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Why High Child Mortality Rate Persists in Nigeria – Pate

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate yesterday explained that lack of comprehensive emergency services contributes substantially to crude mortality rates, but most especially maternal and child mortality rates which remain unacceptably high in Nigeria.

Pate made this assertion, while inaugurating members of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) recently in Abuja.
The Minister stated that, it was estimated that every year, Nigeria has about 7 million pregnancies with an estimated 9%, developing complications mostly in the rural areas. He stressed that the provision of adequate pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care and referral systems between Basic Emergency Obstetric and NewBorn (BEMONC) and CEMONC health facilities as well as ensuring financial risk protection for pregnant women in rural settings where a majority of maternal mortalities are recorded, can help reduce our poor indices and improve health outcomes.
Pate described the job of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee as important and should be handled as such, adding that it was integral to this administration’s goal for the health sector codified in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.According to the Minister, the task of the NEMTC was to approve the NEMSAS work plan for the administration of the stipulated 5% of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund; Provide periodic (quarterly, audited accounts and performance reports to the Ministerial Oversight Committee; Coordinate Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria; Ensure the delivery of quality, effective, efficient, and timely Emergency Medical Services in Nigeria; Prepare the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System programme for eventual transition into an Agency and meet at least bi-monthly to perform any other assignment as delegated by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare.The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, mni said the importance of the Committee cannot be overemphasized, considering the rate at which people are dying in road accidents, without emergency care adding that one of the mandates of the Ministry is to ensure much needed quality healthcare services and saving lives. She is optimistic that in the next 2 years, Nigeria will have a vibrant Emergency Medical Service.In his response, Chairman of the National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee, Dr. Ismail Musa Jibrin, said that the establishment of a world-class Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system in Nigeria holds tremendous potential not only in saving lives but also create downstream economic opportunities along the value chain for ambulance drivers, EMTs equipment vendors to ICT experts. He pledged the full commitment of the committee members to propel the vision forward while leveraging their expertise and resources to build an emergency care system that serves Nigerians.Members of the Committee Include: Dr Ismaila Musa Jibrin – Chairman, Prof Seyeifa Brisibe – Co-Chairman, Dr Oyebanji Filiani – Honourable Commissioner of Ekiti State/Chairman Honourable Commissioners Forum, Dr Simeone Onyaemechi – CEO/Anambra State Health Insurance Agency/Chairman Forum of SSHIA CEOs, Dr Muhammed Usman Adis – Executive Secretary Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency/Chairman Forum of Executive Secretaries of SPHCDAs, Dr Ezire Onoroide – Senior Health Specialist – World Bank and Mr Daniel Atabo – Chief Search and Rescue Officer – NEMA.Others were: Representative of World Health Organization, Chairman Guild of Medical Directors, Chairman Committee of Chief Medical Directors, Representative of Federal Fire Service, Representative of Nigeria Police Force, Representative of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Representative of Media, President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Representative of Civil Society Organization (CSO), President Association of Social Workers of Nigeria, Representative Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Representative Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Representative of National Blood Service Commission (NBSC).

NEWS

OPay Partners CBN to Advance Youth Financial Literacy at Global Money Week 2026

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L-R: Nelson Amuwa, Head, Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, CBN; Akano Joy Ruth, State Manager Apps & Card, OPay; Eric Alana, Area Manager Apps & Card, OPay; Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director, Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, CBN; Paul Iwunwa, Senior Marketing Manager, OPay; Ani Amarachukwu Favour, Business Development Manager, OPay; and Chidozie Chijioke, Head, Complaints Management Division 2, CBN, at the Global Money Week 2026 held in Abuja.

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OPay, a leading fintech company in Nigeria, partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Global Money Week 2026 Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition held on Tuesday, 28th April 2026 at CBN’s headquarters in Abuja. The event, themed “Smart Money Talks,” brought together students from secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, including Doveland International School, Living Fountain International School, Government Day Secondary School, Wuse, and Government Science School, Maitama, among others, to promote financial awareness and responsible money management among young Nigerians.

Global Money Week is a worldwide awareness initiative designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions.

The initiative ensures long-term economic stability by preparing the next generation for an increasingly digital and interconnected financial ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Aisha Isa-Olatinwo, Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, CBN, highlighted financial literacy as a cornerstone of national development. She noted that in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional but essential for individuals, families, and the broader economy.

Also reinforcing this message, Nelson Amuwa, Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, CBN, stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to equip young people with the confidence to make informed financial decisions. He emphasised that encouraging open conversations about money is key to building a secure financial future.

