Tribunal Confirms Okpebholo as Edo Governor.

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Edo State. 

On Wednesday, the three-member tribunal issued three separate judgments, ruling that the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo; the Action Alliance (AA) and its National Chairman, Adekunle Omoaje; and the Accord Party and its candidate, Bright Enabulele, were without merit. Consequently, the tribunal dismissed all three petitions.

The legal team representing the PDP and Ighodalo announced plans to challenge the tribunal's judgment in the Court of Appeal, asserting that they fulfilled their obligations to demonstrate that the election was neither free nor fair.

In the lead judgment, Tribunal Chairman Justice Wilfred Kpochi addressed two key issues in the PDP and Ighodalo's petition. The first issue was whether the petitioners provided sufficient evidence to support their claim that the election was invalid due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act. 

Justice Kpochi, after evaluating the evidence presented by the petitioners, concluded that they failed to meet the legal burden of proof required. He noted that none of the 19 witnesses called by the petitioners were relevant witnesses capable of providing eyewitness accounts of events at the polling units contested in the election. Most of the witnesses were either ward collation agents or local government collation agents, with the petitioners not calling polling unit agents or registered voters who actually voted.

He stated, “The failure of the petitioners to call polling agents, presiding officers, or even registered voters is fatal to their case. The petitioners did not present any substantial evidence to prove that the relevant forms were filled out improperly. The first to fourteenth witnesses only provided hearsay evidence because they were not present at the polling units during the election.”

Justice Kpochi also criticized the petitioners' star witness, the Director of Research and Strategy, for not being involved in the election process. He ruled that all documents and materials submitted by the petitioners, including election documents and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) machines, were not adequately demonstrated or linked to their claims.

He emphasized, “It is clear that these documents were presented without competent witness testimony to validate them. No eyewitnesses who could attest to the election process at the polling units were called. The court is not obligated to scrutinize documents when no witnesses connect them to the petitioners’ case. The BIVAS machines were never demonstrated at trial, nor did any witnesses testify regarding their contents.”

The tribunal also addressed the second issue regarding whether Okpebholo won the election with a majority of lawful votes over the petitioners. Justice Kpochi made similar observations about the insufficient evidence from the petitioners, stating that they failed to prove that aspect of their petition.

In the first judgment, concerning the AA petition filed by Omoaje, the tribunal dismissed it for lacking merit. The petitioners had claimed, among other points, that the AA candidate was excluded from the election because the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accepted candidate details from an individual named Kenneth Eze, whom they alleged was not the party's National Chairman. They also argued that the AA was unlawfully prevented from nominating a rightful candidate since INEC did not accept the nomination details for the candidate whose form Omoaje signed as National Chairman.

The tribunal ruled that the petitioners did not provide sufficient evidence to support claims of exclusion or electoral malpractice. Additionally, it stated that since Omoaje was not a candidate in the election, he lacked the standing to challenge the election results.

The tribunal clarified that, having admitted that the AA participated in the election, the petitioners could not later claim exclusion. Earlier in the judgment, the tribunal upheld preliminary objections raised by INEC, APC, and Okpebholo, challenging the validity of the petitions. It ruled that the issues raised were related to leadership disputes within the AA, which do not fall under the tribunal's jurisdiction and were pre-election matters that had become statute-barred by the time of filing.

Diphtheria Outbreak: Lagos records ten Confirmed Cases in three Months...Government Partners WHO, UNICEF to Curb Spread.

Lagos State has recorded 10 confirmed cases of diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025, as health authorities intensify efforts to curb the outbreak. 

According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others one.

Providing an update on the outbreak at the weekend, the Commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results. "Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results", he said.

Professor Abayomi disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple local government areas (LGAs), with Eti-Osa being the most affected, with 44 suspected cases recorded. 

According to him, other affected LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where some suspected cases have been identified.

He emphasized that in the interest of the public, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment.

 Professor Abayomi, urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that the measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.

"As part of the state response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients - 14. Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry", the Commissioner said.

Abayomi stated that data analysis from the outbreak report shows that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week, but noted that a decline in the number of cases in recent weeks indicates that containment measures may be yielding positive results.

"The state government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread", he said.

Prof. Abayomi noted that confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA. "These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts", he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing. He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far.

 This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers.

 He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.

As Lagos residents celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, and as Easter celebrations draw near, the second-term school vacation, the Commissioner urged strict adherence to precautionary measures. He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers, and avoid crowded places.

He emphasized the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat. “Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi commended the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak. 

