World Tuberculosis Day: stakeholders advocate support for People Living with TB.

Governments, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals have been urged to stand together in the fight against Tuberculosis, Support those battling the disease, encourage screening and treatment, and speak up against stigma in all its forms.  

In a message from the Centre for HIV/AIDS and STD Research (CHISTRE) on World TB Day 2025,  This year's theme, "Yes! We Can End TB!",  is a call to action, reminding world leaders that with collective effort, innovation, and unwavering determination, TB can be eliminated because it is a preventable and curable disease.  

According to the Executive Director of, the Centre for HIV/AIDS and STD Research (CHISTRE), Nduka Ozor, Tuberculosis has continued to affect millions worldwide, particularly in vulnerable communities. Yet, one of the greatest barriers to TB care is stigma. 

" Many people suffering from TB face discrimination, fear, and isolation which hinder their access to treatment and support, saying that the cycle must be broken". he said

He explained further that, "TB is not a curse, nor a death sentence it is a disease that can be treated and cured, advising that, " No one should feel ashamed or afraid to seek care".  

Executive Director, of Journalists Against AIDS, JAAIDS, Ms Laide Akanni, wants the federal government to prioritize the health of the citizens, especially with the withdrawal of funding by the United States government which is the highest global funder.

 

Ms Akanni stated that sincere commitment from political office holders, religious and community leaders and making a recommitment to creating more awareness and support to end Tuberculosis would bring hope to the people as several commitments made before now by world leaders have not been realized.

" There were commitments made that countries will be contributing a significant amount to end TB by 2027, The funding landscape on Tuberculosis across the globe is changing and that's why leaders need to step up more than ever before, it also means that we need to invest more domestic resources to enable us to meet the target ". Akanni

"Tuberculosis has affected millions worldwide, particularly in vulnerable communities, Yet, one of the greatest barriers to TB care is stigma".

She called on those who have tested positive for TB to take their drugs religiously to avoid infecting their loved ones.

" Treatment is free in government hospitals across the country, adhere to it and complete the treatment, because people who are in close contact are at risk so that they don't have active TB, adding that, they will place them on what is called, " TB Preventive Therapy".to prevent themselves from the onset of TB," she advised 

To support the campaign, the Steering Committee for TB, Office of the wife of the Lagos State governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwoolu, D.r Folasade Fadare has mandated that chairpersons and wives of Chairmen to lead the mobilization of volunteers to drive the sensitization for treatment and prevention in households, schools, worship centers and the hard - to - reach areas, among other levels of the grassroots.

Dr Fadare who identified stigma as one of the reasons for denial appealed to anyone who coughs for up to two weeks to present themselves for screening, assuring that early treatment leads to a cure within one and six months.

In an interview, Lagos State TB  Coordinator, TB People, Mrs Oluseyi Kadiri, described the group of survivors as veritable assets to awareness creation, advocacy on access to medication and adherence as well as protection of the rights of patients, because, " they have seen it all and are capable of sharing their experiences to encourage others ". 

Secretary of Lagos State Stop TB Partnership, Dr Ime Okon, clamored for creative strategies by stakeholders to ensure more cases are detected to meet the fifty thousand annual target towards elimination of Tuberculosis in lagos.

 

" If we must get it right, all hands must be on deck, people.must speak up so action can be taken. But we will not rest on our oas untill we achieve our aim ". 

At a forum in Lagos, the Manager, the State TB and Leprosy Control, Dr Olusola Sokoya, pointed out that, Lagos has contributed over three billion naira on Tuberculosis Prevention and this has increased the detected cases from eight thousand in 2019 to over nineteen thousand in 2024.

" Solving stigmatization and discrimination will reduce the Tuberculosis scourge by fifty percent, assuring that more drugs for the treatment of Tuberculosis will arrive in the country in weeks". He promised

Group review projects implemented with stolen returned assets: calls for inclusion of victims in decision-making.

The Federal government has been urged to maintain the Offenders Register by expanding the current list of alleged perpetrators of corruption crimes to ensure that offenders are added as stipulated by the Global Forum on Asset Recovery, GFAR, Principle 9.

