Nigeria's national football teams may bring back support for their clubs during international matches.

Sports Commission Preaches Uniform Club Support for Nigeria National Teams 
Nigeria national football teams could return to a unified club support during international matches.
According to Honourable Bukola Olopade the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, unity amongst the various groups of Supporters Clubs in Nigeria will help to amplify their continuous support for the various National Sports Teams.
Olopade stated this Tuesday, 3 December 2024, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club, led by its President, Abayomi Ogunjimi. 
Commending Ogunjimi’s dedication and passion for supporting Nigeria’s national teams, Olopade highlighted the impressive contributions of the Authentic Nigeria Supporters Club since its inception.  
*I am honoured for this show of love and support that is coming from the Authentic Supporters Club, especially the President, Abayomi Ogunjimi. The National Sports Commission, under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko and myself as the DG, will always be there to support the activities of the Supporters Club," Olopade said. 
“This is the more reason why I am charging all the various groups of Supporters to come together in one voice so that you all can be on the same page, singing one song at the stadium. And I would also love to see that the Supporters Club is not only for football but all the various sports because other sports apart from football need to enjoy that sense of support."
In his remarks, Ogunjimi underscored the importance of stakeholder support for the Commission's mission to transform Nigerian sports.
He praised the leadership of the NSC for its vision and commitment to revamping the sector.  
“Nigerian sports can never remain the same again with the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade as Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission. I have no doubt the two of them are the best hands to revamp Nigerian sports," Ogunjimi stated.  
During the visit, Ogunjimi presented the DG with a jersey and a framed photograph of the club as a token of appreciation.

World AIDS Day: 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral drugs, as the WHO advocates for strong health systems to support vulnerable populations.

As we come together with the international community to mark World AIDS Day 2024 on 1 December, this year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” is a timely reminder of our responsibility to safeguard human rights as we pursue the goal of HIV elimination by 2030.
The World Health Organization, WHO, Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, said, in a statement, " HIV is a complex health challenge, inseparable from social determinants such as poverty, gender inequality and violence, and complicated by stigma and discrimination, especially amongst marginalized populations ".
 According to Moeti, Protecting human rights is a key component of achieving universal HIV care, and breaking down these life-threatening barriers to access. " World AIDS Day also provides an opportunity for reflection on the achievements ".
He said, African countries have made significant progress, with the change in the trajectory of the epidemic over the past decade evidence of the notable successes in HIV control and response.
" This is despite having the highest HIV burden globally, and comparatively fewer resources to fight the epidemic ". He stated 
Nothing that, Remarkable reductions in the number of new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are being recorded, with the number of new HIV infections higher outside of sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in 2023.
Dr Moeti explained that " The WHO African region is also the leading region globally in advancements towards the achievements of the 95-95-95 UNAIDS HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets, aimed at closing gaps in treatment coverage and outcomes,".
" Seven countries have already achieved the targets, with the overall rating for the region currently at 90-82-76. About 21.3 million people are now on antiretroviral treatment, raising their life expectancy ". He disclosed
Dr Moeti says and I quote, " Botswana (silver tier status) and Namibia (bronze tier status), meanwhile, have both been recognized for notably curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission rates, achieving the required indicators for the “Path to elimination of HIV” criteria introduced in 2017 ".
The statement further says, " African Region is also implementing effective biomedical HIV prevention methods, with countries quickly adopting and implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) recommendations, and ensuring increased access to options such as oral and long-acting injectable PrEP, and the dipivefrine vaginal ring. 
It further explained that, despite the increased availability of scientific knowledge and tools for preventing new HIV infections, and effectively treating people living with HIV, the value of these innovations depends on their universal accessibility. This it says, is an issue that requires further investments and policy reforms going forward.
"We have a collective obligation to protect human rights, specifically ensuring that health care is available to everyone, without any discrimination, regardless of their HIV status, background, gender or where they live. Stigma and discrimination cannot be allowed to undermine the gains and impede our progress". Moeti
She further noted that, Given the achievements, it is indeed possible to eliminate HIV with the combined efforts of governments, partners, health care providers, civil society and, crucially, communities.
Communities are key partners in co-creating strategies and jointly implementing interventions to address human rights-related barriers to care, and we must ensure their voices are heard.
According to her, HIV response is complicated by the increasing incidence of disease outbreaks in the African region, which negatively impact our already struggling health systems. 
She stated and I quote, " As we accelerate our response to the epidemic, it is important that we remain mindful that strong health systems and integrated, person-centred approaches to health care are essential to optimally meet the multiple needs of our vulnerable populations".
" She urged political officeholders to acknowledge the progress and also renew the joint commitment to eliminating HIV By protecting everyone’s right to health and reducing new HIV infections, adding that " we can achieve an AIDS-free generation and ensure the sustainability of the HIV response ".

