News

Abuja residents cries out to NCDC over Lassa Fever, Ebola, outbreak

Published

12 months ago

April 5, 2025

Residents of a section of Gwarinpa, within the Abuja metropolis have cried out to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) over fear of the outbreak of Lassa Fever, Ebola and other deadly infectious diseases.

Residents of the area under the aegis of Team 7 Neighborhood Association referred to a persistent and escalating environmental hazard located behind 64 Crescent, Off 6th Avenue in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) estate as basis of their fear.

In a formal petition addressed to the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the residents, led by their chairman, Sir Uche Okoli are seeking urgent intervention to halt a worsening situation with grave health implications.

The petition was copied to several relevant government bodies, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Health Department and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).

According to the letter, which has also been copied to key stakeholders including the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health Secretariat and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, the source of the hazard appears to be behind the 64 Crescent area.

For several months, residents said they have endured a continuous foul odor emanating from the site. The smell, which blankets the air day and night, was said to have grown more pungent in recent weeks, causing discomfort and unease across the community.

Beyond the offensive smell, the area has reportedly become a breeding ground for various disease vectors.

Eyewitnesses and residents have noted a visible surge in rodents and insects, including the notorious multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis), commonly associated with the spread of Lassa Fever.

Additionally, there has been a spike in populations of houseflies (Musca domestica), blowflies (Calliphoridae), and tsetse flies (Glossina), all known carriers of communicable diseases.

The letter to NCDC documents a growing number of respiratory illnesses affecting individuals, including vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.

Some residents have reportedly been hospitalized, while unconfirmed reports suggest fatalities connected to respiratory complications may have occurred.

“We are seeing a troubling pattern of health complaints — coughing, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms consistent with poor air quality and possible exposure to biological hazards,” said Mr. Okoli in the petition.

“Some of these complaints are now coming from residents who don’t even live directly near the suspected contamination source.”

The residents argue that the presence of multiple risk factors — poor air quality, vector proliferation, and close proximity to a densely populated area — makes the case for immediate government intervention.

They drew parallels to recent and past outbreaks of Lassa Fever, Ebola, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which originated or escalated in areas where early warning signs were ignored or underestimated.

In their letter, the Team 7 Neighborhood Association outlined a series of requests to the NCDC. Chief among them is the immediate dispatch of a public health assessment team to investigate the affected area.

The residents also called for environmental sampling — including air, soil, and water testing — to identify possible sources of the pollution and contamination.

Furthermore, they are requesting swift containment and remediation measures, as well as medical screening for residents who may have already been exposed to harmful pathogens or toxins. They also emphasized the importance of public health communication, urging the NCDC to issue guidelines that will help residents protect themselves while a solution is being worked out.

“This situation is deteriorating rapidly, and we fear that without prompt expert intervention, we may face a serious public health crisis with implications beyond our immediate community,” the letter states.’

Residents are hopeful that the combined efforts of these agencies, under the coordination of the NCDC, will bring about urgent remediation.
The Team 7 Neighborhood Association comprises a large section of Gwarinpa’s growing residential population. The area is home to civil servants, professionals, retirees, and young families — many of whom chose Gwarinpa for its reputation as one of Abuja’s more planned and peaceful suburbs.

“Our residents deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment,” said Mr. Okoli. “We are not just raising alarm; we are calling for responsible action and offering our full cooperation to government agencies. This is about protecting lives and preventing tragedy before it happens.”

As Abuja grapples with the challenges of urban growth and environmental sustainability, the case unfolding in Gwarinpa is a stark reminder that neglecting early warning signs of public health hazards can have far-reaching consequences.

-Guardian

Education

NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

Published

5 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

‎
‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
‎
‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
‎
‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
‎
‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
‎
‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
‎
‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
‎
‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
‎
‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
‎
‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
‎
‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
‎
‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
‎
‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
‎
‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

News

Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara