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The First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has highlighted the significance of collaboration in confronting healthcare obstacles and empowering communities during her inaugural appearance at the 7th edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit. Speaking at the MFFLI summit in Dubai, Tinubu praised the Merck Foundation for its endeavors in enhancing healthcare competence and fostering social advancement throughout Africa and Asia, acknowledging their influence in Nigeria. Reiterating Nigeria’s pledge to promote healthcare and education, Tinubu stated: “I am privileged to stand with my esteemed counterparts, the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, in advocating for the ‘More Than a Mother’ initiative. This program tackles essential matters such as the stigma of infertility and empowers women. I extend my gratitude to the Merck Foundation for their visionary guidance and congratulate them on their 8th anniversary.” The First Lady disclosed that 63 Nigerian physicians have profited from scholarships through various Merck Foundation initiatives. These scholarships encompass training in fertility care, diabetes management, cardiology, psychiatry, and other underrepresented fields. “After completing their training, these doctors will set up clinics within their communities to offer vital healthcare services. This is a crucial measure toward enhancing public health results in Nigeria, and I am dedicated to expanding this program through my office and the Ministry of Health,” she asserted. Tinubu also underscored initiatives to combat diabetes in Nigeria via the Diabetes Blue Program, under which 39 Nigerian doctors have received advanced training. Moreover, 16 doctors have been educated in areas such as acute medicine, respiratory care, and critical care. Beyond healthcare, Tinubu emphasized her commitment to education, especially for girls. She commended the Merck Foundation’s Educating Linda initiative, which supports underprivileged girls, aligning with her Renewed Hope Initiative that focuses on girl-child education. “Education is the foundation of progress. Through partnerships with the African Union Development Agency, we have facilitated scholarships and established 40 alternative high schools for girls who had to leave due to early marriage or pregnancy. These schools offer a second opportunity for these young women to realize their aspirations.” She expressed hope in fortifying partnerships with the Merck Foundation, especially in combating gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and health concerns like hypertension and infertility stigma. Earlier, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, commended the First Ladies’ dedication to healthcare and social development. He remarked: “This summit epitomizes what we can accomplish together. Our initiatives, including the scholarship program, are transforming healthcare in underserved areas by cultivating a new generation of specialists.” He acknowledged that the scarcity of financial resources is not the sole issue faced by Africa, but the lack of trained healthcare professionals capable of effectively preventing, diagnosing, and managing diseases. He lamented that the widespread deficiency of medical and healthcare personnel has become one of the most significant obstacles to accessing quality healthcare across the continent and globally. He asserted that the foundation, in collaboration with partners, has greatly enhanced healthcare capacity by offering over 2270 scholarships for one and two-year master degrees to further qualify doctors from 52 countries across 44 vital and underserved medical specialties. In her welcoming address, Dr. Rasha Kalej, CEO of the Merck Foundation, stated that their initiatives to bolster healthcare systems have directly improved the lives of millions. “Our scholarships in over 44 critical specialties are addressing Africa’s acute shortage of medical specialists, and we take pride in the substantial impact this has achieved,” she emphasized. “We provided nearly 1000 scholarships for girls in more than 17 countries in collaboration with the First Lady.” She highlighted that the summit exemplified the power of collaboration in addressing urgent health and social issues.

The Edo State Government has announced the initiation of necessary measures to combat the ongoing diphtheria outbreak, which has unanticipatedly impacted individuals who were previously vaccinated, including adults. This incident has reportedly resulted in two fatalities at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). According to a statement from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, part of the measures involves the acquisition of life-saving vaccines for a statewide vaccination initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children. Hospitals have been placed on high alert, and intervention agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, and others have been notified. The statement also indicated that schools were informed to educate their pupils and students about maintaining proper hygiene while urging the public to remain calm. A segment of the statement noted, “His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has initiated an emergency public health response, mobilizing all essential resources and expertise to control the situation and protect the health of the populace. “Demonstrating strong leadership, Governor Okpebholo is personally overseeing surveillance and monitoring operations, collaborating closely with the State Ministry of Health and other vital stakeholders to ensure prompt and effective containment of the disease. “Key actions currently in progress include the acquisition of life-saving vaccines to launch an immediate statewide vaccination campaign aimed at vulnerable groups, especially children. The government is also enhancing public awareness efforts through various channels—radio, television, community outreach, and social media—to inform citizens about the symptoms of diphtheria, preventive actions, and the necessity of early treatment. “Hospitals across the State have been placed on heightened alert and instructed to enhance case identification, immediate isolation, and proper clinical management of suspected cases in alignment with national and international guidelines. “Medical staff are being briefed and equipped to respond effectively, while the State’s disease surveillance network is being broadened to quickly trace and track potential contacts.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, as part of a significant visit aimed at addressing the recent increase in violent incidents throughout the state. Tinubu reached the Tactical Air Command at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi at approximately 12:58 pm on Wednesday. This visit follows yet another tragic attack that resulted in numerous fatalities and left several communities in ruins. A statement from Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga highlighted that the President’s visit emphasizes his dedication to finding a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis that has caused families to mourn and properties…

