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RDI urges FG to endorse alcohol labelling at CODEX discussions

Published

1 week ago

May 16, 2026

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has urged Nigeria’s Codex National Contact Point to endorse alcohol labelling at the 49th session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL49) holding on the 13th of May 2026 in Ottawa, Canada.

Codex is the joint FAO/WHO body that sets international food standards. Public health advocates continue to advocate the need for the body to begin substantive work on labelling provisions tailored to alcoholic beverages owing to scientific findings confirmed by the WHO in January 2023 that there is no safe limit of alcohol consumption.

Alcohol is a Group 1 human carcinogen — classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer since 1988. It causes at least seven cancers. Yet, it is the least labelled product with no warning labels in most countries of the world.

RDI and other member groups of Movendi International insist that standardised, evidence-based labels are the most direct, fairest way for governments to honour people’s right to know about the risks linked to alcohol consumption.

In a statement released in Lagos, RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor said:

“The CODEX discussions present an opportunity for the Nigerian government to take a firm stand in support of labels on every bottle. Consumers have the right to information about products they buy and use to enable them make informed choices. The absence of clear and legible labels on alcohol bottles is no longer tenable”.

Jakpor said that Nigeria must no longer be a playground of the alcohol industry but instead, it must support lifesaving decisions at global levels that would also translate to national legislations that prioritise health over profits.

He revealed that Movendi International, the largest independent global movement for development through alcohol prevention has released a policy brief which serves as guide in decision making for governments participating in the discussions, including Nigeria.

Nigeria and other country focal points are encouraged to support following:

Initiation of a new work on alcohol labelling, as proposed in document CX/FL 26/49/8 (paragraph 14a) — to amend or revise the three Codex texts that today treat alcohol as an ordinary food (CXS 1‑1985, CXG 2‑1985, CXG 23‑1997).
Establishing the Electronic Working Group, chaired by Tanzania, open to all interested Members and Observers, to draft amendments for consideration by CCFL50.
Affirming, in the discussion, that people have the right to information about products they buy and use; that alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen and a causal factor in at least seven cancers; and that health warnings — including cancer warnings — should be part of the work programme.
Resisting any attempt to defer the work, restrict its scope to alcohol strength alone, defer to alcohol industry-aligned bodies as principal standard-setters, or allow QR codes and e-labels to replace on-pack health information.

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Educators, policymakers, development partners, others chat way forward at All Northern Schools Conference

Published

1 minute ago

May 24, 2026

News Diggers

The ancient city of Kano came alive with renewed conversations on the future of education as the All Northern Schools Conference concluded after three days of intensive engagement, strategic discussions and stakeholder collaboration aimed at repositioning schools across Northern Nigeria for innovation, sustainability and impact.

The conference, described by participants as one of the most significant education gatherings in the region in recent years, attracted school owners, educators, policymakers, development partners, innovators, investors and other stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Organisers said the summit was conceived as a bold intervention to drive transformational change in the education sector and create stronger networks among stakeholders committed to improving learning outcomes in the region.

Throughout the three-day event, speakers and facilitators urged participants to move beyond complaints about the challenges facing education and embrace practical reforms capable of delivering measurable results. Discussions focused on strengthening teacher quality, adopting technology-driven learning models, improving school governance, ensuring sustainability and placing learners at the centre of education reforms.

Participants engaged in sessions covering leadership, safeguarding, institutional culture, school growth, innovation, teacher development, learner transformation and collaboration among schools and government institutions.

A recurring message during the conference was the need for courageous leadership and deliberate action to transform education in Northern Nigeria. Speakers stressed that sustainable progress in the sector would require committed school owners, visionary educators, supportive governments and strategic partnerships capable of addressing long-standing systemic challenges.

The conference also provided a platform for collaboration between public and private education stakeholders, enabling school leaders from different states to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore practical solutions to common challenges facing schools in the region.

Several participants noted that the gathering highlighted the benefits of collaboration among educators, rather than operating in isolation, adding that the conference opened new opportunities for partnerships and institutional growth.

