News

May Day Shocker: NLC Cancels Celebrations In Rivers, Edo States

Published

8 months ago

April 27, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has cancelled centralised May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference in the affairs of its Edo State council.

The national leadership of the NLC has directed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to organize and limit Workers’ Day celebrations to the state NLC secretariat.

Similarly, unions in Edo State are to commemorate the day independently at their respective union secretariats.

According to Vanguard, the directive was issued in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, to the NLC chairmen in both states.

The letters were signed by the Deputy General Secretary of the NLC, Ismail Bello.

The NLC strongly opposes the emergency rule in Rivers State, which involved appointing a sole administrator, and has called for the reinstatement of the elected government.

In Edo State, the NLC is at odds with the current administration over alleged interference and the creation of factions within the state council.

Rivers State

In the letter to Rivers State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor, the NLC stated: “In line with our tradition, Workers’ Day will be commemorated on May 1, 2025. This year, Congress has finalized arrangements to mark the day with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ to be observed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“However, given the peculiar circumstances surrounding the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, the occasion calls not for fanfare, but for critical reflection on the need to restore democratic governance and prioritize the people in leadership.

“As a democratic organization, we must use this occasion to call for the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State. Therefore, you are directed to organize a peaceful rally within the premises of the Rivers State Council of the NLC, involving all affiliate members.

“The rally should include messages advocating democratic governance, improved welfare for workers, and the people’s yearning for freedom and liberty.”

Sources in Rivers State said labour leaders in the state have welcomed the directive and are enthusiastic about the plan. Vanguard also gathered that the state council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has expressed willingness to join the NLC at its secretariat for a joint celebration, in alignment with national efforts to restore democratic institutions in the state.

Edo State

In a similar letter to its Edo State Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC among others wrote: “In view of ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis within the NLC Edo State council and to bring about unity among affiliates, you are directed to inform all affiliates to make independent arrangements to commemorate the 2025 May Day at their respective union offices.

“We assure you that Congress will continue its efforts to resolve the crisis as soon as possible and urge all members to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free May Day celebration.”

No acting chairman

Meanwhile, NLC has dismissed as dubious and fake an unauthorized circular on Edo State May Day celebration purportedly issued unauthorized circular purportedly issued by an individual claiming to be the “Acting State Secretary” of the NLC Edo State Council, directing workers to attend a Governor’s parade on May 1st, 2025.

In a release by its Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, dated April 26, among others, said “We categorically state as follows: Our earlier directive (Ref: 22nd April 2025) remains valid. Affiliates in Edo State are to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with Congress’s efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state council.

“The NLC has no official position known as “Acting State Secretary”. The individual behind this circular is an impostor, and his motives are highly questionable. We urge workers and the public to disregard this fraudulent document. He clearly neither works for the NLC nor for the workers.

“We reiterate that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not known in any of our statutes or records as the Chairman of NLC in Edo State. When there is a change in the components of NLC’s Edo State council leadership, members of the Public and our social partners would be informed accordingly.

“It should be noted that May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government’s event. No worker is under any compulsion to attend any government-organized parade.

“Threats of sanctions for non-attendance are null, void, and a blatant unacceptable intimidation tactic. Trade unions are independent organizations that function in line with the dictates of their rules free from any external interference. We will take all measures to defend our independence and will stand firmly with workers of Edo State unconditionally.

“NLC reaffirms its commitment to resolving the Edo State Council crisis and ensuring a united, worker-centric celebration of May Day.”

Genesis of problem

Recall that the Edo State Government and NLC have been a frosty relationship due to the government rejection of the Odion’s leadership of the state NLC following perceived political comments in the lead-up to last year’s governorship election.

The government reportedly expressed unwillingness to work with Odion and was accused of engineering factional divisions within the state council.

Attempts by the national leadership of the NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to mediate were allegedly rebuffed by the Edo State Government.

Despite repeated pleas from the NLC to handle the matter internally as an independent body, no progress has been made.

It was also learned that Ministry of Labour and Employment officials advised the Edo State Government against interfering in the affairs of the state NLC, emphasizing its status as an internationally recognized, independent body and a core part of the tripartite structure in labour administration.

However, this advice seems to have had little effect.

An NLC official told Vanguard that the national headquarters decided to cancel the centralised May Day celebration in Edo to prevent possible clashes between the NLC-recognized state council and state-backed labour leaders—similar to violent incidents that occurred two years ago in Imo State.
(VANGUARD)

News

Eating Takeout Food Often May Increase Heart Disease Risk — Study

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Research suggests that higher takeout food consumption may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease.

In a new study, published in Food Science & Nutrition, researchers said eating takeout food too often can influence systemic inflammation that underlies much cardiovascular disease.

