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Reps Launch Probe into Federal College of Alternative Medicine Over Fund Misuse, Prolonged Closure

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the operations and financial activities of the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja, amid growing concerns over alleged mismanagement and the institution’s prolonged closure.

This followed the adoption of a motion at Wednesday’s plenary sponsored by Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi and four other lawmakers, who raised alarm over the college’s non-functional status and questionable disbursement of funds spanning more than a decade.

Established in 2008 as a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health, the college was created based on recommendations from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to advance the practice of homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. The institution derives its legal backing from the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act, Cap. M8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

In 2018, government efforts to integrate traditional medicine into Nigeria’s healthcare system culminated in the establishment of the Department of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Health.

However, while leading the debate, Gbefwi expressed concern that academic activities at the college have been suspended since October 16, 2010, following an order by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which shut down its degree programmes due to lack of accreditation.

Despite the shutdown, Gbefwi revealed that the college’s interim management—appointed by the Health Ministry after suspending the original leadership in 2011—has continued to receive and expend capital and overhead allocations totaling hundreds of millions of naira.

> “In 2016, a staff member was named Acting Head of Administration to run the institution, even though it has remained academically dormant,” he noted.

The lawmaker cited numerous petitions and counter-petitions accusing both Ministry officials and the college’s management of financial misconduct, unauthorized disbursement of public funds, and administrative abuses that have caught the attention of anti-corruption agencies.

He also condemned the continued appointment of a Sole Administrator to run the College, saying it violates the Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (Establishment) Act, 2021, which outlines a different governance structure.

> “The House is alarmed by reports of illegal staff suspensions, unpaid entitlements, arbitrary dismissals, and irregular recruitments carried out without due process,” Gbefwi stated.

In response, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House Committee on Specialty Healthcare to launch a comprehensive probe into the financial mismanagement, administrative irregularities, and legal violations surrounding the college. The committee will also examine the circumstances behind the NUC’s closure directive and the reasons for the institution’s continued non-operational status.

The investigation is expected to uncover the facts and recommend

Trade Your Escalade for Innoson: Atiku Dares Tinubu to Back ‘Nigeria First’ with Action

By
Roland Edet
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…Says Leading by Example Will Do More for Local Industries Than Empty Rhetoric

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate genuine support for Nigeria’s local industries by ditching his foreign-made luxury vehicles in favor of homegrown alternatives like Innoson or Nord automobiles.

Atiku, in a strongly worded statement titled “Nigeria First Policy: Trade Your Escalade for Innoson Motors” and signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the Federal Government’s recent “Nigeria First” policy as a hollow public relations gimmick.

> “The Tinubu administration’s latest ‘Nigeria First’ mantra, paraded through the Federal Executive Council, is nothing but another tired PR stunt—designed to deceive, not deliver,” Atiku said.

He challenged the President to lead by example, starting with his official car:

> “We challenge President Tinubu to stop the noise and trade in his beloved Escalade for an Innoson, Nord or any made-in-Nigeria car. That single act will do more to promote local industry than a thousand policy memos.”

Atiku didn’t stop at cars. He also questioned the government’s sincerity in promoting Nigerian tourism and healthcare, urging Tinubu to abandon his foreign vacations and overseas medical checkups.

> “If he’s serious about patriotism, his next vacation should be at Obudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Reserve, or Erin Ijesha Waterfalls. And if ‘Nigeria First’ really means anything, let the President undergo his next medical check-up at LUTH, UCH Ibadan, or the ₦41 billion Akwa Ibom Specialist Hospital,” the statement added.

Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of hypocrisy, saying the call for Nigerians to make sacrifices rings hollow when leaders continue to indulge in foreign luxuries.

> “True leadership isn’t about photo-ops or soundbites—it’s about setting the tone through action. Nigeria deserves real commitment, not this never-ending charade,” he stated.

