Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta State Deploys 46 Athletes for Lagos Commonwealth Games Trials Against U.S.-Based Contenders
Team Delta includes eight sprinters and ten foreign-based stars as national athletics trials kick off in Lagos this week
Team Delta includes eight sprinters and ten foreign-based stars as national athletics trials kick off in Lagos this week
A total of 46 athletes from Delta State, alongside ten foreign-based stars, will represent the state at the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Athletics Trials scheduled to begin in Lagos. The trials, which are set to determine Nigeria’s representatives for the upcoming Games, will see local talents square off against U.S.-based competitors starting this week.
Among Team Delta’s contingent, eight young sprinters—including Osama Chibueze, Bright Gift, Saturday Godswill, Egbon Destiny Chinedu, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, Amreremenore Edesiri and Kwashi Aye Courage—are billed to compete in the men’s 100m and 200m events. Onyia Jeffrey Miracle is set for the boy’s long jump, while David Udoh, Erhieyovwe Kennedy, Isaac Chukwuwike Miracle, Okocha Ikechukwu, Ighogboja Michael, Onojuvwewho Moses and Kwashi Aye Courage will contest in the boys’ 400m race. Ugherakpoteni Timothy is entered in the men’s triple jump category.
The trials come as anticipation builds among athletics stakeholders nationwide. For Delta State—widely regarded as a powerhouse of Nigerian sports—the event offers another platform to cement its dominance on the national stage. With foreign-based athletes also participating under Team Delta’s banner, competition is expected to be intense as officials and fans look out for new records and standout performances ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Preparations have been ongoing as athletes arrived in Lagos earlier this week. Organisers say they expect robust participation from all zones as states present their best homegrown and diaspora talents. The trials are seen as pivotal for Nigerian athletics following recent efforts by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to integrate international-based stars with local prospects.
As at press time, no official statement has been released by Team Delta officials regarding medal targets or final squad selection criteria. However, observers note that strong showings at the Lagos trials could influence final picks for Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games squad later this year.
Nigeria News (Standard)
PFI NPK Says Early Fertiliser Procurement Cushioned Middle East Supply Disruptions
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Company reports proactive import strategy reduced impact of global tension on Nigerian farmers ahead of planting season
Early procurement of fertiliser by the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) NPK helped Nigeria avoid severe shortages caused by rising tensions in the Middle East, the company has said. The initiative, which oversees large-scale fertiliser blending and supply, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday, 20 June.
According to PFI NPK, management anticipated possible disruptions in international supply chains due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East region, a key source of raw materials for fertiliser production. As a result, the company prioritised early importation and local blending efforts to ensure Nigerian farmers could access essential inputs ahead of the current planting season.
The move comes at a time when global fertiliser prices have spiked and some countries have experienced acute shortages following restricted exports from major producers. Nigerian agriculture is heavily reliant on timely and affordable access to fertiliser, especially as smallholder farmers make up a significant portion of the sector. The PFI NPK said its strategy was designed to protect farmers from these global shocks.
While specific figures were not disclosed, PFI NPK noted that its early action helped stabilise domestic supply and maintain price levels for end-users. The company stated: “By securing raw materials ahead of time, we were able to mitigate potential delays and ensure that blending plants across the country remained operational.” No comments from opposition groups or independent agriculture analysts were immediately available as at press time.
The fertiliser initiative said it would continue monitoring international developments and adjust its procurement strategy as necessary. Stakeholders expect ongoing vigilance will be needed given continued volatility in global commodity markets affecting Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Bartenders Launch Blue Lagoon Cocktail as Demand for Tropical Drinks Rises
Hospitality sector in Lagos sees increased interest in visually appealing cocktails, with Blue Lagoon gaining popularity among young professionals
Hospitality sector in Lagos sees increased interest in visually appealing cocktails, with Blue Lagoon gaining popularity among young professionals
Bartenders across Lagos State have introduced the Blue Lagoon cocktail to their menus this June, responding to a surge in demand for vibrant, tropical-inspired drinks among the city’s nightlife crowd. The new addition, known for its distinct bright blue colour and refreshing citrus taste, was rolled out in major hospitality spots across Victoria Island and Lekki on 20 June.
According to hospitality managers, the cocktail’s simple preparation and eye-catching presentation have made it a favourite at social gatherings and after-work events. The Blue Lagoon is typically prepared with 50 ml vodka, 25 ml blue curaçao liqueur, and 25 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice or lemonade for those who prefer a sweeter taste. It is served over ice in a tall glass and garnished with either a lemon slice or maraschino cherry. Some bartenders opt to top up the drink with soda water or lemonade for a lighter option.
The renewed interest in such cocktails comes as Lagos continues to position itself as West Africa’s entertainment hub. Industry observers say visually striking drinks like the Blue Lagoon appeal to young professionals seeking both flavour and style in their beverage choices. Many establishments have reported increased sales of tropical cocktails since the beginning of June, attributing the trend to both social media influence and changing consumer preferences.
Speaking on the development, Chidinma Enweani, a beverage consultant based in Lagos, said: “This kind of drink is attractive because it is easy to make and brings something fresh to the table. People are looking for experiences that are not just about taste but also about presentation.”
Bar owners expect the popularity of colourful cocktails like the Blue Lagoon to grow further as more venues adopt creative menus ahead of major summer events. Stakeholders in Lagos’ hospitality sector anticipate that this shift could drive higher patronage and encourage innovation among local bartenders.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Dr Isioma Okolo Raises Alarm Over Beauty Product Risks for Women in Lagos
Emerging research links common cosmetics to hormonal health concerns as experts urge regulatory scrutiny and public awareness
Emerging research links common cosmetics to hormonal health concerns as experts urge regulatory scrutiny and public awareness
Concerns over the health impact of everyday beauty products have been brought to the fore in Lagos, as Dr Isioma Okolo highlighted possible risks associated with repeated use of certain cosmetics on Thursday. The discussion, which focused on the long-term effects of chemical exposure among Nigerian women, comes amidst growing calls for improved regulation and public sensitisation.
Beauty salons across Lagos and other urban centres remain busy every weekend, with women opting for hair relaxing, braiding, colouring and various skin treatments. However, Dr Okolo noted that while these products are meant to enhance appearance, emerging studies indicate they may contribute to hormonal imbalances and other health issues when used frequently over time.
The issue has gained urgency as more Nigerian women report experiencing skin irritations and unexplained symptoms linked to cosmetic use. Health professionals warn that certain ingredients found in some imported and locally manufactured products could have cumulative effects, especially with regular application. “Many of these substances are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and may disrupt natural hormone levels,” Dr Okolo said during a public forum in Ikeja.
Despite mounting evidence from recent research, regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC are yet to issue fresh guidelines on ingredient safety or conduct large-scale product testing. Some consumer advocates argue that existing policies do not adequately address newer chemicals now present in popular brands. “Women need to be better informed about what they are applying daily,” Dr Okolo emphasised, calling for stricter monitoring and increased education campaigns.
Experts say further investigation is needed into the specific health outcomes tied to these products in Nigerian contexts. In the meantime, both medical practitioners and advocacy groups encourage users to scrutinise labels carefully and seek professional advice before choosing personal care items.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/what-everyday-beauty-products-may-be-doing-to-nigerian-womens-health/