This is one of the recommendations of the just concluded research report on implementing Key GFAR Principles in Asset Return to Nigeria after visits by CSOs and CLEEN Foundation to the three projects to ascertain the level of work done and present their findings to stakeholders for review and validation. 

The recovery and management of stolen assets, such as the $311.8 million recovered loot from the Bailiwick of Jersey are said to be used for the Lagos-Ibadan Road, Abuja-Kano Road, and 2nd Niger bridge projects as against insinuations that the monies were re-looted. 

The Executive Director, of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Mr David Ugolor, said, that having monitored the inflow of the looted assets and activities relating to transparency and accountability, inclusion of non-government organizations, return of funds to beneficiaries, and the preclusion of benefit to offenders which is commendable. 

The research however identified gaps in the asset recovery process and provided recommendations for improving future asset return agreements.

For instance, " Abacha Loot (III) of $311.8 million was covered by a Tripartite Agreement (between the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the USA) and was signed in Washington, DC, on 3rd February 2020 in line with GFAR principle, it took both countries 13 years to effect the return of the asset " Ugolor.

He noted that A 2020 MoU between Nigeria and Ireland returned Abacha IV, €5.5m or $6.3m following a forfeiture order by a high court in Ireland in 2015, A 2022 Agreement on ‘Forfeited Mecosta/Sani Mohammed Assets’ (Abacha V), amounting to $23,493,724.98, made use of the existing structures, procedures, and mechanisms already defined in the 2020 US-FRN-Jersey 2020 Tripartite Agreement on Abacha III. This was also plowed into the 3 legacy projects.

Still talking Transparency and accountability,  Mr. Ugolor stated that "A 2021 MoU between UK and Nigeria returned James Ibori & Associates loot totaling £4,2m,"  A 2022 MOU between UK & FGN returned the Foster Wheeler assets amounting to £210,610

Another 2024 Agreement Between FGN & Jersey returned Jeremiah Useni/Miner Funds amounting to £2,125,944.

All the above-recovered assets he explained, have been plugged into the 3 Landmark projects of the 2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Express Road, and Abuja-Kano Express Road, adding that, " Lagos-Ibadan Express Road and 2nd Niger Bridge have been largely completed using the recovered assets"

Transparency and accountability---3 which is the Abuja-Kano road got some issues leading to the termination of the contract of JB and re-awarded to another contractor, " Recovered $954,807.40 Alamieyeseigha loot returned from the US were still domiciled in the ‘CBN Designated Dollar Account’ 2 years after return ". he said 

Ugolor disclosed, " A total sum of US$355 million has been received so far during the five years covered by

this research compared to an estimated $ 10 billion that left through IFF, adding that, from the 7 agreements and MoUs, 4 specified costs recovery three did not. " For instance, Jersey cost recovery of $311m is $5m ". Ugolor stressed 

Quoting open procurement in line with the 2007 Act for utilization of assets

Awareness he noted that the government installed signposts at every 30 km intervals to indicate that the infrastructure roads projects and bridges were completed with a part of the returned assets.

Looking at the poverty level, it is on record that, 140million Nigerians, or 65% of its population are said to be multi-dimensionally poor, with a high unemployment rate.

" World Bank statistics show that from the 122 million Nigerians in the working age bracket, only 31 million are employed, and on Petty and Grand Corruption, Nigeria ranks 140th out of 180 countries on TI’s 2024 report",  Ugolor revered 

He said although the 2020 UNCTAD report puts illicit financial flight from Africa alone at $88 billion a year, Nigeria has made strident efforts at combating corruption since the return to Democratic rule in 1999, the reason it established agencies to arrest the situation.

The report findings by the CLEEN Foundation revealed that the roads have been completed and are all beneficial to the public having eliminated traffic congestion, and stress both on humans and vehicles but feedback from participants indicates that a lot still needs to be done in the areas of road mapping, the introduction of weighbridges, lightings, pedestrian bridges, security and under whose jurisdiction it is to maintain the roads, describing fee allocated for monitoring as too much, is of concern. 

The Deputy Programme Manager FCDO, Mr. Anicetus Atakpu, promised that the organization would continue to support the cause and wants the Government of Nigeria to address the poor awareness of returned assets and beneficial utilization that could help to address skepticism and build public trust.

