NEWS
Int’l Day of Boychild: EFCC, Others Decry Impact of Cybercrime on Youth’s Mental Health

By David, Torough Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and various stakeholders have raised the alarm over the detrimental effects of cybercrime on the mental health of young boys in the society.This was noted during the annual essay competition organized by the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) in Abuja.
The event, held in celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child 2025, focused on the theme “Boy’s Health and Wellbeing” and the essay topic, “Where are the Mentors? The Missing Role Models for Boy’s Growth and Development. ”The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by the Commission’s head of Enlightenment and Reorientation, Aisha Muhammad, emphasized the urgent need for integrity and guidance among youth.“Girls are just there for the enjoyment, either the boyfriends or the wives, and that’s it. They are just there as a supporters club, so the boys are the ones doing this,” she stated.Olukoyede explained that the EFCC has established integrity clubs in primary and secondary schools to instill ethical values.“We have zero tolerance clubs in the tertiary institutions, trying to catch them young, to instill the spirit of integrity and talk to them about what they should know, what they shouldn’t do,” he added.The discussion highlighted the pervasive threat of cybercrime, which poses significant risks to the mental health of young boys.The EFCC Chairman warned that cybercrime can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress.“The issue of mental health and well-being of the male child is crucial and it is at the heart of the 2025 International Day of the Boy Child Celebration.“The weight of secrecy, fear of detection, and potential prosecution can be overwhelming,” he cautioned.Olukoyede therefore called for collective responsibility from parents, educators, and mentors to guide young people towards positive alternatives and foster digital literacy.Also speaking, the wife of Ooni of Ife, Her Regal Majesty, Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi, addressed the gathering, urging stakeholders to be proactive in supporting boys.The Olori emphasized the importance of being a voice for boys. She challenged adults to reflect on their roles in nurturing boys.“Who is going to be the voice for our boys? As a mentor, as a parent, as a guardian, are you a voice for your boy or for your boys? How have you been a voice for that boy child? For that son that you birthed?,” Ogunwusi queried.The Olori further encouraged boys to recognize their potential and urged parents to be positive role models, emphasizing that the responsibility of raising boys falls on the entire community.“You have God’s kind of mind. Everything that determines your future is right here in your head.”The Keynote speaker at the event, Kayode Adaramodu addressed the critical issue of mental health, emphasizing the importance of healthy habits and open communication.“You need to sleep well. Sleeping is very, very important. Exercising is very important. Open communication, developing open skills, positive information, embracing the good side of social media. Learning, connecting with people, and having opportunities to express yourself. These are good ways of promoting your mental well-being,” Adaramodu urged.He therefore encouraged boys to seek professional help when needed and to utilize mental health resources available to them.“And you can also find professional help and resources. Psychologists are there. These are people who study human behavior, the way we think, the way we feel.“The same way you have WhatsApp, the same way you have Facebook, TikTok, and other things like that, for entertainment. To also take care of your mental health related issues, there are apps out there that can help you to become mentally alert and resourceful,” he said.Speaking earlier, the Founder of GAIYD, Dr. Hillary Akpua, noted the need for a dedicated focus on the boy child and expressed gratitude for the growing advocacy for boys.“If you have not been paying attention to your boys, please start doing so. Send them for training where they can develop more because the girls you are training today might meet the boy you left untrained tomorrow. I’m sure you won’t want that girl you are busy training today to marry such an untrained boy.“In order word, for the efforts we put into raising our female children not to be counterproductive eventually, we really need to do better in raising these young men God has blessed us with,” Akpua said.The highlight of the event was the official launch of One Boy One Skill Project by Olori Temitope Enitan Ogunwusi. The project is aimed at engaging young male adults in different vacations to empower for the future ahead.Also, there was a presentation of prizes to winners of the essay competition.While the first position received a scholarship worth 150,000 Naira, the second position was awarded 100,000 Naira, and the third position received 50,000 Naira.Additionally, consolation prizes were provided for runners-up and sponsored gifts for all participants.”GAIYD, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community and human development, places special emphasis on the growth and empowerment of the male child.
