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WHO Urges Africa to Integrate Mental Health Care into Emergency Systems

Toyin Adebayo
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WHO Urges Africa to Integrate Mental Health Care into Emergency Systems

***Says ‘Mental Health Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury’ in Times of Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the urgent integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into emergency preparedness and response systems across Africa, warning that mental health care must be treated as a lifeline not a luxury during crises.

The call was made by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, in his message to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2025, themed “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Dr. Janabi emphasized that mental health must be recognized as a cornerstone of human resilience, dignity, and survival, especially as Africa grapples with an increasing number of humanitarian and public health emergencies.

“Emergencies whether outbreaks, conflicts, or natural disasters can devastate lives and communities,” Dr. Janabi stated. “While most people experience psychological stress, one in five will face a mental health condition requiring professional care.”

He noted that despite more than 100 major emergencies occurring annually across the continent from Ebola outbreaks to floods and armed conflicts the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into national preparedness and response plans remains inadequate.

Recalling the May 2024 World Health Assembly resolution, which called for MHPSS to be embedded into emergency and recovery efforts, Dr. Janabi said the Regional Framework for Mental Health offers African nations a roadmap to strengthen resilience through disaster risk reduction and primary health care.

“We are not without solutions,” he stressed. “Eleven countries in our Region already include MHPSS in their national disaster preparedness plans, while several others are integrating services into primary health care. WHO aims for 80% of African nations to have robust MHPSS systems by 2030.”

However, the WHO Regional Director expressed concern that only 10 countries on the continent have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending still below US$0.50 per capita.

He called for stronger financial commitment, training of frontline responders in psychological first aid, and expanded community support systems.

“To truly protect our people,” Dr. Janabi warned, “governments must commit greater resources and accelerate the integration of mental health services into emergency frameworks.”

He concluded with a powerful appeal: “Mental health care is not a luxury; it is a lifeline particularly in times of crisis. Let us commit to stronger systems, greater investment, and coordinated action so that mental health support is available when it is most needed offering hope and healing for all communities in Africa.”

Nigeria Steps Up Action to End Preventable Blindness as Health Ministry Marks 2025 World Sight Day

Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria Steps Up Action to End Preventable Blindness as Health Ministry Marks 2025 World Sight Day

Nigeria Steps Up Action to End Preventable Blindness as Health Ministry Marks 2025 World Sight Day

***Salako Urges Regular Eye Checks, Says Vision Health Key to National Development

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling preventable blindness and promoting universal access to quality eye care as the world commemorates 2025 World Sight Day with the theme, “Love Your Eyes: Putting People at the Heart of Services.”

Speaking at the event to commemorate the 2025 World Sight Day
on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, said this year’s observance emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, treatment, and routine eye checks as a pathway to maintaining optimal vision and preventing avoidable blindness.

“Eye health is fundamental to human well-being and a key driver of socio-economic development,” Salako said.
“The theme Love Your Eyes reminds us to prioritize early diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases by qualified professionals. Regular eye checks must become part of our culture if we are to prevent avoidable vision loss.”

The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health (National Eye, Ear, and Sensory Functions Health Programme) in collaboration with key international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), drew attention to the global burden of visual impairment and the urgent need for integrated eye health services.

Salako recalled that Nigeria joined other United Nations member states in adopting the global vision resolution to ensure access to eye care for the 1.1 billion people currently living with preventable sight loss by 2030.

“This milestone firmly establishes eye health as a critical component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
“Evidence shows that individuals with visual impairments struggle with daily activities, experience reduced productivity, and face socio-economic challenges that impact national development. Preventing blindness is therefore not just a health issue but a national development imperative.”

Delivering a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Ms. Kachollom Daju, represented by Dr. Otori Okolo, urged Nigerians to take personal responsibility for their eye health through regular checkups and community advocacy.

“As we commemorate the 2025 World Sight Day, I urge everyone myself included to take action,” Daju said.
“Eye health is no longer just a health issue but an integral part of every nation’s journey towards universal health coverage and economic development. I encourage all Nigerians to schedule routine eye exams for themselves, their families, and friends, and to spread the message of early detection and care.”

