South East Governors have been told not to bother asking for a renewal of mandate in 2027 if the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, did not regain his freedom before the next general election.

Concerned Igbo Ministers who issued the threat in an open letter to the Governors accused them of not doing enough to secure Kanu’s release despite making it a campaign issue.

The Ministers also expressed disappointment that Igbo leaders could not raise Kanu’s matter before President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, during his recent visit to Enugu.

They further accused President Tinubu of playing politics with Kanu’s continued incarceration, wondering why it is taking him long to honour his promise during the campaigns to release Kanu if elected President.

Arguing that “Kanu’s continued detention is an outright humiliation to Ndigbo”, the Ministers urged the President to heed the pleas from eminent Nigerians for Kanu’s release.

Concerned Igbo Ministers, in a statement signed by the President General/ International Coordinator, the Rev. Tony Uzo Anthony; and Secretary General, Apostle Tony Osuji, expressed displeasure over the President’s reluctance to release Kanu.

They challenged the President and South East Governors to demonstrate that they were genuinely committed to the restoration of peace to the South East by releasing Kanu whose continued detention, they claimed, was fuelling insecurity in the region.

The open letter sighted by Vanguard in Abia read:”It is now evident that Mr. President and the South Eastern Governors took an oath not to free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Last week, the Prince Emmanuel Kanu, younger brother to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu revealed their deal with Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, with the approval of his father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“During his campaign in Imo State, the President promised that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would be liberated during his presidency, but nothing has happened in nearly two years now.

“Sad enough, no South Eastern Governor confronted Mr President during his tour to the region about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s infamous and illegal detention.

“It is now evident to everyone that our South Eastern Governors are the true source of insecurity in the South East, otherwise they should have pressed for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has a lasting solution to the insecurities in the region.

“Mr President being misled by the South Eastern Governors is on a path that can ruin his name and political ambitions in the region.

“God would appear in his time to expose the actions of the South Eastern Governors who in one way or the other benefited from Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unlawful incarceration.

“We, as a group, are now urging all religious leaders to begin raising questions about Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is yet to be released.

“The utmost hypocrisy of Igbo politicians is to use the media to fool our people with frivolous promises that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be released. They have all failed Ndi Igbo and should not be re-elected should they continue to fool us and politicize Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.”

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, has expressed that if Nigeria is unable to function as a united country, the different ethnic groups should be permitted to go their separate ways.

In a video shared on Thursday, Igboho, seen at a UK airport, blamed corruption and insecurity for why many Nigerians no longer take pride in their citizenship.

He added that Yoruba youths, enriched by global exposure, are eager to transform the Yoruba nation into a modern, prosperous society like those in Europe.

His words: “Even inside the airport, there is no security. They can steal your belongings inside your bag (in Nigerian airports). All these are the things dissuading people from being proud of the country, Nigeria.

“Things like that make us sad to identify ourselves as Nigerians. This is why we advocate for separation. If Nigeria is not working as a country, it is better we go our separate ways.

“Our (Yoruba) youths will transform Yoruba nation. Most of them have travelled across the world and they have learned a lot. If they come back to Yoruba land, the knowledge will help them build it and transform the nation like those in Europe.”

This is not the first time Igboho has called for the breakaway of Yoruba people from Nigeria.

In April 2024, Igboho, alongside Pro Banji Akintoye and Ola Ademola from the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, wrote a letter to President Tinubu, urging him to establish a negotiation team to discuss the Yoruba people’s exit from Nigeria.

The letter reads in part: “We are acting for and on behalf of our 60 million Yoruba people of the Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, respectively, plus the Yoruba Local Government Areas of Kogi and Kwara State, and plus the Itshekiri homeland of Delta State, all together constituting the Yorubaland in Nigeria, hereby most humbly place our crowning request before Your Excellency as follows:

“That the Nigerian Federal Government shall, within the next two months, but not later than June 15, 2024, inform us Yoruba Self-determination Movement that the Nigerian Federal Government has graciously agreed to our proposal for negotiation and that they have set up a negotiation team that will meet and have a dialogue with our Yoruba Nation’s negotiation team.

“That the Nigerian Federal Government shall invite the United Nations, African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, to send observers to the negotiation meetings.”

