Nigeria’s Medical ART Centre, a leading fertility clinic and one of the first research-oriented IVF centers in West Africa, has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management Systems. This recognition highlights the center’s commitment to quality management in fertility treatment services.

The certification was presented by Dr. Raymond Smith, Director General of IEMA Standard Ltd., during a ceremony in Lagos. He described the ISO certification as a significant achievement, noting that the certification process involved a thorough evaluation of the center’s compliance with international standards.

Smith explained, “The certification committee reviewed all reports from the auditors and approved the certification for Medical ART Centre. This rigorous process ensured that the organization meets the high standards set by the International Organisation for Standardization.”

Medical ART Centre is renowned for its dedication to research and innovation in assisted reproductive technology. Smith emphasized that maintaining the certification will involve annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO standards.

IEMA Standard Ltd. is accredited by the Egyptian Accreditation Council and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Accreditation Systems, further underscoring the credibility of the certification process.

In a decisive action against criminal activity, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, announced the elimination of eight kidnappers linked to a notorious gang that has been terrorizing Abuja and surrounding areas in Niger and Kaduna states.

The operation targeted the gang’s hideouts in the forests of Kweri in Kaduna State and Gauraka Forest in Niger State. Among those neutralized were Abdulrahman Giwa, Baba Hassan, Mohammed Dahiru, Abubakar Bature (aka Dayi), Abubakar Kadiri (aka Dare), and Kabiru Ibrahim.

Disu reported that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command conducted clearance operations, arresting suspects responsible for various armed robbery and kidnapping incidents affecting communities such as Dei-dei, Bwari, and Dawaki in the FCT, as well as Daupe, Kau, and Sunape villages.

During the operation, which involved intense gunfire, the gang leader known only as Mallam was also killed. Two police operatives sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Intelligence gathered indicated that the gang had kept hostages in multiple locations, including Gidan Dogo forest in Kaduna, Gauraka forest in Niger, and Kweri forest in Kaduna.

Disu outlined the criminal activities of the neutralized kidnappers, highlighting that Abdulrahman Giwa, 25, had joined Mallam’s gang in 2022 and participated in several kidnappings, including a notable attack on Jibi village in Niger State on July 21, 2024, where ransoms were collected.

The police have reiterated their commitment to making Abuja and its environs uncomfortable for criminal elements, ensuring the safety and security of residents in the region.

Nigeria has reportedly lost approximately 20,100 Gigawatts per hour of potential power generation due to persistent gas flaring by oil companies in the first nine months of 2024. This figure marks a 5.5% increase compared to the 19,000 Gigawatts lost during the same period in 2023.

The ongoing gas flaring issues are contributing to Nigeria’s struggle to generate more than 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, as the limited gas supply available to Electricity Generation Companies (GENCOs) hampers production.

According to the latest report from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), gas flaring in Nigeria increased by 8% in the past nine months, rising to 200.5 million standard cubic feet (MSCF) from 190.2 million MSCF in 2023. The monetary value of this flared gas during the reporting period is estimated at $701.8 million, with defaulting companies, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), facing potential fines of $401 million.

NOSDRA’s breakdown indicates that onshore flaring rose by 10% to 105.5 million MSCF, while offshore flaring accounted for 95 million MSCF. The flared gas is equivalent to carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 10.7 million tonnes.

Despite efforts to mitigate gas flaring since the 1950s, the practice continues to be a significant environmental concern, releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere. This ongoing issue is also linked to the likelihood of further grid collapses in Nigeria, attributed to inadequate gas supply to power plants.

Sola Ebiseni, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, has called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as it pertains to Ondo State.

During a press conference in Akure, Ebiseni criticized Aiyedatiwa’s silence on the project, stating that current maps indicate the highway may not adequately serve Ondo’s coastal areas. He emphasized the importance of this infrastructure for coastal investments and erosion management, especially since the Ondo portion, about 100 kilometers long, features the state’s longest shoreline.

Ebiseni remarked, “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is the most visionary project for the Niger Delta. However, all efforts by leaders from Ondo, particularly in Ilaje Local Government, to advocate for a beneficial alignment have been ignored. The Governor has been indifferent to our pleas.” He suggested that Aiyedatiwa should hold a meeting to discuss the project with the community, similar to what other states have done.

