Category: PM News

By Franca Ofili

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the world faces worsening pandemic threats, warning that investments in preparedness are failing to match increasing global outbreak risks and emergencies.

A statement released on Monday said experts monitoring global preparedness warned that infectious disease outbreaks were becoming increasingly frequent and damaging, while widening health, economic, political and social consequences weakened recovery capacities globally.

According to the statement, a decade after Ebola exposed dangerous gaps in outbreak preparedness and six years after COVID-19 transformed those weaknesses into global catastrophe, evidence now clearly demonstrates continuing international vulnerability.

It said a new Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) report, titled “A World on the Edge: Priorities for a Pandemic-Resilient Future,” found infectious disease outbreaks were becoming increasingly frequent, severe and damaging worldwide.

The report said outbreaks were producing widening health, economic, political and social consequences globally, while countries increasingly lacked sufficient capacity and resilience required for effective recovery from major public health emergencies.

It said the board warned that in spite of investments made over the past decade, preparedness efforts had failed to keep pace with rising pandemic threats and increasing international public health vulnerabilities worldwide.

“New initiatives have improved aspects of preparedness, but overall these efforts are being offset by the growing effects of rising geopolitical fragmentation, ecological disruption, and global travel. The report analyses a decade of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEICs), from Ebola in West Africa to COVID-19 to mpox, assessing their impacts on health systems, economies and societies,” it stated.

According to the report, the world was moving backwards regarding equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, in spite of repeated global commitments aimed at strengthening fairness during major international public health emergencies globally.

It said mpox vaccines reached affected low-income countries almost two years after outbreaks began, which was even slower than the 17 months required before COVID-19 vaccines reached vulnerable populations internationally.

“The escalating toll of such emergencies extends far beyond health and economic impacts: both Ebola and COVID-19 damaged trust in government, civil liberties and democratic norms. Amplified by politicised responses, attacks on scientific institutions and polarisation that have outlasted the crises, leaving societies less resilient to the next emergency,” the statement added regarding pandemic consequences worldwide.

The report emphasised that the real near-term risk of another pandemic would strike an increasingly divided and indebted world, less capable of protecting populations effectively than existed globally one decade earlier.

The statement said the report exposed all countries worldwide to potentially greater health, social and economic consequences if governments failed to strengthen preparedness systems and cooperation against emerging pandemic threats internationally.

It said the report highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for preparedness, especially pandemic monitoring, but warned inadequate governance could widen dangerous health security and access inequalities globally.

Mrs Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, GPMB Co-Chair, said the world did not lack practical solutions required for strengthening preparedness systems and improving coordinated international responses against emerging and future pandemic threats globally.

“But without trust and equity, those solutions will not reach the people who need them most,” Grabar-Kitarovic said while urging stronger commitments toward equitable international pandemic preparedness efforts worldwide. Political leaders, industry and civil society can still change the trajectory of global preparedness if they turn their commitments into measurable progress before the next crisis strikes,” Grabar-Kitarovic further stated.

She said the GPMB, expected to conclude its mandate in 2026, identified three priorities for political leaders, including establishing independent monitoring systems to track and evaluate global pandemic risks consistently worldwide.

According to her, leaders must advance equitable access to vaccines, tests and treatments through the Pandemic Agreement while securing sustainable financing for preparedness activities and immediate emergency “Day Zero” responses internationally.

Dr Joy Phumaphi, GPMB Co-Chair, warned that if international trust and cooperation continued weakening, every country would become increasingly exposed and vulnerable whenever another major pandemic emergency eventually emerged globally.

“Preparedness is not only a technical challenge, it is a test of political leadership,” Phumaphi stated while emphasising the importance of cooperation and accountability in strengthening international pandemic preparedness systems globally. The report concludes by highlighting that leadership will be tested this year, as governments work to finalise the WHO Pandemic Agreement,” Phumaphi said.

She emphasised this while speaking on ongoing global pandemic preparedness negotiations internationally.

According to her, governments were also expected to agree on a meaningful United Nations political declaration addressing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response during ongoing international negotiations and policy discussions in 2026.

