Author: Aeesha Zannah

  • Dangote’s Scholarship Initiative To Widen Access To Education Financing – NELFUND

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for unveiling a N100 billion annual education scholarship scheme, describing it as a major intervention that will significantly widen access to education financing across Nigeria.

    NELFUND said the initiative would help address financial barriers confronting students and strengthen ongoing national efforts to expand access to quality education.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Mr Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

    According to the statement, the scholarship programme was unveiled in Lagos in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu.

    NELFUND described the initiative as a bold demonstration of effective private-sector partnership that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly his commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education for Nigerian children.

    “On behalf of NELFUND, we applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing collaborative solutions that strengthen our education system,” the statement quoted the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, as saying.

    Sawyerr said the Dangote Foundation’s N100 billion annual scholarship scheme directly complements the Federal Government’s efforts to remove financial barriers to education and empower the next generation of Nigerian talent.

    He noted that the foundation’s decade-long commitment, which targets students in public secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, including a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) component, would significantly enhance national education financing initiatives.

    According to him, the STEM-focused track of the programme is particularly critical to building Nigeria’s future workforce and boosting innovation and human capital development.

    Sawyerr further emphasised NELFUND’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Dangote Foundation and relevant government partners to ensure transparency, efficiency and broad national impact in the implementation of the programme.

    “NELFUND stands ready to engage, support and work collaboratively to maximise the reach and effectiveness of this programme.

    “We are committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is denied educational opportunity due to financial constraints,” he said.

    The fund also reaffirmed that sustained collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and development partners remains essential to building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable education ecosystem in Nigeria.

    NELFUND said such partnerships reflect President Tinubu’s renewed call for shared responsibility in driving national development.

    Meanwhile, it recalled that on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, officially unveiled the N100 billion annual scholarship scheme under the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

    The initiative is aimed at keeping financially vulnerable Nigerian students in school and strengthening the country’s human capital base.

    According to details of the programme, the 10-year scholarship scheme will commence in 2026 and is expected to begin with about 45,000 beneficiaries.

    The number of scholars is projected to increase to 155,000 annually by the fourth year of implementation, with a long-term target of reaching approximately 1.3 million students across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

    A key component of the initiative is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars programme, which will provide tuition support for about 30,000 undergraduate students each year in public universities and polytechnics nationwide.

    The STEM scheme is designed to expand access to higher education, promote innovation and equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to national development.

  • Canal+ Plans Major Overhaul Of DSTV Operations — Says Goodbye To DSTV As It Is Known

    Groupe Canal+, the new majority owner of MultiChoice, has unveiled plans for sweeping changes to DStv operations across Africa as it seeks to halt declining subscriptions, falling revenues and weakening profitability at the continent’s largest pay-TV operator.

    Canal+, which assumed control of MultiChoice in September 2025, disclosed the extent of DStv’s challenges in a recent investor presentation, showing consistent declines in subscriber numbers, revenue and trading profit.

    According to the presentation, the broadcaster’s deteriorating financial performance has necessitated a comprehensive turnaround strategy aimed at restoring sustainable growth.

    Turnaround strategy

    Canal+ told shareholders that it intends to pursue a multifaceted recovery plan centred on aggressive subscriber acquisition, cost restructuring and enhanced content offerings.

    The company said it would reinvest in attracting new subscribers to tap into growth opportunities in Africa’s largely underpenetrated pay-TV market.

    It noted that higher subscriber acquisition costs would be offset through operational synergies and a more granular focus on optimal distribution strategies.

    Canal+ further said it would implement ambitious growth targets across the continent, adopting a “no small market” philosophy, under which no African market would be considered too insignificant for investment.

    Revenue growth and customer value

    Beyond increasing subscriber numbers, Canal+ said it would develop and roll out initiatives to generate incremental revenues and unlock revenue synergies across the MultiChoice business.

    The French broadcaster also pledged to enhance DStv’s customer value proposition by strengthening the content line-up, sharing content across platforms and applying global marketing best practices.

    Cost-cutting measures

    On the cost side, Canal+ said it plans to reset MultiChoice’s cost base to support a sustainable and profitable pay-TV business, marking a departure from previous cost-saving measures focused largely on short-term profitability.

    The company said it would prioritise meaningful cost synergies, with particular attention on content and technology expenses, which account for some of the largest cost items at a global scale.

    Within weeks of taking control, Canal+ initiated aggressive cost-cutting measures, including suspending payments to suppliers and seeking discounts of up to 20 per cent on invoices.