Consultant on the Project, Mrs Sarah Praise Ikhile who represented the Audit firm, Mr Emmanuel Agbeboaye & Co, raised some concerns that some of the project imputes were not available. 

   " There is an urgent need to complete the Abuja - Kano road". 

But are Victims of the loot, part of the decision-making relating to project prioritization?

The report submits that there appear to be limited opportunities for sub-national governments to make their inputs and be held accountable, Ugolor quoting " the 2023 Agreement signed between USA and Nigeria on Alamieyeseigha Forfeited Assets ($954,807.40), which is meant for the government and people of Bayelsa State, yet they have no input into the agreement ". 

The report wants the federal government to consult Civil society and communities in the prioritization process on the choice of roads and bridges, Preventive measures against illicit financial flows should be instituted, such as periodic citizens’ engagements and quarterly reports to the public.

The report also called for the Overhaul of the Criminal Justice System for Speedier asset recovery and returns and work with asset-returning countries to ensure speedier and more effective criminal prosecution and timely repatriation of all forfeited assets.

Provide Central asset recovery agency through Amendment of POCA, 2022,  Act, 2022, reflecting the provisions for a central recovery agency to coordinate the activities of ACAs, facilitate the passing of the Whistleblower Protection Bill to support asset recovery and management to further enhance operational independence project completion audit mechanism to ensure all projects are audited independent of the implementing agencies before the issuance of Satisfactory completion certificate, among other demands.

Lagos marks 2025 World Oral Health Day...Distribute IEC materials, and care kits to pupils.

The Lagos State government has identified poor oral health as one of the reasons for low self-esteem, anxiety, and dietary deficiencies, that affect a child's development and academic performance. 

 Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, made this known while addressing pupils of Oregun Junior and Senior High Schools, Ikeja, commemorating the year 2025 World Oral Health Day.

The event, which focused on promoting oral hygiene among children, featured health education sessions,  demonstrations, and distributing of oral care kits to pupils.

The reason for World Oral Health Day, according to experts, is to identify the benefits of a healthy mouth and raise global awareness of oral hygiene, especially among children. 

 Dr. Ogunyemi stated. "Oral diseases can impact not only on individuals but also on communities and economies, making preventive care essential.”

She stressed the vital connection between oral health and mental well-being, noting that children with tooth pain, discoloration, or swelling may suffer from social anxiety and embarrassment. Hence, she encouraged students to prioritize their dental hygiene. She noted that “a healthy smile boosts confidence and self-esteem. You cannot be happy if you are constantly in pain due to poor oral health.”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, urged the students to limit sugar consumption and adopt proper oral care habits.

 He warned against the dangers of excessive sweet intake, explaining that sugar residues stick to the teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to tooth decay.

"I know children love sweets, but you must understand that bacteria thrive on the sugar left in your mouth, leading to cavities and bad breath," he cautioned.

 "Good oral hygiene ensures fresh breath, healthy gums, and a confident smile. You don't want to be the child that others avoid because of mouth odor.” Ogboye 

Director, of Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, who praised the collaborative efforts of government agencies and school authorities in promoting oral health, urged pupils to share their newfound knowledge with their parents, siblings, and peers, reinforcing the importance of proper oral care.

The Principals of Oregun Junior and Senior High Schools, Mrs. Adesola Ajimuda and Mr. Olatunji Sunday Opeolu, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Ministry of Health for selecting their schools for the initiative.

They emphasized that the lessons learned would have a ripple effect on families and communities, helping to instill lifelong healthy habits in children.

"When children learn good oral hygiene, they pass it on to their families. "This program is not just about today, it is about securing a healthier future for our students," Mrs. Ajimuda remarked.

The event also featured live demonstrations of effective tooth brushing techniques, led by oral health experts. Pupils eagerly participated in the hands-on exercises, learning how to properly clean their teeth, gums, and tongue. Teachers were also trained to reinforce these habits in school.

Pupils participated in a quiz session on oral health, where winners received prizes and additional oral care materials. The initiative was designed to make learning about oral hygiene fun, interactive, and memorable for students.

Oral care kits containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and informational materials were distributed to all pupils. Health officials urged them to commit to daily brushing, regular dental checkups, and reduced sugar intake to prevent oral diseases.

