Author: Samiat Yusuf Moshood

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported an increase in Lassa fever cases during week 39 of 2024, with nine new infections confirmed in Ondo and Edo states. According to the NCDC’s latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the total number of cases this year has risen to 1,018 across 28 states, with 172 deaths recorded. This reflects a slight increase in the Case Fatality Rate (CFR), now at 16.9%. The majority of cases have been reported in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states, which together account for 68% of all confirmed infections in 2024. The NCDC highlighted…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the MacArthur Foundation for its significant role in advancing Nigeria’s development and democracy over the past 30 years. Speaking at an event marking the Foundation’s 30th anniversary in Abuja on Wednesday, the Vice President called for a strengthened partnership between the Foundation and the federal government to expedite the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s programs and policies. Represented by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, VP Shettima highlighted the importance of collaboration in governance, stating, “No government can, or should, function in isolation. The success of every…

Nigeria will continue to strengthen its relationship with Japan to enhance trade and explore new opportunities in areas such as infrastructure development, food security, and health, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima. The Vice President assured the Japanese government of Nigeria’s commitment to resolving any outstanding issues in their bilateral relations, while also fostering deeper cooperation between the two nations. Shettima made these remarks during a visit from a Japanese delegation led by outgoing Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He assured the delegation that any “grey areas”…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the need for Nigeria to prioritize girl child education, calling for a united effort to eliminate gender-based barriers to quality education. Addressing the International Conference on Girl Child Education held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima emphasized that government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector must collaborate to ensure every Nigerian child has access to quality education. Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Shettima stated, “The dignity of the girl child defines every civilization. We must champion reforms within our communities to…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC), urging its members to adopt global best practices to reduce traffic accidents across the country. The Vice President emphasized the importance of setting National Road Safety Strategy targets and ensuring seamless coordination between federal, state, and local governments to achieve shared road safety goals. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima highlighted the critical role of road safety, describing it as “a vital part of the lifeline that connects the people of this nation.” He commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s approach to the fuel subsidy crisis, referring to him as “TPain” in a tweet on Thursday. Atiku attributed Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including rising inflation, to what he called the “haphazard and disingenuous” fuel subsidy management by the Tinubu administration. In his statement, Atiku expressed deep concern over the escalating inflation rate, which he said is worsening the lives of ordinary Nigerians. He criticized Tinubu for appearing unconcerned by the growing hardships faced by citizens, noting that the economic situation shows no signs of improving. “The haphazard and disingenuous…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved ₦10 million in compensation for the families of five police officers who tragically lost their lives in a road accident. The officers were returning from duty during the Edo State governorship election in September when the accident occurred in Karfi, Kura LGA, Kano State. This was disclosed by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, who revealed that eight of the injured officers had been discharged, while three remain hospitalized. To provide further assistance, Egbetokun also approved ₦2 million each for the officers still receiving treatment and ₦500,000 for those who have been discharged.…

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has directed the State Pension Bureau to commence the immediate screening and payment of gratuities to Local Government pensioners who retired in 2011. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo. In a statement, the commissioner noted that the directive follows an earlier approval in August 2024, where the governor approved the payment of gratuities to pensioners under the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2010. “The general public, especially Local Government Pensioners, is hereby informed that His Excellency, the Executive Governor…

In a bid to address Nigeria’s escalating food insecurity, rising food prices, and persistent shortages, Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, the representative of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, has called for strict enforcement of the Export Prohibition Act of 1989. Hon. Shagaya recently moved a motion in the House of Representatives, urging the government to reinvigorate the implementation of this crucial legislation. The Act, which criminalizes the export and smuggling of essential food items, was originally designed to safeguard access to basic dietary staples for Nigerians during periods of crisis. However, its enforcement has been largely ineffective due to regulatory lapses…

Conrad Utaan, a chairmanship aspirant for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has issued a stark warning that the All Progressives Congress (APC) could secure an easy victory in the 2027 elections if the internal crisis within the PDP remains unresolved. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Utaan pointed out that the ongoing rift has rendered the party’s key figures ineffective and significantly tarnished its image among Nigerians, once considered a formidable alternative to the ruling APC. The PDP has been grappling with internal disputes since the lead-up to the 2023 elections, with many blaming the acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for…