Category: Society & Lifestyle

TCN, Kano resolve land dispute stalling 330kV power line project

 

The Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Kano State Government have reached an agreement to resolve a protracted legal dispute that had stalled the completion of the Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV transmission line.

 

The resolution followed a high-level meeting convened on July 21, 2025, by the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to address issues relating to land ownership and compensation, which had led to litigation and delayed the project.

 

A statement issued on Friday by the General Manager, Public Affairs at TCN, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that under the new agreement, the state government would compensate affected individuals whose cases remain in court and provide alternative land for others.

 

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria, Kano Region, and the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning have reached a pivotal agreement to resolve legal disputes that had stalled the Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV transmission line project.

 

“The meeting, held on July 21, 2025, was convened by the Ministry to address litigation surrounding land ownership and compensation, which had significantly delayed progress.

 

“Under the terms of the agreement, the Kano State Government will compensate individuals whose cases remain under legal consideration and provide alternative land to affected parties.

 

“The resolution removes the final obstacles to the completion of the project,” Mbah stated, adding that the development marks a significant milestone in efforts to boost power supply and industrial development in the North.

 

She expressed optimism that with the legal issues out of the way, work on the transmission line would progress swiftly.

The Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV line is expected to enhance the electricity transmission capacity of the national grid and support economic growth in the region.

 

The commission also reported that a vandal was electrocuted on July 19, 2025, while attempting to sabotage a high-voltage facility in Ebonyi State.

 

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Tower 34 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV transmission line.

 

“The body of the vandal, who was electrocuted while trying to vandalise the tower, has been recovered,” the company said.

 

TCN reiterated its warning to the public on the dangers of tampering with power infrastructure, noting that such facilities carry high voltage and pose severe safety hazards.

 

“The public is urged to safeguard power installations in their communities and promptly report suspicious activity to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” the statement added.

PUNCH Online reports that in recent times, vandalism of the transmission infrastructures and distribution equipment has been a common occurrence in the country.

 

In January 2025, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said over N9bn was spent to restore vandalised power infrastructure in the northern part of Nigeria in 2024.

Embrace mediation for peaceful co-existence, institute urges Nigerians

 

 

The Mediation Training Institute has called on Nigerians to make mediation a daily practice to resolve disputes peacefully and build stronger relationships at all levels of society.

 

In a statement to mark the International Day of Mediation on Thursday, the MTI President, Segun Ogunyannwo, said mediation should be viewed as an essential life skill rather than an occasional option.

 

“Mediation should not be like a garment that you put on whenever it suits you and put off when it does not serve your interest or purpose.

 

“In our thoughts, words, and deeds, we should reflect the high standards and ideals of the very fulfilling ministry of reconciliation—mediation,” he said.

 

He noted that the institute chose July 24 as symbolic, underscoring the message that mediation should be practised “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Ogunyannwo urged Nigerians to use mediation to address disputes in families, workplaces, communities, and business relationships, stressing its role in sustaining harmony in a conflict-prone society.

 

He also encouraged individuals to take practical steps by mediating real disputes on the day and sharing their experiences with the institute via email for recognition of their peacebuilding efforts.

 

“Mediation skills are life skills”, Ogunyannwo noted, adding that these skills are vital for managing differences, preserving relationships, and fostering peaceful co-existence.

 

He reminded mediators to uphold confidentiality and respect privacy in all interventions, stating that the International Day of Mediation continues to serve as a platform to promote dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation across Nigeria.

UK doctors begin five-day strike despite PM’s plea 25th July 2025

 

Thousands of UK doctors launched a five-day strike early Friday after talks with the Labour government for a new pay increase failed to reach a deal.

 

Doctors were out on picket lines outside hospitals after negotiations with the government went down the wire late Thursday, without reaching an accord.

 

The move comes after the doctors accepted a pay rise offer totalling 22.3 per cent over two years in September, soon after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party took power.

 

Resident doctors — those below consultant level — have said they felt they had “no choice” but to strike again to reverse “pay erosion” since 2008.

 

Starmer on Friday appealed to the doctors, saying patients were being put at risk and the strikes would “cause real damage”.

 

Launching a strike “will mean everyone loses,” Starmer wrote in the Times, highlighting the added strain it would put on the already struggling National Health Service (NHS).

