GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Delta sacks, demotes health workers for extorting pregnant women

The Delta State Government has dismissed several health workers found guilty of extorting money from pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy for these groups. Others were demoted for related offences.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this on Saturday during the flag-off of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project Action Plan at Ashaka, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

He said the ministry had intensified monitoring of hospitals to ensure that funds released for maternal and child healthcare were properly utilised.

“Health workers in the state have done well, but in every twelve, there is a Judas. We have received reports of some collecting money from pregnant women and children under five for drugs, while still forwarding the bills to the government for payment,” Onojaeme stated.

The commissioner stressed that the state covers the medical expenses of all pregnant women until delivery, as well as free treatment for children under five.

“We have demoted some of these fraudulent workers and sacked many within this short period. With continuous monitoring and the support of mothers, these practices will reduce,” he added.

Onojaeme urged residents to report any health worker demanding payment for maternal or child care, noting that the phone number of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring would be made public for such reports.

He also revealed that the state’s maternal mortality rate had dropped from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births, expressing optimism that the MAMII Project would further reduce the figures.

The representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Ovuoraye, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states in lowering maternal and neonatal deaths.

He disclosed that 172 local government areas across 33 states had been identified as high-risk zones, including five in Delta, Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele.

Ovuoraye noted that the MAMII Project, supported by President Bola Tinubu, is being implemented in collaboration with USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and several European partners.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the MAMII plaque to Delta State and the inauguration of a task force to ensure effective implementation of the project’s action plan.

On September 1, PUNCH Online reported that Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), had called on the federal and state governments to extend free medical services to indigent pregnant women across the country, stressing that this is the most effective way to reduce maternal and infant mortality in the country.

Ex-AGF decries women under-representation in politics

The immediate past Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has decried the under-representation of women in the country’s political space, saying that efforts must be intensified to address this imbalance.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Media Consultant to the former Accountant General, Temitope Oyekan and made available to journalists, Dr Madein described Nigerian women as very brilliant, resourceful, resilient, courageous and possessing all the required capacity to provide adequate leadership for the betterment of the country.

She remarked while speaking at the Ogun East Conference for Women, held at the Akarigbo Palace Hall in Sagamu.

This year’s conference, themed “Women in Leadership: Building Capacity, Enhancing Participation and Securing Tomorrow,” brought together leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and grassroots advocates in a vibrant exchange of ideas, celebrating women’s achievements and charting pathways for greater inclusion in governance and economic development.

Madein lamented that despite making up over 62% of the population, less than 35% of Nigerian women are in politics, which is against the United Nations’ recommendation of 35% affirmative action.

She added that “Despite this gap, I must sincerely praise Nigerian women for making remarkable progress in other areas such as academics, education, career development, the public sector, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“I equally salute the few that are in politics, and they are not just there, they are equally making us, the women folk, proud, but it can get a lot better if more women are given a voice in our politics, given women’s roles in nation building.

“Women are resilient, courageous, and capable of transforming society through leadership, innovation, and service. We certainly need more women to step into politics and leadership positions at all levels to build a more prosperous nation”.

Madein commended the political handlers in the state for supporting a female to be the Deputy Governor while also ensuring women’s representation at both the state and national assemblies, calling, however, for even greater inclusion to move the state forward.

She expressed joy in being part of the gathering, describing it as a celebration of the resilience and determination of Ogun East women from the Remo and Ijebu communities.

Madein paid glowing tribute to trailblazers from the state, such as Ambassador Falilat Ogunkoya and also noted her own journey as the first female Accountant General of the Federation, both serving as examples of Ogun women who have broken barriers.

On September 17, 2025, PUNCH Online reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission had reiterated its commitment to inclusive democracy, with a strong emphasis on increasing women’s participation in politics and party leadership.

This declaration was made by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during an advocacy visit by the Women’s Collective Forum at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu stressed that INEC operates as an equal-opportunities institution. He noted that more than half of the commission’s departmental leadership is held by women.

“Today, 12 out of 22 Departments and Directorates of the Commission are headed by women. This means that 55 percent of the Directors at the Headquarters here in Abuja are women.”

