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African Tobacco Control Alliance backs Nigeria’s”Historic” Smoking Regulations in Nollywood, Music Industry

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…Says Regulations are “the first of its kind in Africa and the second in the world after India.”

The African Tobacco Control Alliance, ATCA has congratulated Nigeria for its “historic” new measures prohibiting the promotion and glamorisation of tobacco and tobacco products in its film and music industry.

ATCA’s Executive Secretary, Leonce Dieudonne SESSOU, in a statement dated Monday, May 27, 2024 said the regulation, announced by the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, on May 21, 2024, “is the first of its kind in Africa and the second in the world after India.”

It noted that it is also in line with new measures to address cross-border tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and the depiction of tobacco in entertainment media adopted by the Parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, WHO FCTC, in Panama City in February 2024.

Backing the Regulations, Sessou added: “We endorse the guidelines titled “Prohibition of Money Ritual, Ritual Killing, Tobacco, Tobacco Product, Nicotine Product Promotion, Glamorization, Display in Movies, Musical Videos and Skits” Regulations 2024, noting that it is the culmination of years of the #Smoke-Free Nollywood campaign by local tobacco control advocates.

“According to the NFVCB, films depicting tobacco or nicotine use must henceforth display health warning labels on screen at the beginning and end of films, in addition to warnings that will appear on screen during scenes depicting tobacco or nicotine use. Additionally, tobacco and nicotine brands. are now prohibited from being displayed on screen or marketing in films. The regulation covers movies, music videos and skits produced in Nollywood one of the world’s biggest movie industries and prohibit tobacco advertising at movie premieres and screenings.

“We believe that these measures send a clear message about Nigeria’s determination to prevent the tobacco and allied industry from using Nollywood and the burgeoning Nigerian music industry, as tools to ensnare new victims for its products of death and disease.

“Given the global popularity of Nigerian musics and films, we are optimistic that when fully adopted and enforced, the regulation will stamp out one of the most enduring ways tobacco companies target young people across the continent and its Diaspora and much of the rest of the world.

“Once again, ATCA thanks the government of Nigeria for charting a path for the rest of the continent to follow. We congratulate civil society groups, and stakeholders in the entertainment industry for their contribution to this great progress. Through this regulation, Nigeria has joined the global effort to halt smoking in movies and has shown an essential path to the rest of the continent to save the future generation from a devastating scourge. We call on other Parties in the WHO Afro region to act quickly and emulate Nigeria.”

The African Tobacco Control Alliance, ATCA is a non-profit, non-political, Pan-African network of civil society organizations headquartered in Lome, Togo. With members in 39 countries, ATCA is dedicated to promoting public health and curbing the tobacco epidemic in the continent.

The alliance is an Observer to the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties and Meeting of Parties to the protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. It has a Special Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC, and is accredited as a regional non-state actor (NSA) with WHO AFRO

2024 Children’s Day: Headfort Foundation Visits Oregun Correctional Centre Amid Education, Empowerment, Fanfare 

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The Headfort Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth, has organised a comprehensive programme at the Special Correctional Centre for Boys in Oregun, Lagos State, to celebrate Children’s Day 2024.

A representative from the Headfort Foundation for Justice, Oluwakemi Adenekan, emphasised the dual purpose of the event: “We wanted to create a special day for these children, not just for entertainment, but to equip them with valuable knowledge and skills. This event aimed to highlight the importance of crime prevention and mental health awareness, while also showing our commitment to supporting vulnerable youth in our community.”

The event featured informative sessions on crime prevention and mental health advocacy, with experts delivering engaging talks and practical demonstrations to ensure the children understood essential knowledge and skills. The crime prevention sessions covered the consequences of criminal activity, the importance of making positive choices, and understanding their rights and responsibilities. Mental health advocacy included discussions about coping mechanisms, the importance of seeking help and offering peer support.

In addition to educational activities, the programme included a range of fun and interactive activities to foster a sense of community and enjoyment. Organised games promoted teamwork, physical fitness, and healthy competition, while refreshments provided a relaxed and social atmosphere for the children to unwind and embrace the festive spirit.

The event’s success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the Headfort Foundation, the Lagos Food Bank, and the Arogi Trauma Care Foundation, along with their sponsors. Adenekan expressed gratitude for their support, stating, “Their unwavering support and contributions were instrumental in creating a meaningful and memorable experience for the children. Together, we have made a positive impact on their lives, offering hope and encouragement for a better future.”

The Headfort Foundation’s Children’s Day celebration at the Oregun Correctional Center provided valuable tools and a positive outlook for the children as they navigate their future, exemplifying the power of collaboration in creating a lasting impact on vulnerable youth in society.

Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited Commemorates 2024 Children’s Day, Commits to Championing Child Nutrition

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Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, AFSH, commemorated the 2024 Children’s Day with a strong commitment to tackling childhood malnutrition in Nigeria.

This year’s theme, “Investing in our future means investing in our children,” resonates deeply with AFSH’s mission.

 The company emphasizes the importance of healthy living for children, particularly through access to protein, a crucial element for reducing stunting and malnutrition.

“Investing in children’s education, skills, and well-being equips them to become future leaders,” says AFSH Group Managing Director, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan. “Part of this investment includes fostering healthy habits like consuming animal protein.”

AFSH’s commitment extends beyond words. The company’s Noiler Bird, a dual-purpose innovation, plays a vital role in this fight. This bird produces four times more eggs and three times more meat than traditional breeds, making it an ideal source of protein for families. Furthermore, its hardiness and low maintenance requirements make it well-suited for backyard farming, empowering rural families with both protein and income generation.

AFSH’s natnudO Foods division ensures access to packaged chicken, beef, and eggs across the nation, further bolstering protein availability for children. Additionally, the natnupreneur program empowers farmers to participate actively in poultry farming, contributing to agricultural development.

Dr. Oduntan emphasizes AFSH’s dedication to national agricultural advancement. “Through Noiler Bird, we aim to increase access to chicken and eggs in all communities. Empowering over 1.3 million households in small agribusinesses enhances food security and paves the way for healthier children.”

He highlights the alarming statistics on malnutrition in Nigeria, citing UNICEF data revealing that 100 children under five die from malnutrition every hour. Furthermore, the country has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally. AFSH recognizes the urgent need to increase Noiler farming to effectively address this national health crisis.

Amo Farm produces over one million chicks per week, encompassing layers, broilers, and their innovative Noiler. The company plans to increase production by 30% annually to meet the rising demand for protein in the country.

Launched in 2014, the Noiler Bird exemplifies AFSH’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility. This Children’s Day, the company reaffirms its dedication to fostering a future where all Nigerian children have access to a healthy and fulfilling life.

Mouka Commemorates 2024 Children’s Day, Calls For Healthy Sleep for Cognitive Development

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Mouka has celebrated with Nigerian children on this year’s Children’s Day while recognizing the vital role played by parents in providing the framework for a healthy sleep culture needed for sound physical and cognitive development.

Celebrated every May 27th, Children’s Day in Nigeria is conceived to promote togetherness and self-awareness among children and children’s rights within society.

The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, emphasized Mouka’s unwavering commitment to children’s well-being. 

He stated, “As we celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with the theme ‘Investing in our future means investing in our children,’ Mouka remains dedicated to promoting healthy sleep right from childhood as this is a precursor to academic excellence as well as physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a Mouka product specially designed for each age group, from cradle to grey, to help each Nigerian sleep well so they can perform at their best the next day. 

”A well-rested child will perform better in school and be socially well-adjusted. If a healthy sleep culture is imbibed and continues into adulthood, they will become a highly productive member of the country’s labor force. In other words, investing in good sleep for our children helps to build a brighter future for our nation.”

Mouka’s Brand Manager, Tolani Tijani, shed more light on the company’s specialized products for children. “Mouka has a wide range of products specially designed with kids in mind. The Dreamtime mattress is available for younger children in the crib and regular bed sizes. Our Dreamtime mattress is water resistant, which means spills will not soak the foam core, and also breathable, which means it allows air to circulate the child’s body, keeping them cool to prevent excessive sweating. 

”We also have the Comfy mattress, popularly called the school mattress, which supports weights up to 50kg. In addition, we have the Flora mattress, which is a great choice for older teens up to the weight of 80kg. As you can see, we have a Mouka for every Nigerian child”, Tolani said.

Medical experts also weighed in on this issue as the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, NSP, affirmed that quality sleep enhances a child’s cognitive abilities, including reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, comprehension, and memory. It also plays a crucial role in language development. Furthermore, research indicates that developmental milestones missed during childhood can have long-term effects on adolescence and adulthood. 

Parents are therefore tasked with the need to select the right sleep products for their children, such as those endorsed exclusively by the NSP, like Mouka’s. The NSP has often partnered with the Mouka brand during school fairs, digital communication, and grassroots initiatives to create awareness of the pivotal role of quality sleep in the total well-being of Nigerian children.

Mouka is a proud member of the Dolidol Group, the market leader in Africa’s sleep industry with its head office in Morocco. The Mouka mega-brand has been adding comfort to life since 1959.

