The Bauchi State Government has said that it is currently treating a total of 29,874 people living with HIV with Antiretroviral treatment across the state.

Dr. Sani Mohammed Danbam, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this while speaking at a press conference jointly held with partners to commemorate the 2025 World Aids Day.

According to him, HIV affects the most vulnerable in society: the poor, the uneducated, the marginalized, women, and children.

He said AIDS remains incurable, but no longer has to be a death sentence.

Speaking on the HIV situation in the State, Danbam said, “as of today, a total of 29,874 people living with HIV are receiving (Antiretroviral Therapy) ART and the State has scaled up to 863 HTS/PMTCT facilities, where the general population and pregnant women receive free HIV services.

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“This year, we have successfully placed 2,246 newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral treatment, and over 650 HIV-exposed infants have achieved 100% early infant diagnosis and remain free from HIV infection.”

This year’s theme for World Aids Day: ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response’, Danbam said is to reflect the challenges caused by recent funding cuts and other setbacks, and “it reminds us of the need to build a stronger, more resilient and rights-focused approach as we work toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

Also, the Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Diene Keita, noted that in spite of advancements in medical technologies and public policies, progress made over decades was increasingly jeopardised, with prevention gains eroding as essential services struggled to reach people at elevated risk.

Represented by Deborah Tabara, Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst & State Programme Officer, UNFPA Bauchi, stressed that severe cuts in international aid were destabilising HIV prevention efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions relied on donor-supported programmes to access accurate information, prevention tools and essential community-based support.

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According to Keita, almost 2.5 million people have lost access to lifesaving Pre-exposure Prophylaxis due to shrinking resources, with countries recording half of last year’s new HIV infections experiencing the harshest consequences from dwindling funding.

Tackling gender inequality, violence and stigma in healthcare systems and societies more broadly will be instrumental in reducing factors that put people at risk of HIV. Integrating HIV services into routine sexual and reproductive healthcare, including family planning and maternal health, would make them more readily available to many women and girls.

“At this crossroads in the AIDS response, UNFPA continues to support countries in sustaining and improving HIV prevention, particularly for adolescent girls, young women and key populations, along with providing treatment and related services.

“The combined efforts of governments, international organisations, activists and communities have led to remarkable progress on HIV, saving nearly 27 million lives to date. Now, we need to come together and finish what we know works and what we know is possible – an AIDS-free future for all.”

Lagos State is set to commence regulated bus operations on the Lekki–Epe corridor on December 8, deploying 229 high- and medium-capacity buses in the first phase of its Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme.

Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced on its X handle on Tuesday, saying that the rollout will introduce exclusive, government-regulated bus services along major routes, including Ajah–CMS/Marina, Ajah–Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja.

One operator will run an express service, while others will operate stage-by-stage services to ensure broad commuter coverage.

All participating buses will feature Lagos’ standard blue-and-white colours, QR-enabled PTCS verification stickers, unique identification codes, and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers for seamless commuter transactions.

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“The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, LAMATA, and representatives of informal bus operators have concluded a final stakeholder meeting ahead of the commencement of the regulated bus operations on the Lekki–Epe corridor.

“This first phase, deploying 229 buses, will ultimately be extended to Epe,” the statement read.

LAMATA added that the initiative aims to improve safety, comfort, and operational discipline along the corridor, providing commuters with a more reliable and secure public transport experience.

“One operator will run an express service, while others will provide stage-by-stage operations. All participating buses will carry the standard blue-and-white Lagos regulated colours, QR-enabled PTCS verification stickers, unique identification codes, and Touch and Pay (TAP) stickers.

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“The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and representatives of informal bus operators have concluded a final stakeholder meeting ahead of the commencement of exclusive regulated bus operations of the Lekki–Epe Bus Reform Scheme, scheduled to begin on December 8, 2025.

“The service, the first phase of the reform, which will ultimately extend to Epe, will operate along the following routes: Ajah–CMS (Marina)/Obalende, Ajah–Oshodi, Ajah–Berger, and Ajah–Iyana Ipaja,” the statement read in part.

It added, “…the 229 high- and medium-capacity buses will be deployed in this initial phase.”

According to LAMATA, the initiative aims to enhance commuter safety, comfort, and operational discipline along the corridor.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru on Monday due to health reasons.

Here are some things to know about him:

Musa, born on December 25, 1967, is 58 years old. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree after earlier attending the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, in 1986 and completing his primary and secondary education in Sokoto before that year.

He served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025, where he oversaw integrated operations across all branches of the armed forces. Before then, he was Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps between 2022 and 2023, directing infantry training and development.

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From 2021 to 2022, Musa was the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in Northeast Nigeria, leading counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram.

Prior to that, he commanded Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region from 2019 to 2021, coordinating joint military efforts with neighbouring countries.

During the same period, he also served as Commander of Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, overseeing sector-level counter-insurgency operations.

In 2019, Musa served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps.

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Before 2019, he had held several strategic positions, including Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Army Armour Corps Headquarters, Assistant Director of Operational Requirements at Army Headquarters, Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, and General Staff Officer 1 (Training/Operations) at 81 Division.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, Musa began his military career in infantry roles that formed the foundation of his later leadership appointments.

He is also a recipient of several honours, including the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering (2012), in recognition of outstanding military leadership.

Musa’s nomination comes as the Federal Government seeks continuity in defence leadership following Badaru’s exit.