News - Women Times

CJN Bans Use of ‘Barrister’ Title as Name Prefix at Supreme Court

by Women Times on July 31, 2026

By Prosper Mene | July 31, 2026

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has ordered lawyers and court officials to immediately stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all engagements at the Supreme Court.

The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.

Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular described the use of “Barrister” as “inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”

“I am directed by the Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate,” the memo stated.

The CJN further directed that the title be dropped from all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagement.

“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” it added.

To ensure compliance, the Chief Justice directed Heads of Departments and Unit Heads to enforce the order among officers under their supervision.

“Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly,” the memo read.

The Supreme Court directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before being called to the Nigerian Bar.

The Council warned that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal profession and said violators could face disciplinary measures. It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners.

The CJN’s latest order is part of ongoing efforts to uphold decorum and professional standards at the apex court.

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We’ve Reduced Drug Importation by 70%” — NAFDAC DG, Prof. Adeyeye, Credits ‘5+5’ Local Production Policy

by Women Times on July 31, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, says Nigeria has cut the importation of 29 essential medicines by 70 per cent following the agency’s “Five Plus Five” local manufacturing policy.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Adeyeye described the policy as the intervention that “saved Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry from oblivion.”

The ‘5+5’ Policy That Changed The Game

Launched in March 2019 and gazetted on May 1, 2019, the “Five Plus Five-Year Validity (Migration to Local Production)” policy gave pharmaceutical companies five years to migrate to local production or partner with local manufacturers for 29 products previously imported as finished goods.

“In 2019, we started what is called 5 Plus 5. The products that we have been importing into the country that we can also produce, we give you five years to migrate to local manufacturing or to partner. That has changed the industry,” Adeyeye said.

“We have decreased importation of products under those categories, 5 Plus 5 and ceiling list. We have decreased importation by 70 per cent.”

Under the policy, foreign manufacturers can no longer register finished versions of the 29 products for import without local production arrangements.

Products On The List

The 29 essential medicines cover antibiotics, pain relievers, antimalarials, and daily-use drugs, including:

Antibiotics: Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin

Pain/Anti-inflammatory: Paracetamol, Diclofenac

Antiparasitic: Albendazole

GI drugs: Omeprazole, Cimetidine

Others: Oral Rehydration Salts, Vitamin C in tablet and syrup form, Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorhexidine gel

Topicals: Shea Butter cream, Benzyl Benzoate emulsion, Sulphur ointment, salicylic acid products

Herbals: Moringa, Aloe Vera, Garlic, Bitter Leaf

NAFDAC said the policy was designed to shorten the supply chain, prevent stock-outs, and ensure dependable access to essential medicines.

Govt Support and Next Steps

Adeyeye noted that the Federal Government’s 2024 Executive Order has further strengthened local pharmaceutical manufacturing through incentives. She added that prior to the policy, only 30 per cent of drugs consumed in Nigeria were produced locally, with 70 per cent imported.

The agency is also developing a similar policy for the food industry to encourage more local production.

The DG warned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to apply directly to NAFDAC for product registration instead of using consultants, saying many business owners had been scammed.

She explained that regulatory processes such as laboratory testing and facility inspections cannot be rushed because they are central to ensuring product safety and quality.

With the first “5+5” cycle completed, NAFDAC says the focus is now on expanding local capacity and quality assurance to deepen Nigeria’s drug manufacturing base.

News

Tyla Removes Lagos From A_POP World Tour Schedule

by Women Times on July 31, 2026

By Prosper Mene

South African star Tyla has quietly taken Lagos off the official routing for her upcoming A_POP World Tour, meaning Nigeria will not feature on the 34-date global run.

The change was spotted on the singer’s official website days after the tour was announced by Live Nation on Monday, July 27, 2026. Lagos had initially been listed for December 22, 2026 as the tour’s first African stop, ahead of shows in Cape Town on January 4, 2027 and Johannesburg on January 9, 2027.

The removal comes amid days of heated online debate in Nigeria. Social media discussions intensified over recent diplomatic visa tensions and reported xenophobic incidents affecting Nigerians living in South Africa. The conversations also questioned the timing of major international concerts in Lagos under the current climate, with calls for a boycott gaining traction across platforms.

As of publication, neither Tyla nor her management has issued an official statement on why the Lagos date was dropped.

With Lagos removed, the A_POP World Tour will now kick off in October 2026 and run through North America and Europe before heading to Africa. The tour, launched to support Tyla’s sophomore album A_POP released July 24, 2026, will now conclude its African leg in South Africa.

