The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says that with 318 confirmed cases and 70 deaths, the case fatality rate (CFR) now stands at 22 per cent, raising urgent questions about early detection, treatment access, and state-level preparedness in the country’s most affected areas. Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing on Lassa fever. Idris said that only five states account for 91 per cent of confirmed cases, adding that just 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) are responsible for 68 per cent. He disclosed that 15 healthcare workers…
Author: Newsdesk
The Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) on Friday pledged to strengthen its continental partnerships through the African Fintech Network to enable Nigerian AI solutions to scale across Africa without unnecessary barriers. Dr. Stanley Jacob, President of FintechNGR, made the pledge at the InnovateAI 2026 Conference in Lagos, themed “Responsible AI: Beyond Innovation.” Jacob noted that despite concerns over regulatory uncertainties, infrastructural gaps, and limited patient capital in Nigeria, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven fintech firms are still building globally competitive solutions. The organization also pledged to deepen national partnerships and engagements to encourage the growth of AI-driven fintechs within Nigeria. “AI is…
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the persistent circulation of substandard and falsified veterinary drugs, citing weak regulatory compliance and uncoordinated importation practices. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar, raised the concern at a National Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the quality and regulation of veterinary medicines on Friday in Abuja. Mukhtar said inadequate oversight of local manufacturing and distribution channels had allowed poor-quality products to enter the market, with livestock farmers often unknowingly purchasing ineffective drugs. According to him, this results in treatment failure, economic losses and avoidable livestock deaths, undermining productivity in the sector. He noted that the…
Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Park Service (NPS), on Friday in Abuja urged retiring staff members to engage in meaningful post-service activities to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Goni made the call at the pull-out ceremony held in honor of Conservator of Parks (CP) Abubakar Kaigama. He said proactive preparation was necessary to maintain stability after retirement. He also urged serving officers to build lasting legacies and mentor others who would carry on their responsibilities. Goni commended Kaigama for his outstanding service, emphasizing that he is an intelligent, patient and proactive officer who has served at various levels…
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says 14 million Nigerian children have had their births officially registered in the past two years, marking significant progress in legal identity coverage. UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Abdelatef, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House, Abuja. Abdelatef described birth registration as a fundamental right of every child, noting that the scale of progress recorded in Nigeria within a short period was remarkable compared to other countries where she has served. “Birth registration is the first right of every child — to be counted…
The Enugu State Government says this year’s edition of Enugu Tech Festival 2026 (ETF 2.0) will feature digital skills training and certification for 67,000 physical and virtual participants. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed this on Friday during a news conference on the upcoming event. He said the festival is scheduled to hold between Tuesday and Friday at the Enugu International Conference Centre. Ezeh said trainers from the UK, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, would deliver the sessions over three days, with the 67,000 participants receiving international certification upon completion of the programme. According to him,…
A Professor of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Faith Ibrahim, has urged the Federal Government to invest in and subsidize cold-chain infrastructure for local farmers to tackle post-harvest losses. Ibrahim, of the School of Agricultural Management and Extension Technology at Federal University of Technology Minna, made the call in an interview with reporters on Friday in Lagos. She decried the near non-existence of cold-chain infrastructure in the country and appealed for government intervention to reduce post-harvest losses. “Cold-chain infrastructure is virtually non-existent beyond major cities here in Nigeria. “We need decentralized solar-powered cold rooms at collection points, mobile refrigerated transport…
The Oyo State Government has sealed off Ar-Rahmon Khabul Herbal Nigeria Limited, located at 20 Cele, Off Tioya Oritamerin Road, Ibadan, over confirmed environmental violations and public health concerns. The Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon Justice Aderonke Aderemi (rtd), said on Friday that the enforcement action was carried out by officials of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. According to her, the enforcement followed multiple petitions from residents alleging persistent offensive odour and health challenges linked to the company’s operations. She said that “the action is…
Tomato farmers in Kogi are experiencing improved yields and higher incomes following the introduction of new measures aimed at reducing post-harvest losses. Asheews gathered through a survey conducted by NAN revealed that the initiatives, led by the state Agricultural Extension Officers and farmer cooperatives, are gradually transforming the tomato industry in the state. According to Mr Salihu Adobanyi, the state Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), the measures include improved post-harvest handling, training programmes for rural farmers, and the use of ventilated plastic crates. He said, “These efforts have reduced physical damage during transportation and prevented spoilage. “Additionally,…
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has supported the African University of Science and Technology (AUST) to strengthen advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and research in Nigeria. The AfDB said this in a statement on its website. The support comes through the Nelson Mandela Institute, African Institutions of Science and Technology (NMI–AIST) Project, implemented in two phases from 2010 to 2022, enhancing postgraduate training and research ecosystems across Africa. AUST is one of three centres of excellence under the initiative, alongside International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) and Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and…