The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, while many more attempt it. WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has called for a “shift in the narrative” to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and encourage open, compassionate conversations about suicide. Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, marked every September 10, Tedros said: “Each life lost leaves a deep impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.” Suicide affects all age groups. In 2021, it was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29, according to WHO’s most recent data. It…
Author: Editor
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has joined hands with the Clinton Health Access Initiative to improve primary healthcare and save more children’s lives in the state. The Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, said this during a three-day workshop to create the Lagos State Five-Year Routine Immunization Roadmap (2026–2030). He explained that the new plan is meant to close gaps in vaccine coverage and make sure every child in the state, no matter where they live, has access to life-saving vaccines. Dr. Mustafa described immunization as more than just a health measure. He called it a…
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has stopped illegal building activities and demolished over 30 unauthorized foundations at River Park Estate, citing violations of planning rules and revoked lease agreements. According to the FCTA, some developers continued construction despite the withdrawal of their leases and a ministerial committee’s recommendation that all undeveloped plots in the estate should be reclaimed by the government. The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, led the enforcement exercise on Wednesday after receiving reports that developers were working day and night to beat the directive. “About a week ago, at the Honorable Minister’s office, two committees…
Helping researchers who focus on health problems is seen as an important step to solving Nigeria’s many health issues. These health problems include common diseases like malaria, Lassa fever, yellow fever, cholera, and meningitis. There are also growing problems like high death rates for mothers and children, as well as serious illnesses like cancer and kidney disease. Even though there have been international efforts to help, these problems still exist. This shows Nigeria needs to find its own solutions. To help solve this, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) started the NIMR Foundation in 2021. The goal of the…
Dangote Cement Plc says it has paid more than N3.3 trillion in dividends to shareholders in the last 15 years, in addition to strong capital gains from its stock. The company’s new Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, disclosed this on Wednesday during a “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), where he assured investors of sustained good returns. Ikazoboh, who recently succeeded Aliko Dangote, pledged to uphold corporate governance standards and create long-term value for stakeholders. Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, said Dangote Cement plans to raise its installed capacity to 66.4Mta by 2030 through greenfield and brownfield…
Despite Nigeria’s vast landmass of over 900,000 square kilometres, land is becoming increasingly difficult to access and use effectively. The problem, according to Professor Bamidele Ogunleye, lies not in physical shortage but in poor governance, insecure tenure, weak institutions, and inequitable distribution. Ogunleye, a Professor of Urban Land Use, Housing and Spatial Analysis at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), raised the concerns during the university’s 185th inaugural lecture held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium. His lecture, themed “Land: Abundant Yet Scarce,” highlighted Nigeria’s paradox of abundance amid scarcity. The don described land as…
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, has condemned the unlawful detention of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), by the Ekiti State Police Command. Atanda was arrested on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in Ado-Ekiti, following a petition by Abayomi Fasina, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), who accused the journalist of cyberbullying, blackmail and criminal defamation. According to information available to the IPC-SPJ Hub, Atanda was detained for more than eight hours at the headquarters of the Ekiti State Police Command on the…
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne Area II Command, has intercepted 20 containers laden with illicit drugs and contraband goods valued at over N13 billion. Outgoing Comptroller of the command, Mr. Muhammad Babandede, disclosed this on Wednesday in Onne while handing over the seizures. Babandede, who was recently promoted to Assistant Comptroller General and redeployed to Lagos, described the operation as his parting assignment at the command. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health and safety, lamenting that some individuals continue to abuse illicit medicines without professional guidance. “For instance, Codeine syrup and Tramadol may be abused because…
At least 10 children have died following an outbreak of diphtheria in parts of Niger State, raising concerns among communities and health authorities. Dr. Mohammed Gana, permanent secretary in the ministry of tertiary health care, confirmed the outbreak in Minna, saying it was recorded in Agaie and Bida local government areas. According to him, the rising casualties were largely due to low immunisation uptake, as many parents had refused to vaccinate their children. He, however, assured that the situation was now under control, with the state government working alongside health partners to contain further spread. Reports indicate that several affected…
Ambassador Dalhatu Abubakar Iya (Prince DH), a man I hold in the highest esteem, recently reached out to me with a special invitation. He wanted me to participate in Crusaders Radio’s 7th anniversary webinar series—particularly the session scheduled for Thursday, 11th September 2025, at 7:30 pm on Google Meet. The theme is striking: “The role of media and citizen journalism in promoting citizens’ engagement in Niger State governance, and ways to bridge the gap between citizens and government.” A topic so timely and so relevant, not only for Niger State but for the entire nation. Indeed, as Tocqueville once said,…