 

He appealed to the doctors not to “follow” their union, the British Medical Association (BMA) “down this damaging road. Our NHS and your patients need you” .

 

“Lives will be blighted by this decision,” Starmer warned.

But the junior doctors have said their pay in real terms has eroded more than 21 per cent over the past two decades.

 

“We’re not working 21 per cent less hard so why should our pay suffer?” said the co-chairs of the BMA’s resident doctors committee Melissa Ryan and Ross Nieuwoudt in a statement.

 

Last year’s doctors’ strikes, which saw tens of thousands of appointments cancelled and treatment delayed, were among a series of public and private sector walk-outs over pay and conditions as inflation soared.

 

Health minister Wes Streeting also appealed to doctors to reverse their position, saying in a letter published in The Telegraph that the government “cannot afford to go further on pay this year”.

 

The previous Conservative government last year resisted the BMA’s demands for a 35-perc ent “pay restoration” to reflect real-term inflation over the last decade.

 

Last year, Labour moved to draw a line under a series of disputes reaching pay offers to public sector workers including teachers and train drivers.

Those included a 15 per cent pay deal over three years for train drivers, which was heavily criticised by the Conservative opposition.

 

AFP

NAFDAC destroys 491,000 tramadol tablets worth N91m in Kano

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control on Wednesday in Kano State destroyed 491,000 tablets of tramadol worth N91 million.

 

The destruction of the drugs which was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, was witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

 

Speaking at the occasion, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC.

The Tramadol tablets are being destroyed in an incinerator at AKTH on Wednesday. Source: NAFDAC

“We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg.

“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she said.

 

She said it was in line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise using an incinerator.

The seized Tramadol tablets before they were destroyed on Wednesday by NAFDAC in Kano State. Source: NAFDAC

“According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye said.

 

The NAFDAC DG said the operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.

 

“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.

 

Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.

 

The destruction that took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.

Oyo issues flood alert ahead of heavy rainfall

 

Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday, alerted people living in flood-prone communities in the state to start preparing for heavy rain and its attendant flooding.

 

This was contained in a statement released by the Administrative Secretary of SEMA, Ojuolape Busari, in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

She explained that the reports from the state Flood Early Warning System indicated that the areas to the east and northeast of Ibadan city centre are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.

 

Busari said, “This includes parts of Lagelu Local Government Area, especially areas like Iyana Offa; Moniya (eastern parts), and communities further east towards Osun State.

 

“According to the information made available by the state Flood Early Warning System, some parts of the north of Ibadan city, possibly parts of Egbeda LGA (eastern edges) and areas bordering Lagelu LGA, will experience heavy rainfall today.

 

“Communities along the Ibadan-Ife Road (A5 highway) eastward: Areas like Egbeda and further east on this major road, will also experience heavy rainfall.”

The administrative secretary further said areas with moderate to heavy rainfall, determined by the flood early warning system, and ascertained by Google Maps, will encompass most of Ibadan Metropolis (eastern and central parts).

 

She said, “This includes areas like IITA itself, the Ibadan Airport, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Akobo, Basorun, Gate, Challenge, Ring Road, and many other densely populated areas within the city.

 

“Parts of Akinyele Local Government, especially the eastern and central parts, parts of Oluyole Local Government, especially Northeastern sections too.”

 

Busari assured all that the agency and other relevant agencies of government, voluntary agencies, and civil society groups are prepared to intervene and ameliorate the plight of persons and communities who might be affected.

 

She, therefore, urged people of the state to immediately commence preparations to avert dire consequences, saying, “discretion is the better part of valour.”

Ondo vows to eradicate cultism, calls for collective action

 

The Ondo State Government has declared that it would ensure that cultism and other social vices, particularly among the youths, are eradicated in the state.

 

To this end, the government has called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting against the scourge.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.

 

According to the statement, the government said it had reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the cherished ‘Omoluabi’ values that define the people of the state, in the areas of respect, hard work, value for life, and a strong stance against social vices such as cultism, thuggery, and civil unrest.

 

The commissioner also noted that the ongoing administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity that could tarnish the state’s reputation or hinder its development.

