Author: Helen Okechukwu

Helen Okechukwu is an award-winning investigative journalist with three years experience. She specializes in health, accountability and transparency reporting.

With the continuous rise in fuel prices, residents of Port Harcourt have expressed frustration over the persistent fuel hikes and ongoing scarcity in the state. Several residents who spoke to our reporter on January 20 shared their experiences and voiced their concerns, questioning why fuel prices continue to climb sharply at some fuel stations despite efforts toward refinery revitalization. During visits to various stations across key areas, including Jodil Energy, AP, Richpon, Fudebik, and Matrix filling stations in Port Harcourt, our reporter observed that fuel prices, previously ₦910 per liter, have now surged to ₦1,050, with some stations selling at…

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The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development over the outbreak of anthrax in Zamfara State while calling for proactive measures to mitigate the risk. The Director of Information and Public Relations Department of the ministry, Ben Goong, in a document disclosed this and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant over the health implications linked with anthrax. Educating the public of the targeted warm-blooded animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and wildlife including humans, Goong said it is caused by a bacterium, bacillus anthracis described under zoonotic disease. Anthrax, known for its high morbidity and mortality,…

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Resident doctors protest over poor working conditions.

Following the three-week ultimatum issued last year over the unpaid salaries, allowances, and other demands, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), has begun a three-day warning strike. Dr. George Ebong, the President of ARD FCTA, made this known on Wednesday during a conference in Abuja, emphasising that the ultimatum has elapsed. In this regard, all activities across the state government hospital have been halted. “The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja—from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and all other hospitals in Abuja.” Ebong, speaking on behalf…

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The President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Hassan, has pledged to address the reoccurred Marburg virus disease outbreak in the northwestern Kagera region of the country. Her Excellency Hassan assured the public of being determined to address the disease outbreak following its confirmation after one person tested positive for the Marburg virus. Hassan made this assurance on Monday during a conference briefing with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in the country’s capital, Dodoma.”We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this…

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The Federal Government (FG) has launched the National Health Fellows Program for youths aged 25 to 35 across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesperson, on Monday made this information available via a statement. He stressed that the selected persons will be rewarded and equipped with tools to drive positive change in the health sector. Onanuga highlighted the deadline for  application which is scheduled to elapse on 27th January 2025. Read Also: FG okays Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic in Abuja Eligibility Requirements include: • Must be between the ages of 25 and 35.• Bachelor’s degree…

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Tragedy has struck Rivers State after a boat carrying 22 passengers from Port Harcourt to Bonny capsized into the Bonny waterway. On Tuesday, the spokesperson of Rivers State Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, announced that the incident occurred at Yellow Platform in Bonny, as investigation is ongoing. According to the report, it revealed the cause of the boat mishap: a storm resulted in the vessel overturning. Iringe-Koko expressed sadness over the incident, noting that the three dead bodies had been recovered and 19 people were rescued alive. While sympathising with the families of the bereaved, the Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area,…

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Unknown gunmen has reportedly killed a Shepherd-in-charge of a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), identified as Yomi Adetula, in Idiroko Border town of the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State. Leadership reported that the cleric was shot dead on Sunday inside Hebrew Celestial Church, located in the Odo Eran area of the Old Garage Road in Idiroko around 11 a.m. during service while preaching. According to the report, an eyewitness stated that the six assailants held AK-47 rifles, appeared on Celestial Church’s garments, and opened fire on the cleric. Also, they waited to confirm him dead and dismember his…

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With the alarming rate of domestic violence among spouses, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Owode Egba Division has arrested Sholola Kazeem, the husband of Mutiat, for allegedly pouring hot oil on and stabbing her in the head. The attack occurred on Saturday at Ring Road, Owode Egba, of Ogun State during a heated disagreement between both spouse. At around 12:30 pm a member of the community reported the matter to the police for quick intervention. Read Also: Jealous husband stabs Bishop to death in Osun It was gathered that Mrs. Mutiat, the victim, was rushed to Ore Ofé…

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WHO logo

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a $1.5 billion Health Emergency Appeal (HEA) for 2025 to fund health interventions worldwide deveining it as the primary factors fueling prolonged health crises persist. The aim of this appeal initiative is to support communities affected by conflict, climate change, displacement, and disease outbreaks with humanitarian assistance. WHO Director-General (DG), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, underscored the urgent need to address 42 ongoing health emergencies, including 17 Grade 3 crises. With health systems under immense pressure and financial resources stretched thin, the WHO seeks to address urgent health needs in crisis-affected regions. Read Also:…

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NAFDAC speaks on temporary ban of sachet alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an Abuja pharmacy for allegedly selling expired and unregistered drugs worth over seven million naira. The aim of this development is to combat the rising health risks in the country. The federal agency made this known via its X page on Saturday, acknowledging that the action was taken following a tip-off from a concerned citizen. “NAFDAC’s enforcement team uncovered several expired items worth over seven million naira, including expired H-Pylori test kits, which posed significant risks to public health,” NAFDAC stated. “Despite attempts by the pharmacy staff…

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