The Lagos State Government has begun activities to mark the 2025 World Food Day with a call for stronger partnerships to promote food security and sustainable agriculture in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya, made the call during a news conference at Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
According to the World Food Programme, 30.6 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity, as 37% live below the poverty line nationwide.
Olusanya said that this year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” highlighted the need for collaboration among governments, private sector players and development partners.
She also highlighted the need for communities to collaborate in building resilient food systems.
She said that Lagos, despite its small land size, had continued to face the challenge of feeding a population of over 22 million people, making innovation and partnerships vital for sustainable food production.
“Feeding our people requires innovative strategies, bold investments and strong partnerships.
“We are implementing our five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap to achieve 40 per cent food self-sufficiency by 2025,” she said.
The commissioner noted that the World Food Day celebration served as a reminder of the need for collective action to end hunger and malnutrition.
She listed activities lined up for the 2025 celebration to include a road walk sensitisation on Wednesday, October 8; the Lagos Agric. Scholars Quiz Competition on October 14, and the Grand Finale and Farmers’ Fair on October 16.
Olusanya commended the ministry’s partners, including British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, Origin Tech Group, Zenith Bank, Tropical General Investments Group, Olam Nigeria and Providus Bank, for their continued support.
She officially flagged off the celebration and urged residents to join the ministry in creating awareness about sustainable food production.
“World Food Day is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. Together, we can build a food-secure Lagos and ensure a better future for all,” she said.
Celebrated annually on October 16, World Food Day serves as a global platform to spotlight collective actions and progress in building sustainable food systems.
A middle-aged man has lost five children in a boat mishap that happened in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, on Sunday evening.
According to sources in the local government, the man and his six children were reported to be returning from the farm when the canoe conveying them capsized.
It was gathered that the family of seven had gone to the farm to harvest cassava, and on their way back, the canoe sank, but one of the children was said to have survived.
A source who simply identified himself as Ameh told journalists in a telephone chat on Monday that rescue efforts were immediately launched by local divers and community members.
He added that the incident has thrown the Obagaji community into mourning.
The Chairman of the local government, Melvin James, who confirmed the incident, said that the seven people were on board the canoe when it capsized, and five children died in the boat mishap.
He said, “The man and six of his children had gone to the farm to harvest crops, but on their way back home, the canoe conveying them capsized and they drowned.
“Though the canoe was overloaded, which might have caused the mishap, the father and one of the children survived.
The council chairman said that the wife was not in the canoe when the incident happened.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, James extended his condolences to the family.
Boat mishaps have been a recurring incident in Benue State, especially in coastal communities in Logo, Buruku, and Agatu LGAs.
For instance, in 2024, some mourners returning from a burial in Logo Local Government Area capsized in River Buruku, resulting in 14 deaths, while 26 passengers were rescued approximately two years ago.
Also in December 2024, another boat mishap was recorded in Agatu, with 20 traders, mostly women and children, losing their lives when a wooden boat capsized in the Benue River.
Meanwhile, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment as her phone rang out.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has dismissed reports that the Ministry demanded payments from property owners to stop the demolition of houses at Oral Estate, Ikota.
The commissioner was reacting to a viral video wherein a woman was heard saying Wahab and other officials from the ministry had agreed to stop the demolition after requesting ₦1 billion and later settled for N700 million.
She said, “Thank God for today. We have peace of mind. We’re not hearing an excavator tearing people’s houses down, people crying. The Commissioner, Ministry of Environment came and we had an agreement that my estate is going to pay N1 billion for shit piling, It ended in N700 million for shit piling. My estate is trying to gather the money and give them this month.”
However, in a statement posted to his official social media accounts on Sunday, the commissioner said neither he nor any official from the ministry requested or received money, “whether ₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or a single kobo.”
He described the video as a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government and a dangerous distraction from efforts to prevent flooding and protect Lagos residents.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to a circulating video containing false and malicious allegations that the Ministry demanded money from property owners to pause the ongoing removal of structures on drainage setbacks at Oral Estate, Ikota.
“I must state categorically that these claims are entirely false and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government.
“Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has ever requested nor received any payment, whether ₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or a single kobo, from any property owner.”
Wahab explained that “the operation to clear the Right of Way and Setbacks to different channels, and canals of illegal obstructions is a public safety imperative, and it has not been paused for any form of negotiation or payment. Our work continues.
“This propaganda is a dangerous distraction from our critical mission to prevent flooding and protect the majority of Lagosians.”
He added that the ministry takes the defamatory allegations “with the utmost seriousness” and will pursue the matter through the courts.
“We shall be pursuing this matter legally, and the individual behind these claims will be required to provide proof to the appropriate authorities,” the commissioner said.
The denial comes amid visible enforcement action in parts of Ikota and neighbouring estates, where government teams have removed structures found within river setbacks and drainage corridors, actions Wahab said are necessary to prevent recurrent seasonal flooding.
The state ministry of environment has warned residents against entertaining intermediaries or paying money to forestall statutory enforcement.
Public health experts have raised concerns over the increasing health risks posed by mould exposure in homes, warning that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or immune conditions are most at risk of serious complications.
The experts identified common sources of mould in homes to include leaking roofs, soaked walls, damp basements, poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens, as well as carpets, upholstery, and insulation materials that retain moisture.
They noted that mould often appears as coloured patches on wet surfaces, especially in areas where there is poor air circulation.
Speaking to PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians warned that ignoring mould exposure not only compromises indoor air quality but also has long-term consequences for respiratory health, especially in vulnerable populations already burdened by other health challenges.
The experts noted that it is essential for residents to become more aware of the risks associated with mould and take proactive steps to ensure safe and healthy living environments.
A public health expert at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, warned that mould, a type of fungus that thrives in humid, damp, and poorly ventilated environments, poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in water-damaged buildings and homes with poor construction.
According to him, mould releases spores into the air that, when inhaled, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, including sneezing, catarrh, wheezing, and asthmatic attacks.
“Mould is a fungal growth that appears on various surfaces, particularly in places with persistent humidity, warmth, and moisture. It releases spores into the air, which people inhale without realising the health implications.
“Children, the elderly, and people with low immunity or pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are most at risk. Their systems react more severely to airborne spores,” he warned.
Akande, who is also a former National Chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, pointed out that mould exposure often goes unnoticed until people start showing recurring symptoms.
He said, “People may treat catarrh or persistent coughs without knowing that the trigger is inside their own homes.”
The professor described common breeding grounds for mould in homes as damp walls, water-damaged areas from leaking roofs, poorly ventilated rooms, and moisture-retaining corners such as kitchens, bathrooms, and household stores.
He added that mould appears as patches of different colours and textures, which may grow unnoticed on ceilings, walls, under sinks, and behind furniture.
“Mould thrives in environments with little or no ventilation. Any place in the house that is constantly damp and warm provides the perfect condition for mould to grow and spread.
“Many people don’t recognise mould for what it is. By the time they start cleaning it with ordinary water, they may be disturbing spores into the air and inhaling them directly,” Akande said.
On the long-term health consequences, the professor said that prolonged exposure can lead to frequent respiratory infections, worsening asthma attacks, and allergic flare-ups.
He stated, “Over time, exposure to mould doesn’t just cause minor irritation; it can complicate chronic respiratory diseases, especially in people with compromised immunity.”
Akande urged Nigerians to invest in preventive measures by controlling the humidity level in their homes.
He noted that the spores responsible for mould are lightweight and airborne, which makes them easily inhaled, especially in enclosed spaces.
“Humidity above 60 per cent is risky. Anything above 70 per cent creates a perfect storm for mould to grow rapidly, especially when organic materials are present.
“If the indoor humidity is maintained below 60 per cent and proper ventilation is ensured, the risk is significantly reduced,” he advised.
To combat mould growth, the don recommended fixing leaking plumbing, improving ventilation, and ensuring that wet areas are promptly dried.
He also encouraged homeowners to seek professional help if mould patches persist or begin to spread across large areas.
“You must take moisture seriously. A leaking pipe or roof may seem minor, but it can lead to major health risks.
