Every October, we are reminded of the importance of breast cancer awareness, yet true prevention requires more than symbolic gestures and annual check-ins. It involves adopting a holistic approach to life, nurturing the body with proper nutrition, maintaining regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, mental health, environmental exposure, and making conscious choices that support long-term health.
Holistic living empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward wellness and reduce risks associated with cancer development, addressing not just the symptoms but the root factors that influence overall well-being.
As Anambra residents headed to the polls on Saturday, November 8, 2025, the state concluded one of its most closely watched governorship elections in recent years.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier affirmed full preparedness for the exercise, outlining its operational plans and assuring stakeholders of a credible, transparent process.
During the pre-election stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan confirmed that 5,718 polling units were fully equipped for voting. He announced the deployment of about 24,000 ad hoc staff and the accreditation of 540 journalists, emphasising the commission’s commitment to running a free, fair, and inclusive election.
A total of 16 candidates, representing 16 political parties, contested the election each aiming to unseat the incumbent governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who sought re-election under the banner of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
INEC Confirms Soludo As Winner Of Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Chukwuma Soludo the winner of the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
The announcement was made on Sunday in Awka by the Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edogah Omoregie.
Soludo, running under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), secured 422,664 votes, giving him a decisive victory. His closest opponent, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), finished a distant second with 99,445 votes.
Other results show that Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) garnered 37,753 votes, while the Labour Party candidate George Moghalu received 10,576 votes. John Nwosu, candidate of the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC), scored 8,208 votes.
Soludo’s victory secures him another term as governor and reaffirms APGA’s stronghold in Anambra politics.
Opposition Parties Condemns Vote-Buying In Anambra Election
Opposition parties on Sunday criticised the conduct of the 2025 Anambra governorship election, warning that the scale of vote-buying and the alleged complacency of key institutions pose a dangerous threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo re-election was followed by President Bola Tinubu’s congratulatory message, describing the outcome as “an affirmation of visionary leadership” and pledging stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Anambra State.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) rejected the election results, accusing the process of being heavily compromised by mass vote-buying. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, lamented that the poll had been reduced to “a cash-drenched spectacle”, adding that “this election was highly monetised.” Abdullahi alleged that bundles of naira exchanged hands openly at polling units, with security operatives and election officials failing to act.
ADC candidate John Nwosu also dismissed the results, describing the exercise as a “national embarrassment.” He claimed voters were induced with between N3,000 and N20,000, insisting that such practices stripped the election of legitimacy.
“An election riddled with corruption and vote trading cannot represent the voice of the people,” he said.
Labour Party candidate Dr. George Moghalu echoed these concerns, citing “widespread vote-buying,” alleged underage voting, and technical issues on the ballot. He said the process fell far below expectations and would make a more detailed statement after reviewing full reports from his agents across the state.
UN Observer Commends Anambra Election Despite Opposition Claims
A United Nations election observer, Jim Oko, offered a contrasting assessment of the Anambra governorship poll, awarding it “very highly” and describing the conduct as “in line with international best practices.”
Oko, who serves as the national coordinator of Nouvel Perspective Int., a UN-accredited election observation group, said,
“With the fact that most of us have monitored a lot of elections all over the world, especially the US election that was a very high level one, we can conveniently state that everything was how it should be peacefully done, peacefully collated, peacefully announced and peacefully accepted. So, we are very glad over this.”
Abdulmumin Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has announced his return to the All Progressives Congress and declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Jibrin, who left the APC in May 2022, made the announcement during a political gathering in his hometown, Kofa, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State, on Sunday. On Monday, he confirmed his defection in a Facebook post, stating that his supporters had unanimously decided to leave the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to align with the APC. He wrote, “Today, in a show of solidarity, I was warmly received by thousands of my constituents in my hometown of Kofa, Bebeji, Kano. “The gathering resolved to leave the NNPP/Kwankwasiyya, join the APC, and endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term in office. “From the beginning, almost 2,000 scholars from my constituency have prayed special prayers for the President and sought peace, development, and progress for Kiru/Bebeji, Kano, and Nigeria altogether.” Jibrin’s return to the APC comes less than two months after he resigned from the NNPP, following his expulsion over allegations of anti-party activities and non-payment of membership dues. Reacting to his suspension at the time, Jibrin described the move as “shocking and unjustified,” arguing that the interview he granted in English and Hausa, which the party cited as the reason for his suspension, did not warrant such a “heavy penalty.” He accused the NNPP of breaching due process and the principles of fair hearing, saying he was expelled without being allowed to defend himself. The lawmaker said he had accepted the decision in good faith and would not take legal action. Responding to claims that he defaulted in paying his membership dues, Jibrin maintained that he had always met his financial obligations to the party. Taking aim at the NNPP’s leadership, the former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups accused the party of not valuing its members. Nonetheless, Jibrin expressed appreciation to the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his time there and urged his supporters to accompany him on his “new journey,” while keeping cordial relations with those who remain in the party. His return is viewed as a notable boost for the APC in Kano, as political alliances begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The United Kingdom has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s security situation, this time, warning its citizens against traveling to several northern states. The latest travel advisory, issued by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), paints a troubling picture of rising violence, and terrorist activity across large parts of the country’s North.
The alert has stirred renewed debate over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and whether the northern region remains safe for travel, business, and daily life.
What the UK Said
In its November 2025 update, the UK government advised against all travel to a number of northern states, including Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Gombe, and against all but essential travel to others such as Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Taraba, and parts of Abuja’s outskirts.
The FCDO cited “heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime”, urging British nationals in Nigeria to review their personal security plans and stay vigilant.
A Worsening Security Landscape
The situation across northern Nigeria has grown increasingly complex, with multiple threats converging:
Insurgency in the Northeast: Boko Haram and its splinter group, ISWAP, continue to mount attacks on communities and security forces in Borno and Yobe states.
Banditry in the Northwest: Armed gangs, often referred to as bandits, raid villages, kidnap travelers, and extort farmers — creating zones of fear in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna.
Communal and Resource Conflicts in the Middle Belt: Clashes between farmers and herders in Plateau, Benue, and Niger states have taken on ethnic and religious dimensions, leaving hundreds displaced.
Criminal Violence Along Highways: Kidnappings-for-ransom and ambushes have spread to major inter-state roads and rural routes.
The result is a patchwork of insecurity that affects both rural and urban areas, with limited government control in certain regions.
The Numbers Tell the Story
According to a Reuters report from July 2025, more people were killed by insurgents and bandits in the first half of 2025 than in all of 2024, underscoring a dangerous escalation. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have recorded dozens of mass killings and abductions since the start of the year.
In Plateau and Benue states alone, community attacks between January and October reportedly left over 1,000 people dead, with many more injured or displaced. The Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) also reported a steady rise in violent deaths in the North, driven by terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal clashes.
Government Response and Criticism
The Nigerian government has repeatedly launched joint military and police operations to counter the threats. While some arrests and tactical victories have been reported, insecurity persists. Critics argue that the government’s efforts have been fragmented and reactive, often failing to address root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of arms.
Amnesty International and other observers have also accused authorities of underreporting casualties and neglecting victims, especially in remote communities where attacks often go unreported.
The Human and Economic Cost
Beyond the casualty numbers lies a massive humanitarian toll. The United Nations estimates that over three million people remain internally displaced in Nigeria’s Northeast, while thousands in the Northwest live under constant threat of attack.
The impact on agriculture, the mainstay of many northern communities, has been severe. Farmers have abandoned farmlands, leading to lower yields and rising food prices nationwide. Businesses and humanitarian organizations also face growing logistical and insurance challenges, as foreign partners reconsider operations in red-listed states.
Implications of the UK Advisory
For British citizens, the advisory means that traveling to the affected areas could void insurance coverage and limit consular assistance in emergencies. However, its ripple effects extend beyond the UK, other Western countries and investors often model their travel policies after such advisories, leading to broader economic implications for Nigeria.
Local communities also feel the impact directly. Tourism, cross-state trade, and even local NGO activities can be disrupted when international warnings label areas as unsafe.
Is the North Completely Unsafe?
