Mufutau Animasaun, a doctorate degree holder in horticulture with emphasis on post-harvest pathology from Writtle College, University of Essex, England, and a former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Cooperatives and Rural Development, speaks on the soil-borne pest currently afflicting the production of tomato across the country.

Calabar, Cross River State capital, is famously referred to as “Paradise City” occasioned by the idyllic and tranquil atmosphere prevalent in the city. People from far and wide regularly flock to the city, especially during weekends and holidays, to savour the convivial environment and spectacular cuisine which the city offers.

In Islam, the practice of good deeds extends beyond the realm of such Ibadah as prayer and fasting. Unfortunately, for many devout Muslims, the broader definition of good deeds is often lost. They think of good deed in terms of humility and respect. Yes! Many Muslims are quite steadfast in their prayers, very diligent and painstaking in fasting, but they tend to disregard other moral etiquette as explained in both Quran and hadith of making people smile and laugh. We rarely put into practice what we learn from the Quran and Hadiths. This is of course another opportunity to remind us of our moral duties to others. So, we need to broaden our horizons on the issue of moral duty.

Nigeria’s political dictionary grows by the day. At every election junction, a new term is added to the list. However, one of its recent additions, ‘stomach infrastructure’ is so soon already having problems with a palpable fear that it is on its way to extinction. Stomach infrastructure, a term which refers to the sharing of food and gift items to ordinary people by government became popularized during the events leading to the rather shocking victory of Ayo Fayose the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the then governor, Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State. PDP was to formally adopt it as a party policy. Speaking at a Presidential rally in Benin City, Edo State on September 27, 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan explained that the policy was premised on the philosophy of what he called “you cannot lead hungry people”. It is a philosophy that many, especially the downtrodden of Nigeria cannot fault. Unfortunately, the Fayose government of Ekiti known for stomach infrastructure has been unable to pay workers salaries in the last 5 months let alone to engage in distributing food and gifts.

Drug is one of the major aspects of medical treatment irrespective of the patient’s condition. When this is mishandled, it becomes a source of treatment failures and, in some cases, leads to death.

They say, an eye for an eye, makes the whole world blind and this sort of bile spells trouble across the globe when common sense and dignity is thrown out for selfish reasons and dominance, there can only be trouble and more trouble.

A PhD took us all to hell. He however didn’t bring us back as the popular saying would have expected. Instead he left us there. But this is no issue to those that are eternally bereft of vision.

Pop singer Seun Oni and ‘Boogie Down’ crooner, known simply as Saeon has thrown another shade at Wizkid after the collabo charges saga. Saeon on a red carpet at an event which was posted on Instagram was asked what she would choose between Wizkid and five million naira. The singer brusquely said Wizkid cannot handle her and wished the money could be raised a little.

Coach Samson Siasia plans a massive overhaul of Nigeria U-23s less than two months to the Rio Olympics going by the several new faces who attended the US visa interview ahead of a training camp in Atlanta.

Wishing all our wonderful fathers, Uncles, Brothers, Grandfathers and other fine gentlemen a happy Father’s Day today. This is for those I have never met, those I aspire to meet, those of you who have made me laugh, cry and reel with excitement. Not forgetting those who have inspired, encouraged, adviced, and prayed for or with me over the years.