Category: Health

  • GEANCO Launches Primecare Nursing Practice Program to Strengthen Nurse-Led Clinics in Nigeria

    GEANCO Launches Primecare Nursing Practice Program to Strengthen Nurse-Led Clinics in Nigeria

    The GEANCO Foundation has launched the Primecare Nursing Practice Programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen nurse-led clinics and improve access to quality healthcare in underserved communities across Nigeria.

    The programme was unveiled on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Enugu during a ceremony attended by government officials, healthcare professionals and academic leaders.

    According to the foundation, the initiative builds on the success of its six modular family health centres, which currently serve more than 9,000 families, and seeks to expand affordable healthcare by empowering registered nurses and midwives who operate private clinics.

    Participants will receive training in key areas, including obstetrics, paediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, basic life support, telehealth, organisational management and financial management for healthcare entrepreneurs.

    GEANCO said the programme combines intensive training, clinic support and post-training mentorship to improve clinical standards and strengthen the sustainability of nurse-owned healthcare facilities.

    A major feature of the initiative is the Primecare mobile application, which offers educational resources, AI-powered clinical decision support and a digital platform connecting nurses with medical professionals for continuous learning and collaboration.

    Speaking on behalf of Prof. George Ugwu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ugwueze said the programme aligns with the state’s commitment to decentralising quality healthcare services.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University on the Niger, Prof. Nebo Ositadimma, formally unveiled the initiative, describing it as an innovative intervention in primary healthcare delivery.

    Other speakers, including Prof. Kenechukwu Iloh of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Dr. Winnifred Onodu of Maduka University and healthcare entrepreneur Dr. Charity Ibeh, commended the programme for its focus on improving maternal and child healthcare, enhancing nursing practice and promoting entrepreneurship among healthcare providers.

    The foundation said the initiative is expected to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by equipping nurse-entrepreneurs with the skills, technology and support needed to provide affordable and sustainable healthcare services across underserved communities.

    The GEANCO Foundation is dedicated to saving and transforming lives in Africa. Through corporate partnerships, innovative medical missions, and targeted educational programs, GEANCO provides underserved communities with the critical primary healthcare infrastructure and learning tools necessary to thrive.

  • Tears, tributes flow as Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo is buried

    Tears, tributes as Abia government, Nollywood bid farewell to Alex Ekubo

    Emotion and grief filled Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State on Thursday as the state government, family members, friends, and top figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered to bid farewell to Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, popularly known as Alex Ekubo.

    Ekubo, one of Nigeria’s most popular screen actors, died at the age of 40 following complications from advanced kidney cancer after a prolonged illness.

    The burial attracted a large turnout of mourners, including Nollywood actors and actresses who came from across the country to honour the late actor, whose career spanned over a decade and earned him widespread admiration across Africa and beyond.

    Representing Governor Alex Otti at the funeral, the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, described Ekubo’s death as a huge loss to Abia State, the Nigerian entertainment industry, and fans worldwide.

    He said the late actor was not just an entertainer but also a cultural ambassador who showcased Abia State and Nigeria positively on the global stage.

    “The news of Alex’s passing came as a profound shock. Today, we mourn not merely an actor, brother and friend, but a creative force, a cultural ambassador and a proud son of Arochukwu whose talent brought honour to Abia State and Nigeria,” he said.

    Ajagba added that Ekubo’s life reflected the resilience and creativity of Abia youths, noting that he inspired many young people to pursue excellence.

    “He carried his roots with pride and inspired countless young people to dream big and pursue excellence,” he said.

    He also noted that the late actor showed courage and faith during his final days, adding that his contributions to Nollywood and African cinema would remain unforgettable.

    Delivering a sermon at the funeral service, the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International, Umuahia, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, urged people to focus on building lasting legacies, stressing that the true value of life lies in impact rather than longevity.

    She encouraged the bereaved family to take comfort in the legacy Ekubo left behind, rather than be overwhelmed by grief.

    Ekubo rose to prominence through several Nollywood productions and became one of the industry’s most sought-after actors, known for his charisma, versatility and professionalism.