The theme of this year’s celebration, “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Mind,” underscores the link between oral health and overall well-being, particularly in children, with the focus on equipping students with more knowledge and practical skills to maintain healthy teeth and gums, thereby preventing tooth decay and other dental issues.

Nigeria and Brazil share common cultural values: presents book on Ifa to the consulate

A book, Titled "IFÁ: THE ENLIGHTENMENT VOLUME ONE" has been presented to the Consulate General of Brazil in Lagos. 

Presenting his book, renowned author Olusegun Daramola said, it is a celebration of shared knowledge and ancient wisdom which must not be ignored.

According to him, the occasion transcends conventional gestures, as it acknowledges the transformative power of Ifá's teachings, noting that Ifá, acting as a bridge, facilitates connections that surpass geographical borders, emphasizing the universal thread of wisdom that binds everyone.

Daramola explained that the exchange highlights the impact of Ifá's teachings, reaching far beyond its place of origin, stressing that As "IFÁ: THE ENLIGHTENMENT VOLUME ONE" found its new home, it carries with it the essence of a tradition that is not restricted by geographical bounds".

Consulate General of Brazil, Francisco Luz, represented by Ambassador

Adeniran Arimoro, 

the exchange, which showcased the global reach of Ifá, prompted discussions on the connections between Brazil and Nigeria. 

"Brazil is a cherished home for many Nigerians, and this event served as a testament to the strong bonds between the two nations". he affirmed 

" Ifa is part of a larger body of work that seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of Ifá wisdom ". 

Adeniran explained further, " The gathering at the Consulate General became a catalyst for strengthening bonds of understanding. Ifá, revered as a shared cultural treasure, foster connections and builds bridges between diverse communities.

This event, he disclosed serves as a beacon for cross-cultural understanding, emphasizing the profound impact of Ifá on a global scale.

Brazil Consulate General stands not only as a recipient of a treasured volume but as a symbolic space where cultural exchange and enlightenment intertwine.

" His selfless dedication to empowering others has solidified his role as a beacon of wisdom, enlightenment, and inspiration" A Bridge Between Spirituality and Science, saying that his legacy continues to grow as he remains a shining example of the transformative power of spirituality, culture, and personal growth ". he affirmed

CSOs want women to seek knowledge and advocate the inclusion of women across all sectors.

Include women across all sectors: CSOs tell Govt

As International Women's Day continue to take centre stage in Nigeria, Civil Society Organizations have stressed the need to protect policies that empower women and ensure men abandon a culture of impunity that encourages discrimination.

Executive Director, Women Rights and Health Project, Bose Ironsi, while taking on Gender-Based Discrimination, during a symposium organised by Woman of Substance recently in Lagos, with the theme “Accelerate Action on the Rights, Equality, Empowerment for Women and Girls.” stressed the importance of recognizing and confronting gender-based discrimination. 

"We need deliberate efforts to protect and empower women. Women have struggled and gone through various processes to ensure things work in their favour". 

She said, now is the right time to provide more enabling environments for women to thrive as individuals and human beings,” Bose stated.

“We can only change the narrative if we admit that there is a problem. Unfortunately, many people have become too comfortable with the way they are,” she added.

Speaking on Empowerment Beyond Finances, the Clinic Manager at NORDICA Fertility Centre, Ms Ranti Ajayi, noted that empowerment goes beyond financial independence, adding that knowledge-based empowerment is key to enabling women to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.

“Women should develop themselves and be empowered not just financially, but with knowledge. Every woman should be equipped with the right information to make informed decisions,” Ajayi explained 

She identified religious and cultural barriers as some of the reasons militating against women’s progress and advocated collective action to dismantle the restrictions to allow women to maximize their potential.

On the topic, " Breaking Stereotypes and Patriarchy, the Convener and Executive Director, Woman of Substance, a Non-Governmental Organization, Ms Ify Onyegbule, stated that the impact of stereotypes and patriarchal systems has continued to hinder women’s advancement in all spheres of life.

"We must find ways to bridge these gaps and ensure a level playing field. The issues affecting women in society are obvious, adding that Stereotypes make it difficult for women to thrive, while patriarchy creates significant barriers,” Onyegbule stated.