She stressed that the economic and social consequences of vision loss make eye health critical for national growth, especially for a youthful and productive nation like Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sightsavers Nigeria, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, commended Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the eye health agenda and aligning with global frameworks to end preventable blindness.

Prof. Shu’aibu noted that globally, over 1.1 billion people live with vision loss, while in Nigeria, an estimated 24.2 million people were affected as of 2020 a figure that underscores the urgency for sustained action.

“Sightsavers has been working for 75 years to ensure no one goes blind from preventable causes,” Shu’aibu said.
“In Nigeria, we’ve supported over 1.85 million people with eye care services and conducted more than 236 million eye examinations globally. Yet, over 85% of those with visual impairment live in low- and middle-income countries, with about 70% of people in Africa lacking the glasses they need.”

She highlighted the impact of uncorrected vision problems on children and adults, stressing that making eye care a national priority will transform lives and strengthen the economy.

“For children with visual impairments, lack of correction can lead to significant learning losses,” she said.
“Good eye health reduces inequalities, keeps children in school, and enables adults to work. Prioritizing eye care will create a healthier, more productive Nigeria.”

In a major highlight of the event, the Federal Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, a leading global initiative that has established vision centers across Nigeria to improve access to affordable and quality eye care.

The initiative, described as a continuation of the “Chibu Bola 1.0” Presidential Eye Health Project, aims to expand sustainable eye care services in underserved communities nationwide.

“This partnership represents a sustainability plan to ensure that Nigerians, regardless of income or location, can access professional eye care services,” the organizers stated.

In closing, officials and partners reiterated that eye health must remain at the heart of national health planning. They urged all stakeholders governments, donors, health professionals, and citizens to invest in preventive care, promote early detection, and support those living with vision impairment.

“Together, we can prevent avoidable blindness, promote inclusive development, and build a Nigeria where everyone enjoys the right to sight,” Dr. Salaudeen concluded on behalf of the Minister.

Tinubu Names Kogi-Born Senior Advocate , Prog. Amupitan to Succeed Mahmood Yakubu

Uche Kingsley
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Tinubu Names Kogi-Born Senior Advocate , Prog. Amupitan to Succeed Mahmood Yakubu

The National Council of State has unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from Kogi State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan’s nomination during the Council’s meeting at the State House, Abuja, following the completion of tenure by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to October 2025.

Announcing the decision, President Tinubu said Professor Amupitan — an erudite scholar and legal luminary from Nigeria’s North-Central region — is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the nation’s top electoral position. The President described him as “a distinguished academic and legal mind with a reputation for integrity, fairness, and non-partisanship.”

Council members unanimously endorsed the nomination, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commending the President’s choice, describing Professor Amupitan as “a man of character, competence, and credibility who will strengthen public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.”

In line with constitutional provisions, President Tinubu is expected to forward Amupitan’s name to the Senate for confirmation in the coming days.

If confirmed, Professor Amupitan will take over from Professor Yakubu, under whose leadership INEC conducted two general elections and several off-cycle polls, marking one of the longest tenures in the Commission’s history.

The appointment marks a new phase in Nigeria’s electoral reforms as the administration seeks to consolidate transparency, technology-driven processes, and public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR AMUPITAN, FROM KOGI STATE AS INEC CHAIRMAN

The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

PDP Blasts APC: ‘You Destroyed the $600bn Economy We Built in 16 Years’

Saladin Babagana
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PDP Blasts APC: ‘You Destroyed the $600bn Economy We Built in 16 Years’

***Says Coastal Highway Project Is Fraudulent, Lacks Transparency

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of destroying Nigeria’s once-thriving economy, claiming that the $600 billion economy it handed over in 2015 has now collapsed under ten years of APC misrule.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, said all the economic and social gains achieved under the PDP’s 16-year rule have been “rolled back” since the APC took over power.

“When the PDP left office in 2015, Nigeria’s economy was worth over $600 billion — the largest in Africa and the top destination for foreign investments,” Ologunagba said.
“All of that has been eroded in the last ten years due to the APC’s misadventure in governance.”

