The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered a comprehensive anti-corruption review of federal road projects, reinforcing transparency and accountability in infrastructure delivery. Umahi disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the ‘Personality of the Year’ award from Al-Jazeera Newspaper Nigeria. He said the ministry invited Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to independently investigate road projects nationwide. “We wrote to ICPC to investigate all our projects, not on paper, but physically verify what the President is delivering. “We also wrote to EFCC. ICPC has concluded. We gave them space to check procurement processes. They…
Author: Newsdesk
Global child survival has improved over two decades, marking a major public health success, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which released new global estimates on child mortality trends this week in a report. Speaking at an online briefing on Thursday, Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said more than 10 million children died before the age of five in 2000, dropping to 4.9 million in 2024, according to new estimates. He attributed the progress to investments in vaccines, skilled birth care, nutrition treatment, and stronger primary healthcare systems, noting that millions of children survived because governments and partners scaled…
A new generation of drug delivery vehicles could deliver chemotherapy directly to post-surgical sites for patients with a rare form of brain cancer (glioblastoma), as well as those suffering from severe inflammatory skin diseases or hard-to-treat fungal infections, thanks to a £1 million University of Sheffield research project. The three-year project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and led by Professor Rob Short FTSE and Professor Nick Turner, will use Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) and molecular imprinting to deliver precision treatments for glioblastoma, autoimmune disease, and invasive fungal infections. While combining CAP and drugs is a…
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a deal with UK-based Asset Green Ltd to develop a $500 million large-scale dairy project in Nigeria. The agreement was disclosed in a statement issued by NSIA on Wednesday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in London on Tuesday. The initiative is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported dairy products, strengthen food security, and boost local production capacity across the country. The statement outlines a framework for collaboration between both parties, including commitments towards project development costs ahead of a formal shareholders’ agreement. It highlights the strategic importance…
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,…
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…