News
NPC begins study to tackle maternal, infant mortality

By Francesca Hangeior
The National Population Commission has begun the 2024 Nigeria Verbal And Social Autopsy study which seeks to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Lagos State and other states in the country.
The Federal Commissioner, NPC Lagos State, Mrs Saidat Oladunjoye, said the study was an important health initiative.
Oladunjoye said that it would have a lasting impact on the well-being of mothers and children across the state and the entire nation.
She described the VASA study, which was implemented nationwide, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, as a crucial survey, designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in the communities.
According to her, this round of VASA study builds on previous efforts from 2014 and 2019, which provided valuable information that helped shape health policies and interventions, aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
“The study is a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey that was concluded in May this year.
“We will be going back to the NDHS households to ask for information that will help the government understand and plan to address the biomedical and social causes of death of children under age five and for women of reproductive age.
“This study will collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses.
“This information will empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these deaths, and will ultimately inform policies aimed at improving maternal and child health in the state and beyond.
“Fieldwork for this study will be conducted in selected communities throughout the state from Nov. 21 to Dec. 15.
“Our trained data collectors will visit households to conduct interviews with family members, gathering information that will help us understand the circumstances surrounding maternal and child deaths,” she said.
Oladunjoye said the sensitive but essential process of the interview required the cooperation and support of every individual and community.
She urged the public to cooperate with the interviewers, as they would listen, gather, and document experiences with the utmost respect and confidentiality.
“In sharing your experiences and welcoming our data collection teams, you are contributing directly to a project aimed at preventing unnecessary losses in our communities and securing a healthier future for our families.
“Together, let us make the 2024 Nigeria VASA Study a success in Lagos State. By supporting and participating in this study, we are all contributing to a brighter and healthier future for our communities and our country,” Oladunjoye said.
Also speaking, the VASA Coordinator, Mrs Samiat Lawal, said the data collection teams had undergone three weeks of training at Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
Lawal said the study would be carried out in 14 Local Government Areas in Lagos State, which were found to have cases of maternal and child mortality, during the NDHS conducted in May.
She said the LGAs included Alimosho, Ifako Ijaye; Agege; Oshodi-Isolo; Mushin; Shomolu; Ikorodu; Amuwo Odofin; Ajeromi Ifelodun; Eti-osa; Ibeju, Epe; Ojo and Badagry.
News
15 huts razed, one injured in renewed Jukun-Tiv violence

A fresh outbreak of ethnic violence between the Jukun and Tiv communities has erupted in Taraba State, with suspected Jukun militias launching an early-morning attack on Dekeh Village along the Wukari–Kente Road.
According to security sources available to Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
About six armed assailants stormed the village, opening fire indiscriminately and setting 15 huts ablaze. The attack forced residents to flee in panic, leaving behind food items, including yam seedlings, which were destroyed in the blaze.
One resident identified as Mdue Saaondo, sustained gunshot injuries during the assault. He was rescued by a joint team of police and military personnel and transported to the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Wukari for medical treatment.
The Taraba State Police Command has launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Authorities have also scheduled a security meeting with the Wukari Local Government Traditional Council as part of efforts to restore peace and encourage dialogue between the Tiv and Jukun communities, who have long-standing disputes over land and territorial claims.
“Patrol and surveillance operations are ongoing to forestall further violence and ensure stability in the area,” police authorities stated.
The incident adds to the growing list of violent clashes that have plagued southern Taraba in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the communal tensions.
News
2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles zoom into quarter-final after draw with Kenya

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked a place in the quarter-final at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations after playing out a 2-2 draw against Kenya.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished second in Group B with five points from three games.
The Atlas Cub of Morocco top the group with seven points after beating Tunisia 3-1 at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
Kenya started the game strongly, and deservedly took the lead after six minutes.
Nigeria defender Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball inside the box, and after initially awarding a free kick to Kenya, the centre referee pointed to the spot following consultation with VAR.
Captain Kevin Wangaya Colly slotted the ball past Ebenezer Harcourt to give the Rising Stars the lead.
The Flying Eagles fought back seven minutes later with Lillestrøm striker Kparobo Arierhi netting after he was put on through on goal by Simon Cletus.
Nigeria dominated the game in the second half but failed to test the Kenyan goalkeeper.
Kenya took the lead for the second time in the game through substitute William Nwangi on 68 minutes.
Nwangi lashed home Humphrey Kegengo’s free kick from inside the box.
Daniel Bameyi, however, converted from the spot to hand the Flying Eagles a share of the spoils.
News
Trump announces judicial nominees, accuses US court of obstruction

United States President Donald Trump has announced a fresh slate of judicial nominees in a series of posts on Truth Social on Tuesday.
The president, who has repeatedly expressed frustration over what he sees as judicial obstruction, followed up on Wednesday with a post criticising the judiciary for allegedly preventing him from carrying out the mandate of the American people.
The Republican leader, whose second-term agenda has encountered multiple judicial roadblocks, wrote: “Our Court System is not letting me do the job I was Elected to do.
“Activist judges must let the [Donald] Trump Administration deport murderers, and other criminals who have come into our Country illegally, WITHOUT DELAY!!!”
Trump named Maria Lanahan, Missouri’s Principal Deputy Solicitor General, as a nominee for a judgeship on the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. He praised her as “a true patriot” in a post on Tuesday.
The 78-year-old also nominated Judge Cristian Stevens to serve on the same court, describing him in another post as “a Great Patriot.”
The announcements came a day after a federal appeals court declined the Trump administration’s request to revoke temporary legal status from hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans living in the United States.
-
News22 hours ago
Real cause of Herbert Wigwe’s helicopter crash revealed
-
News14 hours ago
Just in: Finally, EFCC bows to pressure, releases VDM
-
Politics24 hours ago
Ughelli North PDP Holds Crucial Meeting
-
News19 hours ago
Just in: Lagos LG chairman slumps during APC meeting
-
News20 hours ago
Just in: Security and Exchange Commission declares PWAN as PONZI scheme, cautions Nigerians
-
Economy23 hours ago
SEE Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today – 7th May 2025
-
News22 hours ago
FG starts massive overhaul of NYSC scheme, plans teachers’, medical corps
-
News20 hours ago
Multiple video evidence against Nnamdi Kanu