    The funeral was attended by several notable personalities, including Nollywood stars Ini Edo, Omoni Oboli, socialite Pretty Mike, and businessman Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), among others.

    Others present included former National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, and the General Manager of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Okereke Ogbonnia, reflecting the wide influence and admiration the late actor enjoyed across different sectors.

  • 74 die of Cholera in Borno

    74 die of Cholera in Borno

    …over 7000 cases reported 

     

    A cholera outbreak has infected thousands of people and placed growing pressure on health facilities in Borno State, with 74 deaths and 7,850 suspected cases recorded in the state since early May.

    In a statement issued on 9 June, the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, said the outbreak had spread across 14 local government areas and 50 wards, citing figures from the Borno State Ministry of Health.

    According to the organisation, the number of patients requiring urgent treatment has been rising since the first suspected case was reported on 1 May.

    MSF said it partnered with the Borno State Ministry of Health to establish a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in the Ngarannam area of Maiduguri on 7 May to support the response.

    The organisation said admissions increased rapidly in the weeks that followed, forcing an expansion of the facility’s bed capacity from 121 to 271.

     

    It added that a separate 20-bed Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) had been opened in the Dalaram area of the state capital to accommodate the growing number of patients.

    As of 7 June, MSF said it had treated 7,439 patients at the two facilities, averaging about 230 admissions per day

    The organisation added that more than 500 patients suffering from acute watery diarrhoea were admitted on 5 June alone, the highest single-day admission figure recorded since the response began.

    “Every day, we see more people arriving with severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, many of whom have travelled long distances to reach care,” said Bienfait Tombola, MSF’s project medical coordinator for the emergency response in Maiduguri.

    “The collaboration between the Ministry of Health, MSF and other partners has enabled a rapid scale-up of several aspects of the response, but the continued increase in cases shows that more needs to be done to prevent transmission and ensure people can access care as early as possible,” he said.

    Vaccination, water access key to containment

    Beyond treating patients, MSF said it is supporting healthcare worker training, establishing oral rehydration points in affected communities, conducting health promotion activities, strengthening disease surveillance and referral systems, and supporting water chlorination and sanitation interventions.

    However, the organisation warned that the scale and speed of the outbreak continue to exceed current response capacity.

    MSF noted that cholera and other water-borne diseases thrive in communities with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene infrastructure and healthcare services, particularly in informal settlements.

    Mr Tombola said a cholera vaccination campaign planned by the Ministry of Health could help reduce transmission. Still, it stressed that long-term investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure remain critical.

    “While treatment is essential to save lives, a cholera vaccination is foreseen to be conducted by the Ministry of Health, and this would help cut the chains of transmission,” he said.

    “Sustainable improvements in access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene are equally critical to reducing transmission and preventing risks of a continued surge in cases of waterborne diseases.”

    MSF said it would continue supporting the Borno State Ministry of Health and other partners in efforts to contain the outbreak and provide lifesaving care to affected communities. Premium Times

     

  • [WATCH] SPONSORED: Celebrating Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe’s Birthday

    [WATCH] SPONSORED: Celebrating Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe’s Birthday

    Happy Birthday, Honourable Michael Chikosolu Ogbuekwe!

    Today, we celebrate a rare gem a man whose life is a shining example of excellence, dedication, and impactful service. Hon. Mike Ogbuekwe, from your roots in Nkerefi, Nkanu East, through your formative years in Jos, Plateau State, to becoming a Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, your journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

    You have carved a historic path in public service, becoming one of the very few Nigerians to serve three governors across two states at the highest levels. From your impactful years in Anambra State where you rose from Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Director General of the Project Management and Monitoring Office (PMMO), saving the state over two billion naira through diligent oversight to your outstanding contributions in Enugu State under Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Peter Mbah, your record of service speaks volumes.

    Your international exposure with Baker Hughes, training across Aberdeen, Houston, Paris, and Seoul, combined with your deep commitment to your people, has prepared you uniquely for greater responsibilities. As a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration and the Institute of Credit Administration, and now the APC nominee for Nkanu East Local Government Chairmanship with the strong backing of Governor Peter Mbah and the party, your star continues to rise.

