Europa League: Osimhen grabs brace as Galatasaray beat Tottenham 3-2
Victor Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray handed Tottenham Hotspur their first defeat of the Europa League season, securing a 3-2 victory in Istanbul on Thursday that propelled the Turkish champions to the top of Group D. Osimhen’s brace, combined with an early stunner from Yunus Akgun, helped Galatasaray extend their perfect record in the competition to four matches, leaving them with 10 points and all but guaranteeing their qualification for the knockout stage. In contrast, Spurs dropped to fifth place after losing their 100% record in the group. The match kicked off in explosive fashion, with Galatasaray taking the lead in the sixth minute through a sensational long-range volley by Yunus Akgun. The Turkish winger rifled the ball into the top corner, leaving Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster with no chance. But Spurs responded quickly. Just 12 minutes later, teenage striker Will Lankshear—making only his second appearance for the senior team—slotted home from close range after Brennan Johnson’s perfectly placed pass across the goal. However, Galatasaray regained control before halftime, with Osimhen taking center stage. The Nigerian striker put his side back in front after 32 minutes, finishing a rebound from a corner. Just eight minutes later, Osimhen doubled his tally with a clever volley from Dries Mertens’ cross, sending the home crowd into raptures. Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, Osimhen has been in outstanding form, now boasting six goals in eight appearances for the Turkish side. Despite some promising moments, Galatasaray’s dominance continued in the second half. Spurs, however, were handed a further setback when Lankshear was sent off for two quick yellow cards, leaving Tottenham a man down for much of the final half hour. Spurs’ hopes were briefly revived when Dominic Solanke, introduced as a substitute by manager Ange Postecoglou, pulled one back in the 69th minute with a clinical strike. But the visitors’ chances of completing a comeback were slim, and Galatasaray saw out the remaining minutes with relative comfort. With the win, Galatasaray moved to the top of Group D, ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt on goal difference. The German side also recorded a win on Thursday, with Omar Marmoush scoring a superb free-kick to give them a 1-0 victory over Slavia Prague. Marmoush’s 13th goal of the season came shortly after the break, helping Frankfurt keep pace with the group leaders. Athletic Bilbao secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Ludogorets to sit in third place, with Inaki Williams and Nico Serrano scoring in a two-minute blitz in the second half. Meanwhile, Roma’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. Kevin Mac Allister’s 77th-minute goal ensured the hosts claimed their second point of the competition, leaving Roma in a difficult position as they fight for progression. With Galatasaray’s win, they have now firmly established themselves as the team to beat in Group D, and Osimhen’s goalscoring form has made them even more dangerous in the latter stages of the tournament. For Tottenham, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from their first defeat and keep their qualification hopes alive.
I’m not afraid of EFCC, will hand over myself if they call me – Obaseki
Outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his readiness to voluntarily submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the anti-graft agency requires his attention following his eight years in office. The governor made the declaration while speaking to reporters in Abuja on the sidelines of the EdoBEST National Results-Sharing Session, an event aimed at showcasing his administration’s achievements, particularly in the education sector. Obaseki, who has faced political opposition and scrutiny throughout his tenure, said that he is not fearful of any investigations into his administration’s activities, asserting that he has nothing to hide. “If they call me, I can even hand myself over. I have no skeletons in my cupboard,” he stated firmly. Obaseki acknowledged the difficult political climate in the country, with opponents reportedly filing what he called “unnecessary and silly petitions” against him. Despite this, he made it clear that he remains unbothered by the possibility of an EFCC probe. “I’m not afraid of the EFCC. Why should I have fears?” he said, emphasising that his focus throughout his tenure had been on delivering tangible results for the people of Edo State. The governor did not mince words when addressing the nature of the opposition. He described his political adversaries as “cruel,” “wicked,” and “jealous,” accusing them of spreading bitterness and vendetta rather than engaging in productive dialogue about the country’s pressing issues. “They are very envious because they cannot show as much of their achievements as we have in the last eight years,” he added. Obaseki also took aim at the political climate, noting that much of the opposition’s energy was spent on targeting him rather than addressing the broader struggles of Nigerians. “The suffering is too much,” he said. “Those of us in positions of privilege should focus on making Nigeria better, not on side issues like vendetta.” As his tenure nears its end, Obaseki expressed pride in the legacy he will leave behind, particularly in the area of educational reform. He said that his administration had succeeded in turning long-standing challenges into opportunities, providing a model for other states to follow. “What we have done in Edo shows that things can be done at scale in Nigeria. We’ve proved that you can reform education and see real, measurable results,” he stated. Obaseki’s tenure has not been without its challenges, but as he prepares to bow out of office, he remains confident that his administration’s achievements will endure for years to come. “I am leaving with my head held high,” he concluded. “The work we’ve done will last a very long time.” The outgoing governor’s bold stance against political persecution and his emphasis on reforming education in Edo reflect his broader approach to governance: a focus on long-term development rather than short-term political battles.
