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UNICEF Urges women To Shun Home Child Delivery

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged women to shun giving birth to children at home so as to enhance their chances of survival during and after delivery.

Mr Oluseyi Olosunde, UNICEF’s Health Officer, Bauchi Field Office, made the call on Wednesday in Gombe state while presenting a paper titled the Optics of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) in a media dialogue to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD).

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According to him, it was high time women were empowered to improve maternal, child health and reduce maternal and child mortality rate.

READ ALSO: UNICEF Urges Bauchi Govt To Initiate Policy For effective Faecal Sludge Management

Olosunde explained that in some Northern states, six out of 10 delivery takes place at home while in others 8 out of 10 delivery takes place at home, exposing such children to risks of child mortality with absence of qualified health practitioners and facilities.

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“The more we empower women, the better results we’ll get in health as it would reduce both maternal and child mortality and other health issues.

“Child delivery at home poses serious danger to the mother and the baby in case of any breach during labour as the home lacks the necessary equipment to detect the problem with a view to tackling it,” he said.

READ ALSO: Climate Change: Over 110 Million Nigerian Children At Risk – UNICEF Raises Alarm

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He also advocated for proper education of women by stakeholders on health related matters right from conception till the point of delivery, most especially in the rural areas where there were more child mortality rates.

The UNICEF Health Officer added that when a woman is educated, the chance that her child would survive is higher than the one who is not

He called on all health stakeholders including journalists to help build women’s capacity every now and then by telling them about dangers in pregnancy, how to manage their breast while breastfeeding, among others.

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The Media Dialogue drew media practitioners from the Bauchi UNICEF Field Office Comprising of Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe and Plateau states.

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PHOTOS: Peace Restored In Delta Community As Council Boss, Takeme, Wades In

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Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State’s Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis.

On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.

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Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA.

Dr. Julius Takeme, Chairman, Burutu LG during the meeting on Monday, 30 June, 2025

Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.

READ ALSO: Clark’s Burial: Preparation In Top Gear As Burutu LG Boss Inspects Venue

“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention.

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A cross section of community people during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.

“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.

The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

A cross section of community women during the peace/reconciliation meeting on Monday, 30 June,2025.

READ ALSO: Delta: Burutu LG Boss, Takeme, Inaugurates Peace, Advocacy Committee

During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.

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In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.

Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

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JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, from N880 to N840 per litre.

Spokesman for the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment to The PUNCH on Monday night, saying the new rate took effect on June 30.

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PMS price has been reduced from N880 to N840 per litre effective 30th June,” Chiejina said.

 

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price

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Recall that the Dangote refinery hiked the price of petrol to N880 as tension escalated during the 12-day crisis between Israel and Iran, raising the price of crude oil to almost $80 per barrel.

The PUNCH earlier reported that marketers anticipated that there would be a new price regime from Monday.

Dangote’s partners like MRS, Heyden and AP are expected to adjust their pump prices soon.

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Ondo Confirms Petitions Seeking Coroner’s Inquest Into Akeredolu’s Death

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Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, on Monday confirmed receipt of petitions demanding a formal coroner’s inquest into the death of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

In a statement shared with The PUNCH, Ajulo declared that the public has every right under the Coroners Law of Ondo State to demand clarity in cases where foul play is suspected or questions linger.

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It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns.

“The Attorney General is duty-bound to act in accordance with the law once such concerns are raised by members of the public,” he stated.

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According to Ajulo, the Ministry of Justice has received multiple petitions, including from professional bodies and residents of the late governor’s hometown, urging his office to investigate what they described as troubling inconsistencies surrounding Akeredolu’s death.

Ajulo disclosed, “We have received petitions from groups both within and outside the state.

“Let me be clear: due process will be followed. The law is there to serve the people and ensure that truth and justice prevail.”

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He noted that while emotions are running high, no individual will be presumed guilty, and neither will the process be derailed by sentiment or political interference.

READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

If invitations or arrests need to be made, the process will not deviate from doing the needful,” he declared.

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Ajulo clarified that decisions such as inspecting the governor’s remains or summoning individuals fall squarely under the discretion of the Coroner Judge.

The law will be allowed to take its course,” he emphasized.

Calling for calm and restraint, the Attorney General urged all stakeholders to approach the matter with a “deep sense of responsibility” to the legacy of the late governor and the peace of the state.

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READ ALSO:Memorial Lecture: Akeredolu’s Widow Knocks Aiyedatiwa, Says ‘It’s Entry Point To Chop Money’

We must approach this issue with civility, dignity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the legacy of the late Governor and the peace of the state,” he said.

Reaffirming the stance of the state’s leadership under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ajulo wrote, “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection. “Where the law provides a remedy, the government of Governor Aiyedatiwa will not be found wanting.”

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Until his death, Akeredolu was a two-term Governor of Ondo State and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Reports from the state government stated that he died on December 27, 2023, at 67, after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer.

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