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LAGOS OEQA MONITORS BASIC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

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LAGOS OEQA MONITORS BASIC EDUCATION CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION

In line with its mandate to ensure strict adherence to examination procedures and to curb malpractice, the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA has commenced the monitoring of the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination, BECE across the state.

Speaking during a monitoring visit to New Era Girls Junior High School, Surulere, on Friday, the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Mr. Remi Abdul reiterated the office’s commitment to upholding examination integrity in both public and private schools below the tertiary level in Lagos State.

According to him, the OEQA is statutorily empowered to ensure that all schools conform to established examination rules and regulations, thereby promoting a seamless and credible examination process.

Mr. Abdul emphasised that the State Government takes a firm stance against any form of examination malpractice, underscoring Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of “leaving no child behind” in the quest to deliver equitable and high-quality education across the state.

During the visit, the Coordinating Director also conducted a needs assessment of the schools visited and inspected their learning environments. He pledged that the observations gathered during the monitoring exercise would be compiled into a comprehensive report and submitted to the Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun.

In his words: “I am quite impressed with the level of compliance with examination rules and regulations. The serenity of the examination and the conduct of students and officials reflect significant improvement, which is highly commendable.”

Also speaking, the Director of Monitoring and Investigation, OEQA, Mrs. Khafilat Ashimi, noted that OEQA officials were strategically grouped and assigned team leaders to ensure effective coverage of the six Education Districts.

She disclosed that the monitoring exercise commenced on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, and is scheduled to end on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. She further affirmed that the level of compliance observed so far has been encouraging.

The monitoring team covering Education Districts IV and VI, led by Mr. Remi Abdul, comprised top management officers, including the Director of Quality Assurance, OEQA, Mr. Taofeek Ajibade; the Coordinating Director, Education District IV, Mr. Fatai Salvador; the Director, Private Education and Special Programmes, OEQA, Dr. Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa and the Zonal Director, Zone 13, Mr.Oluseyi Okewunmi amongst others.

Some of the schools visited during the exercise include Gbaja Junior High School, Surulere; New Era Girls Junior High School, Surulere and Agidingbi Junior High School, Agidingbi.

Others are Babcock Junior High School, Ogba; Omole Junior Grammar School, Omole and Ojoodu Junior High School, Ikeja all within the Education districts IV and VI.

GTCO Plc Becomes First Financial Services Institution in West Africa to Achieve Listing, Trading of its Ordinary Shares on London Stock Exchange

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GTCO Raises ₦10bn Through Private Placement After Securing Regulatory Approvals

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO Plc has recorded a significant milestone in its growth and expansion journey with the successful admission of its Ordinary Shares to the Equity Shares (International Commercial Companies Secondary Listing) category of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange.

This historic achievement makes GTCO Plc, the 1st Financial Services Institution in West Africa to dual list its Ordinary Shares on both the Nigerian and London stock exchanges, and subject to certain criteria, it is expected that the Shares will be transferrable between the two exchanges.

The admission follows the successful pricing of its fully marketed offering (The Offering) on the London Stock Exchange to raise gross proceeds of $105million in exchange for 2.29 billion of new ordinary shares in the company, which was supported by a strong book of high-quality, long-term institutional investors.

Concurrent with the Offering, the Company also gave notice of its intention to cancel the listing of its existing GDRs on the certificates representing certain securities (depositary receipts) category of the Official List of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) and the admission to trading of GDRs on the London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities.

Building on the momentum of the successful first tranche of its equity capital raise programme in July 2024, which secured ₦209 billion, GTCO will deploy the proceeds from the Offering to strengthen its capital base, meet its recapitalization target, and fund strategic expansion across high-growth markets and priority sectors within and outside Nigeria.

It is expected that Admission and unconditional dealing in the Shares will become effective on or before 8.00 a.m. (UK time) on 9 July 2025 under the ticker “GTHC”. Following the cancellation of the GDRs listing, the Company intends to change the ticker symbol for the Shares from “GTHC” to “GTCO” and will issue a separate announcement in due course to that effect.

Commenting on the LSE Listing, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “Today marks a major milestone—not just for GTCO, but for the future we see for African financial institutions on the global stage.

