Cameroon has become the first African country to embark on a routine malaria vaccination program for children, marking a significant milestone in the global battle against this mosquito-borne disease. With approximately 250 million cases of malaria reported annually in Africa, resulting in 600,000 deaths—predominantly among young children—this vaccination campaign is a crucial step towards curbing the devastating impact of malaria on the continent. The campaign, set to commence on Monday, aims to vaccinate around 250,000 children in Cameroon this year and the next. Spearheaded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the program is anticipated to provide substantial relief to families…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Experts are predicting a surge in diamond prices, with potential growth of up to 10% in the coming year. After a challenging period marked by pandemic-related disruptions, the market is poised for a revival fueled by a combination of factors. Industry analysts, including Paul Zimnisky and Cormac Kinney, point to a tightening supply of diamonds as a key driver behind the impending price increase. Contrary to 2023, when overproduction led to a 30% drop in prices, efforts are now underway to address the supply-demand imbalance. Major players, such as the Russian mining giant Alrosa, have even halted mining activities…
In response to mounting concerns over the perceived uneven distribution of funds in the 2024 budget and the proposed relocation of key federal agencies, including the FAAN and CBN units, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) is actively working to ease tensions and find resolutions. Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, the spokesperson for NSF representing Kano South Senatorial District, outlined the forum’s commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship between the government and its constituents. Acknowledging the grievances regarding budgetary imbalances and the relocation of federal agencies, Senator Sumaila assured that these concerns are being taken seriously. “As representatives of the people,…
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Adamawa State has undergone a significant leadership change, putting an end to the uncertainty that lingered since last November. The official transition occurred on Monday, following the intervention of the national leadership. Bishop Steven Mamza, the outgoing state chairman, officially handed over the reins to the newly appointed acting executives, with Rev Gambo Bupwatda assuming the role of acting chairman. The executive committee now includes Bishop Japhet Tonmwaso as vice chairman, Rev Obionyo Emeka Benjamin as secretary, and Rev Henrimas Othniel and Rev. Father Maurice Kwairanga as assistant secretary and acting…
In response to the escalating kidnapping crisis in Abuja, The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revealed the approval of President Tinubu for the emergency procurement of advanced digital tracking tools. Wike revealed this critical development during a media briefing held in Abuja on Monday. Highlighting the current security gaps, Wike emphasized that essential facilities to track criminals were severely lacking in the FCT, with the limited availability restricted to the Police Headquarters and the Office of the National Security Adviser. He expressed concern over the absence of proper equipment, stating that security agencies often had to…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted major drug trafficking networks across Nigeria, leading to the arrest of key suspects and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit substances. A viral video confrontation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport exposed the attempted smuggling of tramadol concealed in dietary supplements. NDLEA arrested Okosun Paul Punitt, the owner, confirming the illicit substance to be 50 pills of tramadol 225mg. At the Tincan Seaport in Lagos, NDLEA intercepted containers carrying 1,274 parcels of cocaine and colorado, weighing 884.09 kilograms. The operation also uncovered firearms, ammunition, and military effects. A suspect, Akara Chibugo,…
The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning, revealing that individuals parading themselves as Ezendigbo face the risk of two years imprisonment. “The title of Ezendigbo is not recognized by the state”, as disclosed by Mrs. Raulat Ibrahim, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Local Governments, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Developments. This revelation surfaced during a trial against Eze Frederick Nwajiagu, an individual claiming the title of Ezendigbo in Ajao Estate. Mrs. Ibrahim testified that such titles must undergo a legal process governed by the Obas and Chiefs Law of Lagos State 2015. She emphasized that individuals bypassing this…
The Mandilas Building on Broad Street, Lagos Island is currently on fire, and source of the fire is yet to be determined. Reports from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service indicate that the fire started on the first floor and quickly spread to the fourth floor of the 10-storey building. Immediate measures are being taken to contain the blaze and prevent its further progression. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed the incident, stating that responders from the Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations are on-site working to bring the situation…
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, disclosed plans to train area boys as tax officers, offering them decent salaries to redirect their focus. Oyedele also discussed ongoing efforts to alleviate the burden of multiple taxes at the state and local government levels. Acknowledging the shared impatience of many Nigerians, Oyedele emphasized the gradual nature of fiscal policy changes. He highlighted the submission of a comprehensive report with over 20 recommendations in October, lamenting that only a few have been fully implemented. The key instrument for implementing recommendations is the Emergency Economic Intervention Bill,…
The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been chosen to represent the nation at the 14th Global Forum on Migration and Development Summit (GFMD) in Geneva, Switzerland, from January 23 to 25.
President Tinubu has emphasized the need for fair access to capital markets for developing countries during his address at the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda. Tinubu highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for the developing world to secure resources for addressing pressing global challenges. Represented by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Tinubu asserted that the combined population of the 120 Non-Aligned Movement countries accounts for over 4.4 billion people, yet their total financial resources are significantly less than some individual nations. The total…
President Felix Tshisekedi Sworn In for Second Term in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo witnessed the inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi for his second term on Saturday, following contentious December elections. Tensions flared as opposition candidates, including businessman Moise Katumbi, rejected the results, citing logistical issues, late openings, and inadequate materials in numerous polling stations. President Tshisekedi, known as “Fatshi,” addressed the nation, expressing his commitment to a more united and prosperous Congo while acknowledging concerns regarding unemployment, youth, women’s rights, and national cohesion. Despite winning over 70 percent of…