Radiographers commend President Tinubu for the payment of 2024 arrears and request additional funding to address the issue of quackery.

The Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria has commended President Tinubu for restoring funding and paying the 2004 salary arrears of the Board and some other regulatory agencies. 

The Registrar of the Board, Prof Mark  OKEJI  who stated this during a visit by the Minister of State Health and Social Welfare, Dr Isiaq Adekunle Salako to the Board in Abuja, however, called for increased appropriation to procure more vehicles for enforcement activities against Quackery in the profession. 

According to o Prof Okeji, who also chairs the committee of Registrars of 13 MDAs under the Ministry of Health the Board currently has four Monitoring and enforcement vehicles, which are grossly inadequate and cover the entire country.

"The vehicles are currently stationed in Abuja,  Lagos, Kano, and Enugu, leaving the other offices in Sokoto, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt, Calabar,  Awka, and Ilesha without official Vehicles

Quackery leads to misdiagnosis and uncontrolled exposure of the citizens to radiation. This same radiation used for diagnosis and treatment in medicine is a predisposing factor for cancer not properly regulated. Monitoring and enforcement activities are capital intensive and require good appropriation to sustain them" 

On the dearth of Radiographers, occasioned by Japa syndrome, the Registrar stated that the Board doubled its quoter to the universities to balance the number of professionals in the country.

In addition to efforts to address the shortage of radiographers, the Board attracted N7M naira for the tuition-free training of therapy Radiographers in the country. 

"There are 4632 radiographers in our register out of which 2810 had their annual licence in 2024. We currently have a lot of radiographers leaving Nigeria for other countries (Japan syndrome). However, we have doubled our quota to the universities to balance the manpower needs of our country. We have also encouraged the establishment of more B.Sc. programs in Nigerian universities since I assumed office. We have 40 universities offering radiography now from the initial 9 when I took over. Most are at various stages and will start graduation soon"

Other milestones of the record according to the registrar include Relocation to a 28-room office space at the  Federal Secretariat from a 7-room rented apartment, thereby saving cost for the Government.

Others are the Purchase of seven  utility vehicles, 

Renovation of Zonal offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilesha, Maiduguri, Calabar, Awka, Enugu, Sokoto Kano and 

Construction of office and training complex in Enugu for South East and South-South.

Responding, the Minister of State Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, appreciated the Radiographers ' contributions to the health sector but urged them to be more proactive in fighting quackery. 

"I want you  to be more innovative in ensuring that only qualified people practice as radiographers and only facilities that are properly registered provide such services in the country"

" I challenge you as a regulatory body to fight quackery in the Radiography profession in line with the priority of the Federal Government to stamp out quackery in the federal  ministries" 

Dr Salako urged them to view the visit as a call to improve service delivery and justify President Tinubu's confidence in reinstating the board's funding.

Radiography is the art of science that applies various forms of Radiation energies on human beings to promote health, treat diseases such as cancer, and produce various diagnostic images including X-ray, Ultrasound,  and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Maureen

Two suspects caught with a pump action gun in police net.

A Joint Security Team comprising Police Operatives at Oko Divisional Headquarters and Operatives of Vigilante Group Amaokpala in Anambra state has arrested two suspects in possession of a pump action gun and one mobile phone in the state.

Other items recovered from the suspects included a black handbag and two tiny glasses suspected to be used for inhaling hard drugs.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga in a release, said the Operatives acting on the intelligent-driven investigation arrested one Micheal Chinweze aka Small, aged twenty, a native of Iwollo, Eziagu Local government area of Enugu State and Mmesoma Agba, female, aged twenty-five, from Enugwu - Nanka.

He explained that the arrest followed a reported incident on the twenty-second of this month at the Police Station where the suspects and one other person who was still at large dispossessed a victim of her personal belongings around Oko Community Hospital. 

The Police Image Maker listed the items forcibly taken at gunpoint to include: one red Cub motorcycle with Registration number WER 137 GV, valued at one million, three hundred thousand Naira only, her bag containing One Techno mobile phone, one ATM card, and a cash sum of thirty-eight thousand naira only allegedly realized from the victim's daily business in the Shop.

