The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall for dozens of eye care products due to potential contamination that could lead to serious eye infections, including vision loss. The voluntary recall affects products sold under popular brands such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Leader, among others. The FDA announced that its investigators found unsanitary conditions and bacterial contamination at the manufacturing facility operated by Kilitch Healthcare India Limited. The products in question are primarily over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, artificial tears, and eye lubricants. Although no infections have been reported so far, the FDA warns that…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
It was a haunting Sunday, May 4, 2025, when a video surfaced online — not just any video, but a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in the heart of Lagos Island. As floodwaters swallowed homes, streets, and dreams, voices of despair rang louder than the thunder of the rain. Ajoke Balogun, a concerned resident, filmed the footage. Her voice cracked as she narrated scenes of devastation: people using planks, poles, and makeshift bridges to access what used to be roads. In the video, water lapped at doorsteps, and children waded through waist-deep floods to get home.…
Much more than a diplomatic visit, it was a profound gesture of partnership, trust, and mutual respect. In one of its initivities to mark a symbolic day for Europe (May 9, Europe Day), a powerful delegation of European Union (EU) diplomats and UN officials gathered in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria on Monday, May 5, 2025, to launch €60 million worth of health and social projects. But behind the numbers and handshakes was something deeper: a sincere celebration of culture, resilience, and shared humanity. Leading the EU delegation was Ambassador Gautier Mignot, accompanied by Ambassadors and Chargés from nine EU Member States.…
A professor of Enzyme and Environmental Biotechnology at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Folasade Olajuyigbe, has called for increased strategic investment in enzyme biotechnology, describing it as a vital tool for fostering sustainable economic growth and combating environmental degradation in Nigeria. Professor Olajuyigbe made the call while delivering FUTA’s 180th Inaugural Lecture on May 6, 2025. The lecture, titled “The Wonders of Enzymes: Glamour of a Clean and Healthy Environment,” emphasized the critical role of enzymes in promoting eco-friendly alternatives to harmful chemical processes and advancing a circular bioeconomy. Speaking at the event, Olajuyigbe, who also serves as…
Nigeria’s agricultural transformation agenda is being redefined with the Federal Government entering into a landmark $158.15 million agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the French Development Agency (AFD). The pact, signed at the State House in Abuja, sets the stage for an ambitious eight-year Value Chain Development Programme for Northern Nigeria (VCN), aimed at overhauling rural economies across nine states. By Abdallah el-Kurebe At the heart of this historic agreement lies a bold vision: to unlock the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria — a region often portrayed through the lens of insecurity and poverty. But now,…
President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso has announced that all childbirth services in the country will now be completely free. The decision, which takes effect immediately, is part of a larger national effort to make sure no mother or child is left behind when it comes to healthcare. For many women, especially those in rural areas, giving birth has long been a dangerous and expensive journey. According to the World Health Organization, Burkina Faso sees about 320 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births — far higher than the global average. For children, the statistics are just as concerning, with…
Africa, a continent abundant in natural resources and cultural diversity, continues to wrestle with a paradox: persistent conflicts amid aspirations for sustainable development. As peace initiatives struggle against the tide of political instability, insurgencies, and ethnic tensions, the question arises: How can Africa forge a path toward lasting peace and prosperity? Hotspots of conflict in Africa Across the continent, several regions remain embroiled in violent disputes: Sudan: Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has led to widespread humanitarian crises, internal…
By Abdallah el-Kurebe If I have entitlement to my opinion, I can say, without an ioter of confusion that, You, Muhammadu Umar Bago, a man I have never met eyeball-to-eyeball, is the best thing that has ever happened to Niger State. This position has not shifted from me but I will not dwell on my reasons in this piece. Governor Bago, you drew my attention when you contested to become the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Your fight to win was fierce and with resilience. Without ‘Presidential Influence’, you would have beaten Femi Gbajabiamila, hands down. Since then, you…
In a country where rice and brinjal are everyday staples, a quiet revolution is underway — one that could change not just diets, but destinies. Thanks to strategic communication efforts by scientific leaders like Arif Hossain and Dr. Abdul Momin, Bangladesh is steadily turning the tide on public skepticism toward genetically modified (GM) crops. At ABNE Biotechnology and Biosafety Global Virtual Study Tour of Brazil, Argentina, India, and Bangladesh, which took place from March 24 to 27, 2025, while Jiban Krishana Biswas, Former Director General of BRRI spoke on “Golden Rice in Bangladesh: History, Present Status & Future”, the Director…
The Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), an initiative coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO), marks its 25th anniversary on Monday. Since its inception in April 2000, the network has been at the forefront of the global fight against health emergencies. By leveraging the expertise of global partners – facilitating alerts, deploying rapid support capacities, and strengthening capacities – it has significantly enhanced country-level operations and strengthened regional development, playing a critical role in health preparedness and response. “GOARN is a vital part of the global health architecture,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Through the network, countries…