Author: Helen Okechukwu

As the world commemorates the 2025 World Population Day (WPD), the Rivers State Government has renewed its call for increased investment in healthcare and a stronger emphasis on family planning to ensure the well-being of its people and promote sustainable development. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health on Friday via their social media page, the government underscored the significance of aligning population growth with available resources and infrastructure. It stressed that equitable access to quality healthcare services is not only a right but a necessary foundation for a thriving and prosperous society. Read Also: MDCAN calls for health…

The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has urged the management of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) to address environmental concerns observed during a recent inspection at its permanent site. The visit, conducted by the Agency’s Tertiary Institution Unit, was aimed at evaluating the University’s compliance with sanitation and waste management standards. The inspection team identified several lapses and called on the institution to take immediate steps to improve its environmental conditions for the safety and well-being of students, staff, and nearby residents. Leading the team on behalf of KWEPA’s General Manager, Hon. Jide Aina, Mrs. Hassan Fatimoh stressed the…

In a determined move to enforce environmental health regulations, the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has carried out a sweeping inspection of pharmacies across Ilorin, intensifying efforts to safeguard public health and uphold environmental standards. The operation, spearheaded by Mr Jamiu Isiaka on behalf of the Agency’s General Manager, Mr Jide Aina, zeroed in on the sanitary conditions, waste disposal systems, and overall environmental management practices of pharmaceutical outlets within the metropolis. Dozens of premises were subjected to rigorous scrutiny, with the inspection team commending those that met prescribed hygiene and safety standards. Read Also: Diarrhoea: Kaduna govt seeks end…

The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has voiced concern following a recent move by the United States (US) to shorten the duration and restrict the entry terms of certain visa categories for Nigerian citizens. Under the revised policy, non-immigrant visas—including B1/B2 for business and tourism, F for students, and J for exchange visitors—will now be valid for only three months and will permit a single entry. Previously, many of these visas allowed multiple entries over a longer period. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa expressed Nigeria’s disappointment, noting that the decision seems to…

The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a Case Management Committee to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), child defilement, abandonment, and other family-related issues. The committee, formed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatimah Momoh, will also provide psycho-social support to survivors. Speaking at the inauguration in Lokoja, Hajia Momoh urged members to be professional and committed. Read Also: Lagos engages magistrates in fight against SGBV She reminded them that their role is not to pass judgement but to ensure proper handling of cases with care and decorum. “A Committee to handle cases of Gender Based Violence, Child Defilement…

In response to avert casualties following flood alert, the Kogi State Government has called on residents in flood-prone communities to begin relocating to safer areas ahead of expected seasonal flooding. The warning was issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who noted that the state has a long history of flood-related destruction and displacement. “We have had a terrible history of flood devastation over the last two decades. we urge people in flood-prone areas to vacate the danger zones to safer grounds,” Fanwo stated. He acknowledged the emotional ties many have to their ancestral homes…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again revised its visa policies for Nigerian nationals, introducing stricter entry requirements and halting all transit visa applications—moves that are expected to severely impact travel from Nigeria to Dubai. New directives issued on Tuesday to travel agents have stirred concern within the Nigerian travel industry, coming just months after the partial easing of a previous ban. Under the latest immigration rules, Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 45 who intend to travel alone will no longer qualify for tourist access. Only those travelling with family or in groups may be considered eligible.…

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew Zephaniah, following a coordinated operation in the Oyigbo axis of the state. The operation, driven by actionable intelligence, saw officers from various tactical units and divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command team up with the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) to storm a suspected kidnapper’s camp located within the Agbo-Nchia forest. Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the suspects, upon spotting the advancing operatives, engaged them in a gun battle. The confrontation was swiftly brought under control as the superior firepower of the security team…

The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Ododo, has called on residents, especially women and caregivers, to make full use of the free healthcare services provided by the government. She noted the many challenges that mothers face in accessing quality medical care and stressed the importance of using available health services to protect mothers and children. The appeal was made on Tuesday, during the official launch of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), HPV Vaccination Campaign, and Safe Motherhood Day. The event was organised by the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency in partnership with the…

In a major crackdown on counterfeit goods threatening public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a N1 billion illegal operationnafdac in Ketu, Lagos, involving expired food flavours, fake pharmaceutical chemicals, and unauthorised fertilisers stored in filthy, unsafe conditions. The raid, carried out after credible intelligence, led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses loaded with harmful substances. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on dangerous products posing serious risks to public health. “We received information…