Musician Innocent Idibia, known widely as 2Baba, has declared the ongoing violence in certain areas of Benue a “national crisis,” urging for immediate and united action. In an emotional video shared on his Instagram account on Sunday, the renowned artist conveyed profound sorrow and frustration over the relentless assaults in the state, criticizing the insufficient response from those in power. The singer, clearly shaken, highlighted that simple denunciation is no longer adequate, insisting on the necessity for tangible, coordinated measures to stop the carnage. He stated, “My heart aches. I am incredibly saddened and outraged. What is unfolding in Benue State has escalated to a national crisis. I can’t comprehend it any longer. I’m at a loss for words at this moment. “This violence must cease; it must engage everyone, every stakeholder in this nation, each person in Benue State. This is far from a trivial matter; it’s becoming absurd. “I am unsure where to even start articulating my sadness, grief, anger, and frustration because these incidents keep recurring without end. “This is no longer something we can simply denounce verbally. Urgent action is imperative. “All stakeholders in Benue; we must unite. We can put an end to this. I have faith there is a solution; we just need to approach it with seriousness.” His remarks came in the wake of the slaughter of approximately 200 men, women, and children in Yeluwata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday, June 14, by suspected armed herders.

American Cola Courtside 2025: Brand Celebrates Community Cohesion as Oworo Claims Championship Title The American Cola Courtside basketball tournament has officially wrapped up with a breathtaking finale at National Stadium, Surulere, where the Oworo Community triumphed after an exhilarating 7-week competition that united 16 communities from across Lagos. What commenced as a spark in 2024 has blossomed into a pivotal community sports initiative, evolving from a one-day event featuring three communities to a robust 7-week challenge that convened 16 communities throughout Lagos in 2025. What began as a straightforward concept has transformed into a movement that honors raw talent, communal spirit, and the determination displayed on the court. The American Cola Courtside tournament epitomizes the brand’s dedication to promoting urban sports culture and forging genuine connections with Nigerian communities. The competition drew in hundreds of players and supporters during its span, illustrating the unifying power of sport and providing a platform for local talent to shine. American Cola, proudly manufactured in Nigeria by Planet Bottling Company, has embedded itself at the heart of street culture, perceiving basketball not merely as a game, but as a medium of expression and liberation. This tournament transcended mere victories; it was about fostering genuine relationships, honoring community spirit, and demonstrating what’s achievable when individuals are given an opportunity to exhibit their abilities as American Cola continues to cultivate communities and forge authentic connections with Nigerian urban culture. Equipped with a state-of-the-art production facility in Ogun State, Planet Bottling Company is devoted to delivering premium beverages that stand out in flavor and experience while remaining focused on crafting experiences, memories, and real narratives with real individuals.