He also called on federal ministers, whom he described as “Rolls Royce connoisseurs,” to embrace locally manufactured vehicles to match the administration’s rhetoric with visible, personal sacrifice.

The former vice president’s remarks underscore growing criticism of the government’s policies, which critics say often fail to align with the personal lifestyles of top officials.

Matawalle In High Level Meeting IN China To Bolster Nigeria’s Defence Capabilities

By
Victor Obabunmi
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0

In a significant move to enhance Nigeria’s defence capabilities, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, is participating in a high-level security meeting with a leading Chinese manufacturer of advanced anti-terrorism and high-tech defence equipments. The meeting took place in China and aimed to strengthen strategic defence ties between Nigeria and China.

The primary focus of this engagement was to formalize a collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chinese firm and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). This partnership is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Nigeria’s security sector.

Under the terms of the MoU, the Chinese company has committed to investing in Nigeria’s defence infrastructure, with a comprehensive partnership that includes:

• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge defence technology to Nigeria.
• Local Production: Establishing local manufacturing capabilities for advanced military equipment.
• Capacity Building: Providing technical knowledge exchange to enhance the skills of Nigerian personnel.

Furthermore Matawalle,highlighted key areas of collaboration to include the maintenance and upgrading of existing military hardware, servicing of battle tanks, and offering military engineering services. Importantly, this partnership aims to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, providing military support services to neighbouring African countries and contributing to regional security and stability.

He emphasized that this landmark engagement represents a major advancement in Nigeria’s defence modernization agenda. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to building a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally competitive military-industrial base.

In addition to these initiatives, the agreement encompasses the construction of new production lines for various ammunition types, including:

• 7.62×51mm ball cartridges
• 7.62×51mm blank cartridges
• 9×19mm pistol cartridges
• Machine gun ammunition

Furthermore, new manufacturing workshops and facilities will be established in Kaduna and Kachia, Kaduna State, for the production of brass casings, bullet jackets, and other essential defence components.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a comprehensive renewal and strategic overhaul of Nigeria’s security and defence capabilities,” he stated.

Matawalle Commends Tinubu’s Reforms,Says Second Term Victory is Assured

By
Victor Obabunmi
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The Honorable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his transformative reforms, asserting that these initiatives will pave the way for a brighter future for Nigeria and potentially secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

This was contained in a statement signed by Patience Ituke for :Director, Information and Public Relation.

In his remarks, Minister Matawalle highlighted several key achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the areas of Security and Defence. He noted the successful neutralization of over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, the arrest of 11,600 criminals, and the recovery of more than 10,000 weapons in 2024. The establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) has significantly enhanced strategic coordination in the fight against kidnapping.

Matawalle also commended the government’s Economic Initiatives, particularly the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which aims to harness the agricultural potential of the North, promote economic growth, and empower millions of citizens. He pointed to the recent decline in grain prices across the country as evidence of the effectiveness of the government’s agricultural policies.

In addition, he emphasized the administration’s commitment to Infrastructure Development, noting that key projects, including road construction and improvements to transportation networks in the North, are vital for fostering economic growth.

On the issue of Local Government Autonomy, Matawalle expressed support for the local government autonomy law, which empowers local administrations to operate effectively, ensuring accountability and better governance at the grassroots level.

Matawalle’s commendation of President Tinubu’s performance extends beyond these areas, reflecting his belief that the President’s reforms will have a lasting positive impact on the nation. While he expressed confidence in Tinubu’s achievements, it is important to note that his projection of a second term victory in 2027 is based on the current trajectory of the administration’s performance. His optimism underscores the positive influence of Tinubu’s leadership and vision on the Nigerian populace.

AMMC Cracks Down on Developer Over Green Area Encroachment, Begins Demolition in Guzape

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has begun demolition of illegal structures in Guzape District, following the arrest of a developer for encroaching on green areas and converting waterways into residential plots in violation of the Abuja Master Plan.