He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing technical assistance and resources to combat the disease.

" I assure all Lagosians that, the state government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, is intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, urging them to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

Hike in food prices, 1.12 billion Children globally at risk of malnutrition - SCI

 

New data released by Save the Children on the eve of the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) summit in Paris [1 & 2] shows that about 1.12 billion children globally, or 48% of the world’s children, cannot afford a balanced diet. 

In its analysis, Save the Children, a Non-Governmental Organization, says hikes in food prices combined with the increasing cost of living worldwide have forced millions of families to eat less adequate, less balanced, and less diverse food, putting child development and well-being at risk.

Save the Children analyzed the cost of a healthy diet, defined by the World Health Organization as adequate, balanced, moderate, and diverse, but in 167 countries for which data was available, found that nearly half of the children in these countries are in families that can’t afford these basics in their communities. 

The situation according to findings was particularly bad for children in low- and lower-middle-income countries, with more than two in every three children, that's is,  68% - unable to afford a healthy diet. 

" The relatively high cost of nutritious foods is one of the greatest obstacles to giving children a healthy diet, said Save the Children. When income is limited, families tend to prioritize the frequency of feeding and fuller stomachs over the quality of foods for young children". The aid agency

Mayra Alejandra Obregon Ocoro, 29, from Colombia, is a National Youth Coordinator for the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Movement (SUN CSN) and is attending the Paris summit. She said:  

 “The situation faced by nearly half of the world's children who cannot afford a balanced diet is alarming and reflects a global food crisis that we cannot ignore, adding that, " In Colombia, a country with deep social inequalities, many children and young people suffer from malnutrition and do not have access to adequate food".

Furthermore, "Poverty and rising food prices have led families to prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in diets high in carbohydrates and poor in essential nutrients. 

“It is critical that leaders attending the N4G summit commit to taking concrete and sustainable actions. I hope they will focus on implementing policies that reduce the cost of healthy food, promote local agriculture, and ensure equitable distribution of resources.” Mayra

Sohanur Rahman, 28, Bangladesh, a National Youth Coordinator for, the Scaling Up Nutrition Civil Society Movement, and who is also attending the Paris summit said:  

“In my country Bangladesh, I have seen firsthand how rising food prices, economic inequality, and climate-induced disasters including extreme weather events like floods push families into food insecurity, forcing children to rely on cheap, nutrient-poor diets.  

 

" I advise leaders at the N4G summit in Paris to, commit to transformative policies that make nutritious food affordable and accessible for all. This includes strengthening social protection programs, supporting small-scale farmers, and investing in climate-resilient agriculture to safeguard food security against climate disasters.”  Rahman

Hannah Stephenson, Save the Children’s Global Nutrition Lead who is currently in Paris for the N4G Summit, said:   

“The N4G summit is a critical opportunity for the international community to drive progress against malnutrition, putting nutrition at the center of a sustainable development agenda - which in a world where aid cuts are becoming the norm, is more crucial than ever.  

He added, " Healthy diets play a critical role in the prevention of malnutrition, which can have life-long consequences for children. However, they can also be less affordable than unhealthy diets, with globally, nearly half of the world’s children unable to afford a balanced diet, advising that, " There is an urgent need for collective action to address malnutrition in all its forms.

"The health and well-being of millions of children depend on our sustained efforts,” Hannah stressed. 

Save the Children is calling on leaders at the N4G Summit in Paris to strengthen the transition towards sustainable food systems, promote equitable access to nutritious diets, strengthen health systems to make them resilient and increase universal health coverage, strengthen social protection systems and leave no one behind, and empower women while placing them at the heart of nutrition.  

" We call on leaders to commit to integrating nutrition outcomes into a wide range of sectors including environment and climate. By prioritizing evidence-based policies, increasing financial commitments, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, only then can we drive meaningful progress toward ending malnutrition".

Be careful what you eat, avoid Helicobacter pylori disease - NIMR warns Nigerians.

Members of the public have been urged to be more conscious of their hygiene and feeding habits to avoid contracting a disease called Helicobacter pylori. 

Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria or germs that infects the stomach which can cause sores and inflammation in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. The infection can lead to stomach cancer in some people.

The Director of Research, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Yaba, Lagos, Prof. Stella Smith, made the call in a chat with newsmen.

Professor Smith who noted that Helicobacter Pylori which according to research is a cause of two deaths in Nigeria, is transferable although, it can be treated with antibiotics.