She added that the 2026 GPMB report would be launched on May 18 during the 79th World Health Assembly, where global leaders would review international preparedness and response progress collectively.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared with the rising cases, cross-border spread and significant uncertainties about the scale of the epidemic, the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus announced this on Sunday, following reports of both confirmed and suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

While the situation is serious, it does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic emergency under the WHO’s international Health Regulations.

As of May 16, health authorities had recorded eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths in Ituri Province in eastern DRC.

Cases have also been confirmed in the capital, Kinshasa, and across the border in Uganda, where two infected individuals travelled from DRC and were admitted to intensive care.

WHO warned that the outbreak was likely larger than currently detected, pointing to clusters of unexplained deaths, a high positivity rate among tested samples and limited understanding of transmission patterns.

At least four deaths among healthcare workers have also raised concerns over infection prevention measures in health facilities.

The agency stressed that the outbreak poses a risk to neighbouring countries due to high population mobility, trade links and ongoing humanitarian challenges in affected regions.

In spite of the risks, WHO does not recommend restrictions on international travel or trade.

It, however, urged countries to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and community engagement, while ensuring accurate public information.

Authorities in DRC and Uganda have been advised to activate emergency response mechanisms, enhance contact tracing and laboratory testing, improve infection prevention and scale up treatment capacity.

Community engagement, including working with local and religious leaders, is also considered critical to controlling the outbreak.

WHO highlighted that no approved vaccines or specific treatments currently exist for the Bundibugyo strain, underscoring the importance of accelerating research and clinical trials.

An Emergency Committee, it said, would be convened to provide further recommendations, as global health authorities step up efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent wider spread.(NAN)

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Tuesday know their opponents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when the Confederation of African Football conducts the draw in Cairo, Egypt.

The draw will take place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The 2027 edition, tagged AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will be the first time the competition will be hosted by three countries.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, won the tournament in 1980, 1994 and 2013. The Super Eagles also finished as runners-up at the 2023 edition and placed third in 2025.

CAF said 48 countries, including the three co-hosts, will take part in the qualifying series.

The teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying automatically for the finals.

However, since Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have already qualified as hosts, only one additional team will qualify from any group containing any of the co-hosts.

The qualifiers will be played across three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027.

Matchdays one and two are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will be played from November 9 to 17, 2026.

The final round of qualification matches will take place from March 22 to 30, 2027.

CAF said the tournament represents a major opportunity for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to boost infrastructure, tourism and investment, while showcasing East Africa’s passion for football to the rest of the continent.

The commissioner said the figures reflected the growing capacity of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency response agencies to contain fire disasters and minimise economic losses across the state.

According to him, the estimated property saved during the period under review exceeded the total losses by more than six times, resulting in a net asset protection value of approximately N98.60 billion.

He added that March also witnessed the highest monthly fire-related losses at N2.10 billion, whereas August recorded the lowest losses at N1.13 billion.

The commissioner disclosed that Lagos recorded 1,972 emergency calls related to fire and rescue operations between January and December 2025, excluding false calls.

He said fire calls accounted for 1,685 incidents, representing the overwhelming majority of emergencies handled by firefighters during the year.

Oyerinde further revealed that the state recorded 139 rescue calls, 129 salvage operations, 13 collapsed building incidents, three partial building collapse incidents and three explosion cases within the period.

According to him, March and April witnessed the highest emergency activities with 210 and 197 incidents respectively, largely due to dry season conditions and increased ignition risks.

He noted that emergency incidents dropped significantly in August with 113 calls, before rising again in December with 189 calls owing to festive season activities, increased traffic movement and heightened commercial operations.

On the human impact of fire and related emergencies, Oyerinde said 473 victims were rescued alive during rescue operations conducted across the state in 2025, while 133 victims were recovered dead.

The commissioner stressed that the government had intensified fire prevention measures to reduce incidents and improve compliance with safety regulations.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service inspected 8,791 facilities across the state in 2025 and issued 7,997 fire safety certificates to compliant organisations and establishments.

According to him, 90 fire safety reports were also issued to members of the public for insurance claims and related purposes.

Oyerinde said the facilities inspected included 2,672 companies, 2,241 hotels and restaurants, 1,025 schools and vocational centres, 724 filling stations, 596 hospitals, 590 shopping malls and 141 banks.

Others, he said, included event centres, churches, supermarkets, bakeries, high-rise buildings, lounges, bars, plank markets, tank farms and embassies.

The commissioner attributed the improved emergency response capacity to sustained investments by the Sanwo-Olu administration in firefighting infrastructure, personnel welfare and modern emergency management systems.

He said the state government had procured 62 firefighting and utility vehicles and completed strategic fire service projects, including the Ebute-Elefun Fire Station in Lagos Island and the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station in Amuwo-Odofin.

Oyerinde added that ongoing fire station projects in Oworonshoki, Yaba and Ikotun would further improve response time and strengthen emergency coverage in densely populated areas of the state.

Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been killed by the terrorists responsible for the school abduction.

According to a video seen by PM News, the terrorists, identified locally as members of the MetroBandits, beheaded Oyedokun.

The video, said to have been released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, has circulated widely on social media, intensifying calls for urgent action to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also confirmed the killing of the teacher in a statement issued on Monday.

Makinde extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured residents that the government would continue to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to secure the release of those still in captivity.

The governor disclosed that about six suspects linked to the kidnapping had been arrested.

He also sympathised with the families of members of the tactical military team, Amotekun Corps personnel, and local vigilantes who lost their lives during rescue operations.

According to the governor, the operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors.

Makinde added that injured security personnel were responding positively to treatment and assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for their medical care.

He appealed to relatives of the abducted victims, religious leaders, and other concerned parties to remain patient, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims and reuniting them with their families.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

Makinde further noted that security operations had recorded some progress, with arrests already made in connection with the incident.

The gunmen invaded the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, several teachers, and some students.

The Federal Government has defended the delay in the publication of recent Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports, insisting that fiscal years are determined by legislative authorisation and not strictly by the January-to-December calendar cycle.

Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday amid growing public concerns over the timeline for releasing the reports.

Yakubu explained that while the calendar year remained a fixed twelve-month chronological framework, a fiscal year was a legal and legislative construct whose duration and validity depended on the provisions of appropriation laws passed by the National Assembly.

According to him, where an Appropriation Act or related legislation extends expenditure implementation beyond a conventional twelve-month period, the fiscal year automatically assumes that legally extended character.

He stated that Nigeria’s fiscal administration had, at different periods, operated outside the traditional January-to-December cycle through statutory extensions, supplementary appropriations, continuing resolutions and Appropriation Repeal and Re-enactment Acts.

Yakubu noted that the recent delay in publishing the Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports was largely linked to the repeal and re-enactment of the 2025 Appropriation Act completed in December 2025, alongside the extension of the implementation period of the 2025 budget to June 2026.

“These fiscal adjustments effectively extended the operational lifespan of the 2025 Budget beyond the conventional twelve-calendar-month framework ordinarily associated with a fiscal year,” he stated.

The Budget Office boss argued that fiscal years were policy and legislative tools designed to accommodate economic realities, budget implementation needs and public finance administration rather than rigid calendar calculations.

To support his position, Yakubu cited international examples, noting that the United States federal fiscal year runs from October to September, while India’s fiscal year spans April to March.

He also referenced Sections 80 and 81 of the Nigerian Constitution, which he said authorised withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund only through duly enacted appropriation laws and did not impose a fixed twelve-month implementation cycle.

Yakubu further stated that several countries, including Nigeria, extended budget implementation windows during periods of economic disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain ongoing projects, maintain contractor liquidity and stabilise the economy.

According to him, following the repeal and re-enactment of the 2025 Appropriation Act, the Budget Office commenced extensive reconciliations involving revenue reviews, expenditure alignment, debt updates and inter-agency fiscal coordination to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the reports before publication.

He assured Nigerians that the outstanding Quarterly Budget Implementation Reports were being finalised and would be released in phases over the coming weeks.

Yakubu added that the Budget Office was also strengthening its digital reporting systems and institutional coordination processes to improve transparency, timeliness and compliance with international public finance reporting standards.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal discipline, open budgeting, transparency and accountable public financial management in line with global best practices.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Ltd, Engr Stella Okengwu, has explained how diaspora-led initiatives can help attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) into Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Diaspora Connect, Okengwu said her passion for creating opportunities for Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora has remained the driving force behind her investments in real estate, oil and gas, and the beverage sector.

According to her, Africa, particularly Nigeria, remains one of the fastest-growing consumer markets globally due to its large population, entrepreneurial energy, and strong consumer demand.

She explained that her growing business interest in Mexico began in 2023 after discovering similarities between Mexicans and Nigerians in terms of culture, resilience, and business orientation.

Okengwe stated that one of the major ways to attract investment into Nigeria is by changing negative international perceptions through professionalism, credibility, and integrity.

“The best way to change perceptions is through personal experience, professionalism and building trust. When people meet credible Nigerians or responsible business leaders, their mindset changes,” she said.

The entrepreneur disclosed that she has been introducing foreign partners to Nigeria by bringing them into the country to experience the business environment firsthand.

She revealed that some Mexican investors and business representatives who initially had security concerns about Nigeria later changed their perception after visiting cities such as Abuja.

According to her, over 30 Mexicans are expected to visit Nigeria as part of plans to expand and officially launch her premium tequila business in the country after testing the South African market successfully.

Okengwu stressed that diaspora investors and entrepreneurs can help strengthen Nigeria’s economy by investing, mentoring young people, and building global partnerships.

“There’s nothing wrong with seeking growth abroad, but many Nigerians abroad are beginning to see opportunities back home and are interested in contributing to nation building,” she said.

She argued that the “Japa” migration trend should not be viewed negatively, noting that Nigerians abroad can still contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development regardless of their location.

“Nation building is not about location. It is about commitment and economic contribution. Nigeria needs both local citizens and diaspora communities working together to achieve a better Nigeria,” she stated.

Speaking on the challenges affecting investment inflow, Okengwu identified weak maintenance culture, policy inconsistencies, and inadequate protection for investors as major issues.

She urged the government to introduce stronger policies that protect diaspora investments and foreign direct investments entering Nigeria.

According to her, countries like United States actively protect foreign investments and ensure that taxpayers benefit from social support systems such as healthcare, food support, and tax credits.

She called for improved healthcare, education, and welfare policies in Nigeria, arguing that effective taxation should translate into visible social benefits for citizens.

Okengwe also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship and job creation instead of focusing solely on political positions or white-collar opportunities.

“Create jobs for yourself before looking for positions,” she advised, while warning against social narratives discouraging honest work and enterprise among young people.

She maintained that, despite existing challenges, Nigeria remains a country with enormous opportunities and vast potential for investors willing to work with credible local partners.

By Tolulope Oke

A second video has emerged showing victims of the recent mass abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, this time capturing a nursing mother pleading tearfully for her life and the safety of her child.

In the footage, a woman, later identified as a staff member of First Baptist Church School, Ogbomosho, is seen emotionally appealing to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and President Bola Tinubu for immediate intervention.

Backing her baby, she sobs as she recounts how armed abductors stormed the school premises and took teachers and students away.

“I am Temitope, I am from Ibadan, I am working at First Baptist Church, Ogbomosho. Yesterday, the people came to our school and kidnapped both staff and students. First Baptist Church, we need your help so they will release us. President Tinubu, help us. Our State Government, Engr Seyi Makinde, we need your help,” she said, her voice breaking.

The video follows a similar appeal from Mrs Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, who in an earlier video had pleaded for urgent assistance after armed men abducted seven teachers and 39 pupils last Friday. Alamu had also appealed to the Federal Government, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the Christian Association of Nigeria to help secure their release.

Local authorities and security operatives have confirmed that a rescue operation is ongoing, with police and military units deployed to trace the abductors’ location through the forest corridors around the Old Oyo National Park.

Earlier reports indicate that during the initial attacks, an assistant headmaster, Joel Adesiyan, was shot dead, and several motorbikes were snatched by the kidnappers during their escape.

The release of this second video has further heightened concerns over the safety of schools in Oyo State and has renewed calls for a coordinated and urgent response from both federal and state authorities.

Residents and concerned citizens on social media are appealing to the government and security agencies to expedite action to prevent further loss of life.

Watch the video below:

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of cocaine and opioid drugs concealed in carton walls and destined for the United Kingdom and Australia, while also destroying over 65,000 kilograms of skunk during coordinated anti-narcotics operations across several states.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

According to Babafemi, the illicit consignments were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on Friday, May 15, during routine examination of outbound shipments heading to the UK and Australia.

