2025 WORLD HEALTH DAY: FG PLEDGES TO REDUCE MATERNAL & INFANT MORTALITY • To Train 120,000 Health Workers

2025 World Health Day: FG Pledge To Reduce Material & Infant Mortality To Train 120,000 Health Workers

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in the country. In a statement made during a Radio Nigeria Network news program, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako emphasized the critical importance of retraining frontline health workers to address these pressing health concerns. He highlighted that this year’s World Health Day theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” aligns with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to improve healthcare outcomes in the nation. Dr. Salako further explained that the government is prioritizing efforts to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths. As part of this commitment, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative was introduced to help achieve universal health coverage, thereby saving lives and alleviating both physical and financial burdens on families. He underscored that the initiative is crucial to ensuring healthier futures for mothers and children across Nigeria. One of the key strategies in this effort is the ongoing training and retraining of healthcare professionals. The government has set a target to train at least 120,000 frontline health workers, with nearly half of them already having received training. Dr. Salako stressed that improving the skill set of healthcare providers is essential to reducing maternal mortality by at least 20% and infant mortality by 15% by 2027. He also emphasized the importance of continued professional development for practitioners, with annual evidence of skill advancement required in addition to license renewals. To ensure equitable access to maternal and newborn care, Dr. Salako revealed that the government is actively working on expanding primary healthcare centers across the country. Additionally, initiatives like the Maternal & Neo-Natal Mortality Reduction Innovation (MAMI) are being developed to specifically target local governments with high maternal mortality rates. These efforts, he noted, are designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities at the grassroots level, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the care they need.

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Steeze, Style as Egba Celebrates Heritage and Culture at the 2025 Lisabi Festival

Steeze, Style as Egba Celebrates Heritage and Culture at the 2025 Lisabi Festival

The 2025 Lisabi Festival has once again brought the rich heritage and culture of the Egba people to the forefront, showcasing a blend of tradition, style, and steeze. Held in the heart of Abeokuta, Ogun State, this year’s festival was an electrifying celebration of Egba identity, history, and pride. The festival, named after the legendary Lisabi, a revered warrior in Egba folklore, featured a series of cultural performances, traditional dances, music, and colorful exhibitions. Visitors were treated to an array of stunning displays, from the vibrant attires of attendees to the dynamic performances that spanned generations of Egba tradition. A key highlight of the festival was the fusion of modern fashion with traditional elements, as attendees embraced the essence of “steeze”—a term representing effortless style. Young and old alike showcased their creativity through their clothing choices, blending indigenous fabrics like aso-oke with contemporary cuts, reflecting both the pride in their heritage and the influence of global fashion trends. The event also served as a platform for cultural discussions, with leaders and dignitaries addressing the importance of preserving the Egba culture while embracing modernization. There were speeches from local cultural custodians and community leaders who stressed the significance of passing down traditions to younger generations and ensuring that the Egba heritage remains strong in a rapidly changing world. Cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and beyond gathered to participate in this annual festival, which has now become a major event for celebrating the diverse cultures of the Yoruba people. The Lisabi Festival continues to be a vibrant testament to the strength, beauty, and resilience of the Egba people, who are proud of their past and optimistic about their future. As the 2025 Lisabi Festival wraps up, it’s clear that the Egba people continue to honor their roots with pride, style, and a keen sense of modern identity.

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Saudi Arabia Imposes Visa Ban on Nigeria and 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj

Saudi Arabia Imposes Visa Ban on Nigeria and 13 Other Countries Ahead of Hajj

In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has imposed a visa ban on Nigeria and 13 other countries in preparation for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. This decision is likely to impact thousands of Muslim pilgrims who were planning to travel from these nations for the annual religious event. The ban, which has raised concerns among Nigerian citizens and religious leaders, comes as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to control the number of pilgrims amid health and safety considerations. Saudi Arabia has been making efforts to manage the scale of Hajj in recent years, especially following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The 14 countries affected by this visa ban are yet to be officially disclosed in full, but the move is expected to affect numerous potential pilgrims from the affected nations. In response, the Nigerian government, through the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), is expected to engage with Saudi authorities to clarify the situation and explore possible solutions for Nigerian pilgrims who have already made arrangements for the pilgrimage. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia every year to participate in this sacred journey. However, due to the ongoing global health concerns and logistical challenges, restrictions on the number of pilgrims have been enforced by the Saudi authorities in the past few years. More details are expected to be released as the Saudi government continues to address the situation and communicate its plans for the 2025 Hajj season.

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Rite Foods Chairman Asiwaju Adegunwa Donates N2 Billion Trauma Centre to OOUTH

Rite Foods Chairman Asiwaju Adegunwa Donates N2 Billion Trauma Centre to OOUTH

As part of his ongoing commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria, the Chairman of Rite Foods Limited, Asiwaju Adegunwa, has made a significant donation of N2 billion to establish a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH). The new Trauma Centre is set to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide urgent medical care, particularly for patients with severe injuries, accidents, and emergency conditions. This generous donation is aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in Ogun State and beyond, helping to address the growing demand for critical care services in the region. At the official unveiling, Asiwaju Adegunwa expressed his dedication to making a meaningful impact on the healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of providing quality medical services to underserved communities. He noted, “This donation is an expression of our commitment to the well-being of the people in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. We believe that access to top-notch healthcare is fundamental to the development of any society, and we are proud to contribute to the growth of medical facilities that will save lives and improve the health outcomes of many.” The Trauma Centre, equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained healthcare professionals, will provide specialized services for accident victims, trauma patients, and those requiring emergency surgical interventions. It will also support the hospital’s existing services, offering a comprehensive approach to trauma and emergency care. The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, alongside the hospital’s management, expressed immense gratitude for the donation. “We are deeply thankful to Asiwaju Adegunwa for this transformative gift. The establishment of this Trauma Centre will revolutionize the care we provide to our patients and will certainly save countless lives in Ogun State and beyond,” said Professor Arigbabu. Asiwaju Adegunwa’s philanthropic gesture is in line with Rite Foods’ broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on giving back to communities and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development. This donation is expected to be a game-changer for the hospital and the people it serves, providing them with enhanced medical care and increasing the overall healthcare capacity of the region. Rite Foods Limited, known for its innovative range of food and beverage products, continues to demonstrate its dedication to corporate social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians across various sectors.

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Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packages to Communities in the FCT

Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packages to Communities in the FCT

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Fidelity Bank Plc recently provided food packs to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. The initiative, called the Fidelity Food Bank, saw the bank’s representatives distribute food supplies to seven communities within the Mabushi district of the FCT. At the distribution event, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, the Executive Director for the North at Fidelity Bank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting community development and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses on eradicating hunger. “This initiative is a reflection of our deep-rooted responsibility to assist underserved communities and combat hunger across Nigeria,” said Mr. Garba. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that addressing the underlying causes of poverty and hunger allows us to create lasting change. While we cannot solve all societal issues, our contributions are making a real difference, as shown by the positive responses we continue to receive.” He further emphasized the bank’s dedication to empowering communities: “We understand the importance of promoting growth and prosperity within the areas where we operate. By investing in the well-being of these communities, we are helping build a more sustainable and just society.” The Fidelity Food Bank is a core part of the bank’s CSR strategy, focusing on health and social welfare. The nationwide initiative aims to provide food relief to underserved communities, with a special focus on women and children. Mr. Hassan Danagna, the District Head of Mabushi Community, expressed gratitude for the bank’s support, calling it “unprecedented” and noting the relief it brings to vulnerable households. “Fidelity Bank’s generosity has had a profound impact on our community, providing much-needed relief to struggling families. With the current economic climate, this support is particularly timely as we approach the holy month of Ramadan,” said Mr. Danagna. One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mukhtar Mohamed, also shared his appreciation, acknowledging the positive impact of the food distribution. Fidelity Bank Plc, a fully-fledged commercial bank, serves over 9.1 million customers across its 251 business locations and various digital platforms in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The bank has received numerous local and international accolades, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award from the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application Award for its Fidelity Mobile App from Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider Award from Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, Fidelity Bank was named the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management in Lagos State through circular economy practices. The initiative, titled *UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices*, is funded by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at the source. The project involves the establishment of four plastic waste collection facilities and thirty designated collection points across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities. LAWMA will provide the necessary land and infrastructure, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative. LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that two land parcels in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland have been secured for the project. Dr. Osuji Otu, the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, emphasized the significance of the partnership in driving positive change for Nigeria. He highlighted the project’s role in laying the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy. Otu also called for greater involvement from other agencies to support environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, which is a global priority. The project, which was initiated in 2022, is aligned with LAWMA’s mission to enhance waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos. The collaboration is led by a cooperation committee consisting of representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA. The committee is responsible for monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities, and addressing any challenges during implementation. The initiative will continue beyond its official timeline, which runs until September 2026, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria, promoting recycling, and supporting green job creation. The facilities will be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process, and FBRA will lead community awareness campaigns in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland. The success of this initiative is expected to set a benchmark for future waste management efforts in Nigeria.

