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Renewed Hope Under Threat? IPSAW Warns NAFDAC Policy Could Derail Economic Recovery
The Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over what it described as “gross incompetence and abuse of public office” in the agency’s enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages.
Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Health in Abuja on Thursday, IPSAW Executive Director, Amb. Stephen Eriba, accused the NAFDAC boss of disregarding government directives, undermining existing regulatory frameworks, and pursuing policies capable of destabilising businesses and threatening thousands of jobs across the alcoholic beverage value chain.
The group alleged that NAFDAC’s enforcement actions contravene provisions of the National Alcohol Policy and violate resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier called for restraint on the implementation of the ban pending broader stakeholder engagement.
IPSAW argued that the move could have far-reaching economic consequences, warning that the continued enforcement of the restriction may cripple affected manufacturing companies, disrupt investments, reduce government revenue, and worsen unemployment at a time the Federal Government is seeking to stimulate economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Director-General must be relieved of her position without further delay. Her actions have created uncertainty within the industry and are capable of frustrating efforts aimed at strengthening economic recovery and investor confidence,” Eriba said.
The organisation further contended that sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages were introduced to provide affordable options for low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed from the market without empirical evidence supporting claims of widespread abuse.
IPSAW also challenged assertions that the products encourage underage drinking, insisting that industry operators have invested heavily in responsible drinking campaigns and awareness programmes aimed at preventing alcohol abuse and restricting access by minors.
According to the group, billions of naira have been invested in public sensitisation efforts across the country to promote responsible alcohol consumption and strengthen compliance with age-restriction regulations.
The watchdog maintained that while it supports measures aimed at eliminating unsafe and substandard products from the market, regulatory decisions must be based on credible research, verifiable data, and broad stakeholder consultations rather than what it described as “emotional considerations.”
In a strongly worded warning, IPSAW cautioned that enforcing the ban could create unintended consequences, including the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, increased smuggling, loss of government revenue, and further hardship for businesses operating within the sector.
The group warned that failure to review the policy could jeopardise the livelihoods of workers, distributors, retailers, and other stakeholders dependent on the alcoholic beverage industry, while potentially exposing consumers to unsafe alternatives.
IPSAW therefore urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively, insisting that the continued stay of the NAFDAC Director-General in office is “no longer in the public interest” and could undermine confidence in government policies and regulatory institutions.
The organisation called for an immediate review of the enforcement measures and renewed engagement with industry stakeholders to prevent what it described as a looming economic and regulatory crisis.
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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine
Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.
Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.
They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.
The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.
The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.
A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.
Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.
With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.
The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.
They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.
Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.
After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.
They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.
The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.
Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.
Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.
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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery
The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.
A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.
The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.
The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.
Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.
Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.
“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “
The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.
We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.
The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.
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Late Goal Seals Win For Czechia
Czechia secured a dramatic victory over South Africa in today’s World Cup group stage match, scoring a decisive late goal that broke the deadlock and earned them all three points.
The opening half was evenly contested. Czechia controlled possession but struggled to break through South Africa’s compact defense. South Africa relied on counterattacks, using pace on the wings to test Czechia’s backline. Both sides created half-chances, but neither found the finishing touch.
South Africa showed determination, pressing aggressively and forcing Czechia into errors. Their goalkeeper produced key saves, including a reflex stop from a close-range header. The defensive unit remained disciplined, frustrating Czechia’s forwards and keeping the score level at halftime.
After the break, Czechia increased the tempo. Their midfielders dictated play, recycling possession and stretching South Africa’s defense. A series of corners and free kicks kept the pressure on, but South Africa’s backline held firm.
The breakthrough came in the final minutes. Czechia’s substitute forward latched onto a low cross, sliding the ball past the South African goalkeeper. The goal sparked celebrations in the Czech camp and left South Africa with little time to respond.
South Africa attempted a late rally, pushing men forward in search of an equalizer. A long-range shot forced Czechia’s goalkeeper into action, but the effort was parried away. The final whistle confirmed Czechia’s narrow but crucial win.
Czechia’s captain led with composure, controlling midfield battles and setting the rhythm. The late goal scorer proved decisive, turning the match in his team’s favor. South Africa’s goalkeeper stood out despite defeat, keeping his side in contention until the final moments.
Czechia’s coach made effective substitutions, introducing fresh legs that ultimately delivered the winning goal. South Africa’s tactical plan of containment and counterattack worked for most of the match but faltered under late pressure.
The victory strengthens Czechia’s position in the group, giving them momentum for upcoming fixtures. South Africa, meanwhile, face an uphill task, needing points in their next matches to stay in contention for the knockout stages.
Czechia’s late strike sealed a hard-fought win over South Africa, underlining the fine margins that define World Cup football. The match showcased resilience, tactical battles, and the drama of a decisive goal in the closing stages. For Czechia, it was a statement of determination; for South Africa, a reminder of the challenges ahead.
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