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Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB) has confirmed the discovery of four new variants of the polio virus in the state, warning that unless vaccination is routinely sustained, the virus could spread after its eradication.

Professor Salisu Ahmad, represented by the Director of Disease Control at KSPHCMB, said this at a town Hall meeting to commemorate World Polio Day in Kano on Wednesday.

He said between 2013 and 2015, Kano was known to be the epicentre of the disease in Nigeria, but through concerted efforts of the state government and partners, the virus was eradicated, noting, however, that the job is not done yet, as four new variants were discovered with one case still undergoing laboratory test.

Giving an overview of Polio status in the state, Kano State Immunisation Officer, Hajia Saadatu Ibrahim, said two cases of the new variants were discovered in children in rural areas, while the remaining two were seen in contaminated waters in two urban areas of the state.

‘Environmental sanitation is not enough to end vaccine-preventable diseases. We must therefore continue to ensure our children are vaccinated.

‘In 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio globally, but through routine immunisation, the virus was eradicated except in India, Nigeria and Afghanistan at certain times, but it was later eradicated from Nigeria.

‘We must stay alert to ensure total eradication of the polio virus,’ the immunisation officer said.

Governors of the six South-West states have reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity and solidarity, stressing that political differences must never undermine regional cooperation and development.

They also pledged to strengthen collaboration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people.

The pledge was made at the South-West Stakeholders’ Dialogue, a citizen-government interactive town hall session hosted by Ondo State Government in collaboration with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere.

In his welcome address, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa called on Yoruba leaders to chart a common course for regional integration and sustainable development. He praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms as ‘bold and transformative steps’ that have helped stabilise the nation’s economy, increase non-oil revenues, and promote fiscal discipline.

‘It takes courageous, visionary, and transformative leadership to take such bold decisions,’ Aiyedatiwa said. ‘We, the sub-nationals, are happy as we now have improved allocations to embark upon various developmental projects for the good of our people.’

He urged continued federal-state collaboration and called for true federalism through dialogue and institutional reform. ‘Dialogue must bring action. We must reform and strengthen our institutions to work for our people,’ he said, stressing that unity, not division, remains the key to Nigeria’s progress.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, said the zone must re-enact its legacy as the country’s economic powerhouse, urging leaders to embrace Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a vehicle for collective prosperity. ‘Nigeria is being reshaped by President Bola Tinubu’s vision, and the South-West must lead that transformation,’ he said.

Other governors and representatives at the event included Osun Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi (for Governor Ademola Adeleke), Ogun Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele (for Governor Dapo Abiodun), Ekiti Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Omolola Adubiaro (for Governor Biodun Oyebanji), and Oyo Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal (for Governor Seyi Makinde).

The dialogue also featured key Yoruba leaders and thinkers who stressed the need to revive regional solidarity and welfarist ideals.

Afenifere leader Chief Reuben Fasoranti, represented by Dr Femi Okunronmu, urged the governors to return to the development model of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, anchored on education, healthcare, and social welfare. ‘The Yoruba nation is only strong in its unity. Party politics must never weaken Yoruba solidarity or make brothers turn against one another,’ he warned.

In his keynote address, Femi Awoyemi lamented the absence of innovative governance in the South-West for over three decades, saying leaders had ‘spent more on politics than on policy.’ He urged the region to ‘think big’ and build enduring structures that promote collective growth.

Other notable figures at the dialogue included former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Coordinating Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako; and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.

E-commerce in Africa continues to grow, with the market projected to reach over $40 billion in revenue by 2025, Jumia Nigeria has said.

Jumia in a report released on Wednesday said mobile-first consumers are driving this growth, supported by improved logistics, fintech solutions, and trust in digital platforms.

‘These trends reinforce Jumia’s role in shaping Africa’s e-commerce landscape’, the report said.

Meanwhile, Jumia Nigeria said it has kicked off its Black Friday campaign tagged ‘Do Pass Yourself,’ running from October 31 to November 30.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jumia said the month-long event promises special discounts, exclusive brand deals, and an immersive shopping experience across fashion, beauty, electronics, home, and more.

‘This year’s festival will feature top international and local brands including Nivea, Xiaomi, Itel, Skyrun, Silvercrest, AEON, Poco, Oraimo, Binatone, Ecoflow, Hithium, Diageo, Ledrop, among others. Shoppers can expect flash sales, games, treasure hunts and more’, the statement said.

First introduced to Africa in 2014, Jumia was one of the pioneers to bring the Black Friday concept to the continent, helping to establish November as the most exciting month for digital retail across the continent.

