Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has launched initiatives focused on both education and sports empowerment for outstanding students of Delta North origin to study at the Sports University of Nigeria (SUN) Idumuje-Ugboko.
Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, said the initiative tagged “Sports meet Education” is aimed at harnessing potentials of youths in the district both educationally and sports wise.
The senator told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, on Sunday that under the initiative, a total of 90 outstanding students, comprising 10 each from the nine local government areas that made up the district would benefit.
Nwoko, who is the Chancellor and Founder of the institution, said the 90 students would enjoy 100 per cent tuition free education, as well as exposure to cutting-edge academic and athletic programmes.
He also said the lucky applicants would enjoy training in a world-class sports facility, access to modern campus amenities including 24-hour electricity, high-speed internet, safe accommodation and state-of-the-art sporting complex.
“This is not just financial assistance; it’s an investment in a generation that will marry academic excellence with athletic brilliance.
“We are producing ambassadors who will make Delta North and Nigeria proud.”
“The Sports University, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, offers accredited programmes in Mass Communication, Management & Social Sciences, Sports Science, Allied Health Sciences, Sciences, and Architecture.
“Applicants must have an impressive academic record and proven talent in at least one sport,” he said.
Nwoko added that the first set of the awardees who will enjoy a full four-year scholarship will resume studies in the current academic session.
According to him, admission into the scholarship programme requires both strong academic records and proven skills in at least one sport.
“Applications are now open via www.sportsuniversity.edu.ng. For enquiries, applicants can call or WhatsApp +2349167177777 or +2349167066666, or email: admissions@sportsuniversity.edu.ng | enquire@sportsuniversity.edu.ng.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, stressing that education and sports were key tools for empowering the next generation.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft, and member, Senate Committee on Sports, also told NAN that to advance harnessing sportsmen/women from the grassroots, he recently constructed and donated a modern mini stadium to Issele Uku Community in the senatorial district.
He said that the newly completed facility featured a modern football pitch, a seven-a-side multi-sports pitch, pavilions on both sides, and fully equipped dressing rooms.
“The project is expected to energise the local sports scene, providing a vibrant space for budding athletes and sports enthusiasts in Delta North and beyond,” he said.
He further said that to ensure that no community was left out in benefitting from the dividend of democracy during his tenure, he constructed solar-powered boreholes which were already operational in Umunede, Ika North East, and Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Areas respectively.
He said, “In the area of infrastructural development, I was able to secure ₦3.5 billion worth of projects for Delta North in the 2024 federal appropriation, and this is the highest ever for the district.
“On youth empowerment, more than 2,000 youths have benefited from skill acquisition training and entrepreneurial boosts of ₦150,000 each, and for community development I have delivered solar-powered streetlights, constructed town halls, renovated medical centres, and distributed transformers across Delta North communities.”
“These efforts are all geared towards addressing critical issues like water supply, electricity, roads, education, employment, security, and environmental challenges in the district as well as tackling key issues affecting my constituency.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr António Guterres, has stressed the need for global support for youth-led solutions as a strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guterres said that such support would also promote youth development and empowerment for peace and economic growth.
Guterres spoke at an event organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria, in collaboration with Strategy for Mentoring Initiative and Leadership Empowerment (S.M.I.L.E).
The event was held in observance of the International Youth Day (IYD) 2025, on Saturday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had the theme: “Youth Localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Guterres was represented by Dr Oluseyi Soremekun, the National Information Officer at the UN Information Centre, Abuja.
According to Guterres, young people are bold innovators, resilient and essential partners in achieving the SDGs.
Guterres said that youth-led solutions must be supported for peace and sustainability.
He said the UN had recognised the impact of the younger generation on economic growth and development.
“We have come to the recognition that when young people lead, the society thrives,” he said.
He said the youth must be celebrated and supported to achieve the aims of the SGDs.
According to him, IYD is a declaration by the UN General Assembly and is celebrated annually on Aug. 12.
