Category: Nigerian Tribune

The David Omenukor Foundation has launched its 2026 breast and cervical cancer awareness and early detection campaign, providing free mammogram screenings to about 22 underserved and vulnerable women in Mesquite, Texas, United States of America.

Speaking at the event organised in partnership with Methodist Health System, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Keyna Omenukor, disclosed that the initiative was driven by a commitment to make healthcare accessible and affordable, particularly for women in underserved communities.

She said the campaign goes beyond routine screening, with its broader objective being to save lives, raise awareness and create pathways to preventive healthcare for vulnerable women.

Disclosing that the Foundation was established in 2015 in honour of her late husband, David Omenukor, who died after battling cancer, she stated that her personal experience of losing him inspired the establishment of the organisation and strengthened her resolve to help prevent other families from suffering the consequences of delayed diagnosis.

She warned that cancer remains a serious and potentially deadly disease, particularly when detected at an advanced stage, adding that ‘fear, stigma, financial hardship and inadequate awareness’ are some of the factors discouraging women from seeking timely medical attention.

According to her, mobile mammography units could provide a cost-effective solution for reaching women in remote and rural communities where access to specialised healthcare remains limited, adding, ‘We are welcoming government agencies and NGOs to collaborate with us. We must go beyond our foundation, and anyone can reach out to us through our website. We have a solid place where we can start, and the earlier we start, the more lives will be saved’.

Speaking further, she said, ‘Our goal is not merely to offer a one-time screening, but to build a compassionate, sustainable lifeline that reaches the most neglected corners of the world. We will not rest until quality, life-saving cancer care is accessible, affordable, and equitable for every single woman, everywhere.’

While urging women not to allow embarrassment or fear to jeopardise their health, advising them to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes, lumps or other warning signs, she said, ‘This campaign is not just about awareness; it’s about saving lives. Cancer does not wait, and neither should we. I urge every woman to make regular screenings an absolute priority and pay immediate attention to their health before it is too late.’.

Dr Omenuko stressed that the Foundation is pursuing an ambitious humanitarian vision to establish a state-of-the-art cancer screening and treatment centre in Nigeria, where it has already acquired land for the project and that there is the need for stronger collaboration among the Federal Government, private-sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, healthcare institutions and diaspora groups to expand access to advanced cancer screening equipment and services.

According to her, mobile mammography units could provide a cost-effective solution for reaching women in remote and rural communities where access to specialised healthcare remains limited,she said , ‘We are welcoming government agencies and NGOs to collaborate with us. We must go beyond our foundation, and anyone can reach out to us through our website. We have a solid place where we can start, and the earlier we start, the more lives will be saved’.

Describing the Texas outreach as only the beginning of a broader campaign against healthcare inequality, she insisted that poverty should never determine whether an individual receives potentially life-saving cancer care, saying, ‘What we are doing today is just the tip of the iceberg, millions of women in marginalised communities still lack access to basic preventive healthcare.

‘Our annual free breast and cervical cancer screenings are part of our commitment to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for women as well as educate the general public on the most common form of cancer affecting women.

‘This foundation is for women and people in healthcare to get care. It was born in honour of my late husband. If cancer could happen to us, I wonder how other people are passing through it. The foundation was created to encourage people to get screened.

‘Cancer is an extraordinarily dangerous and ruthless disease; it does not wait, it does not negotiate, and it thrives on silence, fear, and delay. When caught late, cancer is a devastating sentence, but it does not have to be. Screening is the ultimate weapon because early detection turns a deadly threat into a preventable, treatable condition.

‘The rate at which women have breast cancer and then stay with it just because they are shy to go to a hospital is worrisome.This campaign is not just about awareness; it’s about saving lives. Cancer does not wait, and neither should we. I urge every woman to make regular screenings an absolute priority and pay immediate attention to their health before it is too late.

‘Our goal is not merely to offer a one-time screening, but to build a compassionate, sustainable lifeline that reaches the most neglected corners of the world. We will not rest until quality, life-saving cancer care is accessible, affordable, and equitable for every single woman, everywhere.’