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has disclosed that it has stopped the registration of sachet alcohol since February 2024 as part of a campaign to curb its accessibility, especially to young people.

At a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye reflected on the agency’s accomplishments over the past seven years and outlined a transformative vision for 2025.

Adeyeye said the agency will be focusing on five pillars including strong governance and leadership, maternal newborn and child health, institutionalisation of best practices, safety and quality of regulated products and monitoring of supply chain.

According to her, “A cornerstone of the strategic plan is addressing the agency’s greatest need: an adequately staffed workforce.” Adeyeye noted that despite NAFDAC extensive regulatory responsibilities, the agency is acutely understaffed.

She said to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Benchmarking requirements, the agency plans to engage volunteers while awaiting statutory approval for additional hires.

She said the agency required a total of 10,000 workers to effectively oversee the population’s needs but has only 2000 staff nationwide.

“We burn candles on both ends,” she stated, emphasising that the current workforce is overstretched but remains committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining Nigeria’s global standing.

“Efforts to address this include stringent recruitment processes to ensure integrity and competence. While the agency seeks to double or triple its current staff, funding constraints have limited the pace of expansion.

“Volunteers are also being incorporated into the workforce, with candidates undergoing the same rigorous screening as regular staff.

“Staff motivation and retention remain key priorities, with a focus on improved remuneration and capacity building. Training initiatives will target officers in all 36 states to enhance skills in regulatory inspection, post-marketing surveillance, clinical trial monitoring, and customer service. Monthly seminars with strategic partners like the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria will ensure cross-agency collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

On infrastructure and tools for efficiency, she said NAFDAC plans to complete 10 state and zonal offices, as well as laboratories, including the Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Laboratory in Oshodi. Investments in vehicles, laboratory equipment, and computers will bolster efficiency, while solar panels will be integrated into selected facilities to reduce energy costs.

On safety and Quality: 2025 as the Year of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Adeyeye said NAFDAC has declared 2025 as the “Year of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health & Nutrition (MNCH&N).”

“The agency will prioritise the regulation of maternal health products such as oxytocin, tranexamic acid, and carbetocin to prevent postpartum haemorrhage and reduce maternal mortality.

“For children, emphasis will be placed on the quality and availability of antimalarials, antibiotics, and ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for malnourished children.

“Manufacturers will be incentivised to produce paediatric medicines, supported by regulatory inspection and WHO Prequalification processes, she stated.

Further, on tackling Substandard and Falsified Products: “The agency aims to minimise the prevalence of falsified and substandard products to less than five per cent through stringent post-marketing surveillance and inspections. Cluster registration of globally listed products and enhanced stakeholder engagement will ensure transparency and consumer safety.”

On it’s focus on Herbal Medicines and Cosmetics, she said NAFDAC is expanding its regulatory focus on herbal medicines, collaborating with the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) to develop a Nigerian Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Traditional Medicine Formulary. Clinical trials for herbal products targeting malaria, diabetes, and hypertension are being planned.

“In the cosmetics sector, the agency will compare locally made products with imports to determine the need for protective policies favouring local manufacturers. Quarterly stakeholder training will ensure compliance with health and safety standards.”

Speaking on the Supply Chain Visibility and Traceability, she said to secure regulated products, NAFDAC will expand its GS1-driven track-and-trace technology to MNCH&N commodities, ensuring visibility and protection from diversion or infiltration.

“This system, already applied to COVID-19 vaccines and antimalarials, will now extend to high-risk foods and other critical medicines.

For financial prudence and sustainability, she said under her watch, NAFDAC has achieved financial solvency, moving from a ₦3.2 billion debt in 2018 to a stable footing.

“Continued digitisation of financial systems has enhanced transparency and efficiency. Moving forward, the agency seeks increased funding to expand staff strength, procure tools, and create conducive work environments.

She said the NAFDAC 2025 Strategic Plan is a bold vision to enhance regulatory efficiency, protect public health, and promote local industry, adding that with a focus on maternal and child health, strengthened supply chains, and expanded workforce capacity, NAFDAC is poised to lead Nigeria into a healthier future.