Mr Ikenga said, during interrogation of the suspects, Micheal confessed to the crime and said, he stole the gun from a Security Post in a hotel at Amaokpala. 

He stated that preliminary information revealed the first husband of Mmesoma, a mother of two, was neutralized by the police during a gun battle with gang members in the state.

Mr Ikenga said, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Nnaghe  Itam had ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department Awka and charged the Operatives to redouble efforts towards arresting the other suspects that were currently on the run.

No admission for law candidates from 2025 to 2026...as JAMB suspends law programmes in 8 Higher institutions.

 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has withdrawn approval for admission into the Law programme in eight universities.

A statement by the JAMB Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin explains that this follows the suspension of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme by the Council of Legal Education for the 2025/2026 academic session at the universities for violating regulatory procedures.

According to the statement, the universities are Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State and Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State.

Others are Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State and Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

It also says the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State has been barred from admitting students for two academic sessions, that is, 2025/2026 and 2026/2027.

SUSPENSION OF LAW PROGRAMMES AT SELECTED UNIVERSITIES 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will not be conducting admissions for the Law programme in some selected universities following the suspension of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) for the 2025/2026 academic session at the following universities:

 1. Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State

 2. Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State

 3. Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State

 4. Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State

 5. Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State

 6. Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State

 7. Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State

 8. Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State

Please note that the suspension of the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, will last for two academic sessions: specifically, the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions.

As a result, JAMB will not approve any admissions for candidates seeking to enrol in the Law programme at the aforementioned universities for the 2025/2026 academic session. Furthermore, the ban on registration for the Law programme at the Nigerian Police Academy will extend into the 2026/2027 academic session.

Story by Patience Olumati

Kano State GOVT takes the lead: It releases 500 million to tackle malnutrition.

The Kano State Government has released ₦500 million in counterpart funding under the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), approving over 637 million Naira.  

The fund which is a critical step towards scaling up sustainable financing, programs, and supplies to combat malnutrition in the state is designed to support countries with high rates of child malnutrition. It matches government investments to accelerate the prevention, detection, and treatment of manifestations of malnutrition.

Kano State exposes Nigeria’s national malnutrition challenges, with 51.9% of children under five stunted, 38.4% underweight, and 10.4% suffering from wasting, 

According to the 2023-24 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS). The alarming figures represent lives affected by malnutrition and its related conditions that hinder growth, weaken immunity, and reduce productivity later in adulthood. 

Through CNF- the benefit is that the state can increase its stock of essential nutrition commodities like Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF), Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), Micronutrient Powder (MNP), Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) and others required to treat, manage and prevent malnutrition by 100%.

In a statement, the Executive Secretary CS-SUNN Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Okoronkwo said efforts by CS-SUNN in collaboration with Alive & Thrive, UNICEF, and others played a role, engaging key government officials, including the Kano State Head of Service and the Commissioner for Health to achieve the feat.

They emphasized the need for States to support in establishment of Nutrition Departments across relevant MDAs, extending paid maternity leave from three to six months, and timely approval and release of the CNF. 

"Media roundtables amplified these efforts, increasing visibility and galvanizing support for the approval and release of the CNF and other nutrition interventions. Advocacy visits to traditional leaders, including the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Sanusi II further underscored the need for action ".

CS-SUNN Executive Secretary, M.r Okoronkwo led a delegation of nutrition partners to key State players in Kano State and noted that, with over 50% of children stunted (from the recent 2023/24 National Health Demographic Survey (NDHS), Kano is home to 3.4 million children under five, of whom 350,000 are wasted, adding that, " Alarmingly, one in every two women in the state suffers from anemia". 

 Mr. Okoronkwo however commended the state government for its efforts in addressing malnutrition but emphasized the need for increased and timely release of funds to effectively tackle the growing burden of malnutrition and support the implementation of the state Food and Nutrition Strategy.

The team requested the Emir leverage his influence, to unlock critical funding and catalyze
action from key decision-makers for improved nutrition, including the release of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF).

In his response, the Emir of Kano State, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Sanusi II. emphasized the importance of prioritizing nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. 

" Efforts are falling short at the most vital stages—before conception, at birth, and during breastfeeding" and highlighted the need for focused action in these phases ". 

Drawing from his experience as the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Emir recounted his advocacy for six months of maternity leave to support exclusive breastfeeding. 

While deemed too expensive at the time, he reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic proved that flexible work arrangements were more cost-effective even at the highest levels.

The Emir demonstrated deep concern for the well-being of women and children in Kano, emphasizing his commitment to contribute to tackling the state’s malnutrition crisis. 

As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria and the Nutrition Council, " He promised to advocate to key stakeholders—Commissioners of Finance, Budget, Health, and the Secretary to the Kano State Government—urging them to prioritize nutrition ".

  As a custodian of his people, the Emir underscored the urgency of addressing malnutrition, describing it as " a moral duty to safeguard the future of Kano children and empower women to thrive ".

With coordinated efforts across sectors and the continued leadership of key stakeholders, Kano has an opportunity to transform its nutrition landscape. 

Aligning traditional authority with government action ensures a collaborative approach to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and giving every child a chance to thrive. 

According to the statement, the approval and release of the CNF counterpart fund signals a new chapter of hope and progress for Kano’s children.

Reason you must donate blood voluntarily - LSG.

             

As the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) begins voluntary blood donation activities in 2025, residents have been urged to participate fully by donating blood to save lives.

The Executive Secretary, of LSBTS, Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, who made the call at the official launch of the program at Alausa Ikeja, said, every day, countless lives depend on the generosity of voluntary, non-remunerated donors, but expressed dismay that, cultural myths and limited awareness have hindered the growth of the lifesaving culture in Lagos State.

She emphasized the critical importance of voluntary blood donation, saying, "Blood is a precious and irreplaceable resource that cannot be manufactured ". 

Dr Osikomaiya painted a stark picture of the current blood reserve levels in Lagos and reiterated the service’s commitment to addressing the challenge. 

"At present, our blood reserves are critically low, posing a severe risk to the health and well-being of our citizens, noting that, to bridge the gap, " we have implemented stringent safety protocols to ensure a safe and rewarding experience for donors and recipients alike." She noted 

The campaign, which commenced in Ikeja, marks the first in a series of community outreach initiatives designed to raise awareness and mobilize Lagosians to donate blood voluntarily. "We are calling on individuals, corporate organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to join this noble cause, explaining that, blood donation is not just a medical necessity, it is an act of humanity and kindness," Dr. Osikomaiya added.

According to her, LSBTS will engage in community sensitization drives, media campaigns, and stakeholder collaborations throughout the month to demystify blood donation. "Our goal is to make blood donation a civic duty ingrained in our culture. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. 

" Let us give this precious gift and ensure no one in Lagos suffers due to a lack of safe blood," she appealed.

Speaking in the same vein, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi further stressed the significance of the campaign, promising that the government will combat myths and misconceptions through outreach in markets, offices, and motor parks.

 "The focus is to ensure Lagosians understand the safety and importance of blood donation, by recognizing regular donors and encouraging new ones, we hope to maintain a steady blood supply in our blood banks," she said.

Director of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Mrs. Wuraola Makinde underscored the critical role of blood donation in emergencies. "Emergencies happen unexpectedly, and blood is essential for resuscitating victims of accidents and other critical conditions, noting that, the campaign is vital because the availability of blood can mean the difference between life and death," she remarked, urging residents to donate blood willingly.

 Recounted the prompt response to the victims of the Lagos train-bus collision in 2023, Mrs Makinde emphasized how the availability of blood donations saved the lives of those involved in the accident. 

"When you donate blood, you save lives, including the possibility of saving your own or that of your loved ones in the future," she added.

A passionate plea also came from Mr Jonathan Aghoro, a volunteer with the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Addressing societal myths, he expressed disappointment at the reluctance of some Lagosians to donate blood due to cultural and religious beliefs. 

"People fear their blood will be used for rituals or sold, which is far from the truth. Blood is life, and donating it is a humanitarian duty. We need to change this mindset through education and awareness campaigns like this one," he stated.

Mr. Aghoro shared his optimism about the campaign's impact, noting an increase in public participation in recent blood drives. "This outreach will help dispel misconceptions and encourage more people to join the cause. It is heartwarming to see the progress we are making," he concluded.

