Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Health stakeholders and experts have raised concerns over the deployment and consumption of Genetically Modified Organism, GMO, foods in Nigeria, alleging that they could contribute to the spread of cancer and other terminal illnesses in Africa’s most populous country.

The concerns were expressed on Tuesday during a one-day media training on biosafety and agroecology in Nigeria attended by journalists, including DAILY POST.

The training focused on Nigeria’s food future, biosafety regulations, and the perceived negative impacts of GMO crops on health, biodiversity, and food security.

Recall that in March 2026, the National Committee on Naming, Registration, and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds, and Fisheries approved and registered four new transgenic cotton varieties without requisite clearance from the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA.

The development came amid growing national debate over the deployment of GMO crops in Nigeria. The House of Representatives had also conducted an investigative hearing on the introduction of GMOs into the country’s agricultural system.

DAILY POST reports that the adoption of GMO crops has continued to generate mixed reactions among scientists, policymakers, farmers, and civil society groups.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ifeanyi Casmir, a health expert, cautioned Nigerians against embracing GMO foods, warning that the country’s major staple crops could become controlled by proprietary interests.

“Now, the worry we have is the quest to take our staple foods, cassava, maize, beans, and cowpea, which Nigeria is one of the leading producers of globally, and to now modify them and make them proprietary. And our farmers, smallholder farmers, which globally is being agreed upon by the FAO and other agencies, are the feeders—those who produce the food that feeds the world.

“Over 80 percent of GMO crops in Nigeria and in other parts of Africa and the world depend on the use of herbicides and pesticides.

“Are you aware that 7 out of every 13 herbicides used currently in our country, including with the ban on it, have been known to cause cancer and are considered highly hazardous pesticides?” he said.

Also speaking, Programme Director at Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Nnimmo Bassey, said concerns over biodiversity loss and food security continue to drive opposition to GMO crops.

“So key issues, key reasons why we are still on this campaign, are the fact that GMOs can contaminate Nigeria’s genetic resources and can bring about loss of biodiversity, which will then critically impact Nigeria’s food security, right?

“And we’ve had the Cotton Farmers Association of Nigeria come out to say that the GMOs do not have a substantial or significant advantage over the conventional varieties. But at the same time, these GMOs are causing soil degradation, right? So after planting the crops, farmers have reported that the soils are no longer supporting the local varieties. So this is a situation that we don’t want to become mainstream in Nigeria,” Bassey stated.

Similarly, the executive director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, urged the federal government to exercise caution in its approach to GMO adoption.

“There are global concerns over the health implications of GMOs. And so many countries have taken precautionary principles against GMOs.

“We don’t want the Nigerian government to open again our food system to an unproven science. There is an attempt to takeover our food environment by big corporations outside our chores,” he said.

According to available data, cancer cases have continued to rise in Nigeria, with about 128,000 new cases reported annually.

The stakeholders collectively urged the Nigerian government to urgently review its GMOs policy and stronger support for biodiversity, agroecology, and indigenous seed systems as better alternatives to GMOs.

GMO foods spread cancer, other diseases in Nigeria – Stakeholders send message FG

Real Madrid star, Brahim Diaz, wants to stay at the club and fight for his place under incoming new manager, Jose Mourinho.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Brahim is focused on Real Madrid unless the club’s position changes, despite Juventus interest in signing him this summer.

Juventus is interested in signing the Moroccan international, but a move away from Real Madrid currently appears unlikely.

Diaz has not been a regular starter for Real Madrid, and as a result, Juventus is hoping to capitalize on the situation.

The Serie A giants are hoping that uncertainty over Diaz’s place in Mourinho’s plans could open the door for a transfer.

However, as things stand, neither Real Madrid nor the 26-year-old is looking toward an exit.

LaLiga: Brahim Diaz makes transfer decision as Mourinho returns to Real Madrid

Veteran Nigerian actor, Abdul Salam Taofeek, professionally known as Tioruju Mondusi, has shared his most painful experience in life.

The actor made the sad experience public during in an interview on African A-List podcast.

When asked if there’s anyone who had offended him and he hasn’t forgiven because of the pain, he said, “The only person that did the most painful thing to me in life is my wife. The incident brought tears from my eyes. She’s late now, may God forgive her.

“I went to a location about five years ago and I didn’t meet her at home when I returned. As at the time, she was nine months pregnant with our fifth child. I was unable to reach her on the phone to know her whereabouts until two days later when her number went through. After getting in touch with her she refused to tell me her whereabouts.

