WAFFI TV | Feature

Paracetamol Use In Pregnancy Does Not Cause Autism, WHO Insists

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday clarified that no conclusive scientific evidence currently links autism to the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy. In a statement on its website, WHO noted that about 62 million people worldwide—roughly 1 in every 127 individuals—are living with autism spectrum disorder, a complex group of conditions associated with brain development. The organisation added that while awareness and diagnosis have advanced in recent years, the exact causes of autism remain unknown, with multiple factors believed to play a role. “Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established. “WHO recommends that all women continue to follow the advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals. “Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion.” “Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines—including those with thiomersal or aluminium—do not cause autism or other developmental disorders,” WHO noted. The global health body added that childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive, and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. It said the childhood immunisation schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. “The schedule remains essential for the health and well-being of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents, and adults against 30 infectious diseases. “Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation, an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed. “When immunisation schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk,” it emphasised. It, however, said autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among the priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health on Thursday, September 25. “As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families. “WHO is committed to advancing this goal, working together with partners, including autistic-led organisations and other organisations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma,” it added.

9/24/2025, 3:34:08 PM

FCCPC Warns Loan Apps Against Harassing Debtors

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has issued a stern warning to loan apps and other lending businesses against harassing or intimidating Nigerians over unpaid debts. The commission urged consumers to immediately report cases of harassment, noting that it has received increasing complaints about aggressive debt recovery tactics. These include threatening phone calls, intimidating text messages, and public shaming on social media. Reaffirming its stance, the FCCPC stressed that “no consumer should live in fear,” and vowed to protect Nigerians from unfair and deceptive practices. It further cautioned that continued harassment by loan companies will attract severe sanctions. The commission advised Nigerians to lodge complaints through its official website and social media channels, assuring that swift and decisive action will be taken against erring operators.

9/24/2025, 8:06:43 AM

Tantita Security Services: From Protecting Oil Assets To Building Second Chances For Inmates

For many, Tantita Security Services Limited is synonymous with safeguarding Nigeria’s oil pipelines and driving back the menace of crude oil theft. Yet, beyond its acclaimed role in national security, the company has steadily carved out a new identity—one rooted in social transformation. Whether through infrastructure support in riverine communities or educational outreach, Tantita has repeatedly shown that its vision extends well beyond security. That vision came alive again on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, when the company commissioned a block of eight modern classrooms at the Medium Security Correctional Centre on Okere Road, Warri. Conceived, financed, and executed by Tantita, the facility was inaugurated in partnership with the Delta State Government. For the inmates who will soon occupy those classrooms, the gesture represents not just brick and mortar, but the opening of doors to dignity, knowledge, and second chances. At the unveiling, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari. He described Tantita’s initiative as “a bridge between incarceration and reintegration,” stressing that the classrooms would help turn prisons into centers of transformation. “What Tantita has done is to invest in hope. Education remains the surest way to reshape lives, and with projects like this, we can look forward to a safer and more productive Delta State,” Tonukari noted. For Chief Keston Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, the project is deeply personal. He explained that the company’s philosophy goes beyond guarding national assets—it is about investing in human capital. “Security is not just about patrol boats or surveillance systems. True security means building people. If inmates leave prison better equipped with skills and knowledge, society becomes safer for everyone. That is why we took this step,” Pondi said, his voice firm with conviction. The classrooms, fitted with facilities to support both formal learning and vocational training, are expected to serve hundreds of inmates annually. The aim is clear: reduce recidivism, give hope, and replace cycles of crime with pathways to productivity. For Delta State, the partnership has further underscored the value of public–private collaboration. For Tantita, it is another chapter in its evolving story—a company once defined solely by its fight against oil theft, now emerging as a beacon of social responsibility and transformation. As the sun set over Warri on the day of the commissioning, the newly built classrooms stood as a quiet but powerful symbol: proof that even within prison walls, second chances can be created when vision meets commitment.

9/24/2025, 6:44:59 AM

Otuaro Lauds Tinubu As PAP Sends 161 Scholars Abroad, Canvasses 2027 Support

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in the deployment of 161 post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025/2026 academic session. Otuaro, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed gratitude to the President for his generosity and commitment to bridging the Niger Delta’s human capacity development gap through education. He also appreciated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for providing invaluable guidance throughout the process. He said the exercise, which aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflects Tinubu’s “genuine love for the people of the Niger Delta” and his commitment to driving socio-economic growth through education and empowerment. "I am eternally grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for graciously supporting the Presidential Amnesty Programme as we deploy foreign scholarship beneficiaries for the academic session. But for the President's magnanimity, it would not have been possible for us to send 161 beneficiaries to universities in the U.K. The number is huge and it aligns with His Excellency's Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects his undying love for the Niger Delta. I am equally immensely thankful to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his usual incredible guidance and supervision, which helps us a great deal. I am highly encouraged by the President's backing of our formal education and vocational training initiatives, and his strong desire for the socio-economic growth and development of our region. I believe that if we sustain the high number of scholarship deployments within and outside the country, the issue of human capacity development gap in our region will be decisively tackled." The PAP boss also called on Niger Delta stakeholders to rally behind President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the President had shown goodwill to the region and deserved reciprocal support. He urged the scholarship beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, complete their studies successfully, and return to contribute to the development of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Recently, the PAP had held a pre-departure briefing in Abuja for two batches of the beneficiaries, who are to pursue industry-relevant post-graduate programmes abroad.