One of the major highlights of the summit was the array of guest speakers and resource persons who delivered presentations during the event. Education experts, transformational leaders and industry professionals shared practical insights and experiences aimed at equipping participants with strategies for building stronger and more sustainable institutions.

Speakers challenged school administrators to rethink the future of learning by creating safer, smarter and more resilient schools, while also encouraging teachers to go beyond classroom instruction and become active agents of learner transformation.

Beyond the academic sessions, delegates participated in networking activities that fostered relationship-building and collaboration among institutions. The organisers noted that the conference also showcased the cultural heritage and hospitality of Kano, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a major centre of commerce, learning and influence in Northern Nigeria.

The event ended with a colourful Gala Night featuring cultural displays, entertainment, awards and recognition for participants and contributors. The evening provided an opportunity for attendees to celebrate shared achievements while strengthening relationships built during the conference.

Speaking at the close of the event, the organisers expressed appreciation to participants, partners, speakers, volunteers and exhibitors for contributing to the success of the conference. They described the gathering as the beginning of a broader movement aimed at creating a stronger network of education leaders committed to transforming schools across Northern Nigeria.

According to the organisers, the conference demonstrated that Northern Nigeria possesses the leadership capacity, institutional readiness and human resources needed to reimagine and rebuild the future of education in the region.

They urged participants to translate the discussions and resolutions from the conference into concrete actions in classrooms, schools, ministries and institutions across the region.

The organisers added that the success of the conference marked a major milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition Northern schools for greater relevance, resilience and improved educational outcomes, while expressing optimism that the momentum generated in Kano would continue to inspire reforms and innovation across the education sector.

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Content creator Justice Crack reveals crime that led to his arrest

Published

2 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

News Diggers

Popular Nigerian content creator Justice Crack has described his arrest and detention as punishment for demanding good governance, accountability, and justice in the country.

In a post shared on X, Justice Crack said no Nigerian should face humiliation, intimidation, or torture for speaking out against poor governance, insisting that his ordeal has only strengthened his resolve.

The content creator, who was recently arrested by security operatives, said he had always believed that “the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” but lamented that the country’s system has made such aspirations difficult for many Nigerians.

According to him, his “crime” was believing in a better Nigeria and demanding accountability from leaders.

“What I went through, and what I am still going through, has tested me emotionally, mentally, and physically, but it did not break me. Instead, it made me stronger,” he wrote.

Justice Crack added that the experience had reinforced his belief that Nigeria could still become a nation where hard work, honesty, and dedication are valued above political connections and power.

While noting that the matter remains before the court, he said he would continue to respect the legal process and remain hopeful that justice would prevail.

He also urged Nigerians not to give up on the country, expressing optimism that the nation would one day fulfil the dream where ordinary citizens can succeed without influence or connections.

“Nigeria will be great again. Do not give up on our country. Someday, the child of nobody will truly become somebody without knowing anybody,” he stated.

He ended the post with the statement: “Justice will never be cracked.”

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Xenophobia: Obi reveals details of meeting with South African leaders

Published

14 minutes ago

May 24, 2026

News Diggers

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that he held high-level discussions with South African ministers and political party leaders on immigration, regional cooperation, and peaceful coexistence between Nigerians and South Africans.

In a post shared on X, Obi said the meetings took place in Cape Town following an engagement with Nigerians living in the South African city.

According to him, the discussions involved Leon Schreiber, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Gayton McKenzie.

Obi described the meetings as “productive and candid,” noting that they focused on issues affecting both Nigeria and South Africa, particularly migration, economic hardship, youth unemployment, security concerns, and tensions involving African foreigners in South Africa.

He stressed the need for stronger dialogue and cooperation between the two African nations, saying solutions must be built on justice, mutual respect, and the rule of law.

The former Anambra State governor also called on leaders and citizens in both countries to demonstrate compassion, restraint, and responsible leadership during difficult times.

Obi said all parties involved emphasized the importance of lawful conduct, non-violence, and resisting hate or provocation, while allowing democratic institutions to address grievances through constitutional means.

He added that Africa’s progress depends on unity, economic inclusion, community investment, and protecting the dignity of Africans regardless of where they reside on the continent.