The House of Representatives has waded into the increase in the pump price of petroleum products, demanding an urgent reversal of the hike in the price of the fuel and cooking gas.

In a motion moved by the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, and sponsored by 111 members of the house, the House called for the immediate reversal of the price increase in petrol and cooking gas.

According to the lawmakers, the hike has caused severe hardship on Nigerians and is threatening job security in the country.

The Green Chamber also asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to increase local refining capacity.

The lawmakers also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to implement monetary policies that would mitigate the adverse effect of fuel price hikes on inflation.

This is as the World Bank has warned that a further increase in the prices of petrol may reverse the already dwindling effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria.

The warning is contained in the October edition of its Africa’s Pulse report.

The report said: “While the inflationary effects of a weakened naira in the first months of this year and the removal of the gasoline subsidy in the second half of 2023 appeared to be gradually subsiding, a further increase in gasoline prices by 40-45 percent in September may reverse the disinflationary trend.”

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on May 2023, officially pronounced an end to petrol subsidies in Nigeria, jerking PMS prices from N175 per litre to over N1000 across the country.

A recent market survey put the price of 1 kg cooking gas at N1500.

The Ebonyi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has seized 115.226 kilogrammes of various illicit substances and arrested 149 suspects in the third quarter of the year.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Peter Ogar, made this known on Wednesday in Abakaliki, saying the arrests and seizures were made in different locations in the state between July and September 2024.

Ogar said, “The Agency in Ebonyi had also within the period counselled 82 suspects, comprising 64 and 18 females.

“In total, we arrested 149 suspects, comprising 112 males and 37 females between the age brackets of 26 and 72 years.

“The figure represents both drug dealers, drug users and traffickers.”

He listed the seized substances to include: crack cocaine, 0.0023kg, Cannabis Sativa, 55.492kg, codeine syrup, 0.393kg, Tramadol tablets, 0.004kg, tramadol capsule, 0.437kg, diazepam 917 tablets, 0.964 and 47 amps, 0.226kg.

Others are methamphetamine, 0.0054kg, bromazepam, 75 tablets, 0.034kg, lorazepam 476 tablets, 0.100kg, monkey tail, 56 litres, 42.2kg, raphynol 24 tablets, 0.009kg and other psychotropic substances grossly weighing 115.226 kgs in all.

He added that during the period under review, one person was convicted, reiterating the officers’ readiness to combat illicit drug trafficking not only in Ebonyi but Nigeria at large.

“We were also able to carry out a sensitisation campaign of citizens in the state like the youth group and community heads on the need to end drug abuse and trafficking,” he explained”.

“We carried out a series of sensitisation in primary and secondary schools in some local government areas of the state.

“I thank God for the harmonious and cordial relationship that exists between the Command and other security agencies,” Ogar added.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of a Plus TV cameraman attached to his office, Samson Obafisoye, as a great loss, not only to his family but to the broadcast industry.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said that the late Obafisoye was a thoroughbred professional.

He said that the deceased discharged his duties diligently and contributed his quota to the broadcast media industry in Nigeria.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the late Obafisoye, especially the management and staff members of the Plus TV and the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents over his death.

He said, “Mr Samson Obafisoye’s death was a great loss, not only to his family but to the media industry, particularly the management and staff of Plus TV and executives and members of LAGOCO. He was a diligent and thoroughbred professional. His death was a great shock, but we take solace in the Almighty God that he lived a fulfilled life.

“Obafisoye will be greatly missed. On behalf of my family and the state government, I sympathise with the deceased family, friends, associates, and colleagues. I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.’’

No fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead after a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura LGA in Jigawa on Tuesday.

Police spokesman in Jigawa, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed this in an interview with on Wednesday.

He also said 50 other people had been hospitalised for various degrees of injuries due to the explosion.

”At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majiya town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and exploded.

“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe. whe the accident happened,” Mr Adam said.

He added, “We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to stay clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. People gathered around the accident scene that is the reason for the mass casuality.”

The spokesperson said a mass burial of the victims will hold by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

He added that the injured are receiving medical attention at the Ringim General hospital.

Ninety-two people remain missing in North Carolina weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of the state, Governor Roy Cooper confirmed on Tuesday.

In a news conference, Cooper cautioned that the number could change as the state’s task force continues its search and rescue operations.

“I want to caution that this is not a definitive count, because the task force is continuing its work,” Cooper said.

