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Gombe Secures Medical Equipment, Commodities from Federal Government to Boost Primary Healthcare Delivery

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Gombe Secures Medical Equipment, Commodities from Federal Government to Boost Primary Healthcare Delivery

The Federal Government has handed over a consignment of modern reproductive health equipment and essential medical commodities to the Gombe State Government, as part of efforts to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) delivery and improve access to quality healthcare across the state.

The official handover ceremony, held on Saturday in Gombe, was presided over by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who described the initiative as a critical intervention aimed at supporting state-level healthcare reforms and enhancing service delivery for women, children, and vulnerable populations.

“You have done a lot to expand access to primary healthcare, but as part of the sector-wide approach, the Federal Government is contributing its share to ensure PHCs deliver quality care for women, children, and vulnerable populations,” Prof. Pate stated. “These equipment and commodities are meant for primary healthcare centres across all the local government areas of Gombe State.”

Prof. Pate commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration for its investments in primary healthcare through the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) and the state’s contributory health scheme, Go-Health, noting that such initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.

He emphasized that the intervention, which begins with Gombe, will be implemented across all 36 states of the federation to strengthen Nigeria’s health system and improve healthcare outcomes nationwide.

“This initiative is being implemented across the 36 states of the federation, but we are beginning with Gombe. Other states will follow, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector,” he said.

Receiving the medical supplies on behalf of the state government, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health for the gesture, describing it as timely and essential to the realization of Gombe State’s ongoing healthcare transformation agenda.

“Our administration has made healthcare reform a top priority through the revitalization of PHCs, recruitment of health workers, and expansion of health insurance coverage,” the governor said. “This intervention from the Federal Government will further strengthen our health system and complement our efforts to deliver quality care to every community.”

Earlier in his remarks, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr. Abba Ibrahim Musa, explained that the intervention aims to bolster maternal and child health services, improve access to reproductive healthcare, and equip frontline facilities with modern tools to serve rural populations effectively.

According to him, the equipment provided includes:

  • Delivery beds, portable ultrasound machines with foetal dopplers, and baby resuscitation workstations;
  • Hospital beds and mattresses, baby cots, suction machines, microscopes, and other laboratory tools;
  • Weighing scales, diagnostic sets, blood pressure monitors, and 25 Solar Direct Drive units for vaccine storage.

Additionally, the package includes 60 essential medicines in bundled packs, featuring analgesics, antimicrobials, antimalarials, cough and cold remedies, medicines for preventing postpartum bleeding, treating hypertension, and family planning commodities.

The intervention represents another milestone in Nigeria’s renewed commitment to achieving universal health coverage, with Gombe emerging as a model state for effective healthcare system reforms in the North-East region.

Tunisian Man Sentenced to D+ath Over Facebook Posts Criticising President

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Tunisian Man Sentenced to D+ath Over Facebook Posts Criticising President

A Tunisian court has sentenced a 56-year-old man to d+ath for allegedly ins¥lting President Kais Saied and undermining state security through Facebook posts, his lawyer and the Tunisian League for Human Rights confirmed on Friday.

The ruling has been described as unprecedented in the North African country, where restrictions on free speech have tightened since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021.

The defendant, Saber Chouchane, a day labourer with limited education, was arrested last year after publishing online criticism of the president.

His lawyer, Oussama Bouthalja, said: “The judge in the Nabeul court sentenced the man to d+ath over Facebook posts. It is a shocking and unprecedented ruling.” He added that an appeal has already been lodged.

Although Tunisian courts occasionally issue d+ath sentences, the country has not carried out an execution in more than three decades.

Chouchane’s brother, Jamal, expressed disbelief, telling Reuters: “We can’t believe it. We are a family suffering from p+verty, and now oppression and injustice have been added to p+verty.”

The judgement has sparked widespread outr@ge on social media, with activists and citizens accusing authorities of attempting to silence critics through fear. Observers warn the ruling could intensify political tensions and further erode freedom of expression.

Since dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, Saied has faced mounting criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, many of whom are imprisoned on various charges after being labelled “traitors” by the president.

NAPTIP Rescues Eight Women, Arrests Two Suspects in Kano Anti-Trafficking Raid

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NAPTIP Rescues Eight Women, Arrests Two Suspects in Kano Anti-Trafficking Raid

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has rescued eight women and apprehended two suspected traffickers in Kano State following a targeted operation against a cross-border trafficking network.

According to officials, the coordinated raid was carried out after intelligence reports revealed the activities of a syndicate specializing in the recruitment and movement of young women across international borders for exploitation.

NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Commander confirmed that the victims, all women, were intercepted before they could be transported out of the country. The suspects, believed to be key members of the trafficking ring, are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the syndicate had established links with foreign collaborators who facilitated the transit and reception of trafficked persons. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify and dismantle the wider network.

The rescued women are receiving medical checks, counseling, and temporary shelter under NAPTIP’s care. Officials also stated that efforts will be made to reunite them with their families after rehabilitation.

