As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, health communication expert Sylvester Ojenagbon has warned that the pressure, anxiety and constant political noise surrounding election periods can take a toll on people’s physical and mental wellbeing.   In a viewpoint article published by TheCable on August 26, Ojenagbon said election seasons can bring chronic stress through relentless political discussions, social media arguments, uncertainty and disruptions to everyday routines. He noted that the effects may appear in subtle ways, including poor sleep, irritability, headaches and heightened anxiety. According to Ojenagbon, Nigerians should distinguish between staying informed and becoming overwhelmed by political content. He advised people to choose reliable sources, verify information and limit excessive exposure to political commentary, particularly late at night. The health communication expert also urged Nigerians to maintain basic health routines during the election period. He recommended staying hydrated, eating properly and continuing prescribed medication, particularly for people managing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Long queues and crowded political gatherings could also create additional challenges. Ojenagbon advised people attending election-related activities to carry water and prepare adequately for prolonged periods outdoors. He also highlighted the importance of mental health, saying persistent anxiety, sleeplessness, irritability or dread linked to political content should not be ignored. Reducing exposure to inflammatory content, speaking with trusted people and maintaining activities that provide emotional stability could help people manage election-related stress, he said. Ojenagbon further warned that political disagreements can damage friendships and family relationships, with the emotional consequences potentially lasting beyond the election period. While acknowledging that political decisions affect Nigeria’s economy, security and health systems, he stressed that individuals can still take steps to protect their wellbeing. The article’s message is not to avoid political participation but to balance civic engagement with healthy personal routines as the country approaches the 2027 elections. As Ojenagbon put it, Nigerians can follow political developments and participate in democracy while also making time for sleep, hydration, medication, relationships and breaks from the political noise.

Social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused government officials and security agencies of financially benefiting from Nigeria’s insecurity.   Speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, VDM alleged that stolen public funds are being invested in cattle and claimed that some security officials profit from the prolonged insecurity through increased funding and other benefits. He also alleged that the police and other security agencies contribute to kidnapping by providing information obtained at checkpoints. According to VDM, ordinary Nigerians have become the “sacrificial lambs” of the insecurity crisis, while government officials, military personnel and other agencies benefit from increased spending on security. However, the allegations made during the panel discussion were not accompanied by evidence presented at the session. The comments come amid continued concerns over kidnapping, terrorism and other security challenges across parts of Nigeria.

The Federal Government has ordered a review of road concession agreements across Nigeria following the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, which has left motorists and commuters stranded in prolonged gridlock.   Minister of Works David Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday after inspecting the troubled highway. He expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), questioning its technical competence to execute the project. Umahi faulted the concessionaire for removing existing asphalt on parts of the highway despite warnings from the Ministry of Works. He said the action contributed significantly to the deterioration of the road. The minister said the road was not in its current condition when it was handed over to the concessionaire, adding that the company could have faced arrest for destroying public property. He warned that the Federal Government would take action against concessionaires whose activities put public infrastructure and road users at risk. Emergency Repairs Ordered Umahi said the government would engage competent contractors to carry out emergency repairs and restore the affected sections to a motorable condition. He also announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to determine the way forward and apologised to commuters who had been stranded by the gridlock. According to him, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Ministry of Works to do everything possible to resolve the crisis. The minister further said the government was reviewing how road concessions were awarded, stressing that the competence of concessionaires must be properly established before contracts are granted. The Benin-Asaba Expressway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for reconstruction and expansion into a 10-lane highway. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2027, with the concessionaire expected to recover its investment through tolling and maintain the road for 25 years. Concessionaire, Consultant Give Different Accounts BAECC Chief Executive Officer Samuel Daramola attributed the difficulties to persistent rainfall and heavy traffic on the highway. Daramola said the company had expanded some sections to eight lanes and undertaken palliative works, but struggled to construct side drains because vehicles continued to use the road. He added that some completed sections had to be reopened before they had fully cured to ease traffic, resulting in repeated construction work. However, the project’s consultant representative, Engineer Toyin Akinlapa, alleged that BAECC failed to follow professional advice, particularly regarding drainage. Akinlapa said the concessionaire had been advised to construct the drains before proceeding with other aspects of the project but did not follow the recommendation. Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, backed a review of the concession agreement, saying Nigerians should not be subjected to hardship because of poorly managed concession arrangements. He also called for immediate palliative measures to restore movement on the highway. Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for intervening, saying the Federal Government’s response demonstrated concern for motorists and residents affected by the prolonged gridlock.

Music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer, according to US media reports.   Parton’s representatives confirmed her death following an announcement by her family on Tuesday. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, paid tribute to the singer in a social media video, saying she had “opened doors for generations” of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers. The family did not initially disclose her cause of death, but US media reported that Parton had been undergoing cancer treatment. People reported that she was admitted to a cancer treatment facility on Friday. Parton had acknowledged health concerns in a recent interview and, in May, cancelled a series of Las Vegas concerts. At the time, she said treatment for an unspecified illness was going well but that she was not ready to return to the stage. Born into poverty in Tennessee, Parton became one of the most influential figures in country music after moving to Nashville shortly after graduating from high school. She rose to national prominence in the 1960s after joining Porter Wagoner’s syndicated country music television programme. Her six-decade career produced thousands of songs, including “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colours” and “I Will Always Love You,” the latter of which became a global hit for Whitney Houston. Parton released dozens of studio albums and more than 100 compilation and collaboration albums, earning widespread recognition as the “Queen of Country Music.” Beyond music, she built a successful career as an actress, philanthropist and businesswoman, becoming a major figure in American popular culture. Her husband, Carl Dean, died in 2025. US President Donald Trump ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff across the country for a week in honour of Parton, describing her death as a loss for millions of people.