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Court Transfers Rite Foods’ Trademark Infringement Case Against Mamuda Beverages for Reassignment

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Court Transfers Rite Foods’ Trademark Infringement Case Against Mamuda Beverages for Reassignment

A Federal High Court in Abuja has transferred the N1.60 billion suit filed by Rite Foods Ltd, the manufacturer of Fearless Energy Drinks, against Mamuda Beverages Nig. Ltd, for its Pop Energy drink’s alleged passing off and identity theft case.

The file was sent back to the chief judge for reassignment.

This was made known on Wednesday 28th of May when the matter, which was before Justice Emeka Nwite, was called for hearing.

The suit, which was number 19 on the cause list, could not proceed as scheduled.

When Justice Nwite called the attention of the registrar to the case after it was not called, she told the judge that since the matter was brought during the Easter vacation, it had been transferred back to the CJ for reassignment.

Rite Foods Ltd, in a fresh suit filed by its team of lawyers led by Oyetola Oshobi and Boonyameen Lawal, had instituted the case over allegations bordering on trademark infringement and identity pass-off.

The company also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mamuda Beverages from further producing Pop Power Energy Drinks with a striking similarity to its products.

In the writ of summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/705/2025 filed on April 14 before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, the plaintiff sued Mamuda Beverages, a Lebanese firm based in Kano, as the sole defendant.

Rite Foods, which has its registered trademark number as 38227 and its registered design number as NG/DS/NT/2020/1099, sought 10 reliefs.

It sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Mamuda Beverages, its directors, distributors or any other person from infringing its registered trademark by engaging in the trade or business of manufacturing, supplying, distributing or selling the drinks in Nigeria.

Rite Foods Ltd prayed the court for an order for the delivery up for the destruction of the offending Pop Power Energy Drink products and all other products held to infringe on its registered design and trademark in the defendant’s possession, custody, and/or control.

It sought general damages of N1 billion for injury suffered by the plaintiff due to the defendant’s infringement and unlawful use of the plaintiff’s registered design and trademark and the cost of the suit for N60 million.

Rite Foods said its novelty design and aesthetic of the “Fearless” energy drinks were registered as an industrial design under the Patents and Designs Act on 24 August 2020 by the registrar of patents and designs.

According to the plaintiff, the defendant’s imitation, though in a smaller 330ml bottle, bears striking similarities in shape, colour, and logo placement, leading to widespread confusion among consumers and retailers, some of whom have referred to the infringing product as “small Fearless”.

According to the firm, the defendant is producing Pop Power Energy Drinks in commercial quantities for public purchase.

Against this development, Rite Foods Ltd filed a fresh suit against Mamuda Beverages Nig Ltd., but in its preliminary objection, Mamuda Beverages urged Justice Nwite to dismiss the suit as an abuse of the court process.

The defendant said that the case instituted on January 28 by the plaintiff via a motion ex parte, motion on notice, and a writ of summons had the same parties in the instant suit.

It admitted that on January 31, Rite Foods’ ex-parte application was granted, and the company executed the same on February 10.

The preliminary objection of Mamuda Beverages had been scheduled for hearing by Justice Nwite today May 28 2025.

LASU WINS 2025 LASEPA INTER-TERTIARY ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE COMPETITION

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LASU WINS 2025 LASEPA INTER-TERTIARY ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATE COMPETITION

Lagos State University, LASU has clinched the top spot at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA Inter-Tertiary Institutions Debate Competition, defeating six other institutions in a fiercely contested debate competition.

The competition was part of the 2025 Inter-Tertiary Institutions Environmental Summit held in partnership with eTranzact, featured both essay writing and debate contests, drawing participants from leading universities across Lagos.

The LASU debate team, expertly managed by Samuel Olomu, comprised five outstanding students of the insitution, including Oladipupo Ramadan (300-Level, Computer Science); Atere Sarah Olateju (400-Level, Law); Ajeniya Abdulquadri (400-Level, Law); Kelvin Chukwuemeke Osadebe (300-Level, Public Administration); and Sulaiman Samad Olaitan (300-Level, English Language).

