NAF gets two new helicopters
Nigerian Air Force has received two new ATAK-129 helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the country. Speaking at the event on Monday at the NAF base in Katsina State, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, expressed confidence that the addition of the helicopters would enhance military operations in the Northwest region. He noted that the aircraft, inducted into Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2, has unique capabilities to locate and eliminate threats with speed and precision. “These helicopters give us an advantage over other fighter jets, ensuring that no enemy can hide from justice. With these platforms, we are confident of achieving significant results,” Badaru said. The Defence Minister praised the dedication and sacrifices of the troops, acknowledging their role in restoring peace to troubled areas.He noted that their efforts have already started yielding results, ”as farmers are returning to their fields, children are back in schools, and businesses are recovering. “We commend your courage and commitment. You have left the comfort of your homes to secure our future. We are grateful and will continue to provide the resources and support you need.” The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, who was also present, highlighted the importance of the new helicopters in strengthening the operational capacity of the air force. The minister urged the troops to maintain synergy with ground forces and other stakeholders to achieve maximum effectiveness. “With these additions, we will dominate the battle space and ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said. Badaru also revealed that several bandit hideouts had been destroyed in the past week through air operations, expressing optimism that continued efforts would bring an end to banditry.
Experts advocate healthy eating to combat malnutrition in Nigeria
Health experts and stakeholders have emphasized the importance of proper nutrition in promoting a healthy society, highlighting ignorance, not poverty, as the root cause of malnutrition. Speaking during the launch of the Nutrition Support Centre (NSC) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr. Titilayo Falade of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) stressed the economic and social toll of malnutrition, saying, “It affects health, raises medical costs, and impacts GDP.” Experts attributed the root cause of malnutrition among children to poverty. Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by Bolaji Ayoola, noted that healthy mothers are key to healthy families and nations. “When a pregnant mother eats healthy she will give birth healthy. A healthy baby constitutes a healthy family and a healthy nation. It is not actually poverty that causes malnutrition but ignorance,” Ayoola stated. Kemi Jeje, the founder of Community Pot, said the project aims to tackle malnutrition through education and support. “If we invest in nutrition, health costs will drop,” she said. The initiative plans to establish 20,000 centres nationwide to provide nourishment for 10 million toddlers. Dr. Folusho Balogun, a pediatrician at UCH, emphasized that the NSC is a critical step toward reducing malnutrition and ensuring healthier futures for Nigerian children. Experts called for collaboration among stakeholders to make proper nutrition accessible and reduce malnutrition to zero.
We’ll work closely with Fed Min for enforcement of free C-S in Ekiti-Health Com
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, says the state health ministry will work closely with the Federal Health Ministry to enforce a free Caesarean Section (S-C) for all expecting mothers. Dr. Filani said this development will boost maternal healthcare services in public facilities in the state as he lauded the Federal Government’s policy of free C-S. While flagging the off-refresher training of frontline health workers under the aegis of Ekiti State Health Vanguards on Monday, he made this declaration. The training aims to improve the competency of healthcare workers in the state. The chairman of the Forum of Health Commissioners of Nigeria, Dr. Filani, said, “We will work closely with the Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammed Pate, to ensure that the free CS programme is delivered.” On 7 November, The New Daily Prime reported that the Health Minister, Prof. Pate, announced that C-S will be free for all Nigerian mothers, aims to reduce the child mortality rate in Nigeria. Addressing the health worker, he said, this development will lessen pressure on citizens while recounting the existing state Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHPF). Highlighting the benefit, he noted that the Federal Government declaration and implementation will be a plus to the state ministry. “It gives us more resources to cover additional services that people might need. Adding that, “So we look forward to working closely with the National Health Insurance Agency, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Federal Ministry of Health on this laudable initiative that President Bola Tinubu has put together.” Marking it official kickoff of the Health Vanguards programme, he acknowledged the programme as a grassroots sensitisation and health promotion, noting that primary healthcare services in the state were free. For community outreach and knowledge sharing, Dr. Filani said the event aims to address the issue of “prompt diagnosis and treatment as a key to reducing the severity of malaria and preventing its spread in Ekiti State.” “They will also aid with sensitising pregnant women on the benefits of patronising the health facilities and urge them to visit health facilities for antenatal care,” Dr. Filani noted. Additionally, he said, “They are to serve as a link between the people and health facilities, mainly the primary healthcare facilities, thus bringing in more people to come and enjoy the services that the Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration has put in place. “We want to ensure that every pregnant woman in Ekiti State has access to safe delivery in our PHCs. Our goal is to encourage pregnant women to come to the facilities and also to ensure that people who have malaria can be treated safely and effectively in our communities.” Ayodele Alegbeleye, Project Director for Solina Health under the IMPACT Project, stated that the aim is to deliver healthcare services directly to beneficiaries across Ekiti State. He explained that two Health Vanguards are assigned to each of the 177 wards, ensuring free services, including maternal care, through programs like the BHPF or Ulerawa, available at all 177 primary health centres.