“We have the responsibility to promote it, to amplify the message of the IYD with our partner, S.M.I.L.E, and we have been doing it for over 10 years,” he said.
He also charged youths not to be involved in things that would affect Nigeria’s peace and unity.
“We will not have SDGs without young people driving it.
“Youths must get involved in local actions and support peace processes anywhere they find themselves,” he said.
He urged the youth to avoid being used to destroy the peace of the country.
The President of S.M.I.L.E, Mrs Bimpe Bamgbose-Martins, said that the initiative aimed to play a strategic role in the quest for building the next generation of leaders in Nigeria.
Bamgbose-Martins said that S.M.I.L.E organised programmes to meet leadership needs of the youth.
She said that mentoring and leadership empowerment remained the most powerful tools to positively impact the next generation of leaders.
The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, commended the UN and S.M.I.L.E for the partnership aimed at creating the next generation of leaders.
Finnih was represented at the event by her Technical Special Assistant, Mr Oluwasegun Ojo.
She urged the youth to be part of the SDGs achievement by contributing their quotas for economic growth and development.
She said the Lagos State Government would remain committed to youth empowerment and development in line with the SDGs mandate.
Finnih urged the youth to ensure proper waste disposal by ensuring sorting of wastes for environmental sustainability.
Mr Tunde Mabawonku, the Executive Director, Retail and Digital Banking, Wema Bank Plc., one of the partners, commended the UN and S.M.I.L.E for creating a platform for youth empowerment to commemorate IYD.
Mabawonku noted that S.M.I.L.E had been involved in many ‘exciting things’ through its initiatives.
He charged the youth to be part of the ‘phenomenal enterprise’.
He added that the youth must revolve in mindset, skills and character to remain relevant.
During a panel session, Mr Aduragbemi Fasakin, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Advic Farms, called on the youth to embrace agriculture for food security.
Fasakin spoke on the topic: “Showcasing Innovators and Youth-led Solutions to Accelerate the SDGs”.
He said that people would need to move from agriculture to agribusiness for food security.
“Young people need to come onboard early enough.
“Farming has moved beyond soil to soilless agriculture; it is the new gold in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)
Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, says the well-being of Nigerians remains a priority of the Federal Government.
Tinubu gave the assurance after receiving a chieftaincy title of Iya Oba of Ikorodu in Lagos State on Saturday.
The honour was given to her by the Traditional Ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, at Ikorodu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was part of activities marking Shotobi’s 10th coronation anniversary.
The activities started on Aug. 2.
Tinubu was represented by the Wife of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr Oluremi Hamzat.
She said: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to his royal majesty, the royal families and the good people of Ikorodu for finding me worthy of this distinguished recognition.
“This gesture is not only a personal honour, but a call to continued service.
“The title of Iya Oba carries with it, not just prestige, but also a responsibility.”
Tinubu said that she was fully aware of the cultural significance of the honour.
“Ikorodu kingdom holds a special place in the heart of Lagos,” she said.
According to her, Ikorodu has produced generations of industrious persons.
She praised Shotobi’s good leadership over the past decade.
“I congratulate your majesty and the people of Ikorodu Kingdom on your 10th coronation anniversary and commend your majesty’s leadership over the past decade.
“Your tenure is marked by peace, progress, stability and strengthening of our cultural heritage,” she said.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) said that the traditional ruler had provided impactful leadership that brought many Ikorodu indigenes to national limelight.
He commended Shotobi for inclusive leadership.
He said that through the efforts of Shotobi, Ikorodu had transformed from a rural community to a business hub,” he said.
Earlier, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also praised Shotobi for impactful leadership, and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s reforms and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Traditional Ruler of Remo land in Ogun, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, also praised Shotobi for good leadership.
