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Airline Operators Seek Intervention Over Ticket Sale Row

Airline operators have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the controversy surrounding the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), saying the President’s intervention could save the Nigerian aviation industry from further financial distress.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen OnyemaOnyema, who is also Vice President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the 30th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos, on Thursday.

The conference, held with the theme, ‘Towards a Sustainable Aviation Industry: Balancing Government Revenue Demands with Sector Growth,’ focused on the challenges confronting the aviation sector, particularly the growing burden of taxes and charges on airlines.

Onyema said the current system under which airlines remit five per cent of the cost of every flight ticket as TSC to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was putting further financial pressure on already distressed operators. He advocated the replacement of the percentage-based charge with a fixed flat-rate fee attached to each ticket, arguing that such an arrangement would make payment more predictable and reduce the financial burden on airlines.

According to him, a more amicable tax and charges regime would protect airlines, aviation agencies and passengers, while helping to reduce the high mortality rate of Nigerian carriers.

Onyema said the airlines were seeking President Tinubu’s intervention because of his willingness to listen and act when presented with the impact of policies on indigenous businesses.

He recalled that the President had previously exempted airlines from the four per cent Free on Board (FOB) levy introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service after operators raised concerns over its potential impact on their businesses.

‘One thing I must say is that I’m certain any day President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees us, if they allow us to see him, because I know he will not mind to meet with us, that will be the day a new revolution in the airline industry in this country will occur because Mr. President abhors anything capable of affecting indigenous businesses that provide jobs for the people adversely,’ he said.

Onyema said the intervention over the Customs levy demonstrated the impact of presidential action when the consequences of a policy were properly explained.

He said Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, had taken up the airlines’ concerns with the Presidency after he was informed of the effect of the levy on operators.

‘I was there in the Presidential Villa with the Customs boss, a fantastic man. This President acted swiftly and waived it for airlines within hours of being made to understand the would-be effects of such a charge on the viability of indigenous Nigerian airlines,’ he said.

According to Onyema, the President’s intervention following the FOB levy led him to promise to create 1,000 jobs for Nigerians.

He said about 78,000 Nigerians applied for the positions, from which 1,000 young people were eventually employed.

The Air Peace boss argued that the same approach should be applied to the TSC and other charges confronting airlines.

He said the President had not yet been given the opportunity to hear directly from airline operators about the factors contributing to Nigeria’s unfavourable rating as a difficult environment for airline businesses.

‘The problem is that the President has not heard from us on why his country was so described by IATA who equally compared Nigeria to Afghanistan,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that the situation would change if the President intervened, adding that a healthier aviation industry would ultimately benefit government agencies, airlines and passengers.

Onyema further warned that Nigerian airlines could not achieve sustainable growth while operating under multiple taxes, levies and charges.

He said the current cost environment was contributing to the difficulties faced by local carriers and undermining their ability to remain competitive and profitable.

He also cited reports indicating that at least 62 commercial airlines had collapsed or gone into default in Nigeria since independence in 1960, with more than 22 airlines shutting down within a recent 24-year period.

According to him, the high tax and charges burden remains one of the major factors threatening the survival of indigenous airlines.

‘At several aviation fora, IATA has identified Nigeria as one of the most expensive countries in the world in which to operate an airline, citing high operational costs that continue to challenge the viability and growth of local carriers,’ Onyema said.

He added that the high-cost operating environment had made it difficult for Nigerian airlines to remain competitive and profitable, thereby limiting the sector’s ability to reach its full potential.

Onyema said converting the TSC from a percentage of ticket sales to a fixed amount would provide relief to airlines while also ensuring that the NCAA and other aviation agencies continued to receive revenue from the charge.

He maintained that a balanced charges regime was necessary to ensure the sustainability of the aviation industry and prevent further collapse of Nigerian airlines.

Xenophobia: NASS Directs Boycott Of Legislative Activities Organised By South Africa

The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and ordered a boycott of legislative activities hosted or organised by the country until further notice.

This is as a result of recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals.

The decision followed concerns by the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives over reports of Nigerians being killed, injured, displaced and forced to abandon their businesses, investments, homes and other properties in South Africa.

In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the leadership said the attacks had continued despite repeated appeals by the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to South African authorities to take decisive measures to protect Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

Electrical fault sparks fire at Abuja-Kaduna train station

Manchester rivals set for early-season litmus test

After all the pre-season optimism, Manchester United’s start to the Premier League season has been inconsistent but Sunday’s derby against visiting Manchester City offers Michael Carrick’s side an early chance to show they are genuine contenders.