Speakers at the event in their different remarks expressed concern over the continued prevalence of late-stage cancer presentations, attributing the trend partly to stigma, fear and reluctance among women to discuss breast-related symptoms or seek medical attention.

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has congratulated the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Abdulmumin Jibrin Kofa, on his 50th birthday, describing him as a distinguished son of Kano and an accomplished legislator.

The governor said Kofa had demonstrated strong legislative capacity through effective representation, advocacy and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, a copy made available to press in Kano

Governor Yusuf commended Kofa’s performance in the National Assembly, where he had served as chairman of several committees, including Finance, Appropriations, Transport and Foreign Affairs, and currently chairs the Committee on Housing and Habitat.

He also acknowledged the lawmaker’s contributions to the housing sector and national development during his service at the Federal Housing Authority.

According to the governor, Kofa’s commitment to grassroots development was particularly commendable, noting his various empowerment programmes targeting youths, women, farmers, entrepreneurs and vulnerable members of society.

He said the lawmaker’s interventions, including the provision of working tools, business support, vocational training, educational assistance and agricultural initiatives, had created opportunities for many constituents to improve their livelihoods.

‘You are a fine lawmaker who has demonstrated effective representation of your people. Your empowerment and human development initiatives for the people of Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency are remarkable and worthy of emulation,’ Yusuf said.

The governor further described Kofa as a public servant who had successfully combined his legislative responsibilities with direct engagement with the grassroots, ensuring that the concerns and needs of his constituents received attention.

He noted that Kofa’s experience as a businessman, lecturer, public servant and legislator had enabled him to make meaningful contributions to national discourse and issues affecting Kano State.

‘Having attained so much at 50, Kano State is proud of you and appreciates your contributions to the development of our state and country,’ the governor added.

Governor Yusuf wished Kofa many more years of good health, happiness and success, while praying that Almighty Allah would grant him the wisdom and strength to continue serving humanity.

He also prayed for greater opportunities for the celebrant to contribute further to the growth and development of Kano State and Nigeria.

For many workers, payday brings a familiar temptation: once the salary arrives, the month’s expenses begin to compete for it.

Rent is waiting. Transport must be paid for. Food has to be bought. There may be school fees, family responsibilities, debt repayments, subscriptions and other obligations. Then there are the things that were not planned for at all.

By the time the next salary arrives, the previous one may have disappeared without the worker being able to clearly explain where all the money went.

Financial planning is not necessarily about earning a very large income. It is about knowing what the available income must accomplish before it arrives and making decisions accordingly.

The starting point is therefore not a complicated investment strategy. It is understanding the money coming in and giving it clear assignments.

Begin with take-home income

The salary to plan around is the amount actually available after applicable deductions, not necessarily the figure stated in an employment contract. Taxes, pension contributions and other deductions can reduce the amount eventually received.

Once the actual monthly income is known, it becomes easier to construct a realistic financial plan. A person earning N250,000 cannot use a budget designed around N400,000 simply because the larger figure sounds more comfortable. The plan must reflect what actually enters the account.

It is also useful to treat irregular income separately. Bonuses, freelance payments and occasional gifts may improve a person’s finances, but depending on uncertain income to cover regular monthly expenses can create problems when that income does not arrive.

List your essential expenses

The next step is to identify the expenses that must be paid regardless of how attractive other spending opportunities may appear.

These could include rent, transportation, food, electricity, water, school fees, debt repayments, insurance and other essential obligations.

Some expenses are monthly, while others occur once or twice a year. Both should be included in the financial plan.

For example, someone who pays annual rent should not wait until the month the rent becomes due before thinking about it.

If N600,000 is required annually, setting aside N50,000 each month creates a clearer path towards the payment than attempting to find the entire amount at once.

Separate needs from wants

Not every expense deserves the same priority.

Food, transportation and housing may be essential, while eating at restaurants, entertainment, shopping and subscriptions may be discretionary. The distinction will differ from one person to another, but making it consciously is important.

This does not mean every non-essential expense should be eliminated. A financial plan that allows no room for enjoyment may be difficult to maintain. The objective is to know which expenses are necessary, which are desirable and which can be postponed when money becomes tight.

Prepare for predictable expenses

Not every unexpected expense is truly unexpected.

School fees, annual subscriptions, vehicle servicing, home repairs, birthdays and some medical or household expenses may not happen every month, but they can often be anticipated.

If they are ignored when preparing a budget, they may later feel like financial emergencies.

A better approach is to create separate savings for expenses that are likely to occur in the future.

Keeping such money separate from everyday spending can also reduce the temptation to use it for unrelated purchases.

Give your savings a purpose

Saving money simply because you have been told to save may not always be enough to maintain the habit.

It can be easier to stay committed when every savings account or contribution has a specific purpose.

For example, money can be set aside for emergencies, rent, education, a business, investment or a major purchase.

This also makes it easier to know when money can and cannot be touched.

The amount saved will depend on the worker’s income and responsibilities. Even when it is difficult to save a large percentage of income, consistently putting aside a manageable amount can help build the habit.

Waiting until the end of the month to save whatever is left may not work because there may be nothing left.

Build an emergency fund gradually

An emergency fund provides a financial buffer when something unexpected happens.

The appropriate size will depend on a person’s circumstances, but the underlying idea is straightforward: money should be available for genuine emergencies without forcing the person to borrow immediately.

An emergency fund does not have to be created in one month. It can be built gradually, with each contribution increasing the amount available to absorb an unexpected expense.

Include debt repayments in your budget

Debt should not be treated as an expense that will be handled with whatever remains after spending.

If you have a loan or other debt, the required repayment should be included in your budget from the beginning.

It is also important to understand the interest and other charges attached to the debt because they can affect how much eventually has to be repaid.

While paying off debt is important, workers should also consider other essential expenses and savings needs rather than directing every naira towards repayment without a broader plan.

The goal should be to reduce debt deliberately rather than allowing it to consume an unpredictable portion of every salary.

Track where your money goes

A budget tells you where your money should go. Tracking tells you where it actually went.

Workers can record their daily expenses using a notebook, spreadsheet or budgeting application.

Small purchases may appear insignificant individually but can become substantial when repeated throughout the month.

Tracking expenses can reveal spending patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed and help identify areas where money can be saved.

Review the budget regularly

A financial plan is not a document that should be prepared once and forgotten.

Transport costs can change. Rent can increase. A new job can alter income. A debt can be cleared. A new financial responsibility can appear. Even everyday spending patterns can change over time.

A monthly review can therefore help determine whether the original plan still reflects reality. Comparing expected spending with actual spending can reveal where money is consistently going beyond the planned amount and where adjustments are necessary.

Do not copy another person’s budget blindly

There are several popular budgeting formulas that divide income into percentages for needs, wants and savings.

Such formulas can provide useful guidance, but they cannot account for every person’s circumstances.

A worker living with family may have fewer housing expenses than someone paying rent and supporting children.

Similarly, someone with significant debt or irregular income may need a completely different financial strategy.

The best budget is therefore one that reflects your actual income, responsibilities and financial goals.

Make every naira accountable

At the heart of financial planning is a simple question: What is this money supposed to do?

Before spending, consider whether the money has already been assigned to an important responsibility.

If it has, spending it on something else may create a problem later.

This does not mean workers must stop enjoying their money. Rather, it means spending should be intentional.

A salary is not simply money meant to last until the next payday. It has to provide for immediate needs, meet existing responsibilities, prepare for future expenses and, where possible, create a financial cushion for emergencies.

The sooner workers begin giving their income clear assignments, the easier it becomes to avoid the familiar cycle of receiving a salary, spending without a plan and wondering where the money went before the next payday.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cautioned banks, fintechs and other financial institutions against the growing cybersecurity and third-party technology risks associated with the increasing interconnectivity of the financial system.

The apex bank warned that a vulnerability in one institution or technology provider could trigger wider disruptions across the financial ecosystem, urging financial institutions to strengthen safeguards beyond their individual organisations.

The CBN said the growing reliance on fintechs, payment service providers, cloud operators and other technology vendors had created additional channels through which cyber incidents could spread across the financial system.