Fear grips undocumented immigrants as Trump returns
The election of Donald Trump to a second term has unleashed a wave of anxiety and fear among undocumented immigrants across the United States. For individuals like Angel Palazuelos, the prospect of Trump’s return to the White House has become a daily source of dread. Palazuelos, a 22-year-old graduate student in biomedical engineering living in Phoenix, Arizona, is haunted by Trump’s past promises of mass deportations. A Mexican national who was brought to the U.S. at the age of four, Palazuelos is one of the country’s so-called “Dreamers”—undocumented immigrants who arrived as children and have spent much of their lives in America without obtaining citizenship. “I am in fear of being deported, of losing everything that I’ve worked so hard for and, most importantly, being separated from my family,” Palazuelos said, reflecting on his mounting anxiety since Trump’s victory. “I was terrified.” During his campaign, Trump repeatedly targeted illegal immigration, using harsh rhetoric and dehumanising language about immigrants, even calling them “criminals” and accusing them of “poisoning the blood” of the nation. While Trump has not outlined specific plans for mass deportations, experts warn that such efforts would be logistically complex and extremely costly. For Palazuelos, the uncertainty of his future is made worse by the growing concerns over his status as a Dreamer. “What do mass deportations mean? Who does that include? Does it include people like me, Dreamers, who came here as children with no say in the matter?” he asked, visibly shaken by the possibility that his years of hard work might come to an abrupt and unjust end. The fear is heightened by recent developments in Arizona, where a referendum passed allowing state police to arrest individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally—powers that were previously the purview of federal border authorities. If this law is upheld by the courts, Palazuelos worries that it could lead to heightened racial profiling and discrimination. “What makes someone a suspect of being here illegally?” Palazuelos asked. “Does it mean that people like my grandma, who is a U.S. citizen but doesn’t speak English well, will be targeted just because of her accent or appearance? And what about me? I speak English fluently, but could I be detained because of the color of my skin?” Jose Patino, 35, shares Palazuelos’s sense of dread. Born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. at the age of six, Patino has been working with Aliento, a community organization that supports undocumented immigrants. He was a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided legal protections and work permits to those in his situation. However, the future of DACA remains uncertain under Trump’s administration. The program, which Trump has vowed to end, was previously under threat during his first term but survived a legal challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court. Now, with DACA protections set to expire next year, Patino is bracing for the worst. “I’m seriously considering moving to a state where authorities will not report me to federal immigration, like California or Colorado,” Patino said, his voice heavy with concern. “But that doesn’t fix the bigger problem. It’s the uncertainty that’s so stressful.” AFP
TCN begins repair on collapsed national grid
By Helen Okechukwu In an effort to address the continuing falling grid, The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the commencement of repair work on the transmission line. This was contained in a statement shared on X by the special adviser of information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu on Thursday. In the disclosure, Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager and Public Affairs of TCN, said the blackout was caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33 Hz to 51.44 Hz. Furthermore, Mbah said as a result of the frequency spike in the transmission company, the team decided to shut the platform down to avert further complications. However, the investigation report generated from the previous collapse noted that the occurrence of a collapsed national grid was a result of a weak transmission system, and repairs are ongoing to improve the working condition of the units. The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that the national grid experienced a disturbance at approximately 11:29 AM this morning, caused by a sudden rise in frequency from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz. Recovery efforts began immediately, and the Abuja Axis was restored within … minutes. Recovery is still ongoing.” “The frequency spike was caused by issues encountered at one of TCN’s substations, which had to be shut down to prevent further complications. In addition to this, TCN is actively engaged in significant repair work on several critical transmission lines and substations. This includes the 330kV transmission line along the Shiroro-Mando axis, major upgrades at the Jebba Transmission Substation, and the restoration of the second Ugwuaji-Apir 330kV transmission line.” “Furthermore, following the submission of the investigative report on the causes of previous grid collapses, TCN has begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system. Efforts are being made to close the gaps highlighted in the report and to enhance the overall stability and resilience of the grid. These efforts include both technical upgrades and strategic interventions based on the committee’s recommendations.” “However, it is important to note that while these repairs and improvements are underway, some degree of instability in the system is likely to persist until all major works are completed. TCN acknowledges the impact of these disruptions and kindly asks for the understanding and patience of the public during this challenging period.” Acknowledging the significant role of providing stable power in Nigeria’s socio-economic development, TCN reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and improving the reliability of electricity supply. Assuring the public, the company said “all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the grid’s long-term stability, in line with the recommendations of the investigative committee, while also addressing infrastructure damage such as vandalised transmission lines.”