NAPTIP reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and cross-border collaboration to curb human trafficking, which remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s northern region and other parts of the country.

EU Election Observers Warn Nigeria Faces Time Pressure Ahead of 2027 Polls

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EU Election Observers Warn Nigeria Faces Time Pressure Ahead of 2027 Polls

The European Union Electoral Observer Mission (EU EOM) has raised concerns that Nigeria may be running against time in its efforts to deliver credible general elections in 2027.

In a statement issued at the end of a review session on Nigeria’s electoral process, the mission noted that while reforms have been initiated by relevant institutions, the pace of implementation remains slow, leaving critical areas of the system vulnerable ahead of the next nationwide polls.

The EU observers pointed to lingering challenges such as logistical preparedness, voter education, technological upgrades, and legal reforms that are yet to be fully addressed. According to the mission, these shortcomings, if not tackled early, could place significant strain on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

The mission further emphasized the need for early planning, broader stakeholder engagement, and stronger institutional coordination between INEC, security agencies, and political parties. It also urged the Nigerian government to prioritize timely legislation and adequate funding for electoral operations.

“The window of opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process is narrowing,” the EU mission cautioned, adding that credible elections require long-term planning rather than last-minute interventions.

The 2027 general elections will mark Nigeria’s eighth cycle of civilian rule since the return to democracy in 1999, and international partners say the credibility of the polls will be crucial in consolidating democratic gains.

 

Garba Shehu Denies Claims Linking Buhari to Boko Haram Negotiations

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Garba Shehu Denies Claims Linking Buhari to Boko Haram Negotiations

Former presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, has dismissed reports suggesting that late former President Muhammadu Buhari was ever nominated by Boko Haram leaders as a negotiator for the sect.

Speaking in reaction to recurring claims, Shehu clarified that neither the group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, nor his successor, Abubakar Shekau, at any point named Buhari as a representative in talks with the insurgents. He described the allegation as “false and misleading,” insisting that it had been recycled over the years without any factual basis.

According to Shehu, the misconception originated from political propaganda during Buhari’s early campaigns for the presidency and was later amplified by opponents seeking to question his stance on terrorism. He emphasized that the former president’s record in office demonstrated a clear commitment to combating Boko Haram and restoring security in the northeast.

The former presidential aide noted that while Boko Haram had in the past made attempts to reach out to various individuals and clerics for negotiations, Buhari’s name never featured on any official list, either before or during his administration.

Shehu urged Nigerians to treat such reports with caution, warning that the spread of unverified claims could distort public understanding of the fight against insurgency.

The statement comes amid ongoing debates about the legacy of Buhari’s administration in handling security challenges, particularly the prolonged battle against Boko Haram and its splinter factions.

Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Clean Energy Drive as Lagos Hosts Africa’s First E1 Electric Powerboat Race

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Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Clean Energy Drive as Lagos Hosts Africa’s First E1 Electric Powerboat Race

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing clean energy and marine innovation as Lagos made history on Friday by hosting Africa’s first-ever E1 electric powerboat race.

The event, staged on the Lagos waterfront, drew global attention as the city became the first on the continent to welcome the E1 World Championship, an international competition showcasing cutting-edge electric powerboat technology.

In a statement delivered at the ceremony, President Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to champion initiatives that align with global sustainability goals while fostering innovation in marine transport and renewable energy. He described the race as both a sporting milestone and a demonstration of Africa’s potential in driving technological advancement.

“Today’s event signals Nigeria’s readiness to embrace the future of clean energy and sustainable marine innovation,” Tinubu noted. “Lagos has set the pace for Africa by opening its waters to a sport that reflects our determination to reduce carbon emissions and expand opportunities in the blue economy.”

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who hosted the event, said the championship reinforced Lagos’s position as a hub for innovation, tourism, and international sporting activities. He added that the state government would continue to support green initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and boosting economic growth.

The E1 Lagos race brought together international teams, local stakeholders, and environmental advocates, underscoring the intersection between sports, technology, and sustainability. Organizers said the competition would not only inspire marine innovation but also draw investment opportunities into Africa’s fast-growing renewable energy and maritime sectors.

Nigeria’s hosting of the maiden E1 electric powerboat race in Africa marks a significant step in the continent’s gradual transition toward clean energy adoption and sustainable transport solutions.

Oluwo of Iwo Faces Criticism from Ex-Wife Amid Feud with Ooni of Ife

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Oluwo of Iwo Faces Criticism from Ex-Wife Amid Feud with Ooni of Ife

Iwo, Osun State — The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has come under sharp criticism from his former wife, Queen Chanel Chin, who described him as a “deadbeat father” following his recent allegations against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The monarch had earlier accused the Ooni of Ife of conspiring with his estranged wife to tarnish his reputation and destabilize his throne. In response, Queen Chanel Chin dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that her concerns were personal and centered on the welfare of their child.