In our ultra-connected society, technology has transformed from a mere convenience into an essential lifeline. From the smartphones nestled in people’s pockets and laptops resting on desks to the Wi-Fi routers quietly buzzing in the background and smartwatches monitoring our every movement, digital devices have seamlessly integrated into the daily routine. Yet, as we become more dependent on these gadgets, a hidden danger is surfacing. Researchers are sounding the alarm about the incessant exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR), cautioning that the very devices intended to streamline our lives may be subtly jeopardizing our health. Recently, the former Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, raised this concern during a presentation about wellness products from QNET’s Amezcua brand. Highlighting Nigeria’s alarming life expectancy rates, Prof. Adebayo connected numerous contemporary health challenges to increasingly artificial lifestyles and relentless exposure to environmental stressors like electromagnetic radiation, EMR. Adebayo expressed concern: “Nigeria’s life expectancy is merely 54 years. In contrast to nations such as Japan and China where life expectancy exceeds 80 years, we must ponder: What are we doing wrong?” Further analysis by a data firm, Macrotrends, indicates that Nigeria’s life expectancy at birth for 2025 is anticipated to be 56.36 years, a rise from 56.05 in 2024 and 54.46 in 2023. Nevertheless, other databases such as Earth Database and Worldometer project the 2025 life expectancy figure to be 54.78 years (male: 54.45, female: 55.12). Given the slight discrepancies based on different data sources, it’s fair to assert that Nigeria’s current life expectancy is around 55 years. On a global scale, the average life expectancy is roughly 73.5 years, with Nigeria positioned among the lowest rankings worldwide. Prof. Adebayo mentioned that the World Bank affirms Nigeria’s average life expectancy remains among the least worldwide, lingering around 54 years as of 2023. He remarked: “In contrast, nations like Japan enjoy life expectancies exceeding 84 years.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced an increase in the mortality rate of Lassa fever as the illness continues to proliferate across various states, accompanied by newly confirmed cases and additional fatalities. This information was provided by the NCDC in its most recent situation report for Epidemiological Week 23, spanning June 2–8, 2025, which was shared on its official website on Wednesday. As per the agency, Nigeria has recorded 143 fatalities from 758 confirmed Lassa fever cases since the beginning of this year. This represents a case fatality rate (CFR) of 18.9 percent, an increase from the 17.8 percent documented during the corresponding period in 2024. The NCDC also indicated that 11 new confirmed cases surfaced in the week under review, rising from the eight cases noted the previous week. The new cases were identified in Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, and Taraba States. “In 2025, 18 states have reported at least one confirmed case of Lassa fever, distributed across 96 Local Government Areas. However, 90 percent of all confirmed cases originated from just five states: Ondo 31 percent, Bauchi 25 percent, Edo 16 percent, Taraba 15 percent, and Ebonyi 3 percent,” the report highlighted. The agency recognized that the age group most impacted continues to be young adults aged 21 to 30 years, with a median age of 30. It additionally reported one new infection among healthcare workers during the reporting week, raising the total number of affected health workers in 2025 to 23. The NCDC pointed out various challenges exacerbating the outbreak, including delayed case presentation, inadequate health-seeking behavior, high treatment costs, poor sanitation, and limited awareness within affected communities. To mitigate the spread and decrease fatalities, the agency stated that it had activated a multi-sectoral Incident Management System and deployed 10 Rapid Response Teams to states experiencing the highest burden. Further response measures comprised training health workers on case management, launching an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) e-learning platform, conducting community awareness campaigns, implementing environmental response actions, and executing media outreach in partnership with stakeholders. The NCDC urged Nigerians to uphold strict hygiene practices, seek medical attention promptly when symptomatic, and refrain from contact with rodents and their excrement, known carriers of the disease. It’s important to note that Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted primarily through contact with the urine or feces of infected rats.