Themed "Blood, A Precious Gift: Give to Save Lives," the campaign which aims to combat the shortage of safe blood and foster a culture of generosity across Lagos, sets the stage for a sustainable voluntary blood donation culture that will ensure that no life is lost due to lack of safe blood. 

Residents are encouraged to visit designated centers and give the gift of life.

COREN visits FRCN Lagos Operations: urges professionals to embrace standards in all areas.

The visit, among other things,  Any society that must develop in the area of good infrastructure must take the engineering practice seriously.
   This was the submission of the Lagos Regional Co-Ordinator of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Engineer Tomide Akinaowo, when he led a team of  COREN Officials on a courtesy call on the Director, Lagos Operations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi and her Management Team, at the Broadcasting House, Ikoyi, Lagos.
       Engineer Akinaowo said that they came to appreciate the FRCN, for its laudable programmes and the sensitisation efforts the Corporation had been making to pass relevant information to the people for positive change.
      He, however, expressed disappointment at the constant neglect of engineering facilities in various sectors of society, which had most times resulted in decay in infrastructure, particularly in key sectors of the economy. 
    According to him, if the engineering aspects of various sectors were not usually compromised, society would be better for it. 
Engineer Akinaowo therefore, called for adequate sensitisation on the need to take the issue of caring for engineering facilities in the society seriously.
The COREN Regional Co-Ordinator noted that if all stakeholders could play their roles professionally by embracing standards in all ramifications, society would be better for it. 
        He, therefore, called on relevant authorities to always place the right peg in the right hole by allowing only professional engineers to handle relevant projects in society.
He stressed that attention should also be given to various infrastructures in the society so that some buildings that were already weak could be detected on time to avoid cases of building collapse, as observed particularly on Lagos Island recently.

        Mr Akinaowo, however, advised the Government against what he described as "breakdown maintenance", which he said was usually very expensive to manage. 
He, therefore, solicited partnership with FRCN and seized the opportunity of the visit to invite the Station to the Council's upcoming event in Lagos.
      In a response, Mrs Owoyemi thanked the team of  COREN officials for the visit and took out time to brief the guests on the three stations on the stable of FRCN in Lagos. 
She, however, advised COREN to patronize the stations as a means of sensitizing the public on its mandates and activities.
       Underscoring the importance of engineering, Mrs Owoyemi gave kudos to the Engineering Staff of the Lagos Operations of FRCN for their ingenuity in solving issues in the stations.
      She, however, assured the Guests that FRCN would always adhere to engineering standards in all its operations.
Issues of blocked drainage, theft of manhole cover on the roads, vandalisation of bridge railings and the act of pulling down the national grid were brought before the Engineers for discussion.
 In her contribution, the Deputy Director of New Media, Mrs Julie Ekong, appealed for prompt clearing of debris at the site of building collapse to avoid blockage of drains.
The high points of the visit were the exchange of souvenirs between Mrs Owoyemi and Engineer Akinaowo and the taking of group photographs.
Story by John Obot

Three-day warning strike in progress.. ..as Media Workers in Lagos protest non-payment of minimum wage

Activities at the Lagos State broadcasting premises are at a standstill as staff of the Radio and Television stations shelved work to protest the government's decision not to pay the workers N80,000 approved minimum wage.

The aggrieved staff involved in the three-day warning strike are that of Lagos Television (LTV), Radio Lagos, Eko FM and Traffic FM.

The workers decried the government's failure to implement the minimum wage, which has been paid to other state employees since December 2024.

Chairman of NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, delivered a fiery address, declaring the unions’ frustration.

Lagos State Chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria, RATTAWU, have jointly shut down the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation, LSBC.

The Unions had previously issued a notice to the state government, following unproductive meetings that failed to address their demands.

By Wahab Akinlade

NAFDAC to regulate maternal health products against postpartum ... declares 2025, Year of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health & Nutrition

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC says, it will focus on five pillars of healthcare, which are, strong governance and leadership, institutionalisation of best practices, safety and quality of regulated products and monitor the supply chain.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known at a news briefing in Lagos on Thursday, while reflecting on the agency’s accomplishments over the past seven years and what it will do in 2025. 