City, meanwhile, arrive at Old Trafford with a perfect record under ?new manager Enzo Maresca, although their performances have suggested there is still work to do.

The first Manchester derby of the campaign should provide a clearer indication of where both clubs stand.

Carrick’s impact at United last season as interim manager after the club’s parting of ways with Ruben Amorim in January was dramatic, beginning with a 2-0 home victory over City.

His calm authority resulted in 12 wins from his 17 Premier League games in charge, with only two defeats, as United finished ?third and returned to the Champions League.

A surprisingly quiet transfer window this time in which Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos were the main ?signings was followed by an opening day 2-0 defeat by newly promoted Hull City – a result that gave United an abrupt ?reality check.

Bruno Fernandes’s hat-trick inspired a 5-2 comeback victory against Ipswich Town but United were left frustrated as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser in a ?2-2 draw at Everton.

Former United defender Gary Neville highlighted their defending after the Everton game and believes that unless it is fixed it could become ?their Achilles heel this season.

‘I don’t think it’s going to go away and that’s my big fear,’ the Sky Sports analyst said this week.

City will provide an acid test, especially with Erling Haaland firing on all cylinders having scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday to make it five goals in three ?games so far this season.

Maresca could not have wished for a better start to what many regard as ‘mission impossible’ in following Pep Guardiola.

A huge close-season?spending spree has given Maresca a vast array of new tools but it may take the Italian some time before he knows exactly what to do with them all.

‘I’m happy,’ ?Maresca said after City’s battling 1-0 win over promoted Coventry City. ‘Also, because I’m getting to know the players day by day, we are getting to know each other.

‘That means we are going to be better and better.’

Worryingly for City, and others with pretensions of a title challenge, champions Arsenal have begun the season imperiously, with three wins out of three in the Premier League and a hard-fought 1-0 Champions League victory at Napoli on Wednesday.

Stability has been the?order of the day at Arsenal ?with Mikel Arteta’s side straight back ?into last term’s groove.

Arsenal visit Sunderland tomorrow – a fixture they will be wary of after being held to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light last season.

Liverpool’s campaign took a while to get going under Andoni Iraola ?but after wins at Ipswich and then Atletico Madrid in the Champions League they will relish another home clash?versus a Fulham side ?managed by former Liverpool player Alvaro Arbeloa.

After three successive defeats and seven goals conceded, Arbeloa has the dubious honour of being the first manager this season to warrant the ‘under pressure’ tag.

Another boss who could join him is Tottenham Hotspur’s Roberto de Zerbi. Despite a £300 million pounds ($405.03 million)close-season splurge, Spurs are winless in their first three ?games and?without a goal.

Little more than three months ago, highly rated Italian De Zerbi completed his Tottenham ?rescue job as they beat Everton on the final day of the season to secure their top-flight status.

Tomorrow, David Moyes’ Everton are the visitors again and, while the stakes are not ?so high, De Zerbi needs a victory to instil some belief that the money has been well spent.

Police Arrest 4 Over Alleged N21m Photographic Equipment Theft

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged theft of photographic equipment worth N21 million from studios in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Uyo, saying one of the suspects, identified as Nicholas Olamide, confessed to his involvement in the theft and led investigators to other suspects and locations where some of the stolen items were recovered.

John said the owner of one of the affected studios, identified as Aniekan, reported that his photo studio was burgled by unknown persons who gained access through the roof.

She said the stolen items included a Canon 6D Mark II camera, Nikon D850 camera, Sony A7 Mark II camera, AD200 studio light, AD600 studio light, Shaker studio light and a box of memory cards, valued at N13.14 million.

‘Acting swiftly on the complaint, Police operatives commenced discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up, which culminated in the arrest, on 7th September 2026, of one Nicholas Olamide, ‘M’, a native of Ibogi, Ile-Ife, Osun State, who resides in Eket, Akwa Ibom State,’ she stated.

According to her, Olamide allegedly confessed during interrogation and subsequently led investigators to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis, ‘M’, of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo.

‘His disclosures led the operatives to Abasiakan Ikpembe of Abak Local Government Area and Edward Francis, ‘M’, of Afaha Ube Street, Uyo, where several of the stolen items, alongside other articles reasonably suspected to have been stolen, were recovered,’ John stated.

The police spokesperson said further investigation showed that Olamide was allegedly involved in other burglary and stealing incidents in Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom.

She said he allegedly burgled a photo studio at No. 135 Aka Road, Uyo, between July 28 and August 5, 2026, and stole photographic equipment and accessories estimated at N8 million.

