Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Spain and Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper Unai Simon has been crowned Men’s Best Goalkeeper of the Year at Monday’s Ballon d’or ceremony in London.

Simon won the 2026 World Cup with Spain with a fantastic goalkeeping display.

The 29-year-old broke the record for most clean sheets in a World Cup and was won the Golden Glove for the tournament.

Simon beat Spain teammate David Raya (Arsenal) Morocco’s Yassine Bounou Senegal’s Eduoard Mendy among others.

The Women’s Best Goalkeeper also went to Spain and Barcelona’s Tomas Catalina Coll.

The 25 year old won the Women’s UEFA Champions League with Barcelona Femeni and had the most clean sheets in the competition

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor have mourned the death of Prof. Kamene Okonjo mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

They described the deceased as an accomplished scholar revered matriarch and community builder.

Prof. Kamene Okonjo who died on Friday at the age of 96 was the wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo a former traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State and mother of the kingdom’s current monarch Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II.

Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary Sir Festus Ahon described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to academia women’s empowerment and society would remain indelible.

The governor said her remarkable achievements in scholarship and advocacy for women’s rights had earned her recognition beyond Nigeria while her humility compassion and commitment to service distinguished her as a woman of exceptional character.

He also acknowledged her invaluable contributions to her family and society noting that her legacy as a mother grandmother and great-grandmother would continue to inspire generations.

Oborevwori extended his condolences to Okonjo-Iweala the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku other members of the Okonjo family and the people of the kingdom.

He prayed God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss and the deceased’s soul eternal rest describing her passing as the end of a life devoted to scholarship family and humanity.

In a similar vein Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor who is also the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria described the late nonagenarian as a distinguished matriarch whose life was defined by intellectual accomplishment service and an enduring commitment to her family and community.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Nkem Nwaeke the Speaker said her death was a painful loss not only to the Okonjo family and Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom but also to Delta State and Nigeria.

He noted that Prof. Okonjo was more than the mother of a globally recognised figure describing her as an accomplished academic a revered traditional queen and a community builder whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.

Guwor said the deceased had made lasting contributions as a scholar served her community with dignity and raised children whose achievements had brought pride to Delta State Nigeria and Africa.

He added that it was gratifying that she lived to witness her daughter’s accomplishments on the global stage and her son’s emergence as the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

On behalf of the 36 state Houses of Assembly and the Delta State House of Assembly Guwor condoled with Okonjo-Iweala the monarch the extended Okonjo family and the people of Aniocha South.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give her family the fortitude to bear the loss.

He equally urged them to preserve the late Queen’s worthy legacies.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) yesterday said a newly suspected Ebola case reported in Rivers State tested negative.

At a briefing on Nigeria’s response it said the monitoring of contacts linked to the index case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was ongoing.

NCDC said: ‘A newly suspected case reported in Rivers State has tested negative for Ebola disease.

‘The only confirmed case recorded in the FCT remains in isolation and is receiving treatment. No deaths have been recorded.

‘Contacts identified have risen to 53 including healthcare workers and household members and are being followed up for 21 days.’

NCDC Director-General Dr Jide Idris said investigations were ongoing to establish the source of infection and trace the confirmed patient’s movements before she was diagnosed.

The 53 contacts comprise 44 people at a health facility and nine others identified during further investigations.

The additional contacts include three household members three healthcare workers at a university teaching hospital the patient visited before arriving at the facility where her infection was identified and three members of the team that collected her samples.

Idris said the number could change as investigations progressed and more people who might have been exposed to the virus were identified.

Health officials are interviewing the contacts to establish whom they have interacted with and determine whether additional people need to be monitored.

Those without symptoms may be monitored at home with their temperatures checked twice daily while anyone who develops symptoms will be assessed promptly and isolated where necessary.

Idris urged those identified as contacts to cooperate with public health officials stressing that being listed did not mean they had contracted the disease.

Financial assistance considered

The NCDC chief said the government was considering financial assistance of N100000 weekly for the 53 contacts to cushion the effects of isolation on their businesses and families.