The developer, identified as Kadiri Ogbaidi of Citiscape Villa, was accused of flouting development approvals by selling government-reserved plots to unsuspecting subscribers.

AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Obuah, who led a high-powered enforcement team to the site on Monday, described the infractions as deliberate sabotage of the Federal Capital Territory’s planning regulations. He warned that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has zero tolerance for such abuses and is determined to restore order in the city.

“The developer clearly violated the approval granted by the Department of Development Control. He encroached on green areas and waterways, and we are here to enforce the law,” Obuah said while supervising the demolition exercise.

Obuah also revealed that a foreign firm had illegally taken over more green areas in Utako and vowed that AMMC will recover all encroached lands across the territory. He warned that any civil servant found to have colluded with developers in illegal allocations would be sanctioned in line with extant public service rules.

The Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, confirmed that the developer ignored multiple stop-work notices before AMMC moved in with enforcement. He said the department has ramped up monitoring to curb similar infractions across the city.

In a show of remorse, Kadiri Ogbaidi admitted to the violations and pleaded for two weeks to remove all illegal structures at his own cost.

“There have been many infractions here, mostly from our subscribers, but we take responsibility. We will remove every structure and revert to the original approval,” he said.

AMMC granted the request but warned that enforcement would resume if the illegal structures are not cleared within the grace period.

FG Deploys Diplomacy as Mining Marshals Peacefully Dislodge Illegal Tin Miners in Kaduna

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Alake says Damau operation is a blueprint for tackling illegal mining across Nigeria

In a major breakthrough, the Federal Government has successfully reclaimed a tin-rich mining site in Damau, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State from illegal operators—without firing a shot.

Rather than confront the illegal miners with force, the Mining Marshals—under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development—adopted a strategy rooted in dialogue, diplomacy, and community engagement. The site, legally owned by Trobell Minerals Limited, had been under illegal occupation for months, causing environmental damage, economic loss, and growing insecurity in the area.

Through consultations with traditional leaders and local stakeholders, the Marshals secured community backing, leading to the peaceful evacuation of the illegal miners under official supervision.

A respected community elder described the intervention as timely and effective. “This peaceful approach is commendable. The illegal miners posed a serious threat to lives and property. Their exit brings relief to our people,” he said.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who spoke during the one-year anniversary of the Mining Marshals, praised the operatives for their professionalism and results-driven approach.

“This is a clear demonstration of smart enforcement. The reward for hard work is more work,” the minister stated, pledging additional resources and operational support to the Marshals.

Dr. Alake noted that while Nigeria has witnessed violent clashes during past anti-illegal mining operations, the Damau case offers a compelling alternative. “If replicated across the country, this model—built on community buy-in and cooperation—could become our blueprint for sustainable enforcement,” he said.

He urged communities nationwide to support the government’s efforts to eliminate illegal mining, which he described as a major threat to national development and investor confidence.

“Illegal mining and insecurity remain the biggest obstacles to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The Kaduna success story shows what’s possible when we work together,” Dr. Alake added.

The peaceful outcome in Damau stands in contrast to the often-violent confrontations that have marred similar operations in the past, offering new hope for reforming the mining sector through a balanced mix of law enforcement and community trust.

President Bola Tinubu Visit Troops Of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

By
Victor Obabunmi
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0

…The fight you are waging here in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria- PBAT…

In a rare and unprecedented state visit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, visited the frontline troops of OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA in Katsina State. The visit aimed to assess the security situation and have direct first hand knowledge of operations of the troops without the accompaniment of a high military entourage.

Amid ongoing security challenges in the region, the President’s visit served to boost morale and reaffirm the government’s commitment to the welfare of the troops. He commended their unwavering dedication to their mission and urged them to remain resolute in the fight against terrorism and other security threats.

This was contained in a statement signed by Patience Ituke, For: Director, Information and Public Relations

“The fight you are waging here in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. Nigeria depends on you, and I am with you today, tomorrow, and always. Stay strong. Stay focused,” he stated.

