News
Panic as over 5000 hospitalised in UK diagnosed with flu as NHS laments
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Latest data shows there were 5,000 patients with the virus being treated in hospital at the end of last week – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023, although not as high as in 2022.
The head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine told the BBC that pressure on hospitals is “unacceptably awful” and flu is pushing them to breaking point.
It comes as health officials warn about the impact of the very cold weather expected this weekend on vulnerable patients, and the health system.
Prof Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said the figures show “the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate”.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions,” he added.
Prof Redhead says people at risk should try to keep warm and make sure they are stocked up on any regular medication.
It is not unusual to see an increase in flu during winter. The UK Health Security Agency says “this was anticipated” and that is why it has been urging those eligible to have a free flu vaccine, particularly health and social care workers.
Some 33% of pregnant women, 37% of people in an at-risk group and 73% of over-65s have had the jab, according to the latest vaccination figures.
‘Lack of beds’
Hospitals have put extra beds in place this year to help deal with the pressure on admissions created by flu and other winter viruses, including Covid and norovirus (the winter vomiting bug).
NHS chiefs say they have also added more support for people who frequently need emergency services, with more care being delivered outside hospitals.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the NHS had done “all it could” in advance to reduce risk to patients, but the service remained in a position of “national vulnerability” with “intense pressures” starting to impact local services.
Figures for last week show some 12,200 patients were left waiting in ambulances for more than an hour before they could be cared for in hospital.
Dr Adrian Boyle, head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that it was a very difficult time for both patients and staff.
“What we are seeing is ambulances are frequently stuck outside emergency departments, and our emergency departments are full.”
He said there was “an enormous amount of avoidable harm – excess deaths that shouldn’t be happening”.
Flu is the straw that is breaking the camel’s back – because we have this chronic lack of beds within our hospitals, and we don’t use those beds properly because we haven’t reformed social care,” he added.
His criticism comes on the day the health and social care secretary set out plans for reforming adult social care in England, although they are unlikely to be delivered before 2028 at the earliest.
A number of hospitals across different regions in England have restricted visits and asked patients and visitors to wear face masks to prevent further spread of flu.
In Scotland, there has also been a large rise in the number of people in hospital with flu. Earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney said the NHS was under “very significant pressures”.
A Welsh government spokesperson said there were continued “high levels of demand” on urgent and emergency care services this winter, and an increase in flu cases had added further pressure during the Christmas period.
What are flu symptoms?
Flu symptoms can progress very quickly and include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
feeling, and being, sick
Children and adults are affected in a similar way.
Who is eligible for a free flu jab?
A free flu vaccine is available to those considered at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu during late autumn and early winter, including people:
aged 65 or over
with certain long-term health conditions
who are pregnant
who live in a care home
are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
live with someone who has a weakened immune system
are a front-line health and social care worker
Children aged 2-3 and school-aged children are also offered a vaccine.
Anyone in eligible groups in England can book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy, where available, or contact their employer if they are an NHS front-line worker.
People can also pay for vaccines privately at some pharmacies.
Why is flu so bad this year?
Flu creates problems every winter, being the season when viruses spread with ease, and can cause some to become very ill.
The severity of seasonal flu varies from year to year, depending on many factors, including which strains of the flu virus are most dominant and how many people are vaccinated against flu.
Why are some flu outbreaks so much worse than others?
A surge of flu appears to have hit earlier this winter than anticipated – in December, instead of January or February – with more people unwell and off work over the Christmas and New Year period, and some in need of hospital treatment.
People socialising with friends and family during the Christmas festivities will likely have added to the spread of the virus.
Health officials saw the flu wave coming, and have been urging people to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine for some time.
However, the number of people who have been vaccinated is lower than officials had hoped – just over a third of higher-risk adults have had the jab to date.
Several different strains of flu tend to circulate each winter, and the vaccine was created in advance to combat the current, predicted wave. According to health officials, the vaccine is doing its job.
Vaccines are particularly important in protecting against severe disease. Most people will recover from flu within a few weeks, but it can be serious, particularly if you have a long-term health condition or lower immunity.
Thousands of people die from flu-related illnesses each year.
By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has launched a 21-member ad-hoc committee to keep an eye on governance in Rivers State during the current State of Emergency.