Nigeria launches Mpox vaccination programme in Abuja
Nigeria has commenced the long-awaited Mpox vaccination drive on Monday, as healthcare workers and individuals with poor immune systems in hospitals receives their dose across Abuja. According to Reuter, it was acknowledged that this rollout comes over a month behind schedule. The country, Africa’s most populous, received its first batch of 10,000 vaccine doses from the United States in August. The delivery followed the World Health Organization’s renewed declaration of mpox as a global public health emergency – the second in two years. Mpox is endemic in Nigeria, which has reported 94 confirmed cases so far this year, with no recorded fatalities, according to the WHO’s update last month. At the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, medical personnel kitted up with gloves and masks while they administered the first doses to 30 recipients, marking the start of the programme. “It is not a mass vaccination. It’s a target-ringed vaccination for health care workers and immuno-compromised persons, that is, people living with HIV,” Hafsat Abdullazeez from the Institute of Human Virology told Reuter in Abuja. Hardley Ikwe of the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the initial phase of the programme will last 10 days. It will focus on Abuja and seven states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers, which have reported several cases. The WHO recently allocated 899,000 vaccine doses for nine African nations most affected by the mpox outbreak, signaling an effort to curb the virus on the continent.
Ondo: Tinubu congratulates Aiyedatiwa, commends INEC, others for peaceful conduct
…Lauds other candidates, urges post-election peace President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State over his victory in Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The President also commended the peaceful conduct of the process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election, having polled the highest number of votes among the 17 others candidates. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga on Monday, the President congratulated Aiyedatiwa and other candidates of the 17 political parties for the maturity and sense of purpose demonstrated during the campaigns and the election, attributing the success of the polls to the civility in the state. Onanuga also said President Tinubu enjoined the political actors to allow their orderly conduct to permeate the post-election activities and processes. Part of the statement read, ”President Tinubu believes the Ondo State election was another litmus test of the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, affirming that the electoral body justified the confidence of the people with early preparations, deployment of staff and materials, and handling of the electoral process. ”The President also commends INEC for the efficiency of uploading more than 98 percent of results on the same day of the election. ”President Tinubu extends his appreciation to the Nigerian Police Force, National Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Youth Service Corps, the military and other security outfits for their professionalism in maintaining peace and order. ”The President urges candidates dissatisfied with the outcome of the election to explore the opportunities provided by the judicial system to seek redress on areas of conflict.”
NGO trains police on handling mental health victims in Kaduna
A non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Idimma Health Initiative has trained the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the ways to identify and respond to people living with mental issues in Kaduna State. In the two-day workshop, the Executive Director of the group, Aisha Buba, explained the role of security personnel in responding to mental health victims, including those attempting to commit suicide. The security force is trained to be first responders to such cases. Buba highlighted the importance of the training, saying it will aid in equipping the force to handle such health issues quickly and ensure the victims receive adequate support before further steps. She further explained that the shortage of mental health professionals was the purpose of the training. She said, “For the fact that we do not have adequate psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, we are training other stakeholders like police officers. “We are here to train the police officers on psychological first aid, which essentially equips them with skills to identify mental health issues when they are called into crisis situations, enabling them to handle and respond to such cases better.” Buba explained that in Nigeria, suicide is considered a crime punishable by up to a year in prison. However, educating police to see it as a mental health issue could lead to more compassionate responses. “When crises occur, the first person typically called to the scene is a police officer. Even if the situation is medical or injury-related, the police are often the first to assess the situation before any further action is taken,” she noted. Buba added that the training aims to equip police officers with basic mental health skills to provide immediate support until individuals can access specialised care.