Earlier, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and former Military Administrator of Lagos State, also commended Shotobi for impactful leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Three South-South states — Edo, Bayelsa and Delta — say they are taking bold steps to implement Nigeria’s decentralised electricity policy and entrench local government autonomy, signalling a shift in how subnational governments manage critical infrastructure and grassroots governance.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey shows that the three states have domesticated key provisions of the Federal Government’s unbundling of the power sector.
The action moves electricity generation and distribution from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.
This change allows states to establish their own electricity markets, license operators, and directly invest in power projects.
The states also claimed that their local government councils now enjoyed greater financial and administrative independence, although stakeholders gave mixed assessments of how far-reaching these reforms have been.
Mr Bugie Okhuemoi, Special Adviser on Media to Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, said the state was leading in implementing the Federal Government’s decentralisation policy, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“To actualise this vision, Gov. Okpebholo recently signed the Edo State Electricity Bill 2025 into law, formally establishing a framework for state-regulated electricity operations.
“This historic legislation enables Edo to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently, breaking the state’s dependence on the national grid.
“In line with the new law, the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been established to monitor, license, and supervise electricity-related activities across the state.
“The commission will work closely with the newly formed Edo State Electricity Advisory Council, comprising technical experts, investors, and energy stakeholders.
“Together, these institutions will provide strategic guidance, ensure transparency, and build investor confidence in Edo’s electricity market through structured and predictable regulatory mechanisms,” Okhuemoi said.
The governor’s aide said that this structure would improve service delivery, reduce outages, enhance operational efficiency, and boost internal revenue through licensing fees, tariffs, and public-private energy partnerships.
According to him, the state plans to invest in independent power projects (IPPs) for residential, commercial, and industrial use, while attracting private sector investment through policy incentives and streamlined regulations.
“Governor Okpebholo’s administration believes that access to reliable electricity is fundamental to economic development, job creation, digital innovation, and the overall quality of life.
“Edo State is now positioning itself as an energy hub in the South-South.
“This marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s federal structure, where states are becoming engines of growth, empowered to solve challenges at the local level.
“With both legislative and energy autonomy now in place, Edo is paving the way for a more self-reliant, progressive, and responsive model of subnational governance,” he concluded.
On local government autonomy, Obosa Ogbeide, Executive Chairman, Ikpoba Okha Local Government of the state, said that the 18 local government councils were enjoying independence.
According to him, what is happening is that the money comes through the state to the local government councils.
“So, whether it comes directly or through the state, it is the same thing.
However, Solomon Idiogbe, a civil society activist, described Nigeria’s policies as one without action, lamenting Nigeria’s failed implementation strategies.
Idiogbe insisted that Nigeria’s major challenge was not policy formulation but the lack of genuine strategies for effective implementation.
He argued that the country was building strong individuals rather than strong institutions capable of enforcing and sustaining the policies already developed.
Idiogbe stated that Nigeria’s decentralisation of power generation and distribution was not new, yet meaningful implementation had remained elusive due to entrenched political interests.
“We have heard of deregulation and decentralisation for decades, yet the same policymakers manipulate the markets and determine tariffs that affect millions of citizens,” he said.
According to him, there is no genuine commitment to reforms; policies only exist on paper to maintain poverty and keep the populace under political control.
“The terms deregulation, privatisation, and decentralisation mean nothing to Nigerian politicians; these buzzwords are often tools of deception.
Sharing his views on local government autonomy, Idiogbe noted that state-level political actors still determined who became council chairman, limiting the impact of any local government reform.
The civil society activist emphasised that as long as policymakers controlled party delegates and dictated who become chairmen, there could be no true autonomy or free and fair elections at any level of governance in Nigeria.
On legislative autonomy, immediate past deputy speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Maria Oligbi-Edeko described the current situation in the Edo assembly as a defining milestone in the state’s democratic evolution.
Oligbi-Edeko emphasised the importance of the law, noting that autonomy empowered the Assembly to function independently, enhancing accountability, transparency, and balanced governance within the democratic framework.