He further criticized the governor for focusing on minor achievements, like celebrating a concrete walkway, while overlooking more impactful projects that could establish a deep-sea port and address coastal erosion in areas like Aiyetoro.

LP’S STRATEGY AND ELECTION PROSPECTS

Discussing the LP’s election prospects, Ebiseni asserted that the party is a well-known political entity in Ondo, having been elected twice to governorship from 2009 to 2017. He highlighted his and his deputy’s previous experience as commissioners under former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, emphasizing their commitment to returning to a government focused on education, health, and rural development.

“We are not relying on crowd rentals or transporting supporters to rallies. Instead, we’re engaging with the people directly and reminding them of the Labour Party’s achievements,” Ebiseni stated. He pointed out that under the LP administration, education was free up to secondary school, contrasting with the current government’s failure to pay WAEC fees, which led to significant issues for students.

Ebiseni’s remarks underscore a call for stronger leadership that prioritizes the needs and interests of Ondo State’s coastal communities.

The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Comr. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, has revealed plans to construct an island in the region, inspired by Lagos’s Banana Island. This project will be pursued as a public/private partnership.

During a media event on October 21 to celebrate his administration’s first 100 days in office, Agbateyiniro stated, “A lot of people have said it is not possible, but we believe it is achievable. We will send the relevant Bill to the Legislative Arm, and a Bye-law will be passed to that effect.”

He emphasized the creation of an investment committee and the establishment of the Warri South Local Government Area Investment Project and Development Board to foster an investor-friendly environment.

Agbateyiniro highlighted several initiatives undertaken within his first 100 days, including:

• Farm Estates: Development in riverine areas with trained personnel for agricultural advancements.
• Security Measures: Plans to install CCTV cameras in all hotels within Warri South.
• Cleanliness Initiative: A “Keep Warri South Clean” program launching in the first week of November.

The event also featured contributions from various council supervisors and legislative leaders, who outlined their departments’ achievements during Agbateyiniro’s tenure. The gathering included PDP leaders, council officials, and media representatives.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has scheduled an investigative public hearing for October 24 to address the ongoing issues of frequent grid collapses affecting the nation’s power supply.

In a statement on its Twitter account, NERC invited all stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the general public, to participate in the hearing, which will take place at its Hearing Room in Abuja.

NERC emphasized its responsibility to conduct public hearings on critical matters within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), as outlined in Section 48, subsection 1 of the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended). The commission expressed concern over the recent rise in grid disturbances, which have led to significant power outages across various states, undermining previous efforts to enhance grid stability and infrastructure.

The announcement follows a recent grid collapse that occurred on Monday, with power only restored by Tuesday. This incident marks the second collapse within a week and the seventh reported in 2024.

Chief Sola Ebiseni, the Labour Party candidate for the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to clarify the alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as it pertains to Ondo State.

Ebiseni criticized Aiyedatiwa for remaining silent on the significant highway project, noting that existing maps indicate that the road may not adequately cover the Ondo coastal area. He expressed concern that this misalignment could lead to missed opportunities for the state.

At a press conference in Akure, the state capital, Ebiseni emphasized, “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, under the Tinubu administration, is the most visionary project for the people of the Niger Delta. The Ondo State segment, which spans approximately 100 kilometers and has the longest shoreline, stands to gain immensely from this initiative, especially regarding coastal investments and erosion management.”

He further lamented the indifference of state leaders, particularly towards the concerns of the people from Ilaje Local Government, stating, “Efforts to ensure justice have proved abortive. I suggested to the governor in May that he should convene a meeting to engage our communities and represent our interests to the federal government regarding the alignment, but palpable tension remains.”

Ebiseni accused the governor of focusing on trivial projects while neglecting initiatives that could greatly enhance the state’s infrastructure and economy. “While our governor celebrates a kilometer of concrete walkway, a project that could establish a deep-sea port and address coastal erosion is being overlooked.”

Discussing the Labour Party’s chances in the election, Ebiseni asserted that the party is well-recognized in Ondo State, noting its historical electoral successes from 2009 to 2017. He highlighted the party’s previous achievements in education, health, and rural development, promising a return to those standards.

“Our campaign focuses on the tangible benefits we provided during our administration, such as free education up to secondary school, which the current government has failed to sustain. Parents are burdened with costs that were once covered by us,” Ebiseni remarked.