For fans in Nigeria who had marked December 22 for the Waterhouse-born hitmaker’s debut Lagos headline show, the update means they will have to wait for a future date.

News

Meet first female couple playing for South Africa in WAFCON 2026

by Women Times on July 28, 2026

CASABLANCA, Morocco – July 28, 2026

By Prosper Mene

South Africa’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a historic moment on Monday as married duo Robyn Moodaly and Gabriela Salgado took to the pitch together for Banyana Banyana.

The pair featured in South Africa’s Group B opener against Tanzania on July 27, becoming the first husband and wife to play in the same match in the history of WAFCON.

The milestone came during the tournament’s first matchday in Morocco, as the defending champions kicked off their title defense.

Photos shared by Salgado on Instagram captured the moment, sparking celebration online among fans who hailed it as a landmark for the competition.

Organized by CAF, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations was first staged in 1991 and has since grown into Africa’s biggest women’s football championship. The 2026 edition has now added another first to its record books with the participation of Moodaly and Salgado.

South Africa lost the opening game 2-1 to Tanzania, but the couple’s appearance will be remembered as one of the tournament’s standout moments.

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Soludo’s Wife Celebrates Daughter’s First-Class Degree from University of Nottingham

by Women Times on July 23, 2026

By Prosper Mene

The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, is in a celebratory mood following her daughter’s outstanding academic achievement at the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

The Governor’s daughter graduated with First-Class Honours, a feat Mrs. Soludo described as a source of pride for the family and for Anambra State.

In a post shared on her social media pages on Wednesday, the First Lady of Anambra State expressed joy and gratitude to God for seeing her daughter through her studies successfully.

She praised her daughter’s hard work, discipline and determination, noting that the achievement reflects the values of diligence and excellence that the Soludo family upholds.

“We celebrate you, our daughter, for making us proud with your First-Class Honours from the University of Nottingham. Your dedication, focus and God’s grace brought you this far. You are an inspiration to many young girls out there,” Mrs. Soludo wrote.

The University of Nottingham is ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally, and is known for producing high-achieving graduates across different fields.

Mrs. Soludo also used the moment to encourage students in Anambra and across Nigeria to take their academics seriously, saying education remains the strongest tool for personal and national development.

The Governor’s family has received congratulatory messages from government officials, party members, and well-wishers who described the achievement as “a win for Anambra and for Nigerian students abroad.”

News Politics

Badenoch Says New UK Prime Minister “Not the Leader Britain Needs”

by Women Times on July 20, 2026

By Prosper Mene

LONDON — Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised the new UK Prime Minister, saying the person in office is “not the leader Britain needs at this time.”

Speaking during a media briefing in Westminster on Wednesday, Badenoch said the country is facing serious economic and social challenges that require “clear direction, strong values, and decisive leadership.”

“The new Prime Minister is not the leader Britain needs,” Badenoch said. “At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living, when our public services are under pressure, and when we need to restore confidence in government, Britain deserves better.”

The Conservative leader did not name specific policies but argued that the current government has failed to provide the stability and long-term vision required to move the country forward.

“We need leadership that puts the British people first, that cuts waste, that backs enterprise, and that restores pride in our institutions,” she added. “That is what the Conservative Party stands for, and that is what I will deliver.”

Badenoch’s comments come amid growing political debate in the UK over the economy, immigration, and public service reform. The new Prime Minister took office following recent changes at 10 Downing Street.

In response, a spokesperson for Number 10 said the government remains “focused on delivering for the British people” and is “getting on with the job of growing the economy and improving public services.”

Political analysts say Badenoch’s statement signals the start of a more aggressive opposition strategy as the Conservative Party seeks to reposition itself ahead of the next general election.

News

FORMER RIVERS GOVERNOR ROTIMI AMAECHI LOSES MOTHER, MRS. MARY AMAECHI, AT 89

by Women Times on July 16, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – April 2026

There is grief in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the death of Mrs. Mary Amaechi, mother of former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

Mrs. Amaechi passed away at the age of 89.

A statement from the Amaechi family described her as “a woman of faith, humility, and strength” who played a pivotal role in raising one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.

“She was a devout Christian, a community pillar, and a mother who instilled the values of discipline, service, and integrity in her children,” the family said. “Her passing is a great loss not only to us but to Ubima community and Rivers State at large.”