Speaking through a statement, the Jamaican-born former queen said the Oluwo’s remarks were an attempt to divert attention from his alleged failure to live up to his responsibilities as a father. She maintained that dragging the Ooni of Ife into their dispute was both unnecessary and misleading.

The exchange has sparked renewed debate in traditional and social circles, with many observers noting the growing tension between two prominent Yoruba royal figures. While the Ooni of Ife has yet to issue a formal response, palace sources indicated that he considered the matter a private issue and not one requiring royal intervention.

This latest controversy adds to a series of public disputes involving Oba Akanbi since his ascension to the throne in 2016, further polarizing opinion about his style of leadership.

Presidency Warns U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Over Comments on Nigeria

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Presidency Warns U.S. Senator Ted Cruz Over Comments on Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria — Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has issued a strong warning to United States Senator Ted Cruz of Texas following remarks the Nigerian government described as unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.

In a statement released on Saturday, Onanuga cautioned the American lawmaker against making what he called “misguided and disrespectful” comments about Nigeria’s political and governance processes. While the details of Senator Cruz’s remarks were not immediately disclosed, the presidential aide stressed that Nigeria would not tolerate external figures attempting to undermine its sovereignty or question the legitimacy of its democratic institutions.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with a functioning democracy and responsible leadership,” Onanuga said. “We will not accept lectures or threats from foreign politicians whose views are often shaped by ignorance or narrow political interests.”

He further advised Senator Cruz to focus on addressing domestic challenges in the United States rather than interfering in Nigeria’s affairs, noting that the Tinubu administration remains committed to reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, consolidating democracy, and maintaining stability.

The warning comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity as Nigeria continues to strengthen its international partnerships while asserting its independence in global political discourse.

WHO: 167,000 People in Gaza Living with Life-Changing Injuries

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WHO: 167,000 People in Gaza Living with Life-Changing Injuries

Geneva — The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that at least 167,000 people in Gaza are currently living with life-changing injuries, highlighting the severe humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict in the territory.

In its latest situation update, the UN health agency described the scale of physical disabilities in Gaza as “unprecedented,” noting that many of the injured have sustained amputations, spinal cord damage, and other critical conditions that will require lifelong care.

The WHO warned that the region’s health system, already overstretched by years of blockade and recurrent violence, is struggling to provide adequate rehabilitation, surgery, and trauma services. With hospitals operating far beyond capacity and medical supplies running critically low, thousands of patients face the risk of permanent disability without access to urgent treatment.

“Behind every statistic is a human being whose life has been permanently altered,” the agency stated. “The need for long-term rehabilitation, prosthetics, mental health support, and social reintegration has never been more urgent.”

Health officials further cautioned that the destruction of medical infrastructure, coupled with restrictions on humanitarian access, has worsened the crisis, leaving many of the injured without even basic care.

International humanitarian groups have echoed the call for greater support, urging the global community to step up efforts to fund emergency medical relief and long-term rehabilitation programs for victims of the conflict.

 

Nigeria’s Business Performance Index Rises in September, Agriculture Leads Recovery

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Nigeria’s Business Performance Index Rises in September, Agriculture Leads Recovery

Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria’s business environment maintained its growth trajectory in September 2025, with the Current Business Performance Index climbing to 107.9 points, up from 107.3 points recorded in August.

The figures, released in the latest NESG–Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor (BCM), highlight sustained optimism among Nigerian firms despite persistent structural challenges. Analysts note that the country’s business performance has remained in the expansion zone since December 2024, underlining resilience in key sectors of the economy.

On a year-to-date basis, business performance between January and September 2025 is 20.0 index points higher compared to the same period in 2024. The report describes this as a strong signal of recovery and renewed investor confidence across multiple industries.

Agriculture Emerges as Growth Driver

Agriculture was a major contributor to September’s improvement, bouncing back sharply after recording a contraction in August. The sector’s BCM Index surged from 95.6 to 107.3 points, driven largely by gains in crop production and forestry.

The rebound was attributed to a combination of favourable rainfall patterns, bumper harvests, and government input support programmes, which collectively boosted both output and sectoral confidence.

Further data revealed broad-based growth across all five agricultural sub-sectors—crop production, forestry, livestock, fishing, and agro-allied industries. While crop production and forestry shifted from contraction to expansion, the other sub-sectors sustained their upward momentum.

Outlook Remains Positive

The report emphasizes that Nigeria’s ability to sustain expansion in business activity for nine consecutive months signals growing resilience in the face of inflationary pressures, foreign exchange volatility, and infrastructure gaps.

Stakeholders say that continued policy support for agriculture and other productive sectors will be crucial in consolidating these gains and driving inclusive growth.

With agriculture setting the pace, observers believe that Nigeria’s broader economy may continue to witness improved performance in the final quarter of 2025, provided stability is maintained in key markets and reform efforts are sustained.

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