Author: Helen Okechukwu

A British biotechnology company is preparing to roll out gene-edited mosquitoes in Djibouti City, marking a new phase in East Africa’s battle against malaria as traditional control methods lose effectiveness. Oxitec, which developed the genetically engineered insects, plans to release male mosquitoes designed so that their female offspring die before reaching adulthood, preventing them from biting humans and transmitting the disease. The releases are expected to begin before the end of the year, following earlier pilot trials in the capital. Malaria remains a major public health burden in Djibouti, infecting up to one in ten people annually. The disease surged…

Nigeria cannot afford to relax its immunisation efforts as long as infectious diseases remain a threat anywhere in the world, a consultant virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori, has warned, stressing that global health risks make sustained vaccination programmes non-negotiable for the country. Tomori, who is also the Chairman of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, gave the warning in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Lagos, where he expressed concern over the growing wave of vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation and disinformation. He lamented that despite years of advocacy and expanded access to vaccines, some parents still resist immunising their children, a trend…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three cargo handlers following the interception of a cocaine consignment destined for the United Kingdom (UK) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said the drugs, weighing 1.50 kilogrammes, were discovered concealed in 75 factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the airport’s export shed. The anti-draft agency operatives moved swiftly to arrest the cargo agents, Jubrin Hassana, Kuku Oluwasegun and Igwe Jane, who were linked to the attempted export of the illicit consignment on…

Human rights lawyer and social critic, Dele Farotimi, has said Nigeria’s growing exposure to foreign military involvement is a consequence of poor leadership and weak governance structures. Farotimi made the assertion while reacting to reports of alleged United States (US) airstrikes on ISIS-linked targets in parts of north-west Nigeria, a development that has raised concerns about the country’s control over its security space. In a post on his X handle, the lawyer argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty has been steadily diminished by successive administrations that have failed to demonstrate the authority and capacity to secure the nation independently. He maintained that…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has cautioned motorists against drunk and drug-impaired driving as vehicular movement increases across Cross River State during the festive season. The warning was issued on Thursday at Odukpani Junction, a major entry point into Calabar, where the Corps intensified patrols and subjected drivers to alcohol and drug screening as part of its yuletide safety operations. The Cross River Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Innocent Etuk, gave the caution while overseeing the inspection of the Corps’ electronic metro counting equipment, designed to monitor traffic volume, vehicle speed and categories throughout the festive period. According…

The Kaduna State Government has warned that avian influenza goes beyond an animal health challenge and poses a direct risk to public health, urging poultry farmers and live bird marketers to strengthen preventive measures to avert possible outbreaks. The News Agency of Nigeria noted that the warning was issued on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement on avian influenza mitigation in Kaduna, where the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Abubakar Abba, emphasised that strict biosecurity practices remained the most effective defence against the disease. Abba stressed that poor hygiene and weak farm controls could accelerate the spread of avian influenza, with…

Nigeria’s upstream petroleum regulator has set its sights on higher crude oil output and accelerated gas development as Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan formally assumed office as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Speaking at her first town hall meeting with management and staff on Tuesday, 23 December, Eyesan said growing production levels would be central to the Commission’s agenda as it carries out its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. She said the NUPRC would position itself as a business enabler rather than a bottleneck, stressing that effective regulation must support investment, innovation and…

The training, organised by the Directorate of Nursing Services, Lagos State Health District V according to the post shared on Tuesday, brought together maternal healthcare providers from public health facilities across the district.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to significantly increase its financial commitment towards the welfare of families of fallen and retired members of the Armed Forces, urging its leadership to triple earlier pledges made in support of the Nigerian Legion. The governor made the call on Tuesday during the Emblem Appeal Launch marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He stressed that contributions to the annual appeal should reflect genuine appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives in…

Young people leaving care in England will now be entitled to free prescriptions, dental treatment and eye care until their 25th birthday under new government measures aimed at tackling health inequalities. The Department of health and social care (DHSC) said the support package also includes a pilot scheme offering paid NHS internships for care leavers and a guaranteed interview programme fo NHS jobs. A separate three-year pilot will focus on improving access to mental health services for children in care. Government figures estimate there were more than 97,000 care leavers aged between 17 and 25 in 2025, although officials believe…