President Tinubu emphasized the significance of his personal visit, stating that it underscores the urgent need to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. “My gallant officers, brave soldiers, and defenders of our great nation, I stand before you today not just as your President and Commander-in-Chief, but as a fellow patriot, deeply humbled by your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the peace, security, and sovereignty of our great nation.”

He further articulated that the hopes of Nigeria are deeply rooted in the efforts of the military in combating insecurity. “You are the shield of Nigeria, the brave sons and daughters who stand between our people and the forces of terror. Every inch of ground you hold, every terrorist you neutralize, and every community you secure is a victory for justice, freedom, and the future of our children. Your resilience in the face of danger inspires the entire nation, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.”

The President acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by the soldiers, stating, “You have left behind your families and the comforts of civilian life to wear the uniform of honor and duty. You face danger not for wealth or recognition, but for the love of our dear country. That, my brothers and sisters in uniform, is the highest form of patriotism. You are the silent guardians of our democracy, and I salute you.”

He assured the troops of the Federal Government’s unwavering support, saying, “As your Commander-in-Chief, I am fully aware of the challenges you face. We are taking bold steps to equip you with advanced technology, superior intelligence, and robust logistical support to not only defend this nation but to dominate and defeat every adversary. Your welfare is my top priority. We are committed to ensuring your families are safe, your allowances are paid promptly, your healthcare is guaranteed, and your dignity upheld. Housing programs, family support systems, insurance coverage, and improved remuneration are being implemented without delay.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the troops, stating, “This war will not be won by weapons alone but by your will to stand, resist, fight, and triumph. To those who seek to destabilize our nation be they domestic collaborators or foreign agents hear this: Nigeria will not bow. Not to fear. Not to terror. Not to treachery. You, the Nigerian military, are the spearhead of this fight. With your valor and discipline, peace shall prevail. Stand tall. Be proud. Nigeria depends on you, and I am with you today, tomorrow, and always. Stay strong. Stay focused.”

FG Endorses ₦1Bn Youth-Driven Health Competition to Combat Malaria in Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In a strategic push to tackle Nigeria’s malaria burden, the Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the Geneith National Health Competition, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at mobilizing Nigerian youth to fight malaria through education, advocacy, and innovation.

Unveiled on Friday in Abuja, the programme is a collaborative effort between Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd and CEOAfrica, with prizes worth approximately ₦1 billion—including ₦400 million in cash and ₦600 million in gift items—targeted at students across junior and senior secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Godwin Ntadom, described the competition as a “timely and strategic intervention.”

> “While nations like Belgium, Britain, and the U.S. eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues to suffer. It’s time we moved from rhetoric to results,” Ntadom declared.

He highlighted that malaria in Nigeria is not just a medical challenge but also rooted in environmental and socioeconomic conditions such as poor drainage, overcrowding, and low public awareness.

> “This initiative aligns with the national strategy by engaging youth as change agents. Their influence in homes and communities can spark long-lasting transformation,” he added.

Declaring the competition open, Ntadom applauded Geneith Pharmaceuticals for leveraging private-sector innovation to solve public health crises.

Chairman of Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Umenwa Emmanuel, emphasized the competition as more than a CSR project—it is a call to reengineer malaria solutions from the ground up.

> “This isn’t another event—it’s a national wake-up call. Nigeria accounted for 66.7 million malaria cases and over 189,000 deaths in 2022 alone. These numbers demand emergency-level response,” he stated.

He urged the youth to embrace the 2024 theme—“Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, and Stay Committed”—as a launchpad for tech-driven, locally rooted solutions.

Chairman of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. (Mrs.) Wosilat O. Giwa, praised the campaign as a movement rather than a mere programme.

> “Nigeria, the DRC, and Niger bear more than half of global malaria deaths. But we are not powerless. Empowered youth and modern tools like vaccines and treated nets can shift this narrative,” she asserted.