“Across the States of the Federation, many of our substantive Administrative Secretaries, who are also Directors, are women,” he said.

Highlighting the institutional framework supporting gender inclusion, Yakubu revealed that INEC has a dedicated Department of Gender and Inclusivity and a gender policy that is regularly updated.

International Paralympic Committee lifts partial suspensions of Russia, Belarus

The International Paralympic Committee on Saturday decided to lift a partial suspension of Russia and Belarus imposed since Moscow’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This decision, taken at the IPC’s general assembly meeting in Seoul, opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games next year.

However, competition in the six sports on the programme is governed by international federations that have so far maintained a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

To be eligible, each athlete must have an active licence for the 2025/26 season from their international federations for para Alpine skiing, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para biathlon, para ice hockey and wheelchair curling, which have currently suspended both countries.

The partial suspension was adopted by the IPC General Assembly in 2023, authorising Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions.

The IPC had excluded the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees from the Beijing 2022 Games.

The IPC’s latest decision comes eight days after the International Olympic Committee authorised the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions.

AFP

Explainer: The long road to Ibadan’s prestigious Olubadan throne

As Ibadan celebrated the coronation of Oba Abdulrashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, attention turned once again to the unique and structured process of ascending to the city’s revered throne.

The historic event, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by President Bola Tinubu; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji; 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party Rabiu Kwankwaso; former governors, ministers, royal fathers, clerics, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

Oba Ladoja, who previously served as Governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne through Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system.

Unlike most traditional monarchies in Nigeria, where succession is hereditary, the Olubadan stool is attained through a painstaking journey of promotions across clearly defined chieftaincy lines.

The system is divided into two tracks: the Otun (civil) line and the Balogun (military) line. Together, they make up 45 stages of ascension, with the throne rotating between both lines whenever it becomes vacant.

On the Otun line, there are 22 stages, beginning with the title of Jagun and culminating in Otun Olubadan, the last step before becoming Olubadan. Along the way, titleholders climb through positions such as Ajia, Aare Onibon, Ikolaba, Osi Olubadan, and others, each bringing greater responsibility and influence.

The Balogun line has 23 stages, also starting with Jagun and ending at Balogun. Chiefs on this path rise through ranks, including Aare Onibon, Lagunna, Agba-Akin, Ashipa Balogun, and Osi Balogun, before reaching the final stage.

By tradition, when the throne becomes vacant, the most senior chief on whichever line is due produces the next Olubadan. This means the process is not determined by family ties but by seniority, patience, and decades of service.

This rotational system has long been praised for its transparency and predictability, ensuring stability within Ibadan’s traditional institution.

The coronation of Oba Ladoja, who rose through the Otun (civil) line, is another reminder of the resilience of this succession model, which has stood for generations and continues to shape the cultural identity of Ibadanland.

Tinubu arrives Lagos to meet private sector stakeholders, others

President Bola Tinubu on Friday arrived in Lagos on a working visit, shortly after attending the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

This was contained in a statement on Friday issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the President’s visit comes as Nigeria prepares for a modest celebration of its 65th Independence Anniversary.

The statement stated that while in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to meet with key players in the private sector as well as senior government officials.

It noted that the President will proceed to Imo State on Tuesday, September 30, where he is scheduled to commission a number of projects executed by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“As part of the Independence anniversary activities, Tinubu will also inaugurate the remodelled National Theatre in Lagos, which has been renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts,” the statement added.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the President declared that Nigeria’s economy “has turned around” following the sweeping reforms introduced by his administration over the past two years.

Speaking in Ibadan at the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, the President assured Nigerians that the sacrifices of the past two years would soon yield tangible benefits.

“Today, I am honoured to bring the cheering news that our economy has turned around and there is now light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu said.

The President stated that the success of the reforms was owed to the support, endurance, and sacrifices of Nigerians, noting that the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the past 28 months were not in vain.

BREAKING: Dangote refinery suspends petrol sales in naira

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the suspension of petrol sales in naira, a move that has unsettled marketers and raised fresh concerns about fuel pricing and foreign exchange pressure.

In an email sent to its customers at exactly 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery disclosed that the decision would take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025, citing the exhaustion of its crude-for-naira allocation as the reason.