The preliminary rounds, held on 19th May 2025 at the LASEPA Headquarters Conference Room, Alausa, saw LASU dominate with an 85% score, the highest in that round despite facing stiff competition from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), St Augustine College of Education, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Anchors University and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH).

The final round, held on Tuesday, 27th May 2025, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, pitted LASU against LASUSTECH, where they debated on a critical topic: “Plastic Pollution and the Challenges of Just Transition in a Developing Economy: Lagos as a Case Study.”

LASU’s team presented compelling arguments on the urgent need to transition from plastics to curb environmental crisis in Lagos, emphasising policy reforms, sustainable alternatives, and public awareness.

Their well-researched presentation, persuasive and excellent delivery, secured them the championship title and a prize of 1 million Naira.

The Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Lagos State University, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, expressed pride in the team’s achievement. He attributed the team’s victory to the intellectual excellence and dedication of students’ at Lagos State University.

“LASU’s victory today reaffirms our position as a leading institution in both academic and extracurricular excellence. Our students continue to prove themselves as champions, and this success stems from the supportive intellectually stimulating environment made possible by our world class Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, who priotises students capacity building and academic development” he said.

While he commended LASEPA for this initiative, he noted that the importance of competitions like this are invaluable, challenging students to engage critically with real-world issues, shaping them into future leaders and actors in policy and development process.

LASU participant’s team manager, Samuel Olomu hailed the team’s resilience attributing it to rigorous preparations, demonstrated brilliance, and teamwork.

“Winning against universities like UNILAG and LASUSTECH shows LASU’s dominance in intellectual discourse. I urge the Lagos State Government to sustain such platforms, as they nurture future leaders in environmental sustainability.”

Blacktalker reports that with with this victory, LASU solidifies its reputation as a hub for academic excellence, setting a platform of leading conversations on the nation’s challenges.

MORUF OSENI DONATES 1-DAY SALARY TO WINNER OF WEMA 1-DAY MD/CEO INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN’S DAY

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MORUF OSENI DONATES 1-DAY SALARY TO WINNER OF WEMA 1-DAY MD/CEO INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN’S DAY

In a thoughtful demonstration of support and encouragement, the MD/CEO of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has donated his one day salary for May 27, to Chiderije Mbah, a 12-year-old child who emerged winner in the Wema Bank 1-day MD/CEO initiative for Children’s Day.

The Wema Bank 1-day MD/CEO initiative was launched by the Bank on May 21, 2025, calling on Nigerian children to showcase their potential for leadership and career success in the banking industry, by uploading video submissions where they share their ideal role in the bank and why they deserve to win.

Among dozens of entries received, Chiderije Mbah’s entry sparked outstanding recommendations for his embodiment of the role of MD/CEO, leading to his emergence as winner and an exclusive opportunity to become Wema Bank’s MD/CEO for Children’s Day.

From his grand reception at the Bank’s Head Office Facility in Lagos to one-on-one meetings with top executives of the Bank, Nigerians across the world applauded in awe as Wema Bank set an unrivalled precedence by walking the talk in empowering children to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Crowning it all off, Moruf Oseni, the Bank’s MD/CEO, pulled an impressive surprise, giving out his one-day salary for May 27 to the 1-day Wema Bank MD/CEO, Chiderije Mbah, encouraging him to keep up the great work and work hard towards truly becoming an MD/CEO in the near future.

Officially handing over the symbols of office to Chiderije, Moruf Oseni shed light on the Bank’s motivation for annually commemorating Children’s Day in such a grand and intentional manner.

According to him, “As a Bank, our mission is to empower lives through innovation, and this is a mission we are committed to seeing through from cradle to grave, as encapsulated in our creed, ‘With You, All The Way’. This is why Children’s Day is so important to us. Every great man, woman or even institution, was once a child, so to forge the leaders of tomorrow, we need to begin today”.