Commenting on OPay’s participation, Chukwudinma Okafor, Chief Compliance Officer, OPay, said:

“Our partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria on Global Money Week reaffirms our strong alignment with regulatory priorities around consumer protection, financial literacy, and responsible financial services usage. At OPay, compliance goes beyond regulation; it is about building trust and ensuring that individuals, especially young people, are equipped with the right knowledge to engage safely and confidently in the financial system. Initiatives like this play a vital role in advancing financial inclusion and supporting the sustainable development of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Paul Iwunwa, Senior Marketing Manager, OPay, also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion through early education initiatives. He noted that OPay sees financial literacy as the foundation of true financial inclusion and by engaging students at this critical stage, OPay is not only helping to shape better money habits but also contributing to a more financially responsible and economically resilient future for Nigeria.

The Financial Literacy Fair and Exhibition featured engaging sessions that provided students with hands-on experience in money management and savings. Participants also had the opportunity to engage directly with OPay’s interactive booth, gaining exposure to innovative financial products tailored to support their financial journey.

OPay’s participation at the fair reinforces its commitment to supporting initiatives that advance financial inclusion, deepen consumer education, and promote responsible usage of digital financial services.

About OPay


OPay was established in 2018 as a leading fintech company in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfer, bill payment, card service, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments, among others. Renowned for its fast and reliable network and strong security features that protect customer’s funds, OPay is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.

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NEWS

Rainstorm Kills Two, Renders Hundreds Homeless in Niger Community

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Nearly a year after a devastating flood displaced residents of Mokwa in Niger State, the community has been struck again by disaster as a violent rainstorm destroyed homes and property between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The storm, which was accompanied by heavy rainfall, reportedly claimed the lives of two persons, while a woman and her five children sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the incident left hundreds of residents’ homeless, many of whom were yet to recover from the impact of last year’s flood.

 Several trees were uprooted, while vehicles and other valuables were damaged in the storm.

Residents attributed the severity of the disaster to widespread deforestation and unchecked land degradation in the area.

The Chairman of Mokwa Local Government Area, Alhaji Jibrin Abdullahi Muregi, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, describing the situation as “colossal” and calling for urgent intervention from the Niger State Government and relevant agencies.

Also confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Dr. Abdullahi Hussaini, said officials of the agency had been deployed to the affected community for on-the-spot assessment.

“Our men have been on ground since yesterday carrying out assessments,” Hussaini said, adding that while there were reports of two fatalities, the agency would only confirm the figure after a comprehensive evaluation.

He further disclosed that the Director-General of the agency and other top officials departed Minna early Tuesday to join field operatives in Mokwa as part of ongoing response efforts.

The latest incident has heightened concerns over environmental management and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities across the state.

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Foreign News

Sudan Accuses Ethiopia, UAE of Orchestrating Drone Attacks on Airport

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Sudan has accused neighbouring Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of orchestrating drone strikes on its main airport, describing the assault as “Direct aggression”.

The international airport, located in the capital, was hit on Monday, along with military installations in the Greater Khartoum area.

Recent drone strikes have shattered a period of relative calm in Khartoum, which came after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) was pushed out by the Sudanese military last year.

Ethiopia has said accusations that it was involved in the airport attack are “Baseless”.

The UAE has not yet commented, but has previously denied involvement in the Sudanese conflict.

Sudan has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for “Consultations” over the attack, Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem said.

No-one was wounded in the attack, Sudan’s information minister told the Reuters news agency.

Sudan’s army said it had “conclusive evidence” that the drones were launched from Bahir Dar airport in Ethiopia.

Sudanese military officials first accused the RSF of air attacks launched from inside Ethiopian territory in March.

They said they had tracked a drone, identified as Emirati property, entering Sudanese airspace from Ethiopia and eventually shot it down.

A Sudanese army spokesman alleged that they have now connected another drone, launched from the same airport, to Monday’s attack.

The UAE has in the past forcefully rejected claims that it provides military support to the RSF.

The latest attacks came a week after the first direct international commercial flight in three years landed at the airport.

The authorities were forced to announce a 72-hour suspension of operations at the airport following the attacks.

The airport has been a major battleground in the war between the regular army and the RSF, which began in 2023.

In February, Reuters reported that Ethiopia was hosting a camp to train RSF fighters and had upgraded the nearby Asosa airport for drone operations.

It said the move was backed by Ethiopia’s close ally, the United Arab Emirates.

On Monday, witnesses confirmed that they heard blasts and saw smoke rising from an area near the airport.

The attack is reported to have also caused minor damage to an administrative building.

The information ministry said the airport would return to operations after routine safety procedures.

Sudan’s foreign minister alleged that the drones had taken off from Ethiopia, despite Ethiopia being a “brotherly state” to Sudan. He said the UAE and Ethiopia had chosen the “wrong path” and would regret it.

Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that Sudan and Ethiopia “share a historic and enduring bond of friendship” and had “refrained from publicising the grave violations of Ethiopia’s territorial integrity and national security committed by some belligerents in the Sudanese civil war”.

The ministry called for dialogue between the warring parties in Sudan.

Since the war in Sudan started, more than 150,000 people have died. Twelve million have fled their homes in what the UN has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

The three-year civil war has also led to a famine and claims of a genocide in the western Darfur region.

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