It says, " apart from the promotion of local pharmaceutical manufacturing and  further strengthening of the regulatory system to safeguard public health, it will  focus more on maternal, newborn, and child health ". 

Explaining further, the DG NAFDAC notes that, the Agency stopped the registration of sachet alcohol since February 2024 as part of a campaign to curb its accessibility, especially to young people.

According to Adeyeye, “There was a publication some days ago from the United States (U.S), linking alcohol to almost all the bad things that can happen to a human being, from cancer to liver failure and all. “That is part of the reason why we are focusing on sachet alcohols because of children.”

To this end, she said NAFDAC was stepping up sensitisation on it.

“We have stopped the registration of sachet alcohol completely, there is no registration of sachet alcohol since February of 2024.” she said

According to her, despite NAFDAC extensive regulatory responsibilities, the agency is acutely understaffed, hence the need the address the problem of inadequate workforce in the agency. 

She said, " to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Benchmarking requirements, the agency plans to engage volunteers while awaiting statutory approval for additional hires.

" The agency requires 10,000 workers to effectively oversee the population's needs but has only 2000 staff nationwide ".

“We burn candles on both ends,” she stated, emphasising that the current workforce is overstretched, but remains resolute to safeguarding public health and maintaining Nigeria’s global standing.  

“Efforts to address this include stringent recruitment processes to ensure integrity and competence. While the agency seeks to double its current staff, identifying funding as one of the challenges limiting the pace of expansion. 

“Volunteers are also being incorporated into the workforce, with candidates undergoing the same rigorous screening as regular staff.  

On infrastructure and tools for efficiency, she said NAFDAC plans to complete 10 state and zonal offices, as well as laboratories, including the Vaccines, Biologics, and Medical Devices Laboratory in Oshodi.

Manufacturers will be incentivised to produce paediatric medicines, supported by regulatory inspection and WHO Prequalification processes, she stated.

Further, on tackling Substandard and Falsified Products: 

“The agency aims to minimise the prevalence of falsified and substandard products to less than five per cent through stringent post-marketing surveillance and inspections. 

Cluster registration of globally listed products and enhanced stakeholder engagement will ensure transparency and consumer safety.” Adeyeye stated

National Grid tripped off, didn’t collapse —TCN

 The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the National Grid did not collapse on Saturday, January 11, 2025, but rather experienced a tripping event. TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah issued this clarification in a statement on the same day. 

This clarification follows reports that the National Grid recorded its first collapse of 2025, which led to power outages in some parts of the country. However, TCN confirmed that the Benin-Omotosho line tripped at around 1:41 PM on Saturday, affecting the
electricity supply to the Lagos area.

According to TCN, electricity generation on the national grid was at 4,335.63 megawatts just before the tripping. After the incident, generation dropped to 2,573.23 megawatts, indicating that a full grid collapse did not occur. 

The tripping affected several transmission lines, including those serving Egbin, Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Geregu, and Paras. TCN reported that all affected lines have been restored, except for the Benin-Omotosho 330kV line, which is currently undergoing restoration. 

In 2024, the national grid collapsed at least 12 times, highlighting ongoing issues such as grid failures and vandalism that continue to challenge Nigeria's electricity supply industry.

Rising Tennis Talent Attracts National Sports Commission's Support

Nigeria teenage tennis sensation Khadijat Eleojo Mohammed has received some career-building backing from the National Sports Commission, NSC.

Shortlisted on the NSC's adopt-an-athlete initiative, the tennis prodigy is expected to enjoy the best of support on her way to greatness.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko assured that the Commission would ensure that Khadijat's full potentials were realized. 

"I am quite impressed with what you have been able to do with your tennis career. No doubt you deserve all the encouragement and support that you can get. Even if you didn't come here, I am sure we would have found you along the line. I will make sure we support and help you to be the best you can be. The potential is there. For you to be winning big tournaments professionally at such a young age, the future is very bright. We will support you so that you don't fall by the wayside," Mallam Dikko promised.

"We have the adopt-an-athlete program, so we will see how we can put you on the platform where the companies we are dealing with can come to support you in addition to whatever support that we can give as commission under our grassroots policy. We will look at you and see how we make you part of our program."

