As of June 30, 2023, there have been 798 confirmed diphtheria cases from 33 local councils in eight states, including the FCT. The report highlighted that 71.7% of the confirmed cases occurred among children aged two to 14 years. So far, there have been 80 deaths among all confirmed cases, resulting in a case fatality rate of 10.0%. Surprisingly, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine, 82% of the confirmed diphtheria cases in the ongoing outbreak were unvaccinated. Key Takeaway– Diphtheria outbreak has been reported in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and multiple states in Nigeria.

July 23, 2023 11:34 UTC

Former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has charged global leaders to seek to enthrone peace in the world through the practice of true democracy and people-oriented leadership in their respective countries. The former President stated this on Saturday in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the International Leadership Conference, jointly organised by the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP) and the Asian Vision Institute (AVI). “However, the COVID-19 experience has made it very clear that the whole world must work together for the peace and security of humanity. Of course up to this time, many nations are still struggling to recover from the harmful effect and deadly impact of the pandemic. “The experience has indeed demonstrated the need for inter-dependence, mutual prosperity and shared values as enunciated by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).”Also Read:

July 22, 2023 20:39 UTC

However, with barely six days to the stipulated date, only seven states have sworn in their commissioners since the governors’ 2023 inauguration. The 21 states yet to swear in their commissioners are: Benue, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, and Yobe states. Responding to issues bordering on the ministerial list, Senator Victor Umeh, (Labour Party, Anambra Central) said he was not aware of the stage of the ministerial list. He also debunked stories claiming that the Senate, during an executive session, discussed the ministerial list. “The Senate’s closed-door meeting has nothing to do with the ministerial list as reported; rather it was due to other issues.

July 22, 2023 18:00 UTC

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has warned that the FCT and other nearby states are expected to experience heavy to moderate rainfalls and flash floods on Saturday (today) and Sunday, July 23, 2023. This was contained in a statement signed by FEMA’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, in Abuja, on Friday. “The Federal Capital Territory and states contiguous with it are expected to experience heavy to moderate rainfall tomorrow. A statement by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency also anticipates moderate to heavy rains in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba states,” the statement read in part. He emphasised the need for residents to always dial the 112 emergency toll-free number of the agency in the event of an emergency.

July 22, 2023 16:54 UTC

Chess enthusiasts have advised parents on the need to encourage their kids to learn and be involved in the sport. This was the message at a chess tournament organised by Rupetta Academy to celebrate World Chess Day in Abuja on Thursday with kids as participants. According to Senlong, the game needs to be introduced into the curriculum of schools and parents should be encouraged to enroll their kids into chess clubs in order to teach them unique and transferable skills of chess. “We are here to celebrate International World Chess Day. We are here today not just to celebrate the International World Chess Day but also to encourage youths to embrace this noble game.

July 22, 2023 15:48 UTC





The highly anticipated live-action film Barbie has earned the biggest preview for the summer box office, with $22.3 million. Barbie’s overwhelming response provides a much-needed boost for Warner Bros., whose last major box office hit was The Batman, garnering a whopping $1.3 billion worldwide. Barbie’s outstanding performance at the box office is not only a victory for Warner Bros., but it also signals a demand for more female-led films. The film’s positive portrayal of Barbie and its diverse cast is seen as a significant step forward for inclusion and representation in Hollywood. , Barbie’s live-action adaptation has made a groundbreaking entrance into the summer box office, surpassing expectations and setting new records.

July 22, 2023 15:16 UTC

Ibori reacts to London judge’s $130m confiscation orderBritain will seek to confiscate 101.5 million pounds ($130 million) from James Ibori, a former Delta State governor who was convicted for abusing his office to get rich and laundered millions in Britain and elsewhere, under a court order issued in London on Friday. Ibori, who is in Nigeria, said he would appeal against the confiscation order, one of the largest imposed on an individual in recent British legal history. Ibori was governor of oil-producing Delta State from 1999 to 2007 and was extradited from Dubai to Britain in 2011. Judge David Tomlinson, delivering the confiscation order at Southwark Crown Court, said Ibori should pay the sum immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence. Share your thoughts on the story Ibori reacts to London judge’s $130m confiscation order with NigerianSketch in the comments section below.

July 22, 2023 12:26 UTC

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has placed its emergency response team on high alert over an anticipated heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday. Idriss said that a weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), had indicated that FCT and its neighbouring states would experience heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday. He added that the forecast also predicted moderate to heavy rains in parts of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba. To ensure a quick and effective emergency response, Idriss said that the agency had placed its search and rescue team on high alert. He appealed to residents to heed to the early warning and avoid driving or wading into a pool of water during the rains.

July 22, 2023 11:52 UTC

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July 22, 2023 06:24 UTC

Four students of the Regent Secondary School, Abuja, Nigeria emerged as top awardees of the Cambridge Learners Awards, The PUNCH reports. A statement by the school on Thursday noted that the four students emerged as top students in different categories. “Mfonmma-Abasi Okon Bassey received the Top In Nigeria award in the IGCSE category for Art & Design, while Daniel Chiemelie Anohu was awarded Top In Nigeria in the Environmental Management IGCSE category. “Khalidah Fatume Amal Doyinsola Usman received the Top In Nigeria award in the History IGCSE category, and Ain Sufiya Binti Mohd Iqbal received the High Achievement award in the Cambridge International AS Level category. “The Regent Secondary School congratulates these outstanding students on their incredible achievements,” the statement read.

July 22, 2023 00:24 UTC

There are many reasons why women decide to be a second wife. I cannot be a second wife. Victoria IheanyiI cannot be a second wife to any man, even if I am in love with him. Tosin AwoniyiI cannot be a second wife. Also, I would not feel the ‘ideal’ relationship I picture with my husband if I become a second wife.

July 22, 2023 00:23 UTC

Barbie is a 2023 American live-action comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. In the film, Barbie is a doll who is expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough and sets out on an adventure in the real world. According to a report by Editor.guardian.ng, Barbie is a surprisingly meta and self-aware film that takes a subversive look at the iconic doll and her world. Overall, Barbie is a fun and refreshing film that will entertain audiences of all ages. With its sharp script, talented cast, and visually captivating world, Barbie promises to be a must-see comedy for fans of all ages.

July 21, 2023 23:32 UTC

There is growing concern in Yobe State over the rapidly spreading cases of diphtheria. Health officials in Yobe State have reported a surge in diphtheria cases over the past few weeks, and they said the situation is becoming increasingly critical. According to the state government, there are 289 active cases of the disease in the state. Public Awareness and Education: Authorities are launching awareness campaigns to educate the public about diphtheria symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately if any symptoms arise. As the situation unfolds, health officials and the Yobe State government urge residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with the emergency response measures.

July 21, 2023 20:55 UTC

The suspects were identified from a video clip of the incident in early May that went viral on social media on Wednesday, causing outrage across the country. “Four main accused arrested in the Viral Video Case,” police in Manipur said on Twitter late Thursday. The video clip showed the women walking naked along a street, being jeered at and harassed by a mob in the state, where the authorities have imposed an internet shutdown. “We will ensure strict action is taken against all the perpetrators, including considering the possibility of capital punishment,” he added. The incident came at the start of the violence in Manipur, which was sparked by a dispute over access to government jobs and other perks.

July 21, 2023 19:22 UTC

FILE PHOTO: Members of the House of Representatives during plenaryThe House of Representatives has announced its intention to launch an investigation into the recurring problem of aviation fuel contamination in the country. He said Max Air had reportedly confirmed that it got the contaminated fuel from certain undisclosed aviation refuelling outlets. He said many flight accidents in history were caused by fuel contamination resulting in abnormal operation of aircraft engines and water as a major contaminant. He decried the inability of the NCAA and other associated aviation and oil regulatory agencies to address the increasingly sharp practices in the aviation fueling industry. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has commenced an extensive probe into the recent incident involving water contamination in the fuel tanks of certain aircraft.

July 21, 2023 16:56 UTC