Author: Helen Okechukwu

Burundi has been officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.

The United States (US) has provided clarity on its recent decision to shorten the validity period of non-immigrant visas issued to Nigerian citizens, stating the move is part of a worldwide reassessment of visa use from its country. According to a statement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the change is not connected to Nigeria’s approach to third-country deportees, its adoption of e-visa systems, or its association with global blocs such as BRICS. Rather, the adjustment forms part of a broader global review aimed at aligning visa policies with technical and security standards. This review, the Mission said, is designed…

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the voluntary surrender of two suspects previously declared wanted in connection with the alleged assault and conspiracy involving the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.

As the world commemorates the 2025 World Population Day (WPD), the Rivers State Government has renewed its call for increased investment in healthcare and a stronger emphasis on family planning to ensure the well-being of its people and promote sustainable development. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Friday via their social media page, the government underscored the significance of aligning population growth with available resources and infrastructure. It stressed that equitable access to quality healthcare services is not only a right but a necessary foundation for a thriving and prosperous society. Read Also: MDCAN calls for health…

The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has urged the management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to address environmental concerns observed during a recent inspection at its permanent site. The visit, conducted by the Agency’s Tertiary Institution Unit, was aimed at evaluating the University’s compliance with sanitation and waste management standards. The inspection team identified several lapses and called on the institution to take immediate steps to improve its environmental conditions for the safety and well-being of students, staff, and nearby residents. Leading the team on behalf of KWEPA’s General Manager, Hon. Jide Aina, Mrs. Hassan Fatimoh stressed the…

In a determined move to enforce environmental health regulations, the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has carried out a sweeping inspection of pharmacies across Ilorin, intensifying efforts to safeguard public health and uphold environmental standards. The operation, spearheaded by Mr Jamiu Isiaka on behalf of the Agency’s General Manager, Mr Jide Aina, zeroed in on the sanitary conditions, waste disposal systems, and overall environmental management practices of pharmaceutical outlets within the metropolis. Dozens of premises were subjected to rigorous scrutiny, with the inspection team commending those that met prescribed hygiene and safety standards. Read Also: Diarrhoea: Kaduna govt seeks end…

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has voiced concern following a recent move by the United States (US) to shorten the duration and restrict the entry terms of certain visa categories for Nigerian citizens. Under the revised policy, non-immigrant visas—including B1/B2 for business and tourism, F for students, and J for exchange visitors—will now be valid for only three months and will permit a single entry. Previously, many of these visas allowed multiple entries over a longer period. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa expressed Nigeria’s disappointment, noting that the decision seems to…

The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a Case Management Committee to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child defilement, abandonment, and other family-related issues. The committee, formed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, will also provide psycho-social support to survivors. Speaking at the inauguration in Lokoja, Hajia Momoh urged members to be professional and committed. Read Also: Lagos engages magistrates in fight against SGBV She reminded them that their role is not to pass judgement but to ensure proper handling of cases with care and decorum. “A Committee to handle cases of Gender Based Violence, Child Defilement…

In response to avert casualties following flood alert, the Kogi State Government has called on residents in flood-prone communities to begin relocating to safer areas ahead of expected seasonal flooding. The warning was issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who noted that the state has a long history of flood-related destruction and displacement. “We have had a terrible history of flood devastation over the last two decades. we urge people in flood-prone areas to vacate the danger zones to safer grounds,” Fanwo stated. He acknowledged the emotional ties many have to their ancestral homes…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again revised its visa policies for Nigerian nationals, introducing stricter entry requirements and halting all transit visa applications—moves that are expected to severely impact travel from Nigeria to Dubai. New directives issued on Tuesday to travel agents have stirred concern within the Nigerian travel industry, coming just months after the partial easing of a previous ban. Under the latest immigration rules, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 who intend to travel alone will no longer qualify for tourist access. Only those travelling with family or in groups may be considered eligible.…