes soft, weak bones and bone deformities in children. To promote healthy bone development, experts recommend a balanced diet rich in calcium, including dairy products, green vegetables, and fortified foods such as cereals, plant-based milk, and orange juice. Vitamin D is also crucial, as it enables the body to absorb calcium effectively. Sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplements—under medical guidance—can help maintain healthy levels. They also advised encouraging children to engage in physical activities like running and jumping, which help strengthen bones, while limiting sugary drinks such as sodas that can interfere with calcium absorption. Professor Nnam stressed that building strong bones starts early, urging parents to cultivate healthy eating habits in their children and seek medical advice if their child has special dietary needs. By ensuring consistent calcium intake, supporting physical activity, and promoting good nutrition, parents can help their children build a strong foundation for lifelong bone health and overall well-being.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned reports of atrocities and alleged war crimes in El-Fasher, a key city in Sudan, calling for an immediate end to hostilities. Following an 18-month siege, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured El-Fasher in October after intense battles with Sudan’s army, which have continued since April 2023. In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Youssouf expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and ethnically targeted killings of civilians, denouncing the reported war crimes in the city. He urged all parties to cease fighting immediately and allow the establishment of humanitarian corridors to deliver critical aid to affected populations. Emphasizing that there can be “no military solution” to the conflict, Youssouf called on both sides to engage in dialogue and commit to a peaceful, inclusive political process. The Sudanese army confirmed on Monday that its forces had withdrawn from El-Fasher, as the United Nations issued warnings about grave human rights violations attributed to the RSF. The fall of El-Fasher — a strategic city in western Darfur — marks a major turning point in Sudan’s ongoing war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 12 million people since it began.

Otedola praises Dangote’s $20bn refinery expansion, calls it a legacy for future generations Business magnate Femi Otedola has applauded his longtime associate and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, following the announcement of a major expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. In a post on his X handle on Sunday, Otedola celebrated the refinery’s planned capacity boost from 650,000 to 1.4 million barrels per day, describing the project as a monumental achievement in global industrial development. He wrote, “My brother and Africa’s pride, Aliko Dangote, addressed a world press conference in Lagos where he unveiled the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to 1.4 million barrels per day from 650,000 barrels per day. This makes it the largest refinery ever built in the world.” Commending Dangote’s vision, Otedola said his unwavering dedication to investing in Nigeria and Africa represents a generational legacy that will continue to shape the continent’s industrial and economic future. He added that Nigerians would soon have the opportunity to own part of the refinery, a move that underscores Dangote’s inclusive vision for national growth. “Aliko’s relentless commitment to investing in Nigeria and Africa will outlive him. These are legacy investments that will define generations. Soon, Nigerians will own part of this refinery — a powerful reminder that this vision is not just for Dangote, but for all Nigerians and Africans,” Otedola stated. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support of private sector-led initiatives driving the Renewed Hope agenda toward building a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria. Dangote, during the Lagos press briefing, announced that construction work on the expansion would begin immediately. The upgrade will increase the refinery’s power generation capacity from 500MW to 1,000MW and raise product quality from Euro 5 to Euro 6 standards. He disclosed that about 65,000 workers — 85 per cent of them Nigerians — would be engaged for the expansion project, which is expected to be completed within three years. Dangote further revealed plans to list the refinery on the stock exchange by 2026, allowing Nigerians to become shareholders in what will be the world’s largest refinery upon completion.

