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Jonathan, Ayu, PDP Governors, Others Swarm Bayelsa for Governor’s Anniversary Thanksgiving

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From Tayese Mike, Yenagoa

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his inclusive approach to governance and his reverence for God.
Speaking at the Ecumenical Centre in Yenagoa, during the second anniversary thanksgiving of the Governor Diri administration, Dr.

Jonathan noted that God had a reason for everything under the sun, saying humans were just instruments in His hands.

 
He tasked Diri to use the God-given opportunity as governor to better the lot of people of the state.The former president also commended him for encouraging peaceful co-existence of Bayelsans from across party lines and prayed God to give him the wisdom to bring more development to people of the state.

 
His words: “God has given you opportunity to pilot the affairs of the state and you are doing well. I thank you for encouraging peaceful co-existence. We pray that you have the wisdom to bring more development. All of us should continue to support him and through him God will bless us.”


In his remarks, Governor Diri said he will forever be thankful to God for what He has done for him and the state.
Diri recalled how trying the few hours before his swearing in were and how God miraculously turned things around for his good.   
He called on people of the state to unite and shun divisive politics, stressing that it is the only way Bayelsa can move forward. 
He said: “What we have done is to come back to remind ourselves that we started something, which is growing. At a point when the flags of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were taken out of the Government House, when the former governor was almost arrested in Government House, we hoped in God who rules in the affairs of men. In the end, the God of impossibility made it possible and today marked two years of that miracle.

“My dear people of Bayelsa, I like you to retrospect and see how far God has brought us. Let us live as one people. Let us forgive one another. Let us come together to develop our state. Let us shun politics of lies and blackmail. 

“Today, we are here to thank God. For these two years, if we count our blessings, we will all agree that God has been faithful to us. Therefore, we have every reason to be gathered here to thank Him.
“Politics is here again and the antics have started. But like I always say, when they bring hatred, we bring love. When they bring darkness, we bring light. 
“I like to call on all of us not to run down our state but to support it. We have existed before APC and PDP.”

Speaking on behalf of the PDP  Governors, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, said the party’s governors were in the state to rejoice with their colleague and people of the state for what God has done for them.
He commended Diri for his strides in office so far and urged him to continue to work for the development of the state. 
Also speaking, the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, said time had proven that the party performed creditably at the presidency, saying the change mantra that the opposition sold to Nigerians has had no positive impact. 

While noting that all the PDP governor were being celebrated, Ayu also lauded Diri and other past PDP governors of the state for contributing their quota to its development. 

Earlier, in a sermon, General Overseer of Gateway International Church, Pastor George Izunwo, who preached on thanksgiving, emphasised the need for humans to cultivate the habit of appreciating God. 

He remarked that God did not perform the miracle for Diri to become governor without a purpose, stressing that the governor should stay focused and work for the prosperity of all Bayelsans.

Other governors present at the thanksgiving were Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom as well as former Bayelsa governor and now Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Chief Seriake Dickson, Senator Moses Cleopas,  members of the House of Representatives from the state and some of their colleagues, and other top government functionaries.

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WHO Urges Action to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis

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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.

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FRSC begins Nationwide Promotion for 2,000 Personnel

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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.

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Lassa Fever Kills 152 in Nigeria — NCDC

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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.

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