News Agency of Nigeria
LASG pushes for stronger partnerships on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

LASG pushes for stronger partnerships on food security

 

 

By Mercy Omoike

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, Ms Abisola Olusanya, made the call during a news conference at Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday.

Olusanya said that the 2025 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.

 

Lagos dignitaries herald 2025 World Food Day activities at news conference

 

She said that Lagos, in spite its small land size, had continued to face the challenge of feeding a population of no fewer than 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, Oct. 8; the Lagos Agric. Scholars Quiz Competition on Oct. 14; and the Grand Finale and Farmers’ Fair on Oct. 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe/Christiana Fadare

Group sensitises schools to protection of child domestic workers
Health

Group sensitises schools to protection of child domestic workers

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Center for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), has taken campaigns for the protection of child domestic workers (CDWs) to schools in Alimosho, Lagos State.

 

Speaking at the event in Lagos, the Group’s Advocacy Manager, Mrs Coker Olufunmilola, said the initiative was part of CAPRIGHTS-VP’s Protect Child Domestic Workers Project, supported by the Freedom Fund with funding from the U.S Department of State.

 

Olufunmilola said the project seeks to reduce children’s vulnerability to domestic servitude, while promoting their rights to education, health, family life, safety, and recreation.

 

She decried that many child domestic workers remained invisible victims of abuse and neglect.

 

“Child domestic workers are human beings – children; they deserved to be treated with love, dignity, and respect – not as second-class citizens.

 

“Our mission is to ensure that they are not denied their right to education and protection.

 

“Schools play a critical role in shaping attitudes, and we want students, teachers, and counsellors to become strong advocates for children’s rights,” she said.

 

She, therefore, encouraged the students to serve as change agents, by speaking up against abuse.

 

She also urged them to call the toll-free line – 0800 800 8001 to report cases of maltreatment outside school, and to notify their teachers or counsellors if they notice signs of neglect or abuse among classmates.

 

The school counsellors expressed appreciation to CAPRIGHTS-VP for bringing the sensitisation to their schools, describing it as the first initiative to focus specifically on the plights of child domestic workers.

 

They expressed hope that the lessons shared would inspire students to be more observant, compassionate, and proactive in protecting vulnerable children.

 

The session also featured interactive discussions to equip students with knowledge on challenging stigma, showing empathy, and fostering safer communities.

 

According to CAPRIGHTS-VP, creating safe and informed school environments is key to amplifying children’s voices, changing harmful societal attitudes, and ensuring that no child is left behind.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

NAICOM, experts want insurers to embrace technology, innovate products
Science & Tech

NAICOM, experts want insurers to embrace technology, innovate products

 

 

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Experts in the Nigerian insurance industry have called on practitioners to embrace technology and innovate products, to deepen market penetration and build consumer trust.

The call was made during a panel discussion at the Insurance Meets Tech (IMT) 4.0 and Insurance Redefine Summit in Lagos on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is an annual event in its fourth edition with the 2025 theme being, ”Innovating for the New Trybe.’’

The Chief Executive Officer, National Insurance Commission  (NAICOM), Mr Olusegun Omosehin, said that the industry had made strides, particularly with partnerships and embedded insurance.

He, however, added that there was a need to move beyond traditional offerings to meet the needs of the younger, tech-savvy population.

He said that there was the need for digitisation to streamline the claims process because long, cumbersome procedures often leave customers frustrated.

“The real value of insurance is in the claim.

“If the process is difficult, the customer will not be happy and they will not return.

“We need technology to automate these regular engagements and make the customer experience seamless,’’ Omosehin said.

Also speaking during the panel discussion, Mr Kunle Ahmed, the 26th Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), said that the existing five per cent premium rate for motor insurance was a “child of necessity” and may not be sustainable.

Ahmed said that insurance companies should consider a more dynamic pricing model based on a driver’s behaviour and claims history.

“We need to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model, the five per cent was necessary at one point  but with new technology, we can price risk more fairly,” he said.

Another panelist, Prince  Babatunde Oguntade, said that a few innovative companies were already offering remote car inspections, eliminating the need for customers to visit an office.

Oguntade said that this was a small but significant step toward enhancing customer experience and building trust.

Also, Mrs Yetunde Ilori, the 52nd  President, Chartered Institute of Insurers of Nigeria, highlighted the untapped market of consumer and gadget insurance.

