NAFDAC Gives Nigerian Food Companies 18 Months to Cut Trans Fats

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has set an 18-month grace period, effectively giving food companies until early 2026 before facing full enforcement of regulations to eliminate industrially produced Trans-Fatty Acids (TFA). The initiative, launched as a comprehensive strategy and roadmap for TFA regulation, moves Nigeria from simply having the policy to enforcing its world-class standard: a regulatory limit of no more than two grams of industrially produced trans fat per 100 grams of total fat or oil. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that the roadmap moves the country beyond policy creation to aggressive enforcement and implementation. This was contained in the NAFDAC DG’s keynote speech posted on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. Adeyeye stressed the moral imperative of the Agency’s mission. “The removal of industrially produced trans fats from the food chain is not only a technical achievement, but a moral imperative. “Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is possible, achievable, necessary, and urgent,” Adeyeye stated, calling for national collaboration. The moratorium period is designed to allow manufacturers to exhaust existing stock with outdated labels and reformulate their products to comply with the legal limit. NAFDAC’s action targets a dangerous dietary risk factor strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death globally. Adeyeye emphasised the significance of the move beyond technical compliance, noting, “The removal of industrially produced trans fats from the food chain is not only a technical achievement, but a moral imperative.” This aggressive step builds upon Nigeria’s existing reputation; the country was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2023 for adopting best-practice TFA elimination policies. The new roadmap is key to securing WHO validation of Nigeria’s full TFA elimination programme, establishing the nation as a regional leader in public health interventions.

2027: Atiku Denies Plan To Step Down for Anyone

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described such claims as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. Ibe explained that a careful review of both the video and transcripts of the interview showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he intends to step down for anyone. The statement reads, “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone. “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation. “While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged. “For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.” PUNCH Online earlier reported that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him to clinch the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket. The former vice president also noted that he would support and mentor such a candidate. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” he had said.  

Beating Atiku in Primaries Will Be Harder, Says Shehu Sani

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  Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has reacted to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s statement that he would step aside from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him in the African Democratic Congress primaries. PUNCH Online earlier reported that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, stated that he would withdraw from the race and support a younger candidate if he was defeated in the ADC primaries. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party added that he would support and mentor such a flagbearer. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” Atiku had said. The former presidential candidate, however, could not confirm whether he would contest the presidency again. “This is only the beginning. Our priority is to establish the party and gain a strong following,” Atiku said. Sani, in a post via his official X handle on Thursday, said it would be extremely difficult to defeat the former vice president in a party primary. He wrote, “His Excellency the Waziri reportedly said he would step aside if a younger candidate wins the primaries… The keyword here is PRIMARIES… It’s easier for a camel to pass through the hole of a needle than to beat the Waziri in primaries. Party delegates are a special breed of people.”

Two Die, Three Injured in UK Synagogue Attack

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Two people were killed Thursday and three badly wounded outside a packed synagogue in Manchester in a car and stabbing attack, with the suspect believed shot dead by UK police. As the Jewish community marked the holiday of Yom Kippur in the northwestern city, police were called to the incident, activating a national terrorism-response protocol. The attack struck days ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 raids on Israel which sparked a fierce offensive in Gaza, inflaming passions in Britain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer swiftly condemned the attack as “horrific”, and announced security was being boosted at UK synagogues. He left a European political summit in Denmark early to chair an emergency security meeting in London. King Charles III said he and Queen Camilla were “deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community”. Greater Manchester Police declared a “major incident” shortly after 9:30 am (0830 GMT) after officers were called to the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in the Crumpsall neighbourhood. The force initially said paramedics were treating four people for “injuries caused by both the vehicle and stab wounds” while confirming firearms officers had shot one man “believed to be the offender”. Within hours, it announced two people had died and the suspected offender shot by officers was “also believed to be deceased”. Police said the death could not be confirmed due to “suspicious items on his person”, noting a bomb disposal unit was at the scene. Three people were also in a “serious condition”, police added. – ‘Appalled’ – Starmer said he was appalled and pledged to “do everything to keep our Jewish community safe. “The fact that this has taken place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, makes it all the more horrific,” he added. Israel’s embassy in the UK said it was “abhorrent and deeply distressing” that “such an act of violence should be perpetrated on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar”. “The safety and security of Jewish communities in the United Kingdom must be guaranteed,” it added on X. Police said officers first responded to calls from the public about a car driving into people outside the synagogue as well as reports that a security guard had been attacked with a knife. A witness told BBC Radio he saw police shooting a man after a car crash. “They give him a couple of warnings, he didn’t listen until they opened fire,” he said. “He went down on the floor, and then he started getting back up, and then they shot him again.” Police said “a large number of people worshipping at the synagogue… were held inside while the immediate area was made safe” but then evacuated. – ‘Holiest day ‘ – Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC police had “dealt with it very quickly with some amazing support from members of the public”. He urged people “not to speculate on social media”, while noting the Jewish community “will be very worried by the news”. The city, famous around the world for its two Premier League football clubs and industrial history, is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the UK. It totalled more than 28,000 in 2021, according to the Institute for Jewish Policy Research. MP Graham Stringer said the area was home to both large Jewish and Muslim communities. “By and large community relations are excellent between all the different ethnic groups and religious groups,” he told BBC radio Manchester. The Community Security Trust, a Jewish charity that records antisemitic incidents, said it was “working with police and the local Jewish community”. “This appears to be an appalling attack on the holiest day of the Jewish year,” CST added. The city has witnessed several deadly terror attacks, notably in 2017 when Salman Abedi detonated a homemade suicide bomb outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena. It killed 22 people, some of them children, and injured hundreds more. AFP