NAPPS Nigeria Commemorates 2024 Children’s Day with Focus on Global Citizenship

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The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, Nigeria has encouraged educators to nurture global citizens by creating environments where students can explore and discuss global issues, engage in collaborative projects, and express themselves through various forms of art. 

National President of NAPPS Nigeria, Chief Yomi Otubela, Fcma made this call on the occasion of the 2024 Children’s Day with the theme: “Global Citizenship: Inspiring Students to Think Globally and Act Locally by Creating Art that Reflects Their Understanding of Global Issues”.

Otubela noted that the theme aligns with NAPPS’ mission and underscores the importance of fostering global awareness and responsibility among young Nigerians. It also highlights the crucial role of children in shaping a better world through empathy, sustainability, and creative expression.

“Today, we are not just celebrating our children; we are acknowledging their potential to shape a better world,” Otubela said.  “In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of global citizenship is more relevant than ever.”

According to him, global citizenship is seen not merely as an ideal but a practical necessity, and by learning to appreciate cultural diversity and understanding critical global issues such as climate change, inequality, and human rights, students can make significant positive contributions to society. The focus is on thinking globally while acting locally, thus becoming agents of change.

”Art is being promoted as a powerful tool for students to express their understanding of global issues. It is a medium that transcends language barriers and connects people emotionally. 

“By creating art that reflects their perspectives on global challenges, students have a platform to voice their ideas, concerns, and solutions. This approach not only enhances their artistic skills but also fosters critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness.”

To support this initiative, Otubela said NAPPS Nigeria will provide resources, training, and opportunities for teachers to effectively incorporate global citizenship and art into their classrooms. This empowerment will help students become informed, responsible, and creative global citizens.

”As Children’s Day is celebrated, NAPPS calls on all stakeholders—educators, parents, policymakers, and the wider community—to collaborate in this mission. The goal is to equip children with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive in a globalized world.

“We must inspire them to think globally and act locally, using their creativity to make a difference,” the National President remarked.

To the students, the message is clear: “You are the future of our nation and the world. Your ideas, creativity, and actions matter. Embrace your role as a global citizen and use your art to tell stories, raise awareness, and inspire change. Every small action you take can have a big impact.”

”NAPPS reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the potential within each child, looking forward to a future where children lead the way in creating a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”

Lagooz Schools Celebrates Academic Excellence in Africa Mathematics Olympiad

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Management of the Lagooz Schools proudly has announced the outstanding achievements of two of its exemplary students, Kadiri Demilade and Mbalu Chetachi, in the prestigious Africa Mathematics Olympiad Competition held on March 16, 2024.

In a display of sheer brilliance and dedication, Kadiri Demilade, a student in the Junior School category, emerged as the first in Lagos State and secured a remarkable third position nationwide with an impressive score of 95%. His exceptional performance earned him the coveted gold medal, showcasing Lagooz Schools as a beacon of excellence in nurturing mathematical talent.

Equally commendable is the achievement of Mbalu Chetachi, a Senior School student in SS2, who exhibited remarkable proficiency by scoring 80% in the Senior category. Mbalu’s dedication and mastery of mathematical concepts earned him a well-deserved Bronze medal, further solidifying Lagooz Schools’ reputation for producing top-tier scholars.

Principal, Lagooz Schools Chief Mrs E.O.Otubela in a signed statement said these remarkable accomplishments are a testament to the unparalleled dedication and expertise of Lagooz Schools’ educators, who continually inspire and empower students to reach their fullest potential. 

Otubela said: ”Through innovative teaching methods and personalized guidance, Lagooz teachers nurture a culture of academic excellence, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel on a global stage.

”As a world-class institution committed to academic excellence, Lagooz Schools takes immense pride in the achievements of Kadiri Demilade and Mbalu Chetachi. Their success not only reflects the exceptional caliber of our students but also reaffirms Lagooz Schools’ position as a leader in providing quality education and fostering a culture of academic excellence.

”We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Kadiri Demilade, Mbalu Chetachi, staff, PTA Exco, and the entire Lagooz Schools community for this remarkable feat. Together, we celebrate the triumph of talent, dedication, and perseverance, underscoring Lagooz Schools’ unwavering commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”

Rite Foods Celebrates Africa Day, Highlights the Importance of Education, Consumer Empowerment.

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As a proudly Nigerian and world-class company, Rite Foods Limited has joined the African continent in celebrating Africa Day 2024.

This year’s theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa,” resonates deeply with Rite Foods’ commitment to quality and empowerment.

Observed annually on May 25th, Africa Day celebrates the rich diverse cultures, achievements, and potential of the African continent.

The 2024 theme emphasizes the critical role of education in building a thriving Africa. Rite Foods echoes this message, recognizing education as the cornerstone of individual and societal progress.