The hurricane has claimed the lives of 95 people in North Carolina alone, with over 220 fatalities reported in total, including those in Florida, where Helene initially made landfall.

The storm unleashed catastrophic rainfall, destroying towns and washing away homes and bridges in North Carolina’s mountainous regions.

Governor Cooper also addressed the spread of misinformation surrounding the disaster, which has hindered recovery efforts.

He warned that false rumors “breed confusion and demoralize storm survivors and response workers alike,” urging the public to stop spreading such misinformation.

“If you’re participating in spreading this stuff, stop it,” Cooper said, stating the damage these conspiracy theories are causing to relief efforts in the state.

Misinformation about land confiscation, aid distribution, and weather manipulation has proliferated online, leading to distrust of relief workers.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has had to adapt its operations in North Carolina, even temporarily withdrawing from one county due to threats spurred by these rumors.

Last Saturday, a man in Rutherford County was arrested after allegedly threatening relief workers and being found with firearms.

Rescue operations have been particularly difficult due to the rugged terrain of western North Carolina, with the popular tourist city of Asheville temporarily cut off by flooding.

TikTok has announced the removal of over 2.1 million videos in Nigeria for violating its community guidelines during the second quarter of 2024.

This action is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance content moderation and create a safer platform for users.

According to the Community Guidelines Enforcement Report shared on Tuesday, the removed videos represent less than 1 per cent of the total uploads in Nigeria during the reporting period.

“Key findings show that 99.1 per cent of these videos were proactively removed before users reported them, with 90.7 per cent taken down within 24 hours. These figures highlight TikTok’s commitment to staying ahead of harmful content, ensuring a safer platform for Nigerian users,” the report noted.

The Chinese-owned video platform assured that it would continue to invest in technologies aimed at improving content moderation and understanding potential risks, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and platform safety for its diverse user base in Nigeria and worldwide.

Globally, TikTok said it removed over 178 million videos in June 2024, with 144 million of those removals facilitated through automated systems.
“With a proactive detection rate now at 98.2 per cent globally, TikTok is more efficient than ever at addressing harmful content before users encounter it,” the short-form mobile video platform stated.

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a private global company founded by Chinese entrepreneurs. ByteDance’s ownership is divided among global institutional investors (60 per cent), its founders (20 per cent), and employees (20 per cent), according to TikTok.

Founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has challenged those criticizing the church’s decision over change of leadership to mind their business.

Bishop Oyedepo said critics should refrain from questioning the decision to retire some of his assistant pastors.

Nigerians have been criticizing Oyedepo over the retirement of his two Vice Presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye.

Both clergymen would be retiring after serving three and four decades in the ministry.

Their retirement was said to be in line with the operational guidelines of the church.

However, Oyedepo faulted the criticism that greeted the church’s decision.

Delivering a sermon at the valedictory service for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, on Tuesday, Oyedepo revealed that the church’s Administrative Policy of 1998 was reviewed in 2001, while The Mandate of 2012 was revised in 2024, stressing that the ministry operates by divine order.

He said, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”

Quoting the Bible in Genesis 49:26, Bishop Oyedepo stated that no one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor.

He encouraged him to maintain a mindset focused on growth, saying, “There’s no such thing as the best today or tomorrow; what matters is your pursuit of God.”

Oyedepo urged Aremu to remain connected for the continued flow of grace, advising him not to be distracted by baseless criticism.

Gunmen have again launched a fresh attack on some rural communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing no fewer than five people.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, Farmasum Fuddang and the Secretary, Duwam Bosco.

The duo said the attack occurred on Monday, October 14, decrying previous attacks that have led to the death of several people in the past.

They said despite credible warnings, terrorists, identified as members of the Fulani tribe, launched a brutal attack on the village of Rafut in the Kwatas district shortly after 7 pm on October 14th.

They added that the unprovoked assault occurred even after a security meeting with the police and the military authorities in Bokkos was held on October 13.

This happened following a week marked by bloody attacks, during which over 10 members of the community were brutally murdered.

“Four young men, who were out guarding their family’s home, were tragically ambushed as they stood watch; the attackers thereafter stormed the compound, killing an elderly man, bringing the total fatalities to five.

“Five in Wumat on October 7th , four in Kuba on October 10th, one in Maikatako on October 11th, and another on October 12th,” the statement read.

The senator representing the Edo North senatorial district, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has kicked against the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard.