She said that with the cost of personal electronics like laptops and smartphones now rivaling that of a car, there was the need for tailored insurance products to protect these assets.

“We need to do more to create awareness and make these products easily accessible at the point of purchase,” she said.

Ilori noted that partnerships with retailers and other institutions were crucial for the growth of this sector.

“By embedding insurance directly into the purchase price of a gadget, the cost is no longer seen as an “extra expense” but rather as a fundamental part of the product,’’ Ilori added.

The speakers urged industry players, especially brokers, to be at the forefront of innovation.

They said that the goal was to ensure that customers could process claims with ease, which would ultimately drive repeat business and increase the industry’s overall reputation.

The Convener, IMT, Odion Aleobua, advocated for youth engagement, tech adoption to grow insurance penetration.

Aleobua called for a paradigm shift, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth engagement and technology adoption to unlock the sector’s immense growth potential.

He highlighted the urgent need for a new approach, noting that Nigeria’s insurance penetration stood at less than one per cent, a stark contrast to South Africa’s 10 per cent – 12 per cent.

“The CEOs alone cannot drive this growth, it is people like us who create platforms, conversations, and collaborations that will unravel and impact this potential,” Aleobua said.

He highlighted the demographic dividend, noting that over 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population are millennials and Gen Zs, who represented “tomorrow’s market.”

Aleobua noted that to connect with this crucial segment, the industry must listen to their needs and involve them in strategy development.

He also highlighted the role of technology in reaching a broader audience.

He noted that with approximately 140 million Nigerians on mobile phones, the country had a significant digital infrastructure that could be leveraged for insurance services.

“Those are capabilities that tech has enabled, and those are capabilities that are there for us to take advantage of,” he said.

The convener added that the strong attendance of top industry executives at the summit signaled its growing influence as a reference point for innovation and growth within the sector.

Bode Pedro, Founder and CEO of Casava, expressed excitement at partnering with IMT as the official insurer.

Pedro said that IMT provided the platform that allowed one to show how digital micro-insurance empowered individuals and businesses, while aligning with NAICOM’s mission to expand insurance access across Nigeria.

“Our goal is to prove that insurance can be simple, flexible, and affordable for all,” he said.

Per Lagerstrom, Insurtech Innovator, Founder of BehaviorTech, in his headline presentation, highlighted how agile, technology-driven solutions could transform insurance and financial inclusion across Africa.

The forum concluded with a call for the Nigerian Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and other regulatory bodies to create an enabling environment that encourages innovation and lowers entry barriers for new, technology-driven solutions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Nigeria leads African countries to sign petroleum regulatory charter
Oil & Gas

Nigeria leads African countries to sign petroleum regulatory charter

 

 

By Emmanuella Anokam

Nigeria has signed a charter to establish the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) to promote investment and harmonisation of Petroleum regulations.

The landmark signing, chaired by Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), held on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 31st Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana.

Regulators from eight African countries formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter, while seven others present pledged to join after consultations, according to a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Strategic Communications, NUPRC, .

Those that signed the charter included Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo.

Komolafe, who doubles as the Interim Chairman of the forum, described the 4th AFRIPERF Meeting and Charter Signing as a decisive step toward building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.

He said that as the world navigated complex transitioned toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, Africa must ensure that its vast hydrocarbon resources were managed with innovation, responsibility and foresight.

“From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC to our inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the careful drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, each milestone has brought us closer to this historic day.

“By activating our Executive Committee, Technical Committee and Secretariat, we are establishing functional pillars to drive AFRIPERF forward,” he said.

He said that the Executive Committee would serve as the principal oversight body guiding the implementation of AFRIPERF’s objectives, while its membership is for heads of Africa’s oil and gas regulatory bodies.

“The Technical Committee will be activated based on thematic or sectoral priorities arising from the Executive Committee or broader membership.

“Its membership will be drawn from subject matter experts from member countries and partners to handle matters regarding specific regulatory areas and industry issues,” he said.

Komolafe said that the secretariat committee would comprise member countries, while nominations would be called for and presented to the executive committee for ratification.

According to him, AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise policies, address shared challenges and ensure that African perspectives are not only heard but respected on the global stage.
ED
He commended the regulators and stakeholders for their technical contributions to the evolution of AFRIPERF.

“The AFRIPERF charter defines both the mission and vision of the Forum, to enhance cooperation and collaboration among African petroleum regulators, to ensure a safe, efficient, rewarding, equitable and sustainable petroleum industry.

“The forum is also designed with the bold vision to be the premier platform for African petroleum regulators to share knowledge, best practices and expertise, in order to attain regional excellence in petroleum regulation.

“The forum also seeks to address regional petroleum regulatory challenges and leverage opportunities; facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and disseminate international best practices among member regulators,” Komolafe said.

Following the signing, AFRIPERF will call for the nominations for election of the Chairperson of AFRIPERF in accordance with Article 12.

It will also call for nominations of a representative from each member regulator in line with Article 10 and the designation of AFRIPERF Headquarters in line with Article 25.

The event was attended by regulators from 16 African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo.

Others are Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream, Sen. Etang Williams, was also present as an observer.

The milestone is the climax of the proposal first introduced by Komolafe in 2024 when he championed the creation of AFRIPERF to strengthen petroleum governance across Africa.

The forum held its inaugural meeting in July 2024, followed by a second gathering in November 2024, setting the stage for Thursday’s breakthrough.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

RMAFC warns SEEPCO on compliance, mandates cooperation with host communities 
Environment , Oil & Gas

RMAFC warns SEEPCO on compliance, mandates cooperation with host communities 

 

 

By Vivian Emoni

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)  cautions  Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) to abide by the commission’s mandates and ensure effective cooperation with its host communities.

Mr Ekene Enefe, Chairman, RMAFC, Investment Monitoring Committee, gave the warning on Friday in Abuja, during a meeting with some officials of SEEPCO and its host communities in Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some other officials such as Orient Petroleum (OPR), Cotton Wooden Gas Ltd., Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), were present at the meeting.

Also, representatives of  the host communities of  Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra and Ugwu Aniocha in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta were present.

Enefe, who is also the Commissioner representing Anambra in the commission, recalled that on July 17, 2025, the commission invited the SEEPCO and the host communities to discuss unresolved issues.

He added that SEEPCO requested that the commission should give enough time to the company to come back with detailed answers and documents.

He noted that the issues involved were related to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and community compensation which were agreed by both SEEPCO and the host communities.

The commissioner said that the SEEPCO was expected to adhere to the Nigerian laws and regulations regarding community compensation.

“ I believe the company has put the details of the unresolved issues in order, as the representative requested during last meeting..

“Now, the committee wants to confirm if gas flaring penalties are being paid into the federation account.

“The truth must be told and things must be done rightly. We need to see what you are doing in real terms.

“From all indications, SEEPCO is not really doing the right thing, the company should ensure effective cooperation with the host communities,” he said.

Enefe said that the RMAFC deemed it necessary to also invite NUPRC as supervising agency to strengthen the review.

Mr Emmanuel Ajang, who represented the SEEPCO, said that the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), had been duly incorporated with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approval and registration at Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

According to Ajang, the management of the company and advisory committees have been constituted.

He added that the company had also made payments of three per cent operating expenses for 2021 and 2022.

“Payment for 2023 had delayed due to joint review with the NUPRC but approval has now been granted.

“The company started operation in 2019 in the community and the company had fixed the community`s roads and constructed boreholes in the host communities,” he said.

Mr Patric Esumai, President-General of Ogwu-Ikpele Community, said that the SEEPCO commenced operations in their community in 2016, not 2019 as stated earlier by the SEEPCO representative.

Esumai added that the road constructed was only from one operational point, adding that the road constructed was not serving the community.

He, however, appealed to the commission to conduct an oversight verification visit to confirm the true situation in the communities.

Mr Abdulazeez King, Commissioner representing Kogi  in the commission, emphasised that the situation of the host communities across the Niger Delta area was both painful and heartbreaking.

King stressed that the SEEPCO and other operators must be held accountable, noting that they would always present reports of projects supposedly executed, but real benefits to host communities were missing.

Mr Iyke Akuezumba, who represented the Orient Petroleum (OPR) and Cotton wooden Gas Ltd., said that the invitation letter the companies received by the commission did not indicate exactly the issues to be discussed.

“I was not really prepared because I did not know the purpose of the meeting, but the companies are working closely with the NUPRC to ensure the mandates are adhered to”.