We are incredibly proud to be the 1st Financial Services Institution in West Africa to list our ordinary shares on London Stock Exchange’s main market for listed securities, and even more honored by the trust placed in us by the investing community.

For us, this was not just about raising capital. It was about validating the strength of our franchise, the clarity of our strategy, and the discipline with which we execute.”

He further said; “I would like to thank everyone who made this possible—our advisors and legal teams, our longstanding shareholders, the regulators both in Nigeria and in the UK, as well as the Nigerian government for creating an environment that supports our bold ambition and vision to be Africa’s leading financial services institution.”

GTCO’s fully marketed offering attracted long-term institutional capital, reflecting investor confidence in the Group’s fundamentals, governance, and strategic outlook. It also signals improving market sentiment, buoyed by ongoing economic reforms by the Federal Government and a return to traditional orthodox monetary policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which have gone a long way to stabilising the macroeconomic environment and gradually restoring investor confidence in Nigeria’s long-term prospects.

About GTCO Plc

GTCO Plc is one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions with a longstanding track record of strong growth, service excellence, and shareholder returns. The Group operates across banking, payments, asset management, and pension administration in eleven countries, including Nigeria, the UK, and key African markets

APGA Obtains Campaign Political Permit for November 8 Gubernatorial Election

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APGA Obtains Campaign Political Permit for November 8 Gubernatorial Election

As the gubernatorial election for November 8 draws near, with series of endorsements of Governor Charles Soludo by the various political groups in Anambra State for his re-election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has obtained the Out-of-Home Visual Campaign Political Permit to actualise the pursuit of the governor’s second term in office.

Valued at N50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira), the campaign permit was attained on the 2nd of July 2025, in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Anambra State Signage & Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).

According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, the permit was formally handed over by Mr. Odili Tony Ujubuonu, the Managing Director of ANSAA, to Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Special Adviser on Political Matters to Governor Soludo, and a representative of the APGA government.

Recently, the people of Anambra North Senatorial district resoundingly renewed their mandate for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

This was at a solidarity rally held at the Otuocha Township Stadium, which demonstrated their confidence in the governor’s ability to drive development and progress in the state.

According to Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Soludo on New Media, the support signals a strong endorsement of his vision and leadership, which has led to the numerous achievements of the governor in various sectors of the state’s economy.

He averred that the move shows Anambra North has spoken with one voice, upholding their trust in the Governor’s incredible leadership and his ability to transform the lives of the people.

Also, 60 support groups, comprising 120 members under the aegis of All Soludo Support Groups (ASSG), have endorsed Governor Charles Soludo’s second-term re-election bid.

In support of Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election, over 3,000 members of Late Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s political structures have officially joined APGA, where they endorsed him for a second term.

The political groups comprise the Afa Igbo Efuna, Ifeanyi Uba Solidarity Movement (IUSM), Uba Disciples, Young Progressive Party (YPP), Ifeanyi Uba’s Foundation, and Uba Nation Media Centre.

Consequently, the Women Support Soludo (WSS) officially inaugurated women coordinators across the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State in an earlier development, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots mobilisation for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.

Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs With ₦16M Business Grant

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Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs With ₦16M Business Grant

No fewer than 30 young entrepreneurs have been awarded a ₦16 million business grant by Unity Bank Plc during the latest edition of its flagship entrepreneurship development initiative, the Corpreneurship Challenge.

The winners, budding entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions across various business value chains including fashion design, bag making, pastry making, event management, beauty, vegetable farming, and more, emerged tops after participating in a business pitch competition held recently for Batch A Stream 2 across 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Cross River, Niger, Abuja, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Plateau, Jigawa, Anambra, and Lagos States.

At the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ipaja, Lagos State, corps member Adeniyi Stephen Gbemininyi, who pitched a fashion design business, emerged as the overall winner, clinching the ₦800,000 grand prize. Kolawole Opeoluwa Darasimi, a budding bag maker, won a ₦500,000 grant, while Johnson Elizabeth Ene received a ₦300,000 grant to support her cake and pastry business.

Across the remaining nine states, 27 other winners also emerged after pitching business plans in diverse sectors such as fish production, poultry farming, fashion, soap and cake making, printing, piggery, beverage production, and more.

Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs With ₦16M Business Grant

Over the past six years, the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge has become an integral part of the NYSC programme, aligning with the Federal Government’s commitment to upskilling fresh graduates amid the growing dearth of white-collar jobs.

The programme attracts thousands of applications from serving NYSC corps members, whose business plans are evaluated for originality, marketability, employability potential, and overall business acumen.

Speaking during the grand finale in Lagos, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, said: “At Unity Bank, we believe that empowering young people to shape Nigeria’s economic future must be supported to provide longer-term sustainability.

Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not just providing funding, but nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped with the skills, resources, and confidence to create jobs and transform communities. The success stories we see year after year reaffirm our commitment to youth empowerment and SME development.”

She added: “The overwhelming interest and high quality of business ideas we receive in every edition demonstrate the incredible potential among Nigeria’s youth. We are proud to partner with the NYSC SAED to make these dreams a reality.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge has earned Unity Bank national recognition for its contribution to youth empowerment and job creation, attracting over 2,000 applicants per edition.

In partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative features a business pitch competition that allows participants to present their business plans and win grants of up to ₦800,000.

So far, Unity Bank has invested over ₦100 million in the initiative, producing over 160 winners since its launch in 2019.

HRJN Decries 100-Day FCT Primary School Shutdown, Demands Urgent Action

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HRJN Decries 100-Day FCT Primary School Shutdown, Demands Urgent Action

The Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, HRJN has expressed deep concern over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory, which has passed its 100th day.

The ongoing teachers’ strike has forced more than 400 schools to shut their doors, leaving an estimated 50,000 pupils without access to basic education.

HRJN described the situation as not just an administrative breakdown but a national ethical crisis. The organization warned that every day children remain out of the classroom hampers their cognitive development, social growth, and long-term wellbeing.

The group highlighted that the impact is especially severe on vulnerable, low-income families who depend on public education. For these communities, the strike is deepening existing inequalities and entrenching systemic social injustice.

While the FCT Administration has stated that teacher salaries are the responsibility of local area councils, it has made efforts to address the crisis. These include a proposed bailout to cover a significant portion of the salary arrears and withholding internally generated revenue from the councils. Nonetheless, the dispute remains unresolved, and the strike continues.

HRJN commended the mediation efforts being led by the Federal Ministry of Education and the FCT authorities. It called for continued dialogue between all stakeholders including teachers’ unions, student representatives, and council chairmen to ensure a fair and timely resolution.

The organization emphasized that the right to education is guaranteed by both the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions to which the country is a signatory. It stressed that financial or bureaucratic issues must never be allowed to deprive children of their lawful access to foundational learning.

In a concluding statement, HRJN urged the FCT Administration, the Federal Ministry of Education, area councils, and unions to place the welfare of pupils above all other interests.

It also called for a clear, enforceable plan to return children to school and for structural reforms that guarantee salary stability and uninterrupted education in the future.

“The children of Abuja cannot wait,” the statement read.

LASU VC Calls for Return to God-Centred Education to Tackle Nigeria’s Moral Crisis

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LASU VC Calls for Return to God-Centred Education to Tackle Nigeria’s Moral Crisis

The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, LASU, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, has called on educators in Nigeria to embrace godliness, character, and intentional leadership as tools for shaping the next generation.

She made the call at the 4th edition of the Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye Annual Birthday Public Lecture on Education, which took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Youth Centre, Redemption City, to commemorate the 77th birthday of Mummy Folu Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

Delivering her lecture titled “The Character and Personality of Educators on the Outcome of Christian Education,” Professor Olatunji-Bello, who is also the Zonal Pastor in charge of Zone 9, Lagos Province 1, decried the growing absence of godliness in the nation’s education system.

She lamented that while children are acquiring technical skills, many lack a moral compass due to an education devoid of character development.

“Two stand out: the lack of access to education and the prevalence of education devoid of godliness. The result is a generation with technical skills but without a moral compass,” she said.

Citing UNICEF and UNESCO statistics, she noted that over 10.5 million Nigerian children remain out of school, and those enrolled are often shaped by a system that prioritises academics over values.

“Education is increasingly secular. It fails to answer life’s most important question: What is the purpose of life? The answer is to please God,” she stated.

