ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) has declared that the late Mary Habila, whose death has generated widespread public attention, was not a registered physiotherapist, distancing the profession from claims that she belonged to its ranks.

The society made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Team after conducting what it described as a verification of Habila’s credentials through the relevant regulatory authorities.

According to the NSP, a search of the official register of licensed physiotherapists in Nigeria showed that the name “Mary Habila” does not appear on its database.

“Following verification through the appropriate regulatory channels, the name ‘Mary Habila,’ as stated, does not appear on the database of registered physiotherapists,” the statement read.

The clarification comes amid public discussions surrounding the death of Habila, who died on June 27, 2026, in Ebonyi State while serving in the office of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. She had been widely identified in several reports as a physiotherapist.

The professional body stressed that membership of regulated professions must be established through official records rather than assumptions or public descriptions.

It warned that public officials and other stakeholders have a responsibility to verify professional credentials before making public statements capable of misleading Nigerians.

“The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy has consistently maintained that professional identity is not a matter of assumption or public perception; it is a matter of verifiable fact. Where questions arise, they should be resolved through the appropriate regulatory processes, not through speculation or unverified claims,” the society stated.

The NSP said its clarification was intended to protect the integrity of the physiotherapy profession and reinforce the importance of relying on official regulatory records when identifying professionals.

It added that the incident should serve as a reminder that qualifications and professional identities must always be accurately verified and represented.

Despite distancing itself from the claims about Habila’s professional status, the society expressed sympathy to her family over her death.

“Finally, while it is important to establish the facts, we must not lose sight of the human tragedy at the heart of this matter. We extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased, and pray that her soul rests in perfect peace. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement added.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Ghana’s National Film Authority has announced plans to crack down on television stations broadcasting Nollywood films without authorisation, with the Deputy CEO revealing that all broadcast licenses in the country could be revoked and reissued under stricter terms by 2027.

James Gardiner, a Ghanaian actor and Deputy CEO of the NFA, made the announcement during a conversation with Nigerian filmmaker Uchenna Mbunabo, who had confronted him over the widespread theft of Nollywood content by Ghanaian television stations.

Mbunabo accused the stations of downloading Nigerian films directly from YouTube and airing them on national television without permission or payment.

“I noticed that Ghanaian TV stations, the way they are stealing our films and showing them for free with impunity. Is it legalised in your country for TV stations to go on YouTube, download people’s sweat and show it for free?” he asked.

Gardiner confirmed the practice was illegal and said the NFA had been working with Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, the National Communications Authority, and the National Media Commission to address it.

“We’re trying to make law to revoke all licenses and all of them will now come to apply afresh,” he said, adding that the process should be completed by 2027.

He acknowledged that enforcement remained difficult, particularly with the rise of digital stations operating from outside Ghana without physical offices in the country.

Mbunabo’s complaint is not an isolated one. Several high-profile Nigerian filmmakers and actresses have previously called out Ghanaian television stations over the same issue.

Ademoye had taken to social media to express frustration after discovering her films were being broadcast on Ghanaian stations without her knowledge or consent.

Oboli similarly called out the practice publicly, describing it as a direct attack on the livelihoods of Nigerian creatives.

Mercy Johnson and Ruth Kadiri have also voiced similar complaints, with Kadiri noting that filmmakers invest heavily in production only to watch their work distributed freely across borders without any returns.

Nigeria’s film industry continues to expand in terms of output, but filmmakers have long complained that widespread piracy, both at home and across the continent, significantly undermines their earnings.

Gardiner’s commitment to license reform represents the most concrete response from Ghanaian authorities to date, though filmmakers will be watching closely to see whether the 2027 deadline holds.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Professor Richard Scolyer, a globally respected melanoma specialist, made an extraordinary contribution to medical science after being diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Rather than accepting the grim prognosis, Scolyer chose to become the subject of his own research. Working alongside colleagues, he underwent an experimental treatment combining a triple immunotherapy regimen he helped develop, followed by surgery and a personalized cancer vaccine designed to target his specific tumour.

His remarkable journey saw him survive for about three years after his diagnosis—significantly longer than the typical survival time for patients with glioblastoma. His case has since provided valuable insights into the potential of immunotherapy in treating brain cancer.

The pioneering approach has inspired ongoing clinical trials, raising hope for future patients battling the devastating disease.

Professor Scolyer’s courage, determination, and willingness to put himself at the centre of experimental research have left a lasting legacy in cancer medicine. He will be remembered not only as one of the world’s leading melanoma experts but also as a scientist who risked everything in the pursuit of better treatments for others.