Author: Fatima Idera

The First Lady of Lagos State, Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, a doctor, has raised the alarm over the growing menace of quackery in maternal health services, warning that unregistered birth attendants are endangering the lives of women and children across the state. Speaking during the official flag-off of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition Week (MNCH+N) in Alimosho, Mrs Sanwo-Olu urged residents to reject unregistered practitioners and report illegal health practices in their communities. Addressing a large audience of healthcare workers, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and development partners; Mrs Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the week as a critical intervention that…

Living with sickle cell anaemia is like waking up every day in a body you have to negotiate with.” That is how Oluwakemi Oguntimehin, founder of the Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative and a survivor of the disease, described the reality of living with sickle cell anemia. As the world marks World Sickle Cell Day on 19 June, Ms Oguntimehin’s story cuts through the silence and stigma. “I have lived through excruciating pain, countless hospital visits, emotional burnout, and financial pressure just to stay alive. But this journey also gave me the purpose to start sickle cell advocacy,” she told DevReporting.…

As Nigeria commemorates 26 years of unbroken civilian rule, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has raised concerns over the state of press freedom, lamenting that 70 per cent of recorded attacks on journalists are perpetrated by politicians and police officers. Findings from the centre’s  journalism and civic space status report further shows that 90 per cent of all recorded attacks on journalists occurred while they were discharging their professional duties. According to a statement marking June 12 Democracy Day, signed by the Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ, Motunrayo Alaka, the data reflects the entrenched complicity of state actors in suppressing press freedom. “When institutions meant…

At a time when Africa is grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, the vice chancellor of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan, Adesola Ajayi, a professor, has called on women to take the lead in climate research, citizen engagement, and sustainable development. Speaking at a two-day German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Alumnae workshop at Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Mr Ajayi emphasised that women’s involvement in climate research, policy advocacy, and public communication is essential for tackling poverty, environmental degradation, and the broader challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr Ajayi highlighted the need for strategic research into key climate…

A privately owned institution in Nigeria, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has appointed  Olalekan Asikhia, a professor of Business Administration as its new vice chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence and global relevance. Mr Asikhia succeeds Nosa Owens-Ibie, a professor of communication, media and development, who successfully completed two terms in office. In a statement signed by the institution’s Information, Media, and Publication Specialist, Olawale Adekoya, the university management expressed profound confidence in Mr Asikhia’s ability to advance its mission. “His wealth of experience, profound erudition, and global insight align perfectly with our vision of…

Millions of Nigerian girls continue to miss school, face health risks, and suffer in silence simply because menstrual health remains excluded from key national policies. As the world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 themed “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, a non-profit organisation, WaterAid Nigeria has renewed calls for the integration of menstrual health into national and sub-national water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), gender, and education policies. It said Nigeria cannot afford to treat menstrual health as a side issue when it intersects so critically with education, public health, gender equity, and human rights. Globally, 500 million people lack access to adequate menstrual…

Health workers and teachers across Africa are facing a severe livelihood crisis, paying out of pocket for essential supplies, and struggling to feed their families as a result of relentless public sector budget cuts, a new study by global justice organisation, ActionAid has revealed. The report titled: “The Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa,” surveyed more than 600 healthcare workers, teachers, and community members across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Liberia, and Malawi. It uncovers a region-wide collapse in public services, driven by ‘brutal’ budget cuts and a growing debt burden. Four of the six countries covered by the…

In commemoration of 2025 World Press Freedom Day, Nigerian journalists, and media advocates have added their voices to the global discourse, reflecting on the future of press freedom in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). At different forums, they highlighted both the risks and the reforms needed to safeguard ethical journalism. The United Nations General Assembly declared 3 May to be World Press Freedom Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the…

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said that Nigeria currently loses 45 per cent of its 3.9 million tonnes of tomato harvest to post-harvest waste and supply chain inefficiencies annually. He highlighted the challenge posed by the country’s heavy reliance on tomato paste imports, noting that despite Nigeria’s abundant production, it remains the world’s largest importer of the product. Speaking at the unveiling of GB Hub Africa on Monday in Abuja, Mr Kyari lamented the inefficiencies plaguing Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain, which he said were responsible for the massive losses. Mr Kyari, who was represented by…

In a bid to stem the tide of brain drain, Akwa Ibom State has introduced a new policy requiring medical trainees to pledge years of service before seeking opportunities abroad. The Head of Civil Service, Effiong Essien, announced at the weekend in Uyo, that all medical professionals sponsored by the state must now enter a formal bond, committing to serve Akwa Ibom for a period deemed sufficient for the government to recover its investment in their training. “No more quick exits. Healthcare workers will need to honour their home state first. The bonding is serious now, it’s a matter of…