NEWS
WHO Urges Action to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments and global health partners to urgently accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce liver cancer-related deaths.
The call was made on Monday in a statement to mark World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.
”WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating, “Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer.
“Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis.”
“Viral hepatitis, types A, B, C, D, and E, are significant causes of acute liver infection.
“Types B, C, and D pose the greatest risk of chronic infection, which can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.”
Ghebreyesus noted that more than 300 million people worldwide were affected by hepatitis B, C, and D, which together caused more than 1.3 million deaths annually.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently reclassified hepatitis D as carcinogenic to humans, further underscoring the need for urgent intervention.
“Hepatitis D, which only affects people already infected with hepatitis B, carries a two- to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer compared to hepatitis B alone,” he added.
WHO’s incoming Director of Science for Health, Dr. Meg Doherty noted that updated guidelines on testing and diagnosing hepatitis B and D were published in 2024, and that new treatments were emerging.
“Hepatitis C can be cured with oral medication in two to three months, while hepatitis B can be managed effectively with lifelong therapy.
“Treatment options for hepatitis D are evolving,” she said.
However, she warned that the full impact of treatment and prevention would only be realised if countries scaled up and integrated hepatitis services into national health systems, including vaccination, testing, harm reduction, and treatment.
“Encouragingly, WHO reports progress: the number of countries with national hepatitis action plans has more than doubled from 59 in 2021 to 123 in 2025.
“As of 2025, 129 countries are testing pregnant women for hepatitis B, and 147 have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine, up from 138 in 2022.
“In spite of this progress, major gaps remain.”
According to WHO’s 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, only 13 percent of people with hepatitis B and 36 per cent with hepatitis C had been diagnosed by 2022.
“Treatment rates are even lower, just 3 per cent for hepatitis B and 20 per cent for hepatitis C, well below the 2025 targets of 60 per cent diagnosed and 50 per cent treated.”
Doherty emphasised that only 80 countries had integrated hepatitis services into primary healthcare, 128 into HIV programmes, and just 27 had included hepatitis C services in harm reduction centres.
“Achieving WHO’s 2030 targets could save 2.8 million lives and prevent 9.8 million new infections.
“With declining donor support, countries must prioritise domestic investment, integrated services, better data, affordable medicines, and the elimination of stigma.
“To commemorate World Hepatitis Day, WHO is partnering with Rotary International and the World Hepatitis Alliance to ramp up global and local advocacy.
“This year’s campaign calls for urgent action to address the increasing toll of liver cancer linked to chronic hepatitis and to eliminate barriers such as stigma and funding gaps that hinder prevention and treatment.
“The partnership highlights the essential role of civil society and community leadership, alongside governments, in sustaining momentum and accelerating progress,” she said.
NEWS
FRSC begins Nationwide Promotion for 2,000 Personnel

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced a nationwide promotion exercise involving over 2,000 personnel.
A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Monday in Abuja said that the exercise was one of the most far-reaching staff promotion exercises in the history of the Corps.
Ogungbemide said that it was another bold and highly transformative move that was setting a new standard for purpose and impact in public service.
He said that the ongoing promotion exercise, which cuts across all sectors of the Corps, would see about 2000 Officers and Marshals being considered for elevation to their next ranks.
This, he said, was ranging from the rank of Chief Route Commander down to Assistant Route Commander and other Marshal cadres.
“This initiative is not just a routine administrative activity.
“It is a statement of intent, a reflection of Corps Marshal’s faith in staff welfare, commitment to professional development, and resolve to achieve institutional excellence.
“Since his appointment as Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed has consistently emphasised the critical role that a motivated and well-recognised workforce plays.”
He said the development would not only restore hope among officers, but also reinforce the culture of reward for diligence, dedication, and integrity.