    On this auspicious day, we felicitate you for your integrity, visionary leadership, humility, and the positive difference you continue to make in the lives of many. May this new year of your life bring you greater joy, divine strength, fresh wisdom, and accelerated success in all your endeavours.

    May your light continue to shine brighter, and may the good Lord keep you in perfect health to deliver even more value to your community, state, and nation.

    Happy Birthday, ‘Incoming’!

    Wishing you a year filled with abundant blessings, fulfilled dreams, and lasting legacies.

    Long life, good health, and greater heights! Part 15

  • Nigeria Strengthens Airport, Border Surveillance Over Ebola Threat

    Nigeria Strengthens Airport, Border Surveillance Over Ebola Threat

    The Federal Government has intensified health screening at the country’s airports, seaports and land borders.

    It also announced that travellers identified as high-risk or displaying symptoms associated with Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers will be subjected to secondary screening, isolation and referral procedures.

    The move comes amid growing concerns over the ongoing outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease in parts of East and Central Africa and forms part of a broader national preparedness strategy aimed at preventing the disease from entering Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, which was signed by the Assistant Director of Press and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said there was currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but stressed that heightened preparedness measures had been activated nationwide to safeguard public health.

    “The ministry wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is presently no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

    “However, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national health security and preventing cross-border disease transmission, heightened preparedness measures have been activated nationwide,” the ministry stated.

    It said enhanced border surveillance remained a critical component of the government’s response, with health officials directed to strengthen screening and risk assessment procedures for all incoming travellers.

    Among the measures announced were mandatory temperature checks using infrared thermal scanners and handheld thermometers, health declaration forms, travel history assessments and intensified risk profiling at designated points of entry.

    The ministry said authorities had activated “enhanced traveller risk assessment and screening procedures at designated points of entry” and put in place “secondary screening, isolation, and referral mechanisms for travellers presenting symptoms consistent with viral haemorrhagic fevers.”

    The development signals a return to heightened vigilance at Nigeria’s borders, reminiscent of measures adopted during previous public health emergencies, including the 2014 Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic.

    To strengthen disease detection beyond the nation’s borders, the ministry said surveillance systems had been reinforced across the country through enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities, community-based surveillance networks and active monitoring of public health alerts.

    According to the statement, “Enhanced Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response activities nationwide” and “strengthened event-based and community-based surveillance systems” are currently ongoing to ensure early detection of any suspected case.

    The government also disclosed that Public Health Emergency Operations Centres had been activated, while Rapid Response Teams at national and sub-national levels had been placed on standby.

    As part of efforts to prepare the healthcare system for a potential outbreak, hospitals and clinics were directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, improve triage systems and ensure prompt reporting of suspected cases.

    “Healthcare facilities nationwide have also been advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthen triage systems, promptly isolate suspected cases, and adhere strictly to established reporting protocols,” the ministry said.

    It urged Nigerians not to panic, stressing that the measures were precautionary and intended to ensure the country remained prepared for any eventuality.

    It also advised members of the public to maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, refrain from handling dead animals or bushmeat from unknown sources, and promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths to health authorities. Punch

  • Family Fixes June 18 For Burial Of Late Actor Alexx Ekubo

    The family of the late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has announced the funeral arrangements for the actor, with his burial scheduled for June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu, Abia State.

    In a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page on Monday, the family said Ekubo, who died on May 11 at the age of 40, would be honoured with a series of funeral rites attended by family, friends, colleagues, fans, and well-wishers.

    The statement, signed by Mazi Alex Oji Ekubo Okwaraeke on behalf of the Ekubo-Okwaraeke family, described the late actor as a man whose life was marked by “love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished”.

    The family also expressed appreciation for the support and condolences received since his passing.

    “The overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, visits, calls, support, and strength shown to the family during this painful period has been truly humbling,” the statement read in part.

    According to the funeral programme released by the family, a service of songs will be held on June 10 at The Monarch Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with guests expected to wear white.

    A wake keep is scheduled for June 17 at the family residence in Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State.