 

He said, ” the ‘Omoluabi’ values rooted in Yoruba tradition remain the bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society and we are calling on traditional rulers, politicians, student leaders, market women, religious leaders, and the general public to join hands with the government in rejecting cultism, political violence, kidnapping, and other destabilising behaviours.

“The rise in social vices is alarming and unacceptable. As a people known for dignity, discipline, and hard work, we must all rise to defend our values.

 

“Ondo State cannot afford to be dragged into the mud of lawlessness.”

 

Ajanaku stressed that development and investors’ confidence could thrive in a climate of insecurity, urging citizens to see the fight against crime as a collective responsibility.

 

“The orientation must begin now. Every citizen has a role to play in upholding the ethics of good behaviour.

 

“Report crimes in your communities. Be ambassadors of peace and order.

 

“That is the way to build a safe, attractive and economically vibrant Ondo State,” Ajanaku added.

Kaduna LG to make health insurance mandatory for intending couples, aspirants

 

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed a requirement for would-be couples to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority enrollment card before getting married.

 

Ensuring this, he said, would increase enrollment into the scheme.

 

Abba made the proposal on Monday in Kudan LGA Secretariat at the KADCHMA’s inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign into the scheme.

 

The chairman said the proposal aimed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise, which would also be inaugurated at Kagarko and Chikun LGAs, is expected to be carried out across all the 23 LGAs of the state.

 

It was supported by EngerderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Abba stated that pregnant women would particularly benefit from the scheme’s coverage of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.

 

The chairman also added that the health scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

 

He added that the scheme also provides access to quality healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, with or without complications, reducing maternal mortality rates.

 

Abba said, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”

 

By making KADCHMA enrollment a requirement for marriage, the chairman believed that awareness and uptake of the scheme would increase, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of citizens.

 

He, therefore, said that he would push an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm for inputs to make by-laws that would require intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before wedding.

 

Abba added that the by-law would also ensure that KADCHMA enrollment cards were required for political office aspirants in the LGA in order to support the scheme’s implementation.

 

“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA cards before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions.

“We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.

 

The chaiman pledged to enroll 1,000 people in the scheme, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful enrollment.

 

He, therefore, urged traditional, religious leaders and all other stakeholders to circulate information about the scheme to households and support its implementation.

 

Earlier, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, emphasised that the scheme’s goal was to ensure that all the residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship.

Hassan explained that the authority rolled out the campaign to educate grassroot communities on the benefits of enrolling in the health scheme, targeting local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.

 

He also explained that the meeting aimed to secure the endorsement of local government authorities, identify context-specific barriers, and foster ownership and shared responsibility for improving community health outcomes.

 

The director-general lamented the high rate of maternal mortality, saying that the N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases including services such as antenatal till birth, with or without complications.

 

He said that over 50 women enrollees in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section.

 

“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

 

According to him, the initiative promises improved access to quality health services, financial protection, and reduced maternal and child mortality.

 

This is with the ultimate goal of making Kaduna state a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

 

Hassan said that the initiative was part of Gov. Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which aims to cater to the needs of underserved and unserved people, particularly in rural areas.

 

Hassan said that the scheme would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for its citizens.

 

“Health is no longer a previlege in Kaduna state, but a right,”he said.

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to become enrollment ambassadors, with traditional rulers and council members supporting the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation efforts.

 

Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Sani for initiating the scheme, adding that it would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for citizens.

 

He emphasised that enrollment into the scheme, which required a registration fee of N10,650, was a small price to pay considering the benefits it provides.

 

Mahmood stated that the programme would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates, which were significant concerns in Nigeria.

 

He highlighted the importance of the scheme in providing financial protection for families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.

 

The district head believed that the programme was beneficial to the people and would make a significant impact in improving their health and wellbeing.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that stakeholders were community volunteers, ward development committees, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

 

(NAN)

 

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies at 54 in Costa Rica Drowning

 

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who became a household name as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 after an accidental drowning off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, officials and multiple news sources report.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the Deadline Contenders Television event at Directors Guild Of America on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles | Credit: PEOPLE

Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred, AP News, Reuters among many others reported on Monday.

 

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) said Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province on Sunday afternoon, July 20, when a strong current pulled him out to sea.

 

Beachgoers brought him to shore; first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS News also reported.

