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WHO calls for dialogue as Trump announces US withdrawal

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By Francesca Hangeior

The World Health Organisation has expressed regret over the announcement that the United States intends to withdraw from the organisation.

The global health body urged the US to reconsider the decision.

WHO made this known in a statement on its X account on Tuesday, emphasising its crucial role in protecting global health, including that of Americans.

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The organisation highlighted its work in addressing the root causes of diseases, strengthening health systems, and responding to health emergencies, often in challenging environments where others cannot operate.

NaijaBlitzNewsOnline recall that President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from WHO. Speaking at the White House shortly after his inauguration, Trump criticised the organisation, stating that the US was paying far more than China and declaring, “World Health ripped us off.”

This marks the second attempt by the US to exit the global health body. During Trump’s first term, the administration issued a similar notice, accusing WHO of being overly influenced by China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. That decision was later reversed by former President Joe Biden’s administration.

In the new executive order, Trump directed federal agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.”

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The administration also announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, “as soon as practicable.”

Meanwhile, WHO, in its statement, emphasised the United States’ significant contributions since it became a founding member in 1948. The organisation noted that US participation has been instrumental in shaping global health policies and initiatives, citing joint achievements such as eradicating smallpox and nearly eradicating polio.

“The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has played an active role in shaping and governing WHO’s work alongside 193 other Member States. Together, we have saved countless lives and protected people from health threats. American institutions have greatly contributed to and benefited from WHO membership,” the statement said.

WHO also pointed to reforms implemented over the past seven years to enhance accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact, underscoring its commitment to improvement.

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The statement concluded: “We hope the United States will reconsider and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain this partnership, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

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Court Directs INEC to Recognise NDC’s Two-Finger Logo

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) will soon be inaugurated as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The party disclosed this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., on September 21, 2026.

According to the statement, the NDC is currently consulting with relevant stakeholders to develop and inaugurate what it described as a robust Presidential Campaign Council.

The party said its Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and Vice-Presidential Candidate, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, had held several meetings with the National Leader and leadership of the party as part of the process.

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The NDC said Obi and Kwankwaso had been given the opportunity to nominate key officials of the campaign council in consultation with the party.

Those positions include the Director-General of the Campaign, Deputy Director-General (North), Campaign Spokesman, Deputy Spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director, Deputy Finance Director and other positions.

The party said the arrangement was designed to promote inclusiveness and cohesion within the campaign structure.

It added that a full organogram of the campaign structure had been developed since August and made available to Obi and Kwankwaso for their input, while nominations had also been received from other stakeholders across the country.

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The NDC said it would announce and inaugurate the PCC after receiving the inputs of the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

It also disclosed that a campaign timetable had been proposed since August, with arrangements for campaign funding and fundraising still being concluded.

According to the party, funds raised for the presidential campaign would be paid into the presidential campaign account and managed by officers nominated by the presidential candidate and his running mate alongside the party’s National Treasurer.

The party said the PCC inauguration, initially scheduled for the first week of September, was postponed because of the travel schedule of the presidential candidate.

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Meanwhile, the NDC has directed its state and Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen to commence the compilation and harmonisation of party agents ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive, according to the party, is in line with the Electoral Act, 2026, and requires state and LGA chairmen to meet with candidates and relevant stakeholders to produce comprehensive lists of agents.

The agents will be divided into two categories: those for National Assembly elections and those for governorship and State Assembly elections.

The party said the lists would be scrutinised and ratified by its leadership, including the presidential candidate and his running mate, before training commences.

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The exercise is expected to be completed and the final lists submitted within two weeks of the directive.

The committee responsible for the appointment of party agents is chaired by the NDC Deputy National Chairman (South), Comrade Babatunde Alli. Vin Martin Ilo serves as secretary, while Dr Yunusa Tanko, Nafiu Dankura and the National Vice Chairmen of the six geopolitical zones are members.

The party also appealed to its candidates at all levels to discourage supporters and support groups from engaging in internal battles, urging them instead to concentrate on winning the elections.

“There are no battles to fight within the NDC,” the party stated, identifying the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as its common opponent.

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The NDC said it remained committed to supporting its candidates and urged them to focus on winning elections, stressing that its candidates were contesting under the party and not as independent candidates.

The party expressed its desire for all its candidates to win their respective elections and called on members and supporters to remain focused on the 2027 electoral contest.

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Wike Hails First Lady Oluremi Tinubu At 66, Says “She’s a pillar of support for Nigerians”

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major pillar of support for President Bola Tinubu in particular and Nigerians, especially the vulnerable ones in general.

The FCT Minister, in a goodwill message to the First Lady on her 66th birthday, commended her for the transformation of the Abuja City Gate, saying “the roles the First Lady played in transforming the Abuja City Gate into how it is today, is a manifestation of her commitment to the success of her husband’s administration.”

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also hailed the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it has brought succor to several vulnerable Nigerians in the last three years.

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Wike said; “At 66, the simple way of life of the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has remained an inspiration to women in the country, and it is my prayer that God will continue to uphold her.

“Most importantly, this new age is a confirmation of God’s love for her, and I pray that the good Lord will continue to grant her good health.

“I celebrate and rejoice with our ever caring and development oriented First Lady on the attainment of this significant age in her life and wish her many more years of service to our country, Nigeria.”

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JAMB sacks staff member over extortion of candidates

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has sacked one of its staff members for allegedly extorting unsuspecting candidates.

The Board made this known on Monday in its bulletin, stating that the action was part of its renewed efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices within the admission and examination system.

According to JAMB, the sanction against the unnamed staff member showed that its fight against exploitation was not limited to external fraudsters but also applied to employees found abusing their positions.

“The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has terminated the appointment of one of its staff members for extorting unsuspecting candidates, in further demonstration of its renewed commitment to flushing out bad eggs from the system,” the board stated.

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It further cautioned its employees against engaging in activities capable of undermining its credibility or exploiting candidates and members of the public.

The Board stressed that any staff members found guilty of misconduct would face severe consequences in line with established regulations.

“The Board noted that the action sends a clear and unequivocal message that its zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct applies to everyone, irrespective of status or position,” it added.

The tertiary examination body reiterated that it would not shield any employee who abuses the trust placed in them by candidates or members of the public.

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