The stolen items included an Itel A80 mobile phone, tripods, LED light tripod, bracket, Godox AD200 and AD600 studio lights, Godox speedlight, Godox triggers, Sony A7 camera, Sony 50mm lens, Gimbal R3 Mini, photo lights, make-up bag, AD600 bag, speedlight bag, 700GB drive and AD600 chargers.

John added that the suspect allegedly stole a Canon camera and lens belonging to one Richard from a photo studio at Aka Estate, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, on August 25.

ASUU threatens nationwide strike over unpaid salaries, agreement

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has threatened to resume its suspended nationwide strike if the Federal Government and state governments fail to address outstanding issues affecting university lecturers urgently.

The union said the proposed strike would follow the resolution of its National Executive Council at an emergency meeting held on September 5, 2026, in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Friday by the ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, the union accused the Federal Government and several state governments of failing to fully implement the December 2025 agreement reached with the union after years of negotiations.

ASUU said other unresolved issues included the three-and-a-half months’ salaries withheld from lecturers, unremitted third-party deductions, alleged violations of university laws and autonomy, and the deteriorating condition of the academic profession.

The union said that apart from recent efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education to clear outstanding salaries owed lecturers in Federal Universities of Agriculture, there had been no sustained action to resolve the problems.

It added that lecturers were being forced to engage in monthly disputes with university authorities over uncertainty about when and how much of their salaries would be paid.

‘Unless immediate and concrete steps are taken to fully and comprehensively address issues bordering the welfare and well-being of Nigerian academics, ASUU-NEC will not accept any blame for calling out its members on a nationwide strike action within the shortest time possible,’ the statement said.

The union, however, commended governors who had commenced implementation of the 2025 agreement in their state-owned universities.

It specifically praised the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for publicly announcing the full adoption of the agreement and apologising to the union over bureaucratic bottlenecks that caused delays and distortions in its implementation.

ASUU also listed Bauchi, Ekiti, Ogun, Benue, Yobe, Adamawa, Kebbi, Katsina and Borno among states where implementation had commenced.

It said Kano, Edo, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe and Bayelsa had pledged to commence implementation in September or October.

The union urged other governors to follow suit, warning that failure to do so could plunge state-owned universities into industrial crises.

ASUU said authorities of affected universities had been notified of the planned commencement of strike actions in their respective institutions, with the backing of the union’s national leadership, unless satisfactory progress was recorded.

The union also condemned the decision by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to extend the tenure of the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Clement Adebooye, by two years.

Adeleke had announced the extension on September 1 during the inauguration of the university’s reconstituted Governing Council.

According to ASUU, Adebooye’s tenure, which should end in January 2027, would now run until January 2029.

The union argued that the Osun State University Law, under which the Vice-Chancellor was appointed, provides for a single five-year tenure and does not allow for an extension.

ASUU described the move as a bad precedent that could undermine the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2012, which was introduced partly to prevent controversies associated with tenure extensions and renewals for vice-chancellors.

The union also criticised Adebooye for accepting the extension, noting that he had previously served as a branch secretary of ASUU at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

It urged him to reconsider the decision before the expiration of his legally recognised tenure in January 2027.

The union warned that it would challenge the decision if the matter was not resolved, saying the development could set a precedent for other governors to place political considerations above legal and ethical standards.

On withheld salaries, ASUU said nothing had changed regarding the outstanding three-and-a-half months owed lecturers out of the seven-and-a-half months withheld by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The union acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s payment of four months’ salaries but said the unpaid balance remained a source of financial and psychological hardship for its members.

ASUU said the value of the outstanding salaries had also been eroded by more than 50 per cent following the devaluation of the naira since 2022.

It urged the Federal Government to release the outstanding salaries to restore lecturers’ confidence in the university system.

The union also raised concerns over billions of naira deducted from lecturers’ salaries for pension contributions, cooperative societies and union check-off dues but allegedly not remitted appropriately for several months.

It accused the government of failing to resolve the issue of third-party deductions despite several engagements.

ASUU alleged that the withholding of the funds could be connected to its rejection of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System.

The union warned that it was prepared to mobilise its members for industrial action if the deductions were not addressed.

The union also expressed concern that the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections could shift government attention away from workers’ welfare and other governance issues.

It supported the call by the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, for an immediate review of the national minimum wage, arguing that workers’ purchasing power had been severely weakened by rising inflation.

ASUU also advocated the indexing of the minimum wage to inflation to provide workers with predictable adjustments in response to rising living costs.

The union said the poor or inconsistent implementation of the 2025 agreement, unpaid salaries and unremitted deductions could trigger another crisis in Nigeria’s public universities.

It appealed to students, parents, labour leaders, media practitioners and other Nigerians to intervene before the situation deteriorated.

ASUU said it could not guarantee an uninterrupted academic calendar at the expense of the welfare and survival of its members.

The union said its NEC had resolved to notify all stakeholders that it could activate its suspended strike without further notice if the issues were not urgently resolved.

‘However, Nigerians should not blame ASUU if we are forced to resume the suspended action on account of no satisfactory response from government,’ the union said.

Sultan Directs Muslims To Sight Rabi’ Al-Thani Moon

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has directed Muslims across the country to search for the crescent of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The directive was contained in a statement signed by Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

According to the statement, Friday, September 11, corresponds to the 29th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH and is therefore the appropriate day for Muslims to look for the new crescent.

The Sultan urged Muslims across the country to watch for the crescent immediately after sunset and to report any confirmed sighting through the established traditional authorities.

He directed anyone who sights the moon to promptly report the observation to the nearest village or district head for onward transmission to the Sultan.

The statement stressed the importance of credible and accurate reports, noting that sightings would be subjected to verification and authentication before any official announcement is made.

The Sultanate also cautioned against unverified claims and premature announcements, urging Muslims to approach the exercise with sincerity, seriousness and a sense of religious responsibility.

The eventual confirmation of the crescent will enable the Sultan to officially announce the commencement of Rabi’ al-Thani 1448 AH.

The directive is expected to mobilise Muslim faithful, traditional rulers and religious authorities across the country for the nationwide crescent-sighting exercise.

Delta Assembly raises High Court judges to 50, passes judicial amendment bills

The Delta State House of Assembly has passed two amendment bills seeking to strengthen the state judiciary, including a proposal to increase the statutory number of High Court judges from 46 to 50.

The bills, the Delta State High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 48), and the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 49), were passed at plenary following their Third Reading.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, commended lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bills.

He said the move indicated the 8th Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the judicial arm of government and ensuring timely access to justice for Deltans.

Guwor, who spoke immediately after the passage of the bills, said the increase in the number of High Court judges was necessary to address rising case loads and reduce pressure on the existing judges.

The Speaker said: ‘Distinguished colleagues, I thank all of you for the successful passage of the Delta State High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 48).

‘It is my strong belief that this increase will reduce the pressure of case loads on our Judges and ultimately enhance the effective administration of Justice in our dear State.’

On the Customary Court of Appeal Amendment Bill, he said the amendment would strengthen the structure and operations of the court and facilitate faster and more efficient justice delivery.

‘I am indeed grateful to all of you for the successful passage of the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (HB. 49).

‘This amendment will enhance justice delivery in the Customary Court of Appeal system. Thank you for the quick passage of this Bill,’ Guwor said.

The Speaker also commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for forwarding the two Executive Bills to the House, describing the initiative as timely and necessary to reposition the state’s justice sector.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor said the bills reflected the government’s commitment to providing the courts with adequate manpower and a stronger institutional framework to meet the growing demand for justice.

He also praised the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, saying it had continued to produce people-oriented legislation.

Guwor assured the people that the 8th Assembly would remain committed to enacting laws aimed at decongesting court dockets and ensuring speedy dispensation of cases across the state.

The two bills will now be transmitted to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for assent.

Nathaniel Idowu U-16 League enters exciting Week 2

The Nathaniel Idowu U-16 Football League enters Week 2 on Saturday with five fixtures scheduled across two venues. Teams return to action following an explosive opening weekend that produced 22 goals, seeking to build on their performances, correct early mistakes, and climb the table.

Week 1 provided major drama across the board. Fortune FA executed a remarkable comeback victory over St. Petersburg FA after conceding just 42 seconds into the match, driven by crucial second-half impacts from substitutes Lateef Wasiu, Ibrahim Olaoye, and Odesola Odunayo. Divinely Blessed FA made headlines with the fastest goal of the tournament when Ugwuokolie Chidalu scored after six seconds, and they now look to turn that momentum into a win. SC Heritage showed immense character in their debut as Jonathan Norbert scored a late brace to rescue a point against Moore Wins FA, while Young Eleven FA proved organized but lacked finishing sharpness in a 1-1 draw with Ajegunle United.

Bright Star FA delivered the most dominant performance of Week 1, crushing Seraphic FA 5-1. Valentine Aniako was the star of the show, netting four goals-including a second-half hat-trick-to immediately take charge of the Golden Boot race. Debutants Atico Football Academy face a baptism of fire and will need a disciplined defensive display to contain Bright Star’s firepower.

