From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Following the rise in the cases of choral outbreak in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund(UNICEF) has moved in to support the state government in her bit to curbed the spread of the cholera outbreak in the troubled local government area of the state.

The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office Dr. Nuzhat Rafique who was on an inspection visit to the cholera treatment centre located at the Cottage Hospital Bokkos town in Bokkos local government area of Plateau said she was in the state and the local government to assessed the condition of treatments of victims and support government at all level to furth curb the spread of the disease. Dr. Rafique stated this during her visit to Bokkos local government area of Plateau State to assess the condition of the health facility to further complement the efforts of other organisations who are on ground trying to control the outbreak from spreading.She said cholera is a serious threat to public health especially among children and promised to step in the gaps identified in the area of some consumables, protective equipment, setting up of tents to further accommodate more victims considering the little space seen at the centre.The Chief Field Officer called for collaborative efforts adding that UNICEF is ever ready to collaborate with all organisations that are in the state as well as Bokkos local government area in ensuring that the disease doesn’t spread to other local government areas of the state.The Matron of the General Hospital Bokkos, Saratu Felix lamented the increasing cases of the cholera outbreak and called for immediate support in the areas of personal protective equipment (PPE) among others.”We need water here, we need fluids, we need hand sanitiser, we need facemasks, we need PPEs, and staff strength.” She startedThe World Health Organization (WHO) Local Government Facilitator rapid response team led by Lucy Pam Dagyang said most of the consumables are finished at the treatment centre.She disclosed that the early cases were discovered at a private hospital linked to a source of water, “The rapid response team of WHO have been on ground, the first index case was linked to a river where both humans and animals do use it after we took samples, and the index case died before our arrival.”So, when we were called upon we had to activate an awareness campaign, reach out to various private healthcare facilities and ensure that we mopped up all those who were stooling to one place which is the cottage hospital.The State Epidemiology and Disease Control Centre where the state Epidemiologist/Incident Manager Dr. Maren Damala said the state had 37 cases out of which three moralities were recorded.He expressed concerns on poor manpower in the healthcare sector and the need for urgent measures to strengthen the fight against the cholera outbreak in the state.The Director of Administration State Primary Healthcare Board Mr. Michael Denis Kamu representing the Executive Secretary of the Board disclosed that they have since written a proposal for the employment of 4774 personnel to further complement the few workers as well as strengthen the healthcare system at the rural level.The Bokkos Council Secretary Hon. Gambo Malau expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other organisations for coming to the aid of the local government, adding that the gesture has gone a long way in saving more lives in the council area.

From Samuel James, Ilorin

The Kwara State House of Assembly has passed the Kwara State Freedom of Information Bill 2025 and the Kwara State Water User Association Bill 2025 during yesterday’s plenary session.The bills which were approved following committee reports from the House, Chairperson of the House Committee on Youth, Sports and Information, Hon Rukayatu Shitu and Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Hon.

Yinusa Oniboki stated that most stakeholders at public hearings endorsed the legislation’s provisions. However, as both bills were read for the third time by the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Olayiwola, before their final passage.The Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu then directed the Clerk to prepare clean copies for onward transmission to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for assent.

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

A Foundation, “Girl Leading Africa” has called on Nigerians on privileged positions to invest in girls especially those from rural communities for a better society.The charge was given by the Executive Director/ founder Girls Leading Africa, Dr.

Giftie Umo during the graduation ceremony of 24 girls from ages 16 – 25 who were trained on Skills acquisition in Akpap-Okoyong in Odukpani local government areas of cross river state yesterday. The foundation according to the coordinator, Nkoyo Effiong has been in existence for more than four years now.Effiong maintained that these girls are between the ages of 16 and 25 are from rural communities who did not have the privilege of going to school to aquire formal education but believed that they can still be used to them selfs and the society in generalAccording to the founde,”Today is a celebration and a declaration that girls from rural communities, who are often written off and counted out are rising; not only are they rising, they are leading”.”To all our girls, our graduating class of 2025, you stand today as a proof that when a girl is empowered, she does not just change her life, she transforms her family, village, community and nation”.”You came in with curiosity and courage; and today you are walking out equipped with skills, purpose and the fire to lead. This year’s theme: “Empowered to lead, equipped to thrive” is not just a slogan. It is your lead experience. You have been taught, disciple, mentored, challenged, stretched and loved into excellence. Now, it is your turn to take this light into every place you find yourself”.”I charge you; do not stop investing in these girls. Do not stop mentoring, do not stop encouraging; continue to speak up for policies that support them locally, in the State and national. Every girl here today has the potential to succeed. So, let this graduation be a reminder that girls in rural communities are not liabilities”.”They are the backbone of our future economies, they are our next innovators, they are our next entrepreneurs and they are our change makers. If truly we want sustainable development, then we must put girls in rural communities and other places hard to reach at the centre of our investments”.”To our graduating class of 2025, you know that you are not just graduates. You are part of the bigger “Girls Leading Africa” family. You are nation builders, culture shapers, you are leaders. Wherever you go from here, go with the confidence that you are not alone. You carry the spirit of Girls Leading Africa with you and through you we will continue to shine the light in the path for others to follow””Remember this and wear it like a badge of honour, you are not defined by your circumstances, by your background, by your past or present. You are defined by your choices and today you have chosen greatness”, she stated.