Author: News Room
A new autism-focused initiative by The Alternative Bank has brought renewed attention to longstanding gaps in early diagnosis and caregiver support in Nigeria’s healthcare system. The initiative was unveiled at the bank’s maiden Autism Stakeholders Roundtable and Policy Dialogue in Lagos, where experts highlighted the absence of a coordinated framework for autism care, particularly at the primary healthcare level. Organised in partnership with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Eliakim Foundation and Sterling One Foundation, the event brought together policymakers, clinicians and advocacy groups to examine structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s current approach. Early detection remains limited A central issue raised…
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) says it has ordered the suspension of four new transgenic cotton hybrid varieties in Nigeria. The varieties are MIC 561 BGII, MIC 563 BGII, BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1001, and BIOSEED-FIYAH CH1002. They were allegedly registered by the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries on 26 March 2026 without the requisite approval of NBMA. In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by NBMA’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Gloria Ogbaki, the agency said its regulatory surveillance and compliance-monitoring mechanisms identified “serious compliance abnormalities” in the varieties. “The National…
Celebrity barman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has formally taken steps to contest the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East federal constituency seat in Imo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr Okechukwu announced his intention after purchasing the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms, a key requirement for aspirants seeking elective office ahead of the 2027 general elections. In an Instagram post, the socialite shared the forms during a visit to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, describing the visit as part of consultations and efforts to secure political support. Pascal Okechukwu…
Alex Iwobi will miss Fulham’s upcoming Premier League clash against Arsenal, with manager Marco Silva confirming that the midfielder remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury. The update comes at a critical stage of the season, with Fulham FC managing multiple fitness concerns within the squad, none more significant than the absence of one of their most influential creative players. Iwobi has been out of action in recent weeks after suffering a muscle injury during Fulham’s league fixture against Brentford FC at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Nigerian international was forced off in the first half after experiencing…
Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, inclusive governance, and socio-economic development as the state marked the 2026 International Workers’ Day. Speaking at the celebration held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, the governor said the government would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare, describing salary payments, pensions, and gratuities as obligations rather than burdens. Idris said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work,” reflects current challenges and requires collective effort to address. He disclosed that over N10 billion has been paid as gratuities to retirees, alongside regular…
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has said there is a deliberate plot to diminish the importance of the Supreme Court judgment which acknowledged the David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola-led leadership of the party. Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman of the ADC, said people in some quarters are describing the judgment as “pyrrhic victory” while wondering why some members of the party are celebrating the victory. Abdullahi, who noted that such a line of argument is not only misleading, dangerous, stressed that ADC does not need conspiracy theories to understand the environment in which it operate. A statement by Abdullahi reads: “There…
The Plateau State Police Command has promised to arrest anyone, irrespective of status or official position, who approaches the police to plead on behalf of a rape or defilement suspect. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, while addressing newsmen in Jos, explained that rape and defilement are not family matters but felonies against the state, saying that no individual, group or institution has the authority to shield offenders from justice. Ewah directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) that all reported cases of rape and defilement must be thoroughly investigated…
The arraignment of Nigerian actress, Doris Ogala, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has been stalled due to her absence in court. Ogala is facing a four-count charge bordering on publication of personal materials of the founder of Grace Nation Bible Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, cyberbullying and harassment, attempted extortion, and dissemination of inciting and false information to incriminate the cleric. At the hearing on Thursday, Tolulope Mokuola, the prosecuting counsel, applied for a bench warrant to compel Ogala’s appearance, citing her failure to attend despite being served with a hearing notice. Opposing the application, Temiloluwa Akindayini, the…
Former Chelsea star, Chris Sutton, has predicted the match-day 35 fixtures of the Premier League. Manchester United will tackle Liverpool on Sunday evening at Old Trafford. Arsenal will clash with Fulham on Saturday evening at the Emirates Stadium. Everton will take on Manchester City on Monday while Chelsea will face Nottingham Forest. Stating his predictions, Sutton backed Brighton to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at St. James’ Park. Sutton’s other predictions, according to BBC Sport, includes: Brentford 1-1 West Ham United Leeds United 2-0 Burnley. Wolves 0-1 Sunderland Arsenal 2-0 Fulham Bournemouth 2-1 Crystal Palace Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool Aston Villa…
The organised Labour in Niger State has called on Governor Mohammed Bago to implement the new minimum pension and settlement of pension arrears in the state. The workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC) and the Trade Union Congress TUC made the call on Friday during the 2026 International Workers Day¹. Niger State NLC Chairman, Idrees Lafene, commended the government for the extension of service years for teachers, the implementation of Grade level 17 in the LG service, and the introduction of wage awards for LGA teachers to bridge the gap between the state and council workers’…