Hardship: Save our industry, editors, publishers, others beg Tinubu
Editors, media owners, and other stakeholders have made a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu to save the nation’s media industry amid the ongoing economic hardship in the country. They spoke at the All Nigerian Editors Conference in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with the theme: “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country.” This development came as President Tinubu urged media managers to focus on factual reporting and uphold professional integrity. The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba, highlighted that the unavailability of resource materials is one of the biggest threats to the media industry. He said: “We are here because we recognize the critical role that both a strong economy and a resilient media sector play in fostering a prosperous, informed, and democratic society. Today, as editors, we stand at a crossroads where our decisions, priorities, and strategies will shape the future of our country and journalism. “The growth of our nation’s economy directly influences every sector, and our industry is no exception. A strong economy fuels consumer spending, drives innovation, and creates opportunities for media organizations to expand and thrive. Yet, with these opportunities come new challenges. “Media organizations face mounting pressure to adapt to modern trends while staying financially viable and maintaining journalistic integrity. The biggest threat to media survival today is the availability of resource materials to produce our papers or broadcast on our TV stations.” He further noted that the Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, had promised to address the challenges faced by media organizations. He expressed hope that there would be a resolution that would allow newspapers to continue practising their profession effectively. Anaba emphasized that sustainability in the media industry is not just about economic survival but about preserving the values that make journalism a pillar of democracy. He cited Section 22 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which mandates the media to hold the government to account.“The Constitution challenges us to hold the government accountable, even amid the poverty facing our profession,” he said. “Our work is essential not only to our audiences but also to the economic and social fabric of our country.” Also speaking, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the chairman of the conference and publisher of Thisday and Arise Television, lamented the challenges facing the media industry but expressed optimism for the future. He said: “Nigeria is in a reset. We have reforms underway, and unlike others, I believe that the future can be better if we give these reforms a human face. We should support the reforms, stay the course, and ensure that the poor and vulnerable are supported.” Obaigbena also spoke about global changes, particularly with the rise of Donald Trump, and urged Nigerians to prepare for these changes by first addressing internal issues. He called for efforts to fix Nigeria and protect the country’s industries. The father of the day and publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka, directly addressed the issue of the media’s survival in the current economic climate. He stated: “The truth is, there is no business right now. If the purpose of business is to make a profit, the newspaper business is dead. Everything, including prices, has gone up to the extent that publishing as we knew it has died. This week, I asked a financial controller how things were going, and she said the money earned from the sale of hardcopy newspapers was only enough to pay for the transportation of the papers. That was all.” Amuka highlighted the dramatic rise in the cost of newsprint, from N600,000 two years ago to over N2 million today. “This means that every day we publish a hardcopy newspaper, we don’t make any money; we lose,” he said. He called for government involvement in the media business, noting that the cost of newsprint is unsustainable, and it is crucial to support the media to continue publishing hard copies. “The Minister has agreed to take up the fight for the newspapers, but we need government involvement to sustain this business,” he stressed. Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba urged the media guild to intervene in the leadership crisis affecting the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). He said: “Before you leave, I want you to set up a committee to look into the crisis brewing in the NUJ. They are supposed to hold their annual conference, but some people are saying that the president has overstayed his tenure, and they have taken him to court. You are the only united group, after NPAN, that can intervene in this crisis.” In his address, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged media managers to engage in factual reporting and professional integrity. He emphasized the importance of the media in national development, saying: “As editors and media managers, your role in national development cannot be overemphasized. You are the custodians of public perception, the gatekeepers of information, and the voice of the people.” Tinubu spoke about the transformative potential of the media in shaping public understanding and contributing to the government’s efforts to address the nation’s challenges. He called on media professionals to report truthfully and engage constructively to help the public understand the government’s actions. He said, “My administration is committed to turning our challenges into opportunities by ensuring that our vast resources bring prosperity to all Nigerians. With a united effort from government, citizens, and the media, we can build a resilient, diversified economy that offers security, opportunity, and hope for all Nigerians.” He further stressed that Nigeria’s vast resources, both human and natural, could make the country one of the world’s most prosperous nations. “This is the question that I believe Nigerians elected me to answer decisively, and it is the question that has fueled my vision for a country that truly lives up to its full potential.” On his own, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State lauded the media for its role in deepening democracy in Nigeria. He also used the occasion to
Ondo gov poll: INEC accredits 111 organizations, 3,554 observers, 100 media houses
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said the commission accredited 111 domestic and international organizations, and will deploy 3,554 observers for the Ondo State governorship poll. Yakubu made this known on Thursday in Akure during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the commission ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 16. He said, “As you are aware, an election is a multi-stakeholder activity. INEC has a role to play and we have done so always in consultation with stakeholders.’’ The INEC chairman, who said that the commission’s role had to be complemented by stakeholders, urged political parties to continue to restrain their supporters from any disruptive behaviour. He stated, “Accreditation tags have been produced for all your agents bearing their names, photographs, and location of deployment. We have also added a QR code to the tags that can be read even from mobile phone applications. We have also accredited over 100 radio, television, newspaper, and online media organizations, deploying about 700 personnel, including 129 female journalists. The largest number for any off-cycle governorship election in Nigeria. We have also accredited thousands of agents representing candidates and political parties for all the polling and collation locations across the state.’’ Yakubu, therefore, assured that the accreditation cards for all categories of stakeholders were ready, saying the state office in Akure would soon commence the distribution of accreditation tags, including election duty vehicle stickers. Also, Supervising National Commissioner in charge of Ondo, Oyo and Osun states, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, called on political parties and their candidates to conduct themselves with the highest level of decorum and responsibility. According to him, political parties need to bear in mind that their actions will have a profound impact on public perception and the eventual outcome of the election. He said, “This election is a collective endeavour. The future of Ondo State and the credibility of our electoral process rests in our hands. The eyes of the nation will be on Ondo State come November 16. Let us make this election a positive example of what is possible when we come together with a shared commitment to democracy.”