Former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, called for stronger backing of local pharmaceutical production as part of sustainable malaria response strategies.

Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, CEO of CEOAfrica and team lead for the initiative, called the programme a “historic milestone” in youth-led health mobilisation.

> “With over ₦600 million in support, this is Africa’s largest health competition. We’re training students to become malaria ambassadors who can lead change from classrooms to communities,” he said.

Representing over 40 million Nigerian students, Amb. Comrade Egunjobi Samuel Oluwaseyi pledged full student support for the campaign.

> “This is not just a malaria programme; it is a life-saving mission. Nigerian students are behind it 100%. The future of this fight lies in our hands,” he affirmed.

With firm support from government, professional bodies, the pharmaceutical industry, and student leaders, the Geneith National Health Competition marks a bold new chapter in Nigeria’s war against malaria—one led by its youth and powered by innovation, advocacy, and national unity.

Nigeria Leads Global Media Literacy Drive Amid AI Disruption to Journalism

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the global media landscape, Nigeria has taken a bold step by establishing a UNESCO-backed Media and Information Literacy Institute, positioning itself at the forefront of international efforts to safeguard press freedom and combat misinformation in the digital age.

Speaking at the World Press Freedom Day celebration held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris—represented by Dr. Sulaiman Dauda, Director of Press at the Ministry—described AI as a “dual-edged force” that brings both opportunity and peril to journalism.

“AI is revolutionizing newsrooms, enabling faster content generation and augmenting investigative reporting,” he said. “However, this technological advancement also raises ethical concerns around bias, misinformation, and accountability.”

The event, jointly organized by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), spotlighted Nigeria’s landmark achievement: the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and endorsement by seven countries—with 20 more expressing interest—to host a UNESCO Category 2 International Media and Information Literacy Institute at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“This institute will serve not only Nigeria but the global community, equipping citizens to critically engage with media in an age of digital disruption,” the Minister declared, adding that media literacy is now a frontline defense against fake news, deepfakes, and politically motivated disinformation.

CJID: Journalism Must Evolve with AI

Executive Director of CJID, Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, emphasized that AI has already embedded itself in every stage of the news process—from generative tools aiding reporters to algorithms that shape public perception.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical; it is embedded in the DNA of modern journalism,” Babatunde said. “While it enhances storytelling and data analysis, it also brings real-time challenges like algorithmic bias, job displacement, and threats to editorial independence.”

He stressed the need for collaborative action, applauding KAS for fostering dialogue through the forum.

“This is not just about identifying problems. It’s about building a coalition—of technologists, journalists, policymakers, and civil society—to ensure that AI enhances rather than erodes press freedom,” he said.

House of Reps Moves to Regulate AI

Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, added a legislative dimension to the discussions, warning that AI, if left unchecked, could “generate grammatically perfect lies” capable of destabilizing democracies.

“Technology is a tool, not a conscience,” Rotimi said. “We are already witnessing how deepfakes and false narratives influence elections and incite unrest across Africa.”

Rotimi disclosed that the House has passed the second reading of a consolidated bill co-sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and others, aimed at regulating AI in Nigeria.

“The bill seeks to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that AI development respects human rights, press freedom, and public safety,” he stated.

He urged media practitioners and unions to strengthen internal regulatory mechanisms or risk external interventions that may compromise press autonomy.

Rotimi also cited global trends, noting a Pew Research Center survey showing that 41% of Americans are concerned about press freedom, and referenced Hungary, where over €1 billion in state funds have reportedly been used to silence independent media.

“In Nigeria, the press faces both overt pressure and the subtle erosion of credibility caused by click-driven, unverified reporting,” he warned.

KAS: Defending Press Freedom Requires Global Unity

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, Marija Peran, Resident Representative of KAS, underscored the global dimension of AI’s influence on journalism.

