Equity Reporters

By Ajogwu Jerry According to a research by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), malaria related deaths in sub Saharan Africa may escalate by the end of year 2020 if proper caution is not adhered. This speculation was revealed by the National Coordinator of NMEP, Dr Audu Bala Mohammed during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city on Tuesday. The Coordinator ably represented by the Head, Advocacy and Social Mobilization Unit of NMEP,  Mr Chukwu Okoronkwo  revealed that before the outbreak of COVID-19, there is wide scale reduction in Malaria prevalence from 42% to 23% due to use of appropriate antimalarial drugs and adherence to preventive measures. He reiterated that the outbreak of COVID-19 has compounded the issue of malaria and other key services.  "With the onset of the current COVID-19 pandemic the Malaria challenge seems to be compounded. "Outcomes of recent survey by Global Funds indicated that Malaria and few o

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established five new COVID-19 testing laboratories in the country.  This is according to a tweet on the official handle of the NCDC which said the latest addition brings the number of testing labs for COVID-19 in Nigeria to 58. “We are pleased to announce inclusion of 5 new labs in our Molecular Laboratory Network,” the NCDC tweeted. The agency said the new testing laboratories were set up at the Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin, Edo State; ATBU Teaching Hospital, Bauchi; Rivers Indorama Company Molecular Lab;  State Specialist Hospital, Amachara, Abia and the  University of Abuja, Gwagwalada GX Lab.

Ekiti Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has tested positive for coronavirus. He announced this on his official twitter handle @kfayemi on Wednesday. The Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) tweeted: “I took my third Covid-19 test yesterday and it came back positive. “I’m generally ok and I’m already self- isolating at home and receiving the best of care from my medical team. “I’m delegating critical tasks to my Deputy but will continue routine duty from home. JKF” Details shortly…

The Presidency has reacted to the call by the Senate for the sack of the country’s Service Chiefs. The Senate resolution on Tuesday followed the killing of several soldiers in the North East battle against Boko Haram and the mass resignation by Soldiers. Reacting to the development in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the Presidency said the appointment and sack of Service Chiefs remain the prerogative of the President. Adesina said as such, President Muhammadu Buhari will do what is in the best interest of the country. He said: “The Senate Tuesday adopted a resolution calling on the Service Chiefs to resign or be sacked due to the multi-pronged security challenges in the country. “The Presidency notes the resolution, and reiterates that appointment or sack of Service Chiefs is a Presidential prerogative, and President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will do wha

  The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended the closure of the Nigerian airports for international flights till October 2020. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to that effect informing stakeholders that the airspace would no longer reopen for international flights on August 19. The Federal Government of Nigeria had suspended international flights in March following the COVID-19 pandemic but it recently reopened the airports for domestic flights. However, there has been pressure, especially from tour operators and travel management companies on the government to lift the ban on international flights. But the hope of those agitating for the reopening of airports for international flights has been further dashed following the extension of the ban from August till October. The NOTAM read: “The Federal Government has extended the closure of our airports to all international flights with the exception of aircra

====== By Ajogwu Jerry Ochada Few days ago, another edition of the Big Brother Naija (BBN) show commenced amidst anticipation by interested fans of the TV 'reality' show. This year's episode is tagged "Big Brother Lockdown" commemorating the global pandemic heralding a total shutdown of daily activities in most countries of the world. The 2020 edition hit the tracks with 20 contestants and the contest is expected to reach a climax on the 90th day. As a routine, BBN is the choicest target of religious bigots and hypocrites who are always on standby to throw lazy tantrums manufactured by juvenile ruptured mindsets in accordance to fallacious religious tenets cooked and devoured by a conglomerate of confused breed.  Over the years, many critics of BBN are lame to embrace religious lines while striving in vain to weigh morals on the margins of reality. It is no longer news that Nigerians are the most religious self acclaimed citizens of heaven but

“This N162bn completes cash settlement for all capital road expenditures in 2020 budget. North Central: 8 roads, North East: 8 roads, North West: 7 roads, South East: 5 roads, South South: 10 roads,  South West: 6 roads.’’ 

By Ajogwu Jerry Ochada Trying a new brand of alcoholic beverage for choice drinkers of beer is not a new trend even though the content and taste differs, it must compensate the anticipation of a first timer because it will determine future patronage. No wonder, a popular dictum "first impression matter a lot" speak a louder volume. It was a holy Saturday somewhere in Nasarawa state when I first sighted Trophy Stout in a paper advertorial. The advert was pasted on a wall in a popular bar (one of my favorite hangout spot) and without reading contents, the magnificent bottle caught my attention.  Will you tag it packaging?  No!  The bottle housing Trophy Stout majestically looked like a bottle of imported wine. It beats my wild imaginations as I hungrily salivated to have a taste. Prior to this time, my favourite brand was Guinness stout therefore, it was not difficult 'decamping' to another similar brand with profundities of difference in al

By Alih Bright Ocholi Children indeed are blessings from God Almighty. "Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her" Proverbs 31:28. This is applicable to a wild and a rousing celebration of the life spent here on earth. It was a beehive of activities on Tuesday, 14th of July 2020 as a memorial service was held in honour of  late Mama Salime Salome Aruwa.  She transited to eternal glory on 18th August 1988 barely 32 years ago. The children given to her by God Almighty nursed and nurtured by her are also bereaved by the death of their Father Deacon James Egbunu Aruwa whose burial is scheduled for 16th and 17th July 2020.  Her beloved children in the spirit of love unanimously appreciated the quality of upbringing they got from their late mum.  Their late Dad lived for 94 years; what a life worthy of this celebration (32 years after he lost his wife). The eldest daughter Mrs Rose Iganya Akagwu in her address eul

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has recieved commendation from members of the Senate Committee on Defence for consistently turning out highly trained officers that have aided the armed forces in stemming the tide of insecurity in the country.  The commendation was made known by the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Distinguished Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, when he led members of his committee for an oversight visit today.   Senator Wamakko said the committee will continue to support the Academy to continue to achieve its mandate of producing well trained officers for the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially considering the security challenges currently facing the country. He assured NDA of the committee's support towards achieving its mandate.  Speaking during the visit, Commandant NDA, Major General Jamil Sarham, assured the committee that NDA will continue to push towards excellence in training of its cadets and carving out possible pathways and solution