Speak Abbas during the inauguration of the committee, on Tuesday, said the move shows the National Assembly’s dedication to upholding the constitution and keeping things transparent.
He explained that the committee is meant to help maintain stability in Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu announced a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
He said: “The 10th House of Representatives inaugurates an Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during the present emergency period.
“This moment marks not only a critical milestone in our constitutional mandate but also a display of our dedication to transparent governance and the rule of law in our country”.
President Tinubu’s declaration, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), followed what the Speaker described as a “grave crisis threatening public order.”
He made it clear that the President’s decision wasn’t made lightly, but was driven by a real concern for the safety and well-being of the people in Rivers State and the country overall.
Speaker Abbas also pointed out that this isn’t the first time the federal government has stepped in during a crisis. He mentioned past examples like Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and the northeast states—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe—in 2013, saying the goal has always been to bring back peace and restore normal government operations.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order,” he said. “Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.”
The Speaker also clarified that the current caretaker government in Rivers State, led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), is a temporary arrangement intended to maintain order and perform basic governance functions until democratic institutions are restored.
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored,” Abbas noted.
He aadded hat the Administrator must report directly to the National Assembly.
He urged the committee to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, cautioning against partisanship.
“You have been entrusted with the heavy responsibility of justifying the confidence reposed in you by the entire nation.
“You must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias”, he charged.
The Speaker emphasised that beyond oversight, the committee is expected to play a proactive role in peace-building and reconciliation efforts in Rivers State.
“Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“This historic responsibility calls for conscientious, forthright and astute governance”, he added.
Speaker Abbas further reaffirmed that the National Assembly’s intervention is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.
“We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“It is now my solemn duty and distinct honour to officially inaugurate the House Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversight Rivers State”, he stated.
The newly formed committee is expected to submit periodic reports to the House, monitor the implementation of federal policies in Rivers State, and ensure that the caretaker administration operates within constitutional boundaries.
In his response, Chairman of the adhoc committee and leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere pledged their commitment to the task given to them.
He said: “We will not disappoint Nigerians, we will be committed to this task.
“If I am not wrong, this is probably the strongest ad hoc committee ever set up since 2019. So, to make our work a lot easier, with the experience, with the exposure, with the dedication, with the commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee that we will not disappoint you, we will not disappoint the National Assembly, and we will not disappoint Nigeria.
“We will begin our work immediately and we will remain transparent, committed, and unbiased in the deliverance of our values.Once again, Mr. Speaker, we thank you for being the true Nigerian, the true patriot that you are. And I’m sure that when the history of Nigeria is written, there will be several extra pages added to your chapter”.
Members of the Committee include: Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Chairman, Rep. Ali Isa J.C. – Deputy Chairman,Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim , Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase , Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, Rep. Shehu Saleh Rijau, Rep. Wole Oke.
Others are :Rep. Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, Rep. Patrick Umoh, Rep. James Barka,Rep. Alex Egbona, Rep. Isa Anka, Rep. Amos Daniel, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu,Rep. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, Rep. Fatima Talba , Rep. Chris Nkwonta, and Rep Ebibake Marie Enenimiete.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned citizens to steer clear of 60 illegal Ponzi scheme operators in Nigeria.
These companies, operating without registration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have been identified as potential threats to the financial well-being of unsuspecting Nigerians.
According to the EFCC, some of these operators have already faced legal action, with five convicted and another five pleading guilty, awaiting sentencing.
The commission’s warning comes as a timely reminder for Nigerians to exercise caution when investing their hard-earned money.
The list of operators to avoid includes companies operating in various sectors, including agriculture, investment, and finance.