He also pointed out the negative impacts of the current administration, including the withholding of WAEC results due to unpaid fees, and stressed the need for the electorate to remember the Labour Party’s previous initiatives, including free healthcare and accessible education.

Ebiseni concluded by reinforcing the Labour Party’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s infrastructure and ensuring the welfare of its citizens, contrasting their track record with that of other parties, which he claimed have not delivered on their promises.

A faction within the All Progressives Congress (APC), known as The Special Interest Committee, has committed to securing over 700,000 votes for the party’s candidate and current governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the upcoming governorship election.

Chairman of the group, Biyi Poroye, announced that they have established robust structures across the state’s 18 local government areas, wards, and units to mobilize support for Aiyedatiwa. The group has initiated a statewide campaign to enlighten and engage voters in all communities.

Poroye praised Governor Aiyedatiwa as an experienced leader capable of delivering the dividends of democracy swiftly. He emphasized Aiyedatiwa’s patience, consistency, and genuine concern for the state’s challenges, assuring voters that the APC candidate would not let them down.

He stated, “No governor in the history of Ondo State has ever secured 300,000 votes to win an election. The highest recorded votes stand at 273,000. However, for this election, we are confident not just of winning, but achieving an extraordinary victory.”

Poroye outlined their goal of securing at least 200 votes per unit and expressed confidence that the results would prompt President Tinubu to renegotiate with the people of Ondo State. He urged voters to support Aiyedatiwa, highlighting his competence and commitment to advancing the state.

State APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin encouraged intensified grassroots efforts through house-to-house campaigns and called on the youth in all local government areas to work diligently for the party’s success.

“I commend you for your determination to secure victory for our party. We all desire a prosperous and secure state, and I encourage you to continue canvassing support for Aiyedatiwa. The 700,000-vote target is achievable, and I see your determination to make it happen,” Adetimehin stated.

Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami expressed gratitude to the group, labeling their 700,000-vote goal as ambitious yet attainable. He emphasized the importance of voter education and mobilization, urging the group to begin their efforts immediately.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has paid tribute to General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State, calling him a celebrated leader and likening him to the late British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Speaking at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) conference in Abuja, Obasanjo praised Gowon’s exceptional leadership and highlighted the rarity of leaders receiving recognition during their lifetimes.

The conference, themed “Value-Based Leadership Model for Africa,” brought together leaders from Africa and Europe, along with global Christian figures, to address the continent’s leadership challenges. Obasanjo lamented the decline in global leadership standards and cautioned against state actors engaging in important issues without fully grasping their implications. He advocated for visionary and ethical leadership in Africa, saying, “Only a few leaders are appreciated in their lifetime. General Gowon, I envy you because you are appreciated while still alive.”

Drawing a parallel to Winston Churchill, Obasanjo noted, “Churchill fought tirelessly for the British Empire but was often unappreciated during his time. Yet before he died, he was named ‘Man of the Century.’” He reflected on how many great leaders, including religious figures, were not celebrated until after their deaths, emphasizing that expecting praise can lead to disappointment for leaders.

Obasanjo also touched on the state of global conflicts, citing the 58 wars currently affecting 92 countries and questioning the absence of a Third World War. He called for a united approach to tackle these pressing issues.

Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, stressing the urgent need for competent and compassionate leadership in Africa. He remarked on the critical juncture the continent faces and emphasized the importance of cultivating leaders who prioritize the well-being of ordinary citizens.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the critical challenge of leadership deficit facing the world, including Africa and Nigeria, during the 11th African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) 2024 Conference held in Abuja. The event, organized by the Bible Society of various countries, centered on the theme “Value-based leadership: model for Africa” and aimed to cultivate a new generation of transformational leaders.

Obasanjo remarked, “If there is any shortage in supply of anything in the world today, it is leadership,” stressing that this deficit is a fundamental issue globally. He highlighted the qualities of biblical leaders—knowledge, understanding, compassion, and a close relationship with God—as essential traits that current leaders should embody.

He called on world leaders, particularly those in Africa and Nigeria, to lead with a sense of divine responsibility to address ongoing challenges. “Leaders must possess the qualities of Biblical leaders who ruled their generation with God’s wisdom,” he asserted.

First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Mrs. Gloria Akobundu, also addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of justice in achieving value-based leadership. She stated that justice is fundamental to godly leadership, promoting fairness, equity, and protection for the vulnerable in society.