Dr Mohammed Shehu, Chairman, RMAFC, earlier in his remarks, encouraged the oil companies to ensure mutual cooperation and demonstrate effective commitment in executing their social responsibilities.

According to him, if things are done rightly, revenues accruing to the federation account will be seamless.

“But if there is crisis, it will affect production. Your plant won’t be working. So, things have to be done rightly,” he said.

The Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, NUPRC,  Mr Enorense Amadasu, assured the committee that the group tracked every molecule of hydrocarbon produced in Nigeria and no volume was left untracked. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Group tasks community leaders on protection of child domestic workers
Health

Group tasks community leaders on protection of child domestic workers

 

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Centre  for the Advancement and Protection of the Rights of Vulnerable People (CAPRIGHTS-VP), an NGO,  has urged community leaders in Alimosho to take stronger action against the maltreatment of child domestic workers.

The Project Officer, Protecting Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment (PCDW) Project, Mercy Joshua, gave the advice during an advocacy visit to the Mosan-Okunola Community Development Committee (CDC) in Alimosho area of Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit is part of CAPRIGHTS-VP’s ongoing sensitisation programmes under the PCDW Project, funded by the Freedom Fund.

Joshua, who led the delegation alongside the Communication Officer, Ugwueze Chinecherem and Security and Protection Officer, Agatha Chinedu, decried that millions of Nigerian children many of them “house girls” were engaged in forced, unpaid or underpaid labour.

Citing the International Labour Organisation (ILO 2021) data, she noted that an estimated 15 million children under age 14 were in work across Nigeria.

The team educated the community  leaders on available reporting channels, including the toll-free line 0800 800 8001 and the TALKAM app, stressing that whistleblowers’ identities remained confidential.

“The CAPRIGHTS-VP’s preventive approach links vulnerable households such as widows, struggling mothers, and adolescent girls to government social protection and skill acquisition programmes.

“It is empowered through the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA),” she said.

In his remarks, the CDC Chairman, Mr Tajudeen Fajobi, described the session as “a new and refreshing approach,” saying that few community programmes highlighted the realities of Omo-Odo (child domestic workers).

He pledged to support CAPRIGHTS-VP by providing data on vulnerable households and by encouraging the use of the reporting platforms.

Other members of the CDC engaged actively, raising questions about reporting procedures.

CAPRIGHTS-VP assured them that swift and appropriate action followed every verified report.

The NGO thanked the CDC for its warm reception and reaffirmed its commitment to working with community leaders and stakeholders to safeguard the rights and welfare of children in Alimosho.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

IATF 2025: Oilserv highlights opportunities for Pan-African EPC companies
Oil & Gas

IATF 2025: Oilserv highlights opportunities for Pan-African EPC companies

 

By Yunus Yusuf

Oilserv Nigeria Ltd. has called on International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating across Africa to fully leverage the opportunities available within the continent, especially in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group, Mr Emeka Okwuosa, made the call on Thursday at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algeria.

Represented by Mr Cephalus Wari, the company’s Chief of Staff, Okwuosa, highlighted Oilserv’s over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector.

He emphasised the company’s reputation as a major driver of oil and gas-based construction and engineering projects in Nigeria, with continuous expansion across the country.

He explained that Oilserv’s successful execution of complex, high-standard engineering contracts within Nigeria and other African countries positions it as a strong competitor on the continent.

“The company has over the years leveraged partnerships with Afreximbank for transformative growth, which has enhanced both our skills and capacity,” he stated.

“We have managed several large-scale turnkey projects and are currently leading Africa’s largest gas project.

” Our expertise extends to developing flow stations and facilitating services and product delivery through collaborations with Nigerian entities such as NNPC,” he added.

Oilserv has also expanded its operations to countries including Benin, Ghana, Senegal, and other Pan-African economies.

“As a key provider of oil and gas sector infrastructure, we are equipped to deliver quality services and timely project completion for oil companies,” Okwuosa noted.

He further revealed that Oilserv was now focused on extending its services beyond Nigeria, having firmly established itself in the Nigerian market and ready to support other African countries.

“All oil companies need our infrastructure to advance their projects, and we are prepared to provide comprehensive facilities to our clients,” he said.

Okwuosa acknowledged that financing remained a significant challenge for projects, noting that local banks often lacked the capacity to support large-scale investments, thus turning frequently to multilateral institutions like Afreximbank.

