Author: Helen Okechukwu

Oyo State Government has ramped up disease surveillance and vaccination efforts to combat the outbreak of diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, as part of an urgent public health response. During a visit to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ibadan, the state capital, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasized the dangers of diphtheria and its rapid transmission. She explained that the disease spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as direct contact with infected wounds. “Diphtheria primarily affects the throat and upper airways, forming a thick greyish membrane that can obstruct breathing,” Ajetunmobi stated.…

Rivers State Command has announced the apprehension of four suspects for allegedly killing two minors for ritual purposes. The incident reportedly occurred at Rukpokwu in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. The spokesperson for the state command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the two deceased minors, aged seven, Chizaram Onuche and Chidinma Onuche, were said to have been lured to the location of Aniekan Uko, 27. Further disclosure noted that Uko, after drugging both minors with a drink known as Black Bullet as a sedative, slaughtered them and drained their blood into a bottle. However, the bodies of the…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for a strategic shift in HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, moving away from fear-based messaging to a more inclusive and stigma-free approach. The agency’s Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu of National Orientation Agency (NOA), emphasized the need to reframe HIV/AIDS as a manageable health condition, akin to hypertension and diabetes, rather than a death sentence. Speaking during a visit at the agency’s headquarters by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, Issa-Onilu reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to leveraging its extensive grassroots network to amplify HIV prevention, treatment, and anti-discrimination…

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) launched a public awareness campaign in Kaduna State to educate residents on the health risks of tuberculosis (TB), urging early detection, treatment, and preventive measures to curb its spread. Kadashi Initiatives on Equity, Health, Empowerment, and Education (KIEHEE) emphasized that healthy living—practicing abstinence from smoking and alcohol, along with proper dieting—helps prevent the spread. In marking this year’s World Tuberculosis Day, the Executive Director of KIEHEE, Amos Kadashi-Isuwa, on Monday educated residents on the disease’s risks, symptoms, and prevention, particularly among smokers. The targeted communities are Kanti Agah, Sabon Tasha, Angwan Durunwa, Tsauni, and Kurah in…

The Rivers State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, as Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju commended the joint security forces for their efforts in ensuring peace across the state. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, CP Adepoju emphasized that ongoing security operations are crucial to preventing a breakdown of law and order. He noted that the joint patrols by the police, armed forces, and other security agencies have been effective in deterring criminal activities. He assured residents that these security measures are temporary and will lead to a more peaceful environment. However, it…

Nigerian authorities have arrested a 42-year-old Indian lady, Ms. Neetu Neetu, with 72 parcels of heroin weighing 11 kilograms at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano State. The illicit drugs, concealed inside factory-sealed wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates, were discovered in her luggage following a thorough search and credible intelligence. On 14 March, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Neetu in the arrival hall during inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha. In another effort to crackdown drug peddlers, Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media & Advocacy,…

Effiong Bassey, a police officer serving at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Atakpa, Calabar, Cross River State has been arrested for allegedly shooting sporadically and killing a citizen. The horrific event was said to have occurred on Sunday at approximately 05:55 hrs after Bassey returned from his night duty at Ekondo Microfinance Bank, displaying unusual behavior. Ugbo Irene, spokesperson of the Cross River State Police Command, shared that Bassey refused to hand over the AK-47 rifle assigned to him and restricted access to the entrance and exit routes of the police premises. Irene also revealed that peaceful dialogue to resolve…

The Supreme Court has overturned the decisions of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had sacked Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). A five-member panel of the apex court ruled that the matter of who occupies the position of PDP National Secretary is an internal affair of the party and, therefore, beyond judicial intervention. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur struck out the October 2024 trial court ruling and nullified the majority judgment of the appellate court, which had in December upheld Anyanwu’s removal. Justice Tukur instead affirmed…

In the advent of emergency rule in the state, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel and resources to monitor and safeguard Rivers State. In collaboration with Armed Forces and other security agencies, Egbetokun gave this order, indicating that the political crisis could have broader implications for national security. This was contained in a statement shared by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, dated 20 March. This came after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on 18 March along with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy…

With determination to ensure a healthy life for its citizens, three global cities have been awarded for preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. The World Health Organization (WHO) made this known on Thursday during the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris. The summit aims to tackle public health issues and employ effective strategies for saving lives and building healthier communities at the local level. The summit assembles Bloomberg Philanthropies, the co-host, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, convening mayors and officials from 61 cities. The three cities honored include Córdoba (Argentina), Fortaleza…