    These actions reportedly led to operational disruptions at MultiChoice, including a temporary shortage of basic supplies such as toilet paper at its Randburg headquarters.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Canal+ Africa, Mr David Mignot, who relocated to Johannesburg, was also affected by the disruptions.

    Responding to queries on the approach, a MultiChoice spokesperson said the measures formed part of ongoing efforts over the past two years to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

    > “This has continued following the completion of the Canal+ merger, and MultiChoice is engaging with suppliers in this regard,” the spokesperson said.

    The company added that managing expenditure was critical to ensuring MultiChoice’s long-term role in South Africa’s and Africa’s broadcasting ecosystem.

    Supplier concerns and regulatory commitments

    MultiChoice said the adjustments would also help it meet its public interest commitments to South Africa’s Competition Tribunal following the Canal+ merger.

    Among these conditions are commitments to procure local content from historically disadvantaged individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs).

    Industry sources said the company later softened its stance and released payments to SMME suppliers who were severely affected by the initial invoice freeze.

    Financial pressures at MultiChoice

    Canal+’s cost-cutting drive follows a period of financial distress at MultiChoice.

    The company reported losses in two of its last three financial years, recording cumulative losses of about R7 billion in the 2023 and 2024 financial periods.

    In 2024, MultiChoice’s liabilities exceeded its assets, rendering it technically insolvent. While the company returned to profitability in the 2025 financial year with a reported profit of R2.02 billion, analysts note that much of this was due to a once-off transaction — the sale of a 60 per cent stake in its insurance business to Sanlam.

    Operating profit declined from R7.08 billion in 2024 to R4.66 billion in 2025, driven by a nine per cent drop in revenue, including an 11 per cent fall in subscription income resulting from the loss of 1.2 million customers.

    Trading profit also declined by 49 per cent, largely due to increased losses at Showmax and foreign exchange losses amounting to R5.2 billion.

    Over the past two years, MultiChoice has spent approximately R4 billion on development and content acquisition for Showmax.

    Content challenges and channel losses

    MultiChoice’s challenges have been compounded by cost-cutting at major content suppliers.

    Paramount Skydance, a key channel provider, has shut down Paramount Africa as part of its own restructuring, resulting in the removal of four channels — BET, MTV Base, CBS Reality and CBS Justice — from DStv from Jan. 1, 2026.

    CBS Reality and CBS Justice were previously offered through a joint venture between AMC Networks and CBS, owned by Paramount Skydance.

    Promise of more content

    Despite the channel losses, Canal+ has assured subscribers of improved content offerings.

    Mr Mignot said Canal+’s extensive European content library, combined with strong partnerships with U.S. studios, would soon be leveraged to enrich the DStv platform.

    He said Canal+ currently produces about 4,000 hours of African content annually in up to 15 languages, which will be combined with MultiChoice’s 6,000 hours of locally produced content each year.

    > “Combined, we will provide roughly 10,000 hours per year in 20 to 35 languages,” Mignot said.

    He added that over a 10- to 15-year period, the group would build a catalogue of between 100,000 and 150,000 hours of content, enabling wider distribution through dubbing and localisation.

    Exporting African content

    According to Mignot, Canal+ plans to monetise the expanded content library by exporting African films and series globally through StudioCanal, its production, financing and distribution arm.

    He said South African-produced content would play a key role in the strategy to sell African stories to international audiences.

    As Canal+ rolls out its turnaround plans, subscribers and industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how the changes will reshape DStv and the broader African pay-TV landscape.

  • Bad News for DStv Premium Subscribers as Netflix, Paramount Battle Over Warner Bros Discovery

    DStv Premium subscribers are set to lose access to several popular television channels following ongoing corporate battles involving Netflix, Paramount Global and Warner Bros Discovery, a development expected to take effect before the end of December.

    MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and recently taken over by Canal+ Group, confirmed that 16 channels will cease transmission on its platform from Dec. 31, 2025, with most of them available only to Premium subscribers.

    The development comes amid intense competition for control of Warner Bros Discovery, as Netflix announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the media giant, while Paramount Global has countered with a hostile takeover bid.

    In a media statement made available to The Citizen, MultiChoice said no fresh agreement had been reached with Warner Bros Discovery to retain the affected channels.

    > “At this stage, no new agreement has been reached between the parties. Should this remain the case, these channels will no longer form part of the DStv lineup from 1 January 2026,” the company stated.

