The military government in Burkina Faso has suspended Target Malaria, a project backed by Bill Gates’ foundation that releases genetically modified mosquitoes to fight malaria.

Authorities ordered the NGO to immediately stop all operations, saying foreign projects must align with national priorities. Civil society groups had also raised concerns, urging safer alternatives instead of controversial technology.

Target Malaria, active in Burkina Faso since 2012, said it has complied with all laws and remains open to dialogue. The first GM mosquito release happened back in 2019.

Burkina Faso is one of the world’s malaria hotspots, recording over 8 million cases last year.

This decision follows a wider crackdown: in recent months, the Traoré-led government revoked licenses of 21 foreign NGOs.

The Imo State Government has announced new policies aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and strengthening focus on academics in schools.

In a memo dated August 15, 2025, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, directed that graduation parties for nursery pupils and Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) students are no longer allowed. Going forward, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) students are permitted to hold graduation ceremonies, in line with Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education system.

“The Ministry is committed to providing quality and functional education to every child in the state,” Ikegwuoha said. “Graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 are hereby abolished. The focus must remain on celebrating academic milestones at the completion of primary and secondary education cycles.”

The Commissioner also condemned the frequent change of textbooks in private and faith-based schools, describing it as an unnecessary financial strain on families. He ordered that approved textbooks must be retained for at least four years to enable siblings and other students to reuse them.

“School proprietors are hereby warned to desist from the annual change of textbooks,” Ikegwuoha stressed. “Maintaining a stable textbook list for four years will not only cut costs for parents but also create a more consistent and effective learning environment.”

According to the Ministry, these measures are part of efforts to build a more stable, affordable, and student-centered education system in Imo State.

When I was commissioner of police in Lagos State, I took my job very seriously, especially on Saturdays.
One morning, instead of waiting for my usual 10 a.m. start, I woke up at 6 a.m. for an unannounced inspection.

Driving myself, I decided to check on officers along Herbert Macaulay Road. At a checkpoint, a young constable stopped me and asked:

> “Young man, where are you going with your father’s car?”

He demanded my papers and ID. I said my name was Mohammed and asked to see his ID first — he had none. He called their sergeant, who also had no ID but insisted we head to Yaba Police Station.

At the station, parking was full except the DPO’s spot. I parked there. The constable protested but I kept quiet.

Inside, they took me to an ASP wearing shorts at work. He told me to come in. I refused, saying he couldn’t interrogate me in casual clothes. He tried pulling me in, I pulled him back. When he finally looked closely, shock covered his face.

An elderly man in the station went to check the photo wall… saw my face there… and jumped out the window to escape. Soon, whispers spread:

> “This is the CP.”

Panic broke out — the ASP in shorts also escaped through the window.

Later, I was told the DPO, ASP, and the officers were detained awaiting my orders.

What upset me wasn’t the arrest — it was the lack of discipline and professionalism:

Officers without ID cards stopping citizens.

An ASP doing official duty in casual home wear.

That day proved to me that true leadership isn’t about sitting in an office. You must go out, see things for yourself, and make sure justice and discipline are upheld at every level.