The Director, Payments System Supervision Department of the CBN and Chairperson of the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum, Dr Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, gave the warning on Wednesday during a panel session at the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Navigating Cyber and Systemic Risks in the AI-Driven Future of Banking: Implications for Financial Stability and Business Resilience,’ Yusuf highlighted the implications of artificial intelligence, cyber threats and digital interconnectivity for Nigeria’s financial stability.

She warned that a weakness in one bank, fintech, payment service provider or technology vendor could spread to other interconnected institutions, creating what she described as a ‘one-fire’ effect capable of disrupting the wider financial system.

Yusuf said financial institutions must regularly assess their dependencies, third-party relationships and technology providers to understand how a failure in one part of the ecosystem could affect their operations.

She said resilience should not be limited to preventing cyber incidents, but should also include the ability of institutions to continue providing critical services during disruptions and recover quickly after an incident.

The CBN director said the apex bank was strengthening its policies, regulations, supervisory frameworks and other measures to ensure that vulnerabilities capable of threatening financial stability were identified and addressed before they crystallised.

She added that systemic risk considerations were also being taken into account during the product approval process.

Yusuf urged financial institutions to extend their cybersecurity and risk-management responsibilities to third-party providers on which their operations increasingly depend.

She advised banks and other institutions to critically assess the resilience of their technology partners, including their capacity to withstand and recover from cyberattacks and major operational failures.

The CBN director also called for prompt reporting of cyber incidents and vulnerabilities, noting that timely disclosure would allow regulators to intervene before isolated incidents developed into broader systemic threats.

She stressed the importance of information and intelligence sharing among financial institutions, saying greater collaboration would enable the industry to identify emerging threats and strengthen its collective response.

Yusuf further advocated stronger Security Operations Centres capable of monitoring threats across the financial ecosystem in real time.

She urged financial institutions to strike a balance between innovation and accountability, stressing that increased automation must not eliminate human responsibility from financial decisions and processes.

The CBN director also called for stronger data governance and greater attention to digital sovereignty, urging institutions to examine where critical data is stored, who has access to it, what insights can be generated from it, and how such data influences decision-making.

She warned that placing critical data or technological capabilities beyond an institution’s effective control could expose it to additional risks.

Yusuf said the ultimate goal should be to build a financial ecosystem capable of absorbing shocks, containing cyber incidents and recovering rapidly without allowing the failure of a single institution or service provider to destabilise the wider system.

The mouth contains hundreds of different types of microorganisms, most of which are harmless. However, saliva and close mouth-to-mouth contact can also provide a route for some infections to spread.

This does not mean that every kiss will transmit a disease. The risk depends on the infection, the health of the people involved and the type of contact.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights some major infections that can spread through saliva or close contact involving the mouth.

Infectious mononucleosis

Often called the kissing disease , infectious mononucleosis is commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The virus is present in saliva and can spread through kissing or by sharing drinks, food, utensils and other items that come into contact with the mouth.

Many infected people experience extreme tiredness, sore throat, fever and swollen lymph nodes. Some people, particularly young children, may have mild or no symptoms.

Because EBV can remain in saliva for a long time after infection, a person may spread the virus even when they appear completely healthy.

Herpes simplex virus

Oral herpes is commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It can spread through contact with sores, saliva or skin around the mouth. Kissing can therefore transmit the virus, particularly when an infected person has an active cold sore.

However, transmission can sometimes occur even when no visible sore is present. Oral herpes commonly causes painful blisters or sores around the lips and mouth. After infection, the virus remains in the body and can become active again.

Cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus, or CMV, belongs to the same virus family as the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. It can be present in saliva and spread through close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. Many healthy people who become infected do not develop noticeable symptoms.

However, CMV can cause serious illness in people with weakened immune systems and can pose particular risks during pregnancy because infection can affect an unborn baby.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and saliva from an infected person. Close contact, including kissing, can therefore provide an opportunity for transmission.

The infection commonly causes painful swelling of the salivary glands, especially around the cheeks and jaw. Fever, headache, muscle aches and tiredness may also occur. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent mumps and its complications.

Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is caused by bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The bacteria can live in the nose and throat and spread through respiratory and throat secretions during close or prolonged contact. Kissing can therefore create an opportunity for transmission.

Although many people who carry the bacteria do not become sick, invasive meningococcal disease can develop rapidly and cause meningitis or bloodstream infection.

Symptoms such as sudden fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting or a rapidly developing rash require urgent medical attention.

Influenza

Flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and small particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. Because kissing involves very close face-to-face contact, it can increase exposure to respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Influenza can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue. Most people recover, but the infection can become serious, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with certain underlying conditions.

The Nigerian Army has carried out a major redeployment of senior officers to key command, operational and staff positions as part of efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, enhance leadership and improve its response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, on Wednesday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, approved the strategic redeployment to ensure that the right leadership, experience and expertise are positioned in critical operational theatres and strategic appointments.

The statement said the exercise was designed to align the Army’s command structure with the country’s changing security environment, while strengthening operational effectiveness and ensuring decisive effects in key areas of national security.

Under the new postings, Major General IA Ajose moves from the Army Headquarters, Department of Army Operations, to the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), as Theatre Commander.

Major General AE Abubakar, who previously served in OPHK, has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) as Dean, Faculty of Operational Research.

Major General AM Alechenu moves from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Garrison to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, while Major General RT Utsaha moves from the Army Headquarters, Department of Army Standards and Evaluation, to the DHQ Garrison as Commander.

Similarly, Major General AM Umar moves from the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA), to the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) as Commandant, while Major General UM Alkali moves from the Army War College Nigeria to the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs.

Major General GS Muhammed moves from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation (NAFIC) as Director General.

His predecessor at NAFIC, Major General JE Osifo, has been redeployed to the Military Pension Board (MPB) as Chairman, while Major General IE Ekpenyong moves to the Defence Headquarters, Department of Defence Logistics, as Director, Engineering Services.

At the operational level, Brigadier General AA Bello moves from 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, to the Defence Headquarters, Department of Defence Operations.

Brigadier General MS Adamu has been redeployed from the Nigerian Army Women Command to the newly established 8 Brigade as Commander, while Brigadier General MS Sule moves from the Special Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace, to 27 Task Force Brigade as Commander.

Similarly, Brigadier General I Sule moves from the Directorate of Recruitment Management to 6 Division Garrison as Commander.

Brigadier General E Azenda moves from the Land Forces Simulation Centre to 2 Division Garrison as Commander, while Brigadier General AS Bugaje moves from 2 Division Garrison to the Land Forces Simulation Centre as Director, Administration.

The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them through exemplary leadership, operational innovation, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.

Gen Shaibu urged the officers to remain focused on the constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authority in maintaining peace and security.

The Army said it remained resolute in sustaining a dynamic leadership and force-employment framework capable of enhancing operational outcomes, strengthening joint and inter-agency coordination and improving the Service’s capacity to respond decisively to contemporary and emerging threats.

It said the latest redeployments would further contribute to the attainment of Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Nigerian equities market suffered another major sell-off on Wednesday as investors scrambled to raise cash ahead of the much-anticipated Initial Public Offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, wiping N1.67 trillion off the value of listed equities.

The renewed sell-off pushed the NGX All-Share Index down by 1.05 per cent to 242,223.10 points, while the market’s year-to-date return moderated to 55.66 per cent.

Similarly, total market capitalisation fell to N157.05 trillion, reflecting intensified selling across several heavyweight stocks and sectors.

The market’s breadth underscored the depth of the bearish sentiment, with 43 stocks closing lower against only 11 gainers, leaving the breadth ratio at a weak 0.26x.

Analysts attributed the pressure largely to portfolio repositioning ahead of the Dangote Refinery IPO, as investors increasingly seek to unlock cash from existing equity positions to participate in what is expected to be one of the biggest capital-market transactions in Nigeria.

The sell-off was broad-based, with Omatek Plc emerging as the biggest loser, followed by Zichis Agro-Allied, BUA Cement Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc.

On the other hand, Champion Breweries Plc, VFD Group Plc, UPDC Plc, Ikeja Hotel Plc and Cutix Plc recorded the strongest gains during the session.

The downturn was particularly severe in the financial and insurance segments.