" Food vendors and handlers should submit themselves for hygiene tests and food packaging to maintain a good standard and reduce the impact of the infection to put a stop to other food-related diseases ". Smith advised

She identified symptoms like dyspepsia (consistent heartburn), pain in the stomach, bloatedness in the stomach, belching, and early satisfaction when eating amongst others as symptoms to look out for and treatment sought.

 " Aside advocacy, education, community engagement, focus groups, there are other means of awareness on the proper medication to use which will go a long way in reducing the spread is gradually becoming an outbreak". Smith

Advising on cholera which according to Professor Smith has become a public health concern, " people should not take it with levity as the rain steps in, noting that, safe, clean and portable water should be provided to combat contact and spread ".

In his contribution, a fellow researcher of the Institute, Dr. Toyosi Raheem, said surveillance, education, provision of interventions and the right application of them are key to combating the menace.

Another fellow researcher of the Institute, Dr. Yisau Jacob, said, removal of point of contamination, is a major key player in the fight against H. Pylori.

I appeal to the host communities where research is being carried out not to be hostile to researchers as they are there in the interest of your community ". Yisau

Adding his voice to overcoming the challenge, the Director General, NIMR, Professor. John Obafunwa, an atomic pathologist said, staying away from alcohol intake, smoking, canned foods and low salt intake can help tackle infectious diseases.

Prof. Obafunwa said, "reports have shown that Environmental factors like coal or exposure to rubber, diets low in fruits and vegetables are associated with the gastric cancer".

He advised everyone to pay attention to H. Pylori and seek treatment early as this will help to eliminate the possibility of developing gastric cancer.

" H pylori does not necessarily translate to the development of gastric cancer, but, it is a function of managing the particular condition and hoping that there are no other factors superimposed". Obafunwa

He appreciated the Lagos State Government for helping to identify the majority of the cases of H. Pylori and Cholera despite its dense population.

I want the government to collaborate more and fund indigenous research in the management and treatment of H pylori, and educate people especially those in the rural areas on safe and best hygiene practices.

Citizens Pension hits the market in Grand style, promises highest standard of professionalism

The National Pension Commission, PenCom, has assured all pension contributors and retirees that, their retirement savings are secure, while the organization will continue to work tirelessly to safeguard their future.  

The Director - General, National Pension Commission, Mrs Omolola Oloworaran, gave the assurance in a message to the official launch of Citizens Pensions Ltd in Lagos. 

The DG, who welcomed the organization into the fold of licensed Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), said the license came with great responsibility, to uphold the trust of contributors and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. 

 " I expected you to contribute meaningfully to the goals, offer Nigerians more choices and improved access to best-in-class pension services" he charged.  

 Oloworaran, noted that,, theimproveon reflects the growing confidence in the Contributory Pension Scheme CPS) and uderscores PenCom’s commitment to fostering a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable pension industry.  

He explained that the existence of the new administrator depends on fulfilling the rules guiding the operations adding that, it was  “Approval-In-Principle (AIP) to carry on the business of a Pension Fund Administrator subject to fulfilling the A.I.P conditions within ninety (90) days. 

Her message was delivered by the Zonal Head, South-West Zonal Office, National Pension Commission, Mr Shola Adeseun

Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, of Citizens Pensions, Helen Da-Souza identified the need for in-depth education to ensure that citizens understand their pension contributions and avoid misconceptions.

Da-Souza said, pension plan was essential to safeguard the quality of life and health at an advanced age as it provides a stable and dependable source of income after retirement.

" Many people are not in the know about pensions, most of them just make contributions, they don't even follow up on the scheme "The reason we want to embark  on in-depth education of citizens of Nigeria "Da-Souza

“We work closely with customers from their first income to retirement, providing. Listed service and support,’’ she promised. 

The Chairman of Citizens Pensions, Chukwuka Onwuchekwa, said the firm was s,epping into the space with a clear mission to provide retirement solutions that empower individuals and institutions to achieve their long-term financial goals.

According to him, this will ensure a comfortable and dignified retirement for all.

“At Citizens Pensions, we are inspired by these advancements. But inspiration alone is not enough. We understand that innovation must be adapted to local realities.

“Nigeria, with its dynamic population and unique challenges, presents an incredible opportunity to leapfrog traditional models and embrace a future where pensions are not just an obligation but a cornerstone of financial empowerment”.

Onwuchekwa called for collaboration with other PFAs to transform the pension system. “But let us be clear: building a transformative pension system is not a solo endeavor" he stressed 

 we invite collaboration. From regulators to financial institutions, from employers to employees. Yes, we must work together to create a system that is inclusive, efficient, and sustainable’’.