She urged women to be proactive in their pursuit of empowerment, emphasizing that opportunities may not always be handed to them.

“Women contribute immensely when given the chance, but they must be ready to step out, fight for their rights, and prove themselves,” she said.

Onyegbule also advocated for the active inclusion of women across all sectors, emphasizing the importance of equality, equity, and empowerment in fostering sustainable progress.

Participants called for a collective accelerated action to remove barriers and create more inclusive and empowering environments for women and girls. 

Stakeholders appraise the implementation of asset recovery and its impact on the people ...plead for a change of attitude toward the environment.

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), has put together a meeting to critically appraise the implementation of the Global Forum for Asset Recovery (GFAR), Principles in Asset Return to Nigeria. 

The group looked at the projects that had been implemented, the impact it has on the people and if it was beneficial to them

Participants in the programme, although they had divergent views, agreed that the recovered funds are well spent and, therefore, have a real-time time in the lives of the people.

The Executive  Director, of the frica Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Mr David Ugolor,  explained that validating the research report on the review of the implementation of Key GFAR Principles in Asset Return to Nigeria was necessary to change the mindset of the public that looted funds such as, " the $311.8 million recovered from the Bailiwick of Jersey used for legacy projects, Lagos-Ibadan Road, Abuja-Kano Road and 2nd Niger bridge. Were - looted when the reverse is the case. 

"To change the narrative, there is the need to answer these questions since transparency and accountability are the bedrock of any government ". Ugolor said

Mr Ugolor says, " Although there are gaps, according to the research in the current asset recovery process in Nigeria, it is imperative to provide recommendations for improving future asset return agreements which is the essence of the meeting ".

The  Programme Officer, Center for  Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria, CLEEN, Mr Bernard Ekube, said, before now, there had been a lot of misconceptions that funds looted have been re-looted, which he said was not the case as the over three hundred and eleven million dollars Abacha loot is used for the 2nd Niger Bridge, the Lagos Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja - Kano roads. 

According to him, " the selection of toads were selected based on their importance and cuts across the zones, and these are all huge projects, having been awarded several times, but now, it is a different matter as the roads are now stress-free". 

Explaining further, " the Lagos - Ibadan Expressway is one that a lot of people have come to appreciate because once they have one major church functions, the road is blocked, people have been robbed, accidents have happened, noting that, Government is using the money on the capital projects which is the way to go. " he affirmed 

Mr Ekube stressed that CLEENS sees it as a big project because it monitored it from point Zero to finishing and starting the roads. have been very rewarding, although it might not be one hundred per cent complete because pedestrian bridge lighting and mapping of the roads have not been done. 

 He expressed dismay at the attitude to the project saying no matter how strong a road is, when engine oil, petrol, diesel and tyres are burnt on the roads, it damages them, insisting that roads are built with the highest materials and to specifications, but when people do not take ownership, it becomes a problem. 

" For instance, the beams of the bridges that were conducted on that road are already damaged. There are tyres used to wage the roads, wastes are all over the place, the drainages are blocked with filth, so the problem is citizens have to own the projects ". He argued. 

Traffic Diversion for Independence Bridge Repairs.

The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan for emergency repairs on the Independence/Mekwen Bridge (inbound Marina/CMS) from Wednesday, 19th March, to Monday, 26th May 2025.

In a statement made available to the press, 

the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the affected routes are, 

Full closure:   National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) through Bonny Camp Bridge to Independence Bridge.

Service lane closure: Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge (inbound Independence Bridge).

Open lane: Service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe.

Alternative Routes are :

To Victoria Island:   Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Falomo Roundabout → Obafemi Awolowo Road → Ring Road.

To 3rd Mainland Bridge: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Alfred Rewane → Osborne → Ring Road.

To Inner Marina/CMS: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Falomo Roundabout → Obafemi Awolowo Road → J.K. Randle/King George V Road.

From Inner Marina/CMS to Ahmadu Bello Way: Full access.

Mr Osiyemi, therefore, advised motorists to be patient as the closure supports the Federal Ministry of Works' rehabilitation efforts, as  LASTMA officials will be on the ground to manage traffic throughout the project.