Fubara Sacks Commissioners, Others

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  Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and public officers serving under his administration. Fubara, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, said the sacking was with immediate effect. The governor said the decision followed the recent Supreme Court judgment. Meanwhile, Fubara thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years. He made the commendation during a valedictory session he held with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. The statement reads, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the State in the last two years. The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.” Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the State with renewed vigour, while thanking all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary. “Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgement of their appointments with immediate effect, ” the statement added. Recall that the immediate past Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rted) had, on assumption of office, suspended all commissioners, Special Advisers and Special Assistants to Fubara, who was suspended by President Bola Tinubu following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Ibas also dissolved all boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met on the ground in the state. Until Ibas exited the State on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s Commissioners and other appointees had been hanging in the balance.  

Israel Issues ‘Last’ Warning for Gazans to Flee Main City

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Israel issued a final warning Wednesday for people to flee Gaza’s main city, as Hamas weighed US President Donald Trump’s plan to end nearly two years of war in the Palestinian territory. Witnesses reported heavy bombardment in Gaza City, as Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said the army was tightening its encirclement of the city. “This is the last opportunity for Gaza residents who wish to do so to move south and leave Hamas operatives isolated in Gaza City,” Katz posted on X, warning that those who remained would “be considered terrorists and terrorist supporters”. Katz said the military had seized the Netzarim corridor, linking central Gaza to the western coast, effectively cutting the north of Gaza off from the south. Anyone leaving Gaza City for the south would have to pass through Israeli military checkpoints, he added. The announcement came hours after the military said it was closing the last remaining route for people to travel from southern Gaza to the north. In Gaza City, 60-year-old Rabah al-Halabi, sheltering in a tent on the grounds of Al-Shifa Hospital, described relentless explosions. “I will not leave because the situation in Gaza City is no different from the situation in the southern Gaza Strip,” he told AFP by telephone. “All areas are dangerous, the bombing is everywhere, and displacement is terrifying and humiliating,” he said. “We are waiting for death, or perhaps relief from God, and for the truce to come.” Hamas said Katz’s comments were “a prelude to the escalation of war crimes being committed by his army”. – ‘Ceasefire at any cost’ – The International Committee of the Red Cross said intensified military operations had forced it to temporarily suspend activities in Gaza City. Days earlier, the Doctors Without Borders charity halted its work in the city, where some UN agencies and aid organisations still operate. Meanwhile, Hamas was examining a peace plan proposed by Trump and backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A Palestinian source close to Hamas’s leaders told AFP that “no final decision” had been made and that “the movement will likely need two to three days”. “Hamas wants to amend some of the items, such as the disarmament clause and the expulsion of Hamas,” the source said. They added that Hamas wanted “international guarantees” for a full Israeli withdrawal and guarantees Israel would not violate a ceasefire. Gaza’s civil defence agency — a rescue force operating under Hamas authority — said Israeli strikes killed at least 46 people across the territory on Wednesday, including 36 in Gaza City. Asked about a strike on a school-turned-shelter that the agency said killed eight people, the Israeli military said it had “struck a Hamas terrorist” and that “steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians as much as possible”. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory mean AFP cannot independently verify casualty figures provided by either side. Fadel al-Jadba, 26, said he would stay in Gaza City. “We want a ceasefire at any cost because we are frustrated, exhausted, and find no one in the world standing with us,” he told AFP. Late on Wednesday, the Israeli military said in a statement that five projectiles were launched from Gaza into Israel, four of which were intercepted and one of which “fell in an open area”. – ‘Two opinions’ in Hamas – Trump told reporters on Tuesday that Hamas had “about three or four days” to accept his 20-point Gaza plan, later warning the Islamist movement would “pay in hell” if it refused. A source familiar with the talks in Doha said, “Two opinions exist within Hamas” “The first supports unconditional approval, as the priority is a ceasefire under Trump’s guarantees, with mediators ensuring Israel implements the plan,” the source told AFP. “The second has serious reservations regarding key clauses, rejecting disarmament and the expulsion of any Palestinian from Gaza. They favour conditional approval with clarifications reflecting Hamas’s and the resistance factions’ demands.” Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 66,148 Palestinians, according to health ministry figures in the Hamas-run territory that the United Nations considers reliable. Their data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but indicates that more than half of the dead are women and children. AFP

Independence Day: Aare Olayinka Segelu Preaches Hope, Applauds Tinubu, Makinde for Quality Leadership