CS-SUNN urges LASG to Leverage MMS to aids Anaemia Prevention, Control.

The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition (CS- SUUN) has urged the Lagos State Government to leverage the Child Nutrition Fund to procure multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS).
CS- SUUN, Executive Secretary Sunday Okoronkwo stated that the procurement of MMS will give easy access to all pregnant women for the prevention and treatment of anaemia.
Sunday, Okoronkwo made the call during CS-SUNN Media Engagement on Improved Reportage of MMS for Anaemia Prevention and Control in Lagos.
He pointed out that the " Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is a catalytic financing match mechanism by UNICEF that enables governments to double their investments in essential nutrition commodities, including MMS, for the prevention and treatment of anaemia.
According to the World Health Organisation  (WHO), anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal.
"Anaemia may be caused by several factors, including nutrient deficiencies through inadequate absorption of nutrients, infections (e.g. malaria, parasitic infections, tuberculosis, HIV), inflammation, and gynaecological and obstetric conditions, among others."
"Anaemia is a critical global public health problem that particularly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women". Okoronkwo

"It is a common cause of ill health or death in mothers and their babies, especially in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where more than four out of ten pregnant women have the condition". He said
Okoronkwo who noted that a sizable proportion of pregnant women in Lagos are anaemic, urged the state government to urgently address it by focusing on maternal and child malnutrition.
Sherifat Oyediran

UNICEF, NGE Call for Policy Shift to Save 4.9m Nigerian children

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, have called on journalists in the country to transform the lives of the nation’s 110 million children and ensure they live a productive life. 
UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, at a symposium with the theme "Reinforcing the Role of Media in Mainstreaming Child Rights," put together by UNICEF Nigeria in collaboration with NGE, the Diamond Award for Media Excellence on Saturday, in Lagos, stressed the need for the media to use it's power to influence policy, change public perception and spur urgent action to changing the narrative.
Cristian Munduate, who quoted statistics which says that nearly half of Nigerian children live in poverty, with 67 percent experiencing multidimensional deprivations such as malnutrition, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare; additionally, 2.1 million children remain unvaccinated.

  " 4.9 million need urgent humanitarian aid, and three out of four children in school are failing to meet basic literacy and numeracy standards ". She stated
According to her, " Media can drive change by keeping children’s issues at the top of the national agenda," she said.
She stressed that journalists need to move beyond reporting daily events to deliberate, sustained advocacy that holds stakeholders accountable, including the federal and state governments, religious and traditional leaders, and families. " You are uniquely positioned to inform and equip these stakeholders with the tools to protect children’s rights,” Munduate
She citing instances where the media had put in it's best to include ensuring that government took pragmatic steps at protecting children from harsh judicial punishments. 
The UNICEF boss charged media organizations to celebrate progress and positive developments for children while maintaining a focus on the urgent need for reforms in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. “Childhood is short—just 18 years. The changes we make today are the only ones that matter for these children", " The media has the power to create a sense of urgency and push for the immediate actions that children cannot wait for,” she stated.
Munduate urged the media to foster competition among states to discourage open defecation and improve access to food and education, adding that amplifying solutions and inspiring collaboration will go a long way in changing the narrative for Nigerian children and help secure their future.
On his part, the president, Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, want media practitioners to take a more proactive role in advocating the rights and well-being of Nigerian children, underscoring the urgent need to address pressing issues affecting children, including malnutrition, low enrollment in school and vulnerability to preventable diseases.
He said and I quote, “Children in Nigeria are still dying from diseases that have been eradicated elsewhere or for which vaccinations are available", This situation according to him, demands a collective effort from media practitioners, health workers, policymakers, and the government to declare a state of emergency for children and place them at the forefront of national priorities," he stated.
Anaba who expressed dismay at the numerous problems children face in Nigeria, where half of the 220 million population are underage, noted that, millions of children are out of school, subjected to abuse, child labor, and early marriages, while others face violence and recruitment as child combatants in conflict-affected regions. 
“These statistics are not just numbers, they are stories of children whose rights are being denied and whose dreams are deferred,” Anaba lamented.
He urged his colleagues to strive at solution based reporting such as, successful child-friendly policies and community-driven stories that will bring hope to the people. 
" The importance of celebrating progress alongside addressing challenges is key ". pointing out that, “Partnering with development organizations like UNICEF can provide data and tools to strengthen advocacy. " We must commit to actionable steps, whether through investigative reports, collaborations with NGOs, or dedicated platforms for child rights," he noted.
The symposium brought together people from all walks of life including, senior government officials, media practitioners, advocates, and stakeholders, united in their commitment to creating a society where every child can thrive. 