He said some of those being monitored had complained that the restrictions were affecting their livelihoods and family responsibilities.

Idris however indicated that the proposed assistance would require coordination with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration which could take over the process.

He urged state governments to prepare for similar situations should the outbreak require restrictions that affect the livelihoods of people placed under monitoring.

On the confirmed patient Idris said her condition had improved while tests on her husband had returned negative.

‘The husband has been with the wife. The husband is negative. They travelled together to various places so the travel history is still unfolding to give us a clear picture’ he said.

He explained that the patient arrived in Nigeria without symptoms making it difficult to detect the infection through routine screening.

‘It was in reviewing the history that we started hearing about the case. Because she was symptomless there was no way it could be tested at that point’ he said.

The NCDC DG said the national incident management system had been activated to coordinate the response involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare the NCDC FCT health authorities other government agencies and technical partners.

He said the agency had stocks of personal protective equipment (PPE) and was expecting additional supplies for healthcare facilities and states managing suspected cases and contacts.

‘We have PPE right now we have stocks we are getting in more and we are prioritising for close contacts where they are very necessary’ he said.

Idris stressed that protective equipment must be appropriate to the duties being performed noting that healthcare workers treating patients require different levels of protection from those carrying out other tasks.

On diagnostic capacity he said Nigeria had identified about 12 laboratories capable of testing for Ebola including the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology in Lagos.

According to him laboratory readiness is being strengthened through additional reagents consumables and technical support while genomic sequencing is ongoing to help establish the relationship between the virus detected in the patient and previously identified strains.

He cautioned however that not all laboratories had the biosafety infrastructure and expertise required to handle Ebola samples.

Idris said the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak had no approved vaccine although vaccine candidates were undergoing clinical trials.

He added that any potential treatment must comply with established clinical and regulatory protocols.

He urged healthcare facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control measures maintain a high index of suspicion and report suspected cases promptly.

Healthcare workers he said should implement protective measures immediately when they encounter a suspected case rather than wait for laboratory confirmation.

The NCDC chief also advised Nigerians to avoid misinformation and rely on verified updates from authorised health agencies.

He urged the public to practice regular hand hygiene avoid direct contact with the bodily fluids of suspected cases and promptly report possible exposure or symptoms.

‘Our immediate priority is to identify and follow up all contacts protect healthcare workers provide appropriate care and prevent transmission into the wider community’ he said.

Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Dr Jean Kaseya had said the index patient was born in Uganda and arrived in Abuja with her husband on October 3.

The husband is a diplomat with the Switzerland Embassy in Nigeria.

Kebbi strengthens border surveillance

In Kebbi State the government has intensified measures to prevent the possible importation and spread of Ebola.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr Zaki Abubakar Zaki disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He said the ministry through its Department of Public Health had strengthened disease surveillance and screening of travellers at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi and designated land border entry points across the state.

Passengers arriving at and departing from the airport are being screened at designated gates to facilitate the early detection of suspected cases and identify travellers exhibiting symptoms consistent with Ebola.

Similar screening measures have been introduced at three land border entry points in Bagudo Kamba and Arewa local government areas.

Zaki said the measures were designed to ensure the prompt identification of suspected cases timely referral for medical assessment and implementation of appropriate public health interventions to minimise the risk of transmission.

He added that the ministry had supplied PPE to all general hospitals across the state to strengthen infection prevention and control.

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents through proactive surveillance stronger border screening and coordination with relevant health authorities and stakeholders.

It urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant cooperate with health officials and promptly report suspected symptoms to the appropriate authorities.

Lagos steps up surveillance

The Lagos State Government also intensified disease surveillance and preparedness following the confirmation of the imported Ebola Bundibugyo virus case in Abuja saying no suspected case had been detected in the state.

Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi said the state was strengthening surveillance public awareness and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure early detection and a prompt response to any suspected case.

In a statement Abayomi said the Ministry of Health had conducted an assessment and strategic engagement with airport management Port Health Services and other aviation and public health stakeholders at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos.