‘Black Friday is more than just a sale, it’s a celebration of the African consumer. Over the past thirteen years, we’ve built an ecosystem that gives shoppers access to trusted brands at unbeatable prices, supported by reliable delivery and secure payments. This year, we’re raising the bar again, offering our customers even more value and convenience throughout the month. We have built this shopping festival entirely around our customers’ needs,’ Temidayo Ojo, CEO, said.

Ethiopian Airlines yesterday inaugurated its second flight to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, increasing its frequencies to Nigeria.

With the flight inaugurated yesterday, the airline now has 34 frequencies to Nigeria.

These comprise 14 weekly flights to Lagos; 10 weekly flights to Abuja (7 midday and 3 evening flights); three weekly flights to Enugu and seven weekly flights to Kano.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana was at an event to commemorate the new flights.

Firiehewot Mekonnen, Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria said, ‘Today, we are not only adding another flight; we are celebrating a deeper partnership, a stronger connection, and a shared journey between two great nations Ethiopia and Nigeria. ‘For me personally, this day holds special meaning. My professional journey with Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria began here, in this very city, many years ago. To return now to welcome a new flight into Abuja is both nostalgic and fulfilling a reflection of growth, progress, and enduring partnership.’

He stated that the additional flight ‘symbolizes our continued commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and supporting Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation and economic hub in Africa.’

‘Our partnership with Nigeria has always been symbiotically built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust. We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines.

‘Together, we have connected Nigeria to over 150 global destinations through our Addis Ababa hub, using one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

‘Abuja is rapidly transforming into a global centre for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). With this new frequency, we aim to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy, truly positioning it as the Conference Capital of Africa.’

‘Our continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only our commercial success but also our unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future. We remain committed to providing world-class service, supporting tourism and trade, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation development for decades to come,’ the ET official added.

Every year, tens of thousands of Nigerian women are diagnosed with breast cancer. For some, the disease is caught early enough to treat. For many others, diagnosis comes too late.

In hospitals across the country, doctors say ignorance, fear and cultural stigma remain the biggest barriers to survival. But survivors and advocacy groups are breaking that silence taking awareness from hospitals to markets and communities.

So, how bad is the situation? How can women detect it early? And how far has Nigeria come in the fight against breast cancer?

This is what we are discussing in today’s episode of Nigeria Daily.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, empowered 1,000 residents with N460 million through the Eko Cares Programme.

The fund was disbursed at the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the Financial Assistance Programme (Eko Cares), organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement at Agidingbi, Lagos.

During the event, different categories of beneficiaries received cheques ranging from N300,000 to N1.5 million, based on individual needs, for businesses, health, school fees, rent and people with disabilities.

Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the process, enjoined the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the financial aid to empower themselves for self-reliance.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the Eko Cares initiative reaffirms the true essence of governance, which is to provide comfort, hope, and opportunities for those who need them the most.

He noted that the reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration through the Renewed Hope Initiative are essential to uplifting the future of the country; hence, the need for everyone to lend their support for a greater Nigeria, with a call on beneficiaries to see the aid as a seed of hope.

‘This presentation of cheques to over 1,000 vulnerable Lagosians is not just a ceremony; it is a celebration of compassion and our shared humanity. It serves as a reminder that progress is not solely about infrastructure or numbers but about how deeply we care for one another.

Through initiatives like this, we strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens, a relationship built on trust, empathy, and inclusion,’ he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the initiative is making a real difference in the lives of thousands across the state, noting that its aim is to help residents tackle economic hurdles, foster inclusion and stability and bring back hope and dignity.

‘In 2024 alone, we distributed N1.1 billion to 2,477 residents throughout the state. For this year, we have set aside N1.6 billion to assist an additional 2,850 beneficiaries, and these programmes are still running, with even more residents ready to receive support. This is our commitment to making social intervention inclusive and impactful,’ he said.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, noted that the initiative embodies a deeper commitment of the Lagos State Government to compassion, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that every resident has a fair chance to thrive.

According to Afolabi, since the inception of the Eko Listens Financial Assistance Programme in 2020, the initiative has served as a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable Lagosians, reaffirming that the state government is committed to the enduring social contract that no resident will be left behind in the journey of Lagos State’s development.

Senator Benson Sunday Agadaga (Bayelsa East) has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

His letter of defection was read by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the close of plenary on Wednesday.

His defection has brought the number of APC senators to 76.

The APC had secured a two-thirds majority in the Senate, the threshold required to pass bills or approve the government’s requests easily.

Citing internal crisis in the PDP as reason for his defection, the senator said, ‘It’s disheartening that the PDP has been torn into shreds. The centre can no longer hold.’

He added, ‘The umbrella has been torn and it’s leaking profusely. Things have fallen apart.’

The alleged humiliation of teachers at the Government Day Secondary School, Amule, Ilorin, by Professor Raheem Adaramaja, the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, has sparked outrage.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday during an inspection visit to the school.

It was reported that the SUBEB boss accused the teachers of maintaining an untidy environment and ordered them to sweep the compound, including the Vice Principal’s area.

Explanations by the teachers that students had just returned from their break when the chairman arrived were reportedly ignored.

The incident went viral across social media platforms and has been widely discussed among teachers in the state.

A teacher who spoke with Daily Trust in confidence on Wednesday, said many of her colleagues viewed the action as degrading and undignified.

She said it was troubling that the SUBEB boss, a former teacher, would reduce his colleagues to such a low level in the presence of their students.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also condemned the incident.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party said it was deeply outraged that a professor could subject teachers to such humiliation.

It described the alleged incident as a public disgrace and a gross abuse of office.

The PDP called on the governor to sanction Adaramaja and urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers to rise in defence of its members to ensure the dignity of teachers was not trampled upon by government officials.

The NUT Chairman, Ilorin East Branch, Comrade Saka Saafi Adanla, in a statement, condemned the act and described it as totally unacceptable.

‘The humiliation and disrespect meted out to our members by the SUBEB Chairman is unacceptable. Teachers are not janitors. We demand an immediate apology from Professor Adaramaja,’ Adanla said.

However, a senior SUBEB staff member who spoke anonymously said the opposition party was twisting facts for political gain.

He said officials from the Universal Basic Education Commission in Abuja were on a monitoring visit alongside the SUBEB team when the incident happened.

According to him, Professor Adaramaja also joined in picking up the littered papers as a show of leadership by example.

Speaking on the issue, Professor Adaramaja dismissed the opposition party’s position and accused it of propaganda.

‘What happened at GDSS Amule was a simple reminder that teachers must lead by example in instilling discipline among students, not an act of humiliation,’ he said.

He emphasised that his actions have always been guided by a sense of responsibility and service rather than pride or abuse of authority.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Wednesday night, the state NUT Chairman, Yusuf Wahab Agboola, said the union has waded into the matter.

‘We visited the school today to find out what really happened. We are forging ahead with other aspects of our findings, including a scheduled meeting with the SUBEB Chairman and the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development.

‘So, it is when we have all the details, because we are also hearing some denial from the part of the board, that we will know the next appropriate action to take,’ he said.

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has announced plans to commence mass metering across its franchise areas under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP).

The initiative, backed by a $500 million loan from the World Bank, is aimed at improving the financial and technical performance of electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) through the large-scale deployment of advanced prepaid meters and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS).

KEDCO in a statement on Wednesday by its head of Corporate Communication, Sani Bala Sani said the rollout marks a major milestone in its efforts to close the metering gap, eliminate estimated billing, and boost customer confidence.

He said at least 128,000 prepaid meters are expected to be installed free of charge for customers in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States.

Managing Director/CEO of KEDCO, Dr. Abubakar S. Jimeta, said the initiative aligns with the company’s transformation agenda.

‘The metering initiative is not just about installing devices; it’s about improving service delivery, customer satisfaction, and financial sustainability for the betterment of the power sector,’ the statement quoted the DisCo’s CEO.

He explained that the exercise will focus on metering existing unmetered customers and replacing faulty meters, following a structured and transparent plan.

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested two suspected fraud syndicate members specializing in defrauding Point of Sale (POS) operators in the state.

It was gathered that the suspects usually moved from one POS stand to another, withdrawing money from them using fake bank alerts.

The suspects, allegedly using a Toyota Camry, reportedly defrauded a POS operator on the Benin-Sapele road of N100,000.

The suspects reportedly moved to the Amagba community, where they also defrauded another POS operator of N80,000 using the fake bank alert.

However, luck reportedly ran out for them after the second victim, who discovered that the alert was fake, raised an alarm about the fraud.

The alarm was said to have drawn the attention of the operatives of the State Security Corps in the area, and the suspects were promptly arrested.

The Deputy Corps Commander, Richard Balogun, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects have been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.