    Channels Affected

    Warner Bros Discovery currently owns 12 channels on the DStv platform. These include:

    •Discovery Channel (121)

    •TLC (135)

    •Discovery Family (136)

    •TNT Africa (137)

    •Real Time (155)

    •Discovery ID (171)

    •Food Network (175)

    •HGTV (177)

    •Travel Channel (179)

    •Cartoon Network (301)

    •Cartoonito (302)

    •CNN International (401)

    In addition, four Paramount Africa-operated channels – BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice and CBS Reality – will also be removed from DStv.

    Despite the looming losses, MultiChoice assured subscribers that it remains committed to providing alternative content.

    > “MultiChoice has extensive content partnerships across the world, giving us flexibility and capacity to enhance our packages with fresh content, new channels and new services in the year ahead,” the company said.

    Warner Bros Discovery Restructuring

    In June 2025, Warner Bros Discovery announced plans to split its operations into two publicly traded companies – Streaming & Studios and Global Networks.

    The Streaming & Studios division comprises its film and television studios, HBO and HBO Max, while the Global Networks division includes international entertainment, sports and news brands such as CNN, Discovery channels, TNT Sports (U.S.), and digital platforms like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.

    Netflix is reportedly interested only in the Streaming & Studios division, while Paramount seeks to acquire the entire Warner Bros Discovery group, including the Global Networks business. However, the corporate separation is expected to be completed before any acquisition is finalised.

    Implications for DStv Subscribers

    Industry analysts note that carriage agreements between broadcasters and content owners are often rigid, leaving pay-TV operators with limited negotiating power.

    Although the loss of Warner Bros Discovery channels may not immediately impact DStv’s most-watched content rankings, concerns remain over what replacement channels will be introduced, particularly amid speculation that more French-language channels may be added following Canal+’s takeover.

    Netflix Deal and Paramount’s Hostile Bid

    Following a bidding deadline shortly after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, Netflix announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery in a deal valued at approximately $82.7 billion (about R1.4 trillion). The transaction values Warner Bros shares at $27.75 (R475) per share.

    Days later, Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid, offering $30.00 (R513.30) per share. Paramount said the offer would expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time on Jan. 8, 2026, unless extended.

    In a statement, Paramount criticised Warner Bros’ decision to accept Netflix’s proposal, describing it as “financially inferior and more uncertain”.

    > “We are making the Offer directly to the Warner Bros. stockholders and the board of directors of Warner Bros. to ensure that they have the full terms of our Prior Proposal,” Paramount said.

    As the battle for Warner Bros Discovery intensifies, DStv Premium subscribers appear to be the immediate casualties, facing reduced channel offerings as the global media landscape undergoes significant transformation.

  • Airtel Africa Foundation Offers Fully Funded Scholarships To Nigerian Undergraduates

    The Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the commencement of its 2025 undergraduate scholarship programme for Nigerian students, aimed at expanding access to quality higher education and empowering young Africans through financial and technology-focused education.

    The scholarship, known as the Airtel Africa Scholarship, is a fully funded initiative that covers tuition fees, living stipends, accommodation and other study-related expenses for selected beneficiaries throughout the duration of their undergraduate studies.

    According to information released by the Foundation, the programme aligns with Airtel Africa’s broader mission of supporting education and building advanced skills among African youth, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

    The Airtel Africa Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa Plc, a leading telecommunications and mobile money services provider operating in 14 African countries. As part of its social investment strategy, the Foundation launched the Airtel Africa Tech Fellowship Programme to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

    Under the scheme, the Foundation is partnering with selected public universities in Nigeria to provide financial support to meritorious students who have secured admission into tech-related undergraduate programmes.

    A summary of the scholarship shows that it is open exclusively to Nigerian undergraduates, with no requirement for IELTS. The award includes full tuition coverage, a living stipend and accommodation support. However, the application deadline has not yet been specified.

    To be eligible for the Airtel Africa Foundation Scholarship, applicants must be newly admitted (100-level) undergraduate students of participating public universities. They must not be beneficiaries of any other scholarship, fellowship or grant covering the same purpose.

    Other eligibility criteria include possession of at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in one sitting, a minimum score of 230 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and valid admission documents such as a JAMB result slip, university admission letter, school identity card and WAEC or equivalent certificate.

    Applicants are also required to demonstrate genuine financial need to qualify for the programme.

    The Foundation disclosed that the scholarship will be awarded to 100 Nigerian undergraduate students, and will cover study and living costs for a period of four to five years, depending on the course of study.

    Documents required for application include a completed application form, a recent passport-sized photograph in JPEG format not exceeding 200 kilobytes, university admission letter, UTME result, O’ Level results and, where applicable, A’ Level, OND or NCE certificates.

    Interested and qualified candidates are advised to apply by visiting the official scholarship webpage, creating an application account, verifying their details and completing the online application form with all required documents attached.

    The Foundation also encouraged prospective applicants to stay informed through scholarship alert platforms on WhatsApp and other social media channels, noting that updates on deadlines and further instructions would be communicated accordingly.

    The Airtel Africa Scholarship is part of ongoing efforts by corporate and philanthropic organisations to support human capital development in Nigeria and across the African continent.
                                                              Apply Now; https://www.scholarshipregion.com/airtel-africa-scholarship/

  • FG Approves N6.43tn PPP Projects To Boost Ports, Power

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three major Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects valued at over N6.43 trillion, marking another significant step by the Federal Government to deepen private-sector participation in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

    The approvals, which cover two deep seaports and a 460-megawatt hydropower plant, were announced on Friday by the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr Jobson Ewalefoh.

    Ewalefoh said the projects represent the second batch of PPP initiatives approved by the Council within one month, underscoring the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to leveraging private capital under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    According to him, the approvals confirm an injection of over N6.43 trillion, estimated at about 4.29 billion dollars, in private capital into the Nigerian economy.

    “The Federal Executive Council has approved three transformative Public-Private Partnership projects, confirming an injection of over N6.43tn in private capital into the Nigerian economy.

    “These approvals underscore the practical impact of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises private-sector-led infrastructure delivery as a catalyst for national growth, economic competitiveness and job creation,” Ewalefoh said.

    He explained that improved policy clarity, economic liberalisation and strengthened regulatory institutions had boosted investor confidence, enabling the Federal Government to unlock billions of dollars in long-term investments.

    The newly approved projects include the 2.27-billion-dollar Bakassi Deep Seaport, the 1.14-billion-dollar Port of Ondo Deep Seaport and the 878.1-million-dollar Katsina-Ala Hydropower Plant.

    Ewalefoh said all the projects would be fully financed, developed and operated by private investors under the regulatory supervision of the ICRC.

    He noted that the projects reaffirm the Tinubu administration’s resolve to deploy PPPs to accelerate economic competitiveness, enhance trade and expand Nigeria’s renewable energy footprint.

    On the Bakassi Deep Seaport, Ewalefoh described it as a greenfield development that would create a new maritime gateway for the North-Central and North-East zones, while serving as a major hub for West and Central Africa.

    “These are decisive, multi-sectoral investment portfolios that directly address national needs.

    “The approval of the two deep seaport projects alone, totalling over 3.4 billion dollars in private capital, will fundamentally optimise Nigeria’s maritime trade routes and decongest existing port facilities,” he said.

    He added that the Bakassi Deep Seaport is designed to accommodate larger vessels and integrate an industrial cluster and Free Trade Zone, which would create thousands of jobs and position Nigeria as a preferred maritime destination.

    Speaking further, Ewalefoh said the Port of Ondo Deep Seaport is expected to unlock the South-West’s solid minerals and agro-allied value chains, while positioning Ondo State as a new logistics and export corridor.

    On the power project, he said the Katsina-Ala Hydropower Plant would help address Nigeria’s persistent electricity deficit and unlock vast renewable energy potential.

    “The 460-megawatt Katsina-Ala Hydropower Plant is a monumental greenfield project that will supply essential base-load power to the national grid and stimulate significant economic activity across the region.

    “It is a strategic commitment to a cleaner, more reliable and more sustainable energy future for our country,” he said.

    Ewalefoh recalled that the latest approvals followed the clearance of three PPP projects earlier in November, including the Product Authentication and Tracking System, the V-PASS contactless biometric verification platform and the Port Harcourt International Airport concession, which attracted about 230.9 million dollars in private capital.

    He disclosed that with the latest approvals, the total number of PPP projects endorsed in 2025 has exceeded 13, cutting across maritime, health, aviation, power and industrial sectors.

    Other PPP projects approved this year include the MediPool initiative under the Federal Ministry of Health, the Maritime Electronic Management System of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Ikere Gorge 6MW Hydropower Plant, the Borokiri Coastal Fisheries Terminal, the Farin Ruwa 20MW Hydropower Project and the concession of the Enugu International Airport.

