Society & Lifestyle Archives - Page 7 of 41

A’Ibom commissioner condemns abuse of tradition

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, has condemned in the strongest terms recent abuses of tradition and culture in the state.

He cited specific instances of individuals using the internet to hurl insults at the Governor and a case where a masked individual inflicted physical harm on a citizen.

Disturbing footage of one Princess Udoito, summoning the state governor, Umo Eno, before a deity of Eket, had surfaced on social media. Dressed in tight black clothes with rafia leaves knotted around her ankle and waist, Udoito was seen standing before a tree, clutching a local bottle of gin and performing a ritual.

Speaking during a visit to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo on Wednesday, Archibong emphasised that while the government cherishes and promotes culture, it will not tolerate its perversion into a tool for violence and intimidation.

He therefore directly appealed to the Royal Fathers, as custodians of peace and order, to curtail such excesses within their domains.

“While the state government is not against culture, it will not condone harmful practices against the people in its name,” he stated.

He also called for unified and sustained support from traditional rulers for Governor Umo Eno’s administration and its transformative ARISE agenda.

Archibong stated that the depth and quality of the Governor’s development blueprint for the state necessitate a broad coalition of support from every sector.

While thanking the Royal Fathers for their support thus far, Archibong passionately appealed for this collaboration to continue through the Governor’s first term and beyond, adding that such an enduring partnership is crucial to consolidating the developmental gains already achieved.

“This support for the governor has been remarkable, and I’m sure it will continue. We must support him in all ramifications, 360 degrees,” Archibong declared.

He assured the monarchs that their efforts are highly valued, noting, “I appreciate the royal fathers for their work, and I know the governor does not take their contributions for granted.”

He described the traditional institution as the bedrock of societal stability, indispensable for ensuring order and fostering an environment where government policies can flourish for the benefit of all citizens.

Reflecting on his own experience as a former Council Chairman, the Commissioner acknowledged the relentless service and challenges faced by traditional rulers and expressed profound gratitude for their steadfast backing.

On civic duties, the Commissioner urged the traditional leaders to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise, as the response so far has been unimpressive.

He explained that as key influencers, their role is critical in strengthening the state’s democratic foundations by ensuring a fully enrolled electorate, which is essential for fair political representation and development planning.

The Commissioner also highlighted the upcoming state anniversary celebrations on September 23rd, an event designed to honour the traditional institution and therefore called for their full cooperation to ensure its success, framing it as a testament to the government’s respect for the royalty.

Two Ebola survivors discharged in DR Congo

Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have announced that the first two patients treated for Ebola in the Bulape health zone, Kasai Province, have fully recovered and been discharged from the local treatment centre.

This was disclosed by the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa on its X handle on Tuesday.

The milestone marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing fight against the virus, which re-emerged in the region earlier this month.

The recoveries were made possible through strengthened clinical care and rapid response measures introduced over the past week.

These efforts were supported by the Ministry of Health in DR Congo, with assistance from the WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, ALIMA, and other humanitarian partners working on the ground.

“@MinSanteRDC—with support from @WHO, @MSF, @ALIMA_ORG and other partners—has accelerated response actions to improve the quality of clinical care over the past week.

“Appropriate control measures are being rolled out to curb the spread of the virus, save lives, and end the outbreak as quickly as possible,” WHO posted.

On September 4, health authorities in the DR Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Kasai Province.

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo comes at a time when much of Central and West Africa continues to grapple with overlapping health and humanitarian crises, including cholera outbreaks, malnutrition, and displacement.

The DR Congo’s last outbreak of Ebola virus disease affected the north-western Equateur Province in April 2022.

It was brought under control within three months, thanks to robust efforts by the health authorities. In Kasai Province, previous outbreaks of Ebola virus disease were reported in 2007 and 2008. In the country overall, there have been 15 outbreaks since the disease was first identified in 1976.

Ebola virus disease is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans. It is transmitted to people through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats (thought to be the natural hosts).

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with, or has died from, Ebola; through objects contaminated with body fluids from an infected person; or through the body of a person who died from the disease.