Adeyeye said: “Our efforts are driven by a singular purpose—safeguarding the health of the nation. Together, we can achieve a safer, healthier Nigeria.”

Speaking on other critical issues like the Executive Order on local content, she called for timely enforcement of the order to ensure manufacturers have ample time to adjust before it expires.

On border security and counterfeit products, she said to combat the smuggling of unregulated and counterfeit products, NAFDAC is enhancing surveillance at ports and borders.

“However, understaffed borders remain a challenge. The agency plans to utilise pre-screened candidates to bolster manpower as soon as statutory approvals are granted.”

Responding to a question on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
in China, she emphasised its proactive approach to pandemic preparedness.

While awaiting WHO guidance, she said the agency has prioritised local manufacturing of medical devices and pharmaceuticals to mitigate overdependence on imports during health crises.

Nigerian musician, Darlington Achakpo, widely known as Speed Darlington, has petitioned the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over what he described as his unlawful detention.

In a letter dated January 8, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Rosemary E. Hamza, from the law firm of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Speed Darlington urged the police to comply with a Federal High Court order issued by Justice M.S. Liman on December 23, 2024. The court had directed the police to either charge him to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

The letter, titled “Re: Unlawful Detention of Darlington Achakpo” and copied to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, expressed frustration over the police’s continued disregard for the court’s ruling.

Part of the letter read, “As you are no doubt aware, the Federal High Court, per Hon. Justice M.S. Liman, on the 23rd day of December 2024, directed the police authorities to charge our client to court within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.

“On January 6, 2025, the court reiterated the order and urged the police authorities to release him to the lead counsel, our own, Marshal Abubakar, who shall produce him in court for trial.”

The letter further revealed that bail terms were communicated to the singer on January 6, 2025, requiring him to produce a Grade Level 16 civil servant as a surety. On January 7, 2025, Abubakar and another legal representative, Mazi David Ihuoma, accompanied a surety to the FIB to meet the conditions. However, according to the petition, multiple calls and messages to DIG Galadanchi from the singer’s legal team were ignored.

The letter added, “Events and happenings on that day left much to be desired as several calls and messages sent to you by Abubakar Marshal, Esq and Deji Adeyanju, Esq were left unanswered and without response.”

The petition confirmed that Abubakar and Ihuoma would visit the FIB again on January 9, 2025, with a surety to fulfil the bail conditions.

LEADERSHIP reports that Speed Darlington’s ordeal stemmed from his arrest in November 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking of fellow artist, Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy. After his arrest in Lagos, the singer was transferred to Abuja and detained by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in its Guzape District office in Abuja.

Although released initially, he was re-arrested shortly after, during a performance in Owerri, the Imo State capital, upon his return to Nigeria.

Five prominent kingmakers in Oyo town have rejected the move by Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, to kickstart a fresh process for the selection of a new monarch to occupy the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.

The kingmakers, who opposed the new selection process include High Chief Yusuf Akinade, Basorun of Oyo; High Chief Wakeel Akindele, Lagunna of Oyo; High Chief Hamzat Yusuf, Akinniku of Oyo; Chíef Wahab Oyetunji, warrant chief standing-in for Asipa of Oyo, and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, warrant chief standing-in for Alapinni of Oyo.

They described the fresh move as illegal and a disregard for the judiciary.

The stance of the kingmakers, known as Oyomesi, was made known in a letter addressed to Governor Makinde, which was signed on their behalf by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday.

“We have just been reliably informed by our clients that you have just through the Oyo State Commissíoner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Chairmen of Atiba and Oyo East Local Governments appointed (i) Chief Odurinde Olusegun (Alajagba of Ajagba) (ii) Chief Ganiyu Ajiboye (Alago-Oja of Ago Oja) as warrant kíngmakers to join High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo) to kick start the process of selecting another candidate to fill the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.

“The two local government chairmen and the said warrant chiefs and High Chief Asimiyu Atanda (Agbaakin of Oyo) and High Chief Lamidi Oyewale (Samu of Oyo) who are not in support of the decision of the majority of the kingmakers that selected Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin as the Alafin-elect, were summoned today, 9th January, 2025 to the office of the Oyo State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs where they were ordered to commence a fresh process to fill the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo,” Sobaloju said.