    Ewalefoh commended President Tinubu for what he described as consistent support for the ICRC, noting that the strengthening of regulatory institutions had repositioned the Commission as a key driver of PPP development in Nigeria.

    “These consistent approvals reflect Mr President’s trust in the ICRC’s mandate and further empower us to deliver greater value to the nation,” he said.

    Nigeria has increasingly turned to PPPs to expand its ageing infrastructure amid limited public revenues and rising fiscal pressures.

    The PPP model allows private investors to finance, build and operate major infrastructure assets, particularly in ports, airports and power, with returns tied to user fees or long-term concessions.

    Experts estimate that Nigeria requires about 100 billion dollars annually in infrastructure spending to close its infrastructure gap, making private-sector participation critical to the country’s long-term growth trajectory.

  • DHQ Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorised Checkpoints Nationwide

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered the immediate removal of all non-essential roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints on major highways across the country, citing concerns over operational inefficiency, security risks and obstruction of movement.

    The directive is contained in a memo dated Dec. 5, 2025, and signed by Brig.-Gen. A. Rabiu on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

    According to the memo, the increasing number of unapproved checkpoints along major routes has begun to negatively affect military operations and expose security personnel to avoidable dangers.

    The memo read in part:

    > “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the Services Headquarters hereby instructs all Theatre Commanders and Force Commanders to ensure the immediate dismantling of all non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective Joint Operations Areas (JOA).”

    It emphasised that while maintaining road security remains critical, the unchecked proliferation of static checkpoints along several highways has restricted free movement for civilians and reduced the effectiveness of security operations.

    The DHQ listed several routes where such checkpoints have been identified to include Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu; Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kaba–Omuo–Ikole Ekiti; Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge, among others.

    The headquarters further directed that security operations should now focus on mobility and intelligence rather than stationary deployments.

    It stated that commanders are to rely on aggressive mobile patrols and improved human intelligence gathering to dominate key routes and respond swiftly to security threats.

    The memo added:

    > “Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational and security purposes, while dominating the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering.”

    Checkpoints are common features on Nigerian highways, and while authorities often justify them as security measures, many citizens have expressed concerns over alleged harassment, extortion and, in some cases, fatal incidents involving motorists.

    The DHQ’s directive has therefore sparked public debate, with Nigerians expressing mixed reactions over whether the removal of checkpoints will improve safety or expose highways to criminal activities.

    The Defence Headquarters, however, maintained that the new strategy is aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing risks to personnel and civilians, and ensuring better use of military resources nationwide.

  • Birmingham University Opens Applications For Free Online Courses For 2025

    The University of Birmingham has opened applications for its 2025 Free Online Courses with Certificates, offering learners across the world the opportunity to acquire new skills at no cost.

    The courses, which are delivered entirely online, are open to participants of all nationalities and academic backgrounds, with enrolment available throughout the year, according to information released by the organisers.

    Birmingham University, a world top-100 institution and a leading global university, said the initiative is designed to provide learners with a taste of higher education and promote access to quality learning irrespective of location or financial capacity.

    The university explained that the short courses are offered through its partnership with the FutureLearn platform and are taught by world-class academics from the University of Birmingham.

    According to the details, the online courses are completely free of charge, with no registration or tuition fees required, and cover a wide range of academic disciplines.

    Course details

    The key features of the Birmingham University Free Online Courses 2025 include:

    •Institution: University of Birmingham

    •Mode of study: Online

    •Course fee: Free

    Eligible nationalities: All nationalities

    Application deadline: Open all year (enrol anytime)


    The organisers noted that enrolled participants would be notified via email once their selected courses are scheduled to begin.

    Benefits

    The programme offers several benefits to learners, including:

    •Free access to online courses

    •No registration or application fees

    •Full tuition fee waiver

    •Flexible online learning accessible from anywhere in the world


    Available fields of study

    The courses are drawn from several academic colleges and faculties of the university, including:

    College of Arts and Law

    •Medical and Dental Sciences

    •Life and Environmental Sciences

    •Engineering and Physical Sciences

    •Social Sciences


    Eligibility

    The courses are open to:

    •International students from any country

    •Applicants with any academic qualification, including secondary school students, undergraduates, graduates and higher degree holders

    •Individuals of any age, with no age restriction

    •Applicants without specific academic background requirements


    Application process

    Prospective learners are required to apply online through the FutureLearn platform by selecting their preferred course. Applicants are advised to monitor their email addresses for updates and course commencement notifications.