The Insurance Index plunged 7.31 per cent, while the Banking Index shed 5.79 per cent. The Industrial Goods Index also declined by 3.72 per cent, while the Consumer Goods Index lost 1.61 per cent.

Only the Oil and Gas and Commodity sectors bucked the negative trend. The Oil and Gas Index rose by 5.55 per cent, while the Commodity Index appreciated by 4.04 per cent.

Trading activity also weakened significantly, reinforcing indications that investors are becoming increasingly cautious.

Total volume of transactions declined by 29.04 per cent to 534.45 million shares, while turnover dropped by 19.94 per cent to ?22.28 billion. The number of deals executed during the session fell by 13.15 per cent to 46,943 transactions.

The latest decline comes as investors prepare for the opening of the Dangote Refinery IPO at the beginning of next week.

The offer is expected to command considerable attention from institutional, retail and foreign investors, given the scale and strategic importance of the refinery to Nigeria’s economy and the potential size of the transaction.

The prospect of a major primary-market opportunity appears to be changing investor behaviour in the secondary market, with some shareholders taking profits from equities that have delivered substantial gains this year and others selling positions to build liquidity for the offer.

This has raised concerns that the equities market could remain under pressure in the immediate term as investors rebalance their portfolios.

The trend could be particularly pronounced among stocks that have recorded significant year-to-date appreciation, as investors weigh the opportunity to participate in the refinery offer against the prospects of further gains in existing holdings.

Market watchers, however, expect the pressure to ease if fresh liquidity enters the market following the IPO, particularly if the offer succeeds in attracting substantial domestic and international subscriptions.

For now, the market remains caught in a liquidity squeeze, with investors positioning for what could be a defining capital-market event.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has moved early to avert a seasonal surge in Lassa fever, unveiling an Accelerated Readiness Plan to strengthen prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment before the disease enters its peak transmission period.

Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, announced the plan on Wednesday in Abuja at a press briefing on Lassa fever prevention and preparedness for the 2026/2027 season.

Idris said although Lassa fever occurred throughout the year, cases usually increased during the dry season, particularly between November and April, stressing that the period before the peak provided an opportunity to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risk of transmission.

He said the plan was developed following an After Action Review of the 2026 Lassa fever response conducted by the NCDC, states and partners to identify what worked, gaps in the response and measures required to improve preparedness for the next season.

According to him, the review identified several challenges, including delays in seeking appropriate care, self-treatment, healthcare worker infections, persistent environmental and household risks, inadequate state ownership and delays in releasing resources for preparedness.

He also identified a gap between the capacity available ‘on paper’ and what was actually functional in health facilities.

‘For example, having a dialysis machine does not mean dialysis is available if the trained personnel, consumables, water treatment, maintenance and other requirements needed to operate it are not in place,’ Idris said.

He said the lessons from the 2026 response underscored the need to strengthen the entire Lassa fever response chain, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment.

‘We must look at the entire pathway, from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, referral and treatment, and ensure that the systems, services and resources that are expected to be available can actually function when and where they are needed,’ he said.

Idris said the Accelerated Readiness Plan would be implemented nationwide, with additional attention and resources directed to locations where available evidence indicated that the burden and risk of Lassa fever were highest.

He said priority actions under the plan included earlier detection of cases, prompt reporting and investigation of suspected infections, reduction of exposure to rodents through improved environmental sanitation and waste management, and safer food handling and storage.

The NCDC boss said the agency would also work with environmental health, agriculture and livestock authorities to address the risks associated with rodents and their interaction with human populations.

He said Nigerians would be encouraged to seek medical care early, while healthcare providers would be strengthened to recognise suspected Lassa fever, protect themselves, report cases and make appropriate referrals.

Idris added that the agency would ensure faster transportation and testing of samples and timely transmission of laboratory results to healthcare providers.

He said prompt action would also be taken around confirmed cases through surveillance, environmental health, community engagement, food safety and infection prevention measures.

On healthcare workers, the Director-General said the NCDC would strengthen infection prevention and control measures, particularly in high-risk facilities, through intensified support, including the IPC Ring Strategy.