He noted that since there was a pending court case on the matter, the governor’s attempt to kickstart a new process was a disregard to his oath of office, judiciary and the country’s constitution.

Sobaloju added that the governor’s move was similar to his past action when he disregarded a pending case before the court and proceeded to dissolve democratically-elected local government councils in the State, which the Supreme Court eventually condemned and described as a “Disturbing ugly face of impunity displayed by the Governor of Oyo State, tantamounting to executive lawlessness.”

“Proceeding to commence a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo would be subjudice and tantamount to lawlessness and disregard of the superior courts of record, an act which Your Excellency ought to distance yourself from.

“We, therefore, once more request and urge Your Excellency to suspend any plan to kickstart fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alafin of Oyo during the pendency of a motion for injunction, pending appeal in obedience to law and integrity of our courts,” he added.

It would be recalled that the Oyo throne became vacant after Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III joined his ancestors on April 22, 2022, at the age of 83.

Police operatives in Bauchi and Anambra States have rescued three children – Sabo Salisu 3 year-old; Isah Abdulkadir 4 year-old, and Nana Khadija Zakariya’u, 6 year-old – who were abducted from Gwallameji, a community in the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis of Bauchi State.

LEADERSHIP reports that one of the children was sold in Anambra State for N2million before they were rescued by the Police.

The children were abducted by a woman, who was still at large, having rented an apartment in the neighbourhood of the family residence of her victims in early December, 2024.

The suspect allegedly lured the children after learning that one of them did well in school. She took them from their mothers, promising to buy them toys but never returned with the children.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Mohammed, said the children were rescued through an intelligence network of security operatives in Anambara and Bauchi States.

Speaking during the handling-over of the children to their parents in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his deep concern and frustration over the rising cases of child abductions and trafficking in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the governor’s concerns came after the state government had received a batch of seven abducted Bauchi children who were sold in Kano State in 2023.

He said the latest incident highlighted the severity of the problem and the need for urgent attention, and called for a change in mindset, emphasising that parents must take responsibility for their children’s welfare and safety.

Governor Mohammed commended the support of Anambara State governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, which led to the safe rescue of the abducted children.

Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to appoint Eric Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

According to Udeze, former interim coach of the Super Eagles Augustine Eguavoen has a better ‘CV’ than Chelle.

He added that the Malian gaffer accepted the Super Eagles job only to boost his CV.

The NFF had earlier this week announced Chelle’s appointment.

Chelle replaced Eguavoen, who was appointed as caretaker manager after the NFF parted ways with Finidi George last year.

Speaking on Brila FM’s No Holds Barred, Udeze questioned Chelle’s appointment.

“A coach Mali sacked for a poor run in the World Cup qualifiers, does he deserve this job?” Udeze said.

“The most annoying thing is that Augustine Eguavoen, who was our interim coach, has a better CV than this Eric Chelle. On what grounds was Chelle employed?

“He took the job to enhance his CV. He doesn’t care whether we qualify for the World Cup or not. That’s the only reason he accepted the job.”

Chelle is expected to lead Nigeria for the remaining games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The 47-year-old was sacked as Mali’s head coach after failing to win games in the same 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Stella Nwadiogo, the classroom teacher at Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, who was caught on video assaulting a three-year-old pupil, has been suspended indefinitely.

The viral video, which surfaced online on Wednesday, showed Nwadiogo hitting Michael Abayomi repeatedly for struggling to write the numeric number ‘six’ properly.

Recalls that public condemnation and uproar on social media led to the arrest of Nwadigo on Wednesday.

In response to the public outrage, the management of Christ Mitots School issued a statement describing Nwadiogo’s actions as unacceptable and completely at odds with the school’s principles.

“The video circulating on social media reveals conduct that is entirely unacceptable and inconsistent with our school’s values,” the statement read. “We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students, and such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The management confirmed that the teacher has been suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of an investigation.

“We have taken immediate action by suspending the teacher involved while a thorough investigation is conducted. This reflects our zero-tolerance approach to any form of misconduct, especially actions that compromise the safety and well-being of our students.”