“As an intra-African construction company, we initiated Nigeria’s ambitious Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline project in 2014 and have continued to make excellent progress despite some unforeseen natural challenges that are now under control”.

He highlighted ongoing issues such as financing difficulties, insecurity, the ease of doing business, and foreign exchange instability, all of which conflicted with the goal of a stable African economy.

“Thanks to our collaboration with Afreximbank, we have secured critical financing that has allowed us to participate in infrastructure development across multiple African economies,” Okwuosa said.

He added that visa logistics and travel challenges also affected project timelines and efficiency, emphasising the need for uniform policies across African countries.

“Streamlining these processes would save valuable time and resources,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

4-in-1 Qur’an bridges cultures, faiths – Author
General News , Religious

4-in-1 Qur’an bridges cultures, faiths – Author

 

By Raji Rasak
Dr Daud Awwal, a Nigerian Scholar and author of 4-in-1 Qur’aan, said the Qur’aan bridges the gap between diverse cultures, language and faith tradition, and interfaith dialogue.
Awwal, recognised as author of the year 2025 by the International Impact Book Award, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Dr Daud Awwal, Nigerian Scholar and author of 4-in-1 Qur’aan
According to him, the First Global English-Yoruba Qur’aan 4-in-1 stands out due to its comprehensive approach, which includes Arabic text, transliteration, and accurate Yoruba Translation alongside with English language in a single format.
Awwal said that no single Quran across the globe contains four elements in a single format .
“This English-Yoruba Qur’aan 4-in-1 is backed up with Biblical references, scientific references, world affairs insights, hadith, and commentary.
“The project bridges the gap between diverse cultures, language and faith tradition, and interfaith dialogue .
“It allows the Qur’aan more accessibility to millions of Yoruba-speakers across the globe,” he said.
The author said that he also developed a special edition for children tagged “My First 13 Surahs”, designed with simple English and Yoruba that are appropriate for ages five to 10 year old, with illustrations, worksheets, multiple questions, colouring, drawing and a mobile app to enhance the learning process.
“Reverend Samuel Cole translated part of the Qur’aan into Yoruba only in 1906 but his word lacks Arabic text, transliteration, and full of errors because he doesn’t have any formal educational background on Arabic and Islamic Studies.
“I reviewed his work for  six months.
“For over centuries, Yoruba Muslim speakers had no authentic reference that combined all those four elements in my work that took 22 years to complete,” he said.
The project was presented to Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil in Kano in 2019
The author said that he studied Arabic for eight years in Lagos at Markaz University College.
“I received a scholarship from late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia in 1998 and studied Classical Arabic and Islamic Studies at Muhammad ibn Saud University in Riyadh and graduated in 2001
“I also studied Investigative Journalism at the London School of Journalism and authored over 50 books.
“My books have been accredited by the British library.
“Most of my books are available on Amazon, lulu, and www.awwalbooks.com.
 “This project has been presented to the Nigeria High Commission in London.
“Late Queen Elizabeth acknowledged my books and even sent several letters to me before she died,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG
Food Security , Health

SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Mr  Akinjide Adeosun, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ST.RACHEAL’S™ Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to review reforms to tackle hunger, high transport fares and rents.

Adeosun, a licensed Pharmacist and Founder of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF), made the appeal on Sunday at the grand finale of events earmarked to celebrate his 57th birthday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the birthday, celebrated on Aug. 4, witnessed a Thanksgiving Service at the All Souls’ Church, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with philanthropic gestures including the unveiling of food bank among others.

Adeosun, who tagged the celebration as “Thanksgiving in Freedom” said that true leadership must focus on providing freedom for people in terms of ending hardship, hunger and insecurity.

According to him, the 57 birthday is the most fulfilling because of the privilege to distribute food to some vulnerable people in the society including cleaners, security personnel earning peanuts among others.

The pharmacist, who provided detailed insight into the link between food and health of the people, said every society must prioritise feeding, transport and rents (shelter).

Adeosun said: “Let us look at our reforms again and review where necessary. There is no where in the world where there is no subsidy one way or the other.

“There is a huge link between food and the health condition of the people. We just need to do something about food, transport and rents.

“These are the three anguish facing the people that I found out after special interviews with cleaners, security men and other vulnerable people in Lekki Phase I, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.”