He said the engagement focused on passenger screening information sharing infection prevention and control and coordination of emergency response measures.

The ministry is also intensifying public enlightenment on the symptoms transmission and prevention of Ebola Virus Disease.

Abayomi urged residents to remain calm but vigilant warning that Ebola is a severe disease that can be fatal.

He said the virus spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people showing symptoms contaminated materials and the bodies of people who have died from the disease. Transmission may also occur through contact with infected animals.

Symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure and include fever severe weakness headache muscle pain sore throat vomiting diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Unexplained bleeding or bruising may also occur.

He advised people who develop symptoms particularly after possible exposure or travel from an area with active transmission to seek prompt medical assessment.

The commissioner noted that early Ebola symptoms could resemble malaria and other common illnesses urging residents to avoid self-medication.

He added that under Lagos State’s fever-management policy people with fever should undergo a malaria rapid diagnostic test before taking antimalarial drugs.

Those who test negative should be assessed by a healthcare professional for other possible causes.

Residents were also advised to wash their hands regularly avoid contact with the bodily fluids of sick people and potentially contaminated materials and stay away from sick or dead wild animals.

Abayomi urged travellers arriving in Nigeria particularly from areas reporting Ebola transmission to cooperate with Port Health Services provide accurate travel and health information when requested and comply with public health guidance.

Anyone who suspects exposure to the virus should contact public health authorities for guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

Residents can report suspected cases or exposure concerns through the state’s emergency numbers 112 or 767 or contact the Directorate of Epidemiology Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.

Abayomi said the government would continue to monitor developments strengthen its response capacity and provide updates as necessary.

The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday October 26 at 8 pm GMT (9 pm Nigerian time).

The event marks the award’s 70th anniversary with football’s biggest stars competing for its most prestigious individual honour.

Harry Kane Lamine Yamal Kylian Mbappé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are among the leading contenders. However with several players making compelling cases who has done enough to emerge as the world’s best?

Kane’s case rests on a remarkable scoring season. He scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for club and country last season and helped Bayern Munich win the German league and cup double.

However Bayern’s Champions League exit could count against the striker.

Yamal has also strengthened his case with his performances for Barcelona. The Spanish winger recorded 24 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for 41 goal contributions in the 2025/26 club season.

Mbappé is another contender after a prolific campaign with Real Madrid. He scored 42 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions including 25 in La Liga and 15 in the Champions League.

He then scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup to claim the Golden Boot further strengthening his case for individual recognition.

Kvaratskhelia also enters the conversation after playing a key role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph.

The Georgian winger recorded 19 goals and 10 assists in the 2025/26 season achieving a personal best for goals in a single club campaign. His European performances have strengthened his case for individual recognition.

The nominees also include reigning winner Ousmane Dembélé eight-time winner Lionel Messi and 2024 recipient Rodri. Their presence adds further intrigue to an already competitive race.

London will host the ceremony for the first time coinciding with the award’s 70th anniversary. The event also honours Stanley Matthews who became the inaugural winner in 1956.

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and the promoter of PBAT Door-to-Door Movement Chief Government Ekpemupolo(aka Tompolo) have met to synergise on strategies for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in January.

A meeting by the duo came on the heels of the inauguration of the national secretariat of the support group in Abuja. The meeting focused on grassroots mobilisation and the consolidation of support for President Tinubu across the Southsouth and Southeast.

Their meeting touched on enhancing a joint operational framework for voter sensitisation youth engagements and ward-level coordination in the states under the South II Directorate.

Yesterday the movement distributed brand new buses to 14 of its coordinators to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and support for President Tinubu.

Deputy Speaker Kalu who had the meeting with Tompolo described the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement as a critical vehicle for the 2027 project noting that the January 16 presidential election would be won at the polling unit and household level.

The Deputy Speaker said that President Tinubu has taken bold reform-driven decisions that are stabilising the economy and securing the nation.

He added the campaign trail would ensure that the Renewed Hope message reached every doorstep emphasising that an alliance with Tompolo as Convener of the movement is strategic.