“It was when I visited her mother’s house to complain that I realized she had done an introduction with another man who is already married with four kids. After seeing the photo frame, I called to abuse her. That was when she returned to the house to abuse me and asked who told me that I’m the owner of the pregnancy.  

“She gave birth a few days later and requested to do the naming ceremony in my house after she had openly said the baby is not mine. That was when I got angry and arrested her alongside the man and his friend that came to beg me.

“Following my refusal to allow the naming to take place at my compound, she took me to court for the dissolution of our marriage. It was in the court that she confessed that the third and the last child were not mine. She has been going out with the man for many years. She died last year from depression after the man she left me for later abandoned her to face his family because he is already married with four children before the incident. He is from Ijebu in Ogun State.”

See the video

Two of my five children are not mine – Actor Taofeek shares painful experience [VIDEO]

The National Examinations Council, NECO, has alerted the public to the activities of fraudsters operating fake online recruitment portals for the engagement of examination supervisors.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the Council said the fraudulent platforms are requesting applicants to submit details of their academic credentials and make payments before being considered for recruitment.

NECO clarified that it does not demand any payment from teachers seeking to serve as supervisors during the forthcoming 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.

The Council also explained that, in line with recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the Improvement of Quality of Examination in Nigeria, it has migrated from the traditional analogue method of recruiting supervisors and assistant supervisors to a fully electronic process.

According to the statement, qualified pensionable teachers on Grade Level 12 and above, who are at least 30 years old and interested in serving as supervisors for the 2026 SSCE Internal examination, are required to apply directly through the official NECO recruitment portal.

NECO emphasized that the recruitment process is fully automated and does not require the involvement of any third party.

The Council noted that the new digital recruitment system is designed to curb fraud, strengthen examination supervision, reduce examination malpractice, and promote fairness, transparency, and credibility in the selection process.

NECO further disclosed that more than 22,000 supervisors will be recruited for the 2026 SSCE Internal examination, which is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2026.

The examination body then urged members of the public to disregard unofficial recruitment portals and avoid making payments to individuals or groups claiming to facilitate the recruitment process.

NECO warns against fake supervisor recruitment portals

Spanish Segunda Division club Real Zaragoza have announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Peter Ademo.

Ademo , who joined Real Zaragoza from Moldovan club Sheriff Tiraspol signed a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old started his professional career in Lithuania in 2022 with Dainava.

The powerful midfielder impressed in his second season with Dainava, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 19 appearances.

Ademo later earned a move to Moldovan giants Sheriff Tiraspol in 2023.

He struggled for regular playing time in his first two seasons at the club , and was later sent out on loan to Romanian outfit Dinamo Bucharest.

Ademo returned to Sheriff Tiraspol at the start of last season, contributing four goals and three assists in 40 appearances.

Transfer: Nigerian midfielder seals move to Spanish club Real Zaragoza

In commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day, the Ogun State government has distributed 3,500 clean cooking stoves to women in the state.

The government also announced the development and utilization of Refuse Derived Fuel, RDF, as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution.

According to the government, the stoves reduce indoor air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and offer safer, healthier, and more sustainable cooking to improve the well being of women and children.

DAILY POST reports that the clean cooking stoves were provided through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Government.

Speaking at this year’s celebration themed, ‘Inspired By Nature. For Climate. For Our Future’, held in  Abeokuta on Tuesday, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, said globally, climate change remains a serious concern, arguing that traditional cooking methods cause indoor air pollution, health risks, deforestation and climate change.

Abiola-Awe who was represented by Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, a principal officer in the ministry, added that the Federal Executive Council approved the National Clean Cooking Policy on March 25, 2024, and launched it at the 17th National Council on Environment, with the aim to give all Nigerian households and institutions access to clean cooking energy by 2030.

In her welcome address, the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of climate resilience, public health improvement and women’s empowerment.

Mrs Abiodun noted that millions of Nigerians still depend on firewood, charcoal and other traditional biomass fuels for cooking, stressing that while they serve many families, they also come with significant consequences.

The First Lady also applauded the state government for embracing the RDF, stressing that as the state continues to industrialize, innovations as such will help achieve effective waste management and cleaner energy generation while supporting sustainable economic growth.

“Instead of allowing large volumes of combustible waste to accumulate in dumpsites where they contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, such waste can be processed into alternative fuel for industrial and energy applications,” she stated.

