News
Nigeria’s Maternal Mortality Rate Remains Unacceptably High – NSSF

The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund has warned that Nigeria risks deepening its maternal health crisis if urgent reforms and stronger financial commitments are not made to expand access to health insurance for women, especially those in underserved communities.
Speaking after the 7th edition of the NSSF Fireside Chat Series held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Managing Director and CEO of NSSF, Dr. Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, said the stakes could not be higher, with thousands of women dying every year from preventable causes.
“Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains unacceptably high, with over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. This cannot continue,” Chinye-Nwoko said, according to a press statement on Thursday.
“We are here to ask the hard questions: how can we ensure that when a woman needs care, she can access it without money in her pocket and without delay? That’s what health insurance is meant to do, and it must be inclusive and accessible.”
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The statement by NSSF’s Head of Marketing & Communications, Esther Anolu, noted that Chinye-Nwoko stressed that while tools, data, and partnerships exist to tackle the crisis, action has lagged behind the urgency of the situation.
“We know from our work in the field that women are not just uninformed — they’re unregistered, unempowered, and underserved. Awareness is low. Access is difficult. But we have the tools, the data, and the partnerships to change that. What we need now is policy implementation and financial commitment that match the urgency of this crisis,” she added.
The Fireside Chat, themed “Breaking Barriers to Maternal Health Equity: The Role of Health Insurance in Promoting Women’s Wellness,” brought together key players from government, development agencies, donors, and the healthcare sector to chart a path toward sustainable maternal health solutions.
One of the most pressing concerns raised during the event was the question, “Who pays for the health of the poor?” which triggered robust dialogue around sustainable financing. Participants agreed that without strong government-subsidised health coverage, millions of Nigerian women would remain at risk, unable to afford life-saving care when needed.
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A Senior Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Mojisola Odeku, emphasised the importance of leveraging donor support in conjunction with government funding to increase women’s access to essential health services.
Also speaking at the event, representing the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Professor Chima Onoka, highlighted efforts being made to digitise insurance enrollment and broaden coverage. He noted that innovative strategies are being deployed to remove barriers that prevent women from registering.
On her part, Director and Head of the Family Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, highlighted existing national interventions, such as free emergency cesarean sections and treatment for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula, which are available across over 20 states. However, she acknowledged that funding gaps remain a significant challenge.
The conversation also emphasised prevention as a critical and cost-saving strategy. Panellists agreed that scaling up preventive services, including health screenings, mental health support, and access to contraception, would not only save lives but also lower long-term healthcare costs for the country.
NSSF also shared insights from its grassroots programmes, including the WeNaija Impact Cohort and field activities in Ekiti State, revealing persistent barriers such as misinformation, affordability issues, and distrust of health systems.
As a next step, NSSF said it would develop targeted policy briefs capturing key insights from the Fireside Chat to present actionable recommendations to government bodies, health institutions, and civil society.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
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Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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.
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.”
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
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.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
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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.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
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.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
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.
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