SGF Backs ACPN's War Against Fake Drugs, Confirms Attendance at "Unity 2026" Conference

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has called for a intensified nationwide crackdown on counterfeit medicines, urging the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to forge a tighter alliance with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to purge fake drugs from the nation's supply chain.

Senator Akume made the call in Abuja while receiving the national leadership of the ACPN, led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh. During the courtesy visit, the delegation formally invited the SGF to serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the ACPN’s upcoming 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, tagged “Unity 2026”.

The high-profile conference, themed "From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems," is scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Praising community pharmacists as irreplaceable pillars of the Nigerian healthcare architecture, Senator Akume emphasized that their strategic grassroots presence places them at the forefront of the battle against substandard pharmaceuticals.

"The menace of fake drugs continues to pose a serious danger to the health and well-being of Nigerians," the SGF warned. "You must join hands with NAFDAC in checking this menace because it is a responsibility that demands the support of all of us. While NAFDAC is doing a great deal, it also requires the active collaboration of professional bodies such as the ACPN."

The SGF's remarks align with NAFDAC’s aggressive ongoing enforcement maneuvers, including specialized task forces deployed to dismantle illicit drug markets and curb sub-standard distribution networks. He noted that community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to intercept fake medications before they reach vulnerable citizens.

Shifting focus to industrial independence, Senator Akume challenged Nigerian pharmaceutical professionals to leverage international partnerships and technical exchanges to boost domestic drug manufacturing. Citing successful models from comparative African nations like Uganda, he stressed the urgency of scaling up local production capacity.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s dedication to sweeping health sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*, the SGF assured the delegation of sustained administrative backing for policies prioritizing public health safety and universal health coverage (UHC).

In his remarks, ACPN National Chairman Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh explained that the annual flagship conference will convene policymakers, regulators, international experts, and industry leaders to map out the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Pharm. Ezeh noted that modern community pharmacy practice has evolved far beyond traditional drug dispensing, with practitioners acting as critical primary healthcare providers integral to disease prevention and medicine safety.

"Our community pharmacists are committed to strengthening strategic collaboration with NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies to safeguard public health and eliminate counterfeit products," Ezeh affirmed.

Iworo Ajido Model College 2000–2005 Set Hosts Annual Quiz Competition

By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The 2000–2005 Set of the Iworo Ajido Model College Old Students Association (IAMCOSA) successfully hosted its highly anticipated Annual Quiz Competition. The event took place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the school's assembly hall in Badagry, drawing enthusiastic participation from students across both junior (JSS 1–2) and senior (SSS 1–2) secondary sections.

Designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage a deep-seated passion for learning, the academic contest provided a platform for students to showcase their knowledge across various subject areas.

Speaking on behalf of the organizing set, the Chairman of the 2000–2005 Set, Mr. Lamidi Bisiriyu Akweyon, who was represented by the Secretary, Mr. Whesu Mawuyon Monday, reaffirmed the alumni's dedication to supporting their roots.

"We remain deeply committed to giving back to our alma mater through educational and developmental initiatives that positively impact students and the school community," the set's leadership noted, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.

The event enjoyed robust support from the national body of the association. The National Executive Council of IAMCOSA was ably represented by the Vice President, Dr. Avoseh Nudewhenu Opeyemi, alongside the 2nd Vice President, Mrs. Margaret Hennu.

Other notable members of the 2000–2005 Set who graced the occasion and ensured its seamless execution included Mr. Oyekan Raheem, Mr. Saka Lateef, Mrs. Olori Temitope Ogabi, Mr. Issa Emmanuel Mautin, Mr. Medego George Medego, Mr. Sanni Sindiku Sedowhe, and Mr. Sharafa.

The competition was fiercely contested, with students displaying impressive intellectual capacity, confidence, and sportsmanship. At the conclusion of the rounds, outstanding participants who clinched top positions were rewarded with educational materials, books, and special prizes to celebrate their academic prowess.

Teachers, school management, and community guests heaped praises on the alumni set for their continuous investment in the students. They lauded the initiative as a powerful catalyst for inspiring healthy academic competition and improving overall learning outcomes in the school.

The programme concluded with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs to teachers and heartfelt expressions of gratitude to donors and supporters whose generous contributions made the event a resounding success.

The IAMCOSA 2000–2005 Set has assured stakeholders that the annual quiz competition will remain a permanent fixture on their calendar, as they continue to explore new ways to strengthen the bond between the alumni network and Iworo Ajido Model College.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8: A New Era of Agentic AI and Foldable Innovation

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8, Ultra.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Samsung Electronics has officially redefined the mobile landscape with the worldwide unveiling of its next-generation foldable ecosystem. Introduced on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the new lineup features three distinct devices: the productivity-focused Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, the immersive and lightweight Galaxy Z Fold8, and the sleek, AI-native Galaxy Z Flip8.

Built on seven generations of consumer insight and foldable engineering, the new series integrates advanced hardware enhancements with deeply optimized Galaxy AI, setting a high benchmark for mobile productivity, creativity, and self-expression.

Expanding the Foldable Horizon

Speaking on the launch, TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the evolving role of smartphones in an AI-driven world.

"As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user," said TM Roh. "By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people."

Galaxy Z Fold8: Designed for Everyday Immersion

Reimagined for users seeking a natural transition between quick interactions and deep media consumption, the Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces an optimized form factor. Weighing just 201 grams, it is Samsung's lightest Fold yet.

Display Engineering: Features a familiar 10:16 cover screen for messaging and browsing, expanding into an immersive 4:3 main display ideal for reading, gaming, and split-view multitasking.

Durability: Utilizes new Flex Titanium technology, combining a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate to minimize crease visibility while keeping the device exceptionally thin.

Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, backed by a 4,800 mAh battery and dual 50 MP cameras with advanced features like Dual Recording and My FanCam.

Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Ultimate Productivity Powerhouse

For power users and content creators, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings the highest standard of Samsung performance to a foldable canvas. Measuring just 4.1 mm thick when unfolded and weighing 215 grams, it houses a sprawling 8-inch main display.

Professional Camera System: Boasts a 200 MP main camera with HDR support, a 50 MP ultra-wide lens, enhanced Nightography, and 8K video recording via the new APV codec.

All-Day Power: Equipped with a 5,000 mAh battery, dual-path 45W fast charging, and an expanded graphite cooling structure to handle heavy AI workflows and professional workloads seamlessly.

Galaxy Z Flip8: The Sleekest AI-Native Flip

Built for expression and quick, on-the-go interaction, the Galaxy Z Flip8 weighs 180 grams and measures 6.1 mm thin. It features a reimagined AI-native FlexWindow powered by Now Brief for glanceable insights, alongside a 50 MP ProVisual Engine camera system optimized for hands-free FlexCam selfies and advanced stability controls like Super Steady with Horizontal Lock.

Advanced Galaxy AI and Robust Security

Across the entire lineup, Galaxy AI introduces proactive capabilities like Now Nudge to automate daily workflows and deeper integration with Gemini Intelligence across more than 40 apps.

Security is anchored by Samsung Knox, featuring the Personal Data Engine (PDE), Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), and a physical Knox Vault layer. The new One UI 9 also introduces an AI Assistant Activity dashboard and proactive Privacy Alerts to keep users firmly in control of their data.

Availability and Launch Offers

The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8 are available for pre-order in select markets starting today, July 22, 2026. Available colors include standard shades like Graphite and Cream, alongside market-exclusive variants such as Violet Shadow, Pink, and Pistachio. Buyers will also receive a complimentary 6-month trial of Google AI Pro, which includes 5 TB of cloud storage.

ATPN South West Unveils Committee Chairmen for SWITEX 2026 Ahead of Ogun State Mega Expo

By: Manoah Kikekon 

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE – As preparations gather momentum for the 2nd South West International Tourism Expo (SWITEX 2026), the Office of the National Vice President, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) South West Region, has officially announced the appointment of committee chairmen for the forthcoming event.