The conference aimed to inspire and equip attendees to foster transformational leadership across Africa, aligning with biblical principles and values.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has invited the state Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro, to provide clarity on the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding financial autonomy for local governments. This decision comes as part of the Assembly’s ongoing efforts to review and strengthen the Local Government Administration Law.

During a session on Monday, presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, lawmakers resolved to hold a second public hearing on a bill aimed at revising this law. Speaker Obasa clarified that the proposed changes are not intended to abolish the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) but to enhance their functionality.

“We are not scrapping the LCDAs. What we are trying to do is examine the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the Lagos and local governments’ joint account and ensure that both parent local governments and the LCDAs can work together effectively,” he stated.

Obasa also called for formal recognition of the LCDAs by the National Assembly, citing examples from other states like Kano, which has 44 local governments, and Jigawa, which has 27. He suggested that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) review the revenue-sharing formula to better reflect the contributions of larger states like Lagos.

The Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, noted that many stakeholders missed the previous public hearing due to poor weather, leading to the request for a second hearing. Hon. Ladi Ajomale emphasized the need for clarity among the public regarding the status of local government entities, while Hon. Desmond Elliot stressed the importance of formally recognizing the LCDAs, given Lagos’ population size and economic significance.

President Bola Tinubu has urged industry stakeholders to collaborate with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to achieve its One Million Barrels Oil Per Day (1MMBOPD) Initiative. This announcement was made on Monday during the inauguration of the project and the commemoration of NUPRC’s third anniversary under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) in Abuja.

Tinubu emphasized that the initiative aims to develop alternative funding mechanisms to boost oil production in the short to medium term, creating opportunities for various industry stakeholders. Represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, he called on all relevant parties—including government agencies, major producers, service providers, financiers, and host communities—to work together towards achieving set production targets.

He highlighted the potential benefits of the initiative, stating, “These commitments will be critical in ensuring that we achieve an incremental production in the next 12 months.” The president underscored that increasing oil production would not only expand government revenue but also help eradicate poverty and boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tinubu also noted that since his administration took office, it has introduced policy reforms aimed at fostering stability, growth, and sustainability in the oil sector. He reaffirmed his commitment to economic diversification and a focus on decarbonization while continuing to leverage the oil and gas industries for national development

The United Kingdom, through its Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, has clarified the reasons behind Nigerian flag carrier Air Peace being denied access to Heathrow Airport.

In a letter dated September 5, 2024, addressed to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Haigh stated that Air Peace submitted its requests for flight slots too late for both the Summer 2024 and Winter 2024/2025 seasons. The requests were received after the Airports Coordination Limited (ACL) had already completed the slot coordination process for the summer season.

Haigh outlined the options available to Air Peace, stating that the airline could either join a waitlist, operate from another airport, or acquire slots through trading and commercial arrangements with other carriers.

The letter noted: “We encourage Air Peace to continue to liaise with Airports Coordination Limited, ACL, on the process for acquiring ad-hoc and historic slots at the UK’s coordinated airports. ACL reports that Air Peace sent late requests for slots for the Summer 2024 season and the Winter 2024/2025 season; their requests were received after the slot coordination process had concluded for each season.”

She further explained that Heathrow Airport is constrained by runway capacity and an Air Traffic Movement limit, affecting the number of available slots. For the Summer 2024 season, 290,580 slots were available, while requests reached 319,721, resulting in 29,141 unfulfilled slot requests being placed on a waitlist for potential future availability.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has emphasized the importance of formally listing the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state by the National Assembly.

In conjunction with this, lawmakers have agreed to hold another public hearing on a bill aimed at reviewing the Local Government Administration law of the state. Additionally, the House has invited the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, to provide an interpretation of the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning financial autonomy for local governments.

These resolutions were made during a session presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Monday. He clarified that the review of the Local Government Administration law is not intended to abolish the LCDAs but rather to strengthen them.

“I agree on the need for us to schedule a second allotted day for the public hearing,” Obasa stated, noting that he has received numerous inquiries regarding the future of the LCDAs. He added, “We are not scrapping the LCDAs; rather, we are looking at the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning Lagos and local governments’ joint accounts, aiming to ensure that the parent local governments and the LCDAs collaborate effectively without shortchanging the LCDAs.”

The speaker also advocated for the National Assembly to expedite the formal listing of the LCDAs.

