The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has commenced the construction of a 1.72-megawatt solar power plant valued at N3 billion (about $200 million) to enhance sustainable energy and academic excellence on campus. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this at a news conference in Lokoja ahead of the university’s 9th Convocation Ceremony. Akinwumi said the project, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank under the Energizing Education Programme, marks a significant stride towards energy independence and environmental sustainability. “This landmark project is a testament to the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational self-reliance,” he stated. He…
Author: Editor
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage across the country to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases. Sen. Tinubu, who is the wife of President Bola Tinubu, made the remark on Monday during the flag-off of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitization Campaign, organized under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in Port Harcourt. Represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the First Lady said the campaign was implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board,…
The Seyi Tinubu Drug Bank Initiative was on Monday inaugurated at the National Hospital, Abuja, to help reduce maternal and child mortality by providing free essential medicines to vulnerable women and children. Mr. Seyi Tinubu, represented by Mr. Ojeje Onimisi, said the initiative reflected his commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations and supporting government efforts to tackle maternal and child health challenges. “Our goal is to ensure that no woman or child dies due to lack of access to basic medicines,” Tinubu said, stressing the importance of equitable healthcare and sustainable interventions across Nigeria. The National Coordinator of…
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has congratulated Prof. Orji Uduma on his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Nwifuru’s message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to newsmen on Monday. The governor described the appointment, approved by the institution’s governing council, as a testament to Prof. Uduma’s outstanding academic pedigree and leadership qualities. “This appointment reflects your sterling leadership, immense contributions to philosophical scholarship, and commitment to national development. Over the years, you have brought honor and pride to Ebonyi and…
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all 192 wards across the state have functional and effective Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Deputy Governor Mr. Dennis Idahosa made the pledge on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo during a federal government-backed supervision and inspection of the Oghede PHC in Ovia North-East Local Government Area. The visit was part of an oversight exercise by the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare to assess the progress of the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, jointly supported by the World Bank and the Edo…
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for renewed national commitment to hand hygiene as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2025 Global Handwashing Day. Utsev made the call on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing to outline activities for the celebration, held annually on October 15. He said the event promotes handwashing with soap as one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent diseases and save lives. According to him, handwashing remains vital for hygiene, sanitation, and public health, adding that it reduces deaths from diarrheas’ by nearly half…
The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services on Monday held a one-day public hearing on three key bills aimed at advancing agricultural reform, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable economic growth. The hearing, chaired by Rep. Bello Ka’oje, served as a platform for engagement among major stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. Ka’oje said all submissions received would guide the Committee’s recommendations to the House. ALSO READ: National agric show: Driving innovation and food security in Nigeria, By Arc. Kabir Ibrahim The bills under consideration include: A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agricultural Development…
FAST Microfinance Bank (MFB) and the National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB) have launched FastWash, a financial product aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene across Nigeria. Announcing the initiative in Abuja on Monday, Mrs. Juliet Odigie, Acting Managing Director of FAST MFB, said FastWash was developed in partnership with global nonprofit Water.org to provide affordable financing for households, SMEs, and communities investing in water and sanitation projects. “The goal is to improve lives by enabling access to vital water and hygiene services,” Odigie said, adding that the initiative reflects FAST MFB’s belief that financial empowerment should…
In exercise of his discretionary power and authority to grant clemency under the Prerogative of Mercy principle, His Excellency, Mr. President, recently granted Presidential pardons to a total of 175 convicted persons serving jail sentences for various criminal offences. Some of those on the list included individuals on death row, and others who were pardoned posthumously. One name that stood out for us as a family is that of Maryam Sanda, a lady convicted and sentenced to death by the FCT High Court on Monday, 27th January 2020, for the premeditated and cold-blooded murder of her husband and our beloved…
Childhood cancer remains one of the most heart-breaking yet under-discussed health challenges in Nigeria, especially in rural communities. In these rural communities, awareness is low, healthcare facilities are inadequate, and early diagnosis is rare. While childhood cancer is curable in many cases when detected early, countless children in rural areas continue to lose their lives unnecessarily due to ignorance, late presentation, and lack of access to proper medical care. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), childhood cancer accounts for less than five per cent of all cancers but have a far-reaching impact on families and communities. In high-income countries,…