Security in Nigeria is not uniform. While some areas in the North are conflict zones, others, including major urban centers like Kano and Kaduna metropolis, remain functional, with markets open and daily life continuing. However, unpredictable violence makes it difficult to guarantee safety anywhere. Highway travel, rural routes, and night movements remain particularly risky.
Visitors are advised to stay updated with official advisories, avoid unnecessary movement, and consult trusted local contacts for situational awareness.
Looking Ahead
With the rise in insurgent and bandit activity, the coming months will test Nigeria’s ability to restore order in its northern territories. The federal government’s renewed counterterrorism campaigns and community policing programs will need sustained funding, intelligence coordination, and accountability to produce real results.
Until then, the UK’s latest warning is a stark reminder that, for now, Nigeria’s North remains one of the most volatile regions in West Africa, a place of resilience and potential, yet shadowed by persistent insecurity.
The Senate has established a strict deadline for sachet alcohol, instructing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cease its production and sale by December 2025. The legislators cautioned that these inexpensive, high-proof alcoholic drinks, distributed in small bottles and sachets, are severely impacting young Nigerians, escalating addiction, violent behavior, and traffic incidents nationwide. This resolution was passed following a motion introduced by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who pressed the upper legislative chamber to prevent any further delays in enforcing the prohibition. Ekpenyong expressed regret that NAFDAC had repeatedly postponed the phase-out deadline due to pressure from manufacturers, despite numerous commitments. He stated that any additional extension would “betray public trust” and undermine Nigeria’s responsibilities regarding public health protection. He argued, “Packaging alcohol in sachets makes it as easy to consume as sweets, even for children,” and added, “It destroys futures, fuels domestic violence, and endangers lives daily on our roads.” The motion garnered extensive support from both parties, with senators warning that sachet alcohol had become a pervasive, silent public health crisis in schools, markets, and motor parks. Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) labeled the widespread availability of cheap, potent drinks as “a slow poison spreading among the youth.” The Senate’s position reflects mounting apprehension about the health and societal repercussions of unregulated sachet alcohol. Lawmakers observed that many of these products contain alarmingly high alcohol concentrations and are priced low enough for minors to purchase using small sums of money. Nigeria previously entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2018 with NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and industry groups to eliminate the products by 2023. The deadline was subsequently moved to 2025 to give manufacturers time to adjust their production methods. Nevertheless, senators voiced anger that some corporations were still pushing for more postponements, calling this a challenge to regulatory authority and a danger to national welfare. Concluding the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the unanimous decision, characterizing it as “a moral and patriotic stand to protect Nigeria’s future.”
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has initiated a large-scale retrenchment, affecting approximately 800 employees, occurring while Nigerians contend with increasing inflation, mounting living costs, and unreliable power delivery. The job cuts, which started on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, are reportedly part of an internal restructuring and rightsizing programme underway at the utility firm, which provides service to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa states. Initial reports suggested that AEDC had intended to dismiss 1,800 workers, but the final number was reportedly reduced to 800 following intensive negotiations with the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC). A specimen of the dismissal letter, labeled “Notification of Disengagement from Service” and dated November 5, 2025, which was signed by AEDC’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Adeniyi Adejola, confirmed that the action was taken as part of the company’s “ongoing rightsizing process.” The letter stipulated that all owed entitlements would be paid to the affected staff once they completed the exit clearance procedure. “We regret to inform you that your services with the company will no longer be required, effective 5th November 2025. This decision follows the outcome of the company’s ongoing rightsizing exercise,” the letter read in part. “Please note that applicable deductions, including PAYE, check-off dues, outstanding loans, and unretired advances (if any), will be made in accordance with company policy and relevant statutory provisions. AEDC acknowledges your contributions during your period of service and extends best wishes for success in your future endeavours.” This development underscores the growing instability within Nigeria’s power sector, which continues to struggle with low investment, outdated infrastructure, and inadequate cost recovery, despite more than ten years of reforms and privatization. AEDC has repeatedly faced financial and regulatory challenges in recent years. In 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) nearly suspended its operational license due to management disagreements and defaults on payments. Analysts caution that this new round of layoffs could potentially strain AEDC’s already overworked staff and exacerbate customer dissatisfaction, especially in Abuja and surrounding states, where residents frequently complain about poor electricity supply and unfair billing. AEDC’s Head of Customer Experience, Kenechukwu Ofili, confirmed the job cuts but characterized the event as a “routine restructuring process.” “Yes, the process is ongoing and is being handled in line with the agreed framework. A formal statement will be issued soon,” he stated.