The study of over eight thousand people in the 2009 to 2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that those who eat greater amounts of takeout food are likely to have various elevated risk factors for heart disease.

They were interviewed in their homes and also visited a mobile examination centre, where they recalled their food intake, received cardiometabolic health assessments, and had blood collected.

Mammograms may predict heart disease risk in women — Study

The researchers found a correlation between the amount of takeout food a person consumes and their likelihood of developing chronic low-level inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular pathology.

Deaths from cardiovascular disease and the consumption of takeout foods are both on the rise, and while that does not prove a causal relationship, the study explores whether there is a connection between the two.

The study tracked degrees of systemic inflammation according to the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a scale that quantifies the risk of inflammation related to the intake of specific dietary substances.

The three major takeaways from the analysis included that a higher level of takeout food consumption corresponded to an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile consisting of lower HDL, as well as higher triglycerides, fasting glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance.

Jayne Morgan, MD, cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs in a reaction, who was not involved in the study, explained that “Takeout food raises the cardiovascular risk not because of one ingredient, but because of a predictable combination of nutrients, additives, and preparation methods that adversely affect blood pressure, lipids, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and endothelial function.”

“This includes excess sodium that increases blood volume and blood vessel stiffness, and unhealthy fats, usually saturated fats or trans fats, that increase cholesterol level and atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke.”

Michelle Routhenstein, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at Entirely Nourished, also not involved in this study, declared, “It is also important to recognise that frequent takeout use often reflects broader lifestyle pressures such as demanding schedules, limited access to cooking resources, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep, all of which can quietly compound cardiovascular risk.”

News

How To Identify Fake Kiss Condoms In Circulation

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Kiss brand condoms in major markets across the country.

Contents
Original DKT Kiss condoms
Fake Kiss condoms

In a public alert published on its website recently and referenced as Public Alert No. 042/2025, the agency said the warning followed information received from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and HIV/AIDS prevention.

NAFDAC stated, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is notifying the public about the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in various Nigerian markets.

“The information was received from the MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing. Its mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

“The fake Kiss condoms have been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others.”

Kiss condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed to offer sexual protection, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

To help consumers avoid counterfeit products, NAFDAC outlined key differences between original and fake Kiss condoms.

Original DKT Kiss condoms
The original product comes in a light red box pack with clear instructions printed on the lower part of the pack, including single-use warnings and storage and caution information. The box contains detailed medical device information, including MDSS GmbH, Germany, and a complete Nigerian address at Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

The condom pack is light red, with the word “Kiss” closely written on six lines. The wallet outer pack is lighter red, carries the Oshodi-Apapa address, manufacturer details, and a clear product description beside the condom image. The hidden flap includes revision dates, medical device details, and caution information, while the wallet inner contains detailed instructions and eight bullet points under important notes.

The original condom is large, oval-shaped, well-lubricated, and has a large teat end for semen collection.

Fake Kiss condoms
In contrast, fake Kiss condoms come in darker-coloured box packs with little or no additional information. Some boxes are plain white inside and lack condom images. The address is wrongly listed as 42, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, while the manufacturer’s address is incomplete or missing. Storage and caution information is absent.

The condom pack is darker, with “Kiss” loosely written on five lines and wide spacing. The condom strip is longer than the original. The wallet outer pack is also darker red, carries incorrect or missing addresses, lacks colour wave designs, and shows inconsistencies in barcode lines. Medical device and caution information are missing, and the hidden flap contains no details.

Inside the wallet, information is summarised with only six bullet points. The fake condom is thinner, round-shaped, less lubricated, and has a smaller teat end.
(TRIBUNE)

News

Lagos: Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers On Lekki-Epe Expressway

Published

3 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Fourteen persons suspected to be involved in traffic-related robbery have been arrested at various points along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos over the past two weeks.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, via a post on her official X handle, @AbimbolaShotayo.

According to her, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad based in Elemoro carried out the operations that led to the suspects’ apprehension.

She explained that the arrests followed sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities associated with traffic congestion and improving the safety of motorists and other road users along the busy corridor.

Adebisi noted that the development reflects the Command’s determination to strengthen security and uphold law and order on the Lekki-Epe axis, adding that the Tactical Squad has continued to proactively identify crime-prone areas and respond swiftly to threats posed by criminal elements.

She called on residents and commuters to support police efforts by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting crime.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station,” she said.

The police spokesperson further reassured residents and road users of the Command’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols and security operations to protect lives and property in the area.

She reiterated the Command’s community policing message, “See Something, Say Something,” stressing the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in sustaining peace and security.