As of September 4, 2025, the WHO said 28 suspected cases, including 15 deaths (case fatality ratio: 54 per cent), had been reported from three areas of the Bulape health zone (Bulape, Bulape Com, and Dikolo) and the Mweka health zone. Among the deaths, four were healthcare workers. About 80 per cent of the suspected cases are aged 15 years and older.

Meanwhile, the global health body said an initial 400 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine—from the country’s stockpile of 2,000 doses pre-positioned in the capital, Kinshasa—have been delivered to Bulape, one of the current hotspots of the outbreak.

It said additional doses will be delivered to the affected localities in the coming days.

Private sector key to future of Carnival Calabar, says festival chairman

The Chairman of Carnival Calabar, Gabe Onah, has called for stronger private sector investment to sustain the popular street party.

Onah made the call on the sidelines of the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market on Tuesday in Lagos.

The chairman said the annual carnival, which would turn 20 this year, was originally designed as a strategy for community participation and economic development.

“Carnival Calabar must breathe beyond the stranglehold of government.

“For sustainability, the private sector has to take more than a passing interest,” he said.

Onah credited the continuity of the festival to successive governors of Cross River, such as Donald Duke, Liyel Imoke, Ben Ayade, and the present governor, Bassey Otu.

He, however, emphasised that the community buy-in and the welcoming spirit of Calabar’s people were just as significant.

“The smiles of our people, the restfulness of the city and our natural blessings – vegetation, mountains, waterfronts and greenery – are what make Calabar stand out,” he said.

Speaking on Akwaaba’s role in regional tourism, Onah described the event as the melting point for the travel and trade industry.

“In tourism, we will keep saying partners must collaborate, not compete.

“Akwaaba has successfully done this for Nigeria,” he said.

Highlighting emerging trends, he said today’s tourists are digital, unique and global.

Onah emphasised the need to embrace artificial intelligence in tourism promotion.

The chairman added that families were becoming more central to travel decisions, which he said informed the upgrade of the children’s carnival to a junior carnival in Calabar.

Onah also noted that there was a growing demand for takeaways and memorabilia, as visitors seek lasting connections to cultural experiences.

It can be recalled that PUNCH Online reports on January 11, 2025, that the Cross River Tourism Bureau reported that the 2024 Calabar Carnival drew over 300,000 tourists between November 1 and December 31, marking a 42 per cent increase from 2023.

The month-long festival also attracted an estimated 450,000 onsite spectators for signature events such as the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival, while more than 1.2 billion viewers tuned in globally via DSTV and over 100 million through live online streaming.

Most visitors came from Abuja, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom, which boosted Calabar’s hotel occupancy rate to 68 per cent, with more than 90 per cent of hotels fully booked during the peak period in December.

According to the bureau’s Managing Director, Ekpenyong Ojoi, the festival generated significant economic impact, with hotel bookings valued at N2.79 billion and food sales estimated at N900 million.

Major events such as Funfest and the Calabar Fashion Show brought in N100 million, while nightclubs generated N400 million. Ancillary activities, including online streaming, car rentals, and food and drinks, added another N1 billion, while visitor transportation costs reached N8.87 billion, underscoring the carnival’s growing role as a key driver of tourism and revenue for Cross River State.

Carnival Calabar has shown its strength as both a cultural celebration and an economic driver for Cross River State. But as Chairman Gabe Onah noted, its long-term success will rely on greater private sector involvement to ensure the festival continues to thrive beyond government support.

NEMA leads evacuation as flood ravages Adamawa communities

The Yola Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency has led search, rescue, and evacuation efforts after severe flash flooding submerged 13 communities across Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas of Adamawa State on Tuesday.

The downpour, which began around 4 a.m. and lasted until noon, left worship centres, residential buildings, and business premises inundated.

Thousands of households were displaced in areas including Damilu, Jambutu, Bachure, Runde, and Shinko, with many families forced to shelter along major roads.

This comes barely two months after a similar disaster claimed over 30 lives in the state.

On Sunday, the Federal Government had warned that 32 locations across 11 states, including Adamawa, were at risk of heavy rainfall and flooding between September 14 and 18, 2025.

Speaking exclusively to The PUNCH, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Dr. Celine Laori, described the situation as devastating.

“So far, there is no life lost recorded. My office, the police, fire service and other security agencies are all carrying out rescue operations now in the affected areas,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, said the command had deployed its marine unit to support rescue missions.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has personally visited some flood-affected areas of Limiwa, Rumde, Shinko, Jambutu, amongst others, to assess the situation for necessary assistance. Members of the public in the affected areas are advised to remain calm, avoid flooded zones, and ensure the safety of their families and property,” he stated.

On its official X handle, NEMA confirmed that its rapid-response teams, working alongside ADSEMA, the fire services, local emergency volunteers, and security agencies, had evacuated vulnerable households, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, from high-risk zones to temporary shelters.

“NEMA teams conducted rapid on-the-spot assessments to determine the extent of flooding, damage to property and infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs,” the agency added, noting that the operation was carried out in close collaboration with state authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure timely assistance and prevent duplication of efforts.

Flood submerges farmlands, 18 communities in Niger

Flood has submerged several farmlands in some communities in Niger State.

This followed an early morning rainfall on Sunday which ripped through farmĺands in Kafin Koro, Paikoro local government areas of the state.

The flood also affected 18 communities in Lapai Local Government Area of the state where some farmlands were also affected, and many others at risk of being swept away.

Some of the affected communities include Dere, Eshi, Apataku, Tsakanabi, Kuchi Kakanda, Arah, Achiba, Rebba, Ebwa, Pele, Edda, Rigido, Gbami, Yawa, Baka, and Muye.

The state government on Sunday re-echoed its earlier warning to riverine communities in the state to immediately relocate to higher grounds, saying the rains have intensified across the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media and Strategy, Jonathan Vatsa, in a statement, appealed to communities in the affected areas to immediately relocate to a safer place to avoid further disaster in the state.

Vatsa said that though the government understood the people’s attachment to their ancestral homes, there is the need for them to adhere to the government warning and relocate pending when the rains woulď be over.

“We as a government will continue to be proactive by appealing to the people, especially those in the flood-prone areas, to immediately move upland to avoid the experience of the Mokwa disaster.

“The government is aware of their attachments to their ancestral homes and lands, but with the various flood alerts, and what we are already experiencing, there is an urgent need for them to heed to the government’s warning.

“The Mokwa experience is still very much with us, and we can not afford a repeat of such an experience.

“That is why the government is urging the people to move to a higher ground,” Vatsa said.

The special adviser disclosed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency had previously identified 15 out of the 25 local government areas in the state as very vulnerable to flooding every rainy season.

The Federal Government had instructed residents of four local government areas of the state to move to safer locations as heavy rainfall was expected to trigger flooding between July 31 and August 5, 2025.

This latest directive by the Federal Government follows a flood alert issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre under the Federal Ministry of Environment, which revealed that communities in Rijau, Sarkin Pawa, Suleja, and Mashegu are at high risk of flooding during the forecast period.

The Federal Government’s warning was contained in a statement titled “Flood Prediction”, signed by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management Department, Usman Bokani, where he urged relevant authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate any disaster.

While disclosing that the state government would soon embark on an enlightenment campaign to all the flood-prone communities, Vatsa called on traditional rulers, community and religious leaders to join the government in sensitising the people.

Rainstorm destroys 50 houses in Plateau community

A severe rainstorm swept through the Shimankar District in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to eyewitnesses, at least 50 houses, including schools and worship centres were destroyed in the Menkaat community.

A resident of Menkaat community, Lawrence Longwwlk, confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online in Jos on Sunday.

He said the devastating storm, which occurred early Sunday morning, blew off roofs and caused several buildings to collapse.

He added that residents of the affected area are in dire need of assistance, with two primary schools and a worship centre completely destroyed.

“We’ve been hit seriously by this rainstorm. At least 50 houses have been affected.