In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, argued that despite the progress made, challenges such as climate change, urbanization, industrial pollution, deforestation and ecosystem degradation still require stronger collaboration, innovation and sustained commitment.

Oresanya noted that the ministry is advancing initiatives to strengthen climate governance, expand environmental data systems, improve monitoring technologies, promote sustainable industrial practices, and deepen public-private partnerships.

He maintained that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved by government alone, and called for collaboration and collective responsibility.

“A major component of our climate strategy is the promotion of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) as a sustainable waste-to-energy solution. RDF converts combustible municipal solid waste into alternative fuel for domestic and industrial use, thereby reducing landfill pressure, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” Oresanya added.

He, however, assured that the ministry would continue to equip young people with knowledge and skills in environmental stewardship, waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and climate action, to ensure sustainability for future generations.

Also speaking, the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, asserted that the year’s theme is a call for all to learn from nature and adopt sustainable practices that will secure a better future for generations yet unborn.

He charged staff of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment and its agencies to remain dedicated, innovative, and proactive in the discharge of their duties, stating that environmental future of the state depends significantly on their commitment, professionalism, and integrity.

The head of service also urged the beneficiaries of the clean cooking stoves to make effective use of the appliances and become advocates of cleaner and healthier cooking practices within their communities.

World Environment Day: Ogun distributes 3,500 stoves to residents to combat climate change

Nigeria’s top cement producer, Dangote Cement Plc, is seeking shareholder approval to pursue an overseas listing of its shares and facilitate a potential offer for sale by its majority shareholder as part of plans to broaden access to international capital markets and deepen investor participation.

The proposals, which will be considered at the company’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), form part of a broad set of resolutions aimed at enhancing the company’s corporate structure, governance framework, and strategic growth ambitions.

Under the proposed resolutions, shareholders will be asked to authorise the board of directors to explore one or more capital market transactions, including a secondary listing of Dangote Cement’s issued shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) or another recognised international securities exchange.

The company said the proposed international listing would be subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals and prevailing market conditions.

The board would retain the discretion to determine the timing, structure and terms of any transaction.

In addition to the proposed overseas listing, shareholders will also vote on a resolution that could pave the way for an offer for sale of the company’s shares by the majority shareholder in both international and Nigerian capital markets.

The transaction could be undertaken in connection with a foreign listing or executed as a standalone share sale, depending on market conditions and strategic considerations.

Industry analysts believe the move could strengthen Dangote Cement’s international profile, expand its shareholder base and improve access to foreign capital, while potentially enhancing liquidity in the company’s stock.

As part of the resolutions, shareholders will be asked to grant the board authority to appoint professional advisers, execute relevant agreements, secure regulatory approvals and undertake all necessary actions required to implement the proposed transactions.

The company is also seeking shareholder ratification of actions already taken by management and the board in preparation for the proposed initiatives.

Beyond the capital market proposals, Dangote Cement is seeking a general mandate to continue recurrent transactions and business arrangements with related parties and associated companies in the ordinary course of business.

The mandate, if approved, will remain effective until the next AGM and is intended to ensure operational flexibility while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

The board is also requesting shareholder approval for the remuneration of the company’s non-executive directors.

In a separate special resolution, shareholders will consider amendments to the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.

The proposed changes include revisions to provisions governing share transfer registration and the removal of certain qualifying clauses in the company’s constitutional documents.

Specifically, the company is proposing an amendment to Article 5 to provide that the registration of share transfers may be suspended for periods determined by the directors, provided such suspension does not exceed 30 days in any calendar year.

The proposed amendments are designed to align the company’s governance framework with evolving corporate and regulatory requirements while improving administrative efficiency.

The resolutions come as Dangote Cement continues to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading cement manufacturer, with operations spanning several African countries and a strategic focus on sustaining growth, enhancing shareholder value and strengthening its presence in regional and global capital markets.

If approved, the overseas listing initiative would represent one of the most significant international capital market moves by a Nigerian-listed industrial company in recent years, potentially positioning Dangote Cement for greater visibility among global institutional investors.

Dangote Cement Seeks Approval For Overseas Listing, Share Sale Plan is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Emma Raducanu launched her grass season in style after ousting Anna Blinkova 6-0 6-3 in exactly an hour of play to comfortably progress into the Queen’s round-of-16.

Over the weekend, world No. 105 Blinkova won two qualifying matches to secure a main-draw spot.

Though the Russian had already gotten some feel for the grass at Queen’s, it was Raducanu who completely dominated the start of the match and claimed an early break for a 3-0 lead.