During the inauguration of the national secretariat the Deputy Speaker said that President Tinubu’s commitment to a stronger more productive and inclusive Nigeria was evident in initiatives such as the student loan programme through NELFUND which provides financial support for eligible young Nigerians to pursue higher education and the establishment of regional development commissions

He also expressed gratitude to the President for assenting to the Southeast Development Commission Act which according to him is an important step towards addressing reconstruction infrastructure and development priorities in the Southeast.

‘As a representative of Bende Federal Constituency I particularly appreciate President Tinubu’s assent to the Southeast Development Commission Act an important step towards addressing reconstruction infrastructure and development priorities in our region’ Kalu said.

Commending Tompolo for the initiative commitment and resources in establishing the national secretariat Kalu charged members of the movement to strengthen its grassroots structure mobilise support across the 774 Local Government Areas of the country and 8809 wards for Tinubu’s re-election.

He also urged the movement’s members to embody the highest standards of democratic participation by listening to citizens’ concerns.

‘Nigeria benefits when citizens can exchange ideas peacefully and participate in public life with confidence and dignity’ Kalu said.

14 Door-to-Door Movement state coordinators get buses

During the handover of the 14 buses to the state coordinators the National Coordinator Sunday Asuku said they (vehicles) would enable the coordinators to reach local governments wards and households to mobilise voters for Tinubu.

Asuku explained that vehicles previously distributed were meant for local government coordinators.

He said: ‘Like I just mentioned we have visited 14 states so far. The vehicles we gave them in those states are mainly meant for the local government coordinators to enable them to coordinate the affairs of their respective local governments.

‘But this is going directly to the office of the state coordinators. This is going to assist them to manage the affairs of the entire state.’

He charged the beneficiaries to intensify grassroots engagements and establish an effective feedback mechanism through which information from the field would be communicated to the movement’s national secretariat.

‘We are expecting them to give us feedback go from local government to local government ward to ward unit to unit and from door to door. All reports and feedback will be sent back to the national secretariat’ Asuku said.

The National Coordinator expressed confidence in the state coordinators describing them as trusted members of the group who had worked with its leadership for a considerable period.

Asuku said the movement had established mechanisms to monitor its activities and ensure that the resources provided to the coordinators were properly managed.

He said: ‘They know how best to take care of what has been kept in their custody. We have everything about them. They are not aliens to us. They are not strangers to us. We’ve been working as a team. So I think there’s no cause for alarm’.

Asuku attributed the provision of the vehicles to the movement’s founder and grand patron Tompolo whom he commended for supporting the group’s mobilisation efforts.

He said Tompolo believes that Tinubu deserves another term to consolidate the achievements of his administration adding that the vehicles would ease the work of the coordinators and expand the movement’s reach across the country.

‘Our Founder and Grand Patron High Chief Dr Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo has made us understand that the President is doing well.

‘He has done well in his first term. He should be given more time to consolidate what he has started in the last three and a half years’ Asuku said.

He described Tompolo as a leader committed to democracy and the welfare of Nigerians expressing appreciation for his continued support for the movement.

The National Coordinator also appealed to Nigerians particularly youths and women to support Tinubu’s re-election bid arguing that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate its development agenda.

He maintained that the President had made contributions to infrastructure human capital development and other sectors urging voters to consider the country’s future rather than ethnic and religious affiliations when making political choices.

He said: ‘It is not the time to play tribal politics; it’s not the time to go after religious sentiments; it’s the time to see the future of Nigeria’.

Asuku expressed optimism that Nigeria could strengthen its position in Africa through improvements in technology the economy and security urging citizens to support the President’s agenda.

He said: ‘We are charging Nigerians especially the youth and women men everybody in the country to see reasons why they should support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’

Lagos State Coordinator of the movement Amosu Oluwatomi commended their convener for supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid describing the gesture as evidence that the President’s support extended beyond his home region.

‘It is so gratifying that a non-Lagosian a non-South Westerner is deeming it fit to support our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at this time. It shows that the level of acceptance of the President cuts across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria’ Oluwatomi said.