Joe Biden calls for calm following election results
Washington D.C.—In a Rose Garden address on Thursday, President Joe Biden urged Americans to “bring down the temperature” and assured the nation of a peaceful transition of power following Republican Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election. Addressing the nation amidst a deeply divided political climate, Biden called on Americans to see each other as “fellow Americans” rather than adversaries, regardless of political leanings. “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,” Biden remarked, imploring Americans to lower hostilities and foster unity after one of the nation’s most contentious elections. The address came in the wake of a disappointing outcome for the Democratic Party, with Vice President Kamala Harris losing her bid for the presidency and Republicans gaining control of the Senate. Biden, whose message struck a tone of reflection mixed with optimism, emphasized the importance of respecting the democratic process and expressed confidence in the integrity of the American electoral system. “It is honest, it is fair, and it is transparent. It can be trusted, win or lose,” he stated. Biden revealed he had spoken with President-elect Trump to offer his congratulations and pledge his administration’s full cooperation for a seamless transition, saying, “That’s what the American people deserve.” His comments were met with extended applause from senior administration officials and family members, including his granddaughter Finn, as he took to the podium. Turning to his former running mate, Biden praised Kamala Harris for her “inspiring campaign” and unwavering dedication to public service. “She gave her wholehearted effort,” Biden said, commending Harris and her team for a campaign that represented strength and integrity, despite her defeat. Biden also acknowledged the sorrow among Democrats, who saw not only a presidential loss but also the Senate slip into Republican hands. With the House of Representatives yet to be called, Republicans remain optimistic about securing a narrow majority. “I know it’s a difficult time. You’re hurting. I hear you and I see you,” Biden told his party members, while urging them to remember their accomplishments over the past term. Reflecting on his administration’s policies, Biden defended the achievements made under his tenure, particularly those expected to have long-term impacts. “Much of the work we’ve done is already being felt by the American people,” he said, referencing infrastructure legislation set to transform struggling communities over the next decade. Biden warned that Republicans may seek to undo some of these legislative gains, adding, “The road ahead is clear, assuming we sustain it.” The speech, aimed at cooling the nation’s political climate, reinforced Biden’s hope that Americans can rally around shared values in the days ahead. Read More: US2024 ELECTION: Obama congratulates Trump on embracing diverse political viewpoints Read More: Tinubu, world leaders salute President-elect Trump
Nigerians to enjoy 20-hour daily power supply by 2027 – FG
The Federal Government has promised to provide Nigerians with at least 20 hours of daily electricity by 2027. The government, however, has conditioned this target on sufficient investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which it has said is currently far below expectations. Disclosing the plans at the Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, in a release by the State House Director of Information and Publicity, Abiodun Oladunjoye, on Thursday, stated, ”By 2027, Nigeria aims to ensure 20 hours of electricity daily for consumers in urban areas and industrial hubs.” The statement is titled, ‘At African Energy Week in Cape Town, Olu Verheijen Invites Global Players to Invest in Nigeria’s Energy Sector.’ Verheijen’s comments come amid the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which has led to widespread blackouts across the country. The grid collapsed on Thursday, marking the 11th such incident since January 2024. The Federal Government has attributed these recurring collapses to ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient investment in the power sector. The Special Adviser said despite having an installed capacity of approximately 12,500 megawatts, Nigeria often generates only a fraction of this, leaving many areas without reliable electricity. Verheijen told participants at the Energy Week about efforts by the Tinubu administration to revitalize the nation’s power sector, with plans to provide more reliable electricity access for the 86 million Nigerians currently underserved. She said the scheme aims to improve revenue assurance and collection. Other key measures include tackling legacy debt, deploying seven million smart meters to reduce losses, and expanding off-grid solutions for remote communities. Highlighting recent macroeconomic reforms, such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange liberalisation, she expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised for unprecedented growth. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is championing reforms to unlock its vast economic potential and create jobs,” she said, inviting foreign partners to participate in Nigeria’s next chapter of growth. While discussing the recent reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to attract investment, Verheijen noted that the country has historically underperformed in oil and gas production despite its wealth in the sector. The Special Adviser referenced how countries like Brazil, which have only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves, have outperformed Nigeria by producing 131 per cent more than the country’s current output. “Despite our abundant resources, we have underperformed against our potential. For example, Brazil holds only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131 per cent more. This is largely due to under-investment,” she said. She lamented that since 2016, Nigeria has attracted only 4 per cent of African oil and gas investments, while investment has surged in other, less resource-rich nations. “Since 2016, Nigeria has managed to attract only 4 per cent of total investments in oil and gas, while less-resourced countries in Africa have enjoyed a larger share. “When we analysed investment data, we also found that, between 2013, when Nigeria’s last deepwater project reached FID, and now, International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria have committed more than $82bn in deepwater investments in other countries they deemed to be more attractive destinations