The Ogun State Government, in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, has established the Health Systems Sustainability Task Force to enhance resilience, strengthen coordination in service delivery, and reinforce government ownership of key health functions. During the inauguration held in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker—who chairs the task force—explained that the initiative was prompted by disruptions following the suspension of United States government global health funding earlier in the year. Coker, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, said the task force would coordinate government and partner responses, promote accountability, and create sustainable mechanisms to address systemic challenges in areas such as workforce, service delivery, health financing, supply chain, and data management. She added that the multi-stakeholder platform would support decision-making for the governor and executive council, while also aligning state actions with national priorities. “The task force will champion high-level political commitment, assess the current state of the health sector, and set up technical subcommittees on service delivery, human resources, health financing, supply chain, data systems, and health security,” she said. Coker noted that the initiative underscores the state’s commitment to achieving sustainable health coverage for all Ogun residents through stronger coordination, improved financing, and accountability across all levels. The State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr. Solape Folarin, praised the initiative as vital to sustaining progress in ongoing health programmes, calling for active participation from all stakeholders. Similarly, the Executive Director of the Youth Future Savers Initiative, Mr. Tayo Akinpelu, speaking on behalf of Civil Society Organisations, pledged their support to ensure the task force effectively delivers on its mandate. Earlier this year, the US government temporarily suspended funding for certain health programmes in Nigeria for 90 days, though exemptions were made to allow life-saving medicines and essential health services—particularly HIV/AIDS treatment—to continue.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, to account for alleged missing oil funds totalling N22.3bn, $49.7m, £14.3m, and €5.2m reportedly unaccounted for in the company’s financial statements. In a letter dated October 25, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stated that the missing funds were detailed in the 2022 annual report released by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025. SERAP called on the NNPCL boss to identify and hand over those responsible for the alleged diversion or mismanagement of the funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for prosecution. It also demanded that the funds be recovered and returned to the national treasury. “These serious allegations by the Auditor-General indicate a breach of public trust, constitutional provisions, anti-corruption laws, and Nigeria’s international commitments,” SERAP said. The group added that the Auditor-General’s findings exposed “deep-rooted corruption” within the NNPCL, which has hindered economic growth, deepened poverty, and denied Nigerians access to essential public services. SERAP noted that reports of unremitted or missing oil revenues have been a recurring issue, with citizens ultimately suffering the consequences. “Curbing corruption in the oil industry would help reduce poverty, improve access to public services, and strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with its anti-corruption and human rights obligations,” the group stated. It further argued that the unaccounted oil revenues reflected broader failures in transparency and accountability, contributing to the nation’s growing debt burden and deficit spending. “If these funds had been properly remitted, more resources would have been available for education, healthcare, and other critical sectors, reducing the need for excessive borrowing,” SERAP said. The organisation issued a seven-day ultimatum to the NNPCL to take action or face legal proceedings to enforce compliance. Citing details from the 2022 audited report, SERAP highlighted several financial irregularities, including a ₦292m abandoned contract for an Accident and Emergency Facility in Abuja, £14m allegedly spent on the London office without proof of work, and an unjustified $22.8m payment to a contractor for crude lifting. Other discrepancies included N2.3bn paid as car cash options to 100 staff without approval, ₦12.7bn in unremitted operating surplus for December 2020, and €5.1m paid for jetty operations without supporting documents. The Auditor-General reportedly warned that much of the unaccounted money “may have been diverted or misappropriated” and urged its recovery and remittance to the national treasury. SERAP also referenced Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates public institutions to eliminate corrupt practices and abuse of power, calling on the NNPCL to uphold transparency and accountability in the public interest.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has cautioned activist Omoyele Sowore and others against mobilising demonstrations over the recent demolitions in the state. Speaking to journalists at the Iyana-Oworo area of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday, Jimoh said the command had deployed personnel across the city to prevent protests that could result in public unrest. He stressed that the police would not tolerate any attempt to block major roads or disrupt peace in the state. “We are warning Sowore and his group to steer clear of Lagos or face the full weight of the law. The Third Mainland Bridge is too crucial to the economy and the safety of lives and property for anyone to attempt to obstruct it. Thousands rely on that route daily for their livelihood and emergencies,” he said. The commissioner explained that officers had been strategically positioned in key areas, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland, Ojota, Gani Fawehinmi Park, Gbagada, Bariga, and Lekki Toll Gate, to maintain order. While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees the right to expression and peaceful assembly, Jimoh emphasised that such activities must adhere to legal procedures and not infringe on others’ rights. “What we have seen recently are not protests but attempts to disturb public peace. Anyone involved will face the law,” he warned. Addressing the recent Oworonshoki demolition, Jimoh defended the government’s actions, stating that the cleared areas contained illegal structures and served as hideouts for criminals. “The government’s move was justified. Genuine residents were compensated, and this was verified in the media,” he noted. He accused some individuals of trying to exploit the situation for political or criminal motives and cautioned that the police would not permit chaos under the guise of activism. Jimoh assured law-abiding citizens of adequate security, urging them to go about their normal activities. “Lagos will remain peaceful, and we will not allow any form of criminality disguised as protest,” he added.