The proposed guard is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime areas across the nation.

Speaking at a plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that the Nigerian Navy is already fulfilling this role meant for the Nigerian Coast Guard.

The lawmaker cited the previous establishment of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, which according to him were not necessary.

He said: “This is how we created the National Road Safety Commission with a huge overhead. When I was growing up that job was being done by the traffic division of the Nigeria Police and they were more efficient than it is today.

“Those of you who travel on the road, I don’t know if you see the Road Safety Commission helpful but they were created.

“That is how we created the Nigeria Civil Defence to protect the pipelines and government properties. Right now, I don’t know whether the properties are safer or not.

“Issues like this should be referred to the National Security Adviser, the executives. They alone can tell us whether or not another institution is needed but for now, I think our mandate should be trying to strengthen the Navy.”

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, following the passing of his wife, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja.

In a heartfelt message, Tinubu described the loss as a “profound sorrow,” offering prayers for strength and comfort to the Ladoja family during this difficult time.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed Tinubu’s commiseration on Tuesday.

“President Bola Tinubu commiserates with the former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, over the demise of his wife, Tinuade,” the statement read.

The President extended his condolences to the Ladoja family, associates of the deceased, and the Celestial Church of Christ, where she served as a member of the Pastor-in-Council.

Tinubu noted the significant contributions of the late matriarch to humanity, praising her “strength in charitable works, wise counsel, and advocacy for the welfare and education of women and children.”

“She lived a selfless life, always thinking of the good of others and expanding the gospel,” the President remarked, commending her role in the highest decision-making body of the Celestial Church of Christ and the Women in Council, where she served for many years.

The President prayed for the repose of her soul, asking God to “comfort and strengthen” the family as they navigate this trying period.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a radio host, Favour Ekoh, in connection with an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme.

Ekoh, who anchors the “Prime Time” program on Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu, is accused of luring unsuspecting investors into a fraudulent investment scheme, promising exorbitant returns.

This was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, “On Monday, October 14, 2024, a team of operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, visited Urban Radio Enugu to invite Favour Ekoh for questioning regarding her involvement in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud, which has affected about fifty victims.”

Oyewale explained that Ekoh allegedly lured her victims into investing in a scheme called Life Trading under Leverage Index Limited, where she promised a 10 per cent return on investment.

“The victims claimed that after investing their money in the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, the company shut down operations without returning their principal or profits,” he added.

The EFCC statement revealed that Ekoh was the primary link to the victims, many of whom were left stranded after the company’s sudden disappearance.

“Ekoh’s role as the host of Prime Time made her a trusted figure, which she allegedly exploited to promote the fraudulent scheme,” the EFCC stated.

The statement further detailed the arrest operation. “When our operatives arrived at the radio station, holding a warrant for Ekoh’s arrest, they identified themselves to the station’s Managing Director, Bamikole Owoyomi, and explained their mission.

“However, a staff member called the Chairman of the station, who ordered that the building’s gates be locked, effectively holding our officers hostage.”

The EFCC added that the situation necessitated a rescue operation. “In response to the unlawful detention of our officers, a rescue team was deployed, leading to the arrest of Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards involved in the obstruction. The operatives acted within the law, and no equipment at the radio station was tampered with.”

Oyewale clarified that Ekoh was not arrested while on air, stressing that “the nature of the fraudulent dealings required a sting operation to ensure her apprehension.”

After being allowed to make a statement at the EFCC Enugu office, Ekoh, along with Owoyomi and the security guards, was released.

“Owoyomi and the guards were arrested for obstructing justice but have since been released after making their statements,” the EFCC added.

The EFCC reiterated its respect for the media as the fourth estate of the realm and a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption.

However, the commission condemned the actions of the radio station’s staff, stating, “The precipitate and unlawful obstruction of EFCC officers from carrying out their duties is unacceptable.”

The statement concluded by questioning the professional credentials of Ekoh, describing her involvement in the N700 million Ponzi scheme as a grave breach of public trust.

“We call on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) to investigate the conduct of both Ekoh and Urban Radio Enugu in this matter, as it touches on the integrity and ethical practices of the media.”

Meanwhile, the board and management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu have condemned the EFCC’s raid on their office, describing it as a “halt and disruption of our programme.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the management of the broadcast media also apologised to their listeners for the sudden interruption of its programme.

