Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Coordinator, Adamawa/Taraba National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Friday, Mr Sa’ad Bello,said there were currently less than 10,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa camps.
Bello told newsmen in Yola that there were, however, about
170,000 IDPs residing in host communities across the state.
He said that “there is significant reduction of IDPs living in camps in the state; the number reduced from over 60,000 to less than 10,000.
“At the peak of the insurgency, the agency recorded over 480,000 IDPs residing in host communities but now, there are about 170,000 IDPs living within the host communities.”
The coordinator explained that the departure of many IDPs from camps led to closure of four camps out of the nine in the state.
On IDPs feeding and accommodation, he said it was being handled by NEMA, in collaboration with other humanitarian agencies.
He said each camp also had a clinic, where the IDPs were being attended to, while those with serious ailments were being referred to Yola Specialist Hospital or the Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
He said “we also provide children with educational centres such as primary and Junior Secondary Schools.”
Bauchi
Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, in Bauchi on Monday called for synergy between his agency and the media in tackling some of the security challenges of the country.
Making the call when he visited the Bauchi Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abari said joint effort in sensitizing members on the need to shun acts that could jeopardize the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, was desirable now, than ever before.
According to him, the roles of the media have gone beyond the traditional “education, entertainment and enlightenment”, but have encompassed a greater challenge of “agenda setting” for the people.
He said that security challenges resulting from disagreements among people on issues that could otherwise be peacefully resolved, to other wider security issues, had made it paramount to intensify sensitization efforts, not only for people to embrace dialogue, but also become security conscious.
Borno
Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) on Sunday donated relief materials for the upkeep of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno.
Speaking while presenting the materials, Managing Director of NPA, Mrs Hadiza Bala-Usman, said that the gesture was aimed at bringing succour to the IDPs who were in need of help.
“The presentation of these items is aimed at supporting the Borno State Government in taking care of the IDPs.
“The NPA believes that there is the need to sustain its corporate and social responsible to the society,”
” We have noted with concern, the situation in the North-East and we are here to provide support to the State Government towards the upkeep of the displaced persons,” she said.
Bala-Usman, who is also a member of the ‘Bring-Back-Our-Girls’ group, commended the military for rescuing some of the Chibok school girls abducted by insurgents.
She expressed optimism that the remaining 195 students of the school still held in captivity, would also be rescued.
“I am an advocate for the rescue of the Chibok girls and I believe that the military has the capability to rescue our girls.
FCT
National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, said outcome of Thursday’s stakeholders’ meeting revealed that National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, lacked capacity to lead the party.
Ogidi stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, last Sunday
He said that walking out on former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, Board of Trustees (BoT) members and other prominent party leaders at the Abuja meeting “revealed the character of Sheriff and spoke a lot about him”.
According to him, Sheriff’s conduct on that occasion was not just disrespect for Jonathan but a proof that he cannot be trusted.
Sheriff had told newsmen that he walked out of the meeting convened by Jonathan to find solution to the party’s leadership crisis because he was not allowed to address the session in his capacity as national chairman.
Kaduna
Sourthern Kaduna Muslim Umma Development Association, has called on the Federal and Kaduna State Government to compensate victims of the 2011 post election violence.
The group is also pushing for fair treatment on issues affecting Southern Kaduna.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Adamu Kagarko, said in Kaduna on Sunday, while inaugurating sub-committees for the 30th anniversary of the association, the people have suffered long years of neglect.
He said that the association would push for the compensation and protection of all people in the area.
“We should get fair treatment on issues affecting our people,” he said, adding that in spite of the committees set up on the 2011 crisis and other conflicts in the area, “we have not been getting fair share in terms of reward and punishment.”
Kogi
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to establish a comprehensive health centre in the assembly premises for legislators and staff.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Alfa Rabiu (APC-Ankpa II), at plenary session in Lokoja on Friday.
The assembly, through the motion adopted by a voice vote, urged the state government to properly equip and post enough and qualified manpower to the health centre.
Soliciting support for the motion, Rabiu said the existing clinic in the assembly established by the 5th Assembly was incapacitated by dearth of equipment, medical and health personnel.
He said the clinic, in its present condition, lacked good facilities and equipment to provide the basic health needs of the legislators and staff.
Kwara
A group, The Concerned Citizens of Kwara State Yoruba (TCCKSY), has called on Gov.ernor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, to send a bill to the House of Assembly that would curtail the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
The group in a communiqué issued on Sunday, in Ilorin, at the end of its quarterly meeting, decried destruction of farms by cattle of the herdsmen.
The communiqué was signed by the group’s Chairman, Mr Michael Ologunde.
Ologunde said the bill was necessary in order to cut the wings of herdsmen that use their cattle to destroy crops during grazing.
Ologunde advised the state government to curb the activities of the herdsmen before they escalate and result to killings.
He also appealed to the state government to quickly address the suffering and hunger the people were passing through.
Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State last weekend said celebrating the state at 50 years amounted to celebrating Nigeria’s unity as Lagos provided the platform that kept the nation together.
Ambode stated this in Lagos at the opening of a drama exhibition entitled, “Wakaa the Musical” as part of 50-day activities heralding the May 27 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 via State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeria into a federation of 12 states from former four regions.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, the governor said Lagos was a land of opportunities which offered Nigerians the chance to succeed in their vocations and endeavours, and deserved to be fittingly celebrated.
Oyo
Rev. EmmanueI Agboola of the Faith Baptist Church, Ibadan, has urged Nigerian leaders to imbibe the leadership style of humility and service that Jesus Christ portrayed while on earth.
Agboola made the appeal while delivering a sermon at a church service to mark the celebration of the Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians across the world to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Agboola said that Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a young donkey.
“This was the Messiah that the Jews were anxiously waiting for, saviour that would bring back the glory of Israel.
“They expected him to rid their nation of oppressors, restore the kingdom of Israel and rule benevolently.
Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday, urged communities in Riyom local government area of Plateau to maintain the prevailing peace in the area by living in harmony.
Buratai gave the advice, while inaugurating a medical centre built by the army for troops of the Operation Safe Haven at Tigi in the local government and civilians in the community.
He said the centre was cited in the village as part of army efforts to enhance good relations between the people, communities in neighboring Kaduna State bordering the town and troops keeping the peace in those areas.
Communities in the area had witnessed ethno-religious and herdsmen/farmers clashes in the recent past.
“We must learn to live in peace and be our brother’s keeper, ” he said and urged the people to take advantage of the centre in addressing some of their health challenges.
Sokoto
A member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State (APC-Soskoto),Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, on Sunday, distributed empowerment materials to no fewer than 1,000 women and youths.
The materials distributed to one hundred groups, each with ten members include: sewing and grinding machines, as well as generators.
Similarly, the lawmaker donated N 30,000 to each of the groups, amounting to N3million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dasuki, who is representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, said that the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of some of the members of his constituency.
He said: “The gesture is part of efforts to fulfill our promises to the electorate.
“This is to reduce poverty, curb unemployment and youths’ restiveness, among other socioeconomic malaise.”
Nation
Youths Vow To Continue Protest Over Dilapidated Highway
Youths from five local government areas in Northern Cross River State have concluded a one-week warning protest and blockade of the dilapidated Ikom-Wula-Obudu federal highway over the weekend.
They have vowed to resume the road blocks if by this week the authorities do not intervene to fix the road.
More than five thousand locals, mostly youths from Obanliku, Etung, Obudu, Ikom and Boki LGAs trooped out everyday for one week, used palm trees to block the highway to draw state and federal government’s attention to their plights, requesting the repair of a road has has been unmotorable for about 40 years.
They warned that if they do not see any actions from the state or federal governments, they will resume their Plan B protest, stop revenue collections and make governance unpalatable.
The youths also warned that without interventions on the road which has claimed several lives, including that of last week when a pregnant woman died with her baby in the full glare of the protesters because of the terrible road, no election can hold in the area next year.
One of the leaders of the No Road , No Election protest, who is also the Abo Youths in Boki LGA, Dr Martins Assam said both the federal and state governments have neglected the region, which generates more than 70 percent state revenue from agriculture.
He said if machinery is not deployed by next week, they will not have any option than to embark on unpalatable and disastrous protest, and stop revenue collections in the area.
“Last week we had only a warning strike for one good week. We’ll embark on a more elaborate, disastrous one-month blockade of this highway until they intervene. We call on our Governor and representatives in the National Assembly to act now by impressing on the federal government to immediately fix this road else. We’re not asking for two much but to be treated as human beings.”
Another protester, Clinton Obi from the Etung axis said, “We’ve been neglected for 40 years. This Ikom-Obudu federal highway had been impassable. The government has removed its concentration from our plights. By this one week protest, we want action on this road otherwise the next phase of protest will be costly.”
Reverend Father Francis Amaozo, priest in charge of St. Nicholas parish in Nashua, Boki LGA said, “I have also been a victim of this very deplorable road. Enough is now enough. We’ve been betrayed by our representatives and other leaders, so that we in this axis have become endangered species on this road. I have lost some many members on this road.”
Member, representing the Boki-Ikom federal constituency of the state in the House of Representatives, Bisong Victor Abang had pleaded with the locals to be a bit more patient with the government as action will commence shortly.
