Niger State has intensified efforts to address suspected cases of Buruli ulcer in Munya Local Government Area, as health authorities await laboratory results from samples collected from six affected residents. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this during a press briefing organised to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is an annual event designated by the World Health Organization to diseases that affect the poor and vulnerable populations. Bagana explained that residents of Munya had lived with the condition for years, resorting to traditional treatment methods that…
Author: Newsdesk
The Nigeria Prizes have opened entries for the 2026 cycle, with a focus on artificial intelligence, poetry and documentary filmmaking across science, literature and the creative arts. Mrs Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at Nigeria LNG Ltd. (NLNG), disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Horsfall said the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation would focus on innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence and digital technologies for development, following a no-winner outcome in the 2025 cycle. She added that the Nigeria Prize for Literature would spotlight poetry, while the…
The sudden withdrawal of funds for HIV/AIDS programmes following a recent U.S. policy on foreign aid could erode hard-won gains and put young Nigerians at risk, an expert has warned. Dr Nandul Durfa, Managing Director of Reach Care Foundation, an HIV/AIDS caregiving organization, told reporters on Sunday in Abuja that the Federal Government must fully fund HIV/AIDS services to prevent a relapse to the dark days of the epidemic. Durfa was reacting to a letter from the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), informing his organization of the termination of funding support. In the letter, signed by the institute’s Chief…
The Nigerian music industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of fast-rising singer Ifunanya, popularly known as Nanyah Music. Ashenews reports that the young artiste, who gained public attention after appearing on The Voice Nigeria, was said to have been bitten by a snake at her residence. According to reports, the incident happened at home, after which she was quickly taken to a hospital for treatment. Despite efforts by medical workers, she was later confirmed dead. The news of her passing spread rapidly online, leaving fans, fellow artistes and music lovers in shock. Nanyah Music was known for…
Indonesia has allowed Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, to resume operations. This comes after the company provided assurances to address concerns around harmful and illegal content. The decision, announced by Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, follows weeks of regulatory pressure after Grok was linked to the generation of sexualized and non-consensual images. This includes content involving women and minors. The government had imposed a temporary ban on the tool last month, citing violations of local laws and child protection principles. The Director General of Digital Space Supervision at the Ministry of Communication and Digital, Alexander…
Following the launch of “ALAT: The Evolution”, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has launched its 2026 Valentine’s campaign tagged “Evolution of Love, powered by Wema Bank”. Inspired by the “evolution” theme of its upgraded ALAT app, Wema Bank launched the “Evolution of Love” campaign with the goal of celebrating different forms of love experienced by customers, and how they have evolved over time. From self-love to friendship, romantic love to family, this campaign introduces a fresh twist to Valentine’s, decentralising romantic love and creating a space for every…
The Nigerian Army, under the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Civil–Military Cooperation Scheme, has renovated the 91-year-old Magajin Rafi Model Primary School in Sokoto State. This development followed the recommendation of the project executor and alumnus of the school, Maj.-Gen. Abbas Idris. Inaugurating the renovated school on Saturday, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idris Gobir, described the gesture as a “giving back” initiative that contributes significantly to the development of education in the state. Aliyu said: “Primary education remains the bedrock of societal development, it shapes future leaders and determines long-term success. “This is the…
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited over its alleged failure to account for N22.3bn, $49.7m, £14.3m and €5.2m in oil revenue. This was disclosed in a statement issued by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday The action follows allegations contained in the 2022 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, published on September 9, 2025, which documented multiple instances of unaccounted payments, abandoned contracts and irregular financial transactions by the national oil company. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/195/2026, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in…
200 intending Christian pilgrims from Lagos State have been airlifted to Israel and Jordan for a 10-day pilgrimage exercise. The pilgrims departed Lagos for Amman, Jordan, aboard chartered aircraft TAH 3103, signalling the start of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage. Ebunoluwa Olagoke, Director of Public Affairs, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos. According to Olagoke, NCPC representative, Venerable Joseph Chibuogwu, urged pilgrims to respond politely and truthfully to immigration and security officials. Chibuogwu assured them of adequate care, guidance and support from the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and the commission. He cautioned…
No fewer than 10, 000 residents of Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in Cross River are expected to benefit from a free healthcare service to be provided by Mr Bassey Akiba (APC-Cross River). Akiba representing the constituency, disclosed this at a media briefing with some selected journalists in Calabar on Saturday night. He said that the beneficiaries would access the free healthcare service through his dedicated National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) accredited cards. He explained that the aim of the initiative was to enable indigent members of his constituents have unhindered access to better medical facility irrespective of their financial status.…