Author: Helen Okechukwu

Twelve passengers who sustained minor injuries from the American airlines flight engulfed in flames have been transported to the hospital following the evacuation of all passengers and crew members through the slide. Denver International Airport confirmed this in a post shared on their social media platform X. “DEN emergency crews responded to an aircraft incident earlier this evening at gate C38. All passengers were safely evacuated from the plane. 12 people were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries. DEN operations are normal. Refer to @AmericanAir for further details,” Denver shared. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the American…

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group, has strongly condemned operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for conducting a midnight raid on the Onitsha drug market. The market, widely known as Ogbo Ogwu, is located at the Head Bridge in Anambra State. In a statement on Thursday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, accused NAFDAC operatives of looting goods under the guise of searching for fake drugs. Describing the incident, Powerful alleged that the agency deliberately obstructed CCTV cameras before the raid, questioning its motives and demanding accountability and transparency.…

To prevent health complications in Nigeria, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (DG-NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has encouraged health stakeholders in the South-South region to support initiatives aimed at curbing counterfeit drugs and products. In the agency’s two-day sensitisation workshop held in Port Harcourt, the DG of NAFDAC gave this charge to the stakeholders. The workshop, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on the NAFDAC Green Book, traceability of products, and paediatric regulation. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, who was represented by Fraden Bitrus, the Director of…

In marking the 2025 World Kidney Day, a health expert, has warned Nigerians against the intake of herbal remedies and the use of bleaching creams due to their severe health consequences, particularly in relation to kidney disease. With a significant number of patients affected by kidney disease, Dr. Tams Tamunobelema, a Consultant Physician and Nephrologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), advised citizens to avoid creams containing mercury, which is a known contributing factor to kidney disease. This year’s World Kidney Day, celebrated annually on March 13, carries the theme: “Are Your Kidneys Okay? Early Detection, Preventing…

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…