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Enugu Declares Malaria Treatment Free In State Hospitals

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The Enugu State Government has asked residents to report any healthcare facility charging for anti-malaria drugs and testing within the next two years.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof Ikechukwu Obi, gave the directive on Wednesday, during the official flag-off of the State Malaria Elimination Initiative, supported by the Islamic Development Bank Lives and Livelihood Fund project.

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Prof Obi revealed that the government had established a whistleblower policy to ensure that malaria treatment remained free. “If anybody charges for anti-malaria drugs, please report to the whistleblower policy of Enugu State through the Ministry of Health, and we will take action.

“The state has a whistleblower policy and we have told citizens of Enugu State that anti-malaria drugs in healthcare facilities are free. If anybody is charged for anti-malaria drugs within the next two years, please pick up your phone or write an email to the whistleblower policy of Enugu State, through the Ministry of Health and we will come out and deal with that matter.

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“We are saying it emphatically because the governor openly said that healthcare centres belong to the people and these services belong to the people. They are free, therefore, to report when anybody goes against what the policy has said,” the commissioner said.

Prof Obi stated that the government’s efforts were to provide free malaria treatment and testing, to ensure healthcare services reach the people.

The event, held at the Uwani General Hospital in Enugu South Local Government Area, was organised by the state Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Malaria Elimination Programme and Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme.

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The National Coordinator of NMEP/National Programme Manager, IMPACT, Dr Nnenna Ogbulafor, noted that Enugu State had one of the highest malaria burdens in Nigeria, with a prevalence rate of 24 per cent.

She encouraged residents to take advantage of the support programme to reduce the burden to an acceptable level.

READ ALSO: Ponzi Operators Risk 10-Year Jail Term, ₦20m Fine In New SEC Law

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“In Nigeria, our statistics, according to the 2021 national malaria indicators survey, have it that malaria statistics is at 21 per cent, still very high.

“According to that same report, Enugu State has 24 per cent cases, which is still high.

“It is important for us to note that 2014, 2015 was when the malaria programme was supported last in Enugu State,” Ogbulafor said.

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She appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health, the Islamic Development Bank and the state Ministry of Health for their efforts.

So we are very happy. It means that malaria is back at the top of the table. I will say that at this point, it is important for the people of Enugu State to utilise this opportunity to push down the burden of the disease,” Ogbulafor added.

 

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NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged  early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday  over parts of Taraba,

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Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

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Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

READ ALSO: NiMet Forecasts 3-day Sunshine, Cloudiness In Some States Starting Sunday

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

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“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers  during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

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READ ALSO: NiMet Predicts 3-day Rains, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria From Sunday

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it  said.

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According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba  in the northern region.

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READ ALSO:NiMet Predicts Three-day Haziness, Thunderstorms From Tuesday

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

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NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi  in the  afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

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Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

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“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

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Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

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As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.
This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.
According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.
“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .
“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.
“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.
He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.
“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.
“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.
“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

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Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

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The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor,  Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

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Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice. 

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday

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“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

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This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts  were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”

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