MD/CEO of Rite Foods Limited, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education. 

“We believe that education unlocks a brighter future for Africa,” says Mr. Adegunwa. “By investing in inclusive and quality education, we empower the next generation to become active participants in the continent’s growth and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.”

Looking ahead, Rite Foods remains steadfast in its mission to empower African consumers by providing high-quality products and fostering a culture of learning and development.

The company actively invests in employee training and skills enhancement, mirroring the spirit of Africa Day’s call for a more educated and resilient future.

Rite Foods demonstrates a commitment to the continuous development of people through its consumer well-being and sponsorship of events that are aligned with the educational training of its consumers.

Rite Foods’ dedication to excellence is reflected in its numerous awards, including “Most Innovative Carbonated Soft Drink Brand of the Year” for Bigi, “Most Outstanding Energy Drink in Consumer Engagement” for Fearless, and “Best Value for Money” recognitions across its beverage and sausage categories.

FIRSTBANK PARTNERS PROPARCO ON CLIMATE PERFORMANCE

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FirstBank Unveils Exclusive 500-Seater Premium Bleacher at Carnival Calabar 2025

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, in partnership with Proparco, a Development Finance Institution is mainstreaming climate initiatives into its business operations and strategy. 

This is aimed at achieving a holistic integration of climate action on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction through an articulated strategic pathway to position the Bank as an African Climate Bank.

The 130-year-old financial institution is currently implementing a mechanism to calculate its operational emissions across all its branches and offices. This includes calculating data on electricity use, diesel use, water consumption, waste management approach, fuel consumption, and business travels, others to determine the Bank’s emission baseline and innovative opportunities for operational emissions reduction.

 FirstBank is also developing the required capabilities and competencies by investing in its employees and the right infrastructure for integrating climate action in the Bank. 

In a two-day partnership strategy workshop sessions with IPC and Valoris, consultants from Austria engaged by Proparco in the climate mainstreaming project, FirstBank’s climate journey across all areas of implementation was reviewed to determine progress and empower strategic departments across the Bank’s operations, including the Credit Risk teams; Human Capital Management & Development (HCMD); FirstAcademy, the Bank’s learning institute; Corporate Banking; Personal Banking; SME Banking; Procurement; Branch Operations and General Services teams to deepen the understanding of climate risks in their processes.

The six workstreams for the implementation include the identification of financed and avoided emissions to support reporting; supporting the measurement and analysis of operating emissions; integration of physical climate risk assessment; opportunity analysis; climate strategy and policy development; and capacity building amongst staff to support strategy implementation.

Managing Director, Valoris, Austria, Dr. Martin Steindl said, “Amongst our various engagements with financial institutions on climate mainstreaming, FirstBank is the only organization that has been able to provide data both on the assets’ location of their portfolio and head offices of their clients. I am impressed with the progress we have collectively achieved.”

Reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to mainstreaming climate initiatives, the Ag. Chief Risk Officer, FirstBank, Patrick Akhidenor said ‘’FirstBank is intentional about redefining its climate footprint. We are identifying opportunities in climate finance to improve our portfolio and reduce the carbon emissions associated with our processes and operations. The Bank is executing a financed emissions calculation mechanism as well as creating climate finance opportunities, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency products for our customers.”

Nigeria has committed to reducing its GHG emissions to 20 percent by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2060. While this is ambitious, it sets the tone for businesses in Nigeria to at least support their GHG emissions reduction strategy with national plans and targets. 

FirstBank is committed to achieving this goal and this is evident as the bank is a signatory to the Africa Business Leaders’ Climate Statement released in 2022 at COP 27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt by the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC).

About FirstBank

First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, one of the leading financial inclusion service providers in Africa, and a digital banking giant. 

FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents- Africa, Europe, and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, The Gambia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Ghana and Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.

Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s Non-Nigerian Subsidiaries and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.

FIRSTBANK: FIRST ADVANCE, FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT FOR GOOD REASONS

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FirstBank Unveils Exclusive 500-Seater Premium Bleacher at Carnival Calabar 2025

In diverse situations of need, a growing number of FirstBank account holders are finding solace in FirstAdvance and for good reason financial empowerment.

Ade is a hardworking father in Lagos, whose fate recently, dealt him a heavy blow when his young son, Tunde, fell scarily ill. Tunde’s illness struck suddenly, sending shockwaves through Ade’s world. As he watched his son grow weaker on a hospital bed with each passing hour, Ade felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. 

The medical bills pushed on him only added to his despair, threatening to drown him. Ade found himself grappling not only with the fear of losing his beloved son but also with the burden of financial strain.

