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Nigeria Calls For Global Advancement Of Women

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  1. Nigeria Calls For Global Advancement Of Women

By Chiamaka Livingstone

Nigeria has called for stronger global partnerships to advance women’s political leadership, economic empowerment and equal opportunities, particularly for young women confronting the challenges of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call at the Second High-Level International Conference on the Political and Economic Empowerment of Women, RISE 2026, held under the theme, “Building Alliances for Generations to Come.”

Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s women-focused initiatives and platforms for strengthening women’s empowerment which include the Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, Women in Agriculture Value Expansion, and the Women in Natural Gas Project, as platforms for strengthening women’s empowerment.

She urged stakeholders to ensure that young women were not left behind as digital technologies and artificial intelligence reshape societies, stressing the need for equal opportunities for young women in education, employment and political participation.

The Minister also called for societies where women can participate freely in public life and exercise their rights to education, employment, property ownership, political engagement and independent decision-making, without fear of violence, humiliation or discrimination.

Nigerian Navy Uncovers Suspected Illegal Refining Sites In Rivers State

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Nigerian Navy Uncovers Suspected Illegal Refining Sites In Rivers State

By Ifeanyi Wilson

The Nigerian Navy has uncovered three suspected illegal refining sites containing approximately Ninety-eight thousand litres of petroleum products in Okarki Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Director Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation by Nigerian Navy Shi PATHFINDER led to the discovery of about sixty -five thousand litres of suspected stolen crude oil and thirty-three thousand litres of products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil stored in approximately twelve dug-out pits and containers.

Navy Captain Folorunsho said no arrest was made, as the suspected operators fled before the naval team arrived the sites and the products were handled in accordance with established procedures. He said the discovery highlights the scale of illicit petroleum storage in the area and the risk of the products entering unlawful distribution channels.

He further stated that by disrupting storage at three locations, the operation denied suspected operators access to a substantial volume of petroleum products for illegal handling and sale.

He added that the Nigerian Navy will sustain intelligence-led patrols and operations to identify illegal refining facilities, disrupt the storage and movement of suspected stolen petroleum products, and support efforts to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law.

Ghana, India Move To Deepen Diplomatic Ties 

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Ghana, India Move To Deepen Diplomatic Ties

Chiamaka Livingstone

Ghana and India have re-affirmed their commitments to strengthen co-operation for diplomatic training for diplomats of their countries.

The Ghana Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto, and the India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, made the re-affirmation during his first official visit to Ghana.

The two Ministers discussed the strengthening of co-operation between the Foreign Service Institute of Ghana, and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service of India, to facilitate the training of diplomats and sharing of experiences on common diplomatic and multi-lateral priority issues.

The Ghana Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto, said Ghana and India had historically been champions of the Global South and shared a commitment to independence, self-reliance, dignity, and strategic autonomy.

On his part, Dr Jaishankar highlighted the similarities between Ghana’s Accra Reset, Feed Ghana and One Million Coders initiatives and India’s programmes in health, food security, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, adding that such parallels created opportunities for knowledge and experience sharing.

Minister Calls For Action To End Child Marriage

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Minister Calls For Action To End Child Marriage

By Chiamaka Livingstone

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for collective action by fathers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, men and boys to end child marriage, protect girls’ rights and secure their future through education and empowerment.

The Minister who stated this in Abuja while commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, said no girl should be denied her childhood stressing that they are building a nation where every girl is safe, educated, and empowered.

She urged men and boys to become active partners in changing attitudes and practices that expose girls to early marriage, while fathers and community leaders must champion their daughters’ education, ambitions and right to determine their futures.

The 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, observed globally on October 11, underscores the shared responsibility to protect girls’ rights, end child marriage and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to learn, thrive and shape her own future.

Nigeria Evacuates 111 Returnees From South Africa

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Nigeria Evacuates 111 Returnees From South Africa

By Ferdinand Olise

The federal Government has evacuated another batch of one hundred and eleven distressed Nigerians from South Africa amid concerns over xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks, bringing the total number of returnees under the ongoing exercise to two thousand, thirty seven.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi in a press statement stated that the returnees, comprising forty four men, twenty three women and forty four children, arrived in Lagos State aboard South African Airways Flight.

According to the statement, the returnees were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant federal government agencies.

The evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God through its donation to support the repatriation of five hundred distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

The Federal Government therefore re-assured Nigerians of its commitment to providing timely consular support to Nigerians in the diaspora and safeguarding their welfare and well-being. “

Nigerian Army To Use Sports As Tool For National Unity, Security

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Nigerian Army To Use Sports As Tool For National Unity, Security

By Don Ferdy

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has highlighted the strategic role of sports in strengthening national cohesion, fostering international partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s broader national security objectives through constructive engagement and peaceful competition.