Referencing other states, Obasa noted, “Kano has 44 local governments, and from Kano, Jigawa was created and has 27,” suggesting a review of the revenue-sharing formula by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFAC).

Ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Thursday, the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee is set to brief the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on its findings and potential recommendations.

This development follows a significant meeting of the PDP Governors Forum (PDP-GF) also scheduled for Tuesday. On Monday, the Reconciliation Committee convened at the NEC Hall of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja to finalize its report, which will be presented to the Amb. Umar Damagum-led NWC for review before being forwarded to the NEC for ratification.

After a three-hour meeting with the PDP National Assembly Caucus, Oyinlola addressed reporters, stating, “As part of our assignment, we scheduled to meet with members of the National Assembly to share their experiences and understand what is causing the dwindling fortunes of our party politically. We’ve had useful discussions, and I believe we have gathered suggestions that will help unite our party and make it formidable.”

He emphasized the importance of unity, saying, “For any party to enter a political battle and win, it must be united. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

Regarding the upcoming Ondo Governorship election, Oyinlola noted, “The National Reconciliation Committee has toured the South-West, and the Ondo election came up prominently. We are putting our strategies in place.”

When asked about the scope of the committee’s reconciliation efforts, he replied, “Anyone within the party who has a disagreement with someone else, those are the individuals we’re reconciling.”

The Yoruba National Youth has declared that no amount of intimidation will deter their pursuit of Yoruba Nation autonomy, emphasizing their commitment to establishing a separate country for the Yorubas within Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Yoruba National Youth Leader in the Diaspora, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole expressed that Nigeria’s “democracy deficit” is detrimental to all. They responded to the Federal Government’s recent declaration, which dismissed any possibility of secession, labeling the government’s stance as “unacceptable” while reaffirming their call for Yoruba Nation autonomy.

During a peace meeting in Plateau State, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru reiterated Nigeria’s indivisibility, asserting that “Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.” In response, the Yoruba National Youth criticized this position and highlighted recent international advocacy for the Yoruba Nation, including a petition submitted by their leader, Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, to the UK Prime Minister on October 13. They described the submission as a success, countering rumors that it had been rejected.

The group condemned what they termed the Nigerian government’s intimidation of British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery following the petition, asserting that the Yoruba people have a constitutional right to self-determination that cannot be denied.

In a personal statement, Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho condemned the reported summoning of Montgomery by the Nigerian government, calling it unnecessary and an attempt to pressure the diplomat. He reassured the Yoruba people that such intimidation would not impede their movement.

“We remain committed to peaceful, non-violent, and legitimate methods of ensuring the birth of a Yoruba nation,” Igboho stated. He urged the community to stay calm and resolute, confident in their collective struggle for emancipation.

The Yoruba National Youth concluded by reiterating their dedication to achieving Yoruba Nation autonomy through lawful and peaceful means, rejecting violence. They expressed confidence that their self-determination movement would ultimately succeed, asserting that federal government intimidation would not derail their efforts. “Our recent petition submission to the UK Prime Minister is a significant step forward, and we believe the Yoruba Nation will soon be realized,” they stated.

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has returned to the capital, Yaoundé, after several weeks abroad, quelling persistent rumors regarding his health. The 91-year-old leader arrived at the international airport on Monday, as shown by the state broadcaster CRTV.

Upon landing, Biya appeared on television, greeting officials alongside his wife, Chantal, while a jubilant crowd awaited his arrival. Supporters, adorned in outfits featuring his portrait, chanted and celebrated as his motorcade departed for the presidential palace.

Speculation about Biya’s health intensified after he vanished from public view following his departure from Beijing at the beginning of September, where he attended a China-Africa cooperation summit. A CRTV presenter remarked, “Today the president is on his way, and this will put an end to all the speculation.”

Flight tracking data indicated that a Boeing with the registration CMR001, previously used for transporting Biya, departed Geneva late Monday morning, where he had reportedly been residing for several weeks.

In the capital, large welcome posters were displayed, including one that read, “Welcome home, Mr President of the Republic.” Biya has ruled Cameroon unchallenged for over four decades.

Amid ongoing rumors about his health, the government had previously stated that he would return in a few days and formally banned local media from discussing his health status. Notably, Biya did not attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York or a summit for French-speaking countries in Paris during his absence.