Author: Helen Okechukwu

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew Zephaniah, following a coordinated operation in the Oyigbo axis of the state. The operation, driven by actionable intelligence, saw officers from various tactical units and divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command team up with the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) to storm a suspected kidnapper’s camp located within the Agbo-Nchia forest. Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the suspects, upon spotting the advancing operatives, engaged them in a gun battle. The confrontation was swiftly brought under control as the superior firepower of the security team…

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called on residents, especially women and caregivers, to make full use of the free healthcare services provided by the government. She noted the many challenges that mothers face in accessing quality medical care and stressed the importance of using available health services to protect mothers and children. The appeal was made on Tuesday, during the official launch of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), HPV Vaccination Campaign, and Safe Motherhood Day. The event was organised by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with the…

In a major crackdown on counterfeit goods threatening public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a N1 billion illegal operationnafdac in Ketu, Lagos, involving expired food flavours, fake pharmaceutical chemicals, and unauthorised fertilisers stored in filthy, unsafe conditions. The raid, carried out after credible intelligence, led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses loaded with harmful substances. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on dangerous products posing serious risks to public health. “We received information…

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has received two major awards from ILERA EKO in recognition of its outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery in Lagos State. According to LASUTH on Tuesday, the awards which was received recently highlighted LASUTH’s continuous efforts to improve patient care and promote health within the community. The first award, titled “Most Improved Healthcare Provider (Compliance)”, was given to the hospital for its notable progress in meeting ILERA EKO’s service standards and enhancing enrollee satisfaction through better service delivery. LASUTH also received a Special Recognition Award for its strong support of ILERA EKO campaigns, health…

In a significant shift to its visa issuance policy, the United States Department of State has announced immediate changes to the terms of non-immigrant visas for Nigerian nationals. Under the new guidelines, most non-diplomatic and non-immigrant visas granted to Nigerian citizens will now be limited to a single entry and will carry a validity of just three months. The updated regulation does not affect visas issued before 8 July 2025, which will continue to hold their original status and terms. This revision, part of a broader global standard known as visa reciprocity, reflects ongoing efforts by the US to align…

The Rivers State Government (RSG) has urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to take urgent precautions following a recent flood warning issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). In a statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, the government said it has received an advisory from the Federal Government (FG) naming Rivers among the high-risk states expected to experience flooding this year, alongside others and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In light of this, the government expressed full support for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is currently deploying…

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed a fatal fire incident at No. 11B Okoro Street, Choba, involving a University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) student. Cynthia Chukwundah, a 300-level student, allegedly set her boyfriend, 32-year-old Saint Sunny Amadi, ablaze. According to the Force spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a document shared with journalists on Tuesday, the 32-year-old deceased was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) but later died from his injuries. Read Also: High-profile kidnapper in Rivers neutralized, police chase fleeing suspects Police detectives from Choba Division visited the scene and the hospital after receiving the report at…

The United States (US) is currently facing its worst measles outbreak in over three decades, with nearly 40 out of 50 states battling the spread of the highly contagious disease. A report released by Johns Hopkins University on Monday revealed that 1,277 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of 2025 — the highest number since 1992. Texas has been the hardest hit, accounting for over 60 percent of the reported cases. The outbreak began in late January in a rural part of the state, where a Mennonite Christian community known for opposing vaccines was severely affected. Read Also: US health…

The Kaduna State Government has called on residents to stop open defecation following a diarrhoea outbreak that affected 81 students at Government Girls Secondary School, Kawo. Open defecation refers to the practice of when human uses their environment as toilet instead of a built toilet. Health Commissioner, Umma Kaltum-Ahmed, confirmed that 15 students who were hospitalised have fully recovered and resumed classes. She credited the swift intervention of the State Rapid Response Team, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), for containing the outbreak without any fatalities. The outbreak, reported on 30 June, affected students aged 16 to 17.…

Following speculation of an alleged power tussle at Yaba Hospital, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba branch, have dispelled claims of a leadership crisis. This was debunked on Monday during a media briefing held by the TUC Lagos State Chairman, Mr Ekundayo Olugbenga. The meeting aimed to address and clarify the circulated speculation and highlight hospital developments. Mr Olugbenga, who was represented by a member of the state administrative council, Adegoke Monsuru, noted that the claim was politically motivated and intended to destabilise the hospital’s leadership.…