Anambra heads to the polls tomorrow, November 8, in a crucial off-cycle governorship election that will decide the state’s political direction for the next four years. Over 2.8 million registered voters are expected at 5,718 polling units across 21 local government areas as voting begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes by 2:30 p.m. The election marks the first major test for the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan. The commission has deployed upgraded BVAS 2.0 devices and will transmit results to the IReV portal in real time. Only Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be accepted, with collection ending November 2. Although 16 candidates are on the ballot, the race is widely seen as a four-way battle among Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), George Moghalu of the Labour Party (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Two women, Chioma Ifemeludike of the AAC and another female contender add a historic note, while six parties feature women as deputy candidates. Soludo, seeking re-election, is banking on his record of infrastructure and social reforms: 450 kilometres of roads, free antenatal care, free schooling for junior students, and prompt salary payments. His slogan, “Anambra ga-adi mma ọzọ” (Anambra will be better again), echoes across markets and schools, reinforcing his image as a results-driven technocrat. Ukachukwu, a billionaire businessman running alongside former Senator Uche Ekwunife, promises to leverage federal connections to transform the state into an industrial hub with agro-cities and modern airports. His deep pockets and vast campaign machinery make him Soludo’s biggest challenger. Moghalu draws strength from the “Obidient” movement that swept the South-East in 2023. Backed by Peter Obi’s loyal base, he presents a five-point plan centred on security, jobs, health, education, and infrastructure. PDP’s Ezenwafor, meanwhile, hopes to revive the party’s old grassroots network, particularly in Anambra East and Ogbaru. Security is a central concern. Following a peace accord signed on November 3, over 34,000 police officers, soldiers, and civil defence operatives will be deployed statewide, with gunboats patrolling riverine areas and helicopters hovering over Onitsha and Awka. Voters are advised to avoid using phones inside polling booths, wearing campaign materials, or clustering after voting ends. Turnout remains the biggest variable. Only 10 percent of voters participated in the 2021 election. To boost participation, Friday was declared a public holiday, while churches and town unions are mobilising youths to return home to vote. Analysts say a turnout above 800,000 could secure Soludo’s re-election, while a figure below 500,000 may tilt the race toward his challengers. Key battlegrounds include Idemili North, Awka South, and Ogbaru home to nearly 650,000 voters combined. The winner must secure the highest number of votes and at least 25 percent in two-thirds of the LGAs to claim outright victory. By nightfall on Saturday, Anambra should know its next governor. Whether APGA consolidates its dominance, APC breaks new ground, LP capitalises on its momentum, or PDP resurges, the outcome will echo far beyond the state’s borders signalling the mood of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of 2027.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 20 for the delivery of judgment in the terrorism case against detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Friday after ruling on the matter, noting that Kanu had failed to open his defence despite being given six days by the court to present his case.
The judge stated that since Kanu did not make use of the opportunity provided, he could not later argue that he was denied his constitutional right to a fair hearing.
During Friday’s proceedings, Kanu filed a motion challenging the validity of his trial, arguing that terrorism was no longer a legal offence in Nigeria. He said the previous Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed, asserting that the charges against him were therefore invalid.
Maintaining that “there was no case against him,” Kanu urged the court to dismiss the charges and allow him to return home.
Democratic members of the United States Congress have called on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor to provide testimony as part of their ongoing inquiry into the activities of convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
In a letter sent to Royal Lodge, the Windsor estate Andrew was directed to vacate after losing his princely title on 30 October, members of the House Oversight Committee requested his cooperation in their investigation.
Although the committee lacks the authority to compel his appearance, it stated that it wishes to question Andrew about Epstein’s associates and wider network, citing the pair’s “longstanding” relationship.
Andrew lost his royal titles following growing public and political pressure over his association with Epstein. He has consistently denied any misconduct.
The Oversight Committee, currently led by Republicans, has not expressed support for the Democrats’ request for Andrew to appear before them.
The letter, endorsed by sixteen Democratic lawmakers, urged Andrew to participate in a “transcribed interview” with the committee investigating the Epstein case.
“The committee is seeking to uncover the identities of Mr Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers and to understand the full extent of his criminal operations,” the letter read.
“Well-documented allegations against you, along with your long-standing friendship with Mr Epstein, indicate that you may possess knowledge of his activities relevant to our investigation.
“In the interest of justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, we request that you co-operate with the committee’s investigation by sitting for a transcribed interview with the committee.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented that the decision was one for Andrew to make “personally.”
“My view, and this is not about the individual case, more broadly, is that anybody who has relevant information should always be willing to give it to whatever inquiries need that information.
“But the individual decision is a matter for him.”
Spencer Kuvin, an attorney representing several of Epstein’s victims, said he doubted Andrew would “put himself at risk” by appearing before Congress.
He explained that anyone testifying before Congress must swear an oath to tell the truth and could face prosecution for “lying under oath.”
Still, Kuvin added that by identifying people he saw at Epstein’s properties and “validating” claims made by accusers, Andrew could assist in revealing possible co-conspirators.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was “right” for Andrew to appear before Congress regarding his Epstein ties.
“He should also give evidence to our Parliament. The public deserve answers and full transparency about this scandal,” he wrote on X.
In late October, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Andrew would no longer hold the title of “prince” and would vacate Royal Lodge due to the ongoing controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein.
This followed Andrew’s earlier statement that he had chosen to relinquish his titles, including Duke of York.
“I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first,” he said, noting that the decision came after consulting with the King.
In her posthumous memoir released in October, Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers reiterated claims that she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times as a teenager. Andrew has denied these allegations.
The committee referenced those accusations in its letter, urging Andrew to agree to an interview “given these recent events and the appalling allegations that have come to light from Ms Giuffre’s memoir and other reliable sources.”
Several lawmakers had already stepped up demands for Andrew to answer questions about his connection to Epstein shortly after he was stripped of his royal titles.
North Korea on Friday launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on its eastern side, according to statements from South Korea and Japan. The launch follows a string of similar missile tests over the past two weeks and comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump extended another invitation to resume dialogue with Pyongyang.
Officials from South Korea’s military reported that the projectile, believed to be a short-range ballistic missile, was fired from the country’s northwestern area close to the Chinese border and covered a considerable distance before descending into the sea.
Both South Korean and U.S. surveillance systems reportedly identified preparations ahead of the launch and monitored the missile throughout its flight, sharing the data with Japan.
Japan’s government confirmed that the projectile appeared to be a ballistic missile and stated that it likely landed outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there were no immediate reports of damage.
During a recent visit to South Korea, Trump reiterated his readiness to hold direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, suggesting that a last-minute meeting might still occur. Although no meeting ultimately took place, Trump stated he remained open to returning to the region for another face-to-face discussion.
Trump and Kim previously met at the Panmunjom border village in 2019, during Trump’s first term, when he traveled to the Korean Peninsula.
Kim has not officially responded to Trump’s renewed proposal but has in the past remarked that he holds “fond memories” of their previous encounters, adding that there was no reason to refuse dialogue if Washington ceased demanding that Pyongyang abandon its nuclear arsenal.
On Thursday, North Korea’s foreign ministry accused the Trump administration of “antagonizing” the country through new sanctions targeting officials and institutions over alleged financial crimes, warning that it would issue a response without providing details.
Earlier in the week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while visiting the region, reaffirmed America’s commitment to its defense partnership with South Korea. He emphasized that U.S. forces stationed there remain primarily focused on deterring North Korean aggression, even as military strategies evolve to allow greater “flexibility” in addressing regional threats.
Last month, North Korea conducted several weapons tests, including launches of short-range ballistic missiles, a claimed hypersonic missile, and sea-to-surface cruise missiles, all preceding visits by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea for a regional summit.
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