    The funeral service and interment will take place on June 18 in Arochukwu, followed by a reception at Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village.

    Ekubo’s death had thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning, with several colleagues and celebrities paying tribute to the late actor on social media.

    The family had earlier disclosed that the actor died at Evercare Hospital following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, after what they described as a brief but courageous battle with the illness.

    Born in Port Harcourt and originally from Arochukwu in Abia State, Ekubo rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria pageant before transitioning fully into acting.

    Over the course of his career, he featured in several popular Nollywood productions, including Weekend Getaway, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, and Áfàméfùnà: An Nwa Boi Story.

  • Publisher of Jungle Journalist Media ThankGod Ofoelue Laid to Rest

    Renowned journalist and publisher of Jungle Journalist, Mazi Onukwube ThankGod Ofoelue, has been laid to rest on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as family members, journalists, community leaders, and sympathisers converged on Arochukwu to bid farewell.

    The late media practitioner was laid to rest amid glowing tributes celebrating his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to truth and journalism.

    Speaking during the funeral service, Resident Preacher and Arochukwu Branch President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Enyinnaya Okoroafor, described death as a transition back to the Creator, expressing confidence that the late journalist would find peace in eternity because of the life he lived.

    “Death simply means returning home,” he said, urging the bereaved family to take heart despite the painful and irreplaceable loss.

    Okoroafor noted that mankind had been given the freedom to choose between good and evil, stressing that those who choose righteousness would reunite with God.

    He added that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ had conquered death, which he described as only a temporary separation from the physical body.

    Speaking on behalf of the Ofoelue family, Mazi Okoronkwo Hyacinth Ofoelue described the deceased as exceptionally brilliant and intelligent from childhood, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

    Several dignitaries who attended the burial paid glowing tributes to the late publisher, describing him as a fearless journalist who stood firmly for truth and justice.

    A former Abia North Senatorial aspirant, Chief Emeka Charles Kanu, alongside retired Director of Media and Public Relations representing Nzuko Aro Worldwide, Sir Dave E. Imoko, said Ofoelue practised journalism with conviction and integrity.

    “He was a journalist who worked with conviction and paid his dues in the kingdom,” they stated, lamenting that his death came too soon.

    They described his passing as a monumental loss not only to the Arochukwu Kingdom but also to the wider society, praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.

    Also speaking, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, said the late journalist devoted his energy and platform to championing the cause of Ndigbo and remained deeply committed to advocacy driven by conviction.

    Among dignitaries present at the burial were Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, represented by his media aide Captain Eugene Okey Imuoh; Eze Ibom; Mazi Amos Kanu Oji; Mazi Ijiomah Obasi Ijiomah; Mazi Chimeremeze Okigbo; Chief Njoku Usen; Prince Emeka Echeta; Mazi Jerry Onwumere; Comrade Eugene Ntonta; Comrade Mathew Mgbo; Professor Chukwu Dozie Okolo; Stella Iheanacho; Sister Erinma; Sister Nnaola Izuogu; and Dr Edward Onyema, among other distinguished mourners.

     

  • Cross River reports COVID-19 case, as Health ministry assures of preparedness

    Cross River reports COVID-19 case, as Health ministry assures of preparedness

    The Cross River State Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, who made the confirmation while briefing journalists at the ministry’s headquarters at the state secretariat, Calabar, yesterday, said the case, which was confirmed on April 17, 2026, is the first case to be reported in the state in recent times.

    According to him, the reported case of the outbreak involved a Chinese national who works with Lafarge, who flew into the country on March 17 before falling ill.

    The commissioner stated that the Chinese’s condition became worse at the medical facility under his office, and had to be taken to the University Of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).

    He explained that at the UCTH, samples were taken and all protocols followed. It was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms of COVID-19.

    “We are, however, happy to report that he is doing well,” the commissioner said.

    Ayuk said the Ministry of Health had been repositioned by the current administration to handle and manage any situation, including diseases or epidemic outbreaks.

    “I wish to assure residents of the state that we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the confirmation of this case, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case.