He said the growing interest in the PDP’s forthcoming 2025 National Convention reflects Nigerians’ renewed faith in the party as the only credible platform to restore democracy, economic stability, and accountability.

“The national convention is critical to the sustenance of democracy. Nigerians are eager to see the PDP reorganize itself because that’s the only way we can guarantee the future of this democracy,” he added.

Ologunagba noted that Nigerians have now seen both sides of governance and can judge which party has delivered better leadership.

“We had 16 unbroken years of what many Nigerians call the glorious era a time of debt relief, double-digit GDP growth, controlled inflation, and strong investment in human capital,” he said.
“The PDP governed by dialogue, tolerance, and inclusiveness the hallmarks of democracy.”

On the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the PDP spokesman described it as fraudulent and lacking transparency, insisting that the contract award process was riddled with irregularities.

“That project was a scam from the start. There was no competitive bidding. It’s just another special-purpose vehicle designed to drain public funds,” Ologunagba alleged.

He accused the APC-led administration of operating in secrecy despite claims of savings from subsidy removal and continued borrowing.

“This government thrives on opacity. They talk about savings from subsidy removal, but nobody knows how much has been saved or where it’s going. They keep borrowing, and if you ask questions, they say you’re too small. That’s the level of arrogance we’re dealing with,” he said.

Ologunagba reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and dialogue as it prepares for the 2027 general elections, declaring that Nigerians now look to the party as the only hope for national recovery.

River Park Estate Developer Defies Wike’s Order, FCTA Moves to Enforce Legal Action

Toyin Adebayo
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River Park Estate Developer Defies Wike’s Order, FCTA Moves to Enforce Legal Action

***Development Control Halts Illegal Construction, Vows Offenders Will Face the Law

The face-off between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and developers at River Park Estate, Abuja, took a new turn on Wednesday as the Department of Development Control stormed the site to halt what it described as “illegal construction” carried out in defiance of a ministerial directive.

Director of the department, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, who led the enforcement team, said the operation was part of efforts to ensure full compliance with the directive of the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, which ordered an immediate suspension of all ongoing developments within the estate.

“We are here to ensure total compliance with the ministerial directive that no development should be allowed in the River Park Estate,” Galadima told journalists during the exercise.

He explained that similar operations had been conducted in the past but the team had to return following reports that the developer had resumed work on the disputed site despite clear warnings.

“We got a report that there is an ongoing development. That’s why we rushed here to ensure the work is stopped and the structure being erected is removed,” he said.

The Director disclosed that the FCTA would no longer rely solely on demolitions to enforce compliance, revealing that legal action would now be taken against the erring developer to set a precedent.

“We are liaising with our Legal Secretariat to ensure this case is taken up legally so that we don’t come back again. Nobody is above government,” he warned.

Galadima confirmed that the developer was fully aware of the ministerial order, which followed the recommendations of an ad-hoc committee set up by Minister Wike to investigate controversies surrounding the estate.

The committee, inaugurated on August 8, 2025, found the developer in breach of the Development Lease Agreement (DLA) and recommended that all undeveloped plots within River Park Estate be reverted to the FCTA.

It further stated that the revocation became necessary following the expiration and violation of the DLA, as well as the need to reassert administrative control over affected plots in accordance with Clause 9.2 of the agreement.

The committee also directed that only holders of genuine and compliant “customary” titles within the estate should retain ownership, while all ongoing and new constructions remain suspended pending resolution of ownership and compliance issues.

Galadima reiterated that the next course of action would be determined after consultations with the FCT Legal Secretariat.

“At this moment, I can’t say much because, as I mentioned earlier, we are going to consult the Legal Secretariat on what next line of action should be taken,” he added.

CAN Decries Rising Attacks, Urges Government to Protect Christian Communities

Toyin Adebayo
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CAN Decries Rising Attacks, Urges Government to Protect Christian Communities

***Says Nigeria’s Healing Demands Justice, Courage, and Collective Action

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the continued persecution and violent attacks against Christian communities, particularly in Northern Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent and transparent action to end the killings and protect all citizens.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said that while the association acknowledges the government’s efforts to address insecurity, much more needs to be done to ensure equitable protection and justice for victims of religiously motivated violence.

