Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publish the long-delayed forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and prosecute those allegedly obstructing its release. In a letter dated 5 July 2025 and signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called on Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and anti-corruption agencies to act swiftly on the audit, which exposes alleged misappropriation of over N6 trillion and identifies more than 13,000 abandoned projects in the Niger Delta between 2000 and 2019. SERAP urges Tinubu SERAP warned that…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted multiple drug shipments destined for the United Kingdom (UK) and Saudi Arabia, arresting high-profile traffickers and dismantling criminal networks.

As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) positions itself as a major opposition force for the 2027 presidential election, Nigerians voice their preferences on who should carry the party’s flag. On Friday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition was officially launched in Abuja, positioning itself as a political force with the stated aim of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The coalition brings together several prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President…

The Rivers State Police Command on Sunday declared 32 suspects wanted in connection with a violent attack on the Sole Administrator of Ahoada-East Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Goodluck Iheanachor.  The attack was said to have occurred on 20 June 2025 at the Council Secretariat in Ahoada East. Among those named are two key government officials — the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the LGA, Mr Hector Ekakita, and the Chief of Staff (COS), Mr Aloni Olodi. The duo, along with a group of about 30 others, are accused of conspiring to physically assault the council boss, inflicting serious injuries,…

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to urgently introduce comprehensive health insurance coverage for all medical and dental practitioners across the country. This appeal comes amid growing concerns over unresolved welfare issues affecting healthcare professionals. MDCAN, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Prof. Mohammad Aminu, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Alhaji, also urged the government to address demands raised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), warning of possible disruptions in health services. Read Also: UK ministers claim welfare reforms will boost mental health The group backed the NMA’s 21-day ultimatum…

Stakeholders have called for urgent investment in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Nigeria to avoid the risk of jeopardising the future of youths.

Resident doctors at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Yaba have vowed to begin a one-week warning strike starting Monday, July 7, citing non-payment of salaries and persistent neglect of their welfare by hospital management. In a communiqué released on Friday, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the hospital expressed deep dissatisfaction with the continued delay in salaries for newly employed medical staff. According to the statement signed by ARD President Dr Babarinsa O. A. and Secretary Dr Disu K. B., many of the affected doctors have been working for five to six months without pay. Read Also: Senior Gaza cardiologist…

To better understand the health implications resulting from exposure to oil pollution in Ogoniland, Rivers State, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), in collaboration with the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Health Organisation (IARC-WHO), has embarked on a health study. The health study, a Human Biomonitoring (HBM) project to be conducted in the affected area, was recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report. HBM is a scientific technique that helps to ascertain the levels of chemical components located in the human body. The procedure provides advanced information regarding the health risks associated with chemical…

In a move to prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next five decades, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging countries to increase one-off health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 50%, targeting 2035. While unveiling the global campaign, WHO stated that the initiative, “3 by 35,” aims to curb chronic and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which currently account for over 75% of global deaths, while also boosting public revenues. The initiative also targets the generation of $1 trillion in revenue within 10 years, to be reinvested into healthcare, education, and social protection. “Health taxes are one of…

A group of researchers has urged the public to reconsider following anti-inflammatory food trends aimed at slowing down the ageing process. Anti-inflammatory foods are specific diets believed to reduce inflammation in the body, promote good health, and help prevent chronic diseases. “Inflammaging” refers to a chronic, low-grade form of inflammation commonly associated with ageing, while inflammation itself is the body’s natural response to infection and injury. Some researchers believe that chronic inflammation accelerates ageing and contributes to health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, noting that many older individuals are prone to inflammation. However, a new…