News
Enugu Declares Malaria Treatment Free In State Hospitals
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
News
Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru
Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.
Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.
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La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.
The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.
He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.
News
Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.
DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.
A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.
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“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.
“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.
“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.
News
N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs
First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.
The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.
At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.
Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.
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Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.
“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.
“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.
This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”
“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
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“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”
Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.
Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.
Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.
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