News
Kofi Annan to African leaders: Leave when your time is up
Former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan has urged African leaders to leave their various offices when their mandated time is up.
That is to avoid excluding opposing voices if elections are to cease contributing to conflicts on the continent.
The renowned international diplomat said that while unconstitutional changes to government on the continent had reduced, exclusionary politics threatened to reverse the gains made.
“I think Africa has done well, by and large the coups have more or less ended, generals are remaining in their barracks.
“But we are creating situations which may bring them back,” the Nobel laureate said in an interview at the 5th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa
http://www.TanaForum.org
“If a leader doesn’t want to leave office, if a leader stays on for too long, and elections are seen as being gamed to suit a leader and he stays term after term after term, the tendency may be the only way to get him out is through a coup or people taking to the streets.
“Neither approach can be seen as an alternative to democracy, to elections or to parliamentary rule.
“Constitutions and the rules of the game have to be respected.”
Annan, the keynote speaker at the forum this year, said winner-take-all approaches to elections on the continent had the effect of leaving out citizens for holding an opposing view, raising tensions around elections.
Annan chairs the Africa Progress Panel and the Nelson Mandela-founded The Elders grouping.
He said he had been the first to tell the African Union not to accept coup leaders among their midst [during an OAU heads of state summit in Lusaka in 2001].
Annan also said that solutions to the problems the continent has must come from within.
However, the continent must build up its ability to do so, including in financing its institutions.
“We cannot always pass a hat around and insist we want to be sovereign, we want to be independent.
“We should lead and get others to support us—that support will be much more forthcoming when they see how serious and committed we are.”
The African Union has struggled to get members to pay their dues to allow it run its operations and programmes efficiently.
That is a recurrent theme addressed by leaders at the forum in the Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar.
Annan said such budgetary concerns were constraining the work of the continent in strengthening stability and required creative ways of resourcing.
“I was happy to hear them [African leaders] say ‘we must be prepared to pay for what we want.
“We must be prepared to put out our own money on the table and fund issues that are of great importance to us.’”
The forum, now in its fifth year, is an inspiration of the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and is organised by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of Addis Ababa University.
An invitation-only event, it is chaired by former Nigeria president Olusegun Obasanjo.
It seeks to provide a platform for current and former leaders to interact with key stakeholders in an informal setting to tackle contemporary issues facing the continent.
It does not make decisions but is becoming an African ‘brand’ of note where local solutions are innovatively explored.
That, just as the region seeks to carve out its place in a global security architecture dominated by western and emerging powers.
Leaders and experts at the Tana Forum also noted that the continent was not isolated.
“As Africa faces increasing security challenges, so does the rest of the world.
“The continent is well placed to provide innovative solutions to these security challenges,” Obasanjo said.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbe, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Sudan’s Omar al Bashir were among the heads of state and government present.
Former leaders Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Festus Mogae of Botswana, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Pierre Buyoya of Burundi and Joyce Banda of Malawi were also in attendance.
“I think it is a very good idea that ex-leaders come together with current leaders to share experience.
“[Also], try to talk very frankly about the challenges facing the continent and also about our relations with the international community,” Annan said.
Annan was attending the annual forum for the first time
Distributed by APO
News
FG hands over wanted Chinese gang leader after INTERPOL raid

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully repatriated a notorious Chinese fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, in a groundbreaking operation coordinated by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja.
This achievement, announced on Sunday by the Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was executed through close collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria.
The operation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling transnational organized crime.
Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating violent organized crimes, fled his country in 2024 after the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County issued a warrant for his arrest.
In an effort to evade justice, he sought refuge in Nigeria. However, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked and arrested him in the Federal Capital Territory on August 8, 2025.
He was subsequently repatriated to Beijing on August 15, 2025, under the framework of police-to-police cooperation facilitated by INTERPOL.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasized that this operation highlights their unwavering resolve to ensure that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for fugitives.
It also reflects the growing strength of international partnerships in addressing the complexities of global crime networks.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the successful mission, reiterating his commitment to strengthening international alliances through intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration.
He stressed that this operation sends a powerful message to criminals worldwide: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria will not serve as a sanctuary for fugitives.”
However, this milestone showcases Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice on a global scale and reinforces its position as a reliable partner in the fight against international crime.
News
Former deputy governor of Abia State joins Labour Party

A former deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Oko-Chukwu, has formally joined the Labour Party.
Chukwu, who served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, announced his defection on Saturday at his hometown in Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area.
“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.
He commended Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, saying: “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission. You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today.”
Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, hailed his decision and described him as a principled leader.
According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”
However, state Labour Party Chairman Sir Emmanuel Otti called the defection “a move that will awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”
Ohafia LGA LP Chairman Godwin Kalu pledged unity and development, while PDP’s local chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his move to the Labour Party alongside Chukwu.
News
PDP govs warn Wike, others not to obstruct November convention

