The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

The declaration comes as part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period earlier announced by the President to pay tribute to Buhari’s life and legacy.

Buhari died at age 82 at a clinic in London, and his death was confirmed in a statement by his former special adviser, Garba Shehu, on Sunday evening.

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In a statement by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication, and integrity.

He added that the public holiday is meant to offer Nigerians a moment to reflect on the late president’s contributions to the country’s democratic journey and national development.

“In furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

“The holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.

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“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation.

“This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the statement partly read.

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The minister urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

“As earlier announced, the national flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.

“The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul”, the minister added.

Nigerian social media health influencer and medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has warned that poorly processed Garri could potentially lead to blindness due to the presence of harmful substances in cassava, its raw material.

In a video he posted on Monday, Egemba explained that Garri, which is derived from cassava, contains compounds known as cyanogenic glycosides—specifically linamarin and lotaustralin.

During the processing of cassava, these compounds can be converted into hydrogen cyanide, a substance that can be harmful to the body if consumed in large quantities.

“This hydrogen cyanide can start to affect certain tissues in your body. And one of the things it can affect is your eye – the optic nerve and the retina,” he said.

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Referencing a study, he added, “There is even research that showed that people who drink Garri more have less visual acuity than people who don’t.”

However, Dr. Egemba clarified that Garri does not pose a threat if it is properly processed.

“During proper processing—the fermenting, drying, all the processes involved—the hydrogen cyanide that is dangerous is reduced to the lowest amount possible. So if your Garri is properly processed, it will not lead to blindness,” he stated.

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He further advised consumers to look out for properly dried, crispy, and sour Garri, noting that moisture in Garri may indicate inadequate fermentation and drying.

He also recommended purchasing sealed, NAFDAC-approved Garri as a safer option.

“The most important question you should be asking when it comes to your Garri is: Who processed it? Was it processed properly?” Egemba said, calling on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify checks on Garri in local markets.
(PUNCH)

Ekiti State Government has organised a competition among secondary schools in the state to develop creativity and promote creative arts.

The commissioner of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Prof. Rasaki Bakare, said that the contest, tagged ‘All Ekiti All Secondary Schools Creative Arts Competition’, had been slated for Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Civic Centre, Fajuyi, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

Bakare, in a chat in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said, “The competition organised by the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy is targeted at sharpening creative arts skills in secondary school students in the state.

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“The task for the participating schools is to illustrate the achievements of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

“Participating schools are to do the illustration through painting, textile, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, and crafts.

“Each school will be represented by two students, preferably one male and one female, where possible.”

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He said that attractive prices awaited the 10 best schools according to their performance.

The commissioner said, “The school that emerges first will receive N400,000 and a trophy; the prize for the second position is N250,000 and a plaque, while the school that emerges third will receive N200,000 and a certificate.

“The schools that emerge in fourth to tenth positions will each get N50,000 consolation prizes,” he said.