for their capital,” she told the audience. Recognising this trend, the presidential aide highlighted efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to enact reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape. She cited the government’s introduction of fiscal incentives targeting deep offshore and non-associated gas projects, marking the first time Nigeria has outlined a fiscal framework specifically for deepwater gas. In efforts to enhance the upstream oil and gas sector, she said her office has collaborated closely with the office of the National Security Adviser to create and distribute focused Security Directives, leveraging insights gathered from on-the-ground operators. Furthermore, Verheijen revealed steps to streamline approval processes by clearly defining the regulatory scopes involved. This initiative, she said, aims to significantly reduce the extended project timelines that have historically plagued the industry, as well as the high-cost premiums associated with operating in Nigeria. “Our target is to shorten the contracting timelines from an extensive 38 months to just 135 days, while also working to eliminate the 40 per cent cost premium that currently exists within the Nigerian petroleum industry,” she added. The presidential aide also revealed efforts by the current President Tinubu administration to further open up the oil and gas sector for larger investments with a set of clear fiscal incentives for non-associated gas and deep offshore oil and gas exploration and production. She said, “This is the first time that Nigeria is outlining a fiscal framework for deepwater gas since exploration in the basin commenced in 1991.” According to her, amongst other initiatives, there has been a focus on midstream and downstream investments in compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electric vehicles as part of the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative. She added that the administration has also worked to streamline regulatory processes, shorten project timelines, and reduce the high-cost premium of operating in Nigeria. Verheijen stated, “We have also introduced fiscal incentives to catalyse investments in the midstream and downstream sectors, including compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and mini-liquefied natural gas. “These align with the broader Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, which seeks to enable the displacement of PMS and diesel in three key sectors: heavy transport, decentralised power generation, and cooking. These incentives are also stimulating demand for electric vehicles. “Our goal is to eliminate the 40 per cent cost premium within the Nigerian petroleum industry and cut down contracting timelines from 38 months to 135 days.” She said the government has unlocked over $1bn across the energy value chain, with two more major investment projects expected by mid-2025. Verheijen explained, “We are also facilitating the transfer of onshore and shallow water assets to local companies with the capacity to grow production while supporting the transition of International Oil Companies with resilient capital into deep offshore and integrated gas. “We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the
Nigerian-American Oye Owolewa re-elected to US congress
A Nigerian-American Democrat, Oye Owolewa, has been re-elected as the shadow representative for the District of Columbia (DC). Born and raised in Newton, Massachusetts, Owolewa attended Boston Latin School, graduating in 2008. His academic journey led him to Northeastern University, where he earned his PhD in pharmacy in 2014 before relocating to Washington, DC, to pursue a career in pharmacy. Owolewa, who earned a doctorate in pharmacy from Northeastern University, first made headlines in November 2020 as the first Nigerian-American to be elected to Congress. This year, he was re-elected with a remarkable 164,026 votes, capturing 82.84% of the total votes cast in DC. Though his position as shadow representative does not grant him official voting rights in Congress, Owolewa plays a crucial role as an advocate for the district’s interests, particularly in DC’s ongoing push for statehood. Alongside his professional career, Oye Owolewa’s dedication to public service grew, leading him to politics as a platform for his advocacy work. As a politician, pharmacist, and committed advocate, Owolewa focuses on issues vital to his community, including fighting climate change, addressing prescription drug costs, and enhancing community resources. He aims to amplify DC’s voice, emphasizing equity and policy changes that would benefit not only his constituents but also the broader American landscape.
RSUTH health facility emerges as Nigeria’s South-South region Mpox testing lab.
In a tremendous achievement, the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) announced that its state-of-the-art Molecular Laboratory in the state has emerged as the South-South region for testing Mpox. Announcing its selection through their X page on Thursday, the management said the health facilities have successfully completed the first two Mpox samples. Acknowledging its significant move to combat the outbreak of zoonotic disease variants in Nigeria, RSUTH said on October 14, 2024, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)-Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) made the declaration. Appreciating the Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Hon. Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu Alikor, expressed delight as he highlighted the efforts of the health team and the importance of this development to the state and region. The statement read, “The successful completion of the first tests marks a key moment in the hospital’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge medical research and diagnostics. The results, which have already been released to the State Epidemiologist, were sent from the Ministry of Health for testing at the newly established RSUTH Molecular Lab,” the notice disclosed. He pledged the management’s dedication to delivering innovative and excellence in medical care. “He also commended the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze C. Oreh @Adaeze_Oreh, for her leadership and commitment to public health, which has been instrumental in making this breakthrough possible.” “This latest development underscores the hospital’s dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and its important contribution to the national effort in combating Mpox, a virus that has become a significant public health concern in recent years, ” the RSUTH management noted.
