Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

The Federal Government has committed over N200 billion to Nigeria’s agricultural sector in a renewed effort to strengthen food production and ensure national food security. In a statement released on Sunday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that the ministry had invested over N200 billion in agricultural interventions and distributed fertilisers worth over ₦2.15 billion at no cost to farmers nationwide. “As part of our support to farmers across the country, we have distributed fertilisers valued at over N2.15 billion free of charge,” Kyari stated. The minister also praised the Government of The Gambia for seeking partnership with Nigeria to enhance food production and drive economic growth in the region. Kyari acknowledged the challenges on the path to achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria but expressed optimism about the progress being made through collaborations with development partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Bank. “It has not been an easy journey toward food sufficiency, but significant strides have been made with the support of partners like FAO and the World Bank,” he said. Reflecting on the administration’s priorities, Kyari recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, upon assuming office in 2023, gave a directive to achieve food security and sovereignty, a vision that led to the renaming of the ministry to focus squarely on food security. “The transition from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was strategic, addressing the food crisis worsened by climate change, COVID-19, and recurrent flooding,” he noted. Kyari emphasized the need to attract youth into agriculture, stressing the importance of mechanisation in making the sector more appealing. “We have tremendous youth potential, but the labour-intensive nature of traditional farming often discourages their involvement,” he said. He also highlighted Nigeria’s achievements in rice and wheat production, citing breakthroughs in research and local seed development. “We’ve seen consistent progress in wheat production. While we initially supported farmers with imported seeds in 2023, we no longer import seeds. Our local research institutions have developed indigenous varieties, enabling the cultivation of nearly 500 metric tons of wheat within Nigeria,” Kyari revealed. Addressing challenges in rice production especially around affordability and availability Kyari pointed to the outgrower scheme as a vital support mechanism for smallholder farmers. “The scheme provides short-term financing aligned with the planting-to-harvest cycle of four to five months. This ensures even small-scale farmers can access the resources they need without the burden of long-term loans,” he explained. Meanwhile, a Gambian delegation led by the country’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, Demba Sabally, paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria. During the visit, the delegation toured rice farms and irrigation projects in Kebbi State. Sabally expressed admiration for Nigeria’s agricultural innovations, particularly the success of the outgrower scheme, and indicated The Gambia’s interest in replicating the model. “They were particularly impressed by Nigeria’s post-harvest systems, mechanisation, seed development, packaging, and rice trade. We are still dependent on imports for over 80 percent of our rice needs, which is a major drain on our economy,” Sabally said. He appealed for technical support, including the appointment of a Rice Ambassador, to help The Gambia adapt Nigeria’s successful strategies in pursuit of rice self-sufficiency.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the recent U.S. airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities a “spectacular military success,” warning Tehran to either pursue peace or face more devastating consequences. Speaking from the White House, Trump said, “This cannot continue. There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than anything seen over the past eight days.” The strikes, which took place overnight, marked the first time since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that U.S. forces carried out direct attacks on Iranian soil. The targets Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan were key nuclear enrichment sites, struck using GBU-57A Massive Ordnance Penetrator “bunker buster” bombs. Trump, flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said the mission had succeeded in completely destroying the targeted facilities. “Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump stated. “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now choose peace. If not, future strikes will be stronger and easier.” While the full extent of the damage has not been confirmed by Iranian authorities, the strikes are reported to have occurred in the dead of night, catching Iran off guard. The attack comes in the wake of escalating conflict in the region. Israel launched a surprise strike on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 13, triggering a series of retaliatory actions from Tehran, including a barrage of rockets and drones directed at Israel. The ongoing clashes have resulted in significant casualties, with the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reporting at least 657 deaths, including 24 in Israel. Trump announced the strikes on Saturday evening via Truth Social, after all U.S. aircraft had exited Iranian airspace. U.S. officials reportedly informed Iran through diplomatic channels that no further strikes were planned and that regime change was not the objective, according to CBS News. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Trump administration had provided prior notice of the operation. “President Trump and I often say, ‘Peace through strength.’ First comes strength, then comes peace,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Tonight, President Trump and the United States acted with great strength.” As tensions rise, thousands of Iranians have reportedly begun fleeing to neighboring Armenia, fearing escalation between Iran and Israel. The conflict has also triggered a surge in online disinformation, including AI-generated content, according to cybersecurity analysts. With the situation still unfolding, Trump issued a final warning: “Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight was the hardest and perhaps the most lethal. But we are prepared to act again if necessary.”  