“The autonomy signed into law in Edo is a legal victory; it was a transformative breakthrough enabling lawmakers to act in citizens’ best interests, free from undue executive influence,” she explained.
Oligbi-Edeko further stated that change had allowed legislative decisions to reflect public needs more accurately, creating a stronger, more participatory model of governance.
She affirmed that the autonomy would endure as a democratic legacy, continuing to benefit future assemblies, lawmakers, and the people of Edo State for years to come.
“This reform redefined how power is shared.
“It moved us away from dependency, allowing lawmakers to boldly engage, question, and act in full service of the electorate.
“With this autonomy, the assembly now operates with dignity and independence, ” she added.
According to her, autonomy sends a powerful message that democracy belongs to the people, not just to politicians.
Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa
In Bayelsa, stakeholders said the state government did not interfere with local government funds, though allocations still pass through the state treasury.
A former councillor in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, Ezibeya Sinizine, said this arrangement had not hindered council chairmen from executing projects, citing a 30-bed primary health centre built in Yenagoa LGA.
“This autonomy has enabled council chairmen to execute projects like the Biseni health centre, roads in Yenagoa, and works across almost all the LGAs in Bayelsa,” Sinizine said.
He insisted that this state government only supervised the third tier of government, observing, however, that council chairmen were yet to start receiving their allocation directly from the federation account.
On electricity reform, Olice Kemenanabo, Managing Director, Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, said work was underway on a newly acquired 60MW gas turbine to guarantee steady power.
“As we speak, we have started installing new poles and towers that will enable us distribute power from the gas turbines to Bayelsa people, as promised by the governor.
“And so with the level of work already done, we are very optimistic that going by the governor’s promise, that we are going to complete installation of the new 60mw gas turbines and supply electricity to the people this year,” he said.
Kemenanabo projected that upon completion, the project would improve the investment climate and attract businesses to the state.
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta
In Delta, the state government said it would implement a decentralised mini-grid model to boost resilience in electricity supply.
Mr Sonny Ekedayen, the state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning, said the domestication of the 2023 Electricity Act in the state had provided the legal basis for the initiative.
“With the mini-grid approach, if an outage occurs in one part of the state, it will not affect other areas,” he explained.
He added that the model allowed operators to tailor energy solutions to the resources available in their zones — from gas to solar and hydro.
The commissioner disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the creation of the Delta State Electricity Commission as regulator.
He said this state also established a Rural Electricity Agency to serve under-served communities, and technical and market operators to ensure minimum electricity hours and track supply data.
The approach, he said, differed significantly from the conventional centralised grid, which often left the entire regions in darkness when there was a failure at a single point in the system.
Ekedayen added that the entire electricity reform would be privately funded, with the state government providing only the regulatory framework and the enabling environment.
“This is a private sector-driven initiative. Our role is to set the rules, ensure fairness, and create the atmosphere for investment and innovation to thrive,” he explained.
“The commission will be responsible for issuing licences, monitoring compliance, and mediating between operators and consumers,” he said.
“In addition, the state has created the role of a System Operator to oversee the technical coordination of generation and supply processes, and a Market Operator who will track supply data, enforce service standards, and ensure that minimum electricity hours are delivered to homes and businesses.”
Ekedayen announced that a consultant would also be appointed to help midwife the electricity transition process, providing expert guidance and assisting in the creation of a robust implementation roadmap.
He acknowledged that while electricity market reform was still new territory for many sub-national governments, Delta remained committed to getting it right.
“Only a few states in Nigeria have dared to venture this far. But we are determined to deliver not just electricity, but a system that works, one that creates jobs, supports industry, and improves the quality of life for our people,” he said.
The commissioner said that the journey would be deliberate and methodical to avoid costly mistakes, but always with the people’s best interests at the core of every decision.
He described the latest council approvals as the formal birth of the Delta State Electricity Market and expressed optimism that the business and manufacturing sectors would welcome the initiative with enthusiasm.