The statement read, “Once again, we apologise for the unethical break-in of our live studio and the disruption of your favourite programmes. We hope the matter will be resolved as soon as possible, for whatever reasons it occurred.

“The Board and Management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu regret the abrupt halt and disruption of our programme at about 6:35 p.m. this Monday.

“Armed men, identifying themselves as EFCC officers, barged into the studio, interrupted the live programme ‘Prime-Time,’ forcibly abducted our presenters, and confiscated our communication equipment, without disclosing any reasons.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said 90 per cent of its substations have received bulk power supply following efforts to recover the grid which suffered another collapse on Tuesday.

It said the ongoing restoration of the national grid which collapsed for the sixth time this year is ongoing and almost completed.

The Public Affairs General Manager of TCN, Ndidi Mbah said in a press statement that it has restored supply to Abuja.

On Monday, the grid collapsed at about 6:18 p.m., plunging many into darkness.

Checks by our correspondent confirmed that power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 p.m. to 3.56GW at 6 pm., and then to 0.00GW by 7 pm and 8 pm.

Reacting, electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory decried the incessant grid collapses, describing them as an embarrassment to the country.

But the transmission company in a reassuring message said the problem would be resolved soon.

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the national grid experienced a partial disturbance, on Monday, 14th October 2024 at about 6:48 pm and notes that efforts to fully recover the grid are still ongoing.

“Although the recovery of the grid commenced immediately, with Azura power station providing the blackstart, grid recovery reached advanced stages at about 10.24 am, today when it encountered a challenge that caused a slight setback in the recovery process.

“The slight setback notwithstanding, TCN continued with the grid recovery process, which has reached an advanced stage, ensuring bulk power availability to about 90 per cent of its substations nationwide.

The statement added that supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centres nationwide.

“Supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centers nationwide.

“The partial disturbance did not affect the Ibom Gas generating station which was islanded from the grid yesterday and continued to supply areas in the South Southern part of the country such as Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and Itu 132kV transmission Substations during the period.

“Investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out as soon as the grid is fully restored.”

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah threatened Tuesday to attack targets across Israel and said it would not be defeated by the ongoing intense bombardment of its strongholds and leadership.

The group’s deputy leader Naim Qassem said the only solution was a ceasefire.

“I am telling the Israeli home front: the solution is a ceasefire,” he said in a speech broadcast live.

In another day of fighting, the Iran-backed group said it launched a barrage of rockets towards the northern Israeli city of Haifa and targeted Israeli bulldozers and a tank near the border.

Israel responded with fresh air strikes around Lebanon, a day after an estimated 41 people were killed in attacks on the country, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

In a defiant speech, Qassem vowed that the group “will not be defeated” and would begin widening the scope of its targets inside Israel.

“Since the Israeli enemy targeted all of Lebanon, we have the right from a defensive position to target any place” in Israel, he said.

Only after a ceasefire would residents of northern Israel be able to return home, he said, referring to Israel’s stated war aim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday told French President Emmanuel Macron he opposed any “unilateral ceasefire, which does not change the security situation in Lebanon”.

Iran, which supports Hezbollah, has in recent days engaged in diplomatic talks around establishing ceasefires in Lebanon and war-battered Gaza amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati told AFP that his country was ready to bolster its military presence in the south after any ceasefire, adding that Israeli troops were making brief cross-border incursions.

Security has been tightened in the country’s only airport in Beirut “to remove any pretexts” for an Israeli attack, Mikati added.

Israel has also been intensifying its offensive in the besieged Gaza Strip, which the United Nations warned on Tuesday was suffering under its worst aid restrictions since the war there began over a year ago.

Despite a desperate need for more aid in Gaza, particularly in the north, UNICEF spokesman James Elder lamented that the situation was the worst since the start of Israel’s offensive.

“We see now what is probably the worst restrictions we’ve seen on humanitarian aid, ever,” he told a press conference in Geneva, adding that there were “several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in”.

For over a week, Israeli forces have been engaged in a sweeping air and ground assault targeting northern Gaza, including the area around Jabalia, amid claims that Hamas militants were regrouping there.

“The whole area has been reduced to ashes,” said Rana Abdel Majid, 38, from the Al-Faluja area of northern Gaza.

Majid said entire blocks had been levelled.

“The children are crying, terrified by the indiscriminate, merciless bombing. It’s like collective extermination,” she said.