Since the news broke, condolences have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.

Political associates, APC chieftains, and Rivers leaders have described Mama Amaechi as the quiet force behind her son’s rise from classroom teacher to two-term governor of Rivers State and later, Minister of Transportation under President Muhammadu Buhari.b

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, in a condolence message, described the deceased as “a mother whose prayers and counsel shaped a generation of leaders from Rivers.”

BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS

The Amaechi family is expected to announce burial arrangements in due course.

Mama Amaechi is survived by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her deep faith, love for education, and commitment to her Ubima community.

May her soul rest in peace.

News

Loren Adetutu Gomez Graduates as Joint Best Female Student at Nigerian Law School

by Women Times on July 16, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Abuja, Nigeria – April 2026

Excellence, discipline, and faith have earned Loren Adetutu Gomez a place among the top graduates of the Nigerian Law School Class of 2026.

The University of Lagos law graduate, who finished in the top 5% of her class, has now emerged with a First Class at the Nigerian Law School. She was further honoured as the Joint Best Female Graduating Student and Joint Second Best Graduating Student Overall nationwide.

Speaking after her Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, a visibly emotional Loren described the achievement as “surreal.”

“Even now, it still feels unreal to have those titles attached to my name. I never imagined this outcome when I started,” she said.

A Journey Built on Habits, Not Just Motivation

Loren was posted to the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School. With just two days to prepare, she and some colleagues made the long bus journey from Ibadan to Abuja.

She credited her success to consistency and deliberate habits built over the years.

“Law school strips you down to your habits. You don’t survive on motivation alone. You survive because of what you do every day, even when you don’t feel like it,” she explained.

A former daily library user at UNILAG, Loren carried that culture into law school. She set a personal rule of “no zero days” – doing something law-related daily, whether reading, answering MCQs, or revising cases.

Her strategy evolved with time. She dropped time-consuming note-writing for printed materials and class slides, focused on understanding over speed, and relied heavily on repetition and active recall. Four months to exams, she deleted social media apps and used focus apps to eliminate distractions.

Faith, Friends and Sacrifice

The journey was not without challenges. Loren admitted to moments of exhaustion and self-doubt, even praying to “settle for a 2:1.” She also fell ill twice during the 8-month program.

“My friends carried me through. We prayed together, read together, and reminded each other why we started. I don’t think anyone should do law school without a support system,” she said.

During exam preparations, she and her study group often read from 11pm to 1am, slept a few hours, and resumed by 6am. In exam week, she survived on about 3 hours of sleep nightly.

From Doubt to Distinction

When results were released in April, Loren was too nervous to check. Seeing “First Class” made her break down in tears.

Three days before Call to Bar, the official brochure listed her among the top students.

“While I was crying over my First Class, God was probably saying, ‘You have no idea what’s coming,’” she laughed.

Advice to Aspiring Lawyers

Loren urged students not to let past results limit them.

“I didn’t graduate with a First Class from university, yet here I am today. Faith without works is dead. Pray for a First Class, but your habits must reflect someone preparing for one. And learn how to answer law school questions. If you know, you know.”

With her call to the Nigerian Bar, Loren Adetutu Gomez now joins the legal profession, bringing with her a record of brilliance and a message of resilience for the next generation of lawyers.

News

‘I Was Cursed’ — TV Host Morayo Afolabi-Brown Recounts Disturbing Phone Attack

by Women Times on July 3, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Lagos, Nigeria | April 4, 2026

Popular TV host Morayo Afolabi-Brown has opened up about a disturbing experience after receiving a threatening phone call in which she said she was cursed.

The media personality, known for her work on Your View on TVC, recounted the incident during a recent appearance, saying the attack left her shaken.

According to Morayo, the caller made curses and disturbing remarks directed at her and her family during the phone attack. She described the moment as one of the most unsettling experiences she has had in her career.

“I was cursed on the phone. It was very disturbing and not something you expect,” she said, adding that she had to pray and stay strong for her family afterward.

Morayo did not disclose the identity of the caller or the reason behind the attack, but she noted that public figures often face harassment and intimidation.

She, however, said she has put the incident behind her and remains focused on her work and advocacy. The TV host also used the opportunity to speak against online and phone bullying, urging people to be more responsible in how they engage others.

Fans and colleagues have since flooded her social media with messages of support, commending her for speaking out and for her resilience.

The incident has again sparked conversations about the mental and emotional toll of public attacks on media personalities in Nigeria.