“With this, we are confident that Delta is on course to becoming a model for sub-national electricity transformation in Nigeria,” Ekedayen said.
Sharing a similar sentiment, Mr Sunday Tataobuzuogwu, State’s Commissioner for Energy, said Delta’s large gas reserves were a magnet for investors, while solar mini-grids were planned for riverine and off-grid areas.
“Since it is easier and cheaper to get gas in the state as opposed to outside the state, availability of power in the state will no doubt drive economic activities and very soon Delta will become the investment hub of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, in the past two years of the Oborevwori’s administration, most communities have night life because of the government’s intervention in lighting up of such communities through the installation of street lights.
“The government has powered up roundabout vicinities and provided lights in the markets, thereby enhancing economic activities in those areas,” he explained.
He said the ministry of energy had supplied transformers to many communities across the state and was still buying more transformers to ensure as many communities as possible get connected to a power source.
He asserted that plans were underway to provide electricity in hard-to-reach areas through the roll out of solar mini-grids, especially in riverine and off-grid locations to cater for the underserved populace.
He added, however, that electricity consumers should be ready to pay for power consumed as the government would not subsidise the cost of power.
On his part, Mr Emmanuel Ofodu, an expert in the power sector. said the mini-grid model approach of the state government would leverage on the resource availability in various communities to address their power need.
According to him, there are areas where investors may adopt wind energy and other renewable sources to breach the gap all in a bid to provide sustainable electricity for the people. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National President, Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Mr Bennett Okorie, has directed members to resume petroleum supply to telecom tower managers, IHS.
Okorie disclosed this during a news conference in Abuja on Saturday.
He said the union had earlier instructed members to halt supply to IHS and others over debts amounting to billions of Naira.
The president directed members to resume business with IHS and other telecom operators to avert network shutdown.
“Interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Communications Commission (NCC) assured us the issue will be resolved amicably from Monday.
“In the interest of energy security and Nigerians, we have resolved to resume our services immediately at the affected depots.
“The NEC of NOGASA has resolved to suspend our withdrawal of services for seven days to IHS.
“However, if the matter is not resolved within the seven days, we will resume service withdrawal without further notice.
“All suppliers are directed to resume business with IHS immediately, providing 24-hour round-the-clock services if possible, to make up for lost time,” Okorie said.
He warned that if the debts remain unpaid within seven days, NOGASA members would resume service withdrawal without prior notice. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Temitope Adewale, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to education, saying his initiatives will achieve 100 per cent literacy by 2031.
“By 2031, Nigeria will have achieved full literacy nationwide,” Adewale said during the screening for the distribution of his free GCE forms to prospective candidates on Saturday.
Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, said investment in education remained key to solving many national challenges.
He commended the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at reducing out-of-school children in both northern and southern Nigeria.
The lawmaker said the initiatives sought to remove youths from the streets and engage them in meaningful ventures, including education.
According to him, since the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was introduced by the Tinubu administration, more Nigerians are seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
He added that the administration, in partnership with UBEC, had built and revitalised many Almajiri schools in the north to reduce out-of-school children.
Adewale said the administration had also established the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE).
The Chairman, House Committee on Transport, said: “Mr President is doing everything possible to boost education in the country.
“Given the current trajectory, by 2031 Nigeria will have a 100 per cent literacy rate, while also resolving the out-of-school children challenge.
“These initiatives show the government’s strong commitment to youth development.
“With such programmes, Nigerians will one day look back and thank God for this opportunity.”
Adewale noted that by April 2025, NELFUND had received over 500,000 student loan applications nationwide.
He described the figure as encouraging, saying it would help the government with future planning.
“It is also heartening that state governments continue to support the Federal Government’s educational initiatives,” he said.
The lawmaker recalled that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently attended the graduation of 5,300 residents from the Lagos Skill Acquisition Programmes, alongside other educational interventions.