Quoting Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” she highlighted how the removal of spiritual and moral teachings has contributed to rising societal ills like cybercrime, corruption, and thuggery.

Professor Olatunji-Bello offered Scripture-based recommendations for educators, schools, and policymakers. She urged teachers to pursue personal spiritual growth and model Christlike virtues such as patience, integrity, and empathy.

“Educators must act in loco parentis. They must offer godly love and guidance, just as Christ and godly mentors like Sonya Carson did,” she noted.

She encouraged Christian schools to design Christ-centred curricula and foster school cultures rooted in biblical virtues such as honesty and compassion. Christ the Redeemer’s Nursery and Primary School (CRNPS) was cited as a model in this regard.

To policymakers, she advocated for curriculum reforms that include spiritual development, greater access to quality education, and partnerships with Christian institutions. “We must allow room in our national education frameworks for schools to teach from a biblical worldview while maintaining academic rigour,” she said.

LASU VC Calls for Return to God-Centred Education to Tackle Nigeria’s Moral Crisis

In her closing remarks, she stressed that educators are “vessels of influence, raising not just scholars, but godly, compassionate leaders for tomorrow.”

Professor Olatunji-Bello also paid tribute to Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, describing her as “an exceptional woman, a true Amazon for Christ, a symbol of godliness, humility, and unwavering service.” She was presented with an award of honour at the event.

Dignitaries at the lecture included Mr Olatunji Bello, head of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); Her Excellency Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the former Vice-President; Her Excellency Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor; gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey; RCCG Governing Council members; Vice-Chancellors; traditional rulers and other notable personalities.

Also present on the Vice-Chancellor’s delegation were Professor Adenike Boyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Dr Omawunmi Makinde, University Librarian; members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office; representatives from the Momentous Women and Men for Good Governance in Lagos State Tertiary Institutions (MOWLAS and MOMLAS); and the Centre for Information and Public Relations (CIPR).

Fidelity Bank Extends Relief Efforts to Eti-Osa Community with Food Bank Initiative

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Fidelity Bank Extends Relief Efforts to Eti-Osa Community with Food Bank Initiative
Henry Asiegbu, Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc (Left); Adebayo Adeyinka, Executive Technical Assistant to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc (5th from Left); Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc (Right); flanked by some of the beneficiaries at the Fidelity Food Bank outreach in Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos recently.

As part of its unwavering commitment to reducing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities, Fidelity Bank Plc, has distributed food packs to residents of Victoria Island in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos as part of its nationwide Fidelity Food Bank initiative.

This initiative, which attracted beneficiaries from diverse backgrounds, forms a key pillar of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy and reinforces its dedication to driving meaningful impact across Nigerian communities.

Speaking during the distribution event, Mr. Adebayo Adeyinka, Executive Technical Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. “The Fidelity Food Bank was established to address the pressing challenges of poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and infant and maternal mortality within our communities,” he said.

“It aligns with Goal No. 2 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – Zero Hunger – and reflects our long-term commitment to improving lives across the country. From IDP camps to flood-affected regions like Niger State, this is a nationwide outreach that we are proud to continue,” Adeyinka added.

Also present at the event was the Divisional Head, Operations, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Asiegbu, who highlighted the growing support and impact of the program.

“This intervention has been positively received at all levels – from community members to government and partner organizations,” he noted. “The support has been overwhelming, and it encourages us to sustain and expand the initiative further.”

For many of the community members, the gesture offered more than just nourishment – it restored dignity and hope. Victoria Olubiyo, resident and representative of the members of the community, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Fidelity Bank has brought joy to our lives. Even during the no-cash crisis, their ATMs were always working. They’ve provided boreholes, fulfilled their promises, and shown genuine care. Today, people – men, women, children, even those living with disabilities – are supported. I urge other banks to follow their example.”

Another beneficiary, Jerome Igbe, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This means so much to struggling families. I honestly didn’t expect this kind of support. May God bless them and replenish their resources.”

Through initiatives like the Fidelity Food Bank, the bank continues to demonstrate its role as a socially responsible corporate organisation committed to impacting Nigerians positively.