‘Appropriate precautions should begin from the first point of contact with a patient and not only after Lassa fever has been confirmed,’ he said.

He said treatment centres would be prepared to receive and manage patients, while essential medicines, laboratory supplies and protective equipment would be made available where needed.

Idris said every infection involving a healthcare worker should be investigated, with exposed workers appropriately followed up and identified gaps promptly addressed.

‘We must learn from each healthcare worker infection and use what we learn to prevent another,’ he said.

He urged healthcare workers to ‘THINK LASSA. PROTECT. REPORT. REFER.’

The NCDC chief said the agency would also continue research into changing patterns in the epidemiology of Lassa fever, including whether rodents other than Mastomys could be contributing to transmission and the possible role of asymptomatic infections.

He said genomic sequencing would be used to better understand emerging patterns, while the NCDC would continue to support efforts towards the development of candidate Lassa fever vaccines and rapid diagnostic tests.

Idris, however, stressed that government action alone could not prevent Lassa fever, urging individuals, households and communities to adopt practical measures to reduce exposure to rodents.

He advised Nigerians to protect food by storing rice, garri, beans, maize and other food items in properly covered containers and avoiding practices that could expose food to rodents, their urine or faeces.

He urged households to block openings through which rodents could enter homes, reduce clutter and other hiding places for rodents, and ensure proper disposal of refuse.

He also warned Nigerians against handling rodents with bare hands or unnecessary contact with rodents, their urine, faeces or other body fluids.

On early treatment, Idris advised people who develop fever or feel unwell, particularly those living in or who had travelled to areas where Lassa fever occurs, to seek medical attention promptly.

He specifically warned against prolonged self-treatment for malaria.

‘If you have treated what you believe to be malaria and your symptoms persist, please do not continue treating yourself at home. Seek appropriate medical attention. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference,’ he said.

The NCDC said it would intensify the ‘Turn a Community Orange’ (TACO) approach in selected high-risk communities to promote preventive behaviours, strengthen preparedness and encourage early reporting and referral.

Idris also called on state and local governments, particularly those with recurrent Lassa fever transmission, to use the pre-peak period to strengthen their readiness.

He urged states to improve environmental sanitation and waste management, engage environmental health officers and community structures, and ensure that health facilities were prepared to recognise suspected cases, protect healthcare workers, report promptly and refer appropriately.

States, he added, should ensure functional surveillance systems, clear laboratory referral pathways and readiness of designated treatment facilities, while ensuring that essential medicines, laboratory supplies and infection prevention commodities reached facilities before cases increased.

‘Preparedness is most effective when we act before the pressure on our health system rises,’ Idris said.

He stressed that Lassa fever prevention and control required a One Health approach involving the health, environment, agriculture and livestock sectors, local governments, communities and partners.

He urged Nigerians to remember five key preventive measures: ‘Protect your food. Keep rodents away. Keep your surroundings clean. Avoid unsafe contact with rodents. Seek care early.’

Idris said the country had an opportunity to act before the seasonal increase in transmission, adding: ‘We should not wait for cases to rise before we act. The time to prepare is now.’

Residents of Babanla community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara have returned to their ancestral homes months after fleeing the area over security concerns linked to banditry.

The return followed an improvement in the security situation in the community, with stakeholders declaring that peace and normalcy had gradually returned to Babanla.

This was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting involving members of the Babanla Community Development Association, community stakeholders and the National Transition Implementation Committee.

The communiqué, signed by Mallam Lookman Yusuf, said the meeting was convened to review developments concerning peace, security and the general development of the community over the past year.

The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the gradual return of residents and the restoration of peace and security in the area.

It would be recalled that residents had earlier deserted their homes at the height of the security crisis, while security agencies took over the community and surrounding areas in an effort to restore order.

According to the communiqué, many residents who left the community during the crisis have now returned and resumed their businesses and other economic activities.

The stakeholders commended the security agencies deployed to the community for what they described as professionalism and proactive measures in addressing the security challenges.

They said the efforts of the security personnel had helped to safeguard lives and property and create an environment conducive to the return of residents.

The meeting also passed a vote of confidence in the Transition Executive Committee (TEC), praising its chairman and members for their efforts since their inauguration.