Scheduled to take place from December 4th to 5th, 2026, in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, SWITEX 2026 aims to position South West Nigeria as a premier hub for cultural heritage, tourism investment, and economic collaboration.

The announcement was made public on Wednesday through an official statement signed by the National Vice President of ATPN South West Region, Hon. Apata Samson Nunayon. Following extensive regional consultations, a roster of distinguished tourism professionals and stakeholders has been tapped to drive the various functional committees.

The newly appointed chairmen tasked with steering the operational committees include:

SWITEX Corporate and Sponsorship Engagement Committee: Olori Temitope Oloko (Chairman)

SWITEX Welfare Committee: Alhaja Akinreti (Chairperson)

SWITEX Rail and Rock Tour Committee: Mr. Phil Idowu Ebegbune & Mr. Akinsola Samuel (Co-Chairmen)

SWITEX Delegate Services Committee: Prince Toyon Samson (Chairman)

SWITEX Publicity and Content Creation Committee: Omo'ba Abiola Ogundeko (Chairman)

SWITEX Expatriates Community Engagement and Partnership Committee: Amb. Diwesh Mishra (Chairman)

SWITEX Vendors and Exhibitors Engagement Committee: Otunba Musiliu Olufemi Oladeinde (Chairman)

In addition to announcing the leadership lineup, the ATPN South West secretariat revealed that the official theme for SWITEX 2026, alongside the comprehensive list of all committee members, will be unveiled to the public on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Speaking on the appointments, Hon. Apata emphasized that the selection reflects the association's core values of excellence, inclusivity, and professionalism.

“The committee leadership has been carefully constituted to harness the wealth of experience, expertise, and passion of distinguished tourism practitioners and stakeholders across the region,” Hon. Apata stated. He further urged the newly appointed chairmen to hit the ground running with preliminary engagements ahead of their formal inaugurations.

Macfoy Leads APC Reconciliation Push in Badagry, Calls for Forgiveness among Members

By: Manoah Kikekon 

 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In an effort to solidify its political dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Reconciliation Committee has charged party stakeholders in the Badagry Federation to embrace forgiveness, unity, and unwavering loyalty.

Led by its Chairman, Alhaj S. Alabi Macfoy, the state reconciliation team made the passionate appeal during a high-profile stakeholders' meeting held on Tuesday inside the Badagry Local Government Council Chamber. The gathering forms a vital part of the party’s broader, statewide strategy to mend internal fractures stemming from recent party primaries and internal selection processes.

Addressing the packed assembly of party chieftains, elected officials, and grassroots members, Macfoy stressed that true political commitment must transcend individual ambitions or the outcome of primary contests. He noted that the committee was deployed by the state leadership to engage aggrieved members, rebuild trust, and foster absolute cohesion across every chapter in Lagos.

"True party loyalty is demonstrated through continued support for the APC irrespective of individual political fortunes," Macfoy stated, adding that the reconciliation drive will persist until every concerned member is fully integrated back into the fold. He also lauded the impressive turnout, describing it as a testament to Badagry's enduring dedication to the progressive movement.

Echoing these sentiments, committee member Chief Mrs. Hon. Teju Philips urged stakeholders to accept internal democratic outcomes in good faith. She specifically charged members to ramp up grassroots mobilization while calling for deeper political inclusion for women, whom she described as critical anchors of the party’s electoral victories.

Earlier in the proceedings, the Badagry Local Government APC Chairman, Hon. Muritala Gafari Meyon, revealed that local mediation efforts had already been set in motion prior to the state committee's arrival. He highlighted the inauguration of a 16-member Badagry Federation Reconciliation Committee headed by respected party stalwart Alhaj Abu Akilapa designed to fast-track peace-building across the region.

In what many described as the high point of the meeting, former aspirants who competed in the recent party primaries stepped forward to publicly endorse the party's candidates for the House of Representatives and the Lagos State House of Assembly. The unified front was greeted with thunderous applause, signaling a decisive shift toward collective campaigning.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Badagry Local Government Executive Chairman Hon. Babatunde Hunpe expressed profound appreciation to the state reconciliation team for bringing their peace mission to the coastal city.