Speaking on the free GCE forms, Adewale said education remained a priority in serving his constituents.
“We are giving 400 forms this year. We also distribute JAMB forms, knowing education is the strongest tool to change lives and shape the future.”
He added that the Adewale Temitope Educational Initiatives (ATA-EI) had so far given over 8,000 free GCE and JAMB forms, with 120 students on scholarships.
“This programme is part of my promise to ensure no student misses opportunities due to financial constraints.
“Our goal is to make Ifako-Ijaiye the most educated local government in Nigeria by 2031,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
In a proactive move to secure qualifications for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships in September, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is seeking financial support for Team Nigeria’s participation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that qualification for the championships will be determined at the Region II Senior Championships in Ghana.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, emphasised the federation’s unwavering efforts to secure the funding needed for top athletes to compete in the Region II Senior Championships.
According to Okowa, the event is crucial as it serves as a qualifying round for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships.
Okowa thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) and various sponsors for their continuous financial support towards developing athletics in Nigeria.
He called for additional assistance to boost the athletes’ preparation before travelling to Ghana for the forthcoming championships.
“Our objective is clear — to inspire our athletes to achieve podium finishes in Tokyo, thereby boosting the nation’s reputation on the global stage,” Okowa said.
He added that all athletes need encouragement to maintain their excellence in international competitions ahead of the world championships.
The CAA Region II Senior Championships, earlier scheduled for Aug. 13-17, has been rescheduled for Aug. 19-20 in Ghana.
The AFN remains committed to developing athletics in Nigeria and believes that with the right support, Team Nigeria will excel on the world stage.
Top athletes, including World 100m hurdles champion Tobi Amusan and men’s 100m champion Sunday Okon, are expected to compete in Ghana.
Both athletes have expressed optimism about their chances and the relay teams’ potential to succeed in their qualifying bids.
Sources within the team revealed Nigeria’s commitment to securing places in the 100m, 200m and relay events for the Tokyo World Championships. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, Commander of the Corps of Artillery, has called on officers in Niger State to remain committed to their duties at all times.
Abubakar made the call at the end of a kilometres route march to conclude the final phase of the 2025 physical efficiency test on Saturday in Kontagora, Niger.
He commended the troops for their resilience, noting that their performance demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s readiness to confront and defeat any threat to the state.
The commander urged the troops to keep the nation’s flag flying high regardless of the circumstances.
Abubakar reiterated that the physical efficiency test was designed to maintain troops’ mental, physical, and emotional alertness and to instil greater discipline.
He added that the test was crucial in ensuring that the troops were prepared to face challenges.
The commander noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, was giving priority to officers’ welfare, which covered education and accommodation in barracks nationwide.
Abubakar urged the troops to remain steadfast and be motivated by drawing strength from the COAS’s leadership philosophy.
He charged them to give their best in the fight against the enemies of the country, saying peace was a universal language and all must work collectively to achieve it.
Abubakar commended personnel at the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) headquarters and the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) for their dedication, commitment, and resilience. (NAN)(www.nannnews.com)
Medical and nutritional experts have advised adults aged 40 and above to exercise moderation in the consumption of cold beverages, citing possible health implications in certain conditions.
The experts made the recommendations in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki.
They noted that while cold drinks are generally safe and hydrating, they could trigger discomfort or worsen symptoms in individuals with underlying medical challenges.
They spoke against the backdrop of the prevailing cold weather occasioned by persistent rainfall and the penchant of many older adults to consume chilled beverages despite the low temperatures.
Dr Maryrose Onuora, a nutritionist, said that although water temperature does not significantly affect hydration, “very cold beverages” may cause mild digestive discomfort, slow gastric emptying, or lead to bloating in some people.
According to her, individuals prone to migraines should also be cautious, as cold drinks could stimulate nerves in the head and trigger headaches.
“Adults over 40 should be careful when taking very chilled beverages, especially in cold weather, and particularly if they have a history of cardiovascular problems,” Onuora said.