Desperate, Ade turned to FirstAdvance, a lifeline in his time of need. With its swift and convenient loan service, Ade was able to access the funds he so desperately required to pay for Tunde’s medical bills. Amid his darkest hour, FirstAdvance offered that lifeline, the ray of light that pierced through his despair.

Slowly but surely, Tunde improved; his emaciated body grew stronger with each passing day. As he watched his son’s health gradually return, Ade knew that FirstAdvance had not only helped save Tunde’s life but had also given him permanent hope in times of financial challenges.

In the dynamic landscape of finance, digital lending has emerged as a vital tool for economic empowerment, especially in developing economies. Recognising this, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a pioneer in financial inclusion services, has introduced FirstAdvance, a groundbreaking digital lending solution aimed at providing convenient and swift access to cash for salary earners awaiting payment of their salaries.

FirstAdvance caters to the needs of salary earners whose accounts are domiciled with FirstBank and who have received regular salaries for the past two months or more. This innovative product ensures quick access to funds with maximum amounts varying based on the chosen variant. 

For the 30-day variant, customers can access up to 50% of their net monthly income, with a maximum limit of 1,000,000 naira, while the 3-month variant allows for up to 2,000,000 naira subject to 75% of the net monthly salary.

The process of availing FirstAdvance is seamless and can be initiated via the bank’s digital channels, either by dialing *894*11# and selecting FirstAdvance on USSD or through the user-friendly FirstMobile App. 

What sets FirstAdvance apart is its user-centric features such as:

Swift Processing: With FirstAdvance, obtaining a loan is as quick as a minute, ensuring timely assistance during financial emergencies.

Flexible Tenor: Customers can choose between a 30-day or 3-month repayment period, aligning with their pay cycle for added convenience.

Transparent Fees: FirstBank ensures transparency by collecting all fees, including interest rates, upfront upon loan disbursement, empowering customers with clarity and predictability in their financial transactions.

Automated Risk Acceptance: The Risk Acceptance Criteria for FirstAdvance is automated, streamlining the process and ensuring fair assessment without unnecessary delays.

Continuous Support: Beyond FirstAdvance, FirstBank extends its support to customers across all income bands with offers like Personal Loan Against Salary (PLAS), providing long-term loan solutions with convenient repayment plans of up to 60 months. The maximum amount a customer can get on PLAS is 100 million naira.

Since its inception, FirstAdvance has witnessed remarkable success, with over 450 thousand unique customers benefiting from over 9.4 million successful transactions, totaling over 225 billion naira in disbursed loans.

Although digital lending has become ubiquitous, FirstAdvance stands out to be among the most competitive in the industry.

In an era marked by digital transformation, FirstBank remains at the forefront, leveraging technology to deepen financial inclusion and empower individuals and households across Nigeria. Whether it’s addressing immediate financial needs or providing long-term financial solutions, FirstBank continues to be a trusted partner in the journey toward economic prosperity.

For salary account holders with FirstBank seeking quick and hassle-free access to loans, FirstAdvance stands as a reliable solution. Dial *894*11# or initiate your loan request via the FirstMobile App today and transform your financial goals into reality with FirstBank.

In times like these, when inflation is eroding Nigerians’ wealth daily, there will always be an increasing need for that lifeline. FirstAdvance, powered by FirstBank, stands ready to continually meet its customers’ financial needs during that time of need, literally within one minute.

Culled from Nairametrics.

Ogun Police Command Arrests Suspected Ritualist in Mowe

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Ogun Police Command says officers of its Mowe Division have arrested a suspected ritualist identified as Olajide Abidemi, a 29-year-old resident of Abule Afa community in Mowe area of the State.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, said in the early hours of May 21, 2024, an individual identified as Jamiu Lasisi from the Abule Afa community in Mowe reported a suspicious encounter to the local police station. 

According to Lasisi, while on night patrol at approximately 3:00 A.M, he and his team encountered a suspect who failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence.

The suspect, later identified as Olajide Abidemi, was apprehended for further questioning.

Odutola noted that following the report, detectives were dispatched to the location to conduct a thorough investigation.

She said a search of Abidemi’s residence yielded several alarming discoveries, including an object believed to be a human jaw, black soap contained in three calabashes, and multiple mobile devices; three Itel phones and one Tecno phone. 

Additionally, four SIM cards, four vehicles with registration numbers, and four spent cartridges were recovered from the scene.

The Police Spokesperson noted that an investigation into the matter is ongoing as authorities seek to determine the extent of Abidemi’s activities and any potential connections to ritualistic practices.

She urged residents to engage the Ogun Police Command on X via this handle @embracepeacepro.