"We are fully committed to sustaining unity, reconciliation, and aggressive grassroots mobilization as we prepare for the 2027 general elections," Hunpe assured.

The meeting drew a powerful delegation of state committee members, including the committee secretary, Barr. Debire Ladigbolu, Hon. Remi Sotilahan, and Assistant Financial Secretary Evangelist Olaleye Funke. They were joined by apex leaders, the three council chairmen of the Badagry Federation, legislative office holders, and vibrant youth and women leaders all leaving the chamber with a shared resolve to secure a resounding victory come 2027.

Lagos State Government to Digitise Child Adoption and Guardianship Services

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Mobolaji Ogunlende 

LAGOS, NIGERIA – In a major leap forward for social welfare administration, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to move its child care, adoption, guardianship, and fostering services entirely online.

The initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce processing times, and bring unprecedented transparency to the state's child welfare system. The announcement was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during a strategic stakeholders' meeting held in Lagos alongside key development partners, including Better Evidence for Better Care (BEB).

According to Commissioner Ogunlende, the digital transformation journey began following high-level discussions initiated when he attended the U.S.–Africa Summit in Dallas as part of the Lagos State delegation. These ongoing diplomatic and technical engagements have now culminated in a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with BEB to build and support a robust digital infrastructure for the state's child care sector.

"Since that initial engagement, we have continued discussions and collaboration, which have now led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support the digitalisation of our child care system," Ogunlende stated.

For decades, prospective parents navigating adoption, legal guardianship, and foster care in Nigeria's commercial capital have faced extensive paperwork, prolonged waiting periods, and complex tracking procedures. The new digital portal is designed to completely overhaul this experience.

The automated system will significantly improve institutional record-keeping, accelerate verification processes, and make applications more accessible to eligible families. By leveraging technology, the ministry hopes to safeguard vulnerable children while easing the journey for prospective parents.

"We remain committed to embracing innovation and building systems that place the best interests, safety and wellbeing of every child at the centre of our policies and programmes," Ogunlende emphasized.

APC Badagry Federation Sets Up Reconciliation Committee Ahead 2027

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a strategic move to fortify its political base and guarantee massive electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Badagry Federation has inaugurated a 16-member Reconciliation Committee.

The high-stakes initiative was officially set into motion following a crucial pre-reconciliation meeting held on Sunday, July 20, 2026, at the legislative chambers of the Badagry Local Government Secretariat. The gathering brought together the executive chairmen, party leaders, and stakeholders from all factions across the Badagry division to mend fences and build a unified front.

The newly formed committee is tasked with reaching out to aggrieved members, resolving lingering internal disputes, and harmonizing interests across Badagry Local Government, Badagry West LCDA, and Olorunda LCDA. Party leaders emphasized that absolute unity is non-negotiable if Badagry is to deliver unprecedented, block votes for the ruling party in the upcoming general elections.

Speaking at the inauguration, stakeholders underscored the importance of grassroots solidarity. The unveiling was heavily backed by the executive chairmen of the region: Hon. Babatunde Hunpe (Badagry Local Government), Hon. Ibrahim Rauf Kayode Yemaren (Badagry West LCDA), and Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon (Olorunda LCDA).

To steer the reconciliation process effectively, the party appointed seasoned administrators and loyal party stalwarts to lead the 16-member body: Alhaji Abu Akilapa – Chairman, Chief Fredrick Ajaneson – Vice Chairman, and Mr. Charles Krape Sewedo – Secretary

The remaining positions are filled by respected senior party leaders, former aspirants, and public office holders carefully selected from across the entire Badagry Federation to ensure balanced representation and transparent mediation.

The APC Badagry Federation aims to project a formidable, cohesive structure capable of dominating the polls and securing substantial numbers for President Tinubu and all Lagos State APC candidates in 2027.