A notable figure from the Ijaghala community in Warri South West local government area, Delta State, Mr. Alex Eyengho has reportedly claimed threats to his safety following a press conference he held in Warri, where he asserted, among other points, that Ijaghala is a community belonging to the Itsekiri and is governed under the traditional leadership of the Olu of Warri. In a statement provided to the Vanguard, Eyengho indicated that if the alleged threats against his life were realized, the Ijaws of Gbaramatu should be held accountable. He went on to categorically refute claims by Chief Godspower Gbenekeme of the Ijaw Gbaramatu kingdom published in various national outlets, which suggested that Ijaghala and Kantu communities do not fall under the traditional governance of the Olu of Warri. Eyengho stated: “To put it simply, Ijaghala land is owned by the Ugborodo Community in Warri Kingdom, under the Olu of Warri, although a significant portion of the populace is partly Itsekiri and Ijaw. It is important to note that the official language spoken in Ijaghala community is exclusively Itsekiri, without any alternative. The cultural practices and traditions of the community are also Itsekiri. It may be of interest that other prominent ancestors of the Ijaghala people, such as Egogo, Erueyin, and Eyengho, were all buried at Oboro, the sacred burial ground designated solely for Ugborodo indigenes who are revered as saints, champions, and custodians of Ugborodo heritage. “Godpower Gbenekama has once again showcased himself as an inadequate student of fundamental history, with his mock bravado suggesting that the Itsekiri originate from Benin through Prince Ginuwa. Even my six-year-old son understands that Itsekiri history is dual in nature. The Itsekiri communities of Ugborodo, Omadino, Inorin, Ureju, and Irigbo have existed in the Warri vicinity since ancient times, well before the arrival of Prince Ginuwa from the great Benin Kingdom, who, along with his entourage, helped establish the Warri Kingdom in a union between the royal household from Benin and the Itsekiri populace. Conversely, the Gbaramatu-Ijaw clan, located strictly in Warri South-West LGA, emigrated from Gbanran in present-day Bayelsa State, from their ancestor Tomtebe, who fathered Oweijubiri, and settled in their current locations, with the consent of either the Ugborodo or Omadino communities of Warri Kingdom. “I am Alex EYENGHO. I am a legitimate member of the Ijaghala, Kantu, Ode-Ugborodo, Abiugborodo, Orubu, Bobi, Ebrohimi, Koko, Omadino, Orugbo, Gbolokposo, Ode-Itsekiri, and various other communities; all within the Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas (Warri Federal Constituency) of Delta State, Nigeria. Nonetheless, I am a registered voter in the Ijaghala community. You will remember that I held a press conference on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, titled. “It is in this context that I officially declare that my life is under threat from the Gbaramatu-Ijaws, from top to bottom. Should anything untoward occur to me, please do not look elsewhere but to the Gbaramatu-Ijaw clan. My phone has been tapped. Consequently, I am being surveilled. I receive direct and indirect calls warning me to be cautious. Nevertheless, I refuse to be cowed by any individual, regardless of their status in society, wealth, or notorious violent reputation. I will continue to speak the truth based on the facts that are known to me.

Nigeria, a nine-time champion, is set to encounter Botswana and Algeria in Group B, having spent nearly a month in training camp. Under the guidance of interim coach, Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons secured a 2-0 victory against their Cameroonian rivals in a friendly match. The squad will head to Portugal for the final stages of their preparation ahead of the tournament, during which they are anticipated to engage in a final warm-up match. As they gear up for the Continental event, Christy Ucheibe shared insights on the atmosphere among the players and their aspirations. ‘We are brimming with confidence at this stage, and judging by our recent performance, I can assert that we are sharp and eager to compete again,’ the midfielder expressed. This will be Ucheibe’s second appearance at the tournament, having missed out on a podium finish in 2023, and she is optimistic that Nigeria will fare better this time. ‘Our primary objective now is to attain top competitive standards, and we are diligently striving toward that. When participating in this tournament, especially considering Nigeria’s esteemed reputation, it’s clear that the ultimate goal is to win it.’ The record champions will commence their campaign on July 6 at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca against Tunisia.

Former Nigerian international, Mutiu Adepoju, asserts that Victor Osimhen is a once-in-a-generation player who will adjust and thrive no matter where he ends up. Adepoju’s remarks emerge amidst the Forward’s club transfer standstill. Last season, Victor Osimhen was on loan at Galatasaray after a disagreement with his parent club, Napoli. The Super Eagles star has also drawn interest from several clubs including Al Hilal, Juventus, and multiple Premier League teams. Nonetheless, the forward appears to be biding his time and has yet to make a decision, but Mutiu Adepoju firmly believes the situation is not critical. In an interview with Brila.net, the former Real Sociedad midfielder, who also earned 48 caps for Nigeria, contends that Osimhen’s final destination is not a major issue, as the forward has demonstrated his caliber. ‘I don’t perceive the worries we all express as damaging, but at times it seems somewhat unnecessary. ‘Victor Osimhen is a star, and his skills are evident to everyone. I doubt there’s a team in the world where he won’t integrate or perform; he has consistently proven that.’ ‘Personally, I’d suggest we let him make his choice, and when the right offer comes, he alone will decide. We must simply support him as our national team icon,’ Adepoju concluded.