LAWMA Partners UNIDO and FBRA to Tackle Menace of Plastic Waste

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) to promote sustainable plastic waste management in Lagos State through circular economy practices. The initiative, titled UNIDO Project 210184: Promoting Sustainable Plastic Value Chains through Circular Economy Practices, is funded by the Government of Japan and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for sustainable industrial development by addressing plastic pollution at the source. The project involves the establishment of four plastic waste collection facilities and thirty designated collection points across the Lekki and Lagos Mainland municipalities. LAWMA will provide the necessary land and infrastructure, while UNIDO and FBRA will co-finance the development and lead public awareness campaigns under the zero plastic waste initiative. LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, confirmed that two land parcels in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland have been secured for the project. Dr. Osuji Otu, the National Programme Officer at the UNIDO Sub-Regional Office in Abuja, emphasized the significance of the partnership in driving positive change for Nigeria. He highlighted the project’s role in laying the groundwork for a nationwide waste management strategy. Otu also called for greater involvement from other agencies to support environmental sustainability, particularly in plastic waste management, which is a global priority. The project, which was initiated in 2022, is aligned with LAWMA’s mission to enhance waste management and environmental sustainability in Lagos. The collaboration is led by a cooperation committee consisting of representatives from UNIDO, LAWMA, and FBRA. The committee is responsible for monitoring progress, selecting private sector recycling companies to operate the facilities, and addressing any challenges during implementation. The initiative will continue beyond its official timeline, which runs until September 2026, to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing plastic pollution in Nigeria, promoting recycling, and supporting green job creation. The facilities will be managed by private sector operators selected through a transparent process, and FBRA will lead community awareness campaigns in both Lekki and Lagos Mainland. The success of this initiative is expected to set a benchmark for future waste management efforts in Nigeria.

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SquirrelPR Releases RANKED2025 Report, Showing 4 Billion Visits to Africa's Digital News Platforms

SquirrelPR Releases RANKED2025 Report, Showing 4 Billion Visits to Africa’s Digital News Platforms

SquirrelPR, Africa’s leading PR management software, has released its highly anticipated RANKED2025 report, analyzing the performance and influence of digital news platforms across the continent. The latest edition highlights shifting consumption patterns, platform influence, and trends in five key African media markets: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Ghana. The report features a key insight from Egypt, where a single digital news platform recorded over 450 million visits in 2024, despite a population of about 114 million. This reinforces the notion that digital media influence relies on strategy, content relevance, and cross-border reach rather than just population size. Top Findings from RANKED2025 The report categorizes digital platforms into four main content categories: News & Public Affairs, Business & Financial News, Technology News, and Entertainment & Lifestyle. In total, over 4 billion visits were recorded in 2024 across the five markets. Platforms are also classified into three tiers based on influence: Leading Tier 1 platforms include Youm7 (Egypt), News24 (South Africa), Daily Nation (Kenya), GhanaWeb (Ghana), and Vanguard Online (Nigeria). Social Media’s Amplification Role The report underscores the powerful role of social media in boosting digital influence. Platforms with stronger social media followings show higher rankings, illustrating how audience engagement impacts visibility. A Strategic Tool for PR Professionals Beyond providing rankings, RANKED2025 offers actionable insights for PR professionals to optimize campaigns, enhance media partnerships, refine SEO strategies, and inform crisis communications with a deeper understanding of media influence. SquirrelPR co-founder James Ezechukwu stated, “RANKED2025 is more than just about rankings – it reshapes how we understand influence and communicate across borders.” Click HERE to download RANKED2025. About SquirrelPRSquirrelPR offers African-focused PR management software with advanced tools for data-driven communications. It empowers brands and agencies to build strategic media relationships, offering smarter PR solutions.

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NAF's Global Outreach: CAS Abubakar Partners with Brazilian Counterparts to Enhance Operational Efficiency

NAF’s Global Outreach: CAS Abubakar Partners with Brazilian Counterparts to Enhance Operational Efficiency

As part of efforts to transform the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) into a more resilient and agile force capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed NAF’s strong commitment to deepening strategic partnerships with friendly nations, as well as key players in the aerospace and defence sectors. Director of Public Relations and Information,Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame stated this in a press statement on Sunday noting that the Air Chief made this known during an official visit to Brazil from 1 to 4 April 2025. Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, the CAS stated, “In an increasingly complex and dynamic security environment, strategic partnerships remain a critical pillar in building a more agile, innovative, and combat-ready air force. “Nigeria and Brazil share a long-standing history of military cooperation, and we are here to strengthen that bond for mutual benefit.” During the visit, the CAS participated in the Latin America Aerospace Defence and Security (LAAD) Fair 2025 held in Rio de Janeiro. At the event, Air Marshal Abubakar held high-level meetings with the President/CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, Mr Bosco Da Costa Junior, as well as the representative of the Chief of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant General Malt Discussions centred on enhancing the operational and technical capacity of the NAF, particularly in sustaining the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet and other platforms in its inventory. The engagements also focused on fostering collaboration in pilot, technical and logistics training, as well as research and development initiatives. In addition to his meetings with Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force, the CAS interacted with several international exhibitors, including Messrs Arsenal, FN Herstal, OGMA, and representatives of the Portuguese Air Force. These interactions underscored the CAS’s commitment to building a modern and capable Air Force that can effectively address Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape. Following the LAAD Fair, the CAS visited Embraer Defence & Security’s facility at Gavião Peixoto, where the A-29 Super Tucano and KC-390M aircraft are produced, as well as the facility of GESPI in São José dos Campos. During the visits, Air Marshal Abubakar appreciated both companies for their continued partnership with the NAF and urged them to sustain their support in enhancing the Service’s operational efficiency and mission readiness. The CAS’s visit to Brazil forms part of a broader effort to deepen global partnerships in line with the NAF’s 2025 Strategic Objectives, which prioritise enhanced operational readiness, force modernisation, and international collaboration.

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