    The organisers reiterated that there is no closing date for applications, as enrolment remains open throughout the year.

    The programme is part of Birmingham University’s broader effort to expand global access to education and empower learners worldwide through flexible and inclusive learning opportunities.

  • EGG YOLK FACE MASK OFFERS NATURAL MOISTURISING BENEFITS — AESTHETICIAN

    A clinical aesthetician has highlighted the benefits of using an egg yolk face mask as a natural and effective method for improving skin moisture and overall facial care.

    According to the aesthetician, the moisturising face mask is prepared using simple and readily available ingredients, including
    •One egg yolk
    •One teaspoon of organic dark honey,
    •One teaspoon of olive oil or almond oil.

    The expert explained that the egg yolk serves as a rich source of nutrients that help nourish the skin, while organic dark honey provides hydration and helps maintain skin softness. The addition of olive oil or almond oil, she said, further enhances the mask’s moisturising properties by sealing in moisture and preventing dryness.

    She advised that the ingredients should be thoroughly mixed until a smooth consistency is achieved before application.

    “The mixture should be gently applied to a clean face, ensuring even coverage,” the aesthetician said.

    She recommended that the mask be left on the face for approximately 15 minutes to allow the skin to absorb the nutrients and moisture from the natural ingredients.

    After the recommended time, the face should be carefully wiped clean, leaving the skin refreshed and well moisturised, she added.

    The aesthetician noted that the egg yolk face mask is particularly suitable for individuals with dry or dull skin, as it helps restore moisture, improve skin texture, and enhance a healthy glow.

    The advice was shared during a free skin care video session aimed at educating the public on affordable and safe beauty practices using natural ingredients.

  • FACEMASK (For Facial Care) – Simple Natural Remedy For Skin Protection During Harmattan

    Ingredients required:
    – Two spoonfuls of avocado paste
    – A small quantity of honey
    – A very small amount of lemon juice

    According to skincare practitioners, the ingredients are to be mixed thoroughly in a clean bowl and applied evenly on the face for 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture is said to help soften the skin, restore moisture, enhance natural glow, and protect the face from dryness associated with harsh weather conditions.

    Benefits during harmattan season

    Experts note that the combination is particularly useful during the harmattan period for the following reasons:

    1. It restores moisture lost by the skin due to cold and dry air.

    2. It reduces dryness of the hair and scalp, helping to maintain softness and preventing flaking.

    3. It provides shine and protection for the skin, reducing the risk of cracking and roughness.



    Health and beauty specialists advise users to apply the mixture in moderation and maintain proper hygiene to achieve the desired results throughout the harmattan season.

  • (Lagos announces traffic diversions ahead of youth marathon)

    The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversions ahead of the Ajegunle City Youth Marathon scheduled to hold on Saturday, Dec. 13.

    The marathon, organised by the Society for Information and Human Advancement, is expected to commence at 6 a.m.

    The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in a statement posted on its X handle on Friday, said the diversions were necessary to ensure the safety of participants and to maintain smooth traffic flow during the event.

    According to the ministry, partial closures will be effected along major routes, including Maracana Stadium, Ojoku Street, Baale Road, Kirikiri Road, Wilmer Link Bridge, Okito Street, Kopariwo Street, Mba/Cardoso Street, Cemetery Street, Ojora Street, Oduduwa Street, Layinka Street, Bakare Faro Street, Adejiyan Street, Ishaga Street, Onishapa Street, Itire Street, Ojo Road and Signal Barracks, which is the end point of the race.

    The ministry said all junctions and intersections within the marathon corridor would be temporarily closed and manned by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos State Neighbourhood Corps (LSNC).

    It added that the junctions would be opened intermittently to allow controlled movement of motorists.

    Motorists from Berger/Apapa–Oshodi Expressway to Olodi Apapa via Kirikiri were advised to turn right into Industrial Road, link Idewu Street, continue through Oluwa Street, connect Tolu Road and link Baale Road.

    Similarly, motorists from Suru-Alaba on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway heading to Gaskiya Road and Iganmu Road were directed to use a contra-flow on Cemetery Road from Techn Oil to the roundabout.

    Those heading from Suru-Alaba to Ojo Road were asked to turn left before Signal Barracks into Charles Avenue, link Ligali Street, proceed to Evie Street, connect Abeje Street and continue to Ojo Road.

    The government assured residents that the partial closures had been designed to minimise disruption and urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed to the affected areas.

    It noted that the measures were to ensure a safe and successful marathon.

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