General Shaibu stated this during the closing ceremony of the International Open Archery Championship held at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.

The COAS noted that sports transcend physical fitness and recreation, serving as an instrument for building trust, promoting discipline and fostering mutual understanding among diverse populations.

He emphasized that such engagements complement kinetic military operations by strengthening civil-military relations, promoting social cohesion and contributing to a holistic approach to national security.

He commended the participating athletes for their discipline, dedication and sportsmanship, noting that sporting events provide opportunities for talent development, cultural exchange and stronger international partnerships.

He said the Nigerian Army would continue to support sporting initiatives that promote healthy competition, public trust and national development.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are among 66 footballers who have made more than 1,000 career appearances, highlighting the remarkable longevity required to remain competitive at the highest level.

While many players enjoy brief periods of success, reaching the 1,000-game milestone requires years of consistency, fitness and dedication.

As reported by Planet Football, the list features legendary goalkeepers, midfielders, defenders and forwards who have enjoyed lengthy careers across club and international football.

Cristiano Ronaldo is third with 1,343 appearances, making him the highest-ranked outfield player on the list.

The Portuguese forward has featured for several clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al Nassr, while continuing to add to his career total.

Messi occupies sixth place with 1,215 appearances. The Argentine recorded 778 games for Barcelona, 75 for Paris Saint-Germain and 117 for Inter Miami, alongside his appearances for Argentina.

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric is ninth with 1,178 appearances, including 597 for Real Madrid and 160 for Tottenham Hotspur.

His international career with Croatia has also contributed significantly to his impressive total.

ActionAid Nigeria Calls For Greater Investments In Nigerian Girl Child

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ActionAid Nigeria Calls For Greater Investments In Nigerian Girl Child

 

By Ferdinand Olise

 

The ActionAid Nigeria hss called for urgent and sustained action towards protecting the rights of girls in Nigeria and to create conducive environment for every girl to learn, thrive, lead and determine her own future.

 

The Organisation in a statement made the call in commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl under the theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights,”

 

According to the statement issued in Abuja by the Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, the theme is a timely reminder that child marriage is not simply a cultural practice or a family matter, but a violation of girls’ rights that can take away their childhood, interrupt their education, limit their economic opportunities and expose them to violence and early pregnancy.

 

“Globally, more than 12 million girls are married before adulthood every year. The United Nations notes that child marriage remains one of the most widespread violations of girls’ rights, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

“In Nigeria, the situation remains deeply concerning. Recent analysis of the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey found that 33.4 per cent of young women aged 20–24 were married before age 18, with prevalence approaching 50 per cent in the Northeast and Northwest. UNICEF estimates that more than 3.7 million women aged 20–24 were married before turning 18.

 

He further stated that Child marriage is closely linked to poverty and limited access to education, noting that, evidence shows that girls from poorer households and those with lower levels of education are significantly more likely to experience early marriage.

 

“UNICEF’s recent analysis finds that if every girl in Northern Nigeria completed secondary school, child marriage could fall by up to two-thirds, while adolescent pregnancy would decline and economic productivity would increase.

 

“For girls in communities where early marriage is still accepted as the expected path to adulthood, these realities are not abstract. They are lived experiences.

 

“Aisha Aliyu, one of the girls reached through ActionAid Nigeria’s Girl-led Research and Action Project, was 16 when her family began preparing for her marriage to her cousin. After participating in the project and learning about girls’ rights, education and the risks associated with early marriage, Aisha found the confidence to speak to her parents about her desire to continue her education. Her parents eventually called off the marriage, and Aisha returned to school, where she now hopes to become a businesswoman and mentor other girls in her community.

 

“Aisha’s story shows how access to information, safe spaces and opportunities for girls to speak and participate can help challenge practices that limit their futures. Through the Girl-led Research and Action initiative, ActionAid Nigeria supports girls to investigate issues affecting their lives, generate knowledge, tell their own stories and use evidence to advocate for change.

 

“ActionAid Nigeria believes that girls are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are rights-holders, leaders and agents of change. Through our work with women’s rights organisations, girls and communities, including in our Local Rights Programme (LRP) communities.

 

He said they work to address barriers affecting girls’ rights, including harmful gender norms, violence, access to education and exclusion from decision-making.

 

He added that through the Renewed Women’s Voice and Leadership (RWVL) Nigeria Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, they support locally led action to advance gender equality and strengthen women’s and girls’ leadership.