“Clearing out mould, especially when it’s extensive, isn’t a DIY matter. Get professional advice or services to safely remove it,” he added.
Also speaking, a Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, described mould exposure as a serious but under-discussed public health issue in households.
He stressed that the health effects are not just respiratory.
He explained, “Mould exposure happens when people come into contact with mould spores either through the air, through touch, or by eating contaminated food. The danger lies in how easily these spores are inhaled.
“Yes, coughing and wheezing are common, but we also see symptoms like itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sinus infections. These reactions are particularly intense in children and the elderly.”
According to the physician, individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or bronchitis may experience frequent flare-ups when exposed to mould.
He explained that mould often grows in hidden corners of the house.
He added, “In immunocompromised individuals, mould exposure can lead to opportunistic infections, which can be life-threatening if not promptly managed.
“Bathrooms, basements, around leaking windows and pipes — these are hotspots for mould growth because of their high moisture content.”
He noted that materials like carpets, upholstery, and insulation that trap moisture are particularly dangerous if left unchecked.
“Once these items get wet and stay damp, they become breeding grounds for mould,” he said.
The public health expert also noted that mould-related symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as general allergies or infections.
“One way to differentiate is by observing if the symptoms improve when the individual leaves the mould-infested environment.
“Chronic asthma, persistent allergic rhinitis, and recurrent respiratory infections are possible if the mould problem is not addressed,” he said.
To prevent mould, Olorunfemi recommended practical measures such as improving ventilation, using dehumidifiers, and fixing leaks immediately.
He advised homeowners to maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50 per cent.
“You don’t need high-end equipment. Something as simple as an exhaust fan in your bathroom can make a big difference.
“Once humidity goes above 60 per cent, the risk of mold grows exponentially,” he warned.
He urged Nigerians to take mould seriously and act immediately when signs are noticed.
He stressed, “If you see dark patches on your wall or ceiling, don’t ignore them. Act fast,” he said.
“When the mould covers large areas or causes persistent health symptoms, bringing in professionals is not optional — it is necessary for your health.”
The Kano State Government has expanded hypertension prevention and treatment services to 208 Primary Health Care facilities across the state, strengthening community access to lifesaving health care.
The development was announced in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Nabilusi Abubakar K/Na’isa, issued on Saturday.
According to the statement, the initiative builds on the National Hypertension Control Initiative, implemented with technical support from Resolve to Save Lives and Project HOPE.
The scheme, which began as a pilot in 52 PHC facilities, has now been scaled up to 208 centres across all 44 Local Government Areas of the state. The move marks a major stride in the state’s efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension — one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure in Nigeria.
The project includes routine blood pressure checks, treatment initiation, and regular follow-up care.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, said the expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to building a stronger and more accessible health system.
“Our goal is to ensure that every resident, no matter where they live, can access quality hypertension care within their community,” he said.
“This scale-up is about saving lives, reducing hospital admissions, and preventing premature deaths from preventable conditions like hypertension.”
Yusuf commended health workers participating in the initiative for their dedication and urged them to sustain their efforts toward improving public health outcomes.
He added that the government was committed to strengthening disease prevention and management across all levels of care.
Children who are fed only one meal a day due to economic hardship are at risk of malnutrition, weakened immunity, poor brain development, stunted growth, and low academic performance, paediatricians have warned.
They noted that poor feeding could also affect children’s mood, behaviour, and concentration, ultimately impacting their academic performance.
The child experts stressed that while adults may sometimes cope with a single balanced meal daily, the same cannot be said for children whose bodies and brains are still developing and therefore need multiple meals and snacks rich in nutrients.
They urged parents and caregivers to ensure children are fed with the age-appropriate nutrients and food quantity.
PUNCH Healthwise earlier reported the inability of parents to feed their children the age-appropriate, nutritious food and quantity, leading to fear of the rise in undernourished children.
The surge in meal skipping and reduced food frequency is linked to households adopting extreme coping strategies to stretch scarce resources.
PUNCH Healthwise also reported that the economic situation, which has led to rising food prices and stagnant incomes, has forced them to skip meals or reduce the number of meals per day.