Dikko made the comments in the presence of the player and her father/trainer, Mohammed Ohinoyi, a certified ITF coach and a former professional tennis player, who had appealed to the NSC for  Khadijat's support. 

At only 15, Khadijat has proven to be the next big thing in Nigeria's tennis. 

She became the first West or Central African player to win the ITF.J30 World  Tour. 

The following year in 2023 at 14 years old, she became the first teenager to win the Dala Tennis, a title she retained this year.

Aside from conquering the home front, Dikko believed Khadijat had the potential to excel at the Olympics someday.

"Tennis is also an Olympic sport. It is at this age that we can start nurturing the best tennis players to get us to the podium. With the right training, I believe that in two or three years, with the right roadmap, you should be having a go at the Olympics and other top competitions and we see how we take it from there. So we need to get more details about her training and the plans," he enthused.

"We will liaise with the Nigeria Tennis Federation because whatever we have to do, we will align with the programs of the Federation and make sure they are part of what we are doing. We will try to push you as much as we can to take you to the next level."

The NSC Chairman instantly assigned an aide Bar. Musa Amadu to follow up on Khadijat and provide updates.

"Since you train in our facility here at the MKO Abiola Stadium, we will come to watch. Be rest assured that we will keep a tab on you. We will follow your progress in the tournaments and circuits. You quite align with our vision to catch them young. We would be doing aggressive grassroots sports development as part of the overall vision, so you have come to the right place at the right time. We will ensure you are properly guided and your dreams activated," he added.

Dikko cautioned the player against dumping the nation afterwards. 

"Be careful, it is not after we have pushed you up now, tomorrow, you say you are representing another country. You are laughing now, it's not funny. Not after we have done all the hard work now, tomorrow another country will come and reap where they didn't sow," he concluded. 

While appealing for the Commission's support, Kadijat's father and coach, Ohinoyi said, "We as her parents have done our best, we can no longer take her beyond here. The remaining is in the hands of the National Sports Commission. That is why we are here. We have come because we can't continue with her."

Khadijat added, "If I am supported to get up there, I will also like to lift others and help them to make it in tennis. I want to be a source of inspiration to young tennis players in Nigeria."

By Kelechi Bernard(@woramangra)

FRCN, Lagos Operations starts 2025 with prayers....as clerics urge employees to be thankful at all times

  

It was a special day at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Lagos Operations as the Management and staff prayed for God's mercy and guidance as they started the new year.

The programme which started with praises, prayers and thanksgiving to God, saw everyone go spiritual.

Two Clerics, Utaz Abdullateef Olatunde and Venerable Oladehinde Olotu, who gave words of admonition urged staff to always be thankful no matter the challenges they face at work and home.

Starting the programme was the Islamic prayer presided over by Ustaz Abdulateef Olatunde, an employee of the Cooperation.

Ustaz Olatunde called on Allah to grant the Organization and its employees all-around blessing in 2025, and " prayed against a repeat of the unfortunate fire incident that gutted a section of the broadcasting house last year ".

There was a praise and worship session led by the Manager of News, on Radio One, Mrs. Iyabo Adoderin.

Delivering the Words of exaltation, an Anglican Priest, the Venerable Oladeinde Olotu advised employees to embrace the act of gratitude and thank God in all things for him to continue to bless them.

The Cleric who spoke on the topic "Be thankful and bless his name", from Psalm 100 verse 4 b, said that, " the fact the workers still retained their jobs and are alive to witness another year, are good enough reasons to give thanks to God ". he advised 

Intercessory prayers for various intentions for the good of the workers, the organization and the nation were offered.

In the course of the service, a moment of silence was observed in honour of some staff members who died last year.

The Thanksgiving Service which is still ongoing is being attended by Director Lagos Operations, Mrs. Bolanle Owoyemi and her management team.

In her remarks, the DLO, Mrs Bolanle Owoyemi Charged staff members with loyalty to the organization and commitment to duties, praying that the Almighty God will bring them good tidings in 2025.

They include the Deputy Director of News and Current Affairs, Fred Shaka-Braimah, Deputy Director of New Media, Julie Ekong, General Manager, of Radio One, Korede Ogunbumi and the newly promoted Assistant Director Procurement, Benjamin Igute.