Ganduje plotting to disrupt Southwest – Adeleke
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the National President of the All Progressives Congress (APC), of attempting to destabilise the South West region and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. The accusation follows Ganduje’s comments about “seizing Osun in 2026” after the APC’s victory in the recent Ondo State governorship election. In a statement issued on Monday, Adeleke condemned Ganduje’s remarks as anti-democratic and said they posed a threat to the peace and unity of the South West. The statement, signed by Adeleke’s media aide Olawale Rasheed, responds directly to Ganduje’s declaration, which appeared to challenge the political stability of the region ahead of the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial elections. Adeleke said Ganduje’s pledge to take control of Osun was rooted in dissatisfaction with the South West’s support for President Tinubu, and that the APC national chairman was attempting to stoke political tensions to destabilse the region as part of a broader political strategy for the 2027 general elections. “Ganduje’s comments are not just divisive; they are fundamentally anti-democratic,” Adeleke said, emphasising that the APC national chairman’s approach was at odds with President Tinubu’s democratic values. “As a seasoned politician, one would have expected Dr. Ganduje to understand that electoral outcomes are determined by local factors. What works in Edo and Ondo is not necessarily applicable to Osun State,” Adeleke continued. The Osun Governor highlighted that local dynamics, including regional grievances and interests, played a major role in shaping voter behavior, and that such dynamics must be respected by all political actors. He pointed to the example of Kano State, where the Kwankwasiyya group led by Rabiu Kwankwaso had consistently outperformed Ganduje’s faction despite the latter’s eight years in office as governor. “Ganduje failed in his own state due to internal resistance; if he couldn’t win over his own people in Kano, how does he expect to disregard the will of the people of Osun, who overwhelmingly endorsed me in 2022?” Adeleke asked, referring to his victory in the state’s gubernatorial election. “Osun is the heart of the Yoruba people, where political freedom is sacred, and we have a long-standing tradition of resisting electoral fraud.” Adeleke also expressed concern that Ganduje’s actions could be part of a broader scheme to undermine President Tinubu’s leadership, accusing him of being an “insider threat” to the president’s agenda. “If Ganduje truly supports President Tinubu, why is he trying to destabilize the president’s home region with open threats to violate electoral laws and deny citizens their rights to vote?” Adeleke said, adding that such moves ran counter to the democratic principles that President Tinubu stood for. In his statement, Adeleke invited Ganduje to better understand the political realities of Osun, stressing that the state’s political landscape was unique, and strategies that worked in Edo or Ondo would not succeed there. “What works in other states will not work in Osun,” he warned. The Osun governor also highlighted the growing strength of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, noting that several opposition members had recently defected to the ruling party, bolstering its position. Adeleke further insisted that Ganduje did not have a mandate from President Tinubu to provoke conflicts in the South West. As tensions continue to mount, Adeleke has called on President Tinubu to intervene and rein in Ganduje’s rhetoric, urging him to prioritise unity and democratic stability in the region.
Iran slammed fresh EU, UK sanctions for arming Russia
The European Union on Monday announced an expansion of sanctions against Iran following its longstanding support for Russia in its war against Ukraine. The new sanctions include targeting vessels and ports involved in the transfer of drones and missiles. The 27-nation group has decided to ban any deal with ports used to transport Iranian drones, missiles or Russian-linked technology and components, it said in a statement during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. Meanwhile, Britain also announced new sanctions earlier Monday against the Iranian airline, the Iranian shipping company and the Russian ship Port Olya-3, according to an update from the British government. The EU’s new measures prohibit any transactions with ports owned or controlled by sanctioned individuals or entities involved in these transfers. However, the EU clarified that assistance could still be provided to vessels in distress, in accordance with maritime safety laws. In addition to targeting ports, Brussels has sanctioned Iran’s state-run shipping company, IRISL, and its director, Mohammad Reza Khiabani, as well as three Russian shipping firms accused of transporting weapons across the Caspian Sea to Russia. These actions followed earlier sanctions on Iranian officials and airlines suspected of aiding Russia’s war effort. The UK has also taken action, freezing the assets of IRISL and Iran Air, which has been accused of transporting ballistic missiles and military equipment to Russia. The British government has further banned the Russian cargo vessel Port Olya-3 from entering any UK port. These moves by the EU and UK build on earlier sanctions imposed by the E3 powers (UK, France, and Germany) in response to Iran’s alleged supply of short-range missiles to Russia. Iran rejects Western accusations it has transferred missiles or drones to Moscow for use against Kyiv. Ahead of the new sanctions’ announcement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that the EU was using the “non-existent missile pretext” to target its shipping lines. “There is no legal, logical or moral basis for such behaviour. If anything, it will only compel what it ostensibly seeks to prevent,” Araghchi wrote on X. “Freedom of navigation is a basic principle of the law of the sea. When selectively applied by some, such shortsightedness usually tends to boomerang.” The sanctions came at a difficult time for Iran, which is already struggling under US sanctions imposed after Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Iran’s economy continues to face significant pressure, and the government has warned that it will carefully consider its response to the new measures.
