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…
Author: Editor
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,…
The Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahamoud Youssouf, has urged the international community to provide unwavering support for Africa in the global climate transition, stressing that climate justice is a right, not a favour. Youssouf, represented by AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, made the call on Wednesday at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The summit, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development,” brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss how to align Africa’s development priorities with global climate goals. According to Youssouf,…
The United Nations has released $5 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to cushion the impact of severe floods forecast in Nigeria. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said the intervention is part of proactive measures to support vulnerable communities and complements an earlier $2 million allocation from the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund. UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told journalists in New York on Wednesday that the funds will enable partners to provide food, cash, and shelter assistance to about 350,000 people in Adamawa State, one of the areas at high risk of flooding. In a related development, the UN…
The Federal Government has signed a comprehensive Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate solar energy adoption in Nigeria. Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the agreement was formalised by the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and ISA Director-General, Mr. Ashish Khanna, during the Alliance’s Seventh Regional Committee Meeting for Africa held in Accra, Ghana. The event brought together African governments, development partners, and financial institutions to chart a common pathway for expanding…
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, has urged deeper partnerships between Africa and Europe to tackle the climate crisis and unlock green growth opportunities. Speaking at the Second Africa–EU Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ribera emphasised that Africa and Europe must work together to accelerate climate action under the theme: “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” “Working together on the great challenges is the best way to strengthen knowledge and response capacity, to identify effective measures, to learn from our neighbours, and to join…
The Federal Government has once again cautioned farmers and food vendors against using harmful substances to process and preserve food, stressing the grave health risks to consumers. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Olatunji Bello, gave the warning on Wednesday at a One-Day Sensitisation Programme on Forced Palm Oil, Ripening of Fruits, Contaminated Meat and Grains in Enugu. Addressing farmers, food processors, vendors, and business owners, Bello described them as critical players in the nation’s food security and public health. He urged them to avoid harmful chemicals in food processing, uphold hygiene standards…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that fixing the power crisis in Nigeria’s hospitals is now a national priority, describing unreliable electricity in health facilities as a life-threatening challenge that demands urgent action. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the maiden National Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector on Tuesday in Abuja, the President said reliable and affordable power is central to improving healthcare delivery and restoring public confidence. He commended the collaboration between the Ministries of Health and Power, describing it as proof of his administration’s commitment to synergy…
Some people living in the FESTAC area of Lagos have praised the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) for doing a good job collecting waste quickly and efficiently. Residents shared their thoughts in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday, saying that waste collection has improved compared to how it used to be. Before LAWMA started regular collections, people mostly relied on informal waste collectors, known as “Abokis,” to take away their household waste. But now, residents say LAWMA is more dependable, showing up every Thursday and sometimes on Sundays. This regular service has helped reduce illegal…