 

The Red Cross said it was alerted at about 2:10 p.m. local time and treated two adult men, transporting one in critical condition.

 

Local authorities subsequently listed the official cause of death as “asphyxia by submersion,” language echoed in statements provided to U.S. media outlets.

 

Police told ABC News that Warner had been caught in a rip current; Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE likewise reported that preliminary findings pointed to asphyxiation following submersion.

 

In a statement, the OIJ said the victim “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… [and] was declared lifeless at the scene” after treatment by the Costa Rican Red Cross.

 

Fox Entertainment, which worked with Warner during his run as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network drama The Resident, called the loss “tragic.”

 

“Everyone at FOX is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the company said in a statement.

Theo Huxtable OR Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner pursued performance from an early age and attended the Professional Children’s School in New York.

 

He broke out as the witty, vulnerable Theo in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning an Emmy nomination in 1986.

 

He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, appeared in Reed Between the Lines, and had a prominent turn in The Resident.

 

Tributes Pour In

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, AP, CBS News and Reuters all reported.

Viola Davis remembered the actor’s cultural impact, writing that “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… we are gutted by this loss.”

 

Actor Morris Chestnut, who appeared with Warner on The Resident, told PEOPLE, “He was just a really, really good, genuine guy,” adding that Warner welcomed him warmly and even took him to dinner early in their working relationship. Author-activist Kevin Powell told CBS News that Warner “was never someone who was into the celebrity of it… He literally was America’s son.”

 

A spokesperson for Bill Cosby said the comedian found the news “devastating,” likening the shock to the 1997 killing of his own son Ennis.

 

The NAACP also honored Warner on social media, writing “#RestinPower… Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”

 

Warner’s talents extended beyond acting: he directed episodes of hit television series, recorded spoken-word and music projects, and won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.”

 

He kept his personal life largely private, but is survived by his wife and daughter, whom he rarely discussed publicly.

Katsina doctors reject FG’s offer, threaten strike 20th July 2025

 

The Nigerian Medical Association, Katsina State branch, has expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over a circular purportedly issued by the Federal Government to address salary adjustments for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

 

The NMA described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of agreements reached during the collective bargaining process between NMA and the government of Nigeria.

 

This is contained in a communique arising from its SEC meeting on Saturday in Katsina.

 

The circular noted, “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects national salaries, incomes and wages commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the Federal public service: Demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”

 

The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, as well as the Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.

 

The association warned that it cannot guarantee non-disruption of health services if its demands are not met.

The Katsina NMA said it expects the government to address their demands as outlined by the NOC on July 2nd, 2025 just as it noted that the healthcare sector is on the brink due to unfulfilled promises and poor welfare for Doctors.

 

The communique read, “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Katsina State Branch expresses grave disappointment and unequivocally condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

 

“The circular is grossly inadequate, misleading and constitutes a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of the agreements painstakingly reached during the collective bargaining (CBA) process between the NMA and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

“With the immense and urgent Brain drain experience across the nation and the debilitating effect of Work burnout, our members are exposed to on a daily basis, the government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining Doctors who have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland. Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink. The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power have made the income nothing to show for.

 

“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and it is only right for the government to leave up to their responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society. With the Expiration of the 21-day grace period and the upcoming EDM a week from now, we are solidly behind the National Official Committee (NOC) stance and decisions.

 

“We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on the 2nd July 2025. We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian People at the expiration of such”, the communique concluded.

VIDEO: Tinubu heads to Ijebu-Ode for Awujale’s eighth-day prayer

 

President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony in honour of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

 

This was disclosed on Sunday in a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.

 

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has left Abuja for Ijebu-Ode to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona,” he wrote.

 

The revered monarch passed away on July 13 at the age of 91 and was buried the following day in Ijebu-Ode, according to Islamic rites.

His death marked the end of a 65-year reign, one of the longest in Nigerian traditional history.

 

Ahead of the eighth-day prayer, security has been tightened across Ijebu-Ode, particularly along roads leading to key venues such as Dipo Dina Stadium, the Awujale’s Palace, and his Igbeba private residence.

The prayer is scheduled to hold at the Dipo Dina International Stadium and will be attended by dignitaries including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other top officials.

 

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