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested one Haruna Ibrahim, 20, in connection with the murder of a 27-year-old man in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement said the victim, Auwalu Maigadali, was attacked and k!lled by hoodlums on October 2, 2024.

According to the PPRO, the effort is ongoing to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

“On the 02/10/2024 at about 1612hrs a formal complaint was received by a unanimous caller from Kashere Akko LGA, Gombe that on the same date one Auwalu Maigadali ‘M’ aged of 27yrs of Kashere Akko LGA, Gombe was attacked and m8rdered by hoodlums at Tukulma Village of the same LGA,” the statement read.

“On receipt of the information the patrol team from Pindiga Division rushed to the scene and took the said victim to Tumu cottage hospital and also arrested the above mentioned suspect in connection to the crime and will soon be charged to court. Effort is ongoing to arrest the remaining fleeing suspects.

“Finally, we are appealing to the good people of the Gombe State to continue to partner with the Command by taking keen interest on issues of their personal security and neighborhood safety by providing useful information on the activities of any suspicious individuals or groups.

“The command assured you that all information shall be treated with outmost confidentiality, for complaint kindly reach us on emergency GSM number 08150567771 or PCB number 09165472923

The Tunisian pilot who flew the Nigerian team to Libya has shed light on the circumstances that led to the unexpected diversion of their flight to a remote airport, Al-Abraq, instead of their intended destination, Benghazi.

The diversion has been a subject of controversy since Sunday when the Nigerian delegation en route to Benghazi for the crucial Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya were left stranded for over 16 hours after their flight was diverted mid-flight to Al Abraq, a small airport typically reserved for hajj operations.

In a video interview posted on X by Sports Journalist Pooja Media on Tuesday, the pilot emphasised that the decision was not made at his discretion but came from Libyan authorities.

“The flight plan was to land at Benghazi, Benina, and we had the approval from the Libyan Civil Aviation Authority to do so,” the pilot said.

“However, when we began our descent, they instructed us to divert to Al-Abraq, which is almost 150 miles away, around 300 kilometres east. It wasn’t even (listed as) our alternate airport, something which is not good,” he added.

The pilot described the diversion as potentially risky, citing the fuel calculations made for the initial destination.

“In aviation, we have our flight plan, we calculate the fuel to our destination, so we have to avoid this kind of thing because it may make a breach to safety,” he stated, adding that he repeatedly questioned the directive.

“When I asked to land in Benghazi according to my flight plan and according to my authorisation, they said no, it’s from the highest authority, you have to land in Al-Abraq.”

Refuting claims from the media that the diversion was his decision, he said, “Everything is registered in aviation, we cannot hide anything, so I asked them several times, at least eight times, and I warned them, probably I will be in trouble for fuel; they said it’s from highest authority, you cannot land in Benghazi, you have to divert immediately to Al-Abraq,” he added.

The pilot noted that all relevant communications and authorisations are documented and could be provided as evidence if needed.

He said, “The truth was we were going to Benghazi, and I can show you the evidence of the approval, I have it. But at the last minute, they changed their mind and changed the airport.”

Describing the conditions at Al-Abraq, the pilot highlighted the challenges of landing at what he referred to as a poorly equipped domestic airport.

“There is no ILS (Instrument Landing System), no air navigation approach, no VHR (VHF Omnidirectional Range). We had to make a visual landing, which is particularly difficult by night with marginal weather,” he said, adding that the airport’s lack of facilities left them with “no second chances” if the landing had gone wrong.

The pilot’s familiarity with the region, having worked there for two years with a Tunisian company, was crucial in managing the difficult landing.

“It was not an easy matter at all. When a pilot hears this, he will understand that it was not an easy thing to land under such conditions. Thank God we made it safely,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to pull the Super Eagles out of qualifier match against Libya.

Kenya has received mpox testing kits and medicines for neglected tropical diseases from the World Health Organisation, USAID, and other health partners.

The supplies will enhance the country’s efforts in combating these health challenges.

During the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa emphasized the significance of these contributions in addressing the health issues vulnerable communities face.

She highlighted the role of mass drug administration campaigns in controlling NTDs, such as lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis, especially in regions with a high disease burden.

Ms Barasa expressed gratitude for the support from WHO and its partners, which ensures that essential medicines reach those most in need.

The upcoming MDA campaign will specifically target areas with the highest disease prevalence.

She also welcomed USAID’s donation of mpox testing kits, which will enhance the country’s capacity to detect and respond effectively to cases.