The notice, signed by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, was titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”.

The company also asked customers with ongoing naira-based transactions to formally request refunds.

It read in part, “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

The announcement comes at a time the refinery is embroiled in a bitter dispute with labour unions over the alleged mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers, a development that has triggered outrage and calls for government intervention.

This is not the first time the refinery has suspended local currency transactions. In March 2025, Dangote had briefly halted sales of refined products in naira, insisting that its allocations under the crude-for-naira programme were inadequate to meet growing domestic demand.

The decision then sparked concerns over the dollarisation of fuel sales in Nigeria, escalating prices at the pump to almost N1,000 per litre.

Analysts warn that the latest move could again trigger volatility in the downstream sector, with fears of a potential hike in petrol prices if transactions are shifted predominantly to dollars.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Jeremiah Olatide, warned that petrol prices could soar above N900 per litre, noting that the Dangote Refinery had been instrumental in keeping pump prices lower in recent months

The suspension also coincides with heightened industrial tension at the refinery. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Friday accused the company of anti-labour practices, following the termination of hundreds of Nigerian workers.

Union leaders have vowed to resist what they described as “an unjust and insensitive corporate decision,” threatening nationwide solidarity actions if the matter is not addressed.

With the refinery seen as critical to Nigeria’s energy security, stakeholders say the dual crises, naira sales suspension, and labour unrest could undermine government efforts to stabilise the fuel market under the current reform agenda.

20 govs borrow N458bn amid rising debts

No fewer than 20 states of the federation borrowed about N458bn in the first half of 2025, findings by Saturday PUNCH have revealed.

This comes against the backdrop of a soaring external debt servicing burden gripping state governments.

Collectively, the states spent about N235.58bn on servicing external debt within the period, representing a sharp rise of N95.65bn or 68.4 per cent when compared with the N139.92bn recorded in the corresponding half of 2024.

According to experts, the surge underscores the mounting pressure of dollar-denominated debt repayments on state finances in the wake of the naira’s depreciation.

An analysis of the Federal Account Allocation Committee disbursement data released by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that a total of N10.13 trillion, including statutory revenue, Value Added Tax, Electronic Money Transfer Levy and Exchange Rate Difference, was shared among the three tiers of government in the first half of this year.

Out of this, the states received N3.425tn, a 42.96 per cent increase from the N2.396tn they got in the first six months of 2024.

In H1 2024, the states received N379bn in January, N366.9bn in February, N396.8bn in March, N403bn in April, N388.4bn in May, and N461.97bn in June.

But in the same period this year, allocations surged to N590.6bn in January, N562.19bn in February, N530.45bn in March, N556.74bn in April, N577.84bn in May, and N607bn in June.

Despite the higher inflows, an analysis of states’ Q2 budget implementation reports showed that about 20 of them still resorted to fresh borrowings, both foreign and domestic, amounting to N457.66bn in the first half of 2025.

Leading the pack is Oyo State, which took a N93.4bn domestic loan, followed by Kaduna and Lagos, which took N62bn (foreign) and N50bn (domestic) loans, respectively.

States that took foreign loans include Gombe (N20.3bn), Zamfara (N28bn), Katsina (N20.7bn), Kebbi (N7.4bn) and Jigawa (N10.98bn).

While Bauchi took both domestic and foreign loans totalling N26.3bn, Borno, Taraba, Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, and Ekiti borrowed N18.2bn, N18.7bn, N15bn, N25.8bn, N2.18bn and N19.8bn respectively in foreign loans.

The foreign loan list also includes Ondo (N5.6bn), Abia (N7bn), Ebonyi (N10.9bn) and Enugu (N10.7bn).

Analysts warn that the continued reliance on foreign loans exposes states to even greater fiscal risks in the face of a weakening naira.

“Since most of the debts are dollar-denominated, every depreciation of the local currency automatically inflates repayment obligations, forcing states to channel a larger share of their revenues into debt servicing at the expense of development projects,” says a Professor of Economics at the Ekiti State University, Taiwo Owoeye.

Beyond repayment costs, Owoeye noted that heavy external borrowing also undermines states’ financial autonomy.