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has reported a steep fall in demand for locally produced goods, driven by a sharp erosion in consumers’ purchasing power caused by rising inflation. This downturn resulted in unsold inventories surging by 87.72 percent to ₦2.14 trillion in 2024, up from ₦1.14 trillion in 2023. According to MAN’s Director General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who disclosed the figures in the association’s latest annual report, most consumers now spend over 70 percent of their income on transportation and energy, leaving little for other goods and services. He stated, “The manufacturing sector faced an alarming rise in unsold inventory, which climbed to ₦2.14 trillion in 2024 from ₦1.14 trillion in 2023. However, on a half-year basis, the inventory dropped by 27.99 percent — from ₦1.24 trillion in the first half of 2024 to ₦896.22 billion in the second half.” Ajayi-Kadir attributed the situation to inflationary pressures worsened by fuel subsidy removal, naira depreciation, and high borrowing costs. He also criticised the low patronage of locally manufactured goods, particularly by government agencies, which he said contributed significantly to the growing stock of unsold products. On investment trends, the MAN DG noted that the manufacturing sector recorded a decline in real investment in 2024, with total investment dropping to ₦658.81 billion — a ₦359.51 billion (35.30 percent) decrease from ₦1.02 trillion in 2023. However, he added that investment improved slightly in the second half of 2024, rising by ₦58.22 billion or 19.39 percent to ₦358.51 billion, compared to ₦300.29 billion in the first half. Ajayi-Kadir attributed the decline in overall investment to reduced confidence among manufacturers, escalating inflation, and the high cost of imported machinery. He further revealed that the average exchange rate rose to ₦1,535 per dollar in December 2024, up from ₦907.11 per dollar in December 2023.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Monday as both nations seek to advance trade discussions and ease friction over Washington’s recent tariffs. Although limited details were disclosed, the meeting marked the highest-level engagement between the two countries since the United States imposed sanctions on Russian oil firms last week — a key source of India’s crude imports. Jaishankar shared a photo of the meeting on social media, showing him and Rubio exchanging a handshake, and noted that he appreciated their discussion on bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues. The talks were held on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian summit in Malaysia, attended in person by US President Donald Trump, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually. Relations between Washington and New Delhi have been strained since August, when the US raised tariffs to 50 percent and accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine through its continued purchase of discounted Russian oil. President Trump, who spoke with Modi by phone last week, claimed the Indian leader had agreed to reduce oil imports from Russia — a statement that New Delhi has yet to confirm or deny.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the first phase of the Ogoni mangrove restoration programme has reached 94 percent completion. The agency also reported significant progress in land and shoreline remediation efforts across Ogoniland. HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, made this known during the third-quarter interactive session with Ogoni youth groups held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Zabbey explained that the interactive forum, which began in 2023, was established to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and dialogue between HYPREP and Ogoni youths regarding ongoing environmental cleanup and development projects. “The project remains on course to deliver on its mandate as outlined in the UNEP Report on Ogoniland and the official gazette establishing HYPREP. We are committed to transparency and accountability in all our cleanup activities,” he stated. Providing updates, Zabbey said shoreline remediation had reached 67.1 percent completion, while the second phase of land remediation stood at 36.55 percent. He added that 14 completed water facilities had been commissioned, providing clean drinking water to 40 Ogoni communities, with two more facilities in Bane and Gwara scheduled for commissioning next week. Once completed, the number of safe water facilities serving Ogoni communities will increase to 45. He also revealed that work had begun on operationalising the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Remediation, while the Ogoni Power Project continued to make steady progress, with compensation and construction activities ongoing at the Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations. According to Zabbey, the Ogoni Specialist Hospital had reached 76.8 percent completion, while the Buan Cottage Hospital was at 98.7 percent. Other health-related initiatives, including the Human Bio-Monitoring Survey, are also underway. On youth empowerment and livelihood development, the HYPREP boss noted that more than 7,000 Ogoni youths and women had benefited from employment opportunities, while 5,000 others had received skills training and start-up support. “Workshops, education grants, scholarships, and other empowerment programmes will continue. We are also set to begin training in high-demand fields such as cyber security, full-stack development, mud logging, commercial diving, and underwater welding this quarter,” he announced. Zabbey appealed to Ogoni youths to remain peaceful, avoid misinformation, and work collaboratively with HYPREP teams in their communities. “This project belongs to all of you, and its success depends on your participation, unity, and constructive engagement. Let us continue to resolve challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said. He commended the HYPREP security team for maintaining peace and order across project sites, adding that their professionalism had contributed to stability in Ogoni communities. Zabbey reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the cleanup reach all segments of the Ogoni population, including those in business, farming, advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, and community development.