    According to him, there had been silent infections and clear cases from time to time.

    “But we are determined that for every ailment, every disease or outbreak, if it is identified here in the state, there should be no alarm.”

    Additionally, the State Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, announced that in response to the case, the state’s emergency response unit had been activated.

    She noted that contact tracing and line listing of persons the Chinese may have come in contact with were ongoing.

    While noting that the last confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River was in 2022, the epidemiologist said the Chinese may have contracted the virus in Nigeria. Guardian

  • 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗚𝗚𝗦 – 𝗕𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗻𝗮

    𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗚𝗚𝗦 – 𝗕𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗻𝗮

    Bread is one of the staple foods in most Nigerian homes. When people think breakfast, they think leftover foods or bread. Some people cannot go a day without eating bread. It is as if they cannot breathe well if they do not eat bread. Lol. Growing up, I observed that whenever someone travelled and came back, they always bought something and most times it was bread in addition to something else or only bread. It was like an unwritten rule to travel and come back with bread. When people came to visit, they brought bread and sometimes fruits.

    Bread is so versatile that presently bakeries now bake different kinds of bread – coconut bread, sardine bread etc. There is also the wheat bread variant for health purposes. People eat bread with a lot of things – butter, chocolate spread, tea, custard, beans(popular in Yoruba land), sardines, moi-moi and so much more.

    The best combination I have seen and enjoyed is bread and eggs. This combo is amazing and every single time I think of bread, the thought of fried eggs accompanies it. This bread and egg combo is also a popular street food. Most of the Hausa men that sell food by the roadside specialize in noodles and eggs and bread and eggs which is popularly called ‘Meshai’(forgive me if it was not spelt right). They fry the eggs separately, toast the bread a bit in a pan, fill the middle of the bread with the fried eggs, press together as if eliminating all the calories and toast again in a pan. This is basically how everyone eats bread and egg and I am not going to lie it is now boring.

    So we will be preparing our bread and eggs in a different way. Let us get right into it.

    For this, we would be needing sliced bread, eggs, fresh pepper, onions, green pepper, carrots, tomatoes and seasoning cubes. This is very easy to make and you are going to love it.

    First, we would prep all our ingredients and we would start by rinsing and dicing finely the fresh pepper(the quantity depends on how spicy you want it to be), onions, green pepper, carrot and tomatoes. It has to be diced into little square cubes so that it can cook within the little time that it would be cooked.

    Next, break eggs into a bowl. Put the diced vegetables into the bowl with eggs. Add seasoning cubes to taste and stir till seasoning cubes are dissolved properly in the bowl with eggs and vegetables.

    Lastly, cut out the middle of the sliced bread to separate the crust. But you have to do it with precision so that what is left of the crust is not too thin.

    Let us cook now;
    – In a pan, put in little oil and the crust of the bread you cut out. If your pan is big enough, it could contain two bread crust at a time.

    – Pour a little of the egg mixture into the middle of the crust. Cover the pan and allow to cook for 2 minutes. The whole time, the heat should be on the lowest.

    – The middle part of the bread which was cut out is then placed in the pan and pressed down into the crust and flipped over. After flipping, cover the pan and allow to cook for another minute till golden brown.

    – This process is repeated till all the crust is finished.

    Your bread and egg is ready and it feels like your eating ‘eggs-infused bread’ LOL.

    This can be eaten alone as a snack, with tea or with whatever you would eat bread and eggs with. Perfect for a family breakfast or for your kids breakfast in school.

    I hope you try this and I would like to hear from you when you do. Kindly send your reviews and chats to enaamobi98@gmail.com or on Instagram at thecravefactory.ng.

    Regards,
    Chef Enna.

  • Abia cleared by World Bank for $250m health security grant

    Abia cleared by World Bank for $250m health security grant

    The Abia State Government says it has been cleared by the World Bank to benefit from a $250 million health security grant aimed at strengthening disease preparedness, emergency response and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

    The development was disclosed on Monday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

    He attributed the state’s inclusion in the programme to the ongoing reforms in the health sector, noting that the interventions had positioned Abia as one of the beneficiary states under the World Bank-backed initiative.

