Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) has called for the arrest and investigation of the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli, over financial activities of the commission. The RSHA urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe Enebeli and four other RSIEC members. According to Martins Wachukwu, the Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker of RSHA, this resolution was reached during the Assembly’s 134th Legislative Sitting on Wednesday. The move follows a “Warrant of Arrest” previously issued for…

In a significant move to reduce medical tourism and enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) in partnership with Patricare has unveiled a premium medical facility. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, the Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Professor Henry Ugboma, highlighted the negative impact of medical tourism on Nigeria’s healthcare reputation and economy. He emphasized that the UPTH premium facility is designed to provide world-class healthcare services, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. “it will not only benefit the host community but the whole state. It is one of…

The Kebbi State Government has urged residents to report suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis to the nearest health facilities following the outbreak which has claimed 26 lives in the state. About 248 suspected cases reported across Aliero, Gwandu, and Jega Local Government Areas (LGAs). The state’s Commissioner for Health, Yanusa Ismail, disclosed the figures during a press briefing on Tuesday, adding that 11 samples were taken for laboratory examination, with three testing negative. Additional samples have been sent to Abuja for further testing, and if confirmed, the government will request vaccines to contain the disease. In response, the Kebbi State…

The Rivers State Police Command, through the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, has arrested five suspects in connection with the tragic murder of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Richard Timothy in Omagwa and his son, Silas. Recall that on February 4, 2025, the wife of the CSO and mother of the late UNIPORT student had called for the arrest of the perpetrators. Due to several kidnapping incidents in the Rukpokwu, Igwuruta, Omagwa, and Etche areas, an intelligence-led operation was carried out on 8 March. The operation, which began at about 9:30 a.m., lasted for eight hours. In a…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised alarms over the increasing spread of Lassa fever across the country following the death of a 31-year-old doctor in Ondo State. According to the NCDC, the doctor had traveled to the UK on February 19, 2025, and returned to Nigeria on February 27. Shortly after, he developed symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever and was admitted to a private hospital, where he passed away on March 1. Test results later confirmed he had contracted Lassa fever. Health officials are now working to trace individuals who had contact with him, as…

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) says that antiretroviral drugs in Nigeria remain free at government-approved health facilities, describing circulated claims as false and misleading. This statement came following widespread speculation that antiretroviral drug subsidies had been withdrawn. According to Voice of Nigeria (VON), a statement shared on Sunday, the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, refuted the claim that ARV medication would cost N250,000 per dose, with a total monthly payment of N500,000. While appreciating the support of donor agencies, including the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, in ensuring…

Former Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Obio/Akpor Local Government Area chapter, Mr. Chimenem Worlu, has alleged that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions are unconstitutional and undemocratic. He urged the various arms of government to uphold the rule of law while carrying out their respective duties. In an interview with TNN on Monday, Worlu described Governor Fubara’s invitation of Hon. Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as a joke and an insult. The ex-chairman added that the state governor had violated constitutional order on several occasions and asserted that the continuous breakdown of…

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised alarms over the potential consequences of imminent funding cuts to global Tuberculosis (TB) programmes, warning that such reductions could have devastating effects on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that heavily depend on international aid. According to Voice of Nigeria (VON), it noted that WHO statement released on Thursday in Abuja, disclosed that the planned budget reductions, particularly from the United States, place 18 of the highest TB-burden countries at risk, as they relied on U.S. funding for nearly 89% of their TB care resources. The African region stands to suffer the most from…

After spending six days in captivity, the Benue State Police Command on Thursday announced the safe return of three students from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), formerly known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. The three female students were kidnapped on 25 February, 2025, while returning from a night study session on campus. According to the police spokesperson, Anene Catherine, the school reported the incident on 26 February at about 21:34 hrs, prompting security forces to launch an investigation. Catherine revealed that at approximately 21:34 hrs on 3 March, the three students (names withheld) were released and are currently…

The Ondo State Government, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and OneSight Essilor Luxottica Foundation, has commissioned an eye care centre at General Hospital, Idanre. The newly commissioned eye care centre aims to complement the Millennium Eye Care Centre in Akure. A post shared on their Facebook page on Wednesday revealed that the development will enhance quality affordable and accessible eye care services to the people of the state. The initiative aligns with the commitment to tackling preventable sight loss for over 1.1 billion people globally by 2030. The National Coordinator for the National Eye Health Programme, Dr.…