With the home star ahead early, rain started to fall and the match was suspended.

After the covers were removed and the players returned to the court, the 2021 US Open champion completed a bagel.

Raducanu, currently ranked No. 42 in the world, lost just six points during the first set. It is also worth noting that the former world No. 10 fired 12 winners en route to securing the opener.

By beating Blinkova, Raducanu secured her first win since Indian Wells and ended a three-match losing streak.

Raducanu Shines In Grass-Season Opener is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kano State Police Command says it has arrested 345 suspected thugs and drug dealers during a series of operations aimed at tackling crime and illicit drug activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.

According to him, the arrests were made during a statewide operation conducted between June 5 and June 7 across all 44 local government areas of the state.

Bakori explained that the intelligence-led exercise targeted identified criminal hideouts, black spots and drug distribution centres as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb the spread of illicit substances.

He said 187 of the suspects were arrested during the three-day clearance operation, while the remaining suspects were apprehended through previous raids and ongoing investigations.

The police commissioner noted that all suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and would be prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established.

During the operation, security operatives also recovered 270 dangerous weapons, including knives, cutlasses and clubs.

Large quantities of illicit drugs and substances were also seized, including Cannabis Sativa, Exol tablets and a locally brewed intoxicating mixture commonly known as “Suck and Die.”

Bakori attributed the success of the operation to the activities of Operation Kukan Kura and the recently established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), which he said have enhanced tactical response capabilities and visibility policing across the state.

“No form of criminality will be tolerated in Kano State. All suspects in custody will be subjected to due process, and we will continue to intensify operations until criminal activities become untenable,” he said.

The police commissioner commended the Kano State Government for its continued support and urged residents to assist security agencies with credible information.

He assured members of the public that all information provided to the police would be treated with strict confidentiality.

Bakori also warned criminal elements to stay away from the state, stressing that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while strengthening community-based policing initiatives.

Police Nab 345 Thugs, Drug Kingpins In Kano is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as excessive borrowing and poor fiscal accountability.

Obi said Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N200tn, which he attributed to what he called “imprudent governance” under the current administration.

He said the debt level represents an increase of over N100tn in three years, contrasting it with the approximately N49 trillion accumulated during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Labour Party(LP), presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election stated this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, saying the situation reflected a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of borrowed funds.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has engaged in remarkably imprudent borrowing, escalating Nigeria’s total debt to approximately N200 trillion. This represents an increase of over N100 trillion within a mere three years, a stark contrast to the roughly N49 trillion accumulated during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, which would have projected to around N80 trillion.

“As millions of Nigerians grapple with the shock of this unsustainable debt accumulation, the situation is exacerbated by the government’s reckless approach to borrowing and a profound absence of accountability and transparency in the utilisation of these funds,” he said.

Citing figures from the Budget Office, Obi said the government borrowed N11.89 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025 (January to September), exceeding its planned borrowing target of N10.34 trillion by about N1.54 trillion.

He said such an overrun should ordinarily attract scrutiny and explanation from relevant authorities.

“Under a responsible and accountable government, such an overshoot would necessitate rigorous scrutiny and explanation from relevant governmental bodies. Regrettably, this is not the reality under the current administration,” he said.

Obi further claimed that only N3.10 trillion of the borrowed funds was allocated to capital expenditure during the January–September 2025 period, representing 17.66 per cent of the N17.58 trillion earmarked for capital projects, leaving a funding gap of about N14.48 trillion.
He questioned how the remaining funds were utilised.

“The most disturbing aspect of the financial management fiasco under Bola Tinubu is that there is no explanation or information regarding how the balance was utilised or deployed.

“The question that Nigerians are rightly asking and deserve an answer to is what happened to the balance? Was it deployed for recurrent expenditure/consumption, for the entertainment of guests to Aso Rock or transferred to the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 Election Campaign Fund?

“Nigerians deserve an answer on how our economy and resources are most unpatriotically managed,” he said.

Nigeria has faced mounting debt pressures since the Tinubu administration’s major reforms began in mid-2023, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market.

These moves aimed to correct fiscal distortions but triggered immediate inflation spikes, naira volatility, and higher living costs, while increasing the local-currency burden of debt servicing.

Tinubu had disclosed in May 2026 that Nigeria plans to spend about $11.6bn on debt servicing in 2026.

Obi Faults Tinubu Over Rising Debt, Missing Borrowed Funds is first published on The Whistler Newspaper