Author: Helen Okechukwu

Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, traces its origins to Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s orders by secretly marrying soldiers. Imprisoned and later executed for his actions, Valentine became a symbol of love and sacrifice. Although there are several accounts of marking this day as a symbol of love to be celebrated. Over time, the day evolved from a religious commemoration to a worldwide celebration of romance, kindness, and generosity. However, in today’s economic climate, many Nigerians interpret Valentine’s Day differently—some see it as a time to express love within their means, transcends romance,…

The Delta State Police Command and Nigerian Air Force authorities are investigating a recent altercation between their personnel, which they described as an embarrassing incident. Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda, reaffirmed the strong working relationship between security agencies in the state and assured that measures are being put in place to prevent a recurrence. This was contained in a statement shared by Edafe Bright, the police spokesperson on Thursday through their Facebook page. The incident occurred between officers of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) and Air Force personnel stationed at the Jeddo base in Okpe Local Government Area. According…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through the support of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), has provided 3 million bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to Nigeria to boost maternal health. The healthcare products were donated by Kirk Humanitarian. However, with 12 million pregnancies annually, wider MMS availability is essential. Nigeria faces a high maternal mortality rate (1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births), with many babies born underweight or prematurely. Micronutrient deficiencies in iron, zinc, Vitamin A, and folate significantly contribute to poor maternal and child health, as revealed by the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey (2024). read Also:…

Ahead of the auspicious day set for the celebration of love among couples, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) urges Nigerians to maintain healthy sexual practices to prevent the spread of infections. Under the theme “Love Wisely, Spread Love, Not HIV,” NACA advises citizens to prioritise safety, emphasiding that protection is essential in matters of love. The agency highlighted key health measures as HIV remains a public health concern while acknowledging that it is preventable. The Head of Public Relations and Protocol, NACA, Toyin Aderibigbe, in a signed document on Tuesday, underscored the importance of knowing one’s…

As part of ongoing reforms in the health sector, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s dedication to providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents of Ekiti State. The governor made this commitment during an inspection of Ijan General Hospital, where he assessed the ongoing renovation and upgrades of healthcare facilities. Also, Governor Oyebanji disclosed that his government has initiated the renovation of at least one primary health center in each of the state’s 177 wards. This visit follows his earlier inspection of Itapa-Ilupeju and Iye-Ifaki General Hospitals, highlighting his proactive approach to improving medical services across the state.…

The Rivers State Government (RSG), through the Ministry of Agriculture, has begun the anthrax vaccination campaign with a landmark at the Livestock Demonstration Farms in Rivers State University, located in the state capital. The flagged-off event commenced yesterday, 10 February, and is scheduled to be concluded on 17 February. A document shared on the Ministry of Agriculture Facebook page on Monday, noted that the vaccine was free and farmers were encouraged to participate for the benefit of their animals. The Flagged Off exercise aims to protect and prevent the spread of anthrax and ensure food security and public health among…

With the rising cost of living in Nigeria, fueled by inflation and economic downturn, housing has become an increasing burden for tenants nationwide. The sharp rise in rent has forced some families to relocate to rural areas where housing is more affordable, while others continue to struggle to make ends meet in the cities. Urban residents face escalating rental costs, largely driven by the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating exchange rate policy of the current administration. The economic strain is severe, as many landlords continue to raise rents due to the rising cost of building materials and property…

Natives of the Obele community in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, displaced over an alleged rival cult clash, have cried for state government intervention after the murder of five persons. Recalled that on 5 February, suspected cultists invaded the community, marched from house to house in search of their targets, leading to the death of five persons in different compounds. Due to the fear of death, significant numbers of natives who flee their residential homes remain homeless. In a united voice, Mr Bestman Amadi, a concerned citizen, has beckoned Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to their rescue, as…

A 35-year-old, Innocent Chigozie, an alleged notorious cultist and leader of an armed robbery gang, has been arrested by the operatives of the Rivers State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU). The suspect was said to have been terrorising farm lands located at Uzo Afor Road in the Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA. The police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in documents shared with journalists on Tuesday, disclosed the activities of the armed men have sparked a widespread panic and tension in the community at large. Read Also: Police arrest seven suspected cultists in Ogun Chigozie was arrested on 30 January following a…

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has pledged to restore power within 24 to 48 hours after dialogue. This announcement came shortly after the medical students from the University of Ibadan protested on Monday over 100 days in darkness within the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State. Acknowledging that the 4-month total blackout was a shame to witness within the health facility and to the Federal Government (FG). The health facility was disconnected from the national grid due to a ₦200 million debt. Speaking over the disruption, the Power Minister…