He thanked the National Pension Commission (PenCom) for their dedication to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s pension sector.

ECOWAS Commission Holds Stakeholders Meeting on Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project.

The ECOWAS Commission at the weekend held two stakeholder engagements on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project. 

The engagements were held at Agbara and Seme, a border town between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.

Royal fathers, youths, community leaders, transport workers Union, border town communities, the military, Police, and para-military organizations such as the Customs, Immigration, engaged the ECOWAS Commission and the Ministry of Works officials.

The Director of Communication and Visibility Study for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, Mr. David Nwedu said, that the engagement was necessary especially as the design phase will be completed in May after which the construction will begin.

He said, " the construction will bring a lot of boom along communities on the highway corridor as there will be an increase in commerce, accommodations and other needs of the workers".

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha said that the engagement would be the last before the commencement of the project.

" After this stakeholders engagement, the Ministry will not entertain any request for review of what has been agreed".

"Please, I want to plead for your support my Royal fathers, youths, and community leaders, do not disturb contractors on site when the project starts ". Kesha appealed 

She gave an assurance that, every property owner that was displaced for the project would be compensated and commended the former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola for securing the right of way for the project and gazzetting same.

The Controller of Work stated that children of natives of the communities along the Corridor who have the necessary qualifications and skills would be employed to work on the project. 

Responding to questions, Mrs. Kesha said that, " there won't be bus stops or parks on the Highway Corridor and advised transport workers Unions to buy land that they can use as motor parks".

By Fabian Anawo 

5years under tree: National Theatre staff protests... Calls on President Tinubu to intervene

The Joint Congress of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) have raised concerns over the continued denial of access to designated offices at the National Theatre Complex in Lagos.

At a world news conference, the Unions condemned the situation, citing worker displacement and suspicions surrounding the concession of the national edifice.

To this end, the Joint Unions of the National Theatre, including RATTAWU and AUPCTRE, staged a peaceful procession around the complex, carrying placards with messages such as“18 months is now 5 years—workers are still under trees;” “Loss of billions of naira in revenue while keeping us under trees;” “National Theatre is not for sale;” and “Workers deserve rest and peace of mind in their offices.”

Speaking after the procession, Comrade Ishmail Adejumo, Chairman of RATTAWU, Lagos State Chapter, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reopen the National Theatre for workers.

"Despite a series of meetings, consultations, and letters to appropriate quarters informing them about our members' challenges, since the renovation, we have been seeing some clandestine movement in and around this complex."

"And that's why we are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the honorable.

Minister for Arts and Culture and Creative Economy, the house committee chairman in the lower and upper chamber, and all critical stakeholders to quickly as a matter of urgency open this national iconic symbol and allow them access". Adejimo appealed 

Comrade Adejumo expressed concerns over an alleged concession plan, warning that it could lead to mass job losses. 

" The prolonged restriction has not only affected productivity but has also caused psychological distress and professional displacement". He stated

On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Olabisi Adebayo, emphasized that the National Theatre is a national heritage and that workers were initially told they would be back in their offices after 18 months.

However, five years later, they are still working under trees.

He outlined key demands to include relocation of workers to their offices and the provision of a conducive working environment.

According to Adebayo, All the staff are working under trees whereby we have a very beautiful structure on the ground. While our men are under the trees, they are still working and generating income.

" And if we can work in a conducive environment we are going to add to that. All those money that we have lost now, invariably will affect the economy". Adebayo

He explained and I quote, "The former minister of information and culture told us that they would spend 25 billion Naira but they spent 100 billion Naira, and up to date they did not put the structure in operation".

Some affected workers also shared their experiences of working under trees, describing it as challenging and demoralizing.

"Couple with the harsh weather, we have been doing our work, paying into government coffers. Before the renovation commenced, then Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed, called us that they wanted to renovate the place and after renovation, we are going back to our offices".

Five years back now, the place is under lock. That's why we are calling on government so that we can go back and have a conducive environment", adding that, "the condition has been very harsh, despite the poor working condition, we have been able to still generate revenue into the TSA. "When we experience rainfall, we normally run into a bar where they sell food and drinks, writing memos under trees, that has been our situation". Responders said.

Renovation of the National Theatre began in July 2021 under the Federal Government’s plan to revamp the creative sector and unlock job opportunities for young Nigerians. 

It is gathered that the upgrade covers various facilities, including the 4,000-seater main bowl, banquet halls, cinemas, VIP spaces, clinics, fire station, and extensive roof repairs.