“We can all agree that Wema Bank has been walking the talk over the past 8 decades, thinking out of the box, and creating innovative ways to empower children for the right future. But today, in commemoration of Children’s Day 2025, we are taking things a step further and giving the leaders of tomorrow a platform to lead today.

As Chiderije will be carrying out my duties for today, it is only right that he earns my one-day salary today. The Wema way is ‘work hard, reward hard’, and as MD/CEO for today, Chiderije will experience it first-hand. It is our hope that this will inspire not just him, but every other child to put in the good work and make us proud. Happy Children’s Day, from Wema Bank”, Oseni concluded.

Expressing his profound gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, Chiderije Mbah promised to make Wema Bank proud, adding “Thank you very much Sir, for trusting me with this great opportunity, and for always looking out for the children. I am proud to be a part of the Wema Bank family, the bank that not only supports our parents in raising us the right way but also empowers us with the tools and guidance that we need to become financially smart as we grow older.

Today has shown me that the sky is just the starting point for every child, and I am excited to spread the word to other children. I look forward to learning from you, the experts, and getting more insights into what it means to be a leader, especially for an organisation like Wema Bank, that has stood strong for 80 years. Thank you again for giving me your time and trusting me with this important responsibility. I will make Wema Bank proud!”

Since its inception in 1945, Wema Bank has earned a remarkable reputation for its intentional approach to empowering lives at all ages, in all demographics and across all generations. Beyond Children’s Day, the Bank’s top child-focused solutions, which are the Royal Kiddies Account for children ages 0-12 and the ALAT Xplore App for teens ages 13-17, continue to enable parents to build a stable future for their children, while empowering children with the financial resources and practical literacy skills they need to become financially responsible.

It is no wonder that Wema Bank has received unanimous commendation from the public for a remarkable Children’s Day experience, powered by Wema Bank.

Access Bank Clears Off Ground Rent Debt, Branch Remains Open for Business

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blacktalker
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Access Bank Meets CBN’s New Capital Requirement, Pledges Compliance Amid Regulatory Forbearance

A branch of Access Bank located in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, which was reportedly sealed on 26th May, 2025, during a large-scale enforcement operation by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, over the non-payment of ground rent has been confirmed not to be owing FCTA.

The sealing was part of a sweeping enforcement action that targeted 4,794 properties across the Federal Capital Territory and were revoked for non-payment of ground rent, some with arrears spanning between 10 and 43 years.

Although the building that housed the Access Bank branch was affected during the exercise, sources within the FCTA have clarified that the bank itself is not the owner of the property.

Therefore, official records indicated that the property is allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, and not directly to Access Bank.

“Access Bank has fulfilled its obligations and is not indebted to the FCTA,” a senior source within the administration disclosed. “The branch in Wuse is open and operating normally.”

The mass enforcement followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who intervened in the matter by granting a 14-day grace period to affected property owners to pay their outstanding ground rents along with accrued penalties. This action is seen as part of a broader strategy to recover funds owed to the government and enforce compliance with land regulations.

Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, outlined the penalties associated with defaulting properties. According to him, fines range from ₦5 million in the Central Area, ₦3 million in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape, and ₦2 million in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II, in addition to the owed rents.

It would be recalled that the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, reinforced the directive by issuing a two-week deadline for all Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) holders to settle their dues or face revocation of their land titles.

The temporary sealing of the Access Bank branch sparked reactions online, with many assuming the bank was among the defaulters. However, the clarification provided by the FCTA has laid such speculations to rest, confirming that Access Bank remains compliant and fully operational.

LASG THROUGH TOURISM MINISTRY CELEBRATES 2025 CHILDREN’S DAY WITH CULTURAL IMMERSION, CREATIVE LEARNING

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blacktalker
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In celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hosted a vibrant and educational event at the historic J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

In celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day, the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hosted a vibrant and educational event at the historic J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

The gathering brought together hundreds of schoolchildren for a day filled with learning, creativity, and cultural appreciation.