“By taking on more foreign obligations, many states risk mortgaging future federal allocations to meet repayment schedules, leaving them with little room to respond to emergencies or fund critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure,” he explained.

NDLEA unveils German-built sniffer dog facility

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has lauded the donation of a newly built canine facility by the German government, stating that it will strengthen Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs.

The Agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), stated this on Friday at the commissioning of the modern canine complex in Lagos.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the German government’s intervention demonstrates the importance it attaches to supporting Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign.

Marwa assured stakeholders that the provision of the facility would significantly boost the Agency’s capacity to fulfil its core mandate.

“The quality of the infrastructure at the new NDLEA dog facility is commendable. It speaks volumes of the commitment, goodwill and tenacity of our partners,” he said.

He commended the German government for its support over the years, noting that the Canine Unit had played a critical role in several successful operations, including the seizure of 74.119kg of captagon at Apapa Port in 2021.

While acknowledging the progress made, Marwa stressed that more work is required to sustain the current level of operational excellence.

“This newly commissioned facility will, without doubt, provide a comfortable and dignified environment that will motivate our Canine Unit personnel to discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

Marwa highlighted that NDLEA’s sniffer dogs have been instrumental in the seizure of more than 17.9 metric tonnes of illicit substances since their deployment, but that poor infrastructure had previously limited the Unit’s capacity.

He noted that the construction of the new complex, sponsored by the German Federal Criminal Police through its Liaison Office, commenced in August 2024 and was delivered on schedule.

The NDLEA boss expressed gratitude to German Consul General Daniel Krull, and officials of the German Federal Criminal Police for their role in the project.

In his remarks, Krull said NDLEA’s success benefits not only Nigeria but also Germany and the wider region.

“The amazing work of your Agency under your leadership is important for Nigeria, for the region, and for Germany. I encourage all members of NDLEA to keep up the good spirit,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Florian Bulow, Deputy Head of Section IZ14, BKA Berlin, described the collaboration with NDLEA as one of the longest-running projects in police capacity building.

“Like in a marriage, cooperation needs trust. We share the same goals and values in the fight against drug smuggling and abuse, and our long-standing teamwork has yielded these achievements,” he added.

The NDLEA has intensified its anti-drug campaign under the leadership of Marwa, recording record seizures and high-profile arrests in recent years.

The Canine Unit, established to detect concealed narcotics, has become a critical component of its operations at airports, seaports, and land borders.

EPL: Amad returns to Ivory Coast after death of family member

Amad Diallo has temporarily left the squad following the death of a close family member, his club confirmed.

The 22-year-old winger has returned home to be with his loved ones during this difficult time. A club spokesperson expressed full support for the player, acknowledging the emotional toll of the loss.

According to a post from Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Friday, Manchester United’s coach Reuben Amorim said, “Amad is not with us as a member of his family passed away. We are giving all the support to Amad and understand he needed to return home”.

As a result of his temporary absence, Amad is likely to miss Manchester United’s early kick-off opener against Brentford on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has received messages of support from teammates, fans, and club officials, all expressing their condolences.

Injury woes plague Barcelona ahead of PSG showdown

Barcelona suffered a double injury blow on Friday with winger Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia ruled out of upcoming matches including next week’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

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‎Brazil international Raphinha is set to miss three weeks with a hamstring injury sustained in the Spanish champions’ 3-1 win at Real Oviedo on Thursday in La Liga, Barcelona said in a statement.

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‎Spanish stopper Garcia, meanwhile, suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee and the club said he will miss “between four and six weeks”.

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‎Garcia is set to be replaced in goal by Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen also recovering from a back operation.

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‎Raphinha should return for Barcelona’s clash against rivals Real Madrid on October 26, but Garcia will only be able to return if his injury heals on the quicker end of the expected recovery schedule.

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‎Barcelona are set to have winger Lamine Yamal back for Sunday’s league game against Real Sociedad following a groin injury.

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‎”Hey! I’m back,” wrote the teenage star in a post on Instagram, alluding to his return to action after missing the team’s last four games.

Barcelona trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by two points and opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win at Newcastle.