He assured that the coordinators would engage residents across local governments wards streets and Community Development Associations while also taking their campaign directly to households.

‘We want to assure you that what happened in Lagos State in 2023 will not happen this time around. You can see that we are young vibrant and experienced. So we are going to every nook and cranny of Lagos State to ensure that we galvanise the needed support and the needed voters across the local government and ward levels’ he said.

Oluwatomi added that the movement would extend its engagement to communities and individual households to persuade residents to support the President at the polls.

Similarly the Kwara State Coordinator Omuiyadun Hammed Dimeji said the vehicles would enable the movement to educate residents on government policies and the impact of the Tinubu administration’s reform agenda.

He argued that the initiative was not intended to spread political propaganda but to encourage voters to assess the administration based on its policies and their effects on citizens.

‘These vehicles are not given to us to spread political propaganda but to go around to preach the gospel of policy to say no to strategies by politicians to upturn the thinking faculty of the people by majoring the minor at the expense of the major’ Dimeji said.

He maintained that governance should be judged by policies and their impact on the people adding that the movement had been taking its message to communities across Kwara State.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African nations to aggressively prioritise investment in research-intensive universities science and technology to unlock sustainable economic growth and achieve true economic sovereignty across the continent.

?Speaking on Sunday during the closing panel of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa held in Bahir Dar Ethiopia Jonathan warned that Africa can no longer afford to remain a passive consumer of foreign technologies. Instead he argued the continent must position itself as an active producer and exporter of knowledge and innovation.

?Addressing African leaders policymakers and international stakeholders the former president stressed that the continent’s ability to create productive jobs for its rapidly growing youth population hinges on its capacity to translate academic research into viable industrial and commercial ventures.

?Jonathan described research-intensive universities as critical engines of national development highlighting their pivotal role in generating knowledge conducting scientific research and training advanced skills

?’Africa’s transformation and economic sovereignty must be built on African knowledge driven by African ingenuity and sustained by African enterprise’ Jonathan declared during the panel discussion.

?He pointed to Asian and global economic success stories-specifically India Singapore and South Korea-as clear evidence that sustained state investment in scientific and technological infrastructure can transform developing economies into global industrial powerhouses.

?He said African governments must learn from these nations by channelling dedicated funding into science engineering digital technologies and applied research.

He advocated for a stronger formalised synergy between universities government agencies and the private sector.

?He noted that closer ties between higher institutions and industry would ensure research findings directly yield homegrown solutions spur new commercial enterprises and generate employment opportunities tailored to Africa’s unique socio-economic challenges.

?Highlighting the continent’s demographic advantage Jonathan emphasised that Africa’s large youth population is its most valuable resource for long-term transformation. However he cautioned that this potential can only be realised if governments deliberately create the enabling environment for young people to acquire advanced technical skills and pursue entrepreneurial innovation.

?He called on leaders to equip the younger generation with the tools needed not only to participate in the evolving global economy but to influence its direction actively

?The Tana High-Level Forum is an annual platform that brings together African heads of state experts and civil society leaders to address pressing security governance and development challenges facing the continent. Jonathan’s submission firmly placed educational reform and scientific sovereignty at the heart of Africa’s security and economic agenda.

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has hosted the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria His Excellency Ivan Kholostenko on a strategic visit aimed at exploring opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Ukraine.

The visit represented an important step towards deepening diplomatic and business relations fostering private-sector partnerships and creating new opportunities for trade investment and industrial development between both countries.

Discussions focused on areas of mutual economic interest including agriculture and food processing manufacturing technology transfer energy infrastructure and other sectors with the potential to deliver sustainable economic benefits to both nations.

NACCIMA Public Relations Officer (PRO) Hajia Madinat Adigun-Oladotun in a statement said the Chamber recognises the importance of economic diplomacy in connecting Nigerian businesses with international markets attracting foreign direct investment and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.

She said through this engagement the Association seeks to facilitate meaningful connections between Nigerian entrepreneurs and Ukrainian businesses while encouraging business-to-business cooperation trade missions investment forums and strategic partnerships.

The engagement also presented an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening market access promoting Nigerian non-oil exports encouraging technology exchange and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Adigun-Oladotun said NACCIMA believes that closer collaboration between the Nigerian and Ukrainian private sectors can unlock new commercial opportunities create employment enhance industrial capacity and contribute to economic resilience in both countries.

According to her the Association remains committed to working with the Embassy of Ukraine relevant government institutions and business stakeholders to translate diplomatic engagements into practical commercial outcomes that benefit businesses and citizens of both nations.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai to enter his defence if he so desires in his ongoing trial over his alleged unlawful interception of the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday while ruling on El-Rufai’s no-case submission.

Justice Abdulmalik dismissed the no-case submission saying the prosecution provided sufficient evidence to warrant calling on the defendant to enter his defence if he desires.

The Towulade of Owu-Akinale Oba Oluseyi Adediran has pledged support for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its efforts to eradicate drug abuse through sustained advocacy and public enlightenment across schools and other social institutions.

The monarch made the pledge during a visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) where he expressed appreciation to the agency’s boss for chairing his first anniversary celebration on the throne.

Oba Adediran described Buba Marwa who is the Asoludero of Egbaland and Babaoba of Owu-Akinale’s presence at the anniversary as a demonstration of friendship and support for traditional institutions noting that his contribution had made the occasion memorable.

The monarch said the visit also provided an opportunity to formally communicate his commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s campaign against drug abuse particularly among young people who are increasingly exposed to the dangers of substance misuse.

He said ‘I came to appreciate the NDLEA Chairman for honouring me by chairing my first anniversary celebration on the throne. I am grateful for his support and encouragement and I consider this visit an opportunity to strengthen our relationship in the collective fight against drug abuse.’

Adediran disclosed that through the Towulade Foundation he would embark on advocacy programmes aimed at educating children youths and members of the public about the dangers associated with drug abuse and substance misuse.

According to him the foundation would take the campaign to primary schools tertiary institutions clubs and organisations using sensitisation programmes to discourage drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.

‘We must not leave the fight against drug abuse to the government and the NDLEA alone. Traditional rulers community leaders foundations and other stakeholders have important roles to play in educating our people and protecting the future of our children.’

The monarch explained that the proposed advocacy would focus on early education and preventive measures stressing that children and young people needed adequate information about the consequences of drug abuse before they became vulnerable to substance misuse.

He added that the Towulade Foundation would work towards building partnerships with relevant institutions and community stakeholders to ensure its sensitisation programmes reached a wider audience and contributed meaningfully to the national campaign against drug abuse.

Oba Adediran reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s efforts expressing optimism that collaboration between traditional institutions government agencies and civil society organisations would help reduce drug abuse and promote a healthier society.

Nigeria could declare its Ebola outbreak over as early as December 7 2026 health authorities said following the medical evacuation of the imported index patient as they intensify surveillance contact tracing and emergency preparedness to prevent further transmission.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate said this in a statement posted on X on Monday October 26 noting that the projected date depends on whether any additional confirmed or probable cases are detected.

Pate stressed that December 7 remains a provisional date subject to validation of the 42-day countdown by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to the Minister Nigeria’s immediate priorities after evacuating the imported index patient include actively monitoring all identified contacts promptly investigating suspected cases and strengthening preparedness across health facilities.

He explained that the country could meet the WHO criteria to declare the outbreak over if no further confirmed or probable cases emerge within the required monitoring period.

‘Any further case would require a fresh countdown in accordance with those criteria’ Pate stated underscoring the need for continued vigilance despite the encouraging development.

He noted that the anticipated December 7 timeline is tied to the 42-day countdown under WHO guidance for declaring an Ebola outbreak over and that the countdown must be validated by the relevant public health authorities making the proposed date dependent on ongoing surveillance and epidemiological assessments.

The Minister said response teams were working with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) state health authorities and partners to sustain containment efforts and prevent community transmission.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm cooperate with contact-tracing teams and rely on official updates from the NCDC and other relevant health authorities.