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Antibiotic Resistance Could Claim 10m Lives Yearly By 2050 — Experts

Published

9 months ago

August 21, 2025

The World Animal Protection (WAP), an international organisation, has warned that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could claim no fewer than 10 million lives globally each year if urgent action is not taken.

Dr. Patrick Mvinde, Research and Planning Manager at WAP, issued the warning during a workshop for journalists in Abuja on Thursday. The event, themed “Implications of Industrial Animal Farming in Nigeria,” was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO).

Mvinde said that 1.27 million people already die annually from infections untreatable by existing antibiotics, blaming the trend largely on industrial farming practices.

He explained that industrial farming involves raising large numbers of animals, mainly chickens, pigs, and cattle, under intensive, confined, and overcrowded conditions.

“Of the 80 billion animals raised globally, about 75 per cent are farmed this way,” he said. “Lack of space leads to stress, deformities, and movement problems. Due to genetic selection, market weight for broilers is achieved in as few as 40 days. This rapid weight gain strains vital organs such as the heart and lungs, causing severe joint pains and mobility issues.”

Mvinde added that three-quarters of all antibiotics used globally are administered in farming, especially in factory farming systems, with residues often entering the food chain and the environment, thereby accelerating antibiotic resistance in humans.

He also linked industrial farming to zoonotic diseases such as Avian Influenza and Swine Flu, warning that such systems increase the risk of emerging pandemics, citing COVID-19 as an example.

Mvinde urged governments, policymakers, and the private sector to urgently rethink food production models. “We cannot afford to wait until antibiotic resistance becomes an uncontrollable global health crisis. Authorities must enforce strict regulations on antibiotic use in farming, promote humane animal welfare standards, and empower smallholder farmers to produce healthy food sustainably,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Mayowa Shobo, Programme Manager at HEDA Resource Centre, cautioned against the unchecked entry of global industrial farming corporations into Africa.

He cited a study conducted in five Nigerian states showing that industrial farming adversely affects human health, the environment, and the socio-cultural fabric of host communities.

“Industrial farming often involves clearing vast tracts of land, disrupting ecosystems, and undermining climate change mitigation efforts. While these farms create some jobs, opportunities are selective, wages are low, and land decisions are made without genuine consultation. Women and poorer groups are frequently excluded from the benefits, and grievances are rarely addressed,” Shobo said.

He called on the government to prioritise public health and climate resilience by investing in healthcare, flood control, and early warning systems while strengthening local food production through seed distribution, input supply, and protection of smallholder farmland.

NAN

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.