Similarly, Dr John Ogazi, a cardiologist, noted that sudden ingestion of icy beverages could cause temporary changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to nervous system reflexes.
“This response is usually harmless in healthy people, but those with cardiovascular conditions should avoid very cold drinks, particularly during or after strenuous activity,” Ogazi said.
Another medical expert, Dr Festus Onwe, warned that chilled beverages could aggravate tooth sensitivity, thicken mucus during respiratory infections, and worsen nasal congestion.
He advised that people with tooth problems or cardiovascular ailments should avoid very cold drinks to maintain better health.
The experts stressed that healthy adults could continue to enjoy cold drinks in moderation, but older adults and people with related heart diseases should monitor how their bodies respond.
They recommended warm or room-temperature water for those with chronic digestive problems, heart conditions, or frequent colds.
“Hydration is the priority. Whether the water is cool or at room temperature, drink it in the form that is most comfortable and does not cause symptoms,” they said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Stock market investors traded 8.736 billion shares worth N134.577 billion in 180,290 transactions on the Exchange during the week just ended.
This is compared to 4.847 billion shares valued at N149.755 billion that exchanged hands last week in 174,267 deals.
As a result, the total value of transactions fell by 11.3 per cent week-on-week.
The Financial Services Industry led the activity chart with 7.483 billion shares valued at N70.980 billion traded in 77,227 transactions.
This contributed 85.65 per cent and 52.74 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
The Agriculture Industry followed with 201.906 million shares worth N7.863 billion in 11,450 transactions.
Third place was the Services Industry, with a turnover of 191.921 million shares worth N2.484 billion in 10,595 deals.
Trading in the top three equities, namely Linkage Assurance Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc, and Universal Insurance Plc, accounted for 3.195 billion shares worth N6.594 billion in 3,964 transactions.
This contributed 36.57 per cent and 4.90 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 3.18 per cent to close the week at 145,754.91 and N92.215 trillion respectively.
Similarly, all other indices finished higher with the exception of NGX CG, NGX Banking, NGX Pension, NGX AFR Bank value, NGX AFR Div. Yield, NGX MERI Value, NGX Growth, and NGX Commodity.
They depreciated by 0.64 per cent, 0.75 per cent, 0.14 per cent, 1.01 per cent, 0.66 per cent, 1.25 per cent, 7.91 per cent and 2.33 per cent respectively.
However, 66 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than 54 equities in the previous week.
Meanwhile, 41 equities depreciated in price, lower than 49 in the previous week, while 39 equities remained unchanged, lower than 43 recorded in the previous week.
The top five decliners for the week are: Livingtrust Mortgage Bank, Academy Press, The Initiates Plc, UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust and Legend Internet Plc as they lost N1.59, N2, N1.75, N1.10 and 75k.
Mutual Benefits Assurance, AIICO Insurance, Royal Exchange, Sovereign Trust Insurance and Cornerstone Insurance, as they increased by 60.44 per cent, 59.82 per cent, 59.33 per cent, 59.06 per cent and 54.46 per cent respectively.
The companies gained N1.10, N1.31, 89k, N1.01 and N2.26 respectively.
The Nigerian Exchange Ltd. also disclosed that the July 2025 Issue of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bonds were listed on NGX on Wednesday, 6 August.
Also, the NGX Non-Interest Finance Board was launched on Monday.
It said, “As part of its mandate to deepen the Nigerian capital market and promote financial inclusion, NGX has developed the Non-Interest Finance Board to provide a dedicated platform that enhances visibility, accessibility, and transparency for non-interest financial instruments.
“This strategic initiative aligned with NGX’s broader vision to foster innovation, diversification, and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
“The NGX Non-Interest Finance Board is a multi-asset board designed to host securities that comply with non-interest (Islamic) finance principles across various asset classes including equities, bonds, and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yahaya Isah/Olawunmi Ashafa
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