Author: Helen Okechukwu

…165m urgently need preventive treatment The Federal Ministry of Health revealed that 200 million Nigerians are burdened with the risk of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), with about 165 million people seeking preventive treatment. This came shortly after an advocacy meeting held with the 36 States Commissioners for Health and FCT Minister of Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, on Wednesday. Dr. Salako stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to combat NTDs, underscoring it as a pressing challenge in Nigeria that is linked to poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe water. In line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) NTD Roadmap 2021–2030 global…

The Anambra State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of two female victims, ages 15 and 19, who were abducted following a social media relationship. The statement revealed that the victims were said to have been held hostage after being lured by a 19-year-old male, Ifechukwu Ibesimako, a native of Aboji Village, Oba, along with three other accomplices. On 27 November, at 11:54 am, the security men attached to the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters of the Idemili South Local Government Area apprehended the kidnapper along with his three accomplices after the sum of N200 thousand was paid as ransom.…

An Indian group, Padiyath Healthcare, has revealed that the new health initiative to be executed in Nigeria will be a world-class cancer hospital in western Africa with an affordable cost. The sum of $100 million has been proposed for investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The chairman of the group, Hazeeb Padiyath, made this known after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nigeria. The aim of this investment is to provide quality and affordable healthcare across Africa. As part of the long-term goal, Padiyath announced that the group of companies is set to commission Padiyath Mayfields Hospitals in Abuja. The ongoing…

The Kenya security force has announced the arrest of a 27-year-old male suspect, Paul Owuodho, also known as Fazul Muhamed, for the brutal attack and killing of Abdirahim Ibrahim. The alleged suspect, Owuodho, was linked to the fatal shooting of Ibrahim, which occurred on 9 November at DD Plaza located in Nairobi’s Kamukunji area. The Directorate Criminal Investigation Kenya (DCI) announced his arrest on Saturday via their X handle, disclosing that Owuodho was apprehended last night. The male suspect was arrested following an intelligence-led operation conducted jointly by Shauri Moyo detectives and their DCI Hqs counterparts. A California Police Station…

The Federal Government Nigeria has vowed to boost security measures for a conducive environment and the expansion of businesses across the south-east region. On Friday, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, made this assertion at Enugu State during the oprrationak visitation while addressing the officers and personnel of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force south-east Operation Udo Ka. While speaking to the security personnel under General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major-General H.T. Dada, he urged them to increase their efforts in clamping down the evil doers as he lauded their performance. He seeks collaborative strategies from significant stakeholders, security agency leaders, traditional…

The Kwara State Ease of Doing Business Council (EODBC) has organized a workshop to boost entrepreneur and investor access to credit facilities within the state for developing businesses. The aim of the one-day training held on Friday was to strengthen their businesses, build a strong network for exports, and better manage their portfolios for growth. The training exercise is titled “Access to Credit for Investors in Kwara State.” Key areas covered by speakers include streamlining the export certification process for investors; unlocking credit opportunities to empower investors with the financial tools they need; and managing debt and ensuring long-term financial…

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned House of Representatives that smoking-focused law could spike tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria. Presenting a memorandum on Friday to the Hon. Bassey Akiba-led House Committee on Healthcare Services in Abuja, CAPPA’s Zikorah Ibeh criticized the proposed National Tobacco Smoking Bill (HB 1151) as fundamentally flawed. The Guardian report noted that CAPPA pointed out that the Bill incorrectly refers to a non-existent “National Tobacco Smoking Act of 2015,” raising concerns about its credibility and understanding of tobacco control laws. If the intended reference is the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015, CAPPA argued…

The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for collaborative efforts from government stakeholders to fight against the spread of NOMA disease in Sokoto State. Samuel Joseph, a health expert with MSF, said NOMA is a preventable condition. He urged the government and community leaders to prioritise hygiene awareness and improve living conditions to protect citizens from the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NOMA is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face. Children at age 2 to 6-year-old are majorly affected, and NOMA health conditions are predominantly found among those living in poor communities. Research has…

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that the ongoing repairs of the transmission line of Ahoada-Yenagoa has been disrupted by vandals. The announcement noted that about three towers were pulled down and one-third of conductors were equally stolen. Local security personnel have been deployed to Ula Ikata in Ahoada East Local Government Area to secure the site until repairs are completed. According to TCN, efforts to replace the stolen conductors are ongoing as the transmission line will be energized from the Ahoada end for further theft. TCN revealed that despite the climate effect and environmental terrain, the repair…

To tackle the rising cancer rate in the country, the Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced plans to expand the cancer care network within four regions to boost treatment. Dr. Deborah Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Health at the 8th Kenya International Cancer Conference in Kisumu, announced this development on Friday. The conference was hosted by the Kenya Society of Haematology and Oncology (KESHO) with the theme “Advancing Cancer Care in Africa in a Rapidly Changing World.” The regional cancer centres are to be established in Kisumu, Kakamega, Meru, and Nyeri. The aims of the four centres are to assist…