Ogungbemide said that the ongoing promotion wave was meticulously planned to ensure transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness, with all qualified personnel across the 12 Zonal Commands included in the process.
He said that the development had already sparked excitement and renewed morale within the Corps, with many personnel describing it as a “new dawn” for the FRSC workforce.
“Beyond promotions, the Corps Marshal has rolled out various welfare enhancing policies in recent months.
“This is ranging from improved training and capacity building programmes to better living and working conditions, as well as stronger mechanisms for staff feedback and engagement.
“In addition to the foregoing, he has also introduced other progressive staff welfare initiatives, including improved working conditions, transparent performance assessments, and targeted housing programmes.
“Expectedly, the Corps Marshal has also made it clear that this is only the beginning, ” he said.
Ogungbemide quoted the Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed as reiterating his resolve to build a professional, highly motivated, and people-centered Corps.
This, he said, was capable of delivering world-class road safety management in line with international standards.
“As the promotion process nears completion, expectations are high that this bold reform will usher in a stronger, more professional Corps that is better positioned to tackle road safety challenges across the nation.
“That is why for many within the Corps, this is not just a career boost, it is an affirmation of worth, a revival of professional dignity, and a signal that hard work truly pays under visionary leadership.
“As the FRSC navigates the challenges of modern traffic management in an ever-growing country, one thing is now clear: staff welfare is no longer an afterthought, it is a driving force,” he said.
NEWS
Lassa Fever Kills 152 in Nigeria — NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 152 deaths from Lassa fever in the first 28 weeks of 2025.
This marks a higher case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.7 per cent compared to 17.3 percent within the same period in 2024.
According to the latest situation report released by the NCDC on Monday via its official website, 811 confirmed cases and over 6,520 suspected infections have been recorded so far.
The Public Health agency said that these span 21 states and 105 local government areas, with the highest burden concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba and Ebonyi states
“We are witnessing a slight decline in the total number of confirmed cases compared to 2024, but the fatality rate has increased,” it said.
It also indicated possible late presentation, poor health-seeking behaviour and limited access to early treatment as contributing factors.
The agency said that in epidemiological week 28 alone, 11 new confirmed cases and one death were recorded, with reported infections from Ondo, Edo, and Benue states.
It said that no healthcare workers were affected during the week.
The NCDC said that individuals aged 21–30 years remained the most affected age group, with a nearly equal male-to-female distribution of cases
In response to the ongoing outbreak, the agency and its partners have intensified interventions in high-burden areas.
“Ten National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected states using a One Health approach.
“Integrate Clinical Trials have commenced in Ondo state to support improved case management.
“Healthcare workers in Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Benue states have received targeted training to strengthen clinical response,” it said.
It said that environmental campaigns and community sensitisation activities were underway, in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch, WHO, Pro-Health International, IHVN and other key partners.
Meanwhile, the agency has launched its Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform, supported by the Global Fund.
It distributed IPC materials and medical countermeasures such as Ribavirin, PPEs, and disinfectants to states and treatment centres.
Despite intensified efforts, the NCDC said that several persistent challenges remained.
“These include the late presentation of cases, which contributes to the high fatality rate.
“Poor environmental sanitation in affected areas also hinders effective control of the disease.
“Additionally, low awareness levels in vulnerable communities and the high cost of treatment continue to discourage prompt health-seeking behaviour.”
The agency stressed the need for community engagement, early detection and prompt treatment to reduce fatalities as Nigeria battles to curb the spread of the disease.
It appealed to the public to avoid contact with rodents and to seek prompt medical care at designated treatment centres at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, headache or bleeding.
The NCDC urged Nigerians to continuously maintain hygiene, report symptoms early and avoid contact with rodents and their secretions.
“The public is also encouraged to follow NCDC advisories and utilise the toll-free line 6232 for inquiries,” it said.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or faeces of infected rats.
It can also spread from person to person through bodily fluids, contaminated objects or infected medical equipment.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, bleeding from the body openings.