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 43-year-old makeup artist, Adekoya Mary, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 2.2 kilograms of cocaine concealed in her suitcase. Adekoya, who claimed she was traveling to India for fibroid surgery, was intercepted on Monday, June 16, 2025, following credible intelligence. According to a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, officers placed her under surveillance and allowed her to check in before she was apprehended at the boarding gate for her Qatar Airways flight to India via Doha. A search of her luggage revealed two large parcels of cocaine factory-fitted inside the walls of her suitcase. During interrogation, Adekoya confessed that she was not traveling for surgery but had agreed to traffic the drugs in exchange for financial compensation. Investigations revealed that she was recruited and sponsored by a drug baron, Akeem Ayinde Adekanbi, who owns Rockford Hotel in Sango, Ogun State, and resides in the Igbe Laara area of Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos. In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives at a courier company intercepted a shipment of female clothing destined for Bahrain, which was found to contain 1.3kg of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis. At another courier facility the previous day, 850 grams of cocaine were discovered concealed in clothes hangers bound for Australia. In Bauchi State, officers acting on intelligence arrested two suspects, Ibrahim Galadima (37) and Ibrahim Muhammed (28), along the Bauchi-Darazo road on June 16. They were found with over one million opioid pills, including Tramadol, Diazepam, and Exol-5. Also, on Tuesday, June 17, operatives arrested Bishir Isyaku (38) at Gwargwaje, along the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway, with 14.2kg of skunk hidden in charcoal sacks, as well as 198kg of rubber solution. In Abuja, six suspects, including Murtala Adamu and Ahmed Ismai’l, were apprehended during raid operations at Karu Abattoir and Torabora areas on Wednesday, June 18. Officers recovered 6.9kg of skunk and 59 grams of methamphetamine. In Kano, NDLEA officers arrested several suspects, including Umar Hamisu (19) and Dahiru Abdullahi (32), on June 19 along the Zaria-Kano road with 56.2kg of skunk. Other arrests included Obiwuru Henry with 23,720 tramadol capsules and 1,400 ampoules of pentazocine, Abubakar Modu with 36.6kg of skunk, and Abdulkadir Muhammed with 32kg. In Kwara State, a 22-year-old student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Olotin Nifemi, was arrested on June 19 along Kwara Poly Road, Ilorin. She was found with 1kg of skunk and identified as a key supplier of illicit substances to other students. In Edo State, a major operation on June 20 led to the destruction of 4,226.11kg of skunk at Ugbada Camp in Uzebba forest, Owan West LGA, and the arrest of a suspect, Albert Shamaki (33). Additional raids at Big Jamaya supermarket in Emado and a provision shop in Idumeka, Igueben, resulted in the seizure of various illicit drugs and the arrest of suspects Esther Abumere (28) and Eko Gift (38). Recovered substances included Colorado, Loud, Molly, Tramadol, and other opioids.