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  As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary, a leading gubernatorial aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast in their pursuit of a greater nation. In a goodwill message personally signed and made available to journalists on Tuesday, Segelu congratulated Nigerians on the occasion and used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for what he described as their “quality leadership and tireless service to the people.” Segelu, a respected politician and grassroots mobilizer, said the nation’s independence anniversary should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and a call to action for all citizens to work towards a brighter future. “My dear people of Oyo State and fellow Nigerians, today we proudly mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day — a day that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and vision of our founding fathers who, in 1960, secured for us the right to determine our own destiny,” Segelu stated. Reflecting on the journey so far, he acknowledged the nation’s struggles and achievements over the past six and a half decades, emphasizing the resilience and unity of Nigerians as key strengths that must be nurtured. “We have seen the strength of our unity in diversity, the resilience of our people, and the potential of our land and resources. Nigerians everywhere continue to show the world that we are a people of talent, dignity, and unshakable spirit,” he added. Segelu specifically praised President Tinubu for what he described as his “tireless efforts to steer the country through challenging times” and for laying the foundations for national growth and stability. Similarly, he lauded Governor Makinde for his people-oriented governance style, noting significant strides in education, infrastructure, and social welfare in Oyo State. “Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision and people-centered governance continue to inspire hope and development in Oyo State. His dedication has proven that with sincere leadership, progress is possible,” he noted. While acknowledging the existing challenges in governance, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, Segelu urged citizens not to lose faith in the nation’s potential. “Every great nation has passed through difficult seasons before rising to its full glory. Nigeria’s future will not be written by doubt or despair, but by our collective will to build a better tomorrow,” he said. He called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to peace, progress, and justice, urging unity and shared purpose as the path to national transformation. “Let us believe once more in the Nigeria of our dreams — a nation where hard work is rewarded, where our children’s hopes are secured, and where every citizen can live with dignity and pride,” he concluded. Segelu reaffirmed his dedication to the people of Oyo State and expressed optimism that the promise of Nigeria remains alive. “The promise of Nigeria is still alive, and together, we will make it a reality. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. God bless Oyo State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

INDEPENDENCE DAY: Davidaino, Macore, Flexybizu, Young Don, Others To Thrill Fans, As Brainiacs Records Partners Ephub Lounge & Bar For Oct 1st Show

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The Independence Day holiday in Ibadan promises to be unforgettable as Brainiacs Records teams up with Ephub Lounge and Bar to stage a power-packed entertainment show tagged “Davidaino Back 2 Ur Hood Experience 001.” The all-night event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 1st, 2025, at Ephub Lounge and Bar, No. 1 Oyediji Complex, opposite Polaris Bank, Adex Bus Stop, Monatan, Iwo Road, Ibadan. Festivities kick off at 8 PM and will run until dawn, strictly for audiences 18 years and above. Leading the lineup is David Konwei, popularly known as Davidaino, a veteran hip-hop act with over a decade of experience who also doubles as the CEO of Brainiacs Records. The event marks his official return to the Ibadan entertainment circuit, with promises of a charged performance for his core fans. Also joining him on stage will be an exciting lineup of buzzing talents including Macore, Flexybizu, Obi Eleniyan, Kidda T, Young Don, Wale Favour, Mc Baba Dudu, Opa Ekiti, Boikush Daina, and many more. The mix of emerging stars and established acts is expected to create an electric atmosphere, blending hip-hop, Afrobeats, street vibes, and live MC energy. Speaking on the show, Davidino said the partnership with Ephub Lounge and Bar is about giving back to the streets and reintroducing live hip-hop experiences in Ibadan. “This concert is more than just music; it’s about connecting with the fans who have been with me since day one. We’re bringing the hood together to celebrate Independence Day with vibes, culture, and raw energy,” he said. This publication however understands that the Independence Day edition also serves as the maiden edition of the Back 2 Ur Hood concert series, which Brainiacs Records has hinted will become a recurring platform for spotlighting rising artists and creating opportunities for local talents. Other side attractions of the show include, dancing competition, drinks, and Comedy show.

No religious persecution in Nigeria – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has categorically denied any deliberate religious persecution in Nigeria. He stated this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the book launch on “A decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma. Tinubu insisted there is religious tolerance in Nigeria and Christians and Muslims were coexisting well. The president asserted that the talk of persecution in the country is false and unfounded. “It’s a lie”, he said. Report says that American talk show host Bill Maher had claimed that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria. Maher, in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that up to 500,000 Christians had been killed in the country, describing the situation as genocide. The video was circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X. More to come…

I’m Not One of You Again, Olubadan Tells Atiku

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The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, revealed that he had withdrawn from active politics to focus on his role as monarch. Oba Ladoja stated this when Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside a former Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent politicians, paid him homage at his private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following his coronation. He stated, “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house. “Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.” Recounting his political journey with Atiku, he explained, “We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back. “All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people—Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice.” Citybuzznews reports that Ladoja was officially presented with the staff and instrument of office last Friday by Governor Seyi Makinde, who cut short his annual leave to personally attend the historic event. The event marked the grand finale of activities celebrating former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja’s ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation concluded a week-long celebration that featured a cultural day, a coronation lecture, a praise and worship service, and the monarch’s 81st birthday, which was celebrated in grand style at Liberty Stadium The new Olubadan ascended the throne following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

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