Nation
UNIPORT VC Receives Inaugural Lecture Brochure As Professor Highlights Urgent Need For Drug Repurposing In Malaria Fight
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof Owunari Georgewill, last Thursday received the inaugural lecture brochure from the Inaugural Lecturer, Professor Udeme Georgewill, during a ceremony at the university’s Centre of Excellence attended by academics, researchers, students, and distinguished guests.
Delivering her lecture, Professor Udeme Georgewill described the occasion as the culmination of years of dedicated research, teaching, and service to humanity. He explained that his work as a pharmacologist has consistently focused on finding practical, affordable, and scientifically sound solutions to health challenges that disproportionately affect developing countries, particularly malaria, which remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health concerns.
She noted that Nigeria continues to bear one of the heaviest malaria burdens globally, accounting for a significant percentage of worldwide cases and deaths. The disease, largely caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite and transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes, remains especially dangerous for children under five years and pregnant women, threatening not only present populations but unborn generations. Despite years of intervention efforts, malaria continues to strain families, health systems, and the national economy.
Prof Georgewill empha-sised that while Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies such as Artemether-Lumefantrine remain the gold standard for malaria treatment, emerging resistance patterns pose a serious challenge. He explained that drug resistance is a survival mechanism of the parasite, enabling it to adapt and reduce the effectiveness of medications designed to eliminate it. According to her, instances where patients do not feel better after initial treatment sometimes lead to repeated dosing or the search for injectable alternatives, practices that can worsen resistance and complicate treatment outcomes.
Against this backdrop, she advocated strongly for drug repurposing as a strategic and urgent response. Drug repurposing, he explained, involves identifying new therapeutic uses for already approved and widely available medications. He likened the concept to “old wine in new wineskins,” stressing that medicines already proven safe for certain conditions can be carefully re-evaluated and optimised for new roles in malaria management. This approach, she argued, offers advantages such as reduced research timelines, lower development costs, and faster clinical application compared to developing entirely new drugs from scratch.
She disclosed that her research had progressed from laboratory investigations to clinical evaluations, where his team is studying combinations involving Artemether-Lumefantrine and Ivermectin to determine their effectiveness in improving treatment outcomes and possibly reducing transmission. Clinical trials are ongoing, and findings will be communicated upon completion of regulatory processes. However, he cautioned strongly against self-medication, warning that misuse of drugs without proper diagnosis and prescription can lead to organ damage, treatment failure, and increased resistance.
Referencing global health commitments, Prof Georgewill highlighted Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, which seeks to end epidemics of malaria and other major infectious diseases by 2030. She questioned whether the goal remains attainable under current realities, especially with growing resistance and funding gaps. He also referred to strategies of the World Health Organisation aimed at drastically reducing malaria incidence and mortality while pushing toward elimination in several countries.
Looking ahead, she revealed that her team is building comprehensive research databases to support artificial intelligence-driven drug repurposing. He stressed that the integration of artificial intelligence, molecular docking, and advanced screening technologies is transforming global drug discovery, and Nigerian researchers must be equipped to participate competitively in this evolving scientific landscape.
In her recommendations, she called for the establishment of a National Centre for Drug Repurposing to coordinate research efforts and leverage artificial intelligence in identifying new indications for existing medicines. He urged policymakers to simplify and accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical application, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs benefit the public more efficiently. She also appealed to the university and relevant authorities to increase funding and modernise laboratory infrastructure, including high-throughput screening facilities, to strengthen Nigeria’s position in global biomedical research.
The lecture concluded with expressions of gratitude to God, the university leadership, colleagues, students, and guests, as the event underscored the University of Port Harcourt’s commitment to research excellence and its role in addressing critical public health challenges facing Nigeria and the wider world.
Nation
Niger CAN Rejects Proposed Hisbah Bill, Urges Gov Bago Not To Assent
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State Chapter, has rejected the proposed Niger State Hisbah Directorates Bill, describing it as controversial and capable of deepening religious division in the state.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, and made available to The Tide’s source yesterday, the association urged Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago not to assent to the bill if it is passed by the State House of Assembly.
The bill, sponsored by the member representing Chanchaga Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar, seeks to establish a Hisbah Directorate in Niger State.
CAN warned that the legislation could be perceived as discriminatory against Christians and may heighten tension in the religiously diverse state.
“Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, we, the entire Christendom in the state, wish to draw your attention to what could easily create division among the people you govern,” the statement read in part.
The association questioned the necessity and benefits of the proposed law, asking what economic or social value it would add to the state.
It further argued that existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, already have constitutional mandates to maintain law and order.
The Christian body also faulted the legislative process, disputing claims that it was consulted during a public hearing on the bill.
It insisted that it was neither invited nor notified of any such engagement, despite being a critical stakeholder in the state.
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