Nutritionists have also warned of the increasing rate of children going to school on empty stomachs due to the inability of parents to provide enough meals.
Consequently, the Paediatric Association of Nigeria has stated that over 11 million children in Nigeria are suffering from food poverty, while over two million are already classified as malnourished.
Commenting on the matter, a professor of Paediatrics at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto State, Ben Onankpa, explained that while adults may survive on one balanced meal daily, children require more frequent nutrition to support growth and brain development.
He mentioned that when children eat just once a day, the likelihood of severe malnutrition increases significantly, noting that malnutrition in early life causes physical stunting, also known as linear growth failure.
“A child who eats once daily has the possibility of severe malnutrition. This leads to poor growth and poor learning in school. Severe malnutrition early in life affects the child’s potential in ways that remain visible, even into adulthood,” he said.
The paediatrician explained that the effects of early-life malnutrition have been linked to increased risks of health conditions later in life, such as diabetes and poor immunity.
“Even if a malnourished child grows up to become successful, the effects will still be there. Severe malnutrition in infancy can cause lasting consequences such as small stature and poor health,” Onankpa said.
The paediatrician urged parents to ensure their children regularly eat more than one balanced and nutritious meal every day.
“The key is a balanced diet and consistency. In the first six months of life, feeding should be on demand, between eight and 12 times a day. Between six and 12 months, additional meals such as snacks should be given two to three times daily,” he advised.
Onankpa also stressed that as children grow older, they should be transitioned into regular and structured meal patterns.
“From around one year, children should have the three main meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, together with healthy snacks,” he explained.
A paediatrician, Dr Olufemi Akodu, emphasised that children need proper nutrition for growth and development, noting that eating one meal a day can lead to malnutrition and deficiencies, fatigue, low energy, and poor concentration.
He noted that such children face weakened immunity, poor cognitive development, declining school performance, and a higher likelihood of health complications.
On the recommended feeding pattern for children, the paediatrician explained that the number of meals depends on the child’s age, activity level, and health needs.
“For infants aged 0 to 12 months, feeding should be 3–4 main meals and 2–3 snacks, spaced out every 2–3 hours. Toddlers between 1 and 2 years should eat three main meals and 2–3 snacks daily, with a focus on nutrient–dense foods. Preschoolers aged 3–5 years require three meals and 1–2 snacks with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats,” he stated.
“School-age children between 6 and 12 years need three main meals and 1–2 snacks, with a balanced diet that includes a variety of food groups, while teenagers, 13 years plus, require three meals and 1–2 snacks, with a focus on nutrient-dense foods to support growth and development,” Akodu added.
The paediatrician advised parents to play an active role in ensuring that children eat the right number of meals daily by creating a structured meal routine and encouraging healthy eating habits at home.
He urged parents to “lead by example: show kids healthy eating habits by modelling balanced meals and snacks. Create a positive mealtime environment: Make mealtime enjoyable, relaxed, and free from distractions. Offer a variety of foods: Expose kids to different food groups, flavours, and textures. Establish a routine: Encourage regular meal and snack times. Involve kids in meal planning: Let them help with grocery shopping or meal prep.”
To encourage adequate nutrition, Akodu advised parents to “make healthy options accessible: Keep fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins readily available. Limit unhealthy snacks: Restrict sugary drinks, fast food, and processed snacks. Be patient and consistent: It can take time for kids to develop healthy eating habits. Offer choices: Allow kids to choose between healthy options, promoting autonomy. Monitor portion sizes: Ensure kids are eating appropriate amounts.”
The doctor urged parents to make mealtime interactive by engaging kids in conversations and encouraging socialisation.
“Avoid forcing food: Don’t force kids to eat specific foods, as this can create negative associations. Be mindful of hunger and fullness cues: Encourage kids to listen to their bodies,” Akodu asserted.
A section of the First Bank building located on Library Avenue in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has collapsed.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon sent panic across the busy commercial area that houses several financial institutions, offices and shops.
As of the time of this report, details about possible casualties or the extent of damage remain sketchy, but emergency responders and security operatives are said to have arrived at the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
An eyewitnesses described the collapse as sudden, noting that parts of the building gave way during off working hours, forcing nearby traders and passersby to flee the area.