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has warned the Minister of the federal capital territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike and other party leaders not to obstruct preparations for the party’s national convention slated for November 15, 2025, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The warning was issued in a communiqué made available to newsmen on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The governors pledged full support for the decisions of the party’s 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) taken in July, affirming that the convention will go ahead as planned.
“The Forum reaffirms its full commitment to the resolutions of the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of July 2025 regarding the November 15 National Convention.It urges members to resist all attempts to derail the convention by anti-party forces; but to see the PDP as the only democratic institution and viable alternative for restoring Nigeria along the path of good governance and national development,” the communiqué stated.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, reviewed national security concerns, threats to democratic institutions, and preparations for the Ibadan convention.
The opposition governors commended PDP members for standing firm against defections and political distractions, insisting that the party remains a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking better governance.
The forum also accused the ruling APC of divisive policies that, according to them, have worsened hardship across the country.
Though, this is coming after Wike during appearance Channels Television on August 19, renewed his criticism of the PDP National Working Committee, rejecting the zoning panel headed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and disputing the recognition of Ali Odefa as National Vice Chairman (South East).
He warned that tensions could escalate if the party refused to acknowledge the zonal congress that produced his ally, Chief Dan Orbih, as National Vice Chairman for the South-South.
“Well, it is over for now. A few things are remaining, and I have told them that they must do it. Our congress was held in Calabar, and there’s nothing anybody can tell us. If they want to have another round of crisis, so be it. In that congress, Chief Dan Orbih emerged as the National Vice Chairman. They never wanted the congress to be held, but congress was held.The so-called acting national chairman of the party wrote a letter to INEC after congress was held that the congress has been postponed. There is no two ways about it. The National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South is Chief Dan Orbih. If they don’t agree, that’s another round of crisis,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, Wike’s fallout with his former G5 ally, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has further deepened divisions in the party.
The FCT minister, who serves in the APC-led federal cabinet, continues to deny accusations of anti-party activities.
News
PHOTO: NDLEA Arrests Widow for Cocaine Trafficking with Fake Pregnancy

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow in Lagos for allegedly attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while pretending to be pregnant.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ezewuike, was picked up by NDLEA operatives at the Jibowu bus terminal in Yaba on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was reportedly on her way to Abuja to deliver the consignment when she was intercepted.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ezewuike runs a fashion outfit known as Golden Star Creation along Ago Palace Way in Okota.
A subsequent raid on her home led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent commonly used in the preparation of cocaine.
“In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, although she has been in the fashion business for over two decades,” Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Other Major Seizures
The arrest was one of several drug operations carried out by the agency in the past week.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 90 parcels of loud a potent strain of cannabis hidden inside three cartons of kitchen sinks.
The shipment, weighing 48.6kg, was traced to a courier company and had reportedly been imported from the United States.
In Adamawa, a raid on the home of a suspected drug kingpin, Idris Garba, forced the dealer to flee by scaling a fence. His associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was not as lucky.
He was arrested in Yola South while attempting to escape.
NDLEA said Nnaji drove into the city with 354,480 pills of tramadol concealed in a Toyota Thundra jeep (FST-885-CZ) and a Toyota Yaris (DSA 776 AA), both of which were impounded.
The agency also arrested another suspect, Neche Okonkwo, at Idah waterside in Kogi State.
He was caught after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State, with 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 ampoules of diazepam injections.
Across several states, NDLEA operatives continued their clampdown on cannabis cultivation.
In Taraba, officers working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) destroyed 7,500kg of skunk grown on three hectares of farmland in Dadin Kowa village, Bali.
Another 901kg was recovered from a warehouse in Uzebba, Edo State, where a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested.
In Edo, 14,233kg of cannabis was destroyed across four plantations in Owan West Local Government Area.
In Delta, operatives, backed by the military, cleared 25,500kg of cannabis grown on 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu, Ndokwa West.
In Ondo, 25,025kg of cannabis was destroyed on three farms in Uso.
NDLEA described the series of arrests and seizures as evidence of its renewed pressure on drug syndicates operating across the country.
“These operations reflect our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Babafemi said.
Ezewuike and other arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Analysis
Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.
But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.
In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.
Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size
Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.
“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.
“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”
She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.
“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”
Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.
“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.
The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”
She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.
“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.
“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah
Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.
“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.
“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”
He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.
“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”
Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.
“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.
These are myths masquerading as solutions.”
So What Truly Matters?
Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.
Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.
But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”
Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”
Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence
As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.
“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”
Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”
Performance Isn’t About Inches
Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.
Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.
Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.
Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.
Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.
In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.
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