“Many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, have suffered severe attacks, loss of life, and the destruction of places of worship. These realities are painful reminders of the urgent need for government and security agencies to act decisively to protect every citizen, regardless of region,” the statement read.

Archbishop Okoh noted that CAN and the wider Christian community have consistently drawn national and international attention to the plight of Christians through documentation of incidents, advocacy to global institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), and engagement with international Christian bodies including the World Evangelical Alliance and the Lausanne Movement.

Despite these efforts, he lamented that the cries for justice and protection have often been met with “delay or denial,” stressing that the pain of Christian families torn apart by violence “must never be treated as mere statistics.”

CAN urged the government to ensure that perpetrators of such violence face the full weight of the law, warning that sustainable peace will only be achieved through justice and accountability.

“Nigeria’s healing will not come from denial or blame, but from courage the courage to face our collective failures, to grieve together, and to rebuild trust within our communities,” Archbishop Okoh said.

He appealed to Christian leaders across the country to continue to speak and act with wisdom and unity, adding that peace remains too fragile to be taken for granted.

Wike Flags Off Multi-Billion Naira Roads in Asokoro, Guzape, Vows to End Indiscriminate Street Naming in Abuja

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike Flags Off Multi-Billion Naira Roads in Asokoro, Guzape, Vows to End Indiscriminate Street Naming in Abuja

***Says Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda Bringing Lasting Infrastructure to Every District

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class city through massive infrastructure renewal, as he flagged off the construction of key roads in Guzape District (AO9) and the Asokoro AIT Neighbourhood (AO4).

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, Wike said the projects were part of the administration’s deliberate efforts to ensure that every part of the FCT enjoys the dividends of democracy, stressing that no district would be left behind in the Renewed Hope infrastructure drive.

“What is important is that we appreciate and know that it is the intention of Mr. President to make sure that every part of Abuja, particularly the city, has infrastructure and road networks that will make the capital function effectively,” Wike said.

“Residents who have lived here for years without access roads can now say Tinubu has made an impact. This is the Renewed Hope in action.”

The Minister commended Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company for their commitment to delivering quality projects on schedule, charging the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the roads and to engage local youths and women for employment opportunities.

Wike, however, cautioned against the growing trend of individuals naming streets after themselves or others without government approval, describing it as “illegal and unacceptable.”

“We cannot be building roads with taxpayers’ money only for people to wake up and name them after themselves. It will no longer be allowed.

“From now on, only those who have genuinely contributed to the development of Abuja will have the honour of having streets named after them,” he warned.

The Minister also directed the Mandate Secretary for Education to compile and publish an electronic record of all school rehabilitation projects across the six area councils, as part of his ‘Operation Show Your Report Card’ initiative.

“We came in August 2023. Nigerians deserve to see what we have done. The schools we have completed, those ongoing, and those about to be flagged off must be documented for public scrutiny,” Wike declared.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the provision of engineering infrastructure within Guzape AO9 and the AIT Neighbourhood in Asokoro AO4 as critical to the administration’s vision of sustainable urban expansion.

“Beyond opening up these districts for development, the road networks and associated infrastructure will enhance connectivity between neighbourhoods, reduce travel time, and decongest adjoining routes,” Mahmoud stated.

She lauded members of the National Assembly for their consistent legislative and budgetary support and commended Wike for his “dynamic and purposeful leadership” in driving the FCT’s infrastructural transformation.

The newly flagged-off roads are expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance property value, and improve accessibility within the Guzape and Asokoro districts, marking another milestone in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the FCT.

IITA Drives Breakthrough in Aflatoxin Control to Boost Food Safety and Farmers’ Income

Toyin Adebayo
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0
IITA Drives Breakthrough in Aflatoxin Control to Boost Food Safety and Farmers’ Income

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating aflatoxin contamination in Nigeria’s food crops a persistent threat to public health, agricultural exports, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Speaking during a field trip to IITA’s Abuja Station in Kubwa, organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch, Dr. Beatrice Aighewi, IITA Abuja Station Representative and Seed System Specialist, said the institute’s groundbreaking research is drastically reducing aflatoxin levels in grains and tuber crops such as maize, groundnut, cassava, and yam.