The NGE President urged journalists and editors to wield their storytelling power to inspire and drive societal change. “The media is not just a passive observer of society but an active participant in shaping norms and influencing policies. We must uncover and amplify the voices of the voiceless and pressure policymakers to act,” he stated.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children.” advising the media to become the conscience of society, using its platforms to prioritize education, healthcare, and protection of all Nigerian children.
The programme featured three sections of panel discussions that explained in detail the paper presented to the better understanding of those present and the reasons why all hands must be on deck to save the Nigerian child.

Comrade Alhassan Yahaya emerges as NUJ President, pulling 436 votes to beat his opponents.

Comrade Alhassan Yahaya has emerged the new National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ.

Alhassan pulled a total of Four hundred and thirty six votes to defeat his rivals Comrade Bamidele Atunbi former Treasurer of the Union who got 97 votes and Comrade Garba Mohammed who scored 39 votes.

The election was conducted at the 8th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Union held in Owerri Imo State which brought together Six hundred and two delegates from the State Councils in the Country.

Comrade Yahaya who is from Gombe State was before his emergence the Deputy National President of NUJ .

Also elected but unopposed was the Deputy National President, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, General Manager Bronze FM, Radio Nigeria and a former BOT of the Union.

Dr Oyetunde by this feat is the First Female Deputy National President of NUJ.

Other National Officers of the Union were unopposed including the National Treasurer Comrade Victor Ndukwe who was the former Abia State Council Chairman.

The election conducted amidst tight security had Comrade Mike Ikeogwu as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee.

Meanwhile, a cross section of States, Councils and individuals have sent congratulatory messages to the newly elected national officers.

From Lagos, the NUJ State Council, Mr Adeyeye Ajayi congratulates the President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, the Deputy President, Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, National Financial Secretary Samuel Dada, and other members of the Central Working Committee on their election.

The Chairman who described the victory as a well-deserved one, expressed optimism that the union under the new leadership will flourish beyond the giant strides attained under the immediate past administration.

" We also urge you to hit the ground running with your laudable programmes". 

" We wish the Immediate Past President, Chief Chris Isiguzo an elevation to a higher pedestal ". Ajayi said

Burna Boy is allegedly using the police to intimidate Speed Darlington following the singer's recent arrest.

Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has claimed that popular Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, is behind the recent arrest of fellow artist Speed Darlington. 

Adeyanju stated that Burna Boy is responsible for the harassment Speed Darlington has faced from the police. He expressed his thoughts on X, saying, “Burna Boy is behind the harassment of Speed Darlington by the police. This is someone who has been singing against oppression and presenting himself as a junior Fela, yet he is now oppressing Akpi.”

According to DAILY POST, the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force arrested Darlington in Owerri, the state capital, while he was performing at a show. This arrest occurred shortly after he returned to Nigeria earlier in the week. 

Recently, Darlington was also arrested for alleged cyberstalking of Burna Boy. Initially detained in Lagos, he was later transferred to Abuja where he was held by the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team in the Guzape area of the city.

PRESS RELEASE:NNPC Ltd Reaffirms Progress on Port Harcourt Refinery and Addresses Misleading Claims.

The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) express heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery. This achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.

We are, however, aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. For clarity, the Old Port Harcourt Refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90%. The refinery is producing the following daily outputs:
• Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol)
• Kerosene: 900,000 liters
• Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million liters
• Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters
• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes

It is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from our sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals), to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. Blending is a standard practice in refineries globally, as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes.

Additionally, we have made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.

We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation. Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Ltd. and the country.

Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector.

Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja

26th November, 2024