He said that government needs to partner with well-meaning individual and corporate organisations to achieve the SDG’s Goal 2 “Zero Hunger” to improve life expectancy in the country.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s removal of subsidy on fuel, the medical expert said that the government should have planned well to tackle the expected consequences including hunger, poverty and anger.

According to him, the government must increase capacity of manufacturing companies including indigenous pharmaceutical films to crash the inflation of products.

“We cannot use palliatives to solve this. They can only be solved through macroeconomics. Our reforms cannot be cast on stone, we have to review them.

“There is an urgent need for investment in manufacturing and production industry.

“We must move Nigeria from consumption to production nation such that we produce even more than what we need as a people.

“Prices will come down automatically and thirst for foreign products will no longer be there,” he said.

The philanthropist said: “We must ban importation of petrol. We must ensure crude oil naira discount for local refining firms like Dangote. We must ensure exchange rate rebasing also.

“The President has to do something about petrol price because it is what is driving inflation.

“We must tinker with the crude oil price to Dangote and price will come down,” he said.

He advocated 20 per cent crude oil discount to Dangote Refinery and other local refinery or buying of five barrel and getting one free or even 20 per cent naira price discount.

According to him, the same can be extended to local flour, cement and basic commodity producers including farmers to bring down prices and rents.

On saboteurs, the philanthropist advocated death penalties for all economic saboteurs just like the situation in Singapore and China.

He urged the government to make life easy for people at the grassroots by building infrastructure like schools, hospitals and equipping them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

DNA Testing Boom: Paternity uncertainty reaches 13.1% in 2025
General News , Health

DNA Testing Boom: Paternity uncertainty reaches 13.1% in 2025

DNA

By Lilian U. Okoro

The country’s leading DNA testing centre, Smart DNA Nigeria, on Sunday released its 2025 Annual DNA Testing Report, revealing that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing surged to 13.1 per cent in 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that DNA is the genetic information inside the body’s cells that helps make people who they are.

A DNA paternity test determines the biological father of a child using genetic materials.

The study, analysing data from July 2024 to June 2025, also revealed startling insights into Nigeria’s family dynamics, including persistent paternity uncertainty and the profound impact of emigration on DNA testing demand.

It also revealed that paternity exclusion rate remains at 25 per cent as immigration testing surged

“One in four tests still negative.

“The 2025 data shows 25 per cent of paternity tests returned negative results, a slight decrease from 27 per cent in 2024 but maintaining the worrying trend where 1 in 4 presumed fathers are not the biological parent,” the Centre said.

According to the report, firstborn children are significantly more likely to have negative paternity test results compared to non-firstborn children.

It said that while firstborn sons showed the highest discrepancy (64 per cent), firstborn daughters were also more likely to be biologically unrelated to their presumed fathers compared to later-born children.

“Immigration testing explodes amid “Japa” Wave Immigration-related DNA testing surged to 13.1 per cent of all tests, reflecting Nigeria’s unprecedented emigration trend.

“The increase indicates growing numbers of dual-citizenship families processing documentation for children’s relocation abroad, with many parents securing foreign documentation as “second passport” insurance.

“This consistent pattern raises serious questions about family structures, trust, and social arrangements in urban Nigeria,” the Centre said.

The report exposes a dramatic gender imbalance, with men initiating nearly nine out of 10 paternity tests while women account for just 11.8 per cent

This disparity underscores deep-seated gender roles where men predominantly seek paternity confirmation, often after years of accumulated doubts.

According to expert analysis, these findings are not just about science; they tell us something profound about trust, relationships, and the legal and economic realities of Nigerian families today.

The Operations Manager at Smart DNA, Elizabeth Digia, said thee report calls for urgent action on multiple fronts such as Legal Reform, Healthcare Integration and Educational Outreach.

“Nigeria lacks specific paternity fraud laws, unlike South Africa, leaving men with little legal recourse when discovering non-paternity after years of financial responsibility.

“Public health campaigns should normalise paternity discussions and integrate DNA testing into pre-marital and family health programs.

“Misconceptions persist, including beliefs that DNA testing is only for wealthy families or that physical resemblance guarantees paternity.

“Our role is to provide certainty through accurate testing while encouraging sensitive handling of the life-changing information our clients receive,” Digia said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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