“Aflatoxin affects most grains maize, groundnut, and even tubers like cassava and yam when they are not properly dried,” Dr. Aighewi explained. “Our research developed a natural control method using beneficial fungi found in the soil to outgrow and suppress the toxic ones. This approach has achieved about 98 to 99 percent cleanup of infected fields.”

She explained that the bio-control product, developed by IITA scientists, has been successfully adapted to different crops and ecological zones across Africa. “The strain used in Nigeria is not the same as what you’ll find in East Africa,” she said. “We tailor the technology to local conditions, using indigenous organisms that are both environmentally safe and highly effective.”

Dr. Aighewi stressed that IITA, as a non-profit research institute, focuses on developing and sharing innovations rather than commercializing them. “We built a prototype factory to demonstrate how aflatoxin-control products can be produced locally, and several countries, including Liberia, have now established similar facilities,” she noted. “These efforts are restoring confidence among food processors and exporters who previously suffered international rejections due to contamination.”

Highlighting IITA’s broader impact on agricultural productivity, Dr. Aighewi disclosed that Nigeria’s cassava and yam farmers have recorded remarkable yield increases using IITA-improved varieties.

“While most farmers used to harvest 8 to 10 tons per hectare, those planting IITA-improved varieties now achieve between 30 and 40 tons,” she revealed. “The difference is clear healthier leaves, higher productivity, and safer food.”

She called on government agencies, private sector actors, and farmers to adopt IITA’s research-based innovations to strengthen Nigeria’s food safety framework and enhance its competitiveness in the global agricultural market.

“Once aflatoxin is found in food products, they are rejected in international trade,” Dr. Aighewi warned. “We must prioritize food safety from the farm level to protect both consumers and our economy.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Victor Ekeleme, Senior Associate, Communications at GAIN, underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in strengthening Nigeria’s food systems. He said the visit provided participants with valuable insights into IITA’s contributions to agricultural innovation and food system transformation across Africa.

“We’re here to learn about how IITA contributes to the food system landscape and to see some of the ongoing research that supports nutrition and food security in Nigeria,” Ekeleme stated.

Ekeleme emphasized that partnerships between research institutions, the media, and policymakers are vital to building evidence-based solutions for sustainable food systems and better nutrition outcomes for Nigerians.

Abuja Lawyers Petition U.S. Attorney General, Demand Probe of Sowore’s Finances, Media Outfit, U.S. Visa Suspension

Toyin Adebayo
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0
Abuja Lawyers Petition U.S. Attorney General, Demand Probe of Sowore’s Finances, Media Outfit, U.S. Visa Suspension

A group of Abuja-based lawyers has filed a petition before the Attorney General of the State of New York, United States of America, calling for a sweeping investigation into the financial dealings of Sahara Media Group Incorporated and its founder, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, over alleged inconsistencies in nonprofit reporting, tax filings, and asset declarations.

The petition, dated October 7, 2025, and filed through Heartland Advisors & Solicitors, was submitted at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja. The lawyers, Barrister Sunday Oluwole and Barrister Felix Olanrewaju Wolemiwa, also demanded the suspension or invalidation of Sowore’s U.S. travel documents pending the outcome of the investigations.

In the petition titled “Request for Investigation into Financial Activities of Sahara Media Group Inc. and Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” the lawyers alleged that the media entrepreneur and political activist may have violated U.S. nonprofit and tax laws through questionable financial reporting and undeclared assets.

“We respectfully request your office’s review of the financial activities of Sahara Media Group Inc., a New York-registered entity, and its founder, Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” the petition stated. “This request stems from concerns about potential discrepancies in nonprofit financial reporting, tax compliance, and asset declarations, which may impact both U.S. and Nigerian public interests.”

According to the lawyers, Sahara Media Group received a $1.3 million grant from the MacArthur Foundation between 2016 and 2019 for journalist training in Nigeria, but they alleged that there has been limited public reporting on how the funds were utilized, contrary to transparency obligations under New York nonprofit laws.

