Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has addressed concerns from media stakeholders over the recent suspension of Badegi FM’s operations in Minna, Niger State. Minister Mohammed Idris noted that the suspension of broadcasting licences in Nigeria is the statutory responsibility of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), in line with the provisions of the law. This was disclosed in a document shared by the Special Assistant of Media to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim on Saturday. The station’s shutdown followed a directive by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, during an expanded All Progressive Congress (APC)…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Nigerians for practising breastfeeding, as data shows that over 90% of mothers breastfeed their children. The Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Abuja, Nemat Hajeebhoy, revealed this on Friday during the commissioning of Breastfeeding Week at Ambursa, in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The event aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding as a key step for child health and development says News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report. Speaking at the gathering, the organiser said the mission was to prioritise mothers and children by building sustainable support systems. “Breastfeeding is not just…

A treatment for Alzheimer’s disease turned down for National Health Service (NHS) use has been shown to keep patients’ memory stable for as long as four years, according to new research. Lecanemab, a drug already approved by the United Kingdom’s (UK) medicines regulator, was found to delay the progression of dementia significantly when given at the earliest stages of the illness, according to The Independent report. Alzheimer’s disease also known as senile dementia is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions due to the accumulation of protein in the brain cell. Patients taking part in the…

The six kidnapped students who were abducted on their way to the Yola Campus of the Nigerian Law School, Adamawa State, for resumption have regained freedom following the intervention of the Benue State Police Command.

The Federal Government (FG) has urged the Nigerian media to champion national advocacy on self-care as part of efforts to strengthen the health system and improve public health outcomes. In a virtual media workshop organized by White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria (WRA Nigeria), with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) and the Self-Care Trailblazer Group (SCTG), this call was made. According to the Voice of Nigeria (VON) report, the event, themed “Media as a Catalyst for Advancing Self-Care for Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health in Nigeria”, brought together journalists, development partners, and policymakers. World Health Organisation…

President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, along with team officials, with national honours, financial gifts, and housing for their triumphant performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. At a presidential reception in Abuja, Tinubu conferred the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all team members. He also approved a three-bedroom apartment for each of them under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. The Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, further disclosed that President Tinubu awarded a cash gift equivalent to $100,000 to…

Medical doctors under the Lagos State Government have begun a three-day warning strike in protest against salary deductions they say were imposed without consultation or justification. The industrial action, which kicked off at 8am on Monday, 28 July, is expected to last until Thursday morning, 31 July. According to the Medical Guild, the body representing the affected practitioners, the strike is a direct response to what it describes as the government’s “breach of trust” and failure to honour previous agreements. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, chairman of the Guild, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, said the controversy began in April…

The Federal Government (FG) has announced that the window of opportunity for foreign nationals with expired visas or immigration documents to regularise their stay in Nigeria will close on 30 September. This move is part of the Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty), introduced jointly by the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to improve compliance with the country’s updated visa framework and bolster immigration management. The amnesty, which began on 1 May, allows foreign residents and visitors whose immigration status has lapsed — including those with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), Single or Multiple-Entry Visas, and those holding…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a renewed appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, alongside urgent calls for full humanitarian access, the safeguarding of children, and the safe release of all hostages. In response to Israel’s recent commitment to implement humanitarian pauses, UNICEF welcomed the move as a step towards improving the delivery of critical aid. The organisation described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,”  with children bearing the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Since hostilities escalated following the breakdown of the ceasefire in March, access to necessities has become increasingly scarce. Read Also: UNICEF seeks collaboration from…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Chinese national, Liang Tak You, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, with 26.10kg of Loud, a synthetic cannabis strain.