Addressing the children, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, emphasized the pivotal role children play in shaping the future of Lagos and Nigeria.

“Children are the cornerstone of nation-building,” he noted. “This is why the Lagos State Government is intentional about implementing programmes that nurture, empower, and educate our young leaders.”

He highlighted the involvement of various ministries as a reflection of the state’s commitment to holistic child development. Mr. Aregbe stated that the Ministry is using the platform to reinforce cultural identity, promote heritage, and inspire children to embrace their roots.

“Our ministry is equally focused on creating family-friendly entertainment and promoting inclusivity. With children comprising nearly 50% of Lagos State’s population, we are committed to designing programmes that inform, engage, and uplift every child,” he added.

Underscoring the sustainability of the initiative, Aregbe explained that the celebration is part of a broader strategy for child empowerment.

“We’re building on the knowledge gained today. The state already supports numerous youth-focused activities and is expanding its reach through hands-on training programmes and the development of safe, well-regulated recreational spaces.”

He also stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, “The responsibility of raising and empowering our children is not the government’s alone. We are using platforms like this to forge meaningful partnerships with families, educators, and community leaders. Our children deserve the best, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure they get it.”

Mr. Aregbe expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for their unwavering support of child-focused initiatives.

“Their passion and leadership continue to inspire us. We are committed to following their example in placing children at the heart of Lagos State’s development agenda.”

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, reiterated the Ministry’s strategic focus on sustainable youth development through cultural education.

“Children’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to connect learning with culture and creativity,” he said. “At the Ministry, we believe that cultural exposure is essential for children to understand their identity and purpose.”

He added that these hands-on experiences, from crafts to performances, leave lasting impressions and nurture confidence, skill, and self-expression. “We’re not just celebrating our children; we’re investing in their future.”

The celebration featured a rich lineup of activities, including traditional dance and drama performances, as well as creative workshops on photography, candle-making, painting, tie-dye, and shoemaking. These sessions offered children practical skills in a fun and engaging environment.

President Tinubu Receives NCSP Director-General, Reviews Progress Of Strategic Partnership with China

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blacktalker
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President Tinubu Receives NCSP Director-General, Reviews Progress Of Strategic Partnership with China

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, at the Presidential Villa for a high-level briefing on the current state of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.

During the meeting, Mr. Tegbe provided an update on the ongoing activities and initiatives of the NCSP office, highlighting significant progress made in advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed by President Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Since his appointment, Mr. Tegbe has led robust engagements with key stakeholders in the Chinese government and business community, working to attract targeted investments into Nigeria across critical sectors, including infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, and mineral development.

President Tinubu commended Mr. Tegbe and his team for their dedication and the tangible strides made in aligning international cooperation with Nigeria’s national development goals.

He expressed full confidence in Mr. Tegbe’s leadership and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s partnership with China to accelerate industrialization and economic transformation.

In his remarks, the President charged the NCSP with the task of fast-tracking the execution of priority projects that deliver real and measurable benefits to the Nigerian people. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Nigeria-China relationship in the industrialization of Nigeria.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign and economic policy, aimed at unlocking new opportunities in trade, infrastructure, energy, and human capital development.

Anambra Solution City to Host Special Children’s Event

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Anambra Solution City to Host Special Children's Event

The ninth Anambra State Executive Council, ANSEC meeting held at the new government house mini-city has approved the hosting of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration at the Solution Fun City, recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The ANSEC meeting held on Monday, May 26, 2025, has made plans to introduce the children to the open international leisure park, which includes a water park, an amusement park, a family fun centre, cinemas, Arcades and a country club.

 According to the State’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, Leisure Park’s excursion for the children is part of the programme for Children’s Day and will be fun-filled to make the day memorable.