The bank authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has directed key federal research institutions to support a groundbreaking study into a potential plant-based cure for brain cancer.
As reported by NTA on Saturday, the directive mandates key institutions, namely the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, to prioritise and allocate resources towards the project.
The move follows the discovery of a molecule extracted from a plant in North-Western Nigeria that has shown the ability to eliminate brain cancer cell lines within 48 hours at specific dosages, particularly targeting glioblastoma multiforme, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.
Dr Salako pledged government support for the initiative and announced the establishment of a committee to accelerate development in the pharmaceutical sector.
“We are committed to providing the necessary resources and policy support to ensure that this research reaches its full potential, from laboratory studies to clinical trials,” he said.
The research institutions have also expressed their commitment to collaborate on training, development, and clinical studies, noting that the discovery could represent a major milestone in Nigeria’s biomedical research landscape and pave the way for a locally derived treatment for brain cancer.
Medical experts, on July 25, 2025, said Nigeria is facing a growing cancer crisis, warning that reported cases are expected to rise as access to diagnostic tools and improved surveillance systems continue to reveal the country’s true cancer burden.
They said the expected surge in cancer cases will not only be due to better detection, but also rising exposure to risk factors such as unhealthy diets, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and late presentation at health facilities, among others.
Amid a surge in deadly attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits, residents of Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State have called on the Federal Government to permit them to bear sophisticated weapons for self-defence.
The residents, who voiced their anguish at a press conference held on Saturday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Sokoto, said they can no longer endure the incessant killings and destruction of property by the marauding bandits.
Led by Alhaji Adamu Kebbe, the group accused both the state and local authorities of abandoning them to their fate, lamenting that the government’s response to their plight has been slow and inadequate.
“We can’t sleep with our two eyes closed anymore. Our communities are being wiped out, and the government is doing little to protect us,” Haruna said emotionally.
They also urged the Federal Government to grant direct funding to local governments to enable them to equip local security outfits and respond swiftly to attacks.
Sokoto State has been one of the worst-hit by banditry in recent years, with emerging terror groups such as the Lakurawas and the notorious gang led by Bello Turji unleashing deadly violence across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Kebbe LGAs.
While the state government has acknowledged the growing threat, residents say its measures have fallen far short of what is needed to guarantee safety.
Security experts warn that the call for self-defence reflects a deepening loss of faith in state protection and highlights the urgency for the Federal Government to intervene decisively.
For now, the people of Kebbe say they are left with no choice but to defend themselves if the government fails to act.
“If we can’t get protection from the government, then we must be allowed to protect ourselves,” another resident declared.
In early September 2025, Sokoto youths, particularly from Shagari Local Government Area, threatened to take up arms in self-defence due to persistent bandit attacks and kidnappings.
They expressed frustration with government inaction and the impact of insecurity on farming, families, and local life. Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal also called for immediate federal reinforcement to contain banditry in Sokoto.
Sokoto has also been responding to humanitarian crises, including a deadly cholera outbreak among internally displaced persons, resulting from insecurity
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Thursday destroyed fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products valued at N15bn in Ibadan, Oyo State.
This was announced by the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, during the destruction in Ibadan, the state capital.
Represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, Adeyeye said the agency remained resolutely committed to ensuring that foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks were safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.
“There is no doubt that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and the agency has established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products.
“The products we destroyed today (Thursday) include expired, counterfeit, uncontrolled, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, codeine cough syrup, tramadol, oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.
“The estimated street value of these products being destroyed today (Thursday) stands at N15bn only.”
She stated that the destruction of those products would eliminate the risk of their re-entry into the Nigerian market.
The DG appreciated the support of the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, among others.
She, therefore, urged stakeholders to educate their families and wards about the dangers of patronising quacks and unauthorised medicine dealers.
S.K. Tijani, who spoke on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, stated that there was synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in the fight against fake, expired, substandard, and unwholesome drugs and products nationwide.
He said all stakeholders must play their part in ensuring that the nation is free from criminal activities.
