Author: Helen Okechukwu

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

The Niger State Police Command says seven suspects have been short-listed for prosecution following investigations into the death of a

The Niger State Police Command says seven suspects have been short-listed for prosecution following investigations into the death of a student of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL). In a document made available to New Daily Prime on Tuesday, the Command Spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun noted that the student, Abdulwahab Jafar, aged 23, was attacked at his lodge in Lapai on 23 June 2025, leading to his death and sparking unrest in the community. Further details revealed that police tactical teams were deployed to restore calm, while a broader investigation was launched. The spokesperson explained that 19 persons were initially…

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How three patients died in Kano hospital following Disco power outage

A power cut at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has claimed the lives of three patients who were on life support, after Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) disconnected the facility over unpaid bills. The incident happened on Friday when the blackout struck the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, leaving four patients on ventilators vulnerable. Only one survived. However, according to Punch report, the hospital spokesperson, Hauwa Dutse, described the situation as tragic. She said the disruption had an immediate effect on those who could not breathe without machines. KEDCO insisted the disconnection was due to an outstanding debt of N949.88…

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Swedish researchers develop digital memory test to speed up alzheimer’s diagnosis in primary care

Scientists in Sweden have created a new digital tool designed to improve the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease, offering primary care doctors a more precise alternative to traditional pen-and-paper memory tests. Cleveland Clinic defined alzheimer’s disease as a brain condition that slowly damages your memory, thinking, learning and organizing skills. The programme, developed at Lund University, measures how quickly patients can recall words, process information and respond to questions on a screen. Unlike existing tests that mainly focus on recall exercises such as drawing a clock or naming objects, the digital version times responses and evaluates accuracy, giving doctors a…

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in Port

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in Port Harcourt. According to the Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko in document shared to journalists on Monday, revealed that the incident occurred on 6 September at Mini Orlu, off Ada-George Road, where the victim had gone to purchase fried potatoes on the instruction of her aunt. The suspect, said to be a native of Akwa Ibom State but residing on Rumu-Evolu Road, reportedly dragged the girl into a parked tricycle, tied her hands with a rope, gagged her, and forcefully assaulted her…

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FG rolls out digital consignment model to ensure affordable essential medicines

For years, federal hospitals in Nigeria have struggled with drug shortages, fluctuating stock levels and rising costs that make essential medicines difficult for many patients to access. To address these gaps, the Federal Government (FG) has introduced a digital consignment model expected to improve both availability and affordability nationwide. Announcing the measure at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, explained that the project is part of the national strategy for drug supply chain management. She said the system will help hospitals maintain reliable stock while easing the financial burden…

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Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced plans to strike out enrollees who failed to register with their National Identification Numbers (NIN), describing such beneficiaries as “ghosts” under the system. Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, revealed this during a management briefing in Port Harcourt recently. She explained that although the NIN requirement had always been part of the registration process, the agency had earlier allowed some flexibility to increase participation. According to her, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which oversees the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), has reinforced the…

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Nigeria is set to commence domestic production of insulin following a new partnership aimed at cutting down the country’s dependence on imported drugs

Nigeria is set to commence domestic production of insulin following a new partnership aimed at cutting down the country’s dependence on imported drugs and improving access to diabetes treatment. Cleveland Clinic described insulin as an essential hormone. It helps the patient’s body turn food into energy and manages your blood sugar levels. The move follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and Shanghai Haiqi Industrial Company Limited of China. The agreement, endorsed in Abuja, is regarded by officials as a major breakthrough for the nation’s health and science sectors.…

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