The Federal Government is investigating “sharp-sharp” loan operators for violating customers’ data privacy, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) National Commissioner Vincent Olatunji revealed Tuesday. These unregulated digital lenders—often called loan sharks—provide instant loans without collateral but have been accused of aggressive recovery tactics. Speaking on the sidelines of a Data Protection Officers training in Abuja, Olatunji said some apps access borrowers’ phone contacts, harass family and friends, share images without consent, and send defamatory threats. He urged Nigerians to read loan agreements carefully, raise awareness of their rights, and note that such unethical practices occur globally. “Many borrowers expose their…
Author: Newsdesk
The Society for Conservation Biology – Africa Region (SCB-AR) is ramping up efforts to close the gap between scientific research and policy implementation in Africa’s biodiversity conservation. SCB-AR President Dr. Adedotun Afolayan shared this during an interview in Ibadan on Tuesday. She emphasized that translating research findings into practical solutions is essential to tackle the continent’s environmental challenges. The society is deepening direct engagement with policymakers through evidence-based position statements and policy dialogues to shape government decisions on biodiversity. A key example is SCB-AR’s policy paper, “Salvaging Okomu National Park from Ruin: Proposals for Sustainability in Critical Times”, which converts scientific…
The Chinese government has unveiled new guidelines aimed at improving the drug pricing mechanism to ensure medicines remain within a reasonable and sustainable price range. Issued by the General Office of the State Council, the guidelines emphasize refining a market-oriented approach to drug price formation while supporting the high-quality development of the pharmaceutical industry. They also underscore the need to guarantee public access to medicines that are both effective and affordable. READ ALSO: NEMSAS blames poor telecoms for slow emergency response A key provision focuses on optimising the initial pricing framework for newly launched drugs, including innovative therapies. For high-level…
Prof. Charles Adetunji, a biotechnologist, has said that biotechnology holds significant potential to drive Nigeria’s industrial expansion through innovations in biofuels, efficient waste conversion, and local pharmaceutical production. Speaking in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, Adetunji noted that biofuels offer a viable pathway for reducing Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels while stimulating industrial activities across agricultural value chains. He explained that crops such as cassava and sugarcane, along with agricultural residues, can be processed into ethanol and biodiesel to support the nation’s energy needs and promote rural development. On waste management, the expert said biotechnology provides solutions for converting…
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and a youth-based organisation, EKO 57 Support Group, are partnering to mobilize youths across the state to promote environmental cleanliness and responsible waste management practices at the grassroots. The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said this in a statement made available to reporters on Tuesday in Lagos. Gbadegesin said the partnership was mooted when he received the leadership of the group, led by social media influencer Adams Kehinde (Lege Miami) and Remilekun Oshodi (Remi Surutu). He said the collaboration would expand LAWMA’s advocacy and sensitisation efforts across the 20 local government areas…
The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigerian-led solutions to development and humanitarian challenges. UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said Mohammed had returned from Nigeria, where she visited Zamfara and Benue states and met with communities affected by insecurity and displacement. He said she witnessed firsthand the scale of humanitarian needs, as well as ongoing response efforts by authorities and partners. Meanwhile, the UN says digital tools are transforming Nigeria’s response to humanitarian challenges, including tracking internally displaced persons, despite funding constraints and technology gaps. The development was highlighted at the ongoing 59th Session…
The Nigerian Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) says poor telecommunications connectivity remains a major challenge, limiting effective emergency response across the country. Dr Doubra Emuren, National Coordinator of NEMSAS, said this on Monday in Abuja at a workshop for journalists organised by NEMSAS in collaboration with the Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR). The training, themed “Strengthening Communications for Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria,” is aimed at improving media engagement and public understanding of emergency systems. Emuren said unreliable network coverage continues to disrupt emergency call systems, noting that the National Emergency Number, 112, coordinated by…
Renowned explorer and environmentalist, Dr Newton Jibunor, has stressed the urgent need for environmental protection and coordinated climate action in the country. Jibunor said such measures would go a long way in curbing environmental degradation and mitigating the impacts of climate change. He made this known during a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, on Monday in Asaba. Jibunor, popularly known as the “Desert Warrior,” drew from his decades of global expeditions to highlight mounting environmental challenges and their growing impact, particularly in Delta State. He expressed sympathy for families affected by the recent windstorm that…
Afretrade, a pan-African trade and cultural enterprise, on Monday launched a continent-wide talent and business roadshow, screening over 300 applicants to position African creatives and entrepreneurs globally. The initiative precedes The Afretrade Entrepreneur Festival (TAEF), slated for June in Lagos, and drew over 100 startups and creative talents in its first auditions. Speaking in Lagos, TAEF Youth Director, Mr Paul Akume, said the exercise marked a critical step in identifying individuals to drive Africa’s economic and cultural transformation. According to him, the initiative integrates diverse sectors to foster collaboration and unlock innovation. He noted that participants were assessed based on…
The Katsina State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 188 suspects linked to various criminal activities and rescued 12 kidnapped victims in March. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Monday in Katsina, noting that the success was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime. Sadiq-Aliyu said the command recorded significant successes in its intensified operations against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and arms trafficking across the state. He attributed the achievements to intelligence-led operations, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and sustained patrols in identified flashpoints. According to him, the breakdown…