“AI is fundamentally altering how information is gathered, processed, and distributed,” she said. “This opens doors for innovation, but it also threatens press freedom, journalist safety, and media independence.”

She reaffirmed KAS’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, supporting independent media, and building journalist capacity across Africa.

“The erosion of press freedom is not isolated. It’s a global trend, and reversing it will take coordinated efforts from governments, civil society, and the media industry itself,” she noted.

Forum Outcomes: A Roadmap for Ethical AI in Journalism

The event concluded with a unified call for action, including the development of ethical guidelines for AI in journalism, capacity-building for media professionals, transparency in AI-generated content, and robust public education on media literacy.

As Nigeria positions itself as a leader in global media innovation and information ethics, stakeholders emphasized that the future of journalism must uphold human judgment, transparency, and democratic accountability alongside technological advancement.

Cholera Threat Looms as Rainy Season Nears: NCDC Warns of High-Risk Communities, Urges Immediate Action

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Nigeria Records 34 Deaths , 1,307 Suspected Cases

As Nigeria braces for the peak of the rainy season, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, has raised the alarm over a possible surge in cholera outbreaks, revealing that 1,307 suspected cases and 34 deaths have already been reported across 30 states and 98 Local Government Areas this year.

Dr. Idris, who addressed journalists at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, warned that over 3,300 communities in flood-prone areas are at immediate or moderate risk of cholera transmission due to limited access to clean water and poor sanitation.

“The current case fatality rate of 2.6% is above our target of less than 1%. This is unacceptable and preventable,” Dr. Idris declared. “We are urging states to activate their emergency preparedness plans and avoid suppressing data. Timely action can save lives.”

He cited projections from the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook which identified over 1,200 high-risk communities in 176 LGAs, and another 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs at moderate risk, emphasizing the need for localized and proactive responses.

Ongoing Threats: Lassa Fever, Cerebrospinal Meningitis, and Mpox

Dr. Idris also provided updates on other major disease threats:

Lassa Fever: A decline in cases has been recorded, from 41 in epidemiological week 12 to 10 in week 16. Cumulatively, Nigeria has reported 4,253 suspected cases, 696 confirmed, and 132 deaths, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.0%.

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM): The outbreak is showing signs of containment, with a steady decline in cases over the last three weeks. Vaccination and community outreach have helped reduce mortality.

Mpox: From January to mid-April 2025, 723 suspected cases and 136 confirmed cases have been recorded in 27 states and the FCT, with three fatalities reported. “Mpox remains a concern with community and healthcare-associated transmission still ongoing,” Dr. Idris said.

In response to these threats, NCDC has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), optimized five Mpox testing labs across the geopolitical zones, and conducted training for health workers on infection control and case management.

“We’ve prepositioned vital supplies and intensified public communication to reach vulnerable populations,” Dr. Idris added. “But health workers and communities must remain vigilant.”

Dr. Idris emphasized that cholera is a highly contagious but preventable and treatable disease, spread through contaminated food and water. He warned that flooding, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices heighten the risk, especially in urban slums and rural communities.

Symptoms include sudden watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can lead to death within hours if untreated. The NCDC advises the use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and prompt medical attention.

The NCDC has issued strong recommendations to health workers, state governments, and the public:

For Health Workers: Report suspected cases promptly, adhere to infection control measures, and educate patients on hygiene.

For States: Activate preparedness plans, ensure provision of clean water, sanitation, and conduct vaccination campaigns in hotspots.

For the Public: Boil drinking water, maintain hygiene, avoid raw street foods, and seek immediate care for diarrhea.

Dr. Idris concluded by reaffirming NCDC’s commitment to protecting public health, calling for collaborative, sustained efforts to reduce mortality and contain outbreaks before they spiral out of control.

“We are not helpless. With timely surveillance, public cooperation, and government commitment, we can prevent these diseases from claiming more lives,” he said.

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