More than just three points are on the line in this fixture. Both sides drew their opening matches-Ajegunle 1-1 against Young Eleven FA, and Moore Wins held by SC Heritage-but history adds extra spice. In the tournament’s U-14 edition, Moore Wins defeated Ajegunle United 3-1. Ajegunle will be out for revenge in what promises to be Week 2’s most fiercely contested match.

St. Petersburg FA proved they can start fast-scoring after just 42 seconds against Fortune FA-but failed to maintain their lead. They aim for a complete 90-minute performance against a Seraphic FA side desperate to bounce back from their heavy 5-1 loss to Bright Star FA.

Organized by Peakline Sports World Limited and sponsored by the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, the league continues to provide a vital platform for young talent across Ajeromi-Ifelodun to develop, compete, and shine.

Coventry move boosts Awoniyi’s Super Eagles career

By Tunde Liadi

Taiwo Awoniyi’s move to Coventry City has handed the Nigerian striker a fresh opportunity to revive his career and potentially force his way back into the Super Eagles.

The forward has begun life positively at Coventry, opening his goal-scoring account in the club’s League Cup victory over Plymouth just three minutes after coming off the bench.

Regular football under manager Frank Lampard could prove crucial for Awoniyi after a difficult period in which consistent playing time was hard to come by.

His return to action has also reopened discussions about a possible return to the Nigerian national team.

Awoniyi has 10 senior caps but has not represented the Super Eagles since 2023. A productive spell with Coventry could put him back in contention, particularly if he can maintain his fitness and rediscover his goal-scoring form.

Meanwhile, former footballer Clinton Morrison believes the striker appears fitter and motivated to make an impact.

Awoniyi now has the chance to turn that renewed hunger into goals and helping Coventry in their battle for Premier League survival while putting himself back on the Super Eagles radar.

Court orders INEC to adopt NDC’s two-finger logo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to approve and use the modified digital logo of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The logo features a two-finger victory sign.

The court also restrained INEC from stopping or interfering with the party’s use of the logo as its official symbol in all elections.

The judgment by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik followed a suit filed by the NDC after INEC removed its modified logo from its platform and reverted to an old one with which the party was originally registered.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said its First National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on March 25, 2026, approved the modified logo and forwarded it to INEC.

According to the Director, INEC uploaded the new logo but later removed it without communicating any reason to the NDC.

The opposition party said it gave INEC sufficient time to correct what it described as an administrative error, but resorted to the court after its efforts failed.

In the judgment, Justice Abdulmalik ordered INEC, its servants, agents and officers to ‘forthwith approve the modified logo design’ of the NDC, including its symbol and colours.

The court described the logo as a digitally designed ‘two-finger victory sign with a blue background and the word ‘NDC’ written in red on top.’ It directed that the new logo should henceforth be recognised by INEC for all purposes, including elections.

The NDC thanked the judiciary for what it described as timely intervention and for directing INEC to upload and utilise the modified digital logo.

It directed all its candidates and members to use only the approved logo on campaign materials and other publicity items, including banners and posters.

The opposition party acknowledged that some candidates and members might have already produced campaign materials bearing the old logo, expressing regret over the inconvenience caused.

The NDC said it would intensify public sensitisation on the new logo and assured its supporters and candidates that there was no cause for concern.

Yobe Records 511 Diphtheria Cases, 13 Deaths In 9 Months

Yobe State has documented 511 cases of diphtheria and 13 deaths from January to 8 September, according to health authorities.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Muhammad Gana, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Thursday.

Mr Gana explained that the 13 deaths corresponded to a case fatality rate of 2.5 per cent, which is lower than in most other affected states across the country.

He affirmed that the outbreak impacted 12 local government areas in the state, and that vaccination plans in these areas were well underway.

He attributed the decline since 2023, when the state recorded its highest burden of 3,080 cases, to sustained outbreak response activities.

The activities listed by the Commissioner included providing free medication to victims, training health workers on response strategies, conducting intensive vaccinations in hard-to-reach areas, community engagement, and sensitisation campaigns against the disease.

Additional efforts involved aggressive contact tracing by health personnel, sharing updates with relevant stakeholders, holding regular coordination meetings, and mobilising resources for outbreak response.

Mr Gana praised the support from WHO, UNICEF, and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) for assisting the state’s vaccination campaign against diphtheria, especially in nomadic settlements.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and upper respiratory tract.

It mainly spreads through respiratory droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, and occasionally through direct contact with infected skin lesions or contaminated secretions. (NAN)