Union Bank Strengthens Sustainability Leadership with Symposium, School Recycle Bin Donations

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Union Bank Marks International Day of the Boy Child with School Outreach in Lagos

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, a leading advocate for environmental sustainability and ESG in Africa, marked World Environment Day 2025 by partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to host a high-impact symposium themed “Ending Plastic Pollution” at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos.

The event brought together corporate leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders to address the urgent challenge of plastic pollution and champion innovative solutions for a cleaner future.

The symposium featured thought-provoking discussions on the environmental and economic risks posed by plastic waste.

Speaking at the event, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko, said, “At Union Bank, sustainability goes beyond banking. We are dedicated to empowering communities with knowledge and resources, like recycling initiatives to tackle plastic pollution and rejuvenate our environment.”

In line with this commitment, Union Bank extended its impact through an educational outreach in Lagos secondary schools, donating recycling bins and raising awareness about environmental preservation among young Nigerians. 

These efforts are part of the bank’s broader UnionCares platform, which drives impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives across Nigeria.

The bank remains steadfast in promoting ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainable community development.

Ogun Police Command Denies Allegation of Misconduct Against Ajuwon DPO

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Ogun Police Arrest Cultist in Igbesa, Launch Manhunt for Accomplices

The Ogun State Police Command has refuted an allegation of professional misconduct made against the Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Ajuwon Division, describing the claim by one Philip Adaramola as unfounded.

According to the Command, the incident in question occurred on July 2, 2025, during a routine stop-and-search operation by officers attached to the Ajuwon Division at Olambe Matogun.

During the exercise, the police apprehended a 25-year-old male, Samson Joseph Osamuye, who was found in possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs. The suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation.

The Command stated that while the officers were carrying out their duties, Adaramola arrived at the scene and began acting aggressively. He allegedly used abusive language, issued threats, and attempted to obstruct the lawful arrest of the suspect.

Upon arriving at the police station, Adaramola reportedly escalated the situation by physically assaulting Sergeant Merotiwon Babajide, striking him on the hand without provocation. He was subsequently made to write a statement under caution and is scheduled to be arraigned in court on July 3, 2025.

The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professional policing and noted that it would not tolerate misconduct by any of its officers, nor allow unlawful interference in police duties.

WHO Tasks Nigeria, Others On 50 Percent Price Hike On Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, Tobacco

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WHO Tasks Nigeria, Others On 50 Percent Price Hike On Sugary Drinks, Alcohol, Tobacco

The World Health Organisation, W.H.O. has advised Nigeria and other member countries to raise the prices of sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco by 50 per cent through taxation over the next 10 years, to help curb rising non-communicable diseases, NCDs.

In a statement published on its website, the United Nations (UN) health agency expressed confidence that the move would help cut consumption of the products, which contribute to diseases like diabetes and cancers, as well as generate critical public health revenue.

The call is part of WHO’s “3 by 35 Initiative”, a global effort to increase the real prices of any or all of three unhealthy products – tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks (including SSBs) by at least 50 percent by 2035 through tax increases, while taking into account each country’s unique context.

WHO said the Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising NCDs, shrinking development aid and growing public debt.

The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks is fueling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.

“Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”

The Initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising US$1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50 per cent on average, showing that large-scale change is possible.

From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco.

Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health.

Strong collaboration is at the heart of the “3 by 35” Initiative’s success. Led by the WHO, the Initiative brings together a powerful group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action.

These organisations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. By working together, they aim to raise awareness about the benefits of health taxes and support efforts at the national level.

Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to the WHO for guidance.

The “3 by 35” Initiative introduces key action areas to help countries, pairing proven health policies with best practices on implementation. These include direct support for country-led reforms with several goals in mind, such as:

Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability: Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.

“Raising revenue to fund health and development; Mobilise domestic public resources to fund essential health and development programmes, including universal health coverage.

“Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia; Strengthen multisectoral alliances by engaging ministries of finance and health, parliamentarians, civil society, and researchers to design and implement effective policies.”

WHO added that it was “calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the ‘3 by 35’ Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”

In Nigeria, the National Sugar Tax Coalition has advised the Nigerian government to implement the findings of a simulation study, which found that the country would save thousands of Nigerians from SSB-induced NCDs by increasing the SSB tax from the current N10 per litre to N130 per litre.

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