President Tinubu Congratulates NIDCOM Boss On 64th Birthday

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President Tinubu Congratulates NIDCOM Boss On 64th Birthday

By Don Ferdy

President Bola Tinubu has described the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, as a devoted public servant and committed party faithful whose career has spanned broadcasting, lawmaking and public administration.

In a congratulatory message on her 64th Birthday signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated Dabiri-Erewa and lauded her longstanding service to the country.

President Tinubu also commended the passion, diligence and foresight Dabiri-Erewa has brought to her different roles as a journalist, lawmaker and chief executive of the Commission.

He further praised her efforts in mobilising Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute to national development, particularly in education, health and sports, and prayed for God’s blessings, wisdom and good health as she continues with her service to the nation.

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Eye Health Targets 25,000 Free Cataract Surgeries By 2027

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FG Reaffirms Commitment To Eye Health Targets 25,000 Free Cataract Surgeries By 2027

By Ferdinand Olise

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening eye health services nationwide, with a target to provide 25,000 free cataract surgeries across the country by the end of 2027.

This is as part of efforts to reduce avoidable blindness and improve access to quality eye care.

Speaking in Abuja at the commemoration of the 2026 World Sight Day, with the theme “Love Your Eyes”, with the national sub-theme “Protect Your Vision, See Clearly, Live Fully” the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, represented by the Director, E-Health Division of the Ministry, Dr. Doris Afam Aneke, the Minister said the Federal Government considers eye health both as a public health and development priority.

Noting that sight has great impact on education, productivity, independence and quality of life, Dr. Salako highlighted major interventions by the Federal Government and its partners, including the training of over 3,000 healthcare workers across 16 states and the activation of more than 1,400 primary healthcare centres to provide primary eye care services.

According to him, over 1.5 million pairs of reading spectacles had been distributed to Nigerians across the 16 states under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jajibola 2.0, with preparations advanced to extend the initiative to 10 additional states.

He further stated that government has intensified efforts to protect children’s vision, with over 1.5 million school-age children screened for visual problems through the School Eye Health Programme, while four additional vision centres are being established within secondary healthcare facilities in Enugu, Edo, Sokoto and Nasarawa States.

He noted that the interventions are designed to strengthen the continuum of eye care, improve referral pathways and ensure that Nigerians can access appropriate services closer to where they live.

“Eye health is not an isolated intervention; it is an integral part of a resilient health system and a critical component of our journey towards Universal Health Coverage. No child should be prevented from learning because of an undiagnosed vision problem, and no Nigerian should live with avoidable blindness simply because treatment is beyond reach,” the Minister said.

Dr. Salako said the planned 25,000 free cataract surgeries under the Renewed Hope Health Connect initiative would restore sight, independence and productivity to thousands of Nigerians, describing cataract as a major cause of avoidable blindness in the country.

He therefore assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to work with State governments, development partners, professional associations and the private sector to expand equitable access to quality eye care.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s growing leadership in global eye health, including the country’s co-hosting of the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health, scheduled for November 2 in Antigua and Barbuda. He described this as an opportunity to advance the integration of eye health into the Universal Health Coverage, and strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to global health diplomacy.

The Minister called on Nigerians to make eye health a personal and collective responsibility through regular eye examinations, early presentation for treatment and adoption of healthy practices that protect vision.

“When people can see clearly, they can learn better, work better, contribute more and live fuller lives. That is the vision to which the Federal Government remains firmly committed. Together, let us continue to love our eyes, protect our vision, see clearly and live fully”, Dr. Salako said.

In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo said eye health remains fundamental to human dignity, educational attainment, economic productivity and individual independence, stressing that protecting the sight of Nigerians is critical to national development.

She noted that Nigeria’s eye health sector has recorded significant progress over the past decade through stronger policy governance, multisectoral collaboration and strategic partnerships, citing the development and dissemination of Nigeria’s first Comprehensive National Eye Health Policy, ratified by all 36 states and the FCT, as well as the National Strategic Eye Health Plan 2024–2028, alongside the establishment of state and national eye health coordination structures.

The Permanent Secretary also commended professional bodies, development partners and implementing organisations for their sustained contributions to strengthening eye care services across the country.Partners Reaffirm Commitment to Inclusive Eye Care as Nigeria Marks World Sight Day 2026

Partners including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Sightsavers Nigeria, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), CBM International, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Peek Vision and Helen Keller International, called for greater investment in prevention, early detection, timely treatment, rehabilitation and accessible eye health services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasised the need to place persons with disabilities at the centre of eye health policies and interventions, noting that inaccessible facilities, communication barriers and inadequate consideration of specific needs continue to limit their access to healthcare.