He said operatives uncovered 170 grams of cocaine carefully sealed in cellophane parcels and hidden inside the walls of a carton containing clothes bound for Australia.

Babafemi added that another shipment destined for the United Kingdom contained a range of opioids concealed in a carton, including 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, 1,100 capsules of tramadol and 100 ampoules of promethazine injection.

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, raided forests and farmlands in Ukwuani and Ughelli North Local Government Areas where they destroyed a combined 65,000 kilograms of skunk cultivated on 26 hectares of farmland.

The agency said 27,500 kilograms of the psychoactive substance were destroyed at Ejeonu village in Ukwuani LGA, while an additional 37,500 kilograms were destroyed during another raid at Orogun village in Ughelli North LGA.

Babafemi disclosed that two suspects, Ifeanyichukwu Peter, 52, and Godwin Vincent Osadera, 30, were arrested in connection with the operations.

In Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 42-year-old suspect, Husaini Suleiman, after recovering 361 kilograms of skunk during a raid in the Dan Magaji area of Zaria.

The agency also intercepted 1,989 rounds of military-grade RLA 7.62mm ammunition concealed inside bags of fresh cassava granules, popularly known as garri, along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Babafemi said a 35-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Hassan, was arrested while transporting the ammunition, adding that both the suspect and exhibits had been handed over to another security agency for further investigation.

In the Federal Capital Territory, NDLEA operatives arrested a 29-year-old businessman, Ogadi Peter, alleged to specialise in producing drug-laced cakes and cookies for parties and social gatherings.

Babafemi said the suspect was arrested at his residence in the Life Camp area of Abuja following intelligence reports, while 800 grams of skunk and 2.7 kilograms of drug-infused cookies were recovered from him.

The anti-drug agency also recorded additional arrests and seizures in Ogun, Taraba, Oyo, Edo and Kano states involving large quantities of skunk, opioids and other illicit substances.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign continued across schools in Oyo, Niger, Lagos, Katsina, Ekiti and Kano states as part of efforts to reduce drug demand and sensitise young Nigerians about the dangers of substance abuse.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the nationwide operations and urged commands across the country to sustain the balance between drug supply reduction and public sensitisation efforts.

The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus strain a global public health emergency. The agency said there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain of Ebola.

In a statement released on Sunday, May 17, WHO confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. The infections reportedly spread after infected people travelled from DR Congo.

WHO explained that although the outbreak is now considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), it has not yet reached the level of a pandemic under international health regulations.

The health agency warned that the outbreak could be much bigger than current official figures suggest. WHO said the high number of positive laboratory samples, increasing reports of unexplained deaths and confirmed infections in major cities show there is a serious risk of further spread across the region.

According to WHO, eight out of 13 initial laboratory samples tested positive for the virus. Cases have also been confirmed in Kampala and Kinshasa, while suspected cases and deaths continue to rise in Ituri Province.

The organisation added that insecurity, humanitarian crises, movement of people and weak healthcare systems in affected areas could make the outbreak harder to control. WHO also stressed that unlike the more common Ebola-Zaire strain, there are no approved vaccines or treatments specifically designed for the Bundibugyo strain.

As of May 16, health officials had recorded eight confirmed Ebola cases, 246 suspected infections and 80 suspected deaths across at least three health zones in Ituri Province, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu.

The outbreak crossed borders after two confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, were reported in Kampala between May 15 and 16. WHO said both infected persons had travelled from DR Congo and were not linked to each other.

Another Ebola case was also confirmed in Kinshasa involving a person who recently returned from Ituri Province.

WHO raised concern over possible hospital-related transmission after at least four healthcare workers reportedly died from symptoms linked to viral haemorrhagic fever.

The agency said there are still major uncertainties about the true scale of the outbreak because health officials are struggling to trace connections between many reported cases.

Bundibugyo ebolavirus is one of the rarest Ebola strains known to infect humans. It has previously caused only two recorded outbreaks — one in Uganda in 2007 and another in eastern DR Congo in 2012.

Most Ebola vaccines and treatments available today were developed to fight the more common Zaire Ebola strain, especially after the deadly West African Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016, which killed more than 11,000 people.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced more than 12 Ebola outbreaks over the past 50 years and is considered one of the world’s most experienced countries in handling Ebola outbreaks.