“Two primary schools and a worship centre in Shimankar was completely blown down by rainstorm.

” From the level of damage, the people need urgent help.” Longwalk said, echoing the sentiments of the community, who are calling for intervention from relevant authorities.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities in Plateau State to natural disasters, particularly during the rainy season.

With the state’s geography characterised by rocky formations and high altitudes, residents are often exposed to harsh weather conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, was not immediately available for comment when contacted by our correspondent.

However, a staff member of the agency, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the agency was aware of the havoc caused by the rainstorm in Shendam and was making plans to visit the affected community to assess the situation and provide possible assistance.

LAUTECH teaching hospital doctors begin indefinite strike

The Association of Resident Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have embarked on an indefinite strike.

The doctors cited the failure of the hospital management and the state government to address their long-standing demands as the reason for the industrial action.

On April 8, the doctors suspended a month-long strike to give the hospital management and the state government time to meet their demands.

Three months after suspending their strike, the doctors sent a letter to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, issuing a three-week ultimatum for the management to meet their outstanding demands.

The letter, dated July 8, and titled “Re: Notice of industrial action,” said Congress agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and the hospital management, to encourage prompt action on the unresolved issues.

The letter obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, partly read, “The congress acknowledges and appreciates the management’s efforts in addressing parts of its demands, particularly the payment of upgrade arrears and the refund of examination/update course fees. However, it regrets to note the continued non-implementation of critical outstanding demands.

“These include the payment of the new minimum wage along with accrued arrears from January 2025; disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund; payment of accoutrement allowance; recruitment of resident doctors across all departments; and renovation of call rooms.

“After thorough deliberations and by majority resolution, the congress has agreed to grant a grace period of three weeks, during which formal notifications will be sent to relevant stakeholders, including the Oyo State Government and Hospital Management, a bid to encourage prompt action on these unresolved issues.

“Kindly note that failure to meet the outlined demands by the 29th of July, 2025 will result in the commencement of total and indefinite industrial action. We trust in your responsiveness and look forward to swift, positive outcomes.”

On July 28, the doctors sent a follow-up letter signed by the association’s President, Dr. Stephen Adedokun, and General Secretary, Dr. Adedapo Mustapha, notifying the CMD that they would commence an indefinite strike the following day, July 29, due to the failure of the management and the state government to meet their demands.

The major demands of the doctors are the implementation of minimum wage for LAUTECH Teaching Hospital staff, despite implementation for other healthcare workers in the state, leading to significant pay parity and resultant resignation and inability to attract more hands, hence, more burden on the remaining personnel; non-implementation of Medical Residency Training Act/Fund; and non-payment of accoutrement allowance; among others.

The letter titled, “Notice of indefinite industrial action effective 12:00am, 29th July, 2025,” stated that, “Despite an ample window of engagement granted over the past three months and three weeks, it is with deep concern that we hereby declare a total and indefinite industrial action commencing from 12:00am, Tuesday 29th July 2025.

“This decision comes after extensive internal consultations and exhausting all peaceful means of resolution. The lack of meaningful response and commitment from the management leaves us with no viable alternative but to activate this action in defence of the welfare and professional dignity of our members.

“We urge the hospital management to treat this notice with the seriousness it deserves and to respond promptly to avert prolonged disruption of services. We remain committed to dialogue and resolution, but will not resume duty until tangible and acceptable steps have been taken to address our demands.”

Speaking with our correspondent, Dr. Adedokun explained that the doctors resumed their suspended industrial action on July 29 after the government failed to fulfil the promises made at the time of the previous strike suspension.

Last month, the doctors warned of the imminent collapse of the hospital, citing massive staff exodus, poor remuneration, and lack of government support as major threats to its continued operation.

In an open letter dated July 4, 2025, and addressed to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the doctors described the situation at the hospital as alarming, revealing that the number of resident doctors has plummeted from nearly 270 to fewer than 65.

Dutse emirate offers N10m to 300 needy persons

The Emir of Dutse in Jigawa State, Dr. Hameem Nuhu, has flagged off the distribution of over N10 million in cash Zakat to 300 needy individuals in the Yayari district of Buji Local Government Area.