WHO representative to Kenya, Abdourahmane Diallo, confirmed the donation of 15,215,000 tablets of NTD medicines valued at 1.6 million for this month’s MDA.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s goal of eliminating NTDs, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, by 2030.

Six people on Monday filed fresh lawsuits against American music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, accusing him of multiple sexual assaults, rape and molesting a 16-year-old boy.

The lawsuits filed in federal court in Manhattan contribute to a growing list of legal challenges against the embattled hip-hop mogul, all of which he has denied.

The plaintiffs are anonymous, with two women referred to as Jane Does and four men as John Does.

Some of these individuals, echoing previous allegations made against Mr Combs in recent months, contend that he exploited his celebrity status and the allure of potential fame to lure victims to extravagant parties or drug-fuelled gatherings, where they were subsequently assaulted.

Claims include allegations of physical violence, drugging, and threats of death should the victims resist or disclose their experiences.

The lawsuits recount alleged assaults dating back to the mid-1990s, occurring at Mr Combs’ high-profile white parties in the Hamptons, a Brooklyn celebration for his late collaborator Biggie Smalls, and even in a storeroom at Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan.

The plaintiffs are among what their legal representatives described as a collective of over 100 accusers currently pursuing legal action against Mr Combs following his arrest on sex trafficking charges on September 16.

Attorney Tony Buzbee announced the forthcoming litigation at a press conference on October 1 and provided a hotline number for other potential accusers.

However, Mr Combs’ legal team condemned these tactics as “clear attempts to garner publicity.”

“In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman,” the team said.

A former governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja has lost one of his wives, Tinuade Ladoja.

It was gathered that the deceased died on Monday.

The deceased resided in Lagos State until her death.

She died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

Until her death, Tinuade was an influential member of the Pastor-in-Council of the Celestial Church of Christ, the highest decision-making body of the church.

The burial arrangements for the deceased have not been announced by the family.

Singer, Banky W and his wife, actress, Adesua are expecting their second child.

Adesua shared the good news on Instagram this afternoon as she posted her baby bump photos with the caption;

“First, we had each other, then we had your brother, then God sent you and now? NOW, we have everything.”

The couple already have a son, Hazaiah. Congrats to them!

Six persons have lost their lives while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Monday morning.

The incident which involved a trailer conveying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks, occurred at Oke Eleshin, Amuloko on Akanran Road, in the Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.

The accident claimed six persons while injuring five others in two tricycles.

Among the injured was a pupil whose mother reportedly died in the crash.

Four of the injured who were conveyed to the Amuloko City Hospital nearby included two primary school children who were treated as out-patients while two with severe injuries have been admitted for proper treatment.

The deceased were conveyed to a hospital that was not yet ascertained.

A staff of the Oyo Road Transport Maintenance Agency, who did not want his name in print said, “The accident occurred in the early hours of today Monday). It was caused by brake failure of the trailer that was descending the slope of the road.”

An eyewitness said the accident occurred when a trailer lost control and crushed an unsuspecting tricycle.

The eyewitness stated, “When the trailer lost control, it crushed a tricycle popularly called Keke NAPEP. Another lorry conveying soft drinks was coming from behind it and tried to avoid hitting the trailer in front, and in the process hit and crushed another Keke NAPEP.

“We learnt that six persons died while five persons sustained injuries. They have all been conveyed away from here.”

The accident caused a serious gridlock with passengers alighting and trekking.

Aside from the vehicles and tricycles, two other cars were damaged in the multiple accidents.

Sympathisers who were prevented from burning the vehicles blamed the drivers (now at large) and claimed that the accident could have been minimized if the driver of the one that lost the brake had swerved into a ditch instead of facing the incoming tricycle.

The Managing Director of the Amuloko City Hospital, Raji Wale confirmed that some of the victims were rushed to his hospital.

Wale said, “Four patients were taken to his hospital. The accident occurred in the early hours of today ( Monday). Six victims were brought here with varying degrees of injury. Some were taken to other hospitals. We were able to absorb the ones brought here. Two have been treated as out-patient victims and they have been stabilized and they have left.

“Two kids have been treated and they are downstairs. One of them, I was told was in the Keke NAPEP with his mother. The mother died. The other two with severe injuries have been admitted and are being treated. They have been optimized and we are taking care of them presently. He explained.

When contacted, the state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mary Alo, confirmed the accident but said she was yet to be appropriately briefed about the details of the incident.