The stakeholders approved the committee’s proposed action plan and urged members to pursue the programmes with commitment and urgency.

Among the priority projects highlighted were the installation of a solar-powered water pump and the reticulation of pipes to designated areas, financial support for youth activities, and assistance for local vigilante operations.

The stakeholders also appealed to indigenes of Babanla to avoid statements capable of damaging the reputation of the community, particularly the spread of unverified or false information.

The Oba-in-Council was commended for its resilience during the period of insecurity, while the Prince and Princess Forum was praised for its contributions towards restoring stability.

The Youth Forum was also commended for its patriotism, focus, and dedication to the development of Babanla, while the Patriotic Forum was recognised for its role in driving the community’s development agenda.

The meeting also raised more than N3 million to support the implementation of the planned development projects in the community.

Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Tuesday charged the management of the College of Agriculture to be prudent and accountable in the running of the upgraded Green Houses facilitated through the World Bank-financed Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).

The Governor gave the charge while speaking at the commissioning of the rehabilitated and upgraded Green Houses and a Laboratory for Water, Soil and Plant at the College.

The Governor stressed that the project was done through a loan which must be paid back at the end of the agreed date, saying it is only a prudent financial system that will ensure the repayment.

Bala Mohammed, who personally purchased 5kg of green peppers and other fruits and paid in cash, directed the College management to furnish his office with the project account statement.

The Governor said, ‘I came back personally to show Bauchi State’s respect and appreciation to the World Bank and to the ACReSAL, because these are the kind of things that brings us out.’

Bala Mohammed said, ‘We participated in this, and it is a kind of pleasant contest between sub-nationals. And we are doing it not with venom. We are doing it with knowledge, with achievement. And I must thank the ACReSAL team for having confidence in us. Our vocal Project Coordinator has shown knowledge and capacity, and that is the kind of leadership recruitment and the kind of manpower that we are trying to leave behind.’

‘I must at this point acknowledge that this place was first built by former Governor, Dr. Ahmed Adamu Muazu during his tenure, since 1999, and it was left rot. It was indeed, for your information, His Excellency, the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, that came and commissioned it, but it all died over the years,’ he added.

The Governor added that, ‘Now, during this period, we humbly say it is during our tenure that this is coming back through the World Bank, which makes it very, very auspicious.’

He further said, ‘But the missing link is what Dr. Joy Agene has said: the sustainability, the revenue generation and how it can be warehoused to ensure duplication of these facilities across the various senatorial zones, and so that it will become a center of research. And of course, to teach our young ones how to live on self-reliance, how they can do this and even exit from the excruciating problem of going for government white-collar jobs.’

Bala Mohammed commended the ACReSAL Task Team Leader, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, saying, ‘We thank you, Your Excellency Agene, for this. You have shown partnership to us. Please convey our appreciation to the World Bank, and by extension to the Federal Government for this kind of gesture and participation that they have allowed us to do. Definitely what we said is what we are going to do.’

According to him, ‘The Commissioners of Environment, Agriculture and Water Resources have heard you, and you have listened to our very vibrant vocal Project Coordinator, I believe I will need a structure to give me a whole rundown of how this thing could be sustained even where we leave. That is why we want you to really look at our regime so that we can have sustainability. We should have continuity. We should continue to do this.’

The Governor concluded, ‘Out of respect, I will call on TTL, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, who is to act as the World Bank to commission this very good facility, which is one of the biggest. And I also thank our other colleagues from the other states that came here.’

In her remarks, the ACReSAL TTL, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, commended the Governor and his administration for keying in to the ACReSAL project, which has taken millions of people at the communities out of poverty.

Joy Iganya Agene expressed optimism that the greenhouse will generate an additional source of revenue for the College as well as provide employment opportunities for teeming unemployed youths in the State.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator, Dr Ibrahim Kabiru, said that already, youths from neighbouring States have been coming to the centre for research and other activities.

He explained that the greenhouse is in stages of Duplex, Jumbo and Titanic based on their sizes and products to be harvested.

The Governor was also led to Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), where he inspected the erosion control project embarked upon by ACReSAL.