He called on the faithful to continue giving Allah’s due to enjoy prosperity in this world and the hereafter.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the distribution of the 1446 AH Zakat in Yayari on Saturday, the Emir expressed satisfaction with the district’s achievements in collecting Zakat within his domain.

During the event, the Emir honoured the District Head of Yayari, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, the Village Head, and the Ward Head of Yayari town for their efforts in mobilising the community to pay Zakat.

He urged residents of the emirate to continue fulfilling their Zakat obligations, noting that doing so would further enhance the socio-economic development of the less privileged.

The Emir also appealed to other wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture, adding, “The disbursement of the funds to the needy is expected to improve their living standards and promote economic development.”

In his remarks, the Sa’in Dutse, Mahmud Yunusa, disclosed that Yayari district ranked first in cash Zakat collection, followed by Gantsa and Fagam districts.

He revealed that over N10 million was gathered and is being distributed to 300 beneficiaries, with individual recipients receiving between N20,000 and N35,000 each in the Yayari district.

Earlier, the Chairman of Buji Local Government Council, Hon. Najibullah Gantsa, commended the Emir for his commitment to promoting Zakat in communities under the emirate.

He pledged the council’s continued collaboration with the district and other chiefdoms to maintain leadership in Zakat collection, stating, “The Emir’s call for people to continue giving Allah’s right is a reminder of the importance of Zakat in Islam.”

“This event is a clear demonstration of the emirate’s commitment to supporting the needy and promoting Islamic values,” the chairman added.

He further noted that “The success of the Zakat collection efforts in Yayari district reflects the community’s dedication to Islamic principles.”

One dies in Jigawa motorcycle accident

A motorcycle accident has claimed one life and left four others injured in Jigawa State.

The accident occurred on Friday along the Kafin Hausa-Auno, Sabon Gari Ruba Road in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of the state.

Confirming the incident in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Dutse, the state capital, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Jigawa Command’s Public Relations Officer, Badruddeen Tijjani, the accident happened at about 14:20 hours.

The motorcycle, which was carrying six young individuals returning from the farm, reportedly caught fire immediately after the crash, resulting in severe burns to five of the riders.

“The victims were identified as Iliya Ashura Makera, 15 years; Babanan Musa, 22 years; Mubarak Ibrahim Tahir, 14 years; Abdullmumuni Garba, 12 years; and Abdulsalam Garba, 14 years,” the statement said.

Accordingly, Tijjani revealed in the statement that the NSCDC operatives at Kafin Hausa Divisional Office, led by CSC Nehemiah John Gata, responded promptly, rescuing the victims and conveying them to the General Hospital, Kafin Hausa, for medical attention.

Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Abdullmumuni Garba, one of the victims, was referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for specialised treatment, but passed away en route to the facility.

“The victims of the accident are currently receiving medical attention, and the NSCDC is providing support to the families of the victims.

“The command is also investigating the cause of the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Tijjani disclosed.

However, the statement reads further that the State Commandant, Bala Bodinga, and the entire officers and men of the NSCDC extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

The commandant reiterated the importance of safe riding practices, especially among youths, and urged parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to continue sensitising young people on road safety.

Bodinga, therefore, urged motorcyclists to always follow traffic rules and regulations and to avoid overloading their motorcycles.

He also appealed to parents and guardians to educate their children on the importance of road safety.

“It is essential for parents, community leaders, and all stakeholders to educate young people on road safety and the risks associated with reckless behaviour,” he emphasised.

Floods: 165 dead, 119,791 affected in 2025– NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency said no fewer than 165 persons have died, 82 missing and 119,791 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

NEMA revealed this in its data dashboard on Friday.

The agency also stated that 138 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, 43,936 displaced, 8,594 houses affected and 8,278 farmlands destroyed across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 19 States.

According to the agency, children and women were mostly affected.

It said, “53,314 children , 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.”

The states with the highest number of affected persons are Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno and Kaduna States.

Meanwhile, the 19 states affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.