Connect with us

NEWS

Concern Groups Condemn Calls for Coup, War in Nigeria

Published

on

Share

Some concern groups in Kaduna state have condemned calls by some discontent individuals and groups for coup d’etat or war in the country.

The groups made the condemnation at a news conference in Kaduna on Saturday.

The conference was convened to declare support for President Bola Tinubu, Gov.

Uba Sani of Kaduna state and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen.
Christopher Musa’s commitment to democracy and security in Nigeria.

The groups consisted of Mr Victor Bobai, Director, Privilege Magazine and Communications Nigeria Ltd, and Mr Husseini Kachia of Kaduna Citizens’ Forum.

Others are Mr Nuhu Makarfi, North West Coordinator, Nigeria Youth Project, a student unionist, Ms Halima Mohammed and Mama Mai Shinkafa, representing market women.

“In recent times, there have been rumblings of discontent and calls for coup d’etat or war in our beloved country.

“We stand here today, to firmly denounce such calls and urge Nigerians to rally round President Tinubu and constituted authorities.

“It is only through unity and cooperation that we can address the challenges facing our nation and move towards a brighter future for all,” they said.

The groups further condemned the attempt by certain individuals to create a discord between Gen. Musa and Tinubu.

They argued that instead of creating discord between the Commander In-Chief and Chief of Defence, such energy should be directed towards promoting unity in the country.

They also emphasised the need for national integrity, respect for the rule of law, safeguarding life and property, economic wellbeing of Nigerians, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance.

They further called for unwavering support to Gen. Musa’s quest to enhance security and safeguard the nation’s democracy.

They suggested that such support could be through public support and encouragement, collaboration and cooperation, information sharing, and community engagement.

In response to the insidious attempts to undermine Gen. Musa’s leadership, the groups announced that they would conduct a public opinion poll across Nigeria.

The goal, according to them, is to gauge the confidence of the population in the men and women of the Nigeria armed forces, for their dedication and hard work in defending the unity of Nigeria.

They stressed that President Tinubu, Gov. Sani, and Gen. Musa should be allowed to focus on their constitutional duties.

They opined that the trio were all dedicated leaders, implementing positive reforms that would rebuild and strengthen the nation, adding that supporting them means supporting a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s reforms are focused on creating a healthy and prosperous environment for all citizens, and ensuring that every is proud to to be a Nigerian.

“Supporting his efforts will, therefore, lead to a better quality of life for all.

“Similarly, Gov. Sani has shown great leadership and inclusiveness in his governance style and supporting him means supporting good governance and excellence in service delivery.

“It is, therefore, important for Kaduna residents to rally behind him for continued progress and development in the state.

“Also, Gen. Musa as Chief of Defence Staff, plays a key role in ensuring the security and protection of Nigeria and its neighbouring West African states.

“Supporting him means supporting the safety and well-being of all citizens, as well as the stability of the region as a whole,” the groups said.

The groups noted that creating an enabling environment for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

To achieve these, the groups called for investment in infrastructure, enhancing ease of doing business, promoting small and medium scale enterprises, developing human capital, and encouraging agricultural development.

Other areas, according to them, include promoting sustainable industrialisation, fostering public-private partnership, strengthening social safety nets, encouraging foreign direct investment, ensuring economic stability and macroeconomic stability. (NAN)

NEWS

WHO Urges Action to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

NEWS

FRSC begins Nationwide Promotion for 2,000 Personnel

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Lassa Fever Kills 152 in Nigeria — NCDC

Published

on

Share

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.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Metro13 minutes ago

NAF Airstrikes Decimate ISWAP Leadership Cell in Southern Tumbuns

ShareThe Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralized several high-value Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) commanders...

Metro31 minutes ago

Police Recover Body of Kogi Journalist Murdered by Colleague

ShareThe Police Command in Kogi said it has recovered the body of Ayo Aiyepeku, a photo-journalist, allegedly murdered by his...

Metro34 minutes ago

Police Detains Housewife, Two Others for Fake Kidnap

ShareThe police command in Delta said it has arrested a housewife, who conspired with two others, to fake her kidnap...

NEWS2 hours ago

WHO Urges Action to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis

ShareThe World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments and global health partners to urgently accelerate efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis...

Uncategorized2 hours ago

Prof Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC

ShareProf Rufa’i Alkali Congratulates New National Chairman of APC …Lauds Party for Smooth Leadership Transition Former Political Adviser to former...

NEWS3 hours ago

FRSC begins Nationwide Promotion for 2,000 Personnel

ShareThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced a nationwide promotion exercise involving over 2,000 personnel. A statement by the...

NEWS3 hours ago

Lassa Fever Kills 152 in Nigeria — NCDC

ShareThe Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a total of 152 deaths from Lassa fever in...

Metro6 hours ago

Prof. Barns Ikyo, Wife Celebrate Decade of Public Service, Launch Magazine at Thanksgiving

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja It was a moment of deep gratitude and reflection as Professor Barns Achakpa Ikyo and his...

OPINION9 hours ago

Advancing Nigeria’s Security Strategies through Unmanned Aerial Systems

ShareBy Patricia Amogu In the face of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, marked by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, a...

NEWS9 hours ago

Christian Body Gives Free Medical Treatment to 3,000 People in A’Ibom

ShareFrom Christopher Tom, Uyo The Gilgal Christians centre health awareness campaign program held at the church auditorium witnessed an unprecedented...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc