The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

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The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

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The Federal Government has announced plans to implement 112 as Nigeria’s nationwide emergency telephone number, aiming to unify and strengthen the country’s emergency response system.

The initiative was disclosed in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), following a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the Presidential Villa.

The move comes days after the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Shettima, approved the adoption of 112 across all levels of government and agencies.

Shettima directed the NCC to develop a roadmap for implementation and to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to improve coordination nationwide.

“The Vice President assured the delegation that the project would be sustained, with funding mobilised through NEC and private sector support,” the statement read.

NCC Chairman Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe noted that about 35 Emergency Communications Centres had already been established across the country, but urged greater support from governors, the police, ambulance services, and NEMA to keep them operational.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on collective commitment:“Everyone is expected to buy into this initiative. It is a patriotic duty to ensure that anyone in distress can get help swiftly.”

The adoption of 112 is expected to streamline emergency response, reduce delays, and provide Nigerians with a single, reliable number for police, fire, medical, and disaster-related emergencies.

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By Tony Ezike

Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has been appointed as a Member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN), a recognition of her outstanding leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to science, technology, innovation, and sustainable national development.

The appointment was communicated in an official letter dated May 1, 2026, and signed by the President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Dr. Sunny Akpoyibo, FSESN. According to the Society, Senator Ekwunife’s wealth of experience in public service and her remarkable contributions to national development make her a worthy addition to its highest decision-making body.

As a BOT member, Senator Ekwunife will provide strategic direction and oversight, help safeguard the Society’s mission, support research and advocacy in renewable energy, promote the adoption of solar technologies, and contribute to policy decisions aimed at advancing Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

The appointment, which took effect on April 15, 2026, is for an initial two-year term, subject to the provisions of the Society’s constitution. Senator Ekwunife formally accepted the appointment on May 11, 2026, pledging to faithfully discharge her responsibilities in line with the Society’s ideals and constitutional provisions.

Established in 1980, the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria remains one of the nation’s leading professional organizations promoting solar and renewable energy through research, advocacy, policy engagement, public enlightenment, and professional collaboration.

Senator Ekwunife’s appointment is widely regarded as a testament to her impactful service as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation during the 9th National Assembly. During her tenure, she played a significant role in strengthening the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), championing legislative reforms that secured first-line charge funding for the agency from the Federation Account, thereby boosting technological innovation and industrial growth.

Her inclusion on the SESN Board of Trustees further underscores her enduring commitment to national development. Stakeholders believe her experience and leadership will strengthen the Society’s efforts to expand renewable energy access, promote sustainable energy policies, and support Nigeria’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future.

A public affairs commentator, Hon. Nkemakonam “Olman” Nwonwu, has called on Nigerians to stop reacting with surprise or anger to the changing political positions of some prominent commentators, arguing that many have developed a pattern of aligning with interests that benefit them.

In a statement shared under the Olnationz platform, Nwonwu cited figures such as Kenneth Okonkwo, Daniel Bwala, and Reno Omokri as examples of individuals whose public positions, according to him, often change depending on prevailing political interests.

He argued that rather than allowing such statements to shape public opinion or provoke emotional reactions, Nigerians should approach political commentary with caution and evaluate every claim based on facts and evidence.

According to Nwonwu, the country’s future should be guided by integrity, accountability, and credible leadership rather than by “loud voices” whose positions appear to shift for convenience.

He further warned that giving excessive attention to what he described as political opportunists only increases their influence, urging citizens to focus instead on substantive national issues and credible public discourse.

The remarks add to the ongoing debate over the role of political commentators and influencers in shaping public opinion in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.