    Kanu said, “Abia State Government has been cleared by the World Bank to benefit from a $250 million grant for health security in the country. The ongoing reforms in the health sector helped to qualify the state as one of the beneficiaries.”

    The latest development comes days after Governor Otti assured the World Bank Public Health Finance Team of the state’s readiness to pay the required $200,000 counterpart fund and meet other obligations tied to the programme.

    Kanu further disclosed that the Federal Government’s Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport Programme had been domesticated in the state to improve emergency referrals and reduce maternal, neonatal and child mortality.

    He also announced that the 2026 edition of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas Medical Mission would commence in the state, with plans to conduct about 1,500 medical consultations and 100 specialised surgeries.

    The commissioner added that the state’s health reforms recently received another boost following the visit of a World Bank team to review public finance systems supporting healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary healthcare level. The team reportedly commended the state’s evolving health financing structure and service reforms.

    He noted that there were no reported cases of major public health threats such as Lassa fever, mpox, diphtheria, yellow fever or cholera within the period under review.

    In the education sector, Kanu revealed that the Abia State Accelerated Basic Education Programme had commenced, giving residents the opportunity to complete the six-year primary school curriculum within three years.

    According to him, the programme, being implemented through the Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education, is targeted at individuals who missed out on basic education earlier in life, enabling them to obtain their First School Leaving Certificate.

    He urged residents to take advantage of the initiative, describing it as a critical step towards improving literacy and expanding access to education across the state. Punch

  • Archbishop Ede @ 60: Medical outreach, book presentation, eucharistic service line up three-day event

    Archbishop Ede @ 60: Medical outreach, book presentation, eucharistic service line up three-day event

    A medical outreach, book presentation, and eucharistic service are among key activities lined up for the 60th birthday celebration of Most Rev. Barr. Christopher Nweke Ede, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu.

    The three-day event, scheduled for April 4 to 6, 2026, is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria, including serving and former governors, top clergy, and traditional rulers.

    The programme will begin on April 4 with a medical outreach at Wesley Specialist Hospital, Enugu, aimed at providing healthcare services to residents.

    On April 5, a thanksgiving service will be held at Wesley Cathedral Church, with His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate Emeritus, billed to preach.

    The celebration will climax on April 6 with a eucharistic service at Wesley Cathedral Uwani, followed by a birthday reception and book presentation at The Trinity Dome along Agbani Road, Enugu.

    Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will serve as chief host, while Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is expected as chief guest of honour.

    Other dignitaries expected at the event include Rt. Rev. (Prof.) STV Adegbite; former governors Ifeanyichukwu Jim Nwobodo and Samuel Ominyi Egwu; and business executive Gbolahan Olayomi.

    The event will also feature prominent clerics, including His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, who will officiate the birthday service, alongside other spiritual leaders.

    Organisers say the celebration will draw a large gathering of stakeholders across religious, political, and traditional institutions.

  • Enugu confirms rabies outbreak in Igbo Etiti, urges vaccination, caution

    Enugu confirms rabies outbreak in Igbo Etiti, urges vaccination, caution

    The Enugu State Government has confirmed an outbreak of rabies in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area, warning residents to take urgent preventive measures.

    In a public notice issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, authorities said the viral disease, which affects both animals and humans, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

    The government said rabies is commonly transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected animals, particularly dogs, and urged residents to prioritise vaccination and safety measures.

    Dog owners have been advised to vaccinate their pets immediately and ensure they are properly restrained to prevent uncontrolled movement.

    Residents were also cautioned against contact with stray or unfamiliar animals, while suspected rabid animals exhibiting symptoms such as aggression, excessive salivation, abnormal behaviour, or paralysis should be reported to the nearest veterinary authorities.

    The ministry further advised that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.

    Community leaders were urged to intensify awareness campaigns to educate residents on prevention and early response.

    The state government said it is working with relevant agencies to contain the outbreak and protect public health.

    Patrick Nwabueze Ubru, commissioner for agriculture, reiterated the importance of swift action and cooperation from residents.