The Solution Fun City, built by Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, is the largest in Africa and is meant to play host to the people of Anambra, for them to relax, enjoy, and play.

Mefor pointed out that Soludo’s administration is transforming Anambra State into a destination, turning it into the Dubai-Taiwan Silicon Valley of the country, where innovation, economic, and business activities thrive.

He said Soludo’s government is putting the necessary infrastructure in place to enhance the well-being of the state’s citizens.

Also, at the eighth ANSEC meeting at the newly built government house, the Council set in motion processes for the launch of the Solution Country Club at Awka for social activities and leisure.

The Solution Country Club which is a vital component of the Solution Fun City would serve as more than just a venue for recreation and socialising, but would foster social integration among the people of Anambra, preserve traditions, and contribute economically and culturally to the state.

Lagos State Taskforce Receives Operational Vehicles from Security Trust Fund

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Lagos State Taskforce Receives Operational Vehicles from Security Trust Fund

The Lagos State Environment and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, has received a boost in its operational capacity following the donation of operational vehicles by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF.

At the official handover ceremony, the Executive Secretary and CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun, presented the vehicles to the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele.

According to Dr. Balogun, the gesture reflects LSSTF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening security infrastructure in Lagos.

“The success of any enforcement agency is directly tied to its logistical readiness. We are confident that these vehicles will help the Taskforce respond more swiftly to environmental and security breaches across the state,” he said.

CSP Akerele, while receiving the vehicles, expressed gratitude to the LSSTF and reaffirmed the Taskforce’s dedication to maintaining law and order, especially in curbing street trading, traffic violations, and environmental nuisances.

Lagos State Taskforce Receives Operational Vehicles from Security Trust Fund

“We thank the LSSTF for their continued support. These vehicles will enhance our operations and improve our reach in enforcing environmental laws and addressing special offences,” Akerele said.

Blacktalker reports that the donation, which includes several operational vehicles, is aimed at supporting the Taskforce in executing its environmental enforcement and special offences mandate with greater speed and mobility.

Hypertension: Case for Sodium Consumption Regulation, Healthier Diets

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Hypertension: Case for Sodium Consumption Regulation, Healthier Diets

By Esi-ife Arogundade

Published by Blacktalker

World Hypertension Day is observed annually in May, serving as a reminder of the importance of blood pressure awareness and management. This global health initiative carries even more significance as the world continues to adapt to lifestyle changes, rising stress levels, and an increasing prevalence of hypertension.

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition when the blood pressure in the blood vessels is continuously elevated. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your blood vessels, the higher your blood pressure.

High blood pressure typically does not cause symptoms, but in the long-term can result in coronary artery disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, arrhythmia, dementia, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases, making awareness and regular monitoring of blood pressure vital.

This absence of symptoms and because it is also a major cause of premature death, affecting millions worldwide, including in Nigeria has given hypertension the nickname the “silent killer.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 46 percent of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition. Less than half of them (42 percent) are diagnosed and treated, while only approximately 1 in 5 adults (21 percent) have their hypertension under control.

In-country, the Nigerian Hypertension Society (NHS) estimates that no fewer than 30 percent of the Nigerian adult population lives with hypertension, while only about 10 per cent of them are currently receiving treatment for the condition. Worse yet, less than 2.5 per cent of Nigerians with hypertension achieve blood pressure control or normal blood pressure.

One of the global targets for non-communicable diseases (NCDs since 2010, has been to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 33 percent by 2030. Central to this aim is curbing the major risk factors for hypertension: unhealthy diets – particularly those high in sodium (or salt), saturated and trans fats –, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Sodium is of particular significance. It is vital for nerve function and fluid balance, but excessive sodium intake increases risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The WHO recommends 2g sodium daily (5g salt), yet global consumption—including in Nigeria—exceeds this, driving preventable illnesses.

Nigeria records an estimated daily salt consumption reaching up to 5.8 grammes per day, which exceeds the WHO’s recommended limit of two grammes of sodium per day or less than five grammes of salt per day, equivalent to just one teaspoon of salt daily.

Highlighting the scale of the problem during a ceremony to mark the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, Coordinating Minister of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW), Ali Pate stated that no less than 10 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria are attributed to the burden of excessive sodium consumption.

Towards addressing the issue, Nigeria launched a National Sodium Reduction Guideline in April, a major milestone in the government’s efforts to reduce salt consumption, create a healthier food environment and prevent cardiovascular disease. The guideline was developed by the FMoHSW with support from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and other key local and international partners,

At the launch, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to begin enforcing sodium limits and called on the food industry to embrace product reformulation, noting that these changes would not undermine profit or commerce but are essential for reducing the national burden of NCDs such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Recognizing where salt hides in our food is essential, as many processed and packaged foods contain high levels of sodium, often without our awareness. Hence, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Federal Government to expedite the development of regulations aimed at enforcing salt targets in processed and packaged foods.

Furthermore, CAPPA, strongly supports the implementation of front pack labelling on food products as an effective strategy to combat excessive salt intake. Clear and concise nutritional information displayed prominently on packaging allows consumers to make healthier choices.

Instead of deciphering complicated lists of ingredients and nutrition facts, consumers can quickly assess the sodium content of a product at a glance. These labels serve not only to inform consumers but also to encourage manufacturers to reduce salt levels in their products.

With growing awareness about the health risks associated with excess sodium, companies may feel compelled to reformulate their recipes, leading to a healthier food supply.

Additionally, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are vital steps toward heart health.

Let’s take the opportunity to prioritize our health by becoming more aware of our salt consumption. By making conscious, informed choices today, we can work towards a healthier, more balanced future for ourselves and our communities.

About Esi-ife Arogundade

Esi-ife Arogundade is a Healthy Food Advocate at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

WAEC Warns Against Exam Malpractice as 2025 WASSCE Progresses

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WAEC Assures Stakeholders of Seamless Conduct of 2026 WASSCE Despite Workers’ Protest

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice as the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates continues across the country.

Despite some initial challenges, the Council reports that the conduct of the examination, which commenced in April, has been progressing smoothly. In a statement issued on Tuesday, WAEC emphasized its commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination and warned against the activities of individuals attempting to subvert the process through fraudulent means.

“This is a clarion call to all well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with WAEC to ensure that the fraudulent activities of certain unscrupulous elements are frustrated,” the statement read. “We must not allow their actions to erode the diligent efforts of candidates who have prepared tirelessly for this examination.”

As part of its efforts to combat malpractice, WAEC reiterated critical guidelines for candidates. Among these is the requirement for all candidates to be seated in the examination hall before the start of each paper. Supervisors have been instructed to report any cases of lateness.

More significantly, the Council disclosed that it has deployed advanced technological tools to track and identify candidates who engage with rogue websites or attempt to access leaked exam materials online.

“Candidates who are found to have posted or received live questions or answers via the internet or social media will have their entire results withheld pending investigation,” WAEC stated, adding that if found culpable, such candidates will have their results cancelled and may face prosecution by the Nigeria Police.

WAEC also announced the continued use of its Candidates Identity Verification, Attendance, Malpractice, and Post Examinations Management System (CIVAMPEMS), which enables the Council to:

  • Verify candidate identities to prevent impersonation;
  • Track attendance at examination centers; and
  • Record instances of malpractice for post-examination review.

The Council warned that examination malpractice undermines educational standards and poses a serious threat to national development.

“It is a cancer in the education sector which requires a multidimensional approach for total annihilation,” the statement noted, calling for stronger collaboration with stakeholders, including schools, parents, and security agencies.

WAEC reiterated its dedication to maintaining world-class standards in educational assessment, assuring the public that it will continue to protect the credibility of its examinations.

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