Sightsavers Nigeria, CBM International and Helen Keller International similarly urged stakeholders to ensure that eye care services are equitable, inclusive and accessible to all, particularly children, women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.

The Clinton Health Access Initiative highlighted the importance of integrating eye care into the Primary Healthcare System, noting that its collaboration with the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme will bring primary eye care closer to communities and expand access to reading glasses.

Also, Peek Vision also underscored the role of technology, screening and quality data in connecting people to care, while OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation called for sustainable partnerships, innovation and a lifelong continuum of vision care.

The partners commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Eye, Ear and Sensory Functions Health Programme for their leadership in advancing eye health in Nigeria, and called for sustained collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening access to affordable, inclusive and quality eye care.

Israeli Specialists Train Enugu Health Workers, Strengthen Partnership Between Both Countries

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Israeli Specialists Train Enugu Health Workers, Strengthen Partnership Between Both Countries

By Ferdinand Olise

Israeli Specialists have trained Healthcare Professionals in Enugu State on Life-Saving Maternal Emergency Care.

In a statement by the Israeli Embassy, Abuja, the move was to strengthen medical cooperation
between Israel and Nigeria.

The delegation of renowned Israeli medical specialists, led by Professor Offer Erez, conducted an intensive five-day clinical training programme at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State from 5 to 9 October 2026.

According to the Embassy, this initiative aims to strengthen maternal healthcare and emergency medical response in Nigeria.
The workshop brought together Doctors, Obstetricians, Gynaecologists, Midwives, professors, clinical lecturers, and other healthcare professionals for specialised training in postpartum haemorrhage management, obstetric emergencies, thrombosis, haemostasis, and life-saving emergency response protocols.

The Embassy stated that Postpartum haemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide and that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria recorded an estimated 75,000 maternal deaths annually, highlighting the urgent need for improved emergency obstetric care and skilled medical intervention.

During her official visit to Enugu State, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria, Ms. Racheli Stavissky, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare development through medical expertise, innovation, and professional capacity building.

“Every mother deserves access to safe childbirth and quality emergency medical care. Behind every maternal mortality statistic is a woman, a family, and a community. The high rate of preventable maternal deaths in Nigeria reminds us why strengthening emergency response and investing in healthcare professionals is so important.

“Israel is proud to share its medical expertise with our Nigerian partners. By equipping doctors, midwives, and medical educators with advanced clinical skills, we are investing in solutions that can save lives long after this training ends. We value our partnership with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and look forward to expanding cooperation in maternal healthcare, medical education, and emergency medicine”, she said.

On his part, Professor Offer Erez who led the Israeli delegation commended the enthusiasm and professionalism of Nigerian healthcare professionals and the collaborative learning environment at the UNTH.

“It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated medical professionals. The enthusiasm, clinical curiosity, and commitment to learning have been remarkable. Through high-fidelity simulations, evidence-based haemorrhage management, and multi-disciplinary emergency response training, we are strengthening the ability of healthcare teams to recognise and manage life-threatening obstetric complications.

“Our goal is to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and emergency response while empowering Nigerian doctors, midwives, and medical educators to transfer these skills to others. This is how we build sustainable capacity and improve maternal health outcomes”, he said.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, welcomed the Israeli delegation and commended the initiative as an important contribution to healthcare development in the State.

“We are pleased to welcome this distinguished delegation of Israeli medical experts to Enugu. Strengthening our healthcare system requires not only investment in infrastructure but also continuous professional development, access to global expertise, and modern approaches to patient care.

“This specialised training will enhance the capacity of our healthcare professionals to respond to critical maternal emergencies. We appreciate the Embassy of Israel and the medical team for this valuable initiative and look forward to expanding our partnership in medical education, healthcare innovation, and institutional capacity development”, he said.

The training combined evidence-based clinical instruction, high-fidelity medical simulations, hands-on practical stations, and multi-disciplinary emergency response exercises.

Participants received specialised instruction in early detection and management of obstetric haemorrhage, maternal stabilisation, haemostatic resuscitation, emergency transfusion protocols, and coordinated clinical decision-making.

A key component was the Training-of-Trainers approach, designed to equip Nigerian healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to train colleagues and strengthen emergency obstetric care across healthcare institutions.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria re-affirmed its committed to advancing partnerships that deliver meaningful impact, strengthen institutions, and promote the wellbeing of communities across Nigeria.

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