Full list below;
Wales Kingdom Capital
Bethseida Group of Companies
AQM Capital Limited
Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited
Brickwall Global Investment Limited
Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech
Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited
Richfield Multiconcepts Limited Forte Asset Management Limited
Biss Networks Nigeria Limited
S Mobile Netzone Limited
Pristine Mobile Network
Letsfarm Integrated Services
Bara Finance & Investment Limited
Vicampro Farms Limited
Brooks Network Limited
Gas Station Supply Services Limited
Brass & Books Limited
Annexation Biz Concept & Maitanbuwal Global Venturescrowdyvest Limited
Crowdyvest Limited
Jadek Agro Connect Limited
Adeeva Capital Limited
Oxford International Group
Oxford Gold Integrated
Skapomah Global Limited
MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited
TRJ Company Limited
Farm4Me Agriculture Limited
Quintessential Investment Company
Adeprinz Global Enterprises
Rockstar Establishment Limited
SU.Global Investment
Citi Trust Funding PLC
Farm Buddy
Eatrich 369 Farms & Food
Globertrot Farmsponsors Nigeria Limited
Farm Sponsors Limited
Cititrust Credit Limited
Farmfunded Agroservices Limited
Adamakin Investment & Works Limited
Cititrust Holding PLC
Green Eagles Agribusiness Solutions Limited
Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited
Emerald Farms & Consultant Limited
Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited
Farm 360 & Agriculture Company
Requid Technologies Limited
West Agro Agriculture & Food Processing Limited
NISL Ventures Limited & Estate of Laolu Martins
XY Connect Investment Limited
River Branch Unique Investment Limited
Hallmark Capital Limited
CJC Markets Limited
Crowd One Investment
Farmkart Foods Limited
KD Likemind Stakeholders Limited
Holibiz Finance Limited
Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services
Servapps Nigeria Limited
Barrick Gold Mining Company
360 Agric Partners Limited.
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling prey to these illegal Ponzi schemes, Nigerians are advised to:
1 Verify investment opportunities with the CBN and SEC before committing funds
2 Be wary of unusually high returns on investment
3 Research the company’s background and reputation
4 Report suspicious activities to the EFCC
By being vigilant and informed, Nigerians can protect themselves from the dangers of Ponzi schemes and make informed investment decisions. Stay safe, and stay informed.
In response to recent allegations suggesting widespread hunger and fatalities among inmates, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied the claims, assuring the public that feeding standards remain intact and strictly monitored across custodial centres nationwide.
Speaking with journalist in Abuja on Tuesday, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, dismissed the reports as “sensational, misleading, and devoid of truth.” He emphasized that the welfare of inmates, including their nutrition, remains a top priority under the supervision of both state and federal authorities.
“Inmates are not starving. There is no evidence, either in our records or from any credible oversight body, suggesting that custodial centres are neglecting their duty to feed inmates adequately,” Umar stated.
He explained that the Federal Government allocates a dedicated budget annually for inmate feeding, which is judiciously managed under stringent guidelines. “Every inmate is entitled to three meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — as clearly provided for in our operational manual,” he said.
Umar further questioned the credibility of the reports, citing the strict access protocols in place at custodial facilities. He noted that no unauthorized interviews with inmates could have occurred, given that access requires multiple layers of clearance, and the use of recording devices is prohibited within the facilities.
“How does a journalist claim to have interviewed inmates in such a controlled environment without any official clearance or access?” he asked. “That alone casts doubt on the authenticity of the reports.”
To reinforce its commitment to inmate welfare, Umar said the NCoS has put in place an internal monitoring system, with officers-in-charge held accountable for the utilization of resources, especially feeding provisions. He said supervisory structures exist at both the national and state levels to maintain compliance and discipline.
“Any officer found negligent or complicit in mismanaging resources faces disciplinary action in line with our code of conduct,” he stated.
While acknowledging operational challenges, Umar maintained that such issues have not translated into hunger or starvation within correctional centres. He warned that false narratives could damage the reputation of the Service and cause undue public concern.
“We are aware of the economic situation, but it has not compromised our duty to feed or care for those in custody,” he said. “We call on media houses to verify information through the appropriate channels before publication.”
Umar highlighted the current administration’s efforts in improving the welfare of inmates, including a significant 50 percent increase in the feeding budget approved by President Bola Tinubu’s government. He also lauded the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for championing reforms in the correctional system.
“There is an ongoing review of inmate welfare and feeding programmes. Reforms are already underway and will yield even more positive changes,” he said.
He concluded by inviting civil society groups, media professionals, and international observers to visit correctional centres for independent assessments, stressing that transparency and accountability remain core to the NCoS’s operations.
“Our doors are open for oversight visits. We believe in constructive engagement that can help us do better,” Umar said. “We are not just holding inmates; we are working to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society with dignity.”
The NCoS has reiterated its commitment to international standards on inmate care and has urged the public to disregard the alarming claims, which it described as fabricated and harmful to ongoing reform efforts.
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