Ademola Lookman shortlisted for CAF African player of the year award
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its final shortlist for the prestigious African Player of the Year award, with Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman among the standout nominees. The announcement on Monday highlighted a competitive field of five top African footballers vying for the coveted honor.* Lookman, who has enjoyed a remarkable season with Atalanta, is joined by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Morocco’s defensive star Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, and Guinea’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy. The talented five are set to compete for the title of Africa’s best male footballer, with each player having made significant contributions for their respective clubs and national teams. Lookman’s inclusion in the shortlist comes on the back of his stunning performance in the UEFA Europa League final last season, where he scored a memorable hat-trick to help Atalanta defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. The Nigerian forward’s form in European competition has seen him emerge as a favorite for the award, with many experts tipping him to claim the title. While Lookman is a prominent contender, other nominees have also made waves on the continental stage. Hakimi continues to shine as one of Europe’s top defenders with Paris Saint-Germain, while Guirassy has been in sensational form for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. Adingra, too, has impressed with his pace and creativity on the wing for Club Brugge. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s other star forward, claimed the 2023 African Player of the Year award after an outstanding season with Napoli, where he helped the Italian club secure their first Serie A title in over three decades. Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray on loan for the current season has not diminished his status as one of Africa’s most prominent talents.
Biden becomes first sitting US president to visit Amazon rainforest
President Biden urged leaders to work to protect the environment on Sunday, during a visit to the Amazon rainforest that marked the first such trip by any sitting U.S. president in history, warning that “history is literally watching us now.” “Today, I’m proud to be here — the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest — to recommit to protecting the rainforests, like this one” the president said. He added that “the fight to protect our planet is literally a fight for humanity for generations to come.” Biden has made addressing climate change a key part of his policy agenda, approving legislation that reduces emissions, while setting the country on a path toward a transition to green energy. With the visit Sunday, the president highlighted his commitment to combatting global deforestation and conserving forests as part of what the White House calls Mr. Biden’s “historic climate legacy.” The president said the “fight against climate change has been a defining cause of my presidency,” touting rejoining the Paris Agreement, launching a global methane pledge and delivering on climate financing. The president announced during the visit that the U.S. has reached its goal of increasing its climate finance to over $11 billion a year, up from $1.5 billion when Biden took office. He also designated Nov. 17 as International Conservation Day, while the administration announces new conservation efforts including $50 million for the Amazon Fund, among other initiatives. And he cited the passage of the “most significant climate change law in history,” referring to the Inflation Reduction Act, which cuts carbon while creating clean energy investments and jobs. Biden outlined that leaders “don’t have to choose between the environment and the economy,” urging that “we can do both.” He was joined by his daughter, Ashley Biden and granddaughter Natalie Biden as they visited, the Amazon Rainforest in Manaus, Brazil, before heading to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit. Earlier Sunday, Biden took an aerial tour of the Amazon rainforest and he met local and Indigenous leaders and toured a local museum, before he’s set to head to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 summit with world leaders. The trip comes after the president has been attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru in recent days, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The historic visit comes as climate advocates have warned of the environmental consequences of President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to rollback the Biden administration’s efforts to combat climate change. The president addressed his term coming to an end in his remarks, saying he’s leaving his successor and country with “a strong foundation to build on, if they choose to do so.” “It’s true, some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that’s underway in America, but nobody, nobody can reverse it,” Biden said, adding, “The question now is —which government will stand in the way, and which will seize the enormous economic opportunity.”