9/23/2025, 4:00:06 PM

Alleged Contract Fraud: Emefiele Asks Court To Throw Out Case As EFCC’s Absence Stalls Trial

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday urged a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court to terminate his trial for alleged procurement fraud following the absence of the prosecution in court. Emefiele is facing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Maitama division, Abuja, in a case filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), marked CR/577/2023. He is standing trial on a 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conferring corrupt advantage, conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence. The charges relate to his tenure as CBN governor, during which he allegedly awarded six contracts worth N1.2 billion for the supply of vehicles to April 1616, a company linked to a CBN staff, Sa’adatu Ramalan Yaro, between 2018 and 2022. Emefiele, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, through his counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), asked the court to foreclose the trial since the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), or any other representative, failed to appear despite having prior notice of the date since June 27 before the court’s annual vacation. Burkaa informed the court that he was only shown a WhatsApp message from the registrar, indicating that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had requested an adjournment. He argued that the charges were filed by the AGF’s office, not the EFCC, and questioned why none of the prosecutors who sought an accelerated hearing could attend the proceedings. He further noted that Emefiele and his legal team travelled from Lagos for the hearing and insisted that the prosecution’s failure to appear warranted the foreclosure of the case. In his ruling, Justice Muazu granted the prosecution one final opportunity, warning that the court would take necessary steps should they fail to appear at the next sitting. The case was adjourned to October 22 for continuation of trial.

9/23/2025, 3:28:49 PM

Senate Unseals Natasha’s Office, Grants Her Access Into NASS Premises

Fresh indications on Tuesday suggested that the standoff between embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the PDP, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio may be nearing resolution. The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, alongside security operatives, has officially unsealed her Office 205 in the Senate wing. With this move, Akpoti-Uduaghan has now regained access to both her office and the National Assembly complex, a development seen as paving the way for her possible return to legislative duties. Vanguard gathered that the office was reopened ahead of plenary resumption on October 7, 2025, to allow her presence in the chamber. Sources disclosed that the decision was reached during Monday’s Senate leadership meeting, where plans were made for the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), to move a motion compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an apology before being fully reintegrated. It will be recalled that in March, the Senator—then Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs—was handed a six-month suspension for alleged misconduct after protesting against her seat reassignment by Akpabio on February 20, 2025. The punishment also barred her from all activities of the 10th Senate. Although her suspension formally lapsed in September 2025, she was unable to resume her duties due to unresolved legal disputes and resistance from Senate leadership. In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ruled the suspension unconstitutional and excessive, stressing that prolonged exclusion would deny her constituents representation. Despite the ruling, the Senate maintained its stance that her offence was a breach of its Standing Orders—not related to any sexual allegations—and insisted she serve out the full suspension term. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s previous attempts to return were rebuffed, but the unsealing of her office now signals a possible end to the months-long impasse.

9/23/2025, 1:06:21 PM

Mamamu Family Hails Otuaro on Birthday, Applauds PAP Initiatives

Mr. and Mrs. Faith A. Mamamu have extended warm felicitations to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Burutu Otuaro, on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message on Tuesday, the couple praised Otuaro’s leadership and commitment to driving sustainable growth within the Amnesty Programme. They particularly commended him for prioritising the welfare of beneficiaries, citing his recent efforts in facilitating the placement of some students abroad for further studies as a testament to his proactive approach. The Mamamus prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Otuaro’s life, asking for many more years of service in good health and wisdom.

9/23/2025, 10:28:56 AM

Ijaw Publishers Forum Celebrates Otuaro On Birthday, Hails Leadership In Niger Delta

The Ijaw Publishers Forum has felicitated with Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), on the occasion of his birthday. In a goodwill message signed by its Secretary, Tare Magbei, the forum praised Otuaro’s steady leadership of the PAP, noting that his efforts have significantly strengthened peace, rehabilitation, and development across the Niger Delta. The group commended him for providing opportunities for ex-agitators and advancing stability in the region, describing his commitment as a clear demonstration of dedication to the people and the progress of the land. “As you mark this new year of life, we join your family, friends, and well-wishers in praying for good health, wisdom, and greater success in the service of the Niger Delta and Nigeria,” the statement read.

9/23/2025, 9:48:17 AM

Chief Oyimi Hails Dennis Otuaro On Birthday, Praises Dedication To Service

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, has received warm birthday wishes from Chief Francis Oyimi, who lauded his outstanding service and commitment to peace and progress. In a congratulatory message on behalf of himself and his family, Chief Oyimi described Otuaro as a leader whose dedication, drive, and tireless efforts have brought remarkable opportunities to the people. He further prayed for joy, health, and the realization of Otuaro’s noble aspirations for the people and the nation. He said, "On behalf of myself and family, I heartily congratulate the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, on the occasion of your birthday. "Your dedication to service, your drive for progress, and your tireless efforts in advancing peace and opportunities for our people stand out as remarkable. "As you celebrate today, may you be blessed with greater wisdom, good health, and fulfillment in all that you do. May your days be filled with joy, health, and the fulfillment of your noble aspirations for our people and nation.

9/23/2025, 9:17:54 AM

Reps Assure Nigerians On Passage Of Constitutional Amendment Bill

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday pledged the swift passage of the constitutional amendment bill. He made the pledge in Abuja during the National Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. Abbas noted that the House would spare no effort in amending the 1999 Constitution, a task that had eluded previous assemblies. He commended Nigerians for participating in the process and ensuring their voices were heard, stressing that the exercise would positively impact every sector of society. “As Speaker, I pledge that we will take your contributions seriously and consider the bills with diligence, fairness, and urgency,” he stated. “We will engage the State Assemblies respectfully and transparently to secure their concurrence. “We would continue to work with the executive and with you, the people, to ensure that the amendment process proceeds smoothly.” Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, assured that the process would be all-inclusive. In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu, praised the committee for establishing a broad-based platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional bodies, and traditional institutions in the amendment exercise. Akume further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.

9/23/2025, 7:35:25 AM

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