NIMR set to tackle Human Metapneumovirus .... as WHO recommends wearing a mask to reduce spread

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) says, as Nigeria's foremost research agency, it is prepared to tackle any outbreak including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, if the need arises.

The Director -General, NIMR, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa gave assurance at the heal of the outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, saying, "We wish to assure the general public that the Institute is fully prepared ". 

Professor Obafunwa explained that NIMR is in close contact with and will collaborate with relevant government agencies and institutions as the nation intensifies efforts to strengthen its preparedness for all health emergencies. 

He says, " NIMR also aligns with the views and positions already expounded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). " We hereby enjoin the public to adhere to the public health advisory enunciated by the agency. " 

It will be recalled that, on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, it is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

In its latest disease outbreak report on HMPV, WHO says a report from Chinese authorities indicated that the country's health care system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered. 

“In many countries of the Northern Hemisphere, trends in acute respiratory infections are on the rise at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, RSV, and other common respiratory viruses, including hMPV, as well as mycoplasma pneumonia".

" The co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter season can sometimes cause an increased burden on health care systems treating sick persons,” WHO says.

WHO however recommends that individuals in areas where it is winter take normal precautions to prevent the spread and reduce risks posed by respiratory pathogens, especially to the most vulnerable. 

" People with mild symptoms should stay home to avoid infecting other people and rest, adding that, those at high risk or with complicated or severe symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible. 

Advising Individuals to consider wearing a nose mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, they should cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practice regular hand-washing, and get recommended vaccines as per physician and local public health authorities.

WHO advises Member States to maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens through an integrated approach, considering country context, priorities, resources and capacities.

Based on the current risk assessment, WHO advises against any travel or trade restrictions related to current trends in acute respiratory infections.

According to the US Centre for Disease Control, " the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems" WHO warns.

Three children of the same parents die mysteriously...as the Nise community mourns.

If the popular adage that says " wonders shall never end " is anything to go by, then can best describe the incident which happened in Nise, Awka Local government area of Anambra State, where three children of the same parents were found dead.
Radio Nigeria reports that the cause of the incident which occurred over the weekend remains a mystery to the entire residents of the area.  
According to an eyewitness account, " the children, two boys, and one girl were found lifeless inside a vehicle parked in their parent's compound ".
The report says, "The parents of the deceased children had lived without any child for many years after their marriage until eight years ago when God blessed them with a male child.
Two years after, the second son arrived then followed by their last daughter four years ago".
When the couple left for the day's activities on Saturday, 4th January 2025, little did they know that it would be the last time they would set an eye on their children alive.
An Indigene of Ara village, Nise, narrated that " the father of the deceased children came back and started looking for his children but could not find them within the compound.
"Having searched for them over an hour, his eyes flashed to the car long parked, and there he saw the three children lying helpless " the report says
He quickly opened the vehicle doors only to notice that their children, two boys, and one girl were all suffocated and lifeless.
The Leader of Nise Vigilante Group who did not want his name mentioned, told Radio Nigeria that immediately after he got the news, they notified the DPO in charge of the area and mobilized to the scene where the bodies had been evacuated.
According to him, preliminary investigation and checks conducted alongside Police personnel showed that there was no element of strangulation, bruc,e or manhandling signs on the bodies of the children contrary to some media reports that insinuate they were killed.
Also speaking, the President General of the Community, Chief Anthony Nwabuana while describing the incident as disheartening, said the people have been devastated by the development.
Chief
Nwabuana and the Security boss used the medium to advise parents and guardians to always leave their wards in the hands of adult before leaving the house to avoid such ugly incident.
When Radio Nigeria arrived at the scene, the gate to the compound was under lock while neighbors narrated that the couple traveled on Sunday after burying the three children.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Mr Tochukwu Ikenga said, the command has received the report and is already investigating.
He noted that meanwhile the father of the children has been interviewed and the command working with the necessary information provided.
The PPRO said further development shall be communicated to journalists, as the Nise community is still in shock over the unfortunate incident". Ndeke reports.
By Uche Ndeke.