News

Kano in panic mode as strange disease hits community

Published

11 months ago

April 17, 2024

About 45 persons have reportedly lost their lives due to an outbreak of a mysterious illness in Gundutse village, Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.

It was gathered that the victims, mostly women, children, and elderly individuals, exhibited symptoms such as malaria, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Residents expressed concerns about the sudden increase in deaths over the past two weeks, initially attributing them to common illnesses.

However, the situation became alarming when the community started burying five people daily, indicating a more significant health crisis.

Abu Sani, a resident who lost two children, said his family initially thought it was malaria affecting his two-year-old son, who sadly passed away despite medical intervention.

He said a week later, another family member fell unconsciously and also succumbed to the illness before reaching the hospital.

Another resident, Hajara Abubakar, who took her son to a local clinic for treatment, said, “For over two weeks now, people have been dying here from an illness we are yet to know. So far, I know of 40 people who have died.”

Health officials at the Gundutse clinic told our reporter during a visit that 20 deaths had so far been documented.

One of the health workers at the clinic, who preferred anonymity, said they had already reported the incident to the state’s Ministry of Health and that water and blood samples had been collected for laboratory analyses to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.

While the residents await the test results, they speculate that poor environmental hygiene in Gundutse village could be a contributing factor.

As a precautionary measure, the local government council closed one borehole, prompting residents to use well water instead.

The interim chairman of Kura Local Government Council, Yahaya Tijjani Kura, acknowledged the illness but disputed the death toll, stating that only three children had died.

However, the councillor representing Gundutse ward, Dauda Abdulhamid Gundutse, mentioned three to five deaths of children and ongoing treatments for others affected.

Despite conflicting reports, a visit by our correspondent to the cemetery in the company of some locals revealed 35 fresh graves, including six for children, contradicting the lower figures provided by local authorities.

When contacted, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said he was yet to receive official reports from the local government health officers but added that the investigation was ongoing to ascertain the real cause of the deaths.

News

Tinubu appoints Shamsedeen Ogunjimi as new Account General of Federation

Published

19 seconds ago

March 4, 2025

Austin Ojomah

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the new Accountant General of the Federation.

A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the appointment was made after a rigorous selection process.

According to the statement, the appointment which was approved on Tuesday, takes effect from 7th March 2025, the same day the incumbent Oluwatoyin Madehin will retire.

Ogunjimi, 57, was first named as Madehin’s successor last December.

“A selection committee later chose him through a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based process involving Directors of Accounts in the Federal Civil Service. The committee conducted the process through three stages: a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and oral interviews.

“The selection process underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions,” the statement said.

Ogunjimi graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. He also obtained a Master’s in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lagos.

He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

President Tinubu congratulated Ogunjimi on his appointment and urges him to discharge his duties in the service of Nigeria with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to Nigeria’s service.

News

EFCC nabs Akwa Ibom ex-gov, Udom over alleged N700bn scam

Published

24 minutes ago

March 4, 2025

Austin Ojomah

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have nabbed a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

Emmanuel, who served as governor between 2015 and 2023, reportedly arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

Emmanuel was reportedly detained after honouring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.

“We have arrested the former governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

“A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation,” the source was quoted to have said in a report by THE PUNCH.

He added, “The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion.

“Emmanuel arrived at our office around 12:30 p.m. and was arrested shortly after.”

The source further said that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”

He added, “Our investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor. The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”

Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful, as calls to his number indicated that it was switched off at the time of filing this report.

News

First Lady Support Historic Bill to Reserve Seats for Women in Parliament

Published

1 hour ago

March 4, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…as Office Of Deputy Speaker, ElectHer hold art exhibition in Abuja

By Gloria Ikibah

In a significant step towards promoting gender inclusion in governance, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has thrown her weight behind the seat reservation bill for women in the parliament, urging members of the national assembly to expeditiously pass the bill into law.

The bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu is currently before the House of Representatives for consideration and passage.

Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women empowerment in Abuja, Monday night,

Senator Tinubu represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, emphasised the importance of women’s leadership in shaping the country’s future.

She said: “In the context of governance and inclusion, it offers a unique and compelling way to spotlight the urgent need for greater female representation in leadership and decision making processes. The artworks being displayed today serve not only for a Nigeria where political leadership is truly inclusive and reflective of its people. The emphasis on affirmative action bill is essential to amplifying the message of inclusion contained in this exhibition.

“Women constitute a vital part of our nation’s progress yet their representation in governance remains limited. Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping policies, making decisions and driving national development is not just a matter of justice, it is a necessity for stable growth.

“Therefore, I support the affirmative action bill that mandates at least 35 percent of seats in the legislative and executive arms being occupied by women. I urge the national assembly to expedite the passage of the bill. I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion, women and nation building. This has been my mission during my mission as first lady of Lagos, as a senator and now as the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I firmly believe in the importance of women voices in governance. I urge my former colleagues, the civil society organization and the public to embrace the message of exhibition and collaborate to ensure that women’s voices are heard”.

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker decried the underrepresention of women in governance.

“Today, we wield the transformative power to address one of the most pressing issues in Nigeria’s democracy: the systemic underrepresentation of women in governance. We see the struggles, the resilience, and the undeniable strength of women who have fought to lead, only to be met with barriers. But barriers can be broken. That is why this exhibition is not just a cultural moment—it is an advocacy tool, a visual argument, a movement in motion.

“The Art for Governance exhibition is anchored on a pivotal legislative effort:

The Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024—popularly known as the Additional

Seats Bill. This bill is not merely about numbers or political arithmetic; it is

about justice. And as we push for its passage in the 10th Assembly, we

recognize that legislative success is not achieved through legal arguments

alone, but through the mobilization of hearts and minds, and this exhibition

does precisely that. Because this is not just about passing a bill; it is about shaping a legacy”, Kalu said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ElectHER and Lead Curator, Art For Governance Exhibition, Ibijoke Faborode, highlighted the importance of gender-inclusive governance in fostering stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and broader socio-economic growth.

“Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, has one of the lowest rates of female political representation on the continent. With women comprising nearly 50% of the population but less than 4% of the National Assembly, the underrepresentation of women in governance remains a critical challenge to achieving inclusive democracy and sustainable development. As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the Reserved Seats Bill can be a game changer for socioeconomic transformation. We are building the momentum needed to mainstream the Reserved Seats Bill, shift public discourse, and drive its passage. This is not just about a policy change. It is about reshaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape to reflect the full strength of its people”, she said.

The Minister of Women Affairs and other notable personalities who spoke at the Exhibition also expressed their commitment to ensuring the passage of the Special Seats Bill, which aims to increase women’s representation in governance.

The Exhibition produced top 3 artists from over 150 other competitors who won special prizes for their extraordinary artworks.

The artists included Segun Owolabi who won the first position for N2 million; Chidinma Mordi, second position for N1. 5 million and Precious Samuel, third Position for N1 million but the prizes were later doubled by the Deputy Speaker.

The prize winners will also exhibit their work at the Echoes of Equity; Art For Governance event and display their works at the National Assembly Library for about 3 weeks.