They also accused Sowore of possible asset concealment, claiming that while he declared to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2023 ownership of only one property worth ₦5 million and a 2008 Toyota Camry, public records in the U.S. reportedly show he purchased a $552,000 property in 2018, which may not have been disclosed in his INEC filings.

The lawyers further raised concerns about Sowore’s financial capacity and lifestyle, noting that his son attends the Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, where tuition costs about $59,235 annually, alongside his political campaign expenditures in Nigeria.

“These appear inconsistent with the reported financial strength of Sahara Media Group, which operates primarily as a media outlet. A review of his income sources and tax compliance could clarify whether these are supported by legitimate, reported earnings,” the petitioners stated.

They also cited the temporary suspension of a $2 million GoFundMe fundraiser for Sowore’s Take Back Nigeria Movement in 2018, which they said raises further questions about the legality of funds raised under U.S. charitable solicitation laws.

The petitioners urged the U.S. authorities to:

Investigate Sahara Media Group’s financial records, including the MacArthur Foundation grant;

Review Mr. Sowore’s tax filings for compliance with U.S. laws;

Determine whether nonprofit funds were diverted for personal or political use; and

Suspend or revoke Sowore’s U.S. travel documents pending the outcome of investigations.

“This petition is made in good faith to promote accountability and transparency, and to safeguard the integrity of nonprofit operations in New York while upholding public trust in cross-border political activities,” the lawyers concluded.

“Color Your Plate, Save Your Health” — Nutrition Expert Urges Nigerians to Eat from All 12 Food Groups

Toyin Adebayo
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0
“Color Your Plate, Save Your Health” — Nutrition Expert Urges Nigerians to Eat from All 12 Food Groups

***Says Nutrition Reporting Can Drive National Behaviour Change and Policy Action

Nigerians have been urged to “color their plates” by eating from all 12 recognized food groups to boost health, productivity, and national development.

The call was made by Dr. Olapeju Phorbee, Executive Director of the Food Agriculture Nutrition Network (FANN), during a two-day capacity-building training for media professionals on nutrition and food systems reporting, organized by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja.

Dr. Phorbee said many of the country’s health challenges are rooted in poor dietary habits and limited awareness of balanced nutrition.

“You are sensitizing the public, educating, informing, and advocating and ultimately driving behavior change,” she told journalists. “Through your reports, you help shift norms and influence systems for the better.”

Listing the 12 food groups cereals; roots and tubers; pulses; nuts and seeds; leafy and non-leafy vegetables; fruits; meat and poultry; fish and seafood; eggs; milk and dairy; oils and fats; and sugars or miscellaneous foods she explained that eating foods with diverse colors provides essential nutrients needed for energy, growth, and disease prevention.

“Our message is simple: color your plate. A meal that combines varieties from these 12 food groups provides balance and improves well-being,” she emphasized.

Dr. Phorbee also encouraged journalists to become agents of change, using their platforms to promote healthier eating habits, influence public attitudes, and push for nutrition-sensitive policies.

Highlighting five principles of good nutrition Adequacy, Balance, Calorie Control, Moderation, and Variety she said these, when applied consistently, promote long-term wellness.

Participants at the training were introduced to the “Eatwell Plate,” a visual guide that illustrates how to balance daily meals across food groups such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, proteins, dairy, and limited fats or sugars.

“Nutrition is not just a health issue; it’s an economic, social, and developmental issue,” Dr. Phorbee noted. “The media has the power to make nutrition everyone’s business.”

On his part, Mr. Victor Ekeleme, Senior Associate, Communications at GAIN, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering Nigerian journalists with the knowledge and tools to effectively report on nutrition and food systems.

“The stories we tell, and how we tell them, shape public understanding, influence policies, and mobilize action. That is where you, our partners in the media, play a crucial role,” Ekeleme stated.

He explained that the training aims to help journalists produce evidence-based and solution-driven stories that can drive positive change in communities.

Over the two days, participants engaged with experts on topics such as food fortification, nutrition policy frameworks, combating misinformation, and using artificial intelligence for impactful storytelling.

Ekeleme urged the media to maximize the opportunity for collaboration and advocacy, stressing that informed reporting on nutrition can help build a healthier and better-nourished Nigeria.

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