In Niger State, a troubling outbreak has emerged, affecting the lives of many residents in communities such as Ekoko, Tutijinba, Banin Bida, Laruta, and Edogifu. The local health authorities confirmed that as of January 20, 2025, 24 individuals have been hospitalized due to a mysterious illness that has left them vulnerable and fearful. The story begins with the index case reported on January 9, 2025—a focal person at the Laruta Primary Health Centre who experienced debilitating stomach cramps and headaches before collapsing. This incident sent shockwaves through the community, prompting health officials to mobilize quickly. The Commissioner of Primary Health,…
Author: Tina George
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Government has rolled out a “Safe Space” initiative in schools under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project. The programme which is in collaboration with the World Bank aims to transform the lives of adolescent girls in 522 schools across the state, providing them with life skills, mentorship, and support to boost their education and confidence. At a stakeholder workshop held in Minna to validate the Safe Space Life Skills Manual, Dr. Isah Adamu, AGILE’s Life Skills and Safe Space Team Lead, highlighted the critical challenges facing girls in the state.…
ASHENEWS reports that the Director General of the Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah has confirmed that 50 people were burnt in the tanker explosion that occurred this morning in Dikko. In a statement issued by the Agency, the DG said that the incident occured at about 9 am along Dikko-Maje road opposite Baddegi fuelling station in Suleja local government area. “The incident occurred when a tanker loaded with PMS crashed, and an attempt was made by the drivers to transfer its contents to a second tanker. “In the process, the spilled PMS came in contact with…
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. The Governor described the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate while calling on the people to always act responsibly and make their safety a priority. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured. Bago then directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging the Security…
In a significant stride toward bolstering healthcare services, the Katsina State Government has completed the renovation and upgrade of 168 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) across its 34 Local Government Areas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide round-the-clock critical healthcare services to residents. The comprehensive upgrades encompass infrastructure improvements, provision of essential medical equipment, construction of staff quarters, installation of perimeter fencing, and the establishment of reliable water supply and solar lighting systems in all facilities. In addition to infrastructural enhancements, the state has invested in human resources by training over 5,000 healthcare workers in integrated PHC…
An Endocrinologist, Dr Ayuba Mugana of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, says consumption of dates fruit can reduce the risk of cancer and brain diseases.
ASHENEWS reports that Women-led Organizations in Gender-Based Violence in Niger state have called for increased budget allocation in sexual and gender based violence to end violence against women and girls in the state. The group also called on governments at all levels to step up collaboration with state actors and the private sector. This call was made by the group during a Press Conference in Minna. The State Coordinator of the WARD-C Implementation Working Group, Mrs Hassana Joan Kpetu said the call became necessary following the adverse effect SGBV is having on the society. “We are just requesting 0.05% of…
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, made an appearance at the Minna High Court No. 2 before Justice Mikailu to defend the state government in a case involving land acquisition. The case was filed by eight plaintiffs from Gurara community against the Niger State Governor as the first defendant and the Commissioner as the second defendant. Magaji stated that his presence in court was necessitated by the lack of lawyers handling cases for the ministry adding that his appearance would also encourage the counsels to put in their best. He emphasized that…
Read with the understanding that we all have scars and everyone is a potential person with disability. If you are in doubt of this, please reach out to me on how and why you are a potential person with disability. Disability, is often defined as a physical, mental, sensory, or intellectual impairment that, when combined with social and environmental factors, limits a person’s full and effective participation in society. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes disability as a complex interaction between an individual’s health condition and the social and environmental barriers they encounter. Disabilities can be temporary or permanent and…
ASHENEWS reports that the lack of defined roles for the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) was a bone of contention during the 2024 budget screening of the Ministry and Agency at the state House of Assembly. The Legislators who were conducting the screening wondered the exact roles the Humanitarian Ministry and NSEMA are carrying out in the state while noting that the budget for NSEMA seems higher than that of the Ministry. The Chairman of the Committee of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs, Honorable Afiniki Dauda, said there were no defined streamlined…