An NGO, Sightsavers Nigeria, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has mobilised 87 District Heads to support the administration of azithromycin to 1.2 million children in Sokoto State. Speaking at an engagement meeting on Thursday, Sightsavers State Team Lead, Mr. Muhammad Ridwan, emphasised the importance of involving traditional rulers to strengthen community participation in statewide child health intervention programmes. Ridwan, who represented the Country Director, Prof. Joy Shu’aibu, said the current exercise marked the fifth round of the lifesaving intervention, noting that previous rounds recorded improved success with minimal challenges. He explained that the programme…
Author: Newsdesk
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, has attributed the rising cost of food items in the country to the activities of middlemen and increasing transportation costs. The Acting Chairman of AFAN in Lagos State, Mr. Sakin Agbayewa, disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Thursday in Lagos. Agbayewa said middlemen often exploit festive periods to hoard and resell food items at exorbitant prices. “There is no doubt that food prices are currently rising across the country, but some of the factors are man-made. “We are approaching the Ileya (Sallah) celebration, and foodstuff, especially vegetables, usually…
Nigeria is rapidly emerging as one of the most AI-engaged countries among its digitally active population, with adoption driven by practical utility rather than novelty, according to a new report by Wow Effect Communications. The report, titled “AI Adoption in Nigeria,” offers an evidence-based analysis of how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, work, business growth, and social inclusion across the country. A key finding shows that 88% of Nigerian respondents in a major international survey used at least one AI tool in the past 12 months. Additionally, 84% reported using generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. The…
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says no fewer than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have arrived in Madinah for the 2026 Hajj operations. According to NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were transported since the commencement of the Hajj airlift on Sunday. It was earlier reported that Saudi authorities approved 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. The pilgrims are expected to spend four days in Madinah before moving onward to Makkah. The inaugural flight, UMZA flight UMZ3501, departed on Sunday with 473 pilgrims from Kogi State (296 males and 177 females). This was followed by a Flynas flight…
Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Mr Wole Ogunsanya, has urged African countries to strengthen local capacity and harness their natural resources to secure their energy future amid global energy shifts. Ogunsanya made the call in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026 in Houston, Texas, USA. Speaking on the conference theme, “Africa’s Energy Transformation: Scaling Investments, Technology and Local Capacity for Sustainable Growth”, he said Africa must take urgent steps to secure its energy future. “The world is changing rapidly. Countries are becoming more regional in their economic and…
Usman Mohammed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of New Energy Services Company Ltd. (NESSCO), has urged Nigeria to accelerate its adaptation to the global energy transition to remain competitive in the evolving energy landscape. Mohammed made the call in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference 2026 in Houston, USA, where he highlighted the growing global shift from oil to gas and cleaner energy sources. He noted that advances in technology and rising investments in green energy are rapidly reshaping the global energy landscape. “Technology is evolving, and the world has effectively launched a…
Dr. Gideon Isika, an Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta, has urged journalists to promote peace amid Nigeria’s challenges. Lecture for World Press Freedom Day Isika made the call during a lecture to mark “World Press Freedom Day,” themed “Journalists as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building.” The event was organized by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) in Asaba on Wednesday. Media’s Role in Conflict Resolution He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in resolving conflicts, especially given Nigeria’s socio-economic and political issues. Fostering Peace and Unity He urged media…
The Kogi government has confirmed the safe rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja. Government Confirms Victims’ Rescue The confirmation was issued on Wednesday in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo. Attacks and Abductions It was reported that gunmen attacked the orphanage on April 26, abducting 23 pupils, including the proprietor’s wife. Initial Rescue Efforts The government had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 following intensified security operations across the state. Remaining Victims Rescued Fanwo said the remaining nine victims regained freedom during a rescue operation…
Guinness Nigeria Plc announced that the country has become the third-largest market for the Guinness brand worldwide, after Ireland and the United Kingdom. Company Reveals Market Status The Finance and Strategy Director, Mr. Mayank Kabra, disclosed this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Lagos. Guinness’ Deep Roots in Nigeria Kabra stated that Guinness has been deeply rooted in Nigeria for 76 years, with many consumers now perceiving it as a local brand. Nigeria’s Growing Market “The most interesting thing for us is that Nigeria is the third-biggest market for Guinness globally, after Ireland and the UK. Guinness has been…
The Lagos State Government and the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas on Wednesday signed the Lagos Primary Health Care Compact 2026–2036. The Compact is a 10-year financing and governance framework designed to revitalise primary health care across the state. Signed at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Financing Retreat in Lakowe, the agreement formalises joint stewardship between the state and local governments for sustainable health system funding and service delivery. It was signed on behalf of the state by Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi; Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; and Dr…