News

Okpebholo Flags Of Free Malaria Testing Treatment In Edo

Published

7 months ago

February 6, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has flagged off free malaria testing, treatment and distribution of malaria drugs to combat the scourge in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, and made available to newsmen in Benin.

According to the statement, the governor was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo; Secretary to Edo State Government Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; Permanent Secretaries, health officials, partners of the programme among others.

The governor said malaria is a major health challenge and his administration is determined to to eliminate the disease in the State.

“Malaria is a major health challenge but we are determined to eliminate it I Edo State. We are going to eliminate Malaria in Edo State just like Algeria, Ivory Coast and Mauritius have done.

“The support from the Islamic Development Bank will help us achieve that in alliance with the commitment of my administration to affordable healthcare services in the State,” he said.

The Governor said over the next two years, his administration aims to
ensure 80 per cent of pregnant women in the State receive malaria prevention kits and treatment.

He noted that 95 per cent of people in the State will benefit and also reduce infant death caused by Malaria to below 10 per cent.

The Governor said to make this happen his administration is making malaria testing and treatment free in all government hospitals across the State.

“We however need everyone’s support. While free testing and treatment are in place, we need to raise awareness which is key and we will run campaigns to ensure everyone is aware of the services. Anyone caught charging for this free service will be dealt with accordingly.

“We appreciate President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his commitment to better healthcare. We thank the Islamic Development Bank for its funding and support, the Federal Ministry of Health for its guidance. With our combined efforts we will achieve a malaria-free Edo State,” he said.

Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo commended the Okpebholo led administration for taking the laudable step in ensuring the people enjoy good healthcare.

She noted that as easy and simple as malaria appears, it is deadly, even as statistics show that 30 per cent of citizens of the State are exposed to it, adding that the State has taken steps to fight and drastically reduced it.

“We have called on Edo people to embrace the initiative and programme as malaria affects more women and children. This is a good initiative,” she said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole said the programme is all about free malaria testing and treatment, which is sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank.

According to him, for the next two years all government hospitals in Edo State will receive patients for malaria and they will be tested and treated free of charge, warning that no health worker should charge for the service.

Director General of Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Mrs. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo said the commission is in alliance with the programme ensuring every Edo State citizen is given affordable and free access to malaria medication.

She noted that malaria is a pandemic and the governor has shown that his administration is ready and has taken steps in ensuring that the disease is eliminated from the State.

News

DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

News

‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

News

Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Published

2 hours ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.