The Pakistani government has officially nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, applauding what it described as his “decisive diplomatic intervention” during the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year. The nomination credits Trump with playing a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, following a surge in cross-border violence in May that marked the most serious hostilities since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war. The clashes left dozens dead and raised fears of full-scale war. On May 8, a U.S.-mediated ceasefire was announced after a final round of deadly strikes in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries. Pakistan’s government, in a statement on Saturday, praised Trump’s “strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship,” saying his engagement with leaders in both Islamabad and New Delhi helped avert a broader regional conflict. “At a moment of heightened regional turbulence, President Trump demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship through robust diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and New Delhi,” the statement said. The government further stated that Trump’s intervention “averted a broader conflict between the two nuclear states that could have had catastrophic consequences for millions in the region and beyond.” While Islamabad hailed Washington’s role, Indian officials offered a contrasting narrative, suggesting the ceasefire was a result of direct bilateral efforts with Pakistan. New Delhi was careful to frame the truce as a regional success, downplaying U.S. involvement. Under Nobel Peace Prize rules, national governments, certain organizations, and individuals are allowed to submit nominations. The winner is selected annually by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. President Trump has long styled himself as a global peace broker. In the past, he criticized former President Joe Biden’s diplomatic efforts, particularly in relation to the Israel-Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Now, Trump faces another test as violence escalates between Israel and Iran. Following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory on June 13 allegedly targeting nuclear infrastructure and senior military officials Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks deep into Israeli territory. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported over 400 fatalities, while Israeli authorities confirmed at least 24 deaths. Earlier this week, Trump imposed a two-week timeline for deciding on potential U.S. military involvement in the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister, after meeting EU, British, French, and German officials in Geneva, ruled out re-entering negotiations with Washington while under attack by Israel. On Friday, Trump highlighted his diplomatic achievements on his Truth Social platform, suggesting they were unlikely to be formally recognized. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize for stopping the war between India and Pakistan,” he wrote. “I won’t get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do even if it includes ending Russia/Ukraine or Israel/Iran whatever those outcomes may be.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran will not abandon its nuclear programme or relinquish its right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. During a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian emphasized that while Iran is open to dialogue and willing to offer guarantees to build international confidence, its nuclear programme will not be dismantled through threats or military pressure. “Iran is prepared to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation to foster trust regarding its civilian nuclear efforts,” Pezeshkian reportedly stated. He also issued a warning concerning ongoing Israeli military actions, saying that Iran’s response to continued attacks would be “even more devastating,” according to the report. The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear ambitions by Western powers.

The United States has moved B-2 stealth bombers to the Pacific island of Guam, according to reports by Reuters. While the deployment has not been officially linked to ongoing discussions about possible U.S. involvement in a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, many observers believe the timing is significant. The B-2 bombers—strategic aircraft with wingspans exceeding 50 meters—are the only planes capable of carrying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bomb. Military analysts say such a weapon would be necessary to strike Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility, which is believed to be buried roughly 100 meters underground and protected by layers of reinforced concrete. Israel, despite its advanced air capabilities, does not possess the munitions required to successfully penetrate Fordo’s defenses, making potential U.S. support essential for any direct assault on the site. Guam, located about 9,500 kilometers (5,900 miles) east of Fordo, may not appear to be the most strategically obvious base for launching such an operation. However, its use avoids the political sensitivities associated with alternative options. There had been speculation about the possible use of Diego Garcia, a UK-controlled base in the Indian Ocean and significantly closer to Iran. However, any American military operation launched from that base would require British approval—potentially drawing the UK into the conflict and exposing its assets to Iranian retaliation. The U.S. government has not issued an official statement on the purpose of the B-2 deployment. Nonetheless, the move adds to growing international concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

President Bola Tinubu is set to conclude his tenure as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as the regional bloc prepares to appoint a new leader. Tinubu, who was first elected ECOWAS Chairman on July 9, 2023, in Guinea-Bissau, and re-elected for a second term on July 7, 2024, in Abuja, will formally step down during this weekend’s summit at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall in Abuja. Speaking at the close of the 94th Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on Friday night, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, hinted at the imminent leadership transition. “Let me sincerely thank each of you for your cooperation and support over the past two years, during my tenure as Chair of this Council,” Tuggar said. Referring to the summit agenda, which includes the election of a new Chair of the Authority, Tuggar noted that this may be his final session in his current role. He commended fellow ministers for their collaboration and expressed hope that the same spirit of unity would continue under the new leadership. “I have greatly valued the cordial working relationships we’ve shared and the progress we’ve made together. I trust you will extend the same unwavering support to whoever assumes this role next,” he added.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Dr. Mkor Aondona, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Documentation, Research, and Planning, over serious allegations of sextortion, cyberbullying, and blackmail. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Dr. Aondona was taken into custody on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Makurdi, following a series of complaints filed by female students. The petitioners alleged that the governor’s aide habitually recruited slim and attractive young women for ushering jobs, making sexual favours a condition for their selection. They further claimed that he secretly recorded intimate encounters without their consent and used the footage to blackmail them into continuing the sexual relationship under threat of exposure. Oyewale’s statement read in part: “Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the EFCC arrested Dr. Mkor Aondona following credible allegations of unethical and criminal conduct, including sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and blackmail, brought forward by several female students.” The statement also revealed that Dr. Aondona is accused of distributing explicit videos via various messaging platforms without the consent of the victims. Some of these materials are reportedly already in circulation. “The suspect allegedly sent sexually explicit videos—recorded without the victims’ knowledge—through multiple channels. He also used these recordings to threaten and manipulate the victims,” Oyewale added. The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Dr. Aondona will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has strongly condemned the killing of eight travellers by suspected hoodlums in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area. Speaking during a visit to the scene on Saturday, the governor urged residents to remain calm while authorities investigate the incident. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the attack occurred on Friday when 31 passengers, including women and children, were traveling from Zaria to Qua’an Pan LGA to attend a wedding. Eight of the travellers were killed. Describing the attack as a criminal act, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “I have contacted my brother, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, as well as the Emir of Zazzau, to inform them of this tragic event,” he said. “This kind of violence is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Plateau State.” He appealed to the youth of the state to act with wisdom and restraint. “If you encounter strangers in your community, report them to the appropriate authorities for proper identification, rather than resorting to violence,” he advised. The governor also visited victims receiving treatment at Mangu General Hospital and pledged to cover their medical expenses. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and announced plans to send a government delegation to them and to the Kaduna State Government. Governor Mutfwang praised the swift intervention of security agencies and the youth leader of Mangun for their roles in rescuing the remaining travellers. Reaffirming his commitment to peace, the governor said: “Plateau remains a home for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion. We must continue to promote tolerance, trust, and peaceful coexistence.” Meanwhile, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emmanuel Adesina, confirmed that seven people died at the scene, with one more dying later in the hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. He also disclosed that 22 suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack, and that security operatives are actively searching for others believed to be involved.

Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria have been issued a stern directive not to keep enrollees on health insurance plans waiting beyond one hour before receiving medical attention at their chosen healthcare facilities. This warning was disclosed by Otunba Lekan Ewenla, Managing Director and CEO of Ultimate Health Management Services, during the company’s 14th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. Ewenla, a former member of the governing council of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), explained that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) issued the instruction in response to a growing number of complaints from enrollees about excessive delays and neglect at hospitals. “Too many patients spend an entire day at hospitals just waiting to be seen. The NHIA has made it clear—this is no longer acceptable. Patients under the health insurance scheme must not wait more than one hour to receive care,” he said. He likened the NHIA’s role in healthcare to that of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the financial sector and PENCOM in pension administration—regulating, monitoring, and enforcing standards to protect consumer rights. Responding to the NHIA’s directive, Ewenla stated that Ultimate Health Management Services had not only met the one-hour benchmark but significantly exceeded it. “Our average waiting time is currently 10 minutes, and we are working towards reducing it to five,” he noted. To support this, the HMO has implemented advanced health management software and introduced a pre-notification system. This allows patients to inform the HMO of their planned hospital visits in advance, enabling the HMO to coordinate directly with healthcare providers. “We even follow up with reminder calls to hospitals on the day of the visit. This aligns with global standards. Healthcare must be taken seriously,” he added. Ewenla emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a basic human right, and health insurance is the most reliable way to achieve that access. He also unveiled a new initiative targeting Nigerians in the diaspora who wish to support their ageing parents and dependents in Nigeria through structured health insurance plans. “Sending money home for medical care isn’t always sustainable,” he said. “We’ve developed a system where diaspora Nigerians can pay a fixed premium and enroll their loved ones in our health plans.” This diaspora outreach has already launched in the United States, with Ewenla engaging the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia. Efforts have also extended to community centers such as churches, mosques, and grocery stores run by Nigerians. According to him, regulatory support is being sought to scale the program and ensure widespread adoption. However, he warned that success also hinges on cultural change among Nigerians, particularly in respecting systems and regulations. “The same disregard we show for traffic rules is often reflected in our approach to healthcare. That mindset must change. That’s why we’re working closely with regulators to reset public expectations,” he said. Also speaking at the event, the Board Chairman of Ultimate Health Management Services, Mrs. Angela Ajala, stressed the importance of patient-centered care and transparency. She decried the growing trend of delayed claims settlements by some HMOs and reiterated her firm’s commitment to prompt and efficient service. “At Ultimate HMO, we prioritise the wellbeing of our enrollees. Settling claims on time is central to our promise,” she said. Ajala called on industry players to embrace innovation, respond to emerging healthcare needs—including mental health, telemedicine, and support for children with special needs—and remain adaptable in a fast-evolving sector. “To remain relevant, we must think ahead. The needs and expectations of patients are changing,” she concluded.