The school management also apologised to the victim’s family, assuring them of their full support during this period.

“To the family of the affected pupil, we extend our sincerest apologies and have reached out to ensure their concerns are addressed,” the statement added.

It also announced additional measures to prevent similar incidents, including mandatory training sessions for teachers on positive disciplinary methods and child protection protocols.

It added that a confidential whistle-blowing system has also been introduced to encourage the prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour

Hunger and food insecurity are serious problems in many African countries. These challenges are caused by conflict, climate change, economic instability, and weak farming systems.

The March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security report by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) showed that nearly 55 million people in West and Central Africa were expected to face severe food shortages during the June to August 2024 lean season.

This is four million more than the November 2023 forecast and four times higher than five years ago. Data from the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) by Statista also shows that several African countries continue to face severe hunger and malnutrition. The following countries are the most affected:

5. Niger

Hunger Index Score: 34.1

Niger is severely affected by hunger because of its fast-growing population, political instability, and climate problems.

The rapid population growth in Niger increases the demand for food, but resources are limited. Erratic rainfall and desertification have reduced food production. Armed insurgencies along its borders have displaced communities and disrupted farming activities. Over 4.3 million people in Niger were at risk of hunger in 2024.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Hunger Index Score: 34.9 (Alarming)

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing one of the world’s largest hunger crises. Conflict, poverty, and weak farming systems are the main causes.

Violence in the eastern regions of the DRC has displaced millions of people, disrupting farming and food distribution. Economic instability, including high inflation and unemployment, makes food unaffordable for many. The DRC has fertile land, but farming remains underdeveloped due to a lack of investment. About 26.4 million people in the DRC face hunger.

3. Madagascar

Hunger Index Score: 36.3

Madagascar faces severe food insecurity caused by climate change. Droughts and cyclones have damaged farms, especially in the southern regions.

The southern part of Madagascar is facing its worst drought in decades, known as a “climate famine.” Poverty makes it hard for people to recover from crop losses or buy food. Chronic malnutrition affects almost half of the children in Madagascar, stunting their growth and development. Over 1.5 million people were hungry in Madagascar in 2024.

2. Chad:

Hunger Index Score: 36.4

Chad is the second most affected country. Its weak farming system, political instability, and harsh climate make food access very difficult.

Unpredictable rainfall and desertification have reduced crop production in Chad. Conflicts in neighbouring countries have forced many refugees into Chad, which puts extra pressure on the country’s resources. Poor infrastructure, such as bad roads, makes it hard to deliver food and aid to those in need. About 4.7 million people in Chad face hunger.

1. Somalia

Hunger Index Score: 44.1

Somalia is the most affected country in Africa. It suffers from long-term conflict, harsh weather such as droughts and floods, and weak government support.

The ongoing conflict in Somalia disrupts farming and food distribution. Armed groups prevent people from accessing resources. Frequent droughts destroy crops and kill livestock, leaving millions struggling to survive. Nearly half of Somalia’s population relies on food aid to meet basic needs.

West Ham United have announced Graham Potter as their new manager following the departure of Julen Lopetegui earlier this week.

The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club. Potter takes charge with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, after securing just six league wins this season.

“I am delighted to be here. It was important to me that I waited until a job came along that I felt was right for me, and equally that I was the right fit for the club I am joining,” Potter told the club’s website.

“That is the feeling I have with West Ham United. My conversations with the chairman and the board have been very positive and constructive.

“We share the same values of hard work and high energy to create the solid foundations that can produce success.”

Potter also emphasised his alignment with the club’s short-term needs and long-term vision, stating, “We are on the same wavelength in terms of what is needed in the short term and then how we want to move the club forward in the medium to long term.”

This marks Potter’s return to management after his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023. Despite an underwhelming tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he oversaw a record £323 million transfer outlay, Potter previously impressed during his three-year spell at Brighton, guiding the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish in 2022.

Potter’s managerial career has also included stints at Ostersunds FK and Swansea City. He was briefly linked to the England national team role before Chelsea hired him as Thomas Tuchel’s successor.

Potter’s first challenge as West Ham manager will be their FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League clash at home against Fulham on Tuesday.