The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its collective commitment to ending tuberculosis as a public health threat, urging stronger action, investment, and accountability to accelerate progress across Africa and globally. Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, made the pledge in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, marking World Tuberculosis Day 2026. The day, themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” is observed annually on March 24. He said Africa continues to face a heavy tuberculosis burden, with the disease claiming one life every 83 seconds, underscoring the urgent need for intensified interventions across prevention, detection,…
Author: Newsdesk
Cocoa farmers and dealers across Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara states have bemoaned the sharp fall in the price of the commodity, describing it as unexpected and a major setback for the industry. Cocoa prices in Nigeria reportedly plummeted by about 70 per cent, from historic highs of N2.5 million per tonne to about N700,000 per tonne in many parts of the country between late 2024 and early 2025. In a survey conducted by reporters, stakeholders called for a review of the Executive Bill presented to the National Assembly in 2025 for the creation of a National Cocoa Board. Those interviewed…
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank says it is not involved in the arrest or detention of individuals over criticism of its services and respects customers’ right to speak out and provide feedback. Mr Bemigho Awala, Public and Media Relations Manager of the bank, made the clarification while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos. Awala said the institution neither arrested nor requested the arrest of anyone for criticising its services. “I would like to reiterate that Moniepoint did not arrest, detain, or request the arrest of anyone for criticising its services,” he said. He stressed that, as a financial institution, the bank recognises…
Story By: Bashar Muhammad Dange A humanitarian worker, Shehu Ibrahim Dange, has been appointed Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Sokoto State Branch. In a statement announcing his elevation, Dange described the development as a “call to service” rather than a moment for celebration, urging colleagues, mentors, and stakeholders to support him through prayers, encouragement, and active partnership. Dange, a member of the Counselling Association of Nigeria and an associate of the Safety Management Institute of Nigeria, also serves with the National Disaster Response Team. He currently chairs the Dange Youths Forum. READ ALSO: Kwara, UNICEF launch mental…
Environment stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration, policy enforcement, and public participation to improve waste management in Lagos State. The call was made at the annual conference of the Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. In her welcome address, PEWAN Chairman, Mrs Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, stressed the need for improved funding, effective monitoring, and community participation in waste reduction efforts. Iroegbu-Chikezie emphasised that partnerships with the private sector and local communities are critical to improving waste management outcomes and enhancing quality of life. The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa…
The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated integrated mental health and psychosocial support services for residents of Woro and Oke-Ode communities. Reports indicate that terrorists attacked Woro community in February 2026, killing more than 100 people, including pregnant women and children, and leaving survivors traumatised, displaced, and vulnerable. The programme includes the training and inauguration of volunteers comprising teachers, health workers, social workers, and community leaders. The volunteers are expected to provide multi-sectoral support and coordinated psychosocial interventions for survivors, with a particular focus on women and children. Mr Wilfred Mamah, UNICEF…
Circularity Africa, a sustainability, climate, and environmental organisation, has empowered 145 waste recovery officers to mark the 2026 World Recycling Day. The Founder and Managing Director of the group, Mr Seunfunmi Ogungbure, said on Wednesday during the handover of recycling equipment that the initiative would tackle plastic pollution in Lagos State. Ogungbure said the empowerment of waste material recovery officers was aimed at preventing marine litter, plastic pollution, and plastic waste from entering water bodies. “Today, we are distributing recycling equipment to 145 material recovery officers who are members of the communities we serve. “As part of efforts to reach…
Stakeholders have called for greater societal acceptance of children with special needs during the fifth Inclusive Interschool Sports Day organised by The Engraced Ones on Wednesday in Abuja. The event featured children from School of Grace and GraceLane Miracle (Inclusive) School, alongside other supporting institutions, promoting inclusion, dignity, and shared humanity through sports and interactive activities. Chairman of the occasion, Chinedu Enemor, said the event encouraged society to move beyond pity toward acceptance and support for children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. “It is about identifying with people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other…
Prof. Charles Adetunji, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) research expert, says AI can make Nigeria’s decentralised solar mini-grids smarter, cheaper, and more reliable, directly improving rural electrification. Adetunji said this in an interview with reporters on Wednesday in Abuja. “AI can transform Nigeria’s decentralised solar mini-grids by enabling smarter energy distribution, proactive maintenance, and demand forecasting, helping communities achieve reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity access,” he said. According to him, AI can also optimise grid performance, reduce costs, and ensure that limited resources are used efficiently, especially in areas where traditional grid expansion is not feasible. Speaking on the key roles…
A Federal High Court has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and their merchant vessel, marked MV Nord Bosporus and slammed them with a fine of $6 million as well as another penalty of N1.1 million for importing 20 kilograms of cocaine from Santos, Brazil, into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos. Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested the Filipino sailors four months ago. The merchant vessel and the sailors were arrested following the seizure of 20 kilograms of cocaine on board the ship by NDLEA officers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on 16th November 2025.…